Identification and validation of biomarkers in membranous nephropathy and pan-cancer analysis.

Background: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease and represents the most prevalent type of renal pathology in adult patients afflicted with nephrotic syndrome. Despite substantial evidence suggesting a possible link between MN and cancer, the precise underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Methods: In this study, we acquired and integrated two MN datasets (comprising a single-cell dataset and a bulk RNA-seq dataset) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for differential expression gene (DEG) analysis, hub genes were obtained by LASSO and random forest algorithms, the diagnostic ability of hub genes was assessed using ROC curves, and the degree of immune cell infiltration was evaluated using the ssGSEA function. Concurrently, we gathered pan-cancer-related genes from the TCGA and GTEx databases, to analyze the expression, mutation status, drug sensitivity and prognosis of hub genes in pan-cancer. Results: We conducted intersections between the set of 318 senescence-related genes and the 366 DEGs, resulting in the identification of 13 senescence-related DEGs. Afterwards, we meticulously analyzed these genes using the LASSO and random forest algorithms, which ultimately led to the discovery of six hub genes through intersection (PIK3R1, CCND1, TERF2IP, SLC25A4, CAPN2, and TXN). ROC curves suggest that these hub genes have good recognition of MN. After performing correlation analysis, examining immune infiltration, and conducting a comprehensive pan-cancer investigation, we validated these six hub genes through immunohistochemical analysis using human renal biopsy tissues. The pan-cancer analysis notably accentuates the robust association between these hub genes and the prognoses of individuals afflicted by diverse cancer types, further underscoring the importance of mutations within these hub genes across various cancers. Conclusion: This evidence indicates that these genes could potentially play a pivotal role as a critical link connecting MN and cancer. As a result, they may hold promise as valuable targets for intervention in cases of both MN and cancer.

Prevalence and prognosis of malignancy in THSD7A-associated membranous nephropathy: a systematic literature review and clinical case study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the incidence and prognosis of malignancy in individuals with thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A)-associated membranous nephropathy (MN). METHODS: First, we performed a systematic literature review of prevalence of malignancy in THSD7A-associated MN. Then, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 454 patients diagnosed with MN through renal biopsy at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. We assessed the presence of serum anti-THSD7A antibodies and performed immunohistochemical staining of renal tissue for THSD7A. Subsequently, we followed patients with THSD7A-associated MN for a minimum of 3-5 years, collecting their clinical, pathological characteristics, and prognosis. Additionally, we conducted a literature review on patients with THSD7A-associated MN in conjunction with malignancy. RESULTS: We identified a total of nine articles containing comprehensive data on THSD7A-associated MN and malignancy. Among 235 patients with THSD7A-positive MN, 36 individuals had concurrent malignancies, resulting in a malignancy prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 8.9-17.7%). In our center, we followed up with 15 patients diagnosed with THSD7A-associated MN and observed three cases of concomitant tumors: two cases of lung adenocarcinoma and one case of small cell lung cancer with multiple metastases. The prevalence of malignancy in our cohort was 20%. Notably, we detected positive THSD7A staining in both renal and lung cancer tissues in one patient with small cell lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with THSD7A-associated MN should undergo vigilant follow-up assessments, with a particular focus on actively seeking potential tumorigenic lesions to prevent misdiagnosis or oversight.

Targeted therapy of kidney disease with nanoparticle drug delivery materials.

With the development of nanomedicine, nanomaterials have been widely used, offering specific drug delivery to target sites, minimal side effects, and significant therapeutic effects. The kidneys have filtration and reabsorption functions, with various potential target cell types and a complex structural environment, making the strategies for kidney function protection and recovery after injury complex. This also lays the foundation for the application of nanomedicine in kidney diseases. Currently, evidence in preclinical and clinical settings supports the feasibility of targeted therapy for kidney diseases using drug delivery based on nanomaterials. The prerequisite for nanomedicine in treating kidney diseases is the use of carriers with good biocompatibility, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, liposomes, micelles, dendrimer polymers, adenoviruses, lysozymes, and elastin-like polypeptides. These carriers have precise renal uptake, longer half-life, and targeted organ distribution, protecting and improving the efficacy of the drugs they carry. Additionally, attention should also be paid to the toxicity and solubility of the carriers. While the carriers mentioned above have been used in preclinical studies for targeted therapy of kidney diseases both in vivo and in vitro, extensive clinical trials are still needed to ensure the short-term and long-term effects of nano drugs in the human body. This review will discuss the advantages and limitations of nanoscale drug carrier materials in treating kidney diseases, provide a more comprehensive catalog of nanocarrier materials, and offer prospects for their drug-loading efficacy and clinical applications.

