Absence of IL-6 Receptor Blockade Effect on the Outcomes of Transplant Glomerulopathy in the Absence of Anti-HLA Donor-specific Antibodies.

Background: Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is the hallmark of chronic antibody-mediated rejection but often occurs without anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) in the assumption that other DSAs may be the effectors of the tissue injury. Recently, we reported a positive effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker tocilizumab (TCZ) in TG/DSA. In the present study, we investigate the effect of TCZ in a cohort of TG cases without detectable anti-HLA DSAs.

Implanted blood vessel external support device (VasQ™) for creation of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula: A single-center experience.

Introduction: the external support device VasQ is intended to promote arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation by maintaining the optimal anastomotic angle in order to minimize blood flow disturbances around the anastomotic area. The aim of the study is to assess efficacy and safety of the VasQ device both in brachiocephalic and radiocephalic fistulae.

Methods: a single institution prospective study was conducted with implantation of the VasQ device during AVF creation.

Breakthrough healthcare technologies in the COVID-19 era: a unique opportunity for cardiovascular practitioners and patients.

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has wreaked havoc globally, challenging the healthcare, economical, technological and social status quo of developing but also developed countries. For instance, the COVID-19 scare has reduced timely hospital admissions for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Europe and the USA, causing unnecessary deaths and disabilities. While the emergency is still ongoing, enough efforts have been put to study and tackle this condition such that a comprehensive perspective and synthesis on the potential role of breakthrough healthcare technologies is possible.

Molecular weight distribution of a full-scale landfill leachate treatment by membrane bioreactor and nanofiltration membrane.

In this study, Molecular weight (MW) distributions of a full-scale landfill leachate treatment plant consisting of membrane bioreactor (MBR) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane were investigated. The leachate was sampled from the equalization tank, and effluents of MBR and NF membrane in the landfill leachate treatment plant. Parameters of COD, TOC, TKN, NH4(+)-N and UV(254, 280 and 320) absorbance were analyzed to evaluate both the removal performance of the plant and MW distributions.