Publications by authors named "Masaomi Nangaku"

Red yeast rice, traditionally used in Asian cuisine and increasingly marketed as a dietary supplement for cholesterol management, has recently been linked to kidney dysfunction in Japan. In late 2023 to early 2024, multiple cases involving specific Beni-koji (red yeast rice) tablets from three different Beni-koji preparations, prompted a safety reevaluation. Although citrinin, a known nephrotoxin of red yeast rice, was not produced by the implicated strains, new safety concerns emerged.

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Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, displaced people, and refugees, often encounter challenges in accessing healthcare. In this study, we used data from the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to describe kidney care access and delivery to vulnerable populations across countries and regions. Using data from an international survey of clinicians, policymakers, and patient advocates, we assessed the funding and coverage of vulnerable populations on all aspects of kidney replacement therapies (KRT).

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Study Objectives: Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is potentially linked to life-threatening conditions. Decline in kidney function is involved in the development of various diseases; however, it remains unclear whether it is implicated in the onset of SAS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between kidney function and the incidence of SAS.

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Aims: Blood levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be modified by low renal clearance and anaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the blood NT-proBNP level on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with these two manifestations.

Methods: This post hoc analysis stemmed from the oBservational clinical Research In chronic kidney disease patients with renal anemia: renal proGnosis in patients with Hyporesponsive anemia To Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, darbepoetiN alfa (BRIGHTEN) trial, a large prospective study involving patients with non-dialysis kidney disease experiencing anaemia.

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Background And Hypothesis: We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic validity of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes for hyponatremia and hypernatremia, using a database containing laboratory data. We also aimed to clarify whether corrections for blood glucose, triglyceride, and total protein may affect the prevalence and the diagnostic validity.

Methods: We retrospectively identified admissions with laboratory values using a Japanese hospital-based database.

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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disproportionately affects certain populations as demonstrated by well-established subnational geographic hotspots of CKD in Central America and South Asia. Using data from the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA), we aimed to systematically identify sub-national geographic or population clusters with high prevalence of CKD. The ISN-GKHA survey was conducted from July to September 2022, and included questions regarding whether a regional CKD hotspot existed in the respondents' country and possible contributors.

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Article Synopsis
  • The text indicates that there is a correction to the article identified by DOI: 10.2196/64159.
  • It implies that there may have been errors or inaccuracies in the original publication.
  • The correction is important for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the research presented in the article.
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  • Telemedicine enhances medical practice by using technology to provide care remotely, complementing traditional in-person visits and making healthcare more accessible and efficient for patients.
  • Clinical studies in nephrology show that telemedicine can improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment, but its potential remains underutilized in this field.
  • The paper explores innovative methods for remote health assessments, such as analyzing saliva for kidney function and using smartphone imaging for blood analysis, highlighting the need for further research in telenephrology to optimize patient care.
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  • - Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a systemic issue that negatively impacts the health and prognosis of CKD patients, making effective management crucial.
  • - This study analyzed data from 30,977 CKD patients in the Japan Chronic Kidney Disease Database Extension to explore the link between proteinuria and CKD-MBD.
  • - Results indicated that higher levels of proteinuria (up to 3+) are significantly associated with increased risks of hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia, regardless of kidney function measured by eGFR.
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  • Telemedicine is becoming popular globally, but Japan has not widely adopted it, and the reasons for this are not well understood.
  • The study surveyed over 40,000 individuals and 4,900 medical facilities to assess their experiences and practices related to online medical care in Japan.
  • Results showed high response rates from patients and professionals, revealing that there are significant barriers to the expansion of telemedicine in the country.
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  • The EMPA-KIDNEY trial examined the effects of empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on patients with chronic kidney disease at risk for progression, assessing outcomes during and after the trial.
  • A total of 6609 patients were randomized, with 4891 participating in a follow-up period after the trial where they were observed for an additional 2 years, without trial medication but allowed to use other SGLT2 inhibitors.
  • Results showed that fewer primary outcome events (like kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death) occurred in the empagliflozin group (26.2%) compared to the placebo group (30.3%), suggesting lasting benefits of the drug even after the trial ended. *
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  • The study aims to assess the quality of kidney failure care across various countries by analyzing data from the ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas survey conducted in 2022.
  • Out of 167 participating countries, a majority provided standard care for dialysis, but significant disparities were found between high and low-income countries regarding quality monitoring and medication management.
  • The findings indicate that standardization of care quality is crucial, especially in low-income countries, to enhance health outcomes for patients with kidney failure.
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  • The study examines how declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is linked to an increased risk of depression in a large population, particularly focusing on kidney dysfunction stages.
  • Analyzing data from over 1.5 million individuals without prior depression history, researchers found that a drop in eGFR heightens depression risk, especially as eGFR falls below 65 mL/min/1.73 m.
  • Results indicate that as kidney function declines, the likelihood of developing depression rises significantly, emphasizing the need for mental health evaluations in patients with kidney issues.
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