Genomic and transcriptomic analysis unveils population evolution and development of pesticide resistance in fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive pest native to America and has recently become an invasive insect pest in China. Because of its rapid spread and great risks in China, understanding of FAW genetic background and pesticide resistance is urgent and essential to develop effective management strategies. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of a male FAW (SFynMstLFR) and compared re-sequencing results of the populations from America, Africa, and China. Strain identification of 163 individuals collected from America, Africa and China showed that both C and R strains were found in the American populations, while only C strain was found in the Chinese and African populations. Moreover, population genomics analysis showed that populations from Africa and China have close relationship with significantly genetic differentiation from American populations. Taken together, FAWs invaded into China were most likely originated from Africa. Comparative genomics analysis displayed that the cytochrome p450 gene family is extremely expanded to 425 members in FAW, of which 283 genes are specific to FAW. Treatments of Chinese populations with twenty-three pesticides showed the variant patterns of transcriptome profiles, and several detoxification genes such as AOX, UGT and GST specially responded to the pesticides. These findings will be useful in developing effective strategies for management of FAW in China and other invaded areas.

No difference in factual or conceptual recall comprehension for tablet, laptop, and handwritten note-taking by medical students in the United States: a survey-based observational study / 보건의료교육평가

Purpose@#Technological advances are changing how students approach learning. The traditional note-taking methods of longhand writing have been supplemented and replaced by tablets, smartphones, and laptop note-taking. It has been theorized that writing notes by hand requires more complex cognitive processes and may lead to better retention. However, few studies have investigated the use of tablet-based note-taking, which allows the incorporation of typing, drawing, highlights, and media. We therefore sought to confirm the hypothesis that tablet-based note-taking would lead to equivalent or better recall as compared to written note-taking. @*Methods@#We allocated 68 students into longhand, laptop, or tablet note-taking groups, and they watched and took notes on a presentation on which they were assessed for factual and conceptual recall. A second short distractor video was shown, followed by a 30-minute assessment at the University of California, Irvine campus, over a single day period in August 2018. Notes were analyzed for content, supplemental drawings, and other media sources. @*Results@#No significant difference was found in the factual or conceptual recall scores for tablet, laptop, and handwritten note-taking (P=0.61). The median word count was 131.5 for tablets, 121.0 for handwriting, and 297.0 for laptops (P=0.01). The tablet group had the highest presence of drawing, highlighting, and other media/tools. @*Conclusion@#In light of conflicting research regarding the best note-taking method, our study showed that longhand note-taking is not superior to tablet or laptop note-taking. This suggests students should be encouraged to pick the note-taking method that appeals most to them. In the future, traditional note-taking may be replaced or supplemented with digital technologies that provide similar efficacy with more convenience.

Effect of Varenicline on Tardive Dyskinesia: A Pilot Study

Objective@#Although evidence implicates striatal cholinergic impairment as a mechanism underlying tardive dyskinesia, trials of nonspecific cholinergic agents have been inconclusive. As a partial agonist at specific nicotinic receptor subtypes, varenicline reduces drug-induced dyskinesias in animal models suggesting promise as a treatment for tardive dyskinesia. @*Methods@#Three schizophrenia patients with tardive dyskinesia who were smokers underwent an open trial of varenicline. After a 2-week baseline, subjects received varenicline 1 mg twice daily. Changes from baseline on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale were measured after a 4-week varenicline stabilization period, and 6 weeks after the smoking quit date in one patient. @*Results@#Varenicline had no effect on mean Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores after 4 weeks. Although smoking decreased after 4 weeks on varenicline and diminished further in one patient after 10 weeks, this also appeared to have no effect on ratings of tardive dyskinesia. @*Conclusion@#In contrast to animal models, no significant change in tardive dyskinesia occurred in response to varenicline replacement in three schizophrenia patients. Further investigations of cholinergic mechanisms in tardive dyskinesia are worthwhile as agents for specific cholinergic targets become available for treatment. In addition, treatment trials of tardive dyskinesia should control for smoking status, while patients on antipsychotics receiving nicotine replacement therapies for smoking should be studied further for changes in movement.

