bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
#6323 RENAL CONTRAST-ENHANCED ULTRASOUND AND GLOMERULONEPHRITIS: A GOOD MARKER OF DISEASE ACTIVITY
Authors: Urciuolo Federica , Ambrogio Martina , De Luca Gianmarco , Pizzolante Fabrizio , Baccaro Rocco , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Costanzi Stefano 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could provide a lot of information of renal blood flow. Renal blood flow is an excellent marker of inflammatory and fibrotic processes in the kidney such as glomerulonephritis. Therefore, in patients with these diseases, renal CEUS can be both a prognostic marker and an index of response to therapy. Currently in the literature there are preliminary studies showing the role of CEUS in terms of histology and outcome in the evaluation of patients with glomerulonephritis. In this pilot study we used perfusion CEUS parameters (WiR and WoR; WiAUC and WoAUC) as possible markers of renal microvascular damage. We compared the perfusion parameters with the clinical and histological findings of our patients.

Method
Eighteen patients with clinical and laboratory signs of glomerulonephritis were enrolled. All patients underwent ultrasound-assisted renal biopsy and B-mode ultrasound examination, color Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Time Intensity (TI) curves were obtained from renal CEUS. TI curves and several quantitative perfusion parameters were defined using VueBox® Quantitation Software.

Results
From April to October 2022, 18 patients (12 men and 6 women) with clinical and laboratory suspicion of glomerular disease were enrolled. Median age was 48.05 years, all patients underwent renal biopsy and contrast-enhanced ultrasound at basal condition. Table 1 shows patients characteristics. CKD patients were stratified into two groups according to their eGFR: group I (eGFR &lt; 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, n. = 4) and group II (eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, n. = 3). Moreover, we divided patients into two groups based on the presence of nephrotic-range proteinuria (≥ 3.5 g/24h). At this time, seven patient data are suitable for analysis. The small sample size at present does not allow for statistical significance. However, in our study, the persistence of contrast agent signal during the wash-out phase was differed markedly in correlation with the degree of CKD. In particular, we observed a slower wash-in phase in the presence of vascular hyalinosis (Fig. 1).

Conclusion
Our experience seems to confirm that CEUS parameters can be excellent indicators both in terms of patient disease outcomes and histological data. CEUS can effectively and quantitatively demonstrate renal microvascular perfusion in patients with glomerulonephritis. Future goal is that CEUS could also be a prognostic and follow-up marker after renal biopsy in patients with glomerulonephritis.
#6348 HFR USING A HIGH-FLUX DIALYZER (SUPRA-H) AS NEW EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO ON-LINE HEMODIAFILTRATION: A SINGLE SESSION ANALYSIS
Authors: Antón Alejandro Valero , Martínez-Gómez María Amparo , Pérez-Sánchez Laura , Peiró Julio , Moya Mercedes González , Vizcaíno Belén , Rodrigo María , Quilis Aina , Ureña Paula Gandía , Parra Manuel , Calabuig Maria Asuncion Sancho , Climente Mónica , Estañ Nuria , Molina Mariola D , Molina Pablo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Hemodiafiltration with regeneration of the ultrafiltrate (HFR) is a highly biocompatible dialysis technique that combines convection, diffusion, and adsorption. SUPRA-H is a new HFR system which uses a high-flux dialyzer in the diffusive stage to improve large uremic toxin removal. The aim of our study was to compare the toxin removal of the SUPRA-H system with high-volume online-hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF).

Method
In an open, randomized, cross-over, single-center, controlled study, 16 adult chronic hemodialysis patients were treated with SUPRA-H or OL-HDF. Hemodialysis sessions were delivered with Flexya dialysis monitor (Medtronic) in the middle-week session, lasting four hours. OL-HDF session was performed in post-dilution mode with the same high-flux dialyzer (Phylter HF17G, Medtronic) as that used in the diffusive stage of the SUPRA-H system. All other dialysis parameters were kept constant in both study arms. The reduction rate (RR) of urea, creatinine, phosphate, β2-microglobulin (β2mglob), kappa (κFLC) and lambda (λFLC) free light chains, interleukin-6 (IL-6) p-Cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate and albumin, was intraindividually compared for the two dialysis types with linear mixed models.

