A Prospective Comparison of Outcomes of Brachiocephalic Versus Brachiobasilic Fistulas for Hemodialysis.

Background: Brachiocephalic fistula (BCF) and brachiobasilic fistula (BBF) are autogenous fistulas created in the arm for hemodialysis access. However, despite the differences in anatomy and surgical technique, the existing literature shows no significant statistical difference between the maturation, patency, or complications. We analyzed the outcomes of these two types of arteriovenous fistulas in our subgroup of the Indian population.

Tunneled Dialysis Catheter Insertion in External Jugular Vein by Nephrologists.

Background: External jugular vein (EJV) is used to insert tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) in patients with no AVF and exhausted right internal jugular veins (IJV). There is scarce data on TDC insertion in EJV by nephrologists with fluoroscopy guidance.

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective observational study that included hemodialysis patients with exhausted right IJV access who underwent EJV TDC insertion, and excluded occluded ipsilateral brachiocephalic vein or superior vena cava, EJV < 5 mm diameter, or patients with existing EJV TDC.

Obinutuzumab in Difficult to Treat Phospholipase A2 Receptor Positive Membranous Nephropathy: Our Experience at a Tertiary Care Center in North India.

Obinutuzumab is a glycoengineered type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with superior B cell cytotoxicity compared to rituximab. Various case reports suggest that in refractory phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) positive membranous nephropathy (MN) patients, Obinutuzumab led to immunologic remission and improvement in proteinuria. In the present case series, we present six cases of difficult-to-treat PLA2R-associated MN refractory to prednisolone, calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), cyclophosphamide, and rituximab but subsequently responded to Obinutuzumab.

Clinical, Microbiological Profile, and Treatment Outcomes of Carbapenem-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant urinary tract infections (CR-UTIs) are a major global health threat. Many factors contribute to the increasing incidence of CR-UTI. Owing to the limited availability of treatment options, CR-UTIs are highly challenging to treat.

MicroRNA Expression and Target Prediction in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a common cause of kidney diseases in children. Many studies have examined the association of microRNAs playing potential roles in many pathophysiological functions. We investigated the expression pattern of the microRNAs miR-17-5P, miR-155p, miR-424-5p in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and steroid resistance nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), along with the healthy subjects.

Insights into Therapeutic Strategies and Longitudinal Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis of NELL1 Positive Membranous Nephropathy Cohort.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a rare autoimmune disease, in which the circulating autoantibodies against antigens attack podocytes. Neural Epidermal Growth Factor like 1 (NELL1) 1-associated MN is the second most common antigen, following phospholipase A2 receptor. Complementary and alternative medicine and malignancies play a pivotal role in the development of NELL1-MN.

Recent Updates in the Diagnosis and Management of Kidney Diseases in Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) represents a difficult-to-treat plasma cell malignancy and the second most common hematologic malignancy in adults, significantly impacting kidney function. The spectrum of kidney involvement in MM is broad, encompassing electrolyte imbalances, tubular injury, and even rare glomerular diseases. The evolution of MM treatment modalities has led to notable improvements in the long-term survival of patients experiencing kidney-related complications.

Viral Infection Associated Membranous Nephropathy: Clinical Presentation and Outcomes.

Background: Viral infections can increase the likelihood of an individual developing membranous nephropathy (MN). Limited information is available regarding the treatment approaches for such cases. We conducted a review focusing on hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated MN.

Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis with Prevalent IgA Deposition Associated with Psoriasis.

Fibrillary and immunotactoid glomerulonephritis represent the pathological entities characterized by structured fibrillary/microtubular deposits, whose identification is possible only by electron microscopy. We report a 46-year-old female who presented with proteinuria 15 years after the onset of psoriasis. Diffuse global glomerulosclerosis pattern was noted on light microscopy.

Detections of Chemicals and Migratory Plastics in Peritoneal Dialysis Fluids.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important modality of renal replacement therapy (RRT). Peritonitis and ultrafiltration failure are complications that have a long-term impact on PD patients. Besides touch contamination, procedural errors and clinical reasons of peritonitis, contaminants, and constituents of peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) have been implicated in causing peritonitis and ultrafiltration failure.

Recommendations on Rapid Diagnostic Point-of-care Molecular Tests for Respiratory Infections in the United Arab Emirates.

