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Abstract Background The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant is both an economically important food crop and an ideal dicot model to investigate various physiological phenomena not possible in Arabidopsis thaliana. Due to the great diversity of tomato cultivars used by the research community, it is often difficult to reliably compare phenotypes. The lack of tomato developmental mutants in a single genetic background prevents the stacking of mutations to facilitate analysis of double and multiple mutants, often required for elucidating developmental pathways. Results We took advantage of the small size and rapid life cycle of the tomato cultivar Micro-Tom (MT) to create near-isogenic lines (NILs) by introgressing a suite of hormonal and photomorphogenetic mutations (altered sensitivity or endogenous levels of auxin, ethylene, abscisic acid, gibberellin, brassinosteroid, and light response) into this genetic background. To demonstrate the usefulness of this collection, we compared developmental traits between the produced NILs. All expected mutant phenotypes were expressed in the NILs. We also created NILs harboring the wild type alleles for dwarf, self-pruning and uniform fruit, which are mutations characteristic of MT. This amplified both the applications of the mutant collection presented here and of MT as a genetic model system. Conclusions The community resource presented here is a useful toolkit for plant research, particularly for future studies in plant development, which will require the simultaneous observation of the effect of various hormones, signaling pathways and crosstalk.

Abstract Background The cultivar Micro-Tom (MT) is regarded as a model system for tomato genetics due to its short life cycle and miniature size. However, efforts to improve tomato genetic transformation have led to protocols dependent on the costly hormone zeatin, combined with an excessive number of steps. Results Here we report the development of a MT near-isogenic genotype harboring the allele Rg1 (MT-Rg1), which greatly improves tomato in vitro regeneration. Regeneration was further improved in MT by including a two-day incubation of cotyledonary explants onto medium containing 0.4 μM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) before cytokinin treatment. Both strategies allowed the use of 5 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), a cytokinin 100 times less expensive than zeatin. The use of MT-Rg1 and NAA pre-incubation, followed by BAP regeneration, resulted in high transformation frequencies (near 40%), in a shorter protocol with fewer steps, spanning approximately 40 days from Agrobacterium infection to transgenic plant acclimatization. Conclusions The genetic resource and the protocol presented here represent invaluable tools for routine gene expression manipulation and high throughput functional genomics by insertional mutagenesis in tomato.

Currently, partial hepatectomy is the treatment of choice for a wide variety of liver and biliary conditions. Among the possible complications of partial hepatectomy, acute kidney injury (AKI) should be considered as an important cause of increased morbidity and postoperative mortality. Difficulties in the data analysis related to postoperative AKI after liver resections are mainly due to the multiplicity of factors to be considered in the surgical patients, moreover, there is no consensus of the exact definition of AKI after liver resection in the literature, which hampers comparison and analysis of the scarce data published on the subject. Despite this multiplicity of risk factors for postoperative AKI after partial hepatectomy, there are main factors that clearly contribute to its occurrence. First factor relates to large blood losses with renal hypoperfusion during the operation, second factor relates to the occurrence of post-hepatectomy liver failure with consequent distributive circulatory changes and hepatorenal syndrome. Eventually, patients can have more than one factor contributing to post-operative AKI, and frequently these combinations of acute insults can be aggravated by sepsis or exposure to nephrotoxic drugs.