A Systematic Review: Effectiveness of Interventions to De-escalate Workplace Violence against Nurses in Healthcare Settings

Workplace violence (WPV) is an increasing cause of concern around the globe, and healthcare organizations are no exception. Nurses may be subject to all kinds of workplace violence due to their frontline position in healthcare settings. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify and consider different interventions that aim to decrease the magnitude/prevalence of workplace violence against nurses. The standard method by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2009) has been used to collect data and assess methodological quality. Altogether, twenty-six studies are included in the review. The intervention procedures they report on can be grouped into three categories: stand-alone trainings designed to educate nurses; more structured education programs, which are broader in scope and often include opportunities to practice skills learned during the program; multicomponent interventions, which often include organizational changes, such as the introduction of workplace violence reporting systems, in addition to workplace violence training for nurses. By comparing the findings, a clear picture emerges; while standalone training and structured education programs can have a positive impact, the impact is unfortunately limited. In order to effectively combat workplace violence against nurses, healthcare organizations must implement multicomponent interventions, ideally involving all stakeholders.

Effect of Varenicline on Tardive Dyskinesia: A Pilot Study

Objective@#Although evidence implicates striatal cholinergic impairment as a mechanism underlying tardive dyskinesia, trials of nonspecific cholinergic agents have been inconclusive. As a partial agonist at specific nicotinic receptor subtypes, varenicline reduces drug-induced dyskinesias in animal models suggesting promise as a treatment for tardive dyskinesia. @*Methods@#Three schizophrenia patients with tardive dyskinesia who were smokers underwent an open trial of varenicline. After a 2-week baseline, subjects received varenicline 1 mg twice daily. Changes from baseline on the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale were measured after a 4-week varenicline stabilization period, and 6 weeks after the smoking quit date in one patient. @*Results@#Varenicline had no effect on mean Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores after 4 weeks. Although smoking decreased after 4 weeks on varenicline and diminished further in one patient after 10 weeks, this also appeared to have no effect on ratings of tardive dyskinesia. @*Conclusion@#In contrast to animal models, no significant change in tardive dyskinesia occurred in response to varenicline replacement in three schizophrenia patients. Further investigations of cholinergic mechanisms in tardive dyskinesia are worthwhile as agents for specific cholinergic targets become available for treatment. In addition, treatment trials of tardive dyskinesia should control for smoking status, while patients on antipsychotics receiving nicotine replacement therapies for smoking should be studied further for changes in movement.

Biopharmaceutical classification and transport mechanism of 4 alkaloids in Mongolian herbal medicine Sophorae Flavescentis Radix / 中国中药杂志

In this study, we studied the solubility and permeability of matrine, oxymatrine, sophoridine, and oxysophocarpine, four alkaloids in the Mongolian herbal medicine Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, and evaluated the absorption mechanism with the Caco-2 cell model, so as to provide a basis for the new drug development and efficacy evaluation of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix. The results showed that all the four alkaloids had high solubility and high permeability and can be well absorbed, belonging to the class-I drugs of Biopharmaceutical Classification System(BCS). The absorption(AP→BL) and excretion(BL→AP) of matrine and oxymatrine were not affected by the concentration while the absorption depended on P-gp protein. The absorption(AP→BL) and excretion(BL→AP) of sophoridine and oxysophocarpine were positively related to the concentration and time, and the absorption process was independent from P-gp protein. The results provide scientific reference and an experimental basis for the development of Mongolian medical prescriptions containing Sophorae Flavescentis Radix.

A Systematic Review: Effectiveness of Interventions to De-escalate Workplace Violence against Nurses in Healthcare Settings

Workplace violence (WPV) is an increasing cause of concern around the globe, and healthcare organizations are no exception. Nurses may be subject to all kinds of workplace violence due to their frontline position in healthcare settings. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify and consider different interventions that aim to decrease the magnitude/prevalence of workplace violence against nurses. The standard method by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2009) has been used to collect data and assess methodological quality. Altogether, twenty-six studies are included in the review. The intervention procedures they report on can be grouped into three categories: stand-alone trainings designed to educate nurses; more structured education programs, which are broader in scope and often include opportunities to practice skills learned during the program; multicomponent interventions, which often include organizational changes, such as the introduction of workplace violence reporting systems, in addition to workplace violence training for nurses. By comparing the findings, a clear picture emerges; while standalone training and structured education programs can have a positive impact, the impact is unfortunately limited. In order to effectively combat workplace violence against nurses, healthcare organizations must implement multicomponent interventions, ideally involving all stakeholders.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in liver transplant

