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Crescent glomerulonephritis (CreGN) is the most dangerous glomerulonephritis and always leads to end stage renal disease (ESRD). The immunological mechanism plays an important role in its pathogenesis and prognosis. Recently, the role of the gut and intestinal microbiota in a variety of kidney diseases including CreGN has been disclosed. The “gut-kidney axis” will directly affect the immune response in the kidney and subsequent pathophysiology through the intestinal microbiota and gut-derived immune cells.

Objective To evaluate the effect of a mentor-based visiting scholar training program. Methods Cross-sectional questionnaires were used to investigate the impact of mentor-based training program on the research productivity and career advancement of visiting scholars. Results Compared with no mentoring (n=28), visiting scholars with mentors (n=32) acquired more research funds (P＜0.05) and published more scholarly articles (27 articles vs 11 articles) despite a non-significant difference between the number of people who published articles. The difference in career advancement was not significant in the year post visiting scholarship. Ninety three percent of the participants were willing to recommend the mentor-based training program to others. Conclusions Mentor-based visiting scholar training program is an effective way to enhanced medical education and has a positive impact on academic productivity.

Objective To evaluate the impact of WeChat-based medical popular science on the mitigation of anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods One hundred and eleven cases of hemodialysis patients from Peking Union Medical College Hospital in April 2020 were recruited. After obtaining the baseline demographic data and psychological evaluation, patients were divided patients into self-reading group and WeChat group. A daily education of popular science of COVID-19 was introduced for the WeChat group. After 14 days, psychological evaluation was repeated to compare the anxiety and depression scores before and after inter- vention. Results One hundred and six valid questionnaires were obtained including 29 in the self-reading group and 77 in the WeChat group. Besides average age (higher in self-reading group, P＜0.05), there was no significant difference in dialysis vintage, occupation, education level and marital status between the two groups. After the intervention of WeChat science popularization, the scores of anxiety and depression of patients were significantly lower than before (P＜0.001), and the percentage of patients without anxiety increased significantly (P＜0.05); the depression score of the self-reading group was also higher than before (P＜0.01), but the anxiety score did not decrease. The patients' baseline depression scores is positively correlated with the dialysis vintage (P＜0.05). Conclusions Medical science popularization reduces thes anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients; doctors-motivated science popularization can improve patients' anxiety more effectively than encouraging patients to check information of their own.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common critical illness in clinic, characterized by a sudden and continuous decline in kidney function. zebrafish, as a vertebrate model organism, is highly similar to human being in terms of kidney morphology, physiology and function, and is an ideal animal model for the study of kidney disease, which makes up for the deficiency of mammalian model. This review briefly described the structure and function of zebrafish kidney, the modeling methods and its application in AKI research.

Uromodulin, also known as Tamm-Horsfal protein, is the most abundant protein in normal urine. It is exclusively secreted by renal tubular epithelial cells in thick ascending limb (TAL) of the Henle loop. Past studies showed that uromodu in had various biological functions, including regulating water and salt metabolism, immunomodulation, protection against renal calculus and urinary tract infection. UMOD is the gene encoding uromodulin. Recently, with the development of genome-wide association study (GWAS), it is found that the UMOD gene is significantly associated with the progression and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Further studies using Mendelian randomization methods verified the causality between uromodulin and CKD.

Objective To explore and evaluate the clinical value of color Doppler ultrasound in the evaluation of multiple organs in patients with hyperuricemia. Methods The research included 50 patients with newly diagnosed hyperuricemia who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July 2015 to May 2017. Serum uric acid (sUA) was recorded and color Doppler ultrasound was used to examine the bilateral first metatarsophalangeal joint, knee joint, kidney, carotid artery and liver in each patient. The potential correlation between sUA level and organ lesions were searched. The subjects were further divided into gouty arthritis (GA) group and asymptomatic chyperuricemia (AH) group. The multiple organ diseases were analyzed and compared. Statistical methods used in cluded chi-square test and Spearman correlation analysis. Results In the 50 patients with newly diagnosed hyperuricemia, the rate of joint lesions diagnosed by ultrasound was 56.0%; the rate of renal morphological changes was 72.0%; the rate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was 64.0%, of which 59.4% was moderate to severe fatty liver, and the sUA level was positively correlated with the detection rate of NAFLD(P＜0.05),the detection rate of carotid atherosclerosis was 36.0%, and the level of sUA was positively correlated with the thickness of the common carotid artery (P＜0.05).The detection rate of two or more organ lesions in joint, kidney, liver and carotid artery was 80.0%, and the level of sUA was positively correlated with the detection rate of multiple organ lesions (P＜0.05). There was a significant difference in the detection rate of joint lesions and carotid atherosclerosis between the GA group and the AH group (P＜0.05). Conclusions Color Doppler ultrasound has certain clinical application value for early diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation of lesion progression and follow-up treatment of multiple organ lesions such as joint lesions and renal damage, nonalcoholic fatty liver and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with hyperuricemia.

