Longitudinal NGAL and cystatin C plasma profiles present a high level of heterogeneity in a mixed ICU population.

BACKGROUND: NGAL and Cystatin C (CysC) as biomarkers for the early detection of AKI are subject to both pathophysiological, as well as patient related heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to investigate the timeline of plasma levels of NGAL and CysC during the first seven days of ICU admission in a mixed ICU population and to relate these to AKI severity during ICU stay. Via these means we aimed to bring clarity to the previously reported heterogeneity of these renal biomarkers. METHODS: Prospective Observation Cohort. Consecutive patients admitted to adult ICU at an academic hospital in the Netherlands between 18-02-2014 and 31-03-2014 were included. Urine output, serum creatinine, plasma NGAL and CysC were recorded during the first seven days of ICU admission. Biomarker expression was analyzed based on KDIGO score and time of AKI diagnosis. RESULTS: 335 patients were included, 110 met KDIGO criteria for AKI. NGAL and CysC plasma levels were higher in AKI patients compared to non-AKI, high variability in individual values resulted in 56% of AKI patients having a false negative, and 32% of non-AKI patients having a false positive. Individual biomarker levels were variable, and no pattern based on KDIGO score was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NGAL and CysC as biomarkers for the early AKI detection may be subject to pathophysiological, and patient related heterogeneity. Further understanding of individual biomarker profiles may help in their application amongst mixed ICU populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The need for informed consent was waived by the Institutional Ethical Review Board of the University Medical Center Groningen (METc 2013 - 174) by Prof. dr. W.A. Kamps on May 17th 2013.

Estado nutricio de niños del noroeste de México pre y post pandemia por COVID-19 / Nutritional status of children in northwest Mexico pre and post COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción. Mundialmente se observaron consecuencias negativas en la salud por el aislamiento social durante la pandemia de COVID-19; el sobrepeso y la obesidad mostraron tendencias crecientes. Objetivo. Analizar los cambios en el sobrepeso, obesidad y alimentación de escolares del noroeste de México antes y después del aislamiento por COVID-19. Materiales y métodos. Se colectaron y analizaron el peso, talla y circunferencia de cintura de escolares del noroeste de México pre y post pandemia por COVID 19 (n=479 y n=820). Además, se analizaron los cambios en la alimentación en una submuestra de 203 y 179 escolares pre y post pandemia, respectivamente. Resultados. La edad promedio de los escolares en 2019 fue 8,9 ±1,75 y en el 2022 de 9,1 ± 1,54 años. Se observó un aumento de 6,2 puntos porcentuales en la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad y diferencias en la distribución de las categorías del estado nutricio (p=0,049) entre los dos periodos. También, se observaron cambios en la adiposidad central con un aumento de 3 centímetros en la circunferencia de cintura (p=0,001; 62,6 y 65,6 cm). El índice de alimentación saludable (IAS) mostró una alimentación poco saludable durante los dos periodos. Conclusiones. El aumento en las prevalencias de sobrepeso y obesidad, así como de obesidad central durante la emergencia epidemiológica, indicaron un deterioro del estado nutricio de los escolares, que coincide con los reportes en poblaciones a nivel mundial y en Latinoamérica; los resultados resultan preocupantes dada la problemática antes de la emergencia(AU)

Introduction. Negative health consequences due to social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic were observed worldwide; overweight and obesity showed increasing trends. Objective. To analyze the changes in overweight, obesity and diet of schoolchildren in northwest Mexico before and after lockdown due to COVID-19. Materials and methods. Weight, height, and waist circumference of schoolchildren (n=479 pre-pandemic and n=820 post-pandemic) were collected in public schools located in medium to high marginalization neighborhoods. In the same periods dietary data was collected from a subsample of 203 and 179 schoolchildren, respectively. Results. The average age of schoolchildren in 2019 was 8,9 ±1,75 and 9,1 ± 1,54 in 2022. An increase in percentage of 6,2 was observed in the overweight plus obesity prevalence and a significant difference in the distribution of nutritional status (p=0,049) between the two periods. In addition, changes in central adiposity were observed, with an increase of 3 centimeters in waist circumference (p=0,001; 62,6 and 65,6 cm). The healthy eating index (HAI) classified the diet of schoolchildren as unhealthy during both periods. Conclusions. The increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as central adiposity is worrying given that they were already a health problem before the COVID 19 confinement(AU)

Discharges of 131I coming from hospitals and outpatients in the sanitary sewage system of Bogotá.

