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Key Points Experimental autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is associated with longitudinal changes in the kidney micro-RNA and mRNA profiles. Alterations in cellular transport, a feature of CKD, and a common biological process within polycystic kidney disease models and human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, is present from early stages. Early versus late micro-RNA expression changes in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease could be targeted for a more tailored therapeutic intervention in the disease. Background Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by the progressive development and enlargement of bilateral kidney cysts, which often leads to kidney failure. This study comprehensively characterized the expression profile of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes in Pkd1 RC/RC mice and further compared them with other murine models of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and a model of CKD and individuals with ADPKD. Methods Pkd1 RC/RC and wild-type (WT) mice ( n =10 each, five males and five females) were studied at 1, 6, and 12 months. At each time point, kidney volume was determined in vivo (magnetic resonance imaging), followed by ex vivo histomorphometric analyses. In randomly selected Pkd1 RC/RC and WT mouse kidneys ( n =5/genotype, at 1 and 12 months), miRNA-sequencing (seq) was performed, followed by mRNA-seq, integrated (miRNA-seq/mRNA-seq analysis), and functional analysis of miRNA target genes. Venn diagrams were constructed to identify overlapping and novel differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in Pkd1 RC/RC and other commonly used murine models of PKD, diabetic kidney disease, and individuals with ADPKD. Results miRNA-seq analysis identified 41 and 181 miRNAs DE in Pkd1 RC/RC versus WT kidneys at 1 and 12 months, respectively, which were confirmed by quantitative PCR. Target genes of miRNAs DE in Pkd1 RC/RC at early stages encoded for proteins mainly implicated in cell proliferation and α -ketoglutarate ( α -KG) transport, whereas those DE at late stages encoded for transport proteins involved in proinflammatory and metabolic processes. Urine α -KG concentration ( 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), its fractional excretion, and tissue levels were higher in Pkd1 RC/RC during the entire course of the disease and associated with decreased protein expression of α -KG transporters sodium-coupled dicarboxylate transporter 3 and organic anion transporter 1. We further identified common DE miRNAs among murine models of PKD, diabetic kidney disease, and previous reports in individuals with ADPKD, as well as several novel miRNAs DE in early and late Pkd1 RC/RC kidneys, which have not been previously reported in either other murine models of PKD or patients with ADPKD. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that the renal miRNA expression profile changes longitudinally with the progression of the disease and might suggest that the post-transcriptional regulation of α -KG transport could represent a novel early feature of the disease.

This Viewpoint discusses the practice of molecular testing for the classification of thyroid nodules and explores related questions regarding automation, transparency, and clinical reasoning.

Background This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of different antibiotic durations in patients with severe diverticulitis. Methods Initial electronic medical record review identified 2437 adult patients who underwent sigmoid colectomy. Manual chart review identified 133 patients who underwent sigmoid resection and proximal diversion for Hinchey stage 3 or 4 diverticulitis. Patients who received a short antibiotic course (SAC, ≤5 days) were compared with those who received a long antibiotic course (LAC, >5 days). The primary composite outcome included superficial, incisional, organ-space infections or death within 30 days post procedure. Results A total of 53 SAC patients and 55 LAC patients were identified. The composite outcome occurred more frequently in LAC patients than in SAC patients (40% vs 15%; P = .005). Organ-space infection occurred more frequently in LAC patients than in SAC patients (31% vs 13%; P = .04). Conclusions Extended duration of antibiotics after adequate source control does not improve outcomes even in the setting of extensive intra-abdominal contamination.

This paper summarizes the presentations and panel discussion provided at Plenary Panel #2 on the first day of the 16 th World Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) jointly organized with the 69th Annual Meeting of the Health Physics Society (HPS) in Orlando/Florida in July 2024. International organizations that play a key role in radiation protection and are close in contact with IRPA by official agreements or even MoU’s (Memorandum of Understanding) presented highlights of their projects in radiation protection as well as results. Topical issues on their current work program as seen in a list of statements, including future efforts, were presented and discussed. The needs of practitioners were stressed for recognition by the representatives of the international organizations to be included in their projects. Requested and presented topics were: • Key challenges for radiation protection practitioners in the next 10 y. • Potential effects of emerging science on radiation protection. • Challenges for implementation of IAEA Safety Standards in low- and middle-income countries. • Challenges in occupational radiation protection. • Broadening the process of optimization. • Impact of emerging technologies on radiation protection. • Ensuring radiation protection workforce for the future.