Unraveling the interplay of ferroptosis and immune dysregulation in diabetic kidney disease: a comprehensive molecular analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a primary microvascular complication of diabetes with limited therapeutic effects. Delving into the pathogenic mechanisms of DKD and identifying new therapeutic targets is crucial. Emerging studies reveal the implication of ferroptosis and immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of DKD, however, the precise relationship between them remains not fully elucidated. Investigating their interplay is pivotal to unraveling the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, offering insights crucial for targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes. METHODS: Integrated analysis, Consensus clustering, Machine learning including Generalized Linear Models (GLM), RandomForest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (xGB), Artificial neural network (ANN) methods of DKD glomerular mRNA sequencing were performed to screen DKD-related ferroptosis genes.CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE and ssGSEA algorithm were used to assess the infiltration of immune cells between DKD and control groups and in two distinct ferroptosis phenotypes. The ferroptosis hub genes were verified in patients with DKD and in the db/db spontaneous type 2 diabetes mouse model via immunohistochemical and Western blotting analyses in mouse podocyte MPC5 and mesangial SV40-MES-13 cells under high-glucose (HG) conditions. RESULTS: We obtained 16 differentially expressed ferroptosis related genes and patients with DKD were clustered into two subgroups by consensus clustering. Five ferroptosis genes (DUSP1,ZFP36,PDK4,CD44 and RGS4) were identified to construct a diagnostic model with a good diagnosis performance in external validation. Analysis of immune infiltration revealed immune heterogeneity between DKD patients and controls.Moreover, a notable differentiation in immune landscape, comprised of Immune cells, ESTIMATE Score, Immune Score and Stromal Score was observed between two FRG clusters. GSVA analysis indicated that autophagy, apoptosis and complement activation can participate in the regulation of ferroptosis phenotypes. Experiment results showed that ZFP36 was significantly overexpressed in both tissue and cells while CD44 was on the contrary.Meanwhile,spearman analysis showed both ZFP36 and CD44 has a strong correlation with different immune cells,especially macrophage. CONCLUSION: The regulation of the immune landscape in DKD is significantly influenced by the focal point on ferroptosis. Newly identified ferroptosis markers, CD44 and ZFP36, are poised to play essential roles through their interactions with macrophages, adding substantial value to this regulatory landscape.

Tolvaptan therapy for edema in patients with chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: Tolvaptan is a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist that is commonly prescribed to alleviate edema associated with renal diseases. However, the clinical benefits of tolvaptan in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tolvaptan in managing edema caused by CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy and treatment regimen of tolvaptan were assessed in a cohort of 96 patients with renal edema and CKD. During the treatment, the patients' creatinine (CR), uric acid (UA), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were monitored as important indicators of kidney function. Coagulation-associated molecules including fibrinogen, D-dimer, and fibrin degradation products (FDPs) were measured. Electrolyte disorders and acute kidney injury were closely monitored. Tolvaptan was administered at a daily dose of 7.5 mg, and 30 mg of edoxaban was administered to manage deep vein thrombosis. RESULTS: During the course of tolvaptan therapy, the eGFR of the patients was not declined. Edema was eliminated in 82.18% of patients. Proteinuria was reduced in the patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in serum sodium levels throughout treatment, and no significant difference was observed in blood volume between the end of treatment and baseline levels. Importantly, acute kidney injury did not occur, and renal edema and deep vein thrombosis were successfully treated. CONCLUSION: As long as a rational treatment regimen is followed, tolvaptan is a safe and effective diuretic for treating edema in CKD, even in the late stages of CKD without reducing residual renal function in the patients.

Influence of Microbiota on Tumor Immunotherapy.

The role of the microbiome in immunotherapy has recently garnered substantial attention, with molecular studies and clinical trials providing emerging evidence on the pivotal influence of the microbiota in enhancing therapeutic outcomes via immune response modulation. However, the impact of microbial communities can considerably vary across individuals and different immunotherapeutic approaches, posing prominent challenges in harnessing their potential. In this comprehensive review, we outline the current research applications in tumor immunotherapy and delve into the possible mechanisms through which immune function is influenced by microbial communities in various body sites, encompassing those in the gut, extraintestinal barrier, and intratumoral environment. Furthermore, we discuss the effects of diverse microbiome-based strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and the targeted modulation of specific microbial taxa, and antibiotic treatments on cancer immunotherapy. All these strategies potentially have a profound impact on immunotherapy and pave the way for personalized therapeutic approaches and predictive biomarkers.