Objective To explore the protective effect of shikonin on H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by hypoxia-reoxygenation(H/R). Methods H9c2 cells were divided into control group, H/R group, shikonin (0.1, 1 and 10 μmol/L) group, including 3 parallel wells in each group; MTT assay was used to detect the toxicity of shikonin on H9c2 cells; Apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry; DCFH-DA was used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species; biochemical detection of MDA and 8-OHdG in cells And GSH content; qPCR was used to detect the expression of γ-GCS, HO-1 and NQO1 mRNA; Western blot was used to detect the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, Keap1 and Nrf2 proteins; immunofluorescence was used to detect Nrf2 cells. Protein into the nuclear situation. Results Shikonin inhibited the proliferation of H9c2 cells in a concentration-time-dependent manner (P＜0.05). H/R induced apoptosis of H9c2 cells, cell cycle arrest and promoted the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins, inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 protein (P＜0.05). Shikonin inhibited apoptosis, relieved cell cycle arrest, and cleaved caspase-3 and Bax protein expression, and increased Bcl-2 protein expression in a concentration-time-dependent manner; Shikonin decreased the active oxygen, MDA and 8-OHdG induced by H/R, increased the GSH content induced by H/R and down-regulated the expression of γ-GCS, HO-1 and NQO1 mRNA, caused an increase in Nrf2 protein and down-regulation of Keap1, and promoted Nrf2 protein entry into the nucleus (P＜0.05). Conclusions Shikonin attenuates myocardial cell injury induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation in H9c2 cells.

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis holds great potential to be a noninvasive solution for clinical cancer management. A complete workflow that combined CTC detection and single‐cell molecular analysis is required. We developed the ChimeraX®‐i120 platform to facilitate negative enrichment, immunofluorescent labeling, and machine learning‐based identification of CTCs. Analytical performances were evaluated, and a total of 477 participants were enrolled to validate the clinical feasibility of ChimeraX®‐i120 CTC detection. We analyzed copy number alteration profiles of isolated single cells. The ChimeraX®‐i120 platform had high sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility for CTC detection. In clinical samples, an average value of > 60% CTC‐positive rate was found for five cancer types (i.e., liver, biliary duct, breast, colorectal, and lung), while CTCs were rarely identified in blood from healthy donors. In hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with curative resection, CTC status was significantly associated with tumor characteristics, prognosis, and treatment response (all P < 0.05). Single‐cell sequencing analysis revealed that heterogeneous genomic alteration patterns resided in different cells, patients, and cancers. Our results suggest that the use of this ChimeraX®‐i120 platform and the integrated workflow has validity as a tool for CTC detection and downstream genomic profiling in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant Chinese women. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted. Clinical and biochemical data were analyzed for 200 subjects with GDM and 200 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Results: The median (interquartile range) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were 22.39 (17.67, 29.38) and 25.86 (19.09, 34.88) nmol/L in the GDM and NGT groups, respectively. Rates of 25OHD deficiency or insufficiency were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the NGT group. Subjects with 25OHD levels <25 nmol/L had a 1.8-fold higher risk of GDM compared with subjects with higher vitamin D levels. In the GDM group, serum 25OHD was independently associated with HbA1c and insulin resistance after adjusting for confounding factors. In the NGT group, serum 25OHD was independently associated with fasting plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure after adjusting for maternal age and other confounding factors. Conclusion: 25OHD insufficiency is very common in Chinese women. Low 25OHD status may be associated with insulin resistance and act as a risk factor for GDM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since end-stage renal disease leads to a variety of problems such as disability,reduced quality of life,and mental and psychological disorders,it has become a serious public health problem around the globe.Renal palliative care integrates palliative care philosophy in the care for patients with end-stage renal disease.As a planned,comprehensive,patient-centered care,renal palliative care focuses on the patient's symptoms and needs,aiming to reduce the suffering throughout the course of the disease,including but not limited to end-of-life care.This study reports the palliative care practice for a patient on maintenance dialysis in the Blood Purification Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and reviews the present situation of palliative care in end-stage renal disease.

