Hippokratia
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Adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis: trans-differentiation in the pathophysiology of bone disorders.
Mesechymal stem cells as pluripotent cells are involved in the differentiation of adipocytes under regulation of genes and transcription factors. The plasticity observed between adipocytes and osteoblasts differentiation is the basis of transdifferentiation, observed in both experimental and clinical level. ⋯ Disorders of this interaction include ectopic ossification syndromes and other bone disorders like osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. Further research will reveal the instinct mechanisms of this imbalance in the pathophysiology of many metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, atherogenesis e.t.c.
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The worldwide incidence of kidney failure is on the rise and treatment is costly. Kidney failure patients require either a kidney transplant or dialysis to maintain life. This review focuses on the economics of alternative dialysis modalities such as haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). ⋯ The cost effectiveness of alternative modalities is reviewed. Examples of statistical models and simulation approaches, studying the increase of the life expectancy in terms of the quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and the incremental cost paid are also presented. Corresponding results originated from different regions of the world are also briefly shown.