Cardiorespiratory fitness and sports activities in children and adolescents with solitary functioning kidney.

PubMed

Tancredi, Giancarlo; Lambiase, Caterina; Favoriti, Alessandra; Ricupito, Francesca; Paoli, Sara; Duse, Marzia; De Castro, Giovanna; Zicari, Anna Maria; Vitaliti, Giovanna; Falsaperla, Raffaele; Lubrano, Riccardo

2016-04-27

An increasing number of children with chronic disease require a complete medical examination to be able to practice physical activity. Particularly children with solitary functioning kidney (SFK) need an accurate functional evaluation to perform sports activities safely. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of regular physical activity on the cardiorespiratory function of children with solitary functioning kidney. Twenty-nine patients with congenital SFK, mean age 13.9 ± 5.0 years, and 36 controls (C), mean age 13.8 ± 3.7 years, underwent a cardiorespiratory assessment with spirometry and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing. All subjects were divided in two groups: sedentary (S) and trained (T) patients, by means of a standardized questionnaire about their weekly physical activity. We found that mean values of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and exercise time (ET) were higher in T subjects than in S subjects. Particularly SFK-T presented mean values of VO2max similar to C-T and significantly higher than C-S (SFK-T: 44.7 ± 6.3 vs C-S: 37.8 ± 3.7 ml/min/kg; p < 0.0008). We also found significantly higher mean values of ET (minutes) in minutes in SFK-T than C-S subjects (SFK-T: 12.9 ± 1.6 vs C-S: 10.8 ± 2.5 min; p <0.02). Our study showed that regular moderate/high level of physical activity improve aerobic capacity (VO2max) and exercise tolerance in congenital SFK patients without increasing the risks for cardiovascular accidents and accordingly sports activities should be strongly encouraged in SFK patients to maximize health benefits.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with congenital solitary pelvic kidney treated with novel hybrid technique.

PubMed

Malinowski, Michael J; Al-Nouri, Omar; Hershberger, Richard; Halandras, Pegge M; Aulivola, Bernadette; Cho, Jae S

2014-08-01

Renal ectopia in the rare condition of associated abdominal aortic aneurysm presents a difficult clinical challenge with respect to access to the aorto-iliac segment and preservation of renal function because of its anomalous renal arterial anatomy and inevitable renal ischemia at the time of open repair. Multiple operative techniques are described throughout the literature to cope with both problems. We report a case of a 57-year-old male with an aorto-iliac aneurysm and a congenital solitary pelvic kidney successfully treated by hybrid total renal revascularization using iliorenal bypass followed by unilateral internal iliac artery coil embolization and conventional endovascular aortic aneurysm repair without any clinical evidence of renal impairment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simple Kidney Cysts

MedlinePlus

... Solitary Kidney Your Kidneys & How They Work Simple Kidney Cysts What are simple kidney cysts? Simple kidney cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled ... that form in the kidneys. What are the kidneys and what do they do? The kidneys are ...

Revisiting Sports Precautions in Children With Solitary Kidneys and Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract.

PubMed

Papagiannopoulos, Dimitri; Gong, Edward

2017-03-01

This review article explores sports and recreational precautions in children with solitary kidneys. In 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics published recommendations for activity in children with medical conditions. Those with solitary kidneys were graded a "qualified yes": no restriction in noncontact sports, and individual assessment for limited-contact, contact, and collision sports. Recent trauma data suggest that classification according to the degree of contact is inaccurate. We propose an updated, data-driven classification of sports or recreation according to the risk of high-grade renal trauma or loss of renal unit. Given the paucity of literature on the topic and lack of consensus, children with congenital renal anomalies should exercise caution in both sports and recreation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

'Trifecta' outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in solitary kidney: a Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database analysis.

PubMed

Arora, Sohrab; Abaza, Ronney; Adshead, James M; Ahlawat, Rajesh K; Challacombe, Benjamin J; Dasgupta, Prokar; Gandaglia, Giorgio; Moon, Daniel A; Yuvaraja, Thyavihally B; Capitanio, Umberto; Larcher, Alessandro; Porpiglia, Francesco; Porter, James R; Mottrie, Alexander; Bhandari, Mahendra; Rogers, Craig

2018-01-01

To analyse the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with a solitary kidney in a large multi-institutional database. In all, 2755 patients in the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database underwent RAPN by 22 surgeons at 14 centres in nine countries. Of these patients, 74 underwent RAPN with a solitary kidney between 2007 and 2016. We retrospectively analysed the functional and oncological outcomes of these 74 patients. A 'trifecta' of outcomes was assessed, with trifecta defined as a warm ischaemia time (WIT) of <20 min, negative surgical margins, and no complications intraoperatively or within 3 months of RAPN. All 74 patients underwent RAPN successfully with one conversion to radical nephrectomy. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) operative time was 180 (142-230) min. Early unclamping was used in 11 (14.9%) patients and zero ischaemia was used in 12 (16.2%). Trifecta outcomes were achieved in 38 of 66 patients (57.6%). The median (IQR) WIT was 15.5 (8.75-20.0) min for the entire cohort. The overall complication rate was 24.1% and the rate of Clavien-Dindo grade ≤II complications was 16.3%. Positive surgical margins were present in four cases (5.4%). The median (IQR) follow-up was 10.5 (2.12-24.0) months. The median drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 months was 7.0 mL/min/1.72 m 2 (11.01%). Our findings suggest that RAPN is a safe and effective treatment option for select renal tumours in solitary kidneys in terms of a trifecta of negative surgical margins, WIT of <20 min, and low operative and perioperative morbidity. © 2017 The Authors BJU International © 2017 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Safety and feasibility of day case ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (URSL) in patients with a solitary kidney

PubMed Central

Ghosh, Anngona

2016-01-01

Introduction The management of nephrolithiasis in patients with a solitary kidney poses a treatment challenge. The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation (URSL) for renal stones in these patients treated in our university teaching hospital. Material and methods Between July 2012 and December 2014, seventeen cases of URSL for stones in a solitary kidney were reviewed. Patient demographics, stone dimensions, perioperative and post-operative outcomes were recorded in a prospectively maintained database. Serum creatinine levels pre-procedure and at follow-up were also compared. Results Seventeen cases of URSL were conducted with a mean age of 52.9 ±19.9 years. 8 of the 17 (47%) patients had stones in multiple locations and 13 (76%) were in the lower pole. The mean ± SD stone size and BMI were 13.0 ±8.9 mm and 31.6 ±5.8 kg/m2, respectively. The stone free rate (SFR) was 82.5%. Fourteen (82.5%) patients were discharged the same day and 16 cases (94%) were discharged within 24 hours. For patients with deranged pre-operative serum creatinine, the mean serum creatinine level improved from 131.2 ±68.3 µmol/L pre-URSL to 106.5 ±36.7 µmol/L at follow-up. There was one Clavien grade II complication with a patient requiring additional antibiotics for post-operative urinary tract infection. There were no other major or minor complications. Conclusions Day case ureteroscopy for stone disease in a solitary kidney is safe and feasible with a low complication rate and an overall improvement in renal function. PMID:27123333

Amyloidosis and Kidney Disease

MedlinePlus

... Solitary Kidney Your Kidneys & How They Work Amyloidosis & Kidney Disease What is amyloidosis? Amyloidosis is a rare ... the organs and tissues affected. What are the kidneys and what do they do? The kidneys are ...

Laparoscopic robot-assisted pancreas transplantation: first world experience.

PubMed

Boggi, Ugo; Signori, Stefano; Vistoli, Fabio; D'Imporzano, Simone; Amorese, Gabriella; Consani, Giovanni; Guarracino, Fabio; Marchetti, Piero; Focosi, Daniele; Mosca, Franco

2012-01-27

Surgical complications are a major disincentive to pancreas transplantation, despite the undisputed benefits of restored insulin independence. The da Vinci surgical system, a computer-assisted electromechanical device, provides the unique opportunity to test whether laparoscopy can reduce the morbidity of pancreas transplantation. Pancreas transplantation was performed by robot-assisted laparoscopy in three patients. The first patient received a pancreas after kidney transplant, the second a simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation, and the third a pancreas transplant alone. Operations were carried out through an 11-mm optic port, two 8-mm operative ports, and a 7-cm midline incision. The latter was used to introduce the grafts, enable vascular cross-clamping, and create exocrine drainage into the jejunum. The two solitary pancreas transplants required an operating time of 3 and 5 hr, respectively; the simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation took 8 hr. Mean warm ischemia time of the pancreas graft was 34 min. All pancreatic transplants functioned immediately, and all recipients became insulin independent. The kidney graft, revascularized after 35 min of warm ischemia, also functioned immediately. No patient had complications during or after surgery. At the longer follow-up of 10, 8, and 6 months, respectively, all recipients are alive with normal graft function. We have shown the feasibility of laparoscopic robot-assisted solitary pancreas and simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. If the safety and feasibility of this procedure can be confirmed by larger series, laparoscopic robot-assisted pancreas transplantation could become a new option for diabetic patients needing beta-cell replacement.

Kidney Transplantation: MedlinePlus Health Topic

MedlinePlus

... as They Affect Physical Fitness: A Physical Therapist's Point of View (National Kidney Foundation) Solitary Kidney (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) Travel Tips: A Guide for Kidney Patients (National Kidney ...

[Analysis of clinical effectiveness and risk factors for complication of percutaneous nephrolototripsia in patients with a solitary kidney].

PubMed

Arustamov, L D; Katibov, M I; Merinov, D S; Gurbanov, Sh Sh; Artemov, A V; Epishov, V A

2017-12-01

Management of patients with large and staghorn stones of a solitary kidney is widely debated among urologists and has not been sufficiently investigated, which determined the relevance of this study. The study comprised 80 patients with large (>20 mm) and staghorn stones of an anatomically or functionally solitary kidney. Of them, 58 patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL), and 22 had open surgery. The criterion of the treatment effectiveness was the complete stone clearance or small residual fragments sized less than 3 mm. The safety criterion was the absence of intra- and postoperative complications, according to Clavien-Dindo grading system. The study analyzed the following factors influencing the effectiveness and safety of PNL: the number of accesses; nephroscope diameter; use of a nephroscope sheath; type of lithotripter; size, density, type and composition of the stone. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy demonstrated statistically significantly better safety results compared with open surgery with comparable effectiveness. Long-term stone recurrence rate after PNL and open surgery was 10.4 and 18.2%, respectively. PNL resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the kidney function while it worsened after open surgery. The effectiveness of PNL depends on the stone type and size and the kind of lithotripter. It was 7.5 times greater for a large stone than for staghorn calculi and 4.6 times higher for stones sized less or equal 45 mm than for those sized > 45 mm. Ultrasonic lithotripter was 2.2 times more effective than another type of lithotripter. The safety of PNL depends on the nephroscope diameter, of a sheath, the number of accesses, the type of lithotripter and the type of stone. Using a 24-Ch nephroscope was 3.6 times safer than that with a diameter greater than 24-Ch; not using a sheath was 3.2 times safer than using it; one access was 3 times safer than at multiple ones; using an ultrasound lithotripter was 2.7 times safer than with another type of lithotripter; treating a large stone was 2.1 times safer than a staghorn stone. The study findings can be used to optimize the treatment of patients with large and staghorn stones of a solitary kidney.

[Differences in sports participation for children and adolescents with solitary kidney due to renal tumors across Europe. Time for harmonization].

PubMed

Spreafico, F; Terenziani, M; Ardissino, G; Calegari, M; Catania, S; Massimino, M

2015-02-01

As a result of advances in treatment, almost 90% of children diagnosed with Wilms tumor became long-term survivors, and have a sustainable quality of life. These patients' involvement in sports during their childhood is hopefully increasing too. The cornerstone of renal tumor cure remains radical nephrectomy, however, so survivors live with a solitary kidney. In most European countries and the USA, the involvement in sports of children with a solitary kidney depends on a responsible physician saying a "qualified yes", pending individual assessment. Unlike the case in the rest of Europe, in Italy having only one kidney automatically disqualifies an individual wishing to participate in any organized "competitive" sports carrying some risk of renal trauma, including basketball, soccer and sometime volleyball. This absolute restriction is based on ad hoc Ministerial rulings concerning "Health protection in sport activities". But available data do not seem to support such an absolute limitation on participation in sports based exclusively on the fact of having a single kidney. The sport-specific incidence of kidney injuries has been estimated at 2.3 injuries per million male athlete/exposures for basketball (2.5 for females), and 2.6 for soccer (6.0 for girls). Kidney injuries are significantly more rare than head or spine injuries. This article aims to provide Italian sport medicine specialists and policy-makers with the necessary background so that the current, over-protective "unquestionably no" response can be reconsidered, and converted into a still well-founded, more permissive attitude to the sports activities suitable for any children with a solitary normal kidney.

Comparison of shockwave lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of kidney stones in patients with a solitary kidney.

PubMed

Yuruk, Emrah; Binbay, Murat; Ozgor, Faruk; Sekerel, Levent; Berberoglu, Yalcin; Muslumanoglu, Ahmet Yaser

2015-04-01

To compare the outcomes of these minimally invasive procedures in this patient population. The database of our institution has been retrospectively reviewed, and medical records of urolithiasis patients with a solitary kidney who underwent flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) between January 2009 and December 2012 were examined. Retreatment rates, complications, changes in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs), chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages, and stone-free rates were compared between the two groups. Stones of 48 patients (mean age: 48.8±15.4, range: 14-76) with solitary kidneys were treated with SWL (n=30, 62.5%) or F-URS (n=18, 37.5%). Patient demographics and stone related parameters were similar. The most common stone location was the pelvis in the SWL group (36.6%), whereas it was the pelvis and a calix in the F-URS group (38.8%). Complications and success rates were similar in both groups, however, patients in the SWL group needed more sessions to achieve stone clearance (2.2±0.89 vs 1.06±0.24, p=0.0001). Preoperative and postoperative eGFR and CKD stage changes were also similar. Both SWL and F-URS are effective and safe techniques, which can be used for the treatment of stones in patients with solitary kidneys. However, patients treated with SWL need more sessions to achieve stone clearance.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of kidney stones up to 2 cm in patients with solitary kidney: a single centre experience.

PubMed

Bai, Yunjin; Wang, Xiaoming; Yang, Yubo; Han, Ping; Wang, Jia

2017-01-18

To compare the treatment outcomes between percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the management of stones larger than 2 cm in patients with solitary kidney. One hundred sixteen patients with a solitary kidney who underwent RIRS (n = 56) or PCNL (n = 60) for large renal stones (>2 cm) between Jan 2010 and Nov 2015 have been considered. The patients' characteristics, stone characteristics, operative time, incidence of complications, hospital stay, and stone-free rates (SFR) have been evaluated. SFRs after one session were 19.6% and 35.7% for RIRS and PCNL respectively (p = 0.047), but the SFR at 3 months follow-up comparable in both groups (82.1% vs. 88.3%, p = 0.346). The calculated mean operative time for RIRS was longer (p < 0.001), but the mean postoperatively hospital stay was statistically significantly shorter (p < 0.001) and average drop in hemoglobin level was less (p = 0.040). PCNL showed a higher complication rate, although this difference was not statistically significant. Satisfactory stone clearance can be achieved with multi-session RIRS in the treatment of renal stones larger than 2 cm in patients with solitary kidney. RIRS can be considered as an alternative to PCNL in selected cases.

Successful Surgical Treatment of Anuria Caused by Renal Artery Occlusion

PubMed Central

Flye, M. Wayne; Anderson, Robert w.; Fish, Jay C.; Silver, Donald

1982-01-01

Anuria resulting from obstruction of the renal arteries to both Kidneys or to a solitary kidney is unusual. The tolerance of the kidney to this ischemia is largely dependent upon the presence of collaterals, stimulated by pre-existing arterial disease. Our experience with six patients with anuria caused by renal artery occlusion supports the role of revascularization in the recovery of significant renal function. Four of these patients had hypertension, impaired renal function, and the existence of collateral circulation to an ischemic kidney, prior to occlusion, while two patients had normal renal function (serum creatinine = 0.5 and 0.9 mg/dl) before occlusion. The intervals of anuria for the two previously normal kidneys were six hours and five days, and 2 to 14 days in the four patients with vascular disease. Isotope scanning suggested renal artery occlusion in two patients, but arteriograms confirmed the diagnosis in all six. A thrombectomy restored blood flow through the two previously normal renal arteries. Grafts from the aorta or celiax axis were used for three patients and the splenic artery was used for the sixth patient. Urine flow began during or soon after operation in all patients. Dialysis was necessary for 30 and 45 days in the two patients with normal kidneys, but in only one of the four patients with previous disease (for ten days). Serum creatinine decreased to <2.0 mg/dl after operation, except in the man with a solitary kidney, who five years later has a creatinine of 3 mg/dl. All four patients with previous arterial disease died from cardiac failure within 1 to 30 months after operation. Therefore, anuria of acute onset should be evaluated by renal scan and arteriogram to detect those patients with proximal renal artery occlusion in preparation for revascularization. ImagesFig. 2a.Fig. 2b.Fig. 3.Fig. 4a.Fig. 4b.Fig. 5.Fig. 6a.Fig. 6b. PMID:7059245

[EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY IN PATIENTS WITH UROLITHIASIS OF A SOLITARY KIDNEY].

PubMed

Parshenkova, I G; Dutov, V V; Rumjancev, A A; Mamedov, E A

2015-01-01

The article presents results of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in 62 patients with urolithiasis of a solitary kidney. In 50 (80.6%) patients calculi were located in the kidney and in 12 (19.4%) patients in the ureter. Effectiveness of ESWL at 3 month follow-up was 85.5%, which is somewhat lower than in patients with two healthy kidneys due to the choice of sparing low-energy modes of lithotripsy. The effectiveness of ESWL depended on the size of the original calculi (p<0.0001), and the baseline urodynamics of the upper urinary tract (p<0.0001). The rates of complications (32.3%) and auxiliary procedures (16.1%) were relatively low, due to the usage of pre-drainage of the kidney before a session of ESWL in patients with large and multiple calculi. There was no correlation between the occurrence of complications during treatment and the clinical form of a solitary kidney (p>0.05). In patients with stones larger than 1 cm and a moderate baseline abnormalities of the upper urinary tract urodynamics ESWL was less effective (p<0.0001), they had increased time of lithotripsy (p=0.013), more sessions (p<0.0001), complications (19.4%, p=0.043) and auxiliary manipulation (9.7%). Nevertheless, the duration of stay in hospital in the postoperative period did not correlate with the size of calculus (p=0.504). Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a highly effective and safe treatment of stones of a solitary kidney. Rational choice of indications and contraindications for the use of ESWL in a specific clinical situation is of great importance.

Radiofrequency ablation for treatment of sporadic angiomyolipoma.

PubMed

Prevoo, Warner; van den Bosch, Maurice A A J; Horenblas, Simon

2008-07-01

Symptomatic angiomyolipoma (AML) and asymptomatic AML larger than 4 cm in size are usually treated with nephron-sparing surgery or arterial embolization. We used another technique, that is, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), for treatment of a sporadic AML in a patient with a solitary kidney, in whom maximal sparing of normal renal tissue was required. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed an enhancing well-defined mainly lipomatous tumor, with a maximum diameter of 4.5 cm in the upper pole of the left kidney. Diagnosis of AML was confirmed with fine-needle aspiration biopsy. RFA was performed with a RF 3000 system, consisting of a generator that supplied up to 200W of power, connected to a 15-gauge LeVeen multipolar array electrode that was placed under CT-guidance centrally in the AML. Initial power was set at low power and increased with increments of 10W, according to the algorithm provided by the manufacturer, resulting in a final tumor end temperature above 65 degrees C. No complications occurred and the patient was discharged home the day after. During follow-up (12 months) function of the solitary kidney of the patient was preserved and patient did not have any AML-related symptoms develop. Contrast-enhanced CT scan showed complete (100%) tumor ablation with absence of enhancement in the tumor and decreased tumor size from 4.5 cm to 2.9 cm at 12 months. CT-guided RFA is a minimally invasive ablation procedure that allowed successful treatment of a sporadic AML in a patient with a solitary kidney. No complications occurred and no AML recurrence was observed during the 12-month follow-up.

Short communication: timeline of radiation-induced kidney function loss after stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy of renal cell carcinoma as evaluated by serial (99m)Tc-DMSA SPECT/CT.

PubMed

Jackson, Price; Foroudi, Farshad; Pham, Daniel; Hofman, Michael S; Hardcastle, Nicholas; Callahan, Jason; Kron, Tomas; Siva, Shankar

2014-11-26

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) has been proposed as a definitive treatment for patients with inoperable primary renal cell carcinoma. However, there is little documentation detailing the radiobiological effects of hypofractionated radiation on healthy renal tissue. In this study we describe a methodology for assessment of regional change in renal function in response to single fraction SABR of 26 Gy. In a patient with a solitary kidney, detailed follow-up of kidney function post-treatment was determined through 3-dimensional SPECT/CT imaging and (51)Cr-EDTA measurements. Based on measurements of glomerular filtration rate, renal function declined rapidly by 34% at 3 months, plateaued at 43% loss at 12 months, with minimal further decrease to 49% of baseline by 18 months. The pattern of renal functional change in (99m)Tc-DMSA uptake on SPECT/CT imaging correlates with dose delivered. This study demonstrates a dose effect relationship of SABR with loss of kidney function.

Ex Vivo Reconstruction and Autotransplantation for Hilar Renal Artery Aneurysms in Patients with Congenital Anomalies.

PubMed

Adeyemi, Jaiyeola; Johnson, Jacob; Rits, Yevgeniy; Akingba, A George; Rubin, Jeffrey

2018-02-01

Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are an uncommon finding but are more often associated with other congenital disorders. The complex (hilar) RAAs constitute a subset of RAAs that present a therapeutic dilemma for the vascular surgeon because of their anatomic location. This dilemma worsens when hilar RAAs occur with a solitary kidney where organ preservation is vital. Ex vivo reconstruction with autotransplantation is especially suitable for hilar RAAs, even when they are associated with a solitary kidney. We report 2 of such cases of RAAs with a solitary kidney in patients with pertinent congenital anomalies. In 1 case, the hilar RAA was associated with a significant accessory renal artery, whereas in the other case, the hilar RAA was associated with a significant connective tissue disorder. Ex vivo reconstruction and autotransplantation was successful in both cases; however, treatment modalities had to be adapted to the patient's unique conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Is ciprofloxacin safe in patients with solitary kidney and upper urinary tract infection?

PubMed

Gluhovschi, Gheorghe; Gadalean, Florica; Gluhovschi, Cristina; Velciov, Silvia; Petrica, Ligia; Bob, Flaviu; Bozdog, Gheorghe; Kaycsa, Adriana

2016-12-01

The solitary kidney (SK) undergoes adaptive phenomena of hyperfunction and hyperfiltration. These secondary adaptive phenomena can make it more vulnerable to potentially nephrotoxic therapies. Adverse reactions of the kidneys to ciprofloxacin are rare, but sometimes severe. Therefore, our study sought to assess the reactions to ciprofloxacin of patients with solitary kidney (SK) and urinary tract infection (UTI) by means of urinary biomarkers. We studied 19 patients with SK and urinary tract infection (UTI) who had been administered a 7-day treatment with intravenous ciprofloxacin. Urinary N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase, alpha 1-microglobulin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of these patients were measured at the initiation and at the end of treatment. In 47.37% patients NAG diminished under ciprofloxacin treatment. This observation has the significance of favourable evolution of the tubulointerstitial lesions caused by UTI and lack of nephrotoxic effects; 52.63% cases presented an increase of urinary NAG, a fact that suggests a nephrotoxic effect of ciprofloxacin. The evolution of urinary alpha 1-microglobulin was similar to that one of urinary NAG. Only one of three cases with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 presented acute kidney injury, associated with increase in the tubular markers. In spite of the high variability of the urinary biomarkers, UTI evolved favourably in these cases; eGFR increased in 16 out of 19 patients, a fact which is indicative of a good outcome of renal function, even in patients with elevated levels of the tubular damage biomarkers. This observation supports the hypothesis that eGFR may be dissociated from the biomarkers which assess tubular injury. In SK patients the occurrence of AKI is not frequent, although the urinary biomarkers rise in some patients treated with ciprofloxacin. This is related not only to the nephrotoxic effect of the drug, but probably to the association of other factors (allergy, individual susceptibility). In SK patients, renal tubular biomarkers, especially NAG, allow monitoring of tubular injury and impose caution in prescribing ciprofloxacin treatment, mainly to patients at risk. Ciprofloxacin is relatively safe regarding its nephrotoxicity, while caution is required in vulnerable patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Donors with renal artery stenosis: fit to donate.

PubMed

Reddy, Vemuru Sunil K; Guleria, Sandeep; Bora, Girdhar S

2012-05-01

Kidney donation from hypertensive donors is now an accepted norm in live related kidney transplantation. The use of hypertensive donors with renal artery stenosis due to atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia is still debated. The prime concern is about the deleterious effect of hypertension on the donor and the risk of recurrence of such lesions in the solitary kidney. Even as the response of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis to revascularisation is unpredictable, there is an improvement in blood pressure following revascularisation of kidneys with fibro-muscular dysplasia. The first use of such kidney donors was reported in 1984 and, since then, there have been a few reports of successful use of kidneys from donors with renal artery stenosis. We report here two interesting cases of successful transplantation of kidneys from live related kidney donors with hypertension due to renal artery stenosis who became normotensive with good graft function in the recipient. We conclude that moderately hypertensive donors with renal artery stenosis are fit to donate.

Renal function changes after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with renal calculi with a solitary kidney compared to bilateral kidneys.

PubMed

Shi, Xiaolei; Peng, Yonghan; Li, Ling; Li, Xiao; Wang, Qi; Zhang, Wei; Dong, Hao; Shen, Rong; Lu, Chaoyue; Liu, Min; Gao, Xiaofeng; Sun, Yinghao

2018-05-26

To evaluate renal function changes and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with renal calculi with a solitary kidney (SK) or normal bilateral kidneys (BKs). Between 2012 and 2016, 859 patients undergoing PCNL were retrospectively reviewed at Changhai Hospital. In all, 53 patients with a SK were paired with 53 patients with normal BKs via a propensity score-matched analysis. Data for the following variables were collected: age, sex, body mass index, stone size, distribution, operation time, perioperative outcomes, and complications. The complications were graded according to the modified Clavien-Dindo system. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate risk factors for predicting AKI. The SK and BKs groups were comparable in terms of age, sex ratio, stone size, stone location distribution, comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification. The initial and final stone-free rates were comparable between the SK and BKs groups (initial: 52.83% vs 58.49%, P = 0.696; final: 84.91% vs 92.45%, P = 0.359). There was no difference between the two groups for complications, according to the Clavien-Dindo grades. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased dramatically after the stone burden was immediately relieved, and during the 6-month follow-up eGFR was lower in the SK group compared with the BKs group. We found a modest improvement in renal function immediately after PCNL in the BKs group, and renal function gain was delayed in the SK group. Through logistic regression analysis, we discovered that a SK, preoperative creatinine and diabetes were independent risk factors for predicting AKI after PCNL. Considering the overall complication rates, PCNL is generally a safe procedure for treating renal calculi amongst patients with a SK or normal BKs. Follow-up renal function analysis showed a modest improvement in patients of both groups. Compared to patients with normal BKs, patients with a SK were more likely to develop AKI after PCNL. © 2018 The Authors BJU International © 2018 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery for renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney: a single-center experience.

PubMed

Gao, Xiaofeng; Peng, Yonghan; Shi, Xiaolei; Li, Ling; Zhou, Tie; Xu, Bin; Sun, Yinghao

2014-11-01

The management of urolithiasis in patients with a solitary kidney is challenging for endourologists. This study was aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the treatment of such patients with renal stones. Between January 2010 and January 2014, we enrolled 45 patients who had a solitary kidney and underwent RIRS and holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lithotripsy for the management of renal stones. We collected data pertaining to the preoperative patient characteristics, stone dimensions, and postoperative outcomes. Sixty-eight procedures were performed in all. The mean stone diameter was 1.84±0.19 cm (range 0.5-6.0 cm), and the mean operative time, 76.4±40.14 minutes (range 18-190 min). The percentages of patients free of renal stones at the initial and final procedures were 64.44% and 93.33%, respectively. The mean number of procedures needed for the patients with renal stones of diameters ≥20 mm and <20 mm were 1.93 per patient and 1.23 per patient, respectively (P=0.009). Postoperative complications (graded by the Clavien system) were noted in 26.6% of the patients (12/45): Grade I complications, in 20% (9/45); grade II complications, in 4.4% (2/45); and grade III complication, in 2.2% (1/45). The grade III complication was anuria because of Steinstrasse, which necessitated emergency surgery. RIRS for the removal of renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney affords a high success rate and low morbidity rate. For patients with large stones, however, a multistaged approach may be needed.

The optimal minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy strategy for the treatment of staghorn stones in a solitary kidney.

PubMed

Liu, Chenli; Cui, Zelin; Zeng, Guohua; Wan, Shaw P; Li, Jiasheng; Zhu, Wei; Zeng, Tao; Liu, Yang

2016-04-01

The objective of the study was to analyze the treatment outcomes for staghorn stones in patients with solitary kidney using either the single-tract or the multi-tract minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL). We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients who underwent MPCNL for staghorn calculi in solitary kidney from 2012 to 2014. The patients who underwent the single-tract approach (71 patients) were assigned to Group 1. The 34 patients who underwent the multi-tract approach (34 patients) were assigned to Group 2. We recorded and compared the patient's demographics, intraoperative parameters, and post-operative outcomes. We also analyzed any complications as a result of the particular procedure, as well as any resulting stone-free rates (SFRs). The mean number of access tracts was 2.38 ± 0.70 (range 2-4) for Group 2. The mean operative time was longer for Group 2, p = 0.01. The initial SFR was 52.1% for Group 1 and 47.1% for Group 2 after the one-session procedure, p = 0.63.The final SFR improved to 83.1 and 79.4% for both groups following auxiliary treatment, p = 0.65. The mean hemoglobin drop was higher in Group 2 as compared to Group 1, p < 0.01. There was no significant difference in the change of mean serum creatinine in either group. There were fewer overall complications in Group 1 than in Group 2 (23.9 vs. 44.1%). Almost half of the patients who underwent multi-tract MPCNL required an additional procedure to achieve satisfactory stone clearance. The results showed that single-tract MPCNL might be a better treatment option for staghorn stones in a solitary kidney with the same therapeutic outcome, but with less complications.

Application and analysis of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with sequential segmental renal artery clamping for patients with multiple renal tumor: initial experience.

PubMed

Zhu, Jundong; Jiang, Fan; Li, Pu; Shao, Pengfei; Liang, Chao; Xu, Aiming; Miao, Chenkui; Qin, Chao; Wang, Zengjun; Yin, Changjun

2017-09-11

To explore the feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with sequential segmental renal artery clamping for the patients with multiple renal tumor of who have solitary kidney or contralateral kidney insufficiency. Nine patients who have undergone retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with sequential segmental renal artery clamping between October 2010 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical materials and parameters during and after the operation were summarized. Nineteen tumors were resected in nine patients and the operations were all successful. The operation time ranged from 100 to 180 min (125 min); clamping time of segmental renal artery was 10 ~ 30 min (23 min); the amount of blood loss during the operation was 120 ~ 330 ml (190 ml); hospital stay after the operation is 3 ~ 6d (5d). There was no complication during the perioperative period, and the pathology diagnosis after the surgery showed that there were 13 renal clear cell carcinomas, two papillary carcinoma and four perivascular epithelioid cell tumors with negative margins from the 19 tumors. All patients were followed up for 3 ~ 60 months, and no local recurrence or metastasis was detected. At 3-month post-operation follow-up, the mean serum creatinine was 148.6 ± 28.1 μmol/L (p = 0.107), an increase of 3.0 μmol/L from preoperative baseline. For the patients with multiple renal tumors and solitary kidney or contralateral kidney insufficiency, retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with sequential segmental renal artery clamping was feasible and safe, which minimized the warm ischemia injury to the kidney and preserved the renal function effectively.

Unique molecular changes in kidney allografts after simultaneous liver-kidney compared with solitary kidney transplantation.

PubMed

Taner, Timucin; Park, Walter D; Stegall, Mark D

2017-05-01

Kidney allografts transplanted simultaneously with liver allografts from the same donor are known to be immunologically privileged. This is especially evident in recipients with high levels of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies. Here we investigated the mechanisms of liver's protective impact using gene expression in the kidney allograft. Select solitary kidney transplant or simultaneous liver-kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively reviewed and separated into four groups: 16 cross-match negative kidney transplants, 15 cross-match positive kidney transplants, 12 cross-match negative simultaneous liver-kidney transplants, and nine cross-match-positive simultaneous liver-kidney transplants. Surveillance biopsies of cross-match-positive kidney transplants had increased expression of genes associated with donor-specific antigens, inflammation, and endothelial cell activation compared to cross-match-negative kidney transplants. These changes were not found in cross-match-positive simultaneous liver-kidney transplant biopsies when compared to cross-match-negative simultaneous liver-kidney transplants. In addition, simultaneously transplanting a liver markedly increased renal expression of genes associated with tissue integrity/metabolism, regardless of the cross-match status. While the expression of inflammatory gene sets in cross-match-positive simultaneous liver-kidney transplants was not completely reduced to the level of cross-match-negative kidney transplants, the downstream effects of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies were blocked. Thus, simultaneous liver-kidney transplants can have a profound impact on the kidney allograft, not only by decreasing inflammation and avoiding endothelial cell activation in cross-match-positive recipients, but also by increasing processes associated with tissue integrity/metabolism by unknown mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The incidence and clinical features of acute kidney injury secondary to ureteral calculi.

PubMed

Wang, Si-Jun; Mu, Xiao-Nan; Zhang, Long-Yang; Liu, Qing-Yong; Jin, Xun-Bo

2012-08-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and clinical features of acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to ureteral calculi. Between February 2002 and December 2009, the prevalence of AKI was 0.72% in our series of 2,073 cases of ureteral stones. The AKI patients received ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrostomy as the primary treatment. The most popular symptom was significant decrease in urine output (75%, 12/16). Five cases (33.3%) were caused by bilateral ureteral stones, and 76.19% of the stones were located in the upper ureter, the mean size of single stone was 1.35 ± 0.38 cm. The serum creatinine before treatment was 514.34 ± 267.04 μmol/L and the blood urea nitrogen before treatment was 21.31 ± 10.24 mmol/L. 46.67% of the patients had a functional or anatomical solitary kidney unit. Our study suggests that risk factors for developing AKI in ureteral stone patients are bigger sized stones, ureteral stones in patients with only one functioning kidney or pre-existing kidney disease, and bilateral ureteral stones. Early effective drainage in these cases could decrease the risk developing AKI secondary to ureteral calculi.

Renal autotransplantation: current perspectives.

PubMed

Stewart, B H; Banowsky, L H; Hewitt, C B; Straffon, R A

1977-09-01

Autotransplantation, with or without an extracorporeal renal operation, has been done 39 times in 37 patients. Indications for the procedure included several ureteral injury in 4 patients, failed supravesical diversion in 2, renal carcinoma in a solitary kidney in 1, renovascular hypertension in 1 and donor arterial reconstruction before renal transplantation in 29. Success was obtained in all but 2 procedures, both of which involved previously operated kidneys with severe inflammation and adhesions involving the renal pelvis and pedicle. Based on our experience and a review of currently available literature we believe that renal autotransplantation and extracorporeal reconstruction can provide the best solution for patients with severe renovascular and ureteral disease not correctable by conventional operative techniques. The technique can be of particular value in removing centrally located tumors in solitary kidneys and in preparing donor kidneys with abnormal arteries for renal transplantation. The role of autotransplantation in the management of advanced renal trauma and calculus disease is less clear. A long-term comparison of patients treated by extracorporeal nephrolithotomy versus conventional lithotomy techniques will be necessary before a conclusion is reached in these disease categories.

Renal autotransplantation: current perspectives.

PubMed

Stewart, B H; Banowsky, L H; Hewitt, C B; Straffon, R A

1976-01-01

Autotransplantation, with or without an extracorporeal renal operation, has been done 39 times in 37 patients. Indications for the procedure included severe ureteral injury in 4 patients, failed supravesical diversion in 2, renal carcinoma in a solitary kidney in 1, renovascular hypertension in 1 and donor arterial reconstruction before renal transplantation in 29. Success was obtained in all but 2 procedures, both of which involved previously operated kidneys with severe inflammation and adhesions involving the renal pelvis and pedicle. Based on our experience and a review of currently available literature we believe that renal autotransplantation and extracorporeal reconstruction can provide the best solution for patients with severe renovascular and ureteral disease not correctable by conventional operative techniques. The technique can be of particular value in removing centrally located tumors in solitary kidneys and in preparing donor kidneys with abnormal arteries for renal transplantation. The role of autotransplantation in the management of advanced renal trauma and calculus disease is less clear. A long-term comparison of patients treated by extracorporeal nephrolithotomy versus conventional lithotomy techniques will be necessary before a conclusion is reached in these disease categories.

Is There A Difference Between Presence of Single Stone And Multiple Stones in Flexible Ureterorenoscopy And Laser Lithotripsy For Renal Stone Burden < 300mm2 ?

PubMed

Ozgor, Faruk; Kucuktopcu, Onur; Ucpinar, Burak; Gurbuz, Zafer Gokhan; Sarilar, Omer; Berberoglu, Ahmet Yalcin; Baykal, Murat; Binbay, Murat

2016-01-01

In this study, we aim to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) for solitary and multiple renal stones with < 300 mm2 stone burden. Patients' charts who treated with f-URS for kidney stone between January 2010 and June 2015 were reviewed, retrospectively. Patients with solitary kidney stones (n:111) were enrolled in group 1. We selected 111 patients with multiple kidney stones to serve as the control group and the patients were matched at a 1:1 ratio with respect to the patient's age, gender, body mass index and stone burden. Additionally, patients with multiple stones were divided into two groups according to the presence or abscence of lower pole stones. Stone free status was accepted as complete stone clearence and presence of residual fragments < 2 mm. According to the study design; age, stone burden, body mass index were comparable between groups. The mean operation time was longer in group 2 (p= 0.229). However, the mean fluoroscopy screening time in group 1 and in group 2 was 2.1±1.7 and 2.6±1.5 min, respectively and significantly longer in patients with multiple renal stones (P=0.043). The stone-free status was significantly higher in patients with solitary renal stones after a single session procedure (p=0.02). After third month follow up, overall success rate was 92.7% in Group 1 and 86.4% in Group 2. Our study revealed that F-URS achieved better stone free status in solitary renal stones < 300 mm2. However, outcomes of F-URS were acceptable in patients with multiple stones. Copyright® by the International Brazilian Journal of Urology.

Solitary breast mass as initial presentation of clinically silent metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

McLauglin, Sarah A; Thiel, David D; Smith, Stephen L; Wehle, Michael J; Menke, David M

2006-06-01

Metastasis to the breast from extramammary tumors is rare. Breast metastases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) origin have been described in sporadic case reports. We present a patient with a solitary breast mass representing the manifestation of clinically silent, metastatic RCC. A 76-year-old female was 12 years prior removed from radical nephrectomy for localized RCC. Her new breast mass was identified on physical examination. Pathology of the resected mass was diagnostic of metastatic RCC and subsequent imaging studies demonstrated a 1.9 cm renal mass in her solitary kidney. The patient elected subcutaneous Interleukin-2 immunotherapy as primary treatment for her recurrent RCC.

Long-term results with renal autotransplantation for ureteral replacement.

PubMed

Bodie, B; Novick, A C; Rose, M; Straffon, R A

1986-12-01

From 1970 to 1984 renal autotransplantation was performed on 23 patients to replace all or a major portion of the ureter. The conditions necessitating ureteral replacement were postoperative ureteral injury in 16 cases, recurrent renal colic in 4, urinary undiversion in 2 and an atonic ureter in 1. Six patients presented with a solitary kidney and 1 underwent staged bilateral autotransplantation. After autotransplantation urinary continuity was restored by ureteroneocystostomy in 11 patients, pyelovesicostomy in 7, ureteroureterostomy in 2, pyeloureterostomy in 2 and ureterosigmoidostomy in 1. Postoperatively, there was no mortality and all but 1 of the autotransplanted kidneys functioned immediately. Two kidneys required removal postoperatively owing to bleeding. Currently, 20 patients are alive with functioning renal autotransplants at intervals of 1.5 to 14 years. The current serum creatinine level in these patients ranges from 1.1 to 2.2 mg. per dl., which in each case is improved or stable compared to the preoperative determination. Only 1 patient has experienced chronic bacteriuria. We conclude that renal autotransplantation provides excellent long-term treatment for patients who require ureteral replacement.

Fluid flow shear stress over podocytes is increased in the solitary kidney

PubMed Central

Srivastava, Tarak; Celsi, Gianni E.; Sharma, Mukut; Dai, Hongying; McCarthy, Ellen T.; Ruiz, Melanie; Cudmore, Patricia A.; Alon, Uri S.; Sharma, Ram; Savin, Virginia A.

2014-01-01

Background Glomerular hyperfiltration is emerging as the key risk factor for progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Podocytes are exposed to fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) caused by the flow of ultrafiltrate within Bowman's space. The mechanism of hyperfiltration-induced podocyte injury is not clear. We postulated that glomerular hyperfiltration in solitary kidney increases FFSS over podocytes. Methods Infant Sprague–Dawley rats at 5 days of age and C57BL/6J 14-week-old adult mice underwent unilateral nephrectomy. Micropuncture and morphological studies were then performed on 20- and 60-day-old rats. FFSS over podocytes in uninephrectomized rats and mice was calculated using the recently published equation by Friedrich et al. which includes the variables—single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), filtration fraction (f), glomerular tuft diameter (2RT) and width of Bowman's space (s). Results Glomerular hypertrophy was observed in uninephrectomized rats and mice. Uninephrectomized rats on Day 20 showed a 2.0-fold increase in SNGFR, 1.0-fold increase in 2RT and 2.1-fold increase in FFSS, and on Day 60 showed a 1.9-fold increase in SNGFR, 1.3-fold increase in 2RT and 1.5-fold increase in FFSS, at all values of modeled ‘s’. Similarly, uninephrectomized mice showed a 2- to 3-fold increase in FFSS at all values of modeled SNGFR. Conclusions FFSS over podocytes is increased in solitary kidneys in both infant rats and adult mice. This increase is a consequence of increased SNGFR. We speculate that increased FFSS caused by reduced nephron number contributes to podocyte injury and promotes the progression of CKD. PMID:24166460

Results of percutaneous sclerotherapy and surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic simple liver cysts and polycystic liver disease

PubMed Central

Erdogan, Deha; van Delden, Otto M; Rauws, Erik AJ; Busch, Olivier RC; Lameris, Johan S; Gouma, Dirk J; van Gulik, Thomas M

2007-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the results of the treatment of simple liver cysts (solitary and multiple) and polycystic liver disease (PLD) using percutaneous sclerotherapy and/or surgical procedures in a single tertiary referral centre. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 54 patients referred for evaluation and possible treatment of simple liver cysts (solitary and multiple) and PLD, from January 1997 to July 2006. RESULTS: Simple liver cysts were treated in 41 pts (76%) with a mean size of 12.6 cm. The most common reason for referral was abdominal pain or discomfort (85%). Percutaneous sclerotherapy was performed as initial treatment in 30 pts, showing cyst recurrence in 6 pts (20%). Surgical treatment was initially performed in 11 pts with cyst recurrence in 3 pts (27%). PLD was treated in 13 pts (24%) with a mean size of the dominant cyst of 13 cm. Percutaneous sclerotherapy for PLD was performed in 9 pts with recurrence in 7 pts (77.8%). Surgical treatment for PLD was undertaken in 4 pts (30.8%) with recurrence in all. Eventually, 2 pts with PLD in the presence of polycystic kidney disease underwent liver- and kidney transplantation because of deterioration of liver and kidney function. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with simple liver cysts and PLD are referred for progressive abdominal pain. As initial treatment, percutaneous sclerotherapy is appropriate. Surgical deroofing is indicated in case of cyst recurrence after percutaneous sclerotherapy. However, the results of percutaneous sclerotherapy and surgical treatment for PLD are disappointing. Partial liver resection is indicated when there is suspicion of a pre-malignant lesion. PMID:17589926

[Acute renal failure due to obstructive ureteral stone associated with norovirus gastroenteritis in an infant with congenital solitary kidney].

PubMed

Kato, Taiki; Hamano, Atsushi; Kawamura, Hideki

2014-10-01

We report a 35 month-old boy with acute renal failure caused by an obstructive ureteral stone associated with norovirus gastroenteritis. He visited his family physician because of fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. He was diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis. The symptoms relieved once, but abdominal pain and vomiting recurred two days after the visit and the volume of urine decreased. He was diagnosed as norovirus gastoenteritis and acute renal failure which was unresponsive to fluid replacement. Ultrasound study of the abdomen showed a solitary kidney with mild hydronephrosis. He was then admitted to our hospital. He was finally diagnosed as acute postrenal failure due to obstructive ureteral stone with left solitary kidney by abdominal computer tomography (CT). We performed transurethral catheterization immediately. The creatinine and blood urea nitrogen returned to normal level in 2 days. The CT performed on the 28th day post operation showed disappearance of the stone after uric alkalization. Recently, some cases of postrenal failure due to bilateral obstructive ureteral stones, mainly ammonium acid urate stones, associated with viral gastroenteritis were reported. As clinical features, they are common in boys three years or younger after an episode of rotavirus gastroenteritis with high uric acid concentration. By far, the most common cause of acute renal failure in patients with severe gastroenteritis is prerenal failure resulting from hypovolemia. But postrenal cause due to bilateral obstructive stones should be taken in a consideration.

Fat-forming solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney: a case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Chen, Yanyang; Wang, Fen; Han, Anjia

2015-01-01

Fat-forming solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare soft tissue tumor. Herein, we reported a 30-year-old woman was found to have a solid mass measuring 60×45 mm in the right kidney on an abdominal computed tomography scan. The tumor was well-circumscribed and composed of cellular nodules with the classic SFT admixed with clusters and lobules of mature adipocytes. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for CD34 and Bcl-2, focally and weakly positive for CD99 and EMA. Mature adipocytes were positive for S-100 protein. Ki-67 expression was found in approximately 2% of tumor cells. However, tumor cells were negative for cytokeratin, S-100 protein, HMB-45, Melan-A, SMA, and CD117. We made the pathological diagnosis of fat-forming SFT of the right kidney. The differential diagnosis includes angiomyolipoma, liposarcoma, spindle cell lipoma, sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma, synovial sarcoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The patient was alive and well without evidence of recurrence or metastasis at 19 months after tumor resection. PMID:26339447

Radiofrequency Ablation in Combination with Embolization in Metachronous Recurrent Renal Cancer in Solitary Kidney after Contralateral Tumor Nephrectomy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gebauer, Bernhard, E-mail: bernhard.gebauer@charite.de; Werk, Michael; Lopez-Haenninen, Enrique

Purpose. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive, percutaneous techniques in metachronous recurrent renal cell cancers (RCCs) in solitary kidneys. Methods. In 4 patients, recurrent RCC was treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (RITA, StarBurst) alone, and in 2 patients by RFA in combination with superselective transarterial particle-lipiodol embolization using 3 Fr microcatheters. RFA was guided by computed tomography in 5 patients, and by magnetic resonance imaging in 1 patient. Mean tumor diameter was 26.7 mm (range 10-45 mm). All interventions were technically successful; during follow-up 1 patient developed recurrent RCC, which was retreated by RFA after embolization. Results.more » No major peri- or postprocedural complications occurred. Changes in creatinine (pre- vs. post-intervention, 122 vs. 127 {mu}mol/l) and calculated creatinine clearance (pre- vs. post-intervention, 78 vs. 73 ml/min) after ablation were minimal. Conclusion. In single kidneys, percutaneous, minimally invasive techniques are safe and feasible. In large tumors, or where there are adjacent critical structures, we prefer a combination of embolization and thermal ablation (RFA)« less

Pancreas Transplantation of US and Non-US Cases from 2005 to 2014 as Reported to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the International Pancreas Transplant Registry (IPTR)

PubMed Central

Gruessner, Angelika C.; Gruessner, Rainer W.G.

2016-01-01

This report is an update of pancreas and kidney transplant activities in the US and non-US region in two periods, 2005-2009 and 2010-2014. The aim of the report was to analyze transplant progress and success in the US compared to non-US countries, and to compare trends between the two periods. Between 2005-2009 and 2010-2014, the number of US pancreas transplants declined by over 20%, while the overall number of pancreas transplants performed outside the US has increased. The decline in US numbers is predominantly due to the decline in primary and secondary pancreas after kidney transplants (PAK). During the time period studied, the number of PAK transplants dropped by 50%. In contrast, the number of simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplants (SPK) declined by only 10%, and the number of pancreas transplants alone (PTA) by 20%. Over 90% of pancreas transplants worldwide were performed, with a simultaneous kidney transplant and excellent results. Transplant outcomes in SPK improved significantly because of a decrease in the rates of technical and immunologic graft loss. In 2010-2014 vs. 2005-2009, US SPK transplant patient survival at 1 year post-transplant increased from 95.7% to 97.4%, pancreas graft function from 88.3% to 91.3%, and kidney function from 93.6% to 95.5%. A significant improvement was also noted in PAK transplants. One-year patient survival increased from 96.4% to 97.9% and pancreas graft function from 81.0% to 86.0%. PTA 1-year patient survival remained constant at 97%, and pancreas 1-year graft survival improved from 81.0% to 85.7%. With the decline in the number of transplants, a change towards better pancreas donor selection was observed. In solitary transplants, the donors were primarily young trauma victims, and the pancreas preservation time was relatively short. A general tendency towards transplanting older recipients was noted. In 2010-2014 vs. 2005-2009, PTA recipients 50 years of age or older accounted for 32% vs. 22%, PAK for 28% vs. 22%, and SPK for 22% vs. 20%. This may be due to a relatively lower immunologic graft loss rate, especially in solitary transplants, which historically has been high in young recipients. The number of pancreas transplants in patients with type 2 diabetes and end-stage renal disease has increased, and accounted for 9% of all SPK recipients in 2010-2014. PMID:26982345

Single Daily Icodextrin Exchange as Initial and Solitary Therapy.

PubMed

Agar, Baris U; Sloand, James A

2018-01-01

Incremental dialysis utilizes gradually increasing dialysis doses in response to declines in residual kidney function, and it is the preferred renal replacement therapy for patients who have just transitioned to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Incremental peritoneal dialysis (PD) may impose fewer restrictions on patients' lifestyle, help attenuate lifetime peritoneal and systemic exposure to glucose and its degradation products, and minimize connections that could compromise the sterile fluid path. In this study, we utilized a 3-pore kinetic model to assess fluid and solute removal during single daily icodextrin treatments for patients with varying glomerular filtration rates (GFR). Single icodextrin exchanges of 8 to 16 hours using 2- and 2.5-L bag volumes were simulated for different patient transport types (i.e., high to low) to predict daily peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF), daily peritoneal sodium removal, and weekly total (peritoneal + residual kidney) Kt/V (Kt/V Total ) for patients with residual renal GFRs ranging from 0 to 15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Daily peritoneal UF varied from 359 to 607 mL, and daily peritoneal Na removal varied from 52 to 87 mEq depending on length of icodextrin exchange and bag volume. Both were effectively independent of patient transport type. All but very large patients (total body water [TBW] > 60 L) were predicted to achieve adequate dialysis (Kt/V Total ≥ 1.7) with a GFR of 10 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , and small patients (TBW: 30 L) were predicted to achieve adequate dialysis with a GFR of 6 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . A single daily icodextrin exchange can be tailored to augment urea, UF, and Na removal in patients with sufficient residual kidney function (RKF). A solitary icodextrin exchange may therefore be reasonable initial therapy for some incident ESRD patients. Copyright © 2018 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

Solitary-Functional Play and Solitary-Pretend Play: Another Look at the Construct of Solitary-Active Behavior Using Playground Observations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Larry J.; Hart, Craig H.; Evans, Cortney A.

2008-01-01

Although the construct of solitary-active behavior calls for the aggregation of solitary-functional play and solitary-pretend play, there is little empirical support for combining them into one construct. Furthermore, little work has been done in early childhood to examine these behaviors on the playground. The purpose of this study was to observe…

Outcome after prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

PubMed

Nef, Samuel; Neuhaus, Thomas J; Spartà, Giuseppina; Weitz, Marcus; Buder, Kathrin; Wisser, Josef; Gobet, Rita; Willi, Ulrich; Laube, Guido F

2016-05-01

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract are common findings on fetal ultrasound. The aim of this prospective observational study was to describe outcome and risk factors in 115 patients born 1995-2001. All prenatally diagnosed children were stratified into low- and high-risk group and followed postnatally clinically and by imaging at defined endpoints. Risk factors were evaluated using odds ratios. Neonatal diagnosis included pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (n = 33), vesicoureteral reflux (n = 27), solitary mild pelvic dilatation (postnatal anteroposterior diameter 5-10 mm; n = 25), and further diagnosis as primary obstructive megaureter, unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney, renal dysplasia and posterior urethral valves. In 38 children with prenatal isolated hydronephrosis, ultrasound normalized at median age of 1.2 years (range 0.1-9). Surgery was performed in 34 children at median age of 0.4 years (0.1-10.8). Persistent renal anomalies without surgery were present in 43 children and followed in 36 for median time of 16 years (12.2-18). Oligohydramnios and postnatal bilateral anomalies were significantly associated with surgery and impaired renal function. The majority of children had a favourable postnatal outcome, in particular children with prenatally low risk, i.e. isolated uni- or bilateral hydronephrosis. Oligohydramnios and postnatal bilateral anomalies were risk factors for non-favourable outcome. • In congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract significantly poorer outcome is known in patients with bilateral renal hypoplasia or solitary kidney associated with posterior urethral valves. • Other factors as proteinuria and vesicoureteral reflux were associated with a higher risk of progression to chronic renal failure in these patients. What is New: • Unlike other studies giving us above-mentioned information, we included all patients with any kind of prenatally diagnosed congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Our study shows long-term follow up (median 16 years, range 12.2-18 years), especially in patients not needing surgery, but with persistent anomalies. • During postnatal long-term follow up (median 2.2 years, range 0.1-18 years) one third each showed normalization, need of surgery or persistence of anomalies without need of surgery. Our study revealed a good prognosis in the majority of these children, in particular with prenatally low risk, i.e. isolated uni- or bilateral hydronephrosis, and revealed oligohydramnios and postnatal bilateral anomalies as risk factors for a non-favourable outcome, defined as need of surgery, persistent anomalies with impaired renal function, end stage renal failure or death.

Single-side renal sympathetic denervation to treat malignant refractory hypertension in a solitary kidney patient.

PubMed

Ribichini, Flavio; Ferrara, Angela; Pighi, Michele; Pesarini, Gabriele; Gambaro, Alessia; Valvo, Enrico; Lupo, Antonio; Vassanelli, Corrado

2014-12-01

Renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) is emerging as a new therapeutic option for patients with severe hypertension refractory to medical therapy. Patients affected by renovascular or anatomical abnormalities have hitherto been systematically excluded from clinical trials with RSD because of concern about safety and the unknown efficacy of the procedure in this subgroup of patients. We describe the management of a case of RSD in a single-kidney patient with refractory hypertension; the patient had had a previous surgical right nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma that subsequently required no other oncologic treatment. After multidisciplinary assessment, the patient underwent RSD. The procedure was performed through a 6F femoral access using the Symplicity™ RSD system (Medtronic, Mountain View, CA, USA). Radiofrequency was applied to the renal artery wall in 6 different points under general sedation with midazolam to control back pain caused by the procedure, that was performed without periprocedural complications. The patient was discharged 2 days later after a control of the vascular access site and routine biochemical examinations. The following 9-month follow up showed a significant reduction in blood pressure and stable renal function, without signs of renal damage. Our report confirms the feasibility of RSD in this delicate context, without evident negative effects on kidney function and with a significant reduction in blood pressure. Future studies are needed to fully clarify the value of RSD in single-kidney patients.

The impact of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation on long-term patient survival.

PubMed

Ojo, A O; Meier-Kriesche, H U; Hanson, J A; Leichtman, A; Magee, J C; Cibrik, D; Wolfe, R A; Port, F K; Agodoa, L; Kaufman, D B; Kaplan, B

2001-01-15

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) ameliorates the progression of microvascular diabetic complications but the procedure is associated with excess initial morbidity and an uncertain effect on patient survival when compared with solitary cadaveric or living donor renal transplantation. We evaluated mortality risks associated with SPK, solitary renal transplantation, and dialysis treatment in a national cohort of type 1 diabetics with end-stage nephropathy. A total of 13,467 adult-type 1 diabetics enrolled on the renal and renal-pancreas transplant waiting list between 10/01/88 and 06/30/97 were followed until 06/30/98. Time-dependent mortality risks and life expectancy were calculated according to the treatment received subsequent to wait-list registration: SPK; cadaveric kidney only (CAD); living donor kidney only (LKD) transplantation; and dialysis [wait-listed, maintenance dialysis treatment (WLD)]. Adjusted 10-year patient survival was 67% for SPK vs. 65% for LKD recipients (P=0.19) and 46% for CAD recipients (P<0.001). The excess initial mortality normally associated with renal transplantation and the risk of early infectious death was 2-fold higher in SPK recipients. The time to achieve equal proportion of survivors as the WLD patients was 170, 95, and 72 days for SPK, CAD, and LKD recipients, respectively (P<0.001). However, the adjusted 5-year morality risk (RR) using WLD as the reference and the expected remaining life years were 0.40, 0.45, and 0.75 and 23.4, 20.9, and 12.6 years for SPK, LKD, and CAD, respectively. There was no survival benefit in SPK recipients > or =50 years old (RR=1.38, P=0.81). Among patients with type 1 DM with end-stage nephropathy, SPK transplantation before the age of 50 years was associated with long-term improvement in survival compared to solitary cadaveric renal transplantation or dialysis.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Tumor-Related Massive Hematuria

PubMed Central

Neeman, Ziv; Sarin, Shawn; Coleman, Jonathan; Fojo, Tito; Wood, Bradford J.

2008-01-01

To determine whether radiofrequency (RF) ablation targeting the tumor-collecting system interface has a durable effect in patients with transfusion-dependent kidney tumor-related hematuria, four patients aged 61-71 years were successfully treated with RF ablation, with a mean follow up of 12 months. Baseline creatinine levels varied from 2.0 mg/dL to 3.7 mg/dL. All patients had received red blood cell transfusions in the days and hours before RF ablation. No subsequent surgical or interventional procedures were required for management of hematuria. Gross hematuria resolved in 24-48 hours in all four patients. Two of the patients are alive with stable renal function and two died of causes unrelated to treatment. RF ablation may be an effective therapeutic option for transfusion-dependent cancer-related hematuria in patients with renal insufficiency, solitary kidney, or comorbidities, or after failed conventional therapies in patients who are not candidates for surgery. PMID:15758142

Radiofrequency ablation for tumor-related massive hematuria.

PubMed

Neeman, Ziv; Sarin, Shawn; Coleman, Jonathan; Fojo, Tito; Wood, Bradford J

2005-03-01

To determine whether radiofrequency (RF) ablation targeting the tumor-collecting system interface has a durable effect in patients with transfusion-dependent kidney tumor-related hematuria, four patients aged 61-71 years were successfully treated with RF ablation, with a mean follow up of 12 months. Baseline creatinine levels varied from 2.0 mg/dL to 3.7 mg/dL. All patients had received red blood cell transfusions in the days and hours before RF ablation. No subsequent surgical or interventional procedures were required for management of hematuria. Gross hematuria resolved in 24-48 hours in all four patients. Two of the patients are alive with stable renal function and two died of causes unrelated to treatment. RF ablation may be an effective therapeutic option for transfusion-dependent cancer-related hematuria in patients with renal insufficiency, solitary kidney, or comorbidities, or after failed conventional therapies in patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Functional Recovery From Extended Warm Ischemia Associated With Partial Nephrectomy.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhiling; Zhao, Juping; Velet, Lily; Ercole, Cesar E; Remer, Erick M; Mir, Carme M; Li, Jianbo; Takagi, Toshio; Demirjian, Sevag; Campbell, Steven C

2016-01-01

To evaluate the impact of extended warm ischemia on incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and ultimate functional recovery after partial nephrectomy (PN), incorporating rigorous control for loss of parenchymal mass, and embedded within comparison to cohorts of patients managed with hypothermia or limited warm ischemia. From 2007 to 2014, 277 patients managed with PN had appropriate studies to evaluate changes in function/mass specifically within the operated kidney. Recovery from ischemia was defined as %function saved/%parenchymal mass saved. AKI was based on global renal function and defined as a ≥1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine above the preoperative level. Hypothermia was utilized in 112 patients (median = 27 minutes) and warm ischemia in 165 (median = 21 minutes). AKI strongly correlated with solitary kidney (P < .001) and duration (P < .001) but not type (P = .49) of ischemia. Median recovery from ischemia in the operated kidney was 100% (interquartile range [IQR] = 88%-109%) for cold ischemia, with 6 (5%) noted to have <80% recovery from ischemia. For the warm ischemia group, median recovery from ischemia was 91% (IQR = 82%-101%, P < .001 compared with hypothermia), and 34 (21%) had recovery from ischemia <80% (P < .001). For warm ischemia subgrouped by duration <25 minutes (n = 114), 25-35 minutes (n = 35), and >35 minutes (n = 16), median recovery from ischemia was 92% (IQR = 86%-100%), 90% (IQR = 78%-104%), and 91% (IQR = 80%-96%), respectively (P = .77). Our results suggest that AKI after PN correlates with duration but not with type of ischemia. However, subsequent recovery, which ultimately defines the new baseline glomerular filtration rate, is most reliable with hypothermia. However, most patients undergoing PN with warm ischemia still recover relatively strongly from ischemia, even if extended to 35-45 minutes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Correlates of diuretic renography in experimental hydronephrosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kekomaeki, M.R.; Rikalainen, H.; Ruotsalainen, P.

1989-02-01

We studied the correlations between diuretic renographs and kidney function in experimental hydronephrosis in rabbits. Features of furosemide-stimulated /sup 99m/Tc-diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid renographs were compared to the growth rate, thirst test and endogenous creatinine clearance rate in a chronic solitary-kidney animal model. Intravenous pyelograms, done four weeks after laparotomy, left nephrectomy, bladder resection and constriction of the right pyeloureteric junction, showed signs of obstruction in all the 12 animals of the experimental group. An absent tracer washout after intravenous furosemide, found in five animals, was associated with retarded growth, isosthenuria and an abnormal creatinine clearance. In all of the other sevenmore » animals, a distinct tracer washout after intravenous furosemide was accompanied with a normal growth rate and creatinine clearance. However, no one of these seven animals had a normal ability to retain water and concentrate urine in the thirst test. We conclude that, in this experimental model, a furosemide-induced tracer washout from the kidney pelvis cannot be taken as a proof of the absence of any upper urinary tract obstruction.« less

Solitary Intraspinal Juvenile Xanthogranuloma in an Infant

PubMed Central

Shenoy, Asha; Singhal, Shruti Shribhagwan; Shinde, Sweety

2018-01-01

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a benign, non-Langerhans cell histiocytic proliferative disorder. We report a case of solitary JXG in an infant presenting as an intraspinal mass. Awareness of this mode of presentation is very important as subsequent prognosis differs from other tumors at the same location. JXG is a self-limiting dermatologic disorder usually occurring in first two decades of life. On rare occasion, it has been reported at extra-cutaneous sites such as central nervous system (CNS), eyes, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys, and in other age groups. Isolated CNS involvement is extremely rare, especially in the spinal cord. PMID:29492155

Outcome disparities between African Americans and Caucasians in contemporary kidney transplant recipients.

PubMed

Taber, David J; Egede, Leonard E; Baliga, Prabhakar K

2017-04-01

Racial disparities in African-American (AA) kidney transplant have persisted for nearly 40 years, with limited data available on the scope of this issue in the contemporary era of transplantation. Descriptive retrospective cohort study of US registry data including adult solitary kidney transplants between Jan 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2009. 60,695 recipients were included; 41,426 Caucasians (68%) and 19,269 AAs (32%). At baseline, AAs were younger, had lower college graduation rates, were more likely to be receiving public health insurance and have diabetes. At one-year post-transplant, AAs had 62% higher risk of graft loss (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.50-1.75) which increased to 93% at five years (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.85-2.01). Adjusted risk of graft loss, accounting for baseline characteristics, was 60% higher in AAs (HR 1.61 [1.52-1.69]). AAs had significantly higher risk of acute rejection and delayed graft function. AAs continue to experience disproportionately high rates of graft loss within the contemporary era of transplant, which are related to a convergence of an array of socioeconomic and biologic risk factors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pancreas Transplantation: Solid Organ and Islet

PubMed Central

Mittal, Shruti; Johnson, Paul; Friend, Peter

2014-01-01

Transplantation of the pancreas, either as a solid organ or as isolated islets of Langerhans, is indicated in a small proportion of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes in whom severe complications develop, particularly severe glycemic instability and progressive secondary complications (usually renal failure). The potential to reverse diabetes has to be balanced against the morbidity of long-term immunosuppression. For a patient with renal failure, the treatment of choice is often a simultaneous transplant of the pancreas and kidney (SPK), whereas for a patient with glycemic instability, specifically hypoglycemic unawareness, the choice between a solid organ and an islet transplant has to be individual to the patient. Results of SPK transplantation are comparable to other solid-organ transplants (kidney, liver, heart) and there is evidence of improved quality of life and life expectancy, but the results of solitary pancreas transplantation and islets are inferior with respect to graft survival. There is some evidence of benefit with respect to the progression of secondary diabetic complications in patients with functioning transplants for several years. PMID:24616200

Microanatomy and ultrastructure of the excretory system of two pelagic opisthobranch species (Gastropoda: Gymnosomata and Thecosomata).

PubMed

Fahrner, A; Haszprunar, G

2000-04-01

The microanatomy and ultrastructure of the excretory system of Pneumoderma sp. (Gymnosomata) and Creseis virgula Rang, 1828 (Thecosomata) have been investigated by means of semithin serial sections, reconstructions and transmission electron microscopy. The studies revealed a functional metanephridial system consisting of a heart with a single ventricle and auricle in a pericardial cavity and a single kidney in both species. Podocytes in the atrial wall of the pericardial epithelium are the site of ultrafiltration, whereas the flat epithelium of the kidney with numerous basal infoldings and a dense microvillous border on the luminal surface suggests modification of the ultrafiltrate. In Pneumoderma sp., additional loci of ultrafiltration with identical fine structure (meandering slits with diaphragms covered by extracellular matrix) occur in the solitary rhogocytes (pore cells). The presence of podocytes situated on the atrial wall in representatives of two higher opisthobranch taxa contradicts former ideas on the loss of the primary site of ultrafiltration in the ancestors of the Opisthobranchia.

Differential Properties of Venom Peptides and Proteins in Solitary vs. Social Hunting Wasps

PubMed Central

Lee, Si Hyeock; Baek, Ji Hyeong; Yoon, Kyungjae Andrew

2016-01-01

The primary functions of venoms from solitary and social wasps are different. Whereas most solitary wasps sting their prey to paralyze and preserve it, without killing, as the provisions for their progeny, social wasps usually sting to defend their colonies from vertebrate predators. Such distinctive venom properties of solitary and social wasps suggest that the main venom components are likely to be different depending on the wasps’ sociality. The present paper reviews venom components and properties of the Aculeata hunting wasps, with a particular emphasis on the comparative aspects of venom compositions and properties between solitary and social wasps. Common components in both solitary and social wasp venoms include hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, metalloendopeptidase, etc. Although it has been expected that more diverse bioactive components with the functions of prey inactivation and physiology manipulation are present in solitary wasps, available studies on venom compositions of solitary wasps are simply too scarce to generalize this notion. Nevertheless, some neurotoxic peptides (e.g., pompilidotoxin and dendrotoxin-like peptide) and proteins (e.g., insulin-like peptide binding protein) appear to be specific to solitary wasp venom. In contrast, several proteins, such as venom allergen 5 protein, venom acid phosphatase, and various phospholipases, appear to be relatively more specific to social wasp venom. Finally, putative functions of main venom components and their application are also discussed. PMID:26805885

The spectrum of renal involvement in male patients with infertility related to excretory-system abnormalities: phenotypes, genotypes, and genetic counseling.

PubMed

Mieusset, Roger; Fauquet, Isabelle; Chauveau, Dominique; Monteil, Laetitia; Chassaing, Nicolas; Daudin, Myriam; Huart, Antoine; Isus, François; Prouheze, Cathy; Calvas, Patrick; Bieth, Eric; Bujan, Louis; Faguer, Stanislas

2017-04-01

While reproductive technologies are increasingly used worldwide, epidemiologic, clinical and genetic data regarding infertile men with combined genital tract and renal abnormalities remain scarce, preventing adequate genetic counseling. In a cohort-based study, we assessed the prevalence (1995-2014) and the clinical characteristics of renal disorders in infertile males with genital tract malformation. In a subset of 34 patients, we performed a detailed phenotype analysis of renal and genital tract disorders. Among the 180 patients with congenital uni- or bilateral absence of vas deferens (CU/BAVD), 45 (25 %) had a renal malformation. We also identified 14 infertile men with combined seminal vesicle (SV) and renal malformation but no CU/BAVD. Among the 34 patients with detailed clinical description, renal disease was unknown before the assessment of the infertility in 27 (79.4 %), and 7 (20.6 %) had chronic renal failure. Four main renal phenotypes were observed: solitary kidney (47 %); autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD, 0.6 %); uni- or bilateral hypoplastic kidneys (20.6 %); and a complex renal phenotype associated with a mutation of the HNF1B gene (5.8 %). Absence of SV and azoospermia were significantly associated with the presence of a solitary kidney, while dilatation of SV and necroasthenozoospermia were suggestive of ADPKD. A dominantly inherited renal disease (ADPKD or HNF1B-related nephropathy) is frequent in males with infertility and combined renal and genital tract abnormalities (26 %). A systematic renal screening should be proposed in infertile males with CU/BAVD or SV disorders.

[Renal oncocytoma in the single kidney after previous surgery of renal carcinoma. Apropos of 2 cases].

PubMed

Veneroni, L; Canclini, L; Berti, G L; Giola, V; Leidi, G L; Maccaroni, A; Raimoldi, A; Sironi, M; Assi, A; Bacchioni, A M

1997-12-01

Renal oncocytoma is a neoplasm which rarely occurs in patients with solitary kidney, the other being absent because of a previous nephrectomy performed for renal cancer. We present two case reports and a literature review. We have studied some important problems such as the histogenesis, the potential for malignancy, the diagnosis, the treatment and the follow up. The high incidence of coexistence of renal oncocytoma and renal cell carcinoma has important clinical implications. We would like to emphasize the importance of preoperatory FNAB, nephron sparing surgery and very careful follow up.

Urologic Emergencies.

PubMed

Manjunath, Adarsh S; Hofer, Matthias D

2018-03-01

Urologic emergencies can involve the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, penis, scrotum, or testicles. History and physical examination are essential to diagnosis, whereas imaging is increasingly used to confirm diagnoses. Acute urinary retention should be relieved with Foley placement. Penile emergencies include paraphimosis, which can be treated by foreskin reduction, whereas penile fracture and priapism require urologic intervention. Fournier gangrene and testicular torsion are scrotal emergencies requiring emergent surgery. Nephrolithiasis, although painful, is not an emergency unless there is concern for concomitant urinary tract infection, both ureters are obstructed by stones, or there is an obstructing stone in a solitary kidney. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Selective Arterial Clamping Versus Hilar Clamping for Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy.

PubMed

Yezdani, Mona; Yu, Sue-Jean; Lee, David I

2016-05-01

Partial nephrectomy has become an accepted treatment of cT1 renal masses as it provides improved long-term renal function compared to radical nephrectomy (Campbell et al. J Urol. 182:1271-9, 2009). Hilar clamping is utilized to help reduce bleeding and improve visibility during tumor resection. However, concern over risk of kidney injury with hilar clamping has led to new techniques to reduce length of warm ischemia time (WIT) during partial nephrectomy. These techniques have progressed over the years starting with early hilar unclamping, controlled hypotension during tumor resection, selective arterial clamping, minimal margin techniques, and off-clamp procedures. Selective arterial clamping has progressed significantly over the years. The main question is what are the exact short- and long-term renal effects from increasing clamp time. Moreover, does it make sense to perform these more time-consuming or more complex procedures if there is no long-term preservation of kidney function? More recent studies have shown no difference in renal function 6 months from surgery when selective arterial clamping or even hilar clamping is employed, although there is short-term improved decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with selective clamping and off-clamp techniques (Komninos et al. BJU Int. 115:921-8, 2015; Shah et al. 117:293-9, 2015; Kallingal et al. BJU Int. doi: 10.1111/bju.13192, 2015). This paper reviews the progression of total hilar clamping to selective arterial clamping (SAC) and the possible difference its use makes on long-term renal function. SAC may be attempted based on surgeon's decision-making, but may be best used for more complex, larger, more central or hilar tumors and in patients who have renal insufficiency at baseline or a solitary kidney.

Breast cancer metastatic to the kidney with renal vein involvement.

PubMed

Nasu, Hatsuko; Miura, Katsutoshi; Baba, Megumi; Nagata, Masao; Yoshida, Masayuki; Ogura, Hiroyuki; Takehara, Yasuo; Sakahara, Harumi

2015-02-01

The common sites of breast cancer metastases include bones, lung, brain, and liver. Renal metastasis from the breast is rare. We report a case of breast cancer metastatic to the kidney with extension into the renal vein. A 40-year-old woman had undergone left mastectomy for breast cancer at the age of 38. A gastric tumor, which was later proved to be metastasis from breast cancer, was detected by endoscopy. Computed tomography performed for further examination of the gastric tumor revealed a large left renal tumor with extension into the left renal vein. It mimicked a primary renal tumor. Percutaneous biopsy of the renal tumor confirmed metastasis from breast cancer. Surgical intervention of the stomach and the kidney was avoided, and she was treated with systemic chemotherapy. Breast cancer metastatic to the kidney may present a solitary renal mass with extension into the renal vein, which mimics a primary renal tumor.

Solitary Play: Some Functional Reconsiderations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Nancy V.; And Others

1974-01-01

Solitary play in six kindergarten children was observed and coded for frequency and type in order to resolve iscrepancies in a Sex Birth Order interaction. Several facts concerning solitary play as indicative of independence and maturity are noted. (Author/ED)

Flexible ureterorenoscopy is safe and efficient for the treatment of kidney stones in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Yuruk, Emrah; Binbay, Murat; Ozgor, Faruk; Erbin, Akif; Berberoglu, Yalcin; Muslumanoglu, Ahmet Y

2014-12-01

To evaluate the outcomes of kidney stone treatment using flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Data of patients who underwent f-URS between January 2009 and December 2012 were collected. Patients were staged according to estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients with stage ≥ 3 were accepted as having CKD (study group). These patients were matched with a group of patients without CKD (control group). Operative characteristics, complication rates, and third-month success rates were compared. Overall, 339 patients underwent f-URS and 62 (18.28%) had CKD. Control group constituted of 87 patients. Having a solitary kidney (17.4% vs 3.5%; P = .003) and history of stone intervention (51.6% vs 23%; P = .001) were more common in the CKD group. Similarly, access sheath was more commonly used among patients with CKD (87.1% vs 70.22%; P = .015). Both perioperative (19.35% vs 19.54; P = .372) and postoperative (22.6% vs 16.1%; P = .214) complication rates were similar in patients with and without CKD. Hospitalization time was 25.70 ± 25.62 and 24.5 ± 25 hours (P = .871) for patients with and without CKD, respectively. Although mean third postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate of patients with CKD did not change significantly (48.16 ± 8.72 vs 49.08 ± 9.26; P = .431), CKD stage of 13 patients shifted from 3 to 2. At the third postoperative month, stone free rate in patients with and without CKD was 87.1% vs 86.2% (P = .875). f-URS is a safe and effective procedure in patients with CKD and it is associated with improved overall kidney function. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Ablative treatments in localized renal cancer: literature review for 2014].