Introduction and Objectives: To compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without acute kidney injury (AKI), to evaluate the incidence and mortality of AKI and predictors of AKI and death in patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU)., Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 152 patients admitted to a single ICU. We assessed age, gender, reason for hospitalization, risk factors for ARF, laboratory data, the need for renal therapy substitutive and mortality. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and RIFLE were recorded on the day of ICU admission. We determined the incidence of AKI, mortality and the independent predictors of AKI and death using logistic regression model., Results: Mean age was 57.1 ± 20 years, ranging between 19 to 88 years, and 60.1% were male. Non-dialysis dependent AKI occurred in 81 patients (53.2%) while the ARF requiring dialysis occurred in 19 patients (12.4%). The overall mortality rate in the ICU was 35.9%, whereas the mortality rate in patients with non-dialysis dependent AKI was 43.2% and the IRA with dialysis of 84.2%. In multivariate analysis, invasive mechanical ventilation, elevated creatinine and urea at admission were independent risk factors for AKI, whereas clinical diagnosis, invasive mechanical ventilation, increased lactate and urea and hypernatremia were independent risk factors for ICU mortality., Conclusion: The incidence and mortality of AKI in ICU were high in this study, despite the advances that have been emerging in their management.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients receiving cisplatin is common, therefore the evaluation of renal function in patients on use of nephrotoxic drugs is fundamental., Objective: To evaluate the incidence of AKI and the role of lipocalin associated to neutrophil gelatinase (NGAL) in the monitoring of renal function in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who received cisplatin., Methods: We prospectively studied 50 patients with HNC treated with three sessions of cisplatin. Blood and urine were collected 24 hours before cisplatin, 24 hours after infusion, 48 hours after each application and 35 days after the end of treatment (urine NGAL, C-reactive protein, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, plasma lactate dehydrogenase and magnesium)., Results: AKI was observed in 78% of patients. There was increase in creatinine, and decrease in GFR after each cycle of cisplatin, and increased urine NGAL. Positive association was observed between the levels of NGAL, creatinine and C-reactive protein. It was observed an increase in creatinine, NGAL, C-reactive protein and decreased GFR in AKI patients compared to patients without AKI., Conclusion: AKI was noted in 78% of patients with HNC treated with cisplatin and showed the correlation of NGAL with creatinine and GFR in demonstrating renal injury. NGAL levels may be elevated compared to baseline levels, even before the use of cisplatin.

Vascular calcifications has been associated with bone and mineral disorders. The alterations in the serum level of calcium concentrations and phosphate are importants factors implicated in the arterial calcification in chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of vascular calcification is a complex mechanism and not completely clear, being able to correspond to an active process of cellular transformation and heterotopic ossification. Beyond the hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, they are involved in this process changes in the metabolism of inhibitors and promoters of calcification such as fetuin A, osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, and matrix gla protein. For the diagnosis of the calcified arterial injury are available several complementary methods, a method of estimate of the cardiovascular risk based on plain radiographs of the lumbar column and another method based on simple x-rays of the pelvis and hands. Below, we will present a review approching the link between vascular calcifications and mineral disorders.

Objective: Cutaneous and mucosal disorders are the most common problems in patients on long-term hemodialysis. The dialysis prolongs the life expectancy, giving time of these changes to manifest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatologic problems among patients with chronic renal disease (CRD) undergoing hemodialysis., Methods: One hundred forty-five patients with chronic renal disease undergoing hemodialysis were studied. All patients were thoroughly examined for skin changes, hair, nails and mucous membranes by a single examiner and laboratory tests were assessed. The data were stored in a database Microsoft Excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The continuous variables were compared using Student's t-test and categorical variables the chi-square test or Fisher's Exact test., Results: The study included 145 patients, mean age of 53.6 ± 14.7 years, predominantly male (64.1%) and caucasian (90.0%). The average time of dialysis was 43.3 ± 42.3 months. The main underlying diseases were: hypertension in 33.8%, diabetes mellitus in 29.6% and chronic glomerulonephritis in 13.1% of the patients. The main dermatologic manifestations observed were: xerosis in 109 (75.2%), ecchymosis in 87 (60.0%), pruritus in 78 (53.8%) and lentigo in 33 (22.8%) patients., Conclusion: Our study showed the presence of more than one alteration per patient. Cutaneous alterations are frequent in patients on dialysis. Further studies are needed to better characterization and management of these dermatosis.

The nephrotoxic drugs have been responsible for about 20% of AKI episodes in inpatients and outpatients. The cisplatin nephrotoxicity is a major limiting factors in 20% of patients who have received the drug, triggering injuries in renal tubular epithelial cells. Cisplatin toxicity is determined by the target tissue and cells accumulation besides the interaction with various subcellular structures and macromolecules. Cisplatin accumulates and interferes with the functioning of different organelles such as mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, nuclei and cell membranes, causing inflammation and cell death. This review aims to define the pathophysiology and biochemistry of the cisplatin nephrotoxicity, reviewing the main molecular mechanisms that lead to tubular cisplatin toxicity.

