COVID-19 outcomes in patients with a history of immune-mediated glomerular diseases.

Introduction: Patients with immune-mediated glomerular diseases are considered at high risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, conclusive evidence for this patient population is scarce. Methods: We created a global registry and retrospectively collected clinical data of patients with COVID-19 and a previously diagnosed immune-mediated glomerular disease to characterize specific risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Results: Fifty-nine patients with a history of immune-mediated glomerular diseases were diagnosed with COVID-19 between 01.03.2020 and 31.08.2021. Over a mean follow-up period of 24.79 ± 18.89 days, ten patients (16.9%) developed acute kidney injury. Overall, 44.1% of patients were managed in an outpatient setting and therefore considered as having "non-severe" COVID-19, while 55.9% of patients had severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization including worse outcomes. Comparing both groups, patients with severe COVID-19 were significantly older (53.55 ± 17.91 versus 39.77 ± 14.95 years, p = .003), had lower serum albumin levels at presentation (3.00 ± 0.80 g/dL versus 3.99 ± 0.68 g/dL, p = .016) and had a higher risk of developing acute kidney injury (27% versus 4%, p = .018). Male sex (p <.001) and ongoing intake of corticosteroids at presentation (p = .047) were also significantly associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, while the overall use of ongoing immunosuppressive agents and glomerular disease remission status showed no significant association with the severity of COVID-19 (p = .430 and p = .326, respectively). Conclusion: Older age, male sex, ongoing intake of corticosteroids and lower serum albumin levels at presentation were identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with a history of various immune-mediated glomerular diseases.

In acromegalic patients the serum levels of interleukin-33 and Resolvin D1 influence skin perfusion of hands: A pilot study.

AIM: Acromegaly is a rare chronic disease, caused by the over-secretion of growth hormone (GH), that creates a pro-inflammatory state, but the exact mechanisms by which GH or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) act on inflammatory cells are not fully understood. Aim of the study was to evaluate Interleukin-33 (IL33) and D-series resolvins 1 (RvD1) and the skin perfusion of hands in patients with acromegaly (AP) and healthy controls (HC). METHODS: IL33 and RvD1 have been assessed in 20 AP and 20 HC. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) was performed and skin perfusion of hands was assessed by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) in both populations. RESULTS: IL33 was significantly higher in AP compared to HC [73.08 pg/ml (IQR 47.11-100.80 pg/ml) vs 41.5 4 pg/ml (IQR 20.16-55.49 pg/ml), p < 0.05] and RvD1 was significantly lower in AP than HC [36.1 pg/ml (IQR 27.88-66.21 pg/ml) vs 60.01 pg/ml (IQR 46.88-74.69 pg/ml), p < 0.05]. At LASCA, peripheral blood perfusion (PBP) was significantly lower in AP compared to HC [56.66 pU (IQR 46.29-65.44 pU) vs 87 pU (IQR 80-98 pU), p < 0.001]. The median values of ROI1 and ROI3 were significantly lower in AP compared to HC [112.81 pU (IQR 83.36-121.69 pU) vs 131 pU (IQR 108-135 pU), p < 0.05] and [59.78 pU (IQR 46.84-79.75 pU) vs 85 pU (IQR 78-98 pU), p < 0.05], respectively. The proximal-distal gradient (PDG) was observed in 8 of 20 (40 %) AP. CONCLUSION: Serum IL33 is higher in AP compared to HC; conversely, RvD1 is lower in AP compared to HC. Reduction of PBP of hands was present in AP compared to HC, probably due to endothelial dysfunction.

The relationship between chikungunya virus and the kidneys: A scoping review.