An integral sampling methodology was applied to the sewerage network of Bogotá by inspecting wells that carry sanitary water from institutions that use 131I in nuclear medicine treatments to determine the areas of the city with activity of this radioisotope, which may reach the Salitre wastewater treatment plant and are subsequently discharged into the Bogotá river. The areas evaluated included the location of authorized institutions that use 131I in nuclear medicine and their patients. A total of 13 wells were sampled in the city, each with three samples, and the characterization of the samples was performed using the technique of high-resolution gamma spectrometry with Ge-HP detector and covered the relevant aspects that must be considered to make a complete characterization of the presence of the isotope studied. Among these factors are the season of the year with precipitation, pipe flow, location of the nuclear medicine facilities, existence of decay systems, number of rooms for treatment with 131I and water trajectory through the sewage system. Based on the results obtained, it was possible to identify potential sources of radioisotope 131I that are exceeding the discharge limits established by Colombian regulations (i.e., 19 Bq/L at the discharge point). From the 13 wells sampled, radioisotope 131I was detected in 11 of them. From the assessed wells, 3 were connected to facilities in which activity was found to be above the discharges limit allowed in Colombia for the sanitary sewer. This research complements the study on traceability of 131I in Bogotá-Colombia that begins with its importation by radiopharmacies who distribute it to hospital patients and outpatients, continuing its trajectory through management systems or homes to the sewage system of Bogotá, field that had not been studied. It allows inferring the degree of compliance with Colombian regulations and serves as a basis for evaluating regulatory changes in the levels of 131I dispensing in water networks. Further studies are required to assess the potential impacts of these materials on the local population.

Motivación Intrínseca y Perspectiva Temporal de Universitarios del Noroeste de México / Intrinsic Motivation and Temporal Perspective of University Students in Northwestern Mexico

Resumen Se buscó identificar el perfil de motivación intrínseca (MI) y su relación con la perspectiva temporal en estudiantes universitarios del noroeste de México. En una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 553 estudiantes, se puso a prueba un modelo de motivación intrínseca, autoeficacia, orientación al logro, percepción escolar, morosidad y orientaciones temporales (pasado, presente y futuro). Se conformó un modelo estructural de MI que posee bondad de ajuste práctica adecuada. El modelo explica 48% de la variabilidad de la motivación intrínseca; destaca el efecto positivo de la orientación al logro (peso estructural=.65*) y el efecto negativo e indirecto (a través de la autoeficacia) de la morosidad (peso estructural=-.53*) sobre la MI. Y un efecto positivo de las orientaciones temporales (pasado negativo, presente hedonista y presente fatalista) sobre la morosidad (peso estructural=.54*). El estudio ofrece información sobre los aspectos que deben ser desarrollados en los estudiantes universitarios en relación con la motivación intrínseca.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the intrinsic motivation (IM) profile and its relationship with time perspective in a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 553 students university students from a northwestern region in Mexico. Structural equation models were fitted for intrinsic motivation, with self-efficacy, achievement orientation, school perception, procrastination and temporal orientations (past, present and future) as direct and indirect predictors. A structural model of IM was formed that has adequate practical goodness-of-fit. The overall model explained 48% of the variance for intrinsic motivation. Achievement orientation was positively associated (structural weight =.65*) with intrinsic motivation while procrastination was negatively and indirectly (through self-efficacy) related (structural weight =.53*) to IM. Temporal orientations (negative past, hedonistic present and fatalistic present) were positively related to procrastination (structural weight =.54*). This study provides information regarding important predictors of intrinsic motivation that can be targeted among university students.

Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria y ansiedad en estudiantes durante la pandemia por COVID-19: Un estudio transversal / Eating disorders and anxiety in students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Introducción: La pandemia debido al coronavirus 2019(COVID-19) ha trastornado profundamente la vida cotidiana en todo el mundo, con profundos efectos negativos en la salud física y mental, principalmente en la población estudiantil. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) y los niveles de ansiedad en estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Asimismo, explorar la asociación de TCA y ansiedad con las variables sexo, edad, semestre y programa educativo. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal correlacional en una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 572 estudiantes de una universidad del no-roeste de México, previo consentimiento informado. Se diseñóun cuestionario en línea utilizando la plataforma de Google Forms que incluía cuatro preguntas de identificación, el instrumento Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26) y el Inventario de ansiedad BAI. Se calcularon estadísticas descriptivas, la prueba Chicuadrado para explorar la asociación entre variables categóricas y se calculó los Odds ratio (OR) e intervalode confianza por medio de la regresión logística considerando como variables dependientes riesgo de TCA y presencia de ansiedad en los modelos. Resultados: Dado el punto de corte de 20 para el EAT-26,se encontró 20.1% de estudiantes en riesgo de presentar TCA. El riesgo fue significativamente mayor en las mujeres(22.4%) en comparación a los hombres (14.7%) (χ2(1) =4.39; p < .001, Phi = -0.088). Predominaron niveles moderado de ansiedad (32.2%) y severo (24.3%) en los estudiantes. El riesgo de TCA puede aumentar hasta cuatro veces más si tiene síntomas de ansiedad (OR = 2.179; IC95%1.20, 3.97). Conclusiones: Una parte importante de los encuestados presentó conductas alimentarias de riesgo asociadas con los niveles de ansiedad mostrada durante la pandemia.(AU)

Introduction: Due to the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19)pandemic, worldwide daily life has profoundly disrupted, withprofound negative effects on physical and mental health, primarily in the student population. Objetive: To determine the prevalence of eating disorder(ED) risk and anxiety levels in college students during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, to explore the association of ED and anxiety with gender, age, semester, and educational program variables.Materials and methods: A descriptive cros-sectionalcorrelational study was conducted in a non-probabilistic con-venience sample of 572 students from a university in north-western Mexico, with prior informed consent. An online questionnaire was designed using the Google Forms platform thatincluded four identification questions, the Eating AttitudesTest 26 (EAT-26) instrument and the BAI Anxiety Inventory.Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test were calculated to explore the association between categorical variables and OddsRatio (OR) and confidence interval were calculated by logisticregression considering as dependent variables risk of ED andpresence of anxiety in the models. Results: Given the cutoff point of 20 for the EAT-26,20.1% of students were found to be at risk of developing ED.The risk was significantly higher in females (22.4%) comparedto males (14.7%) (χ2(1) = 4.39; p < .001, Phi = -0.088).Moderate level of anxiety predominated in 32.2% of studentsand severe in 24.3%. The risk of ED may increase up to fourtimes more if anxiety symptoms are present (OR = 2.179;95%CI: 1.20, 3.97). Conclusions: A significant portion of respondents presented risky eating behaviors associated in the levels of anxiety displayed during the pandemic.(AU)

Acute and chronic histopathological findings in renal biopsies in COVID-19.