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis occurs due to chronic irritation of the peritoneal surface resulting in inflammation and fibrosis. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis usually occurs in patients requiring peritoneal dialysis (PD); however, it may also occur in liver transplant patients. The fibrosis in encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis could be severe enough to cause small bowel obstruction (SBO). Herein, we report a case of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis secondary to liver transplantation that presented with SBO. The patient was started on Tamoxifen for encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and evaluated at follow-up without any other intestinal obstruction episodes. This case demonstrates that encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis can occur as a liver transplant complication and present with small bowel obstruction.

Patient Perception of Telehealth Services for Breast and Gynecologic Oncology Care during the COVID-19Pandemic: A Single Center Surveybased Study / 한국유방암학회지

Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telehealth was rarely utilized for oncologic care in metropolitan areas. Our large New York City based outpatient breast/ gynecologic cancer clinic administered an 18-question survey to patients from March to June 2020, to assess the perceptions of the utility of telehealth medicine. Of the 622 patients, 215 (35%) completed the survey, and of the 215 respondents, 74 (35%) had participated in a telehealth visit. We evaluated the use of telehealth services using the validated Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire. Sixty-eight patients (92%) reported that telehealth services saved them time, 54 (73%) reported telehealth increased access to care, and 58 (82%) reported telehealth improved their health. Overall, 67 (92%) of patients expressed satisfaction with the use of telehealth services for oncologic care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services should be carefully adopted as an addition to in-person clinical care of patients with cancer.

Patient Perception of Telehealth Services for Breast and Gynecologic Oncology Care during the COVID-19Pandemic: A Single Center Surveybased Study / 한국유방암학회지

Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telehealth was rarely utilized for oncologic care in metropolitan areas. Our large New York City based outpatient breast/ gynecologic cancer clinic administered an 18-question survey to patients from March to June 2020, to assess the perceptions of the utility of telehealth medicine. Of the 622 patients, 215 (35%) completed the survey, and of the 215 respondents, 74 (35%) had participated in a telehealth visit. We evaluated the use of telehealth services using the validated Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire. Sixty-eight patients (92%) reported that telehealth services saved them time, 54 (73%) reported telehealth increased access to care, and 58 (82%) reported telehealth improved their health. Overall, 67 (92%) of patients expressed satisfaction with the use of telehealth services for oncologic care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services should be carefully adopted as an addition to in-person clinical care of patients with cancer.

PI3K/Akt Signaling Involved with Osteoinductive Effects of Achatina fulica Mucus

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts play important roles in bone formation. Achatina fulica mucus presented the property of osteoinduction. This study aimed to examine the effects of A. fulica mucus on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) and human fetal osteoblastic cell line (HFOB) differentiation. The integrated effects of A. fulica mucus and polycaprolactone (PCL) on the differentiation of hMSCs were tested. The cell viability of hMSCs treated with A. fulica mucus was investigated by the MTT assay. The cell mineralization was observed by Alizarin Red S staining, the gene expression was investigated using RT-PCR, and the PI3K activation was studied using flow cytometry. The results indicated that A. fulica mucus induced osteogenic differentiation in hMSCs and HFOBs by upregulation of the osteogenic markers; osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN). The results of the Alizarin Red S staining indicated that A. fulica mucus supported mineralization in both hMSCs and HFOBs. The hMSCs cultured on PCL supplemented with A. fulica mucus showed significantly increased RUNX2 and OPN expressions. A. fulica mucus was observed to increase PI3K activation in hMSCs. The findings of this study suggested that A. fulica mucus and biomaterials could be applied together for use in bone regeneration in the future.