PubMed

Chodez, M; Fiard, G; Arnoux, V; Descotes, J-L; Long, J-A

2015-07-01

To focus on indications and results of ablative treatments (cyoablation, radiofrequency) for small renal masses, a bibliographic research was conducted in MedLine database using terms of "ablative treatment", "cryotherapy", "radiofrequency", "kidney cancer", "renal cell carcinoma". Sixty-four articles were selected. Carcinologic outcomes seem to be better with cryoablation than with radiofrequency. Available results have to be balanced according to surgical approach, teams' experience and duration of follow-up. Tumour's size and central localization are the main factors of failure. The size of 3cm is the most generally validated. Hospital stay and complications seem to be better with ablative therapies than with surgical approach, especially with percutaneous approach. The renal function preservation appears to be better with ablative therapies. It could be an interesting alternative to partial nephrectomy for small masses, in particular for fragile patients or in particular indications (multifocal tumors, in case of solitary kidney or transplanted kidney). The indications in elderly people must be proposed with care after the comorbidities have been evaluated. Indications of ablative treatment for small renal masses improve, but the gold standard treatment remains partial nephrectomy and indications must be individually discussed. Other ablative treatments are under-development, needing further studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Experience with extracorporeal renal operations and autotransplantation in the management of complicated urologic disorders.

PubMed

Novick, A C; Straffon, R A; Stewart, B H

1981-07-01

Renal autotransplantation with or without an extracorporeal renal operation was performed 45 times upon 43 patients. Twenty-one patients underwent renal autotransplantation as surgical treatment for renovascular hypertension, all of whom are cured or have improved postoperatively. Sixteen renal autotransplants were performed upon 14 patients with extensive ureteral disease, 14 of which were successful. Six patients with carcinoma centrally located in a solitary kidney underwent extracorporeal partial nephrectomy and autotransplantation. Three of these patients are alive with functioning autografts and are tumor-free from one to five years postoperatively. Two patients with multiple recurrent renal calculi were successfully treated by extracorporeal pyelolithotomy and autotransplantation with pyelovesicostomy. An extracorporeal renal operation and autotransplantation can provide the best solution for selected urologic problems not correctable by conventional methods.

Management of obstructive calcular anuria with acute renal failure in children less than 4 years in age: a protocol for initial urinary drainage in relation to planned definitive stone management.

PubMed

ElSheemy, Mohammed S; Shoukry, Ahmed I; Shouman, Ahmed M; ElShenoufy, Ahmed; Aboulela, Waseem; Daw, Kareem; Hussein, Ahmed A; Morsi, Hany A

2014-12-01

To describe and evaluate our protocol for management of children≤4years old with obstructive calcular anuria (OCA) and acute renal failure (ARF) to improve selection of initial urinary drainage (ID) method and to facilitate subsequent definitive stone management (DSM) as studies discussing this special group of patients are still few. Patients with a contraindication to any method of ID were excluded. Decision (percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) or double J (JJ) stent) was based on degree of hydronephrosis and planned DSM. We used 4.8-5Fr JJ or 6-8Fr PCN under general anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance. According to our protocol, JJ is inserted for hydronephrosis≤grade 1. When the hydronephrosis is >grade 1, patients with radiolucent stones were treated by JJ whatever the site of the stone. When the stones were radiopaque, PCN was reserved for stones in a solitary functioning kidney and bilateral ureteric stones prepared for subsequent bilateral ureterolithotomy (or stone prepared for ureterolithotomy in a solitary kidney). After normalization of renal functions, DSM was staged attacking only one side before discharge. Both sides were cleared at the same session in cases with bilateral ureterolithotomy. Renal or ureteric stones suitable for SWL in a solitary kidney were treated with percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL) or ureteroscopy. This was followed also in patients with bilateral stones suitable for SWL by clearing one side using ureteroscopy or PNL before discharge. Open surgery (OS) was reserved for cases with failed ureteroscopy or PNL, for ureteric stones>2.5 cm in size or very large volume complex renal stones. Stone free rate (SFR) was evaluated by CT. Our protocol was evaluated as regard recovery of renal functions, complications, and number of interventions to clear stones. This study included 62 boys and 22 girls presented with anuria for 1-4 days. JJ and PCN were inserted in 105 and 30 ureterorenal units (URU), respectively. Creatinine returns normal within 72 h. JJ insertion formed a part of DSM in 78/159 (49%) URU (stones prepared for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy or oral chemolytic dissolution therapy). PCN was the ideal tract for subsequent PNL in 11/159 (6.9%) URU. Accordingly, ID participated by 55.97% in DSM. Both operative and imaging times were slightly longer with PCN than JJ. There was no statistically significant difference in the insertion success or mean period to return to normal chemistry. Complications of both methods were mild and without any significant difference. Endourologic procedures constituted the majority of our interventions. Open surgical and endoscopic interventions for clearance of stones (including ID, treatment conversion and 2ry procedures) were done once for 25 patients, twice for 43 patients while it was needed three times for 16 patients. Total number of interventions was 149 procedures. SFR was 94%. Our protocol ensures adequate ID with minimal complications when using our selection criteria in children≤4 years in age with OCA and ARF. It also minimizes number of subsequent procedures to clear stones. Complications and success in insertion and drainage were equivalent in PCN and JJ groups. Copyright © 2014 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Secrets in the Bedroom: Adolescents' Private Use of Media.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larson, Reed

1995-01-01

The functions of solitary media use in the daily emotional lives of adolescents are discussed, suggesting that solitary television watching and music listening give adolescents an opportunity to explore and cultivate a newly discovered private self. Solitary media experiences provide an important context for dealing with stress and negative…

Risk of kidney stones with surgical intervention in living kidney donors.

PubMed

Thomas, S M; Lam, N N; Welk, B K; Nguan, C; Huang, A; Nash, D M; Prasad, G V R; Knoll, G A; Koval, J J; Lentine, K L; Kim, S J; Lok, C E; Garg, A X

2013-11-01

A kidney stone in a person with a solitary kidney requires urgent attention, which may result in surgical and/or hospital attention. We conducted a matched retrospective cohort study to determine if living kidney donors compared to healthy nondonors have a higher risk of: (i) kidney stones with surgical intervention, and (ii) hospital encounters for kidney stones. We reviewed all predonation charts for living kidney donations from 1992 to 2009 at five major transplant centers in Ontario, Canada, and linked this information to healthcare databases. We selected nondonors from the healthiest segment of the general population and matched 10 nondonors to every donor. Of the 2019 donors and 20 190 nondonors, none had evidence of kidney stones prior to cohort entry. Median follow-up time was 8.4 years (maximum 19.7 years; loss to follow-up <7%). There was no difference in the rate of kidney stones with surgical intervention in donors compared to nondonors (8.3 vs. 9.7 events/10 000 person-years; rate ratio 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-1.53). Similarly there was no difference in the rate of hospital encounters for kidney stones (12.1 vs. 16.1 events/10 000 person-years; rate ratio 0.75; 95% CI 0.45-1.24). These interim results are reassuring for the safety of living kidney donation. © Copyright 2013 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Solitary kidney with renal artery aneurysm repaired by ex vivo reconstruction.

PubMed

Palcau, Laura; Gouicem, Djelloul; Joguet, Etienne; Cameliere, Lucie; Berger, Ludovic

2014-01-01

A 22-year-old pregnant female with pyelonephritis was found to have a 26-mm left renal artery aneurysm with unknown right kidney agenesis diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Computed tomographic angiography with 3-dimensional reconstructions confirmed a saccular aneurysm localized at the bifurcation of the left posterior segmental artery. The patient ultimately underwent successful ex vivo left renal artery aneurysm repair with autotransplantation. Pathologic evaluation of the resected aneurysm confirmed the diagnosis of fibromuscular dysplasia. Fibromuscular dysplasia is the most common cause of renal artery stenosis and renovascular hypertension and can, in rare cases, be associated with the development of renal artery aneurysms. © The Author(s) 2014.

The efficacy of radiographic anatomical measurement methods in predicting success after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for lower pole kidney stones.

PubMed

Arpali, Emre; Altinel, Mert; Sargin, Semih Yasar

2014-01-01

To assess the impact of lower pole calyceal anatomy on clearace of lower pole stones after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) by means of a new and previously defined radiographic measurement method. Sixty-four patients with solitary radiopaque lower pole kidney stones were enrolled in the study. Infundibulopelvic angle (IPA), infundibulotransverse angle (ITA), infundibular lenght(IL), and infundibular width (IW) were measured on the intravenous urographies which were taken before the procedure. 48 of 64 patients (75%) were stone-free after a follow-up period of 3 months. The IPA,ITA,IL and IW were determined as statistically significant factors, while age,gender and stone area were found to have no impact on clearance. By the help of radiographic measurement methods related to lower pole kidney anatomy, appropriate patient selection and increment in success after ESWL may be achieved.

Solitary thyroid metastasis from colon cancer: fine-needle aspiration cytology and molecular biology approach.

PubMed

Onorati, M; Uboldi, P; Bianchi, C L; Nicola, M; Corradini, G M; Veronese, S; Fascì, A I; Di Nuovo, F

2015-01-01

Thyroid gland is one of the most vascularized organs of the body, nevertheless clinical and surgical series report an incidence of secondary malignancies in this gland of only 3%. Colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the thyroid gland is not as uncommon as previously believed, infact the number of cases seems to be increased in recent years due to the more frequent use of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) guided by ultrasonography. Although kidney, breast and lung metastases to the thyroid are frequent, metastasis from colon cancer is clinically rare with 52 cases reported in the literature in the last 5 decades and three cases described as solitary thyroid metastasis from the colon cancer without any other visceral metastases. To the best of our knowledge, we report the fourth case of solitary, asymptomatic thyroid metastasis from colon cancer without involvement of other organs. We discuss the importance of FNAC to detect metastatazing process as a compulsory step of the diagnostic and therapeutic management algorithm, combined with a molecular biology approach. A review of the last 5 decades literature, to update the number of cases described to date, is also included.

A survey of nutrition and health status of solitary and non-solitary elders in taiwan.

PubMed

Hsieh, Y M; Sung, T S; Wan, K S

2010-01-01

To compare the effects of living alone versus living in a group setting on the health, nutrition, personal cognition and general living function of a group of elderly Taiwanese. We also hypothesized that older adults living alone would have poorer indices of function and health than would elderly persons living in a group setting. We conducted a cross-sectional validation study of 360 men and women older than 65 y. The subjects were 120 solitary (living alone) elders and 240 were non-solitary elders. Both groups completed a series of questionnaires, including the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Activities of Daily Living (ADLs/Barthel scales), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs/Lawton scales), Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire (SPMSQ), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The participants were then administered by specially trained field workers. Blood samples were taken and body mass index, and mid-arm and calf circumferences were measured. The results for each group were statistically analyzed. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. The nutritional and health status of the solitary elders, especially males, was poor compared to that of the non-solitary elders. In the solitary elders group, the average scores on the NSI, MNA, ADL, IADL, SPMSQ, and GDS were: 4.6, 23.7, 95.6, 7.6, 0.5, and 13%, respectively. Solitary elders, especially males, have a significantly increased risk of poor nutrition (MNA < 24), poor health status, impaired cognition, and impaired activities of daily living.

Primary cilia: cellular sensors for the skeleton.

PubMed

Anderson, Charles T; Castillo, Alesha B; Brugmann, Samantha A; Helms, Jill A; Jacobs, Christopher R; Stearns, Tim

2008-09-01

The primary cilium is a solitary, immotile cilium that is present in almost every mammalian cell type. Primary cilia are thought to function as chemosensors, mechanosensors, or both, depending on cell type, and have been linked to several developmental signaling pathways. Primary cilium malfunction has been implicated in several human diseases, the symptoms of which include vision and hearing loss, polydactyly, and polycystic kidneys. Recently, primary cilia have also been implicated in the development and homeostasis of the skeleton. In this review, we discuss the structure and formation of the primary cilium and some of the mechanical and chemical signals to which it could be sensitive, with a focus on skeletal biology. We also raise several unanswered questions regarding the role of primary cilia as mechanosensors and chemosensors and identify potential research avenues to address these questions.

Primary Cilia: Cellular Sensors for the Skeleton

PubMed Central

Anderson, Charles T.; Castillo, Alesha B.; Brugmann, Samantha A.; Helms, Jill A.; Jacobs, Christopher R.; Stearns, Tim

2010-01-01

The primary cilium is a solitary, immotile cilium that is present in almost every mammalian cell type. Primary cilia are thought to function as chemosensors, mechanosensors, or both, depending on cell type, and have been linked to several developmental signaling pathways. Primary cilium malfunction has been implicated in several human diseases, the symptoms of which include vision and hearing loss, polydactyly, and polycystic kidneys. Recently, primary cilia have also been implicated in the development and homeostasis of the skeleton. In this review, we discuss the structure and formation of the primary cilium and some of the mechanical and chemical signals to which it could be sensitive, with a focus on skeletal biology. We also raise several unanswered questions regarding the role of primary cilia as mechanosensors and chemosensors and identify potential research avenues to address these questions. PMID:18727074

Self-deflection of a bright soliton in a separate bright-dark spatial soliton pair based on a higher-order space charge field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jin-Song; Hao, Zhong-Hua

2003-10-01

The self-deflection of a bright solitary beam can be controlled by a dark solitary beam via a parametric coupling effect between the bright and dark solitary beams in a separate bright-dark spatial soliton pair supported by an unbiased series photorefractive crystal circuit. The spatial shift of the bright solitary beam centre as a function of the input intensity of the dark solitary beam (hat rho) is investigated by taking into account the higher-order space charge field in the dynamics of the bright solitary beam via both numerical and perturbation methods under steady-state conditions. The deflection amount (Deltas0), defined as the value of the spatial shift at the output surface of the crystal, is a monotonic and nonlinear function of hat rho. When hat rho is weak or strong enough, Deltas0 is, in fact, unchanged with hat rho, whereas Deltas0 increases or decreases monotonically with hat rho in a middle range of hat rho. The corresponding variation range (deltas) depends strongly on the value of the input intensity of the bright solitary beam (r). There are some peak and valley values in the curve of deltas versus r under some conditions. When hat rho increases, the bright solitary beam can scan toward both the direction same as and opposite to the crystal's c-axis. Whether the direction is the same as or opposite to the c-axis depends on the parameter values and configuration of the crystal circuit, as well as the value of r. Some potential applications are discussed.

[Functional childhood gastrointestinal disorders. III. Constipation and solitary encopresis; diagnostic work-up and therapy].

PubMed

van Ginkel, R; Büller, H A; Heymans, H S; Taminiau, J A; Boeckxstaens, G E; Benninga, M A

2003-06-28

A detailed medical history in combination with a thorough physical examination, including rectal examination, form the cornerstone in the diagnostic work-up for children with functional defecation disorders. Additional investigations are often not informative and have only minor diagnostic or therapeutic implications. Medical therapy in children with functional constipation and solitary encopresis is primarily based on clinical experience. In both patient groups, the role of education, the use of diary cards and toilet training is important. In some patients behaviour interventions are important. Oral laxatives are the basis of treatment of children with functional constipation, whereas they are contra-indicated in children with solitary encopresis. In both groups, biofeedback training appears to be of little additional benefit. Long-term follow-up of children with functional defecation disorders shows that complaints continue far beyond puberty in many children.

Clinical and biopsychosocial determinants of sexual dysfunction in middle-aged and older Australian men.

PubMed

Martin, Sean; Atlantis, Evan; Wilson, David; Lange, Kylie; Haren, Matthew T; Taylor, Anne; Wittert, Gary

2012-08-01

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and other related sexual dysfunctions in men have recently been shown to associate with a range of conditions and biopsychosocial factors. However, few studies have been able to control for these related factors simultaneously. To determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for ED and low solitary and dyadic sexual desire. Erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function) and sexual desire (Sexual Desire Inventory 2), as well as associated sociodemographic, lifestyle, biological, and clinical risk factors. Data were collected from 1,195 randomly selected, community-dwelling men as part of the Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study. The prevalence of ED, low solitary, and dyadic sexual desire was 17.7%, 67.7%, and 13.5%, respectively. Increasing age, abdominal fat mass, obstructive sleep apnea risk, and the absence of a regular partner were associated with both degrees of ED severity. Insufficient physical activity, low alcohol consumption, and hypertension were associated with mild ED only, and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms, diabetes, and lower plasma testosterone were independently associated with moderate to severe ED. Increasing age, lower alcohol consumption, insufficient physical activity, and a diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or insomnia were associated with both low dyadic and solitary sexual desire. Postschool qualifications and lower plasma testosterone were associated with low dyadic desire, whereas lower education and income, unemployment, and migration were associated with low solitary sexual desire. The absence of a regular partner and postschool qualifications were associated with higher solitary sexual desire. While ED and low dyadic and solitary sexual desire share some risk factors, we were able to demonstrate that unique factors exist for each of these domains. Attention should first be given to addressing these modifiable risk factors. © 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Suprarenal solitary fibrous tumor associated with a NF1 gene mutation mimicking a kidney neoplasm: implications for surgical management

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare spindle cell neoplasm, usually occurring in the pleura. Pararenal SFT, mimicking an adrenal gland or renal tumor, as here described, is extremely rare. We report a case of a right suprarenal SFT, incidentally discovered by abdominal ultrasound in a 54-year-old woman carrying a point neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) gene mutation. Preoperative diagnostic work-up was ineffective in evaluating its origin, and an open radical right nephrectomy was therefore undertaken. Immunohistochemical assay showed a positivity for CD34, CD99 and Bcl-2, so suggesting a diagnosis of SFT. According to our knowledge, the association between this type of tumor and NF1 gene mutation has never been described. In cases of pararenal tumors, a more detailed preoperative diagnosis could be useful to better plan the extension of resection, allowing, in selected cases, nephron-sparing surgery. More studies are needed to better analyze the relationship between NF1 gene mutation and SFT. PMID:24708790

Characteristics of the solitary waves and rogue waves with interaction phenomena in a (2 + 1)-dimensional Breaking Soliton equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hossen, Md. Belal; Roshid, Harun-Or; Ali, M. Zulfikar

2018-05-01

Under inquisition in this paper is a (2 + 1)-dimensional Breaking Soliton equation, which can describe various nonlinear scenarios in fluid dynamics. Using the Bell polynomials, some proficient auxiliary functions are offered to apparently construct its bilinear form and corresponding soliton solutions which are different from the previous literatures. Moreover, a direct method is used to construct its rogue wave and solitary wave solutions using particular auxiliary function with the assist of bilinear formalism. Finally, the interactions between solitary waves and rogue waves are offered with a complete derivation. These results enhance the variety of the dynamics of higher dimensional nonlinear wave fields related to mathematical physics and engineering.

Public Health and Solitary Confinement in the United States.

PubMed

Cloud, David H; Drucker, Ernest; Browne, Angela; Parsons, Jim

2015-01-01

The history of solitary confinement in the United States stretches from the silent prisons of 200 years ago to today's supermax prisons, mechanized panopticons that isolate tens of thousands, sometimes for decades. We examined the living conditions and characteristics of the populations in solitary confinement. As part of the growing movement for reform, public health agencies have an ethical obligation to help address the excessive use of solitary confinement in jails and prisons in accordance with established public health functions (e.g., violence prevention, health equity, surveillance, and minimizing of occupational and psychological hazards for correctional staff). Public health professionals should lead efforts to replace reliance on this overly punitive correctional policy with models based on rehabilitation and restorative justice.

Public Health and Solitary Confinement in the United States

PubMed Central

Drucker, Ernest; Browne, Angela; Parsons, Jim

2015-01-01

The history of solitary confinement in the United States stretches from the silent prisons of 200 years ago to today’s supermax prisons, mechanized panopticons that isolate tens of thousands, sometimes for decades. We examined the living conditions and characteristics of the populations in solitary confinement. As part of the growing movement for reform, public health agencies have an ethical obligation to help address the excessive use of solitary confinement in jails and prisons in accordance with established public health functions (e.g., violence prevention, health equity, surveillance, and minimizing of occupational and psychological hazards for correctional staff). Public health professionals should lead efforts to replace reliance on this overly punitive correctional policy with models based on rehabilitation and restorative justice. PMID:25393185

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in an 8-week-old infant.

PubMed

Lee, Albert S; Bowen, Diana K; Vatsky, Seth; Zderic, Stephen A; Tasian, Gregory E

2018-06-01

We report successful percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in an 8-week-old, 4.12 kg infant with a combined stone burden of > 2 cm in a solitary kidney. The patient was born with thoracolumbar myelomeningocele and had developed recurrent urinary tract infections. Her size precluded retrograde intrarenal surgery and shockwave lithotripsy would be unlikely to clear the stone burden. Stone analysis revealed hydroxyapatite and carbonate apatite stones, and metabolic work up revealed hypercalciuria for which chlorothiazide was started. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient to undergo PCNL reported in the literature.

Loss of Nephrocystin-3 Function Can Cause Embryonic Lethality, Meckel-Gruber-like Syndrome, Situs Inversus, and Renal-Hepatic-Pancreatic Dysplasia

PubMed Central

Bergmann, Carsten; Fliegauf, Manfred; Brüchle, Nadina Ortiz; Frank, Valeska; Olbrich, Heike; Kirschner, Jan; Schermer, Bernhard; Schmedding, Ingolf; Kispert, Andreas; Kränzlin, Bettina; Nürnberg, Gudrun; Becker, Christian; Grimm, Tiemo; Girschick, Gundula; Lynch, Sally A.; Kelehan, Peter; Senderek, Jan; Neuhaus, Thomas J.; Stallmach, Thomas; Zentgraf, Hanswalter; Nürnberg, Peter; Gretz, Norbert; Lo, Cecilia; Lienkamp, Soeren; Schäfer, Tobias; Walz, Gerd; Benzing, Thomas; Zerres, Klaus; Omran, Heymut

2008-01-01

Many genetic diseases have been linked to the dysfunction of primary cilia, which occur nearly ubiquitously in the body and act as solitary cellular mechanosensory organelles. The list of clinical manifestations and affected tissues in cilia-related disorders (ciliopathies) such as nephronophthisis is broad and has been attributed to the wide expression pattern of ciliary proteins. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms leading to this dramatic diversity of phenotypes. We recently reported hypomorphic NPHP3 mutations in children and young adults with isolated nephronophthisis and associated hepatic fibrosis or tapetoretinal degeneration. Here, we chose a combinatorial approach in mice and humans to define the phenotypic spectrum of NPHP3/Nphp3 mutations and the role of the nephrocystin-3 protein. We demonstrate that the pcy mutation generates a hypomorphic Nphp3 allele that is responsible for the cystic kidney disease phenotype, whereas complete loss of Nphp3 function results in situs inversus, congenital heart defects, and embryonic lethality in mice. In humans, we show that NPHP3 mutations can cause a broad clinical spectrum of early embryonic patterning defects comprising situs inversus, polydactyly, central nervous system malformations, structural heart defects, preauricular fistulas, and a wide range of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). On the functional level, we show that nephrocystin-3 directly interacts with inversin and can inhibit like inversin canonical Wnt signaling, whereas nephrocystin-3 deficiency leads in Xenopus laevis to typical planar cell polarity defects, suggesting a role in the control of canonical and noncanonical (planar cell polarity) Wnt signaling. PMID:18371931

Solitary waves: a possible mechanism for rapid fluid transport in low permeability porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Appold, Martin; Joshi, Ajit

2014-05-01

Elastic porous media in which the rate of fluid pressure generation is high relative to the rate of fluid pressure diffusion and whose permeabilities are a sensitive function of effective stress may generate solitary waves manifest as discrete pulses of elevated pore pressure and porosity that can travel at velocities that are orders of magnitude greater than the velocities of the pore fluids in the background Darcian flow regime. Solitary waves may thus be important vehicles for fluid transport through porous media whose permeabilities are otherwise too low to allow significant rates of flow. Solitary waves have been hypothesized for diverse geologic settings and processes, including magmatic hydrothermal ore formation, magma transport, fault slip in accretionary wedges and at transform plate boundaries, and primary hydrocarbon migration in sedimentary basins. The present study has focused on solitary waves as agents of oil and methane transport through numerical simulation of their origin and behavior. The results show solitary waves to have limited capacity for transporting oil for several reasons: (1) the rate of fluid pressure generation by typical mechanisms like compaction disequilibrium and hydrocarbon formation is too low to allow solitary waves to form unless permeability is exceptionally low (10-24 to 10-25 m2), (2) solitary waves are only able to ascend no more than 1-2 km before dissipating to ambient pressure and porosity values, (3) the waves are too small and the frequency of their formation is too low to account for the amount of oil observed in the reservoirs that they have been hypothesized to feed. Solitary waves have been found to be more effective at transporting methane because of its lower density and viscosity compared to oil, provided that a mechanism for rapid pressure generation exists and permeabilities are very low. If those conditions exist, then solitary waves can ascend over two kilometers at rates on the order of 100's of meters per year compared to millimeters per year for solitary waves transporting oil.

Micro-computed tomography of pupal metamorphosis in the solitary bee Megachile rotundata

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Insect metamorphosis involves a complex change in form and function, but most of these changes are internal and treated as a black box. In this study, we examined development of the solitary bee, Megachile rotundata, using micro-computed tomography (µCT) and digital volume analysis. We describe deve...

Cavitation Bubble Cluster Activity in the Breakage of Kidney Stones by Lithotripter Shock Waves

PubMed Central

Pishchalnikov, Yuriy A.; Sapozhnikov, Oleg A.; Bailey, Michael R.; Williams, James C.; Cleveland, Robin O.; Colonius, Tim; Crum, Lawrence A.; Evan, Andrew P.; McAteer, James A.

2008-01-01

High-speed photography was used to analyze cavitation bubble activity at the surface of artificial and natural kidney stones during exposure to lithotripter shock waves in vitro. Numerous individual bubbles formed at the surface of stones, but these bubbles did not remain independent and combined with one another to form bubble clusters. Bubble clusters formed at the proximal end, the distal end, and at the sides of stones. Each cluster collapsed to a narrow point of impact. Collapse of the proximal cluster caused erosion at the leading face of the stone and the collapse of clusters at the sides of stones appeared to contribute to the growth of cracks. Collapse of the distal cluster caused minimal damage. We conclude that cavitation-mediated damage to stones was due not to the action of solitary bubbles, but to the growth and collapse of bubble clusters. PMID:14565872

Acute Kidney Injury Classification Underestimates Long-Term Mortality After Cardiac Valve Operations.

PubMed

Bouma, Hjalmar R; Mungroop, Hubert E; de Geus, A Fred; Huisman, Daniel D; Nijsten, Maarten W N; Mariani, Massimo A; Scheeren, Thomas W L; Burgerhof, Johannes G M; Henning, Robert H; Epema, Anne H

2018-03-01

Perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important predictor of long-term all-cause mortality after coronary artery bypass (CABG). However, the effect of AKI on long-term mortality after cardiac valve operations is hitherto undocumented. Perioperative renal injury and long-term all-cause mortality after valve operations were studied in a prospective cohort of patients undergoing solitary valve operations (n=2,806) or valve operations combined with CABG (n=1,260) with up to 18 years of follow-up. Postoperative serum creatinine increase was classified according to AKI 0-3. Patients undergoing solitary CABG (n=4,938) with cardiopulmonary bypass served as reference. In both valve and valve+CABG operations, postoperative renal injury of AKI stage 1 or higher was progressively associated with an increase in long-term mortality (HR 2.27, p<0.05 for valve; HR 1.65, p<0.05 for valve operations combined with CABG; HR 1.56, p<0.05 for CABG). Notably, the mortality risk increased already substantially at serum creatinine rises of 10-25%, i.e. far below the threshold for AKI stage 1 after valve operations (HR 1.39, p<0.05), but not after valve operations combined with CABG or CABG only. An increase in serum creatinine by more than 10%during the first week following valve operation is associated with an increased risk for long-term mortality following cardiac valve operation. Thus, AKI-classification clearly underestimates long-term mortality risk in patients undergoing valve operations. Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zero ischemia anatomical partial nephrectomy: a novel approach.

PubMed

Gill, Inderbir S; Patil, Mukul B; Abreu, Andre Luis de Castro; Ng, Casey; Cai, Jie; Berger, Andre; Eisenberg, Manuel S; Nakamoto, Masahiko; Ukimura, Osamu; Goh, Alvin C; Thangathurai, Duraiyah; Aron, Monish; Desai, Mihir M

2012-03-01

We present a novel concept of zero ischemia anatomical robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Our technique primarily involves anatomical vascular microdissection and preemptive control of tumor specific, tertiary or higher order renal arterial branch(es) using neurosurgical aneurysm micro-bulldog clamps. In 58 consecutive patients the majority (70%) had anatomically complex tumors including central (67%), hilar (26%), completely intrarenal (23%), pT1b (18%) and solitary kidney (7%). Data were prospectively collected and analyzed from an institutional review board approved database. Of 58 cases undergoing zero ischemia robotic (15) or laparoscopic (43) partial nephrectomy, 57 (98%) were completed without hilar clamping. Mean tumor size was 3.2 cm, mean ± SD R.E.N.A.L. score 7.0 ± 1.9, C-index 2.9 ± 2.4, operative time 4.4 hours, blood loss 206 cc and hospital stay 3.9 days. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications (22.8%) were low grade (Clavien grade 1 to 2) in 19.3% and high grade (Clavien grade 3 to 5) in 3.5%. All patients had negative cancer surgical margins (100%). Mean absolute and percent change in preoperative vs 4-month postoperative serum creatinine (0.2 mg/dl, 18%), estimated glomerular filtration rate (-11.4 ml/minute/1.73 m(2), 13%), and ipsilateral kidney function on radionuclide scanning at 6 months (-10%) correlated with mean percent kidney excised intraoperatively (18%). Although 21% of patients received a perioperative blood transfusion, no patient had acute or delayed renal hemorrhage, or lost a kidney. The concept of zero ischemia robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is presented. This anatomical vascular microdissection of the artery first and then tumor allows even complex tumors to be excised without hilar clamping. Global surgical renal ischemia is unnecessary for the majority of patients undergoing robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy at our institution. Copyright © 2012 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of self-superparasitism and host age on fitness-correlated traits in the solitary endoparasitoid wasp Meteorus pulchricornis.

PubMed

Zhang, Bo; Li, Baoping; Meng, Ling

2014-01-01

The domed fitness functions are suggested to describe developmental patterns of progeny parasitoids in relation to host age at oviposition in solitary koinobint parasitoids that are engaged in single parasitism, but few studies have investigated the applicability of the functions as related to superparasitism. The present study was designed to compare fitness functions between single parasitism and superparasitism by examining developmental patterns of Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymneoptera: Braconidae) progeny in relation to the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), either singly parasitized or self-superparasitized as second-fifth instar larvae. Self-superparasitism caused deleterious effects on the fitness-related traits of parasitoid progeny, as demonstrated by a prolonged egg-to-adult emergence time, a smaller body size, and shorter longevity of the emerging adults, and decreased survival to adult emergence. While the domed fitness function was detected for development time, survival, adult body size, and longevity in relation to host larvae that were singly parasitized, the function was observed only for progeny survival in relation to host larvae that were self-superparasitized. This study suggests that developmental fitness functions with self-superparasitism can deviate from those with single parasitism in solitary koinobiont parasitoids.

Effects of selfsuperparasitism and host age on fitness-correlated traits in the solitary endoparasitoid wasp Meteorus pulchricornis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bo; Li, Baoping; Meng, Ling

2014-01-01

Abstract The domed fitness functions are suggested to describe developmental patterns of progeny parasitoids in relation to host age at oviposition in solitary koinobint parasitoids that are engaged in single parasitism, but few studies have investigated the applicability of the functions as related to superparasitism. The present study was designed to compare fitness functions between single parasitism and superparasitism by examining developmental patterns of Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymneoptera: Braconidae) progeny in relation to the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), either singly parasitized or self-superparasitized as second–fifth instar larvae. Selfsuperparasitism caused deleterious effects on the fitness-related traits of parasitoid progeny, as demonstrated by a prolonged egg-to-adult emergence time, a smaller body size, and shorter longevity of the emerging adults, and decreased survival to adult emergence. While the domed fitness function was detected for development time, survival, adult body size, and longevity in relation to host larvae that were singly parasitized, the function was observed only for progeny survival in relation to host larvae that were self-superparasitized. This study suggests that developmental fitness functions with selfsuperparasitism can deviate from those with single parasitism in solitary koinobiont parasitoids. PMID:25201512

[Functional childhood gastrointestinal disorders. II. Constipation and solitary encopresis: physiology and pathophysiology].

PubMed

van Ginkel, R; Büller, H A; Heymans, H S; Taminiau, J A; Boeckxstaens, G E; Benninga, M A

2003-06-28

The childhood prevalences of constipation and encopresis are 0.3-8% and 1-3% respectively. Following a recent stricter definition and classification, constipation and solitary encopresis are now recognised to be two separate entities. Constipation is characterised by infrequent defecation, often in combination with involuntary loss of faeces. Solitary encopresis most often occurs once a day after school hours. When there is no defecation, the frequency of encopresis increases, the abdominal pain becomes more severe and the appetite becomes less, until a large quantity of faeces is produced (often once per week). The physiology of the defecation and continence mechanism is complex and has only been unravelled in part. The multiple physiological mechanisms involved have a complementary and compensatory effect on each other. This makes it difficult to determine the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of these functional disorders.

Clinical outcome for patients of solitary bone only metastasis.

PubMed

Hosaka, Seiichi; Katagiri, Hirohisa; Honda, Yosuke; Wasa, Junji; Murata, Hideki; Takahashi, Mitsuru

2016-03-01

Solitary bone only metastasis (SBOM) is a rare condition in which metastasis is limited to a single skeletal lesion originating from a previously treated or controllable primary lesion. The study objective was to evaluate the clinical features and survival regarding this rare condition and to clarify its treatment strategy. A total of 1453 patients with bone metastasis registered in our hospital database were enrolled. To assess the primary and/or metastatic lesion we used plain X-ray images, CT, MRI and FDG-PET scans as well as bone scans. Among the patients, only 27 (1.8%) had SBOM. The primary cancers responsible for SBOM were lung in seven patients, breast in five, kidney in four, prostate in two, uterus in two and other types in seven. Treatment of SBOM involved resection in four patients, radiotherapy only in 17, radiotherapy in combination with zoledronate in six and chemotherapy with zoledronate in one. Local recurrence did not develop in the four cases treated with resection. However, in-field recurrence was found in 4 of 22 (18%) patients who underwent radiotherapy. All three patients who received >40 Gy did not develop in-field recurrence. The overall and event free survival rates at 5 years were 63% and 41%, respectively. Solitary bone only metastasis should be treated with wide resection or long-course radiotherapy at doses 40-50 Gy to achieve long lasting local tumor control. Copyright © 2015 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differential expression of estrogen receptor α and β isoforms in multiple and solitary leiomyomas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shao, Ruyue; Fang, Liaoqiong; Xing, Ruoxi

Uterine leiomyomas are benign myometrial neoplasms that function as one of the common indications for hysterectomy. Clinical and biological evidences indicate that uterine leiomyomas are estrogen-dependent. Estrogen stimulates cell proliferation through binding to the estrogen receptor (ER), of which both subtypes α and β are present in leiomyomas. Clinically, leiomyomas may be singular or multiple, where the first one is rarely recurring if removed and the latter associated to a relatively young age or genetic predisposition. These markedly different clinical phenotypes indicate that there may different mechanism causing a similar smooth muscle response. To investigate the relative expression of ERαmore » and ERβ in multiple and solitary uterine leiomyomas, we collected samples from 35 Chinese women (multiple leiomyomas n = 20, solitary leiomyoma n = 15) undergoing surgery to remove uterine leiomyomas. ELISA assay was performed to detect estrogen(E{sub 2}) concentration. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was performed to detect ERα and ERβ mRNA expression. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to detect ERα and ERβ protein expression. We found that ERα mRNA and protein levels of in multiple leiomyomas were significantly lower than those of solitary leiomyomas, whereas ERβ mRNA and protein levels in multiple leiomyomas were significantly higher than those in solitary leiomyomas, irrespectively of the menstrual cycle stage. In both multiple and solitary leiomyomas, ERα expression was higher than that of ERβ. E{sub 2} concentration in multiple and solitary leiomyomas correlated with that of ERα expression. ERα was present in nuclus and cytoplasma while estrogen receptor β localized only in nuclei in both multiple and solitary leiomyomas. Our findings suggest that the difference of ERα and ERβ expression between multiple and solitary leiomyomas may be responsible for the course of the disease subtypes. - Highlights: • In both multiple and solitary leiomyomas, ERα expression was higher than that of ERβ. • ERα was significantly lower, whereas ERβ was significantly higher in multiple leiomyomas than that in solitary leiomyomas. • The differential expression of ERα and ERβ may be responsible for the cause of the disease subtypes.« less

Transitional cell carcinoma arising in a calyceal cyst mimicking a cystic renal tumour.

PubMed

Kim, Jeong Ho; Song, Joo Yeon; Lee, Wan

2014-01-01

Solitary renal cysts are relatively common. The occurrence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in a renal cyst is rare. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with a medical history of viral hepatitis B. During a workup for his hepatitis, a computed tomography scan revealed a large cystic tumour in the upper region of the left kidney. A radical left nephrectomy was performed. Microscopic examination of the cystic tumour revealed a grade 2 TCC. The cyst was lined by transitional epithelium. This is a case of a TCC growing within a renal calyceal cyst.

Variational approach to studying solitary waves in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with complex potentials

DOE PAGES

Mertens, Franz G.; Cooper, Fred; Arevalo, Edward; ...

2016-09-15

Here in this paper, we discuss the behavior of solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) as they interact with complex potentials, using a four-parameter variational approximation based on a dissipation functional formulation of the dynamics. We concentrate on spatially periodic potentials with the periods of the real and imaginary part being either the same or different. Our results for the time evolution of the collective coordinates of our variational ansatz are in good agreement with direct numerical simulation of the NLSE. We compare our method with a collective coordinate approach of Kominis and give examples where themore » two methods give qualitatively different answers. In our variational approach, we are able to give analytic results for the small oscillation frequency of the solitary wave oscillating parameters which agree with the numerical solution of the collective coordinate equations. We also verify that instabilities set in when the slope dp(t)/dv(t) becomes negative when plotted parametrically as a function of time, where p(t) is the momentum of the solitary wave and v(t) the velocity.« less

Variational approach to studying solitary waves in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with complex potentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mertens, Franz G.; Cooper, Fred; Arevalo, Edward

Here in this paper, we discuss the behavior of solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) as they interact with complex potentials, using a four-parameter variational approximation based on a dissipation functional formulation of the dynamics. We concentrate on spatially periodic potentials with the periods of the real and imaginary part being either the same or different. Our results for the time evolution of the collective coordinates of our variational ansatz are in good agreement with direct numerical simulation of the NLSE. We compare our method with a collective coordinate approach of Kominis and give examples where themore » two methods give qualitatively different answers. In our variational approach, we are able to give analytic results for the small oscillation frequency of the solitary wave oscillating parameters which agree with the numerical solution of the collective coordinate equations. We also verify that instabilities set in when the slope dp(t)/dv(t) becomes negative when plotted parametrically as a function of time, where p(t) is the momentum of the solitary wave and v(t) the velocity.« less

Giant pandas use odor cues to discriminate kin from nonkin.

PubMed

Gilad, Oranit; Swaisgood, Ronald R; Owen, Megan A; Zhou, Xiaoping

2016-08-01

Sociality is an important factor in both the mechanism and function of kin recognition, yet it is little explored in solitary species. While there may be future opportunities for nepotistic functions of kin discrimination among solitary species, the ability to discriminate kin from nonkin may still have important roles in social regulation. The solitary giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca offers a good model system to explore kin discrimination in a solitary mammal. As kin discrimination in many other mammals is olfactorily mediated, we investigated whether giant pandas are able to discriminate odor cues from daughters even after months and years of separation. Our results indicate that giant pandas are capable of discriminating between kin and nonkin using odor cues available in urine and body odor. Daughters preferentially investigated the odors of unrelated adult female pandas over the odors of their mothers, and mothers spent more time investigating the odors of unrelated age-matched female pandas over those from their daughters. Because these studies were conducted months or years after the mother-daughter period of dependency ended, it is still unclear what mechanism is used for recognition. Long-term olfactory memories and phenotype matching should both be considered, and further studies are required for such determination.

A Variational Reduction and the Existence of a Fully Localised Solitary Wave for the Three-Dimensional Water-Wave Problem with Weak Surface Tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buffoni, Boris; Groves, Mark D.; Wahlén, Erik

2017-12-01

Fully localised solitary waves are travelling-wave solutions of the three- dimensional gravity-capillary water wave problem which decay to zero in every horizontal spatial direction. Their existence has been predicted on the basis of numerical simulations and model equations (in which context they are usually referred to as `lumps'), and a mathematically rigorous existence theory for strong surface tension (Bond number {β} greater than {1/3} ) has recently been given. In this article we present an existence theory for the physically more realistic case {0 < β < 1/3} . A classical variational principle for fully localised solitary waves is reduced to a locally equivalent variational principle featuring a perturbation of the functional associated with the Davey-Stewartson equation. A nontrivial critical point of the reduced functional is found by minimising it over its natural constraint set.

A Variational Reduction and the Existence of a Fully Localised Solitary Wave for the Three-Dimensional Water-Wave Problem with Weak Surface Tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buffoni, Boris; Groves, Mark D.; Wahlén, Erik

2018-06-01

Fully localised solitary waves are travelling-wave solutions of the three- dimensional gravity-capillary water wave problem which decay to zero in every horizontal spatial direction. Their existence has been predicted on the basis of numerical simulations and model equations (in which context they are usually referred to as `lumps'), and a mathematically rigorous existence theory for strong surface tension (Bond number {β} greater than {1/3}) has recently been given. In this article we present an existence theory for the physically more realistic case {0 < β < 1/3}. A classical variational principle for fully localised solitary waves is reduced to a locally equivalent variational principle featuring a perturbation of the functional associated with the Davey-Stewartson equation. A nontrivial critical point of the reduced functional is found by minimising it over its natural constraint set.

Comparison of the chemical compositions of the cuticle and the Dufour's gland of two solitary bee species from laboratory and field conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The biochemistry, morphology, and function of the Dufour’s glands have been investigated for social bees and some non-social bee families. This is a gland associated with the female bee stinger but does not deliver any poison. Most of the solitary bees examined previously are ground-nesting bees t...

Single-port laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy.

PubMed

Kaouk, Jihad H; Goel, Raj K

2009-05-01

Partial nephrectomy (PN) for small renal masses provides effective oncologic outcomes. Single-port laparoscopic (SPL) and robotic surgeries are evolving approaches to advance minimally invasive surgery. To determine the feasibility of laparoscopic and robotic single-port PN. Since 2007, evaluation of patients undergoing SPL and single-port robotic (SPR) PN at a primary referral center was performed. Patients with small, solitary, exophytic-enhancing renal masses were selected. Patients with a solitary kidney, endophytic or hilar tumors, and previous abdominal and/or kidney surgery were excluded. Perioperative and pathologic data were entered prospectively into an institutional review board (IRB)-approved database. Tumor location determined either an open Hasson transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach. A single multichannel port or Triport provided intra-abdominal access. The Harmonic Scalpel was used for tumor excision under normal renal perfusion. The da Vinci surgical robot was used for SPR cases. Patient demographics, perioperative, hematologic, and pathologic data as well as pain assessment using the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAPS) were assessed. A total of seven patients underwent single-port PN (SPL=5, SPR=2). One patient with a right anterior upper-pole mass required conversion from SPL to standard laparoscopy following tumor excision because of intraoperative bleeding. Pathology revealed six lesions compatible with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and one benign cyst. One negative frozen section came back focally positive on final histopathology. All other surgical margins were negative. A mean difference of 3.0+/-2.0 g/dl in hemoglobin was noted in all patients. Minimal pain was noted at discharge following both laparoscopic and robotic single-port surgery (VAPS=1.7+/-1.2 vs 1+/-0.5/10). SPL and SPR PN is feasible for select exophytic tumors. Robotics may improve surgical capabilities during single-port surgery.

Incidence, etiology, and significance of acute kidney injury in the early post-kidney transplant period.

PubMed

Panek, Romuald; Tennankore, Karthik K; Kiberd, Bryce A

2016-01-01

Little is known about the incidence, causes, and significance of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the early transplant period. This study used a definition as >26 μmol/L increase in creatinine within 48 h or >50% increase over a period >48 h. In 326 adult consecutive recipients of a solitary kidney transplant from 2006 to 2014 followed at this center, 21% developed AKI within the first six months. Most etiologies were CNI toxicity (33%) or unknown (26%), whereas acute rejection accounted for 17% and urinary tract obstruction for 10%. Those with AKI had a significantly lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at one-yr post-transplant (adjusted beta coefficient -5.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2) , 95% CI: -10.4, -0.7, p = 0.025) in a multivariable linear regression model. However, the AKI definition missed 6 of 19 episodes of acute rejection and 4 of 10 episodes of urinary tract obstruction. When acute rejection (including those that did not satisfy AKI criteria) was included in the model, other causes of AKI were not significantly associated with GFR at year 1. Although AKI, using current criteria, is likely to be a significant predictor of later outcomes, important causes are missed and the criteria are not sensitive for clinical decision-making. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dynamics of shaping ultrashort optical dissipative solitary pulses in the actively mode-locked semiconductor laser with an external long-haul single-mode fiber cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherbakov, Alexandre S.; Moreno Zarate, Pedro

2010-02-01

We describe the conditions of shaping regular trains of optical dissipative solitary pulses, excited by multi-pulse sequences of periodic modulating signals, in the actively mode-locked semiconductor laser heterostructure with an external long-haul single-mode silicon fiber exhibiting square-law dispersion, cubic Kerr nonlinearity, and linear optical losses. The presented model for the analysis includes three principal contributions associated with the modulated gain, optical losses, as well as linear and nonlinear phase shifts. In fact, the trains of optical dissipative solitary pulses appear within simultaneous presenting and a balance of mutually compensating interactions between the second-order dispersion and cubic-law Kerr nonlinearity as well as between active medium gain and linear optical losses in the combined cavity. Within such a model, a contribution of the nonlinear Ginzburg-Landau operator to shaping the parameters of optical dissipative solitary pulses is described via exploiting an approximate variational procedure involving the technique of trial functions. Finally, the results of the illustrating proof-of-principle experiments are briefly presented and discussed in terms of optical dissipative solitary pulses.

Numerical analysis of internal solitary wave generation around a Island in Kuroshio Current using MITgcm.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodaira, Tsubasa; Waseda, Takuji

2013-04-01

We have conducted ADCP and CTD measurements from 31/8/2010 to 2/9/2010 at the Miyake Island, located approximately 180 km south of Tokyo. The Kuroshio Current approached the island in this period, and the PALSAR image showed parabolic bright line upstream of the island. This bright line may be a surface signature of large amplitude internal solitary wave. Although our measurements did not explicitly show evidence of the internal solitary wave, critical condition might have been satisfied because of the Kuroshio Current and strong seasonal thermocline. To discover the generation mechanism of the large amplitude internal solitary wave at the Miyake Island, we have conducted non-hydrostatic numerical simulation with the MITgcm. A simple box domain, with open boundaries at all sides, is used. The island is simplified to circular cylinder or Gaussian Bell whose radius is 3km at ocean surface level. The size of the domain is 40kmx40kmx500m for circular cylinder cases and 80kmx80kmx500m for Gaussian bell cases. By looking at our CTD data, we have chosen for initial and boundary conditions a tanh function for vertical temperature profile. Salinity was kept constant for simplicity. Vertical density profile is also described by tanh function because we adopt linear type of equation of state. Vertical velocity profile is constant or linearly changed with depth; the vertical mean speed corresponds to the linear phase speed of the first baroclinic mode obtained by solving the eigen-value problem. With these configurations, we have conducted two series of simulations: shear flow through cylinder and uniform flow going through Gaussian Bell topography. Internal solitary waves were generated in front of the cylinder for the first series of simulations with shear flow. The generated internal waves almost purely consisted of 1st baroclinic component. Their intensities were linearly related with upstream vertical shear strength. As the internal solitary wave became larger, its width became wider compared to the KdV solution described by Grimshaw (2002). This is predicted because higher order analytical solution for 2-layer fluids, i.e. the eKdV solution, gives broader solitary wave shape than that of the KdV solution because of the cubic nonlinear term. When we look at the surface velocity distribution, a parabolic shape corresponding to internal solitary wave is clearly seen. According to the fully nonlinear theoretical model for internal wave between two fluids having background linear shear flow profiles (Choi and Camassa1999), the shape of internal wave is influenced by the velocity shear as well. However, we could not clarify the effect of vertical shear because there is no fully nonlinear analytical solution for large amplitude internal wave in continuously stratified fluid. Second series of simulations with uniform flow going through Gaussian Bell topography show that internal solitary wave shows up from sides of the topography. This generation is similar to the one developed in lee side of sill topography by tidal flow. With broader bell topography, generated internal waves become larger. This makes sense because forcing region is wider. A horizontal shape of the internal solitary wave is not parabolic but the two bending line forms from the sides of the island. However, no solitary wave in front of the island develops. Our results imply that vertical shear profile is needed for the formation of the depression type internal solitary, and explains the parabolic bright line observed in the SAR image

Solitary haemangioma of the shaft of long bones: resection and reconstruction with autologous bone graft.

PubMed

Li, Zhaoxu; Tang, Jicun; Ye, Zhaoming

2013-04-01

Bone haemangiomas are uncommon lesions, occurring in the skull or spine. A solitary haemangioma in the diaphysis of a long bone is rare. We retrospectively investigated six patients who presented with a solitary haemangioma in a long bone diaphysis. After segmental bone resection, the bone defect was replaced by a bone autograft. Patients were reviewed clinically and with radiographs. The mean follow-up was 6 years (range : 1-20 years). At the time of latest follow-up, no patient had a recurrence. Postoperative complications were one wound necrosis and one superficial wound infection. Union of the gap filling graft with the host bone was achieved in all patients at an average of 4 months (range: 3-8 months). The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 77% (range: 53%-90%) of normal at 6 months postoperatively, and 97% (range: 95%-99%) at the last follow-up evaluation. Segmental resection for solitary haemangioma and reconstruction with autologous bone graft can be considered as a suitable treatment option.

Existence, regularity, and concentration phenomenon of nontrivial solitary waves for a class of generalized variable coefficient Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, Claudianor O.; Miyagaki, Olímpio H.

2017-08-01

In this paper, we establish some results concerning the existence, regularity, and concentration phenomenon of nontrivial solitary waves for a class of generalized variable coefficient Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation. Variational methods are used to get an existence result, as well as, to study the concentration phenomenon, while the regularity is more delicate because we are leading with functions in an anisotropic Sobolev space.

[Choice of an upper urinary tract drainage method in urolithiasis].

PubMed

Doronchuk, D N; Trapeznikova, M F; Dutov, V V

2010-01-01

We made a retrospective (290) and a prospective (131) analysis of the evidence obtained on 421 patients with nephrostomic drainage (251) and an ureteral stent (170) treated for urolithiasis in the urological department of the Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute from 1995 to 2008. Assessment of clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients with nephrostomic drainage and an ureteral stent allowed the following conclusions: puncture nephrostomy (p < 0.05) for upper urinary tract drainage is preferable in a solitary functioning kidney, acute obstructive pyelonephritis, anuria, hyperthermia 380 and higher, marked supravesical urodynamic disorder, renal failure, plasmic creatinine level over 200 mcmol/l, azotemia over 10 mmol/l, blood potassium over 5.0 mmol/l, uric acid over 380 mcmol/l and leukocytosis over 8.0 x 10(9)/l. In the other cases a drainage method can be chosen by a physician. Cephalosporines, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and carbapenems in standard doses are recommended in active inflammation when antibioticograms are not obtained yet. Significant differences are seen in drainage with nephrostoma and ureteral stent. Recommendations on nephrostomic drain and ureteral stent installation depending on clinical and laboratory findings are presented.

Chronic Fluid Flow Is an Environmental Modifier of Renal Epithelial Function

PubMed Central

Resnick, Andrew

2011-01-01

Although solitary or sensory cilia are present in most cells of the body and their existence has been known since the sixties, very little is been known about their functions. One suspected function is fluid flow sensing- physical bending of cilia produces an influx of Ca++, which can then result in a variety of activated signaling pathways. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a progressive disease, typically appearing in the 5th decade of life and is one of the most common monogenetic inherited human diseases, affecting approximately 600,000 people in the United States. Because ADPKD is a slowly progressing disease, I asked how fluid flow may act, via the primary cilium, to alter epithelial physiology during the course of cell turnover. I performed an experiment to determine under what conditions fluid flow can result in a change of function of renal epithelial tissue. A wildtype epithelial cell line derived the cortical collecting duct of a heterozygous offspring of the Immortomouse (Charles River Laboratory) was selected as our model system. Gentle orbital shaking was used to induce physiologically relevant fluid flow, and periodic measurements of the transepithelial Sodium current were performed. At the conclusion of the experiment, mechanosensitive proteins of interest were visualized by immunostaining. I found that fluid flow, in itself, modifies the transepithelial sodium current, cell proliferation, and the actin cytoskeleton. These results significantly impact the understanding of both the mechanosensation function of primary cilia as well as the understanding of ADPKD disease progression. PMID:22046444

Trajectory of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Predicts Renal Injury in Children with Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney.

PubMed

Matsumura, Kazuya; Sugii, Kyoko; Awazu, Midori

2018-06-07

Children with a solitary functioning kidney have a risk of renal injury caused by hyperfiltration. Timely intervention with renin-angiotensin inhibitors may be beneficial. We examined whether trajectory of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) would predict renal injury, defined as microalbuminuria/proteinuria, hypertension, and/or a decline in eGFR. Seventeen patients (male 7, female 10) with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK; median age 13 years, range 6-19 years) followed in our clinic were examined retrospectively. An eGFR decline was defined as a fall to < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a decline of > 5 mL/min/1.73 m2/year for those with baseline eGFR of ≥90 or < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 respectively. Nine patients had renal injury at the time of investigation. Compared with 8 patients without renal injury, those with renal injury tended to be older (14.7 ± 4.2 vs. 11.4 ± 4.6 years) and the birth weight was smaller (2,538 ± 281 vs. 2,966 ± 361 g, p < 0.05). The frequency of contralateral congenital anomaly of kidney and urinary tract (cyst, hydronephrosis, or vesicoureteral reflux) were not different. The trajectory of eGFR in those without renal injury was either an increase (n = 3) or unidentifiable (n = 5), whereas that in the renal injury group was exclusively an increase followed by decline (p < 0.05). The average age of the onset of eGFR decline was 9.4 ± 4.2 years and that of the start of renal injury (albuminuria/proteinuria 5, eGFR decline 4, hypertension 1) was 12.5 ± 4.2 years. All the children with MCDK who developed renal injury had eGFR trajectory of increase followed by decline. Renal injury followed the peak eGFR by 3 years on average. This observation is in agreement with the hyperfiltration theory and underscores the importance of following eGFR trajectory closely. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Photoluminescence imaging of solitary dopant sites in covalently doped single-wall carbon nanotubes

DOE PAGES

Hartmann, Nicolai F.; Yalcin, Sibel Ebru; Adamska, Lyudmyla; ...

2015-11-11

Covalent dopants in semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are becoming important as routes for introducing new photoluminescent emitting states with potential for enhanced quantum yields, new functionality, and as species capable of near-IR room-temperature single photon emission. The origin and behavior of the dopant-induced emission is thus important to understand as a key requirement for successful room-T photonics and optoelectronics applications. Here, we use direct correlated two-color photoluminescence imaging to probe how the interplay between the SWCNT bright E 11 exciton and solitary dopant sites yields the dopant-induced emission for three different dopant species: oxygen, 4-methoxybenzene, and 4-bromobenzene. Wemore » introduce a route to control dopant functionalization to a low level as a means for introducing spatially well-separated solitary dopant sites. Resolution of emission from solitary dopant sites and correlation to their impact on E 11 emission allows confirmation of dopants as trapping sites for localization of E 11 excitons following their diffusive transport to the dopant site. Imaging of the dopant emission also reveals photoluminescence intermittency (blinking), with blinking dynamics being dependent on the specific dopant. Density functional theory calculations were performed to evaluate the stability of dopants and delineate the possible mechanisms of blinking. Furthermore, theoretical modeling suggests that the trapping of free charges in the potential well created by permanent dipoles introduced by dopant atoms/groups is likely responsible for the blinking, with the strongest effects being predicted and observed for oxygen-doped SWCNTs.« less

Solitary glandular papilloma of the peripheral lung: a report of two cases

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Solitary papilloma of the lung is thought to be a rare benign epithelial tumor, and complete surgical resection is currently the standard treatment for this pathology. However, some cases of papilloma have reportedly shown malignant potential. We report two cases of solitary glandular papilloma of the peripheral lung that were treated by thoracoscopic partial resection. The first patient presented with a nodular lesion in the lower lobe of the left lung that was detected on a follow-up chest computed tomography (CT) scan after treatment for laryngeal cancer. Partial lung resection was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. In the second patient, a nodular lesion was incidentally identified in the lower lobe of the left lung during a health check-up. Partial lung resection was again performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The postoperative course in both cases was uneventful, and no recurrences have been observed as of 44 months and 41 months postoperatively, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, malignant transformation has been reported both with the squamous type and the mixed type of solitary papilloma of the lung. The glandular variant has shown no tendency toward local recurrence after local excision and has no apparent malignant potential. Local excision is thus recommended for solitary glandular papilloma in order to preserve pulmonary function. PMID:24885310

Solitary glandular papilloma of the peripheral lung: a report of two cases.

PubMed

Kaseda, Kaoru; Horio, Hirotoshi; Harada, Masahiko; Hishima, Tsunekazu

2014-05-19

Solitary papilloma of the lung is thought to be a rare benign epithelial tumor, and complete surgical resection is currently the standard treatment for this pathology. However, some cases of papilloma have reportedly shown malignant potential. We report two cases of solitary glandular papilloma of the peripheral lung that were treated by thoracoscopic partial resection. The first patient presented with a nodular lesion in the lower lobe of the left lung that was detected on a follow-up chest computed tomography (CT) scan after treatment for laryngeal cancer. Partial lung resection was performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. In the second patient, a nodular lesion was incidentally identified in the lower lobe of the left lung during a health check-up. Partial lung resection was again performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The postoperative course in both cases was uneventful, and no recurrences have been observed as of 44 months and 41 months postoperatively, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, malignant transformation has been reported both with the squamous type and the mixed type of solitary papilloma of the lung. The glandular variant has shown no tendency toward local recurrence after local excision and has no apparent malignant potential. Local excision is thus recommended for solitary glandular papilloma in order to preserve pulmonary function.

Finite Element Studies of Solitary Waves in Granular Chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musson, Ryan W.

Solitary wave propagation in a monodisperse metallic granular chain was simulated using the finite element method. The model was built to address a discrepancy between numerical and experimental results from Lazaridi and Nesterenko (J. Appl. Mech. Tech. Phys., 26 [3] 405-408 1985). In their work, solitary waves were generated in a chain of particles through impact of a piston, and results were quantified by comparing the chains' reactions to a rigid wall. Their numerical calculations resulted in a solitary wave with a force amplitude of 83 N, while it was measured experimentally to be 71 N. In the present work, the configuration of the granular chain and piston was duplicated from Lazaridi and Nesterenko (J. Appl. Mech. Tech. Phys., 26 [3] 405-408 1985). Qualitatively similar solitary waves were produced, and von Mises stress values indicated that localized plastic deformation is possible, even at low piston impact velocities. These results show that localized plastic deformation was a likely source of dissipation in experiments performed by Lazaridi and Nesterenko. Solitary wave response was investigated in the same metallic granular chain-piston system using LS-DYNA. A power-law hardening material model was used to show that localized plastic deformation is present in the metallic granular chain, even for an impact velocity of 0.5 m/s. This loss due to plastic deformation was quantified via impulse, and it was shown that the loss scales nearly linearly with impact velocity. Therefore, metallic grains may not be suitable for devices that require high amplitude solitary waves. There would be too much energy lost to plastic deformation. The response of an aluminum oxide granular chain was subsequently compared to that of a steel chain because ceramics are inherently elastic. It was shown that solitary waves travel faster and the initial peak is slightly lower when compared to a steel chain. The response of granular chains to impulse loading was investigated as a function of material properties. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to study the effect of density and elastic modulus on a granular chain with fixed Poisson's ratio. Solitary wave velocity and amplitude increased with elastic modulus. Increasing density caused a decrease in wave velocity and an increase in amplitude. In addition, higher density granular chains exhibited a decrease in the number of solitary waves in their respective solitary wave trains. LS-DYNA was then used to explore the response of a variety of ceramic and metallic granular chains. Density, elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio were all set to representative values for the respective material. It was shown that solitary wave development and decay occur at different rates for different materials. In addition, the kinetic energy decay of the impactor was slower for glass compared with tungsten. Finally, it was shown that a single solitary wave with no train could be produced by impacting a high density, high modulus chain such as tungsten with a glass piston, which has relatively low density and elastic modulus. Increasing impact velocity for this case resulted in a single high-amplitude solitary wave with no train.

Congenital capillary proliferation of the kidney: a distinctive renal vascular lesion of childhood.

PubMed

Cajaiba, Mariana M; North, Paula E; Gong, Shunyou; Dickman, Paul S; Mroczek-Musulman, Elizabeth; Sauer, David A; Perlman, Elizabeth J

2017-08-01

Renal vascular lesions (RVL) are rare, and their morphological spectrum remains largely unknown, particularly in children. In this study, we characterize the clinicopathological features of RVL in a cohort of 12 children. Seven lesions were classified as previously recognized entities: vascular malformations (4), papillary endothelial hyperplasia (2), and pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary hemangioma; 1). An eighth lesion showed nonspecific findings, which were interpreted as reactive during our review. The remaining 4 cases presented either prenatally, at birth, or shortly after birth and were morphologically similar. These were characterized by a peculiar pattern of capillary proliferation with entrapment of native renal structures, variable amounts of extramedullary hematopoiesis and reactive lymphocytes, foci of infarction and hemorrhage, and the presence of feeding and draining vessels at their periphery. To our knowledge, this represents a previously undescribed congenital vascular lesion involving the kidney, which we have descriptively and provisionally termed congenital capillary proliferation of the kidney (CCPK). While it is unclear whether CCPK represents a malformation or neoplastic proliferation, it shows overlapping features with congenital hemangioma of the liver (solitary congenital hepatic hemangioma) and congenital nonprogressive hemangioma (CNH) of the skin and soft tissue, suggesting a possible common pathogenesis among these 3 entities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Primary Cilia Are Not Calcium-Responsive Mechanosensors

PubMed Central

Delling, M.; Indzhykulian, A. A.; Liu, X.; Liu, Y.; Xie, T.; Corey, D. P.; Clapham, D. E.

2016-01-01

Primary cilia are solitary, generally non-motile, hair-like protrusions that extend from the surface of cells between cell divisions. Their antenna-like structure leads naturally to the assumption that they sense the surrounding environment, the most common hypothesis being sensation of mechanical force through calcium-permeable ion channels within the cilium1. This Ca2+- Responsive MechanoSensor (CaRMS) hypothesis for primary cilia has been invoked to explain a large range of biological responses, from control of left-right axis determination in embryonic development to adult progression of polycystic kidney disease and some cancers2,3. Here, we report the complete lack of mechanically induced calcium increases in primary cilia, in tissues upon which this hypothesis has been based. First, we developed a transgenic mouse, Arl13b-mCherry-GECO1.2, expressing a ratiometric genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) in all primary cilia. We then measured responses to flow in primary cilia of cultured kidney epithelial cells, kidney thick ascending tubules, crown cells of the embryonic node, kinocilia of inner ear hair cells, and several cell lines. Cilia-specific Ca2+ influxes were not observed in physiological or even highly supraphysiological levels of fluid flow. We conclude that mechanosensation, if it originates in primary cilia, is not via calcium signaling. PMID:27007841

Two-dimensional interaction of a shear flow with a free surface in a stratified fluid and its solitary-wave solutions via mathematical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seadawy, Aly R.

2017-12-01

In this study, we presented the problem formulations of models for internal solitary waves in a stratified shear flow with a free surface. The nonlinear higher order of extended KdV equations for the free surface displacement is generated. We derived the coefficients of the nonlinear higher-order extended KdV equation in terms of integrals of the modal function for the linear long-wave theory. The wave amplitude potential and the fluid pressure of the extended KdV equation in the form of solitary-wave solutions are deduced. We discussed and analyzed the stability of the obtained solutions and the movement role of the waves by making graphs of the exact solutions.

Influence of Non-Maxwellian Particles on Dust Acoustic Waves in a Dusty Magnetized Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M. Nouri, Kadijani; Zareamoghaddam, H.

2013-11-01

In this paper an investigation into dust acoustic solitary waves (DASWs) in the presence of superthermal electrons and ions in a magnetized plasma with cold dust grains and trapped electrons is discussed. The dynamic of both electrons and ions is simulated by the generalized Lorentzian (κ) distribution function (DF). The dust grains are cold and their dynamics are studied by hydrodynamic equations. The basic set of fluid equations is reduced to modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation using Reductive Perturbation Theory (RPT). Two types of solitary waves, fast and slow dust acoustic soliton (DAS) exist in this plasma. Calculations reveal that compressive solitary structures are possibly propagated in the plasma where dust grains are negatively (or positively) charged. The properties of DASs are also investigated numerically.

Spatiotemporal Receptive Field Properties of a Looming-Sensitive Neuron in Solitarious and Gregarious Phases of the Desert Locust

PubMed Central

Harston, George W. J.; Kilburn-Toppin, Fleur; Matheson, Thomas; Burrows, Malcolm; Gabbiani, Fabrizio; Krapp, Holger G.

2010-01-01

Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) can transform reversibly between the swarming gregarious phase and a solitarious phase, which avoids other locusts. This transformation entails dramatic changes in morphology, physiology, and behavior. We have used the lobula giant movement detector (LGMD) and its postsynaptic target, the descending contralateral movement detector (DCMD), which are visual interneurons that detect looming objects, to analyze how differences in the visual ecology of the two phases are served by altered neuronal function. Solitarious locusts had larger eyes and a greater degree of binocular overlap than those of gregarious locusts. The receptive field to looming stimuli had a large central region of nearly equal response spanning 120° × 60° in both phases. The DCMDs of gregarious locusts responded more strongly than solitarious locusts and had a small caudolateral focus of even further sensitivity. More peripherally, the response was reduced in both phases, particularly ventrally, with gregarious locusts showing greater proportional decrease. Gregarious locusts showed less habituation to repeated looming stimuli along the eye equator than did solitarious locusts. By contrast, in other parts of the receptive field the degree of habituation was similar in both phases. The receptive field organization to looming stimuli contrasts strongly with the receptive field organization of the same neurons to nonlooming local-motion stimuli, which show much more pronounced regional variation. The DCMDs of both gregarious and solitarious locusts are able to detect approaching objects from across a wide expanse of visual space, but phase-specific changes in the spatiotemporal receptive field are linked to lifestyle changes. PMID:19955292

Preoperative fiducial coil placement facilitates robot-assisted laparoscopic excision of retroperitoneal small solitary metastasis of kidney cancer.

PubMed

Agrawal, Vineet; Sharma, Ashwani; Wu, Guan

2014-11-01

Image-guided fiducial markers are being used in surgery, especially in spine and breast surgery, and radiotherapy, allowing localization of tumor sites precisely. We report a case of fiducial coil use in a man undergoing a robot-assisted laparoscopic resection of a metastatic nodule under the ipsilateral diaphragm after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy performed 2 years ago for a left upper pole renal tumor. The fiducial coil facilitated the localization of the lesion, which would otherwise have been challenging because of its small size and location. In addition, the fiducial coil was helpful to avoid cutting into the lesion directly. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neonatal and early infancy management of prenatally detected hydronephrosis.

PubMed

Swords, Kelly A; Peters, Craig A

2015-09-01

Hydronephrosis discovered during prenatal ultrasound will often resolve spontaneously; however, it should be evaluated in the postnatal period in a manner commensurate with its risk of renal injury. Early intervention is appropriate in cases of bladder outlet obstruction or the severely obstructed solitary kidney. In most other cases, it is both safe and reasonable to allow the possibility of spontaneous improvement with the intensity of follow-up based on the severity of the hydronephrosis. Clinical decision making should be a shared process between families and caregivers. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

A Case of Left Renal Vein Ligation in a Patient with Solitary Left Kidney Undergoing Liver Transplantation to Control Splenorenal Shunt and Improve Portal Venous Flow.

PubMed

Martino, Rodrigo B; Júnior, Eserval Rocha; Manuel, Valdano; Rocha-Santos, Vinicius; D'Albuquerque, Luis Augusto C; Andraus, Wellington

2017-10-11

BACKGROUND Adequate portal venous flow is required for successful liver transplantation. Reduced venous flow and blood flow 'steal' by collateral vessels are a concern, and when there is a prominent splenorenal shunt present, ligation of the left renal vein has been recommended to improve portal venous blood flow. CASE REPORT A 51-year-old man who had undergone right nephrectomy in childhood required liver transplantation for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The patient had no other comorbidity and no history of hepatorenal syndrome. At transplantation surgery, portal venous flow was poor and did not improve with ligation of shunt veins, but ligation of the left renal vein improved portal venous flow. On the first and fifth postoperative days, the patient was treated with basiliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody to the IL-2 receptor, and methylprednisolone. The calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus, was introduced on the fifth postoperative day. On the sixteenth postoperative day, renal color Doppler ultrasound showed normal left renal parenchyma; hepatic Doppler ultrasound showed good portal vein flow and preserved hepatic parenchyma in the liver transplant. CONCLUSIONS This case report has shown that in a patient with a single left kidney, left renal vein ligation is feasible and safe in a patient with no other risk factors for renal impairment following liver transplantation. Modification of postoperative immunosuppression to avoid calcineurin inhibitors in the very early postoperative phase may be important in promoting good recovery of renal function and to avoid the need for postoperative renal dialysis.

Origins of Aminergic Regulation of Behavior in Complex Insect Social Systems

PubMed Central

Kamhi, J. Frances; Arganda, Sara; Moreau, Corrie S.; Traniello, James F. A.

2017-01-01

Neuromodulators are conserved across insect taxa, but how biogenic amines and their receptors in ancestral solitary forms have been co-opted to control behaviors in derived socially complex species is largely unknown. Here we explore patterns associated with the functions of octopamine (OA), serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in solitary ancestral insects and their derived functions in eusocial ants, bees, wasps and termites. Synthesizing current findings that reveal potential ancestral roles of monoamines in insects, we identify physiological processes and conserved behaviors under aminergic control, consider how biogenic amines may have evolved to modulate complex social behavior, and present focal research areas that warrant further study. PMID:29066958

Influence of CT-based depth correction of renal scintigraphy in evaluation of living kidney donors on side selection and postoperative renal function: is it necessary to know the relative renal function?

PubMed

Weinberger, Sarah; Klarholz-Pevere, Carola; Liefeldt, Lutz; Baeder, Michael; Steckhan, Nico; Friedersdorff, Frank

2018-03-22

To analyse the influence of CT-based depth correction in the assessment of split renal function in potential living kidney donors. In 116 consecutive living kidney donors preoperative split renal function was assessed using the CT-based depth correction. Influence on donor side selection and postoperative renal function of the living kidney donors were analyzed. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of postoperative renal function. A left versus right kidney depth variation of more than 1 cm was found in 40/114 donors (35%). 11 patients (10%) had a difference of more than 5% in relative renal function after depth correction. Kidney depth variation and changes in relative renal function after depth correction would have had influence on side selection in 30 of 114 living kidney donors. CT depth correction did not improve the predictability of postoperative renal function of the living kidney donor. In general, it was not possible to predict the postoperative renal function from preoperative total and relative renal function. In multivariate linear regression analysis, age and BMI were identified as most important predictors for postoperative renal function of the living kidney donors. Our results clearly indicate that concerning the postoperative renal function of living kidney donors, the relative renal function of the donated kidney seems to be less important than other factors. A multimodal assessment with consideration of all available results including kidney size, location of the kidney and split renal function remains necessary.

Nephrectomy (Kidney Removal)

MedlinePlus

... nephrectomy is needed because of other kidney diseases. Kidney function Most people have two kidneys — fist-sized ... and the disease that prompted the surgery? Monitoring kidney function Most people can function well with only ...

Compressive and rarefactive double layers in non-uniform plasma with q-nonextensive distributed electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, S. Ali; Saleem, H.

2018-05-01

Electrostatic solitary waves and double layers (DLs) formed by the coupled ion acoustic (IA) and drift waves have been investigated in non-uniform plasma using q-nonextensive distribution function for the electrons and assuming ions to be cold Ti< Te. It is found that both compressive and rarefactive nonlinear structures (solitary waves and DLs) are possible in such a system. The steeper gradients are supportive for compressive solitary (and double layers) and destructive for rarefactive ones. The q-nonextensivity parameter q and the magnitudes of gradient scale lengths of density and temperature have significant effects on the amplitude of the double layers (and double layers) as well as on the speed of these structures. This theoretical model is general which has been applied here to the F-region ionosphere for illustration.

Excisional treatment of renal hydatid cyst mimicking renal tumor with diode laser technique: A case report.

PubMed

Uçar, Murat; Karagözlü Akgül, Ahsen; Çelik, Fatih; Kılıç, Nizamettin

2016-08-01

Cystic echinococcosis, which is one of the most important helminthic infestations, is a serious life-threatening health problem in developing countries. Hydatid cyst of the kidney is a rare condition in children that can be treated with medical therapy or surgical treatment in some resistant cases. Here, we present a case of renal hydatid cyst that was treated with laparoscopic excision with diode laser. A 15-year-old female patient was admitted with abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 32 × 23 × 19-mm solid mass with cystic component at lower pole of right kidney. An indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test for echinococcosis granulosus was positive at a 1:320 titer. Other laboratory tests were within normal limits. The patient received albendazole therapy for 3 months. The follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed a solitary lesion with exophytic extensions that contained large separations. No contrast enhancement could be detected after gadolinium injection. As no regression could be detected radiologically, surgical treatment was planned. Laparoscopic renal lower pole mass cyst excision with diode laser was performed (Figure). The patient was hospitalized for 1 day without any blood transfusion. Histopathological examination was consistent with hydatid cyst of the kidney. Diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the kidney is generally made incidentally and can be misdiagnosed as a primary kidney tumor. Radiological studies may be insufficient for accurate diagnosis. In our case, laparoscopic excision of cyst and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cyst hydatid. At the postoperative second month the ultrasonography of kidneys were normal. For patients from endemic areas, hydatid cyst should always be included in the differential diagnosis. Laparoscopic excision of renal hydatid cysts with diode laser is a feasible and safe technique for resistant cases. Copyright © 2016 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tailored minimally invasive management of complex calculi in horseshoe kidney.