The dominant ICU admission diagnosis of COVID-19 patients is respiratory insufficiency, but 32-57% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients develop acute kidney injury (COVID-AKI). The renal histopathological changes accompanying COVID-AKI are not yet fully described. To obtain a detailed insight into renal histopathological features of COVID-19, we conducted a review including all studies reporting histopathological findings of diagnostic and postmortem kidney biopsies from patients with COVID-19 published between January 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. A total of 89 diagnostic and 194 postmortem renal biopsies from individual patients in 39 published studies were investigated and were included in the analysis. In the diagnostic biopsy group, mean age was 56 years and AKI incidence was 96%. In the postmortem biopsy group, mean age was 69 years and AKI incidence was 80%. In the diagnostic biopsy group, the prevalence of acute glomerular diseases was 74%. The most common glomerular lesions were collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (c-FSGS) in 54% and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in 9% of patients. TMA was also found in 10% of patients in the postmortem biopsy group. The most common acute tubular lesions was acute tubular necrosis (ATN) which was present in 87% of patients in the diagnostic and in 77% of patients in the postmortem biopsy group. Additionally, we observed a high prevalence of preexisting chronic lesions in both groups such as atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. Histopathological changes in renal biopsies of COVID-19 patients show a heterogeneous picture with acute glomerular lesions, predominantly c-FSGS and TMA, and acute tubular lesions, predominantly ATN. In many patients, these lesions were present on a background of chronic renal injury.

Percepción de dieta y hábitos alimentarios en universitarios del noroeste de México / Perception of diet and eating habits on university students of northwest Mexico

Fundamentos: Considerando la relación existente entre alimentación y salud, la evaluación del estado nutricional resulta fundamental para detectar riesgos derivados de una mala nutrición y pautar una adecuada intervención nutricional. El objetivo fue predecir la percepción de dieta a partir de factores alimentarios en una muestra de estudiantes del noroeste de México. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo Encuesta descriptiva (observacional, prospectivo, transversal y descriptivo) con 119 universitarios, elegidos por muestreo no probabilístico, de los cuales el 85,70% fueron mujeres. Se realizaron análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC).Resultados: Un primer AFC obtuvo un modelo de medición de hábitos alimentarios, conformado por los factores Tipo de alimentación, Control de alimentos, Situación emocional y Actividad física; en un segundo AFC se probó un modelo estructural de percepción de dieta y 3 de las dimensiones de hábitos alimentarios; este modelo multifactorial de Percepción de dieta explica 52,00% de la variabilidad de la percepción de dieta auto-reportada por estudiantes universitarios, a partir de las dimensiones tipos de alimentos, control de alimentos y actividad física. Conclusiones: La dieta de los estudiantes universitarios es inadecuada y se recomienda promover aprendizajes sobre la alimentación y la actividad física que deben realizar para mejorar su salud. (AU)

Background: Considering the relationship between food and health, the evaluation of nutritional status is essential to detect risks derived from poor nutrition and guide an adequate nutritional intervention. The objective was to predict the perception of diet from dietary factors in a sample of students from northwestern Mexico. Methods: A descriptive survey type study (observational, prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive) was carried out with 119 university students, chosen by non-probabilistic sampling, 85,70% were women. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) yielded a model of dietary habits measurement, consisting of the factors Food Type, Food Control, Emotional Situation, and Physical Activity; a second CFA tested a structural model of diet perception and 3 of the dimensions of dietary habits; this multifactorial model of diet perception explains 52.00% of the variability of self-reported diet perception by university students, from the dimensions food type, food control and physical activity. Conclusions: The diet of university students is inadequate and it is recommended to promote learning about nutrition and physical activity to improve their health. (AU)

