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Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic with far-reaching health complications, including its role as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Increasing evidence suggests that obesity contributes to CKD through multiple mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, hemodynamic alterations, insulin resistance, and lipid accumulation. These processes can culminate in histopathological changes collectively referred to as obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and pathophysiology of ORG. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of identifying key biomarkers that facilitate the early detection of ORG. Finally, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies that offer promise in mitigating this growing global health crisis.

Abstract Background Platelets are implicated in the pathophysiology of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Platelet count (PLT) is affected by platelet loss, while mean platelet volume (MPV) by platelet replenishment. Whether platelet mass index (PMI), the product of PLT and MPV, might predict survival after ICH, remains unknown. Methods All first-ever ICH patients, admitted to Xanthi General Hospital between January 2018 and May 2020 and met eligibility criteria, were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Demographics, medical record, first-symptom-to-admission time, vital signs, modified Rankin Scale, ICH score, arterial blood gas test, complete blood count, blood biochemistry, and CT scan test were collected for each patient. PMI values on day 1 (admission; PMI1), day 2 (PMI2), and day 7 (PMI7), along with PLT, MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), were evaluated as potential predictors of 12-month survival using Repeated Measures General Linear Model. Binary discretization of predictors was based on optimal scaling and evaluated using binary regression. Results From 59 patients enrolled (aged 75.7 ± 12.0 years; 31 females), 29 were still alive 12 months after ICH. Age, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin level (Hb), and oxygen saturation (O2Sat) were correlated with 12-month survival. After adjustment for these parameters, PMI1 and PMI2 were independently correlated with 12-month survival (P = 0.048 and P = 0.004, respectively), while PMI7 was not (P = 0.332). PMI2 ≥ 2,400 fL/μL was best to discriminate survivors from non-survivors (age, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Hb, and O2Sat adjusted OR 0.123 with 95% CI: 0.023–0.694; P = 0.018). Conclusions PMI within the first day after admission for ICH might be used as early predictors of survival. Properly designed prospective studies are needed to further evaluate their contribution as such.

After a 1.5-year screening survey in the lagoons of Western Greece in order to isolate and culture sturdy species of microalgae for aquaculture or other value-added uses, as dictated primarily by satisfactory potential for their mass culture, five species emerged, and their growth was monitored in laboratory conditions. Amphidinium carterae, Nephroselmis sp., Tetraselmis sp. (var. red pappas), Asteromonas gracilis, and Dunaliella sp. were batch cultured using low (20 ppt), sea (40 ppt), and high salinity (50 or 60 or 100 ppt) and in combination with low (2000 lux) and high (8000 lux) intensity illumination. The results exhibited that all these species can be grown adequately in all salinities and with the best growth in terms of maximum cell density, specific growth rate (SGR), and biomass yield (g dry weight/L) at high illumination (8000 lux). The five species examined exhibited different responses in the salinities used, whereby Amphidinium clearly performs best in 20 ppt, far better than 40 ppt, and even more so than 50 ppt. Nephroselmis and Tetraselmis grow almost the same in 20 and 40 ppt and less well in 60 ppt. Asteromonas performs best in 100 ppt, although it can grow quite well in both 40 and 60 ppt. Dunaliella grows equally well in all salinities (20, 40, 60 ppt). Concerning the productivity, assessed as the maximum biomass yield at the end of the culture period, the first rank is occupied by Nephroselmis with ~3.0 g d.w./L, followed by Tetraselmis (2.0 g/L), Dunaliella (1.58 g/L), Amphidinium (1.19 g/L), and Asteromonas (0.7 g/L) with all values recorded at high light (8000 lux).