The burden of chronic kidney disease of undetermined etiology (CKDu) in a tertiary care public hospital in north India.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease of undetermined aetiology (CKDu) is an important public health problem. Indian data is mostly based on studies from rural regions in south and eastern India. We examined the burden and profile of CKDu in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in north India. METHODS: We assessed records of consecutive new CKD patients registered in nephrology clinic from January 2015 till June 2022. Patients were classified as CKDu based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical and laboratory parameters at presentation and kidney biopsy when done were noted. RESULTS: Records of 32369 patients with CKD were screened, 29663 were included (2706 excluded due to inadequate data). 370 (1.2%) patients were categorized as CKDu. Mean age was 41±14.7 years, 58.1% being males. 158 (42.7%) patients were in CKD stage 3, 89 (24.1%) in stage 4, 84(22.7%) in stage 5 and 39(10.5%) were dialysis dependent at presentation. 232(62.7%) patients had proteinuria <0.5gm/day and 138(37.3%) between 0.5-1 gm/day. Renal histology was available for 65 CKDu patients :62 had chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (CTIN) and 3 had non-specific changes. CONCLUSION: When defined using strict criteria with intensive diagnostic work-up, burden of CKDu is low in our hospital-based cohort of CKD patients. CTIN is the predominant histopathological finding in kidney biopsy.

Assessment of ownership of smart devices and the acceptability of digital health data sharing.

Smart portable devices- smartphones and smartwatches- are rapidly being adopted by the general population, which has brought forward an opportunity to use the large volumes of physiological, behavioral, and activity data continuously being collected by these devices in naturalistic settings to perform research, monitor health, and track disease. While these data can serve to revolutionize health monitoring in research and clinical care, minimal research has been conducted to understand what motivates people to use these devices and their interest and comfort in sharing the data. In this study, we aimed to characterize the ownership and usage of smart devices among patients from an expansive academic health system in the southeastern US and understand their willingness to share data collected by the smart devices. We conducted an electronic survey of participants from an online patient advisory group around smart device ownership, usage, and data sharing. Out of the 3021 members of the online patient advisory group, 1368 (45%) responded to the survey, with 871 female (64%), 826 and 390 White (60%) and Black (29%) participants, respectively, and a slight majority (52%) age 58 and older. Most of the respondents (98%) owned a smartphone and the majority (59%) owned a wearable. In this population, people who identify as female, Hispanic, and Generation Z (age 18-25), and those completing higher education and having full-time employment, were most likely to own a wearable device compared to their demographic counterparts. 50% of smart device owners were willing to share and 32% would consider sharing their smart device data for research purposes. The type of activity data they are willing to share varies by gender, age, education, and employment. Findings from this study can be used to design both equitable and cost-effective digital health studies, leveraging personally-owned smartphones and wearables in representative populations, ultimately enabling the development of equitable digital health technologies.