PubMed

Ding, Jie; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Cao, Qifeng; Huang, Tao; Xu, Wei; Huang, Kai; Fang, Jing; Bai, Qiang; Qi, Jun; Huang, Yunteng

2015-01-01

Complex calculi in horseshoe kidney (HK) present a significant management challenge. Here, we report the clinical efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) and flexible ureteroscopy (FURS), combined with holmium laser lithotripsy, in the treatment of calculi in HK. From January 2005 to May 2014, 62 HK patients with renal calculi were reviewed in terms of medical history, treatment modality and therapeutic outcome in a single tertiary care hospital. Among the patients, 11 with a solitary stone ≤ 1.5 cm in diameter received ESWL, leading to overall stone-free rate of 72.7%; 18 with stone diameter ≤ 2-3 cm received retrograde flexible ureteroscopy, with a recorded mean digitized surface area (DSA) of 339.6 ± 103.9 mm2, mean operation time of 93.1 ± 11.5 minutes and overall stone-free rate of 88.9%; and 33 with staghorn or complex calculi (d ≥ 2 cm) had MPCNL or MPCNL-FURS, with a recorded mean DSA of 691.0 ± 329.9 vs. 802.9 ± 333.3 mm2, mean operation time of 106.4 ± 16.6 vs. 124.4 ± 15.1 min and overall stone-free rate of 89.5% vs. 92.9%. For complex calculi (d ≥ 2 cm), MPCNL combined with antegrade FURS was superior in terms of reducing number of tracts, controlling mean hemoglobin drop, but required longer operation time, comparing with MPCNL alone. As minimally invasive treatments, a combination of MPCNL and antegrade FURS provides a safe and effective modality in the management of staghorn or complex calculi (d ≥ 2 cm) in HK with significantly reduced blood loss comparing to MPCNL alone, and retrograde FURS alone is favorable for stones with a diameter ≤ 2-3 cm. ESWL is effective for viable small solitary stones (d ≤ 1.5 cm). Treatment modality should be tailored based on individual condition.

Protective Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Specific T-Cell Immunity Is Frequent in Kidney Transplant Patients without Serum Anti-CMV Antibodies

PubMed Central

Litjens, Nicolle H. R.; Huang, Ling; Dedeoglu, Burç; Meijers, Ruud W. J.; Kwekkeboom, Jaap; Betjes, Michiel G. H.

2017-01-01

The absence of anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) is used to classify pretransplant patients as naïve for CMV infection (CMVneg patients). This study assessed whether pretransplant CMV-specific T-cell immunity exists in CMVneg patients and whether it protects against CMV infection after kidney transplantation. The results show that CMV-specific CD137+IFNγ+CD4+ and CD137+IFNγ+CD8+ memory T cells were present in 46 and 39% of CMVneg patients (n = 28) although at much lower frequencies compared to CMVpos patients (median 0.01 versus 0.58% for CD4+ and 0.05 versus 0.64% for CD8+ T cells) with a less differentiated CD28-expressing phenotype. In line with these data, CMV-specific proliferative CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed in CMVneg patients, which significantly correlated with the frequency of CMV-specific T cells. CMV-specific IgG antibody-secreting cells (ASC) could be detected at low frequency in 36% of CMVneg patients (1 versus 45 ASC/105 cells in CMVpos patients). CMVneg patients with pretransplant CMV-specific CD137+IFNγ+CD4+ T cells had a lower risk to develop CMV viremia after transplantation with a CMVpos donor kidney (relative risk: 0.43, P = 0.03). In conclusion, a solitary CMV-specific T-cell response without detectable anti-CMV antibodies is frequent and clinically relevant as it is associated with protection to CMV infection following transplantation with a kidney from a CMVpos donor. PMID:28955345

Outcome Measures Used to Report Kidney Function in Studies Investigating Surgical Management of Kidney Tumours: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Ellis, Robert J; Cho, Yeoungjee; Del Vecchio, Sharon J; McStea, Megan; Morais, Christudas; Coombes, Jeff S; Wood, Simon T; Gobe, Glenda C; Francis, Ross S

2018-05-01

Most practice decisions relevant to preserving kidney function in patients managed surgically for kidney tumours are driven by observational studies. A wide range of outcome measures are used in these studies, which reduces comparability and increases the risk of reporting bias. To comprehensively and succinctly describe the outcomes used to evaluate kidney function in studies evaluating surgical management of kidney tumours. Electronic search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify studies with at least one measure of kidney function in patients managed surgically for kidney tumours, published between January 2000 and September 2017. Abstracts were initially screened for eligibility. Full texts of articles were then evaluated in more detail for inclusion. A narrative synthesis of the evidence was conducted. A total of 312 studies, involving 127905 participants, were included in this review. Most were retrospective (n=274) studies and conducted in a single centre (n=264). Overall, 78 unique outcome measures were identified, which were grouped into six outcome categories. Absolute postoperative kidney function (n=187), relative kidney function (n=181), and postoperative chronic kidney disease (n=131) were most frequently reported. Kidney function was predominantly quantified using estimated glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance (n=255), most using the modification of diet in renal disease equation (n=182). Only 70 studies provided rationale for specific outcome measures used. There is significant variability in the reporting and quantification of kidney function in studies evaluating patients managed surgically for kidney tumours. A standardised approach to measuring and reporting kidney function will increase the effectiveness of outcomes reported and improve relevance of research findings within a clinical context. Although we know that the removal of a kidney can reduce kidney function, clinical significance of various approaches is a matter of debate. This article demonstrates significant variability in the way kidney function was reported across all studies of patients with kidney cancer undergoing surgery, indicating a need for standardisation. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Urology. All rights reserved.

Multiple periodic-soliton solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional generalised shallow water equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ye-Zhou; Liu, Jian-Guo

2018-06-01

Based on the extended variable-coefficient homogeneous balance method and two new ansätz functions, we construct auto-Bäcklund transformation and multiple periodic-soliton solutions of (3 {+} 1)-dimensional generalised shallow water equations. Completely new periodic-soliton solutions including periodic cross-kink wave, periodic two-solitary wave and breather type of two-solitary wave are obtained. In addition, cross-kink three-soliton and cross-kink four-soliton solutions are derived. Furthermore, propagation characteristics and interactions of the obtained solutions are discussed and illustrated in figures.

New solitary wave solutions of (3 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear extended Zakharov-Kuznetsov and modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equations and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dianchen; Seadawy, A. R.; Arshad, M.; Wang, Jun

In this paper, new exact solitary wave, soliton and elliptic function solutions are constructed in various forms of three dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) in mathematical physics by utilizing modified extended direct algebraic method. Soliton solutions in different forms such as bell and anti-bell periodic, dark soliton, bright soliton, bright and dark solitary wave in periodic form etc are obtained, which have large applications in different branches of physics and other areas of applied sciences. The obtained solutions are also presented graphically. Furthermore, many other nonlinear evolution equations arising in mathematical physics and engineering can also be solved by this powerful, reliable and capable method. The nonlinear three dimensional extended Zakharov-Kuznetsov dynamica equation and (3 + 1)-dimensional modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation are selected to show the reliability and effectiveness of the current method.

Constructing and predicting solitary pattern solutions for nonlinear time-fractional dispersive partial differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arqub, Omar Abu; El-Ajou, Ahmad; Momani, Shaher

2015-07-01

Building fractional mathematical models for specific phenomena and developing numerical or analytical solutions for these fractional mathematical models are crucial issues in mathematics, physics, and engineering. In this work, a new analytical technique for constructing and predicting solitary pattern solutions of time-fractional dispersive partial differential equations is proposed based on the generalized Taylor series formula and residual error function. The new approach provides solutions in the form of a rapidly convergent series with easily computable components using symbolic computation software. For method evaluation and validation, the proposed technique was applied to three different models and compared with some of the well-known methods. The resultant simulations clearly demonstrate the superiority and potentiality of the proposed technique in terms of the quality performance and accuracy of substructure preservation in the construct, as well as the prediction of solitary pattern solutions for time-fractional dispersive partial differential equations.

High population variability and source-sink dynamics in a solitary bee species.

PubMed

Franzén, Markus; Nilsson, Sven G

2013-06-01

Although solitary bees are considered to play key roles in ecosystem functions, surprisingly few studies have explored their population dynamics. We investigated the population dynamics of a rare, declining, solitary bee (Andrena humilis) in a landscape of 80 km2 in southern Sweden from 2003 to 2011. Only one population was persistent throughout all years studied; most likely this population supplied the surrounding landscape with 11 smaller, temporary local populations. Despite stable pollen availability, the size of the persistent population fluctuated dramatically in a two-year cycle over the nine years, with 490-1230 nests in odd-numbered years and 21-48 nests in even-numbered years. These fluctuations were not significantly related to climatic variables or pollen availability. Nineteen colonization and 14 extinction events were recorded. Occupancy decreased with distance from the persistent population and increased with increasing resource (pollen) availability. There were significant positive correlations between the size of the persistent population and patch occupancy and colonization. Colonizations were generally more common in patches closer to the persistent population, whereas extinctions were independent of distance from the persistent population. Our results highlight the complex population dynamics that exist for this solitary bee species, which could be due to source-sink dynamics, a prolonged diapause, or can represent a bet-hedging strategy to avoid natural enemies and survive in small habitat patches. If large fluctuations in solitary bee populations prove to be widespread, it will have important implications for interpreting ecological relationships, bee conservation, and pollination.

Juvenile hormone levels reflect social opportunities in the facultatively eusocial sweat bee Megalopta genalis (Hymenoptera: Halictidae).

PubMed

Smith, Adam R; Kapheim, Karen M; Pérez-Ortega, Betzi; Brent, Colin S; Wcislo, William T

2013-01-01

The evolution of eusociality is hypothesized to have involved de-coupling parental care from reproduction mediated by changes in endocrine regulation. While data for obligately eusocial insects are consistent with this hypothesis, we lack information from species representative of the transition from solitary reproduction to eusociality. Here we report the first evidence for a link between endocrine processes and social behavior in a facultatively eusocial bee, Megalopta genalis (Halictidae). Using females that varied in social, reproductive, and ecological context, we measured juvenile hormone (JH), a major regulator of colony caste dynamics in other eusocial species. JH was low at adult emergence, but elevated after 10 days in all nesting females. Females reared in cages with ad lib nutrition, however, did not elevate JH levels after 10 days. All reproductive females had significantly more JH than all age-matched non-reproductive females, suggesting a gonadotropic function. Among females in established nests, JH was higher in queens than workers and solitary reproductives, suggesting a role for JH in social dominance. A lack of significant differences in JH between solitary reproductives and non-reproductive workers suggests that JH content reflects more than reproductive status. Our data support the hypothesis that endocrine modifications are involved in the evolutionary decoupling of reproductive and somatic effort in social insects. These are the first measurements of JH in a solitary-nesting hymenopteran, and the first to compare eusocial and solitary nesting individuals of the same species. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Numerical study on transient harbor oscillations induced by successive solitary waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Junliang; Ji, Chunyan; Liu, Yingyi; Ma, Xiaojian; Gaidai, Oleg

2018-02-01

Tsunamis are traveling waves which are characterized by long wavelengths and large amplitudes close to the shore. Due to the transformation of tsunamis, undular bores have been frequently observed in the coastal zone and can be viewed as a sequence of solitary waves with different wave heights and different separation distances among them. In this article, transient harbor oscillations induced by incident successive solitary waves are first investigated. The transient oscillations are simulated by a fully nonlinear Boussinesq model, FUNWAVE-TVD. The incident successive solitary waves include double solitary waves and triple solitary waves. This paper mainly focuses on the effects of different waveform parameters of the incident successive solitary waves on the relative wave energy distribution inside the harbor. These wave parameters include the incident wave height, the relative separation distance between adjacent crests, and the number of elementary solitary waves in the incident wave train. The relative separation distance between adjacent crests is defined as the ratio of the distance between adjacent crests in the incident wave train to the effective wavelength of the single solitary wave. Maximum oscillations inside the harbor excited by various incident waves are also discussed. For comparison, the transient oscillation excited by the single solitary wave is also considered. The harbor used in this paper is assumed to be long and narrow and has constant depth; the free surface movement inside the harbor is essentially one-dimensional. This study reveals that, for the given harbor and for the variation ranges of all the waveform parameters of the incident successive solitary waves studied in this paper, the larger incident wave heights and the smaller number of elementary solitary waves in the incident tsunami lead to a more uniform relative wave energy distribution inside the harbor. For the successive solitary waves, the larger relative separation distance between adjacent crests can cause more obvious fluctuations of the relative wave energy distribution over different resonant modes. When the wave height of the elementary solitary wave in the successive solitary waves equals to that of the single solitary wave and the relative separation distance between adjacent crests is equal to or greater than 0.6, the maximum oscillation inside the harbor induced by the successive solitary waves is almost identical to that excited by the single solitary wave.

Diuretic renography in hydronephrosis: renal tissue tracer transit predicts functional course and thereby need for surgery.

PubMed

Schlotmann, Andreas; Clorius, John H; Clorius, Sandra N

2009-10-01

The recognition of those hydronephrotic kidneys which require therapy to preserve renal function remains difficult. We retrospectively compared the 'tissue tracer transit' (TTT) of (99m)Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine ((99m)Tc-MAG(3)) with 'response to furosemide stimulation' (RFS) and with 'single kidney function < 40%' (SKF < 40%) to predict functional course and thereby need for surgery. Fifty patients with suspected unilateral obstruction and normal contralateral kidney had 115 paired (baseline/follow-up) (99m)Tc-MAG(3) scintirenographies. Three predictions of the functional development were derived from each baseline examination: the first based on TTT (visually assessed), the second on RFS and the third on SKF < 40%. Each prediction also considered whether the patient had surgery. Possible predictions were 'better', 'worse' or 'stable' function. A comparison of SKF at baseline and follow-up verified the predictions. The frequency of correct predictions for functional improvement following surgery was 8 of 10 kidneys with delayed TTT, 9 of 22 kidneys with obstructive RFS and 9 of 21 kidneys with SKF < 40%; for functional deterioration without surgery it was 2 of 3 kidneys with delayed TTT, 3 of 20 kidneys with obstructive RFS and 3 of 23 kidneys with SKF < 40%. Without surgery 67 of 70 kidneys with timely TTT maintained function. Without surgery 0 of 9 kidneys with timely TTT but obstructive RFS and only 1 of 16 kidneys with timely TTT but SKF < 40% lost function. Delayed TTT appears to identify the need for therapy to preserve function of hydronephrotic kidneys, while timely TTT may exclude risk even in the presence of an obstructive RFS or SKF < 40%.

MicroRNA-133 Inhibits Behavioral Aggregation by Controlling Dopamine Synthesis in Locusts

PubMed Central

Wang, Yanli; Guo, Xiaojiao; He, Jing; Kang, Le

2014-01-01

Phenotypic plasticity is ubiquitous and primarily controlled by interactions between environmental and genetic factors. The migratory locust, a worldwide pest, exhibits pronounced phenotypic plasticity, which is a population density-dependent transition that occurs between the gregarious and solitary phases. Genes involved in dopamine synthesis have been shown to regulate the phase transition of locusts. However, the function of microRNAs in this process remains unknown. In this study, we report the participation of miR-133 in dopamine production and the behavioral transition by negatively regulating two critical genes, henna and pale, in the dopamine pathway. miR-133 participated in the post-transcriptional regulation of henna and pale by binding to their coding region and 3′ untranslated region, respectively. miR-133 displayed cellular co-localization with henna/pale in the protocerebrum, and its expression in the protocerebrum was negatively correlated with henna and pale expression. Moreover, miR-133 agomir delivery suppressed henna and pale expression, which consequently decreased dopamine production, thus resulting in the behavioral shift of the locusts from the gregarious phase to the solitary phase. Increasing the dopamine content could rescue the solitary phenotype, which was induced by miR-133 agomir delivery. Conversely, miR-133 inhibition increased the expression of henna and pale, resulting in the gregarious-like behavior of solitary locusts; this gregarious phenotype could be rescued by RNA interference of henna and pale. This study shows the novel function and modulation pattern of a miRNA in phenotypic plasticity and provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the phase transition of locusts. PMID:24586212

MicroRNA-133 inhibits behavioral aggregation by controlling dopamine synthesis in locusts.

PubMed

Yang, Meiling; Wei, Yuanyuan; Jiang, Feng; Wang, Yanli; Guo, Xiaojiao; He, Jing; Kang, Le

2014-02-01

Phenotypic plasticity is ubiquitous and primarily controlled by interactions between environmental and genetic factors. The migratory locust, a worldwide pest, exhibits pronounced phenotypic plasticity, which is a population density-dependent transition that occurs between the gregarious and solitary phases. Genes involved in dopamine synthesis have been shown to regulate the phase transition of locusts. However, the function of microRNAs in this process remains unknown. In this study, we report the participation of miR-133 in dopamine production and the behavioral transition by negatively regulating two critical genes, henna and pale, in the dopamine pathway. miR-133 participated in the post-transcriptional regulation of henna and pale by binding to their coding region and 3' untranslated region, respectively. miR-133 displayed cellular co-localization with henna/pale in the protocerebrum, and its expression in the protocerebrum was negatively correlated with henna and pale expression. Moreover, miR-133 agomir delivery suppressed henna and pale expression, which consequently decreased dopamine production, thus resulting in the behavioral shift of the locusts from the gregarious phase to the solitary phase. Increasing the dopamine content could rescue the solitary phenotype, which was induced by miR-133 agomir delivery. Conversely, miR-133 inhibition increased the expression of henna and pale, resulting in the gregarious-like behavior of solitary locusts; this gregarious phenotype could be rescued by RNA interference of henna and pale. This study shows the novel function and modulation pattern of a miRNA in phenotypic plasticity and provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the phase transition of locusts.

Application of prescribing recommendations in older people with reduced kidney function: a cross-sectional study in general practice.

PubMed

Wood, Su; Petty, Duncan; Glidewell, Liz; Raynor, Dk Theo

2018-05-01

Kidney function reduces with age, increasing the risk of harm from increased blood levels of many medicines. Although estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is reported for prescribing decisions in those aged ≥65 years, creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault) gives a more accurate estimate of kidney function. To explore the extent of prescribing outside recommendations for people aged ≥65 years with reduced kidney function in primary care and to assess the impact of using eGFR instead of creatinine clearance to calculate kidney function. A cross-sectional survey of anonymised prescribing data in people aged ≥65 years from all 80 general practices (70 900 patients) in a north of England former primary care trust. The prevalence of prescribing outside recommendations was analysed for eight exemplar drugs. Data were collected for age, sex, actual weight, serum creatinine, and eGFR. Kidney function as creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault) was calculated using actual body weight and estimated ideal body weight. Kidney function was too low for recommended prescribing in 4-40% of people aged ≥65 years, and in 24-80% of people aged ≥85 years despite more than 90% of patients having recent recorded kidney function results. Using eGFR overestimated kidney function for 3-28% of those aged ≥65 years, and for 13-58% of those aged ≥85 years. Increased age predicted higher odds of having a kidney function estimate too low for recommended prescribing of the study drugs. Prescribing recommendations when kidney function is reduced are not applied for many people aged ≥65 years in primary care. Using eGFR considerably overestimates kidney function for prescribing and, therefore, creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault) should be assessed when prescribing for these people. Interventions are needed to aid prescribers when kidney function is reduced. © British Journal of General Practice 2018.

CT volumetry is superior to nuclear renography for prediction of residual kidney function in living donors.

PubMed

Barbas, Andrew S; Li, Yanhong; Zair, Murtuza; Van, Julie A; Famure, Olusegun; Dib, Martin J; Laurence, Jerome M; Kim, S Joseph; Ghanekar, Anand

2016-09-01

Living kidney donor evaluation commonly includes nuclear renography to assess split kidney function and computed tomography (CT) scan to evaluate anatomy. To streamline donor workup and minimize exposure to radioisotopes, we sought to assess the feasibility of using proportional kidney volume from CT volumetry in lieu of nuclear renography. We examined the correlation between techniques and assessed their ability to predict residual postoperative kidney function following live donor nephrectomy. In a cohort of 224 live kidney donors, we compared proportional kidney volume derived by CT volumetry with split kidney function derived from nuclear renography and found only modest correlation (left kidney R(2) =26.2%, right kidney R(2) =26.7%). In a subset of 88 live kidney donors with serum creatinine measured 6 months postoperatively, we compared observed estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months with predicted eGFR from preoperative imaging. Compared to nuclear renography, CT volumetry more closely approximated actual observed postoperative eGFR for Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (J-test: P=.02, Cox-Pesaran test: P=.01) and Mayo formulas (J-test: P=.004, Cox-Pesaran test: P<.001). These observations support the use of CT volumetry for estimation of split kidney function in healthy individuals with normal kidney function and morphology. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Robotic partial nephrectomy with intracorporeal renal hypothermia using ice slush.

PubMed

Kaouk, Jihad H; Samarasekera, Dinesh; Krishnan, Jayram; Autorino, Riccardo; Acka, Oktay; Brando, Luis Felipe; Laydner, Humberto; Zargar, Homayoun

2014-09-01

To outline our technique for intracorporeal cooling with ice slush during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN), with real-time parenchymal temperature monitoring. Eleven consecutive patients with enhancing solid renal masses suitable for treatment with RPN between September 2013 and January 2014 were included in the analysis. Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. Preoperative patient characteristics, intraoperative surgical parameters including patient body temperature and ipsilateral kidney temperature with real-time monitoring, and short-term functional outcomes were analyzed. Median age was 55 years (range, 39-75 years) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3 (range, 2-4). Median tumor size was 4 cm (range, 2.3-7.1) and RENAL nephrometry score was 9 (range, 5-11). One patient had a solitary kidney. During cooling, the lowest median renal parenchymal temperature was 17.05°C (range, 11°C-26°C) and cold ischemia time was 27.17 minutes (range, 18-49 minutes). Median time to latest postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was 12 days (range, 2-30 days). Median glomerular filtration rate preservation was 81% (range, 47.9%-126%). There was one positive margin. There were no postoperative complications, and no patients experienced a prolonged ileus. The limitations of this study include a small number of patients and short-term follow-up. RPN with renal hypothermia using intracorporeal ice slush is technically feasible. Our simplified method of introducing the ice slush was free of complications and highly reproducible. The use of a needle temperature probe allowed us to monitor in real time cooling of the renal parenchyma. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multiple Renal Artery Pseudoaneurysms in Patients Undergoing Renal Artery Embolization Following Partial Nephrectomy: Correlation with RENAL Nephrometry Scores

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gupta, Nakul; Patel, Anish; Ensor, Joe

PurposeTo describe the incidence of multiple renal artery pseudoaneurysms (PSA) in patients referred for renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy and to study its relationship to RENAL nephrometry scores.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 25 patients referred for renal artery embolization after partial nephrectomy were retrospectively reviewed for the following parameters: size and number of tumors, RENAL nephrometry scores, angiographic abnormalities, technical and clinical outcomes, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) after embolization.ResultsTwenty-four patients had primary renal tumors, while 1 patient had a pancreatic tumor invading the kidney. Multiple tumors were resected in 4 patients. Most patients (92 %) were symptomatic,more » presenting with gross hematuria, flank pain, or both. Angiography revealed PSA with (n = 5) or without (n = 20) AV fistulae. Sixteen patients (64 %) had multiple PSA involving multiple renal vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry scores were associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple PSA. Multiple vessels were embolized in 14 patients (56 %). Clinical success was achieved after one (n = 22) or two (n = 3) embolization sessions in all patients. Post-embolization eGFR values at different time points after embolization were not significantly different from the post-operative eGFR.ConclusionA majority of patients requiring renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy have multiple pseudoaneurysms, often requiring selective embolization of multiple vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry score is associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple pseudoaneurysms. We found transarterial embolization to be a safe and effective treatment option with no long-term adverse effect on renal function in all but one patient with a solitary kidney.« less

The science of Stewardship: due diligence for kidney donors and kidney function in living kidney donation--evaluation, determinants, and implications for outcomes.

PubMed

Poggio, Emilio D; Braun, William E; Davis, Connie

2009-10-01

Living kidney donor transplantation is now a common treatment for ESRD because it provides excellent outcomes to transplant recipients and is considered a safe procedure for prospective donors. The short- and long-term safety of prospective donors is paramount to the continued success of this procedure. Whereas the initial experiences with living kidney donors mostly included the healthiest, the increase in the need for organs and the changing demographic characteristics of the general population have subtly reshaped the suitability for donation. Kidney function assessment is a critical component of the evaluation of prospective donors; therefore, special emphasis is usually placed on this aspect of the evaluation. At the same time, consideration of kidney function after donation is important because it assists with the determination of renal health in donors. This review summarizes the process of predonation kidney function assessment, determinants of pre- and postdonation renal function, and, importantly, the potential implications of kidney function to the long-term outcomes of kidney donors.

Solitary liver metastasis from follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Djenic, Brano; Duick, Daniel; Newell, James O.; Demeure, Michael J.

2014-01-01

Introduction Papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) thyroid carcinomas, together known as differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC), are among the most curable of cancers. Sites of metastases from FTC are usually osseous and those from PTC are in regional nodal basins and the lungs. Visceral metastases are rare and when they do occur, they tend do so in multiple sites. We present the case of a patient with a follicular variant of PTC and a solitary metastasis to the liver then review the relevant literature. Presentation of case An otherwise healthy 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with follicular variant papillary thyroid cancer in 2003 and subsequently underwent thyroidectomy. The patient’s endocrinologist conducted surveillance of her thyroid cancer. In 2012, due to rise in thyroglobulin, a whole body radioiodine scan was obtained which revealed an iodine-avid left liver lobe mass. Three cycles of radioiodine ablation therapy were unsuccessful and eventually the patient was referred for surgical resection. Metastatic evaluation including a PET scan was negative with the exception of an isolated enhancing 4 cm mass in segment 4B of the liver. Anatomic segmental resection of liver was performed without complications. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to guide resection of the liver mass. Pathology reports confirmed metastatic follicular variant of PTC. Surgical margins were free of tumor. Patient was discharged home and is doing well one year after surgery. The latest thyroglobulin level was undetectable. Discussion Post-operative surveillance by PCP, endocrinologist or surgeon for patients with thyroid carcinoma should be performed routinely. If identified, a solitary liver metastasis from primary thyroid carcinoma should be considered for surgical resection. Due to sparse data available in literature, collecting more data to establish algorithms for treatment of such rare metastatic cancers may be able to aid physicians to achieve better outcomes. Conclusion Rare distant sites of metastases from DTC include eyes, pharynx, skin, muscle, ovaries, adrenal glands, kidneys, esophagus, pancreas and liver. Isolated, resectable liver metastases from PTC are exceedingly rare. Literature review revealed only 10 reported cases of liver metastases from DTC. As in our patient, solitary liver metastasis from PTC should be considered for surgical resection which offers the best chance for prolonged survival. PMID:25536153

Exact travelling wave solutions for a diffusion-convection equation in two and three spatial dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elwakil, S. A.; El-Labany, S. K.; Zahran, M. A.; Sabry, R.

2004-04-01

The modified extended tanh-function method were applied to the general class of nonlinear diffusion-convection equations where the concentration-dependent diffusivity, D( u), was taken to be a constant while the concentration-dependent hydraulic conductivity, K( u) were taken to be in a power law. The obtained solutions include rational-type, triangular-type, singular-type, and solitary wave solutions. In fact, the profile of the obtained solitary wave solutions resemble the characteristics of a shock-wave like structure for an arbitrary m (where m>1 is the power of the nonlinear convection term).

Nonlocal symmetries, solitary waves and cnoidal periodic waves of the (2+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Li; Tian, Shou-Fu; Feng, Lian-Li

2017-12-01

In this paper, we consider the (2+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equation, which describes the interaction of a Riemann wave propagating along the y-axis with a long wave along the x-axis. By virtue of the truncated Painlevé expansion method, we obtain the nonlocal symmetry, Bäcklund transformation and Schwarzian form of the equation. Furthermore, by using the consistent Riccati expansion (CRE), we prove that the breaking soliton equation is solvable. Based on the consistent tan-function expansion, we explicitly derive the interaction solutions between solitary waves and cnoidal periodic waves.

Kidney function after off-pump or on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Garg, Amit X; Devereaux, P J; Yusuf, Salim; Cuerden, Meaghan S; Parikh, Chirag R; Coca, Steven G; Walsh, Michael; Novick, Richard; Cook, Richard J; Jain, Anil R; Pan, Xiangbin; Noiseux, Nicolas; Vik, Karel; Stolf, Noedir A; Ritchie, Andrew; Favaloro, Roberto R; Parvathaneni, Sirish; Whitlock, Richard P; Ou, Yongning; Lawrence, Mitzi; Lamy, Andre

2014-06-04

Most acute kidney injury observed in the hospital is defined by sudden mild or moderate increases in the serum creatinine concentration, which may persist for several days. Such acute kidney injury is associated with lower long-term kidney function. However, it has not been demonstrated that an intervention that reduces the risk of such acute kidney injury better preserves long-term kidney function. To characterize the risk of acute kidney injury with an intervention in a randomized clinical trial and to determine if there is a difference between the 2 treatment groups in kidney function 1 year later. The Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery Off- or On-pump Revascularisation Study (CORONARY) enrolled 4752 patients undergoing first isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery at 79 sites in 19 countries. Patients were randomized to receive CABG surgery either with a beating-heart technique (off-pump) or with cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump). From January 2010 to November 2011, 2932 patients (from 63 sites in 16 countries) from CORONARY were enrolled into a kidney function substudy to record serum creatinine concentrations during the postoperative period and at 1 year. The last 1-year serum creatinine concentration was recorded on January 18, 2013. Acute kidney injury within 30 days of surgery (≥50% increase in serum creatinine concentration from prerandomization concentration) and loss of kidney function at 1 year (≥20% loss in estimated glomerular filtration rate from prerandomization level). Off-pump (n = 1472) vs on-pump (n = 1460) CABG surgery reduced the risk of acute kidney injury (17.5% vs 20.8%, respectively; relative risk, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.72-0.97], P = .01); however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the loss of kidney function at 1 year (17.1% vs 15.3%, respectively; relative risk, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.95-1.29], P = .23). Results were consistent with multiple alternate continuous and categorical definitions of acute kidney injury or kidney function loss, and in the subgroup with baseline chronic kidney disease. Use of off-pump compared with on-pump CABG surgery reduced the risk of postoperative acute kidney injury, without evidence of better preserved kidney function with off-pump CABG surgery at 1 year. In this setting, an intervention that reduced the risk of mild to moderate acute kidney injury did not alter longer-term kidney function. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00463294.

Nocturnal Hypoxia and Loss of Kidney Function

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Sofia B.; Ronksley, Paul E.; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R.; Tsai, Willis H.; Manns, Braden J.; Tonelli, Marcello; Klarenbach, Scott W.; Chin, Rick; Clement, Fiona M.; Hanly, Patrick J.

2011-01-01

Background Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common in patients with kidney disease, whether nocturnal hypoxia affects kidney function is unknown. Methods We studied all adult subjects referred for diagnostic testing of sleep apnea between July 2005 and December 31 2007 who had serial measurement of their kidney function. Nocturnal hypoxia was defined as oxygen saturation (SaO2) below 90% for ≥12% of the nocturnal monitoring time. The primary outcome, accelerated loss of kidney function, was defined as a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥4 ml/min/1.73 m2 per year. Results 858 participants were included and followed for a mean study period of 2.1 years. Overall 374 (44%) had nocturnal hypoxia, and 49 (5.7%) had accelerated loss of kidney function. Compared to controls without hypoxia, patients with nocturnal hypoxia had a significant increase in the adjusted risk of accelerated kidney function loss (odds ratio (OR) 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25, 6.67). Conclusion Nocturnal hypoxia was independently associated with an increased risk of accelerated kidney function loss. Further studies are required to determine whether treatment and correction of nocturnal hypoxia reduces loss of kidney function. PMID:21559506

Protective Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Specific T-Cell Immunity Is Frequent in Kidney Transplant Patients without Serum Anti-CMV Antibodies.

PubMed

Litjens, Nicolle H R; Huang, Ling; Dedeoglu, Burç; Meijers, Ruud W J; Kwekkeboom, Jaap; Betjes, Michiel G H

2017-01-01

The absence of anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) is used to classify pretransplant patients as naïve for CMV infection (CMV neg patients). This study assessed whether pretransplant CMV-specific T-cell immunity exists in CMV neg patients and whether it protects against CMV infection after kidney transplantation. The results show that CMV-specific CD137 + IFNγ + CD4 + and CD137 + IFNγ + CD8 + memory T cells were present in 46 and 39% of CMV neg patients ( n  = 28) although at much lower frequencies compared to CMV pos patients (median 0.01 versus 0.58% for CD4 + and 0.05 versus 0.64% for CD8 + T cells) with a less differentiated CD28-expressing phenotype. In line with these data, CMV-specific proliferative CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were observed in CMV neg patients, which significantly correlated with the frequency of CMV-specific T cells. CMV-specific IgG antibody-secreting cells (ASC) could be detected at low frequency in 36% of CMV neg patients (1 versus 45 ASC/10 5 cells in CMV pos patients). CMV neg patients with pretransplant CMV-specific CD137 + IFNγ + CD4 + T cells had a lower risk to develop CMV viremia after transplantation with a CMV pos donor kidney (relative risk: 0.43, P  = 0.03). In conclusion, a solitary CMV-specific T-cell response without detectable anti-CMV antibodies is frequent and clinically relevant as it is associated with protection to CMV infection following transplantation with a kidney from a CMV pos donor.

Role of ultrasonography in percutaneous renal access in patients with renal anatomic abnormalities.

PubMed

Penbegul, Necmettin; Hatipoglu, Namik Kemal; Bodakci, Mehmet Nuri; Atar, Murat; Bozkurt, Yasar; Sancaktutar, Ahmet Ali; Tepeler, Abdulkadir

2013-05-01

To present our experience regarding the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in anatomically abnormal kidneys. We performed US-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 15 patients with anatomically abnormal kidneys and renal calculi. Of the 15 patients, 5 had horseshoe kidneys, 5 had rotation anomalies, 2 had kyphoscoliosis, and 3 had scoliosis. The stone size, number of access tracts, operative time, hospitalization duration, rate of stone clearance, and complication rate were recorded. Percutaneous access was achieved with US guidance in the operating room by the urologist. Successful renal access was obtained by the surgeon using US guidance in all patients, and a single access was obtained in all cases. Of the 15 patients, 8 were females, and 7 were males; 8 patients had solitary stones, and 7 had multiple calculi. The renal calculi were on the right in 7 patients and on the left in 8. Three patients had previously undergone unsuccessful shock wave lithotripsy. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 13 patients. The mean operative time was 54.2 minutes. No patient required a blood transfusion because of bleeding. Urinary tract infections occurred in 2 patients, who were treated with antibiotics. A double-J catheter was not inserted in any patient; however, a ureteral catheter was used in 3 patients for 1 day. None of the patients had any major complications during the postoperative period. The stone-free rate was 87%, and 2 patients had clinically insignificant residual fragments. Our results have demonstrated that US-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be performed feasibly, safely, and effectively in anatomically abnormal kidneys. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Controlling of the electromagnetic solitary waves generation in the wake of a two-color laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, K. Q.; Li, S. W.; Guo, L.; Yang, D.; Li, Z. C.; Zheng, C. Y.; Jiang, S. E.; Zhang, B. H.; He, X. T.

2018-05-01

Electromagnetic solitary waves generated by a two-color laser interaction with an underdense plasma are investigated. It is shown that, when the former wave packet of the two-color laser is intense enough, it will excite nonlinear wakefields and generate electron density cavities. The latter wave packets will beat with the nonlinear wakefield and generate both high-frequency and low-frequency components. When the peak density of the cavities exceeds the critical density of the low-frequency component, this part of the electromagnetic field will be trapped to generate electromagnetic solitary waves. By changing the laser and plasma parameters, we can control the wakefield generation, which will also control the generation of the solitary waves. One-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations are performed to prove the controlling of the solitary waves. The simulation results also show that solitary waves generated by higher laser intensities will become moving solitary waves. The two-dimensional particle-in-cell also shows the generation of the solitary waves. In the two-dimensional case, solitary waves are distributed in the transverse directions because of the filamentation instability.

Nondestructive evaluation of orthopaedic implant stability in THA using highly nonlinear solitary waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jinkyu; Silvestro, Claudio; Sangiorgio, Sophia N.; Borkowski, Sean L.; Ebramzadeh, Edward; De Nardo, Luigi; Daraio, Chiara

2012-01-01

We propose a new biomedical sensing technique based on highly nonlinear solitary waves to assess orthopaedic implant stability in a nondestructive and efficient manner. We assemble a granular crystal actuator consisting of a one-dimensional tightly packed array of spherical particles, to generate acoustic solitary waves. Via direct contact with the specimen, we inject acoustic solitary waves into a biomedical prosthesis, and we nondestructively evaluate the mechanical integrity of the bone-prosthesis interface, studying the properties of the waves reflected from the contact zone between the granular crystal and the implant. The granular crystal contains a piezoelectric sensor to measure the travelling solitary waves, which allows it to function also as a sensor. We perform a feasibility study using total hip arthroplasty (THA) samples made of metallic stems implanted in artificial composite femurs using polymethylmethacrylate for fixation. We first evaluate the sensitivity of the proposed granular crystal sensor to various levels of prosthesis insertion into the composite femur. Then, we impose a sequence of harsh mechanical loading on the THA samples to degrade the mechanical integrity at the stem-cement interfaces, using a femoral load simulator that simulates aggressive, accelerated physiological loading. We investigate the implant stability via the granular crystal sensor-actuator during testing. Preliminary results suggest that the reflected waves respond sensitively to the degree of implant fixation. In particular, the granular crystal sensor-actuator successfully detects implant loosening at the stem-cement interface following violent cyclic loading. This study suggests that the granular crystal sensor and actuator has the potential to detect metal-cement defects in a nondestructive manner for orthopaedic applications.

Analysis of originating ultra-short optical dissipative solitary pulses in the actively mode-locked semiconductor heterolasers with an external fiber cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherbakov, Alexandre S.; Campos Acosta, Joaquin; Pons Aglio, Alicia; Moreno Zarate, Pedro; Mansurova, Svetlana

2010-06-01

We present an advanced approach to describing low-power trains of bright picosecond optical dissipative solitary pulses with an internal frequency modulation in practically important case of exploiting semiconductor heterolaser operating in near-infrared range in the active mode-locking regime. In the chosen schematic arrangement, process of the active mode-locking is caused by a hybrid nonlinear cavity consisting of this heterolaser and an external rather long single-mode optical fiber exhibiting square-law dispersion, cubic Kerr nonlinearity, and small linear optical losses. Our analysis of shaping dissipative solitary pulses includes three principal contributions associated with the modulated gain, total optical losses, as well as with linear and nonlinear phase shifts. In fact, various trains of the non-interacting to one another optical dissipative solitons appear within simultaneous balance between the second-order dispersion and cubic-law Kerr nonlinearity as well as between active medium gain and linear optical losses in a hybrid cavity. Our specific approach makes possible taking the modulating signals providing non-conventional composite regimes of a multi-pulse active mode-locking. Within our model, a contribution of the appearing nonlinear Ginzburg-Landau operator to the parameters of dissipative solitary pulses is described via exploiting an approximate variational procedure involving the technique of trial functions.

Implicit and Explicit Sexual Attitudes: How Are They Related to Sexual Desire and Sexual Satisfaction in Men and Women?

PubMed

Dosch, Alessandra; Belayachi, Sanaâ; Van der Linden, Martial

2016-01-01

This article examines individual variability in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction by exploring the relation between these sexual aspects and sexual attitudes (implicit and explicit) and by taking gender into account, as this has been shown to be an influential factor. A total of 28 men and 33 women living in heterosexual relationships completed questionnaires assessing sexual desire (dyadic, solitary), sexual satisfaction, and explicit sexual attitudes. An adapted version of the Affect Misattribution Procedure was used to assess implicit sexual attitudes. Results showed higher levels of dyadic and solitary sexual desire in men than in women. No gender differences were found regarding sexual satisfaction or sexual attitudes. High dyadic sexual desire was associated with positive implicit and explicit sexual attitudes, regardless of gender. However, solitary sexual desire was significantly higher in men than women and was associated, in women only, with positive implicit sexual attitudes, suggesting that solitary sexual desire may fulfill different functions in men and women. Finally, sexual satisfaction depended on the combination of explicit and implicit sexual attitudes in both men and women. This study highlights the importance of considering both implicit and explicit sexual attitudes to better understand the mechanisms underlying individual variability in sexual desire and satisfaction.

Survey of management of solitary thyroid nodules in Germany.

PubMed

Dietlein, M; Wegscheider, K; Vaupel, R; Schmidt, M; Schicha, H

2008-01-01

To compare the opinions of practitioners in primary care with those of thyroid specialists in Germany on the management of solitary thyroid nodules (Papillon 2005). Questionnaires were filled in by 2,191 practitioners and 297 thyroid specialists between June 1 and September 30, 2005. The test cases and their modifications described a solitary thyroid nodule of 2-3 cm with different levels of thyroid function and a hypoechogenic nodule of 1 cm in diameter. TSH determination and sonography were found to be standard procedures, followed by scintigraphy (selected by 84.7% of practitioners and 95.1% of specialists, p < 0.001) and fine needle aspiration cytology (54.5% of practitioners, 57.4% of specialists). For a hypoechogenic nodule calcitonin determination was advocated by 54.0% of endocrinologists and by 32.2% of nuclear medicine physicians (p < 0.001). A euthyroid solitary thyroid nodule would be treated medically by 77.8% of practitioners and by 85.7% of specialists, the combination of levothyroxine and iodine being clearly preferred (60.9% of practitioners and 67.1% of specialists). For a hyperfunctioning nodule the preference of radioiodine therapy was significantly higher in the specialist group (88.8%) than among the practitioners (52.2%). The main differences of opinion between practitioners and specialists focused on calcitonin screening and referral to radioiodine therapy.

On the characteristics of obliquely propagating electrostatic structures in non-Maxwellian plasmas in the presence of ion pressure anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adnan, Muhammad; Qamar, Anisa; Mahmood, Shahzad; Kourakis, Ioannis

2017-03-01

The dynamical characteristics of large amplitude ion-acoustic waves are investigated in a magnetized plasma comprising ions presenting space asymmetry in the equation of state and non-Maxwellian electrons. The anisotropic ion pressure is defined using the double adiabatic Chew-Golberger-Low theory. An excess in the superthermal component of the electron population is assumed, in agreement with long-tailed (energetic electron) distribution observations in space plasmas; this is modeled via a kappa-type distribution function. Large electrostatic excitations are assumed to propagate in a direction oblique to the external magnetic field. In the linear (small amplitude) regime, two electrostatic modes are shown to exist. The properties of arbitrary amplitude (nonlinear) obliquely propagating ion-acoustic solitary excitations are thus investigated via a pseudomechanical energy balance analogy, by adopting a Sagdeev potential approach. The combined effect of the ion pressure anisotropy and excess superthermal electrons is shown to alter the parameter region where solitary waves can exist. An excess in the suprathermal particles is thus shown to be associated with solitary waves, which are narrower, faster, and of larger amplitude. Ion pressure anisotropy, on the other hand, affects the amplitude of the solitary waves, which become weaker (in strength), wider (in spatial extension), and thus slower in comparison with the cold ion case.

Non-linear solitary sound waves in lipid membranes and their possible role in biological signaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrivastava, Shamit

Biological macromolecules self-assemble under entropic forces to form a dynamic 2D interfacial medium where the elastic properties arise from the curvature of the entropic potential of the interface. Elastic interfaces should be capable of propagating localized perturbations analogous to sound waves. However, (1) the existence and (2) the possible role of such waves in affecting biological functions remain unexplored. Both these aspects of "sound" as a signaling mechanism in biology are explored experimentally on mixed monolayers of lipids-fluorophores-proteins at the air/water interface as a model biological interface. This study shows - for the first time - that the nonlinear susceptibility near a thermodynamic transition in a lipid monolayer results in nonlinear solitary sound waves that are of 'all or none' nature. The state dependence of the nonlinear propagation is characterized by studying the velocity-amplitude relationship and results on distance dependence, effect of geometry and collision of solitary waves are presented. Given that the lipid bilayers and real biological membranes have such nonlinearities in their susceptibility diagrams, similar solitary phenomenon should be expected in biological membranes. In fact the observed characteristics of solitary sound waves such as, their all or none nature, a biphasic pulse shape with a long tail and optp-mechano-electro-thermal coupling etc. are strikingly similar to the phenomenon of nerve pulse propagation as observed in single nerve fibers. Finally given the strong correlation between the activity of membrane bound enzymes and the susceptibility and the fact that the later varies within a single solitary pulse, a new thermodynamic basis for biological signaling is proposed. The state of the interface controls both the nature of sound propagation and its impact on incorporated enzymes and proteins. The proof of concept is demonstrated for acetylcholine esterase embedded in a lipid monolayer, where the enzyme is spatiotemporally "knocked out" by a propagating sound wave.

Creatinine clearance test

MedlinePlus

Serum creatinine clearance; Kidney function - creatinine clearance; Renal function - creatinine clearance ... the body entirely by the kidneys. If kidney function is abnormal, creatinine level increases in the blood ...

The Contribution of Generative Leisure Activities to Cognitive Function among Sri Lankan Elderly

PubMed Central

Maselko, Joanna; Sebranek, Matthew; Mun, Mirna Hodzic; Perera, Bilesha; Ahs, Jill; Østbye, Truls

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVES Although a substantive body of research has shown a protective association between leisure activities and cognitive function, consistent evidence is lacking about which specific types of activities should be promoted. The objective of this analysis was to examine the unique contribution of generative leisure activities, defined as activities motivated by “a concern for others and a need to contribute something to the next generation” (Erikson). DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Peri-urban and rural area in southern Sri Lanka. PARTICIPANTS Community dwelling adults aged 60+ (n=252). MEASUREMENTS Main predictors were leisure activities grouped into generative, social, or solitary. Main outcome was cognitive function assessed with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). RESULTS We found that more frequent engagement in generative leisure activities was associated with higher levels of cognitive function, independent of the impact of other social and solitary leisure activities. In a fully adjusted model combining all three leisure activities, generative activities independently predicted cognitive function as measured with the MoCA (β =0.47 (0.11 to 0.83) and the IQCODE (β = -0.81 (-1.54 to -0.09)). In this combined model, solitary activities were also independently associated with slower cognitive decline with the MoCA (β =0.40 (0.16, 0.64), but not with IQCODE (β =-0.38 (-0.88, 0.12)); the association with social activities did not reach statistical significance with either measure. These associations did not differ meaningfully by gender. CONCLUSION Generative leisure activities are a promising area for the development of interventions aimed at reducing cognitive decline among the elderly. PMID:25139145

Transport of organic anions and cations in murine embryonic kidney development and in serially-reaggregated engineered kidneys

PubMed Central

Lawrence, Melanie L.; Chang, C-Hong; Davies, Jamie A.

2015-01-01

Recent advances in renal tissue engineering have shown that dissociated, early renogenic tissue from the developing embryo can self-assemble into morphologically accurate kidney-like organs arranged around a central collecting duct tree. In order for such self-assembled kidneys to be useful therapeutically or as models for drug screening, it is necessary to demonstrate that they are functional. One of the main functional characteristics of mature kidneys is transport of organic anions and cations into and out of the proximal tubule. Here, we show that the transport function of embryonic kidneys allowed to develop in culture follows a developmental time-course that is comparable to embryonic kidney development in vivo. We also demonstrate that serially-reaggregated engineered kidneys can transport organic anions and cations through specific uptake and efflux channels. These results support the physiological relevance of kidneys grown in culture, a commonly used model for kidney development and research, and suggest that serially-reaggregated kidneys self-assembled from separated cells have some functional characteristics of intact kidneys. PMID:25766625

The Importance of Residual Kidney Function in Haemodialysis Patients.

PubMed

Kong, Jessica; Davies, Matthew; Mount, Peter

2018-06-19

In contrast to peritoneal dialysis, residual kidney function is commonly disregarded for haemodialysis patients, and not regularly monitored or taken into account in routine clinical care. This is despite evidence that higher levels of residual kidney function in haemodialysis patients associate with better outcomes including survival, total solute clearance, nutrition, inflammation, and fluid balance. This review aims to summarise the clinical effects of residual kidney function specifically in haemodialysis patients. Some level of residual kidney function is present in over 80% of patients at the time of dialysis initiation, and while this declines over time, up to 30% of patients on haemodialysis for 5 years still have a measurable level of native kidney function. There is little evidence on how best to preserve residual kidney function in haemodialysis patients, although it has been observed that intensive haemodialysis regimens in incident haemodialysis patients appear to accelerate residual kidney function decline. Residual kidney function is not commonly factored in to haemodialysis prescription and measures of adequacy, despite the fact that some guidelines such as KDOQI and European Best Practice Guidelines suggest that it is reasonable to do. This likely relates, at least in part, to perceived concerns regarding the inconvenience of timed urine collections, and to the complexity and lack of consensus regarding the methods for integrating the intermittent clearance of haemodialysis with the continuous clearance of native renal function. Further research is required into how best to maintain and maximise the benefits of residual kidney function in haemodialysis patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

[Methodological aspects related to the determination of the relative renal function using 99mTC MAG3].

PubMed

Ladrón De Guevara Hernández, D; Ham, H; Franken, P; Piepsz, A; Lobo Sotomayor, G

2002-01-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate three different methods for calculating the split renal function in patients with only one functioning kidney, keeping in mind that the split function should be zero on the side of the non-functioning kidney. We retrospectively selected 28 99mTc MAG3 renograms performed in children, 12 with unilateral nephrectomy, 4 with unilateral agenesis and 12 with a non-functioning kidney. A renal and perirenal region of interest (ROI) were delineated around the functioning kidney. The ROIs around the empty kidney were drawn symmetrically to the contralateral side. The split renal function was calculated using three different methods, the integral method, the slope method and the Patlak-Rutland algorithm. For the whole group of 28 kidneys as well as for the three categories of patients, the three methods provided a split function on the side of the non-functioning kidney close to the zero value, regardless of whether the empty kidney was the left or the right one. We recommend the use of the integral method for the whole range of split renal function with 99mTc MAG3. No significant improvement was obtained by means of the more sophisticated Patlak-Rutland method.

Kidney function monitoring and nonvitamin K oral anticoagulant dosage in atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Andreu Cayuelas, Jose Manuel; Caro Martínez, Cesar; Flores Blanco, Pedro Jose; Elvira Ruiz, Gines; Albendin Iglesias, Helena; Cerezo Manchado, Juan Jose; Bailen Lorenzo, Jose Luis; Januzzi, James L; García Alberola, Arcadio; Manzano-Fernández, Sergio

2018-06-01

Clinical practice guidelines recommend regular kidney function monitoring in atrial fibrillation patients on nonvitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC); however, information regarding compliance with these recommendations in daily life conditions is scarce. We sought to determine the compliance with kidney function monitoring recommendations in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients starting NOAC and its implication on the appropriateness of NOAC dosage. This study involves the retrospective analysis of a multicentre registry including consecutive NVAF patients who started NOAC (n = 692). Drug dosage changes and serum creatinine determinations were recorded during 1-year follow-up. European Heart Rhythm Association criteria were used to define the appropriateness of kidney function monitoring as well as adequate NOAC dosage. During the follow-up (334 ± 89 days), the compliance with kidney function monitoring recommendations was 61% (n = 425). After multivariate adjustment, age (OR × year: 0.92 (CI 95%: 0.89-0.95) P < .001), creatinine clearance (OR × mL/min: 1.02 (CI 95%: 1.01-1.03) P < .001) and adequate NOAC dosage at baseline (OR: 1.54 (CI 95%: 1.06-2.23), P = .024) were independent predictors of appropriate kidney function monitoring. Compliance with kidney function monitoring recommendations was independently associated with change to appropriate NOAC dose after 1 year (OR: 2.80 (CI 95%: 1.01-7.80), P = .049). Noncompliance with kidney function monitoring recommendations is common in NVAF patients starting NOAC, especially in elderly patients with kidney dysfunction. Compliance with kidney function monitoring recommendations was associated with adequate NOAC dosage at 1-year follow-up. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the implication of kidney function monitoring on prognosis. © 2018 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

Bäcklund transformation, infinitely-many conservation laws, solitary and periodic waves of an extended (3 + 1)-dimensional Jimbo-Miwa equation with time-dependent coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Gao-Fu; Gao, Yi-Tian; Gao, Xin-Yi

2018-07-01

In this paper, an extended (3+1)-dimensional Jimbo-Miwa equation with time-dependent coefficients is investigated, which comes from the second member of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili hierarchy and is shown to be conditionally integrable. Bilinear form, Bäcklund transformation, Lax pair and infinitely-many conservation laws are derived via the binary Bell polynomials and symbolic computation. With the help of the bilinear form, one-, two- and three-soliton solutions are obtained via the Hirota method, one-periodic wave solutions are constructed via the Riemann theta function. Additionally, propagation and interaction of the solitons are investigated analytically and graphically, from which we find that the interaction between the solitons is elastic and the time-dependent coefficients can affect the soliton velocities, but the soliton amplitudes remain unchanged. One-periodic waves approach the one-solitary waves with the amplitudes vanishing and can be viewed as a superposition of the overlapping solitary waves, placed one period apart.

Three dimensional dust-acoustic solitary waves in an electron depleted dusty plasma with two-superthermal ion-temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borhanian, J.; Shahmansouri, M.

2013-01-15

A theoretical investigation is carried out to study the existence and characteristics of propagation of dust-acoustic (DA) waves in an electron-depleted dusty plasma with two-temperature ions, which are modeled by kappa distribution functions. A three-dimensional cylindrical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation governing evolution of small but finite amplitude DA waves is derived by means of a reductive perturbation method. The influence of physical parameters on solitary wave structure is examined. Furthermore, the energy integral equation is used to study the existence domains of the localized structures. It is found that the present model can be employed to describe the existence of positive asmore » well as negative polarity DA solitary waves by selecting special values for parameters of the system, e.g., superthermal index of cold and/or hot ions, cold to hot ion density ratio, and hot to cold ion temperature ratio. This model may be useful to understand the excitation of nonlinear DA waves in astrophysical objects.« less

Aging and body size in solitary bees

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Solitary bees are important pollinators of crops and non-domestic plants. Osmia lignaria is a native, commercially-reared solitary bee used to maximize pollination in orchard crops. In solitary bees, adult body size is extremely variable depending on the nutritional resources available to the develo...

Spherical nonlinear ion-acoustic solitary waves in Titan's atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selim, M. M.

2016-03-01

Propagation of spherical nonlinear ion-acoustic solitary waves in positive and negative ion plasmas with superthermal electrons is investigated. The effects of perturbations of the azimuthal and zenith-angle as well as the radial coordinate on the solitary wave profile are reported. The existence domains and the characteristics of the spherical solitary pulses are examined. The solitary excitations are found to be strongly dependent on the plasma parameters; the mass ratio of the positive-to-negative ions, electrons superthermality, and the spherical geometry. The role of superthermal electrons in formation of the spherical nonlinear ion-acoustic solitary excitations for two ion mass groups in Titan's upper atmosphere is investigated.

Defining Pleasure: A Focus Group Study of Solitary and Partnered Sexual Pleasure in Queer and Heterosexual Women.

PubMed

Goldey, Katherine L; Posh, Amanda R; Bell, Sarah N; van Anders, Sari M

2016-11-01

Solitary and partnered sexuality are typically depicted as fundamentally similar, but empirical evidence suggests they differ in important ways. We investigated how women's definitions of sexual pleasure overlapped and diverged when considering solitary versus partnered sexuality. Based on an interdisciplinary literature, we explored whether solitary pleasure would be characterized by eroticism (e.g., genital pleasure, orgasm) and partnered pleasure by nurturance (e.g., closeness). Via focus groups with a sexually diverse sample of women aged 18-64 (N = 73), we found that women defined solitary and partnered pleasure in both convergent and divergent ways that supported expectations. Autonomy was central to definitions of solitary pleasure, whereas trust, giving pleasure, and closeness were important elements of partnered pleasure. Both solitary and partnered pleasure involved exploration for self-discovery or for growing a partnered relationship. Definitions of pleasure were largely similar across age and sexual identity; however, relative to queer women, heterosexual women (especially younger heterosexual women) expressed greater ambivalence toward solitary masturbation and partnered orgasm. Results have implications for women's sexual well-being across multiple sexual identities and ages, and for understanding solitary and partnered sexuality as overlapping but distinct constructs.

Formation of wave packets in the Ostrovsky equation for both normal and anomalous dispersion

PubMed Central

Grimshaw, Roger; Stepanyants, Yury; Alias, Azwani

2016-01-01

It is well known that the Ostrovsky equation with normal dispersion does not support steady solitary waves. An initial Korteweg–de Vries solitary wave decays adiabatically through the radiation of long waves and is eventually replaced by an envelope solitary wave whose carrier wave and envelope move with different velocities (phase and group velocities correspondingly). Here, we examine the same initial condition for the Ostrovsky equation with anomalous dispersion, when the wave frequency increases with wavenumber in the limit of very short waves. The essential difference is that now there exists a steady solitary wave solution (Ostrovsky soliton), which in the small-amplitude limit can be described asymptotically through the solitary wave solution of a nonlinear Schrödinger equation, based at that wavenumber where the phase and group velocities coincide. Long-time numerical simulations show that the emergence of this steady envelope solitary wave is a very robust feature. The initial Korteweg–de Vries solitary wave transforms rapidly to this envelope solitary wave in a seemingly non-adiabatic manner. The amplitude of the Ostrovsky soliton strongly correlates with the initial Korteweg–de Vries solitary wave. PMID:26997887

Characteristics of solitary waves, quasiperiodic solutions, homoclinic breather solutions and rogue waves in the generalized variable-coefficient forced Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xue-Wei; Tian, Shou-Fu; Dong, Min-Jie; Zou, Li

2017-12-01

In this paper, the generalized variable-coefficient forced Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (gvcfKP) equation is investigated, which can be used to characterize the water waves of long wavelength relating to nonlinear restoring forces. Using a dependent variable transformation and combining the Bell’s polynomials, we accurately derive the bilinear expression for the gvcfKP equation. By virtue of bilinear expression, its solitary waves are computed in a very direct method. By using the Riemann theta function, we derive the quasiperiodic solutions for the equation under some limitation factors. Besides, an effective way can be used to calculate its homoclinic breather waves and rogue waves, respectively, by using an extended homoclinic test function. We hope that our results can help enrich the dynamical behavior of the nonlinear wave equations with variable-coefficient.

Dynamic of solitary wave solutions in some nonlinear pseudoparabolic models and Dodd-Bullough-Mikhailov equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilhan, O. A.; Bulut, H.; Sulaiman, T. A.; Baskonus, H. M.

2018-02-01

In this study, the modified exp ( - Φ (η )) -expansion function method is used in constructing some solitary wave solutions to the Oskolkov-Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers, one-dimensional Oskolkov equations and the Dodd-Bullough-Mikhailov equation. We successfully construct some singular solitons and singular periodic waves solutions with the hyperbolic, trigonometric and exponential function structures to these three nonlinear models. Under the choice of some suitable values of the parameters involved, we plot the 2D and 3D graphics to some of the obtained solutions in this study. All the obtained solutions in this study verify their corresponding equation. We perform all the computations in this study with the help of the Wolfram Mathematica software. The obtained solutions in this study may be helpful in explaining some practical physical problems.

Unstable solitary-wave solutions of the generalized Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McKinney, W.R.; Restrepo, J.M.; Bona, J.L.

1994-06-01

The evolution of solitary waves of the gBBM equation is investigated computationally. The experiments confirm previously derived theoretical stability estimates and, more importantly, yield insights into their behavior. For example, highly energetic unstable solitary waves when perturbed are shown to evolve into several stable solitary waves.

A Global Theory of Internal Solitary Waves in Two-Fluid Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

Large Amplitude Since the branch of solutions S from Theorem 2.1 is unbounded in R x (H (T) fl C O , 1 (T)) and the range of I is bounded, the norms...all k i’. L (T) and (b) ’k + A and IwkI , + as k. H (T) 0 Then wk converges to w(XlX 2 ) in C(S) fl C (B r) T*) for each bounded set B. The function w...Beale, J. T., The existence of solitary water waves, Comm. Pure Appi. Math. 30 (1977), 373-389. 7. Beir-ao da Veiga , H., Serapioni, R., and Valli, A

Transparent lattices and their solitary waves.

PubMed

Sadurní, E

2014-09-01

We provide a family of transparent tight-binding models with nontrivial potentials and site-dependent hopping parameters. Their feasibility is discussed in electromagnetic resonators, dielectric slabs, and quantum-mechanical traps. In the second part of the paper, the arrays are obtained through a generalization of supersymmetric quantum mechanics in discrete variables. The formalism includes a finite-difference Darboux transformation applied to the scattering matrix of a periodic array. A procedure for constructing a hierarchy of discrete Hamiltonians is indicated and a particular biparametric family is given. The corresponding potentials and hopping functions are identified as solitary waves, pointing to a discrete spinorial generalization of the Korteweg-deVries family.

Transmission and reflection of strongly nonlinear solitary waves at granular interfaces.

PubMed

Tichler, A M; Gómez, L R; Upadhyaya, N; Campman, X; Nesterenko, V F; Vitelli, V

2013-07-26

The interaction of a solitary wave with an interface formed by two strongly nonlinear noncohesive granular lattices displays rich behavior, characterized by the breakdown of continuum equations of motion in the vicinity of the interface. By treating the solitary wave as a quasiparticle with an effective mass, we construct an intuitive (energy- and linear-momentum-conserving) discrete model to predict the amplitudes of the transmitted solitary waves generated when an incident solitary-wave front, parallel to the interface, moves from a denser to a lighter granular hexagonal lattice. Our findings are corroborated with simulations. We then successfully extend this model to oblique interfaces, where we find that the angle of refraction and reflection of a solitary wave follows, below a critical value, an analogue of Snell's law in which the solitary-wave speed replaces the speed of sound, which is zero in the sonic vacuum.

Transmission and Reflection of Strongly Nonlinear Solitary Waves at Granular Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tichler, A. M.; Gómez, L. R.; Upadhyaya, N.; Campman, X.; Nesterenko, V. F.; Vitelli, V.

2013-07-01

The interaction of a solitary wave with an interface formed by two strongly nonlinear noncohesive granular lattices displays rich behavior, characterized by the breakdown of continuum equations of motion in the vicinity of the interface. By treating the solitary wave as a quasiparticle with an effective mass, we construct an intuitive (energy- and linear-momentum-conserving) discrete model to predict the amplitudes of the transmitted solitary waves generated when an incident solitary-wave front, parallel to the interface, moves from a denser to a lighter granular hexagonal lattice. Our findings are corroborated with simulations. We then successfully extend this model to oblique interfaces, where we find that the angle of refraction and reflection of a solitary wave follows, below a critical value, an analogue of Snell’s law in which the solitary-wave speed replaces the speed of sound, which is zero in the sonic vacuum.

Numerical study of interfacial solitary waves propagating under an elastic sheet

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhan; Părău, Emilian I.; Milewski, Paul A.; Vanden-Broeck, Jean-Marc

2014-01-01

Steady solitary and generalized solitary waves of a two-fluid problem where the upper layer is under a flexible elastic sheet are considered as a model for internal waves under an ice-covered ocean. The fluid consists of two layers of constant densities, separated by an interface. The elastic sheet resists bending forces and is mathematically described by a fully nonlinear thin shell model. Fully localized solitary waves are computed via a boundary integral method. Progression along the various branches of solutions shows that barotropic (i.e. surface modes) wave-packet solitary wave branches end with the free surface approaching the interface. On the other hand, the limiting configurations of long baroclinic (i.e. internal) solitary waves are characterized by an infinite broadening in the horizontal direction. Baroclinic wave-packet modes also exist for a large range of amplitudes and generalized solitary waves are computed in a case of a long internal mode in resonance with surface modes. In contrast to the pure gravity case (i.e without an elastic cover), these generalized solitary waves exhibit new Wilton-ripple-like periodic trains in the far field. PMID:25104909

Kidney function tests

MedlinePlus

Kidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Such tests include: ... Oh MS, Briefel G. Evaluation of renal function, water, electrolytes ... and Management by Laboratory Methods . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, ...

Imaging regional renal function parameters using radionuclide tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Yi

A compartmental model is given for evaluating kidney function accurately and noninvasively. This model is cast into a parallel multi-compartment structure and each pixel region (picture element) of kidneys is considered as a single kidney compartment. The loss of radionuclide tracers from the blood to the kidney and from the kidney to the bladder are modelled in great detail. Both the uptake function and the excretion function of the kidneys can be evaluated pixel by pixel, and regional diagnostic information on renal function is obtained. Gamma Camera image data are required by this model and a screening test based renal function measurement is provided. The regional blood background is subtracted from the kidney region of interest (ROI) and the kidney regional rate constants are estimated analytically using the Kuhn-Pucker multiplier method in convex programming by considering the input/output behavior of the kidney compartments. The detailed physiological model of the peripheral compartments of the system, which is not available for most radionuclide tracers, is not required in the determination of the kidney regional rate constants and the regional blood background factors within the kidney ROI. Moreover, the statistical significance of measurements is considered to assure the improved statistical properties of the estimated kidney rate constants. The relations between various renal function parameters and the kidney rate constants are established. Multiple renal function measurements can be found from the renal compartmental model. The blood radioactivity curve and the regional (or total) radiorenogram determining the regional (or total) summed behavior of the kidneys are obtained analytically with the consideration of the statistical significance of measurements using convex programming methods for a single peripheral compartment system. In addition, a new technique for the determination of 'initial conditions' in both the blood compartment and the kidney compartment is presented. The blood curve and the radiorenogram are analyzed in great detail and a physiological analysis from the radiorenogram is given. Applications of Kuhn-Tucker multiplier methods are illustrated for the renal compartmental model in the field of nuclear medicine. Conventional kinetic data analysis methods, the maximum likehood method, and the weighted integration method are investigated and used for comparisons. Moreover, the effect of the blood background subtraction is shown by using the gamma camera images in man. Several functional images are calculated and the functional imaging technique is applied for evaluating renal function in man quantitatively and visually and compared with comments from a physician.

The construction of a panel of serum amino acids for the identification of early chronic kidney disease patients.

PubMed

Li, Rui; Dai, Jinna; Kang, Hui

2018-03-01

Serum creatinine, urea, and cystatin-c are standardly used for the evaluation of renal function in the clinic. However, some patients have chronic kidney disease but still retain kidney function; a conventional serum index in these patients can be completely normal. Serum amino acid levels can reflect subtle changes in metabolism and are closely related to renal function. Here, we investigated how amino acids change as renal impairment increases. Subjects were divided into three groups by renal function glomerular filtration rate: healthy controls, patients with chronic kidney disease with normal kidney function, and patients with chronic kidney disease with decreased kidney function group. We identified 11 amino acids of interest using LC-MS/MS on MRM (+) mode. Statistical analysis indicated that alanine (ALA), valine (VAL), and tyrosine (TYR) decrease with renal function impairment, whereas phenylalanine (PHE) and citrulline (CIT) increase. We tried to construct a diagnostic model utilizing a combination of amino acids capable of identifying early chronic kidney disease patients. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of the combining predictors were 86.9%, 84.6%, and 90.9%, respectively, which is superior to the reported values for serum creatinine, urea, and cystatin-c. Our data suggest that serum amino acid levels may supply important information for the early detection of chronic kidney disease. We are the first to establish a diagnostic model utilizing serum levels of multiple amino acids for the diagnosis of patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[From gene to disease; primary hyperoxaluria type I caused by mutations in the AGXT gene].

PubMed

van Woerden, C S; Groothof, J W; Wanders, R J A; Waterham, H R; Wijburg, F R

2006-07-29

Primary hyperoxaluria type I (PH1) is a congenital defect in glyoxylate metabolism caused by a deficiency in the liver-specific peroxisomal enzyme known as alanine glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT). The deficiency is due to mutations in the AGXT gene, located on chromosome 2q37.3, and results in the conversion of glyoxylate to oxalate. The crystallisation of oxalate with calcium results in symptoms varying from a solitary kidney stone to end-stage renal disease with systemic oxalosis. The diagnosis is based on increased oxalate and glycolate excretion in the urine, reduced AGT activity in liver tissue, and confirmed mutations in the AGXT gene. Over 50 disease-causing mutations have been identified in PH1, which are associated with a wide range of effects on the AGT enzyme. Homozygous Gly170Arg or Phei52Ile mutations are associated with a reduction in urinary oxalate excretion upon pyridoxine administration and long-term preservation of renal function when treatment is initiated in a timely manner. Homozygous 33insC and Gly82Arg mutations result in a much poorer prognosis. Mutational analysis of the AGXT gene in PH1 patients can be a useful tool for establishing the diagnosis and choosing an appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Interaction for solitary waves in coasting charged particle beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Shi-Wei; Hong, Xue-Ren; Shi, Yu-Ren

2014-03-15

By using the extended Poincare-Lighthill-Kuo perturbation method, the collision of solitary waves in a coasting charged particle beams is studied. The results show that the system admits a solution with two solitary waves, which move in opposite directions and can be described by two Korteweg-deVries equation in small-amplitude limit. The collision of two solitary waves is elastic, and after the interaction they preserve their original properties. Then the weak phase shift in traveling direction of collision between two solitary waves is derived explicitly.

Lack of a Common or Characteristic Cytogenetic Anomaly in Solitary Fibrous Tumor

PubMed Central

Torabi, Alireza; Lele, Subodh M.; DiMaio, Dominick; Pinnt, Jeffrey C.; Hess, Michelle M.; Nelson, Marilu; Bridge, Julia A

2008-01-01

Solitary fibrous tumor is a mesenchymal tumor that was initially described as a pleural-based lesion, but later was discovered in many other locations. The light microscopic appearance of solitary fibrous tumor may overlap with other diagnostic entities; however, consistent tumor cell CD34 immunoreactivity is useful in establishing the diagnosis. Limited data suggest that solitary fibrous tumors are karyotypically diverse; a common or characteristic anomaly has not yet emerged for this entity. In this report, cytogenetic analysis of two solitary fibrous tumors, one peritoneal and the other arising in the liver, revealed predominantly structural abnormalities in the former and numerical imbalances in the latter. Clonal karyotypic abnormalities were lacking in three additional solitary fibrous tumors. PMID:18262056

Association of pulse wave velocity and pulse pressure with decline in kidney function.

PubMed

Kim, Chang Seong; Kim, Ha Yeon; Kang, Yong Un; Choi, Joon Seok; Bae, Eun Hui; Ma, Seong Kwon; Kim, Soo Wan

2014-05-01

The association between arterial stiffness and decline in kidney function in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well established. This study investigated whether pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse pressure (PP) are independently associated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and rapid decline in kidney function in early CKD. Carotid femoral PWV (cfPWV), brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), and PP were measured in a cohort of 913 patients (mean age, 63±10 years; baseline estimated GFR, 84±18 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ). Estimated GFR was measured at baseline and at follow-up. The renal outcome examined was rapid decline in kidney function (estimated GFR loss, >3 mL/min/1.73 m(2) per year). The median follow-up duration was 3.2 years. Multivariable adjusted linear regression model indicated that arterial PWV (both cfPWV and baPWV) and PP increased as estimated GFR declined, but neither was associated with kidney function after adjustment for various covariates. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that cfPWV and baPWV were not associated with rapid decline in kidney function (odds ratio [OR], 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-4.65; OR, 2.51, 95% CI, 0.66-9.46, respectively), but PP was (OR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.01-1.48; P=.045). Arterial stiffness assessed using cfPWV and baPWV was not correlated with lower estimated GFR and rapid decline in kidney function after adjustment for various confounders. Thus, PP is an independent risk factor for rapid decline in kidney function in populations with relatively preserved kidney function (estimated GFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ). ©2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

pH modulation of glial glutamate transporters regulates synaptic transmission in the nucleus of the solitary tract

PubMed Central

McCrimmon, Donald R.; Martina, Marco

2013-01-01

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the major site for termination of visceral sensory afferents contributing to homeostatic regulation of, for example, arterial pressure, gastric motility, and breathing. Whereas much is known about how different neuronal populations influence these functions, information about the role of glia remains scant. In this article, we propose that glia may contribute to NTS functions by modulating excitatory neurotransmission. We found that acidification (pH 7.0) depolarizes NTS glia by inhibiting K+-selective membrane currents. NTS glia also showed functional expression of voltage-sensitive glutamate transporters, suggesting that extracellular acidification regulates synaptic transmission by compromising glial glutamate uptake. To test this hypothesis, we evoked glutamatergic slow excitatory potentials (SEPs) in NTS neurons with repetitive stimulation (20 pulses at 10 Hz) of the solitary tract. This SEP depends on accumulation of glutamate following repetitive stimulation, since it was potentiated by blocking glutamate uptake with dl-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartic acid (TBOA) or a glia-specific glutamate transport blocker, dihydrokainate (DHK). Importantly, extracellular acidification (pH 7.0) also potentiated the SEP. This effect appeared to be mediated through a depolarization-induced inhibition of glial transporter activity, because it was occluded by TBOA and DHK. In agreement, pH 7.0 did not directly alter d-aspartate-induced responses in NTS glia or properties of presynaptic glutamate release. Thus acidification-dependent regulation of glial function affects synaptic transmission within the NTS. These results suggest that glia play a modulatory role in the NTS by integrating local tissue signals (such as pH) with synaptic inputs from peripheral afferents. PMID:23615553

Thyroid function, reduced kidney function and incident chronic kidney disease in a community-based population: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

PubMed

Schultheiss, Ulla T; Daya, Natalie; Grams, Morgan E; Seufert, Jochen; Steffes, Michael; Coresh, Josef; Selvin, Elizabeth; Köttgen, Anna

2017-11-01

Reduced kidney function is a common public health problem that increases risk for a wide variety of adverse outcomes, making the identification of potentially modifiable factors associated with the development of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) important. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis have been linked to reduced kidney function, but the association of thyroid function with the development of incident CKD is largely uncharacterized. Concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were quantified in 12 785 black and white participants of the ongoing community-based prospective Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Thyroid markers and clinical categories of thyroid dysfunction (euthyroidism, combined subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, combined subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism) were also evaluated for their association with reduced kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at study baseline and with incident CKD over a median follow-up time of 19.6 years. Higher TSH and FT4 as well as lower T3 concentrations were strongly and independently associated with reduced kidney function at study baseline. The clinical entities hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were also associated with higher odds of baseline reduced kidney function, but this was not significant. However, none of the markers of thyroid function nor different clinical categories of thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or TPOAb positivity) were associated with incident CKD in adjusted analyses. Elevated TSH, FT4 and reduced T3 concentrations were associated with reduced kidney function cross-sectionally. The lack of association with the development of incident CKD suggests that altered thyroid function in the general population is not causally related to CKD development, but screening for thyroidal status may be especially relevant in persons with reduced kidney function. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Investigation of Solitary wave solutions for Vakhnenko-Parkes equation via exp-function and Exp(-ϕ(ξ))-expansion method.

