The levels of inflammatory biomarkers in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine fibroblast growth factor 23, soluble alpha klotho, osteocalcin, indoxyl sulphate, sclerostin, Procollagen 1 N Terminal Propeptide, and beta-CrossLaps levels in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, and to compare the levels of these markers among hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients, as well as healthy individuals. METHODS: The study included 30 hemodialysis and 23 peritoneal dialysis patients who were followed-up for at least six months at the Sakarya University Hospital, besides 30 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The participants were divided into three groups with similar characteristics in terms of age, gender and body mass index. Fibroblast growth factor 23, soluble alpha klotho, indoxyl sulphate, beta-CrossLaps, and Procollagen 1 N Terminal Propeptide levels were significantly higher in patients of both the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups than in the healthy volunteers' group. There was no difference in levels of these molecules between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fibroblast growth factor 23, sclerostin, indoxyl sulphate, beta-CrossLaps, and Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain levels were higher in patients of both groups as inflammatory markers. In our study, we found higher soluble alpha klotho levels in patients of both groups than in the healthy volunteers' group, suggesting that blood soluble alpha klotho levels may not correlate with renal klotho levels.

Academic models for practice relief, recruitment, and retention at the University of New Mexico Medical Center and East Carolina University School of Medicine.

Locum tenens programs were independently developed by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and East Carolina University School of Medicine to address health care needs within their states. The programs represent distinct models to provide locum tenens services for practices in rural and medically underserved regions through collaboration with stage government representatives and agencies. Differences between programs include years of operation, days of coverage provided, types of learners and providers involved, sources of funding, costs of the programs, and extent of institutional support. Common beneficial outcomes of the programs include coverage for struggling practices, training in rural medicine for locum tenens providers, recruitment of physicians to rural practice sites, and improved relationships with program partners. Adequate funding and institutional support are essential for success of locum tenens programs.

Tribal differences in diabetes: prevalence among American Indians in New Mexico.

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes among American Indians in New Mexico with varied genetic and cultural backgrounds is reported. Utilizing community-based registries, the prevalence in persons ages 35 years and older ranged from 9.8 percent among Jicarilla Apache Indians to 28.2 percent among Zuni Indians. All rates were significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 5.3 percent for the same age group. In addition, in three of the five tribal groups examined, the rates of diagnosed diabetes in Indians less than 35 years of age (range from 0.5 percent to 1.3 percent) were significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 0.4 percent for the same age group. The prevalence rates of diagnosed diabetes found in this study of American Indians in New Mexico were intermediate between those for the United States as a whole and the Pima Indians of southern Arizona. Reasons for the variations and the relative contribution of obesity, fitness, or genetic risk in the development of diabetes need further study.