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Although microplastics (MPs) have become a global issue, the biodistribution and toxicities of MPs were still unclear. In this study, c57BL/6 mice were treated with submicron-sized MPs labeled with Nile red fluorescence by oral gavage three times a week for four consecutive weeks. Flow cytometry and microscopy technique were used to examine the concentration and distribution of MPs in various tissues and biofluids. The oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Submicron-sized MP signals were found in the intestines, liver, spleen, kidney, lungs, blood, and urine of mice after MP exposure. Increased oxidative stress in mouse urine and elevated inflammatory cytokines in mouse kidney were also recorded. In conclusion, flow cytometry is a useful tool for examining the number concentrations of MPs. Increased oxidative stress and inflammation after MP treatment indicates that the toxicity of MP warrants further investigation.

This preliminary study aims to prepare porous extractant-incorporated membranes (EIMs) containing base polymer cellulose triacetate (CTA), tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO), and trioctylammonium chloride (Aliquat 336) prepared by non-solvent induced phase inversion for selective removal of p-cresol from simulated serum. The surface morphology and pore structure of the EIMs were investigated using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and nitrogen sorptiometer, respectively. The functional groups and chemical composition of the EIMs were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), respectively. The interactions between uremic toxins (p-cresol, creatinine, and urea) and TOPO or Aliquat 336, studied independently by liquid-liquid extraction, were ascribed to hydrogen bonding. Batch tests showed that the addition of TOPO strongly favored p-cresol adsorption; for example, an adsorption capacity of 2.08 mmol/g of the EIM composed of 54.5 wt% CTA, 27.3 wt% Aliquat 336, and 18.2 wt% TOPO was obtained at 37 °C, compared to a negligibly small capacity for creatinine and urea. Cross-flow dynamic experiments revealed that the maximum adsorption of p-cresol in a multi-component serum was 0.75 mmol/g of the EIM under the conditions studied. The high adsorption selectivity for p-cresol may make the prepared EIMs promising and potential for efficient removal of p-cresol from simulated serum.

Cell adhesion affects carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. We datamined a published transcriptome (GSE12452) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and identified SSX2IP as a significantly upregulated gene in NPC carcinogenesis among genes associated with cell adhesion (GO:0007155). Consequently, we assessed SSX2IP protein expression and its prognostic significance in 124 patients with NPC using immunohistochemistry and the H-score method. The status of SSX2IP immunoexpression correlated with clinical and pathological characteristics, as well as oncological outcomes. High levels of SSX2IP expression were significantly associated with more advanced primary tumor and TNM stages. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses revealed that high levels of SSX2IP expression, and advanced tumor stage and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with lower rates of local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMeFS), and disease-specific (DSS) survival. Multivariate analysis showed that high levels of SSX2IP expression significantly predicted DSS (hazard ratio [HR], 4.290; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.271-8.102; p < 0.001), DMeFS (HR, 4.159' 95% CI, 2.072-8.345; p < 0.001), and LRFS (HR, 3.007' 95% CI,: 1.418-6.378; p = 0.004). We associated high levels of SSX2IP immunoexpression with aggressive pathological features and worse oncological outcomes, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for patients with NPC.

Nowadays, chronic kidney disease (CKD) becomes a principal barrier in clinical diagnosis and treatment. For clinical patients, chronic kidney disease will potentially lead to multiple lesion that increase the risk of mortality. The most significant challenge in CKD is detecting uremic toxins, including small water-soluble solutes (uric acid, urea and creatinine) and protein-bound solutes (p-cresol and indoxyl sulfate). Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform is rapid and sensitive nanotechnology for bio-detection. Thus, the floating-typed SERS substrate is prepared by embedded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the poly (diallyldimethyl-ammonium) chloride (PDDA) modified graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets for the biomolecules and uremic toxins detection. The optimal interparticle distances of AgNPs are modulated to generate the strong “hot spots” for enhancing Raman signals. The characterizations of AgNPs/GO-PDDA nanosheets are evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential, FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the floating SERS-active substrate provides quantitatively linear measurement (i.e., 3.8 × 10−2 ˜10-5 M of urea) and ultrasensitive SERS detection (i.e., detection limit of adenine: lower than 10-10 M) of biomolecules, which offers great potential for practical clinical applications in rapid and label-free detection of clinical uremic toxins.