PubMed

Roshid, Harun-Or; Kabir, Md Rashed; Bhowmik, Rajandra Chadra; Datta, Bimal Kumar

2014-01-01

In this paper, we have described two dreadfully important methods to solve nonlinear partial differential equations which are known as exp-function and the exp(-ϕ(ξ)) -expansion method. Recently, there are several methods to use for finding analytical solutions of the nonlinear partial differential equations. The methods are diverse and useful for solving the nonlinear evolution equations. With the help of these methods, we are investigated the exact travelling wave solutions of the Vakhnenko- Parkes equation. The obtaining soliton solutions of this equation are described many physical phenomena for weakly nonlinear surface and internal waves in a rotating ocean. Further, three-dimensional plots of the solutions such as solitons, singular solitons, bell type solitary wave i.e. non-topological solitons solutions and periodic solutions are also given to visualize the dynamics of the equation.

Applications of the ETEM for obtaining optical soliton solutions for the Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manafian, Jalil; Foroutan, Mohammadreza; Guzali, Aref

2017-11-01

This paper examines the effectiveness of an integration scheme which is called the extended trial equation method (ETEM) for solving a well-known nonlinear equation of partial differential equations (PDEs). In this respect, the Lakshmanan-Porsezian-Daniel (LPD) equation with Kerr and power laws of nonlinearity which describes higher-order dispersion, full nonlinearity and spatiotemporal dispersion is considered, and as an achievement, a series of exact travelling-wave solutions for the aforementioned equation is formally extracted. Explicit new exact solutions are derived in different form such as dark solitons, bright solitons, solitary wave, periodic solitary wave, rational function, and elliptic function solutions of LPD equation. The movement of obtained solutions is shown graphically, which helps to understand the physical phenomena of this optical soliton equation. Many other such types of nonlinear equations arising in basic fabric of communications network technology and nonlinear optics can also be solved by this method.

New soliton solution to the longitudinal wave equation in a magneto-electro-elastic circular rod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seadawy, Aly R.; Manafian, Jalil

2018-03-01

This paper examines the effectiveness of an integration scheme which called the extended trial equation method (ETEM) in exactly solving a well-known nonlinear equation of partial differential equations (PDEs). In this respect, the longitudinal wave equation (LWE) that arises in mathematical physics with dispersion caused by the transverse Poisson's effect in a magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) circular rod, which a series of exact traveling wave solutions for the aforementioned equation is formally extracted. Explicit new exact solutions are derived in different form such as dark solitons, bright solitons, solitary wave, periodic solitary wave, rational function, and elliptic function solutions of the longitudinal wave equation. The movements of obtained solutions are shown graphically, which helps to understand the physical phenomena of this longitudinal wave equation. Many other such types of nonlinear equations arising in non-destructive evaluation of structures made of the advanced MEE material can also be solved by this method.

[Banff score changes in kidneys from marginal donors].

PubMed

Borda, Bernadett; Szederkényi, Edit; Ottlakán, Aurél; Kemény, Éva; Szabó, Viktor; Hódi, Zoltán; Lázár, György

2016-02-21

Despite an increase in the number of cadaver donors and the number of overall organ transplantations, the dramatic increase in the waiting list makes it necessary to reconsider donor criteria. The authors examined whether differences could exist in the function and/or morphology of transplanted kidneys originated from marginal and ideal donors one and five years after transplantation. Kidney function and histopathologic findings were analysed and compared one and 5 years after transplantation in 97 patients having marginal donor kidneys and 178 patients who received ideal donor kidneys. Serum creatinine level was significantly higher (p = 0.0001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower (p = 0.003) in patients having marginal donor kidneys as compared to those with ideal donor kidneys 5 years after transplantation. Morphological changes in the transplanted kidneys such as tubulitis (p = 0.014) and interstitial inflammation (p = 0.025) were significantly more frequently present in patients with marginal donor kidneys than in those with ideal donor kidneys one year after transplantation. Despite an absence of differences in kidney function one year after kidney transplantation between patients having marginal and ideal donor kidneys, morphologic differences in the transplanted kidneys can be detected between the two groups of patients.

Telomere attrition, kidney function, and prevalent chronic kidney disease in the United States.

PubMed

Mazidi, Moshen; Rezaie, Peyman; Covic, Adriac; Malyszko, Jolanta; Rysz, Jacek; Kengne, Andre Pascal; Banach, Maciej

2017-10-06

Telomere length is an emerging novel biomarker of biologic age, cardiovascular risk and chronic medical conditions. Few studies have focused on the association between telomere length (TL) and kidney function. We investigated the association between TL and kidney function/prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD) in US adults. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants with measured data on kidney function and TL from 1999 to 2002 were included. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was based on CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Urinary albumin excretion was assessed using urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). We used multivariable adjusted linear and logistic regression models, accounting for the survey design and sample weights. Of the 10568 eligible participants, 48.0% ( n =5020) were men. Their mean age was 44.1 years. eGFR significantly decreased and ACR significantly increased across increasing quarters of TL (all p <0.001). The association between TL and kidney function remained robust even after adjusting for potential confounding factors, but the association between TL and ACR was only borderline significant (β-coefficient= -0.012, p =0.056). The association of kidney function with a marker of cellular senescence suggests an underlying mechanism influencing the progression of nephropathy.

Vlasov Simulation of Electrostatic Solitary Structures in Multi-Component Plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Umeda, Takayuki; Ashour-Abdalla, Maha; Pickett, Jolene S.; Goldstein, Melvyn L.

2012-01-01

Electrostatic solitary structures have been observed in the Earth's magnetosheath by the Cluster spacecraft. Recent theoretical work has suggested that these solitary structures are modeled by electron acoustic solitary waves existing in a four-component plasma system consisting of core electrons, two counter-streaming electron beams, and one species of background ions. In this paper, the excitation of electron acoustic waves and the formation of solitary structures are studied by means of a one-dimensional electrostatic Vlasov simulation. The present result first shows that either electron acoustic solitary waves with negative potential or electron phase-space holes with positive potential are excited in four-component plasma systems. However, these electrostatic solitary structures have longer duration times and higher wave amplitudes than the solitary structures observed in the magnetosheath. The result indicates that a high-speed and small free energy source may be needed as a fifth component. An additional simulation of a five-component plasma consisting of a stable four-component plasma and a weak electron beam shows the generation of small and fast electron phase-space holes by the bump-on-tail instability. The physical properties of the small and fast electron phase-space holes are very similar to those obtained by the previous theoretical analysis. The amplitude and duration time of solitary structures in the simulation are also in agreement with the Cluster observation.

Dust acoustic solitary waves in a dusty plasma with two kinds of nonthermal ions at different temperatures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dorranian, Davoud; Sabetkar, Akbar

The nonlinear dust acoustic solitary waves in a dusty plasma with two nonthermal ion species at different temperatures is studied analytically. Using reductive perturbation method, the Kadomtsev-Petviashivili (KP) equation is derived, and the effects of nonthermal coefficient, ions temperature, and ions number density on the amplitude and width of soliton in dusty plasma are investigated. It is shown that the amplitude of solitary wave of KP equation diverges at critical points of plasma parameters. The modified KP equation is also derived, and from there, the soliton like solutions of modified KP equation with finite amplitude is extracted. Results show thatmore » generation of rarefactive or compressive solitary waves strongly depends on the number and temperature of nonthermal ions. Results of KP equation confirm that for different magnitudes of ions temperature (mass) and number density, mostly compressive solitary waves are generated in a dusty plasma. In this case, the amplitude of solitary wave is decreased, while the width of solitary waves is increased. According to the results of modified KP equation for some certain magnitudes of parameters, there is a condition for generation of an evanescent solitary wave in a dusty plasma.« less

What Is Atherosclerosis?

MedlinePlus

... builds up in the renal arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your kidneys. Over time, chronic kidney disease causes a slow loss of kidney function. The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste and extra water from the body. Overview The cause of atherosclerosis ...

(Re)Building a Kidney

PubMed Central

Carroll, Thomas J.; Cleaver, Ondine; Gossett, Daniel R.; Hoshizaki, Deborah K.; Hubbell, Jeffrey A.; Humphreys, Benjamin D.; Jain, Sanjay; Jensen, Jan; Kaplan, David L.; Kesselman, Carl; Ketchum, Christian J.; Little, Melissa H.; McMahon, Andrew P.; Shankland, Stuart J.; Spence, Jason R.; Valerius, M. Todd; Wertheim, Jason A.; Wessely, Oliver; Zheng, Ying; Drummond, Iain A.

2017-01-01

(Re)Building a Kidney is a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases-led consortium to optimize approaches for the isolation, expansion, and differentiation of appropriate kidney cell types and the integration of these cells into complex structures that replicate human kidney function. The ultimate goals of the consortium are two-fold: to develop and implement strategies for in vitro engineering of replacement kidney tissue, and to devise strategies to stimulate regeneration of nephrons in situ to restore failing kidney function. Projects within the consortium will answer fundamental questions regarding human gene expression in the developing kidney, essential signaling crosstalk between distinct cell types of the developing kidney, how to derive the many cell types of the kidney through directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, which bioengineering or scaffolding strategies have the most potential for kidney tissue formation, and basic parameters of the regenerative response to injury. As these projects progress, the consortium will incorporate systematic investigations in physiologic function of in vitro and in vivo differentiated kidney tissue, strategies for engraftment in experimental animals, and development of therapeutic approaches to activate innate reparative responses. PMID:28096308

MRI tools for assessment of microstructure and nephron function of the kidney.

PubMed

Xie, Luke; Bennett, Kevin M; Liu, Chunlei; Johnson, G Allan; Zhang, Jeff Lei; Lee, Vivian S

2016-12-01

MRI can provide excellent detail of renal structure and function. Recently, novel MR contrast mechanisms and imaging tools have been developed to evaluate microscopic kidney structures including the tubules and glomeruli. Quantitative MRI can assess local tubular function and is able to determine the concentrating mechanism of the kidney noninvasively in real time. Measuring single nephron function is now a near possibility. In parallel to advancing imaging techniques for kidney microstructure is a need to carefully understand the relationship between the local source of MRI contrast and the underlying physiological change. The development of these imaging markers can impact the accurate diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. This study reviews the novel tools to examine kidney microstructure and local function and demonstrates the application of these methods in renal pathophysiology. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Phase portrait analysis of super solitary waves and flat top solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steffy, S. V.; Ghosh, S. S.

2018-06-01

The phase portrait analysis of super solitary waves has revealed a new kind of intermediate solution which defines the boundary between the two types of super solitary waves, viz., Type I and Type II. A Type I super solitary wave is known to be associated with an intermediate double layer while a Type II solution has no such association. The intermediate solution at the boundary has a flat top structure and is called a flat top solitary wave. Its characteristics resemble an amalgamation of a solitary wave and a double layer. It was found that, mathematically, such kinds of structures may emerge due to the presence of an extra nonlinearity. Although they are relatively unfamiliar in the realm of plasma physics, they have much wider applications in other physical systems.

Adaptive functional change of the contralateral kidney after partial nephrectomy.

PubMed

Choi, Se Young; Yoo, Sangjun; You, Dalsan; Jeong, In Gab; Song, Cheryn; Hong, Bumsik; Hong, Jun Hyuk; Ahn, Hanjong; Kim, Choung-Soo

2017-08-01

Partial nephrectomy aims to maintain renal function by nephron sparing; however, functional changes in the contralateral kidney remain unknown. We evaluate the functional change in the contralateral kidney using a diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) renal scan and determine factors predicting contralateral kidney function after partial nephrectomy. A total of 699 patients underwent partial nephrectomy, with a DTPA scan before and after surgery to assess the separate function of each kidney. Patients were divided into three groups according to initial contralateral glomerular filtration rate (GFR; group 1 : <30 ml·min -1 ·1.73 m -2 , group 2 : 30-45 ml·min -1 ·1.73 m -2 , and group 3 : ≥45 ml·min -1 ·1.73 m -2 ). Multiple-regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with increased GFR of the contralateral kidney over a 4-yr postoperative period. Patients in group 1 had a higher mean age and hypertension history, worse American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and larger tumor size than in the other two groups. The ipsilateral GFR changes at 4 yr after partial nephrectomy were -18.9, -3.6, and 3.9% in groups 1 , 2 , and 3 , respectively, whereas the contralateral GFR changes were 10.8, 25.7, and 38.8%. Age [β: -0.105, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.213; -0.011, P < 0.05] and preoperative contralateral GFR (β: -0.256, 95% CI: -0.332; -0.050, P < 0.01) were significant predictive factors for increased GFR of the contralateral kidney after 4 yr. The contralateral kidney compensated for the functional loss of the ipsilateral kidney. The increase of GFR in contralateral kidney is more prominent in younger patients with decreased contralateral renal function. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Clinical consequences of toxic envenomations by Hymenoptera.

PubMed

Schmidt, Justin O

2018-05-19

Many familiar Hymenoptera are brightly colored and can sting painfully-thus, their threat and clinical importance may be exaggerated. Most stinging insects only sting to defend themselves or their colonies from predators. The clinical nature of Hymenoptera envenomations contrasts that of other venomous animals, including other arthropods, primarily because allergic reaction, not direct intoxication, is the usual main concern. This review focuses mainly on the clinical features of direct toxicity to Hymenoptera envenomations, which can induce a high incidence of acute renal failure, liver failure, multiple organ failures, and death. Toxic mass envenomations by honeybees usually entail many hundreds or more stings per victim. In contrast to honeybee toxic envenomations, hornet sting envenomations can be clinically threatening with only 20-200 stings needed to cause kidney and other organ failures. Many lethal envenomations by honeybees occur in rural areas in the New World and Africa and are not recorded or documented. In contrast, deaths by hornets occur mainly to Asia. The most frequent and important envenomating taxa are honeybees, hornets, yellowjacket wasps, paper wasps, fire ants, and jack jumper ants. Occasional envenomating taxa include bumblebees, bullet ants, harvester ants, solitary wasps, solitary bees, and various ants of lesser clinical importance. Envenomations by Hymenoptera usually can be avoided if one considers that bees, wasps and ants "view" us as potential threats or predators, and that with information about the biology of stinging Hymenoptera, humans can minimize adverse incidents. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The cruel and unusual phenomenology of solitary confinement.

PubMed

Gallagher, Shaun

2014-01-01

What happens when subjects are deprived of intersubjective contact? This paper looks closely at the phenomenology and psychology of one example of that deprivation: solitary confinement. It also puts the phenomenology and psychology of solitary confinement to use in the legal context. Not only is there no consensus on whether solitary confinement is a "cruel and unusual punishment," there is no consensus on the definition of the term "cruel" in the use of that legal phrase. I argue that we can find a moral consensus on the meaning of "cruelty" by looking specifically at the phenomenology and psychology of solitary confinement.

Periodontitis associated with chronic kidney disease among Mexican Americans.

PubMed

Ioannidou, Effie; Hall, Yoshio; Swede, Helen; Himmelfarb, Jonathan

2013-01-01

In comparison to non-Hispanic whites, a number of health-care disparities, including poor oral health, have been identified among Hispanics in general and Mexican Americans in particular. We hypothesized that Mexican Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) would have higher prevalence of chronic periodontitis compared with Mexican Americans with normal kidney function, and that the level of kidney function would be inversely related to the prevalence of periodontal disease. We examined this hypothesis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994 (NHANES III) data set. We followed the American Academy of Periodontology/Center for Disease Control and Prevention case definition for periodontitis. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the CKD-Epidemiology equation for Hispanic populations. The classification to CKD stages was based on the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. Periodontitis prevalence increased across the kidney function groups showing a statistically significant dose-response association (P<0.001). Mexican Americans with reduced kidney function were twofold more likely to have periodontitis compared with Mexican Americans with normal kidney function after adjusting for potential confounders such as smoking, diabetes, and socioeconomic status. Multivariate adjusted odds ratio for periodontitis significantly increased with 1, 5, and 10 mL/minute estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction from the mean. This is the first report, to the best our knowledge, that showed an increase of periodontitis prevalence with decreased kidney function in this population. © 2012 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Periodontitis associated with Chronic Kidney Disease among Mexican Americans

PubMed Central

Ioannidou, Effie; Hall, Yoshio; Swede, Helen; Himmelfarb, Jonathan

2012-01-01

Objective In comparison to non-Hispanic whites, a number of healthcare disparities, including poor oral health, have been identified among Hispanics in general and Mexican-Americans in particular. We hypothesized that Mexican-Americans with Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) would have higher prevalence of chronic periodontitis compared to Mexican Americans with normal kidney function, and that the level of kidney function would be inversely related to the prevalence of periodontal disease. Method We examined this hypothesis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988–1994 (NHANES III) dataset. We followed the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)/Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition for periodontitis. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the CKD-Epidemiology (EPI) equation for Hispanic populations. The classification to CKD stages was based on the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. Results Periodontitis prevalence increased across the kidney function groups showing a statistically significant dose-response association (p<0.001). Mexican Americans with reduced kidney function were 2-fold more likely to have periodontitis compared to Mexican Americans with normal kidney function after adjusting for potential confounders such as smoking, diabetes and socioeconomic status. Multivariate adjusted Odds Ratio for periodontitis significantly increased with 1, 5 and 10 mL/minute eGFR reduction from the mean. Conclusion This is the first report, to the best our knowledge, that showed an increase of periodontitis prevalence with decreased kidney function in this population. PMID:22775287

Some new exact solitary wave solutions of the van der Waals model arising in nature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bibi, Sadaf; Ahmed, Naveed; Khan, Umar; Mohyud-Din, Syed Tauseef

2018-06-01

This work proposes two well-known methods, namely, Exponential rational function method (ERFM) and Generalized Kudryashov method (GKM) to seek new exact solutions of the van der Waals normal form for the fluidized granular matter, linked with natural phenomena and industrial applications. New soliton solutions such as kink, periodic and solitary wave solutions are established coupled with 2D and 3D graphical patterns for clarity of physical features. Our comparison reveals that the said methods excel several existing methods. The worked-out solutions show that the suggested methods are simple and reliable as compared to many other approaches which tackle nonlinear equations stemming from applied sciences.

Predicting kidney disease progression in patients with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

PubMed

Mizuguchi, K Annette; Huang, Chuan-Chin; Shempp, Ian; Wang, Justin; Shekar, Prem; Frendl, Gyorgy

2018-06-01

The study objective was to identify patients who are likely to develop progressive kidney dysfunction (acute kidney disease) before their hospital discharge after cardiac surgery, allowing targeted monitoring of kidney function in this at-risk group with periodic serum creatinine measurements. Risks of progression to acute kidney disease (a state in between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease) were modeled from acute kidney injury stages (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A modified Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to evaluate the association between acute kidney injury stages and the development of acute kidney disease (defined as doubling of creatinine 2-4 weeks after surgery) in this observational study. Acute kidney disease occurred in 4.4% of patients with no preexisting kidney disease and 4.8% of patients with preexisting chronic kidney disease. Acute kidney injury predicted development of acute kidney disease in a graded manner in which higher stages of acute kidney injury predicted higher relative risk of progressive kidney disease (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve = 0.82). This correlation persisted regardless of baseline kidney function (P < .001). Of note, development of acute kidney disease was associated with higher mortality and need for renal replacement therapy. The degree of acute kidney injury can identify patients who will have a higher risk of progression to acute kidney disease. These patients may benefit from close follow-up of renal function because they are at risk of progressing to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Naturalistic Observations of Schoolyard Social Participation: Marker Variables for Socio-Emotional Functioning in Early Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coplan, Robert J.; Ooi, Laura L.; Rose-Krasnor, Linda

2015-01-01

The goal of this study was to examine links between observed social participation in the schoolyard and indices of socio-emotional functioning in early adolescence. Participants were children (N = 290) aged 9 to 12 years. Social participation (e.g., solitary play, dyadic interaction, group interaction) was assessed in the schoolyard during recess…

Urine Stasis Predisposes to Urinary Tract Infection by an Opportunistic Uropathogen in the Megabladder (Mgb) Mouse.

PubMed

Becknell, Brian; Mohamed, Ahmad Z; Li, Birong; Wilhide, Michael E; Ingraham, Susan E

2015-01-01

Urinary stasis is a risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Homozygous mutant Megabladder (Mgb-/-) mice exhibit incomplete bladder emptying as a consequence of congenital detrusor aplasia. We hypothesize that this predisposes Mgb-/- mice to spontaneous and experimental UTI. Mgb-/-, Mgb+/-, and wild-type female mice underwent serial ultrasound and urine cultures at 4, 6, and 8 weeks to detect spontaneous UTI. Urine bacterial isolates were analyzed by Gram stain and speciated. Bladder stones were analyzed by x-ray diffractometry. Bladders and kidneys were subject to histologic analysis. The pathogenicity of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CONS) isolated from Mgb-/- urine was tested by transurethral administration to culture-negative Mgb-/- or wild-type animals. The contribution of urinary stasis to CONS susceptibility was evaluated by cutaneous vesicostomy in Mgb-/- mice. Mgb-/- mice develop spontaneous bacteriuria (42%) and struvite bladder stones (31%) by 8 weeks, findings absent in Mgb+/- and wild-type controls. CONS was cultured as a solitary isolate from Mgb-/- bladder stones. Bladders and kidneys from mice with struvite stones exhibit mucosal injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. These pathologic features of cystitis and pyelonephritis are replicated by transurethral inoculation of CONS in culture-negative Mgb-/- females, whereas wild-type animals are less susceptible to CONS colonization and organ injury. Cutaneous vesicostomy prior to CONS inoculation significantly reduces the quantity of CONS recovered from Mgb-/- urine, bladders, and kidneys. CONS is an opportunistic uropathogen in the setting of urinary stasis, leading to enhanced UTI incidence and severity in Mgb-/- mice.

Urine Stasis Predisposes to Urinary Tract Infection by an Opportunistic Uropathogen in the Megabladder (Mgb) Mouse

PubMed Central

Becknell, Brian; Mohamed, Ahmad Z.; Li, Birong; Wilhide, Michael E.; Ingraham, Susan E.

2015-01-01

Purpose Urinary stasis is a risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Homozygous mutant Megabladder (Mgb-/-) mice exhibit incomplete bladder emptying as a consequence of congenital detrusor aplasia. We hypothesize that this predisposes Mgb-/- mice to spontaneous and experimental UTI. Methods Mgb-/-, Mgb+/-, and wild-type female mice underwent serial ultrasound and urine cultures at 4, 6, and 8 weeks to detect spontaneous UTI. Urine bacterial isolates were analyzed by Gram stain and speciated. Bladder stones were analyzed by x-ray diffractometry. Bladders and kidneys were subject to histologic analysis. The pathogenicity of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CONS) isolated from Mgb-/- urine was tested by transurethral administration to culture-negative Mgb-/- or wild-type animals. The contribution of urinary stasis to CONS susceptibility was evaluated by cutaneous vesicostomy in Mgb-/- mice. Results Mgb-/- mice develop spontaneous bacteriuria (42%) and struvite bladder stones (31%) by 8 weeks, findings absent in Mgb+/- and wild-type controls. CONS was cultured as a solitary isolate from Mgb-/- bladder stones. Bladders and kidneys from mice with struvite stones exhibit mucosal injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. These pathologic features of cystitis and pyelonephritis are replicated by transurethral inoculation of CONS in culture-negative Mgb-/- females, whereas wild-type animals are less susceptible to CONS colonization and organ injury. Cutaneous vesicostomy prior to CONS inoculation significantly reduces the quantity of CONS recovered from Mgb-/- urine, bladders, and kidneys. Conclusions CONS is an opportunistic uropathogen in the setting of urinary stasis, leading to enhanced UTI incidence and severity in Mgb-/- mice. PMID:26401845

Comparison of the morphometric features of the left and right horse kidneys: a stereological approach.

PubMed

Bolat, D; Bahar, S; Tipirdamaz, S; Selcuk, M L

2013-12-01

The aims of this study were to determine the total volume of the horse kidney and volume fractions of its functional subcomponents (cortex, medulla, renal pelvis) using stereological methods and investigate any possible difference in the functional subcomponents of the right and left kidneys that may arise from differences in shape. The study was carried out on the kidneys of 5 horses of different breed and sex. The weight of the kidneys was measured by a digital scale, and kidney volume was calculated by Archimedes' principle. Total kidney volume and volume fractions of subcomponents of the right and left kidneys were estimated by the Cavalieri's principle. The weights of the right and left kidneys were 550 ± 25 g and 585 ± 23 g, respectively. The volumes of the right and left kidneys estimated using the Cavalieri method were 542 ± 46 ml and 581 ± 29 ml. The relative organ weight of the kidneys was calculated as 1:330. The densities of the right and left kidneys were determined to be 1.01 and 1.00, respectively. The mean volume fractions of the cortex, medulla and renal pelvis were determined as 55.6, 42.7 and 1.7 in both kidneys. No statistically significant difference existed between morphometric data pertaining to the right and left kidneys (P > 0.05). To determine precisely whether differences in shape cause any difference in the functional subcomponents of the right and left kidneys requires further investigation of differences in the number of microscopically functional unit of the kidney such as renal glomeruli and nephrons. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Influence of thyroid function on glomerular filtration rate and other estimates of kidney function in two pediatric patients.

PubMed

Uemura, Osamu; Iwata, Naoyuki; Nagai, Takuhito; Yamakawa, Satoshi; Hibino, Satoshi; Yamamoto, Masaki; Nakano, Masaru; Tanaka, Kazuki

2018-05-01

To determine the optimal method of evaluating kidney function in patients with thyroid dysfunction, this study compared the estimated glomerular filtration rate derived from serum creatinine, cystatin C, or β2-microglobulin with inulin or creatinine clearance in two pediatric patients, one with hypothyroidism and the other with hyperthyroidism. It was observed that the kidney function decreased in a hypothyroid child and enhanced in a hyperthyroid child, with their kidney function becoming normalized by treatment with drugs, which normalized their thyroid function. Kidney function cannot be accurately evaluated using cystatin C-based or β2-microglobulin-based estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with thyroid dysfunction, as these tests overestimated glomerular filtration rate in a patient with hypothyroidism and underestimated glomerular filtration rate in a patient with hyperthyroidism, perhaps through a metabolic rate-mediated mechanism. In both our patients, 24-h urinary creatinine secretion was identical before and after treatment, suggesting that creatinine production is not altered in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, kidney function in patients with thyroid dysfunction should be evaluated using creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Solitary Plasmacytoma.

PubMed

Grammatico, Sara; Scalzulli, Emilia; Petrucci, Maria Teresa

2017-01-01

Solitary plasmacytoma is a rare disease characterized by a localized proliferation of neoplastic monoclonal plasma cells, without evidence of systemic disease. It can be subdivided into solitary bone plasmacytoma if the lesion originates in bone, or solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma if the lesion involves a soft tissue. The incidence of solitary bone plasmacytoma is higher than solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma. Also, the prognosis is different: even if both forms respond well to treatment, overall survival and progression-free survival of solitary bone plasmacytoma are poorer than solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma due to its higher rate of evolution in multiple myeloma. However, the recent advances in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma can better refine also the diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Flow cytometry studies and molecular analysis may reveal clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow; magnetic resonance imaging or 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography could better define osteolytic bone lesions. A more explicit exclusion of possible occult systemic involvement can avoid cases of misdiagnosed multiple myeloma patients, which were previously considered solitary plasmacytoma and less treated, with an unavoidable poor prognosis. Due to the rarity of the disease, there is no uniform consensus about prognostic factors and treatment. Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice; however, some authors debate about the radiotherapy dose and the relationship with the response rate. Moreover, the role of surgery and chemotherapy is still under debate. Nevertheless, we must consider that the majority of studies include a small number of patients and analyze the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy; few cases are reported concerning the efficacy of novel agents.

Exercise and CKD: Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction and Practical Application of Exercise to Prevent and Treat Physical Impairments in CKD.

PubMed

Roshanravan, Baback; Gamboa, Jorge; Wilund, Kenneth

2017-06-01

Patients with chronic kidney disease experience substantial loss of muscle mass, weakness, and poor physical performance. As kidney disease progresses, skeletal muscle dysfunction forms a common pathway for mobility limitation, loss of functional independence, and vulnerability to disease complications. Screening for those at high risk for mobility disability by self-reported and objective measures of function is an essential first step in developing an interdisciplinary approach to treatment that includes rehabilitative therapies and counseling on physical activity. Exercise has beneficial effects on systemic inflammation, muscle, and physical performance in chronic kidney disease. Kidney health providers need to identify patient and care delivery barriers to exercise in order to effectively counsel patients on physical activity. A thorough medical evaluation and assessment of baseline function using self-reported and objective function assessment is essential to guide an effective individualized exercise prescription to prevent function decline in persons with kidney disease. This review focuses on the impact of kidney disease on skeletal muscle dysfunction in the context of the disablement process and reviews screening and treatment strategies that kidney health professionals can use in clinical practice to prevent functional decline and disability. Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protective role of curcumin on renal ischemia reperfusion injury via attenuating the inflammatory mediators and Caspase-3.

PubMed

Liu, F-H; Ni, W-J; Wang, G-K; Zhang, J-J

2016-09-30

Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage may arise due to nephron sparing surgery in patient with a solitary kidney of restricted renal parenchymas. Apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress play a significant role in the expansion of renal dysfunction following renal I/R. The aim of the current investigation was to particularize the potential effect of curcumin against hypoxia induced renal injury. The albino Wistar rats divided into groups and each group contains six rats. They groups are normal control; disease control; curcumin (5 mg/kg per day) and another group orally treated with curcumin (10 mg/kg per day) for two weeks before induction of renal I/R. The renal and serum samples were collected and used for the biochemical estimation. The renal tissue was further used for the histopathological estimation. The result of the current investigation demonstrated that the curcumin significantly (P<0.01) attenuated I/R induced renal injury in a dose-dependent way. It also causes significant (P<0.01) reduction in the serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen level and also suppressed the kidney injury molecules-1. Additionally, it also causes significant inhibition of the malonaldehyde, caspase-3, myeloperoxide, lactose dehydrogenase and interferon-gamma together with enhanced interlukin-10 content.

Kidney growth and renal functions under the growth hormone replacement therapy in children.

PubMed

Ece, Aydın; Çetinkaya, Semra; Ekşioğlu, Seçil; Şenel, Saliha; Özkasap, Serdar; Giniş, Tayfur; Sen, Velat; Şahin, Cahit

2014-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the kidney growth and renal functions in children receiving recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment. A total of 37 children who received rhGH for 1.5 years before the study was started and 48 healthy controls were included at first evaluation. Hormone levels were determined and kidney sizes were measured by ultrasound. Kidney functions were assessed by serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). After 3 years of first evaluation, 23 patients were re-assessed. Kidney sizes were found to be lower in rhGH received children compared with controls at first evaluation (p<0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between anthropometric measurements and kidney length and kidney volume (p<0.05). Height was the most significant predictor of kidney volume in rhGH received children (p<0.001). After 3-years of follow-up significantly increases were found in kidney length and volume compared with the first measurements (p<0.05). Increase percentage of body height was similar to increasing percent of kidney length and liver long axis (14.2%, 11.7.1% and 7.7%, respectively, p>0.05). Although no abnormal renal function test results were found at first and second evaluations; rhGH received children had significantly lower eGFR, at first evaluation, compared with controls; however, renal functions significantly increased after 3 years of follow-up (p<0.05). In conclusion, effect rhGH treatment on kidney growth is parallel to growth in body height and other visceral organs. A 3-years rhGH treatment resulted in significant increases in renal functions.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor Arising from Stomach: CT Findings

PubMed Central

Park, Sung Hee; Kwon, Jieun; Park, Jong-pil; Park, Mi-Suk; Lim, Joon Seok; Kim, Joo Hee; Kim, Ki Whang

2007-01-01

Solitary fibrous tumors are spindle-cell neoplasms that usually develop in the pleura and peritoneum, and rarely arise in the stomach. To our knowledge, there is only one case reporting a solitary fibrous tumor arising from stomach in the English literature. Here we report the case of a 26-year-old man with a large solitary fibrous tumor arising from the stomach which involved the submucosa and muscular layer and resembled a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the stomach, based on what was seen during abdominal computed tomography. A solitary fibrous tumor arising from the stomach, although rare, could be considered as a diagnostic possibility for gastric submucosal tumors. PMID:18159603

The cruel and unusual phenomenology of solitary confinement

PubMed Central

Gallagher, Shaun

2014-01-01

What happens when subjects are deprived of intersubjective contact? This paper looks closely at the phenomenology and psychology of one example of that deprivation: solitary confinement. It also puts the phenomenology and psychology of solitary confinement to use in the legal context. Not only is there no consensus on whether solitary confinement is a “cruel and unusual punishment,” there is no consensus on the definition of the term “cruel” in the use of that legal phrase. I argue that we can find a moral consensus on the meaning of “cruelty” by looking specifically at the phenomenology and psychology of solitary confinement. PMID:24971072

Abrupt Decline in Kidney Function Before Initiating Hemodialysis and All-Cause Mortality: The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.

PubMed

Hsu, Raymond K; Chai, Boyang; Roy, Jason A; Anderson, Amanda H; Bansal, Nisha; Feldman, Harold I; Go, Alan S; He, Jiang; Horwitz, Edward J; Kusek, John W; Lash, James P; Ojo, Akinlolu; Sondheimer, James H; Townsend, Raymond R; Zhan, Min; Hsu, Chi-Yuan

2016-08-01

It is not clear whether the pattern of kidney function decline in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may relate to outcomes after reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We hypothesize that an abrupt decline in kidney function prior to ESRD predicts early death after initiating maintenance hemodialysis therapy. Prospective cohort study. The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study enrolled men and women with mild to moderate CKD. For this study, we studied 661 individuals who developed chronic kidney failure that required hemodialysis therapy initiation. The primary predictor was the presence of an abrupt decline in kidney function prior to ESRD. We incorporated annual estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) into a mixed-effects model to estimate patient-specific eGFRs at 3 months prior to initiation of hemodialysis therapy. Abrupt decline was defined as having an extrapolated eGFR≥30mL/min/1.73m(2) at that time point. All-cause mortality within 1 year after initiating hemodialysis therapy. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards. Among 661 patients with CKD initiating hemodialysis therapy, 56 (8.5%) had an abrupt predialysis decline in kidney function and 69 died within 1 year after initiating hemodialysis therapy. After adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, abrupt decline in kidney function was associated with a 3-fold higher risk for death within the first year of ESRD (adjusted HR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.65-5.76). Relatively small number of outcomes; infrequent (yearly) eGFR determinations; lack of more granular clinical data. Abrupt decline in kidney function prior to ESRD occurred in a significant minority of incident hemodialysis patients and predicted early death in ESRD. Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.

Symptomatic BK Virus Infection Is Associated with Kidney Function Decline and Poor Overall Survival in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Recipients

PubMed Central

Abudayyeh, Ala; Hamdi, Amir; Lin, Heather; Abdelrahim, Maen; Rondon, Gabriela; Andersson, Borje S; Afrough, Aimaz; Martinez, Charles S; Tarrand, Jeffrey J; Kontoyiannis, Dimitrios P.; Marin, David; Gaber, A. Osama; Salahudeen, Abdulla; Oran, Betul; Chemaly, Roy F.; Olson, Amanda; Jones, Roy; Popat, Uday; Champlin, Richard E; Shpall, Elizabeth J.; Winkelmayer, Wolfgang C.; Rezvani, Katayoun

2017-01-01

Nephropathy due to BK virus infection is an evolving challenge in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We hypothesized that BKV infection was a marker of Kidney Function Decline and a poor prognostic factor in HSCT recipients who experience this complication. In this retrospective study, we analyzed all patients who underwent their first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at our institution between 2004 and 2012. We evaluated the incidence of persistent kidney function decline, which was defined as a confirmed reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate of at least 25% from baseline using the CKD-EPI equation. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to model the cause-specific hazard of kidney function decline and Fine and Gray’s method was used to account for the competing risks of death. Among 2477 recipients of a first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, BK viruria was detected in 25% (n=629) and kidney function decline in 944 (38.1%). On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, acute graft-versus-host disease, chronic graft versus host disease, preparative conditioning regimen, and graft source, BK viruria remained a significant risk factor for kidney function decline (P <0.001). In addition, patients with BKV infection and kidney function decline experienced worse overall survival. Post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, BKV infection was strongly and independently associated with subsequent kidney function decline and worse patient survival after HSCT. PMID:26608093

CHRONIC HYPERTENSION ENHANCES PRE-SYNAPTIC INHIBITION BY BACLOFEN IN THE NUCLEUS OF THE SOLITARY TRACT

PubMed Central

Zhang, Weirong; Mifflin, Steve

2010-01-01

The selective γ-aminobutyric acid B-subtype receptor agonist baclofen activates both pre- and post-synaptic receptors in the brain. Microinjection of baclofen into the nucleus of the solitary tract increases arterial pressure, heart rate and sympathetic nerve discharge consistent with inhibition of the arterial baroreflex. The magnitude of these responses is enhanced in hypertension and is associated with increased post-synaptic GABAB receptor function. We tested whether a pre-synaptic mechanism contributes to the enhanced baclofen inhibition in hypertension. Whole-cell recordings of second-order baroreceptor neurons, identified by 4-(4-(dihexadecylamino)styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide labeling of aortic nerve, were obtained in brainstem slices from normotensive control and renal-wrap hypertensive rats. After 4 weeks, arterial blood pressure was 162±9 mmHg in hypertensive (n=6) and 107±3 mmHg in control rats (n=6/11, p<0.001). Baclofen reduced the amplitude of excitatory post-synaptic currents evoked by solitary tract stimulation and the EC50 of this inhibition was greater in control (1.5±0.5 µmol/L, n=6) than hypertensive cells (0.6±0.1 µmol/L, n=9, p<0.05). Baclofen (1 µmol/L) elicited greater inhibition on evoked response in hypertensive (58±6%, n=9) than control cells (40±6%, n=8, p<0.05). Another index of pre-synaptic inhibition, the paired-pulse ratio (ratio of second to first evoked response amplitudes at stimulus intervals of 40 ms), was greater in hypertensive (0.60±0.08, n=8) than control cells (0.48±0.06. n=5, p<0.05). The results suggest that in renal-wrap hypertensive rats, baclofen causes an enhanced pre-synaptic inhibition of glutamate release from baroreceptor afferent terminals to second-order neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract. This enhanced pre-synaptic inhibition could contribute to altered baroreflex function in hypertension. PMID:20038748

Functional principal component analysis of glomerular filtration rate curves after kidney transplant.

PubMed

Dong, Jianghu J; Wang, Liangliang; Gill, Jagbir; Cao, Jiguo

2017-01-01

This article is motivated by some longitudinal clinical data of kidney transplant recipients, where kidney function progression is recorded as the estimated glomerular filtration rates at multiple time points post kidney transplantation. We propose to use the functional principal component analysis method to explore the major source of variations of glomerular filtration rate curves. We find that the estimated functional principal component scores can be used to cluster glomerular filtration rate curves. Ordering functional principal component scores can detect abnormal glomerular filtration rate curves. Finally, functional principal component analysis can effectively estimate missing glomerular filtration rate values and predict future glomerular filtration rate values.

Generation of internal solitary waves by frontally forced intrusions in geophysical flows.

PubMed

Bourgault, Daniel; Galbraith, Peter S; Chavanne, Cédric

2016-12-06

Internal solitary waves are hump-shaped, large-amplitude waves that are physically analogous to surface waves except that they propagate within the fluid, along density steps that typically characterize the layered vertical structure of lakes, oceans and the atmosphere. As do surface waves, internal solitary waves may overturn and break, and the process is thought to provide a globally significant source of turbulent mixing and energy dissipation. Although commonly observed in geophysical fluids, the origins of internal solitary waves remain unclear. Here we report a rarely observed natural case of the birth of internal solitary waves from a frontally forced interfacial gravity current intruding into a two-layer and vertically sheared background environment. The results of the analysis carried out suggest that fronts may represent additional and unexpected sources of internal solitary waves in regions of lakes, oceans and atmospheres that are dynamically similar to the situation examined here in the Saguenay Fjord, Canada.

Effects of feline hyperthyroidism on kidney function: a review.

PubMed

Vaske, Heather H; Schermerhorn, Thomas; Grauer, Gregory F

2016-02-01

Chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism are two commonly diagnosed conditions in the geriatric feline population, and are often seen concurrently. Management of both diseases is recommended; however, the physiologic implications of both diseases must be understood to ensure the most favorable outcome for each patient. This report reviews the complex interplay between hyperthyroidism and kidney function, as well as the effects of hyperthyroid therapy on kidney function. © ISFM and AAFP 2015.

Delayed Graft Function in Living-Donor Kidney Transplant: A Middle Eastern Perspective.

PubMed

Al Otaibi, Torki; Ahmadpoor, Pedram; Allawi, Ali Abdulmajid Dyab; Habhab, Wael Taher; Khatami, Mohammad Reza; Nafar, Mohsen; Glotz, Denis

2016-02-01

With an increased incidence of living-donor kidney transplants, in response to increasing unmet needs for renal transplant, a clear understanding of determinants of posttransplant outcomes is essential. The importance of delayed graft function in deceased-donor kidney transplant is now part of conventional medical wisdom, due to the large amount of evidence focused on this aspect. However, the same is not true for living-donor kidney transplant, partly due to lack of evidence on this crucial clinical question and partly due to lack of awareness about this issue. The current review aims to highlight the importance of delayed graft function as a crucial determinant of outcomes in living-donor kidney transplant. An exhaustive search of online medical databases was performed with appropriate search criteria to collect evidence about delayed graft function after living-donor kidney transplant, with a special focus on studies from the Middle East. Data on incidence, impact, risk factors, and possible prevention modalities of delayed graft function in patients undergoing living-donor kidney transplant are presented. A key finding of this review is that contemporary incidence rates reported from the Middle East are comparatively higher than those reported from outside the region. Although in absolute terms the incidence is lower than deceased donor kidney transplant, the effects of delayed graft function on graft rejection and graft and patient survival are sufficiently large to warrant the formulation of specific treatment protocols. Key to formulating prevention and treatment strategies is identifying discrete risk factors for delayed graft function. Although this evidence is scant, an overview has been provided. Further studies examining different aspects of delayed graft function incidence after living-donor kidney transplant are urgently needed to address a so far little known clinical question.

Influence of low-level laser radiation on kidney functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koultchavenia, Ekaterina V.

1998-12-01

Most of all renal diseases are accompanied by lowering of kidney functions. That makes the quality of the treatment worse. On an example 69 patients receiving Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), the influence of the laser radiation on a contracting system of blood, on current of an active and inactive tubercular inflammation and on partial functions of kidneys were investigated. Is established, that LLLT does not render influence to a contracting system; promotes stopping of unspecific and moderate peaking of a specific inflammation of kidneys. Is proved, that after a rate of laserotherapy the improving of a blood micricirculation in kidney occurs in 57.9% of patients; a secretion - in 63.1% of the patients; a stimulation of urodynamic is fixed in 79% of cases. Magnification of diuresis, improving filtration and concentration functions of kidneys also is marked.

Liver fatty-acid-binding protein in heart and kidney allograft recipients in relation to kidney function.

PubMed

Przybylowski, P; Koc-Zorawska, E; Malyszko, J S; Kozlowska, S; Mysliwiec, M; Malyszko, J

2011-10-01

Mammalian intracellular fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs), a large multigene family, encode 14-kD proteins that are members of a superfamily of lipid-binding proteins. FABPs are tissue specific. Liver-type FABP (L-FABP) can be filtered through the glomerulus owing to its small molecular size, similar to cystatin C, but it is reabsorbed by proximal tubule epithelial cells like other small proteins. In the human kidney, L-FABP is expressed predominantly in proximal tubules. It had been suggested that the presence of L-FABP in urine reflects hypoxic conditions resulting from decreased peritubular capillary flow, serving as a marker of acute kidney injury. The aim of this study was to assess urinary L-FABP in 111 heart and 76 kidney transplant recipients in relation to kidney function. Complete blood count, urea, fasting glucose, creatinine, and the N-terminal fragment of brain natriuretic protein were studied by standard laboratory methods; L-FABP and cystatin C, by ELISA using commercially available kits. Kidney transplant recipients displayed significantly higher L-FABP than heart recipients. Upon univariate analysis, urinary L-FABP correlated, with serum creatinine, cystatin C and estimated glomerular filtration ratio (eGFR) in kidney allograft recipients. However, in heart transplant recipients it was not related to kidney function, as reflected by creatinine or eGFR; was strongly related to cystatin C (r=0.34; P<.001) and urinary creatinine (r=-0.29; P<.01), and NGAL (r=0.29; P<.01). Upon multiple regression analysis, the best predictor of urinary L-FABP in kidney allograft recipients, was eGFR whereas in heart recipients, no parameter independently predicted L-FABP. Successful heart transplantation is associated with kidney injury as reflected by a reduced eGFR; however, in this population, L-FABP did not serve as a marker of kidney function. In contrast, in kidney allograft recipients, L-FABP may be a potential early marker for impaired kidney function/injury. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of uric acid on kidney function decline differ depending on baseline kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients.

PubMed

Hanai, Ko; Tauchi, Eriko; Nishiwaki, Yui; Mori, Tomomi; Yokoyama, Yoichi; Uchigata, Yasuko; Babazono, Tetsuya

2018-05-30

Most existing data regarding effects of uric acid (UA) on diabetic kidney disease have considered patients with preserved kidney function. We examined a hypothesis that there are differences in the effects of serum UA levels on the decline in kidney function depending on baseline kidney function in diabetic patients. In this historical cohort study, 7033 type 2 diabetic patients were analyzed and classified into two groups as follows: nonchronic kidney disease (non-CKD), with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 4994), and CKD, with an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 2039). The composite endpoint was a ≥30% decrease in eGFR from baseline or the initiation of renal replacement therapy. The hazard ratio (HR) of serum UA levels at baseline was estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. There was a significant interaction between UA levels and baseline eGFR with respect to the endpoint (P < 0.001). The HRs of 1 mg/dL increase in UA levels were 1.13 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.22, P = 0.002] and 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.99, P = 0.02) in the non-CKD and CKD groups, respectively. When patients were classified by quintile of UA levels, the HRs of those in the 5th quintile (versus 1st quintile) were 1.64 (95% CI 1.23-2.18, P < 0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.58-0.99, P = 0.05) in the non-CKD and CKD groups, respectively. The effects of UA on kidney function decline might differ depending on baseline kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients. High UA levels are the prognostic factor only in patients with preserved kidney function.

Prognostic Value of Improved Kidney Function After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis.

PubMed

Nijenhuis, Vincent Johan; Peper, Joyce; Vorselaars, Veronique M M; Swaans, Martin J; De Kroon, Thom; Van der Heyden, Jan A S; Rensing, Benno J W M; Heijmen, Robin; Bos, Willem-Jan W; Ten Berg, Jurrien M

2018-05-15

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), but can also improve the kidney function (IKF). We assessed the effects of kidney function changes in relation to baseline kidney function on 2-year clinical outcomes after TAVI. In total, 639 consecutive patients with aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI were stratified into 3 groups according to the ratio of serum creatinine post- to pre-TAVI: IKF (≤0.80; n = 95 [15%]), stable kidney function (0.80 to 1.5; n = 477 [75%]), and AKI (≥1.5; n = 67 [10%]). Different AKI risk scores were compared using receiving-operator characteristics. Median follow-up was 24 (8 to 44) months. At 3 months, the increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate in the IKF group remained, and the decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in the AKI group recovered. Compared with a stable kidney function, AKI showed a higher 2-year mortality rate (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.43 to 5.62) and IKF a lower mortality rate (adjusted hazard ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.93). AKI also predicted major and life-threatening bleeding (adjusted odds ratio 2.94, 95% CI 1.27 to 6.78). Independent predictors of AKI were chronic kidney disease and pulmonary hypertension. Independent predictors of IKF were female gender, a preserved kidney function, absence of atrial fibrillation, and hemoglobin level. Established AKI risk scores performed moderately and did not differentiate between AKI and IKF. In conclusion, AKI is transient and is independently associated with a higher mortality rate, whereas IKF is sustained and is associated with a lower mortality rate. These effects are independent of baseline kidney function. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of IKF and generate a dedicated prediction model. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevention of shockwave induced functional and morphological alterations: an overview.

PubMed

Sarica, Kemal; Yencilek, Faruk

2008-03-01

Experimental as well as clinical findings reported in the literature suggest that treatment with shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) causes renal parenchymal damage mainly by generating free radicals through ischaemia/reperfusion injury mechanism. Although SWL-induced renal damage is well tolerated in the majority of healthy cases with no permanent functional and/or morphologic side effects, a subset of patients with certain risk factors requires close attention on this aspect among which the ones with pre-existing renal disorders, urinary tract infection, previous lithotripsy history and solitary kidneys could be mentioned. It is clear that in such patients lowering the number of shock waves (per session) could be beneficial and has been applied by the physicians as the first practical step of diminishing SWL induced parenchymal damage. On the other hand, taking the injurious effects of high energy shock wave (HESW) induced free radical formation on renal parenchyma and subsequent histopathologic alterations into account, physicians searched for some protective agents in an attempt to prevent or at least to limit the extent of the functional as well as the morphologic alterations. Among these agents calcium channel blocking agents (verapamil and nifedipine), antioxidant agents (allopurinol, vitamin E and selenium) and potassium citrate have been used to minimize these adverse effects. Additionally, therapeutic application of these agents on reducing stone recurrence particularly after SWL will gain more importance in the future in order to limit new stone formation in these cases. Lastly, as experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated, combination of anti-oxidants with free radical scavengers may provide superior renal protection against shock wave induced trauma. However, we believe that further investigations are certainly needed to determine the dose-response relationship between the damaging effects of SWL application and the protective role of these agents.

Characteristics of microRNAs enriched in specific cell types and primary tissue types in solid organs.

PubMed

Kriegel, Alison J; Liu, Yong; Liu, Pengyuan; Baker, Maria Angeles; Hodges, Matthew R; Hua, Xing; Liang, Mingyu

2013-12-01

Knowledge of miRNA expression and function in specific cell types in solid organs is limited because of difficulty in obtaining appropriate specimens. We used laser capture microdissection to obtain nine tissue regions from rats, including the nucleus of the solitary tract, hypoglossal motor nucleus, ventral respiratory column/pre-Bötzinger complex, and midline raphe nucleus from the brain stem, myocardium and coronary artery from the heart, and glomerulus, proximal convoluted tubule, and medullary thick ascending limb from the kidney. Each tissue region consists of or is enriched for a specific cell type. Differential patterns of miRNA expression obtained by deep sequencing of minute amounts of laser-captured cells were highly consistent with data obtained from real-time PCR analysis. miRNA expression patterns correctly clustered the specimens by tissue regions and then by primary tissue types (neural, muscular, or epithelial). The aggregate difference in miRNA profiles between tissue regions that contained the same primary tissue type was as large as one-half of the aggregate difference between primary tissue types. miRNAs differentially expressed between primary tissue types are more likely to be abundant miRNAs, while miRNAs differentially expressed between tissue regions containing the same primary tissue type were distributed evenly across the abundance spectrum. The tissue type-enriched miRNAs were more likely to target genes enriched for specific functional categories compared with either cell type-enriched miRNAs or randomly selected miRNAs. These data indicate that the role of miRNAs in determining characteristics of primary tissue types may be different than their role in regulating cell type-specific functions in solid organs.

Compensatory Structural and Functional Adaptation after Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma According to Preoperative Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Choi, Don Kyoung; Jung, Se Bin; Park, Bong Hee; Jeong, Byong Chang; Seo, Seong Il; Jeon, Seong Soo; Lee, Hyun Moo; Choi, Han-Yong; Jeon, Hwang Gyun

2015-10-01

We investigated structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration as compensatory adaptations after radical nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma according to the preoperative chronic kidney disease stage. We retrospectively identified 543 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma between 1997 and 2012. Patients were classified according to preoperative glomerular filtration rate as no chronic kidney disease--glomerular filtration rate 90 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) or greater (230, 42.4%), chronic kidney disease stage II--glomerular filtration rate 60 to less than 90 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) (227, 41.8%) and chronic kidney disease stage III--glomerular filtration rate 30 to less than 60 ml/minute/1.73 m(2) (86, 15.8%). Computerized tomography performed within 2 months before surgery and 1 year after surgery was used to assess functional renal volume for measuring the degree of hypertrophy of the remnant kidney, and the preoperative and postoperative glomerular filtration rate per unit volume of functional renal volume was used to calculate the degree of hyperfiltration. Among all patients (mean age 56.0 years) mean preoperative glomerular filtration rate, functional renal volume and glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume were 83.2 ml/minute/1.73 m(2), 340.6 cm(3) and 0.25 ml/minute/1.73 m(2)/cm(3), respectively. The percent reduction in glomerular filtration rate was statistically significant according to chronic kidney disease stage (no chronic kidney disease 31.2% vs stage II 26.5% vs stage III 12.8%, p <0.001). However, the degree of hypertrophic functional renal volume in the remnant kidney was not statistically significant (no chronic kidney disease 18.5% vs stage II 17.3% vs stage III 16.5%, p=0.250). The change in glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume was statistically significant (no chronic kidney disease 18.5% vs stage II 20.1% vs stage III 45.9%, p <0.001). Factors that increased glomerular filtration rate/functional renal volume above the mean value were body mass index (p=0.012), diabetes mellitus (p=0.023), hypertension (p=0.015) and chronic kidney disease stage (p <0.001). Patients with a lower preoperative glomerular filtration rate had a smaller reduction in postoperative renal function than those with a higher preoperative glomerular filtration rate due to greater degrees of functional hyperfiltration. Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary lipomatous hemangiopericytoma: report of a rare tumor and comparison with solitary fibrous tumor.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Kazuto; Eyden, Brian P

2007-01-01

Lipomatous hemangiopericytoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor showing areas of lipid-containing cells admixed with a spindle-cell component. Like other hemangiopericytomas, it shows a similar vascular pattern to solitary fibrous tumor and, partly for this reason, it and other hemangiopericytomas have been subsumed into solitary fibrous tumor. The present study provides a comprehensive documentation of a single case of pulmonary lipomatous hemangiopericytoma of the lung, the first to be described at this site, and compares it with solitary fibrous tumor, in terms of clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and cytogenetic findings. Apart from the lipid-laden-cell component, pulmonary lipomatous hemangiopericytoma and solitary fibrous tumor were similar histologically. Bcl-2 was positive in both. CD34 was minimally expressed in pulmonary lipomatous hemangiopericytoma, which possessed some non-descriptive intercellular junctions, a feature shared by solitary fibrous tumor, which was CD34 positive. However, one of the latter was rich in gap junctions, a feature consistent with strong connexin (Cx) 43 staining and the existence, hitherto unappreciated, of a CD34/Cx43-positive tumor cell network. In pulmonary lipomatous hemangiopericytoma, chromosomal deletions of 43-44, X, -Y were found. In solitary fibrous tumor, 46, XY, del(13)(q?) abnormalities and abnormalities involving chromosome 10 were frequently observed. These similarities and differences are discussed in the context of the currently favored diagnostic fusion of hemangiopericytoma and solitary fibrous tumor.

Clinical and radiographic features of solitary and cemento-osseous dysplasia-associated simple bone cysts.

PubMed

Chadwick, J W; Alsufyani, N A; Lam, E W N

2011-05-01

The simple bone cyst (SBC) is a pseudocyst that can occur as a solitary entity in the jaws or may occur in association with cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD). The purpose of this study was to review the clinical and radiographic features of solitary and COD-associated SBCs. Archived imaging reports from the Special Procedures Clinic in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto between 1 January 1989 and 31 December 2009 revealed 23 COD-associated SBCs and 68 solitary SBCs. Almost all solitary and COD-associated SBCs were found in the mandible. Furthermore, 87.0% of COD-associated SBCs were found in females in their fifth decade of life (P < 0.001) while solitary SBCs were found in equal numbers in both sexes in their second decade of life (P < 0.005). COD-associated SBCs were also more likely to cause thinning of the endosteal cortex, bone expansion and scalloping of the superior border between teeth (all P < 0.001) than solitary SBCs that are classically described as having these characteristics. Finally, COD-associated SBC demonstrated a loss of lamina dura more often (P < 0.05) than solitary SBCs. Knowledge of the sporadic association between COD and SBC and their potential radiographic appearances should prevent inappropriate treatment and management of these patients.

On the interaction of small-scale linear waves with nonlinear solitary waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Chengzhu; Stastna, Marek

2017-04-01

In the study of environmental and geophysical fluid flows, linear wave theory is well developed and its application has been considered for phenomena of various length and time scales. However, due to the nonlinear nature of fluid flows, in many cases results predicted by linear theory do not agree with observations. One of such cases is internal wave dynamics. While small-amplitude wave motion may be approximated by linear theory, large amplitude waves tend to be solitary-like. In some cases, when the wave is highly nonlinear, even weakly nonlinear theories fail to predict the wave properties correctly. We study the interaction of small-scale linear waves with nonlinear solitary waves using highly accurate pseudo spectral simulations that begin with a fully nonlinear solitary wave and a train of small-amplitude waves initialized from linear waves. The solitary wave then interacts with the linear waves through either an overtaking collision or a head-on collision. During the collision, there is a net energy transfer from the linear wave train to the solitary wave, resulting in an increase in the kinetic energy carried by the solitary wave and a phase shift of the solitary wave with respect to a freely propagating solitary wave. At the same time the linear waves are greatly reduced in amplitude. The percentage of energy transferred depends primarily on the wavelength of the linear waves. We found that after one full collision cycle, the longest waves may retain as much as 90% of the kinetic energy they had initially, while the shortest waves lose almost all of their initial energy. We also found that a head-on collision is more efficient in destroying the linear waves than an overtaking collision. On the other hand, the initial amplitude of the linear waves has very little impact on the percentage of energy that can be transferred to the solitary wave. Because of the nonlinearity of the solitary wave, these results provide us some insight into wave-mean flow interaction in a fully nonlinear framework.

Nonlinear Dust Acoustic Waves in a Magnetized Dusty Plasma with Trapped and Superthermal Electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, Abrishami S.; Nouri, Kadijani M.

2014-06-01

In this work, the effects of superthermal and trapped electrons on the oblique propagation of nonlinear dust-acoustic waves in a magnetized dusty (complex) plasma are investigated. The dynamic of electrons is simulated by the generalized Lorentzian (κ) distribution function (DF). The dust grains are cold and their dynamics are simulated by hydrodynamic equations. Using the standard reductive perturbation technique (RPT) a nonlinear modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation is derived. Two types of solitary waves; fast and slow dust acoustic solitons, exist in this plasma. Calculations reveal that compressive solitary structures are likely to propagate in this plasma where dust grains are negatively (or positively) charged. The properties of dust acoustic solitons (DASs) are also investigated numerically.

Complexiton and solitary wave solutions of the coupled nonlinear Maccari’s system using two integration schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inc, Mustafa; Aliyu, Aliyu Isa; Yusuf, Abdullahi; Baleanu, Dumitru; Nuray, Elif

2018-01-01

In this paper, we consider a coupled nonlinear Maccari’s system (CNMS) which describes the motion of isolated waves localized in a small part of space. There are some integration tools that are adopted to retrieve the solitary wave solutions. They are the modified F-Expansion and the generalized projective Riccati equation methods. Topological, non-topological, complexiton, singular and trigonometric function solutions are derived. A comparison between the results in this paper and the well-known results in the literature is also given. The derived structures of the obtained solutions offer a rich platform to study the nonlinear CNMS. Numerical simulation of the obtained solutions are presented with interesting figures showing the physical meaning of the solutions.

Disruption of Hox9,10,11 function results in cellular level lineage infidelity in the kidney.

PubMed

Drake, Keri A; Adam, Mike; Mahoney, Robert; Potter, S Steven

2018-04-20

Hox genes are important regulators of development. The 39 mammalian Hox genes have considerable functional overlap, greatly confounding their study. In this report, we generated mice with multiple combinations of paralogous and flanking Abd-B Hox gene mutations to investigate functional redundancies in kidney development. The resulting mice developed a number of kidney abnormalities, including hypoplasia, agenesis, and severe cysts, with distinct Hox functions observed in early metanephric kidney formation and nephron progenitor maintenance. Most surprising, however, was that extensive removal of Hox shared function in these kidneys resulted in cellular level lineage infidelity. Strikingly, mutant nephron tubules consisted of intermixed cells with proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and collecting duct identities, with some single cells expressing markers associated with more than one nephron segment. These results indicate that Hox genes are required for proper lineage selection/maintenance and full repression of genes involved in cell fate restriction in the developing kidney.

Age at Immigration and Kidney Function among Self-Identified Healthy Africans in the United States.

PubMed

Ali, Mana; Mwendwa, Denée T; Sims, Regina; Ricks, Madia; Sumner, Anne E

2016-02-01

Kidney disease disparately affects those of African descent. Age trends have generally been established for kidney function in the overall US population, but the contribution of age at the time of immigration for African immigrants is unknown. To examine the independent and joint effects of age and age at the time of immigration, and kidney function. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated for 93 African immigrants (60 % male; mean age = 33.5). Hierarchical regression and post hoc analyses revealed a significant age × age at the time of immigration interaction after accounting for traditional risk factors among those who immigrated at age ≤21. Younger age at the time of immigration to the US may exacerbate an inverse relationship between age and kidney function in a self-identified healthy African immigrant sample. Investigation of biopsychosocial factors associated with kidney health among African immigrants is warranted.

Crossing of identical solitary waves in a chain of elastic beads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manciu, Marian; Sen, Surajit; Hurd, Alan J.

2001-01-01

We consider a chain of elastic beads subjected to vanishingly weak loading conditions, i.e., the beads are barely in contact. The grains repel upon contact via the Hertz-type potential, V~δn, n>2, where δ>=0, δ being the grain-grain overlap. Our dynamical simulations build on several earlier studies by Nesterenko, Coste, and Sen and co-workers that have shown that an impulse propagates as a solitary wave of fixed spatial extent (dependent only upon n) through a chain of Hertzian beads and demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, that colliding solitary waves in the chain spawn a well-defined hierarchy of multiple secondary solitary waves, which is ~ 0.5% of the energy of the original solitary waves. Our findings have interesting parallels with earlier observations by Rosenau and colleagues [P. Rosenau and J. M. Hyman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 564 (1993); P. Rosenau, ibid. 73, 1737 (1994); Phys. Lett. A 211, 265 (1996)] regarding colliding compactons. To the best of our knowledge, there is no formal theory that describes the dynamics associated with the formation of secondary solitary waves. Calculations suggest that the formation of secondary solitary waves may be a fundamental property of certain discrete systems.

Interactions of large amplitude solitary waves in viscous fluid conduits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowman, Nicholas K.; Hoefer, M. A.; El, G. A.

2014-07-01

The free interface separating an exterior, viscous fluid from an intrusive conduit of buoyant, less viscous fluid is known to support strongly nonlinear solitary waves due to a balance between viscosity-induced dispersion and buoyancy-induced nonlinearity. The overtaking, pairwise interaction of weakly nonlinear solitary waves has been classified theoretically for the Korteweg-de Vries equation and experimentally in the context of shallow water waves, but a theoretical and experimental classification of strongly nonlinear solitary wave interactions is lacking. The interactions of large amplitude solitary waves in viscous fluid conduits, a model physical system for the study of one-dimensional, truly dissipationless, dispersive nonlinear waves, are classified. Using a combined numerical and experimental approach, three classes of nonlinear interaction behavior are identified: purely bimodal, purely unimodal, and a mixed type. The magnitude of the dispersive radiation due to solitary wave interactions is quantified numerically and observed to be beyond the sensitivity of our experiments, suggesting that conduit solitary waves behave as "physical solitons." Experimental data are shown to be in excellent agreement with numerical simulations of the reduced model. Experimental movies are available with the online version of the paper.

Solitary Wave in One-dimensional Buckyball System at Nanoscale

PubMed Central

Xu, Jun; Zheng, Bowen; Liu, Yilun

2016-01-01

We have studied the stress wave propagation in one-dimensional (1-D) nanoscopic buckyball (C60) system by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and quantitative modeling. Simulation results have shown that solitary waves are generated and propagating in the buckyball system through impacting one buckyball at one end of the buckyball chain. We have found the solitary wave behaviors are closely dependent on the initial temperature and impacting speed of the buckyball chain. There are almost no dispersion and dissipation of the solitary waves (stationary solitary wave) for relatively low temperature and high impacting speed. While for relatively high temperature and low impacting speed the profile of the solitary waves is highly distorted and dissipated after propagating several tens of buckyballs. A phase diagram is proposed to describe the effect of the temperature and impacting speed on the solitary wave behaviors in buckyball system. In order to quantitatively describe the wave behavior in buckyball system, a simple nonlinear-spring model is established, which can describe the MD simulation results at low temperature very well. The results presented in this work may lay a solid step towards the further understanding and manipulation of stress wave propagation and impact energy mitigation at nanoscale. PMID:26891624

Electrostatic solitary waves generated by beam injection in LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, L.; Gekelman, W. N.; Lefebvre, B.; Kintner, P. M.; Pickett, J. S.; Pribyl, P.; Vincena, S. T.

2011-12-01

Spacecraft data have revealed that electrostatic solitary waves are ubiquitous in non-equilibrium collisionless space plasmas. These solitary waves are often the main constituents of the observed electrostatic turbulence. The ubiquitous presence of these solitary waves in space motivated laboratory studies on their generation and evolution in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA. In order to observe these structures, microprobes with scale sizes of order of the Debye length (30 microns) had to be built using Mems technology. A suprathermal electron beam was injected into the afterglow plasma, and solitary waves as well as nonlinear wave packets were measured. The solitary waves are interpreted as BGK electron holes based on their width, amplitude, and velocity characteristics. The ensuing turbulence, including the solitary waves and wave packets, exhibits a band dispersion relation with its central line consistent with the electrostatic whistler mode. One surprise brought by the laboratory experiments is that the electron holes were not generated through resonant two-stream instabilities, but likely through an instability due to parallel currents. The characteristics of the LAPD electron holes and those observed in space will be compared to motivate further theoretical, simulation, and experimental work.

Association of serum albumin levels with kidney function decline and incident chronic kidney disease in elders.

PubMed

Lang, Joshua; Katz, Ronit; Ix, Joachim H; Gutierrez, Orlando M; Peralta, Carmen A; Parikh, Chirag R; Satterfield, Suzanne; Petrovic, Snezana; Devarajan, Prasad; Bennett, Michael; Fried, Linda F; Cummings, Steven R; Sarnak, Mark J; Shlipak, Michael G

2018-06-01

Previous studies in HIV-infected individuals have demonstrated serum albumin to be strongly associated with kidney function decline, independent of urine albumin and inflammatory markers. Lower serum albumin concentrations may be an under-appreciated risk factor for kidney function decline in elders. We performed a cohort analysis in the Health Aging and Body Composition Study, a cohort of well-functioning, bi-racial, community-dwelling elders between the age of 70 and 79 years. We examined the associations of serum albumin concentration with longitudinal kidney function decline by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Outcomes included linear eGFR decline, rapid kidney function decline defined as >30% decrease in eGFR, defined as a final eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in those with an eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline. Cystatin C-based eGFR was calculated at baseline, Year 3 and Year 10. Mean age was 74 years, and mean eGFR was 73 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline. The mean rate of eGFR change was 1.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. After multivariate adjustment, lower serum albumin concentrations were strongly and independently associated with kidney function decline (-0.11 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year for each standard deviation decrease serum albumin; -0.01 to - 0.20) with no attenuation after adjustment for urine albumin and inflammatory markers (-0.12, -0.03 to - 0.22). When divided into quartiles, serum albumin levels ≤3.80 g/dL were associated with increased odds of rapid kidney function decline (odds ratio 1.59; 1.12-2.26) and increased risk of incident chronic kidney disease (incident rate ratio 1.29; 1.03-1.62) relative to levels >4.21g/dL. Urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was also significantly and independently associated with kidney function decline (-0.08 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year for urine ACR >30 mg/g; -0.82 to - 0.13). Lower serum albumin levels are strongly and independently associated with kidney function decline in elders, independent of clinical risk factors, urine albumin and measured inflammatory markers.

Magnetosonic solitons in space plasmas: dark or bright solitons?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pokhotelov, O. A.; Onishchenko, O. G.; Balikhin, M. A.; Stenflo, L.; Shukla, P. K.

2007-12-01

The nonlinear theory of large-amplitude magnetosonic (MS) waves in highβ space plasmas is revisited. It is shown that solitary waves can exist in the form of `bright' or `dark' solitons in which the magnetic field is increased or decreased relative to the background magnetic field. This depends on the shape of the equilibrium ion distribution function. The basic parameter that controls the nonlinear structure is the wave dispersion, which can be either positive or negative. A general dispersion relation for MS waves propagating perpendicularly to the external magnetic field in a plasma with an arbitrary velocity distribution function is derived.It takes into account general plasma equilibria, such as the Dory-Guest-Harris (DGH) or Kennel-Ashour-Abdalla (KA) loss-cone equilibria, as well as distributions with a power-law velocity dependence that can be modelled by κdistributions. It is shown that in a bi-Maxwellian plasma the dispersion is negative, i.e. the phase velocity decreases with an increase of the wavenumber. This means that the solitary solution in this case has the form of a `bright' soliton with the magnetic field increased. On the contrary, in some non-Maxwellian plasmas, such as those with ring-type ion distributions or DGH plasmas, the solitary solution may have the form of a magnetic hole. The results of similar investigations based on nonlinear Hall-MHD equations are reviewed. The relevance of our theoretical results to existing satellite wave observations is outlined.

Magnetosonic Solitons in Non-Maxwellian Space Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pokhotelov, O. A.; Balikhin, M.; Onishchenko, O. G.

2006-12-01

The nonlinear theory of large-amplitude magnetosonic (MS) waves in high-beta space plasmas is developed. It is shown that solitary waves can exist in the form of magnetic humps and holes in which the magnetic field is increased or decreased relative to the background magnetic field. This depends on the shape of the equilibrium ion velocity distribution function. The basic parameter that controls the nonlinear structure is the wave dispersion which can be either positive or negative. A general dispersion relation for MS waves propagating perpendicularly to the external magnetic field in a plasma with an arbitrary velocity distribution function is derived. It takes into account general plasma equilibria such as the Dory-Guest-Harris or Kennel- Ashour-Abdalla loss cone equilibria, as well as distributions with a power law velocity dependence that can be modelled by kappa-distributions. It is shown that in Maxwellian and bi-Maxwellian plasmas the dispersion is negative, i.e. the phase velocity decreases with an increase of the wave number. This means that the solitary solution in this case has the form of a magnetic hump with the magnetic field increased. On the contrary, in some non-Maxwellian plasmas such as those with ring-type ion distributions or DGH plasmas, the solitary solution may have the form of a magnetic hole. The results of similar investigations based on nonlinear Hall-MHD equations are reviewed. The relevance of our theoretical results to experimental observations is outlined

Using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the status of human donor kidneys (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, Peter M.; Konkel, Brandon; Anderson, Erik; Stein, Matthew; Cooper, Matthew; Verbesey, Jennifer E.; Ghasemian, Seyed; Chen, Yu

2016-02-01

The main cause of delayed renal function following the transplant of donor kidneys is ischemic induced acute tubular necrosis (ATN). The ability to determine the degree of ATN suffered by donor kidneys prior to their transplant would enable transplant surgeons to use kidneys that might otherwise be discarded and better predict post-transplant renal function. Currently, there are no reliable tests to determine the extent of ATN of donor kidneys prior to their transplant. In ongoing clinical trials, we have been using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to non-invasively image the superficial proximal tubules of human donor kidneys prior to and following transplant, and correlate these observations with post-transplant renal function. Thus far we have studied over 40 living donor kidneys and 10 cadaver donor kidneys, and demonstrated that this imaging can be performed in a sterile and expeditious fashion in the operating room (OR). Because of many variables associated with a diverse population of donors/recipients and transplant operation parameters, more transplant data must be collected prior to drawing definite conclusions. Nevertheless, our observations have thus far mirrored our previously published laboratory results indicating that damage to the kidney proximal tubules as indicated by tubule swelling is a good measure of post-transplant ATN and delayed graft function. We conclude that OCT is a useful procedure for analyzing human donor kidneys.

Cold preservation with hyperbranched polyglycerol-based solution improves kidney functional recovery with less injury at reperfusion in rats

PubMed Central

Li, Shadan; Liu, Bin; Guan, Qiunong; Chafeeva, Irina; Brooks, Donald E; Nguan, Christopher YC; Kizhakkedathu, Jayachandran N; Du, Caigan

2017-01-01

Minimizing donor organ injury during cold preservation (including cold perfusion and storage) is the first step to prevent transplant failure. We recently reported the advantages of hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) as a novel substitute for hydroxyethyl starch in UW solution for both cold heart preservation and cold kidney perfusion. This study evaluated the functional recovery of the kidney at reperfusion after cold preservation with HPG solution. The impact of HPG solution compared to conventional UW and HTK solutions on tissue weight and cell survival at 4°C was examined using rat kidney tissues and cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), respectively. The kidney protection by HPG solution was tested in a rat model of cold kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury, and was evaluated by histology and kidney function. Here, we showed that preservation with HPG solution prevented cell death in cultured HUVECs and edema formation in kidney tissues at 4°C similar to UW solution, whereas HTK solution was less effective. In rat model of cold ischemia-reperfusion injury, the kidneys perfused and subsequently stored 1-hour with cold HPG solution showed less leukocyte infiltration, less tubular damage and better kidney function (lower levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) at 48 h of reperfusion than those treated with UW or HTK solution. In conclusion, our data show the superiority of HPG solution to UW or HTK solution in the cold perfusion and storage of rat kidneys, suggesting that the HPG solution may be a promising candidate for improved donor kidney preservation prior to transplantation. PMID:28337272

Awareness level of kidney functions and diseases among adults in a Nigerian population

PubMed Central

Okwuonu, C. G.; Chukwuonye, I. I.; Ogah, S. O.; Abali, C.; Adejumo, O. A.; Oviasu, E.