Several atypical forms of chikungunya fever (CHIK) have been described, including neurological, cardiac and renal involvement. These forms may be related to high morbidity and mortality rates. This scoping review based on the PubMed, Scopus, and WOS databases aims to identify and summarise all the available evidence regarding the clinical and histopathological presentations and risk factors associated with kidney injury related to CHIK, as well as the clinical impact. Thus, a total of 54 papers were selected from 1606 initial references after applying the defined inclusion criteria. Data on the association between kidney injury and CHIK are scarce, with studies only conducted in the acute phase of the disease, lacking further characterisation. Kidney injury incidence in hospitalised patients using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria varies from 21% to 45%, being higher among patients with atypical and severe manifestations. Although acute kidney injury does not seem to be related to viraemia, it may be related to higher mortality. Few studies have described the renal histopathological changes in the acute phase of CHIK, with prevalent findings of acute interstitial nephritis with mononuclear infiltrate, glomerular congestion and nephrosclerosis. Only one study assessed the kidney function of patients in the subacute and chronic phases of CHIK. Additionally, individuals with comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease, may be among those with a greater risk of presenting worse outcomes when affected by CHIK. The results described herein may contribute to better understand the relationship between the kidneys and chikungunya virus.

ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis following COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review.

With the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination, it has been possible to observe the potential side effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, with the most common ones being fever, myalgia, headache, and fatigue. However, an association has been observed between new and recurrent kidney injuries, mainly glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis associated with ANCA, with the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sinovac, and AstraZeneca vaccines, although the relationship between them is not clear. We report a case of ANCA-related vasculitis and lupus glomerulonephritis after the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The elderly patient presented significant worsening of kidney function after immunosuppression and complications after a new onset COVID-19 infection that led to death. We provide a literature review about kidney damage related to ANCA vasculitis after COVID-19 vaccine, aiming for a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of kidney injury, its presentation, and treatment.

Kidney injury associated with COVID-19 infection and vaccine: A narrative review.

The respiratory tract is the main infection site for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resulting in many admissions to intensive care centers in several countries. However, in addition to lung involvement, kidney injury caused by the novel coronavirus has proven to be a significant factor related to high morbidity and mortality, alarming experts worldwide. The number of deaths has drastically reduced with the advent of large-scale immunization, highlighting the importance of vaccination as the best way to combat the pandemic. Despite the undeniable efficacy of the vaccine, the renal side effects associated with its use deserve to be highlighted, especially the emergence or reactivation of glomerulopathies mentioned in some case reports. This study aimed to identify the main renal morphological findings correlated with COVID-19 infection and its vaccination, seeking to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms, main clinical features, and outcomes.

Partial response to first generation SSA guides the choice and predict the outcome of second line therapy in acromegaly.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of acromegaly resistant to first generation somatostatin analogues (first gen-SSA) is often difficult. We aimed to investigate the role of partial response and resistance to first gen-SSA in the choice of second line treatments and their outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective and multicenter study was conducted on 100 SSA-resistant acromegaly patients and treated with Pasireotide Lar (Pasi-Lar), Peg-V in monotherapy (m-Peg-V) or in combination with first gen-SSA (c-Peg-V). RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (33%) were treated with m-Peg-V, 36 (36%) with c-Peg-V and 31 with Pasi-Lar (31%). According to logistic regression, m-Peg-V was chosen in older patients (p = 0.01) and with not-invasive adenomas (p = 0.009), c-Peg-V therapy in younger patients (p = 0.001), with invasive adenomas (p = 0.02), Pasi-Lar was in invasive adenomas (p = 0.01) and in patients partially responsive to first-gen SSA (p = 0.01). At the last follow-up, 68 patients (68%) reached the acromegaly control: 22 with m-Peg-V (32.4%), 23 with c-Peg-V (33.8%) and 23 with Pasi-Lar (33.8%). Patients non-responsive to c-Peg-V had higher IGF-I levels (median 3.2 x ULN, IQR: 1.6, p < 0.001) and required higher Peg-V dosage (median 30 mg/daily IQR: 10, p = 0.002) as compared to responsive patients (median IGF-I x ULN: 2.1 IQR: 1.4; median Peg-V dosage 20 mg/daily IQR: 10). All patients responsive to Pasi-Lar were partially responsive to first gen-SSAs (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that c-Peg-V and Pasi-Lar are chosen for the treatment of invasive tumors. The partial response to first gen-SSA seems to be the main determinant for the choice of Pasi-Lar and positively predicts the treatment outcome.

