Publications by authors named "M M Nazzal"

Background: Recent studies suggest that approximately 10% of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have disease-causing genetic variants, an observation relevant to evaluation of kidney transplant candidates.

Methods: We retrospectively investigated the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in kidney transplant candidates evaluated at our program (January 1, 2021-December 8, 2022). Inclusion criteria were as follows: first-degree relative(s) with CKD/end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), early-onset CKD, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, cystic kidney disease, alternative complement pathway-associated diseases, or ESKD of unknown cause.

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Aim This study aims to determine if routine use of intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography is preventative of life-threatening vascular complications (VCs) after orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods This single-center, retrospective study reviewed all adult orthotopic liver transplants at Saint Louis University Hospital from 2015 to 2020 (N = 188). The sample population consists of men and women in the age range of 18 to 75.

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Article Synopsis
  • Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms have different genetic and clinical characteristics, which can be better understood using single-cell RNA sequencing rather than traditional bulk RNA methods that average gene expression across all cells.* -
  • Analysis of single-cell datasets identified three distinct populations of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in aortic tissues, with a significantly higher proportion of a unique SMC group in TAA compared to AAA.* -
  • Certain genes linked to extracellular matrix organization and insulin-like growth factor transport were found to be upregulated in TAA SMCs, suggesting these may play a role in the development of TAAs; further studies are needed to explore these pathways.*
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With aging, the risk of fractures and compromised healing increases. Angiogenesis plays a significant role in bone healing and is impaired with aging. We have previously shown the impact of megakaryocytes (MKs) in regulating bone healing.

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Objective: To report a case of drug-induced isolated angioedema secondary to the use of Entresto (Valsartan/Sacubitril).

Case Summary: A 75-year-old White man presented with swelling of the uvula with a normal tongue shape and gradual onset of speech difficulty, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing after taking his chronic medication Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan). The main possibility considered was uvular angioedema, other potential causes were not identified.

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