2015-01-01

The prevalence of kidney diseases is on the increase in Nigeria. The cost of its management is far beyond the reach of an average patient. Prevention is thus of paramount importance and awareness of kidney diseases will help in its prevention. The aim of this study is to assess the level of awareness of kidney functions and diseases among adults in a Nigerian population. A semi-structured, researcher – administered questionnaire was the tool for data collection. Four hundred and thirty-five questionnaires were analyzed. There were 160 males (36.8%) and 275 females (63.2%). The mean age was 42.8 ± 14 years with a range of 18–78 years. Among these, 82.1% were aware of the kidneys' involvement in waste removal from the body through urine while 36% and 29% were aware of kidneys' role in blood pressure regulation and blood production, respectively. Only 26.6% correctly identified at least two basic functions of the kidneys. Also, 32.6% of the respondents were aware of at least three common causes of kidney diseases in our environment. Majority of the respondents (70.7%) did not know that kidney diseases could be inherited. Furthermore, belief in alternative therapy for kidney disease was documented in 83.2%, while unawareness of dialysis as a treatment modality was recorded in 68% of the respondents. The awareness of kidney functions and diseases among the population is poor. Measures are needed to improve this to stem the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Nigeria. PMID:26060365

Association between physical activity and kidney function: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

PubMed

Hawkins, Marquis S; Sevick, Mary Ann; Richardson, Caroline R; Fried, Linda F; Arena, Vincent C; Kriska, Andrea M

2011-08-01

Chronic kidney disease is a condition characterized by the deterioration of the kidney's ability to remove waste products from the body. Although treatments to slow the progression of the disease are available, chronic kidney disease may eventually lead to a complete loss of kidney function. Previous studies have shown that physical activities of moderate intensity may have renal benefits. Few studies have examined the effects of total movement on kidney function. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between time spent at all levels of physical activity intensity and sedentary behavior and kidney function. Data were obtained from the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional study of a complex, multistage probability sample of the US population. Physical activity was assessed using an accelerometer and questionnaire. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study formula. To assess linear associations between levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior with log-transformed estimated GFR (eGFR), linear regression was used. In general, physical activity (light and total) was related to log eGFR in females and males. For females, the association between light and total physical activity with log eGFR was consistent regardless of diabetes status. For males, the association between light and total physical activity and log eGFR was only significant in males without diabetes. When examining the association between physical activity, measured objectively with an accelerometer, and kidney function, total and light physical activities were found to be positively associated with kidney function.

Clinical, pathological and thin-section CT features of persistent multiple ground-glass opacity nodules: comparison with solitary ground-glass opacity nodule.

PubMed

Kim, Tae Jung; Goo, Jin Mo; Lee, Kyung Won; Park, Chang Min; Lee, Hyun Ju

2009-05-01

To retrospectively compare the clinical, pathological, and thin-section CT features of persistent multiple ground-glass opacity (GGO) nodules with those of solitary GGO nodules. Histopathologic specimens were obtained from 193 GGO nodules in 136 patients (87 women, 49 men; mean age, 57; age range 33-81). The clinical data, pathologic findings, and thin-section CT features of multiple and solitary GGO nodules were compared by using t-test or Fisher's exact test. Multiple GGO nodules (n=105) included atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) (n=31), bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) (n=33), adenocarcinoma (n=34) and focal interstitial fibrosis (n=7). Solitary GGO nodules included AAH (n=8), BAC (n=15), adenocarcinoma (n=55) and focal interstitial fibrosis (n=10). AAH (P=.001) and BAC (P=.029) were more frequent in multiple GGO nodules, whereas adenocarcinoma (P<.001) was more frequent in solitary GGO nodules. Female sex (P<.001), nonsmoker (P=.012) and multiple primary lung cancers (P<.001) were more frequent for multiple GGO nodules, which were smaller (12 mm+/-7.9) than solitary GGO nodules (17 mm+/-8.1) (P<.001). Air-bronchogram (P=.019), bubble-lucency (P=.004), and pleural retraction (P<.001) were more frequent in solitary GGO nodules. There was no postoperative recurrence except for one patient with multiple GGO nodules and one with solitary GGO nodule. Clinical, pathological, and thin-section CT features of persistent multiple GGO nodules were found to differ from those of solitary GGO nodules. Nevertheless, the two nodule types can probably be followed up and managed in a similar manner because their prognoses were found to be similar.

Linear and nonlinear dust ion acoustic solitary waves in a quantum dusty electron-positron-ion plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Emadi, E.; Zahed, H.

2016-08-15

The behavior of linear and nonlinear dust ion acoustic (DIA) solitary waves in an unmagnetized quantum dusty plasma, including inertialess electrons and positrons, ions, and mobile negative dust grains, are studied. Reductive perturbation and Sagdeev pseudopotential methods are employed for small and large amplitude DIA solitary waves, respectively. A minimum value of the Mach number obtained for the existence of solitary waves using the analytical expression of the Sagdeev potential. It is observed that the variation on the values of the plasma parameters such as different values of Mach number M, ion to electron Fermi temperature ratio σ, and quantummore » diffraction parameter H can lead to the creation of compressive solitary waves.« less

Pathogenesis of renal failure in multiple myeloma: any role of contrast media?

PubMed

Mussap, Michele; Merlini, Giampaolo

2014-01-01

The spectrum of kidney disease-associated monoclonal immunoglobulin and plasma cell malignancies is remarkably broad and encompasses nearly all nephropathologic entities. Multiple myeloma with kidney impairment at presentation is a medical emergency since the recovery of kidney function is associated with survival benefits. In most cases, kidney impairment may be the first clinical manifestation of malignant plasma cell dyscrasias like multiple myeloma and light chain amyloidosis. Multiple myeloma per se cannot be considered a main risk factor for developing acute kidney injury following intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media. The risk is increased by comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypercalcemia, dehydration, and use of nephrotoxic drugs. Before the administration of contrast media, the current recommended laboratory tests for assessing kidney function are serum creatinine measurement and the estimation of glomerular filtration rate by using the CKD-EPI equation. The assessment of Bence Jones proteinuria is unnecessary for evaluating the risk of kidney failure in patients with multiple myeloma, since this test cannot be considered a surrogate biomarker of kidney function.

Pathogenesis of Renal Failure in Multiple Myeloma: Any Role of Contrast Media?

PubMed Central

Mussap, Michele; Merlini, Giampaolo

2014-01-01

The spectrum of kidney disease-associated monoclonal immunoglobulin and plasma cell malignancies is remarkably broad and encompasses nearly all nephropathologic entities. Multiple myeloma with kidney impairment at presentation is a medical emergency since the recovery of kidney function is associated with survival benefits. In most cases, kidney impairment may be the first clinical manifestation of malignant plasma cell dyscrasias like multiple myeloma and light chain amyloidosis. Multiple myeloma per se cannot be considered a main risk factor for developing acute kidney injury following intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media. The risk is increased by comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypercalcemia, dehydration, and use of nephrotoxic drugs. Before the administration of contrast media, the current recommended laboratory tests for assessing kidney function are serum creatinine measurement and the estimation of glomerular filtration rate by using the CKD-EPI equation. The assessment of Bence Jones proteinuria is unnecessary for evaluating the risk of kidney failure in patients with multiple myeloma, since this test cannot be considered a surrogate biomarker of kidney function. PMID:24877060

Cardio-renal syndromes: a systematic approach for consensus definition and classification.

PubMed

Ronco, Claudio; Ronco, Federico

2012-03-01

The "Cardio-Renal Syndrome" (CRS) is a disorder of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. The general definition has been expanded to five subtypes reflecting the primacy of organ dysfunction and the time-frame of the syndrome: CRS type I: acute worsening of heart function (AHF-ACS) leading to kidney injury and/or dysfunction. CRS type II: chronic abnormalities in heart function (CHF-CHD) leading to kidney injury or dysfunction. CRS type III: acute worsening of kidney function (AKI) leading to heart injury and/or dysfunction. CRS type IV: chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to heart injury, disease and/or dysfunction. CRS type V: systemic conditions leading to simultaneous injury and/or dysfunction of heart and kidney. Different pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the combined dysfunction of heart and kidney in these five types of the syndrome.

Kidneys: Key Modulators of HDL Levels and Function

PubMed Central

Yang, Haichun; Fogo, Agnes B.; Kon, Valentina

2016-01-01

Purpose of review This review will examine advances in our understanding of the role kidneys play in HDL metabolism and the effect on levels, composition, and function of HDL particles. Recent findings Components of the HDL particles can cross the glomerular filtration barrier. Some of these components, including apolipoproteins and enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, are taken up by the proximal tubule and degraded, modified, salvaged/returned to the circulation, or lost in the urine. Injury of the glomerular capillaries or tubules can affect these intrarenal processes and modify HDL. Changes in the plasma and urine levels of HDL may be novel markers of kidney damage and/or mechanism(s) of kidney disease. Summary The kidneys have a significant role in metabolism of individual HDL components, which in turn modulate HDL levels, composition and functionality of HDL particles. These intrarenal effects may be useful markers of kidney damage and have consequences on kidney-related perturbations in HDL. PMID:27008596

Cardiorenal syndrome: new developments in the understanding and pharmacologic management.

PubMed

House, Andrew A

2013-10-01

Cardiorenal syndromes (CRSs) with bidirectional heart-kidney signaling are increasingly being recognized for their association with increased morbidity and mortality. In acute CRS, recognition of the importance of worsening kidney function complicating management of acute decompensated heart failure has led to the examination of this specific outcome in the context of acute heart failure clinical trials. In particular, the role of fluid overload and venous congestion has focused interest in the most effective use of diuretic therapy to relieve symptoms of heart failure while at the same time preserving kidney function. Additionally, many novel vasoactive therapies have been studied in recent years with the hopes of augmenting cardiac function, improving symptoms and patient outcomes, while maintaining or improving kidney function. Similarly, recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic CRS have led to reanalysis of kidney outcomes in pivotal trials in chronic congestive heart failure, and newer trials are including changes in kidney function as well as kidney injury biomarkers as prospectively monitored and adjudicated outcomes. This paper provides an overview of some new developments in the pharmacologic management of acute and chronic CRS, examines several reports that illustrate a key management principle for each subtype, and discusses opportunities for future research.

Computed Tomography Volumetry in Preoperative Living Kidney Donor Assessment for Prediction of Split Renal Function.

PubMed

Wahba, Roger; Franke, Mareike; Hellmich, Martin; Kleinert, Robert; Cingöz, Tülay; Schmidt, Matthias C; Stippel, Dirk L; Bangard, Christopher

2016-06-01

Transplant centers commonly evaluate split renal function (SRF) with Tc-99m-mercapto-acetyltriglycin (MAG3) scintigraphy in living kidney donation. Alternatively, the kidney volume can be measured based on predonation CT scans. The aim of this study was to identify the most accurate CT volumetry technique for SRF and the prediction of postdonation kidney function (PDKF). Three CT volumetry techniques (modified ellipsoid volume [MELV], smart region of interest [ROI] volume, renal cortex volume [RCV]) were performed in 101 living kidney donors. Preoperation CT volumetric SRF was determined and compared with MAG3-SRF, postoperation donor kidney function, and graft function. The correlation between donors predonation total kidney volume and predonation kidney function was the highest for RCV (0.58 with creatine clearance, 0.54 with estimated glomerular filtration rate-Cockcroft-Gault). The predonation volume of the preserved kidney was (ROI, MELV, RCV) 148.0 ± 29.1 cm, 151.2 ± 35.4 and 93.9 ± 25.2 (P < 0.005 MELV vs RCV and ROI vs RCV). Bland-Altman analysis showed agreement between CT volumetry SRF and MAG3-SRF (bias, 95% limits of agreement: ROI vs MAG3 0.4%, -7.7% to 8.6%; MELV vs MAG3 0.4%, -8.9% to 9.7%; RCV vs MAG3 0.8%, -9.1% to 10.7%). The correlation between predonation CT volumetric SRF of the preserved kidney and PDKF at day 3 was r = 0.85 to 0.88, between MAG3-SRF and PDKF (r = 0.84). The difference of predonation SRF between preserved and donated kidney was the lowest for ROI and RCV (median, 3% and 4%; 95th percentile, 9% and 13%). Overall renal cortex volumetry seems to be the most accurate technique for the evaluation of predonation SRF and allows a reliable prediction of donor's PDKF.

Long-term follow-up in toxic solitary autonomous thyroid nodules treated with radioactive iodine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huysmans, D.A.; Corstens, F.H.; Kloppenborg, P.W.

1991-01-01

The long-term effects of radioiodine treatment on thyroid function in patients with a toxic solitary autonomous thyroid nodule were evaluated. Fifty-two patients received a therapeutic dose of 20 mCi of iodine-131 ({sup 131}I). Duration of follow-up was 10 +/- 4 yr. Follow-up data included a biochemical evaluation of thyroid function. The failure rate (recurrent hyperthyroidism) was 2%. The incidence of hypothyroidism was 6% and was not related to the dose per gram of nodular tissue. Oral administration of 20 mCi of radioiodine is a simple and highly effective method for the treatment of patients with a toxic autonomous thyroid nodule.more » The risk of development of hypothyroidism is low if extranodular uptake of {sup 131}I is prevented. This can be achieved by not treating euthyroid patients, by no longer using injections of exogenous thyroid stimulating hormone in the diagnostic work-up of the patients and by always performing radioiodine imaging shortly before treatment.« less

When Your Child Needs a Kidney Transplant

MedlinePlus

... Search English Español When Your Child Needs a Kidney Transplant KidsHealth / For Parents / When Your Child Needs ... to monitor their new kidney function. About the Kidneys Kidneys are bean-shaped organs located near the ...

Self-similarity of solitary waves on inertia-dominated falling liquid films.

PubMed

Denner, Fabian; Pradas, Marc; Charogiannis, Alexandros; Markides, Christos N; van Wachem, Berend G M; Kalliadasis, Serafim

2016-03-01

We propose consistent scaling of solitary waves on inertia-dominated falling liquid films, which accurately accounts for the driving physical mechanisms and leads to a self-similar characterization of solitary waves. Direct numerical simulations of the entire two-phase system are conducted using a state-of-the-art finite volume framework for interfacial flows in an open domain that was previously validated against experimental film-flow data with excellent agreement. We present a detailed analysis of the wave shape and the dispersion of solitary waves on 34 different water films with Reynolds numbers Re=20-120 and surface tension coefficients σ=0.0512-0.072 N m(-1) on substrates with inclination angles β=19°-90°. Following a detailed analysis of these cases we formulate a consistent characterization of the shape and dispersion of solitary waves, based on a newly proposed scaling derived from the Nusselt flat film solution, that unveils a self-similarity as well as the driving mechanism of solitary waves on gravity-driven liquid films. Our results demonstrate that the shape of solitary waves, i.e., height and asymmetry of the wave, is predominantly influenced by the balance of inertia and surface tension. Furthermore, we find that the dispersion of solitary waves on the inertia-dominated falling liquid films considered in this study is governed by nonlinear effects and only driven by inertia, with surface tension and gravity having a negligible influence.

Solitary Learner in Online Collaborative Learning: A Disappointing Experience?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ke, Fengfeng; Carr-Chellman, Alison

2006-01-01

Research suggests that the solitary learner's learning preferences might be a mismatch with collaborative instructional settings. A question is therefore posed: "In online learning environments that require collaboration, how do solitary learners experience their own learning?" It is important to answer this question to understand and…

Simultaneous evaluation of renal morphology and function in live kidney donors using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Artunc, F; Yildiz, S; Rossi, C; Boss, A; Dittmann, H; Schlemmer, H P; Risler, T; Heyne, N

2010-06-01

Evaluation of potential kidney donors requires the assessment of both kidney anatomy and function. In this prospective study, we sought to expand the diagnostic yield of magnetic resonance (MR) by adding functional measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and split renal function. Between 2007 and 2009, all potential kidney donors presenting to our facility underwent a comprehensive single-stop MR study that included an assessment of anatomy, angiography and functional measurements. GFR was measured after a bolus injection of gadobutrol (4 ml, approximately 0.05 mmol/kg) and calculated from the washout of the signal intensity obtained over the liver. Split renal function was calculated from the increase of signal intensity over the renal cortex. Values were compared to renal scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-DTPA from the same day. The MR investigation was successfully performed in 21 participants. The GFR derived from MR (MR-GFR) correlated well (r = 0.84) with the GFR derived from scintigraphy (DTPA-GFR). The mean value of the paired differences was 4 +/- 13 [SD] ml/min/1.73 m(2) and was not significantly different from zero. The ratio between right and left kidney function was similar with both techniques (1.01 +/- 0.17 with MR and 1.06 +/- 0.12 with scintigraphy, P = 0.20). We demonstrate an MR-based approach to comprehensively evaluate both kidney anatomy and function in a single investigation, thereby facilitating the evaluation of potential kidney donors.

Nephrolithiasis.

PubMed

Stewart, C

1988-08-01

The management of the patient presenting to the Emergency Department with nephrolithiasis or renal colic should include evaluation of the patient for concurrent diseases, risk factors for stone formation, and possible etiologies for stones. Suspicion of ureterolithiasis is based on a cogent history and physical examination and reinforced by a finding of hematuria. Diagnosis should be based upon a promptly performed intravenous pyelogram, unless the patient is truly allergic to contrast media or has substantial risk of a contrast-induced renal failure. A solitary flat plate of the abdomen adds no useful information and is an unnecessary expense to the patient. Essential laboratory data include a urinalysis, CBC, and electrolyte, BUN, creatinine, and serum calcium levels. A urine culture should be obtained in all patients because urinalysis alone may not be sufficient to exlude a urinary tract infection. Initial treatment of the patient with an uncomplicated renal colic should include hydration, relief of pain, and reassurance. Evaluation by a consultant may be done as an outpatient on a nonemergent basis. If the colic has not resolved after 72 hours, hospitalization generally is recommended. If the patient has vomiting, dehydration, a complete obstruction, or a solitary kidney, hospitalization in indicated and urgent consultation recommended. If the patient has fever or other signs of infection, emergent consultation and immediate hospitalization are essential. Retained obstructing stones are generally managed by urologic consultants. It is in the care of the patient with the retained stone that greatest advances have been made in the past 10 years. Patients should be counseled that the retained stone no longer calls for extended hospitalization and convalescence.

Solitary BioY Proteins Mediate Biotin Transport into Recombinant Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Finkenwirth, Friedrich; Kirsch, Franziska

2013-01-01

Energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters form a large group of vitamin uptake systems in prokaryotes. They are composed of highly diverse, substrate-specific, transmembrane proteins (S units), a ubiquitous transmembrane protein (T unit), and homo- or hetero-oligomeric ABC ATPases. Biotin transporters represent a special case of ECF-type systems. The majority of the biotin-specific S units (BioY) is known or predicted to interact with T units and ABC ATPases. About one-third of BioY proteins, however, are encoded in organisms lacking any recognizable T unit. This finding raises the question of whether these BioYs function as transporters in a solitary state, a feature ascribed to certain BioYs in the past. To address this question in living cells, an Escherichia coli K-12 derivative deficient in biotin synthesis and devoid of its endogenous high-affinity biotin transporter was constructed as a reference strain. This organism is particularly suited for this purpose because components of ECF transporters do not naturally occur in E. coli K-12. The double mutant was viable in media containing either high levels of biotin or a precursor of the downstream biosynthetic path. Importantly, it was nonviable on trace levels of biotin. Eight solitary bioY genes of proteobacterial origin were individually expressed in the reference strain. Each of the BioYs conferred biotin uptake activity on the recombinants, which was inferred from uptake assays with [3H]biotin and growth of the cells on trace levels of biotin. The results underscore that solitary BioY transports biotin across the cytoplasmic membrane. PMID:23836870

Elliptical optical solitary waves in a finite nematic liquid crystal cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minzoni, Antonmaria A.; Sciberras, Luke W.; Smyth, Noel F.; Worthy, Annette L.

2015-05-01

The addition of orbital angular momentum has been previously shown to stabilise beams of elliptic cross-section. In this article the evolution of such elliptical beams is explored through the use of an approximate methodology based on modulation theory. An approximate method is used as the equations that govern the optical system have no known exact solitary wave solution. This study brings to light two distinct phases in the evolution of a beam carrying orbital angular momentum. The two phases are determined by the shedding of radiation in the form of mass loss and angular momentum loss. The first phase is dominated by the shedding of angular momentum loss through spiral waves. The second phase is dominated by diffractive radiation loss which drives the elliptical solitary wave to a steady state. In addition to modulation theory, the "chirp" variational method is also used to study this evolution. Due to the significant role radiation loss plays in the evolution of an elliptical solitary wave, an attempt is made to couple radiation loss to the chirp variational method. This attempt furthers understanding as to why radiation loss cannot be coupled to the chirp method. The basic reason for this is that there is no consistent manner to match the chirp trial function to the generated radiating waves which is uniformly valid in time. Finally, full numerical solutions of the governing equations are compared with solutions obtained using the various variational approximations, with the best agreement achieved with modulation theory due to its ability to include both mass and angular momentum losses to shed diffractive radiation.

Rare variants in the notch signaling pathway describe a novel type of autosomal recessive Klippel-Feil syndrome.

PubMed

Karaca, Ender; Yuregir, Ozge O; Bozdogan, Sevcan T; Aslan, Huseyin; Pehlivan, Davut; Jhangiani, Shalini N; Akdemir, Zeynep C; Gambin, Tomasz; Bayram, Yavuz; Atik, Mehmed M; Erdin, Serkan; Muzny, Donna; Gibbs, Richard A; Lupski, James R

2015-11-01

Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare disorder represented by a subgroup of segmentation defects of the vertebrae and characterized by fusion of the cervical vertebrae, low posterior hairline, and short neck with limited motion. Both autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance patterns were reported in families with Klippel-Feil. Mutated genes for both dominant (GDF6 and GDF3) and recessive (MEOX1) forms of Klippel-Feil syndrome have been shown to be involved in somite development via transcription regulation and signaling pathways. Heterotaxy arises from defects in proteins that function in the development of left-right asymmetry of the developing embryo. We describe a consanguineous family with a male proband who presents with classical Klippel-Feil syndrome together with heterotaxy (situs inversus totalis). The present patient also had Sprengel's deformity, deformity of the sternum, and a solitary kidney. Using exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous frameshift mutation (c.299delT; p.L100fs) in RIPPLY2, a gene shown to play a crucial role in somitogenesis and participate in the Notch signaling pathway via negatively regulating Tbx6. Our data confirm RIPPLY2 as a novel gene for autosomal recessive Klippel-Feil syndrome, and in addition-from a mechanistic standpoint-suggest the possibility that mutations in RIPPLY2 could also lead to heterotaxy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association of Kidney Function and Albuminuria With Prevalent and Incident Hypertension: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

PubMed Central

Huang, Minxuan; Matsushita, Kunihiro; Sang, Yingying; Ballew, Shoshana H.; Astor, Brad C.; Coresh, Josef

2014-01-01

Background Decreased kidney function and kidney damage may predate hypertension, but only a few studies have investigated both types of markers simultaneously, and these studies have obtained conflicting results. Study Design Cross-sectional for prevalent and prospective observational study for incident hypertension. Setting & Participants 9,593 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, aged 53-75 years during 1996-1998. Predictors Several markers of kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] using serum creatinine and/or cystatin C and two novel markers [β-trace protein and β2-microglobulin]) and one marker of kidney damage (urinary albumin-creatinine ratio [ACR]). Every kidney marker was categorized by its quintiles (top quintile as a reference for eGFRs and bottom quintile for the rest). Outcomes Prevalent and incident hypertension. Measurements Prevalence and HRs of hypertension based on modified Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. Results There were 4,378 participants (45.6%) with prevalent hypertension at baseline and 2,175 incident hypertension cases during a median follow-up of 9.8 years. While all five kidney function markers were significantly associated with prevalent hypertension, prevalent hypertension was most notably associated with higher ACR (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.50-1.71] for the highest vs lowest ACR quintile). Similarly, ACR was consistently associated with incident hypertension in all models tested (adjusted HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.10-1.49] for top quintile), while kidney function markers demonstrated significant associations in some, but not all, models. Even mildly increased ACR (9.14-14.0 mg/g) was significantly associated with incident hypertension. Limitations Self-reported use of antihypertensive medication for defining incident hypertension, single assessment of kidney markers, and relatively narrow age range. Conclusions Although all kidney markers were associated with prevalent hypertension, only elevated albuminuria was consistently associated with incident hypertension, suggesting that kidney damage is more closely related to hypertension than moderate reduction in overall kidney function. PMID:25151408

Mother-Child Play: Children with Down Syndrome and Typical Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Venuti, P.; de Falco, S.; Esposito, G.; Bornstein, Marc H.

2009-01-01

Child solitary and collaborative mother-child play with 21 children with Down syndrome and 33 mental-age-matched typically developing children were compared. In solitary play, children with Down syndrome showed less exploratory but similar symbolic play compared to typically developing children. From solitary to collaborative play, children with…

Collision of Identical Solitary Waves in Hertzian Chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sen, Surajit; Manciu, Marian; Hurd, Alan J.

2000-03-01

We consider a chain of elastic beads, which repel upon contact according to the non-linear Hertz potential. We further assume that the chain is under zero loading, i.e., the grains have zero initial overlap. We show via careful numerical solution of the equations of motion that an impulse propagates as a solitary wave and that the collision of identical solitary waves propagating in opposite directions along the chain spawns a hierarchy of multiple weak solitary waves [1]. [1] M. Manciu, S. Sen and A.J. Hurd, Phys Lett A (submitted).

Characterizing and Comparing the Friendships of Anxious-Solitary and Unsociable Preadolescents

PubMed Central

Ladd, Gary W.; Kochenderfer-Ladd, Becky; Eggum, Natalie D.; Kochel, Karen P.; McConnell, Erin M.

2012-01-01

Friendships matter for withdrawn youth because the consequences of peer isolation are severe. From a normative sample of 2,437 fifth-graders (1,245 females; M age = 10.25), a subset (n = 1364; 638 female) was classified into three groups (anxious-solitary, unsociable, comparison) and followed across a school year. Findings indicated that it was more common for unsociable than anxious-solitary children to have friends, be stably friended, and participate in multiple friendships. For withdrawn as well as non-withdrawn children, peer rejection predicted friendlessness, but this relation was strongest for anxious-solitary children. The friends of unsociable youth were more accepted by peers than those of anxious-solitary youth. The premise that friendship inhibits peer victimization was substantiated for withdrawn as well as non-withdrawn youth. PMID:21883155

Body Image in Dyadic and Solitary Sexual Desire: The Role of Encoding Style and Distracting Thoughts.

PubMed

Dosch, Alessandra; Ghisletta, Paolo; Van der Linden, Martial

2016-01-01

This study explored the link between body image and desire to engage in sexual activity (dyadic and solitary desire) in adult women living in a long-term couple relationship. Moreover, it considered two psychological factors that may underlie such a link: the occurrence of body-related distracting thoughts during sexual activity and encoding style (i.e., the tendency to rely on preexisting internal schemata versus external information at encoding). A total of 53 women (29 to 47 years old) in heterosexual relationships completed questionnaires assessing sexual desire (dyadic, solitary), body image, body-related distracting thoughts during sexual activity, and encoding style. Results showed that poor body image was associated with low dyadic and solitary sexual desire. Body-related distracting thoughts during sexual activity mediated the link between body image and solitary (but not dyadic) sexual desire. Finally, the mediation of body-related distracting thoughts between body image and solitary sexual desire was moderated by encoding style. A negative body image promoted the occurrence of body-related distracting thoughts during sexual activity, especially in internal encoders. Our study highlights the importance of body image, distracting thoughts, and encoding style in women's solitary sexuality and suggests possible factors that may reduce the impact of those body-related factors in dyadic sexual desire.

Solitary cannabis use in adolescence as a correlate and predictor of cannabis problems.

PubMed

Creswell, Kasey G; Chung, Tammy; Clark, Duncan B; Martin, Christopher S

2015-11-01

Most adolescent cannabis use occurs in social settings among peers. Solitary cannabis use during adolescence may represent an informative divergence from normative behavior with important implications for understanding risk for cannabis problems. This longitudinal study examined associations of adolescent solitary cannabis use with levels of cannabis use and problems in adolescence and in young adulthood. Cannabis using-adolescents aged 12-18 were recruited from clinical programs (n=354; 43.8% female; 83.3% Caucasian) and community sources (n=93; 52.7% female; 80.6% Caucasian). Participants reported on cannabis use patterns and diagnostic symptoms at baseline and multiple follow-ups into young adulthood. Compared to social-only users, adolescent solitary cannabis users were more likely to be male and reported more frequent cannabis use and more DSM-IV cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptoms. Regression analyses showed that solitary cannabis use in adolescence predicted CUD symptom counts in young adulthood (age 25) after controlling for demographic variables and the frequency of adolescent cannabis use. However, solitary adolescent cannabis use was no longer predictive of age 25 CUD symptoms after additionally controlling for adolescent CUD symptoms. Solitary cannabis use is associated with greater cannabis use and problems during adolescence, but evidence is mixed that it predicts young adult cannabis problems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supplementary Administration of Everolimus Reduces Cardiac Systolic Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

PubMed

Tsujimura, Kazuma; Ota, Morihito; Chinen, Kiyoshi; Nagayama, Kiyomitsu; Oroku, Masato; Nishihira, Morikuni; Shiohira, Yoshiki; Abe, Masami; Iseki, Kunitoshi; Ishida, Hideki; Tanabe, Kazunari

2017-05-26

BACKGROUND The effect of everolimus, one of the mammalian targets of rapamycin inhibitors, on cardiac function was evaluated in kidney transplant recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy-six participants who underwent kidney transplant between March 2009 and May 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. To standardize everolimus administration, the following criteria were used: (1) the recipient did not have a donor-specific antigen before kidney transplantation; (2) the recipient did not have proteinuria and uncontrollable hyperlipidemia after kidney transplantation; and (3) acute rejection was not observed on protocol biopsy 3 months after kidney transplantation. According to these criteria, everolimus administration for maintenance immunosuppression after kidney transplantation was included. Cardiac function was compared between the treatment group (n=30) and non-treatment group (n=46). RESULTS The mean observation periods of the treatment and non-treatment groups were 41.3±12.6 and 43.9±19.8 months, respectively (p=0.573). The mean ejection fraction and fractional shortening of the treatment and non-treatment groups after kidney transplant were 66.5±7.9% vs. 69.6±5.5% (p=0.024) and 37.1±6.2% vs. 39.3±4.7% (p=0.045), respectively. In the treatment group, the mean ejection fraction and fractional shortening before and after kidney transplantation did not differ significantly (p=0.604 and 0.606, respectively). In the non-treatment group, the mean ejection fraction and fractional shortening before and after kidney transplantation differed significantly (p=0.004 and 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Supplementary administration of everolimus after kidney transplantation can reduce cardiac systolic function.

Flight biomechanics of developmentally-induced size variation in the solitary bee Osmia lignaria

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Body size covaries with morphology, functional performance, and fitness. For insects, variation in adult phenotypies are derived from developmental variation in larval growth and metamorphosis. In this study, we asked how larval growth impacted adult morphology in Osmia lignaria—especially traits th...

Association of mGFR of the Remaining Kidney Divided by Its Volume before Donation with Functional Gain in mGFR among Living Kidney Donors.

PubMed

Courbebaisse, Marie; Gaillard, François; Tissier, Anne-Marie; Fournier, Catherine; Le Nestour, Alexis; Corréas, Jean-Michel; Slimani-Thevenet, Hind; Martinez, Frank; Léon, Carine; Eladari, Dominique; Timsit, Marc-Olivier; Otal, Philippe; Hignette, Chantal; Friedlander, Gérard; Méjean, Arnaud; Houillier, Pascal; Kamar, Nassim; Legendre, Christophe

2016-08-08

The predictors of long-term renal function in living kidney donors are currently discussed. Our objectives were to describe the predictors of functional gain of the remaining kidney after kidney donation. We hypothesized that GFR of the remaining kidney divided by volume of this kidney (rk-GFR/vol) would reflect the density of functional nephrons and be inversely associated with functional gain of the remaining kidney. We conducted a prospective monocentric study including 63 living donors (26 men; 50.3±11.8 years old) who had been evaluated for (51)Cr-EDTA and measured GFR, split renal function by scintigraphy before donation (between 2004 and 2009), and measured GFR at 5.7±0.5 years after donation. For 52 donors, volume of the remaining kidney (measured and estimated with the ellipsoid formula using renal computed tomography scannography) was determined before donation. We tested our hypothesis in an external validation cohort of 39 living donors (13 men; 51.0±9.4 years old) from another single center during the same time period. For the main cohort, the mean measured GFR was 97.6±13.0 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) before donation and 63.8±9.4 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) at 5 years. Functional gain averaged 16.2±7.2 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (+35.3%±16.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that age, body mass index, and rk-GFR/vol at donation were negatively correlated with functional gain and had strong predictive power of the 5-year functional gain (adjusted 5-year functional gain for age: -0.4 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), -0.5 to -0.1]; body mass index: -0.3 [95% CI, -0.6 to -0.1]; rk-GFR/vol: -55.1 [95% CI, -92.3 to -17.9]). We tested this model in the external validation cohort (adjusted 5-year functional gain for age: -0.1 [95% CI, -0.5 to 0.3]; body mass index: -0.9 [95% CI, -1.8 to -0.1]; rk-GFR/vol: -97.6 [95% CI, -137.5 to -57.6]) and confirmed that rk-GFR/vol was inversely associated with 5-year functional gain. For given age and body mass index, the long-term functional gain of the remaining kidney is inversely associated with the new variable rk-GFR/vol at donation. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Potential Use of Autologous Renal Cells from Diseased Kidneys for the Treatment of Renal Failure.

PubMed

George, Sunil K; Abolbashari, Mehran; Jackson, John D; Aboushwareb, Tamer; Atala, Anthony; Yoo, James J

2016-01-01

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when certain conditions cause the kidneys to gradually lose function. For patients with CKD, renal transplantation is the only treatment option that restores kidney function. In this study, we evaluated primary renal cells obtained from diseased kidneys to determine whether their normal phenotypic and functional characteristics are retained, and could be used for cell therapy. Primary renal cells isolated from both normal kidneys (NK) and diseased kidneys (CKD) showed similar phenotypic characteristics and growth kinetics. The expression levels of renal tubular cell markers, Aquaporin-1 and E-Cadherin, and podocyte-specific markers, WT-1 and Nephrin, were similar in both NK and CKD kidney derived cells. Using fluorescence- activated cell sorting (FACS), specific renal cell populations were identified and included proximal tubular cells (83.1% from NK and 80.3% from CKD kidneys); distal tubular cells (11.03% from NK and 10.9% from CKD kidneys); and podocytes (1.91% from NK and 1.78% from CKD kidneys). Ultra-structural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed microvilli on the apical surface of cultured cells from NK and CKD samples. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed a similar organization of tight junctions, desmosomes, and other intracellular structures. The Na+ uptake characteristics of NK and CKD derived renal cells were also similar (24.4 mmol/L and 25 mmol/L, respectively) and no significant differences were observed in the protein uptake and transport characteristics of these two cell isolates. These results show that primary renal cells derived from diseased kidneys such as CKD have similar structural and functional characteristics to their counterparts from a normal healthy kidney (NK) when grown in vitro. This study suggests that cells derived from diseased kidney may be used as an autologous cell source for renal cell therapy, particularly in patients with CKD or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Long-term prognosis after acute kidney injury (AKI): what is the role of baseline kidney function and recovery? A systematic review.

PubMed

Sawhney, Simon; Mitchell, Mhairi; Marks, Angharad; Fluck, Nick; Black, Corrinda

2015-01-06

To summarise the evidence from studies of acute kidney injury (AKI) with regard to the effect of pre-AKI renal function and post-AKI renal function recovery on long-term mortality and renal outcomes, and to assess whether these factors should be taken into account in future prognostic studies. A systematic review of observational studies listed in Medline and EMBASE from 1990 to October 2012. All AKI studies in adults with data on baseline kidney function to identify AKI; with outcomes either stratified by pre-AKI and/or post-AKI kidney function, or described by the timing of the outcomes. Long-term mortality and worsening chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of 7385 citations, few studies met inclusion criteria, reported baseline kidney function and stratified by pre-AKI or post-AKI function. For mortality outcomes, three studies compared patients by pre-AKI renal function and six by post-AKI function. For CKD outcomes, two studies compared patients by pre-AKI function and two by post-AKI function. The presence of CKD pre-AKI (compared with AKI alone) was associated with doubling of mortality and a fourfold to fivefold increase in CKD outcomes. Non-recovery of kidney function was associated with greater mortality and CKD outcomes in some studies, but findings were inconsistent varying with study design. Two studies also reported that risk of poor outcome reduced over time post-AKI. Meta-analysis was precluded by variations in definitions for AKI, CKD and recovery. The long-term prognosis after AKI varies depending on cause and clinical setting, but it may also, in part, be explained by underlying pre-AKI and post-AKI renal function rather than the AKI episode itself. While carefully considered in clinical practice, few studies address these factors and with inconsistent study design. Future AKI studies should report pre-AKI and post-AKI function consistently as additional factors that may modify AKI prognosis. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Systematic review of kidney transplantation functional predictors.

PubMed

Miret Alomar, E; Trilla Herrera, E; Lorente Garcia, D; Regis Placido, L; López Del Campo, R; Cuadras Solé, M; Pont Castellana, T; Moreso Mateos, F; Serón Micas, D; Morote Robles, J

2018-05-01

Kidney transplantation from donors with expanded criteria has increased the pool of kidneys at the cost of a higher risk of short and long-term graft dysfunction. The main issue lies in determining which kidneys will offer acceptable function and survival compared with the risk represented by surgery and subsequent immunosuppression. The objective of our article is to review the current evidence on the tools for predicting the functionality of kidney transplantation from cadaveric donors with expanded criteria and determining the validity for their use in standard practice. We conducted a systematic literature review according to the PRISM criteria, through Medline (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and using the keywords (in isolation or in conjunction) "cadaveric renal transplantation; kidney graft function appraisal, graft function predictors". We selected prospective and retrospective series and review articles. A total of 375 articles were analysed, 39 of which were ultimately selected for review. The predictors of functionality include the following: The donor risk indices; the calculation of the renal functional weight or the assessment of the nephronic mass; the measurement of vascular resistances during perfusion in hypothermia; the measurement of the donor's biomarkers in urine and in the perfusion liquid; the measurement of functional and reperfusion parameters in normothermia; and the measurement of morphological parameters (microscopic and macroscopic) of the target organ. In this article, we present an explanatory summary of each of these parameters, as well as their most recent evidence on this issue. None of the reviewed parameters in isolation could reliably predict renal function and graft survival. There is a significant void in terms of the macroscopic assessment of kidney transplantation. We need to continue developing predictors of renal functionality to accurately define the distribution of each currently available donor kidney. Copyright © 2017 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Hydration Status, Kidney Function, and Kidney Injury in Florida Agricultural Workers.

PubMed

Mix, Jacqueline; Elon, Lisa; Vi Thien Mac, Valerie; Flocks, Joan; Economos, Eugenia; Tovar-Aguilar, Antonio J; Stover Hertzberg, Vicki; McCauley, Linda A

2018-05-01

Recent findings suggest that laboring in hot occupational environments is related to kidney damage in agricultural workers. We examined hydration status and kidney function in 192 Florida agricultural workers. Blood and urine samples were collected over 555 workdays during the summers of 2015 and 2016. Urine-specific gravity (USG), serum creatinine, and other kidney function markers were examined pre- and post-shift on each workday. Multivariable mixed modeling was used to examine the association of risk factors with hydration status and acute kidney injury (AKI). Approximately 53% of workers were dehydrated (USG ≥1.020) pre-shift and 81% post-shift; 33% of participants had AKI on at least one workday. The odds of AKI increased 47% for each 5-degree (°F) increase in heat index. A strikingly high prevalence of dehydration and AKI exists in Florida agricultural workers.

Impaired Kidney Function and Associated Factors Among Rural Adults With Disabilities in Taiwan.

PubMed

Chen, Chu-Yeh; Chiu, Wen-Nan; Lin, Yu-Chen; Jane, Sui-Hwi; Chiang, Hsin-Hung; Chen, Mei-Yen

2017-04-01

The results of numerous studies indicate that people with disabilities seek more healthcare than those who are not disabled, particularly for conditions such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. However, little is known about the incidence of impaired kidney function and its associated factors among adults with disabilities in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and factors associated with impaired kidney function among adults with disabilities. This descriptive study was nurse led and was conducted as part of a health promotion program for disadvantaged rural adults with disabilities in Chiayi County, Taiwan. Health screening and a health needs survey were conducted between July and December 2013. Kidney function, physiological biomarkers, health-related behaviors, and demographic characteristics were examined. Eight hundred ten rural adults with disabilities were enrolled. The most common disabilities included physical-related disability (33.1%), intellectual-related disability (26.7%), and hearing and vision impairment (18.6%). The prevalence of impaired kidney function in this population was 85%. According to classification for chronic kidney disease, 68.6% were in Stages 1-2, and 16.8% were in Stages 3-4. Univariate analysis showed that impaired kidney function was significantly associated with lower educational level (p < .001), hearing or vision impairment (p < .001), being overweight or obese (p < .05), high systolic blood pressure (p < .01), fasting blood glucose (p < .001), total cholesterol (p < .001), total triglyceride (p < .05), older age (p < .001), smoking (p < .05), chewing betel nuts (p = .001), and low levels of participation in social activities (p < .05). The final logistic regression model showed that residents with disabilities who were older or had less education, high fasting blood glucose, and high total cholesterol tended to have impaired kidney function after adjustment for other potential confounding variables. Most participants showed impaired kidney function. The factors that were found to relate significantly to this impairment include being overweight, having hyperlipidemia, having hypertension, having high fasting blood glucose, and having an unhealthy lifestyle. Because of the lack of symptoms during the early stages of chronic kidney disease, a community-based health promotion program for these factors is an important element in health advocacy for this vulnerable population.

Explicit solutions from eigenfunction symmetry of the Korteweg-de Vries equation.

PubMed

Hu, Xiao-Rui; Lou, Sen-Yue; Chen, Yong

2012-05-01

In nonlinear science, it is very difficult to find exact interaction solutions among solitons and other kinds of complicated waves such as cnoidal waves and Painlevé waves. Actually, even if for the most well-known prototypical models such as the Kortewet-de Vries (KdV) equation and the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation, this kind of problem has not yet been solved. In this paper, the explicit analytic interaction solutions between solitary waves and cnoidal waves are obtained through the localization procedure of nonlocal symmetries which are related to Darboux transformation for the well-known KdV equation. The same approach also yields some other types of interaction solutions among different types of solutions such as solitary waves, rational solutions, Bessel function solutions, and/or general Painlevé II solutions.

Predictors of sexual assertiveness: the role of sexual desire, arousal, attitudes, and partner abuse.

PubMed

Santos-Iglesias, Pablo; Sierra, Juan Carlos; Vallejo-Medina, Pablo

2013-08-01

This study was conducted to test interpersonal, attitudinal, and sexual predictors of sexual assertiveness in a Spanish sample of 1,619 men and 1,755 women aged 18-87 years. Participants completed measures of sexual assertiveness, solitary and dyadic sexual desire, sexual arousal, erectile function, sexual attitudes, and frequency of partner abuse. In men, higher sexual assertiveness was predicted by less non-physical abuse, more positive attitudes toward sexual fantasies and erotophilia, higher dyadic desire, and higher sexual arousal. In women, higher sexual assertiveness was predicted by less non-physical abuse, less solitary sexual desire and higher dyadic sexual desire, arousal, erotophilia, and positive attitudes towards sexual fantasies. Results were discussed in the light of prevention and educational programs that include training in sexual assertiveness skills.

Bulk solitary waves in elastic solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsonov, A. M.; Dreiden, G. V.; Semenova, I. V.; Shvartz, A. G.

2015-10-01

A short and object oriented conspectus of bulk solitary wave theory, numerical simulations and real experiments in condensed matter is given. Upon a brief description of the soliton history and development we focus on bulk solitary waves of strain, also known as waves of density and, sometimes, as elastic and/or acoustic solitons. We consider the problem of nonlinear bulk wave generation and detection in basic structural elements, rods, plates and shells, that are exhaustively studied and widely used in physics and engineering. However, it is mostly valid for linear elasticity, whereas dynamic nonlinear theory of these elements is still far from being completed. In order to show how the nonlinear waves can be used in various applications, we studied the solitary elastic wave propagation along lengthy wave guides, and remarkably small attenuation of elastic solitons was proven in physical experiments. Both theory and generation for strain soliton in a shell, however, remained unsolved problems until recently, and we consider in more details the nonlinear bulk wave propagation in a shell. We studied an axially symmetric deformation of an infinite nonlinearly elastic cylindrical shell without torsion. The problem for bulk longitudinal waves is shown to be reducible to the one equation, if a relation between transversal displacement and the longitudinal strain is found. It is found that both the 1+1D and even the 1+2D problems for long travelling waves in nonlinear solids can be reduced to the Weierstrass equation for elliptic functions, which provide the solitary wave solutions as appropriate limits. We show that the accuracy in the boundary conditions on free lateral surfaces is of crucial importance for solution, derive the only equation for longitudinal nonlinear strain wave and show, that the equation has, amongst others, a bidirectional solitary wave solution, which lead us to successful physical experiments. We observed first the compression solitary wave in the duct-like polymer shell and proved, that there is no tensile area behind the wave, the bulk soliton propagates on a distance many times longer than its wave length, while both its shape and amplitude remain unchanged. We demonstrated recently how the strain solitons can be used for non-destructive testing (NDT) of laminated composites, used nowadays for various applications, e.g., in microelectronics, aerospace and automotive industries, and bulk strain solitons are among prospective instruments for NDT. Being aimed to propose the bulk strain solitons as an instrument for NDT in solids, we studied numerically the evolution of them in various wave guides with local defects, and shown that the strain soliton undergoes changes in amplitude, phase shift and the shape, that are distinctive and can be estimated. To sum up, now we are able to propose a new NDT technique, based on bulk strain soliton propagation in structural elements.

A best-practice position statement on pregnancy after kidney transplantation: focusing on the unsolved questions. The Kidney and Pregnancy Study Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology.

PubMed

Gianfranca, Cabiddu; Donatella, Spotti; Giuseppe, Gernone; Domenico, Santoro; Gabriella, Moroni; Gina, Gregorini; Franca, Giacchino; Rossella, Attini; Monica, Limardo; Linda, Gammaro; Tullia, Todros; Piccoli, Giorgina Barbara

2018-06-14

Kidney transplantation (KT) is often considered to be the method best able to restore fertility in a woman with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, pregnancies in KT are not devoid of risks (in particular prematurity, small for gestational age babies, and the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy). An ideal profile of the potential KT mother includes "normal" or "good" kidney function (usually defined as glomerular filtration rate, GFR ≥ 60 ml/min), scant or no proteinuria (usually defined as below 500 mg/dl), normal or well controlled blood pressure (one drug only and no sign of end-organ damage), no recent acute rejection, good compliance and low-dose immunosuppression, without the use of potentially teratogen drugs (mycophenolic acid and m-Tor inhibitors) and an interval of at least 1-2 years after transplantation. In this setting, there is little if any risk of worsening of the kidney function. Less is known about how to manage "non-ideal" situations, such as a pregnancy a short time after KT, or one in the context of hypertension or a failing kidney. The aim of this position statement by the Kidney and Pregnancy Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology is to review the literature and discuss what is known about the clinical management of CKD after KT, with particular attention to women who start a pregnancy in non-ideal conditions. While the experience in such cases is limited, the risks of worsening the renal function are probably higher in cases with markedly reduced kidney function, and in the presence of proteinuria. Well-controlled hypertension alone seems less relevant for outcomes, even if its effect is probably multiplicative if combined with low GFR and proteinuria. As in other settings of kidney disease, superimposed preeclampsia (PE) is differently defined and this impairs calculating its real incidence. No specific difference between non-teratogen immunosuppressive drugs has been shown, but calcineurin inhibitors have been associated with foetal growth restriction and low birth weight. The clinical choices in cases at high risk for malformations or kidney function impairment (pregnancies under mycophenolic acid or with severe kidney-function impairment) require merging clinical and ethical approaches in which, beside the mother and child dyad, the grafted kidney is a crucial "third element".

Cardiorenal Syndrome: New Developments in the Understanding and Pharmacologic Management

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Summary Cardiorenal syndromes (CRSs) with bidirectional heart-kidney signaling are increasingly being recognized for their association with increased morbidity and mortality. In acute CRS, recognition of the importance of worsening kidney function complicating management of acute decompensated heart failure has led to the examination of this specific outcome in the context of acute heart failure clinical trials. In particular, the role of fluid overload and venous congestion has focused interest in the most effective use of diuretic therapy to relieve symptoms of heart failure while at the same time preserving kidney function. Additionally, many novel vasoactive therapies have been studied in recent years with the hopes of augmenting cardiac function, improving symptoms and patient outcomes, while maintaining or improving kidney function. Similarly, recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic CRS have led to reanalysis of kidney outcomes in pivotal trials in chronic congestive heart failure, and newer trials are including changes in kidney function as well as kidney injury biomarkers as prospectively monitored and adjudicated outcomes. This paper provides an overview of some new developments in the pharmacologic management of acute and chronic CRS, examines several reports that illustrate a key management principle for each subtype, and discusses opportunities for future research. PMID:23929925

The potential role of perivascular lymphatic vessels in preservation of kidney allograft function.

PubMed

Tsuchimoto, Akihiro; Nakano, Toshiaki; Hasegawa, Shoko; Masutani, Kosuke; Matsukuma, Yuta; Eriguchi, Masahiro; Nagata, Masaharu; Nishiki, Takehiro; Kitada, Hidehisa; Tanaka, Masao; Kitazono, Takanari; Tsuruya, Kazuhiko

2017-08-01

Lymphangiogenesis occurs in diseased native kidneys and kidney allografts, and correlates with histological injury; however, the clinical significance of lymphatic vessels in kidney allografts is unclear. This study retrospectively reviewed 63 kidney transplant patients who underwent protocol biopsies. Lymphatic vessels were identified by immunohistochemical staining for podoplanin, and were classified according to their location as perivascular or interstitial lymphatic vessels. The associations between perivascular lymphatic density and kidney allograft function and pathological findings were analyzed. There were no significant differences in perivascular lymphatic densities in kidney allograft biopsy specimens obtained at 0 h, 3 months and 12 months. The groups with higher perivascular lymphatic density showed a lower proportion of progression of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy grade from 3 to 12 months (P for trend = 0.039). Perivascular lymphatic density was significantly associated with annual decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate after 12 months (r = -0.31, P = 0.017), even after adjusting for multiple confounders (standardized β = -0.30, P = 0.019). High perivascular lymphatic density is associated with favourable kidney allograft function. The perivascular lymphatic network may be involved in inhibition of allograft fibrosis and stabilization of graft function.

Comparison of Recipient Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation: In-House Versus Imported Deceased Donors.

PubMed

Lim, S Y; Gwon, J G; Kim, M G; Jung, C W

2018-05-01

Increased cold ischemia time in cadaveric kidney transplants has been associated with a high rate of delayed graft function (DGF), and even with graft survival. Kidney transplantation using in-house donors reduces cold preservation time. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after transplantation in house and externally. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of donors and recipients of 135 deceased-donor kidney transplantations performed in our center from March 2009 to March 2016. Among the 135 deceased donors, 88 (65.2%) received the kidneys from in-house donors. Median cold ischemia time of transplantation from in-house donors was shorter than for imported donors (180.00 vs 300.00 min; P < .001). The risks of DGF and slow graft function were increased among the imported versus in-house donors. Imported kidney was independently associated with greater odds of DGF in multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio, 4.165; P = .038). However, the renal function of recipients at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years after transplantation was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Transplantation with in-house donor kidneys was significantly associated with a decreased incidence of DGF, but long-term graft function and survival were similar compared with imported donor kidneys. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Red Kidney: Kidney Transplant From a Deceased Donor Who Received Massive Blood Transfusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

PubMed

Bell, Richard; Hanif, Faisal; Prasad, Padmini; Ahmad, Niaz

2016-06-01

Here, we present a case of a deceased-donor kidney transplant. The brain-dead donor had received a massive blood transfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass, which lead to hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, acute kidney injury, and renal replacement therapy. The kidney appeared red after in situ flush. Postoperatively, the recipient developed delayed graft function. Protocol biopsy during the postoperative period revealed the widespread deposition of heme pigment in the renal tubules. Massive blood transfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery are associated with hemolysis and heme pigment deposition in the renal tubules, which subsequently lead to acute kidney injury. Kidneys from such donors appear red and, while this does not preclude transplant, are likely to develop delayed graft function.

Stem cells in kidney regeneration.

PubMed

Yokote, Shinya; Yokoo, Takashi

2012-01-01

Currently many efforts are being made to apply regenerative medicine to kidney diseases using several types of stem/progenitor cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, renal stem/progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cells have the ability to repair injured organs and ameliorate damaged function. The strategy for kidney tissue repair is the recruitment of stem cells and soluble reparative factors to the kidney to elicit tissue repair and the induction of dedifferentiation of resident renal cells. On the other hand, where renal structure is totally disrupted, absolute kidney organ regeneration is needed to rebuild a whole functional kidney. In this review, we describe current advances in stem cell research for kidney tissue repair and de novo organ regeneration.

Association of Proteinuria and Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Intact and Reduced Kidney Function.

PubMed

Molnar, Amber O; Eddeen, Anan Bader; Ducharme, Robin; Garg, Amit X; Harel, Ziv; McCallum, Megan K; Perl, Jeffrey; Wald, Ron; Zimmerman, Deborah; Sood, Manish M

2017-07-06

Early evidence suggests proteinuria is independently associated with incident atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to investigate whether the association of proteinuria with incident AF is altered by kidney function. Retrospective cohort study using administrative healthcare databases in Ontario, Canada (2002-2015). A total of 736 666 patients aged ≥40 years not receiving dialysis and with no previous history of AF were included. Proteinuria was defined using the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and kidney function by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The primary outcome was time to AF. Cox proportional models were used to determine the hazard ratio for AF censored for death, dialysis, kidney transplant, or end of follow-up. Fine and Grey models were used to determine the subdistribution hazard ratio for AF, with death as a competing event. Median follow-up was 6 years and 44 809 patients developed AF. In adjusted models, ACR and eGFR were associated with AF ( P <0.0001). The association of proteinuria with AF differed based on kidney function (ACR × eGFR interaction, P <0.0001). Overt proteinuria (ACR, 120 mg/mmol) was associated with greater AF risk in patients with intact (eGFR, 120) versus reduced (eGFR, 30) kidney function (adjusted hazard ratios, 4.5 [95% CI, 4.0-5.1] and 2.6 [95% CI, 2.4-2.8], respectively; referent ACR 0 and eGFR 120). Results were similar in competing risk analyses. Proteinuria increases the risk of incident AF markedly in patients with intact kidney function compared with those with decreased kidney function. Screening and preventative strategies should consider proteinuria as an independent risk factor for AF. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Listening to the environment: hearing differences from an epigenetic effect in solitarious and gregarious locusts.

PubMed

Gordon, Shira D; Jackson, Joseph C; Rogers, Stephen M; Windmill, James F C

2014-11-22

Locusts display a striking form of phenotypic plasticity, developing into either a lone-living solitarious phase or a swarming gregarious phase depending on population density. The two phases differ extensively in appearance, behaviour and physiology. We found that solitarious and gregarious locusts have clear differences in their hearing, both in their tympanal and neuronal responses. We identified significant differences in the shape of the tympana that may be responsible for the variations in hearing between locust phases. We measured the nanometre mechanical responses of the ear's tympanal membrane to sound, finding that solitarious animals exhibit greater displacement. Finally, neural experiments signified that solitarious locusts have a relatively stronger response to high frequencies. The enhanced response to high-frequency sounds in the nocturnally flying solitarious locusts suggests greater investment in detecting the ultrasonic echolocation calls of bats, to which they are more vulnerable than diurnally active gregarious locusts. This study highlights the importance of epigenetic effects set forth during development and begins to identify how animals are equipped to match their immediate environmental needs.

Experimental evidence of solitary wave interaction in Hertzian chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santibanez, Francisco; Munoz, Romina; Caussarieu, Aude; Job, Stéphane; Melo, Francisco

2011-08-01

We study experimentally the interaction between two solitary waves that approach one another in a linear chain of spheres interacting via the Hertz potential. When these counterpropagating waves collide, they cross each other and a phase shift in respect to the noninteracting waves is introduced as a result of the nonlinear interaction potential. This observation is well reproduced by our numerical simulations and is shown to be independent of viscoelastic dissipation at the bead contact. In addition, when the collision of equal amplitude and synchronized counterpropagating waves takes place, we observe that two secondary solitary waves emerge from the interacting region. The amplitude of the secondary solitary waves is proportional to the amplitude of incident waves. However, secondary solitary waves are stronger when the collision occurs at the middle contact in chains with an even number of beads. Although numerical simulations correctly predict the existence of these waves, experiments show that their respective amplitudes are significantly larger than predicted. We attribute this discrepancy to the rolling friction at the bead contact during solitary wave propagation.

Extracranial metastasizing solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) of meninges: histopathological features of a case with long-term follow-up.

PubMed

Gessi, Marco; Gielen, Gerrit H; Roeder-Geyer, Eva-Dorette; Sommer, Clemens; Vieth, Michael; Braun, Veit; Kuchelmeister, Klaus; Pietsch, Torsten

2013-02-01

Extrapleural solitary fibrous tumors are uncommon mesenchymal neoplasms frequently observed in middle-aged adults and are classified, according to the WHO classification of soft tissue tumors, as part of the hemangiopericytoma tumor group. However, these two entities remain separated in the WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system. In fact, meningeal solitary fibrous tumors are believed to be benign lesion and only in a minority of cases local relapses have been described, although detailed survival clinical studies on solitary fibrous tumors of meninges are rare. In contrast to hemangiopericytoma, which frequently shows distant extracranial metastases, such an event is exceptional in patients with meningeal solitary fibrous tumors and has been clinically reported in a handful of cases only and their histopathological features have not been investigated in detail. In this report, we describe the detailed clinico-pathological features of a meningeal solitary fibrous tumor presenting during a 17-year follow-up period, multiple intra-, extracranial relapses and lung metastases. © 2012 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

An unusual case of acute kidney injury due to vancomycin lessons learnt from reliance on eGFR.

PubMed

Barraclough, Katherine; Harris, Marianne; Montessori, Val; Levin, Adeera

2007-08-01

We present a case of renal impairment in an emaciated HIV-infected male that initially went unrecognized because of reliance on serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Inaccurate vancomycin dosing led to toxic drug levels (66 mg/l), associated with acute and severe worsening of kidney function. This occurred in the context of escalating doses of vancomycin given in the presence of changing kidney function, albeit kidney function that always remained well within the normal range (serum creatinine 29 - 42 mumol/l). In the absence of other plausible explanations, a presumptive diagnosis of vancomycin nephrotoxicity was made. Given the rarity of this diagnosis in the current era, we discuss the pathophysiology of vancomycin nephrotoxicity. We also explore the potential reasons for inaccuracy of GFR prediction equations in the HIV population, and discuss the potential pitfalls associated with application of eGFR or even serum creatinine without appropriate understanding of their limitations. We believe our case highlights a number of important teaching points: Vancomycin nephrotoxitiy is rare but can occur in the setting of kidney dysfunction. Current assessment of kidney function using creatinine and eGFR requires awareness of the clinical caveats in which these measures may be misleading. Acute changes in kidney function, irrespective of the test used, should be contextualized to the individual situation. Persons with HIV and low muscle mass constitute a specific subgroup in whom assessment of kidney function may be problematic using creatinine. We support ongoing efforts to develop or refine equations for specific unique and easily identifiable populations.

The Impact of the Nitric Oxide (NO)/Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase (sGC) Signaling Cascade on Kidney Health and Disease: A Preclinical Perspective.

PubMed

Krishnan, Shalini M; Kraehling, Jan R; Eitner, Frank; Bénardeau, Agnès; Sandner, Peter

2018-06-09

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a highly prevalent disease with a substantial medical need for new and more efficacious treatments. The Nitric Oxide (NO), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling cascade regulates various kidney functions. cGMP directly influences renal blood flow, renin secretion, glomerular function, and tubular exchange processes. Downregulation of NO/sGC/cGMP signaling results in severe kidney pathologies such as CKD. Therefore, treatment strategies aiming to maintain or increase cGMP might have beneficial effects for the treatment of progressive kidney diseases. Within this article, we review the NO/sGC/cGMP signaling cascade and its major pharmacological intervention sites. We specifically focus on the currently known effects of cGMP on kidney function parameters. Finally, we summarize the preclinical evidence for kidney protective effects of NO-donors, PDE inhibitors, sGC stimulators, and sGC activators.

Ion acoustic solitary wave with weakly transverse perturbations in quantum electron-positron-ion plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mushtaq, A.; Khan, S. A.; Department of Physics, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad

2007-05-15

The characteristics and stability of ion acoustic solitary wave with transverse perturbations are examined in ultracold quantum magnetospheric plasma consisting of electrons, positrons, and ions. Using the quantum hydrodynamic model, a dispersion relation in the linear regime, and the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation in the nonlinear regime are derived. The quantum corrections are studied through quantum statistics and diffraction effects. It is found that compressive solitary wave can propagate in this system. The quantum effects are also studied graphically for both linear and nonlinear profiles of ion acoustic wave. Using energy consideration method, conditions for existence of stable solitary waves are obtained.more » It is found that stable solitary waves depend on quantum corrections, positron concentration, and direction cosine of the wave vector k along the x axis.« less

Solitary states for coupled oscillators with inertia.

PubMed

Jaros, Patrycja; Brezetsky, Serhiy; Levchenko, Roman; Dudkowski, Dawid; Kapitaniak, Tomasz; Maistrenko, Yuri

2018-01-01

Networks of identical oscillators with inertia can display remarkable spatiotemporal patterns in which one or a few oscillators split off from the main synchronized cluster and oscillate with different averaged frequency. Such "solitary states" are impossible for the classical Kuramoto model with sinusoidal coupling. However, if inertia is introduced, these states represent a solid part of the system dynamics, where each solitary state is characterized by the number of isolated oscillators and their disposition in space. We present system parameter regions for the existence of solitary states in the case of local, non-local, and global network couplings and show that they preserve in both thermodynamic and conservative limits. We give evidence that solitary states arise in a homoclinic bifurcation of a saddle-type synchronized state and die eventually in a crisis bifurcation after essential variation of the parameters.

Spatiotemporal optical dark X solitary waves.

PubMed

Baronio, Fabio; Chen, Shihua; Onorato, Miguel; Trillo, Stefano; Wabnitz, Stefan; Kodama, Yuji

2016-12-01

We introduce spatiotemporal optical dark X solitary waves of the (2+1)D hyperbolic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE), which rules wave propagation in a self-focusing and normally dispersive medium. These analytical solutions are derived by exploiting the connection between the NLSE and a well-known equation of hydrodynamics, namely the type II Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP-II) equation. As a result, families of shallow water X soliton solutions of the KP-II equation are mapped into optical dark X solitary wave solutions of the NLSE. Numerical simulations show that optical dark X solitary waves may propagate for long distances (tens of nonlinear lengths) before they eventually break up, owing to the modulation instability of the continuous wave background. This finding opens a novel path for the excitation and control of X solitary waves in nonlinear optics.

Solitary states for coupled oscillators with inertia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaros, Patrycja; Brezetsky, Serhiy; Levchenko, Roman; Dudkowski, Dawid; Kapitaniak, Tomasz; Maistrenko, Yuri

2018-01-01

Networks of identical oscillators with inertia can display remarkable spatiotemporal patterns in which one or a few oscillators split off from the main synchronized cluster and oscillate with different averaged frequency. Such "solitary states" are impossible for the classical Kuramoto model with sinusoidal coupling. However, if inertia is introduced, these states represent a solid part of the system dynamics, where each solitary state is characterized by the number of isolated oscillators and their disposition in space. We present system parameter regions for the existence of solitary states in the case of local, non-local, and global network couplings and show that they preserve in both thermodynamic and conservative limits. We give evidence that solitary states arise in a homoclinic bifurcation of a saddle-type synchronized state and die eventually in a crisis bifurcation after essential variation of the parameters.

[Kidney function and liver transplantation].

PubMed

Gámán, György; Gelley, Fanni; Gerlei, Zsuzsa; Dabasi, Eszter; Görög, Dénes; Fehérvári, Imre; Kóbori, László; Lengyel, Gabriella; Zádori, Gergely; Fazakas, János; Doros, Attila; Sárváry, Enikő; Nemes, Balázs

2013-06-30

In liver cirrhosis renal function decreases as well. Hepatorenal syndrome is the most frequent cause of the decrease, but primary kidney failure, diabetes mellitus and some diseases underlying endstage liver failure (such as hepatitis C virus infection) can also play an important role. In liver transplantation several further factors (total cross-clamping of vena cava inferior, polytransfusion, immunosuppression) impair the renal function, too. The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in kidney function during the first postoperative year after liver transplantation. Retrospective data analysis was performed after primary liver transplantations (n = 319). impaired preoperative renal function increased the devepolment of postoperative complications and the first year cumulative patient survival was significantly worse (91,7% vs 69,9%; p<0,001) in this group. If renal function of the patients increased above 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 after the first year, patient survival was better. Independently of the preoperative kidney function, 76% of the patients had impaired kidney function at the first postoperative year. In this group, de novo diabetes mellitus was more frequently diagnosed (22,5% vs 9,5%; p = 0,023). Selection of personalized immunosuppressive medication has a positive effect on renal function.

Solitary Confinement in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldberg, Merryl

2009-01-01

Arts Education is, technically, core to the school curriculum according to federal mandates and certain state mandates. However, it is rarely made accessible to all students despite earnest advocating on the part of dedicated organizations and individuals. In order for a democratic society to function successfully, its members must be invested and…

Does size matter? Kidney transplant donor size determines kidney function among living donors

PubMed Central

Narasimhamurthy, Meenakshi; Smith, Lachlan M.; Machan, Jason T.; Reinert, Steven E.; Gohh, Reginald Y.; Dworkin, Lance D.; Merhi, Basma; Patel, Nikunjkumar; Beland, Michael D.

2017-01-01

Background Kidney donor outcomes are gaining attention, particularly as donor eligibility criteria continue to expand. Kidney size, a useful predictor of recipient kidney function, also likely correlates with donor outcomes. Although donor evaluation includes donor kidney size measurements, the association between kidney size and outcomes are poorly defined. Methods We examined the relationship between kidney size (body surface area-adjusted total volume, cortical volume and length) and renal outcomes (post-operative recovery and longer-term kidney function) among 85 kidney donors using general linear models and time-to-chronic kidney disease data. Results Donors with the largest adjusted cortical volume were more likely to achieve an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 over a median 24-month follow-up than those with smaller cortical volumes (P <0.001), had a shorter duration of renal recovery (1.3–2.2 versus 32.5 days) and started with a higher eGFR at pre-donation (107–110 versus 91 mL/min/1.73 m2) and immediately post-nephrectomy (∼63 versus 50–51 mL/min/1.73 m2). Similar findings were seen with adjusted total volume and length. Conclusions Larger kidney donors were more likely to achieve an eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with renal recovery over a shorter duration due to higher pre-donation and initial post-nephrectomy eGFRs. PMID:28638611

Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration versus Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equations for renal function evaluation in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.

PubMed

Shikanov, Sergey; Clark, Melanie A; Raman, Jay D; Smith, Benjamin; Kaag, Matthew; Russo, Paul; Wheat, Jeffrey C; Wolf, J Stuart; Huang, William C; Shalhav, Arieh L; Eggener, Scott E

2010-11-01

A novel equation, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, has been proposed to replace the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease for estimated glomerular filtration rate due to higher accuracy, particularly in the setting of normal renal function. We compared these equations in patients with 2 functioning kidneys undergoing partial nephrectomy. We assembled a cohort of 1,158 patients from 5 institutions who underwent partial nephrectomy between 1991 and 2009. Only subjects with 2 functioning kidneys were included in the study. The end points were baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, last followup estimated glomerular filtration rate (3 to 18 months), absolute and percent change estimated glomerular filtration rate ([absolute change/baseline] × 100%), and proportion of newly developed chronic kidney disease stage III. The agreement between the equations was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots and the McNemar test for paired observations. Mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate derived from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations were 73 and 77 ml/minute/1.73 m(2), respectively, and following surgery were 63 and 67 ml/minute/1.73 m(2), respectively. Mean percent change estimated glomerular filtration rate was -12% for both equations (p = 0.2). The proportion of patients with newly developed chronic kidney disease stage III following surgery was 32% and 25%, according to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations, respectively (p = 0.001). For patients with 2 functioning kidneys undergoing partial nephrectomy the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation provides slightly higher glomerular filtration rate estimates compared to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation, with 7% fewer patients categorized as having chronic kidney disease stage III or worse. Copyright © 2010 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interactive effects of diabetes and impaired kidney function on cognitive performance in old age: a population-based study.

PubMed

Yin, Zhaoxue; Yan, Zhongrui; Liang, Yajun; Jiang, Hui; Cai, Chuanzhu; Song, Aiqin; Feng, Lei; Qiu, Chengxuan

2016-01-12

The interactive effect between diabetes and impaired kidney function on cognitive impairment in older adults has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of diabetes and impaired kidney function with cognitive impairment among Chinese older people living in a rural area. This cross-sectional study included 1,358 participants (age ≥60 years; 60.5% women) in the population-based Confucius Hometown Aging Project in Shandong, China. Data on demographics, lifestyle factors, health history, use of medications, global cognitive function, and kidney function were collected through structured interviews, clinical examinations, and blood tests. We defined diabetes as a fasting plasma glucose level ≥7.0 mmol/l or use of hypoglycemic agents, impaired kidney function as glomerular filtration rate estimated from cystatin C (eGFRcys) <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Cognitive impairment was defined using the education-based cut-off scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Data were analyzed using multiple general linear and logistic regression models. Cognitive impairment was defined in 197 (14.5%) persons. The multi-adjusted β coefficient of MMSE score associated with diabetes was -0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.16, 0.03); the corresponding figures associated with eGFRcys <60, 60-89.9, and ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were -0.15 (-0.28, -0.02), -0.01 (-0.10, 0.08), and 0 (reference) (Ptrend = 0.046), respectively. Diabetes and impaired kidney function showed an interactive effect on cognitive impairment ( interaction = 0.02). Compared with individuals having neither diabetes nor impaired kidney function, those with both conditions had a multi-adjusted odds ratio of 4.23 (95% CI, 2.10-8.49) for cognitive impairment. The relative excess risk due to interaction was 2.74. This study suggests that concurrent presence of diabetes and impaired kidney function is associated with a substantial likelihood for cognitive impairment in older adults.

Internal Structure of Kidney Calculi as a Predictor for Shockwave Lithotripsy Success.

PubMed

Christiansen, Frederikke Eichner; Andreassen, Kim Hovgaard; Osther, Susanne Sloth; Osther, Palle Joern Sloth

2016-03-01

The internal structure of renal calculi can be determined on CT using bone windows and may be classified as homogeneous or inhomogeneous with void regions. In vitro studies have shown homogeneous stones to be less responsive to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). The objective was to evaluate whether the internal morphology of calculi defined by CT bone window influences SWL outcome in vivo. One hundred eleven patients with solitary renal calculi treated with SWL were included. Treatment data were registered prospectively and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. All patients had noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) performed before SWL and at 3-month follow-up. The stones were categorized as homogeneous or inhomogeneous. At follow-up, the patient's stone status was registered. Stone-free status was defined as no evidence of calculi on NCCT. Treatment was considered successful if the patient was either stone free or had clinically insignificant residual fragments. Using simple logistic regression, the odds for being stone free 3 months post-SWL were significantly reduced in the patients with inhomogeneous stones compared with patients with homogeneous stones (odds ratio 0.43 [95% confidence interval 0.20, 0.92; p < 0.05]). However, when adjusting for stone size by multiple logistic regression, including stone size (area) as a covariate, this difference became insignificant. The internal structure of kidney stones did not predict the outcome of SWL in vivo.

A Patient with Four-Year Survival after Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinoma with a Solitary Metachronous Small Bowel Metastasis

PubMed Central

Kant, Klaas M.; Noordhoek Hegt, Vincent; Aerts, Joachim G. J. V.

2010-01-01

Solitary small bowel metastasis secondary to lung cancer is very uncommon. In this report, we present a patient with NSCLC and a metachronous solitary metastasis of the jejunum. She is alive without evidence of disease and doing well four years after palliative surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a prolonged survival in a patient with a symptomatic solitary small bowel metastasis treated with palliative surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy instead of complete surgical resection. PMID:20224647

Solitary plasmacytoma of the mandible: A rare case report

PubMed Central

Sharma, Naresh Kumar; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar; Pandey, Arun; Verma, Vishal

2015-01-01

Plasmacytoma is a monoclonal, neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells that usually arises within bone marrow or soft tissue sites. It can involve either a single bone (solitary) or multiple bones. Solitary plasmacytoma has a predisposition for the red marrow-containing axial skeleton and is most frequently seen in the thoracic vertebrae, followed by the ribs, sternum, clavicle, or scapula. Its presence in the jaws is extremely rare. We present a case of a 54-year-old female with a well-defined radiolucency of the body region of the mandible later diagnosed as solitary plasmacytoma. PMID:26668458

Kidney function endpoints in kidney transplant trials: a struggle for power.

PubMed

Ibrahim, A; Garg, A X; Knoll, G A; Akbari, A; White, C A

2013-03-01

Kidney function endpoints are commonly used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in kidney transplantation (KTx). We conducted this study to estimate the proportion of ongoing RCTs with kidney function endpoints in KTx where the proposed sample size is large enough to detect meaningful differences in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with adequate statistical power. RCTs were retrieved using the key word "kidney transplantation" from the National Institute of Health online clinical trial registry. Included trials had at least one measure of kidney function tracked for at least 1 month after transplant. We determined the proportion of two-arm parallel trials that had sufficient sample sizes to detect a minimum 5, 7.5 and 10 mL/min difference in GFR between arms. Fifty RCTs met inclusion criteria. Only 7% of the trials were above a sample size of 562, the number needed to detect a minimum 5 mL/min difference between the groups should one exist (assumptions: α = 0.05; power = 80%, 10% loss to follow-up, common standard deviation of 20 mL/min). The result increased modestly to 36% of trials when a minimum 10 mL/min difference was considered. Only a minority of ongoing trials have adequate statistical power to detect between-group differences in kidney function using conventional sample size estimating parameters. For this reason, some potentially effective interventions which ultimately could benefit patients may be abandoned from future assessment. © Copyright 2013 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Outcome of organs procured from donors on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: an analysis of kidney and liver allograft data.

PubMed

Carter, Timothy; Bodzin, Adam S; Hirose, Hitoshi; West, Sharon; Hasz, Richard; Maley, Warren R; Cavarocchi, Nicholas C

2014-07-01

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has become rescue therapy for adults with overwhelming cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Not all patients are saved, creating a new cohort of potential organ donors. This study examines the outcomes of liver and kidney allografts procured from donors on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A retrospective review was conducted through the local organ procurement organization. Donors on ECMO prior to notification were classified into donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD). We compared short-term outcome data against published standards. Between 1995 and 2012, 97 organs were procured from 41 donors supported on ECMO. There were 68 kidneys donated, 51 were transplanted and 17 discarded. Excluding extended criteria donors, 29 DBD and 13 DCD kidneys were transplanted from donors supported on ECMO. Delayed graft function occurred in 34% of DBD kidneys and 38% of DCD kidneys. Kidney allograft survival at one yr was 93%. Twenty-four livers were procured, nine discarded, and 15 transplanted. Ninety-three percent of liver transplant recipients were alive with graft function at one yr. Donation after brain death kidneys procured from donors on ECMO perform similarly to non-ECMO organs with regard to delayed graft function (DGF), one-yr graft survival and function. Livers from ECMO donors have a higher discard rate than non-ECMO donors, but function similarly at six months and one yr. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Silent ureteral stones: impact on kidney function--can treatment of silent ureteral stones preserve kidney function?

