The Artificial Neural Network as a Diagnostic Tool of the Risk of Clostridioides difficile Infection among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

The majority of recently published studies indicate a greater incidence and mortality due to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hospitalization, older age, the use of antibiotics, immunosuppression, proton pump inhibitors (PPI), and chronic diseases such as CKD are responsible for the increased prevalence of infections. The aim of the study is to identify clinical indicators allowing, in combination with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, the most accurate assessment of the patients being at elevated risk of CDI.

A Methodological Perspective on the Function and Assessment of Peripheral Chemoreceptors in Heart Failure: A Review of Data from Clinical Trials.

Augmented peripheral chemoreceptor sensitivity (PChS) is a common feature of many sympathetically mediated diseases, among others, and it is an important mechanism of the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). It is related not only to the greater severity of symptoms, especially to dyspnea and lower exercise tolerance but also to a greater prevalence of complications and poor prognosis. The causes, mechanisms, and impact of the enhanced activity of peripheral chemoreceptors (PChR) in the HF population are subject to intense research. Several methodologies have been established and utilized to assess the PChR function. Each of them presents certain advantages and limitations. Furthermore, numerous factors could influence and modulate the response from PChR in studied subjects. Nevertheless, even with the impressive number of studies conducted in this field, there are still some gaps in knowledge that require further research. We performed a review of all clinical trials in HF human patients, in which the function of PChR was evaluated. This review provides an extensive synthesis of studies evaluating PChR function in the HF human population, including methods used, factors potentially influencing the results, and predictors of increased PChS.

The Clinical Significance of Urinary Retinol-Binding Protein 4: A Review.

Effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognostication, and monitoring in renal diseases (in general) comprise an unmet need. Urinary retinol-binding protein 4, which is the most sensitive indicator of renal tubular damage, holds great promise as a universal biomarker for renal pathologies, in which tubular injury is the driving force. Here, we summarize the most important existing data on the associations between urinary retinol-binding protein 4 and renal diseases and highlight the untapped potential of retinol-binding protein 4 in clinical use.

Clinical Determinants Predicting Clostridioides difficile Infection among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

The majority of recently published studies indicate a greater incidence rate and mortality due to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical determinants predicting CDI among hospitalized patients with CKD and refine methods of prevention. We evaluated the medical records of 279 patients treated at a nephrological department with symptoms suggesting CDI, of whom 93 tested positive for CDI. The survey showed that age, poor kidney function, high Padua prediction score (PPS) and patients' classification of care at admission, treatment with antibiotics, and time of its duration were significantly higher or more frequent among patients who suffered CDI. Whereas BMI, Norton scale (ANSS) and serum albumin concentration were significantly lowered among CDI patients. In a multivariate analysis we proved the stage of CKD and length of antibiotics use increased the risk of CDI, whereas higher serum albumin concentration and ANSS have a protective impact.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy diagnosed in three brothers.

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a genetic diseases classified in the group of peroxisomal disorders caused by mutations in ABCD1, gene located on the X chromosome (Xq28). It demonstrates X-linked recessive inheritance. There is an accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in plasma and all tissues in the process of ALD. No causal treatment for ALD is known, although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and gene therapy are allowed for early diagnosis in childhood cerebral form. The case report describes three of the brothers suffering from ALD, diagnosed in different stages of disease. The eldest brother was diagnosed by the age of nine, with the first symptom of hearing loss. After that, test was also conducted in boy's younger brother - he was then asymptomatic, however diagnosed with ALD at age 7. The mutation in the ABCD1 gene was also detected in the mother's blood. Due to the significant severity of the disease, the eldest boy was not qualified for HSCT. Nowadays, 2 years after, the health condition of the eldest brother is severe. The middle brother underwent HSCT. Currently, the he is in a good general condition. The youngest brother had genetic testing performed shortly after birth. The mutation in the ABCD1 gene also was confirmed, but in this moment there is no regarding to HSCT. His development is adequally to age, but he has adrenal insufficiency. All of brothers are treated hydrocortisone. Parental awareness and early genetic tests (including prenatal tests) are very important because ALD is associated with severe course and high mortality, and its symptoms are non-specific.