A centrosome-related gene signature for predicting the overall survival of uveal melanoma.

Background: Centrosome aberration (CA) plays a vital role in tumorigenesis and metastasis under pathophysiological conditions. The existence of CA was first reported in uveal melanoma (UVM) recently. Our study aimed to investigate the association of centrosome-related genes with UVM prognosis. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-UVM and Gene Expression Omnibus series (GSE) 22138 were included in the study. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression were combined to screen out key genes and construct a centrosome-related gene signature. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves were used to evaluate the survival differences between the 2 groups. Gene enrichment, immune infiltration, and mutation profile were used to explore the underlying mechanism. Results: A centrosome-related gene signature was constructed: Risk score =-3.27071 × MAP6 - 5.03735 × CCDC40 - 2.68459 × PRKCD + 1.826349 × IGFBP4 + 11.66582 × RAB6C - 4.86899 × CCND3. The survival possibilities of the two groups were significantly different. The high-risk group showed cancer progression, inflammation, and immune restriction characteristics when compared with the low-risk group. BAP1 mutation was associated with high risk and SF3B1 mutation was associated with low risk according to the signature. Conclusions: Our study first investigated the role of centrosome-related genes in UVM overall survival (OS). We then constructed a centrosome-related gene signature for UVM, which provides new insights into the role of CA in UVM and identifies novel centrosome-related biomarkers.

Prevalence and immunopathologic characteristics of seropositive and seronegative hepatitis B virus-associated membranous nephropathy: a retrospective study of 420 biopsy-proven cases.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aims to investigate the prevalence and immunopathologic characteristics of seropositive and seronegative hepatitis B virus-associated membranous nephropathy (HBV-MN). METHODS: Clinicopathologic and serologic records of 420 patients with histologically confirmed HBV-MN between January 2014 and July 2021 were examined to determine the prevalence of seropositive and seronegative HBV-MN. Serum anti-PLA2R antibody testing was conducted on 280 patients with HBV-associated membranous nephropathy (HBV-MN) from August 2018 to July 2021. Immunopathologic characteristics of HBV-MN patients and anti-PLA2R antibody positivity were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 420 pathologically confirmed HBV-MN patients, 230 (54.8%) were seropositive for HBV. The seropositive group exhibited higher blood creatinine values and incidence of liver function abnormalities than the seronegative group (p < .05). Serum anti-PLA2R antibody testing on 280 HBV-MN patients revealed a total positive rate of 44.6%, with the seronegative group showing a significantly higher rate (62.6%) compared to the seropositive group (32.1%) (p < .01). The anti-PLA2R antibody-positive group displayed higher levels of urine protein (p < .05), serum cholesterol (p < .01), and IgG4 subtypes (p < .05) compared to the negative group. Additionally, the positive group had significantly lower levels of serum albumin and IgG than the negative group (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive study reveals a significantly higher prevalence of seronegative HBV-MN than previously thought. The blood creatinine values and incidence of liver function abnormalities was higher in the serology-positive group than in the serology-negative group. Notably, the seronegative group displayed a higher positive rate of anti-PLA2R antibodies compared to the seropositive group, indicating distinctive clinical and immunopathologic features.

Optimal assessment of the glomerular filtration rate in older chinese patients using the equations of the Berlin Initiative Study.

AIM: To evaluate the performances of the various estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, the Berlin Initiative Study (BIS), and the Full Age Spectrum (FAS) in older Chinese. METHODS: This study enrolled Chinese adults aged ≥ 65 years who underwent GFR measurements (via 99Tcm-DTPA renal dynamic imaging) in our hospital from 2011 to 2022. Using the measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) as the reference, we derived the bias, precision, accuracy, and consistency of each equation. RESULTS: We enrolled 519 participants, comprising 155 with mGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 364 with mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. In the total patients, the BIS equation based on creatinine and cystatin C (BIScr-cys) exhibited the lowest bias [median (95% confidence interval): 1.61 (0.77-2.18)], highest precision [interquartile range 11.82 (10.32-13.70)], highest accuracy (P30: 81.12%), and best consistency (95% limit of agreement: 101.5 mL/min/1.73 m2). In the mGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, the BIScr-cys and FAS equation based on creatinine and cystatin C (FAScr-cys) performed better than the other equations; in the mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, all equations exhibited relatively large deviations from the mGFR. Of all eight equations, the BIScr-cys performed the best. CONCLUSIONS: Although no equation was fully accurate in the mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, the BIScr-cys (of the eight equations) assessed the eGFRs of the entire population best. A new equation is urgently required for older Chinese and even East Asians, especially those with moderate-to-severe renal insufficiency.

