bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary flow and hemorrhagic complications after alteplase and streptokinase administration in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Kostic Tomislav , Perisic Zoran , Milic Dragan , Apostolovic Svetlana , Salinger-Martinovic Sonja , Bozinovic Nenad , Mitov Vladimir , Vidanovic Miroslav
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Up-to-date treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AIM) has been based on as early as possible establishment of circulation in ischemic myocardium whether by the use of fibrinolythic therapy and/or urgent coronary intervention which significantly changes the destiny of patients with AMI, but also increases the risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to compare coronary flow and bleeding complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST-elevation (STEMI) after administration of alteplase or streptokinase. Methods. The study included 254 patients with STEMI. The group I (n = 174) received streptokinase, and the group II (n = 80) received alteplase. We followed frequency of complications such as bleeding and hypotension in the investigated groups of patients, based on the TIMI classification of bleeding, as well as the transience of infarction artery in accordance with TIMI flow. Results. The patients with myocardial infarction after administration of alteplase had statistically significantly higher coronary flow (TIMI- 3), 72.5% as compared to the patients who received streptokinase, 39.2%. Hypotension as complication of fibrynolythic therapy administration occurred in a significantly higher percentage in the group of patients who received streptokinase. There was no statistically significant difference in the appearance of major bleeding in the groups of patients who received streptokinasis and alteplase (6.9% and 7.5%, respectively). Also, there was no difference in the appearance of minor and minimal bleeding among the investigated groups of patients. Conclusion. It was shown that alteplase in a higher number of patients provided TIMI-3 coronary flow as compared to streptokinese. In comparison with streptokinase, a combination of alteplase, enoxaparin and double antiplatelet therapy enabled earlier achievement of coronary flow through previously blocked coronary artery that was more complete (higher frequency of TIMI-3 flow). There were no statistically significant difference in frequency of bleeding, first of all major bleeding, between the groups treated by alteplase and streptokinase.
Gastrointestinal symptomatology as first manifestation of systemic erythematous lupus
Authors: Kovacevic Zoran , Rabrenovic Violeta , Jovanovic Dragan , Petrovic Marijana , Rabrenovic Milorad , Matunovic Radomir
Published: December 2010

Background. Systemic lupus erithematodes (SLE) is chronic, often febrile, multisystemic disease unknown origin and relapsing course which affects connective tissue of the skin, joints, kidney and serous membranes. Gastrointestinal manifestations are rarely the first sign of systemic lupus erythematosus. Case report. We presented a female patient, 35 years old, whose first symptoms of SLE were paralitic ileus (chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction) and polyserositis (pleural effusion and ascites). Except for high parameters of inflammation, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, all immunological and laboratory tests for SLE were negative in the onset of the disease. During next six months the patient had clinical signs of paralitic ileus several times and was twice operated with progressive malabsorptive syndrome. The full picture of SLE was manifested seven months later associated with lupus nephritis. Treatment with cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids and total parenteral nutrition (30 days) induced stable remission of the disease. Conclusion. The SLE can be initially manifested with gastroenterological symptoms without any other clinical and immunologic parameters of the disease. If in patients with SLE and gastrointestinal tract involvement malabsorption syndrom is developed, a treatment success depends on both immunosupressive therapy and total parenteral nutrition.
Long-term indwelling double-J stents: Bulky kidney and urinary bladder calculosis, spontaneous intraperitoneal perforation of the kidney and peritonitis as a result of 'forgotten' double-J stent
Authors: Stojkovic Ivica , Stevanovic Dragan
Published: December 2010

Background. The first double-J (DJ) stents were manufactured in 1978. Their J-shaped tips efficiently prevent their migration from kidneys and from the urinary bladder. Nowadays, DJ stents are in common use because they provide efficient and relatively safe urinary derivation between the kidney and the urinary bladder. We report this case with the aim to point out possible serious complications with long-term indwelling stents. Case report. The patient was admitted to hospital five years after the placement of DJ in a bad general condition, with symptoms of peritonitis. Radiological examination (plain abdominal film, computerized tomography, excretory urogram and cystography) showed bulky calculosis at each tip of the stent, affunctional right kidney, vesicoureteral reflux through the DJ stent and ureter all the way to the right kidney, as well as a large amount of turbid liquid in the abdomen. In the course of the operation, the bulky stone with the DJ stent was removed form the urinary bladder, followed by a large amount of turbid liquid extracted from the abdomen. During adhesiolysis, a small intraperitoneal perforation through which a tip of the stent prolapsed, was found on the upper pole of the kidney. After that, nefrectomy was performed. The patient was discharged 18 days after the surgery. Conclusion. There are usually no complications with shortterm DJ stent urinary drainage. However, indwelling DJ stents can cause serious complications, such as migration, incrustration and fragmentation. DJ indwelling should be as short as possible. If indwelling stenting is necessary, the DJ stent should be replaced with a new one in due time, or another kind of derivation should be performed. Careful monitoring of patients could exclude any possibility of a stent being forgotten at all.