Traditional testing methods in the Middle East Region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly the testing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza, group A streptococcus (GAS), and COVID-19 have the potential to be upgraded to new and advanced diagnostics methods that improve lead time to diagnosis, consumption of healthcare resources and patient experience. In addition, based on the research, it was reported that there is an underreporting of respiratory cases, overuse of antibiotics, and prolonged hospitalizations which is posing pressure on UAE healthcare stakeholders. A literature review was done exploring UAE's current diagnostic practices, recommended guidelines, diagnostic gaps, and challenges in RSV, GAS, Influenza, and COVID-19.

Liver Organoids From Hepatocytes of Healthy Humans and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Patients Display Multilineage Architecture and can be Used to Develop an Model of Steatohepatitis.

Background/aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern with limited treatment options. The paucity of predictive   models in preclinical settings seems to be one of the limitations of identifying effective medicines. We therefore aimed to develop an   model that can display the key hallmarks of NAFLD, such as steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

From barcodes to genomes: a new era of molecular exploration in bryophyte research.

Bryophytes represent a diverse and species-rich group of plants, characterized by a remarkable array of morphological variations. Due to their significant ecological and economic roles worldwide, accurate identification of bryophyte taxa is crucial. However, the variability in morphological traits often complicates their proper identification and subsequent commercial utilization.

Unlocking biochar impacts on abiotic stress dynamics: a systematic review of soil quality and crop improvement.

Global agricultural challenges, especially soil degradation caused by abiotic stresses, significantly reduce crop productivity and require innovative solutions. Biochar (BC), a biodegradable product derived from agricultural and forestry residues, has been proven to significantly enhance soil quality. Although its benefits for improving soil properties are well-documented, the potential of BC to mitigate various abiotic stresses-such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity-and its effect on plant traits need further exploration.

Vitamin D deficiency presenting as seizures.

Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in the general population, likely due to lack of adequate exposure to sunlight as well as lack of sufficient dietary intake. However, severe hypocalcemia secondary to vitamin D deficiency, manifesting as seizures is uncommon. We present a series of such cases encountered by us in the time frame of June 2020 to Dec 2021 (the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic associated with a lockdown) during which patients of varying age groups presented with seizures.

Proof of concept study - alternative pharmacoprophylaxis for high-altitude pulmonary edema: A hospital-based randomized controlled trial.

Background: High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is noncardiogenic pulmonary edema caused by exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and abnormally high pulmonary artery pressure. Some patients who develop HAPE have more chances to develop HAPE again on reinduction to high altitude (HA). This was a pilot project to look for a suitable drug (acetazolamide, nifedipine, or tadalafil) that could be used prophylactically in HAPE patients on reinduction to HA.

Sports and exercise medicine: Beyond injury management.

There is a limited awareness about the role of Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) among medical as well as nonmedical fraternity beyond just management of sports injuries. SEM professionals play a significant role in healthy general population and illness by designing and implementing specific primordial, primary and secondary preventive activities against the lifestyle disorders through exercise. In amateur and professional sports, they provide scientifically sound advice to enhance performance and prevent injuries through pre- and rehabilitative techniques.

Vexatious and euphemistic affairs in retractions of scientific publications: A pilot study.

Background: An increasing number of retractions have been published in the recent past which may be conforming to the large number publications being added on a daily basis. Concerns have been flagged time and again regarding comprehensiveness and utility of retraction notices.

Methods: Retraction notices published in PubMed in Jan 23 were analyzed for journal, publisher, article, country affiliation of authors, month of publication, who raised concern, main and additional reason for retraction, completeness of retraction notice, editors/authors requesting for retraction, agreement between authors and editors, and the number of citations received.

Analysis of factors influencing length of stay in the emergency department in public hospital, Padang, Indonesia.

Background: Extending the time patients spend in the emergency department (ED) not only diminishes the quality of care but also heightens the potential for harm and adversely impacts patient satisfaction. However, there exists a dearth of accessible information regarding the length of stay (LOS) in emergency departments and the factors associated with it in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the LOS of patients in the emergency department of a public hospital in Padang, Indonesia.

Enamel renal gingival syndrome in Indian scenario: A systematic review.

Background: Enamel renal gingival syndrome (ERS) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FAM20A gene located on long arm of chromosome 17. It is characterized by presence of intra-oral features like hypoplastic type of amelogenesis imperfecta, fibromatosis of gingiva and nephrocalcinosis in addition to delayed eruption. The oral phenotype is evident in childhood, whereas the renal involvement is clinically silent at this age and requires further investigation for detection at later age.