PubMed

Marchini, Giovanni S; Vicentini, Fabio C; Mazzucchi, Eduardo; Brito, Arthur; Ebaid, Gustavo; Srougi, Miguel

2012-02-01

To report our experience with silent ureteral stones and expose their true influence on renal function. We analyzed 506 patients who had undergone ureterolithotripsy from January 2005 to May 2010. Silent ureteral stones were calculi found in the absence of any specific or subjective ureteral stone-related symptoms. Of the 506 patients, 27 (5.3%) met these criteria (global cohort). All patients were assessed postoperatively with dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA). A difference in relative kidney function of >10% was considered abnormal. Pre- and postoperative comparative DMSA analyses were electively obtained for 9 patients (kidney function cohort). A t test was used to assess the numeric variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Two-tailed P<.05 was considered statistically significant. Stones were diagnosed by radiologic abdominal evaluation for nonurologic diseases in 40% and after previous nephrolithiasis treatment in 33%. The primary therapy was ureterolithotripsy in 88%. The mean follow-up time was 23 months. The overall ureteral stone-free rate after 1 and 2 procedures was 96% and 100%, respectively. In the global cohort, the mean pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels were similar (P=.39), and the mean postoperative function on DMSA was 31%. In the kidney function cohort, no difference was found between the pre- and postoperative DMSA findings (22%±12.1% vs 20%±11.8%; P=.83) and serum creatinine (0.8±0.13 mg/dL vs 1.0±0.21 mg/dL; P=.45). Silent ureteral stones are associated with decreased kidney function present at the diagnosis. Hydronephrosis tends to diminish after stone removal, and kidney function remains unaltered. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Long-term Effects of Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Versus Conventional Coronary Bypass Grafting on Renal Function.

PubMed

Hynes, Conor F; Colo, Sanchez; Amdur, Richard L; Chawla, Lakhmir S; Greenberg, Michael D; Trachiotis, Gregory D

2016-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of conventional on-pump coronary bypass grafting (cCABG) compared with off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) on renal function. A retrospective review of patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting from 2004 through 2013 at a single center was conducted. Preoperative renal function, perioperative acute kidney injury, and long-term glomerular filtration were evaluated. Multivariable analyses were used to determine factors contributing to short- and long-term renal impairment. A total of 234 patients underwent cCABG, and 582 underwent OPCAB. Patients undergoing OPCAB were significantly older, had greater preoperative renal dysfunction, had greater functional dependence, and took more hypertension medications. Multivariable analyses found that 30-day acute kidney injury was an independent risk factor for a 10% decline in glomerular filtration rate at 1 and 5 years (P < 0.0001 and 0.002, respectively). However, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass was not found to influence long-term renal function (P = 0.78 at 1 year, P = 0.76 at 5 years). The percentage of patients experiencing a 10% drop in renal function from baseline at 1 year (33% OPCAB, 35% cCABG; P = 0.73) and 5 years (16% OPCAB, 16% cCABG; P = 0.93) were not significantly different. Independent predictors of acute kidney injury included baseline kidney function (P = 0.04) and age (P < 0.0001), whereas cardiopulmonary bypass did not affect the incidence (P = 0.17). A propensity-matched analysis confirmed these findings. Acute kidney injury is a risk factor for long-term renal dysfunction after either bypass method and was not greater after cCABG compared with OPCAB. Patients undergoing OPCAB did not experience greater decrease in long-term kidney function despite having worse baseline kidney function.

Solitary mammals provide an animal model for autism spectrum disorders.

PubMed

Reser, Jared Edward

2014-02-01

Species of solitary mammals are known to exhibit specialized, neurological adaptations that prepare them to focus working memory on food procurement and survival rather than on social interaction. Solitary and nonmonogamous mammals, which do not form strong social bonds, have been documented to exhibit behaviors and biomarkers that are similar to endophenotypes in autism. Both individuals on the autism spectrum and certain solitary mammals have been reported to be low on measures of affiliative need, bodily expressiveness, bonding and attachment, direct and shared gazing, emotional engagement, conspecific recognition, partner preference, separation distress, and social approach behavior. Solitary mammals also exhibit certain biomarkers that are characteristic of autism, including diminished oxytocin and vasopressin signaling, dysregulation of the endogenous opioid system, increased Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) activity to social encounters, and reduced HPA activity to separation and isolation. The extent of these similarities suggests that solitary mammals may offer a useful model of autism spectrum disorders and an opportunity for investigating genetic and epigenetic etiological factors. If the brain in autism can be shown to exhibit distinct homologous or homoplastic similarities to the brains of solitary animals, it will reveal that they may be central to the phenotype and should be targeted for further investigation. Research of the neurological, cellular, and molecular basis of these specializations in other mammals may provide insight for behavioral analysis, communication intervention, and psychopharmacology for autism.

Assessing Intrarenal Non-perfusion and Vascular Leakage in Acute Kidney Injury withzz 19F MRI and Perfluorocarbon Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Hu, Lingzhi; Chen, Junjie; Yang, Xiaoxia; Senpan, Angana; Allen, John S.; Yanaba, Noriko; Caruthers, Shelton D.; Lanza, Gregory M.; Hammerman, Marc R.; Wickline, Samuel A.

2014-01-01

Purpose We sought to develop a unique sensor-reporter approach for functional kidney imaging that employs circulating perfluorocarbon nanoparticles (PFC NPs) and 19F MRI. Methods Because the detected 19F signal intensity directly reflects local blood volume, and the 19F R1 is linearly proportional to local blood oxygen content (pO2), 19F spin density weighted and T1 weighted images were utilized to generate quantitative functional mapping in both healthy and ischemia-reperfusion (acute kidney injury, AKI) injured mouse kidneys. 1H Blood-Oxygenation-Level-Dependant (BOLD) MRI was also employed as a supplementary approach to facilitate the compressive analysis of renal circulation and its pathological changes in AKI. Results Heterogeneous blood volume distribution and intrarenal oxygenation gradient were confirmed in healthy kidneys by 19F MRI. In a mouse model of AKI, 19F MRI, in conjunction with BOLR MRI, sensitively delineated renal vascular damage and recovery. In the cortico-medullary (CM) junction region, we observed 25% lower 19F signal (p<0.05) and 70% longer 1H T2* (p<0.01) in injured kidneys compared to contralateral kidneys at 24 hours after initial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We also detected 71% higher 19F signal (p<0.01) and 40% lower 1H T2* (p<0.05) in the renal medulla region of injured kidneys compared to contralateral kidneys. Conclusion With demonstrated superior diagnostic capability, functional kidney 19F MRI using PFC NPs could serve as a new diagnostic measures for comprehensive evaluation of renal function and pathology. PMID:23929727

The Comparison of Solitary and Collaborative Modes of Game-Based Learning on Students' Science Learning and Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Ching-Huei; Wang, Kuan-Chieh; Lin, Yu-Hsuan

2015-01-01

In this study, we investigated and compared solitary and collaborative modes of game-based learning in promoting students' science learning and motivation. A total of fifty seventh grade students participated in this study. The results showed that students who played in a solitary or collaborative mode demonstrated improvement in learning…

Low serum bicarbonate and kidney function decline: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

PubMed

Driver, Todd H; Shlipak, Michael G; Katz, Ronit; Goldenstein, Leonard; Sarnak, Mark J; Hoofnagle, Andrew N; Siscovick, David S; Kestenbaum, Bryan; de Boer, Ian H; Ix, Joachim H

2014-10-01

Among populations with established chronic kidney disease (CKD), metabolic acidosis is associated with more rapid progression of kidney disease. The association of serum bicarbonate concentrations with early declines in kidney function is less clear. Retrospective cohort study. 5,810 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60mL/min/1.73 m(2) using the CKD-EPI (CKD Epidemiology Collaboration) creatinine-cystatin C equation. Serum bicarbonate concentrations. Rapid kidney function decline (eGFR decline > 5% per year) and incident reduced eGFR (eGFR < 60mL/min/1.73 m(2) with minimum rate of eGFR loss of 1 mL/min/1.73 m(2) per year). Average bicarbonate concentration was 23.2 ± 1.8mEq/L. 1,730 (33%) participants had rapid kidney function decline, and 487 had incident reduced eGFR during follow-up. Each 1-SD lower baseline bicarbonate concentration was associated with 12% higher adjusted odds of rapid kidney function decline (95% CI, 6%-20%) and higher risk of incident reduced eGFR (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.20) in models adjusting for demographics, baseline eGFR, albuminuria, and CKD risk factors. The OR for the associations of bicarbonate level < 21 mEq/L relative to 23-24 mEq/L was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.05-1.73) for rapid kidney function decline, and the incidence rate ratio was 1.16 (95% CI, 0.83-1.62) for incident reduced eGFR. Cause of metabolic acidosis cannot be determined in this study. Lower serum bicarbonate concentrations are associated independently with rapid kidney function decline independent of eGFR or albuminuria in community-living persons with baseline eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). If confirmed, our findings suggest that metabolic acidosis may indicate either early kidney disease that is not captured by eGFR or albuminuria or may have a causal role in the development of eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Copyright © 2014 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kidney transplantation: a systematic review of interventional and observational studies of physical activity on intermediate outcomes.

PubMed

Macdonald, Jamie Hugo; Kirkman, Danielle; Jibani, Mahdi

2009-11-01

Kidney transplant patients have decreased quality and longevity of life. Whether exercise can positively affect associated outcomes such as physical functioning, metabolic syndrome, kidney function, and immune function, has only been addressed in relatively small studies. Thus the aim of this systematic review was to determine effects of physical activity level on these intermediate outcomes in kidney transplant patients. We electronically and hand searched to identify 21 studies (6 retrospective assessments of habitual physical activity and 15 intervention studies including 6 controlled trials). After study quality assessment, intermediate outcomes associated with quality and longevity of life were expressed as correlations or percentage changes in addition to effect sizes. Habitual physical activity level was positively associated with quality of life and aerobic fitness and negatively associated with body fat (medium to large effect sizes). Exercise interventions also showed medium to large positive effects on aerobic capacity (10%-114% increase) and muscle strength (10%-22% increase). However, exercise programs had minimal or contradictory effects on metabolic syndrome and immune and kidney function. In kidney transplant patients, physical activity intervention is warranted to enhance physical functioning. Whether exercise impacts on outcomes associated with longevity of life requires further study.

Genomic integration of ERRγ-HNF1β regulates renal bioenergetics and prevents chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Zhao, Juanjuan; Lupino, Katherine; Wilkins, Benjamin J; Qiu, Chengxiang; Liu, Jian; Omura, Yasuhiro; Allred, Amanda L; McDonald, Caitlin; Susztak, Katalin; Barish, Grant D; Pei, Liming

2018-05-22

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of both hereditary and acquired kidney diseases. However, it remains poorly understood how mitochondrial metabolism is regulated to support normal kidney function and how its dysregulation contributes to kidney disease. Here, we show that the nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta (HNF1β) link renal mitochondrial and reabsorptive functions through coordinated epigenomic programs. ERRγ directly regulates mitochondrial metabolism but cooperatively controls renal reabsorption via convergent binding with HNF1β. Deletion of ERRγ in renal epithelial cells (RECs), in which it is highly and specifically expressed, results in severe renal energetic and reabsorptive dysfunction and progressive renal failure that recapitulates phenotypes of animals and patients with HNF1β loss-of-function gene mutations. Moreover, ERRγ expression positively correlates with renal function and is decreased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). REC-ERRγ KO mice share highly overlapping renal transcriptional signatures with human patients with CKD. Together these findings reveal a role for ERRγ in directing independent and HNF1β-integrated programs for energy production and use essential for normal renal function and the prevention of kidney disease.

Renal volume assessed by magnetic resonance imaging volumetry correlates with renal function in living kidney donors pre- and postdonation: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Lange, Daniel; Helck, Andreas; Rominger, Axel; Crispin, Alexander; Meiser, Bruno; Werner, Jens; Fischereder, Michael; Stangl, Manfred; Habicht, Antje

2018-07-01

Renal function of potential living kidney donors is routinely assessed with scintigraphy. Kidney anatomy is evaluated by imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We evaluated if a MRI-based renal volumetry is a good predictor of kidney function pre- and postdonation. We retrospectively analyzed the renal volume (RV) in a MRI of 100 living kidney donors. RV was correlated with the tubular excretion rate (TER) of MAG3-scintigraphy, a measured creatinine clearance (CrCl), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by Cockcroft-Gault (CG), CKD-EPI, and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula pre- and postdonation during a follow-up of 3 years. RV correlated significantly with the TER (total: r = 0.6735, P < 0.0001). Correlation between RV and renal function was the highest for eGFR by CG (r = 0.5595, P < 0.0001), in comparison with CrCl, MDRD-GFR, and CKD-EPI-GFR predonation. RV significantly correlated with CG-GFR postdonation and predicted CG-GFR until 3 years after donation. MRI renal volumetry might be an alternative technique for the evaluation of split renal function and prediction of renal function postdonation in living kidney donors. © 2018 Steunstichting ESOT.

Prevalence of kidney disease in anaemia differs by GFR-estimating method: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–94)

PubMed Central

Estrella, Michelle M.; Astor, Brad C.; Köttgen, Anna; Selvin, Elizabeth; Coresh, Josef; Parekh, Rulan S.

2010-01-01

Background. Anaemia worsens as kidney function declines. Both conditions are associated with increased mortality. Serum cystatin C is purportedly a more sensitive marker of kidney disease and a better predictor of mortality than serum creatinine. However, studies suggest that extrarenal factors also influence cystatin C levels. Methods. We determined whether estimates of glomerular filtration rate [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)] based on serum cystatin C alone or in combination with serum creatinine were superior to those based on serum creatinine in recognizing impaired kidney function in the setting of anaemia in a sub-sample of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of the USA consisting of 6734 participants, 20 years or older. Results. The prevalence of moderate to severe kidney disease (eGFR 15–59 mL/min/1.73 m2) among anaemic persons was 15–16% when based on serum creatinine alone (eGFRSCR) or combined with cystatin C (eGFRSCR + CYSC); this estimate increased to nearly 25% when kidney function was estimated by cystatin C (eGFRCYSC). The adjusted odds ratios of kidney disease in anaemic versus non-anaemic persons were slightly higher with eGFRCYSC than eGFRSCR and eGFRSCR + CYSC in younger adults [odds ratio (OR) = 5.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.23, 12.17], women (OR = 5.34, 95% CI: 2.36, 12.06) and those with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR = 7.36, 95% CI: 1.98–27.36). Conclusions. Impaired kidney function was common in individuals with anaemia. Among anaemic individuals, the prevalence estimate for kidney disease was notably higher when kidney function was estimated by cystatin C alone compared with the estimations by serum creatinine alone or in combination with serum cystatin C. eGFRCYSC may be particularly helpful in identifying kidney disease in the setting of anaemia among younger persons, women and those with elevated CRP. Regardless of which renal biomarker is used, our study suggests that an evaluation for underlying kidney disease should be considered in the standard workup of anaemia. PMID:20176612

Cylindrical ion-acoustic solitary waves in electronegative plasmas with superthermal electrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eslami, Parvin; Mottaghizadeh, Marzieh

2012-06-15

By using the standard reductive perturbation technique, a three-dimensional cylindrical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation (CKPE), which governs the dynamics of ion acoustic solitary waves (IASWs), is derived for small but finite amplitude ion-acoustic waves in cylindrical geometry in a collisionless unmagnetized plasma with kappa distributed electrons, thermal positrons, and cold ions. The generalized expansion method is used to solve analytically the CKPE. The existence regions of localized pulses are investigated. It is found that the solution of the CKPE supports only compressive solitary waves. Furthermore, the effects of superthermal electrons, the ratio of the electron temperature to positron temperature, the ratio ofmore » the positron density to electron density and direction cosine of the wave propagation on the profiles of the amplitudes, and widths of the solitary structures are examined numerically. It is shown these parameters play a vital role in the formation of ion acoustic solitary waves.« less

Effect of anisotropic dust pressure and superthermal electrons on propagation and stability of dust acoustic solitary waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bashir, M. F., E-mail: frazbashir@yahoo.com; Behery, E. E., E-mail: eebehery@gmail.com; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, P.O. 34517, New Damietta

2015-06-15

Employing the reductive perturbation technique, Zakharov–Kuznetzov (ZK) equation is derived for dust acoustic (DA) solitary waves in a magnetized plasma which consists the effects of dust anisotropic pressure, arbitrary charged dust particles, Boltzmann distributed ions, and Kappa distributed superthermal electrons. The ZK solitary wave solution is obtained. Using the small-k expansion method, the stability analysis for DA solitary waves is also discussed. The effects of the dust pressure anisotropy and the electron superthermality on the basic characteristics of DA waves as well as on the three-dimensional instability criterion are highlighted. It is found that the DA solitary wave is rarefactivemore » (compressive) for negative (positive) dust. In addition, the growth rate of instability increases rapidly as the superthermal spectral index of electrons increases with either positive or negative dust grains. A brief discussion for possible applications is included.« less

Transversally periodic solitary gravity–capillary waves

PubMed Central

Milewski, Paul A.; Wang, Zhan

2014-01-01

When both gravity and surface tension effects are present, surface solitary water waves are known to exist in both two- and three-dimensional infinitely deep fluids. We describe here solutions bridging these two cases: travelling waves which are localized in the propagation direction and periodic in the transverse direction. These transversally periodic gravity–capillary solitary waves are found to be of either elevation or depression type, tend to plane waves below a critical transverse period and tend to solitary lumps as the transverse period tends to infinity. The waves are found numerically in a Hamiltonian system for water waves simplified by a cubic truncation of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator. This approximation has been proved to be very accurate for both two- and three-dimensional computations of fully localized gravity–capillary solitary waves. The stability properties of these waves are then investigated via the time evolution of perturbed wave profiles. PMID:24399922

Association of mGFR of the Remaining Kidney Divided by Its Volume before Donation with Functional Gain in mGFR among Living Kidney Donors

PubMed Central

Gaillard, François; Tissier, Anne-Marie; Fournier, Catherine; Le Nestour, Alexis; Corréas, Jean-Michel; Slimani-Thevenet, Hind; Martinez, Frank; Léon, Carine; Eladari, Dominique; Timsit, Marc-Olivier; Otal, Philippe; Hignette, Chantal; Friedlander, Gérard; Méjean, Arnaud; Houillier, Pascal; Kamar, Nassim; Legendre, Christophe

2016-01-01

Background and objectives The predictors of long–term renal function in living kidney donors are currently discussed. Our objectives were to describe the predictors of functional gain of the remaining kidney after kidney donation. We hypothesized that GFR of the remaining kidney divided by volume of this kidney (rk-GFR/vol) would reflect the density of functional nephrons and be inversely associated with functional gain of the remaining kidney. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We conducted a prospective monocentric study including 63 living donors (26 men; 50.3±11.8 years old) who had been evaluated for 51Cr-EDTA and measured GFR, split renal function by scintigraphy before donation (between 2004 and 2009), and measured GFR at 5.7±0.5 years after donation. For 52 donors, volume of the remaining kidney (measured and estimated with the ellipsoid formula using renal computed tomography scannography) was determined before donation. We tested our hypothesis in an external validation cohort of 39 living donors (13 men; 51.0±9.4 years old) from another single center during the same time period. Results For the main cohort, the mean measured GFR was 97.6±13.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 before donation and 63.8±9.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at 5 years. Functional gain averaged 16.2±7.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (+35.3%±16.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that age, body mass index, and rk-GFR/vol at donation were negatively correlated with functional gain and had strong predictive power of the 5-year functional gain (adjusted 5-year functional gain for age: −0.4 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), −0.5 to −0.1]; body mass index: −0.3 [95% CI, −0.6 to −0.1]; rk-GFR/vol: −55.1 [95% CI, −92.3 to −17.9]). We tested this model in the external validation cohort (adjusted 5-year functional gain for age: −0.1 [95% CI, −0.5 to 0.3]; body mass index: −0.9 [95% CI, −1.8 to −0.1]; rk-GFR/vol: −97.6 [95% CI, −137.5 to −57.6]) and confirmed that rk-GFR/vol was inversely associated with 5-year functional gain. Conclusions For given age and body mass index, the long–term functional gain of the remaining kidney is inversely associated with the new variable rk-GFR/vol at donation. PMID:27189317

Changes in urine volume and serum albumin in incident hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Eriguchi, Rieko; Obi, Yoshitsugu; Rhee, Connie M; Chou, Jason A; Tortorici, Amanda R; Mathew, Anna T; Kim, Taehee; Soohoo, Melissa; Streja, Elani; Kovesdy, Csaba P; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kamyar

2017-10-01

Hypoalbuminemia is a predictor of poor outcomes in dialysis patients. Among hemodialysis patients, there has not been prior study of whether residual kidney function or decline over time impacts serum albumin levels. We hypothesized that a decline in residual kidney function is associated with an increase in serum albumin levels among incident hemodialysis patients. In a large national cohort of 38,504 patients who initiated hemodialysis during 1/2007-12/2011, we examined the association of residual kidney function, ascertained by urine volume and renal urea clearance, with changes in serum albumin over five years across strata of baseline residual kidney function, race, and diabetes using case-mix adjusted linear mixed effects models. Serum albumin levels increased over time. At baseline, patients with greater urine volume had higher serum albumin levels: 3.44 ± 0.48, 3.50 ± 0.46, 3.57 ± 0.44, 3.59 ± 0.45, and 3.65 ± 0.46 g/dL for urine volume groups of <300, 300-<600, 600-<900, 900-<1,200, and ≥1,200 mL/day, respectively (P trend  < 0.001). Over time, urine volume and renal urea clearance declined and serum albumin levels rose, while the baseline differences in serum albumin persisted across groups of urinary volume. In addition, the rate of decline in residual kidney function was not associated with the rate of change in albumin. Hypoalbuminemia in hemodialysis patients is associated with lower residual kidney function. Among incident hemodialysis patients, there is a gradual rise in serum albumin that is independent of the rate of decline in residual kidney function, suggesting that preservation of residual kidney function does not have a deleterious impact on serum albumin levels. © 2016 International Society for Hemodialysis.

Serum Calcitriol Concentrations and Kidney Function Decline, Heart Failure, and Mortality in Elderly Community-Living Adults: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study.

PubMed

Selamet, Umut; Katz, Ronit; Ginsberg, Charles; Rifkin, Dena E; Fried, Linda F; Kritchevsky, Stephen B; Hoofnagle, Andrew N; Bibbins-Domingo, Kirsten; Drew, David; Harris, Tamara; Newman, Anne; Gutiérrez, Orlando M; Sarnak, Mark J; Shlipak, Michael G; Ix, Joachim H

2018-06-06

Lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations have been associated with risk for kidney function decline, heart failure, and mortality. However, 25-hydroxyvitamin D requires conversion to its active metabolite, calcitriol, for most biological effects. The associations of calcitriol concentrations with clinical events have not been well explored. Case-cohort study. Well-functioning community-living older adults aged 70 to 79 years at inception who participated in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study. Serum calcitriol measured using positive ion electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Major kidney function decline (≥30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline), incident heart failure (HF), and all-cause mortality during 10 years of follow-up. Baseline calcitriol concentrations were measured in a random subcohort of 479 participants and also in cases with major kidney function decline [n=397]) and incident HF (n=207) during 10 years of follow-up. Associations of serum calcitriol concentrations with these end points were evaluated using weighted Cox regression to account for the case-cohort design, while associations with mortality were assessed in the subcohort alone using unweighted Cox regression. During 8.6 years of mean follow-up, 212 (44%) subcohort participants died. In fully adjusted models, each 1-standard deviation lower calcitriol concentration was associated with 30% higher risk for major kidney function decline (95% CI, 1.03-1.65; P=0.03). Calcitriol was not significantly associated with incident HF (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.94-1.47) or mortality (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.81-1.26). We observed no significant interactions between calcitriol concentrations and chronic kidney disease status, baseline intact parathyroid or fibroblast factor 23 concentrations. Observational study design, calcitriol measurements at a single time point, selective study population of older adults only of white or black race. Lower calcitriol concentrations are independently associated with kidney function decline in community-living older adults. Future studies will be needed to clarify whether these associations reflect lower calcitriol concentrations resulting from abnormal kidney tubule dysfunction or direct mechanisms relating lower calcitriol concentrations to more rapid loss of kidney function. Published by Elsevier Inc.

MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Kidney involvement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: an update on clinical and molecular aspects.

PubMed

Verdelli, C; Corbetta, S

2017-01-01

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrine disease. Kidney is a target of both chronic elevated PTH and calcium in PHPT. The classic PHPT complications of symptomatic kidney stones and nephrocalcinosis have become rare and the PHPT current presentation is asymptomatic with uncertain and long-lasting progression. Nonetheless, the routine use of imaging and of biochemical determinations have revealed the frequent occurrence of asymptomatic kidney stones, hypercalciuria and reduced kidney function in asymptomatic PHPT patients. Though the pathogenesis is far from being elucidated, PHPT is associated with reduced renal function, in terms of estimated glomerular filtration rate, and related increased morbidity and mortality. In the last decade, the effort of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) panel of experts highlighted that even mild reduction of kidney function is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These considerations provided the basis for the Fourth Workshop recommendations of a more extensive diagnostic workout about kidney features and of wider criteria for parathyroid surgery including asymptomatic kidney disease. Moreover, kidney involvement in PHPT is likely to be affected by variants of genes coding the key molecules regulating the calcium and ions renal handling; these features might have clinical relevance and should be considered both during diagnostic workout and follow-up. Finally, the effects of parathyroid surgery and of medical treatment on kidney involvement of PHPT are reviewed. © 2017 European Society of Endocrinology.

Deleterious effects of incense smoke exposure on kidney function and architecture in male albino rats.

PubMed

Hussain, Tajamul; Al-Attas, Omar S; Alrokayan, Salman A; Ahmed, Mukhtar; Al-Daghri, Nasser M; Al-Ameri, Salman; Pervez, Shamsh; Dewangan, Shippi; Mohammed, Arif; Gambhir, Dikshit; Sumague, Terrance S

2016-07-01

Previous studies, including ours, have shown adverse effects of incense smoke on human health. However, the effect of incense smoke on kidney function and structure remains unknown. To evaluate possible adverse effects of incense smoke on kidney function and architecture in albino rats after chronic exposure to Arabian incense. Emission characteristics including particle size distribution, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by gravimetric and GCMS analyses. Kidney functional markers, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were measured by standard or ELISA based procedures. Ultrastructural changes in kidney were examined by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and the gene expression of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes including cytochrome P-450-1A1 (CYP1A1) and CYP1A2 were studied by real time PCR. Rats exposed to incense smoke demonstrated a significant increase in serum creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels and a significant decline in tissue reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity. Incense smoke exposed rats also displayed marked ultrastructural changes in kidney tissue. Further, a significant increase in tissue gene expression of both CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 was noted in exposed rats. Changes to kidney functional markers and architecture appear to be mediated through augmented oxidative stress and inflammation. Long-term exposure to incense smoke may have deleterious effects on kidney function and architecture. Though, inhalation is the rout of exposure, findings of this study underscore that incense smoke may also have an effect on non-pulmonary tissues.

Solitary renal myofibromatosis: an unusual cause of infantile hypertension.

PubMed

Kasaragod, A B; Lucia, M S; Lum, G M; Caldwell, S; Stork, L; Stenmark, K R

1999-05-01

Renovascular disease accounts for the vast majority of cases of infantile hypertension with complications resulting from umbilical arterial catheterization predominating in the neonatal period and fibrodysplastic lesions of the renal artery predominating outside the neonatal period. We report a previously undescribed cause of renovascular hypertension: solitary renal myofibromatosis. A 9-month-old male infant was transported to the intensive care unit at Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado, for evaluation and treatment of a dilated cardiomyopathy and severe systemic hypertension. The child was full-term with no perinatal problems. Specifically, the child never required umbilical arterial catheterization. He was well until 6 months of age when his parents noted poor weight gain. At 9 months of age, he was evaluated at the referral hospital for failure to thrive. On examination he was noted to have a blood pressure of 170/110 mm Hg, but no other abnormalities. A chest radiograph showed cardiomegaly. Laboratory studies demonstrated normal electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. However, urinalysis demonstrated 4+ protein without red blood cells. An echocardiogram showed severe left ventricular dilatation with an ejection fraction of 16%. On admission the child was noted to be cachectic. His vital signs, including blood pressure, were normal for age. The physical examination was unremarkable. Serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were normal. Echocardiographic studies suggested a dilated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was started on digoxin and captopril. Subsequently, he demonstrated episodic hypertension ranging from 170/90 to 220/130 mm Hg. A repeat echocardiogram 24 hours after admission demonstrated a purely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Verapamil and nifedipine were added to the treatment regimen in an effort to better control the blood pressure without success. Urine and blood for catecholamines and plasma renin activity, respectively, were sent and treatment with phentolamine instituted because of a possible pheochromocytoma. A spiral abdominal computerized tomographic scan revealed a markedly abnormal right kidney with linear streaky areas of calcification around the hilum and also an area of nonenhancement in the posterior upper pole. The adrenals and the left kidney were normal. Doppler ultrasound revealed a decrease in right renal arterial flow. The urinary catecholamines were normal and surgery was scheduled after the blood pressure was brought under control by medical treatment. At surgery, tumorous tissue and thrombosis of the renal artery were found in the right upper pole. A right nephrectomy was performed. Pathologic examination of the kidney showed the presence of a diffuse spindle cell proliferation in the interstitium of the kidney. The angiogenic/angiocentric character of the proliferation was demonstrated in several large renal vessels. The lumen of most vessels was narrowed and some vessels were totally occluded with recanalization and dystrophic calcifications observed. Immunostaining of the tumor demonstrated strong desmin and vimentin positivity and minimal actin positivity in the spindle cells. Mitotic activity was not noted in the spindle cell process. These pathologic changes were consistent with a diagnosis of infantile myofibromatosis (IM). The child's preoperative plasma renin activity was 50 712 ng/dL/h (reference range, 235-3700 ng/dL/h). The causes of systemic hypertension in infancy are many although renal causes are by far the most common. Renal arterial stenosis or thrombosis accounts for 10% to 24% of cases of infantile hypertension. Renal artery thrombosis is usually a consequence of umbilical arterial catheterization, which can also lead to embolization of the renal artery. Renal artery stenosis may result from fibrodysplastic lesions (74%), abdominal aortitis (9%), a complication of renal transplantation (5%), and ren

[Diagnostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT for solitary nodular-type bronchoalveolar carcinoma].

PubMed

Liu, Weikun; Li, Xiangdong; Quan, Jiangtao; Ouyang, Xi; Zheng, Hui

2013-01-01

To assess the value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of solitary nodular-type bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC). The clinical and radiographic data were analyzed retrospectively in 30 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary nodular-type BAC who underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT examinations between August, 2005 and December, 2006. The morphological and radioactive findings of the lesions were reviewed, and the maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) were measured. The diagnostic accuracy of PET, PET/CT, and HRCT were analyzed. The (18)F-FDG SUV was markedly lower in BAC than in other well differentiated adenocarcinoma. In 19 of the BAC cases, PET showed a SUVmax of no less than 2.5, demonstrating positive changes. Of the total of 30 cases, 5 had ground glass opacity (GGO) changes, 3 exhibited mixed nodules with GGO changes around the lesions, and 22 cases presented with solid nodules. HRCT showed that BAC located often in the superior lobes of the bilateral lungs, mostly below the pleura in the surrounding lung field; the lesions were patchy or nodular with irregular shapes, showing lobulation in 22 cases, spiculation in 15 cases, pleural indentation in 21 cases, and vacuolar changes in 4 cases. The diagnostic accuracy of PET, PET/CT and HRCT for solitary nodular-type BAC was 36.67%, 93.33%, and 93.33%, respectively. The SUVmax of BAC provides only limited value for defining the nature of the lesions, but can serve as a general reference for assessing the disease activity. PET/CT, which allows both functional and imaging assessment, can be a valuable modality to reduce the misdiagnosis rate of BAC.

[Diagnostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT for solitary nodular-type bronchoalveolar carcinoma].

PubMed

Liu, Wei-Kun; Li, Xiang-Dong; Quan, Jiang-Tao; Ouyang, Xi; Zheng, Hui

2015-01-01

To assess the value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of solitary nodular-type bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC). The clinical and radiographic data were analyzed retrospectively in 30 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary nodular-type BAC who underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT examinations between August, 2005 and December, 2006. The morphological and radioactive findings of the lesions were reviewed, and the maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) were measured. The diagnostic accuracy of PET, PET/CT, and HRCT were analyzed. The (18)F-FDG SUV was markedly lower in BAC than in other well differentiated adenocarcinoma. In 19 of the BAC cases, PET showed a SUVmax of no less than 2.5, demonstrating positive changes. Of the total of 30 cases, 5 had ground glass opacity (GGO) changes, 3 exhibited mixed nodules with GGO changes around the lesions, and 22 cases presented with solid nodules. HRCT showed that BAC located often in the superior lobes of the bilateral lungs, mostly below the pleura in the surrounding lung field; the lesions were patchy or nodular with irregular shapes, showing lobulation in 22 cases, spiculation in 15 cases, pleural indentation in 21 cases, and vacuolar changes in 4 cases. The diagnostic accuracy of PET, PET/CT and HRCT for solitary nodular-type BAC was 36.67%, 93.33%, and 93.33%, respectively. The SUVmax of BAC provides only limited value for defining the nature of the lesions, but can serve as a general reference for assessing the disease activity. PET/CT, which allows both functional and imaging assessment, can be a valuable modality to reduce the misdiagnosis rate of BAC.

Social stress and reproductive success in the female Syrian hamster: endocrine and behavioral correlates.

PubMed

Chelini, Marie Odile Monier; Palme, Rupert; Otta, Emma

2011-10-24

In many mammal species, reproduction is not shared equally among the members of a social unit. Even though reproductive skew seems unlikely in females of solitary species, this phenomenon could result from environmental factors. Although solitary in the wild, captive Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are generally housed in groups. We investigated whether social stress produces some degree of reproductive skew in this solitary species and whether female reproductive success varies as a function of social rank. To assess the physiological relationship between social stress and fertility, we monitored reproductive hormones and glucocorticoids of solitary and pair-housed females during pregnancy by means of recently established non-invasive methods for measuring hormone metabolites in the feces. The patterns of fecal progesterone, estrogen and glucocorticoid metabolites were similar to those found in blood and reported in the literature for pregnant hamsters. As expected, dominant females had higher breeding success than subordinate females. However the rate of reproductive failure was also very high among the singly housed females of our control group. The number of pups per litter, the average sex-ratio in each group, and the mean weight of pups did not differ significantly among groups. Glucocorticoid concentrations were unaffected by housing and social rank and the few differences between the endocrine profiles of singly- and pair-housed females are not sufficient to explain the observed difference in breeding success. It is likely that social isolation impairs reproduction in the same manner as subordination. Our findings suggest that social isolation of animals accustomed to group living was equally as disturbing as cohabitation with an unknown conspecific. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Composition and emission dynamics of migratory locust volatiles in response to changes in developmental stages and population density.

PubMed

Wei, Jianing; Shao, Wenbo; Wang, Xianhui; Ge, Jin; Chen, Xiangyong; Yu, Dan; Kang, Le

2017-02-01

Chemical communication plays an important role in density-dependent phase change in locusts. However, the volatile components and emission patterns of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, are largely unknown. In this study, we identified the chemical compositions and emission dynamics of locust volatiles from the body and feces and associated them with developmental stages, sexes and phase changes. The migratory locust shares a number of volatile components with the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), but the emission dynamics of the two locust species are significantly different. The body odors of the gregarious nymphs in the migratory locust consisted of phenylacetonitrile (PAN), benzaldehyde, guaiacol, phenol, aliphatic acids and 2,3-butanediol, and PAN was the dominant volatile. Volatiles from the fecal pellets of the nymphs primarily consist of guaiacol and phenol. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant differences in the volatile profiles between gregarious and solitary locusts. PAN and 4-vinylanisole concentrations were significantly higher in gregarious individuals than in solitary locusts. Gregarious mature males released significantly higher amounts of PAN and 4-vinylanisole during adulthood than mature females and immature adults of both sexes. Furthermore, PAN and 4-vinylanisole were completely lost in gregarious nymphs during the solitarization process, but were obtained by solitary nymphs during gregarization. The amounts of benzaldehyde, guaiacol and phenol only unidirectionally decreased from solitary to crowded treatment. Aliphatic aldehydes (C7 to C10), which were previously reported as locust volatiles, are now identified as environmental contaminants. Therefore, our results illustrate the precise odor profiles of migratory locusts during developmental stages, sexes and phase change. However, the function and role of PAN and other aromatic compounds during phase transition need further investigation. © 2016 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Interaction phenomenon to dimensionally reduced p-gBKP equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Runfa; Bilige, Sudao; Bai, Yuexing; Lü, Jianqing; Gao, Xiaoqing

2018-02-01

Based on searching the combining of quadratic function and exponential (or hyperbolic cosine) function from the Hirota bilinear form of the dimensionally reduced p-gBKP equation, eight class of interaction solutions are derived via symbolic computation with Mathematica. The submergence phenomenon, presented to illustrate the dynamical features concerning these obtained solutions, is observed by three-dimensional plots and density plots with particular choices of the involved parameters between the exponential (or hyperbolic cosine) function and the quadratic function. It is proved that the interference between the two solitary waves is inelastic.

The Interaction Between Thyroid and Kidney Disease: An Overview of the Evidence

PubMed Central

Rhee, Connie M.

2016-01-01

Purpose of Review Hypothyroidism is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, including those receiving dialysis. This review examines potential mechanistic links between thyroid and kidney disease; current evidence for hypothyroidism as a risk factor for de novo CKD and CKD progression; and studies of thyroid functional disorders, cardiovascular disease, and death in the CKD population. Recent Findings Epidemiologic data have demonstrated an incrementally higher prevalence of hypothyroidism with increasing severity of kidney dysfunction. Various thyroid functional test abnormalities are also commonly observed in CKD, due to alterations in thyroid hormone synthesis, metabolism, and regulation. While the mechanistic link between thyroid and kidney disease remains unclear, observational studies suggest hypothyroidism is associated with abnormal kidney structure and function. Previously thought to be a physiologic adaptation, recent studies show that hypothyroidism is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death in CKD. Summary A growing body of evidence suggests that hypothyroidism is a risk factor for incident CKD, CKD progression, and higher death risk in kidney disease patients. Rigorous studies are needed to determine impact of thyroid hormone replacement upon kidney disease progression, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, which may shed light into the causal implications of hypothyroidism in CKD. PMID:27428519

Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in kidney tubular transport, metabolism, and disease.

PubMed

Rajani, Roshan; Pastor-Soler, Nuria M; Hallows, Kenneth R

2017-09-01

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic sensor that regulates cellular energy balance, transport, growth, inflammation, and survival functions. This review explores recent work in defining the effects of AMPK on various renal tubular epithelial ion transport proteins as well as its role in kidney injury and repair in normal and disease states. Recently, several groups have uncovered additional functions of AMPK in the regulation of kidney and transport proteins. These new studies have focused on the role of AMPK in the kidney in the setting of various diseases such as diabetes, which include evaluation of the effects of the hyperglycemic state on podocyte and tubular cell function. Other recent studies have investigated how reduced kidney mass, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and fibrosis affect AMPK activation status. A general theme of several conditions that lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is that AMPK activity is abnormally suppressed relative to that in normal kidneys. Thus, the idea that AMPK activation may be a therapeutic strategy to slow down the progression of CKD has emerged. In addition to drugs such as metformin and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide that are classically used as AMPK activators, recent studies have identified the therapeutic potential of other compounds that function at least partly as AMPK activators, such as salicylates, statins, berberine, and resveratrol, in preventing the progression of CKD. AMPK in the kidney plays a unique role at the crossroads of energy metabolism, ion and water transport, inflammation, and stress. Its potential role in modulating recovery from vs. progression of acute and chronic kidney injury has been the topic of recent research findings. The continued study of AMPK in kidney physiology and disease has improved our understanding of these physiological and pathological processes and offers great hope for therapeutic avenues for the increasing population at risk to develop kidney failure.

Measuring and Assessing Kidney Function.

PubMed

Vart, Priya; Grams, Morgan E

2016-07-01

Assessment of kidney function is important for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and level of albuminuria are two frequently used indices of kidney function assessment. Administration of an exogenous filtration marker to measure GFR and collection of urine for 24 hours to measure albumin excretion generally are considered the gold standard for GFR and albuminuria, respectively, but they are time consuming and onerous for the patient. Thus, in routine clinical practice, other methods are used more frequently to assess GFR and albuminuria. In this review, we discuss the role of GFR and albuminuria in staging of chronic kidney disease as well as the pros and cons and prognostic implications of various methods of assessment of GFR and albuminuria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Widespread occurrence of honey bee pathogens in solitary bees.

PubMed

Ravoet, Jorgen; De Smet, Lina; Meeus, Ivan; Smagghe, Guy; Wenseleers, Tom; de Graaf, Dirk C

2014-10-01

Solitary bees and honey bees from a neighbouring apiary were screened for a broad set of putative pathogens including protists, fungi, spiroplasmas and viruses. Most sampled bees appeared to be infected with multiple parasites. Interestingly, viruses exclusively known from honey bees such as Apis mellifera Filamentous Virus and Varroa destructor Macula-like Virus were also discovered in solitary bees. A microsporidium found in Andrena vaga showed most resemblance to Nosema thomsoni. Our results suggest that bee hives represent a putative source of pathogens for other pollinators. Similarly, solitary bees may act as a reservoir of honey bee pathogens. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New compacton soliton solutions and solitary patterns solutions of nonlinearly dispersive Boussinesq equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Zhenya; Bluman, George

2002-11-01

The special exact solutions of nonlinearly dispersive Boussinesq equations (called B( m, n) equations), utt- uxx- a( un) xx+ b( um) xxxx=0, is investigated by using four direct ansatze. As a result, abundant new compactons: solitons with the absence of infinite wings, solitary patterns solutions having infinite slopes or cups, solitary waves and singular periodic wave solutions of these two equations are obtained. The variant is extended to include linear dispersion to support compactons and solitary patterns in the linearly dispersive Boussinesq equations with m=1. Moreover, another new compacton solution of the special case, B(2,2) equation, is also found.

An Experiment on Two-Dimensional Interaction of Solitary Waves in Shallow Water System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuji, Hidekazu; Yufu, Kei; Marubayashi, Kenji

2012-11-01

The dynamics of solitary waves in horizontally two-dimensional region is not yet well understood. Recently two-dimensional soliton interaction of Kadmotsetv-Petviashvili (KP) equation which describes the weakly nonlinear long wave in shallow water system has been theoretically studied (e.g. Kodama (2010)). It is clarified that the ``resonant'' interaction which forms Y-shaped triad can be described by exact solution. Li et al. (2011) experimentally studied the reflection of solitary wave at the wall and verified the theory of KP equation. To investigate more general interaction process, an experiment in wave tank using two wave makers which are controlled independently is carried out. The wave tank is 4 m in length and 3.6 m in width. The depth of the water is about 8cm. The wavemakers, which are piston-type and have board about 1.5 m in length, can produce orderly solitary wave which amplitude is 1.0-3.5 cm. We observe newly generated solitary wave due to interaction of original solitary waves which have different amplitude and/or propagation direction. The results are compared with the aforementioned theory of KP equation.

Orbital stability of solitary waves for Kundu equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Weiguo; Qin, Yinghao; Zhao, Yan; Guo, Boling

In this paper, we consider the Kundu equation which is not a standard Hamiltonian system. The abstract orbital stability theory proposed by Grillakis et al. (1987, 1990) cannot be applied directly to study orbital stability of solitary waves for this equation. Motivated by the idea of Guo and Wu (1995), we construct three invariants of motion and use detailed spectral analysis to obtain orbital stability of solitary waves for Kundu equation. Since Kundu equation is more complex than the derivative Schrödinger equation, we utilize some techniques to overcome some difficulties in this paper. It should be pointed out that the results obtained in this paper are more general than those obtained by Guo and Wu (1995). We present a sufficient condition under which solitary waves are orbitally stable for 2c+sυ<0, while Guo and Wu (1995) only considered the case 2c+sυ>0. We obtain the results on orbital stability of solitary waves for the derivative Schrödinger equation given by Colin and Ohta (2006) as a corollary in this paper. Furthermore, we obtain orbital stability of solitary waves for Chen-Lee-Lin equation and Gerdjikov-Ivanov equation, respectively.

Comparison of computer tomographic volumetry versus nuclear split renal function to determine residual renal function after living kidney donation.

PubMed

Patankar, Khalil; Low, Ronny Su-Tong; Blakeway, Darryn; Ferrari, Paolo

2014-07-01

Living-donor kidney transplantation is an established practice. Traditionally a combination of renal scintigram and computed tomography (CT) is used to select the kidney that is to be harvested in each donor. To evaluate the ability of split renal volume (SRV) calculated from volumetric examination of CT images compared to nuclear split renal function (nSRF) derived from gamma camera scintigram to predict donor residual single kidney function after donor nephrectomy. This pilot study comprised a retrospective analysis of CT images and renal scintigrams from 12 subsequent live kidney donors who had at least 12 months post-donation renal function follow-up. nSRF derived from the renal scintigram, expressed as the right kidney's function in percent of the total, was 50.2 ± 3.3 (range, 44.1-54.0%) and SRV estimated following analysis of CT imaging was 49.0 ± 2.9 (range, 46.4-52.3%). Although the correlation between nSRF and SRV was moderate (R = 0.46), there was 92% agreement on the dominant kidney if a difference of <2% in nSRF versus SRV was considered. Post-donation glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by CKD-EPI formula was 92 ± 10 mL/min/1.73m2 at 1 year and the correlation between estimated GFR (eGFR) at 1 year and extrapolated single kidney eGFR adjusted by nSRF (R(2 )= 0.69, P = 0.0007) or SRV (R(2 )= 0.74, P = 0.0003) was similar. Calculation of SRV from pre-donation CT examination is a valid method to estimate nSRF with good concordance with nSRF determined by renal scintigram and could replace the latter in the assessment of potential kidney donors. © The Foundation Acta Radiologica 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Extreme Morphogenesis and Ecological Specialization among Cretaceous Basal Ants.

PubMed

Perrichot, Vincent; Wang, Bo; Engel, Michael S

2016-06-06

Ants comprise one lineage of the triumvirate of eusocial insects and experienced their early diversification within the Cretaceous [1-9]. Their ecological success is generally attributed to their remarkable social behavior. Not all ants cooperate in social hunting, however, and some of the most effective predatory ants are solitary hunters with powerful trap jaws [10]. Recent evolutionary studies predict that the early branching lineages of extant ants formed small colonies of ground-dwelling, solitary specialist predators [2, 5, 7, 11, 12], while some Cretaceous fossils suggest group recruitment and socially advanced behavior among stem-group ants [9]. We describe a trap-jaw ant from 99 million-year-old Burmese amber with head structures that presumably functioned as a highly specialized trap for large-bodied prey. These are a cephalic horn resulting from an extreme modification of the clypeus hitherto unseen among living and extinct ants and scythe-like mandibles that extend high above the head, both demonstrating the presence of exaggerated morphogenesis early among stem-group ants. The new ant belongs to the Haidomyrmecini, possibly the earliest ant lineage [9], and together these trap-jaw ants suggest that at least some of the earliest Formicidae were solitary specialist predators. With their peculiar adaptations, haidomyrmecines had a refined ecology shortly following the advent of ants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ovarian development in a primitively eusocial wasp: social interactions affect behaviorally dominant and subordinate wasps in opposite directions relative to solitary females.

PubMed

Shukla, Shantanu; Pareek, Vidhi; Gadagkar, Raghavendra

2014-07-01

In many primitively eusocial wasp species new nests are founded either by a single female or by a small group of females. In the single foundress nests, the lone female develops her ovaries, lays eggs as well as tends her brood. In multiple foundress nests social interactions, especially dominance-subordinate interactions, result in only one 'dominant' female developing her ovaries and laying eggs. Ovaries of the remaining 'subordinate' cofoundresses remain suppressed and these individuals function as workers and tend the dominant's brood. Using the tropical, primitively eusocial polistine wasp Ropalidia marginata and by comparing wasps held in isolation and those kept as pairs in the laboratory, we demonstrate that social interactions affect ovarian development of dominant and subordinate wasps among the pairs in opposite directions, suppressing the ovaries of the subordinate member of the pair below that of solitary wasps and boosting the ovaries of dominant member of the pair above that of solitary females. In addition to being of physiological interest, such mirror image effects of aggression on the ovaries of the aggressors and their victims, suggest yet another mechanism by which subordinates can enhance their indirect fitness and facilitate the evolution of worker behavior by kin selection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Creatinine blood test

MedlinePlus

Serum creatinine; Kidney function - creatinine; Renal function - creatinine ... kidney damage or failure, infection, or reduced blood flow Loss of ... medicine overdose. Your provider will tell you more, if needed.

THE KNOCKED-OUT UNILATERAL KIDNEY! CAUSES AND PRESENTATION.

PubMed

Bangash, Kashif; Alam, Asaf; Amin, Mohammed; Anwar, Khursheed

2015-01-01

Due to lack of awareness and non-availability of proper medical facilities in Pakistan, patients with kidney problems tend to seek urological consultation very late when their kidney has already knocked-out. The aim of the study was to find the various presenting complaints of patients having unilateral loss of kidney function and their aetiologies. The study also targeted the patient's awareness regarding their disease. This descriptive case-series of 103 consecutive patients who were diagnosed as having less than 20% of function on DTPA Renal Scan were evaluated. The aetiology of the non-functioning kidney (NFK) was made on either imaging findings or during the exploration, and/or on histopathology if necessary. The results were analysed using SPSS 16.0. Results: The aetiology of the unilateral renal failure included those that were secondary to nephro-pelvic stones in 39.8% and ureteric stones in 14.6%. Of the other aetiologies culminating in a unilateral NFK, 7.8% of the patients had chronic pyelonephritis, 20.4% had PUJO and 5.8% were Genito-urinary Tuberculosis; 3.9% had VUR and were found incidentally, 3.9% developed non-functioning kidney iatrogenically. About 39.8% of the patients knew about their primary disease causing destruction of renal function since long. The remaining 60.2% were unaware that they had developed NFK already when they presented. Proper education through awareness program both for the public and general practitioners can detect early threats to the kidney and hence decrease the loss of a kidney. This will also decrease the number of nephrectomies carried out for the benign condition.

77 FR 6130 - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-07

... Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the... Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Special Emphasis Panel; Cellular Biology of Kidney Function and... Research; 93.849, Kidney Diseases, Urology and Hematology Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS...

Notes on the Problems of the Transplantation of Kidneys in Dogs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Puza, A.; Drahovsky, V.; Neubauer, E.

1963-01-01

In a group of 29 mongrel dogs kidney homotransplantation was performed. In five dogs an autograft was performed to check the suitability of the surgical technique. In the remaining 24 dogs kidney homografts were carried out, Five dogs served as controls; in these animals the functioning of the homografted kidney stopped after 8 days on the average, In 12 animals an attempt at the induction of immunological tolerance by exsanguinotransfusion, whole-body irradiation and 6-MP-administration was made. Induction of immunological tolerance by total exsanguinotransfusion immediately after birth may render possible a successful homograft even in adult life. The transplanted organ thenmore » exhibits a permanent take and takes over the function of the recipient's removed kidneys. One dog is alive with its single kidney homograft after almost two years. 6-MP administration may lead to such a degree of induced tolerance that the function of a kidney homograft is prolonged by a factor of two to three. Whole-body irradiation within a range of 400 rad (Co 60 source) does not significantly prolong homograft survival.« less

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Chronic kidney disease, defined by a decreased glomerular filtration rate or albuminuria, is recognized as a major global health burden, mainly because it is an established risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The magnitude of the effect of chronic kidney disease on incident stroke seems to be higher in persons of Asian ethnicity. Since the kidney and brain share unique susceptibilities to vascular injury due to similar anatomical and functional features of small artery diseases, kidney impairment can be predictive of the presence and severity of cerebral small vessel diseases. Chronic kidney disease has been reported to be associated with silent brain infarcts, cerebral white matter lesions, and cerebral microbleeds, independently of vascular risk factors. In addition, chronic kidney disease affects cognitive function, partly via the high prevalence of cerebral small vessel diseases. Retinal artery disease also has an independent relationship with chronic kidney disease and cognitive impairment. Stroke experts are no longer allowed to be ignorant of chronic kidney disease. Close liaison between neurologists and nephrologists can improve the management of cerebral small vessel diseases in kidney patients. PMID:25692105

Increased muscular volume and cuticular specialisations enhance jump velocity in solitarious compared with gregarious desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria.

PubMed

Rogers, Stephen M; Riley, Joanna; Brighton, Caroline; Sutton, Gregory P; Cullen, Darron A; Burrows, Malcolm

2016-03-01

The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, shows a strong phenotypic plasticity. It can develop, depending upon population density, into either a solitarious or gregarious phase that differs in many aspects of behaviour, physiology and morphology. Prominent amongst these differences is that solitarious locusts have proportionately longer hind femora than gregarious locusts. The hind femora contain the muscles and energy-storing cuticular structures that propel powerful jumps using a catapult-like mechanism. We show that solitarious locusts jump on average 23% faster and 27% further than gregarious locusts, and attribute this improved performance to three sources: first, a 17.5% increase in the relative volume of their hind femur, and hence muscle volume; second, a 24.3% decrease in the stiffness of the energy-storing semi-lunar processes of the distal femur; and third, a 4.5% decrease in the stiffness of the tendon of the extensor tibiae muscle. These differences mean that solitarious locusts can generate more power and store more energy in preparation for a jump than can gregarious locusts. This improved performance comes at a cost: solitarious locusts expend nearly twice the energy of gregarious locusts during a single jump and the muscular co-contraction that energises the cuticular springs takes twice as long. There is thus a trade-off between achieving maximum jump velocity in the solitarious phase against the ability to engage jumping rapidly and repeatedly in the gregarious phase. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Effects of RAAS Inhibitors in Patients with Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Zhang, Fan; Liu, Hong; Liu, Di; Liu, Yexin; Li, Huiqiong; Tan, Xia; Liu, Fuyou; Peng, Youming; Zhang, Hongqing

2017-08-08

Proteinuria and decline of renal function are associated with progression of kidney disease. The Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, fluid volume, and sodium balance. Overactivity of RAAS contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety of clinical conditions including progress of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review summarizes the use of RAAS inhibitors as dual therapy or monotherapy in different stages of kidney disease. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated RAAS inhibitors prevent proteinuria, kidney fibrosis and slow decline of renal function and thus play a protective role in both early and end stages of kidney disease. While combination use of RAAS inhibitors showed higher efficiency compared with monotherapy, it is also associated with higher incidence of adverse events. Besides ACEI/ARBs, more mechanism research of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in kidney disease should be performed.

Topics in Nanophotonic Devices for Nitrogen-Vacancy Color Centers in Diamond

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Babinec, Thomas Michael

2012-01-01

Recently, developments in novel and high-purity materials allow for the presence of a single, solitary crystalline defect to define the electronic, magnetic, and optical functionality of a device. The discrete nature of the active dopant, whose properties are defined by a quantum mechanical description of its structure, enables radically new…

The effect of post-diapause development on respiratory function in the alfalfa leaf-cutting bee, Megachile rotundata

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Megachile rotundata, the alfalfa leaf-cutting bee, is a solitary, cavity-nesting bee. M. rotundata develop inside brood cells constructed from leaf pieces and sealed with the female’s saliva. During development, M. rotundata may experience hypoxic conditions from the cavity in which they reside; oxy...

[Kidney allotransplantation from the AB0-incompatible donors].

PubMed

Goriaĭnov, V A; Kaabak, M M; Babenko, N N; Shishlo, L A; Morozova, M M; Ragimov, A A; Dazhkova, N G; Salimov, E L

2013-01-01

The experience of 28 kidney allotransplantations from the AB0-incompatible donors was analyzed. The comparative group consisted of 38 patients, who received the AB0-compatible organ. The results were assessed using the following parameters: renal function, morphology of the biopsy samples of the transplanted kidney and actuary survival of the recipients with functioning transplants in both groups. The comparative analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups, giving the right to consider the kidney allotransplantation from the AB0-incompatible donors safe and effective.

Electron acoustic nonlinear structures in planetary magnetospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, K. H.; Qureshi, M. N. S.; Masood, W.; Shah, H. A.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we have studied linear and nonlinear propagation of electron acoustic waves (EAWs) comprising cold and hot populations in which the ions form the neutralizing background. The hot electrons have been assumed to follow the generalized ( r , q ) distribution which has the advantage that it mimics most of the distribution functions observed in space plasmas. Interestingly, it has been found that unlike Maxwellian and kappa distributions, the electron acoustic waves admit not only rarefactive structures but also allow the formation of compressive solitary structures for generalized ( r , q ) distribution. It has been found that the flatness parameter r , tail parameter q , and the nonlinear propagation velocity u affect the propagation characteristics of nonlinear EAWs. Using the plasmas parameters, typically found in Saturn's magnetosphere and the Earth's auroral region, where two populations of electrons and electron acoustic solitary waves (EASWs) have been observed, we have given an estimate of the scale lengths over which these nonlinear waves are expected to form and how the size of these structures would vary with the change in the shape of the distribution function and with the change of the plasma parameters.

Transverse instability of solitary waves in the generalized kadomtsev-petviashvili equation

PubMed

Kataoka; Tsutahara; Negoro

2000-04-03

The linear stability of planar solitary waves with respect to long-wavelength transverse perturbations is studied in the framework of the generalized Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation. It is newly discovered that for some nonlinearities in this family, the solitary waves could be transversely unstable even in a medium with negative dispersion. In the case of positive dispersion, they are found to be always unstable.

Perforated Solitary Diverticulitis of the Ascending Colon

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

postoperative day 6. DISCUSSION Diverticuli of the right colon exist in approximately 1% to 5% of patients with diverticular disease .1-3 They are...ORIGINAL REPORTS Perforated Solitary Diverticulitis of the Ascending Colon CPT David S. Kauvar, MC, USA, MAJ, Jayson Aydelotte, MC, USA, and MAJ...Michael Harnisch, MC, USA Department of Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas KEY WORDS: solitary colon diverticulum

Cystatin C– and Creatinine-Based Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Vascular Disease, and Mortality in Persons With Diabetes in the U.S.

PubMed Central

Tsai, Ching-Wei; Grams, Morgan E.; Inker, Lesley A.; Coresh, Josef; Selvin, Elizabeth

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE Serum cystatin C is an alternative to serum creatinine for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR), since cystatin C is less influenced by age and muscle mass. Among persons with diabetes, we compared the performance of GFR estimated using cystatin C (eGFRcys) with that using creatinine (eGFRcr) for the identification of reduced kidney function and its association with diabetes complications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed data from adult participants from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with available cystatin C (N = 4,457). Kidney function was dichotomized as preserved (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or reduced (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) using the 2012 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) cystatin C and the 2009 CKD-EPI creatinine equations. RESULTS Among 778 persons with diabetes, the prevalence of reduced kidney function was 16.5% using eGFRcr and 22.0% using eGFRcys. More persons with diabetes were reclassified from preserved kidney function by eGFRcr to reduced kidney function by eGFRcys than persons without diabetes (odds ratio 3.1 [95% CI 1.9–4.9], P < 0.001). The associations between lower eGFR and higher prevalence of albuminuria, retinopathy, peripheral arterial disease, and coronary artery disease were robust regardless of filtration marker. Similarly, the risk of all-cause mortality increased with lower eGFRcr and eGFRcys. Only lower eGFRcys was significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS More persons with diabetes had reduced kidney function by eGFRcys than by eGFRcr, and lower eGFRcys was strongly associated with diabetes complications. Whether eGFRcys is superior to eGFRcr in approximating true kidney function in a diabetic population requires additional study. PMID:24271191

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade in patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease.

PubMed

Bermejo, Sheila; García, Carles Oriol; Rodríguez, Eva; Barrios, Clara; Otero, Sol; Mojal, Sergi; Pascual, Julio; Soler, María José

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage chronic kidney disease. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade has been shown to slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Our objectives were: to study the percentage of patients with diabetic kidney disease treated with RAAS blockade, to determine its renal function, safety profile and assess whether its administration is associated with increased progression of CKD after 3 years of follow-up. Retrospective study. 197 diabetic kidney disease patients were included and divided into three groups according to the treatment: patients who had never received RAAS blockade (non-RAAS blockade), patients who at some point had received RAAS blockade (inconstant-RAAS blockade) and patients who received RAAS blockade (constant-RAAS blockade). Clinical characteristics and analytical variables such as renal function, electrolytes, glycosylated haemoglobin and glomerular filtration rate according to chronic kidney disease -EPI and MDRD formulas were assessed. We also studied their clinical course (baseline, 1 and 3 years follow-up) in terms of treatment group, survival, risk factors and renal prognosis. Non-RAAS blockade patients had worse renal function and older age (p<0.05) at baseline compared to RAAS blockade patients. Patients who received RAAS blockade were not found to have greater toxicity or chronic kidney disease progression and no differences in renal prognosis were identified. Mortality was higher in non-RAAS blockade patients, older patients and patients with worse renal function (p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, older age and worse renal function were risk factors for mortality. Treatment with RAAS blockade is more common in diabetic kidney disease patients with eGFR≥30ml/min/1.73m 2 . In our study, there were no differences in the evolution of renal function between the three groups. Older age and worse renal function were associated with higher mortality in patients who did not receive RAAS blockade. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Comparative study on bioremediation of heavy metals by solitary ascidian, Phallusia nigra, between Thoothukudi and Vizhinjam ports of India.

PubMed

Abdul Jaffar Ali, H; Tamilselvi, M; Akram, A Soban; Kaleem Arshan, M L; Sivakumar, V

2015-11-01

Ascidians belonging to the sub-phylum Uro-chordata are used as potential model organisms in various parts of the world for biosorption of metals. The sedentary nature, filter feeding habits, presence of vanadocytes and the absence of kidneys cause them to accumulate metals. The present study was aimed to compare biosorption of metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and vanadium in test and mantle body of solitary ascidian Phallusia nigra between two ecologically significant stations such as Thoothukudi (Station 1) and Vizhinjam (Station 2) ports of India. Monthly samplings of water and P. nigra were done for a period of one year from September 2010 to August 2011 and subjected to analysis of metal accumulation. The average metal concentrations except mercury in the Thoothukudi water were found to be higher of comparable magnitudes than the Vizhinjam water. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences between the stations. A comparison of average metal concentrations in the test and mantle body of P. nigra between two stations showed that the enrichment of V, Cd, Pb, Cu and Hg in the Thoothukudi samples may be due to high bioaccumulation factors of these elements as compared to other species of ascidians. The bioaccumulation factors were in the order of V>Pb>Cd>Cu> Hg for the test and mantle body in stations 1 and 2. Application of one-way ANOVA for the concentration of these metals between test and mantle body showed significant differences in both stations. Similarly, ANOVA for biosorption of these trace metals by P. nigra showed significant difference between stations. Metal concentrations recorded in this ascidian could effectively be used as good reference material for monitoring metal contamination in Indian sea waters. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pancreatic resection for renal cell carcinoma metastasis: An exceptionally rare coexistence.

PubMed

Boussios, Stergios; Zerdes, Ioannis; Batsi, Ourania; Papakostas, Vasilios P; Seraj, Esmeralda; Pentheroudakis, George; Glantzounis, George K

2016-01-01

Pancreatic metastases are uncommon and only found in a minority of patients with widespread metastatic disease at autopsy. The most common primary cancer site resulting in pancreatic metastases is the kidney, followed by colorectal cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, lung carcinoma and sarcoma. Herein, we report a 63-year-old male patient who presented -3.5 years after radical nephrectomy performed for renal cell carcinoma (RCC)-with a well-defined lobular, round mass at the body of the pancreas demonstrated by abdominal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy combined with splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Histopathological examination revealed clusters of epithelial clear cells, immunohistochemically positive for RCC marker, and negative for CD10 and CA19-9. A final diagnosis of clear RCC metastasizing to pancreas was obtained in view of the past history of RCC, microscopy and the immunoprofile. This was the second metachronous disease recurrence after a previous metastatic involvement of the liver, developed 19 months from the initial diagnosis. The patient has remained well at a 6 month follow up post-resection. Solitary pancreatic metastases may be misdiagnosed as primary pancreatic cancer. However, imaging including computed tomography (CT) and MRI, may discriminate between them. Surgical procedures could differentiate solitary metastasis from neuroendocrine neoplasms. The optimal resection strategy involves adequate resection margins and maximal tissue preservation of the pancreas. Recently, an increasing number of surgical resections have been performed in selected patients with limited metastatic disease to the pancreas. In addition, a rigid follow-up scheme, including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and CT is essential give patients a chance for a prolonged life. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Cardio-renal syndromes: from foggy bottoms to sunny hills.

PubMed

Ronco, Claudio

2011-11-01

"Cardio-renal syndromes" (CRS) are disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. The current definition has been expanded into five subtypes whose etymology reflects the primary and secondary pathology, the time-frame and simultaneous cardiac and renal co-dysfunction secondary to systemic disease: CRS type I: acute worsening of heart function (AHF-ACS) leading to kidney injury and/or dysfunction. CRS type II: chronic abnormalities in heart function (CHF-CHD) leading to kidney injury or dysfunction. CRS type III: acute worsening of kidney function (AKI) leading to heart injury and/or dysfunction. CRS type IV: chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to heart injury, disease and/or dysfunction. CRS type V: systemic conditions leading to simultaneous injury and/or dysfunction of heart and kidney. These different subtypes may have a different pathophysiological mechanism and they may represent separate entities in terms of prevention and therapy.

Soy Protein Alleviates Hypertension and Fish Oil Improves Diastolic Heart Function in the Han:SPRD-Cy Rat Model of Cystic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Naser H M; Thandapilly, Sijo J; Jia, Yong; Netticadan, Thomas; Aukema, Harold

2016-05-01

Abnormalities in cardiac structure and function are very common among people with chronic kidney disease, in whom cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death. Dietary soy protein and fish oil reduce kidney disease progression in the Han:SPRD-Cy model of cystic renal disease. However, the effects of these dietary interventions in preventing alterations in cardiac structure and function due to kidney disease (reno-cardiac syndrome) in a cystic kidney disease model are not known. Therefore, weanling Han:SPRD-Cy diseased (Cy/+) and normal (+/+) rats were given diets containing either casein or soy protein, and either soy or fish oil in a three-way design for 8 weeks. Diseased rats had larger hearts, augmented left ventricular mass, and higher systolic and mean arterial blood pressure compared to the normal rats. Assessment of cardiac function using two-dimensional guided M-mode and pulse-wave Doppler echocardiography revealed that isovolumic relaxation time was prolonged in the diseased compared to normal rats, reflecting a diastolic heart dysfunction, and fish oil prevented this elevation. Soy protein resulted in a small improvement in systolic and mean arterial pressure but did not improve diastolic heart function, while fish oil prevented diastolic heart dysfunction in this model of cystic kidney disease.

The effect of prolonged of warm ischaemic injury on renal function in an experimental ex vivo normothermic perfusion system.

PubMed

Hosgood, Sarah A; Shah, K; Patel, M; Nicholson, M L

2015-06-30

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidney transplants inevitably sustain a degree of warm ischaemic injury, which is manifested clinically as delayed graft function. The aim of this study was to define the effects of prolonged periods of warm ischaemic injury on renal function in a normothermic haemoperfused kidney model. Porcine kidneys were subjected to 15, 60, 90 (n = 6 per group) and 120 min (n = 4) of in situ warm ischaemia (WI) and then retrieved, flushed with cold preservation fluid and stored in ice for 2 h. Kidneys then underwent 3 h of normothermic reperfusion with a whole blood-based perfusate using an ex vivo circuit developed from clinical grade cardiopulmonary bypass technology. Creatinine clearance, urine output and fractional excretion of sodium deteriorated sequentially with increasing warm time. Renal function was severely compromised after 90 or 120 min of WI but haemodynamic, metabolic and histological parameters demonstrated the viability of kidneys subjected to prolonged warm ischaemia. Isolated kidney perfusion using a warm, oxygenated, red cell-based perfusate allows an accurate ex vivo assessment of the potential for recovery from warm ischaemic injury. Prolonged renal warm ischaemic injury caused a severe decrement in renal function but was not associated with tissue necrosis.

Increased primary non-function in transplanted deceased-donor kidneys flushed with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution.

PubMed

Stevens, R B; Skorupa, J Y; Rigley, T H; Yannam, G R; Nielsen, K J; Schriner, M E; Skorupa, A J; Murante, A; Holdaway, E; Wrenshall, L E

2009-05-01

Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution is increasingly used to flush and preserve organ donor kidneys, with efficacy claimed equivalent to University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. We observed and reported increased graft pancreatitis in pancreata flushed with HTK solution, which prompted this review of transplanting HTK-flushed kidneys. We analyzed outcomes of deceased-donor kidneys flushed with HTK and UW solutions with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, excluding pediatric and multi-organ recipients. We evaluated patient and graft survival and rejection rates, variables that might constitute hazards to graft survival and renal function. Two-year patient survival, rejection, renal function and graft survival were not different, but early graft loss (<6 months) was worse in HTK-flushed kidneys (p < 0.03). A Cox analysis of donor grade, cold ischemic time, panel reactive antibodies (PRA), donor race, first vs. repeat transplant, rejection and flush solution showed that only HTK use predicted early graft loss (p < 0.04; relative risk = 3.24), almost exclusively attributable to primary non-function (HTK, n = 5 (6.30%); UW, n = 1 (0.65%); p = 0.02). Delayed graft function and early graft loss with HTK occurred only in lesser grade kidneys, suggesting it should be used with caution in marginal donors.

Low Serum Bicarbonate and Kidney Function Decline: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

PubMed Central

Driver, Todd H.; Shlipak, Michael G.; Katz, Ronit; Goldenstein, Leonard; Sarnak, Mark J.; Hoofnagle, Andrew N.; Siscovick, David S.; Kestenbaum, Bryan; de Boer, Ian H.; Ix, Joachim H.

2014-01-01

Background Among populations with established chronic kidney disease (CKD), metabolic acidosis is associated with more rapid progression of kidney disease. The association of serum bicarbonate concentrations with early declines in kidney function is less clear. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting & Participants 6380 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 mL/min/1.73m2 using the CKD-EPI (CKD Epidemiology Collaboration) creatinine–cystatin C equation. Predictors Serum bicarbonate concentrations. Outcomes Rapid kidney function decline (eGFR decline >5% per year) and incident reduced eGFR (eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with minimum rate of eGFR loss of 1 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year). Results The average bicarbonate concentration was 23.2 ± 1.8 mEq/L. 1730 (33%) participants had rapid kidney function decline, and 487 had incident reduced eGFR during follow-up. Each 1-SD lower baseline bicarbonate concentration was associated with 12% higher adjusted odds of rapid kidney function decline (95% CI, 6%–20%) and higher risk of incident reduced eGFR (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.20) in models adjusting for demographics, baseline eGFR, albuminuria, and CKD risk factors. The OR for the associations of bicarbonate <21mEq/L relative to 23–24 mEq/L was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.05–1.73) for rapid kidney function decline, and the incidence rate ratio was 1.16 (95% CI, 0.83–1.62) for incident reduced eGFR. Limitations Etiology of metabolic acidosis cannot be determined in this study. Conclusions Lower serum bicarbonate concentrations are independently associated with rapid kidney function decline independent of eGFR or albuminuria in community-living persons with a baseline eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. If confirmed, our findings suggest that metabolic acidosis may indicate either early kidney disease that is not captured by eGFR or albuminuria, or may have a causal role in the development of an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. PMID:24953891

Suramin protects from cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury

PubMed Central

Dupre, Tess V.; Doll, Mark A.; Shah, Parag P.; Sharp, Cierra N.; Kiefer, Alex; Scherzer, Michael T.; Saurabh, Kumar; Saforo, Doug; Siow, Deanna; Casson, Lavona; Arteel, Gavin E.; Jenson, Alfred Bennett; Megyesi, Judit; Schnellmann, Rick G.; Beverly, Levi J.

2015-01-01

Cisplatin, a commonly used cancer chemotherapeutic, has a dose-limiting side effect of nephrotoxicity. Approximately 30% of patients administered cisplatin suffer from kidney injury, and there are limited treatment options for the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Suramin, which is Federal Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of trypanosomiasis, improves kidney function after various forms of kidney injury in rodent models. We hypothesized that suramin would attenuate cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Suramin treatment before cisplatin administration reduced cisplatin-induced decreases in kidney function and injury. Furthermore, suramin attenuated cisplatin-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis in the kidney cortex. Treatment of mice with suramin 24 h after cisplatin also improved kidney function, suggesting that the mechanism of protection is not by inhibition of tubular cisplatin uptake or its metabolism to nephrotoxic species. If suramin is to be used in the context of cancer, then it cannot prevent cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity of cancer cells. Suramin did not alter the dose-response curve of cisplatin in lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. In addition, suramin pretreatment of mice harboring lung adenocarcinomas did not alter the initial cytotoxic effects of cisplatin (DNA damage and apoptosis) on tumor cells. These results provide evidence that suramin has potential as a renoprotective agent for the treatment/prevention of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury and justify future long-term preclinical studies using cotreatment of suramin and cisplatin in mouse models of cancer. PMID:26661653

Autonomic control of the heart is altered in Sprague-Dawley rats with spontaneous hydronephrosis

PubMed Central

Arnold, Amy C.; Shaltout, Hossam A.; Gilliam-Davis, Shea; Kock, Nancy D.

2011-01-01

The renal medulla plays an important role in cardiovascular regulation, through interactions with the autonomic nervous system. Hydronephrosis is characterized by substantial loss of renal medullary tissue. However, whether alterations in autonomic control of the heart are observed in this condition is unknown. Thus we assessed resting hemodynamics and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) for control of heart rate in urethane/chloralose-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats with normal or hydronephrotic kidneys. While resting arterial pressure was similar, heart rate was higher in rats with hydronephrosis (290 ± 12 normal vs. 344 ± 11 mild/moderate vs. 355 ± 13 beats/min severe; P < 0.05). The evoked BRS to increases, but not decreases, in pressure was lower in hydronephrotic rats (1.06 ± 0.06 normal vs. 0.72 ± 0.10 mild/moderate vs. 0.63 ± 0.07 ms/mmHg severe; P < 0.05). Spectral analysis methods confirmed reduced parasympathetic function in hydronephrosis, with no differences in measures of indirect sympathetic activity among conditions. As a secondary aim, we investigated whether autonomic dysfunction in hydronephrosis is associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). There were no differences in circulating angiotensin peptides among conditions, suggesting that the impaired autonomic function in hydronephrosis is independent of peripheral RAS activation. A possible site for angiotensin II-mediated BRS impairment is the solitary tract nucleus (NTS). In normal and mild/moderate hydronephrotic rats, NTS administration of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist candesartan significantly improved the BRS, suggesting that angiotensin II provides tonic suppression to the baroreflex. In contrast, angiotensin II blockade produced no significant effect in severe hydronephrosis, indicating that at least within the NTS baroreflex suppression in these animals is independent of angiotensin II. PMID:21460193

Secondary contributors to bone loss in osteoporosis related hip fractures.

