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Nature Protocols Nov 2023Kidney organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are now being used as models of renal disease and nephrotoxicity screening. However, the proximal... (Review)
Review
Kidney organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are now being used as models of renal disease and nephrotoxicity screening. However, the proximal tubules (PTs), which are responsible for most kidney reabsorption functions, remain immature in kidney organoids with limited expression of critical transporters essential for nephron functionality. Here, we describe a protocol for improved specification of nephron progenitors from hPSCs that results in kidney organoids with elongated proximalized nephrons displaying improved PT maturity compared with those generated using standard kidney organoid protocols. We also describe a methodology for assessing the functionality of the PTs within the organoids and visualizing maturation markers via immunofluorescence. Using these assays, PT-enhanced organoids display increased expression of a range of critical transporters, translating to improved functionality measured by substrate uptake and transport. This protocol consists of an extended (13 d) monolayer differentiation phase, during which time hPSCs are exposed to nephron progenitor maintenance media (CDBLY2), better emulating human metanephric progenitor specification in vivo. Following nephron progenitor specification, the cells are aggregated and cultured as a three-dimensional micromass on an air-liquid interface to facilitate further differentiation and segmentation into proximalized nephrons. Experience in culturing hPSCs is required to conduct this protocol and expertise in kidney organoid generation is advantageous.
Topics: Humans; Cell Culture Techniques; Kidney; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Nephrons; Cell Differentiation; Organoids
PubMed: 37770563
DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00880-1 -
Journal of Hypertension Oct 2023Dilation of the proximal aorta is a common clinical manifestation in hypertensive patients. Although it is straightforward to link hypertension with proximal aortic... (Review)
Review
Dilation of the proximal aorta is a common clinical manifestation in hypertensive patients. Although it is straightforward to link hypertension with proximal aortic dilation, previous studies on their interrelation have yielded controversial results. Cross-sectional design, methodology of blood pressure assessment, confounding factors like medications, and inconsistent reference values may lead to the paradoxical conclusions. Recently, advances have been made in the exploration of determinants and clinical value of proximal aortic dilatation. Thus, we reviewed these findings and summarized that aortic dilatation may be the consequence of hemodynamic and nonhemodynamic co-factors' combined action. Moreover, proximal aortic dilatation tends to be a predictor for aortic aneurysm dissection or rupture, hypertensive target organ damage as well as cardiovascular events. The present review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the pathological process of proximal aortic dilatation in hypertension.
Topics: Humans; Dilatation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aortic Diseases; Hypertension; Aorta
PubMed: 37642588
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003518 -
La Tunisie Medicale Feb 2024Proximal femur fractures are one of the most common injuries in older adults representing a serious health condition in developed as well as developing countries.
INTRODUCTION
Proximal femur fractures are one of the most common injuries in older adults representing a serious health condition in developed as well as developing countries.
AIM
This study aimed to assess the hospitalization costs of the proximal femur fracture.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective descriptive study spread over six months about patients hospitalized and operated on for proximal femur fractures. In order to estimate the cost we referred to the nomenclature of professional acts and the prices set by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Finance.
RESULTS
The study included 100 patients, 55 females and 45 males with an average age of 76 years. The average hospital length of stay was 5 days. The preoperative stay was at a mean of three days. The average total hospitalization cost for these fractures was 2877 Tunisian Dinars depending on the type of fracture and surgical treatment. The main components of the costs were hospital stay costs and human resources costs 40%, cost of the implant 25.9%, cost of consumables 12%, operating cost 10%, cost of additional examinations 9% and cost of medications 2%.
CONCLUSION
Proximal femur fractures represent an important cause of health resource consumption. To reduce the cost of hospital care, we recommend limiting the length of hospital stay as much as possible, investing in total hip and hemi-arthroplasties and adapting economical behavior taking into account the cost of consumables.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Aged; Proximal Femoral Fractures; Health Care Costs; Hospitalization; Length of Stay; Hip Fractures; Hospitals
PubMed: 38567477
DOI: 10.62438/tunismed.v102i2.4760