AA amyloidosis is a rare systemic complication caused commonly by chronic inflammatory arthritis,periodic fever disease,vasculitis,tumors,etc.Castleman's disease is an uncommon cause of AA amyloidosis.Here,we reported a case of unicentric Castleman's disease-induced AA amyloidosis with nephrotic syndrome as the main manifestation.The laboratory examination showed elevated levels of inflammatory indicators.We summarized the clinical manifestations,diagnosis,and therapy of this case,aiming to facilitate the management of patients with unknown reasons of renal amyloidosis.

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis holds great potential to be a noninvasive solution for clinical cancer management. A complete workflow that combined CTC detection and single-cell molecular analysis is required. We developed the ChimeraX ® -i120 platform to facilitate negative enrichment, immunofluorescent labeling, and machine learning-based identification of CTCs. Analytical performances were evaluated, and a total of 477 participants were enrolled to validate the clinical feasibility of ChimeraX ® -i120 CTC detection. We analyzed copy number alteration profiles of isolated single cells. The ChimeraX ® -i120 platform had high sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility for CTC detection. In clinical samples, an average value of > 60% CTC-positive rate was found for five cancer types (i.e., liver, biliary duct, breast, colorectal, and lung), while CTCs were rarely identified in blood from healthy donors. In hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with curative resection, CTC status was significantly associated with tumor characteristics, prognosis, and treatment response (all P < 0.05). Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that heterogeneous genomic alteration patterns resided in different cells, patients, and cancers. Our results suggest that the use of this ChimeraX ® -i120 platform and the integrated workflow has validity as a tool for CTC detection and downstream genomic profiling in the clinical setting., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by FEBS Press and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective To describe the status of hope,self-efficacy,and self-management in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)(stages 1-3)and to explore the interactions between these three variables.Methods Herth Hope Index,self-efficacy scale,and CKD self-management instrument were used to evaluate the patients with CKD(stages 1-3)in PUMC Hospital( n =153). Structural equation modeling was used to establish the structural equation model of hope,self-efficacy,and self-management.Results The median score of hope was 40.0(36.0,44.5),and 85.0% of patients were in higher level of hope. The median score of self-efficacy was 8.3(7.1,9.4)and the overall score of self-management was 89.0±13.4. There were no significant differences in level of hope and self-management among patients with different age,gender,marital status,educational level,course of disease,and CKD stages(all P >0.05). Age and marriage status were significantly associated with self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was significantly higher in >65 years group than in other age groups( P <0.05)and was significantly higher in married group than in single group( P <0.05).The level of hope had direct effect on self-efficacy( β =0.67, P <0.05)and self-management( β =0.46, P <0.05).Conclusions The levels of hope,self-efficacy,and self-management are high in patients with CKD(stages 1-3). Hope directly affects the self-efficacy and self-management of these patients.

Objective To investigate the prognosis predictors of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis treated with glucocorticoid(GC).Methods The clinicopathological data of patients with biopsy-confirmed ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis were retrospective analyzed by retrieving the medical database in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2000 to May 2015. Pathological categories were re-classified. Renal remission rates,infection rates,and death events were compared between intravenous glucocorticoid(GC)pulse therapy group and non-pulse group. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze factors influencing the short-term prognosis.Results Among the 81 patients with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis,49(60.5%)received GC pulse therapy and 32(39.5%)did not. The GC pulse group had significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline(eGFR0)than the non-pulse group(t=3.003,P=0.015)but significantly higher 24-hour urinary protein(24 hUP)(t=2.394,P=0.002)and Birmingham Systemic Vasculitis Activity Score(BVAS)(t=0.049,P=0.013). There was no significant difference in the cumulative amount of cyclophosphamide(CTX)(t=1.336,P=0.245)between these two groups. The overall renal remission rate of GC pulse group in the 6 th month was significantly lower(48.7% vs. 79.3%;χ 2 =6.591,P=0.024). Univariate analysis showed that baseline 24 hUP(t=6.222,P=0.017),eGFR0(t=3.727,P=0.046),and pathological category(χ 2 =7.654,P=0.045)were associated with the overall renal remission rate in the 6 th month. Multivariate analysis showed the crescent category was an independent factor(OR=20.63,95%CI:2.217-191.973,P=0.008;compared with sclerotic category)for overall renal remission rate in the 6 th month,while GC pulse therapy was not an predictor(OR=0.271,95%CI:0.062-1.179,P=0.082). A total of 37 patients experienced infections within 6 months. The infection rate in GC pulse group(55.1%,27/49)was significantly higher than that of non-pulse group(31.3%,10/32)(P=0.042). Univariate regression analysis showed that eGFR0(t=1.912,P=0.049),baseline BVAS(t=-3.360,P=0.001)and GC pulse(χ 2 =6.249,P=0.014)were associated with infection events within 6 months. Multivariate analysis showed that the baseline BVAS was the only predictor with 1.089 times for every 1 point increase in BVAS(OR=1.089,95%CI:1.006-1.179,P=0.034). Conclusions Crescentic category favors renal remission independently compared with sclerotic category. Patients with crescentic category may benefit more from intensive treatment. BVAS acts as an independent risk factor of infection.