Serum concentration of soluble adhesive molecules in patients with different forms of coronary artery disease
Authors: Damnjanovic Goran , Jelic Marija , Djindjic Boris , Ilic Stevan
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Vascular cell adhesion molecules-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular cell adhesive molecules-1 (ICAM- 1) play an important role in developing and progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of the paper was to compare concentrations of soluble forms of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in patients with different clinical presentations of coronary artery disease (CAD) and patients without CAD. Methods. Blood samples were taken from 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 25 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 25 with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and from 15 control patients without CAD, and concentrations of solubile adhesive molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) were determined. Results. Obesity was more prominent in the NAP than in the SAP and the control patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in gender distribution, age, duration of the CAD and body mass index between the groups. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus type 2 were more frequent in the CAD patients than in the controls (p < 0.01). Family history of the CAD was more frequent in the AMI and the UAP group than in the controls (p < 0.05). Serum concentrations of VCAM-1 was similar in the patients with AMI (955.9 ? 117.8 ng/mL), UAP (952.4 ? 139.1 ng/mL) and SAP (931 ? 169.8 ng/mL), and significantly higher in these groups compared with the controls (823.4 ? 97.6; p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.1 respectively). Serum concentration of ICAM-1 was similar in the patients with AMI (699.2?125.6 ng/mL), UAP (727.6?171.8 ng/mL) and SAP (697.5?165.6 ng/mL), and significantly higher in these groups compared with the controls (583.4 ? 86.6; p < 0.1, p < 0.05 and p < 0.1 respectively). Conclusion. Increased concentrations of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, as markers of inflammation, showed the importance of inflammatory processes in development of atherosclerosis and clinical expression of CAD. Measurement of soluble ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 concentrations is a useful indicator of atherosclerosis presence but not severity of CAD clinical presentation.
Application of radial forearm free flap in extraoral soft tissue head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Jeremic Jelena , Nikolic Zivorad , Drcic Lazar , Petrovic Aleksandar , Jeremic Katarina , Todorovic Vladimir
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Radial forearm free flap, highly regarded in head and neck reconstructive surgery, is known to be one of the most reliable and versatile flaps. The aim of this study was to illustrate the versatility and reliability of a radial forearm flap in reconstruction of a variety of extraoral head and neck defects. Methods. During a period 2001-2007 at the Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry and the Center for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Belgrade, 19 patients underwent microsurgical reconstructions after extraoral tumor ablation in the head and neck region, using fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap. Results. The overall flap survival rate was 89,5%. The complications that appeared were one partial necrosis and one venous thrombosis that in spite of reanastomosis resulted in a complete flap failure. The donor site healed uneventfully in all patients, except one, who had a partial skin graft failure, that ended in a secondary skin grafting. Conclusion. For reconstruction in head and neck surgery, with the need for thin, pliable tissues and a long vascular pedicle, radial forearm flap still remains a primary choice. Because of their multiple advantages, free flaps from the radial forearm is a safe method for reconstruction of a variety of extensive extraoral soft tissue defects in the head and neck region.