Results
Whereas urea RR was significantly lower, SUPRA-H had significantly higher RR for κFLC (Median: 58.63%, IQR: 49.91-70.24) than those obtained with OL-HDF (Median: 51.97%, IQR: 37.12-62.71); p = 0.03). The RRs for the other large and protein-bound uremic toxins tended to be higher with the SUPRA-H system (Figure 1). There were no significant differences in the RRs for creatinine, phosphate, IL-6, and albumin.

Conclusion
The new HFR system SUPRA-H, appears to be a potential technologic step ahead in terms of improved large molecule removal for dialysis patients, and might contribute to a more adequate dialysis therapy.
#6352 CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR SPECTRUM OF V-LESION
Authors: Buxeda Anna , Pérez-Saéz María José , Huacon Betty Odette Chamoun , Gimeno Javier , Rodriguez Irina Torres , Pascual Julio , Mengel Michael , Adam Benjamin , Crespo Marta 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Isolated v-lesion is an increasingly recognized but clinically challenging entity. Some studies suggest that isolated v+ early post-transplant may be caused by non-alloimmune etiologies such as ischemic injury. We aimed to characterize the allograft outcomes of isolated v-lesions according to post-transplant time (early: ≤1 month vs. late: &gt;1 month) and further understand the significance of this lesion by characterizing its molecular phenotype in comparison with other forms of rejection v+.

Method
The NanoString B-HOT panel (770 genes) was used to measure the expression of six literature-derived gene sets in 92 archival FFPE kidney biopsies from two centers, including transplant biopsies with isolated v-lesion (n = 23), antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) with v+ (n = 26), pure T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) with v+ (n = 10), mixed rejection v+ (n = 23), and normal implant biopsies (Normal, n = 10). The evaluated gene sets included transcripts previously associated with ABMR, DSA (DSAST), endothelial injury (ENDAT), TCMR, early injury, and late injury. Gene expression was compared between groups using principal component and class comparison analyses. Death-censored graft survival according to diagnosis and time after KT was assessed.

Results
Isolated v+ early conferred the worst death-censored graft survival one year after the biopsy (40%) when compared to isolated v+ late (100%) or other forms of rejection (≥82%, p = 0.034). The principal component analysis demonstrated significant molecular overlap between sample groups (PC1: 29.4%, PC2: 8.1%). However, gene set analysis showed lower expression of TCMR-related genes in isolated v+ groups compared to TCMR and mixed rejection (p&lt;0.001). Both Isolated v+ early and late had lower ABMR-related genes than ABMR, mixed rejection, and TCMR groups (p ≤ 0.022). Moreover, isolated v+ late showed lower DSAST and ENDAT gene set expression than ABMR (p ≤ 0.046); and lower early injury gene set expression than isolated v+ early, ABMR, TCMR, and mixed rejection (p ≤ 0.026). Late injury gene set expression was highest in TCMR and mixed rejection compared to the other groups (p ≥ 0.034).

Conclusion
These results suggest that early and late isolated v+ lesions display lower expression of TCMR-related genes than TCMR and mixed rejection and lower expression of ABMR-related genes than ABMR. Isolated v+ early confers a bad prognosis and is associated with higher expression of early injury genes compared to isolated v+ late, suggesting a different ethology.
#6368 PLATELET TO LYMPHOCYTE RATIO AND SICKLE CELL NEPHROPATHY
Authors: Kabasele Dieu Merci Betukumesu , Michel Aloni , Orly Kazadi , Ehungu Gini , Mbenza Longo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was introduced as cheap and readily assessed biologic markers of subclinical inflammation in sickle cell disease. Microalbuminuria and hyperfiltration, early markers of Sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) have been reported to be associated with platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). This association has not yet been assessed in Congolese Sickle cell disease (SCD) children. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the association between PLR and early markers of kidney disease in SCD children living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Method
In this cross-sectional study, we have investigated 175 SCD children from four centers (Kinshasa university clinics, CMMASS, CMD Diamand, and Biamba Marie Mutumbo Dikembe) that give a comprehensive care to SCD patients. The PLR were calculated from full blood count. Elevated albuminuria and hyperfiltration, as the main outcomes of the study, were defined by urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration ratio (eGFR) &gt;130 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for females and &gt;140 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for males, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between RPL and early sickle cell nephropathy.