Rationale and Objectives The main aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical validity and correlation with pathologic invasiveness in the pulmonary adenocarcinoma spectrum based on the novel qualitative computed tomography criterion for subsolid nodule (SSN) classification, which classified SSN into pure ground-glass nodule, heterogeneous ground-glass nodule, and part-solid nodule. In addition, we compared the performance of the conventional and novel classifications. Materials and Methods The computed tomography images of 41 SSN nodules were interpreted by six observers independently, and the SSN characteristics were classified according to both the conventional and the novel classification systems. Each observer assessed 41 nodules in two different classifications separated by a minimum of 8 weeks. The kappa (κ) coefficient test was used to determine the reliability. The correlation between pulmonary adenocarcinoma spectrum and the SSN classification was analyzed with Spearman correlation coefficients. Results Interobserver agreement (κ) was 0.702 (range 0.42–0.89) and 0.707 (range 0.58–0.88) for the conventional and the novel classifications for SSN, respectively, and intraobserver agreement (κ) was 0.92 and 0.88 for the conventional and the novel classifications for SSN, respectively. The novel SSN classification (correlation coefficient range 0.622–0.732) is more strongly correlated with the pathologic invasiveness degree of lesions in adenocarcinoma spectrum than the conventional SSN classification (correlation coefficient range 0.458–0.644). Conclusions The agreement between observers on the novel SSN classification system was good and had better correlation with pathologic invasiveness than the conventional SSN classification. Further studies are needed to confirm these results on interobserver agreement.

In this study, SBA-15/Fe3O4 nanocomposites were prepared by conjugating Fe3O4 nanoparticles to mesoporous silica SBA-15 particles as magnetically recoverable adsorbents. The physicochemical and magnetic properties of bare and as-prepared samples were characterized using the X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, porosimeter, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The performance of SBA-15, Fe3O4, and SBA-15/Fe3O4 nanocomposites for adsorption removal of uremic toxin urea in simulated serum was compared at 25 and 37 °C. Except for Fe3O4, both SBA-15 and SBA-15/Fe3O4 showed a high and equivalent adsorption ability for urea. Although the surface area of SBA-15/Fe3O4 nanocomposites decreased from 1167 m2/g (bare SBA-15) to 311 m2/g, the pore volume of SBA-15/Fe3O4 was not greatly decreased because most of Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated onto the surface of SBA-15 particles. The adsorption mechanism of urea on SBA-15/Fe3O4 was proposed. Finally, the cytotoxicity of SBA-15/Fe3O4 nanocomposites before and after urea adsorption for fibroblast L929 cells was studied.

Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare aggressive tumor originating from endothelial cells. We reported a 66-year-old female with primary renal angiosarcoma (PRA) who presented as urothelial carcinoma with hematuria and dysuria. Based on ureterorenoscopic tumor biopsy, the initial diagnosis suggested low-grade non-invasive urothelial carcinoma. However, the specimen retrieved from nephroureterectomy confirmed the diagnosis of primary renal angiosarcoma. Primary renal angiosarcoma could uncommonly present as urothelial carcinoma in renal pelvis. Surgical resection remains to be the most effective therapy but there is no consensus about adjuvant therapies. The overall prognosis of primary renal angiosarcoma is dismal., Highlights • Primary renal angiosarcoma is a rare disease that could mimic urothelial carcinoma. • Surgical resection is considered to be main treatment. The effectiveness osf adjuvant therapies remain to be clarified.