PubMed

Edwards, B J; Langman, C B; Bunta, A D; Vicuna, M; Favus, M

2008-07-01

Osteoporosis treatment of patients with hip fractures is necessary to prevent subsequent fractures. Secondary causes for bone loss are present in more than 80% of patients with hip fractures, and therefore, assessment of Vitamin D status, disorders in calcium absorption and excretion, monoclonal gammopathies, and renal function should be performed. Identifying and managing these disorders will improve detection and enhance treatment aimed at reducing the risk of recurrent fractures in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of disorders affecting bone and mineral metabolism in individuals with osteoporotic hip fractures. Community dwelling individuals with hip fractures (HFx) 50 years of age and older. Assessment for vitamin D, renal and parathyroid status, calcium absorption, and plasma cell disorders. Of 157 HFx, mean age 70 +/- 10 years, HFx had higher creatinine (p = 0.002, 95% C.I. -0.09, 0.05); lower 25 OH vitamin D (p = 0.019, 95% C.I. 6.5, 2.7), albumin (p = 0.007, 95% C.I. 0.36, 0.009), and 24-h urine calcium (p = 0.024, 95% CI 51, 21) as compared to controls. More than 80% of HFx had at least one previously undiagnosed condition, with vitamin D insufficiency (61%), chronic kidney disease (16%) (CKD), monoclonal gammopathy (6%), and low calcium absorption (5%) being the most common. One case each of multiple myeloma and solitary plasmocytoma were identified. Osteoporosis treatment of HFx is necessary to prevent subsequent fractures. Secondary causes for bone loss are remarkably common in HFx; therefore, assessment of vitamin D status, disorders in calcium absorption and excretion, protein electrophoresis, and renal function should be performed. Identifying and correcting these disorders will improve detection and enhance treatment aimed at reducing the risk of recurrent fractures in older adults.

Kidney function and plasma copeptin levels in healthy kidney donors and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients.

PubMed

Zittema, Debbie; van den Berg, Else; Meijer, Esther; Boertien, Wendy E; Muller Kobold, Anneke C; Franssen, Casper F M; de Jong, Paul E; Bakker, Stephan J L; Navis, Gerjan; Gansevoort, Ron T

2014-09-05

Plasma copeptin, a marker of arginine vasopressin, is elevated in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and predicts disease progression. It is unknown whether elevated copeptin levels result from decreased kidney clearance or as compensation for impaired concentrating capacity. Data from patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and healthy kidney donors before and after donation were used, because after donation, overall GFR decreases with a functionally normal kidney. Data were obtained between October of 2008 and January of 2012 from healthy kidney donors who visited the institution for routine measurements predonation and postdonation and patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who visited the institution for kidney function measurement. Plasma copeptin levels were measured using a sandwich immunoassay, GFR was measured as (125)I-iothalamate clearance, and urine concentrating capacity was measured as urine-to-plasma ratio of urea. In patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, total kidney volume was measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (n=122, age=40 years, men=56%) had significantly higher copeptin levels (median=6.8 pmol/L; interquartile range=3.4-15.7 pmol/L) compared with donors (n=134, age=52 years, men=49%) both predonation and postdonation (median=3.8 pmol/L; interquartile range=2.8-6.3 pmol/L; P<0.001; median=4.4 pmol/L; interquartile range=3.6-6.1 pmol/L; P<0.001). In donors, copeptin levels did not change after donation, despite a significant fall in GFR (from 105 ± 17 to 66 ± 10; P<0.001). Copeptin and GFR were significantly associated in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (β=-0.45, P<0.001) but not in donors. In patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, GFR and total kidney volume were both associated significantly with urine-to-plasma ratio of urea (β=0.84, P<0.001; β=-0.51, P<0.001, respectively). On the basis of the finding in donors that kidney clearance is not a main determinant of plasma copeptin levels, it was hypothesized that, in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, kidney damage and associated impaired urine concentration capacity determine copeptin levels. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Mother-child play: children with Down syndrome and typical development.

PubMed

Venuti, P; de Falco, S; Esposito, G; Bornstein, Marc H

2009-07-01

Child solitary and collaborative mother-child play with 21 children with Down syndrome and 33 mental-age-matched typically developing children were compared. In solitary play, children with Down syndrome showed less exploratory but similar symbolic play compared to typically developing children. From solitary to collaborative play, children with Down syndrome increased their exploratory play, attaining the same level as typically developing children. Pretense significantly increased from solitary to collaborative play only in typically developing children. Differences between mothers' play in the two groups mirrored those between their children. Both groups showed similar attunement and synchrony. Mothers contribute to the play development of children with Down syndrome through their own adaptation to their children's limitations and potentialities.

Orbital stability of solitary waves for generalized Boussinesq equation with two nonlinear terms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Weiguo; Li, Xiang; Li, Shaowei; Chen, Xu

2018-06-01

This paper investigates the orbital stability and instability of solitary waves for the generalized Boussinesq equation with two nonlinear terms. Firstly, according to the theory of Grillakis-Shatah-Strauss orbital stability, we present the general results to judge orbital stability of the solitary waves. Further, we deduce the explicit expression of discrimination d‧‧(c) to judge the stability of the two solitary waves, and give the stable wave speed interval. Moreover, we analyze the influence of the interaction between two nonlinear terms on the stable wave speed interval, and give the maximal stable range for the wave speed. Finally, some conclusions are given in this paper.

Canine histiocytic sarcoma presenting as a target lesion on brain magnetic resonance imaging and as a solitary pulmonary mass.

PubMed

Hicks, Jill; Barber, Renee; Childs, Bronwen; Kirejczyk, Shannon Gm; Uhl, Elizabeth W

2017-04-17

A 6-year-old spayed female miniature schnauzer presented with generalized seizures and progressive multifocal intracranial neurologic disease. Thoracic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) revealed a large solitary pulmonary mass within the right cranial lung lobe. On brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a solitary intraparenchymal mass within the left piriform lobe had a "target" appearance on both pre- and postcontrast sequences. Cerebrospinal fluid was unremarkable and histopathology indicated both masses represented histiocytic sarcoma. This case represents an uncommonly reported MRI appearance of histiocytic sarcoma in the canine brain and a large, solitary-appearing pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma in the same dog. © 2017 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Malignant conversion of a solitary papilloma in the distal trachea: Report of a case

PubMed Central

Lioulias, Achilleas; Misthos, Panagiotis; Papagiannakis, Georgios; Mermigkis, Dimitrios; Karagianidis, Napoleon; Neofotistos, Kostas; Kokotsakis, John

2008-01-01

A solitary papilloma versus the usual multiple lesions of papillomatosis is extremely rare. Even more infrequent is a solitary papilloma of the trachea in an adult patient. In the present report, a case of a solitary papilloma in the distal trachea is presented. After two unsuccessful sessions of laser ablation, resection of the lower one-third of the trachea was performed through a right posterolateral thoracotomy. Postoperative histology results disclosed a malignant degeneration into squamous cell carcinoma. The patient had an excellent outcome after resection of the affected portion of the trachea. There was no evidence of recurrence after 20 months of follow-up. PMID:18949108

Adverse effects of meglumine diatrizoate on renal function in the early post-transplant period.

PubMed

Light, J A; Perloff, L J; Etheredge, E E; Hill, G; Spees, E K

1975-11-01

Thirty-four renal transplant recipients received drip infusion urograms from 2-24 days post-transplantation. Twenty-two patients exhibited changes in renal function within 1-4 days of the urogram that were indistinguishable from allograft rejection: a tender, swollen kidney, elevation of serum creatinine, oliguria, decreased urine sodium concentration, weight gain, and hypertension. Two patients developed acute tubular necrosis and required hemodialysis, but renal function in the remaining 20 patients improved after therapy for "graft rejection" with i.v. methyprednisolone sodium succinnate. Kidneys from older-age donors that were functioning suboptimally and kidneys which exhibited subsequent clinical allograft rejection were more at risk for contrast media toxicity. This suggests that occult vascular lesions may have been present in the allograft which were exacerbated when exposed to the irritant vascular effects of contrast media, producing a mild, reversible toxic nephritis. However, several kidneys with normal function and several kidneys which never exhibited rejection activity were also adversely affected by exposure to contrast media. It appears these agents should be used cautiously, if at all, in the early post-transplant period.

Novel in vivo techniques to visualize kidney anatomy and function.

PubMed

Peti-Peterdi, János; Kidokoro, Kengo; Riquier-Brison, Anne

2015-07-01

Intravital imaging using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) has become an increasingly popular and widely used experimental technique in kidney research over the past few years. MPM allows deep optical sectioning of the intact, living kidney tissue with submicron resolution, which is unparalleled among intravital imaging approaches. MPM has solved a long-standing critical technical barrier in renal research to study several complex and inaccessible cell types and anatomical structures in vivo in their native environment. Comprehensive and quantitative kidney structure and function MPM studies helped our better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the healthy and diseased kidney. This review summarizes recent in vivo MPM studies with a focus on the glomerulus and the filtration barrier, although select, glomerulus-related renal vascular and tubular functions are also mentioned. The latest applications of serial MPM of the same glomerulus in vivo, in the intact kidney over several days, during the progression of glomerular disease are discussed. This visual approach, in combination with genetically encoded fluorescent markers of cell lineage, has helped track the fate and function (e.g., cell calcium changes) of single podocytes during the development of glomerular pathologies, and provided visual proof for the highly dynamic, rather than static, nature of the glomerular environment. Future intravital imaging applications have the promise to further push the limits of optical microscopy, and to advance our understanding of the mechanisms of kidney injury. Also, MPM will help to study new mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration, a cutting-edge area of kidney research.

Sildenafil improves renal function in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

PubMed Central

Webb, David J; Vachiery, Jean-Luc; Hwang, Lie-Ju; Maurey, Julie O

2015-01-01

Aim Elevated serum creatinine (sCr) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are associated with poor outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) whereas sildenafil treatment improves PAH outcomes. This post hoc analysis assessed the effect of sildenafil on kidney function and links with clinical outcomes including 6-min walk distance, functional class, time to clinical worsening and survival. Methods Patients with PAH received placebo or sildenafil 20, 40 or 80 mg three times daily in the SUPER-1 study and open-label sildenafil titrated to 80 mg three times daily (as tolerated) in the extension study. Results Baseline characteristics were similar among groups (n = 277). PAH was mostly idiopathic (63%) and functional class II (39%) or III (58%). From baseline to week 12, kidney function improved (increased eGFR, decreased sCr) with sildenafil and worsened with placebo. In univariate logistic regression, improved kidney function was associated with significantly improved exercise and functional class (odds ratios 1.17 [95% CI 1.01, 1.36] and 1.21 [95% CI 1.03, 1.41], respectively, for sCr and 0.97 [95% CI 0.94, 0.99] and 0.97 [95% CI 0.94, 0.99] for eGFR, all P < 0.05). In patients who maintained or improved kidney function, time to worsening was significantly delayed (P < 0.02 for both kidney parameters). Observed trends towards improved survival were not significant. Patients with eGFR <60 (vs. ≥60) ml min–1 1.73 m–2 appeared to have worse survival. Conclusions Sildenafil treatment was associated with improved kidney function in patients with PAH, which was in turn associated with improved exercise capacity and functional class, a reduced risk of clinical worsening, and a trend towards reduced mortality. PMID:25727860

Sectorial technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy for monitoring the effect of extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy for calyceal calculi on regional renal function.

PubMed

Al-Tawheed, A; Al-Awadi, K A; Kehinde, E O; Loutfi, I; Abdul-Haleem, H; Al-Mohannadi, S

2003-01-01

To apply a semiquantitative method for analysis of technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid ((99m)Tc-DMSA) renal scintigraphy for monitoring the effect of extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy (EPL) in patients with calyceal stones on regional kidney function and to check whether EPL had caused any deleterious effect on the target calyceal renal parenchymal function. Forty patients (mean age 35 years) suffering from calyceal stones documented by abdominal plain radiography, intravenous urogram or abdominal ultrasound were studied. All patients were treated by EPL. (99m)Tc-DMSA scan was performed before and 4 weeks after EPL. Sector analysis involved calculation of the relative function of the target calyx to the function of the ipsilateral kidney and the relative function of the treated kidney to global renal function. The stone sizes were 6-11 mm in diameter and 11 were located in the upper, 13 in the middle and 16 in the lower calyx. After EPL, the overall stone clearance rate was 85% (100% for calculi in the upper and middle calyces, 62% for lower calyces). The sector analysis did not show statistically significant change of the relative regional (calyceal) or whole kidney function between the pre- and post-EPL (99m)Tc-DMSA scans. Using sector analysis, EPL appeared to be a safe modality and its usage was not associated with any untoward effect on calyceal or whole kidney function. Sector analysis of (99m)Tc-DMSA renal scan is a simple semiquantitative method for monitoring regional changes of kidney function after EPL for treatment of calyceal stone. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel

The use of fibrous, supramolecular membranes and human tubular cells for renal epithelial tissue engineering: towards a suitable membrane for a bioartificial kidney.

PubMed

Dankers, Patricia Y W; Boomker, Jasper M; Huizinga-van der Vlag, Ali; Smedts, Frank M M; Harmsen, Martin C; van Luyn, Marja J A

2010-11-10

A bioartificial kidney, which is composed of a membrane cartridge with renal epithelial cells, can substitute important kidney functions in patients with renal failure. A particular challenge is the maintenance of monolayer integrity and specialized renal epithelial cell functions ex vivo. We hypothesized that this can be improved by electro-spun, supramolecular polymer membranes which show clear benefits in ease of processability. We found that after 7 d, in comparison to conventional microporous membranes, renal tubular cells cultured on top of our fibrous supramolecular membranes formed polarized monolayers, which is prerequisite for a well-functioning bioartificial kidney. In future, these supramolecular membranes allow for incorporation of peptides that may increase cell function even further.

The Aristotelian kidney.

PubMed

Marandola, P; Musitelli, S; Jallous, H; Speroni, A; de Bastiani, T

1994-01-01

Aristotle incorrectly observed the absence of the kidney in fish and birds and deduced that it was not essential for the existence of a living organism. This underlies his observations on structure and function of the kidney. From examination of rhesus monkeys he generalized that the right kidney is higher than the left. Aristotle did not consider that the renal pelvis is divided by a filter membrane into 2 chambers, and wrote that no blood reaches the renal pelvis. The theory of the 'filter kidney' cannot thus be attributed to Aristotle. The function of the kidney was described as being to separate the surplus liquid from the blood inside the renal meat (not in the renal pelvis) and to transform this liquid into what Aristotle called residuum, i.e. the urine. Aristotle also considered that the kidneys acted to anchor the blood vessels to the body. He only briefly considered renal pathology.

Solitary Alcohol Use in Teens Is Associated With Drinking in Response to Negative Affect and Predicts Alcohol Problems in Young Adulthood

PubMed Central

Creswell, Kasey G.; Chung, Tammy; Clark, Duncan B.; Martin, Christopher S.

2015-01-01

Adolescent solitary drinking may represent an informative divergence from normative behavior, with important implications for understanding risk for alcohol-use disorders later in life. Within a self-medication framework, we hypothesized that solitary alcohol use would be associated with drinking in response to negative affect and that such a pattern of drinking would predict alcohol problems in young adulthood. We tested these predictions in a longitudinal study in which we examined whether solitary drinking in adolescence (ages 12–18) predicted alcohol-use disorders in young adulthood (age 25) in 466 alcohol-using teens recruited from clinical programs and 243 alcohol-using teens recruited from the community. Findings showed that solitary drinking was associated with drinking in response to negative affect during adolescence and predicted alcohol problems in young adulthood. Results indicate that drinking alone is an important type of alcohol-use behavior that increases risk for the escalation of alcohol use and the development of alcohol problems. PMID:25977842

Solitary Alcohol Use in Teens Is Associated With Drinking in Response to Negative Affect and Predicts Alcohol Problems in Young Adulthood.

PubMed

Creswell, Kasey G; Chung, Tammy; Clark, Duncan B; Martin, Christopher S

2014-09-01

Adolescent solitary drinking may represent an informative divergence from normative behavior, with important implications for understanding risk for alcohol-use disorders later in life. Within a self-medication framework, we hypothesized that solitary alcohol use would be associated with drinking in response to negative affect and that such a pattern of drinking would predict alcohol problems in young adulthood. We tested these predictions in a longitudinal study in which we examined whether solitary drinking in adolescence (ages 12-18) predicted alcohol-use disorders in young adulthood (age 25) in 466 alcohol-using teens recruited from clinical programs and 243 alcohol-using teens recruited from the community. Findings showed that solitary drinking was associated with drinking in response to negative affect during adolescence and predicted alcohol problems in young adulthood. Results indicate that drinking alone is an important type of alcohol-use behavior that increases risk for the escalation of alcohol use and the development of alcohol problems.

Multiple New Loci Associated with Kidney Function and Chronic Kidney Disease: The CKDGen consortium

PubMed Central

Köttgen, Anna; Pattaro, Cristian; Böger, Carsten A.; Fuchsberger, Christian; Olden, Matthias; Glazer, Nicole L.; Parsa, Afshin; Gao, Xiaoyi; Yang, Qiong; Smith, Albert V.; O’Connell, Jeffrey R.; Li, Man; Schmidt, Helena; Tanaka, Toshiko; Isaacs, Aaron; Ketkar, Shamika; Hwang, Shih-Jen; Johnson, Andrew D.; Dehghan, Abbas; Teumer, Alexander; Paré, Guillaume; Atkinson, Elizabeth J.; Zeller, Tanja; Lohman, Kurt; Cornelis, Marilyn C.; Probst-Hensch, Nicole M.; Kronenberg, Florian; Tönjes, Anke; Hayward, Caroline; Aspelund, Thor; Eiriksdottir, Gudny; Launer, Lenore; Harris, Tamara B.; Rapmersaud, Evadnie; Mitchell, Braxton D.; Boerwinkle, Eric; Struchalin, Maksim; Cavalieri, Margherita; Singleton, Andrew; Giallauria, Francesco; Metter, Jeffery; de Boer, Ian; Haritunians, Talin; Lumley, Thomas; Siscovick, David; Psaty, Bruce M.; Zillikens, M. Carola; Oostra, Ben A.; Feitosa, Mary; Province, Michael; Levy, Daniel; de Andrade, Mariza; Turner, Stephen T.; Schillert, Arne; Ziegler, Andreas; Wild, Philipp S.; Schnabel, Renate B.; Wilde, Sandra; Muenzel, Thomas F.; Leak, Tennille S; Illig, Thomas; Klopp, Norman; Meisinger, Christa; Wichmann, H.-Erich; Koenig, Wolfgang; Zgaga, Lina; Zemunik, Tatijana; Kolcic, Ivana; Minelli, Cosetta; Hu, Frank B.; Johansson, Åsa; Igl, Wilmar; Zaboli, Ghazal; Wild, Sarah H; Wright, Alan F; Campbell, Harry; Ellinghaus, David; Schreiber, Stefan; Aulchenko, Yurii S; Rivadeneira, Fernando; Uitterlinden, Andre G; Hofman, Albert; Imboden, Medea; Nitsch, Dorothea; Brandstätter, Anita; Kollerits, Barbara; Kedenko, Lyudmyla; Mägi, Reedik; Stumvoll, Michael; Kovacs, Peter; Boban, Mladen; Campbell, Susan; Endlich, Karlhans; Völzke, Henry; Kroemer, Heyo K.; Nauck, Matthias; Völker, Uwe; Polasek, Ozren; Vitart, Veronique; Badola, Sunita; Parker, Alexander N.; Ridker, Paul M.; Kardia, Sharon L. R.; Blankenberg, Stefan; Liu, Yongmei; Curhan, Gary C.; Franke, Andre; Rochat, Thierry; Paulweber, Bernhard; Prokopenko, Inga; Wang, Wei; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Shuldiner, Alan R.; Coresh, Josef; Schmidt, Reinhold; Ferrucci, Luigi; Shlipak, Michael G.; van Duijn, Cornelia M.; Borecki, Ingrid; Krämer, Bernhard K.; Rudan, Igor; Gyllensten, Ulf; Wilson, James F.; Witteman, Jacqueline C.; Pramstaller, Peter P.; Rettig, Rainer; Hastie, Nick; Chasman, Daniel I.; Kao, W. H.; Heid, Iris M.; Fox, Caroline S.

2010-01-01

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem, and recent genetic studies have identified common CKD susceptibility variants. The CKDGen consortium performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association data in 67,093 Caucasian individuals from 20 population-based studies to identify new susceptibility loci for reduced renal function, estimated by serum creatinine (eGFRcrea), cystatin C (eGFRcys), and CKD (eGFRcrea <60 ml/min/1.73m2; n = 5,807 CKD cases). Follow-up of the 23 genome-wide significant loci (p<5×10−8) in 22,982 replication samples identified 13 novel loci for renal function and CKD (in or near LASS2, GCKR, ALMS1, TFDP2, DAB2, SLC34A1, VEGFA, PRKAG2, PIP5K1B, ATXN2, DACH1, UBE2Q2, and SLC7A9) and 7 creatinine production and secretion loci (CPS1, SLC22A2, TMEM60, WDR37, SLC6A13, WDR72, BCAS3). These results further our understanding of biologic mechanisms of kidney function by identifying loci potentially influencing nephrogenesis, podocyte function, angiogenesis, solute transport, and metabolic functions of the kidney. PMID:20383146

Motor neurone responses during a postural reflex in solitarious and gregarious desert locusts.

PubMed

Blackburn, Laura M; Ott, Swidbert R; Matheson, Tom; Burrows, Malcolm; Rogers, Stephen M

2010-08-01

Desert locusts show extreme phenotypic plasticity and can change reversibly between two phases that differ radically in morphology, physiology and behaviour. Solitarious locusts are cryptic in appearance and behaviour, walking slowly with the body held close to the ground. Gregarious locusts are conspicuous in appearance and much more active, walking rapidly with the body held well above the ground. During walking, the excursion of the femoro-tibial (F-T) joint of the hind leg is smaller in solitarious locusts, and the joint is kept more flexed throughout an entire step. Under open loop conditions, the slow extensor tibiae (SETi) motor neurone of solitarious locusts shows strong tonic activity that increases at more extended F-T angles. SETi of gregarious locusts by contrast showed little tonic activity. Simulated flexion of the F-T joint elicits resistance reflexes in SETi in both phases, but regardless of the initial and final position of the leg, the spiking rate of SETi during these reflexes was twice as great in solitarious compared to gregarious locusts. This increased sensory-motor gain in the neuronal networks controlling postural reflexes in solitarious locusts may be linked to the occurrence of pronounced behavioural catalepsy in this phase similar to other cryptic insects such as stick insects. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hyperuricemia, Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypertension, and Cardiovascular Disease: Report of a Scientific Workshop Organized by the National Kidney Foundation.

PubMed

Johnson, Richard J; Bakris, George L; Borghi, Claudio; Chonchol, Michel B; Feldman, David; Lanaspa, Miguel A; Merriman, Tony R; Moe, Orson W; Mount, David B; Sanchez Lozada, Laura Gabriella; Stahl, Eli; Weiner, Daniel E; Chertow, Glenn M

2018-06-01

Urate is a cause of gout, kidney stones, and acute kidney injury from tumor lysis syndrome, but its relationship to kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes remains controversial. A scientific workshop organized by the National Kidney Foundation was held in September 2016 to review current evidence. Cell culture studies and animal models suggest that elevated serum urate concentrations can contribute to kidney disease, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Epidemiologic evidence also supports elevated serum urate concentrations as a risk factor for the development of kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes, but differences in methodologies and inpacts on serum urate concentrations by even subtle changes in kidney function render conclusions uncertain. Mendelian randomization studies generally do not support a causal role of serum urate in kidney disease, hypertension, or diabetes, although interpretation is complicated by nonhomogeneous populations, a failure to consider environmental interactions, and a lack of understanding of how the genetic polymorphisms affect biological mechanisms related to urate. Although several small clinical trials suggest benefits of urate-lowering therapies on kidney function, blood pressure, and insulin resistance, others have been negative, with many trials having design limitations and insufficient power. Thus, whether uric acid has a causal role in kidney and cardiovascular diseases requires further study. Copyright © 2018 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Older kidneys donor transplantation: five years' experience without biopsy and using clinical laboratory and macroscopic anatomy evaluation.

PubMed

Santangelo, M; Zuccaro, M; De Rosa, P; Tammaro, V; Grassia, S; Federico, S; Ciotola, A L; Spinosa, G; Renda, A

2007-01-01

The exponential increase in organ demand is not associated with a similar increase of available kidneys. This emergency led to expanded criteria to consider a kidney transplantable. The aim of this retrospective study was to explain our use of older donor kidneys without biopsy. Between 2000 and 2005, 58 older kidneys were harvested: 27 were transplanted in our center; 13 were discarded; and 18 were transplanted in other centers. We considered 3 factors to define kidney quality: macroscopic anatomy, multiple factors linked to the donor, and clinical-laboratory data. After transplantation, we observed the patients for at least 1 year and up to 6 years. At 1 year, 24/27 (89%) patients had a functional kidney, 2 patients showed an initial renal failure and 1 patient lost the kidney. At maximum follow-up, 19 patients (70%) had functional kidneys, 4 with initial renal failure. These results compared with the kidneys harvested using Standard Donor Kidney Criteria are acceptable. Obviously we need long-term follow-up to increase, the amount of data and obtain a definitive outcome. Biopsy is the gold standard for the definition of an older kidney's quality. When a biopsy is not feasible, the study of the macroscopic anatomy the kidney's donor and of some donor's parameters represent an acceptable biopsy alternative, being able to rescue some organs that would be otherwise lost.

[Solitary fibrous hemangiopericytoma of atypical location: importance of immunohistochemical study].

PubMed

Soriano-Hernández, María Isabel; Husein-ElAhmed, Husein; Ruíz-Molina, Inmaculada

2014-01-01

The rare cutaneous solitary fibrous tumor was initially described in the thoracic cavity in relation to the pleura and subsequently been associated with other serous membranes. It has been described in other extraserosal locations including the skin. Knowledge of its existence along with fairly typical histological features and the immunohistochemical expression pattern with intense positivity for CD34 allow the increasing diagnosis of this condition, which suggests that these cases were not previously diagnosed as such. We report the case of a 43 year-old male with a painless nodule in the first left finger pad clinically suggestive of pyogenic granuloma or nodular melanoma, which was diagnosed by excisional biopsy and immunohistochemical study as a solitary fibrous tumor. Only 11 cases of cutaneous solitary fibrous tumor have been published in the following locations: head, cheek, thigh, chest, back and nose. Our work describes the first case of cutaneous solitary fibrous tumor in the hand. The solitary fibrous tumor derived from mesenchymal cells expresses CD34 and hence its presentation in any location. In our case it was in the hand. It explains the problems encountered in the clinical differential diagnosis with other tumors as nodular melanoma, pyogenic granuloma, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, fibroma, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors, etc. As we consider the histology, differential diagnosis should be made with other tumors that also express CD34. Solitary fibrous tumors derived from mesenchymal cells express CD34 and hence its presentation in any location. In our case it was in the finger pad.

Electron beam-plasma interaction and electron-acoustic solitary waves in a plasma with suprathermal electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danehkar, A.

2018-06-01

Suprathermal electrons and inertial drifting electrons, so called electron beam, are crucial to the nonlinear dynamics of electrostatic solitary waves observed in several astrophysical plasmas. In this paper, the propagation of electron-acoustic solitary waves (EAWs) is investigated in a collisionless, unmagnetized plasma consisting of cool inertial background electrons, hot suprathermal electrons (modeled by a κ-type distribution), and stationary ions. The plasma is penetrated by a cool electron beam component. A linear dispersion relation is derived to describe small-amplitude wave structures that shows a weak dependence of the phase speed on the electron beam velocity and density. A (Sagdeev-type) pseudopotential approach is employed to obtain the existence domain of large-amplitude solitary waves, and investigate how their nonlinear structures depend on the kinematic and physical properties of the electron beam and the suprathermality (described by κ) of the hot electrons. The results indicate that the electron beam can largely alter the EAWs, but can only produce negative polarity solitary waves in this model. While the electron beam co-propagates with the solitary waves, the soliton existence domain (Mach number range) becomes narrower (nearly down to nil) with increasing the beam speed and the beam-to-hot electron temperature ratio, and decreasing the beam-to-cool electron density ratio in high suprathermality (low κ). It is found that the electric potential amplitude largely declines with increasing the beam speed and the beam-to-cool electron density ratio for co-propagating solitary waves, but is slightly decreased by raising the beam-to-hot electron temperature ratio.

Solitary pulmonary nodule

MedlinePlus

Lung cancer - solitary nodule; Infectious granuloma - pulmonary nodule; SPN ... such as aspergillosis , coccidioidomycosis , cryptococcosis , or histoplasmosis Primary lung cancer is the most common cause of cancerous (malignant) ...

Alternative routes to the leader male role in a multi-level society: follower vs. solitary male strategies and outcomes in hamadryas baboons.

PubMed

Pines, Mathew; Saunders, Julian; Swedell, Larissa

2011-07-01

The nested one-male units (OMUs) of the hamadryas baboon are part of a complex social system in which "leader" males achieve near exclusive mating access by forcibly herding females into permanent consortships. Within this multi-level social system (troops, bands, clans and OMUs) are two types of prereproductive males--the follower and solitary male--whose different trajectories converge on the leader role. Here we compare OMU formation strategies of followers, who associate with a particular OMU and may have social access to females, with those of solitary males, who move freely within the band and do not associate regularly with OMUs. Data were derived from 42 OMU formations (16 by followers and 26 by solitary males) occurring over 8 years in a hamadryas baboon band at the Filoha site in Ethiopia. "Initial units" (IUs) with sexually immature females (IU strategy) were formed by 44% of followers and 46% of solitary males. The remaining followers took over mature females when their leader was deposed (challenge strategy) or disappeared (opportunistic strategy), or via a seemingly peaceful transfer (inheritance strategy). Solitary males took over mature females from other clans and bands, but mainly from old, injured or vanished leaders within their clan (via both the challenge and opportunistic strategies). Former followers of an OMU were more successful at taking over females from those OMUs than any other category of male. Despite this advantage enjoyed by ex-follower leaders, ex-solitary leaders were equally capable of increasing their OMU size at a comparable rate in their first 2 years as a leader. These results demonstrate the potential for males to employ both multiple roles (follower vs. solitary male) and multiple routes (IU, inheritance, challenge, opportunistic) to acquire females and become a leader male in a mating system characterized by female defense polygyny in a competitive arena. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Grouping facilitates avoidance of parasites by fish.

PubMed

Mikheev, Victor N; Pasternak, Anna F; Taskinen, Jouni; Valtonen, Tellervo E

2013-10-17

Parasite distribution is often highly heterogeneous, and intensity of infection depends, among other things, on how well hosts can avoid areas with a high concentration of parasites. We studied the role of fish behaviour in avoiding microhabitats with a high infection risk using Oncorhynchus mykiss and cercariae of Diplostomum pseudospathaceum as a model. Spatial distribution of parasites in experimental tanks was highly heterogeneous. We hypothesized that fish in groups are better at recognizing a parasitized area and avoiding it than solitary fish. Number of fish, either solitary or in groups of 5, was recorded in different compartments of a shuttle tank where fish could make a choice between areas with different risk of being infected. Intensity of infection was assessed and compared with the number of fish recorded in the compartment with parasites and level of fish motility. Both solitary fish and fish in groups avoided parasitized areas, but fish in groups avoided it more strongly and thus acquired significantly fewer parasites than solitary fish. Prevalence of infection among grouped and solitary fish was 66 and 92 %, respectively, with the mean abundance two times higher in the solitary fish. Between-individual variation in the number of parasites per fish was higher in the "groups" treatment (across all individuals) than in the "solitary" treatment. Avoidance behaviour was more efficient when fish were allowed to explore the experimental arena prior to parasite exposure. High motility of fish was shown to increase the acquisition of D. pseudospathaceum. Fish in groups better avoided parasitized habitat, and acquired significantly fewer parasites than solitary fish. We suggest that fish in groups benefit from information about parasites gained from other members of a group. Grouping behaviour may be an efficient mechanism of parasite avoidance, together with individual behaviour and immune responses of fishes. Avoidance of habitats with a high parasite risk can be an important factor contributing to the evolution and maintenance of grouping behaviour in fish.

[The kidney transplantation from the ABO-incompatible donors].

PubMed

Goriaĭnov, V A; Kaabak, M M; Babenko, N N; Shishlo, L A; Morozova, M M; Ragimov, A A; Dashkova, N G; Salimov, É L

2012-01-01

The experience of 28 allotransplantations of ABO-incompatible kidneys was compared with the treatment results of 38 ABO-compatible renal transplantations. The transplanted kidney function, morphological changes of the transplanted kidney and the comparative analysis of actuary survival in both groups showed no significant difference. The results of the study prove the validity of the kidney transplantation from the ABO-incompatible donors.

Successful outcome of transplant of kidneys recovered from a brain-dead liver transplant recipient: case report.

PubMed

Domagała, Piotr; Kwiatkowski, Artur; Drozdowski, Jakub; Ostrowski, Krzysztof; Wszola, Michal; Diuwe, Piotr; Durlik, Magdalena; Paczek, Leszek; Chmura, Andrzej

2012-12-01

Few reports describing the use of organs donated by transplant recipients have been published. In this case report, kidneys procured from a brain-dead liver recipient were transplanted successfully. A 21-year-old man was referred for liver transplant after an overdose of acetaminophen. The patient's kidney function was initially normal, with proper urine production and normal kidney laboratory parameters. On the third day after admission, the patient's kidney laboratory parameters became elevated and hepatic encephalopathy requiring mechanical ventilation developed. An orthotopic liver transplant was performed the next day. The patient did not recover consciousness, and brain death was diagnosed on the third day after the liver transplant surgery. The maximum serum concentration of creatinine was 5.8 mg/dL (513 μmol/L) before kidney recovery, and urine production was normal. The kidneys were recovered with organ-perfusion support and were preserved by using machine perfusion. The kidneys were transplanted into 2 male recipients. Twelve months after transplant, the recipients remained in good health with satisfactory kidney function. This case demonstrates that transplanting kidneys recovered from liver transplant recipients is possible and beneficial, thus expanding the pool of potential donors.

Whole kidney engineering for clinical translation.

PubMed

Kim, Ick-Hee; Ko, In Kap; Atala, Anthony; Yoo, James J

2015-04-01

Renal transplantation is currently the only definitive treatment for end-stage renal disease; however, this treatment is severely limited by the shortage of implantable kidneys. To address this shortcoming, development of an engineered, transplantable kidney has been proposed. Although current advances in engineering kidneys based on decellularization and recellularization techniques have offered great promises for the generation of functional kidney constructs, most studies have been conducted using rodent kidney constructs and short-term in-vivo evaluation. Toward clinical translations of this technique, several limitations need to be addressed. Human-sized renal scaffolds are desirable for clinical application, and the fabrication is currently feasible using native porcine and discarded human kidneys. Current progress in stem cell biology and cell culture methods have demonstrated feasibility of the use of embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and primary renal cells as clinically relevant cell sources for the recellularization of renal scaffolds. Finally, approaches to long-term implantation of engineered kidneys are under investigation using antithrombogenic strategies such as functional reendothelialization of acellular kidney matrices. In the field of bioengineering, whole kidneys have taken a number of important initial steps toward clinical translations, but many challenges must be addressed to achieve a successful treatment for the patient with end-stage renal disease.

A case of unilateral nephrectomy performed for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with marked unilateral enlargement.

PubMed

Makabe, Shiho; Kataoka, Hiroshi; Kondo, Tsunenori; Tanabe, Kazunari; Tsuchiya, Ken; Nitta, Kosaku; Mochizuki, Toshio

2018-05-01

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by the occurrence of multiple cysts that increase the size of both kidneys, progressively reducing kidney function. Usually the cysts occur bilaterally, and there is no difference in the degree of cyst enlargement between the left and right. Here, we report a case of ADPKD in which kidney size increased markedly on the left side and was accompanied by severe abdominal distension and discomfort. Renal dynamic scintigraphy revealed a severe reduction in function of the left kidney compared with the right. Open left nephrectomy was performed. No change in renal function was observed postoperatively [preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 57.6 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , 3-month postoperative eGFR: 56.4 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ], and the abdominal symptoms subsided. When one kidney is markedly larger than the other, the cause and status of the laterality should be evaluated by using renal dynamic scintigraphy in addition to other examinations such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Unilateral nephrectomy should be considered as a potential treatment.

Pretransplantation recipient regulatory T cell suppressive function predicts delayed and slow graft function after kidney transplantation.

PubMed

Nguyen, Minh-Tri J P; Fryml, Elise; Sahakian, Sossy K; Liu, Shuqing; Michel, Rene P; Lipman, Mark L; Mucsi, Istvan; Cantarovich, Marcelo; Tchervenkov, Jean I; Paraskevas, Steven

2014-10-15

Delayed graft function (DGF) and slow graft function (SGF) are a continuous spectrum of ischemia-reperfusion-related acute kidney injury (AKI) that increases the risk for acute rejection and graft loss after kidney transplantation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical in transplant tolerance and attenuate murine AKI. In this prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated whether pretransplantation peripheral blood recipient Treg frequency and suppressive function are predictors of DGF and SGF after kidney transplantation. Deceased donor kidney transplant recipients (n=53) were divided into AKI (n=37; DGF, n=10; SGF, n=27) and immediate graft function (n=16) groups. Pretransplantation peripheral blood CD4CD25FoxP3 Treg frequency was quantified by flow cytometry. Regulatory T-cell suppressive function was measured by suppression of autologous effector T-cell proliferation by Treg in co-culture. Pretransplantation Treg suppressive function, but not frequency, was decreased in AKI recipients (P<0.01). In univariate and multivariate analyses accounting for the effects of cold ischemic time and donor age, Treg suppressive function discriminated DGF from immediate graft function recipients in multinomial logistic regression (odds ratio, 0.77; P<0.01), accurately predicted AKI in receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve, 0.82; P<0.01), and predicted 14-day estimated glomerular filtration rate in linear regression (P<0.01). Our results indicate that recipient peripheral blood Treg suppressive function is a potential independent pretransplantation predictor of DGF and SGF.

[Paired kidneys in transplant].

PubMed

Regueiro López, Juan C; Leva Vallejo, Manuel; Prieto Castro, Rafael; Anglada Curado, Francisco; Vela Jiménez, Francisco; Ruiz García, Jesús

2009-02-01

Many factors affect the graft and patient survival on the renal transplant outcome. These factors depend so much of the recipient and donor. We accomplished a study trying to circumvent factors that depend on the donor. We checked the paired kidneys originating of a same donor cadaver. We examined the risk factors in the evolution and follow-up in 278 couples of kidney transplant. We describe their differences, significance, the graft and patient survival, their functionality in 3 and 5 years and the risk factors implicated in their function. We study immunogenic and no immunogenic variables, trying to explain the inferior results in the grafts that are established secondly. We regroup the paired kidneys in those that they did not show paired initial function within the same couple. The results yield a discreet deterioration in the graft and patient survival for second group establish, superior creatinina concentration, without obtaining statistical significance. The Cox regression study establishes the early rejection (inferior to three months) and DR incompatibility values like risk factors. This model of paired kidneys would be able to get close to best-suited form for risk factors analysis in kidney transplant from cadaver donors, if more patients examine themselves in the same way. The paired kidneys originating from the same donor do not show the same function in spite of sharing the same conditions of the donor and perioperative management.

Intermediate-Term Outcomes With Expanded Criteria Deceased Donors in Kidney Transplantation

PubMed Central

Stratta, Robert J.; Rohr, Michael S.; Sundberg, Aimee K.; Farney, Alan C.; Hartmann, Erica L.; Moore, Phillip S.; Rogers, Jeffrey; Iskandar, Samy S.; Gautreaux, Michael D.; Kiger, David F.; Doares, William; Anderson, Teresa K.; Hairston, Gloria; Adams, Patricia L.

2006-01-01

Objective: To compare intermediate-term outcomes in adult recipients of expanded criteria (ECD) versus concurrent standard criteria (SCD) deceased donor kidney transplants at a single center using a standardized approach. Summary Background Data: Expanded criteria donors (ECDs) are a source of kidneys that increase the donor organ pool, but the value of transplanting these kidneys has been questioned because of concerns regarding diminished survival and predicted poorer intermediate-term outcomes. Methods: Over a 47-month period, we performed 244 deceased donor kidney transplants into adult recipients, including 143 from SCDs and 101 from ECDs. Management algorithms were implemented to preserve nephron function, and recipient selection for an ECD kidney transplant was based on low immunologic risk. All patients received depleting antibody induction in combination with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. A total of 188 patients (77%) had at least a 1-year follow-up. Results: ECDs were older, had a higher BMI, had an increased incidence of cerebrovascular brain death and preexisting donor hypertension, and had a lower estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl, all P < 0.01) compared with SCDs. Cold ischemic times were similar between groups, but more ECD kidneys were preserved with pulsatile perfusion (P < 0.01). ECD kidney recipients were older, less sensitized, had a lower BMI, had fewer 0-antigen mismatches, and had a shorter waiting time (all P < 0.01) compared with SCD kidney recipients. Actual patient (93%) and kidney graft (83%) survival rates were similar between groups with a mean follow-up of 24 months. The rates of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection, readmissions, operative complications, major infections, and resource utilization were comparable between groups. Renal function followed longitudinally was consistently better in SCD patients (P < 0.05). Black recipients had higher rates of DGF, acute rejection, and graft loss (P < 0.05), but the effects were less pronounced in the ECD group. Conclusions: By appropriate donor and recipient profiling and the use of management algorithms to project and protect renal function, excellent intermediate-term outcomes can be achieved with ECD kidney transplants that are comparable to SCD kidney transplants. PMID:16632993

Lack of functional and morphological susceptibility of the greater superficial petrosal nerve to developmental dietary sodium restriction.

PubMed

Sollars, S I; Hill, D L

2000-12-01

Restriction of dietary sodium during gestation has major effects on taste function and anatomy in the offspring. The chorda tympani nerve of offspring that are maintained on sodium-reduced chow throughout life (NaDep) has reduced neurophysiological responses to sodium and altered morphology of its terminal field in the nucleus of the solitary tract. There are many anatomical and physiological similarities between the chorda tympani nerve that innervates taste buds on the anterior tongue and the greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSP) that innervates taste buds on the palate. To determine if the GSP is similarly susceptible to the effects of dietary sodium restriction, the present study examined neurophysiological responses and the terminal field of the GSP in NaDep and control rats. Neurophysiological responses of the GSP to a variety of sodium and non-sodium stimuli did not differ between NaDep and control rats. Furthermore, the volume and shape of the GSP terminal field in the nucleus of the solitary tract did not differ between the groups. Therefore, despite the high degree of functional and anatomical correspondence between the chorda tympani nerve and the GSP, the GSP does not appear to be susceptible to the effects of lifelong dietary sodium restriction.

Alone is a crowd: social motivations, social withdrawal, and socioemotional functioning in later childhood.

PubMed

Coplan, Robert J; Rose-Krasnor, Linda; Weeks, Murray; Kingsbury, Adam; Kingsbury, Mila; Bullock, Amanda

2013-05-01

The primary goals of this study were to test a conceptual model linking social approach and avoidance motivations, socially withdrawn behaviors, and peer difficulties in later childhood and to compare the socioemotional functioning of different subtypes of withdrawn children (shy, unsociable, avoidant). Participants were 367 children, aged 9-12 years. Measures included assessments of social motivations (i.e., self-reported shyness and preference for solitude) and social withdrawal (observations of solitary behaviors in the schoolyard and self-reports of solitary activities outside of school), as well as self- and parent-reported peer difficulties and internalizing problems. Among the results, both shyness and preference for solitude were associated with socially withdrawn behaviors, which in turn predicted peer difficulties. However, only shyness (but not preference for solitude) also displayed a direct path to peer difficulties. As well, results from person-oriented analyses indicated that different subtypes of socially withdrawn children displayed decidedly different profiles with regard to indices of internalizing problems. For example, whereas unsociable children did not differ from their nonwithdrawn peers on indices of internalizing problems, socially avoidant (i.e., high in both shyness and unsociability) children reported the most pervasive socioemotional difficulties. Findings are discussed in terms of the implications of different forms of social withdrawal for socioemotional functioning in later childhood.

Gender Equity and the Dialogical "Ethos" of the University: Socrates, Schleiermacher and the Transversal Claim of the "Conversatorium"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, John G.

2009-01-01

Open and unencumbered dialogue is the original position of the modern university-ideal, encompassing both its administrative and educational functions, outstripping even its important reliance upon research in laboratories or solitary writing and contemplative inquiry. This is an idea first intimated in Plato's "Symposium" and later made…

Pointing Gestures as a Cognitive Tool in Young Children: Experimental Evidence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delgado, Begona; Gomez, Juan Carlos; Sarria, Encarnacion

2011-01-01

This article explores the possible cognitive function associated with pointing gestures from a Vygotskian perspective. In Study 1, 39 children who were 2-4 years of age were observed in a solitary condition while solving a mnemonic task with or without an explicit memory demand. A discriminant analysis showed that children used noncommunicative…

Credible Leadership: Exploring Differences in Perception of the Credibility of the Senior Student Affairs Officer among CIC College Presidents and Their Senior Leadership Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powers, Wendy A.

2014-01-01

Modern higher education institutions face tremendous challenges, including dwindling financial resources, waning public support, demands for greater accountability, and daunting student needs and expectations. Campus presidents simply cannot face these challenges as isolated or solitary leaders. High functioning, inclusive, collaborative, and…

Changes in respiratory structure and function during post-diapause development in the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Megachile rotundata, the alfalfa leafcutting bee, is a solitary, cavity-nesting bee. M. rotundata develop from eggs laid inside brood cells constructed from leaf pieces and placed in series in an existing cavity. Due to the cavity nesting behavior of M. rotundata, developing bees may experience hyp...

Disease Progression Modeling to Evaluate the Effects of Enzyme Replacement Therapy on Kidney Function in Adult Patients with the Classic Phenotype of Fabry Disease.

PubMed

Nowak, Albina; Koch, Gilbert; Huynh-Do, Uyen; Siegenthaler, Martin; Marti, Hans-Peter; Pfister, Marc

2017-01-01

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare inherited lysosomal storage disease with common and serious kidney complications. Enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) with agalsidase-α and -β were investigated to characterize their therapeutic effect on kidney function in FD patients with Classic phenotype. The prospective FD cohort consisted of 98 genetically confirmed patients (females, n = 61, males, n = 37). The median [interquartile range] follow-up time (time difference from first to last visit) was 9 [6, 12] years. The median age of ERT start was 36 [21 - 54] years for females and 39 [28 - 49] years for males. A disease progression model was developed to (i) characterize the time course of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and (ii) evaluate therapeutic effects of ERT on kidney function. Change in eGFR over time was best described by the linear model. Females had stable kidney function with and without ERT (eGFR slopes of -0.07 ml/min/1.73m^2 per year and 0.52 ml/min/1.73m^2 per year, respectively). Males with ERT showed an eGFR decrease of -3.07 ml/min/1.73m^2 per year. Mathematical disease progression modeling indicates that there is no clear therapeutic effect of ERT on kidney function in adult patients with Classic Phenotype of FD. Interpretation of these findings should take into account that the study is not randomized and lacks a placebo controlled group. Further investigations are warranted to clarify whether earlier ERT initiation before 18 years of age, higher ERT dose or more intensive therapies can preserve kidney function. © 2017 The Author(s)Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

A study on evaluation of the dependences of the function and the shape in a 99 m Tc-DMSA renal scan on the difference in acquisition count

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Kyung-Rae; Shim, Dong-Oh; Kim, Ho-Sung; Park, Yong-Soon; Chung, Woon-Kwan; Cho, Jae-Hwan

2013-02-01

In a nuclear medicine examination, methods to acquire a static image include the preset count method and the preset time method. The preset count method is used mainly in a static renal scan that utilizes 99 m Tc-DMSA (dimoercaptosuccinic acid) whereas the preset time method is used occasionally. When the preset count method is used, the same number of acquisition counts is acquired for each time, but the scan time varies. When the preset time method is used, the scan time is constant, but the number of counts acquired is not the same. Therefore, this study examined the dependence of the difference in information on the function and the shape of both sides of the kidneys on the counts acquired during a renal scan that utilizes 99 m Tc-DMSA. The study involved patients who had 40-60% relative function of one kidney among patients who underwent a 99 m Tc-DMSA renal scan in the Nuclear Medicine Department during the period from January 11 to March 31, 2012. A gamma camera was used to obtain the acquisition count continuously using 100,000 counts and 300,000 counts, and an acquisition time of 7 minutes (exceeding 300,000 counts). The function and the shape of the kidney were evaluated by measuring the relative function of both sides of the kidneys, the geometric mean, and the size of kidney before comparative analysis. According to the study results, neither the relative function nor the geometric mean of both sides of the kidneys varied significantly with the acquisition count. On the other hand, the size of the kidney tended to be larger with increasing acquisition count.

4D MRI of polycystic kidneys from rapamycin-treated Glis3-deficient mice

PubMed Central

Xie, Luke; Qi, Yi; Subashi, Ergys; Liao, Grace; Miller DeGraff, Laura; Jetten, Anton M.; Johnson, G. Allan

2015-01-01

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a life-threatening disease that leads to a grotesque enlargement of the kidney and significant lose of function. Several imaging studies with MRI have demonstrated that cyst size in polycystic kidneys can determine disease severity and progression. In the present study, we found that while kidney volume and cyst volume decreased with drug treatment, renal function did not improve with treatment. Here, we applied dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to study PKD in a Glis3-deficient mouse model. Cysts from this model have a wide range of sizes and develop at an early age. To capture this crucial stage and assess cysts in detail, we imaged during early development (3 to 17 weeks) and applied high spatiotemporal resolution MRI (125×125×125 cubic microns every 7.7 seconds). A drug treatment with rapamycin (also known as sirolimus) was applied to determine whether disease progression could be halted. The effect and synergy (interaction) of aging and treatment were evaluated using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Structural measurements including kidney volume, cyst volume, and cyst-kidney volume ratio changed significantly with age. Drug treatment significantly decreased these metrics. Functional measurements of time-to-peak (TTP) mean and TTP variance were determined. TTP mean did not change with age, while TTP variance increased with age. The treatment of rapamycin generally did not affect these functional metrics. Synergistic effects of treatment and age were not found for any measurements. Together, the size and volume ratio of cysts decreased with drug treatment, while renal function remained the same. Quantifying renal structure and function with MRI can comprehensively assess the pathophysiology of PKD and response to treatment. PMID:25810360

Numerical simulation of solitary waves on deep water with constant vorticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dosaev, A. S.; Shishina, M. I.; Troitskaya, Yu I.

2018-01-01

Characteristics of solitary deep water waves on a flow with constant vorticity are investigated by numerical simulation within the framework of fully nonlinear equations of motion (Euler equations) using the method of surface-tracking conformal coordinates. To ensure that solutions observed are stable, soliton formation as a result of disintegration of an initial pulse-like disturbance is modeled. Evidence is obtained that solitary waves with height above a certain threshold are unstable.

Electrostatic odd symmetric eigenmode in inhomogeneous Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woo, M.-H.; Dokgo, K.; Yoon, Peter H.; Lee, D.-Y.; Choi, Cheong R.

2018-04-01

A self-consistent electrostatic odd-symmetric eigenmode (OEM) is analytically found in a solitary type Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal (BGK) equilibrium. The frequency of the OEM is order of the electron bounce frequency and it is spatially odd-symmetric with the scale comparable to that of the solitary BGK equilibrium structure. Such an OEM is consistent with the recent observation from particle-in-cell simulation of the solitary wave [Dokgo et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 092107 (2016)]. The mode can be driven unstable by trapped electrons within the hole structure of the solitary wave. Such a low frequency, pure electron mode, which may possibly interact resonantly with the ion acoustic mode, provides a possible damping mechanism of the BGK equilibrium.

Mother-child play in children with Down syndrome and typical development

PubMed Central

Venuti, P.; de Falco, S.; Esposito, G.; Bornstein, Marc H.

2014-01-01

The present study compares child solitary and collaborative play with mother in 21 children with Down syndrome (DS) and 33 mental-age-matched typically developing (TD) children. In solitary play, children with DS showed less exploratory but similar symbolic play compared to TD children. From solitary to collaborative play, children with DS increased their exploratory play attaining the same level as TD children; Pretense significantly increased from solitary to collaborative play only in TD children . Differences between mothers’ play in the two groups mirrored those between their children. Child and mother play in both groups showed similar attunement and synchrony. Mothers contribute to the play development of children with DS through their own adaptation to their children’s limitations and potentialities alike. PMID:19642713

Solitary fibrous tumour of the cheek: An unusual presentation of a rare soft tissue tumour

PubMed Central

Jones, JL; Jones, AV; Drage, NA; Bhatia, S; Hourihan, MD

2014-01-01

This case report discusses the unusual presentation and ultrasound features of a solitary fibrous tumour of the face. Solitary fibrous tumour is an uncommon form of soft tissue tumour which, although seen predominantly within the lung pleura, can occur throughout the body in sites such as the peritoneum, mediastinum and head and neck. Ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality in the assessment of soft tissue masses in the head and neck. The ultrasound features demonstrated by this example of solitary fibrous tumour are reviewed. This report also highlights that ultrasound alone is ultimately limited in reaching a definitive diagnosis. The roles of other investigations such as ultrasound-guided biopsy and cross-sectional imaging are discussed. PMID:27433225

Obliquely propagating ion acoustic solitary structures in the presence of quantized magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal Shaukat, Muzzamal

2017-10-01

The effect of linear and nonlinear propagation of electrostatic waves have been studied in degenerate magnetoplasma taking into account the effect of electron trapping and finite temperature with quantizing magnetic field. The formation of solitary structures has been investigated by employing the small amplitude approximation both for fully and partially degenerate quantum plasma. It is observed that the inclusion of quantizing magnetic field significantly affects the propagation characteristics of the solitary wave. Importantly, the Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation under consideration has been found to allow the formation of compressive solitary structures only. The present investigation may be beneficial to understand the propagation of nonlinear electrostatic structures in dense astrophysical environments such as those found in white dwarfs.

DNA-assisted swarm control in a biomolecular motor system.

PubMed

Keya, Jakia Jannat; Suzuki, Ryuhei; Kabir, Arif Md Rashedul; Inoue, Daisuke; Asanuma, Hiroyuki; Sada, Kazuki; Hess, Henry; Kuzuya, Akinori; Kakugo, Akira

2018-01-31

In nature, swarming behavior has evolved repeatedly among motile organisms because it confers a variety of beneficial emergent properties. These include improved information gathering, protection from predators, and resource utilization. Some organisms, e.g., locusts, switch between solitary and swarm behavior in response to external stimuli. Aspects of swarming behavior have been demonstrated for motile supramolecular systems composed of biomolecular motors and cytoskeletal filaments, where cross-linkers induce large scale organization. The capabilities of such supramolecular systems may be further extended if the swarming behavior can be programmed and controlled. Here, we demonstrate that the swarming of DNA-functionalized microtubules (MTs) propelled by surface-adhered kinesin motors can be programmed and reversibly regulated by DNA signals. Emergent swarm behavior, such as translational and circular motion, can be selected by tuning the MT stiffness. Photoresponsive DNA containing azobenzene groups enables switching between solitary and swarm behavior in response to stimulation with visible or ultraviolet light.

Dispersive optical soliton solutions for higher order nonlinear Sasa-Satsuma equation in mono mode fibers via new auxiliary equation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khater, Mostafa M. A.; Seadawy, Aly R.; Lu, Dianchen

2018-01-01

In this research, we apply new technique for higher order nonlinear Schrödinger equation which is representing the propagation of short light pulses in the monomode optical fibers and the evolution of slowly varying packets of quasi-monochromatic waves in weakly nonlinear media that have dispersion. Nonlinear Schrödinger equation is one of the basic model in fiber optics. We apply new auxiliary equation method for nonlinear Sasa-Satsuma equation to obtain a new optical forms of solitary traveling wave solutions. Exact and solitary traveling wave solutions are obtained in different kinds like trigonometric, hyperbolic, exponential, rational functions, …, etc. These forms of solutions that we represent in this research prove the superiority of our new technique on almost thirteen powerful methods. The main merits of this method over the other methods are that it gives more general solutions with some free parameters.

Improved split renal function after percutaneous nephrostomy in young adults with severe hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

PubMed

Zhang, Shiwei; Zhang, Qing; Ji, Changwei; Zhao, Xiaozhi; Liu, Guangxiang; Zhang, Shun; Li, Xiaogong; Lian, Huibo; Zhang, Gutian; Guo, Hongqian

2015-01-01

We evaluated percutaneous nephrostomy for adult kidneys with severe hydronephrosis due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction and less than 10% split renal function. In this retrospective analysis we included patients who underwent percutaneous nephrostomy for unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction of the kidneys with hydronephrosis and less than 10% split renal function at our hospital between May 2009 and January 2012. Adults (age 18 years or greater) were divided into those 35 years or younger (young adults) and older than 35 years (older adults). The percutaneous nephrostomy remained in situ a mean ± SD of 6.62 ± 2.55 weeks and patients underwent repeat renography before pyeloplasty. When there was no significant improvement in split renal function (10% or greater) and drainage (greater than 400 ml per day), nephrectomy was performed. Otherwise pyeloplasty was performed. Patients were followed by renography, ultrasound and contrast computerized tomography at 3 and 6 months, at 1 year and annually thereafter. Of 53 patients 30 (56.6%) showed improvement after percutaneous nephrostomy drainage and urine output greater than 400 ml per day with percutaneous nephrostomy. Pyeloplasty was then performed. Of 29 young adults 24 (82.8%) showed improved split renal function vs 6 of 24 older adults (25%). Nephrectomy of the other 23 kidneys was performed. At a mean followup of 19.27 ± 7.82 months (range 12 to 36), no patient showed hypertension or urinary tract infection. Split renal function detected by renography may not accurately predict recovered, poorly functioning kidneys, especially in young adults. First observing the recoverability of hydronephrotic kidneys by percutaneous nephrostomy drainage and then preserving select kidneys may be an effective method to manage poorly functioning kidneys due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Copyright © 2015 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparative analysis of two porcine kidney decellularization methods for maintenance of functional vascular architectures.

PubMed

Zambon, Joao Paulo; Ko, In Kap; Abolbashari, Mehran; Huling, Jennifer; Clouse, Cara; Kim, Tae Hyoung; Smith, Charesa; Atala, Anthony; Yoo, James J

2018-06-05

Kidney transplantation is currently the only definitive solution for the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), however transplantation is severely limited by the shortage of available donor kidneys. Recent progress in whole organ engineering based on decellularization/recellularization techniques has enabled pre-clinical in vivo studies using small animal models; however, these in vivo studies have been limited to short-term assessments. We previously developed a decellularization system that effectively removes cellular components from porcine kidneys. While functional re-endothelialization on the porcine whole kidney scaffold was able to improve vascular patency, as compared to the kidney scaffold only, the duration of patency lasted only a few hours. In this study, we hypothesized that significant damage in the microvasculatures within the kidney scaffold resulted in the cessation of blood flow, and that thorough investigation is necessary to accurately evaluate the vascular integrity of the kidney scaffolds. Two decellularization protocols [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with DNase (SDS + DNase) or Triton X-100 with SDS (TRX + SDS)] were used to evaluate and optimize the levels of vascular integrity within the kidney scaffold. Results from vascular analysis studies using vascular corrosion casting and angiograms demonstrated that the TRX + SDS method was able to better maintain intact and functional microvascular architectures such as glomeruli within the acellular matrices than that by the SDS + DNase treatment. Importantly, in vitro blood perfusion of the re-endothelialized kidney construct revealed improved vascular function of the scaffold by TRX + SDS treatment compared with the SDS + DNase. Our results suggest that the optimized TRX + SDS decellularization method preserves kidney-specific microvasculatures and may contribute to long-term vascular patency following implantation. Kidney transplantation is the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, in the United States, the supply of donor kidneys meets less than one-fifth of the demand; and those patients that receive a donor kidney need life-long immunosuppressive therapy to avoid organ rejection. In the last two decades, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering have emerged as an attractive alternative to overcome these limitations. In 2013, Song et al. published the first experimental orthotopic transplantation of a bioengineering kidney in rodents. In this study, they demonstrated evidences of kidney tissue regeneration and partial function restoration. Despite these initial promising results, there are still many challenges to achieve long-term blood perfusion without graft thrombosis. In this paper, we demonstrated that perfusion of detergents through the renal artery of porcine kidneys damages the glomeruli microarchitecture as well as peritubular capillaries. Modifying dynamic parameters such as flow rate, detergent concentration, and decellularization time, we were able to establish an optimized decellularization protocol with no evidences of disruption of glomeruli microarchitecture. As a proof of concept, we recellularized the kidney scaffolds with endothelial cells and in vitro perfused whole porcine blood successfully for 24 h with no evidences of thrombosis. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

History of Childhood Kidney Disease and Risk of Adult End-Stage Renal Disease.

PubMed

Calderon-Margalit, Ronit; Golan, Eliezer; Twig, Gilad; Leiba, Adi; Tzur, Dorit; Afek, Arnon; Skorecki, Karl; Vivante, Asaf

2018-02-01

The long-term risk associated with childhood kidney disease that had not progressed to chronic kidney disease in childhood is unclear. We aimed to estimate the risk of future end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among adolescents who had normal renal function and a history of childhood kidney disease. We conducted a nationwide, population-based, historical cohort study of 1,521,501 Israeli adolescents who were examined before compulsory military service in 1967 through 1997; data were linked to the Israeli ESRD registry. Kidney diseases in childhood included congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, pyelonephritis, and glomerular disease; all participants included in the primary analysis had normal renal function and no hypertension in adolescence. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio for ESRD associated with a history of childhood kidney disease. During 30 years of follow-up, ESRD developed in 2490 persons. A history of any childhood kidney disease was associated with a hazard ratio for ESRD of 4.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.52 to 4.99). The associations between each diagnosis of kidney disease in childhood (congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, pyelonephritis, and glomerular disease) and the risk of ESRD in adulthood were similar in magnitude (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of 5.19 [95% CI, 3.41 to 7.90], 4.03 [95% CI, 3.16 to 5.14], and 3.85 [95% CI, 2.77 to 5.36], respectively). A history of kidney disease in childhood was associated with younger age at the onset of ESRD (hazard ratio for ESRD among adults <40 years of age, 10.40 [95% CI, 7.96 to 13.59]). A history of clinically evident kidney disease in childhood, even if renal function was apparently normal in adolescence, was associated with a significantly increased risk of ESRD, which suggests that kidney injury or structural abnormality in childhood has long-term consequences.

Dietary Potential Renal Acid Load and Risk of Albuminuria and Reduced Kidney Function in the Jackson Heart Study.

PubMed

Banerjee, Tanushree; Tucker, Katherine; Griswold, Michael; Wyatt, Sharon B; Harman, Jane; Young, Bessie; Taylor, Herman; Powe, Neil R

2018-07-01

Diets high in sulfur-rich protein and low in fruit and vegetables affect human acid-base balance adversely and may have a harmful effect on progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Little is known about the relationship of participant characteristics, dietary acid load (DAL), and kidney injury in African-Americans with high risk of CKD progression. We examined the association of DAL with CKD in 3,257 African-Americans aged >20 years in Jackson Heart Study. DAL was measured with nutrient intakes assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, using a model described by Remer and Manz. We tested associations of participant characteristics with DAL using median regression, and associations of DAL with albuminuria (>17 mg/g for men, >25 mg/g for women), reduced kidney function (eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 ), or CKD defined as albuminuria or reduced kidney function using logistic regression. We further explored whether endothelin and aldosterone production in participants with hypertension mediated risk of albuminuria or reduced kidney function due to the intake of an acid-inducing diet. Younger adults, men, and those with higher body mass index had higher DAL. Higher DAL, compared with lower, was associated with greater odds of reduced kidney function (OR [95% CI]: 2.82 [1.40-4.75]). Higher DAL was also associated with greater risk of CKD, and this persisted after adjustment for confounders. Results were similar in adults with hypertension; the OR [95% CI] for highest, versus lowest, tertile of DAL with albuminuria was 1.66 [1.01-2.59]. Aldosterone and endothelin mediated the association between DAL and albuminuria; the OR [95% CI] in the highest tertile was no longer significant 1.53 [0.97-2.40] after their inclusion. Higher DAL was associated with higher prevalence of CKD and with reduced kidney function. DAL may be an important target for future interventions in African-Americans at high risk of CKD. Copyright © 2018 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between Delayed graft function (DGF) biomarkers and long-term outcomes after living donor kidney transplantation.

PubMed

Sahraei, Zahra; Mehdizadeh, Mona; Salamzadeh, Jamshid; Nafar, Mohsen; Eshraghi, Azadeh

2018-05-21

The Association between preoperative Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) and interlukin-18 (uIL-18) with poor 1-year allograft function has been shown in deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients previously, and also these markers could predict 3-month allograft function. However, it is unknown whether there is any association between these postoperative biomarkers with important recipient outcomes beyond this time in live-donor transplants. NGAL and IL-18 four and 24 hours were measured in live-donor kidney transplant recipients after transplantation. The relationships between changes in these markers with clinical outcomes as well as kidney function were examined at 1 month and 2 years. Also, the association between delayed graft function with clinical outcome and serum creatinine (SrCr) were evaluated during this period. The Mean age for kidney recipients was 23.9 years. There was significant interaction between uNGAL 24 hr (pvalue=0.01) and uIL-18 four and 24 hr after transplantation (pvalue=0.04, 0.03; respectively) with patients' outcome after 1 month and changes in uNGAL with outcomes after 2 years (pvalue= 0.04). Changes in urine NGAL postoperative is associated with worse outcome 2 years after kidney transplantation, suggesting its potential role for identifying patients that are at high risk for diminished allograft function, outcome and survival. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

MELAS Syndrome and Kidney Disease Without Fanconi Syndrome or Proteinuria: A Case Report.

PubMed

Rudnicki, Michael; Mayr, Johannes A; Zschocke, Johannes; Antretter, Herwig; Regele, Heinz; Feichtinger, René G; Windpessl, Martin; Mayer, Gert; Pölzl, Gerhard

2016-12-01

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS syndrome) represents one of the most frequent mitochondrial disorders. The majority of MELAS cases are caused by m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial MT-TL1 gene, which encodes the mitochondrial tRNA Leu(UUR) . Kidney involvement usually manifests as Fanconi syndrome or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. We describe a patient with MELAS mutation, cardiomyopathy, and chronic kidney disease without Fanconi syndrome, proteinuria, or hematuria. While the patient was waitlisted for heart transplantation, her kidney function deteriorated from an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 33 to 20mL/min/1.73m 2 within several months. Kidney biopsy was performed to distinguish decreased kidney perfusion from intrinsic kidney pathology. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed only a moderate degree of tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, but quantitative analysis of the m.3243A>G mitochondrial DNA mutation revealed high heteroplasmy levels of 89% in the kidney. Functional assessment showed reduced activity of mitochondrial enzymes in kidney tissue, which was confirmed by immunohistology. In conclusion, we describe an unusual case of MELAS syndrome with chronic kidney disease without apparent proteinuria or tubular disorders associated with Fanconi syndrome, but widespread interstitial fibrosis and a high degree of heteroplasmy of the MELAS specific mutation and low mitochondrial activity in the kidney. Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of solitary waves as a mechanism for oil transport in poroelastic media: A case study of the South Eugene Island field, Gulf of Mexico basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joshi, Ajit; Appold, Martin S.; Nunn, Jeffrey A.

Hydrocarbons in shallow reservoirs of the Eugene Island 330 field in the Gulf of Mexico basin are thought to have migrated rapidly along low permeability sediments of the Red fault zone as discrete pressure pulses from source rocks at depths of about 4.5 km. The aim of this research was to evaluate the hypothesis that these pressure pulses represent solitary waves by investigating the mechanics of solitary wave formation and motion and wave oil transport capability. A two-dimensional numerical model of Eugene Island minibasin formation predicted overpressures at the hydrocarbon source depth to increase at an average rate of 30more » Pa/yr, reaching 52 MPa by the present day and oil velocities of 1E-12 m/yr, far too low for kilometer scale oil transport to fill shallow Plio-Pleistocene reservoirs within the 3.6 million year minibasin history. Calculations from a separate one-dimensional model that used the pressure generation rate from the two-dimensional model showed that solitary waves could only form and migrate within sediments that have very low permeabilities between 1-25 to 1-24 m2 and that are highly overpressured to 91-93% of lithostatic pressure. Solitary waves were found to have a maximum pore volume of 105 m3, to travel a maximum distance of 1-2 km, and to have a maximum velocity of 1-3 m/yr. Based on these results, solitary waves are unlikely to have transported oil to the shallowest reservoirs in the Eugene Island field in a poroelastic fault gouge rheology at the pressure generation rates likely to have been caused by disequilibrium compaction and hydrocarbon generation. However, solitary waves could perhaps be important agents for oil transport in other locations where reservoirs are closer to the source rocks, where the pore space is occupied by more than one fluid, or where sudden fracturing of overpressured hydrocarbon source sediments would allow the solitary waves to propagate as shock waves. Hydrocarbons in shallow reservoirs of the Eugene Island 330 field in the Gulf of Mexico basin are thought to have migrated rapidly along low permeability sediments of the Red fault zone as discrete pressure pulses from source rocks at depths of about 4.5 km. The aim of this research was to evaluate the hypothesis that these pressure pulses represent solitary waves by investigating the mechanics of solitary wave formation and motion and wave oil transport capability. A two-dimensional numerical model of Eugene Island minibasin formation predicted overpressures at the hydrocarbon source depth to increase at an average rate of 30 Pa/yr, reaching 52 MPa by the present day and oil velocities of 1-12 m/yr, far too low for kilometer scale oil transport to fill shallow Plio-Pleistocene reservoirs within the 3.6 million year minibasin history. Calculations from a separate one-dimensional model that used the pressure generation rate from the two-dimensional model showed that solitary waves could only form and migrate within sediments that have very low permeabilities between 1-25 to 1-24 m2 and that are highly overpressured to 91-93% of lithostatic pressure. Solitary waves were found to have a maximum pore volume of 100,000 m3, to travel a maximum distance of 1-2 km, and to have a maximum velocity of 1-3 m/yr. Based on these results, solitary waves are unlikely to have transported oil to the shallowest reservoirs in the Eugene Island field in a poroelastic fault gouge rheology at the pressure generation rates likely to have been caused by disequilibrium compaction and hydrocarbon generation. However, solitary waves could perhaps be important agents for oil transport in other locations where reservoirs are closer to the source rocks, where the pore space is occupied by more than one fluid, or where sudden fracturing of overpressured hydrocarbon source sediments would allow the solitary waves to propagate as shock waves.« less

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

MedlinePlus

... replacement therapies—hemodialysis and kidney transplantation, developed through fundamental NIH research in the 1960s—were increasingly available ... possible to restore lost kidney function. More aggressive management of diabetes and high blood pressure, as well ...

Frailty, Kidney Function, and Polypharmacy: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

PubMed

Ballew, Shoshana H; Chen, Yan; Daya, Natalie R; Godino, Job G; Windham, B Gwen; McAdams-DeMarco, Mara; Coresh, Josef; Selvin, Elizabeth; Grams, Morgan E

2017-02-01

Frail individuals are at increased risk for poor outcomes, including adverse drug events. Kidney function is often compromised in frailty and is a key consideration in medication choice and dosing; however, creatinine-based measures of kidney function may be biased in frail individuals. Observational study. 4,987 community-dwelling older men and women with complete data who participated in visit 5 of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (2011-2013). Kidney measures included glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated using serum creatinine (eGFR cr ) and serum cystatin C level (eGFR cys ) and urine albumin-creatinine ratio. Frailty, defined using established criteria of 3 or more frailty characteristics (weight loss, slowness, exhaustion, weakness, and low physical activity). 341 (7%) participants were classified as frail, 1,475 (30%) had eGFR cr <60mL/min/1.73m 2 , 2,480 (50%) had eGFR cys <60mL/min/1.73m 2 , and 1,006 (20%) had albuminuria with albumin excretion ≥ 30mg/g. Among frail participants, prevalences of eGFR cr and eGFR cys <60mL/min/1.73m 2 were 45% and 77%, respectively. Adjusted for covariates, frailty showed a moderate association with eGFR cr and a strong association with eGFR cys and albumin-creatinine ratio. Frail individuals with eGFR cr of 60 to <75mL/min/1.73m 2 were frequently reclassified to lower eGFR categories using eGFR cys (49% to 45-<60, 32% to 30-<45, and 3% to <30mL/min/1.73m 2 ). Hyperpolypharmacy (taking ≥10 classes of medications) was more common in frail individuals (54% vs 38% of nonfrail), including classes requiring kidney clearance (eg, digoxin) and associated with falls and subsequent complications (eg, hypnotic/sedatives and anticoagulants). Cross-sectional study design. Frail individuals had a high prevalence of reduced kidney function, with large discrepancies when reduced kidney function was classified by eGFR cys versus eGFR cr . Given the substantial medication burden and uncertainty in chronic kidney disease classification, confirmation of kidney function with alternative biomarkers may be warranted to ensure careful prescribing practices in this vulnerable population. Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solitary water wave interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craig, W.; Guyenne, P.; Hammack, J.; Henderson, D.; Sulem, C.

2006-05-01

This article concerns the pairwise nonlinear interaction of solitary waves in the free surface of a body of water lying over a horizontal bottom. Unlike solitary waves in many completely integrable model systems, solitary waves for the full Euler equations do not collide elastically; after interactions, there is a nonzero residual wave that trails the post-collision solitary waves. In this report on new numerical and experimental studies of such solitary wave interactions, we verify that this is the case, both in head-on collisions (the counterpropagating case) and overtaking collisions (the copropagating case), quantifying the degree to which interactions are inelastic. In the situation in which two identical solitary waves undergo a head-on collision, we compare the asymptotic predictions of Su and Mirie [J. Fluid Mech. 98, 509 (1980)] and Byatt-Smith [J. Fluid Mech. 49, 625 (1971)], the wavetank experiments of Maxworthy [J. Fluid Mech. 76, 177 (1976)], and the numerical results of Cooker, Weidman, and Bale [J. Fluid Mech. 342, 141 (1997)] with independent numerical simulations, in which we quantify the phase change, the run-up, and the form of the residual wave and its Fourier signature in both small- and large-amplitude interactions. This updates the prior numerical observations of inelastic interactions in Fenton and Rienecker [J. Fluid Mech. 118, 411 (1982)]. In the case of two nonidentical solitary waves, our precision wavetank experiments are compared with numerical simulations, again observing the run-up, phase lag, and generation of a residual from the interaction. Considering overtaking solitary wave interactions, we compare our experimental observations, numerical simulations, and the asymptotic predictions of Zou and Su [Phys. Fluids 29, 2113 (1986)], and again we quantify the inelastic residual after collisions in the simulations. Geometrically, our numerical simulations of overtaking interactions fit into the three categories of Korteweg-deVries two-soliton solutions defined in Lax [Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 21, 467 (1968)], with, however, a modification in the parameter regime. In all cases we have considered, collisions are seen to be inelastic, although the degree to which interactions depart from elastic is very small. Finally, we give several theoretical results: (i) a relationship between the change in amplitude of solitary waves due to a pairwise collision and the energy carried away from the interaction by the residual component, and (ii) a rigorous estimate of the size of the residual component of pairwise solitary wave collisions. This estimate is consistent with the analytic results of Schneider and Wayne [Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 53, 1475 (2000)], Wright [SIAM J. Math. Anal. 37, 1161 (2005)], and Bona, Colin, and Lannes [Arch. Rat. Mech. Anal. 178, 373 (2005)]. However, in light of our numerical data, both (i) and (ii) indicate a need to reevaluate the asymptotic results in Su and Mirie [J. Fluid Mech. 98, 509 (1980)] and Zou and Su [Phys. Fluids 29, 2113 (1986)].