A New Device for Remote Monitoring of Vital Parameters in Acromegalic Patients: Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a rare disease that results from growth hormone (GH) excess. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension,cardiomyopathy, and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome( OSAS) are frequent complications. AIM OF THE STUDY: Identify a useful system to obtain a reliable remote monitoring of glucose and the most important vital parameters in the acromegalic subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen acromegalic patients (from 30 to 73 years old) were enrolled. We provided health monitor devices to the patients for continuous acquisition of physiological signals including twelve-lead electrocardiography (EKG) and nocturnal SpO2. At the same time, we applied on the same patients the blinded continuous glucose monitoring system(CGMS). RESULTS: The lowest saturation peaks at night (<80%) were achieved in patients with a known diagnosis of OSAS. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the lowest oxygen saturation values and the CGM peaks (pV <0,0001) and between the average values of oxygen saturation and CGM (pV<0,0003). Patients with a previous diagnosis of OSAS, obtained by polysomnography, showed on the multiparametric monitor recordings superimposable to their known condition. Instead we noticed a discordance in the two EKG recording: the wireless mode showed an irregular rhythm in 5/16 patients, which was not confirmed by the recording mode with cables. CONCLUSION: The health monitor device associated with CGM may be a new useful and versatile tool for fragile patients who can self-manage remote monitoring, and for physicians who can obtain real-time information for the clinical and therapeutic management of patients. It is also a useful tool for the follow-up of patients with OSAS. Moreover, once the interference of the OSAS is excluded, the CGM allows us to obtain a more reliable and accurate diagnosis of DM.

Chikungunya virus as a trigger for different renal disorders: an exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: Chikungunya virus was detected in cases of acute chikungunya fever in renal tissue. However, chikungunya virus-related kidney injury still lacks characterization, and it is unknown whether the kidneys are reservoirs for the virus. We sought to detect histopathological changes and viral antigens in renal tissue, and to evaluate kidney injury markers in different phases of chikungunya fever. METHODS: Two groups were evaluated in this exploratory study: patients with biopsy-proven kidney injury established after chikungunya fever, and patients with post-chikungunya fever chronic joint manifestations without known kidney injury, in whom we actively searched for kidney injury markers. RESULTS: In the first group, 15 patients had kidney injury 0.5-24 months after chikungunya fever. The most frequent histopathological diagnoses were glomerular lesions. No viral antigens were detected in renal tissue. High-risk genotypes were detected in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. In the second group, 114 patients had post-chikungunya fever joint manifestations on average for 35.6 months. Mean creatinine and proteinuria were 0.9 mg/dl and 71.5 mg/day, respectively. One patient had isolated hematuria. There was no indication for renal biopsy in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Several histopathological features were found after chikungunya fever, without virus detection in renal tissue. These findings suggest that chikungunya virus may trigger kidney lesions with varying degrees of severity at different stages of infection. However, the probability that this virus replicates in the renal tissue seems unlikely.

Long-Term Persistence of Serum-Specific Anti-Chikungunya IgM Antibody - A Case Series of Brazilian Patients.

The persistence of serum-specific anti-chikungunya IgM antibodies (CHIKV-IgM) can vary after chikungunya fever (CHIK) infection. However, the factors related to its production are not yet known. We described a case series drawn up from data collected from 57 patients between 12 and 36 months after the acute phase of CHIK infection in Northeastern Brazil. CHIKV-IgM was detectable in 7/57 (12.3%) patients after 28.3 months of infection. No frequency differences in chronic musculoskeletal manifestations and underlying conditions were detected between patients with or without CHIKV-IgM. CHIKV-IgM was detected for up to 35 months in Brazilian patients after CHIK infection.

Improving the Precision of Ability Estimates Using Time-On-Task Variables: Insights From the PISA 2012 Computer-Based Assessment of Mathematics.

Log-file data from computer-based assessments can provide useful collateral information for estimating student abilities. In turn, this can improve traditional approaches that only consider response accuracy. Based on the amounts of time students spent on 10 mathematics items from the PISA 2012, this study evaluated the overall changes in and measurement precision of ability estimates and explored country-level heterogeneity when combining item responses and time-on-task measurements using a joint framework. Our findings suggest a notable increase in precision with the incorporation of response times and indicate differences between countries in how respondents approached items as well as in their response processes. Results also showed that additional information could be captured through differences in the modeling structure when response times were included. However, such information may not reflect the testing objective.