Effects of finerenone and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of finerenone and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the relative cardiovascular benefits in patients with or without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease for different outcomes with these classes of drugs. METHODS: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase from January 1, 2000, to December 30, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes were the composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and cardiovascular death (MACE); hospitalization for heart failure (HHF); and a composite of renal outcomes. The results were reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In total, we identified 11 trials and 73,927 participants, 13,847 (18.7%) in finerenone trials and 60,080 (81.3%) in GLP1-RA trials. Finerenone reduced the risk of MACE by 13% (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.95; P = 0.003), while GLP1-RA reduced the risk in a similar magnitude by 13% (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.83-0.92; P < 0.001). For both drug classes, the effect on lowering the risk of MACE was restricted to approximately 14% in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.82-0.90; P < 0.001), whereas no effect was observed in patients without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-1.02; P = 0.12). GLP1-RA reduced myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death more than finerenone (which appeared to have no effect). Only finerenone was beneficial for reducing the risk of HHF (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.92; P = 0.003). Both finerenone (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.92; P < 0.001) and GLP1-RA (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.76-0.86; P < 0.001) reduced the risk of kidney disease progression, including macroalbuminuria, and finerenone was superior to GLP1-RA in delaying deterioration of kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: Finerenone and GLP1-RA lead to a risk reduction in MACE to a similar degree in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. For both drug classes, the effect on lowering the risk of progression of kidney disease was also in a similar magnitude in patients with T2DM, whereas only finerenone had a significant protective effect against HHF. Treatment decisions for patients with T2DM should consider the clinical benefit profiles of each drug.

A bioactive composite hydrogel dressing that promotes healing of both acute and chronic diabetic skin wounds.

Mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) demonstrate beneficial effects on wound healing via anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties. Chitosan (CS) exhibits excellent biocompatibility and accelerates cellular migration, adhesion, and proliferation. The ions released from bioactive glass (BG) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles exhibit sustained angiogenic and antibacterial potency. In this study, CMCS-CEBT hydrogel was synthesized from exosomes encapsulated carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs), BG, and TiO2 nanoparticles for a preliminary evaluation of its impacts on the treatment of full-thickness skin defects, diabetic wounds, and burn skin injury due to burns. In vitro analysis indicated that the hydrogel exhibits excellent cell compatibility, stimulates endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation, and presents anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and antibacterial activities. In vivo, the composite hydrogel dressing accelerated a wound healing acceleration effect, stimulated angiogenesis, and increased collagen deposition and the expression of anti-inflammatory factors. This innovative composite hydrogel dressing as a potential clinical therapy, utilizing bioactive materials, holds promise as a potential clinical therapy that aims to facilitate the regeneration of acute and chronically damaged skin tissue.

Worldwide burden and trends of diabetes among people aged 70 years and older, 1990-2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes places a significant burden on personal and public health. However, a comprehensive assessment of the burden of diabetes in older adults is lacking. We aimed to estimate the global burden of diabetes and explore trends for the population aged ≥70 from 1990 to 2019. METHODS: Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of diabetes among people aged ≥70 were estimated by sex and age group in 2019. We also assessed the epidemiological trend of diabetes from 1990 to 2019. RESULTS: In 2019, 110.1 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 101.2-119.4) people aged ≥70 years were living with diabetes (types 1 and 2 combined) with a global prevalence of 23.7% (21.8%-25.8%). Worldwide, 181.9 deaths (163.0-194.7) per 100,000 population and 4512.3 DALYs (3861.3-5264.2) per 100,000 population occurred due to diabetes. In 2019, minor sex-related disparities in the burden of diabetes were identified among specific age and sex groups. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence of diabetes increased by 39.7% (37.7%-41.7%), and the related mortality and DALY rates also increased (16.4% [9.43%-22.9%] and 22.3% [17.2%-27.0%], respectively). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The global burden of diabetes in adults aged ≥70 has increased markedly from 1990 to 2019. As the population continues to age, there is an urgent need to combat the increasing disease burden.