Although numerous epidemiological studies revealed an association between ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the PM2.5-induced neuron toxicity and associated mechanisms were not fully elucidated. The present study assessed brain toxicity in 6-month-old female triple-transgenic AD (3xTg-AD) mice following subchronic exposure to PM2.5 via an inhalation system. The treated mice were whole-bodily and continuously exposed to real-world PM2.5 for 3 months, while the control mice inhaled filtered air. Changes in cognitive and motor functions were evaluated using the Morris Water Maze and rotarod tests. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis was used to record gross brain volume alterations, and tissue staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Nissl, and immunohistochemistry methods were used to monitor pathological changes in microstructures after PM2.5 exposure. The levels of AD-related hallmarks and the oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed using Western blot analysis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Our results showed that subchronic exposure to environmental levels of PM2.5 induced obvious neuronal loss in the cortex of exposed mice, but without significant impairment of cognitive and motor function. Increased levels of phosphorylated-tau and MDA were also observed in olfactory bulb or hippocampus after PM2.5 exposure, but no amyloid pathology was detected, as reported in previous studies. These results revealed that a relatively lower level of PM2.5 subchronic exposure from the environmental atmosphere still induced certain neurodegenerative changes in the brains of AD mice, especially in the olfactory bulb, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, which is consistent with the nasal entry and spreading route for PM exposure. Systemic factors may also contribute to the neuronal toxicity. The effects of PM2.5 after a more prolonged exposure period are needed to establish a more comprehensive picture of the PM2.5-mediated development of AD.

In this study, five adsorbents including activated carbon (AC), three zeolites ZSM-5 with a molar ratio of SiO2 to Al2O3 of 23–400, and graphene oxide (GO) were selected to investigate their abilities for the clearance of three low molecular-weight uremic toxins (p-cresol, creatinine, and urea) from simulated serum at 37 °C. The physicochemical properties of the adsorbents were characterized using the X-ray powder diffractometer and porosimeter. It was found that the adsorption can be followed by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir equation better fits all adsorption isotherms than the Freundlich equation under the conditions studied. Of the three adsorbents, ZSM5-400 (ZSM-5 with Si/Al = 400) has a maximum adsorption capacity for urea (0.70 mmol/g) and GO has a maximum adsorption capacity for p-cresol (4.01 mmol/g) and creatinine (1.01 mmol/g). To efficiently treat chronic kidney disease patients case by case, the adsorption isotherms of p-cresol and creatinine on the mixed adsorbents was experimentally and theoretically studied to evaluate the possibility of using “tailor-made” adsorbents. The cell viability of the selected adsorbents at different doses for fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells was finally examined.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) increases the risks of cardiovascular disease and death in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Previous studies of risk factors for RLS in HD patients have yielded varying results. We attempted to identify risk factors for RLS in HD patients in Taiwan. This case–control study recruited 59 HD patients with RLS and 353 HD patients without RLS from the largest HD center in Taiwan during the period from April 1, 2015 through August 31, 2015. Demographic and disease characteristics, information from the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic questionnaire, and IRLSSG Severity Scale scores were collected by interview. Clinical laboratory data were abstracted from medical records and then analyzed with logistic regression and Pearson correlation analysis. A P value of less than .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. A dialysis duration of longer than 5 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.23–4.39; P = .002) and a low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ( 10), and RLS severity was significantly correlated with dialysis duration (r = .26; P = .043). Among HD patients, RLS was more common among those receiving dialysis for longer than 5 years and those with a low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical validity and correlation with pathologic invasiveness in the pulmonary adenocarcinoma spectrum based on the novel qualitative computed tomography criterion for subsolid nodule (SSN) classification, which classified SSN into pure ground-glass nodule, heterogeneous ground-glass nodule, and part-solid nodule. In addition, we compared the performance of the conventional and novel classifications.The computed tomography images of 41 SSN nodules were interpreted by six observers independently, and the SSN characteristics were classified according to both the conventional and the novel classification systems. Each observer assessed 41 nodules in two different classifications separated by a minimum of 8 weeks. The kappa (κ) coefficient test was used to determine the reliability. The correlation between pulmonary adenocarcinoma spectrum and the SSN classification was analyzed with Spearman correlation coefficients.Interobserver agreement (κ) was 0.702 (range 0.42-0.89) and 0.707 (range 0.58-0.88) for the conventional and the novel classifications for SSN, respectively, and intraobserver agreement (κ) was 0.92 and 0.88 for the conventional and the novel classifications for SSN, respectively. The novel SSN classification (correlation coefficient range 0.622-0.732) is more strongly correlated with the pathologic invasiveness degree of lesions in adenocarcinoma spectrum than the conventional SSN classification (correlation coefficient range 0.458-0.644).The agreement between observers on the novel SSN classification system was good and had better correlation with pathologic invasiveness than the conventional SSN classification. Further studies are needed to confirm these results on interobserver agreement.