Primary colorectal lymphomas
Authors: Stanojevic Goran , Stojanovic Miroslav , Jovanovic Milan , Stojanovic Miodrag , Jeremic Miroslav , Brankovic Branko , Ignjatovic Nebojsa , Katic Vuka
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Colorectal lymphoma is a rare tumor representing 1.4% of human lymphomas, 10-20% of gastrointestinal lymphomas, namely 0.2-0.6% of all malignancies in the colon. The aim of this study was to review clinical characteristics of primary colorectal lymphoma and overall survival. Methods. A detailed analysis of 16 surgically treated patients included patients age, symptoms and signs, tumor site, type of surgery, histopathologic findings, diagnosis of the disease, disease stage, type of surgery related to the degree of emergency (elective or urgent), applied adjuvant therapy, patient follow-up and treatment outcomes. Survival was expressed by the Kaplan-Meier curve, while the difference in survival among the two groups by the Log-rank test. Results. The all patients were on an average followed-up for a median of 29 months (range 2-60 months), while those with chemotherapy 48 months (range 4-60 months). An overall mean survival time was 38.65 months. Conclusion. Primary colorectal lymphoma is a rare malignant tumor of the large bowel. Therapy usually involves resection of the affected colon or rectum and regional lymphovascular structures, followed by adjuvant therapy. Survival period is short and, therefore, timely diagnosis is crucial in early disease stages when the probability of cure is high.
The treatment of stage A testicular seminoma by carboplatin monochemotherapy
Authors: Bojanic Nebojsa , Micic Sava , Vuksanovic Aleksandar , Vukovic Ivan , Janjic Aleksandar
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Although radiotherapy is considered to be a standard treatment of stage A testicular seminoma, an increasing number of studies have reported encouraging results of the treatment by carboplatin monochemotherapy (CBDCA). The aim of this study was to analyse the treatment results of patients with clinical stage A seminoma treated by CBDCA on daily basis in the period June 1999 to September 2008. Methods. A total of 124 patients, mean age 36.63 years (20-62 years), with stage A testicular seminoma were treated, upon radical orchiectomy, by adjuvant CBDCA (400 mg/m2 on day 1 and 22). Results. Chemotherapy was well tolerated, except moderate nausea on the day of the drug administration and the following day. No patient had any serious disorders in blood cells count requiring substitutional treatment. During the mean follow-up period of 37.5 (range 6-111) months, three relapses were noted (2.41%) and none neoplasm of contralateral testicle or any other organ. Conclusion. Simple and easy carboplatin administration with excellent treatment results, along with good tolerance and absence of comorbidity, poses itself as a new 'gold standard' of treatment for stage A testicular seminoma.
Clinical evaluation of Eustachian tube transience and function in patients with different types of increased nasal resistance
Authors: Andric-Filipovic Snezana , Janosevic Ljiljana , Andric Vukasin , Ugrinovic Aleksandar
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Eustachian tube is a connection between throat and the middle ear. Inflammatory processes and malformations of nasal cavity could lead to dysfunction of the whole upper respiratory tract, this emphasizing the evaluation of the Eustachian tube function both in surgery and in medicine in general. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Eustachian tube passage and function by tympanometry in different types of nasal resistance. Methods. Eustachian tube passage and function was tested in 102 patients with different types of nasal pathology and nasal resistance and compared to the results of 41 healthy persons with normal values of nasal resistance included in the control group. The patients with nasal pathology were divided into three subgroups: with mechanical, inflammatory and mixed alterations. Nasal resistance was carried out with constant body plethysmography (Jaeger). The test of Eustachian tube passage and function was performed using tympanometric Toynbee-deglutition/Valsalva-deglutition test. The results of measurements were compared with those in the healthy control group and analyzed by means of parametric and nonparametric statistic tests, Pearson ?2 test, Fisher test of exact probability and variance analysis. Results. The subgroup with inflammatory alterations had significantly higher values of pathological tympanograms than other subgroups and the control group (p < 0,05). The dysfunction of the Eustachian tube was significantly more present in all subgroups than in the control group (p < 0,05). Conclusion. Pathological form of tympanograms is more often present in purely inflammatory changes of nasal cavities with higher nasal resistance than in mechanical nasal obstruction. All forms of higher nasal resistance are more often accompanied with Eustachian tube dysfunction. There was no significant differences in Eustachian tube passage between the subgroups and the control group.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygenation and erythropoietin in the treatment of chronic heart failure using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy G-SPECT