Investigating the prognostic value of mTORC1 signaling in bladder cancer via bioinformatics evaluation.

Bladder cancer, a prevalent and heterogeneous malignancy, necessitates the discovery of pertinent biomarkers to enable personalized treatment. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a pivotal regulator of cellular growth, metabolism, and immune response, exhibits activation in a subset of bladder cancer tumors. In this study, we explore the prognostic significance of mTORC1 signaling in bladder cancer through the utilization of bioinformatics analysis. Our investigation incorporates transcriptomic, somatic mutation, and clinical data, examining the mTORC1 score of each sample, as well as the enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentiation characteristics, immunological infiltration, and metabolic activity. Our findings reveal that elevated mTORC1 levels serve as an adverse prognostic indicator for bladder cancer patients, exhibiting a significant association with Basal-type bladder cancer. Patients with heightened mTORC1 activation display heightened levels of pro-carcinogenic metabolism. Additionally, these individuals demonstrate enhanced response to immunotherapy. Finally, we develop an mTORC1-related signature capable of predicting the prognosis of bladder cancer patients.The signature offers novel mTORC1-related biomarkers and provides fresh insights into the involvement of mTORC1 in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer.

Preparation and Compression Resistance of Lightweight Concrete Filled with Lightweight Calcium Carbonate Reinforced Expanded Polystyrene Foam.

Lightweight concrete is widely used in the construction industry due to its low density and high strength. In this paper, lightweight concrete was prepared by a simple two-step method. Firstly, the light calcium carbonate reinforced epoxy macrospheres (LCR-EMS) material was obtained by adhering calcium lighter carbonate powder to the expanded polystyrene foam spheres (EPS) material using the "balling method". In the second step, the LCR-EMS was mixed with water, cement, and the hollow glass microspheres (HGMS) material using the "molding method" to obtain lightweight concrete. The combination of macroscopic photographs and microscopic morphology shows that the LCR-EMS material itself is uniformly encapsulated and well bonded to the matrix. Test results show that the density of the lightweight concrete decreases with an increase in the volume fraction of stacked LCR-EMS, the diameter, and the proportion of HGMS in the matrix, but it decreases with a decrease in the number of layers of LCR-EMS. The compressive strength of lightweight concrete exhibits a completely opposite trend. When three layers of LCR-EMS were used as filler material, the density and compressive strength of the concrete were 1.246 g/cm3 and 8.19 MPa, respectively. The density and maximum compressive strength of lightweight concrete were 1.146 g/cm3 and 6.37 Mpa, respectively, when filled with 8-9 mm-2L-90 svol% of LCR-EMS and 40 wt% of HGMS in the matrix. Compared with lightweight concrete filled with 90% EPS, the density increased by 20% while the compressive strength increased by 300%.

In Situ Construction of High-Thermal-Conductivity and Negative-Permittivity Epoxy/Carbon Fiber@Carbon Composites with a 3D Network by High-Temperature Chemical Vapor Deposition.

Modern highly integrated microelectronic devices are unable to dissipate heat over time, which greatly affects the operating efficiency and service life of electronic equipment. Constructing high-thermal-conductivity composites with 3D network structures is a hot research topic. In this article, carbon fiber felt (CFF) was prepared by airflow netting forming technology and needle punching combined with stepped heat treatment. Then, carbon-coated carbon fiber felt (C@CFF) with a three-dimensional network structure was constructed in situ by high-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Finally, high-temperature treatment was used to improve the degree of crystallinity of C@CFF and further enhance its graphitization. The epoxy (EP) composites were prepared by simple vacuum infiltration-molding curing. The test results showed that the in-plane thermal conductivity (K∥) and through-plane thermal conductivity (K⊥) of EP/C@CFF-2300 °C could reach up to 13.08 and 2.78 W/mK, respectively, where the deposited carbon content was 11.76 vol %. The in-plane thermal conductivity enhancement (TCE) of EP/C@CFF-2300 °C was improved by 6440 and 808% compared to those of pure EP and EP/CFF, respectively. The high-temperature treatment greatly provides an improvement in thermal conductivity for the in-plane and the through-plane. Infrared imaging showed excellent thermal management properties of the prepared epoxy composites. EP/C@CFF-2300 °C owned an in-plane AC conductivity of up to 0.035 S/cm at 10 kHz, and Lorentz-Drude-type negative permittivity behaviors were observed at the tested frequency region. The CFF thermally conductive composites prepared by the above method have a broad application prospect in the field of advanced thermal management and electromagnetics.

