Cellular and humoral immunity following two AZD1222 and two booster vaccinations in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Dialysis patients are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent complications. However, the vaccine-induced immunity, especially against new variants, following two AZD1222 and two booster doses in hemodialysis patients remain largely unknown.

Methods: In this observational cohort study, we monitored immune responses in 127 hemodialysis patients receiving the 3 and 4th vaccinations until three months after the 4th immunization.

Development of Machine-Learning-Based Models for Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Background: Cognitive impairment is common but frequently undiagnosed in the dialysis population. We aimed to develop and validate a quick and accurate screening tool using machine-learning-based approaches in them.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, we administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) in 508 hemodialysis patients and randomly divided them into a derivation set (70%) and a validation set (30%).

COVID-19 and Diabetes: Persistent Cardiovascular and Renal Risks in the Post-Pandemic Landscape.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), disproportionately affects individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) by exacerbating cardiovascular and renal complications. This increased risk is mediated through immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, hyperglycemia, dysregulation of renin-angiotensin system dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and hypercoagulability. Epidemiological studies indicate a two-fold increased risk of stroke and end-stage renal disease in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with diabetes, along with a 60% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Longitudinal Changes in Peritoneal Transport and Their Impact on Dialysis Outcomes: A Machine Learning Approach Integrating Clinical and Biomarker Data.

Introduction: Longitudinal changes in peritoneal transport patterns and the predictive role of dialysate biomarkers remain poorly understood. This study assessed the impact of peritoneal equilibration test (PET) trajectory changes on clinical outcomes, explored biomarker contributions, and developed a machine learning-based model to predict peritoneal transport transitions.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients aged ≥18 years from 2016 to 2017, with follow-up until 2020.

Effect of Frail Phenotype on Cardiorenal Risk and Healthcare Utilization in Older Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Introduction: Limited data have addressed frailty's role in cardiorenal risk among older adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated whether frailty could predict major renal and cardiovascular events, healthcare utilization, and mortality in these patients.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort enrolling patients aged ≥75 years with a stable estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.

Ambient temperature and the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension in patients receiving hemodialysis.

Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common hemodialysis complication causing adverse outcomes. Despite the well-documented associations of ambient temperatures with fluid removal and pre-dialysis blood pressure (BP), the relationship between ambient temperature and IDH has not been adequately studied.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study at a tertiary hospital in southern Taiwan between 1 January 2016 and 31 October 2021.

Role of antidiabetic agents in type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the target tissues have a decreased response to insulin signaling, resulting in glucose uptake defect, and an increased blood sugar level. Pancreatic beta cells thus enhance insulin production to compensate. This situation may cause further beta cell dysfunction and failure, which can lead diabetes mellitus (DM).

Recovery of severe dialysis disequilibrium syndrome with uncal herniation following therapy with mannitol, hyperventilation and hypertonic saline.

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a rare complication of dialysis, especially with the general application of preventive strategies. Severe DDS with brain herniation is believed to be fatal. We present a patient presenting with bilateral uncal herniation after receiving two dialysis sessions with low-efficiency settings.

Seasonal Change in Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Is Associated With Renal Outcome and Mortality in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Blood pressure (BP) variation may result in poor cardiovascular and renal outcomes. We investigated the pattern of seasonal BP change and its association with outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) living in southern Taiwan. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort consisting of outpatients with CKD for the period between December 2014 and December 2019.

The novel EZH2 inhibitor, GSK126, suppresses cell migration and angiogenesis via down-regulating VEGF-A.

Purpose: To explore the effects and mechanisms of GSK126, a novel inhibitor of histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homologue 2, on cancer cell migration.

Methods: Gastric cancer cell line MGC803 and human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 were treated with GSK126 at three doses. Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to detect cell migration.

Electrochemical synthesis, characterization of Ir-Zn containing coordination polymer, and application in oxygen and glucose sensing.

A simple and sensitive biosensor array based on phosphorescence detection that is able to detect oxygen and glucose in human serum, respectively, has been developed. We demonstrate an electrochemical method as a fast, effective, tunable, and versatile means of growing phosphorescence sensing material. This sensing material, crystalline iridium(III)-Zn(II) coordination polymers, namely Ir-Zn(e), was grown on a stainless steel mesh and then doped in a sol-gel matrix.