Authors: Baskot Branislav , Zivkovic Miodrag , Tepic Sandra , Obradovic Slobodan
Published: December 2010

Background. The most important predictors of longterm survival in patients with cardiac ischemic disease are left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular volumes, infarction size, presence and extent of residual myocardial ischemia. One of the most important recent developments in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging is the ability to acquire these studies in conjunction with electrocardiogram (ECG) gating (G-SPECT). The ability to asses radionuclide myocardial perfusion and function with ECG G-SPECT imaging has revolutionized this field of nuclear cardiology. Study with G-SPECT development algorithms permits to quantify measures of left ventricular (LV) volume, ejection fraction (LVEF) and even regional myocardial wall motion and thickening. The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) in its position paper from March 1999 recommends the routine incorporation of G-SPECT during cardiac perfusion scintigraphy. Case report. We presented a 70-year-old male with ischemic heart disease (dilatative, cardiomyopathy and absolute arrhythmia). He was few times hospitally treated by medicamentous therapy with no evidence of improvement. After hospital treatment, we included hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) and erythropoietin injections. Hyperbaric oxygenation was carried out in a monoplace hyperbaric chamber, BLK S-303, by a graduated protocol for patients with severe heart insufficiency, totally 15 treatments. Recombinant erythropoietin beta (RecormonR F. Hoffmann-La Roche) was applied deeply subcutaneously, every second day from 2 000 IU to totally 16 000 IU. Before the therapy G-SPECT study was performed with 99m technetium-MIBI, and we obtained the functional parameters and perfusion of the left ventricle to follow-up the therapy effects. The study was performed by an ADAC-VERTEX PLUS-EPIC two-head gamma camera with dedicated quantitatively algorithm Auto-QUANT. The results of LVEF were 15%, with severity abnormal motion and wall thickening for all segments. Left ventricle end-diastolic volume was 393 ml (normal < 142 ml), and LV end-systolic volume was 334 ml (normal < 65 ml). Four months after the therapy G-SPECT showed improvement in any parameters; LVEF 25%, with improvement in wall motion (normalized wall motion in the anterior, lateral area, and proximal septum) and wall thickening, LV end-diastolic volume was 390 ml, LV end-systolic volume was 289 ml. Conclusion. Using G-SPECT method before and after the therapy with hyperbaric oxygenation and erythopoietine we obtained objective improvement and good therapy effects in the treatment of chronic heart insufficiency.
Clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in patients with carcinoma of the mouth floor and tongue
Authors: Brocic Miroslav , Kozomara Ruzica , Cerovic Snezana , Jovic Nebojsa , Vukelic-Markovic Slobodanka , Stosic Srboljub
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Although there are several types of malignant oral cancers, more than 90% of all diagnosed oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Angiogenesis is a cascade-like mechanism which is essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in OSCC and its effect on clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis is of major interest. So far researches have shown that increased expression of this gene, in other words enhanced synthesis of this protein (VEGF), independently on other factors, increases a chance for local relapse, and distant metastasis. Consequently, patients with OSCC have poor disease-free survival, as well as poor overall survival. The aim of the study was to determine clinical significance of VEGF expression in patients with stage II and III OSCC. Methods. This retrospective study analyzed 40 patients who had been operated for OSCC of their tongue and the mouth floor. Of these patients, some had stage II and III OSCC with histological grade, G1-G3 and nuclear grade Ng1-Ng3. Two high quality tissue samples were obtained and immunohistochemical expression of VEGF was quantitatively determined by using high microscope amplification. The value of VEGF expression of 20% was rated as significant expression, whereas tumor cells reactivation less than 20% was considered very low or no expression at all. The patients were followed up for a 3-year period. Results. The obtained results showed that 11 (17.5%) patients had VEGF expression less than 20% and 29 (82.5%) above 20%. A statistical significance was immanent with positive nodal status (p < 0.05) and disease stage (p < 0.05). No statistical correlation was found between the level of VEGF expression and histological and nuclear grade, tumor size, disease relapse or patients overall survival. Conclusion. In spite the controversy about the prognostic relevance of VEGF our results as well as the results of previous studies, suggest that the expression of VEGF is not reliable as a clinical parameter for the prognosis and disease outcome but it is one of the important factors for the disease progression.