NOVEL RETINAL IMAGING ABNORMALITIES IN ALPORT SYNDROME.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a novel observation during retinal screening of a child with Alport syndrome. METHODS: This was a review of case record and imaging files. RESULTS: Clinical examination of the retina and standard color fundus photography revealed no abnormality. However, distinct and identical wrinkling of the temporal macula (fingerprint sign) in both eyes was noted on Optos pseudocolor images of the retina. On optical coherence tomography, there were corresponding "saw-tooth" corrugations in the middle layers of the retina. En face images further highlighted the characteristic nature of this unusual observation. CONCLUSION: Fingerprint sign in the retina, a heretofore undescribed feature, is reported in a child with biopsy confirmed Alport syndrome.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with diacylglycerol kinase epsilon nephropathy: a nationwide experience.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is usually caused due to dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. Rarely, thrombotic microangiopathy is caused by non-complement mediated mutations in diacylglycerol kinase epsilon (DGKE); information about therapy and outcome of these patients is limited. METHODS: Medical records of patients, younger than 18 years, diagnosed with TMA and variants in DGKE were reviewed to include 12 patients from seven centers. Genetic studies included targeted exome sequencing and multiplex-ligation dependent probe amplification of CFH-CFHR5. RESULTS: Patients presented at a median age of 11 (7.5, 12.3) months; all were younger than 2 years. All patients had an infectious prodrome; enteroinvasive, enteropathogenic, and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were detected in two patients with diarrhea. Chief features included those of microangiopathic hemolysis (n = 11), microscopic hematuria (n = 10), nephrotic range proteinuria (n = 10), hypoalbuminemia (n = 6), elevated total cholesterol (n = 6), and hypocomplementemia (n = 4). Histopathology showed thrombotic microangiopathy (n = 4), overlapping with membranoproliferative pattern of injury (n = 1). At median 3.3 years of follow-up, significant hypertension and/or proteinuria (40%), relapses (66.7%), and death or progression to CKD (60%) were common. Genetic sequencing showed 13 homozygous and compound heterozygous variants (7 pathogenic, 3 likely pathogenic) located throughout DGKE; 11 variants were novel. CONCLUSIONS: This case series highlights the need to suspect DGKE nephropathy in young patients with TMA, especially those with severe proteinuria. Medium-term outcomes are unsatisfactory with risk of relapses, progressive kidney failure, and death. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Identifying Risk Factors for Blindness From Glaucoma at First Presentation to a Tertiary Clinic.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, a crippling disability resulting in higher risks of chronic health conditions. To better understand disparities in blindness risk, we identified risk factors of blindness on first presentation to a glaucoma clinic using a large clinical database. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: We used electronic health records of glaucoma patients from the Duke Ophthalmic Registry. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify glaucoma and exclude concurrent diseases. Blindness classification was based on the definition of legal blindness. Risk factors included gender, race, marital status, age, intraocular pressure, diabetes history, income level, and education. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated for risk factors using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of 3753 patients, with 192 (5%) blind on first presentation. In univariable models, African American / Black race (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.83-3.36), single marital status (1.74, 95% CI 1.25-2.44), prior diabetes diagnosis (2.23, 95% CI 1.52-3.27), and higher intraocular pressure (1.29 per 1 SD higher, 95% CI 1.13-1.46) were associated with increased risk of presenting blind, whereas higher annual income (0.75, 95% CI 0.65-0.86) and education (0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.85) were associated with lower risk. These associations remained significant and in the same direction in a multivariable model apart from income, which became insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Using a large real-world clinical database, we identified risk factors associated with presentation with blindness among glaucoma patients. Our results highlight disparities in health care outcomes and indicate the importance of targeted education to reduce disparities in blindness.

Association of vitamin D status with disease severity and outcome in Indian patients with IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been examined as a risk factor for severity and progression of kidney disease due to its immunomodulatory effects. There is paucity of data about its impact in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 25 (OH) vitamin D assay was performed in bio-banked baseline serum samples collected during kidney biopsy of 105 adult patients with primary IgAN diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. A level of < 10 ng/mL was defined as Vitamin D deficiency. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 34 ± 10.6 years, 69.5% were males. Mean baseline 25(OH) Vitamin D levels was 15.9 ± 11.9 ng/mL and 41(39%) patients had vitamin D deficiency. Serum albumin level was lower in vitamin D deficient patients compared to those who had higher vitamin D levels (3.7 ± 0.9 vs 4.1 ± 0.7 g/dl, p = 0.018)but there was no significant difference in baseline proteinuria and eGFR. Crescentic lesions were more frequent in vitamin D deficient group (19.5% vs 6.3%, p = 0.022). At median follow up of 21.5 months (6 - 56 months), there was no difference in remission (68.3% vs 65.6%, p = 0.777) and disease progression (12.5% vs 9.4%, p = 0.614) in those with and without Vitamin D deficiency respectively. On multivariate cox proportional hazard analysis, vitamin D deficiency was not a significant risk factor for renal survival (HR-1.79, 95% confidence interval:0.50-6.34, p = 0.368). CONCLUSION: There was no association between vitamin D deficiency and disease profile as well as renal outcome in Indian patients with IgAN.

A study on the morbid histopathological changes in COVID-19 patients with or without comorbidities using minimally invasive tissue sampling.

COVID-19 causes morbid pathological changes in different organs including lungs, kidneys, liver, and so on, especially in those who succumb. Though clinical outcomes in those with comorbidities are known to be different from those without-not much is known about the differences at the histopathological level. To compare the morbid histopathological changes in COVID-19 patients between those who were immunocompromised (Gr 1), had a malignancy (Gr 2), or had cardiometabolic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease) (Gr 3), postmortem tissue sampling (minimally invasive tissue sampling [MITS]) was done from the lungs, kidney, heart, and liver using a biopsy gun within 2 hours of death. Routine (hematoxylin and eosin) and special staining (acid fast bacilli, silver methanamine, periodic acid schiff) was done besides immunohistochemistry. A total of 100 patients underwent MITS and data of 92 patients were included (immunocompromised: 27, malignancy: 18, cardiometabolic conditions: 71). In lung histopathology, capillary congestion was more in those with malignancy, while others like diffuse alveolar damage, microthrombi, pneumocyte hyperplasia, and so on, were equally distributed. In liver histopathology, architectural distortion was significantly different in immunocompromised; while steatosis, portal inflammation, Kupffer cell hypertrophy, and confluent necrosis were equally distributed. There was a trend towards higher acute tubular injury in those with cardiometabolic conditions as compared to the other groups. No significant histopathological difference in the heart was discerned. Certain histopathological features were markedly different in different groups (Gr 1, 2, and 3) of COVID-19 patients with fatal outcomes.

Identification of celiac disease associated IgA nephropathy by IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase2 antibody deposits in archived formalin-fixed tissues.

Background: The causal association between IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and celiac disease (CeD) is based on their clinical coexistence. In this prospective study, we screened patients with IgAN for CeD and explored the utility of analysis of IgA anti-TG2 antibody deposits, for establishing a causal association. Methods: Biopsy-proven patients of IgAN were screened for serum IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (IgA anti-tTG Ab) titer and thereafter were invited to undergo endoscopic duodenal biopsy. Corresponding duodenal and kidney biopsies were subjected to IgA anti-TG2 antibody colocalization study using dual-color immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. Additionally, kidney biopsies from 105 patients with IgAN who did not give consent for serology analysis, 30 non-IgA nephropathies, and 10 normal controls were also included. Dual-color-stained slides were interpreted based on stain distribution and intensity scores, and Pearson's index >0.3-1 on confocal imaging was considered significant. Results: Of a cohort of 151 patients with IgAN, 32 consented to undergo sero-screening and 5 of them had high serum anti-tTG Ab titer. Two out of the latter consented to endoscopic duodenal biopsies, in whom modified Marsh grade 3b changes were identified. Strong IgA anti-TG2 antibody deposits were noted in the kidney and duodenal biopsies of these patients. One patient out of non-consenting 105 patients with IgAN and 3 out of 30 patients with other non-IgA nephropathies also showed IgA anti-TG2 deposits. None of the healthy kidney tissues showed IgA anti-TG2 Ab deposits. Conclusions: Co-localized IgA anti-TG2 deposits in the kidney biopsies in patients with IgAN help to establish a pathogenic link with CeD. A small proportion of patients with IgAN have associated CeD.

Determinants of menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls in a rural area of Patna, Bihar, India: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Adolescence is a transitional phase marked by the onset of menarche. Most adolescent girls have incomplete or inaccurate information about menstrual physiology and hygiene. There are several misconceptions and taboos linked with it, resulting in adverse health outcomes. However, numerous factors associated with menstrual hygiene are modifiable. If these are adequately identified and addressed, it can empower young girls to lead healthy life in a positive environment. Aims and Objectives: (1) To assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls. (2) To determine the association of menstrual hygiene practices with sociodemographic and related factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Patna, Bihar, in which 300 eligible adolescent school-going menstruating girls (13-17 years) were recruited from four schools. They were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire, and relevant information on sociodemographic profiles and menorrhoeal characteristics was obtained. Median scores were calculated for the knowledge and practices domain. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. Results: The mean age of girls was 14 ± 1.07 years, while the mean age of menarche was 12.37 ± 0.92 years. More than half (59.3%) were found to possess good knowledge (scores 7 and above) regarding menstruation and its physiology. Half (50.3%) of the girls had good menstrual hygiene practices (scores 9 and above). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that adolescent girls studying in government schools (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) and those living in nuclear families (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) were likely to be significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices. Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene is still far from satisfactory; hence, it should be a vital aspect of the school health educational curriculum. There is an imperative need to design acceptable awareness/advocacy programs for adolescent girls in the future.

A Systematic Review of Time Series Classification Techniques Used in Biomedical Applications.