Prospective evaluation of the diagnostic potential of LipL32 based latex agglutination test for Bovine leptospirosis

@#The Livestock Sector of India plays an important role in livelihood security and socioeconomic development of rural households. Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease responsible for septicaemia, interstitial nephritis, jaundice, abortion, reproductive problem in most of the animal species. Reproductive disturbances in bovine population is most often restricted to investigation of brucellosis, however apart from brucellosis, there are many undiagnosed diseases like leptospirosis that takes a toll in the reproductive anomalies of cattle and buffalo. Hence, the present study was elucidated to screen the seroprevalence of Leptospira in cattle and buffalo in various hamlets of North India using a user friendly screening test i.e. LipL32 latex agglutination test. The overall seropositivity was found to be 26.01% (230/884) in case of bovine in this study and the LipL32 LAT showed a profound sensitivity and specificity with level of 94.97% and 99.53% respectively.

Post-exercise ingestion of lactose-free skim milk affects thirst but not subsequent performance and net fluid balance of collegiate badminton athletes

@#Introduction: The hydration and nutritional needs of badminton athletes are of interest because of the unique demands of the sport on the player’s physiology and skill. Objectives: The current study investigated the acute effect of lactose-free skim milk (LFM) compared with a iso-volumic carbohydrate electrolyte sport drink (iCE) taken post exercise, on subsequent performance, net fluid balance (NFB) and other selected subjective variables (thirst, gastrointestinal comfort and palatability). Methods: Eleven collegiate badminton athletes (five male and six female, mean age=19.6±1.7 years, body mass=56.8±5.0 kg) volunteered to participate in this crossover study, with ≥7-day washout between trials. After a 2 h training session, the participants rested for 2 h, ingested the same volume of either LFM or iCE matched for carbohydrate content of 1.0 g carbohydrate/kg body mass. Performance tests were done post-ingestion. The body mass was taken, as well as visual analog scales administered throughout the protocol. Results: No significant difference between groups was found in terms of performance: aerobic capacity t(10)=0.147, p=0.886 and agility (sideways agility test: t(10)=0.191, p=0.852 and four-corner agility test: t(10)=0.397, p=0.700); and NFB t(10)=0.434, p=0.670. Thirst ratings between groups were significantly different at the end of the performance tests (LFM 6.71±2.09 and iCE 8.03±1.28, t(10)=-2.35, p=0.041). However, the subjective ratings for gastrointestinal comfort and palatability were similar. Conclusion: When matched for carbohydrate content, acute post-exercise ingestion of LFM offered a significant advantage over the sports drink in terms of thirst after subsequent performance.

Intestinal parasitic infections frequency in referred patients to a large teaching hospital, Khuzestan, Southwest, Iran, 2017

@#Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the most important infectious diseases in Iran. A cross sectional study was designed to determine frequency of intestinal parasites among referrals to a large teaching hospital in Khuzestan, Southwest of Iran, 2017. A total number of 5613 stool samples were examined through direct smear and formalin-ether concentration methods to detect possible parasitic infections. Samples consisted of 2643 (47.09%) male and 2970 (52.91%) female. A total of 1468 (26.15%) samples were positive (13.11% male and 13.4% female) and 4145 (73.85%) were negative. The results also showed that 255 of samples had more than one type of parasite (mix infections). Counting single and mix parasite infections, the total number of positive cases reached to 1723. Helminthes parasites were present in 12 (0.7%) cases, while intestinal protozoan parasites were in 1711 (99.3%) cases. Almost equally, pathogenic and nonpathogenic parasites infected 860 (49.91%) and 863 (50.09%) of patients, respectively. The frequency for helminthes was determined at 0.52% with Hymenolepis nana and Enterobius vermicularis however, Giardia lamblia in 38.54% and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar at 10.68% were concluded as protozoa elements. The IPIs frequency was recorded in female and male patients at 49.16% and 50.14%, respectively. According to the current results the infection rate of intestinal parasites has been significantly reduced especially for helminths infections in this region possibly due to public attention to health issues such as; increased awareness of people, improvement of sanitation, seasonal variations, health education and personal hygiene.