Background/Objectives: The study aimed to investigate whether malnutrition influences the obesity paradox and to explore the relationship between obesity with/without malnutrition and in-hospital outcomes among hospitalized ESKD patients. Methods: The study used the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2021. Hospitalized ESKD patients were included and categorized into three groups: non-obese, obese without malnutrition, and obese with malnutrition. The association between obesity with/without malnutrition and in-hospital outcomes, compared to non-obese patients, were analyzed. Results: Of 674,367 hospitalized ESKD patients included, 125,978 (18.7%) had obesity. Obese ESKD patients without malnutrition were associated with a decreased risk of mortality (odd ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.84–0.91), whereas obese patients with malnutrition were associated with an increased risk of mortality (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.90–2.27), compared to non-obese patients. Furthermore, obesity, with or without malnutrition, was linked to higher infection-related complications and resource utilization, especially when malnutrition was present. Conclusions: Our findings show that obesity is significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality among ESKD patients without malnutrition. However, when malnutrition coexists, this survival advantage is reversed, underscoring the importance of detecting malnutrition in obese ESKD patients.

Asymptomatic aortic regurgitation (AR) has traditionally been managed conservatively until symptom onset or overt left ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, adverse myocardial remodeling—detected by myocardial strain, volumetric cardiac magnetic resonance, and fibrosis imaging—often precedes current guideline thresholds for interventions and may be irreversible. Advances in multimodal imaging now enable earlier risk stratification beyond conventional metrics. In parallel, intervention strategies are evolving, including valve repair, valve-sparing root replacement, Ross procedure, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement in selected high-risk patients. This narrative review summarizes contemporary advances in imaging and intervention for asymptomatic AR, while critically appraising current evidentiary and technical limitations that constrain earlier intervention. The review is based on a narrative synthesis of the contemporary literature, drawing from recent clinical studies, imaging advances, and guideline documents rather than a systematic evidence search.

Background/Objectives: To evaluate risk factors for postoperative neurological deficits following cervical endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (CE-ULBD) and to determine whether intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) can predict neurological compromise. Methods: A multicenter retrospective review was performed on 42 CE-ULBD procedures conducted between 2016 and 2024; 33 cases met the inclusion criteria with available imaging and electromyography data. Demographic, operative, and neurophysiological variables were analyzed. Preoperative stenosis severity was graded using the Kang MRI system. Intraoperative IONM data, including electromyography firing and motor evoked potential (MEP) changes, were correlated with new postoperative weakness. Results: The cohort (69.1% male, mean age 70.2 ± 1.7 years, mean BMI 29.6 ± 1.1) included 56 decompressed levels. The most common operative levels were C3-4 (37%) and C4-5 (24%). Postoperative weakness occurred in four patients (12.1%), all of whom had severe (Grade 3) preoperative stenosis. Among these, 50% exhibited preoperative weakness. Neuromonitoring changes correlated significantly with postoperative weakness (Fisher’s Exact, p < 0.001); 100% of patients with new post-operative weakness had sustained MEP decrease at the time of closure. Conclusions: Patients with severe cervical stenosis and preoperative weakness are at heightened risk of postoperative neurological deficits following CE-ULBD. Elevated epidural pressure from continuous irrigation in a constricted canal may exacerbate cord compression, particularly in those with preexisting myelopathy. IONM changes strongly correlate with new deficits and may exacerbate cord compression, particularly in those with preexisting myelopathy, and may serve as an early warning system for impending neurological injury. Surgeons should exercise caution and maintain low irrigation pressures in patients with severe stenosis undergoing endoscopic cervical decompression.

Objectives Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous needle fenestration (UPNF) and percutaneous needle tenotomy (UPNT) are minimally invasive procedures commonly used to treat chronic tendinopathies. However, these techniques can be painful, potentially limiting patient tolerance, satisfaction, and procedural feasibility. Although local anesthetics (LAs) provide analgesia, their potential inhibitory effects on tenocyte activity and the efficacy of orthobiologics raise concerns regarding their impact on tendon healing. The objectives of this study is to propose a practical, anatomy‐based approach for the use of ultrasound‐guided peripheral nerve blocks (USG‐PNBs) as a strategy to reduce pain and improve patient comfort during UPNF and UPNT, with or without orthobiologic adjuncts. Methods We reviewed commonly affected anatomical sites in chronic tendinopathies and identified corresponding peripheral nerve targets that can be reliably and safely blocked under ultrasound guidance. For each condition, we outline appropriate nerve block techniques, anatomical landmarks, and recommended patient positioning to optimize procedural analgesia. Results A set of targeted USG‐PNBs was defined for commonly treated tendinopathies, including supraspinatus tendinopathy, lateral and medial epicondylitis, gluteus medius and/or minimus tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciopathy. Conclusion Ultrasound‐guided peripheral nerve blocks represent a practical and effective approach to manage pain during percutaneous procedures for chronic tendinopathies. By reducing procedural discomfort and avoiding the potential drawbacks of peritendinous LAs, these techniques may enhance patient tolerance, procedural success, and overall clinical outcomes.