We aimed to analyze CT features of persistent subsolid nodules (SSN) ≦3 cm diagnosed pathologically as adenocarcinoma spectrum to investigate whether parameters enable distinction between invasive pulmonary adenocarcinomas (IPAs) and pre-invasive lesions. A total of 129 patients with 141 SSNs confirmed with surgically pathologic proof were retrospectively reviewed. Of 141 SSNs, there were 57 pure ground-glass nodules (GGNs), 22 heterogeneous GGNs, and 62 part-solid nodules. SSN subclassification showed a significant linear trend with invasive degree of the adenocarcinoma spectrum (pure GGNs 7%; heterogeneous GGNs 36.4%; part-solid nodules 85.5%, P for trend

Primary pulmonary non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is very rare. It represents less than 1% of all NHL, and 0.5–1% of all primary pulmonary malignancies. Almost all cases of primary pulmonary NHL originate from B‐cell lineage. We present a case of a 53‐year‐old man with primary extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma of the bronchus and lung, presented progressive dyspnea caused by right lower lung consolidation, and pleural effusion. Initial chest computed tomography suggested advanced lung cancer. Bronchofiberscopy showed a polypoid tumor on which a biopsy was performed. Histologically, the diffusely infiltrative atypical cells were positive for cytoplasmic CD3, CD56, granzyme B, and negative for cytokeratin, CD20 immunostains, suggesting NK/T cell lineages. In situ hybridization for Epstein‐Barr virus encoded ribonucleic acid (EBER) was positive. Herein, we discuss the clinicopathological features of this case and review the literature on primary extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma of the lung. Compared with other patients, who died after the first cycle of chemotherapy and/or within three months, our patient had longer survival under aggressive chemotherapy and auto‐peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Primary tubulovillous adenomas are scarcely encountered in the urinary tract, and most of these tumors arise from the intestinal segments of urinary reconstruction. We report the extremely rare case of tubulovillous adenomas primarily occurring in the urinary bladder in this article. A 50-year-old female patient initially presented with painless gross hematuria for several times within 1 month. Image studies, including abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography, demonstrated one urinary bladder tumor with suspicious perivesical invasion. The diagnosis was made by a transurethral resection and histopathology, and no involvement of muscularis propria was confirmed. Although the pathogenesis and clinical behavior are not well understood, tubulovillous adenomas may have a tendency to undergo malignant transformation into the form of invasive adenocarcinomas. Complete resection and rigorous follow-up are strongly recommended.