The prevalence of secondary neoplasms in acromegalic patients: possible preventive and/or protective role of metformin.

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is a rare disease due to chronic growth hormone (GH) excess and the consequent increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Both GH and IGF-1 play a role in intermediate metabolism affecting glucose homeostasis. The association between hyperinsulinemia/impaired glucose tolerance and an increased risk of cancer has been clarified. Insulin has a mitogenic effect through its interaction with the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) that also binds IGF-1. On the other hand, metformin, an anti-hyperglycemic drug that decreases serum levels of insulin and IGF-1, could have a protective role in the treatment of endocrine tumors. METHODS: A retrospective, observational, multicenter study in 197 acromegalic patients, receiving/not receiving metformin, was performed to assess whether the prevalence of neoplasms might be correlated with insulin resistance and could eventually be modified by metformin treatment. RESULTS: In general, the occurrence of secondary neoplasia among our patients was significantly (pV = 0.035) associated with a positive family history of malignancy and with disease duration; a trend towards significance was observed in patients aged > 50 years. Acromegalic subjects who had undergone surgery showed a lower probability of developing a malignant tumor, whereas a higher prevalence of malignancies was observed in obese patients. No significant statistical difference was found when comparing metformin-treated or -untreated subjects for the presence of a second tumor. More interestingly, a trend towards statistical significance (pV = 0.065) was demonstrated in the metformin-treated group for the onset of a benign neoplasm. CONCLUSION: Metformin could act directly on tumor cell metabolism and may have an adjuvant role in benign lesion progression.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in Acromegalic Patients: Possible Role in the Assessment of Glycemia Control.

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is characterized by an insulin resistance condition. There is a significant difference between the different types of therapy in relation to the glycometabolic framework. The blinded continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS), throughout a period of maximum 6 days for a total of 288 glycemic registrations per day, identifies glycemic excursions and could constitute a valid device to understand the 24-hour glycemic profiles. AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and CGMS methods in acromegalic patients to evaluate their glycemic profiles, in relation to different treatments for acromegaly. METHODS: Thirty-five acromegalic patients were divided into 18 somatostatin analogs (SSA), 9 pegvisomant, and 8 successfully surgically treated. A 72-hour CGM was performed and, immediately after, an OGTT. RESULTS: Results obtained from OGTT: 11/35 impaired fasting glucose, 6/35 impaired glucose tolerance, and 4/35 diabetes mellitus. A positive significant correlation was demonstrated between the OGTT peak and CGM peak in all of the patients, CGM peak of patients treated with SSA and those surgically treated, OGTT average and CGM area under concentration-time curve (AUC) for hyperglycemia of patients treated with SSA and those surgically treated, and CGM AUC for hyperglycemia of patients treated with SSA and those surgically treated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a significantly higher response in terms of mean and peak OGTT in patients treated with SSA, both compared to the CGM study, and compared to the group of patients receiving pegvisomant. The CGM system could represent an instrument for the evaluation of the glycemic trend of acromegalic patients.

Cenários, contextos e protagonistas da dança jazz em Rio Grande/rs / Scenarios, contexts and protagonists of jazz dance in Rio Grande, brazil / Escenarios, contextos y protagonistas de la danza jazz en Rio Grande/rs

Resumo Objetivamos reconhecer as condições históricas que permitiram a existência da dança jazz em Rio Grande/RS, personagens, trajetórias profissionais, influências e perspectivas para o cenário contemporâneo da dança. Para tanto, foram entrevistadas cinco profissionais da dança, responsáveis pela manutenção de espaços e de práticas da dança no referido município. A partir da análise das entrevistas chegamos às seguintes categorias: Quem são essas mulheres que dançam? - apresentação das entrevistadas centrais; A dança jazz chega a Rio Grande/RS - a conjuntura que possibilitou a emergência da dança jazz ; Entre elos e conflitos: potências da/na dança - após a emergência da dança jazz as trajetórias e os olhares das bailarinas/professoras sobre a dança. Por fim, entendemos que a dança jazz se configurou num movimento potente que atraiu público, bailarinos(as) e profissionais; projetou Rio Grande/RS a vivenciar grandes festivais e conquistas. Entretanto, são condições efêmeras, atravessadas pela ausência de investimentos de grande monta no cenário artístico-cultural.

Abstract We aim to identify the historical conditions that allowed the existence of Jazz Dance in Rio Grande (RS, Brazil), its characters, professional trajectories, influences and perspectives for Jazz Dance's contemporary scene. Therefore, five professional dancers responsible for maintaining spaces and practices of that dance in the city. From the analysis of the interviews we arrived at the following categories: Who are these women who dance? - presentation of the main interviewees; Jazz Dance arrives in Rio Grande/RS - the scenario that enabled its emergence; Between links and conflicts: powers of/in Jazz Dance - after the emergence of Jazz Dance, the trajectories and views of the dancers/teachers on Dance. Finally, we understand that Jazz Dance became a powerful movement that attracted audiences, dancers and professionals; projected Rio Grande/RS to experience great festivals and achievements. However, these are ephemeral conditions pervaded by the absence of major investments in the artistic-cultural scene.

Resumen Buscamos reconocer las condiciones históricas que permitieron la existencia de la Danza Jazz en la ciudad de Rio Grande/RS, así como personajes, trayectorias profesionales, influencias y perspectivas para el escenario contemporáneo de la danza. Para ello, se realizaron entrevistas a cinco profesionales de la danza, responsables de mantener espacios y prácticas de danza en ese municipio. Por el análisis de las entrevistas llegamos a las siguientes categorías: ¿Quiénes son esas mujeres que danzan? - presentación de las entrevistadas; La Danza Jazz llega a Rio Grande/RS - la coyuntura que hizo posible el surgimiento de la Danza Jazz; Entre vínculos y conflictos: potencias de la/en la Danza - después de la aparición de la Danza Jazz, las trayectorias y miradas de las bailarinas/profesoras sobre la Danza. Finalmente, entendemos que la Danza Jazz se configuró como un movimiento poderoso que atrajo público, bailarinas, bailarines y profesionales e impulsó a Rio Grande/RS a vivir grandes festivales y conquistas. Sin embargo, son condiciones efímeras, atravesadas por la ausencia de grandes inversiones en el escenario artístico-cultural.

Long-Term Persistence of Serum-Specific Anti-Chikungunya IgM Antibody - A Case Series of Brazilian Patients

Abstract The persistence of serum-specific anti-chikungunya IgM antibodies (CHIKV-IgM) can vary after chikungunya fever (CHIK) infection. However, the factors related to its production are not yet known. We described a case series drawn up from data collected from 57 patients between 12 and 36 months after the acute phase of CHIK infection in Northeastern Brazil. CHIKV-IgM was detectable in 7/57 (12.3%) patients after 28.3 months of infection. No frequency differences in chronic musculoskeletal manifestations and underlying conditions were detected between patients with or without CHIKV-IgM. CHIKV-IgM was detected for up to 35 months in Brazilian patients after CHIK infection.

Frecuencia de la sarcopenia, la caquexia y los factores asociados en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en terapia dialítica / Frequency of sarcopenia, cachexia, and associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease in dialysis treatment