Background: Digital clinical measures collected via various digital sensing technologies such as smartphones, smartwatches, wearables, and ingestible and implantable sensors are increasingly used by individuals and clinicians to capture the health outcomes or behavioral and physiological characteristics of individuals. Time series classification (TSC) is very commonly used for modeling digital clinical measures. While deep learning models for TSC are very common and powerful, there exist some fundamental challenges. This review presents the non-deep learning models that are commonly used for time series classification in biomedical applications that can achieve high performance. Objective: We performed a systematic review to characterize the techniques that are used in time series classification of digital clinical measures throughout all the stages of data processing and model building. Methods: We conducted a literature search on PubMed, as well as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases using a range of search terms to retrieve peer-reviewed articles that report on the academic research about digital clinical measures from a five-year period between June 2016 and June 2021. We identified and categorized the research studies based on the types of classification algorithms and sensor input types. Results: We found 452 papers in total from four different databases: PubMed, IEEE, Web of Science Database, and SCOPUS. After removing duplicates and irrelevant papers, 135 articles remained for detailed review and data extraction. Among these, engineered features using time series methods that were subsequently fed into widely used machine learning classifiers were the most commonly used technique, and also most frequently achieved the best performance metrics (77 out of 135 articles). Statistical modeling (24 out of 135 articles) algorithms were the second most common and also the second-best classification technique. Conclusions: In this review paper, summaries of the time series classification models and interpretation methods for biomedical applications are summarized and categorized. While high time series classification performance has been achieved in digital clinical, physiological, or biomedical measures, no standard benchmark datasets, modeling methods, or reporting methodology exist. There is no single widely used method for time series model development or feature interpretation, however many different methods have proven successful.

Attitude and Perceived Barriers Among Highly Educated Women Towards Cervical Cancer Screening by Pap Smear: An Online Survey.

Background Cervical cancer continues to pose a heavy burden on developing countries like India. Early detection of precancerous lesions via Pap smear screening can greatly avert cervical cancer deaths. However, the uptake of cervical cancer screening is poor, and several barriers exist to adequately utilizing screening services. Knowledge of women's attitudes in the target community is essential for successfully implementing a cervical cancer screening program. Aim This study aimed to provide insight into the attitude and perceived barriers among highly educated women and determine the association between the sociodemographic characteristics and their attitude towards screening. Methods It was an online descriptive study using a questionnaire conducted among highly educated women. Sociodemographic details and the perceived gynecological morbidities were enquired upon. The attitude was measured on a 5-point Likert scale, while practice was assessed by response towards ever screened. Significant barriers to not undergoing cervical cancer screening and determinants of attitude towards screening were evaluated. Results A total of 150 women participated, with a mean age of 36.9+9.7 years. Most (85.33%) women were apparently asymptomatic. Overall, the majority (82.67%) of participants had a favorable attitude toward cervical cancer screening, but only 5.33% of women were ever screened in the past. A major impediment to adequate practice identified was that a Pap test is 'not required.' In addition, the women's age, marital status, and education were found to be significantly associated with women's attitudes towards screening. Conclusion The study revealed that educated women do possess a favorable attitude towards cervical cancer screening. However, a major gap is still a hindrance between women's perception and practice. This reiterates the need for a well-designed health educational program focusing on effective information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies and strengthening the national screening program by effectively incorporating it into the health system.

Small molecule SJ572946 activates BAK to initiate apoptosis.

Poration of the outer mitochondrial membrane by the effector BCL-2 proteins BAK and BAX initiates apoptosis. BH3-only initiators BID and BIM trigger conformational changes in BAK and BAX transforming them from globular dormant proteins to oligomers of the apoptotic pores. Small molecules that can directly activate effectors are being sought for applications in cancer treatment. Here, we describe the small molecule SJ572946, discovered in a fragment-based screen that binds to the activation groove of BAK and selectively triggers BAK activation over that of BAX in liposome and mitochondrial permeabilization assays. SJ572946 independently kills BAK-expressing BCL2allKO HCT116 cells revealing on target cellular activity. In combination with apoptotic inducers and BH3 mimetics, SJ572946 kills experimental cancer cell lines. SJ572946 also cooperates with the endogenous BAK activator BID in activating a misfolded BAK mutant substantially impaired in activation. SJ572946 is a proof-of-concept tool for probing BAK-mediated apoptosis in preclinical cancer research.

The International IgA Nephropathy Network Prediction Tool Underestimates Disease Progression in Indian Patients.

Introduction: International IgA nephropathy (IgAN) network (IIgANN) prediction tool was developed to predict risk of progression in IgAN. We attempted to externally validate this tool in an Indian cohort because the original study did not include Indian patients. Methods: Adult patients with primary IgAN were stratified to low, intermediate, higher, and highest risk groups, as per the original model. Primary outcome was reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by >50% or kidney failure. Both models were evaluated using discrimination: concordance statistics (C-statistics), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, R2d, Kaplan-Meier survival curves between risk groups and calibration plots. Reclassification with net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) was used to compare the 2 models with and without race. Results: A total of 316 patients with median follow-up of 2.8 years had 87 primary outcome events. Both models with and without race showed reasonable discrimination (C-statistics 0.845 for both models, R2d 49.9% and 44.7%, respectively, and well-separated survival curves) but underestimated risk of progression across all risk groups. The calibration slopes were 1.234 (95% CI: 0.973-1.494) and 1.211 (95% CI: 0.954-1.468), respectively. Both models demonstrated poor calibration for predicting risk at 2.8 and 5 years. There was limited improvement in risk reclassification risk at 5 and 2.8 years when comparing model with and without race. Conclusion: IIgANN prediction tool showed reasonable discrimination of risk in Indian patients but underestimated the trajectory of disease progression across all risk groups.

ACE2 protein expression in lung tissues of severe COVID-19 infection.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key host protein by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters and multiplies within cells. The level of ACE2 expression in the lung is hypothesised to correlate with an increased risk of severe infection and complications in COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). To test this hypothesis, we compared the protein expression status of ACE2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in post-mortem lung samples of patients who died of severe COVID-19 and lung samples obtained from non-COVID-19 patients for other indications. IHC for CD61 and CD163 was performed for the assessment of platelet-rich microthrombi and macrophages, respectively. IHC for SARS-CoV-2 viral antigen was also performed. In a total of 55, 44 COVID-19 post-mortem lung samples were tested for ACE2, 36 for CD163, and 26 for CD61, compared to 15 non-covid 19 control lung sections. Quantification of immunostaining, random sampling, and correlation analysis were used to substantiate the morphologic findings. Our results show that ACE2 protein expression was significantly higher in COVID-19 post-mortem lung tissues than in controls, regardless of sample size. Histomorphology in COVID-19 lungs showed diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), acute bronchopneumonia, and acute lung injury with SARS-CoV-2 viral protein detected in a subset of cases. ACE2 expression levels were positively correlated with increased expression levels of CD61 and CD163. In conclusion, our results show significantly higher ACE2 protein expression in severe COVID-19 disease, correlating with increased macrophage infiltration and microthrombi, suggesting a pathobiological role in disease severity.

Structural basis of BAK activation in mitochondrial apoptosis initiation.

BCL-2 proteins regulate mitochondrial poration in apoptosis initiation. How the pore-forming BCL-2 Effector BAK is activated remains incompletely understood mechanistically. Here we investigate autoactivation and direct activation by BH3-only proteins, which cooperate to lower BAK threshold in membrane poration and apoptosis initiation. We define in trans BAK autoactivation as the asymmetric "BH3-in-groove" triggering of dormant BAK by active BAK. BAK autoactivation is mechanistically similar to direct activation. The structure of autoactivated BAK BH3-BAK complex reveals the conformational changes leading to helix α1 destabilization, which is a hallmark of BAK activation. Helix α1 is destabilized and restabilized in structures of BAK engaged by rationally designed, high-affinity activating and inactivating BID-like BH3 ligands, respectively. Altogether our data support the long-standing hit-and-run mechanism of BAK activation by transient binding of BH3-only proteins, demonstrating that BH3-induced structural changes are more important in BAK activation than BH3 ligand affinity.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance: Histomorphological Spectrum at a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction: The term monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) has been described to include patients with renal manifestations associated with circulating monoclonal proteins with or without a clonal lymphoproliferation (B-cell or plasma cell) and not meeting diagnostic criteria for an overt hematological malignancy. A host of MGRS-associated lesions have been described that involve various renal compartments. Our study describes the histomorphological spectrum of MGRS cases at our center in the last 5 years and description as per the classification system of the International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group (IKMG). Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out of all the renal biopsies with characteristic monoclonal immunoglobulin lesions for histopathological diagnosis between years 2015 and 2020 and reviewed by two independent pathologists. Results: Most patients in the study belonged to the fifth decade, with a median age of 50 years (mean 50.14 ± 10.43) range (24-68 years) with a male preponderance. Most patients presented with proteinuria as the sole manifestation (66.6%). Many of the patients (48%) had an M spike by serum protein electrophoresis or urinary protein electrophoresis with an abnormal serum free light chain assay (60.8%). AL amyloidosis was the most common diagnosis observed on histopathological evaluation (68.7%), followed by light chain deposition disease (10.4%). Conclusion: MGRS lesions are infrequently encountered in the practice of nephropathology and pose a diagnostic challenge due to the limitation of a congruent clinical or hematological picture. A thorough histological examination with immunofluorescence and electron microscopy often precipitates in the right diagnosis and prompts timely management.

