Predictive Factors of Cytomegalovirus Viremia during the Clinical Course of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis: A Single Center Observational Study.

We aim to elucidate factors to aid in the prediction of cytomegalovirus viremia during the treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). We conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational study of 35 patients with newly diagnosed AAV. Factors associated with the development of CMV viremia were investigated via a logistic regression analysis.

Comparison of the factors associated with the short-term prognosis between elderly and non-elderly patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a retrospective observational study.

Objectives: The difference in factors associated with the prognosis between elderly and non-elderly patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is uncertain. We aimed to elucidate the clinical factors associated with the short-term prognosis (within 6 months from the start of the treatment) and investigate the differences in the associated factors between elderly and non-elderly individuals.

Methods: We performed a dual centre retrospective observational study of patients newly treated with AAV (eosinophilic granulomatous with polyangiitis was excluded).

Intravenously administered darbepoetin alfa once a week could maintain hemoglobin level more efficiently than once every 2 weeks in patients on hemodialysis.

Background: Darbepoetin alfa, which has a much longer half-life than recombinant human erythropoietin, is used to treat renal anemia. However, there are few reports investigating the efficacy of darbepoetin alfa administered every 2 weeks (Q2W).

Methods: We performed the single-center, prospective, and randomized study in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Administration of alfacalcidol for patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease may reduce cardiovascular disease events.

Background: Besides its effect on calcium metabolism, vitamin D may play a part in preventing the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Only a few reports on the studies relating to whether vitamin D may reduce CVD events in patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) are available, and many ambiguities remain.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 665 patients with predialysis CKD.

Differential enhancing effects of alpha2,8-sialyltransferase on the cell proliferation and mobility.

alpha2,8-Sialyltransferase (alpha2,8S-T, GD3 synthase) has been reported to be involved in the enhanced cell proliferation of malignant tumors. Using a cloned cDNA of alpha2,8S-T, transfectant cells were established and the effects of the gene expression on the cell phenotypes were analyzed. In contrast with PC12 cells, in which we reported marked growth enhancement based on the transfection of alpha2,8S-T, Swiss3T3 cells showed no enhancement in either cell proliferation or phosphorylation of MAP kinases after the transfection of alpha2,8S-T when treated with platelet-derived growth factor.