Results
Of the 175 SCD children enrolled, 41(23.4%) and 67(38.3%) of them presented with abnormal albuminuria and hyperfiltration, respectively. RPL &gt;130 was observed in 90 (51.4%) patients. RPL was strongly, significantly and independently associated with both abnormal albuminuria (aOR 3,381; IC95% 2, 22-1, 63; p = 0,000) and hyperfiltration (aOR 2, 19; 95%IC 2, 98 - 22, 25; p = 0,010).

Conclusion
The present study has shown that nearly fifty two out of one hundred SCD children bear a high platelet to lymphocyte ratio that is strongly and significantly associated with early markers of kidney disease.
#6419 PYTHON LANGUAGE TO APPLY DATA SCIENCE METHOD TO DAILY DIALYSIS PATIENT CARE
Authors: Donini Ugo , Donini Sara 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Python is a high-level programming language. It was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991 and it is known for being user-friendly thanks to a readable code and a clear syntax. Python is widely used in scientific computing and big data analysis. Dialysis monitors can collect and record a wealth of data concerning the patient during dialysis. The purpose of this study is: 1) writing a Python code that automatically processes dialysis data from a selected period and a) provides printouts with the most significant values acquired; b) prepares graphs to visualize the trend in the progression of the selected parameters over time. The printouts and graphs should help set up each dialysis session. 2) Stimulating the formation of a Python community within the nephrologists for the development of the data science style in daily practice.

Method
Hemodialysis sessions were carried out using monitors of Fresenius Medical Care (FMC) mod. 5008. FMC's Therapy Support Suite (TSS) application allows data obtained from the monitor and data entered by the nurse during the dialysis session to be saved on a dedicated server. TSS selected data are then exported to excel file. Using the open-source Python 3.9 program, with the support of Pandas, Numpy and Seaborn libraries, a code was written in order to: 1) load the excel file with the selected data, 2) isolate the data of interest, on a selected period of time, concerning patients currently on dialysis. 3) create the tables and graphs for individual patients to set up the current dialysis session.

Results
Running the Python script produces three main sheets to check body weight (W), hemoglobin (HB) values, and blood pressure (BP) values. Other parameters are also examined graphically, drawing the linear regression line of the main parameter and the superimposed plot of other parameters.

Conclusion
Data collected during individual dialysis sessions can provide valuable information about a patient's condition and help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about their treatment. Python and its libraries provide the nephrology community with an open source and easy-to-use tool to automatically process each patient's data scientifically. In daily practice this method helps better understand and evaluate the dialysis treatment.
#6440 C1Q-BINDING ANTI-HLA DONOR-SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES AND LONG-TERM KIDNEY GRAFT OUTCOMES
Authors: Gniewkiewicz Michal , Czerwinska Katarzyna , Zielniok Katarzyna , Durlik Magdalena 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Immunological response mediated by anti-HLA donor specific antibodies plays an important role in renal allograft injury in kidney transplant recipients. Several characteristics of donor-specific antibodies such as HLA class, specificity, mean fluorescence intensity, IgG subclass and C1q-binding capacity can be assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of circulating anti-HLA donor-specific and their characteristics, including C1q-binding capacity, on long-term kidney graft outcomes.

Method
One hundred eight patients from our transplant center, who underwent kidney allograft biopsy within three to twenty-four months after renal transplantation from brain-dead deceased donor between 2018 and 2020, were included in the study. At the time of biopsy patients’ sera were collected and stored for analysis. Samples were tested for anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies and their characteristics. Antibodies with mean fluorescence intensity &gt; 500 were considered positive.

Results
Median time of follow-up of patients was thirty-nine months. Out of nineteen patients with detected donor-specific antibodies, ten patients were identified with immunodominant donor-specific antibodies with C1q-binding capacity (out of them, six patients had anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies detected also before transplantation). C1q-binding antibodies were IgG1 (six patients), IgG3 (three patients) and IgG1+IgG3 (one patient). Presence at the time of biopsy of donor-specific antibodies and their C1q-binding capacity were independent predictors (HR = 5.13, p &lt; 0.001 and HR = 14.64, p &lt; 0.001; respectively) of inferior kidney graft outcomes (composite of 30% reduction from eGFR at biopsy or death-censored graft loss).