Characterizing predictors of non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the chief cause of renal involvement in diabetic patients. It is primarily a clinical diagnosis. Non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) may be missed if they are not biopsied. In this study, we describe the spectrum of NDKD and evaluate the predictors considered for planning a biopsy in diabetic patients with kidney disease. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, diabetic patients who underwent kidney biopsy at our centre between May 2006 and July 2019 were evaluated for NDKD. RESULTS: 321 diabetic patients who underwent kidney biopsy were analyzed. Mean age was 49.3 ± 12.4 years and 71% were males. 75.8% patients had hypertension and 25.2% had diabetic retinopathy. Based on the kidney biopsy, patients were classified as DKD-127 (39.6%), NDKD-179(55.8%) and combined DKD + NDKD-15(4.7%). Overall, the most commonly diagnosed pathology was membranous nephropathy-MN (17%), followed by IgA nephropathy (16.0%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis-FSGS (14.9%). In patients with DKD + NDKD, IgA nephropathy (53.3%) was predominant. 165 (51.4%) patients had a diagnosis potentially amenable to a specific therapy. On multivariate analysis, female gender [OR 2.07 (1.08-3.97), p = 0.02], absence of diabetic retinopathy [OR 7.47 (3.71-15), p < 0.001] absence of hypertension [OR 3.17 (1.56-6.45), p = 0.001] and duration of diabetes ≤ 24 months [OR 3.67(1.97-6.84), p < 0.001], were independent predictors for NDKD while the absence of nephrotic range proteinuria [OR 1.73 (0.98-3.05), p 0.05] showed a trend towards significance. CONCLUSION: Astute use of kidney biopsy can detect potentially treatable NDKD in a large number of diabetic patients with glomerular diseases being the predominant diagnosis. A combination of risk factors needs to be considered to guide the need for kidney biopsy in diabetic patients.

Demographic Imbalances Resulting From the Bring-Your-Own-Device Study Design.

Digital health technologies, such as smartphones and wearable devices, promise to revolutionize disease prevention, detection, and treatment. Recently, there has been a surge of digital health studies where data are collected through a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) approach, in which participants who already own a specific technology may voluntarily sign up for the study and provide their digital health data. BYOD study design accelerates the collection of data from a larger number of participants than cohort design; this is possible because researchers are not limited in the study population size based on the number of devices afforded by their budget or the number of people familiar with the technology. However, the BYOD study design may not support the collection of data from a representative random sample of the target population where digital health technologies are intended to be deployed. This may result in biased study results and biased downstream technology development, as has occurred in other fields. In this viewpoint paper, we describe demographic imbalances discovered in existing BYOD studies, including our own, and we propose the Demographic Improvement Guideline to address these imbalances.

IgA Nephropathy and Atypical Anti-GBM Disease: A Rare Dual Pathology in a Pediatric Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis.

Introduction: Anti-GBM nephritis in the pediatric age group is exceedingly rare with concurrent additional pathologies being even rarer. Tissue diagnosis requires a combination of crescentic histomorphology, immunofluorescence showing "paint brush stroke" pattern of linear IgG or rarely IgA, and serum anti-GBM antibodies subject to the disease course and treatment. The authors describe one such case with a dual pathology involving IgA nephropathy and atypical anti-GBM disease. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old girl presenting with features of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis underwent a renal biopsy showing a mesangioproliferative histology with crescents and an immunofluorescence pattern indicating a dual pathology of IgA nephropathy and anti-GBM nephritis. Additional ancillary testing including staining for IgG subclasses and galactose-deficient IgA (KM55) helped to confirm the diagnosis. She responded to steroid pulses and plasma exchange therapy, was off dialysis after 8 weeks with a serum creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dL, and however remains proteinuric at last follow-up. Conclusion: Concurrent anti-GBM nephritis and IgA nephropathy is a rare occurrence and possibly arises from a complex interaction between the anti-GBM antibodies and the basement membrane unmasking the antigens for IgA antibodies. Additional newer techniques like immunofluorescence for KM55 are helpful in establishing the dual pathology.