Multiple myeloma-associated non-crystalline proximal tubulopathy and crystalline cast nephropathy: Biochemical and structural features of disease-causing monoclonal kappa light chains.

Various tubular diseases in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are caused by monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains (LCs). However, the physicochemical characteristics of the disease-causing LCs contributing to the onset of MM-associated tubular diseases remain unclear. We herein report a rare case of MM-associated combined tubulopathies: non-crystalline light chain proximal tubulopathy (LCPT) and crystalline light chain cast nephropathy (LCCN).

High systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) level as a prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients after curative surgery: a single-center retrospective analysis.

The Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), a marker used to assess systemic inflammation, is associated with lower patient survival rates in various cancer types. Factors contributing to the recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been examined previously using the preoperative SIRI. Herein, we investigated the association between the preoperative SIRI level and both the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with CRC.

Large-scale CRISPR/Cas9 deletions within the WFDC gene cluster uncover gene functionality and critical roles in mammalian reproduction.

Despite 96 million years of evolution separating humans and rodents, 11 closely related reproductive tract-specific genes in humans-, , , , , , , , , , and -and the 13 reproductive tract-specific orthologous genes in mice, form highly conserved syntenic gene clusters indicative of conserved, combined critical functions. Further, despite significant progress toward a nonhormonal male contraceptive targeting the protein encoded by one of these genes, epididymal peptidase inhibitor (EPPIN), and associations found between mutations in and an increased risk of male infertility, neither EPPIN nor any closely related whey acidic protein four-disulfide core (WFDC) gene have been explored functionally. To clarify the involvement of WFDC genes in male fertility, we strategically used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate mice lacking 13, 10, 5, or 4 genes within the cluster and demonstrated that males with deletions of 13, 10, or 4 genes (Wfdc6a, Eppin, Wfdc8, and Wfdc6a) were sterile due to an arrest in spermatogenesis, preventing formation beyond round spermatids.

Be familiar with benign pediatric head and neck lesions! Image interpretation guides to overcome your weakness.

Pediatric head and neck lesions include three main categories: congenital, inflammatory, and neoplastic. It is important for management to understand the imaging features. The purpose of this pictorial review is to demonstrate the imaging features of benign head and neck lesions of pediatric patients.