INTRODUCCIÓN: la sarcopenia y la caquexia son síndromes que producen una reducción de la masa muscular esquelética y que se asocian al proceso de envejecimiento y a muchas enfermedades crónicas. OBJETIVO: verificar la frecuencia de la sarcopenia, la caquexia y los factores asociados en pacientes en tratamiento dialítico. METODOLOGÍA: estudio transversal realizado en dos centros de tratamiento dialítico de Recife entre marzo y septiembre de 2016. El diagnóstico de sarcopenia se realizó según el criterio del Consenso Europeo de Sarcopenia, mientras que el de caquexia se hizo por el criterio de la Society for Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD). Las variables de asociación fueron demográficas (sexo y edad), analíticas (proteína C-reactiva, albúmina sérica, hemoglobina, paratohormona y creatinina sérica) y antropométricas: índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia del brazo (CB), circunferencia muscular del brazo (CMB) y pliegue cutáneo tricipital (PCT). RESULTADOS: se estudió a 66 pacientes: el 43,9 % eran hombres y el 56,1 % mujeres, con una media de edad de 53,15 ± 15,24 años. El 43,9 % eran ancianos. La sarcopenia estuvo presente en el 59,1 % de los pacientes y, entre estos, el 15,2 % presentaban sarcopenia grave. La pre-sarcopenia se verificó en el 4,5 %. En cuanto a la caquexia, se diagnosticó en el 15,2 %. Las variables asociadas a la sarcopenia fueron la albúmina sérica reducida (p = 0,013) y la caquexia (p = 0,039); las relacionadas con la caquexia fueron el sexo femenino (p = 0,036) y el IMC (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: la principal constatación es la elevada frecuencia de la sarcopenia en los pacientes que realizan terapia dialítica. En los pacientes estudiados, la sarcopenia se asoció significativamente a la disminución de la albúmina sérica. La albúmina sérica reducida es un predictor de mortandad en los pacientes en terapia renal sustitutiva. La frecuencia de la sarcopenia fue elevada en los pacientes estudiados. De este modo, las herramientas actualmente disponibles para evaluar la masa y la fuerza muscular deben aplicarse en la medida de lo posible en la práctica clínica, viabilizando la incorporación de las intervenciones preventivas y terapéuticas apropiadas

INTRODUCTION: sarcopenia and cachexia are syndromes that result in a reduction of skeletal muscle mass, being associated with the aging process and many chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: to assess the frequency of sarcopenia as well as of cachexia and their associated factors in patients in dialysis treatment. METHODOLOGY: a cross-sectional study conducted in two dialysis treatment centers in Recife between March and September 2016. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made according to the criteria issued by the Sarcopenia European Consensus, while that of cachexia was made in consonance with the Society for Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD). The association variables were demographic (age and sex), laboratory (C-reactive protein, serum albumin, hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, serum creatinine), and anthropometric indicators (body mass index BMI, arm circumference AC, midarm muscular circumference MMC, triceps skinfold thickness TST). RESULTS: the study involved 66 patients, 43.9 % men, 56.1 % women, with a mean age of 53.15 ± 15.24 years; 43.9 % were elderly subjects. Sarcopenia occurred in 59.1 % of patients; of these, 15.2 % presented with severe sarcopenia. Pre-sarcopenia was found in 4.5 %. With regard to cachexia, 15.2 % were diagnosed with this syndrome. The variables associated with sarcopenia were reduced serum albumin (p = 0.013) and cachexia (p = 0.039), and those associated with cachexia were female gender (p = 0.036) and BMI (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: the main finding of the present study was the high frequency of sarcopenia found in patients on treatment with dialysis. In the patients studied, sarcopenia was significantly associated with a decrease in serum albumin. Reduced serum albumin is a predictor of mortality in patients on renal replacement therapy. A high frequency of sarcopenia has been observed among study patients. Thus, the tools currently available to assess muscle mass and muscle strength should be implemented as much as possible in clinical practice to enable the incorporation of appropriate preventive and therapeutic interventions