Significance of ligature of early detected insufficient perforated lower extremities veins as a cause of the varicous syndrome
Authors: Sekulovic Leposava , Sekulovic Slobodan , Kronja Goran
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Perforated veins (PV) connect surface and deep veins net. Insufficient perforated veins (IPV) are considered to be one of the causes of the venous stasis syndrome. Ligating IPV removes increased pressure transmission from the deep veins to the surface veins system and prevents the occurrence of varicosis, as well. The aim of the study was to determine surface veins diameters prior and after the surgical operation on IPV, and to confirm good results of the treatment with this method in removing causes of the surface veins varicosis. Methods. The study included 30 patients of both sexes (25 males and 5 females), mean age 30.10 ? 10.24 years. The patients were classified in accordance with CEAP (clinical severity, etiology or cause, anatomy, pathophysiology) classification as those with the initial varicous syndrome based on IPV. Any of the patients were submitted to color Doppler echophlebography. In case of diameter ? 3.5 mm PV were marked as IPV. All of the IPV were divided into two groups, the group I being with ostium in the stem of Vena Saphena Magna (VSM) or Vena Saphena Parva (VSP), while the group II was with ostium in the venous tributors. VSM and VSP diameters at the level of IPV ostium, bellow and above (1 cm) the ostium were measured prior to IPV ligature, and 30 days after the surgical intervention. Results. Comparing the results the highest ligature effects were shown at the level of IPV ostium in the stem of VSM and VSP of both groups (p < 0.0001) with the highest diameter reduction. There was a smaller reduction of diameter in the proximal and distal segment of ostium in the group I, while there was no diameter change in the distal segment of ostium in the group II. Conclusion. Saphenous stem diameter reduction at the level of ostium, proximally and distally of the confluence, confirms the significance of IPV ligature before pronounced varicosis appears.
The relationship between C-reactive protein and subclinical carotid arteriosclerosis in military pilots
Authors: Jovelic Aleksandra , Radjen Slavica , Hajdukovic Zoran , Canji Tibor
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Inflammation plays a key role in the physiopathology of arteriosclerosis. C-reactive protein (CRP) and common carotid artery intima-media thickness are independent predictors of cardiovascular events and diabetes mellitus in apparently healthy men, but relationship between them is not fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to assess the cross-sectional relationship between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors with common carotid artery intima-media thickness in military pilots as representatives of healthy men. Methods. We studied 161 military pilots (age 38 ? 6 years) free of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Traditional and metabolic risk factors were determined. Plasma CRP was measured by immunonephelometry. The common carotid artery intima-media thickness was measured by ultrasonography in the posterior wall of both common carotid arteries. Results. A total of 66.5% subjects had common carotid artery intima-media thickness > 0.9 mm (p < 0.01). The mean CRP plasma concentration was significantly higher in the subjects with common carotid artery intima- media thickness > 0.9 mm than in those with common carotid artery intima-media thickness ? 0.9 mm. In a simple regression analysis age adjusted CRP was associated with common carotid artery intima-media thickness (? = 0.285, p < 0.01), and only high density lipoprotein cholesterol was not associated with common carotid artery intima-media thickness. The association between CRP and common carotid artery intima-media thickness remained highly significant after controlling for body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin and smoking (p < 0.01). Controlling for glucose, triglycerides to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio resulted in some reduction in the strength of the association, but including waist circumference in the regression made the relationship no longer significant (p = 0.119). Body mass index (? = 0.352; p < 0.01), total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (? = 0.334; p < 0.01) and age (? = 0.190; p = 0.036) were the independent predictors of common carotid artery intima-media thickness. Conclusions. In the studied group of healthy men CRP per se is not an independent predictor of early arteriosclerosis, and may mediate the effect of certain traditional risk factors, especially visceral obesity, on promoting aterogenesis.
Ursodeoxycholic acid for treatment of cholestasis in patients with hepatic amyloidosis
Authors: Faust Dominik , Akoglu Bora , Ristic Gordana , Milovic Vladan
Published: December 2010

Background. Amyloidosis represents a group of different diseases characterized by extracellular accumulation of pathologic fibrillar proteins in various tissues and organs. Severe amyloid deposition in the liver parenchyma has extrahepatic involvement predominantly in the kidney or heart. We evaluated the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid, in four patients with severe hepatic amyloidosis of different etiologies, who presented with increased alkaline phosphatase and ?-glutamyl transferase. Case report. The study included four patients who presented with amyloidosis-associated intrahepatic cholestasis. Three of them had renal amyloidosis which developed 1-3 years before cholestasis occurred, the remaining one having intrahepatic cholestasis as the primary sign of the disease. Amyloidosis was identified from liver biopsies in all patients by its specific binding to Congo red and green birefringence in polarized light. The biochemical nature and the class of amyloid deposits were identified immunohistochemically. In addition to their regular treatment, the patients received 750 mg ursodeoxycholic acid per day. After 2-4 weeks all patients had a significant decrease of serum alkaline phosphatase and ?-glutamyl transferase, and their general status significantly improved. Conclusion. Treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid may be beneficial in patients with hepatic amyloidosis, and do extend indications for the use of ursodeoxycholic acid in amyloidotic cholestatic liver disease.