Efficacy of an asynchronous electronic curriculum in emergency medicine education in the United States / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure the effect of an iPad-based asynchronous curriculum on emergency medicine resident performance on the in-training exam (ITE). We hypothesized that the implementation of an asynchronous curriculum (replacing 1 hour of weekly didactic time) would result in non-inferior ITE scores compared to the historical scores of residents who had participated in the traditional 5-hour weekly didactic curriculum. METHODS: The study was a retrospective, non-inferiority study. conducted at the University of California, Irvine Emergency Medicine Residency Program. We compared ITE scores from 2012 and 2013, when there were 5 weekly hours of didactic content, with scores from 2014 and 2015, when 1 hour of conference was replaced with asynchro-nous content. Examination results were compared using a non-inferiority data analysis with a 10% margin of difference. RESULTS: Using a non-inferiority test with a 95% confidence interval, there was no difference between the 2 groups (before and after implementation of asynchronous learning), as the confidence interval for the change of the ITE was −3.5 to 2.3 points, whereas the 10% non-inferiority margin was 7.8 points. CONCLUSION: Replacing 1 hour of didactic conference with asynchronous learning showed no negative impact on resident ITE scores.

Thrombocytopenia at different stages of pregnancy.

Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in pregnancy, occurring in approximately 10 – 16 % of women. The normal range of platelet counts decreases, and it is not uncommon for the platelet counts to decrease as pregnancy progresses. Lower platelet count observed in the pregnant are due to normal physiologic changes, and has many common causes including gestational thrombocytopenia, viral and bacterial infection and preeclampsia complicated by hemolysis. Objective: the objective was to investigate thrombocytopenia during different stages of pregnancy. Materials and methods: Sixty three pregnant women were included in this study from different clinic in Derna city. Mean age (28 ± 1.4) year with a range (20 – 1.4) year. At the same time a group of Sixty three healthy non pregnant women mean age ( 29 ± 2.2 ) with a range ( 23 – 45 ) year to compare platelets count between them. By automated cell counter platelets from all pregnant and non pregnant were estimated. Results: Pregnant women had lower platelets count (mean 193× 109/l) as compared to healthy non pregnant women (mean 250 × 109/l). There was significant decrease in platelet count in pregnant as compare with non pregnant P ≤ 0.001. Conclusion: Platelet counts were performed on sixty three normal patients at different stages of pregnancy. Patients with complications of pregnancy known to influence the platelet count were excluded from the study. There was significant decrease in platelet count during pregnancy.

Responding to a measles outbreak in a Pacific island community in western Sydney: community interviews led to church-based immunization clinics

Introduction：There are large Pacific island communities in western and south-western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. In 2011 and 2012, measles outbreaks disproportionally affected children and youth within these communities. The objectives of this study were to explore barriers to immunization in a Pacific island community from the perspectives of community members and health professionals and to conduct a pilot programme whereby immunization catch-up clinics were held in a Samoan church in western Sydney.Methods：Interviews were conducted with Pacific island community members (n = 12) and health professionals connected with the Pacific island community (n = 7) in 2013. A partnership with a local Samoan church was established to provide an accessible venue for immunization catch-up clinics.Results：Among the community members there were high levels of belief in the importance of immunization and a positive view regarding the protection offered by immunization. A key barrier reported by community members was being busy and therefore having limited time to get children immunized. The important role of the church within the community was emphasized in the interviews, and as a result, two immunization catch-up clinics were held in a Samoan church in western Sydney. The age range of attendees was 7–33 years. A total of 31 measles, mumps and rubella doses and 19 meningococcal C doses were given during the two clinics.Discussion：The outcomes of the interviews and the subsequent clinics highlighted the potential of churches as a venue for providing public health interventions such as catch-up immunization.

Implementation and pilot data on diabetic retinopathy in a teleophthalmology program at a multispecialty primary care clinic