Exposure to zinc oxide (ZnO) has been linked to adverse health effects, but the renal effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the renal toxicity of inhaled ZnONPs. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to occupationally relevant levels of 1.1 (low dose) and 4.9 mg/m3 (high dose) ZnONPs or high-efficiency particulate arresting-filtered air (HEPA-FA) via inhalation for 2 weeks. Histopathological examinations of rat kidneys were performed at 24 hours, 7 days, and 1 month after exposure. A significant increase in microscopic inflammatory foci with pronounced periglomerular inflammation and interstitial lymphocytic infiltration was found in rats exposed to low and high doses of ZnONPs compared with rats exposed to HEPA-FA at the three time points following 2 weeks of exposure. Tubulitis featuring lymphocytic infiltrate within the tubular epithelium was found after 24 hours but had disappeared at 7 and 30 days in both the low- and high-dose exposure groups. Our findings demonstrate that inhaled ZnONPs cause sustained renal periglomerular and interstitial inflammation through lymphocytic infiltration. These findings provide histopathological evidence regarding sustained renal inflammation of nanoparticle exposure in rats and may provide some insight into the occupational health effects of ZnONPs on exposed workers.

Although previous studies have demonstrated that microvascular dysfunction and inflammation occur in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We hypothesized that T cells could mediate renal vascular permeability (RVP) during IRI. We evaluated renal vascular permeability by extravasation of Evans blue dye from the kidney in CD3, CD4 or CD8 T cell deficient mice as well as in TNF receptor knock out mice in our mouse model of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury. In wild type mice, RVP was significantly increased at 3 h, peaked at 6 h and declined by 24 h after ischemia. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CD3(+) T cells trafficked into ischemic kidney at 1 h and peaked at 6 h. Gene microarray analysis demonstrated that endothelial-related genes including TNF-alpha were up-regulated in ischemic kidney. The production of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma protein was increased in CD3 and CD4 T cells from the blood and kidney after ischemia. The rise in RVP after ischemia in wild type mice was attenuated in CD3, CD4 or CD8 T cell deficient mice as well as in TNF receptor knock out mice. The attenuation of RVP in CD3 T-cell deficient mice after ischemia was restored by adoptive transfer of T cells from WT mice. Our data demonstrate that T cells directly contribute to the increased RVP after kidney ischemia-reperfusion, potentially through T cell cytokine production.

Recent evidence supports a role for an inflammatory pathogenesis of cisplatin nephrotoxicity, but immune cell-mediated mechanisms in this disease are still largely unknown. The role for T lymphocytes on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury was examined with C57BL/6 T cell-deficient (nu/nu) mice and CD4- or CD8-deficient mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. All mice received a single dose of cisplatin at 40 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) and were followed up for 72 h. At 72 h after cisplatin administration, T cell-deficient mice had a marked attenuation in renal dysfunction (serum creatinine 3.2+/-0.5 versus 0.8+/-0.1 mg/dl; P=0.007), kidney tubular injury (scores 1.44+/-0.15 versus 0.22+/-0.08; P

Tuberculosis infection is common in patients on maintenance hemodialysis, and the extrapulmonary presentations, which is usually asymptomatic, and only mild clinical presentation, are not uncommon. These hemodialysis patients were always prescribed multiple antituberculosis agents, including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, alongside their usual medication. Conscious disturbance was also frequently observed in these patients, with different paramount etiologies in the pre- and post-hemodialysis phases. We report a case undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, showing disturbed consciousness ten days following antituberculosis treatment for his established extrapulmonary tuberculosis infection. Consciousness was regained seven days later, after discontinuation of isoniazid.

The genitourinary tract is well recognized as a route through which bacteria could gain access to the blood circulation. Under some circumstances, metastatic infections may occur in distant organs, including endogenous endophthalmitis. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an unusual variant of chronic pyelonephritis. It most often occurs in middle-aged women who frequently have a history of recurrent urinary tract infections combined with obstruction and a kidney of poor function. We reported an unusual case of urinary tract infection in a non-nephrolithiasis and non-obstructive urinary tract complicated by Klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis and developed XGP in two months.