Objective The aims of this study were to assess incidences and characteristics of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) and venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in Chinese patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), and to identify the predisposing risk factors of them.Methods A total of 766 consecutive Chinese patients with IMN were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. The cumulative incidences of newly diagnosed ATEs and VTEs were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Univariable risk prediction model analysis followed by multivariable survival analysis was used to evaluate the potential risk factors of ATE and VTE.Results At 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after biopsy diagnosis of IMN, the cumulative incidence of newly diagnosed ATEs were 4.3%, 5.7%, 6.3%, 7.1%, and 8.0%, and of newly diagnosed VTEs were 5.9%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, and 7.2%, respectively. In 78 ATEs events (71 patients), cardiovascular diseases, thrombotic ischemic stroke (IS) and peripheral artery disease accounted for 50%, 45% and 5% respectively; in 60 VTEs events(53 patients), the deep vein thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism accounted for 60%, 13% and 27% respectively. At the time of event, 42.1% patients with ATEs and 81.5% patients with VTEs were at nephrotic syndrome(NS) status (χ 2 =18.1, P<0.001). Severe proteinuria, aging, smoking, hypertension and prior ATE history were associated with ATEs. Aging was demonstrated as the independent risk factor for ATEs (P=0.001), and hypoalbuminemia was the dominant independent risk factor for VTEs (P=0.03). Conclusions Patients with IMN have increased incidences of ATEs and VTEs, and most of events occurred within the first 6 months of the disease. IS was very common in ATEs in our cohort. Severe proteinuria and classic risk factors for atherosclerosis were associated with onset of ATEs. Hypoalbuminemia independently predicted VTEs. Risks of both ATEs and VTEs were particularly high in the status of NS, particularly VTEs.

Primary Sjögren syndrome,characterized by autoimmune epithelitis,is a prevalent systemic autoimmune disease involving multiple organs,among which kidney is a major target organ.Tubulointerstitial lesion is the most frequent form,involving proximal tubule,distal tubule,or collecting duct.The disease has an occult onset and may progressively develop into renal function impairment and end-stage renal disease,which can be accompanied with low-molecular-weight proteinuria,renal tubule acidosis and electrolyte disturbance.Pathologically,it is featured by lymphocyte infiltration,renal tubule atrophy,and interstitial fibrosis.Glomerular lesion is less common and usually takes the form of membranoproliferative glomerulitis.Glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppresant is the main treatment option,and B cell-targeted therapy has been reported.Most patients respond well to these treatments.In this article we review the prevalence,clinicopathological features,and treatment of renal disease in primary Sjögren syndrome.

Objective To investigate the risk factors predicting the short-term outcomes of patients with peritoneal dialysis(PD)-associated peritonitis (PDAP). Methods In this retrospective cohort study,the clinical data at baseline and 0-3 months before peritonitis onset (peritonitis-free period) were collected from end-stage renal disease patients who started PD and suffered from PDAP between January 1,2004 and March 31,2017 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. After 4 weeks of follow-up,these patients were divided into two groups according to the clinical outcomes,namely poor outcome group and good outcome group. Characteristics at baseline and before peritonitis were compared. Risk factors associated with short-term outcomes were also analyzed. Results Totally 162 PDAP patients were enrolled,among whom 55 (34.0%) experienced adverse outcomes and 107 (66.0%) had good outcome. At baseline,the proportion of clinical atherosclerotic vascular disease was significantly higher in poor outcome group than in good outcome group (49.1% vs. 31.8%;χ 2 =4.639,P=0.031),whereas indicators were comparable (all P>0.05). During the peritonitis-free period,significantly higher level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) [9.3(2.2,16.3)mg/dl vs. 3.6(1.4,9.5)mg/dl,Z=-2.879,P=0.004],higher proportion of low transport type of peritoneum function (8.7% vs. 1.0%;Z=4.879,P=0.027),and lower creatinine clearance rate [56.7 (45.7,71.1) ml/(min·w·1.73 m 2 )vs. 61.4 (54.5,76.4) ml/(min·w·1.73 m 2 );Z=-2.084,P=0.037] were observed in poor outcome group. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed the combination of clinical atherosclerotic vascular disease (OR=2.070,95%CI:1.062-4.034,P=0.033) and higher hsCRP before peritonitis (OR=1.032,95%CI:1.001-1.059,P=0.015) were the risk factors of short-term poor outcome in PDAP patients. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that,after the gender,age at peritonitis,PD duration,diabetes,and serum albumin before peritonitis were adjusted,higher hsCRP before peritonitis (OR=1.026,95%CI:1.000-1.052,P=0.046) and comorbidity of clinical atherosclerotic vascular disease (OR=2.105,95% CI:1.014-4.367,P=0.046) were the independent risk factors for the poor outcomes in PDAP patients. Conclusion Higher pre-peritonitis hsCRP and comorbidity of clinical atherosclerotic vascular disease at baseline may predict poor short-term outcomes in PDAP patients.

