Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder: conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference.

In 2017, Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) published a Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Since then, new lines of evidence have been published related to evaluating disordered mineral metabolism and bone quality and turnover, identifying and inhibiting vascular calcification, targeting vitamin D levels, and regulating parathyroid hormone. For an in-depth consideration of the new insights, in October 2023, KDIGO held a Controversies Conference on CKD-MBD: Progress and Knowledge Gaps Toward Personalizing Care.

Evaluating Clinician Experience in Health Care Transition: Results From Six Health Systems.

Purpose: There is a paucity of evidence examining clinician experiences with structured health-care transition (HCT) programs. Among HCT Learning Collaborative participants, this study describes clinician experiences with implementation of a structured HCT process: Got Transition's 6 Core Elements.

Methods: Representative members from 6 health systems designed a survey to collect clinician feedback regarding HCT and demographic and practice information.

Fluoride-induced testicular and ovarian toxicity: evidence from animal studies.

Fluoride (F), as a natural element found in a wide range of sources such as water and certain foods, has been proven to be beneficial in preventing dental caries, but concerns have been raised regarding its potential deleterious effects on overall health. Sodium fluoride (NaF), another form of F, has the ability to accumulate in reproductive organs and interfere with hormonal regulation and oxidative stress pathways, contributing to reproductive toxicity. While the exact mechanisms of F-induced reproductive toxicity are not fully understood, this review aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in testicular and ovarian injury.

Development of a Patient Reported Outcome Measure of Side Effects for Patients Taking Calcineurin Inhibitors: The FACIT-CNI-Ntx.

Rationale & Objective: Valid measures of side effects are important to inform clinical use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). This study sought to develop and establish the content validity of a PRO measure to capture side effects among kidney transplant recipients taking CNIs.

Study Design: Qualitative interviews for concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing.

A Comparison of the Dimensional Characteristics and Plasma Parameters of Different Centrifuges Used for the Preparation of Autologous Platelet Concentrates: A Randomized Correlational Study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane weights and measurements after production by different centrifuges. Moreover, the values obtained with blood cellular components were correlated.

Methods: Twelve systemically healthy participants underwent dental implant surgery associated with PRF membranes as the graft biomaterial at the implant site.

Molecular and Proteomic Analyses of Effects of Cadmium Exposure on the Silk Glands of .

Cadmium (Cd) is a pervasive heavy metal pollutant released into the environment through industrial activities such as mining, smelting, and agricultural runoff. This study aimed to investigate the molecular and metabolic impacts of Cd exposure on the silk glands of , a species renowned for producing silk with exceptional mechanical properties. Cd accumulation in spider bodies and silk glands was significantly higher in the low- and high-Cd groups compared to controls, with a dose- and time-dependent increase.

Genetic and Epigenetic Insights into Pregnancy-Related Complications.

Placental dysfunction is a leading cause of numerous pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restrictions, placental abruption, and late spontaneous abortion [...

Squamous Cell Bladder Cancer: A Rare Histological Variant with a Demand for Modern Cancer Therapeutics.

Bladder cancer is among the most common form of cancer worldwide and is predicted to increase in incidence and mortality over the next decade. Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare histological variant typically associated with schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, a parasitic infection caused by flatworms called schistosomes or blood flukes, and is generally seen in underdeveloped nations. However, squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder still represents nearly 5% of bladder cancer diagnoses in the western world.

Body Composition in Preterm Infants: Current Insights and Emerging Perspectives.

In recent years, significant advancements in respiratory and nutritional care have markedly improved the survival rates of preterm infants and enhanced long-term health outcomes. Despite these improvements, emerging research highlights the lasting impacts of early growth patterns on an individual's health trajectory. Adults born prematurely face a higher incidence of health issues related to their early birth.

Athletes' Perceived Team Climate, Social Support, and Optimistic Thoughts During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the Spring of 2020, Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) was officially declared a global pandemic, which prompted an unprecedented number of changes to societal functioning. Amongst those who experienced significant life alterations were collegiate athletes within the United States (US). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between US athletes' perceptions of their team motivational climate, perceived support from coaches and teammates, and their optimistic thoughts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Literature Review and Content Analysis of Bullying Assessments: Are We Measuring What We Intend to?

The initial phase in any initiative aimed at preventing bullying involves evaluating the present prevalence to pinpoint students who might be more susceptible to involvement in the bullying dynamic. Assessment serves as a guide for shaping future decisions regarding intervention. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate current assessment tools to determine the extent to which the bullying dynamic is currently measured.

Food Security and Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome.

This study assessed the association of food security with potential cardio-metabolic risk factors among persons with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Data were derived from the baseline data of a randomized controlled lifestyle intervention trial for individuals with MetS. Household food security, fruit and vegetable intake, perceived food environment, and perceived stress were collected using validated questionnaires.

Visualizing Parcel-Level Lead Risk Using an Exterior Housing-Based Index.