In spite of the better efficiency of on-line hemodiafiltration (HDF) compared with conventional hemodialysis (HD), it is relatively expensive. The aim of this study was to assess the advantages in the biochemical, hemodynamic and clinical effects in uremic patients treated with on-line HDF and with different frequencies of combination high-flux HD.One hundred eleven patients were divided into four groups receiving different frequencies of on-line HDF (thrice, twice, once per week) and high-flux HD.Hemodynamic parameters including maximum drop of systolic blood pressure, episodes of symptomatic hypotension and mean saline infusion volumes during dialysis were reduced when frequencies of on-line HDF were increased. Significant improvements in urea kinetic were observed when frequencies of on-line HDF were increased. On-line HDF significantly reduced the amount of erythropoietin needed and improved intra- and inter-dialysis symptoms, physical well-being, menstruation and skin pigmentation when frequency of HDF is increased to three time per week.On-line HDF offers a better cardiovascular stability and clinical improvement. Thrice weekly on-line HDF offers a significant benefit when compared with lower frequencies of HDF per week and high-flux HD.

We compared the acute and long-term outcomes of stentings in coronary vessels3.0 mm, 3.0-2.5 mm, and2.5 mm. A total of 1,152 patients underwent coronary stenting was divided into three groups based on the reference vessel size. Group A consisted of 598 patients (667 lesions) with a reference vessel diameter3.0 mm, group B 485 patients (544 lesions) with a reference vessel diameter of 3.0-2.5 mm, and group C 114 patients (119 lesions) with a reference vessel diameter2.5 mm. The procedural success, stent thrombosis, and in-hospital cardiac event rate were similar in the three groups. At 6-month angiographic follow-up, the lesion restenotic rate was significantly higher in the small-vessel group (14%, 22%, and 26% in groups A, B, and C, respectively; P = 0.011). These differences appeared to result from a lesser acute gain and a lesser net gain in small-vessel group; the late luminal loss was similar in the three groups. During a follow-up duration of 28 +/- 3 months, group C patients had a significantly lower rate of event-free survival than the group A and B patients (71% vs. 85% and 82%; P = 0.002). Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that complex lesion (P = 0.032) and long lesion (P = 0.046) are independent predictors of restenosis in very-small-vessel (2.5 mm) stenting. In conclusion, the acute results of stenting in small coronary arteries appear safe and feasible with a high procedural success rate and a low incidence of stent thrombosis. Stenting in patients with a small coronary artery appears to have a similar in-hospital cardiac event rate, but a higher angiographic restenosis rate and a lower event-free survival rate, compared to stenting in patients with a larger coronary artery. The predictors of restenosis in very-small-vessel stenting are complex lesions and long lesions. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:314-322.

A 41-year-old man presented with bilateral leg numbness and paraparesis for 3 months. MRI showed a circumferential long epidural mass extending from T2 to T4 level (figure 1). Histologic examination demonstrated dense fibrous tissue with inflammatory infiltrate (figure 2). By exclusion of trauma, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases, idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) was diagnosed.

The elderly patients are the fastest-growing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population in Taiwan. Assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been employed to overcome the barriers to PD. The aim of this retrospective, single-center study was to describe the status of assisted PD and the impact of type of assistance on peritonitis in elderly patients in Taiwan.One hundred and two patients initiated PD at the age of 65 or older between 2000 and 2008; 79 episodes of peritonitis occurred during the follow-ups. The patients and episodes of peritonitis were divided into three groups based on the type of assistance: (1) self-care: patients performing dialysis independently, (2) family: patients whose dialysis was performed by family, (3) caregiver: patients whose dialysis was performed by a private caregiver. Patient characteristics and incidence, etiology and outcomes of peritonitis were compared.There were 26 (25.5%), 44 (43.1%), and 32 (31.4%) patients in the self-care, family, and caregiver groups, respectively. The overall peritonitis rate was 1/33 patient-months. Patients in the caregiver group were older and had more comorbidities than the self-care group. They had a trend of higher overall peritonitis rate (1/24 patient-months, P = 0.077) and fungal peritonitis rate (P = 0.060) compared to the self-care and family groups, but this was statistically non-significant.Three-fourths of elderly PD patients in the present study required assistance from family members or private caregivers. Caregiver-assisted patients were significantly older and had more comorbidities. Also, a non-significant trend of higher peritonitis incidence was observed in these patients.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is usually associated with a chronic inflammatory disease or autoimmune disorders from which lymphoid tissue of MALT type arises as a prerequisite for lymphoma proliferation. Primary hematopoietic neoplasms of the larynx are rare. MALT lymphomas of the larynx are believed to arise from preexisting or acquired lymphoid tissue of the upper airway which is documented in the supraglottic region. Therefore, these are mainly located in the supraglottic and glottic areas, with only a few reported in the subglottic region. We report on a 50-year-old woman with a hoarseness, stridor, and developing exertional dyspnea. On indirect laryngoscope, multiple nodular lesions with smooth surface over the subglottis with subglottic steonsis was found. The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a MALT lymphoma. We hope to promote awareness and consideration of MALT lymphoma in the differential diagnosis in subglottic steonsis.