Objective To investigate whether glomerular density (GD) could be an independent prognostic factor for patients of IgA nephropathy with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 to 60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , or for patients with time-average proteinuria < 0.5 g/d. Methods A total of 173 patients with biopsy-confirmed IgA nephropathy diagnosed from January 2000 to December 2010 were included. All of these patients were followed up for more than 5 years. The endpoint was a > 30% of decline in eGFR from baseline after 5-year follow-up. The optimal cut-off value of GD was calculated by ROC curve. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis was used for survival analysis. Results A 30% of decline in eGFR occurred in 14.5% of all patients. The optimal diagnostic cut-off value of GD was 1.99/mm 2 (AUC = 0.90, sensitivity = 84.0%, specificity = 81.8%) determined by ROC curve. The low GD group (GD < 1.99 per mm 2 ) experienced a significant increase in renal endpoint for patients with eGFR of 30 to 60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 (six patients in lower GD group, while one patient in the other group). For patients with time-average proteinuria < 0.5 g/d, the lower GD group showed a higher eGFR decline from baseline (4.5±16.7 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 vs. -8.1±21.4 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , P = 0.038); two patients in this group reached the endpoint, while no patients in the higher GD group did. Conclusion GD could be an independent prognostic factor for patients of IgA nephropathy with eGFR at 30 to 60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 of body surface, particularly for those with time-averaged amount of urine protein less than 0.5 g per day.

Objective To observe the clinical characteristics,dialysis modalities,and outcomes of end stage renal disease(ESRD)patients with polycystic kidney disease(PKD)and to evaluate the feasibility of peritoneal dialysis in these population. Methods The clinical data of ESRD patient whose primary diagnosis was PKD in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively collected from January 1993 to December 2015.PKD patients were divided into two groups according to dialysis modality,namely peritoneal dialysis group(PKD-PD)group and hemodialysis(PKD-HD)group.In addition,we randomly chose non-PKD patients from 622 peritoneal dialysis patients who were matched with PKD-PD patients in age,gender and dialysis time.The primary end point was death.The survival rate was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the risk factors for suivival were analyzed by Cox regression model. Results Totally 47 PKD patients were enrolled,including 33 patients in PKD-PD group and 14 patients in PKD-HD group,and 42 non-PKD patients as the control group.The average age of PKD patients was(53±11)years,of which 38.3% were women.When compared with PKD-HD group,no significant difference in age,gender,comorbidities,kidney size,and residual glomerular filtration rate were observed in PKD-PD patients at baseline(all P>0.05).The average time on dialysis of PKD-PD patients was(36.2±33.1)months.The weekly urea clearance index(Kt/V)and weekly creatinine clearance were similar to non-PKD-PD group at 3 months,1 year,3 years,and 5 years(all P>0.05).The peritonitis rate was 1 episode/84.5 months.The survival rates at 1 year,3 years,and 5 years of PKD-PD group were 85.7%,78.6%,and 78.6%,which were similar to non-PKD-PD group and PKD-HD group respectively(all P>0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that neither PKD nor PD independently predicted the mortality. Conclusion PD can be an option for ESRD patients with PKD.

