The Medical Advisor

Since 1980, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) — the world's largest scientific society and publisher of several journals, including Science — has presented an annual award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility to "scientists, engineers or their organizations, whose exemplary actions have demonstrated scientific freedom and responsibility in challenging circumstances." As explained on the AAAS website: 1 "The types of actions worthy of this award include acting to protect the public's health, safety or welfare; focusing public attention on important potential impacts of science and technology on society by their responsible participation in public policy debates; or providing an exemplary model in carrying out the social responsibilities of scientists, engineers or in defending the professional freedom of scientists and engineers.  Some awardees have risked their freedom and even physical safety by their actions, while others have ...

Introduction Classification: • Acute kidney injury (AKI): sudden, rapid deterioration of kidney function caused by injury or illness; often reversible.  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD): abnormality of the structure or function of kidneys, lasting >3 months; often progressive. Has been classified into stages 1–5 (Table 29.1)  • Established renal failure (ERF); a description of those who have reached stage 5 CKD and require renal replacement therapy (dialysis).  CKD is categorised into stages according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Contributing causes Chronic kidney disease  Diabetic nephropathy Hypertension Infection, e.g. chronic pyelonephritis or sepsis 2o to severe urinary tract infection Polycystic kidney disease Tumour, e.g. multiple myeloma, amyloidosis Familial, e.g. Alport’s syndrome Unknown reasons Stages of chronic kidney disease Stage 1: Normal kidney function, but urinalysis, structural abnormalities or genetic traits indicate kidney disease ...