Comparison of renal histopathology and gene expression profiles between severe COVID-19 and bacterial sepsis in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms driving acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill COVID-19 patients are unclear. We collected kidney biopsies from COVID-19 AKI patients within 30 min after death in order to examine the histopathology and perform mRNA expression analysis of genes associated with renal injury. METHODS: This study involved histopathology and mRNA analyses of postmortem kidney biopsies collected from patients with COVID-19 (n = 6) and bacterial sepsis (n = 27). Normal control renal tissue was obtained from patients undergoing total nephrectomy (n = 12). The mean length of ICU admission-to-biopsy was 30 days for COVID-19 and 3-4 days for bacterial sepsis patients. RESULTS: We did not detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in kidney biopsies from COVID-19-AKI patients yet lung tissue from the same patients was PCR positive. Extensive acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and peritubular thrombi were distinct histopathology features of COVID-19-AKI compared to bacterial sepsis-AKI. ACE2 mRNA levels in both COVID-19 (fold change 0.42, p = 0.0002) and bacterial sepsis patients (fold change 0.24, p < 0.0001) were low compared to control. The mRNA levels of injury markers NGAL and KIM-1 were unaltered compared to control tissue but increased in sepsis-AKI patients. Markers for inflammation and endothelial activation were unaltered in COVID-19 suggesting a lack of renal inflammation. Renal mRNA levels of endothelial integrity markers CD31, PV-1 and VE-Cadherin did not differ from control individuals yet were increased in bacterial sepsis patients (CD31 fold change 2.3, p = 0.0006, PV-1 fold change 1.5, p = 0.008). Angiopoietin-1 mRNA levels were downregulated in renal tissue from both COVID-19 (fold change 0.27, p < 0.0001) and bacterial sepsis patients (fold change 0.67, p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Moreover, low Tie2 mRNA expression (fold change 0.33, p = 0.037) and a disturbed VEGFR2/VEGFR3 ratio (fold change 0.09, p < 0.0001) suggest decreased microvascular flow in COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: In a small cohort of postmortem kidney biopsies from COVID-19 patients, we observed distinct histopathological and gene expression profiles between COVID-19-AKI and bacterial sepsis-AKI. COVID-19 was associated with more severe ATN and microvascular thrombosis coupled with decreased microvascular flow, yet minimal inflammation. Further studies are required to determine whether these observations are a result of true pathophysiological differences or related to the timing of biopsy after disease onset.

Case report of simultaneous presentation of pulmonary embolism and pericardial effusion following an oncological esophagectomy.

INTRODUCTION: This is the first reported case of simultaneous presentation of pulmonary embolism and pericardial effusion following esophagectomy. This case illustrates a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge exemplifying the difficulties arising from complex anticoagulant considerations in esophageal cancer. PATIENT CASE: A 72 year old male undergoes an oncological esophageal resection. Postoperatively the patient develops pulmonary embolism for which he is treated with Rivaroxaban. After starting Rivaroxaban the patient develops a large pericardial effusion. DISCUSSION: We suspect that the treatment of pulmonary embolism with Rivaroxaban had a causative role in the development of pericardial effusion. Based on literature we suspect that chemoradiotherapy increased susceptibility. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis and treatment of simultaneous pulmonary embolism and pericardial effusion remains a challenge. Special consideration should be taken when using Rivaroxaban in esophageal cancer patients; this should always be conducted in consultation with a coagulation specialist.

Should cyclosporine be useful in renal transplant recipients affected by SARS-CoV-2?

Minimization of immunosuppression and administration of antiretrovirals have been recommended for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, outcomes remain poor. Given the likely benefit of cyclosporine because of its antiviral and immunomodulatory effect, we have been using it as a strategy in KTRs diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We studied 29 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who were admitted to our institution with COVID-19 between March 15and April, 24, 2020. Mycophenolate and/or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) were discontinued in all patients. Two therapeutic strategies were compared: Group 1, minimization of calcineurin inhibitors (N = 6); and Group 2, cyclosporine-based therapy (N = 23), with 15 patients switched from tacrolimus. Hydroxychloroquine was considered in both strategies but antivirals in none. Six patients died after respiratory distress (20.6%). Five required mechanical ventilation (17.2%), and 3 could be weaned. Nineteen patients had an uneventful recovery (65.5%). In group 1, 3 of 6 patients died (50%) and 1 of 6 required invasive mechanical ventilation (16.7%). In group 2, 3 of 23 patients died (12.5%). Renal function did not deteriorate and signs of rejection were not observed in any patient on the second treatment regime. In conclusion, immunosuppressant treatment based on cyclosporine could be safe and effective for KTRs diagnosed with COVID-19.