Conclusion
Detection of donor-specific antibodies and their C1q-binding capacity might provide prognostic information in post-transplant monitoring in kidney transplant recipients.
#6456 DSA-NEGATIVE MICROVASCULAR INFLAMMATION IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT BIOPSIES: GENE EXPRESSION COMPARISON WITH NATIVE AND TRANSPLANT KIDNEY CONTROLS
Authors: Buxeda Anna , Fixsen Ivy , Gibson Ian , Wiebe Chris , Nickerson Peter , Campbell Patricia , Fernandez Natalia Inmaculada Polanco , Crespo Marta , Mengel Michael , Adam Benjamin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Microvascular inflammation (MVI) in kidney transplant (KT) biopsies from patients without detectable anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA) presents a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. This study aimed to further understand the significance of these changes by characterizing their molecular phenotype compared to other native and transplant kidney biopsies.

Method
The NanoString B-HOT panel (770 genes) was used to measure the expression of six literature-derived gene sets in 195 archival FFPE kidney biopsies from four centers, including transplant biopsies with MVI (g+ptc&gt;1) but no detectable DSA (MVI, n = 47), antibody-mediated rejection with DSA (ABMR, n = 42), pure T-cell mediated rejection without DSA (TCMR, n = 25), mixed MVI and TCMR without DSA (MVI+TCMR, n = 47), normal implant biopsies (Normal, n = 11), and native kidney biopsies with either endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN, n = 12) or minimal change disease (MCD, n = 11). The evaluated gene sets included transcripts previously associated with ABMR, DSA (DSAST), endothelial injury (ENDAT), TCMR, early injury, and late injury. Gene expression was compared between groups using principal component and class comparison analyses.

Results
Principal component analysis demonstrated significant molecular overlap between sample groups (Fig. 1A). However, gene set analysis showed lower expression of ABMR-related, DSAST (Fig. 1B), and ENDAT gene sets in DSA-negative MVI compared to ABMR. DSAST and ENDAT gene set expression was similar between MVI, MVI+TCMR, and TCMR groups; but higher than native biopsies (p ≤ 0.002). TCMR and early injury gene set expression was higher in TCMR than all other groups (p ≤ 0.002), except MVI+TCMR. Late injury gene set expression was lower in MVI compared to ABMR, MVI+TCMR, and TCMR groups (p ≤ 0.031); but higher than the Normal and MCD groups (p ≥ 0.016).

Conclusion
These results suggest that DSA-negative MVI displays a lower expression of ABMR-related genes than ABMR, but similar to MVI+TCMR and higher than native kidney biopsies with or without glomerulonephritis. Further work is underway to evaluate the potential role of non-HLA DSA and recognition of missing self in these cases.
#6489 UNI-494 DOES NOT SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT RAT RESPIRATORY FUNCTION
Authors: Reddy Guru , Gupta Pramod , Khare Atul , Gupta Shalabh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Nicorandil, a selective mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel activator, may be beneficial for several disease states, including acute kidney injury. However, its clinical use is limited by serious gastrointestinal side effects and rapid absorption and elimination. UNI-494, a novel nicorandil prodrug designed to improve its pharmacologic properties, may increase the short half-life and improve the safety profile of nicorandil. We present safety results from a safety pharmacology study evaluating the effects of UNI-494 on respiratory function in a rat model.

Method
The effects of UNI-494 on respiratory function (peak inspiratory and expiratory flow, inspiratory and expiratory time, minute volume, and respiratory rate) were evaluated using whole body plethysmography test in 4 groups of male Wistar Han rats (n = 8 per group). In addition to a control group, 3 test groups were administered doses of 2, 20, or 200 mg UNI-494/kg. Airway function parameter data generated were acquired using specialized EMKA Technologies software (IOX version 2.9.5; DATANLYST version 2.6.1) connected to Emka plethysmographic equipment. Recordings were taken 3 hours before and 4 hours after administration of the control and test items. Effects were reported at 0, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after administration.

Results
UNI-494 had no relevant effects on rat respiratory function over the 240-minute test period at any dose (2, 20, or 200 mg UNI-494/kg). There were small but insignificant differences in peak inspiratory and expiratory flow (Figure 1, 2), minute volume, respiratory rate, and inspiratory and expiratory time between the control group and the 200 mg UNI-494/kg group.

