Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers examine what happens when patients can choose concurrent dialysis and hospice care

A retrospective cross-sectional study found that VA-financed hospice services were associated with higher rates of concurrent dialysis among veterans with end-stage kidney disease. Patients who received VA-financed hospice services lived approximately 43 days after stopping dialysis, compared to just four days for those who stopped dia...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

Providence study reveals high incidence of chronic kidney disease in diabetes beset by disparities

A study reveals a high incidence of chronic kidney disease among adults with diabetes, particularly affecting Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic/Latino(a) groups. The rate of new onset CKD was higher in these groups by approximately 60%, 40%, 33%, and 25% compared to White persons with ...

SourceProvidence Health & Services·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

Serum albumin could prevent amyloid fibril formation in dialysis patients

Researchers from Osaka University found that serum albumin can prevent the formation of amyloid fibrils in dialysis patients by interfering with β2m protein clumping. Monitoring serum albumin levels may help predict and delay the onset of dialysis-related amyloidosis, a condition also linked to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Belimumab is efficacious for lupus nephritis in East Asian adults

A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateSep 2, 2022

New technology offers pathways to finding treatments for kidney disease

Researchers at Washington University have developed a hydrogel system that preserves biochemistry and mechanical environments of cultured podocyte cells. This allows researchers to identify new ways to control mechanisms used by cells to heal themselves, potentially leading to therapies for currently incurable diseases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

Key step toward growing human kidneys in the laboratory

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a highly efficient method to generate human kidney cells, including principal and intercalated cell lines. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for treating congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, such as polycystic kidney disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Oncotarget | Kinase activity in renal cell carcinoma, benign renal tissue and in response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Researchers identified differences in PTK activity between normal and cancer kidney tissue, with Src family kinases and PI3K pathways exhibiting high activity. Ex vivo treatment of clear cell RCC with TKIs revealed that tivozanib and cabozantinib were more potent inhibitors than sunitinib or pazopanib.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Aldosterone linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease progression and end-stage kidney disease

Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

Largest Medicare Advantage plans pay big markups for dialysis

A new USC analysis found that the largest Medicare Advantage plans pay 27% more for outpatient dialysis treatment compared to traditional Medicare. This significant markup is attributed to the consolidation of the dialysis industry, with two large chains supplying over three-quarters of all dialysis services in the US.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Automating renal access in kidney stone surgery using AI-enabled surgical robot

A novel AI-empowered robotic device successfully assisted in percutaneous nephrolithotomy—surgery for removing large kidney stones. The trial showed improved precision and reduced complications, with a significant reduction in needle punctures and puncture duration.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 14, 2022

Big study answers treatment question for little known kidney condition

A large randomized controlled trial found that treatment with methylprednisolone reduces the risk of kidney function loss and failure in patients with IgA nephropathy. The study's results suggest a lower dose regimen may be effective while minimizing side effects.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 2022

Study: Black kidney transplant patients exhibit faster clearance rates of key immunosuppressive medicine tacrolimus

A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPharmacotherapy The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy·DateApr 18, 2022

Low-dose lithium may slow kidney aging

Researchers at The University of Toledo found that low-dose lithium acts as a powerful anti-aging agent in the kidneys by blocking GSK3-beta, an enzyme associated with cellular aging. Studies showed improved kidney function and reduced albuminuria in mice and psychiatric patients treated with lithium.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Urine trouble now! When your kidneys tell on your heart

Researchers found that impaired kidney function is preferentially associated with cardioembolic stroke in a large cohort of patients. Low filtration rates and high urine protein levels predicted increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, disability, and mortality.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalNeurology·DateMar 14, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Gene variants increase risk of kidney failure in Black veterans with COVID-19: study

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has found that gene variants increased the risk of acute kidney injury and death in African American veterans hospitalized with COVID-19. The study, which analyzed data from over 850,000 diverse veterans, identified APOL1 variants as a key contributor to this increased risk.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022

UAB announces first clinical-grade transplant of gene-edited pig kidneys into brain-dead human

Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Penn Medicine awarded $14 million NIH grant to apply CAR T immunotherapies to match more patients in need of kidney transplants

A clinical trial will harness synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to deplete immune B cells and plasma cells producing donor-specific antibodies, aiming to achieve a compatible kidney match for patients with pre-existing antibodies. The NIH-funded study, led by Penn Medicine, intends to begin enrolling patients in 2022.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateDec 27, 2021

Iron treatments reduce heart attacks in patients on dialysis

A large-scale trial found that high-dose intravenous iron therapy reduces heart attacks in patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis. The study analyzed 2141 patients and reported a significant reduction in type 1 heart attacks, which are often caused by blood clots or blockages.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New project focuses on rare categories

The new project aims to bridge the gap between complex rare category analysis and state-of-the-art techniques. It will focus on developing explainable methods for detecting defective silicon wafers and severe complications among diabetes patients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateNov 16, 2021

Fewer patients sought treatment for kidney failure in early months of COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 30% decline in patients seeking treatment for kidney failure, with Black patients experiencing significantly worse kidney function. The decline was attributed to changes in healthcare delivery and may reflect delays in treatment due to fear of infection or logistical barriers.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2021

National Kidney Foundation, Leading nephrology experts develop roadmap to advance kidney disease research

The National Kidney Foundation has released a research roadmap to accelerate innovations in treatment and increase understanding of kidney disease. The report calls for increased funding in preclinical science, genetics, health equity, and implementation science to tackle the most vexing challenges in kidney disease.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 7, 2021