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in an unusual area of the maxilla: two case reports / Fibro-odontoma ameloblástico en una región inusual de los maxilares: reporte de dos casos

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) is a mixed odontogenic tumor, which has an epithelial and mesenchymal component. It can be observed in imaging tests as a radiomixed lesion, with some authors claiming it represents only the predecessor of an odontoma. Epidemiologically, it appears between the second and third decade of life, predominantly in males and with a predilection for the posterior area of the mandible. This lesion presents a good prognosis and it responds well to enucleation by curettage with a low rate of recurrence. In the present article, two cases of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in an unusual region of the maxilla are presented.

El Fibro-odontoma ameloblástico (FOA), es una lesión tumoral mixta de origen odontogénico, el cual tiene un componente epitelial y mesenquimático. En su imagenología se observa como una lesión radiomixta, debido a que algunos autores afirman que este no es más que el predecesor de un odontoma. Epidemiológicamente, se presenta entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida, preferencia por sexo masculino y predilección por el área posterior de la mandíbula. Es una lesión de buen pronóstico que responde bien a la enucleación por curetaje con baja tasa de recidiva. En el presente artículo, se presentan dos casos de fibro-odontoma ameloblástico en una región inusual de los maxilares.

Impact of a Direct Oral Anticoagulant Population Management Tool on Anticoagulation Therapy Monitoring in Clinical Practice.

Background: The optimal monitoring and follow-up strategy for long-term direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy has not been established. Historically, at our medical center, DOAC patients were referred to a clinical pharmacy specialist managed anticoagulation clinic (AC) for monitoring via regularly scheduled encounters (face-to-face or telephone). Objective: To determine if implementation of a DOAC Population Management Tool (PMT) designed to identify patients who most likely require clinical review and possibly intervention, would improve the efficacy (interventions per patient) and efficiency (time invested to generate an intervention) of monitoring over AC practices. Methods: The DOAC PMT group included patients flagged as potentially having a dosing issue or history of valve replacement. The AC group included patients who were scheduled for routine DOAC follow-up. The quantity and character of interventions made were prospectively recorded and compared. Results: A total of 399 patients were included. Data were collected for 131 patients identified by the DOAC PMT, resulting in a review of 170 flags with a total of 94 interventions or 0.55 interventions per flag reviewed. For the AC group, 268 patients were evaluated, leading to 53 interventions or 0.20 interventions per patient encounter (P < 0.001 for comparison). The time to generate an intervention was 16 minutes in the DOAC PMT versus 64 minutes for the AC group. Conclusion and Relevance: A population-based approach to DOAC monitoring represents a more effective and efficient strategy to reduce missed opportunities for interventions between follow-up appointments while also increasing clinic access, particularly for patients who require immediate attention.

Heterogenous Renal Injury Biomarker Production Reveals Human Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Subtypes.

To identify mechanisms associated with sepsis-acute kidney injury based on the expression levels of renal injury biomarkers, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and kidney injury molecule-1 in renal biopsies which may allow the identification of sepsis-acute kidney injury patient subtypes. DESIGN: Prospective, clinical laboratory study using "warm" human postmortem sepsis-acute kidney injury kidney biopsies. SETTING: Research laboratory at university teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Adult patients who died of sepsis in the ICU and control patients undergoing tumor nephrectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining were used to quantify messenger RNA and protein expression levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 in the kidney of sepsis-acute kidney injury patients and control subjects. Morphometric analysis was used to quantify renal and glomerular neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 protein levels. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 messenger RNA and protein levels were increased in kidneys of sepsis-acute kidney injury patients compared with control kidney tissue. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin was localized in the distal tubules, collecting ducts, the adventitia of the renal arterioles, and in the glomerular tufts of renal biopsies from sepsis-acute kidney injury patients. In contrast, kidney injury molecule-1 was localized at the brush border of the proximal tubules. There was no correlation between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 levels. Furthermore, renal neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 levels were not associated with the extent of renal injury, the severity of critical illness, or serum creatinine levels at either ICU admission or day of expiration. By laser microdissecting glomeruli, followed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we identified heterogenous glomerular neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin production in the kidney of sepsis-acute kidney injury patients. CONCLUSION: We found differences in the expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 in patients with the same syndrome "sepsis-acute kidney injury" meaning there is no single pathway leading to sepsis-acute kidney injury. This underscores the beliefs that there are many/different pathophysiological pathways that can cause sepsis-acute kidney injury. Hence, patients with criteria that meet the definitions of both acute kidney injury and sepsis can be divided into subtypes based on pathophysiological features.