The impact of ultrapure dialysis on dialysate-related chronic inflammatory status and anemia in uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) remains uncertain. We evaluated ultrapure dialysate effects on erythropoietin (EPO) response and inflammatory status in a prospective, randomized, cross-over study.Thirty-four HD patients were divided into two groups. One group was treated with conventional dialysate and the other group with ultrapure dialysate for 6 months and crossed over for another 6 months. Bacteria growth and dialysate endotoxin were examined. Parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) dose, ferritin, iron saturation and serum albumin were measured at the start, and at 6 and 12 months.The endotoxin levels reduced significantly in the ultrapure dialysate by adding a dialysate ultrafilter. After a 6-month treatment with ultrapure dialysate, there were statistically significant differences in the systemic inflammation markers between both groups. Changing from conventional to ultrapure dialysis fluid significantly reduced CRP (7.01 +/- 5.059 to 4.461 +/- 3.754 mg/L, p0.05), and resulted in reduced rHuEPO doses (12500 +/- 7060 to 10440 +/- 7050 U/month, p0.05). Continuous conventional dialysate use was not associated with significant alternations in CRP (from 5.849 +/- 7.744 to 6.187 +/- 7.997 mg/L, p=0.456) and rHuEPO dose (14060 +/- 6210 to 15060 +/- 7250U/month, p0.05). The ferritin level reduced significantly (422 +/- 183 to 272 +/- 162 mcg/L, p0.05) in the ultrapure dialysate group. After another 6-month cross-over, the study parameters were reversed among the two groups indicating the beneficial effect of ultrapure dialysis.Through endotoxin reduction in conventional dialysate, ultrapure dialysis in dialysis patients manifested a reduced inflammatory parameter, reduced rHuEPO dose and improved iron utilization; and therefore, could be beneficial in anemia treatment.

Rat fetal kidney mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR to identify protein kinases. This screening demonstrated expression of a protein kinase consistent with SK2, a group II germinal center kinase and homolog of human Ste20-like kinase (SLK). SK2 mRNA, protein expression, and kinase activity were increased in rat fetal kidney homogenates ( embryonic days 17–21) compared with adult controls. In adult kidneys subjected to cross-clamping of the renal artery, followed by reperfusion, SK2 mRNA, protein expression, and kinase activity were increased compared with untreated contralateral controls. By immunohistochemistry, SK2 expression was evident mainly in the cytoplasm of tubular epithelial cells in fetal and adult kidneys. There was also some expression in developing and mature podocytes, but staining of the interstitium was negative. In cultured renal tubular epithelial cells, SK2 kinase activity was increased after incubation with serum, or after exposure to chemical anoxia plus reexposure to glucose. Stable overexpression of SLK reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis and exacerbated apoptosis and necrosis after chemical anoxia plus reexposure to glucose. Thus SK2 is a renal epithelial protein kinase whose expression and activity are increased during development and recovery from acute renal failure, where tubular epithelial regeneration may recapitulate developmental processes. The actions of SK2 appear to be antiproliferative and may facilitate cell injury.