A comprehensive analysis of albuminuria in canine chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Albuminuria, an important marker of decreased kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is not routinely used for CKD detection or proteinuria appearance. Its relationships with biochemical parameters and blood pressure in dogs are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of albuminuria with various CKD markers, its correlation with the urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), and hypertension in dogs with early stages of CKD. It also sought to determine the usability of the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UAC) for CKD screening. METHODS: The study reviewed records of 102 dogs, categorising them into four groups based on disease status. UAC and UPC ratio, biochemistry and haematology variables, age, and systolic blood pressure were determined. RESULTS: The Pearson's correlation coefficient between log-transformed values of UPC and UAC was r = 0.902 (95% CI: 0.87 to 0.93). Median UAC ratio values were 2.1 mg/g for the Healthy control group (n = 17), 54.2 mg/g for early stages CKD (n = 42), 5.8 mg/g for Acute sick control (n = 30), and 104 mg/g for Chronic sick control (n = 13). Thresholding UAC ratio as an indicator for impaired kidney function with the threshold of 10 mg/g (established based on the receiver operating characteristic curve) had a sensitivity 81.8%, specificity of 89.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) 90%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 80.1%. The correlation of UAC with biochemistry and haematology variables was statistically significant; for SDMA (µg/L), it was r = 0.566 and for other variables, it was weak to moderate. UAC was markedly elevated in cases of severe hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: UAC ratio was significantly different among dogs with impaired and not impaired kidney function. The correlation strength for the UAC and UPC ratios was high. UAC ratio may be a promising marker for proteinuria analysis in dogs with CKD or other kidney function alterations.

Dynamic changes in genomic and social structures in third millennium BCE central Europe.

Europe's prehistory oversaw dynamic and complex interactions of diverse societies, hitherto unexplored at detailed regional scales. Studying 271 human genomes dated ~4900 to 1600 BCE from the European heartland, Bohemia, we reveal unprecedented genetic changes and social processes. Major migrations preceded the arrival of "steppe" ancestry, and at ~2800 BCE, three genetically and culturally differentiated groups coexisted. Corded Ware appeared by 2900 BCE, were initially genetically diverse, did not derive all steppe ancestry from known Yamnaya, and assimilated females of diverse backgrounds. Both Corded Ware and Bell Beaker groups underwent dynamic changes, involving sharp reductions and complete replacements of Y-chromosomal diversity at ~2600 and ~2400 BCE, respectively, the latter accompanied by increased Neolithic-like ancestry. The Bronze Age saw new social organization emerge amid a ≥40% population turnover.