Mononuclear phagocyte subpopulations in the mouse kidney.

PubMed

George, James F; Lever, Jeremie M; Agarwal, Anupam

2017-04-01

Mononuclear phagocytes are the most common cells in the kidney associated with immunity and inflammation. Although the presence of these cells in the kidney has been known for decades, the study of mononuclear phagocytes in the context of kidney function and dysfunction is still at an early stage. The purpose of this review is to summarize the present knowledge regarding classification of these cells in the mouse kidney and to identify relevant questions that would further advance the field and potentially lead to new opportunities for treatment of acute kidney injury and other kidney diseases.

Big Data, Predictive Analytics, and Quality Improvement in Kidney Transplantation: A Proof of Concept.

PubMed

Srinivas, T R; Taber, D J; Su, Z; Zhang, J; Mour, G; Northrup, D; Tripathi, A; Marsden, J E; Moran, W P; Mauldin, P D

2017-03-01

We sought proof of concept of a Big Data Solution incorporating longitudinal structured and unstructured patient-level data from electronic health records (EHR) to predict graft loss (GL) and mortality. For a quality improvement initiative, GL and mortality prediction models were constructed using baseline and follow-up data (0-90 days posttransplant; structured and unstructured for 1-year models; data up to 1 year for 3-year models) on adult solitary kidney transplant recipients transplanted during 2007-2015 as follows: Model 1: United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data; Model 2: UNOS & Transplant Database (Tx Database) data; Model 3: UNOS, Tx Database & EHR comorbidity data; and Model 4: UNOS, Tx Database, EHR data, Posttransplant trajectory data, and unstructured data. A 10% 3-year GL rate was observed among 891 patients (2007-2015). Layering of data sources improved model performance; Model 1: area under the curve (AUC), 0.66; (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60, 0.72); Model 2: AUC, 0.68; (95% CI: 0.61-0.74); Model 3: AUC, 0.72; (95% CI: 0.66-077); Model 4: AUC, 0.84, (95 % CI: 0.79-0.89). One-year GL (AUC, 0.87; Model 4) and 3-year mortality (AUC, 0.84; Model 4) models performed similarly. A Big Data approach significantly adds efficacy to GL and mortality prediction models and is EHR deployable to optimize outcomes. © 2016 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Personality, negative affect coping, and drinking alone: a structural equation modeling approach to examine correlates of adolescent solitary drinking

PubMed Central

Creswell, Kasey G.; Chung, Tammy; Wright, Aidan G. C.; Clark, Duncan B.; Black, Jessica J.; Martin, Christopher S.

2015-01-01

Aims This study examined the personality traits of negative emotionality and constraint and the ability to resist drinking during negative affective states as correlates of solitary drinking in adolescence. We hypothesized that higher levels of negative emotionality and lower levels of constraint would predict solitary drinking and that these relationships would be mediated by the ability to resist drinking in response to negative emotions. Design Structural equation modeling was used to fit a path model from the personality traits of negative emotionality and constraint to solitary drinking status through intermediate effects on the ability to resist drinking during negative emotions using cross-sectional data. Setting Clinical and community settings in Pennsylvania, USA. Participants The sample included 761 adolescent drinkers (mean age = 17.1). Measurements Adolescents completed the Lifetime Drinking History, the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire, the Constructive Thinking Inventory and the Situational Confidence Questionnaire. Findings The path model provided a good fit to the data. The association between trait negative emotionality and solitary drinking was fully mediated by adolescents' ability to resist drinking during negative affective states (b = 0.05, P = 0.01). In contrast, constraint had a direct effect on solitary drinking (odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, b = –0.23, P<0.01), as well as an indirect effect through the ability to resist drinking during negative affective states (b = –0.03, P = 0.02). Conclusions The ability to resist drinking while experiencing negative feelings or emotions may be an important underlying mechanism linking trait negative emotionality (a tendency toward depression, anxiety and poor reaction to stress) and constraint (lack of impulsiveness) to adolescent solitary drinking. PMID:25664806

Personality, negative affect coping, and drinking alone: a structural equation modeling approach to examine correlates of adolescent solitary drinking.

PubMed

Creswell, Kasey G; Chung, Tammy; Wright, Aidan G C; Clark, Duncan B; Black, Jessica J; Martin, Christopher S

2015-05-01

This study examined the personality traits of negative emotionality and constraint and the ability to resist drinking during negative affective states as correlates of solitary drinking in adolescence. We hypothesized that higher levels of negative emotionality and lower levels of constraint would predict solitary drinking and that these relationships would be mediated by the ability to resist drinking in response to negative emotions. Structural equation modeling was used to fit a path model from the personality traits of negative emotionality and constraint to solitary drinking status through intermediate effects on the ability to resist drinking during negative emotions using cross-sectional data. Clinical and community settings in Pennsylvania, USA. The sample included 761 adolescent drinkers (mean age = 17.1). Adolescents completed the Lifetime Drinking History, the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire, the Constructive Thinking Inventory and the Situational Confidence Questionnaire. The path model provided a good fit to the data. The association between trait negative emotionality and solitary drinking was fully mediated by adolescents' ability to resist drinking during negative affective states (b = 0.05, P = 0.01). In contrast, constraint had a direct effect on solitary drinking (odds ratio (OR) = 0.79, b = -0.23, P<0.01), as well as an indirect effect through the ability to resist drinking during negative affective states (b = -0.03, P = 0.02). The ability to resist drinking while experiencing negative feelings or emotions may be an important underlying mechanism linking trait negative emotionality (a tendency toward depression, anxiety and poor reaction to stress) and constraint (lack of impulsiveness) to adolescent solitary drinking. © 2015 Society for the Study of Addiction.

The pathologic physiology of chronic Bright's disease. An exposition of the "intact nephron hypothesis".

PubMed

Bricker, N S; Morrin, P A; Kime, S W

1997-09-01

Clinical and experimental data relating to the functional capacity of the surviving nephrons of the chronically diseased kidney for the most part support the thesis that these nephrons retain their essential functional integrity regardless of the nature of the underlying form of chronic Bright's disease. There are instances in which specific alterations of function correlate with pathologic involvement of a particular site of the nephron but these appear to represent the exceptions, and in general the more advanced the disease becomes, the less evident are the differentiating features. Studies on dogs with unilateral renal disease indicate that the functional capacity of the nephrons of the diseased kidney parallels that of the nephrons of the contralateral normal kidney. These data tend to exclude widespread intrinsic damage to the functioning nephrons by the underlying pathologic processes. From these observations, as well as from certain supporting clinical and experimental observations, it is suggested that the majority of surviving nephrons in the patient with bilateral renal disease similarly are functionally intact. Concepts of the pathologic physiology of the kidney, based on the "intact nephron hypothesis", are presented. Within the framework of this hypothesis it is concluded that (1) the diseased kidney consists of a diminished number of nephrons, most of which retain essentially normal functional abilities; (2) certain of the apparent abnormalities in function in bilateral renal disease may relate to adaptive changes imposed by the decreased nephron population and the attendant derangements in body fluids rather than to structural distortion of nephrons; (3) the over-all flexibility of the diseased kidney decreases as the number of constituent nephrons decreases; but (4) there is an orderly and predictable pattern of excretion for all substances.

Supplementing diet with Manitoba lingonberry juice reduces kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Isaak, Cara K; Wang, Pengqi; Prashar, Suvira; O, Karmin; Brown, Daniel Cw; Debnath, Samir C; Siow, Yaw L

2017-07-01

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) contains high levels of anthocyanins which are bioavailable in the kidney and may be protective against ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced acute kidney injury. This study investigated the effect of lingonberry juice on the IR-induced stress-activated signalling pathway and inflammatory response in the kidney. Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to kidney IR had significantly impaired kidney function, with increased activation of the JNK signalling pathway and increased inflammatory response, measured using a multiplex panel containing an extensive array of inflammatory biomarkers. In rats fed 1 mL lingonberry juice daily for 3 weeks prior to IR, kidney function was protected and attenuation of inflammatory response and JNK signalling was reflected in the reduction of the measured biomarkers. In vitro results in cultured HK-2 cells confirmed that lingonberry anthocyanins reduced JNK signalling and inflammatory gene expression after IR. This study shows, for the first time, that daily supplementation with lingonberry juice may protect against loss of kidney function induced by IR injury by modulating JNK signalling and inhibiting the subsequent inflammatory response. © 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Model systems for the study of kidney development: use of the pronephros in the analysis of organ induction and patterning.

PubMed

Vize, P D; Seufert, D W; Carroll, T J; Wallingford, J B

1997-08-15

Most vertebrate organs, once formed, continue to perform the function for which they were generated until the death of the organism. The kidney is a notable exception to this rule. Vertebrates, even those that do not undergo metamorphosis, utilize a progression of more complex kidneys as they grow and develop. This is presumably due to the changing conditions to which the organism must respond to retain what Homer Smith referred to as our physiological freedom. To quote, "Recognizing that we have the kind of blood we have because we have the kind of kidneys we have, we must acknowledge that our kidneys constitute the major foundation of our physiological freedom. Only because they work the way they do has it become possible for us to have bones, muscles, glands, and brains. Superficially, it might be said that the function of the kidneys is to make urine; but in a more considered view one can say that the kidneys make the stuff of philosophy itself" ("From Fish to Philosopher," Little, Brown and Co., Boston, 1953). Different kidneys are used to make the stuff of philosophy at different stages of development depending on the age and needs of the organism, rather than the usual approach of simply making embryonic organs larger as the animal grows. Although evolution has provided the higher vertebrates with complex adult kidneys, they continue to utilize simple kidneys in embryogenesis. In lower vertebrates with simple adult kidneys, even more simple versions are used during early developmental stages. In this review the anatomy, development, and gene expression patterns of the embryonic kidney, the pronephros, will be described and compared to the more complex kidney forms. Despite some differences in anatomy, similar developmental pathways seem to be responsible for the induction and the response to induction in both evanescent and permanent kidney forms. Gene expression patterns can, therefore, be added to the morphological and functional data indicating that all forms of the kidney are closely related structures. Given the similarities between the development of simple and complex kidneys, the embryonic kidneys may be an ideal model system in which to investigate the genesis of multicomponent organ systems.

Galerkin Spectral Method for the 2D Solitary Waves of Boussinesq Paradigm Equation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Christou, M. A.; Christov, C. I.

2009-10-29

We consider the 2D stationary propagating solitary waves of the so-called Boussinesq Paradigm equation. The fourth- order elliptic boundary value problem on infinite interval is solved by a Galerkin spectral method. An iterative procedure based on artificial time ('false transients') and operator splitting is used. Results are obtained for the shapes of the solitary waves for different values of the dispersion parameters for both subcritical and supercritical phase speeds.

Are There Optical Solitary Wave Solutions in Linear Media with Group Velocity Dispersion?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Zhonghao; Zhou, Guosheng

1996-01-01

A generalized exact optical bright solitary wave solution in a three dimensional dispersive linear medium is presented. The most interesting property of the solution is that it can exist in the normal group-velocity-dispersion (GVD) region. In addition, another peculiar feature is that it may achieve a condition of 'zero-dispersion' to the media so that a solitary wave of arbitrarily small amplitude may be propagated with no dependence on is pulse width.

Solitary traveling wave solutions of pressure equation of bubbly liquids with examination for viscosity and heat transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khater, Mostafa M. A.; Seadawy, Aly R.; Lu, Dianchen

2018-03-01

In this research, we investigate one of the most popular model in nature and also industrial which is the pressure equation of bubbly liquids with examination for viscosity and heat transfer which has many application in nature and engineering. Understanding the physical meaning of exact and solitary traveling wave solutions for this equation gives the researchers in this field a great clear vision of the pressure waves in a mixture liquid and gas bubbles taking into consideration the viscosity of liquid and the heat transfer and also dynamics of contrast agents in the blood flow at ultrasonic researches. To achieve our goal, we apply three different methods which are extended tanh-function method, extended simple equation method and a new auxiliary equation method on this equation. We obtained exact and solitary traveling wave solutions and we also discuss the similarity and difference between these three method and make a comparison between results that we obtained with another results that obtained with the different researchers using different methods. All of these results and discussion explained the fact that our new auxiliary equation method is considered to be the most general, powerful and the most result-oriented. These kinds of solutions and discussion allow for the understanding of the phenomenon and its intrinsic properties as well as the ease of way of application and its applicability to other phenomena.

The Management Strategy of Benign Solitary Intraductal Papilloma on Breast Core Biopsy.

PubMed

Ko, Dayoung; Kang, Eunyoung; Park, So Yeon; Kim, Sun Mi; Jang, Mijung; Yun, Bo La; Chae, Sumin; Jang, Yerang; Kim, Hye Jin; Kim, Sung-Won; Kim, Eun-Kyu

2017-08-01

Intraductal papilloma (IDP) is well-known as one of the common benign breast lesions requiring excision. However, treatment of IDP without atypia is controversial. The aim of our study was to determine the proper management of solitary IDP by core needle biopsy (CNB). We retrospectively reviewed patients with solitary IDP confirmed by CNB from March 2003 to March 2015. We collected data about final pathology after excision, as well as clinical, histologic, and radiologic findings at initial diagnosis. The final pathology was categorized as benign or malignant. We evaluated the rate of upgrade to malignancy and factors associated with malignancy. We identified 405 patients who presented benign solitary IDP by CNB. The mean age was 46.1 years (range, 15-86 years). In total, 135 patients underwent surgical excision, and 211 underwent vacuum-assisted excision. Of 346 patients, malignant lesions were found in 8 patients (2.3%): 7 underwent surgical excision, and 1 underwent vacuum-assisted excision. Only the size of IDP was significantly associated with cancer upgrade (P = .003). Our study shows that overall malignancy upgrade rate of benign solitary IDP after excision is very low (2.3%). Even when the size of IDP was less than 1 cm, the upgrade rate to cancer was only 0.9%. Therefore, for patients with small solitary IDP, we recommend close follow-up with ultrasound instead of excision. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Successful Dual Kidney Transplantation After Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion of Discarded Human Kidneys

PubMed Central

Ravaioli, Matteo; De Pace, Vanessa; Comai, Giorgia; Busutti, Marco; Gaudio, Massimo Del; Amaduzzi, Annalisa; Cucchetti, Alessandro; Siniscalchi, Antonio; La Manna, Gaetano; D’Errico, Antonietta A.D.; Pinna, Antonio Daniele

2017-01-01

Patient: Female, 58 Final Diagnosis: Nephroangiosclerosis Symptoms: Renal failure Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Resuscitation of grafts by hypothermic oxygenated perfusion Specialty: Transplantology Objective: Challenging differential diagnosis Background: The recovery of discarded human kidneys has increased in recent years and impels to use of unconventional organ preservation strategies that improve graft function. We report the first case of human kidneys histologically discarded and transplanted after hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE). Case Report: Marginal kidneys from a 78-year-old woman with brain death were declined by Italian transplant centers due to biopsy score (right kidney: 6; left kidney: 7). We recovered and preserved both kidneys through HOPE and we revaluated their use for transplantation by means of perfusion parameters. The right kidney was perfused for 1 h 20 min and the left kidney for 2 h 30 min. During organ perfusion, the renal flow increased progressively. We observed an increase of 34% for the left kidney (median flow 52 ml/min) and 50% for the right kidney (median flow 24 ml/min). Both kidneys had low perfusate’s lactate levels. We used perfusion parameters as important determinants of the organ discard. Based on our previous organ perfusion experience, the increase of renal flow and the low level of lactate following 1 h of HOPE lead us to declare both kidneys as appropriate for dual kidney transplantation (DKT). No complications were reported during the transplant and in the post-transplant hospital stay. The recipient had immediate graft function and serum creatinine value of 0.95 mg/dL at 3 months post-transplant. Conclusions: HOPE provides added information in the organ selection process and may improve graft quality of marginal kidneys. PMID:28928357

Renal cortical volume: High correlation with pre- and post-operative renal function in living kidney donors.

PubMed

Gardan, Edouard; Jacquemont, Lola; Perret, Christophe; Heudes, Pierre-Marie; Gourraud, Pierre-Antoine; Hourmant, Maryvonne; Frampas, Eric; Limou, Sophie

2018-02-01

CT volumetry has previously been proposed as an alternative to scintigraphy for the evaluation of pre-donation split renal function and the prediction of post-donation renal function in living kidney donors. The aim of our study was to retrospectively assess the relevance of three CT volumetry techniques for estimating pre-donation kidney function and predicting the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 1-year post-nephrectomy in a French cohort of living donors using isotopic measures of kidney function. Kidney volume was quantified pre-donation for 105 donors using three methods total parenchymal three-dimensional renal volume (3DRV), total parenchymal renal volume contouring (RVCt), and renal cortical volume (RCoV). Subjects also had a 51Cr-EDTA scintigraphy to measure glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) pre-donation and 1-year after donation. For each volume, we tested for association with mGFR using univariate regression models, and computed receiver operating characteristics analyses to assess their predictive potential of post-donation CKD. Our population was composed of healthy subjects, who were predominantly female (69%) with a median age at donation of 51yo. Median mGFR was 102 mL/min/1.73 m 2 at pre-donation and 66 mL/min/1.73 m 2 1-year after nephrectomy. The pre-donation median volume of the preserved kidney was 156 cm 3 , 163 cm 3 and 99 cm 3 for the 3DRV, RVCt and RCoV methods respectively, with a high correlation observed between each technique (R > 0.84). For all methods, total kidney volume was significantly associated with pre-donation mGFR (P < 0.001). Preserved kidney volume was also strongly correlated with post-donation mGFR (P < 0.0001), with the strongest correlation observed for RCoV (R = 0.60 vs. R = 0.39 and R = 0.51 for 3DRV and RVCt, respectively). Finally, the RCoV method yielded the best predictive value of 1-year post-donation CKD (AUC = 0.80 vs. AUC = 0.76 and 0.70 for RVCt and 3DRV, respectively). In our cohort of healthy donors with measured kidney function, cortical volumetry (RCoV) appears as the best volumetric technique to use as a surrogate to scintigraphy for estimating pre-donation split renal function and predicting post-donation renal outcomes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

76 FR 42716 - Effects of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury on Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation; Public Workshop

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-19

...] Effects of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury on Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation; Public Workshop AGENCY: Food... outcomes in kidney transplantation. This public workshop is intended to obtain information from health care... for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of delayed graft function (DGF) and related conditions in kidney...

[Lithium treatment in patients with impaired kidney function: Between Scylla and Charybdis].

PubMed

Dehning, Julia; Grunze, Heinz; Born, Christoph; Hausmann, Armand

2017-05-01

Introduction In quite a few patients with bipolar disorder there is no real alternative to lithium treatment despite impaired kidney function. Is it possible to continue lithium treatment despite kidney malfunction by changing dosage and/or frequency of administration? Case Report We report on a 65-year-old woman suffering from bipolar-I disorder who had been on lithium treatment for many decades. While on lithium, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreased constantly. A decision had to be made whether to switch to a more tolerable o.d. administration or to taper off lithium. Conclusion With a single dose at bedtime, the serum levels remained stable; however, kidney function unfortunately did not improve. A relevant increase of GFR above the level of 60 mL/min/1,73 m 2 was only achieved after a 50% dose reduction leading also to a substantial decrease of lithium serum levels. A kidney protective lithium application in patients with reduced renal function is like sailing between Scylla and Charybdis. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

The role of radiation therapy in the management of plasma cell tumors.

PubMed

Mill, W B; Griffith, R

1980-02-15

A retrospective review is reported of 128 patients presenting with multiple myeloma and 16 patients presenting with solitary plasmacytoma. Ninety-one percent of 116 evaluable patients treated for palliation of painful bone disease received some degree of subjective pain relief. The radiation dose most frequently prescribed was between 1500 and 2000 rad. Of the 278 ports treated, only 17 (6.1%) were re-treated to the same area at a later date. There was no increase in incidence of re-treatment with lower radiation doses. Ten of the 13 patients treated for a solitary plasmacytoma with a minumum follow-up period of three years have local tumor control. The median survival in the solitary plasmacytomas is five and one-half years. Data from the literature on 27 additional solitary plasmacytomas combined with our data suggest an improved local control and a decrease in dissemination with doses greater than 5000 rad. It is concluded that low doses of radiation are usually adequate to treat painful bone lesions of multiple myeloma and doses of 5000-6500 rad in six to seven weeks are recommended for solitary plasmacytomas.

Solitary wave for a nonintegrable discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation in nonlinear optical waveguide arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Li-Yuan; Ji, Jia-Liang; Xu, Zong-Wei; Zhu, Zuo-Nong

2018-03-01

We study a nonintegrable discrete nonlinear Schrödinger (dNLS) equation with the term of nonlinear nearest-neighbor interaction occurred in nonlinear optical waveguide arrays. By using discrete Fourier transformation, we obtain numerical approximations of stationary and travelling solitary wave solutions of the nonintegrable dNLS equation. The analysis of stability of stationary solitary waves is performed. It is shown that the nonlinear nearest-neighbor interaction term has great influence on the form of solitary wave. The shape of solitary wave is important in the electric field propagating. If we neglect the nonlinear nearest-neighbor interaction term, much important information in the electric field propagating may be missed. Our numerical simulation also demonstrates the difference of chaos phenomenon between the nonintegrable dNLS equation with nonlinear nearest-neighbor interaction and another nonintegrable dNLS equation without the term. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11671255 and 11701510), the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain (Grant No. MTM2016-80276-P (AEI/FEDER, EU)), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2017M621964).

Cylindrical fast magnetosonic solitary waves in quantum degenerate electron-positron-ion plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdikian, A.

2018-02-01

The nonlinear properties of fast magnetosonic solitary waves in a quantum degenerate electron-positron (e-p) plasma in the presence of stationary ions for neutralizing the plasma background of bounded cylindrical geometry were studied. By employing the standard reductive perturbation technique and the quantum hydrodynamic model for the e-p fluid, the cylindrical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (CKP) equation was derived for small, but finite, amplitude waves and was given the solitary wave solution for the parameters relevant to dense astrophysical objects such as white dwarf stars. By a suitable coordinate transformation, the CKP equation can be solved analytically. An analytical solution for magnetosonic solitons and periodic waves is presented. The numerical results reveal that the Bohm potential has a main effect on the periodic and solitary wave structures. By increasing the values of the plasma parameters, the amplitude of the solitary wave will be increased. The present study may be helpful in the understanding of nonlinear electromagnetic soliton waves propagating in both laboratory and astrophysical plasmas, and can help in providing good agreement between theoretical results and laboratory plasma experiments.

Effect of electron temperature on small-amplitude electron acoustic solitary waves in non-planar geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansal, Sona; Aggarwal, Munish; Gill, Tarsem Singh

2018-04-01

Effects of electron temperature on the propagation of electron acoustic solitary waves in plasma with stationary ions, cold and superthermal hot electrons is investigated in non-planar geometry employing reductive perturbation method. Modified Korteweg-de Vries equation is derived in the small amplitude approximation limit. The analytical and numerical calculations of the KdV equation reveal that the phase velocity of the electron acoustic waves increases as one goes from planar to non planar geometry. It is shown that the electron temperature ratio changes the width and amplitude of the solitary waves and when electron temperature is not taken into account,our results completely agree with the results of Javidan & Pakzad (2012). It is found that at small values of τ , solitary wave structures behave differently in cylindrical ( {m} = 1), spherical ( {m} = 2) and planar geometry ( {m} = 0) but looks similar at large values of τ . These results may be useful to understand the solitary wave characteristics in laboratory and space environments where the plasma have multiple temperature electrons.

Genetic tracing of the gustatory and trigeminal neural pathways originating from T1R3-expressing taste receptor cells and solitary chemoreceptor cells.

PubMed

Ohmoto, Makoto; Matsumoto, Ichiro; Yasuoka, Akihito; Yoshihara, Yoshihiro; Abe, Keiko

2008-08-01

We established transgenic mouse lines expressing a transneuronal tracer, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), under the control of mouse T1R3 gene promoter/enhancer. In the taste buds, WGA transgene was faithfully expressed in T1R3-positive sweet/umami taste receptor cells. WGA protein was transferred not laterally to the synapse-bearing, sour-responsive type III cells in the taste buds but directly to a subset of neurons in the geniculate and nodose/petrosal ganglia, and further conveyed to a rostro-central region of the nucleus of solitary tract. In addition, WGA was expressed in solitary chemoreceptor cells in the nasal epithelium and transferred along the trigeminal sensory pathway to the brainstem neurons. The solitary chemoreceptor cells endogenously expressed T1R3 together with bitter taste receptors T2Rs. This result shows an exceptional signature of receptor expression. Thus, the t1r3-WGA transgenic mice revealed the sweet/umami gustatory pathways from taste receptor cells and the trigeminal neural pathway from solitary chemoreceptor cells.

Multi-soliton interaction of a generalized Schrödinger-Boussinesq system in a magnetized plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xue-Hui; Tian, Bo; Chai, Jun; Wu, Xiao-Yu; Guo, Yong-Jiang

2017-04-01

Under investigation in this paper is a generalized Schrödinger-Boussinesq system, which describes the stationary propagation of coupled upper-hybrid waves and magnetoacoustic waves in a magnetized plasma. Bilinear forms, one-, two- and three-soliton solutions are derived by virtue of the Hirota method and symbolic computation. Propagation and interaction for the solitons are illustrated graphically: Coefficients β1^{} and β2^{} can affect the velocities and propagation directions of the solitary waves. Amplitude, velocity and shape of the one solitary wave keep invariant during the propagation, implying that the transport of the energy is stable in the upper-hybrid and magnetoacoustic waves, and amplitude of the upper-hybrid wave is bigger than that of the magnetoacoustic wave. For the upper-hybrid and magnetoacoustic waves, head-on, overtaking and bound-state interaction between the two solitary waves are asymptotically depicted, respectively, indicating that the interaction between the two solitary waves is elastic. Elastic interaction between the bound-state soliton and a single one soliton is also displayed, and interaction among the three solitary waves is all elastic.

Nonlinear Electron Acoustic Waves in the Inner Magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dillard, C. S.; Vasko, I.; Mozer, F.; Agapitov, O. V.

2017-12-01

The Van Allen Probes observe intense broad-band electrostatic wave activity in the inner magnetosphere. The high-resolution electric field measurements show that these broad-band wave activity is made of large-amplitude electrostatic solitary waves propagating generally along the background magnetic field with velocities of a few thousands km/s. There are generally two types of the observed solitary waves. The solitary waves with the bipolar parallel electric field are interpreted as electron phase space holes, while the nature of solitary waves with asymmetric parallel electric field has remained puzzling. In the present work we show that asymmetric solitary waves propagate with velocities (1000-5000 km/s) and have spatial scales (100 m-1 km) similar to those for electron-acoustic waves existing due to two temperature electron population. Through the numerical fluid simulation we show that the spikes are produced from the initially harmonic electron-acoustic perturbation due to the nonlinear steepening. Through the analysis of the modified KdV equation we show that the steepening is arrested at some moment by the collisionless Landau dissipation and results in formation of the observed asymmetric spikes (shocklets).

Controlled formation and reflection of a bright solitary matter-wave

PubMed Central

Marchant, A. L.; Billam, T. P.; Wiles, T. P.; Yu, M. M. H.; Gardiner, S. A.; Cornish, S. L.

2013-01-01

Bright solitons are non-dispersive wave solutions, arising in a diverse range of nonlinear, one-dimensional systems, including atomic Bose–Einstein condensates with attractive interactions. In reality, cold-atom experiments can only approach the idealized one-dimensional limit necessary for the realization of true solitons. Nevertheless, it remains possible to create bright solitary waves, the three-dimensional analogue of solitons, which maintain many of the key properties of their one-dimensional counterparts. Such solitary waves offer many potential applications and provide a rich testing ground for theoretical treatments of many-body quantum systems. Here we report the controlled formation of a bright solitary matter-wave from a Bose–Einstein condensate of 85Rb, which is observed to propagate over a distance of ∼1.1 mm in 150 ms with no observable dispersion. We demonstrate the reflection of a solitary wave from a repulsive Gaussian barrier and contrast this to the case of a repulsive condensate, in both cases finding excellent agreement with theoretical simulations using the three-dimensional Gross–Pitaevskii equation. PMID:23673650

The biomechanics of the kidney: the isothermal function of the capsule adipose renis.

PubMed

Rados, N; Keros, P; Trnski, D; Muftić, O

1993-01-01

The paper describes the research in the field of thermodynamics. It deals with the function of capsule adipose renis. This homogenous tissue of low temperature acts as an independent thermal conductor. In fact, by encapsulating the kidney, it acts as a vacuum-flask, providing insulation for the kidney from two surrounding thermal areas, the warmer being on the interperitoneum and the cooler on the skin surface.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome With Kidney Function and Histology in Living Kidney Donors

PubMed Central

Ohashi, Y.; Thomas, G.; Nurko, S.; Stephany, B.; Fatica, R.; Chiesa, A.; Rule, A. D.; Srinivas, T.; Schold, J. D.; Navaneethan, S. D.; Poggio, E. D.

2013-01-01

The selection of living kidney donors is based on a formal evaluation of the state of health. However, this spectrum of health includes subtle metabolic derangements that can cluster as metabolic syndrome. We studied the association of metabolic syndrome with kidney function and histology in 410 donors from 2005 to 2012, of whom 178 donors were systematically followed after donation since 2009. Metabolic syndrome was defined as per the NCEP ATPIII criteria, but using a BMI > 25 kg/m2 instead of waist circumference. Following donation, donors received counseling on lifestyle modification. Metabolic syndrome was present in 50 (12.2%) donors. Donors with metabolic syndrome were more likely to have chronic histological changes on implant biopsies than donors with no metabolic syndrome (29.0% vs. 9.3%, p < 0.001). This finding was associated with impaired kidney function recovery following donation. At last follow-up, reversal of metabolic syndrome was observed in 57.1% of donors with predonation metabolic syndrome, while only 10.8% of donors developed de novo metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001). In conclusion, metabolic syndrome in donors is associated with chronic histological changes, and nephrectomy in these donors was associated with subsequent protracted recovery of kidney function. Importantly, weight loss led to improvement of most abnormalities that define metabolic syndrome. PMID:23865821

New insights into potential functions for the protein 4.1superfamily of proteins in kidney epithelium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Calinisan, Venice; Gravem, Dana; Chen, Ray Ping-Hsu

2005-06-17

Members of the protein 4.1 family of adapter proteins are expressed in a broad panel of tissues including various epithelia where they likely play an important role in maintenance of cell architecture and polarity and in control of cell proliferation. We have recently characterized the structure and distribution of three members of the protein 4.1 family, 4.1B, 4.1R and 4.1N, in mouse kidney. We describe here binding partners for renal 4.1 proteins, identified through the screening of a rat kidney yeast two-hybrid system cDNA library. The identification of putative protein 4.1-based complexes enables us to envision potential functions for 4.1more » proteins in kidney: organization of signaling complexes, response to osmotic stress, protein trafficking, and control of cell proliferation. We discuss the relevance of these protein 4.1-based interactions in kidney physio-pathology in the context of their previously identified functions in other cells and tissues. Specifically, we will focus on renal 4.1 protein interactions with beta amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP), 14-3-3 proteins, and the cell swelling-activated chloride channel pICln. We also discuss the functional relevance of another member of the protein 4.1 superfamily, ezrin, in kidney physiopathology.« less

Preeclampsia Risks in Kidney Donors and Recipients.

PubMed

Shah, Pratik B; Samra, Manpreet; Josephson, Michelle A

2018-06-08

To review the studies and practice guidelines on the preeclampsia risks in kidney donors and recipients. There is a small increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in pregnancies that follow kidney donation. Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline (2017) and the 2015 American Society of Transplantation (AST) consensus conference statement recommends counseling kidney donors about this increased risk. There is no observed increase in fetal complications or eclampsia post-kidney donation. Preeclampsia is more commonly observed in kidney transplant recipients than the general population and these patients should be co-managed with an obstetrician with experience in managing high risk pregnancies. Although preeclampsia has not been found to have a deleterious effect on renal graft function, it can cause premature delivery. Risk calculators have been proposed and an elevated pre-pregnancy creatinine seems to be an important risk. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guidelines (2009) recommends attempting pregnancy when kidney function is stable with proteinuria of less than 1 g per day. The use of novel biomarkers for preeclampsia has not been published in this population. Preeclampsia is an important concern for female kidney donors and recipients of child-bearing age. These individuals should be appropriately counseled.

The protective role of bee honey against the toxic effect of melamine in the male rat kidney.

PubMed

Al-Seeni, Madeha N; El Rabey, Haddad A; Al-Solamy, Suad M

2015-06-01

This study aimed to test the protective role of natural bee honey against melamine toxicity in the kidney of male albino rats. The dietary supplementation of melamine at a dose of 20,000 ppm for 28 days induced renal dysfunction, as reflected by a significant increase in kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) and an increase in potassium levels. In addition, a decrease in catalase and glutathione-S-transferase and an increase in lipid peroxide in the kidney tissue homogenate were also observed. Histological changes in the melamine-treated group revealed hyperplasia and damage in kidney cells and the accumulation of melamine crystals in kidney tissues. Honey treatment for 28 days in rats concurrently administered melamine at a dose of 2.5 g/kg body weight for 28 days improved the kidney function, increased antioxidant enzymes, and decreased lipid peroxide levels. The morphology of the kidney cells of the melamine-fed rats was also improved as a result of honey treatment. In conclusion, this study revealed that natural bee honey protects the kidney against the adverse effects induced by melamine toxicity in male albino rats. © The Author(s) 2014.

Natural killer cell function predicts severe infection in kidney transplant recipients.

PubMed

Dendle, Claire; Gan, Poh-Yi; Polkinghorne, Kevan R; Ngui, James; Stuart, Rhonda L; Kanellis, John; Thursky, Karin; Mulley, William R; Holdsworth, Stephen

2018-04-30

The aim of this study was to determine if natural killer cell number (CD3 - /CD16 ± /CD56 ± ) and cytotoxic killing function predicts severity and frequency of infection in kidney transplant recipients. A cohort of 168 kidney transplant recipients with stable graft function underwent assessment of natural killer cell number and functional killing capacity immediately prior to entry into this prospective study. Participants were followed for 2 years for development of severe infection, defined as hospitalization for infection. Area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were used to evaluate the accuracy of natural killer cell number and function for predicting severe infection. Adjusted odds ratios were determined by logistic regression. Fifty-nine kidney transplant recipients (35%) developed severe infection and 7 (4%) died. Natural killer cell function was a better predictor of severe infection than natural killer cell number: AUROC 0.84 and 0.75, respectively (P = .018). Logistic regression demonstrated that after adjustment for age, transplant function, transplant duration, mycophenolate use, and increasing natural killer function (odds ratio [OR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.90; P < .0001) but not natural killer number (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-1.00; P = .051) remained significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of severe infection. Natural killer cell function predicts severe infection in kidney transplant recipients. © 2018 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

[A computer tomography assisted method for the automatic detection of region of interest in dynamic kidney images].

PubMed

Jing, Xueping; Zheng, Xiujuan; Song, Shaoli; Liu, Kai

2017-12-01

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which can be estimated by Gates method with dynamic kidney single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, is a key indicator of renal function. In this paper, an automatic computer tomography (CT)-assisted detection method of kidney region of interest (ROI) is proposed to achieve the objective and accurate GFR calculation. In this method, the CT coronal projection image and the enhanced SPECT synthetic image are firstly generated and registered together. Then, the kidney ROIs are delineated using a modified level set algorithm. Meanwhile, the background ROIs are also obtained based on the kidney ROIs. Finally, the value of GFR is calculated via Gates method. Comparing with the clinical data, the GFR values estimated by the proposed method were consistent with the clinical reports. This automatic method can improve the accuracy and stability of kidney ROI detection for GFR calculation, especially when the kidney function has been severely damaged.

The impact of gut microbiota on kidney function and pathogenesis.

PubMed

Mahmoodpoor, Fariba; Rahbar Saadat, Yalda; Barzegari, Abolfazl; Ardalan, Mohammadreza; Zununi Vahed, Sepideh

2017-09-01

Chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) are a global health problem. Besides diverse leading reasons in initiation and progression of CKDs, it is evident that they might largely originate from changes in the gut microbial community (microbiota). Mounting evidence indicates that a bidirectional relationship exists between host and microbiome in humans and animals with CKDs. Changes in the microbiota composition and structure (dysbiosis) produce excessive amounts of uremic toxins (e.g. indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate and trimethylamine-N-oxide) but less reno-protective metabolites that are implicated in oxidative stress, uremia, inflammation, deterioration of kidney function, kidney diseases progression, a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk, and mortality in patients with CKD. The present review focuses on the pathogenic association between gut microbiota and kidney diseases like CKD, IgA nephropathy, and kidney stone disease. Certainly, novel insights into the impact of the gut microbiota in kidney diseases can be helpful to develop therapeutic strategies in order to avoid and/or treat aforementioned conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

SECRETED KLOTHO AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

PubMed Central

Hu, Ming Chang; Kuro-o, Makoto; Moe, Orson W.

2013-01-01

Soluble Klotho (sKl) in the circulation can be generated directly by alterative splicing of the Klotho transcript or the extracellular domain of membrane Klotho can be released from membrane-anchored Klotho on the cell surface. Unlike membrane Klotho which functions as a coreceptor for fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), sKl, acts as hormonal factor and plays important roles in anti-aging, anti-oxidation, modulation of ion transport, and Wnt signaling. Emerging evidence reveals that Klotho deficiency is an early biomarker for chronic kidney diseases as well as a pathogenic factor. Klotho deficiency is associated with progression and chronic complications in chronic kidney disease including vascular calcification, cardiac hypertrophy, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In multiple experimental models, replacement of sKl, or manipulated up-regulation of endogenous Klotho protect the kidney from renal insults, preserve kidney function, and suppress renal fibrosis, in chronic kidney disease. Klotho is a highly promising candidate on the horizon as an early biomarker, and as a novel therapeutic agent for chronic kidney disease. PMID:22396167

What happens to the heart in chronic kidney disease?

PubMed

Rutherford, E; Mark, P B

2017-03-01

Cardiovascular disease is common in patients with chronic kidney disease. The increased risk of cardiovascular disease seen in this population is attributable to both traditional and novel vascular risk factors. Risk of sudden cardiac or arrhythmogenic death is greatly exaggerated in chronic kidney disease, particularly in patients with end stage renal disease where the risk is roughly 20 times that of the general population. The reasons for this increased risk are not entirely understood and while atherosclerosis is accelerated in the presence of chronic kidney disease, premature myocardial infarction does not solely account for the excess risk. Recent work demonstrates that the structure and function of the heart starts to alter early in chronic kidney disease, independent of other risk factors. The implications of cardiac remodelling and hypertrophy may predispose chronic kidney disease patients to heart failure, arrhythmia and myocardial ischaemia. Further research is needed to minimise cardiovascular risk associated with structural and functional heart disease associated with chronic kidney disease.

Soliton and periodic solutions for time-dependent coefficient non-linear equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guner, Ozkan

2016-01-01

In this article, we establish exact solutions for the generalized (3+1)-dimensional variable coefficient Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (GVCKP) equation. Using solitary wave ansatz in terms of ? functions and the modified sine-cosine method, we find exact analytical bright soliton solutions and exact periodic solutions for the considered model. The physical parameters in the soliton solutions are obtained as function of the dependent model coefficients. The effectiveness and reliability of the method are shown by its application to the GVCKP equation.

Exact soliton of (2 + 1)-dimensional fractional Schrödinger equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizvi, S. T. R.; Ali, K.; Bashir, S.; Younis, M.; Ashraf, R.; Ahmad, M. O.

2017-07-01

The nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equation is the basic equation of fractional quantum mechanics introduced by Nick Laskin in 2002. We apply three tools to solve this mathematical-physical model. First, we find the solitary wave solutions including the trigonometric traveling wave solutions, bell and kink shape solitons using the F-expansion and Improve F-expansion method. We also obtain the soliton solution, singular soliton solutions, rational function solution and elliptic integral function solutions, with the help of the extended trial equation method.

The endoderm indirectly influences morphogenetic movements of the zebrafish head kidney through the posterior cardinal vein and VegfC.

PubMed

Chou, Chih-Wei; Hsu, Hsiao-Chu; You, May-Su; Lin, Jamie; Liu, Yi-Wen

2016-08-01

Integration of blood vessels and organ primordia determines organ shape and function. The head kidney in the zebrafish interacts with the dorsal aorta (DA) and the posterior cardinal vein (PCV) to achieve glomerular filtration and definitive hematopoiesis, respectively. How the head kidney co-develops with both the axial artery and vein remains unclear. We found that in endodermless sox32-deficient embryos, the head kidney associated with the PCV but not the DA. Disrupted convergent migration of the PCV and the head kidney in sox32-deficient embryos was rescued in a highly coordinated fashion through the restoration of endodermal cells. Moreover, grafted endodermal cells abutted the host PCV endothelium in the transplantation assay. Interestingly, the severely-disrupted head kidney convergence in the sox32-deficient embryo was suppressed by both the cloche mutation and the knockdown of endothelial genes, indicating that an interaction between the endoderm and the PCV restricts the migration of the head kidney. Furthermore, knockdown of either vegfC or its receptor vegfr3 suppressed the head kidney convergence defect in endodermless embryos and perturbed the head kidney-PCV association in wild-type embryos. Our findings thus underscore a role for PCV and VegfC in patterning the head kidney prior to organ assembly and function.

Two-as-one monolateral dual kidney transplantation.

PubMed

Veroux, Pierfrancesco; Giuffrida, Giuseppe; Cappellani, Alessandro; Caglià, Pietro; Palmucci, Stefano; Sorbello, Massimiliano; Puzzo, Lidia; Veroux, Massimiliano

2011-01-01

Dual kidney transplantation (DKT) of marginal kidneys could offer transplant candidates a very satisfactory kidney transplantation in terms of renal function. However, DKT might be considered a major surgical procedure and, in older recipients, has a potentially greater risk of surgical complications compared with single kidney transplantation. Because of these findings, some transplant centers have replaced the classic bilateral placement of 2 kidneys with the monolateral placement of both kidneys. In a group of 35 DKTs performed during a 5-year period, we applied a new technique of monolateral placement of DKT in 10 recipients. In these 10 patients, the arteries and veins of the 2 kidneys were joined through a running suture, and the joined kidneys were anastomosed into the external iliac vessels in the recipient. The delayed graft function rate was 20%. No surgical complications developed in the entire series. One patient experienced late rejection with ureteral stricture. The graft and patient survival rate at a median follow-up of 30 months was 90%. To reduce the surgical risk and morbidity rate, the monolateral placement of both kidneys seems the safest method to perform DKT. The joined monolateral DKT, by reducing the cold ischemia time and the surgical trauma, could represent a step forward in the delicate treatment of these patients. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low frequency solitons and double layers in a magnetized plasma with two temperature electrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rufai, O. R.; Bharuthram, R.; Singh, S. V.

2012-12-15

Finite amplitude non-linear ion-acoustic solitary waves and double layers are studied in a magnetized plasma with cold ions fluid and two distinct groups of Boltzmann electrons, using the Sagdeev pseudo-potential technique. The conditions under which the solitary waves and double layers can exist are found both analytically and numerically. We have shown the existence of negative potential solitary waves and double layers for subsonic Mach numbers, whereas in the unmagnetized plasma they can only in the supersonic Mach number regime. For the plasma parameters in the auroral region, the electric field amplitude of the solitary structures comes out to bemore » 49 mV/m which is in agreement of the Viking observations in this region.« less

Study of nonlinear electron-acoustic solitary and shock waves in a dissipative, nonplanar space plasma with superthermal hot electrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Han, Jiu-Ning, E-mail: hanjiuning@126.com; He, Yong-Lin; Luo, Jun-Hua

2014-01-15

With the consideration of the superthermal electron distribution, we present a theoretical investigation about the nonlinear propagation of electron-acoustic solitary and shock waves in a dissipative, nonplanar non-Maxwellian plasma comprised of cold electrons, superthermal hot electrons, and stationary ions. The reductive perturbation technique is used to obtain a modified Korteweg-de Vries Burgers equation for nonlinear waves in this plasma. We discuss the effects of various plasma parameters on the time evolution of nonplanar solitary waves, the profile of shock waves, and the nonlinear structure induced by the collision between planar solitary waves. It is found that these parameters have significantmore » effects on the properties of nonlinear waves and collision-induced nonlinear structure.« less

Association between kidney function and telomere length: the Heart and Soul Study

PubMed Central

Bansal, Nisha; Whooley, Mary A.; Regan, Mathilda; McCulloch, Charles E.; Ix, Joachim H.; Epel, Elissa; Blackburn, Elizabeth; Lin, Jue; Hsu, Chi-yuan

2013-01-01

Background Telomere attrition is a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Studies of telomere length in relation to kidney function are limited. We explored the association of kidney function with telomere length and telomere shortening. Methods The Heart and Soul study is a longitudinal study of patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). Measures of baseline kidney function included: serum creatinine, creatinine-derived estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRCKD-EPI), 24-hour urine measured creatinine clearance, cystatin C, cystatin C-derived estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcys) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio. Telomere length was measured from peripheral blood leukocytes at baseline (N=954) and 5 years later (N=608). Linear regression models were used to test the association of kidney function with i) baseline telomere length and ii) change in telomere length over 5 years. Results At baseline, mean eGFRCKD-EPI was 72.6 (± 21.5) ml/min/1.73 m2, eGFRcys was 71.0 (± 23.1) ml/min/1.73 m2 and ACR was 8.6 (±12.3) mg/gm. Only lower baseline eGFRCKD-EPI was associated with shorter baseline telomere length (9.1 [95% CI 1.2–16.9] fewer base pairs for every 5 ml/min/1.73 m2 lower eGFRCKD-EPI). Lower baseline eGFRCKD-EPI (and all other measures of kidney function) predicted more rapid telomere shortening (10.8 [95% CI 4.3–17.3] decrease in base pairs over 5 years for every 5 ml/min/1.73 m2 lower eGFRCKD-EPI). After adjustment for age, these associations were no longer statistically significant. Conclusions In patients with CHD, reduced kidney function is associated with i) shorter baseline telomere length and ii) more rapid telomere shortening over 5 years, however these associations are entirely explained by older age. PMID:23108000

Arterial wave reflections and kidney function decline among persons with preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Hsu, Jeffrey J; Katz, Ronit; Chirinos, Julio A; Jacobs, David R; Duprez, Daniel A; Peralta, Carmen A

2016-05-01

Differences in arterial wave reflections have been associated with increased risk for heart failure and mortality. Whether these measures are also associated with kidney function decline is not well established. Reflection magnitude (RM, defined as the ratio of the backward wave [Pb] to that of the forward wave [Pf]), augmentation index (AIx), and pulse pressure amplification (PPA) were derived from radial tonometry measures among 5232 participants free of cardiovascular disease who were enrolled in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Kidney function was estimated by creatinine and cystatin C measurements, as well as albumin-to-creatinine ratio. We evaluated the associations of Pb, Pf, RM, AIx, and PPA with annualized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change and rapid kidney function decline over 5 years, using generalized linear mixed models and logistic regression, respectively. Of the study participants, 48% were male, mean age was 62 years, mean eGFR and median albumin-to-creatinine ratio at baseline were 84 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and 5.3 mg/g, respectively. In demographically adjusted models, both Pb and Pf had similarly strong associations with kidney function decline; compared to those in the lowest tertiles, the persons in the highest tertiles of Pb and Pf had a 1.01 and 0.99 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/year faster eGFR decline, respectively (P < .05). However, these associations were attenuated after adjustment for systolic blood pressure. We found no significant associations between RM, AIx, or PPA and kidney function decline. In conclusion, the reflected and forward wave components were similarly associated with kidney function decline, and these associations were explained by differences in systolic blood pressure. Copyright © 2016 American Society of Hypertension. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

First insights into the functional role of vasicentric tracheids and parenchyma in eucalyptus species with solitary vessels: do they contribute to xylem efficiency or safety?

PubMed

Barotto, Antonio José; Fernandez, María Elena; Gyenge, Javier; Meyra, Ariel; Martinez-Meier, Alejandro; Monteoliva, Silvia

2016-12-01

The relationship between hydraulic specific conductivity (k s ) and vulnerability to cavitation (VC) with size and number of vessels has been studied in many angiosperms. However, few of the studies link other cell types (vasicentric tracheids (VT), fibre-tracheids, parenchyma) with these hydraulic functions. Eucalyptus is one of the most important genera in forestry worldwide. It exhibits a complex wood anatomy, with solitary vessels surrounded by VT and parenchyma, which could serve as a good model to investigate the functional role of the different cell types in xylem functioning. Wood anatomy (several traits of vessels, VT, fibres and parenchyma) in conjunction with maximum k s and VC was studied in adult trees of commercial species with medium-to-high wood density (Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.). Traits of cells accompanying vessels presented correlations with functional variables suggesting that they contribute to both increasing connectivity between adjacent vessels-and, therefore, to xylem conduction efficiency-and decreasing the probability of embolism propagation into the tissue, i.e., xylem safety. All three species presented moderate-to-high resistance to cavitation (mean P 50 values = -2.4 to -4.2 MPa) with no general trade-off between efficiency and safety at the interspecific level. The results in these species do not support some well-established hypotheses of the functional meaning of wood anatomy. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Transjugular Renal Biopsy: Our Experience and Technical Considerations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

See, Teik Choon, E-mail: teikchoon.see@addenbrookes.nhs.u; Thompson, Barbara C.; Howie, Alexander J.

2008-09-15

The purpose of this study was to describe the indications for and technique of transjugular renal biopsy (TJRB) and evaluate the efficacy and complications of this method. We performed a retrospective review of 59 patients who underwent TJRB using the Quick-core needle biopsy system (Cook, Letchworth, UK) over a 4-year period. The indications for obtaining renal biopsy included acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, and proteinuria with or without other associated disease. Indications for the transjugular approach included coagulopathy, biopsy of a solitary kidney or essentially single functioning kidney, simultaneous renal and hepatic biopsy, morbid obesity, and failedmore » percutaneous biopsy. All but four cases were performed via the right internal jugular vein. The right, left, or both renal veins were cannulated in 41, 14, and 4 cases, respectively. Combined liver and renal biopsies were obtained in seven cases. Diagnostic biopsy specimens were obtained in 56 of 59 patients (95%). The number and size of tissue cores ranged from 1 to 9 mm and from 1 to 20 mm, respectively. The mean numbers of glomeruli per procedure on light microscopy and electron microscopy were 10.3 and 2.6, respectively. Specimens for immunohistology were acquired in 49 cases, of which 40 were adequate. Of the 56 successful TJRB procedures, 34 (61%) were associated with isolated capsular perforation (19), contained subcapsular leak (10), isolated collecting system puncture (1), and concurrent collecting system and capsular perforation (4). There was a significant increase in capsular perforation with six or more needle passes, although no significant correlation was seen between number of needle passes and complication. Six patients had minor complications defined as hematuria or loin pain. Seven patients developed major complications, of whom five received blood transfusion alone. Two required intervention: in one an arteriocalyceal fistula was embolized and the patient was temporarily dialyzed; the remaining patient required ureteric stenting. In conclusion, TJRB provides an adequate yield for diagnosis. Complication rates are relatively high, but patients are also at high risk from the conventional percutaneous approach. Patient selection and optimization are critical to avoid major complications.« less

"Zero ischemia" partial nephrectomy: novel laparoscopic and robotic technique.

PubMed

Gill, Inderbir S; Eisenberg, Manuel S; Aron, Monish; Berger, Andre; Ukimura, Osamu; Patil, Mukul B; Campese, Vito; Thangathurai, Duraiyah; Desai, Mihir M

2011-01-01

Ischemic injury impacts renal function outcomes following partial nephrectomy. Efforts to minimize, better yet, eliminate renal ischemia are imperative. Describe a novel technique of "zero ischemia" laparoscopic (LPN) and robotic-assisted (RAPN) partial nephrectomy. Data were prospectively collected into an institutional review board-approved database. Fifteen consecutive patients underwent zero ischemia procedures: LPN (n=12), RAPN (n=3). Included were all candidates for LPN or RAPN, irrespective of tumor complexity, including tumors that were central (n=9; 60%), hilar (n=1), in solitary kidney (n=1), in patients with chronic kidney disease grade 3 or greater (n=3). Anesthesia-related monitoring included pulmonary artery catheter (ie, Swan-Ganz), transesophageal echocardiography, cerebral oximetry, electroencephalographic bispectral index, mixed venous oxygen measurements, and vigorous hydration/diuresis. Pharmacologically induced hypotension was carefully timed to correspond with excision of the deepest aspect of the tumor. Renal parenchymal reconstruction was completed under normotension, ensuring complete hemostasis. Intraoperative and early postoperative data were collected prospectively. All cases were successfully completed without hilar clamping. Ischemia time was zero in all cases. Median tumor size was 2.5 cm (range: 1-4); operative time was 3 h (range: 1.3-6); blood loss was 150 ml (range: 20-400); and hospital stay was 3 d (range: 2-19). Nadir mean arterial pressure ranged from 52-65 mm Hg (median: 60), typically for 1-5 min. No patient had intraoperative transfusion or complication, acute or delayed renal hemorrhage, or hypotension-related sequelae. Postoperative complications (n=5) included urine retention (n=1), septicemia from presumed prostatitis (n=1), atrial fibrillation (n=1), urine leak (n=2). Pathology confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 13 patients (87%), all with negative margins. Median pre- and postoperative serum creatinine (0.9 mg/dl and 0.95 mg/dl, respectively) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (75.3 and 72.9, respectively) were comparable. Median absolute and percent change in discharge serum creatinine and eGFR were 0 and 0%, respectively. A novel zero ischemia technique for RAPN and LPN for substantial renal tumors is presented. The initial experience is encouraging. Copyright © 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Embryonic kidney function in a chronic renal failure model in rodents.

PubMed

Fujimoto, Eisuke; Yamanaka, Shuichiro; Kurihara, Sho; Tajiri, Susumu; Izuhara, Luna; Katsuoka, Yuichi; Yokote, Shinya; Matsumoto, Kei; Kobayashi, Eiji; Okano, Hirotaka James; Chikaraishi, Tatsuya; Yokoo, Takashi

2017-08-01

Rapid advancements have been made in alternative treatments for renal diseases. Our goal for renal regeneration is to establish a kidney graft derived from human embryonic tissues. In this study, we investigated the effects of host renal failure on the structure and activity of transplanted embryonic kidney and bladder, and found that diuretics effectively induced urine production in the transplanted kidney. Uremic conditions were reproduced using a 5/6 renal infarction rat model. An embryonic kidney plus bladder (embryonic day 15) was isolated from a pregnant Lewis rat and transplanted into the para-aortic area of a 5/6 renal-infarcted Lewis rat. Following growth, the embryonic bladder was successfully anastomosed to the host ureter. We assessed graft function in terms of survival rates and found no differences between normal (n = 5) and renal failure (n = 8) groups (median survival: 70.5 vs 74.5 h; p = 0.331) in terms of survival, indicating that the grafts prolonged rat survival, even under renal failure conditions. Furosemide (n = 9) significantly increased urine volume compared with saline-treated controls (n = 7; p < 0.05), confirming that the grafts were functional. We also demonstrated the possibilities of an in vivo imaging system for determining the viability of transplanted embryonic kidney with bladder. The results of this study demonstrate that transplanted embryonic kidney and bladder can grow and function effectively, even under uremic conditions.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

MedlinePlus

... blood calcium (above a certain level) • Impaired kidney function Non-surgical treatment: checkups and medicines For some patients without signs or symptoms, doctors recommend regular checkups instead of surgery. ... to check kidney function, and checks of bone density. A doctor may ...

Retinopathy and chronic kidney disease in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study.

PubMed

Grunwald, Juan E; Alexander, Judith; Ying, Gui-Shuang; Maguire, Maureen; Daniel, Ebenezer; Whittock-Martin, Revell; Parker, Candace; McWilliams, Kathleen; Lo, Joan C; Go, Alan; Townsend, Raymond; Gadegbeku, Crystal A; Lash, James P; Fink, Jeffrey C; Rahman, Mahboob; Feldman, Harold; Kusek, John W; Xie, Dawei; Jaar, Bernard G

2012-09-01

To investigate the association between retinopathy and chronic kidney disease. In this observational, cross-sectional study, 2605 patients of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study, a multicenter study of chronic kidney disease, were offered participation. Nonmydriatic fundus photographs of the disc and macula in both eyes were obtained in 1936 of these subjects. The photographs were reviewed in a masked fashion at a central photograph reading center using standard protocols. Presence and severity of retinopathy (diabetic, hypertensive, or other) and vessel diameter caliber were assessed by trained graders and a retinal specialist using protocols developed for large epidemiologic studies. Kidney function measurements and information on traditional and nontraditional risk factors for decreased kidney function were obtained from the CRIC study. Greater severity of retinopathy was associated with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate after adjustment for traditional and nontraditional risk factors. The presence of vascular abnormalities usually associated with hypertension was also associated with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. We found no strong direct relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate and average arteriolar or venular calibers. Our findings show a strong association between severity of retinopathy and its features and level of kidney function after adjustment for traditional and nontraditional risk factors for chronic kidney disease, suggesting that retinovascular pathology reflects renal disease.

Kidney regeneration by xeno-embryonic nephrogenesis.

PubMed

Yokoo, Takashi; Fukui, Akira; Matsumoto, Kei; Kawamura, Tetsuya

2008-03-01

Establishment of a functional whole kidney de novo has not received much attention because of the formidable challenges and the slow pace of advances in this field of research. This situation has changed recently with publication of data revealing the catastrophic nature of Medicaid costs for dialysis-related diseases. An innovative approach is needed in our search for therapies for kidney diseases and to provide a substitute for dialysis as soon as possible. Regenerative medicine offers great hope for realizing this goal. We established a system by which human mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into a functional renal unit using a program of nephrogenesis in a developing xeno-embryo. In this article, recent research in the field of developing whole kidneys is reviewed, and possible therapeutic applications for kidney diseases are proposed in combination with our knowledge of the emerging field of kidney stem cell biology.

Combined heart-kidney transplantation after total artificial heart insertion.

PubMed

Ruzza, A; Czer, L S C; Ihnken, K A; Sasevich, M; Trento, A; Ramzy, D; Esmailian, F; Moriguchi, J; Kobashigawa, J; Arabia, F

2015-01-01

We present the first single-center report of 2 consecutive cases of combined heart and kidney transplantation after insertion of a total artificial heart (TAH). Both patients had advanced heart failure and developed dialysis-dependent renal failure after implantation of the TAH. The 2 patients underwent successful heart and kidney transplantation, with restoration of normal heart and kidney function. On the basis of this limited experience, we consider TAH a safe and feasible option for bridging carefully selected patients with heart and kidney failure to combined heart and kidney transplantation. Recent FDA approval of the Freedom driver may allow outpatient management at substantial cost savings. The TAH, by virtue of its capability of providing pulsatile flow at 6 to 10 L/min, may be the mechanical circulatory support device most likely to recover patients with marginal renal function and advanced heart failure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kidney Transplantation Is Superior to Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis in Terms of Cognitive Function, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms in Chronic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Ozcan, H; Yucel, A; Avşar, U Z; Cankaya, E; Yucel, N; Gözübüyük, H; Eren, F; Keles, M; Aydınlı, B

2015-06-01

Cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression are important problems for patients with chronic kidney failure. Cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression may be related to various factors, such as complications of hemo/peritoneal dialysis, uremic encephalopathy, psychosocial burden of the disease, and various comorbidities in patients with chronic kidney failure. Successful kidney transplantation (KT) improves kidney, endocrine, metabolic, and vascular systems, mental functions, and the quality of life of the patients. A total of 181 patients with chronic kidney failure were studied: 54 currently on hemodialysis, 58 on peritoneal dialysis, and 69 with KT. All participants were given a detailed sociodemographic form, including data about the reason of kidney failure, duration of treatment (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and KT), and comorbid illnesses. Participants were evaluated with the use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for evaluating depressive and anxiety symptoms and the Brief Cognitive State Examination (BCSE) for detecting possible cognitive impairment. Patients with KT had lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms than patients with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The KT group scored better than the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups on the BCSE. The peritoneal dialysis group scored higher on the BCSE than the hemodialysis group. The hemodialysis group scored higher on the HADS than the peritoneal dialysis group. In this study it was found that KT patients have better cognitive and mood regulation outcomes than hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients with chronic kidney failure. With this knowledge we suggest that patients with kidney failure should have KT for having better cognitive functions and mood state as soon as possible. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stereological assessment of normal Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) kidney.

PubMed

Akbari, Mohsen; Goodarzi, Nader; Tavafi, Majid

2017-03-01

The functions of the mammalian kidney are closely related to its structure. This suggests that renal function can be completely characterized by accurate knowledge of its quantitative morphological features. The aim of this study was to investigate the histomorphometric features of the kidney using design-based and unbiased stereological methods in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), which is the only representative of the Sciuridae family in the Middle East. The left kidneys of five animals were examined. Total volume of the kidney, cortex, and medulla were determined to be 960.75 ± 87.4, 754.31 ± 77.09 and 206.1 ± 16.89 mm 3 , respectively. The glomerular number was 32844.03 ± 1069.19, and the total glomerular volume was estimated to be 36.7 ± 1.45 mm 3 . The volume and length of the proximal convoluted tubule were estimated at 585.67 ± 60.7 mm 3 and 328.8 ± 14.8 m, respectively, with both values being greater than those reported in the rat kidney. The volume and length of the distal convoluted tubule were calculated at 122.34 ± 7.38 mm 3 and 234.4 ± 17.45 m, respectively, which are also greater than those reported in the rat kidney. Despite the comparable body weight, the total number and mean individual volume of glomeruli in the Persian squirrel kidney were greater than those in the rat kidney. Overall, the stereological variables of the kidneys elucidated in this study are exclusive to the Persian squirrel. Our findings, together with future renal physiological data, will contribute to a better understanding of the renal structure-function relationship in the Persian squirrel.

Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Severe Sepsis: An Independent Risk Factor for Death and New Disability.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Julie C; Basu, Rajit K; Akcan-Arikan, Ayse; Izquierdo, Ledys M; Piñeres Olave, Byron E; Hassinger, Amanda B; Szczepanska, Maria; Deep, Akash; Williams, Duane; Sapru, Anil; Roy, Jason A; Nadkarni, Vinay M; Thomas, Neal J; Weiss, Scott L; Furth, Susan

2016-12-01

The prevalence of septic acute kidney injury and impact on functional status of PICU survivors are unknown. We used data from an international prospective severe sepsis study to elucidate functional outcomes of children suffering septic acute kidney injury. Secondary analysis of patients in the Sepsis PRevalence, OUtcomes, and Therapies point prevalence study: acute kidney injury was defined on the study day using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes definitions. Patients with no acute kidney injury or stage 1 acute kidney injury ("no/mild acute kidney injury") were compared with those with stage 2 or 3 acute kidney injury ("severe acute kidney injury"). The primary outcome was a composite of death or new moderate disability at discharge defined as a Pediatric Overall Performance Category score of 3 or higher and increased by 1 from baseline. One hundred twenty-eight PICUs in 26 countries. Children with severe sepsis in the Sepsis PRevalence, OUtcomes, and Therapies study. None. One hundred two (21%) of 493 patients had severe acute kidney injury. More than twice as many patients with severe acute kidney injury died or developed new moderate disability compared with those with no/mild acute kidney injury (64% vs 30%; p < 0.001). Severe acute kidney injury was independently associated with death or new moderate disability (adjusted odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5-4.2; p = 0.001) after adjustment for age, region, baseline disability, malignancy, invasive mechanical ventilation, albumin administration, and the pediatric logistic organ dysfunction score. In a multinational cohort of critically ill children with severe sepsis and high mortality rates, septic acute kidney injury is independently associated with further increased death or new disability.

[18F-FDG PET-CT in a case of solitary plasmacytoma of the soft palate].

PubMed

Fernández López, R; Borrego Dorado, I; Paz Coll, A; Vázquez Albertino, R; Gómez Camarero, P; Sanz Viedma, S

2010-01-01

Solitary plasmacytoma is an uncommon tumor of plasma cells that can appear in the head and neck. It must be differentiated from multiple myeloma because of its initial presentation. A case of solitary plasmacytoma on the palate is presented. Furthermore, role of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET) in its initial staging is analyzed. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Transverse instability of periodic and generalized solitary waves for a fifth-order KP model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haragus, Mariana; Wahlén, Erik

2017-02-01

We consider a fifth-order Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation which arises as a two-dimensional model in the classical water-wave problem. This equation possesses a family of generalized line solitary waves which decay exponentially to periodic waves at infinity. We prove that these solitary waves are transversely spectrally unstable and that this instability is induced by the transverse instability of the periodic tails. We rely upon a detailed spectral analysis of some suitably chosen linear operators.

[Adenocarcinoma of lung cancer with solitary metastasis to the stomach].

PubMed

Koh, Sung Ae; Lee, Kyung Hee

2014-09-25

Although hematogenous metastasis of cancer to the gastrointestinal track is rare, it sometime has been reported in patients with malignant melanoma and breast cancer. However, it is extremely rare for lung cancer to metastasize to the stomach, not to mention solitary gastric metastasis. Herein, the authors report a case of a 69-year-old man who was initially diagnosed with lung cancer with synchronous primary gastric cancer which proved to be lung cancer with solitary gastric metastasis after the operation.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presenting as a unilateral solitary round pulmonary hilar node infarction.

PubMed

Yonemori, Kan; Kusumoto, Masahiko; Matsuno, Yoshihiro; Tateishi, Ukihide; Watanabe, Shun-Ichi; Watanabe, Takashi; Moriyama, Noriyuki

2006-03-01

Unilateral solitary pulmonary hilar node adenopathy is a rare presentation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In this report, the authors present a case with a solitary pulmonary hilar lymph node infarction caused by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Enhanced CT examinations revealed a well-defined round mass with homogenous low attenuation in the left pulmonary hilum. Both radiological imaging and pathological examination can provide useful information for the interpretation of abnormalities and may enable the diagnosis of rare aetiologies.

A novel approach for solitary wave solutions of the generalized fractional Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batool, Fiza; Akram, Ghazala

2018-01-01

In this article the solitary wave solutions of generalized fractional Zakharov-Kuznetsov (GZK) equation which appear in the electrical transmission line model are investigated. The (G'/G)-expansion method is used to obtain the solitary solutions of fractional GZK equation via local fractional derivative. Three classes of solutions, hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational wave solutions of the associated equation are characterized with some free parameters. The obtained solutions reveal that the proposed technique is effective and powerful.

[The effect of tachykinins microinjections into the solitary tract nucleus on respiration and blood circulation in rats].

PubMed

Chepurnov, S A; Iniushkin, A N

1997-04-01

Administration of substance P and kassinin into the solitary tract nucleus of anesthetized rats induced a dose-dependent increase in ventilation, tidal volume, inspiratory muscle activity, and a decrease in the mean blood pressure and heart rate. Microinjections of peptides caused a decrease in ventilatory response to hypoxia and an inhibition of the Breuer-Hering reflex. The data obtained suggest involvement of tachykinins in the respiratory and circulatory control via the solitary tract nucleus.

Predictive assessment of kidney functional recovery following ischemic injury using optical spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raman, Rajesh N.; Pivetti, Christopher D.; Ramsamooj, Rajendra

Functional changes in rat kidneys during the induced ischemic injury and recovery phases were explored using multimodal autofluorescence and light scattering imaging. We aim to evaluate the use of noncontact optical signatures for rapid assessment of tissue function and viability. Specifically, autofluorescence images were acquired in vivo under 355, 325, and 266 nm illumination while light scattering images were collected at the excitation wavelengths as well as using relatively narrowband light centered at 500 nm. The images were simultaneously recorded using a multimodal optical imaging system. We also analyzed to obtain time constants, which were correlated to kidney dysfunction asmore » determined by a subsequent survival study and histopathological analysis. This analysis of both the light scattering and autofluorescence images suggests that changes in tissue microstructure, fluorophore emission, and blood absorption spectral characteristics, coupled with vascular response, contribute to the behavior of the observed signal, which may be used to obtain tissue functional information and offer the ability to predict posttransplant kidney function.« less

Predictive assessment of kidney functional recovery following ischemic injury using optical spectroscopy

DOE PAGES

Raman, Rajesh N.; Pivetti, Christopher D.; Ramsamooj, Rajendra; ...

2017-05-03

Functional changes in rat kidneys during the induced ischemic injury and recovery phases were explored using multimodal autofluorescence and light scattering imaging. We aim to evaluate the use of noncontact optical signatures for rapid assessment of tissue function and viability. Specifically, autofluorescence images were acquired in vivo under 355, 325, and 266 nm illumination while light scattering images were collected at the excitation wavelengths as well as using relatively narrowband light centered at 500 nm. The images were simultaneously recorded using a multimodal optical imaging system. We also analyzed to obtain time constants, which were correlated to kidney dysfunction asmore » determined by a subsequent survival study and histopathological analysis. This analysis of both the light scattering and autofluorescence images suggests that changes in tissue microstructure, fluorophore emission, and blood absorption spectral characteristics, coupled with vascular response, contribute to the behavior of the observed signal, which may be used to obtain tissue functional information and offer the ability to predict posttransplant kidney function.« less

Revisiting double kidney transplantation: two kidneys provide better graft survival than one.

PubMed

Cruzado, J M; Fernandez, L; Riera, L; Bestard, O; Carrera, M; Torras, J; Gil Vernet, S; Melilli, E; Ngango, L; Grinyó, J M

2011-01-01

Double kidney transplantation is an accepted strategy to increase the donor pool. Regarding older donor kidneys, protocols for deciding to perform a dual or a single transplantation are mainly based on preimplantation biopsies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term graft and patient survivals of our "Dual Kidney Transplant program." Patients who lost one of their grafts peritransplantation were used as controls. A total of 203 patients underwent kidney transplantation from December 1996 to January 2008 in our "old for old" renal transplantation program. We excluded 21 patients because of a nonfunctioning kidney, hyperacute rejection, or patient death with a functioning graft within the first month. Seventy-nine among 182 kidney transplantation the "old for old" program were dual kidney transplantation (DKT). Fifteen of 79 patients lost one of their kidney grafts (the uninephrectomized (UNX) UNX group). At 1 year, renal function was lower and proteinuria greater among the UNX than the DKT group. Patient survival was similar in both groups. However, death-censored graft survival was lower in UNX than DKT patients. The 5-year graft survival rate was 70% in UNX versus 93% in DKT cohorts (P = .04). In conclusion, taking into account the kidney shortage, our results may question whether the excellent transplant outcomes with DKT counter balance the reduced donor pool obviating acceptable transplant outcomes for more patients with single kidney transplantation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mononuclear phagocyte subpopulations in the mouse kidney

PubMed Central

George, James F.; Lever, Jeremie M.

2017-01-01

Mononuclear phagocytes are the most common cells in the kidney associated with immunity and inflammation. Although the presence of these cells in the kidney has been known for decades, the study of mononuclear phagocytes in the context of kidney function and dysfunction is still at an early stage. The purpose of this review is to summarize the present knowledge regarding classification of these cells in the mouse kidney and to identify relevant questions that would further advance the field and potentially lead to new opportunities for treatment of acute kidney injury and other kidney diseases. PMID:28100500

Laparoscopic kidney orthotopic transplant: preclinical study in the pig model.

PubMed

He, B; Musk, G C; Mou, L; Waneck, G L; Delriviere, L

2013-06-01

Laparoscopic surgery has rapidly expanded in clinical practice replacing conventional open surgery over the last three decades. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has been favored due to its multiple benefits. The aim of this study was to explore the safety and feasibility of kidney transplantation by a laparoscopic technique in a pig model. The study was approved by the university animal ethics committee. Eight female pigs (Sus Scrofra, weighing 45-50 kg) were divided into 2 groups: group I included 4 animals that underwent laparoscopic kidney orthotopic transplantation on the left side. The right kidney was remained functional in situ. The pigs recovered and were observed for 1 week. In the 4 hosts group II pigs underwent a laparoscopic kidney transplantation on the left side. With simultaneous clipping of the right ureter. After recovery, the pigs were observed for 4 weeks. A laparotomy for examination was performed prior to euthanasia. All 4 group I pigs survived for 1 week. The laparotomy showed normal graft perfusion with wall patent renal artery and vein as well as satisfactory urine output upon transection of ureter in 3 hosts. Renal artery stenosis occurred in one pig. In The Immediate kidney graft function was achieved in 3 group II pigs. The fourth died following extubation due to laryngospasm despite a functional graft. The average creatinine levels were 195.5 μmol/L on day 3; 224.5 μmol/L at week 1; 127 μmol/L at week 2; 182.7 umol/L at week 3; and 154.7 umol/L at week 4. Laparoscopic kidney transplantation was feasible and safe in a pig model with immediate graft function. This study will provide further evidence to support application of laparoscopic technique to human kidney transplant. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diuretic renography in hydronephrosis: delayed tissue tracer transit accompanies both functional decline and tissue reorganization.

PubMed

Schlotmann, Andreas; Clorius, John H; Rohrschneider, Wiltrud K; Clorius, Sandra N; Amelung, Folker; Becker, Kristianna

2008-07-01

The significance of delayed tissue tracer transit (TTT) of (99m)Tc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine ((99m)Tc-MAG3) has not been systematically evaluated in hydronephrosis. We sought to demonstrate that delayed TTT accompanies both functional decline and histomorphologic restructuring. Twenty 2- to 3-mo-old piglets with surgically induced partial unilateral ureteral stenosis were examined with magnetic resonance urography (MRU) to evaluate morphology and with (99m)Tc-MAG3 diuretic renography (DR) to determine single-kidney function (SKF), evaluate the response to furosemide stimulation (RFS), and assess TTT. All animals had DR and MRU before and after surgery and a third DR after surgery. Piglets were sacrificed after the final DR for renal histology. A total histologic score (THS) was generated. Preoperative DR demonstrated nonobstructive RFS, timely TTT, and balanced SKF in all 20 kidneys. After ureteral ligature, MRU demonstrated pelvic dilatation in all piglets. The postoperative DRs revealed 12 kidneys with delayed TTT in one or both follow-ups. In these 12 kidneys, the SKF declined from 51% +/- 4% to 18% +/- 14%, and the THS was 9.0 +/- 4.0. Three kidneys always had timely TTT, balanced SKF, and a THS of 1.8 +/- 0.3. The contralateral, nonoperated kidneys had timely TTT and a THS of 1.2 +/- 0.9. Postoperative scintigrams showed that 3 of 8 kidneys (38%) with an obstructive RFS had timely TTT, which demonstrates that TTT and RFS are not equivalent. In hydronephrosis, a delayed TTT of (99m)Tc-MAG3 accompanies both functional decline and histomorphologic restructuring in obstruction. According to the literature, a delayed TTT is determined by the filtration fraction of the kidneys and appears to identify an obstruction-mediated upregulated renin-angiotensin system.