[Frequency of sarcopenia, cachexia, and associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease in dialysis treatment]. / Frecuencia de la sarcopenia, la caquexia y los factores asociados en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en terapia dialítica.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: sarcopenia and cachexia are syndromes that result in a reduction of skeletal muscle mass, being associated with the aging process and many chronic diseases. Objective: to assess the frequency of sarcopenia as well as of cachexia and their associated factors in patients in dialysis treatment. Methodology: a cross-sectional study conducted in two dialysis treatment centers in Recife between March and September 2016. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made according to the criteria issued by the Sarcopenia European Consensus, while that of cachexia was made in consonance with the Society for Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD). The association variables were demographic (age and sex), laboratory (C-reactive protein, serum albumin, hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, serum creatinine), and anthropometric indicators (body mass index BMI, arm circumference AC, midarm muscular circumference MMC, triceps skinfold thickness TST). Results: the study involved 66 patients, 43.9 % men, 56.1 % women, with a mean age of 53.15 ± 15.24 years; 43.9 % were elderly subjects. Sarcopenia occurred in 59.1 % of patients; of these, 15.2 % presented with severe sarcopenia. Pre-sarcopenia was found in 4.5 %. With regard to cachexia, 15.2 % were diagnosed with this syndrome. The variables associated with sarcopenia were reduced serum albumin (p = 0.013) and cachexia (p = 0.039), and those associated with cachexia were female gender (p = 0.036) and BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: the main finding of the present study was the high frequency of sarcopenia found in patients on treatment with dialysis. In the patients studied, sarcopenia was significantly associated with a decrease in serum albumin. Reduced serum albumin is a predictor of mortality in patients on renal replacement therapy. A high frequency of sarcopenia has been observed among study patients. Thus, the tools currently available to assess muscle mass and muscle strength should be implemented as much as possible in clinical practice to enable the incorporation of appropriate preventive and therapeutic interventions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la sarcopenia y la caquexia son síndromes que producen una reducción de la masa muscular esquelética y que se asocian al proceso de envejecimiento y a muchas enfermedades crónicas. Objetivo: verificar la frecuencia de la sarcopenia, la caquexia y los factores asociados en pacientes en tratamiento dialítico. Metodología: estudio transversal realizado en dos centros de tratamiento dialítico de Recife entre marzo y septiembre de 2016. El diagnóstico de sarcopenia se realizó según el criterio del Consenso Europeo de Sarcopenia, mientras que el de caquexia se hizo por el criterio de la Society for Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD). Las variables de asociación fueron demográficas (sexo y edad), analíticas (proteína C-reactiva, albúmina sérica, hemoglobina, paratohormona y creatinina sérica) y antropométricas: índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia del brazo (CB), circunferencia muscular del brazo (CMB) y pliegue cutáneo tricipital (PCT). Resultados: se estudió a 66 pacientes: el 43,9 % eran hombres y el 56,1 % mujeres, con una media de edad de 53,15 ± 15,24 años. El 43,9 % eran ancianos. La sarcopenia estuvo presente en el 59,1 % de los pacientes y, entre estos, el 15,2 % presentaban sarcopenia grave. La pre-sarcopenia se verificó en el 4,5 %. En cuanto a la caquexia, se diagnosticó en el 15,2 %. Las variables asociadas a la sarcopenia fueron la albúmina sérica reducida (p = 0,013) y la caquexia (p = 0,039); las relacionadas con la caquexia fueron el sexo femenino (p = 0,036) y el IMC (p < 0,001). Conclusión: la principal constatación es la elevada frecuencia de la sarcopenia en los pacientes que realizan terapia dialítica. En los pacientes estudiados, la sarcopenia se asoció significativamente a la disminución de la albúmina sérica. La albúmina sérica reducida es un predictor de mortandad en los pacientes en terapia renal sustitutiva. La frecuencia de la sarcopenia fue elevada en los pacientes estudiados. De este modo, las herramientas actualmente disponibles para evaluar la masa y la fuerza muscular deben aplicarse en la medida de lo posible en la práctica clínica, viabilizando la incorporación de las intervenciones preventivas y terapéuticas apropiadas.

Lupus Nephritis Class IV-Global Is Associated with a Higher Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease than Class IV-Segmental.

INTRODUCTION: The International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification of lupus nephritis (LN) divides class IV into segmental and global (IV-S and IV-G) based on evidence suggesting different renal outcomes. However, subsequent studies have shown conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to compare long-term renal outcomes between the IV-S and IV-G classes. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with biopsy-proven class IV LN using the ISN/RPS classification. The primary end point was end-stage renal disease (ESRD). RESULTS: Among the 89 patients, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis was twice as frequent in the IV-G group (60 vs. 29%; p = 0.005) than that in the IV-S group. Moreover, the IV-G group had a higher rate of biopsy with cellular and fibrocellular crescents (70.9 vs. 47.1%, p = 0.024) and more crescentic glomerulonephritis (34.5 vs. 5.8%, p = 0.007) than the IV-S group. After a mean follow-up of 57 months, the IV-G group had a greater risk of ESRD (RR 3.9; 95% CI 1.2-12.2, p = 0.006) than the IV-S group. Multivariate analysis indicated that class IV-G was an independent predictor of ESRD. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with class IV-G have a higher risk of ESRD than patients with class IV-S.

