Target organ damage (TOD) was assessed by echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography. Gender-specific odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals for CKD were derived from a multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis. Global CV risk was stratified according to routine examinations, TOD and CKD. Results. In 38% of cases, an unknown stage III CKD was found. Independent of age, CKD was predicted by history of hypertension (OR = 1.69, p = 0.0001), albuminuria (OR = 1.25, p = 0.0001), smoking (OR =

1.85, p = 0.028) and pulse pressure (OR = 1.21, p = 0.019) in men only. Men had an increased risk of CKD (OR = 2.62, p = 0.002) in comparison with women. Prevalence of TOD was significantly higher only in HTs having CKD diagnosed by renal scintigraphy; TOD and CKD assessment added PCI-32765 order to classic risk factors modified the CV risk stratification from low-moderate to high and very high. Conclusions. Renal scintigraphy is an important aid in risk stratification and should be performed in HTs aged >= 55 years. Pulse pressure was the main blood pressure component that predicted the risk of stage III CKD.”
“The Italian National Health System, which follows a Beveridge model, www.selleckchem.com/products/cl-amidine.html provides universal healthcare coverage through general

taxation. Universal coverage provides uniform healthcare access to citizens and is the characteristic usually considered the added value of a welfare system financed by tax revenues.

Nonetheless, wide differences in practice patterns, health outcomes and regional usages of resources that cannot be justified by differences in patient needs have been demonstrated to exist. Beginning with the experience of the health care system of the Tuscany region (Italy), this study describes the first steps of a long-term approach to proactively address the issue of geographic variation in healthcare. In particular, the study highlights how the unwarranted variation

management has been addressed in a region with a high degree of managerial control over the delivery of health care and a consolidated performance evaluation system, S63845 concentration by first, considering it a high priority objective and then by actively integrating it into the regional planning and control mechanism. The implications of this study can be useful to policy makers, professionals and managers, and will contribute to the understanding of how the management of variation can be implemented with performance measurements and financial incentives. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Aim:

To determine whether concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) can improve the survival rate of high-risk uterine cervical cancer.

Material & Methods:

We analyzed 16 cases of uterine cervical cancer that had undergone radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy from 2003 to 2008.