Dialysis facility closures linked to patient hospitalizations and deaths

A study found that patients affected by dialysis facility closures experienced higher rates of hospitalizations (7-9%) and a higher risk of dying within 6 months (8%). The researchers highlight the need for policies to reduce the risk of closures to safeguard patient health.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 4, 2021

Serum biomarker of fibrosis predicts kidney function decline

A serum biomarker, polyubiquitinated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), was associated with a four-fold higher risk of kidney function decline. This modified form of PTEN was linked to severity of lesions in kidney structure, indicating early manifestations of diabetic kidney disease.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateSep 22, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

USPSTF lowers recommended screening age for type 2 diabetes

The USPSTF has lowered the recommended starting age of screening for type 2 diabetes from 40 to 35. Screening is now recommended for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, particularly those aged 35-70 who are overweight or obese. This recommendation aims to detect and treat these conditions earlier.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 24, 2021

Food claiming to have ‘wild mushrooms’ rarely does

A study found that 95% of fungal species on Earth remain undescribed, leading to inconsistent regulations and potential health risks. The researchers tested 16 food products labeled as containing 'wild mushrooms' and discovered most consisted of cultivated species, including poisonous varieties.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 23, 2021

Weight fluctuations may predict poor outcomes in adults with kidney disease

A recent study found that weight fluctuations are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular-related problems and early death in adults with chronic kidney disease. The study included 84,636 patients with CKD who were listed in a national health screening database in South Korea.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 12, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New score measures health-related quality of life in patients with kidney failure

A new score, PROPr, assesses health-related quality of life in patients with kidney failure by considering cognitive function, depression, fatigue, and social roles. The study's findings support the validity of PROPr among patients undergoing hemodialysis or kidney transplants.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 16, 2021

Do more visits with kidney specialists improve dialysis patient-reported outcomes?

A recent study published in CJASN found that patients with kidney failure did not report better experiences with care from more frequent face-to-face visits with kidney specialists. In fact, more frequent visits were linked to slightly lower patient-reported experiences with kidney-related care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 12, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Study examines heart and kidney outcomes of adults with nephrotic syndrome

A new study highlights the high risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome, particularly those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Adults with this condition are 19.63 times more likely to develop kidney failure over a median follow-up period of 4.5 years.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 18, 2021

Study examines symptoms before and after kidney transplantation

Patients waiting for a kidney transplant who experienced various symptoms had a higher risk of dying while on the waitlist. However, those who underwent transplantation saw an improvement in symptoms, with overall 10% reduction and significant declines in fatigue and itchy skin.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 18, 2021

Study estimates duration of employment loss experienced by adults with kidney failure

A new study estimates the years of employment loss experienced by working-aged adults with kidney failure, finding that most lost time is due to patients' loss of life expectancy. The study analyzed data from patients initiating dialysis in Taiwan and found that men had a higher rate of employment than women.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 15, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Waitlist policies may contribute to racial disparities in kidney transplant access

A recent study found that enrolling Black patients on the waitlist with slightly better kidney function could reduce racial disparities in transplant access. This approach aims to bridge the gap between Black and white patients' wait times before kidney failure, ultimately promoting greater equality in transplantation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2021

Study finds patients with kidney failure are ready and willing to use mobile health

A survey of adults with kidney failure reveals that most own mobile devices and have intermediate or advanced mobile health proficiency. The main reasons for using mobile health include making appointments, communicating with healthcare personnel, and obtaining laboratory results.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Depression screening tools in patients with kidney failure

A recent analysis found limited research evaluating depression screening tools in patients with kidney failure. The most extensively studied tool was the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), but many studies were small and had shortcomings.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 17, 2020

Why do minorities have higher rates of kidney failure?

A new study found that Blacks and Hispanics experience higher rates of kidney failure compared to whites, driven by faster declines in kidney function after chronic kidney disease onset. This disparity can be addressed by slowing the progression of kidney disease in these populations.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·DateOct 23, 2020

Diabetes dramatically reduces the kidney's ability to clean itself

Researchers found that diabetes increases autophagy initially, but then decreases it due to the activation of tumor suppressor p53 and microRNA miR-214, leading to hypertrophy, scarring, and inflammation in the kidneys. This discovery offers a potential target for preventing or slowing kidney failure.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 22, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Kidney problems as a young adult may affect thinking skills in midlife

A study found that individuals with declining kidney function starting at age 30 performed like those nine years older on certain cognitive tests 20 years later. This suggests that preserving kidney function in young adulthood may be crucial for maintaining thinking skills in midlife.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 2, 2020

Ratio of two proteins may add kidneys to the transplant donor pool

A new study has found that measuring the ratio of two proteins in deceased donor urine can identify kidneys with a higher probability for successful transplantation and long-term survival. The researchers believe this biomarker could help reduce the number of discarded kidneys and increase the organ donation pool.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalTransplantation·DateAug 18, 2020

Air pollution from wildfires linked to higher death rates in patients with kidney failure

Exposure to high levels of fine particulate air pollution from wildfires is associated with a 4% higher death rate among patients with kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure are particularly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, highlighting the need for research into managing exposure during wildfire episodes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 16, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Fat cells found to play a central role in renal failure-associated cardiomyopathy

New research from Marshall University finds that production of peptide NaKtide in fat cells inhibits sodium pump function, preventing the development of cardiomyopathy associated with renal failure. The study also suggests targeting adipocytes may serve as a viable clinical strategy for preventing and treating the condition.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 29, 2020

Many patients with kidney failure regret initiating dialysis

A new study found that 21% of patients with kidney failure treated with dialysis experience regret, particularly those who choose dialysis due to external pressures. Discussing life expectancy and completing a living will can help mitigate this regret.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 4, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.