Serum PLA2R antibody as a predictive biomarker for venous thromboembolism risk in primary membranous nephropathy / El anticuerpo PLA2R sérico como biomarcador predictivo del riesgo de tromboembolia venosa en la nefropatía membranosa primaria

Background Patients with nephrotic syndrome are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). The phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) is a marker of primary membranous nephropathy activity. This study investigated the predictive value of PLA2R antibodies in PMN for VTE.Methods In this retrospective study, we included 97 PMN patients and evaluated the predictive value of serum PLA2R antibodies for VTE risk. Lower extremity venous ultrasound, renal vein ultrasound, or spiral computed tomography pulmonary arteriography were used to assess VTE events. Serum anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The risk of VTE was stratified according to serum albumin levels. Results Twenty PMN patients (21%) had thromboembolic events. Eight (15%) of patients with serum albumin >25g/l developed VTE, 6 of whom were positive for serum PLA2R antibodies. Positive serum PLA2R antibodies were significantly associated with VTE events in patients with serum albumin >25g/l (p=0.01). Age, sex, blood creatinine, serum albumin, and 24-h urine protein levels were not statistically different between the two groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis using the log-rank test revealed anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy patients had more probability of VTE events than anti-PLA2R negative patients. Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that lnPLA2R-Ab is an unfavorable predictor for VTE events in patients with serum albumin >25g/l (hazard ratio (HR) 2.1, p=0.01). Conclusions The PLA2R antibody was a risk predictor for thromboembolic events in patients with primary membranous nephropathy with serum albumin >25g/l (AU)

Antecedentes Los pacientes con síndrome nefrótico presentan un alto riesgo de tromboembolia venosa (TEV), especialmente en el caso de la nefropatía membranosa primaria (NMP). El receptor de fosfolipasa A2 (PLA2R) es un marcador de la actividad de la NMP. Este estudio investigó el valor predictivo de los anticuerpos PLA2R en NMP para TEV. Métodos En este estudio retrospectivo, se incluyeron 97 pacientes con NMP y se evaluó el valor predictivo de los anticuerpos PLA2R en suero para el riesgo de TEV. Se utilizaron la ecografía venosa de las extremidades inferiores, la ecografía de la vena renal o la arteriografía pulmonar por tomografía computarizada en espiral para evaluar los episodios de TEV. Los anticuerpos séricos anti-PLA2R se detectaron mediante un ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA). El riesgo de TEV se estratificó en función de los niveles de albúmina sérica. Resultados Veinte pacientes con NMP (21%) presentaron episodios tromboembólicos. Ocho (15%) de los pacientes con albúmina sérica>25g/l desarrollaron TEV, 6 de los cuales fueron positivos para anticuerpos PLA2R séricos. La positividad de los anticuerpos PLA2R séricos se asoció significativamente con episodios de TEV en pacientes con albúmina sérica>25g/l (p=0,01). La edad, el sexo, la creatinina en sangre, la albúmina sérica y los niveles de proteínas en orina de 24h no fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre los 2 grupos. El análisis de Kaplan-Meier mediante la prueba de rangos logarítmicos reveló que los pacientes con nefropatía membranosa positivos para anti-PLA2R tenían más probabilidad de sufrir TEV que los pacientes negativos para anti-PLA2R. El análisis univariante de riesgos proporcionales de Cox reveló que ln PLA2R-Ab es un predictor desfavorable de episodios de TEV en pacientes con albúmina sérica>25g/l (hazard ratio 2,1; p=0,01). Conclusiones El anticuerpo PLA2R fue un predictor de riesgo de episodios tromboembólicos en pacientes con NMP con albúmina sérica>25g/l (AU)

Research on the correlation between the renal resistive index, renal microvessel density, and fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the renal resistive index (RRI), renal microvessel density (RMD), and fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: A total of 73 CKD patients were included in the study. Prior to kidney biopsy, we recorded the RRI of the interlobar artery and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess CD34 expression, and Masson staining was used to evaluate histopathological specimens for RMD and the degree of fibrosis. The percentage of the positive area (PPA) was recorded. Subsequently, we investigated the correlation between RRI, RMD, and kidney fibrosis. RESULTS: RMD (CD34 PPA-total and CD34 PPA-peritubular capillary) showed a slight increase in early CKD stages (1-2) and gradually declined from CKD stages 2 to 5. No correlation was observed between the RRI and RMD or between the RRI and fibrosis across CKD stages 1 to 5. However, across CKD stages 2 to 5, RRI negatively correlated with CD34 PPA-glomerulus (r = -0.353, p = 0.022), but no correlation was found with CD34 PPA-total, CD34 PPA-peritubular capillary, or kidney fibrosis. eGFR showed a positive correlation with RMD (CD34 PPA-total, CD34 PPA-peritubular capillary, and CD34 PPA-glomerulus) across CKD stages 2 to 5, while no correlation was found from CKD stages 1 to 5. CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between RRI and RMD or between RRI and fibrosis across CKD stages 1 to 5 (RRI ≤ 0.7).

High Hardness, Excellent Hydrophobicity, and Favorable Corrosion Resistance of Plasma-Sprayed FeCrMoSi Amorphous Coatings on 304 Stainless Steel.

The FeCrMoSi amorphous coatings were fabricated on the surface of a 304 stainless steel (SS) base material using atmospheric plasma spraying. A comprehensive investigation was carried out to evaluate the structure, morphology, adhesion to base material, hardness, hydrophobicity, interfacial contact resistance, and corrosion resistance of the coatings. The results show a remarkable hardness of 1180.1 HV, a strong bond strength of up to 64.3 N/mm2, and excellent hydrophobicity with a water contact angle reaching 141.2°. Additionally, in an acidic environment with fluoride ions (0.5 M H2SO4 + 2 ppm HF, 80 °C), the FeCrMoSi amorphous coating demonstrated superior corrosion resistance compared with 304 SS while maintaining similar electroconductibility. Detailed analysis of the structural characteristics and corrosion resistance of FeCrMoSi amorphous coatings provided valuable insights into their mechanics. These promising results signify a bright future for FeCrMoSi amorphous coatings in various industrial sectors, including transportation, petroleum, and electric power industries.

Membranous nephropathy with systemic light-chain amyloidosis of remission after rituximab therapy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: About 70%-80% of patients with primary membranous nephropathy (MN) have phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) in renal tissue. Systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common type of amyloidosis. MN complicated with amyloidosis is rare. CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old Chinese male presented with nephrotic syndrome, positive serum PLA2R antibody, and positive serum and urine IgG-lambda type M-protein, with a normal ratio of serum-free light-chain level. The patient was diagnosed with MN accompanied by AL amyloidosis. He was treated with rituximab with glucocorticoids and CyBorD regimen of chemotherapy. After 21 mo of follow-up, the patient achieved complete remission regarding nephrotic syndrome without adverse effects of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: We report a case of PLA2R-related MN complicated with primary AL amyloidosis only with renal involvement and successfully treated with rituximab, glucocorticoids and chemotherapy.

Serum PLA2R antibody as a predictive biomarker for venous thromboembolism risk in primary membranous nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with nephrotic syndrome are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). The phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) is a marker of primary membranous nephropathy activity. This study investigated the predictive value of PLA2R antibodies in PMN for VTE. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included 97 PMN patients and evaluated the predictive value of serum PLA2R antibodies for VTE risk. Lower extremity venous ultrasound, renal vein ultrasound, or spiral computed tomography pulmonary arteriography were used to assess VTE events. Serum anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The risk of VTE was stratified according to serum albumin levels. RESULTS: Twenty PMN patients (21%) had thromboembolic events. Eight (15%) of patients with serum albumin >25g/l developed VTE, 6 of whom were positive for serum PLA2R antibodies. Positive serum PLA2R antibodies were significantly associated with VTE events in patients with serum albumin >25g/l (p=0.01). Age, sex, blood creatinine, serum albumin, and 24-h urine protein levels were not statistically different between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis using the log-rank test revealed anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy patients had more probability of VTE events than anti-PLA2R negative patients. Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that lnPLA2R-Ab is an unfavorable predictor for VTE events in patients with serum albumin >25g/l (hazard ratio (HR) 2.1, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The PLA2R antibody was a risk predictor for thromboembolic events in patients with primary membranous nephropathy with serum albumin >25g/l.