Creatinine remains the standard for laboratory diagnosis of AKI. Efforts to prevent nephrotoxicity have been harmed by the delay in the diagnosis of AKI criteria by using only the creatinine as a marker, therefore there is great interest in identifying early reliable biomarkers. Moreover, early treatment of ARF can be correlated with a better prognosis and identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis would improve the efficacy of a therapeutic strategy. Thus, it becomes imperative to find biomarkers that can stratify correctly the extent of renal damage that each patient has suffered and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we review the main features of emerging biomarkers in nephrology.

Introduction: Nephrolithiasis is com>mon and has a high rate of recurrence., Objectives: To assess the prevalence of the main metabolic and anatomical changes and the chemical analysis of stone found in patients with nephrolithiasis in the West region of Paraná., Methods: Retrospective study with 681 adult patients with nephrolithiasis. The laboratory investigation included at least two samples of 24-hour urine test with doses of calcium, uric acid, citrate, oxalate, sodium and creatinine; qualitative cystinuria, urinary pH following 12-hour fast and water restriction, urine culture and chemical analysis, when the stones were available. Renal imaging techniques included at least renal ultrasound and excretory urogram., Results: The metabolic changes most frequently found were: hypercalciuria (51.8%), hyperuricosuria (27.6%), and hypocitraturia (23.5%). Chemical analysis of stones showed calcium oxa late in 85.7% of the cases. The most frequently anatomical changes were renal cyst, duplicated ureter, and ureteropelvic junction obstruction., Conclusions: This paper served as a base for knowing the characteristics of patients with nephrolithiasis in the West area of Paraná.

Unlabelled: Metabolic disorders are frequently observed in pediatric patients with renal lithiasis., Objectives: Study the metabolic and anatomical alterations and perform the chemical analysis of stones found in children with nephrolithiasis in our region., Methods: A retrospective study on 158 children with evidence of recent renal stone formation was performed. One hundred and nine children concluded the metabolic study. Laboratory investigation consisted in two samples of 24-hour urine for calcium, uric acid, citrate, oxalate, sodium and creatinine; qualitative cystinuria, urinary pH following 12-hour fasting and water restriction, urine culture and chemical analysis when the stones were available. Renal imaging techniques included, at least, renal ultrasound and excretory urogram., Results: A cause for nephrolithiasis was identified in 96.3% of children. The main metabolic alteration was hypercalciuria (73.4%). Chemical analysis of stones showed calcium oxalate in 90.9% of the cases. Anatomical alterations were found in 18.0% of the investigated cases and the most frequently found alteration was pyelo-ureteral duplication (28.6%)., Conclusions: Hypercalciuria was the most frequently found disorder and pyelo-ureteral duplication was the most common anatomical alteration; moreover, calcium oxalate was the most frequent chemical constituent. The present study showed the characteristics of pediatric patients with nephrolithiasis in our region.

Horseshoe kidney is the most common of all renal fusion anomalies, occurring in approximately 0.25% of the general population. Horseshoe kidney with only a single ureter is a rare anomaly. A 60-year-old man was admitted to hospital for routine health screening. His family history was negative for kidney diseases, and there was no abnormality in his physical examination. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an atypical horseshoe kidney with cysts and three-dimensional spiral CT reconstruction showed the presence of a single ureter. The patient has since been followed up for two years without any signs of clinical disease. We report a rare case of a patient with a horseshoe kidney with cysts and a single ureter that was diagnosed incidentally.