Objective To investigate the value of chloride clearance test in differential diagnosis of Gitelman syndrome (GS). Methods For patients with hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis and highly suspected GS,clinical data were documented and SLC12A3 gene screening was performed as gold standard to diagnose GS. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) test and furosemide (FUR) test were performed according to the standard process. Baseline and maximal increasement of chloride excretion fraction (FECl,the net and relative increase measured as εFECl) were compared between patients and controls to evaluated the reaction to the corresponding diuretics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of HCT test in GS diagnosis. Results Totally 27 patients and 20 health controls received HCT test. Among those patients,23 were diagnosed with GS genetically. When using the net and relative εFECl to diagnose GS,the areas under the ROC curve were 0.987 (95% CI:0.963～1.000,P<0.001) and 0.984 (95%CI:0.950～1.000,P<0.001),respectively. When a reasonable cutoff value for εFECl was selected,the sensitivity and specificity were both higher than 95%. Eight patients received both HCT test and FUR test. Five of them showed decreased reaction to HCT(net εFECl≤2.86% or relative εFECl≤223%),while normal reaction to FUR.SLC12A3 mutations confirmed their GS. Three patients with blunt reaction to FUR showed normal reaction to HCT,finally they were diagnosed as BS clinically because no SLC12A3 gene mutation was detected. Conclusion Comprehensive application of HCT test and FUR test to evaluate the diuretic reaction can effectively differentiate GS and BS.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of artesunate (AS) supplementation on bacterial translocation (BT) and gut microbiota in a rat model of liver cirrhosis., Methods: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (N), a liver cirrhosis group (M) and a liver cirrhosis group intervened with AS (MA). Each group was sampled at 4, 6 and 8 wk. Liver cirrhosis was induced by injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), intragastric administration of 10% ethanol, and feeding a high fat diet. Rats in the MA group were intragastrically administered with AS (25 mg/kg body weight, once daily). Injuries of the liver and intestinal mucosa were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin or Masson's trichrome staining. Liver index was calculated as a ratio of the organ weight (g) to body weight (g). The gut microbiota was examined by automated ribosomal intergenic-spacer analysis of fecal DNA. BT was assessed by standard microbiological techniques in the blood, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), liver, spleen, and kidney., Results: Compared to group N, the body weight was reduced significantly in groups M and MA due to the development of liver cirrhosis over the period of 8 wk. The body weight was higher in group MA than in group M. The liver indices were significantly elevated at 4, 6 and 8 wk in groups M and MA compared to group N. AS supplementation partially decreased the liver indices in group MA. Marked histopathologic changes in the liver and small intestinal mucosa in group M were observed, which were alleviated in group MA. Levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly elevated at 8 wk in ileal homogenates in group M compared to group N, which were decreased after AS supplementation in group MA. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota indicated by the mean diversity (Shannon index) and mean similarity (Sorenson index) was severe as the liver cirrhosis developed, and AS supplementation had an apparent intervention effect on the dysbiosis of gut microbiota at 4 wk. The occurrence of BT was increased in the liver of group M compared to that of group N. AS supplementation reduced BT in group MA at 8 wk. BT also occurred in the MLNs, spleen, and kidney, which was reduced by AS supplementation. BT was not detected in the blood in any group., Conclusion: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota, injury of intestinal mucosal barrier and BT occurred as liver cirrhosis progressed, which might enhance inflammation and aggravate liver injury. AS may have other non-antimalarial effects that modulate gut microbiota, inhibit BT and alleviate inflammation, resulting in a reduction in CCl4, alcohol and high fat-caused damages to the liver and intestine.

Aim: To compare differences between volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) using two-point Dixon fat-water separation (Dixon-VIBE) and chemically selective fat saturation (FS-VIBE) with magnetic resonance imaging examination., Methods: Forty-nine patients were included, who were scanned with two VIBE sequences (Dixon-VIBE and FS-VIBE) in hepatobiliary phase after gadoxetic acid administration. Subjective evaluations including sharpness of tumor, sharpness of vessels, strength and homogeneity of fat suppression, and artifacts that were scored using a 4-point scale. The liver-to-lesion contrast was also calculated and compared., Results: Dixon-VIBE with water reconstruction had significantly higher subjective scores than FS-VIBE in strength and homogeneity of fat suppression (< 0.0001) but lower scores in sharpness of tumor (P < 0.0001), sharpness of vessels (P = 0.0001), and artifacts (P = 0.034). The liver-to-lesion contrast on Dixon-VIBE images was significantly lower than that on FS-VIBE (16.6% ± 9.4% vs 23.9% ± 12.1%, P = 0.0001)., Conclusion: Dixon-VIBE provides stronger and more homogenous fat suppression than FS-VIBE, while has lower clarity of focal liver lesions in hepatobiliary phase after gadoxetic acid administration.

Objective: To observe the features of lipid metabolism disorders of peritoneal dialysis(PD)patients and hemodialysis(HD)patients and explore the association of lipid metabolism disorder with peritoneum transport ability and mortality., Methods: The clinical data of 127 PD patients and 95 HD patients who had received regular dialysis for more than 3 months in Peking Union Medical College Hospital since March 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.Serum lipid profiles were tested.Serum hypersensitive C reactive protein(hsCRP)was examined by immune turbidimetric method.Serum carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125)and iPTH were detected by electrochemical luminescence method.Peritoneum transport ability was evaluated through peritoneal equilibration test(PET).After a 2-year follow-up,the levels of CA125 and the peritoneum transport abilities were compared between the baseline data and the end point,and the relationship between lipid disorder and the mortality was analyzed., Results: After the 2-year follow-up,25(19.7%)PD patients died.The leading cause of death was congestive heart failure(56.0%),followed by myocardial infarction(12.0%),septic shock(12.0%),respiratory failure(8.0%),asphyxiation(8.0%),and gastrointestinal bleeding(4.0%).Compared with the survivors,the death patients were older(P=0.005),with significant lower albumin level(P=0.000)and pre-albumin level(P=0.001).However,there was no significant difference in other clinical features including body mass index(BMI),blood pressure,dialysis time,nPCR,iPTH,hemoglobin,hsCRP,and serum lipid level(all P>0.05).COX regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus(P=0.030)and mean SBP(P=0.048)were significantly associated with the mortality of PD patients.At the baseline,the CA125 level in patients with high,high average,and low average transport status of peritoneum was(38.02±64.37),(21.21±19.41),and(17.55±23.2)U/ml,respectively(P=0.09).There was no association between the transport status and lipid(TC,TG and LDL)., Conclusions: Congestive heart failure is the leading cause of death among PD patients.Diabetes and blood pressure are the dependent risk factors of mortality.Lipid disorder is associated with CA125,while its association with peritoneum transport ability or mortality was not found.

Objective: To investigate the clinical and pathologic characteristics of anti-glomerular basement membrane(GBM) disease with normal renal function., Methods: The clinical and pathologic data of 6 patients with anti-GBM disease and normal renal function in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Furthermore, 29 patients with anti-GBM disease and impaired renal function in the same period in the same hospital were enrolled as the control group. Factors that may influence the prognosis were analyzed., Results: Six (17.1%) of all 35 patients maintained normal renal function for 12-133 months during follow-up. Five patients had microhematuria and proteinuria, one had pulmonary hemorrhage only, and three manifested as Goodpasture syndrome. Renal biopsies from 4 patients revealed linear deposition of IgG 2+-3+ along the glomerular capillary walls by immunofluorescence. As shown by normal light microscopy, mild mesangial proliferation and crescentic glomerulonephritis with a large amount of fibrinoid necrosis of glomerular capillary walls were observed in different patients; however, most pathological changes were mild. Five of these six patients were treated with immunosuppressive drugs and/or plasma exchange. Compared with the control group, the 6 patients with normal renal function had significantly higher hemoglobin[(77.97±20.62 vs.(99.67±19.80 g/L P=0.024], lower titers of anti-GBM antibody[(224.34 ± 145.79 vs.(80.23 ± 85.73 EU/ml P=0.027], and lower ratio of glomeruli with crescents[(0.58±0.29 vs.(0.17±0.27 ,P=0.005]. These 6 patients with normal renal function were followed up for 12-133 months, among whom 4 patients achieved complete remission and 2 had mild proteinuria and microhematuria., Conclusion: Anti-GBM disease with normal renal function is not uncommon. Most patients have mild pathologic changes and good prognosis.

Objective: To observe the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the tubulointerstitium in type 2 diabetic KKA(y) mice and the effect of rosiglitazone on it., Methods: KKA(y) and C57 BL/6 mice aged 16 weeks ( n = 5 in each group) were sacrificed as controls before treatment. Another 20 KKA(y) mice were treated with rosiglitazone (30 mg x kg (-1) d (-1), n = 10) or placebo (n = 10). The mice were sacrificed at 20 and 24-week-age (n = 5 at each time point). Protein expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1 ), CTGF, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) , and fibronectin were assayed by Western blot, while protein CTGF, PPARgamma, and alpha-smooth muscle actin ( alpha-SMA) were assayed by immunohistochemistry in kidney tissue sections., Results: Proteinuria was significantly decreased in mice aged 24 weeks treated by rosiglitazone than same-aged mice treated with placebo [ (44. 53+/-1. 96) vs (63. 66 +/-5. 57) microg/24 h, P < 0. 05 ]. The expressions of TGF-beta1, CTGF, and fibronectin in mice aged 20 weeks treated with rosiglitazone decreased by 37% , 21% , and 52% than same-aged control (P <0. 01) , and those were decreased by 61% , 50% , and 51% in mice aged 24 weeks treated with rosiglitazone compared with same-aged control mice (P < 0. 01). CTGF in the tubulointerstitium were respectively downregulated by 25% and 44. 9% in treated mice aged 20 weeks and 24 weeks compared with the same-aged control mice ( P < 0. 01). The PPARgamma appeared in diabetic mice and increased by 18. 1% in mice aged 24 weeks and treated with rosiglitazone than the same-aged control mice (P <0. 05)., Conclusion: Heterogeneous rosiglitazone may upregulate the expression of PPARgamma in renal cortex, and remarkably inhibit the expressions of CTGF in the tubulointerstitium and renal cortex in diabetic KKA(y) mice.