Conclusion
Rat respiratory function was not significantly affected by UNI-494. Future studies should continue to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel drug.
#6499 The CIRCRNA–MIRNA–MRNA REGULATORY NETWORK AND THE POTENTIAL ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE PATHOGENESIS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Authors: Fengping Zheng , Tan Lishan , Yang Guang , Lai Zhiwei , LI Sanmu , Xiong Zibo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
This study aimed to explore the possible role of plasma and PBMCs circular RNA (circRNA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Method
Total RNA was extracted from blood plasma samples obtained from 10 patients with SLE and 10 healthy controls and subjected to microarray analysis to define the profile of circRNA expression. The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification (qRT-PCR) was conducted. The overlapped circRNA between PBMCs and plasma was performed, the interactions with microRNAs were predicted, the miRNA target mRNA was predicted, and the GEO database was used. The Gene ontology and pathway analysis was performed.

Results
131 upregulated and 314 significantly downregulated circRNAs were identified in the plasma of patients with SLE by the Fold change criteria (≥2.0) and P &lt; 0.05. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of has-circRNA-102531, has-circRNA-103984, and has-circRNA-104262 was increased in plasma of SLE, and the expression of has-circRNA-102972, has-circRNA-102006, has-circRNA-104313 was decreased in plasma of SLE. 28 upregulated circRNAs and 119 downregulated circRNAs were overlapped from PBMCs and plasma, and ubiquitination was enriched. Furthermore, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed in SLE after analyzing dataset GSE61635 from GEO. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network comprises 54 circRNAs, 41 miRNAs, and 580 mRNAs. In addition, the TNF signaling pathway and the MAPK pathway were enriched from the mRNA of the miRNA target.

Conclusion
We described differentially expressed circRNAs in plasma and PBMCs, and the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. The network's circRNAs could be a potential diagnostic biomarker and potentially play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of SLE.
#6508 THE EFFECTS AND MECHANISM OF BRAIN-TARGETING DRUG-LOADED EXOSOMES ON ADRIAMYCIN NEPHROPATHY MODEL
Authors: Tan Lishan , Yang Guang , Fengping Zheng , Lai Zhiwei , LI Sanmu , Xiong Zibo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common clinical syndrome, and the current clinical efficacy is still limited. Our previous study confirmed that a small amount of losartan injected into the central lateral ventricle can effectively protect the kidneys, but the route of administration limits its clinical application. As a drug carrier, exosomes have several advantages and are expected to support drug delivery. Therefore, this study aims to develop a brain-targeting exosome complex to provide a new idea for the treatment of CKD.

Method
In this study, the brain-targeting exosome complex (ExoACP) was synthesized by co-cultivation. The markers of ExoACP were detected by immunoblotting. The structure and particle size distribution were observed by TEM and NTA. Angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan (ExoACP@Los) was loaded on ExoACP by electroporation. The mice of Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy were divided into 5 groups: Control, ADR, ADR + Los (IG), ADR + ExoACP (iv.), ADR + ExoACP@Los (iv.). Corresponding treatment was given every other day from the 3rd week after modeling, and all mice were sacrificed at the 5th week, serum and renal tissue was collected for the following experiments.

Results
This study found that the exosome markers of ExoACP were highly expressed. The Exo and Ang-CP05-Exo were disc-like structures, and the size of the latter was larger than that of the former, suggesting that ExoACP was successfully modified on the surface of Exo. The modification efficiency of ExoACP on Exo was as high as 96.1%. Compared with free Exo, the distribution of ExoACP in brain was increased. Blood biochemical results showed that ExoACP and ExoACP@Los had no apparent side-effects on mice (Figure 1). In-vivo, ExoACP@Los treatment significantly improved the levels of kidney function in mice with ADR nephropathy. ExoACP@Los could significantly reduce renal tubular damage, interstitial fibrosis area and degree of glomerular sclerosis, suggesting that ExoACP@Los could improve the injury of renal tissue (Figure 2).

Conclusion
This study synthesized a drug-loaded exosome complex with brain targeting and good biocompatibility, and significantly improved renal function, renal tissue damage and collagen fiber deposition in the ADR model.