Introduction: Nephrolithiasis is a multifactorial disease related to genetic disorders and environmental factors. Kidney stones are more common in adults and are associated with several metabolic and anatomical disorders. The major anatomical abnormalities, such as obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction, horseshoe kidney, complete or incomplete duplicated ureter, bifid pelvis, and medullary sponge kidney, are known to be responsible for stone formation. The objective of this study is to evaluate anatomical alterations in patients with nephrolithiasis in our region., Methods: Retrospective study on 1,378 patients with evidence of recent formation of kidney stones. Laboratory investigation and chemical analysis were performed when stones were available. Renal imaging techniques comprised at least renal ultrasound and excretory urography., Results: Of the 1,378 patients with nephrolithiasis cared for, only 367 (26.5%) (mean age, 36.8 ± 4.3 years) underwent anatomical investigation, of whom 198 (54.5%) were females. At least one anatomical alteration was found in 132 (36%) patients, the most common being renal cyst, completely or incompletely duplicated ureter, and obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction., Conclusions: Anatomical alterations were found in 36% of the investigated patients. Renal cyst, ureteral duplication, and obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction were the most frequently found anatomical alterations in the group.

Introduction: The incidence and prevalence of treated end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients continue to grow throughout the world. Renal transplantation remains the preferred form of renal substitutive therapy, but given the limited number of donors, dialytic therapies are the most common modalities., Objectives: To assess a registry of patients admitted for renal substitutive therapy at a single centre from 1984 to 2009., Methods: This is a retrospective epidemiological study. The following were analyzed: demographic and clinical characteristics; incidence of CKD; underlying kidney disease; dialysis modalities; mortality; and causes of death. The variables were compared by using the chi-square test, Student t test, ANOVA, and Tukey test. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate patient's survival. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: In the period studied, 878 patients were admitted to dialysis. Their mean age was 47.0 ± 16.2 years, 549 (62.5%) were males, and 712 (81.1%) were white. The major cause of CKD was hypertension in 351 (40.0%) patients, diabetic nephropathy in 174 (19.8%), and chronic glomerulonephritis in 180 (20.5%) patients. The main dialytic modality was hemodialysis. The one-year mortality rate was 10.4%. The most common cause of death was cardiovascular, affecting 126 (34.6%) patients., Conclusions: The cohort of patients studied had a low mortality rate. Cardiovascular disease remains the most common cause of death in end-stage chronic kidney disease. Screening for cardiovascular disease is highly recommended for those patients.

Unlabelled: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in developed countries., Objective: To observe if there was an increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) of CKD in the last 20 years and to analyze comparatively the survival on dialysis of diabetic and non-diabetic patients., Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients kept on dialysis in the west region of Paraná State in the period between 1985-2005. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier Curves., Results: In the period, 645 patients were admitted to dialysis. In 16.1% DM was the cause of the CKD. It was observed a progressive increase in the prevalence of DM as a cause of CKD. Patient survival was lower in diabetics., Conclusions: The prevalence of DM as a cause of CKD increased in the last 20 years in our region. The survival rates were lower in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients.

Introduction: Liposarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor frequently located in retroperitoneum, and rarely presenting an isolated lesion in kidney., Case Report: Female, Caucasian, 49-year old patient, with family history of renal polycystic disease, was selected for organ donation. During preoperative examinations a renal pleomorphic liposarcoma was detected. She was treated with radical nephrectomy and remains asymptomatic, without evidences of recurrence in control ecographic examinations after a 4-year follow-up., Comments: Renal liposarcoma is a rare tumor. We report one case incidentally diagnosed during a routine pre-transplantation assessment in renal donor.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of the main metabolic alterations found in patients with recent diagnosis of urolithiasis in the West region of Parana state, Brazil., Materials and Methods: We made a retrospective study on 425 patients with evidence of recent formation of renal stones. Laboratory assessment consisted in 3 samples of 24-hour urine with dosing of calcium, uric acid, citrate, oxalate, sodium and creatinine. A urine culture was also made and qualitative cystinuria and urinary pH following 12-hour fasting and water restriction were evaluated., Results: In 96.5% of patients a cause was detected for the urolithiasis. Metabolic alterations most frequently found were: hypercalciuria (38.3%), hypocitraturia (29.6%) and hyperexcretion of uric acid (21.6%). Low urinary volume (17.9%), urinary tract infection (12.9%), hyperparathyroidism (3.3%), renal tubular acidosis (1.2%), cystinuria (0.9%) and anatomical alterations (12.7%) were also observed., Conclusions: Hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia and hyperuricuria are the most frequent metabolic disorders in the population under study and these data are in accordance to the literature.