Pediatric lead poisoning remains a persistent public health problem. Children in the US spend the preponderance of their time at home; thus, housing is an important social determinant of health. Improving health outcomes derived from housing-based sources involves differentiating the risks posed by the existing housing stock.

Optimization of Polyphenol Extraction from Purple Corn Pericarp Using Glycerol/Lactic Acid-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent in Combination with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction.

Purple corn pericarp, a processing waste stream, is an extremely rich source of phytochemicals. Optimal polyphenol extraction parameters were identified using response surface methodology (RSM) by combining a deep eutectic solvent (DES) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method. After DES characterization, Plackett-Burman design was used to screen five explanatory variables, namely, time, Temp (temperature), water, Amp (amplitude), and S/L (solid-to-liquid ratio).

Population genetic structure of Phaedranassa cinerea Ravenna (Amaryllidaceae) and conservation implications.

Background: Andean orography has shaped the endemism of plant species in montane forests, creating a mosaic of habitats in small and isolated areas. Understanding these endemic species' genetic diversity patterns is crucial for their conservation. Phaedranassa cinerea (Amaryllidaceae), a species restricted to the western Andes of Ecuador, is listed as "vulnerable" according to the IUCN criteria.

Detection of Amblyomma maculatum and Rickettsia parkeri in prairies of Central Missouri.

The destruction and decline of prairie habitats due to landscape repurposing have profoundly impacted the diversity of plant, animal, and insect life. In the Central United States, the reconstruction of prairie habitats from farmland is a widely applied strategy to raise diversity and recreate a healthy, complex ecosystem. In Central Missouri, we examine the consequences of reconstruction efforts on the prevalence of zoonotic diseases and their associated pathogens by performing tick-flagging at two prairie sites.

Mechanical thrombectomy in elderly stroke patients with low ASPECTS: insights from STAR.

Background: The elderly population (≥80 years) were underrepresented in recent trials of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS) with low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (≤5).

Methods: This study analyzed data from a prospectively maintained database of 37 thrombectomy centers. The primary cohort of the study comprised patients with LVO-AIS aged ≥80 who underwent EVT with ASPECTS≤5 from 2013 to 2023.

Horizontal extraocular muscle insertion locations in children undergoing extraocular muscle surgery.

Background: The location of extraocular muscle (EOM) insertions is clinically relevant in ophthalmologic surgery. The spiral of Tillaux has been a reference for normal EOM insertion since the nineteenth century. Research on EOM insertions is limited and has focused on adult cadaveric eyes.

Cropland associated with risk of Parkinson's disease in the northern Great Plains.

Introduction: We sought to identify regional associations between cropland density and crop types and PD in the U.S.

Methods: We conducted a population-based study of 21,639,190 Medicare beneficiaries, 89,790 with incident PD in 2009.

Presentation and Surgical Outcomes of Primary Hyperparathyroidism After Radioactive Iodine Therapy.

Background: Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a common treatment for various thyroid diseases. Previous studies have suggested susceptibility of parathyroid glands to the mutagenic effect of RAI and the development of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We tested the possible link between prior RAI treatment, disease presentation, and treatment outcomes.

Risk Factors for Delayed (>30 Days) Readmission Following Rectal Cancer Surgery.

Introduction: Unplanned, delayed readmissions (>30 ds) following oncologic surgeries can increase mortality and care costs and affect hospital quality indices. However, there is a dearth of literature on rectal cancer surgery. Hence, we aimed to assess the risk factors associated with delayed readmissions following rectal cancer surgery to improve targeted interventions, patient outcomes, and quality indices.

Auricular vagus nerve stimulation for mitigation of inflammation and vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage: a single-institution randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Inflammation contributes to morbidity following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors of this study evaluate how applying noninvasive transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can target this deleterious inflammatory response following SAH and reduce the rate of radiographic vasospasm.

Methods: In this prospective, triple-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 27 patients were randomized to taVNS or sham stimulation.

The Fit Older Adult with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Clinical Challenges to Providing Evidence-Based Frontline Treatment.

Recent advances in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) come from studies investigating younger (age<60 years) adults or older (age≥75 years) or less fit adults. Uncertainty exists for the management of otherwise healthy adults with AML in their 60s and 70s, which also represents a significant proportion of AML cases. We discuss current considerations in older, fit adults with AML including determination of fitness, what factors beyond fitness should be assessed, and finally what challenges and innovations lie ahead to improve outcomes for these patients.

The extent of western lowland gorilla social relationships within and between groups.

The nature of western lowland gorilla social relationships within and between groups is largely understudied, partly due to the challenges of monitoring associations between individuals who live in neighboring groups. In this study, we examined the social relationships of four western lowland gorilla groups in the Ndoki landscape of northern Republic of Congo. To do so, we compiled all-occurrence social interaction and silverback nearest neighbor social networks from data collected during daily group follows conducted over several years.