A prospective study of factors associated with successful maturation of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis.

Aim: Our objective was to determine the factors associated with the successful maturation of arteriovenous fistulas during hemodialysis.

Material And Methods: This prospective study included patients treated with hemodialysis and predialysis patients. Clinical, biochemical, sociodemographic, vascular ultrasound mapping, flow-mediated dilatation, and surgical factors were analyzed.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha Stimulation Preserves Renal Tight Junction Components in a Rat Model of Early-Stage Diabetic Nephropathy.

Chronic hyperglycemia results in morphological and functional alterations of the kidney and microvascular damage, leading to diabetic nephropathy (DN). Since DN progresses to irreversible renal damage, it is important to elucidate a pharmacological strategy aimed for treating DN in the early stage. Here, we used the type 2 diabetic rat model to induce DN and show a nephroprotective effect following the stimulation of PPAR-α, which stabilized renal tight junction components claudin-2, claudin-5, and claudin-16.

Discussing male sexual and reproductive health in the rheumatology outpatient clinic: a Q-methodology study.

Objectives: Inflammatory arthritis (IA) has been associated with various problems related to male sexual and reproductive health (SRH). However, addressing these issues in the clinic remains a challenge. In this study, we aimed to describe the viewpoints of rheumatologists and male patients with IA regarding the aspects that influence their communication about SRH.

A randomized trial of antithrombotic therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome and coronary ectasia.

Background: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) of the culprit infarct artery is a rare finding in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While anticoagulants have been suggested to reduce recurrent events, the optimal anti-thrombotic therapy remains unclear.

Methods: OVER-TIME was an open label, exploratory, randomized controlled trial comparing dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT; acetyl-salicylic-acid 100mg plus clopidogrel 75mg daily) versus single antiplatelet (SAPT, clopidogrel 75mg) plus DOAC (rivaroxaban 15mg) in patients with ACS and CAE.

Danon Disease in a 14-Year-Old: An Exclusively Cardiac Phenotype.

This paper presents the case of a 14-year-old boy with Danon disease exhibiting exclusive cardiac involvement, initially suspected as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Significant deterioration raised suspicion of an alternative etiology. A clinical exome revealed a previously unreported likely pathogenic variant, :c.

Efficacy of a pain neuroscience educational program in improving executive function and pain intensity in fibromyalgia patients (Fibrobrain project): Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition typically characterized by chronic pain, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, and cognitive problems. The present study aims to examine the efficacy of a pain neuroscience education program (PNE) in improving executive functions and pain intensity in patients with FM and compare them with those of standard treatment protocols.

Methods: This blinded, controlled clinical trial will compare changes in executive function and pain intensity between two groups.

Successful Evolution of Atrial Septal Defect Closure in an Elderly Patient With Complex Cardiovascular Disease.

• ASD closure in elderly patients improves RV remodeling. • ASD closure is feasible in older patients with arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension. • Clinical and hemodynamic status is improved after ASD closure.

Identification of right coronary artery ectasia with echocardiography and confirmation with multimodal imaging.

We present the case of a patient with myocardial infarction due to coronary ectasia. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a unique image of a cystic-like mass in the right atrium corresponding to the ectatic right coronary artery (arrows), which was confirmed with computed tomography.

Selective embolization with autologous fat to treat massive bleeding secondary to percutaneous renal biopsy.

Bleeding following a percutaneous renal biopsy is a complication that can be life-threatening. Embolization of the bleeding artery is a procedure that can limit the damage; however, embolization devices can be costly or not immediately available. This is why we present the case of a 25-year-old man with a history of multiple thromboses who underwent a renal biopsy due to suspected systemic lupus erythematosus.

Role of mitochondria in reno-cardiac diseases: A study of bioenergetics, biogenesis, and GSH signaling in disease transition.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are global health burdens with rising prevalence. Their bidirectional relationship with cardiovascular dysfunction, manifesting as cardio-renal syndromes (CRS) types 3 and 4, underscores the interconnectedness and interdependence of these vital organ systems. Both the kidney and the heart are critically reliant on mitochondrial function.

A longitudinal assessment of heat exposure and biomarkers of kidney function on heat shock protein 70 and antibodies among agricultural workers.

Background: Exposure to extreme heat impacts millions of people worldwide and outdoor workers are among the populations most affected by hot temperatures. Heat stress induces several biological responses in humans, including the production of heat shock proteins (HSP) and antibodies against HSP (anti-HSP) which may play a central role in the body's cellular response to a hot environment.

Objective: This longitudinal study investigated the impact of elevated temperatures and humidity on the presence of HSP70 and anti-HSP70 and examined relationships with markers of kidney function in an at-risk workforce under conditions of extreme heat and exertion in Guatemala.

Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction: Strategies for Enhancing Cardiac Recovery.

Chemotherapy has markedly improved cancer outcomes, yet cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) poses a significant challenge, affecting around 10% of patients. CTRCD can be asymptomatic or present with heart failure symptoms. Multimodality imaging, particularly echocardiography, remains pivotal for monitoring cardiac function.

Multiplex spatial analysis reveals increased CD137 expression and m-MDSC neighboring tumor cells in refractory classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

The Hodgkin and Reed - Sternberg (HRS) cells in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) actively modify the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) attracting immunosuppressive cells and expressing inhibitory molecules. A high frequency of myeloid cells in the TME is correlated with an unfavorable prognosis, but more specific and rare cell populations lack precise markers. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been identified in the peripheral blood of cHL patients, where they appear to be correlated with disease aggressiveness.

A true bicuspid tricuspid valve: 3D imaging to better understanding the forgotten valve.

Nowadays, understanding the anatomy of the tricuspid valve is crucial. The bicuspid tricuspid valve is a rare anatomical variation of this valve. We present highly illustrative images with 3D echo that allow a more realistic analysis of the forgotten valve.

A randomized controlled trial of ivabradine in patients with acute myocardial infarction related cardiogenic shock.

Objective: . Acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) is often accompanied by tachycardia, which, in turn, increases myocardial oxygen consumption and hinders the use of ventricular assist devices, such as intra-aortic balloon pump. Evidence suggests that ivabradine may reduce heart rate (HR) without affecting other hemodynamic parameters.