Objective: To study the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the kidney of KKAy mice with type 2 diabetes., Methods: KKAy mice, a type 2 diabetic animal model, and C57BL-J mice were sacrificed at 16, 20, and 24 weeks of age, respectively. The local expression of renal laminin was analyzed with immunohistochemistry. Chromogenic substance was used to show the activity of PAI-1. The mRNA expression of tPA was determined by RT-PCR. The mRNA expression of PAI-1 was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)., Results: Laminnin expression was significantly increased in all age groups of KKAy mice. The tPA mRNA was significantly lower than that in C57BL mice, especially at the age of 16w (only 47%). Otherwise the PAI-1 mRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated than that in C57BL mice., Conclusion: In type 2 diabetes KKAy mice, the accumulation of ECM may be associated with the abnormal expression of PAI-1/tPA mRNA.

Objective: To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with renal dysfunction., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with renal dysfunction who received coronary angiography in our hospital. CIN was found in 23 patients, after angiography. We compared the clinical characteristics, medication during angiography day, volume of contrast-medium, as well as renal function changes before and after angiography in patients with (23 cases) and without (21 cases) CIN. The CIN patients were further divided into two groups according to their serum creatinine (Scr) levels: renal function recovery group (12 cases) and renal function non-recovery group (11 cases), and difference between these two groups was analyzed., Results: CIN incidence was 52.3% (23/44) in all 44 patients with renal dysfunction. CIN incidence was 42% (8/19) in patients whose Scr was between 132.6 - 168 micromol/L, was 60% (15/25) in those whose Scr was more than 176.8 micromol/L. In all 23 CIN patients, the average volume of contrast-medium was (144.79 +/- 71.8) ml, while 43.5% of the CIN patients whose dosage was over the maximum threshold of contrast-medium; the average risk factors were 5.14 +/- 1.3. Compared with the group without CIN, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed the volume of radio-contrast-medium was correlated with CIN in patients with renal dysfunction (F=10.4, P=0.003). Patients in the CIN group showed a significant rise of Scr level 24, 48, and 72 hours after angiography. However, the urine volume had no change before and after angiography. Renal function was improved in 12 of 23 patients (52.2%), and deteriorated in 11 patients (47.8%). Four patients (17.4%) received dialysis. Compared with the non-reavery group, Scr levels [(194.5 +/- 70.7) micromol/L, (443.8 +/- 282.9) micromol/L, respectively] of pre-angiography in renal function recovery group and the patients whose dosage was over maximum threshold of contrast-medium (2/12, 8/11) had significant difference (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Higher volume of contrast-medium is a risk factor of CIN in patients with renal dysfunction. Pre-angiography Scr level and the contrast-medium volume are correlated with the prognosis of CIN in such patients.

Objective: To investigate the early pathological changes of KKAy mouse model of type 2 diabetes., Methods: Five male KKAy mice and six C57BL mice each were studied at the age of 8, 16, 20 and 24 weeks. With each mouse a 24-hour urine collection was made for the tests of proteinuria. Plasma insulin, lipids, serum creatinine and urea were also measured. Renal tissues were observed to assess glomerular and tubulointerstial pathology., Results: The KKAy mice developed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and obesity by 16 weeks of age (P < 0.01). The proteinuria increased with the increasing of age (P < 0.005), but there were no changes in control. The glomerular hypertrophy was observed in KKAy mice at the age of 16 weeks. Computer map analysis system (CMIAS) indicated the expansion of mesangial matrix in KKAy mice with ageing. There was significant tubular dilation, accompanied with focal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. On electron microscopy, GBM undergo progressive thickening (P < 0.01), accompanied with podocytes fusion and increasing of proteinuria., Conclusions: KKAy mice developed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and obesity after 16 weeks, with proteinuria, mesangial matrix accumulation, GBM thickening and tubular dilation. It was considered a good animal model for the early pathology changes of DN.