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Exploratory correlates of vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients from a resource-limited setting biochemical markers and vascular NF- BSGLT2 expression

Abstract Objective. This study aimed to analyze biochemical determinants of calcification by assessing calcium–phosphate product, magnesium, iPTH, vitamin D3 , NF-κB, and SGLT2 expression as potential markers of vascular injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, involving 30 adult ESRD patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis via radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula. SGLT2 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against SGLT2 (1:100 dilution, Biocare Medical). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 21; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and R version 4.5.1. Results. Among 30 CKD patients, vascular calcification was detected in 30% of cases.

Blood Q Creatinine Based on Sex and Age in Healthy Indonesian Geriatrics

ABSTRACT Median blood creatinine (Qcr) is necessary for an accurate evaluation of geriatric renal function. Nonetheless, there is a significant void in existing literature concerning creatinine reference data unique to the elderly. To improve diagnostic precision and clinical decision-making in this susceptible group, this study developed a corresponding Q model for serum creatinine in geriatric patients stratified by age and sex. To determine the Qcr serum and reference range creatinine concentrations, 913 healthy elderly patients (452 males and 461 females) undergoing routine examinations at clinical laboratories were studied. Creatinine concentration reference intervals were divided into 3 age groups, namely: 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and >80 years. The median and percentiles p2.5 (lower reference limit/LRL) and p97.5 (upper reference limit/URL) were determined by the study.

Molecular pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder: Focus on the fibroblast growth factor 23–Klotho axis and bone turnover dynamics

Abstract Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a major complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by disruptions in mineral metabolism, abnormal bone turnover and vascular calcification, which collectively increase the risk of fractures and cardiovascular disease. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying CKD-MBD, with a particular focus on the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)–Klotho axis – a key regulator of phosphate balance, vitamin D activation and parathyroid hormone secretion. In CKD, elevated FGF23 levels and reduced Klotho expression contribute to mineral homeostasis disturbances and bone abnormalities. The dysregulation of this pathway plays a central role in CKD-MBD pathophysiology and its associated complications.

US-China Biotech Competition

The progress of China's biotechnology industry will create opportunities for Indonesia as long as we are smart enough and can take advantage of it. To this day, it is difficult to deny that the United States is the most powerful country in the world and still dominates technological advancements in various fields. However, recent developments indicate that US dominance is beginning to be threatened by China's technological advancements. In the digital technology sector, the popularity of TikTok has even led the US government to consider banning the application made by a Chinese company, unless its shares are sold to US entrepreneurs. Most recently, the artificial intelligence (AI) service from China, DeepSeek, has emerged and shaken the dominance of its predecessors, such as ChatGPT and Meta, products of US technology companies.

Nobel Prizes and Favorite Research Trends

If genomics and AI research are becoming favorite research themes in developed countries, will our scientists follow suit? In October, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2024 Nobel Prizes in the categories of Medicine-Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, Literature, and Peace. Looking at the Nobel Prize winners in Medicine, Physics, and Chemistry, it appears that there has been rapid progress in genomic research and artificial intelligence (AI) and this is driving technological progress in the medical and health fields. What can we learn from this Nobel laureate?   New breakthrough The Nobel Prize in Medicine-Physiology was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun from the United States (US). Both were considered to have contributed to their discovery that microRNA plays a role in regulating post-transcriptional gene activity. This discovery opens up opportunities to develop new ways to treat various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases.