High water intake induces primary cilium elongation in renal tubular cells.

Background: The primary cilium protrudes from the cell surface and functions as a mechanosensor. Recently, we found that water intake restriction shortens the primary cilia of renal tubular cells, and a blockage of the shortening disturbs the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. Here, we investigate whether high water intake (HWI) alters primary cilia length, and if so, what is its underlying mechanism and its role on kidney urine production.

Shortening of primary cilia length is associated with urine concentration in the kidneys.

Background: The primary cilium, a microtubule-based cellular organelle present in certain kidney cells, functions as a mechano-sensor to monitor fluid flow in addition to various other biological functions. In kidneys, the primary cilia protrude into the tubular lumen and are directly exposed to pro-urine flow and components. However, their effects on urine concentration remain to be defined.

Serological response to nifurtimox in adult patients with chronic Chagas disease: An observational comparative study in Argentina.

Nifurtimox is indicated in Chagas disease but determining its effectiveness in chronic disease is hindered by the length of time needed to demonstrate negative serological conversion. We manually reviewed long-term follow-up data from hospital records of patients with chronic Chagas disease (N = 1,497) in Argentina diagnosed during 1967-1980. All patients were aged ≥18 years at diagnosis and were either treated with nifurtimox (n = 968) or received no antitrypanosomal treatment (n = 529).

Prospective multicenter evaluation of real time PCR Kit prototype for early diagnosis of congenital Chagas disease.

Background: Current algorithm for Congenital Chagas Disease (cCD) diagnosis is unsatisfactory due to low sensitivity of the parasitological methods. Moreover, loss to follow-up precludes final serodiagnosis after nine months of life in many cases. A duplex TaqMan qPCR kit for Trypanosoma cruzi DNA amplification was prospectively evaluated in umbilical cord (UCB) and peripheral venous blood (PVB) of infants born to CD mothers at endemic and non-endemic sites of Argentina.

Effect of a bisphosphonate and selective estrogen receptor modulator on bone remodeling in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and ovariectomized rat model.

Background Context: Diabetes and menopause can cause severe osteoporosis. In general, menopause and diabetes can lead to an imbalance in bone turnover, which results in secondary osteoporosis. However, the efficacy of antiresorptive drugs against this form of osteoporosis has not been extensively evaluated.

New insights onto cardiopulmonary nematodes of dogs in Sardinia, Italy.

Dog heartworms Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis cause severe parasitological diseases; the importance of these parasitosis is growing due to their health impact on animals, the possible zoonotic implications and the recent spreading across several European countries and previously non-endemic areas. The aim of this study is to update the epidemiological scenario of cardiopulmonary nematodes A. vasorum and D.

[Bad news in nephrology].

The impact with a diagnosis of terminal chronic kidney failure produces a strong reaction in the patient, who feels confused, scared, angry and often expresses his scepticism about the physician's competence. It as been observed that the physician's attitude during his first contact with the patient determines the features of the patient's approach to the disease and its treatment. Respect, tact, empathy, support and information precision are essential to the establishment of a productive communication relationship resulting in a satisfying level of patients' awareness and compliance.

Risk factors for nosocomial candidaemia: a case-control study in children.

Candida spp. are increasingly important nosocomial pathogens in critically ill children. Data on risk factors of acquisition in children with candidaemia are limited.

[Risk factors for nosocomial bacterial infection in children: a case-control study].

With the objective to identify independent risk factors associated with the development of nosocomial bacteremia, we have performed a prospective, exploratory, case-control study. All non-neutropenic children with nosocomial bacteremia admitted during a seven-month period were eligible. All children non-neutropenic without nosocomial bacteremia were eligible as controls.