Effect of a Single Apolipoprotein L1 Gene Nephropathy Variant on the Risk of Advanced Lupus Nephritis in Brazilians.

OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1) G1 and G2 renal risk alleles (RRA) are associated with endstage renal disease in blacks with lupus nephritis (LN). The present study determined frequencies of APOL1 RRA in nonwhite Brazilian patients with LN and controls to assess association with renal outcomes. METHODS: APOL1 RRA were genotyped in 222 healthy blood donors (controls) and 201 cases with LN from 3 outpatient clinics. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the G1 (rs73885319 and rs60910145) and an indel for the G2 (rs71785313) variant were genotyped. RESULTS: The frequency of APOL1 RRA in nonwhite Brazilian LN cases did not differ significantly from healthy controls, and few participants had 2 RRA. In the sample, 84.6% of LN cases and 84.2% of controls had 0 RRA, 13.4% and 15.3% had 1 RRA, and 2.0% and 0.4% had 2 RRA, respectively. LN cases with ≥ 1 APOL1 RRA had similar baseline characteristics and renal responses to treatment, yet faced higher risk for progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) to an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 compared to those with 0 RRA (11.2% with 0, 29.6% with 1; 50% with 2 RRA, p = 0.005). Although glomerular lesions and activity scores on initial kidney biopsy did not differ significantly between individuals based on APOL1 genotype, chronicity scores, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis were more severe in those with ≥ 1 RRA (p = 0.011, p = 0.002, p = 0.018, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although initial kidney lesions and treatment responses were similar, a single APOL1 RRA in nonwhite Brazilians with LN was associated with increased risk of advanced CKD and possibly more tubulointerstitial damage.

Range change evolution of peat mosses (Sphagnum) within and between climate zones.

Peat mosses (Sphagnum) hold exceptional importance in the control of global carbon fluxes and climate because of the vast stores of carbon bound up in partially decomposed biomass (peat). This study tests the hypothesis that the early diversification of Sphagnum was in the Northern Hemisphere, with subsequent range expansions to tropical latitudes and the Southern Hemisphere. A phylogenetic analysis of 192 accessions representing the moss class Sphagnopsida based on four plastid loci was conducted in conjunction with biogeographic analyses using BioGeoBEARS to investigate the tempo and mode of geographic range evolution. Analyses support the hypothesis that the major intrageneric clades of peat-forming species accounting for >90% of peat moss diversity originated and diversified at northern latitudes. The genus underwent multiple range expansions into tropical and Southern Hemisphere regions. Range evolution in peat mosses was most common within latitudinal zones, attesting to the relative difficulty of successfully invading new climate zones. Allopolyploidy in Sphagnum (inferred from microsatellite heterozygosity) does not appear to be biased with regard to geographic region nor intrageneric clade. The inference that Sphagnum diversified in cool-or cold-climate regions and repeatedly expanded its range into tropical regions makes the genus an excellent model for studying morphological, physiological, and genomic traits associated with adaptation to warming climates.

Potentiality of Using Mechanically Separated Meats of Nile Tilapia in Fishburgers: Chemical, Physical and Sensory Characterization

Abstract Fishburgers were made with washed mechanically separated meat (MSM) from carcass and filleting by-product (both washed and unwashed) of the Nile tilapia. The proximal composition of fishburgers was different and varied according to the raw material used, as well the color parameters. Fishburgers with MSM from filleting by-product had lower hardness and springiness, and fishburger with MSM from unwashed filleting by-product had higher yield and lower reduction in thickness. The fishburgers containing MSM from filleting by-product had better sensory acceptance, due to higher color intensities (sensory), fish odor, tenderness, succulence, cohesiveness and fish flavor. The fishburger with MSM from washed carcass was the least acceptable, because of surface uniformity. This study shows the potentiality of using MSM from tilapia filleting by-product for burgers, while the formulation of fishburgers with smaller amounts of MSM from washed carcass or with added condiments can result in improved sensory acceptance and potentiality of use.