Renal Klotho is Reduced in Septic Patients and Pretreatment With Recombinant Klotho Attenuates Organ Injury in Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Mice.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the applicability of recombinant Klotho to prevent inflammation and organ injury in sepsis in man and mice. DESIGN: Prospective, clinical laboratory study using "warm" human postmortem sepsis-acute kidney injury biopsies. Laboratory study using a mouse model of endotoxemia. SETTING: Research laboratory at a university teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: Adult patients who died of sepsis in the ICU and control patients undergoing total nephrectomy secondary to renal cancer; male C57BL/6 and Klotho haploinsufficient mice. INTERVENTIONS: Lipopolysaccharide (0.05 mg/kg) injection and kill after 4, 8, and 24 hours. Mice received recombinant Klotho (0.05 mg/kg) 30 minutes prior to lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg) injection. Mice treated with saline were included as controls. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining were used to quantify Klotho messenger RNA and protein expression in the kidney of sepsis-acute kidney injury patients and the kidney and brain of mice. The messenger RNA and protein expression of damage markers, inflammatory cytokine, chemokines, and endothelial adhesion molecules were also determined in mice. Renal neutrophil influx was quantified. We found significantly lower renal Klotho messenger RNA and protein levels in sepsis-acute kidney injury biopsies than in control subjects. These findings were recapitulated in the kidney and brain of lipopolysaccharide-challenged mice. Decreased Klotho expression paralleled an increase in kidney damage markers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1. Administration of recombinant Klotho prior to lipopolysaccharide injection attenuated organ damage, inflammation and endothelial activation in the kidney and brain of mice. Furthermore, less neutrophils infiltrated into the kidneys of recombinant Klotho mice compared with lipopolysaccharide only treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Renal Klotho expression in human sepsis-acute kidney injury and in mouse models of sepsis was significantly decreased and correlated with renal damage. Recombinant Klotho intervention diminished organ damage, inflammation, and endothelial activation in the kidney and brain of lipopolysaccharide-challenged mice. Systemic Klotho replacement may potentially be an organ-protective therapy for septic patients to halt acute, inflammatory organ injury.

Association between Apolipoprotein E Variants and Obesity-Related Traits in Mexican School Children.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Genetic variation in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has a key role in lipid metabolism. However, its contribution to the amount and distribution of body fat is under investigation. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between genetic variation in ApoE and obesity-related traits in Mexican school children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometric, body composition and physical activity measures were conducted using standard methods in 300 children (177 girls/123 boys) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. DNA was isolated from saliva. ApoE genotypes were analyzed by allelic discrimination. The association between variation in ApoE and anthropometric and body composition measures was investigated using the General Linear Model. RESULTS: The mean±SD values for age, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were 9.05±0.80 years, 19.01±3.83 and 67.98±10.97 cm, respectively. Approximately 46% of the participants were overweight or obese. A significant association between ApoE isoforms and WC was found after controlling for age, sex and the percentage of physical activity (p=0.025). Significant main effects were found for vigorous physical activity and light physical activity influencing the adiposity-related BMI (p<0.001) and WC (p=0.044), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in ApoE and physical activity intensity were associated with adiposity-related phenotypes in Mexican school children.