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To report on the implementation and initial pilot data of diabetic retinopathy (DR) identified using a validated telemedicine program for DR in a multispecialty primary care clinic.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong> This was a retrospective, cross-sectional pilot survey of diabetic patients imaged for the first time at the telemedicine program of The Medical City from November 26, 2012 to August 31, 2013. The retinal images were obtained following the validated program of the Joslin Vision Network nonmydria. tic fundus photography for DR evaluation. These were evaluated by 4 retina specialists using a standardized protocol to assess for diabetic retinal disease and the presence of other retinal findings. The findings were recorded on customized electronic templates.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Seven hundred seventy-six (776) eyes of 388 patients were evaluated using the telemedicine program. The prevalence of DR was 28.2% (219 eyes), with 25.1% (195 eyes) having nonproliferative DR (NPDR). 14.2% 1110 eyes] had mild, 8.2% [64 eyes] moderate, 2.2% [17 eyes] severe, and 0.5% [4 eyes] very severe NPDR. 3.1% (24 eyes) had proliferative DR (PDR), of which 45.8% (11 eyes) had high-risk characteristics. The ungradable rate with selective mydriasis was 1.80% (14 eyes). The rate of referable DR (moderate NPDR or worse, any level of diabetic macular edema, or ungradable images) was 21.90% (170 eyes).<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> In the primary care setting, teleophthalmology can effectively identify patients with diabetic retinal complications and potentially refer these patients to appropriate levels of eye care. Retinopathy was present in over 28% of patients evaluated and over 21% had referable disease that may potentially progress to vision loss. Teleophthalmology for DR in this setting allows early detection of potentially sight threatening disease and may prevent visual loss and complications.</p>

Cardiac morphology and function of hyperthyroid patients admitted at De La Salle University Medical Center

BACKGROUND: Most characteristics and common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are the effects of thyroid  hormones  on  the heart and cardiovascular system. With the advent of echocardiography, characterizing the effects of  hyperthyroidism on the heart has been described mainly for overt hyperthyroidism. Data on subclinical hyperthyroidism  are still conflicting.OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the cardiac morphology and function of Filipino patients with uncontrolled overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism through echocardiogram, admitted at De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) for a period  of  five years and six months.  METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective descriptive study that utilized review of medical records. Seventy-five  hyperthyroid patients were included; 56%  with overt hyperthyroidism and 44% with subclinical hyperthyroidism. Cardiac morphology and systolic and diastolic functions were determined in the population and compared  between overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism using 2-dimensional echocardiogram.   RESULTS: Cardiac morphology was slightly  compromised due to slight thickening of interventricular septum (IVSTd) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at diastole (LVPWTd). There was also an increase in left ventricular mass (LVM), more pronounced in overt hyperthyroidism. Systolic function parameters such as fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) were normal. Impaired left ventricular myocardial relaxation manifested as low early mitral peak flow velocity, low E/A ratio and prolonged isovolumetricrelaxation time (IVRT) was observed in most patients, particularly in overt hyperthyroidism.CONCLUSION: Abnormalities noted were comparable between the two groups of hyperthyroidism. With cardiac  parameters affected even in subclinical hyperthyroidism, treatment might be indicated regardless if hyperthyroidism is  overt or subclinical.

Excretory urography and renal scintigraphy for chronic obstructed kidney: does nonopacity mean nonsalvageability?

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>This study aimed to ascertain whether nonopacified kidney on excretory urography (also known as intravenous urography [IVU]) indicates nonsalvageability.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively reviewed 45 adult patients with chronic unilateral urinary tract obstruction, in whom IVU revealed nonopacified kidney on one side but normal excretion on the contralateral side. Affected kidneys with split glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 on 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid diuretic renal scintigraphy were considered nonsalvageable. Non-function was defined based on cutoff points (< 15% and < 20%) to determine the sensitivity and specificity of differential renal function. Differences in IVU and renal scintigraphy findings, with respect to the duration of delayed filming on IVU, were analysed for significance.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of IVU and renal scintigraphy findings for 34 (75.6%) nonopacified kidneys matched, representing nonsalvageable kidneys. Sensitivity and specificity of differential renal function were 76% and 100%, respectively, when the cutoff point for non-function was set at < 15%. Sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 82%, respectively, when the cutoff point was < 20%. There was no significant difference between renal scintigraphy findings and IVU with 2-hour and > 2-hour delayed films (p = 0.96).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although most nonopacified kidneys on IVU were nonsalvageable, a quarter of them were found to be salvageable on renal scintigraphy. Besides split GFR, differential function at cutoff point < 15% could be used to determine non-function of a chronic obstructed kidney when the contralateral kidney is normal. Delayed filming beyond two hours appears unnecessary in ensuring non-excretion on IVU.</p>