Adaptation of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) index for measuring impact of oral health on quality of life in elderly to Serbian language
Authors: Stancic Ivica , Tihacek-Sojic Ljiljana , Jelenkovic Aleksandra
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. There is an evidence of increasing necessity to use indices for measuring impact of oral health on the elderly life quality for the purposes of the state-of-the art clinical dental practice. It is at least because data obtained in that way suggest whether a treatment is required, help in deciding upon a kind of dental treatment, as well as in evaluating the extent of success of the applied therapeutical procedures. The aim of the study was to translate into Serbian the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) index and to assess its validity in practice as its initial verification in the Serbian speaking areas. Methods. The OHIP-14 index was translated into Serbian and check-up of its easy-to-understand done in a group of 30 common elderly (above 65 years of age) with a total or partial prosthetic restoration. The study individuals did not fill in a questionnaire by themselves, instead the questions were put orally. If needed, additional explanations were given with no any suggesting a possible answer. Results. Considering the given answers and the shown need for additional explanations to some questions indicated that the question number 5 in the OHIP-14, namely 'Have you been selfconscious because of your mouth or dentures?' (Serbian, 'Da li ste bili samosvesni usled problema sa Vasim ustima i protezama?') cannot be adequately translated into Serbian because even 28 (93.3%) of the tested individuals were not able to understand it inspite the given explanations. Other questions were well understood, thus allowing to use the answers to them as score for a certain discomfort. Of all the tested, 13 (43%) denied any psychosocial disorders or experienced them only rarely, while 60% of the tested answered affirmately to the question 'Do you consider your life generally less satisfactory due to the problems induced by teeth and dentures?' pointing out a significant impact of oral health condition on the quality of life. Conclusion. The OHIP-14 index renders valuable and dependable data on the quality of life of elderly with dentures, thus it is favorable to use it in practice. Due to difficulties in understanding the question number 5, however, it was omitted off the final Serbian language version. Anyhow, its validity in a more numerous test group should be evaluated, as well as other indices introduced into Serbian speaking area to let a comparison made and the most suitable questionnaire used.
Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of thermophilic campylobacters isolated from patients in the town of Nis
Authors: Miljkovic-Selimovic Biljana , Babic Tatjana , Kocic Branislava , Ristic Ljiljana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. In some clinical forms of human Campylobacter infections, such as prolonged diarrhea or associated with postinfections sequels, antibacterial treatment is necessary. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter strains isolated from patients with diarrhea, as well as from patients with diarrhea followed by postinfections sequels, to drugs used in the therapy of enterocolitis, and to nalidixic acid used in laboratory identification and differentiation of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. Methods. We studied the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of 131 Campylobacter strains isolated from patients with diarrhea (122 strains), diarrhea associated with rheumatic disorders (8 strains), and one strain isolated from a patient with Guillain-Barr? Syndrome following Campylobacter enterocolitis. Susceptibility testing to erythromycin, gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid was performed by the agar dilution method. Results. In the strains we investigated, resistance to gentamicin and chloramphenicol was not recorded, whereas a low rate of strains resistant to erythromycin (2.4%), a higher prevalence of strains resistant to tetracycline (9.9%), and a high level of resistance to ciprofloxacin (29.8%) and nalidixic acid (33.3%) were registered. All strains resistant to nalidixic acid were also resistant to ciprofloxacin. In addition, there was no difference in the occurrence of resistance between strains isolated from patients with diarrhea as compared to those isolated from patients with diarrhea followed by postinfection disorders. Conclusion. The fact that the most of Campylobacter strains were sensitive to erythromycin and all to gentamicin, makes erythromycin an antibiotic of choice in the treatment of Campylobacter diarrhea and gentamicin when parenteral therapy should be administered. Resistance to tetracycline and, especially, ciprofloxacin, necessitates antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Comparative analysis of lower extremities tissue perfusion by the use of perfusion scintigraphy method after hyperbaric oxygenation and lumbar sympathectomy
Authors: Zoranovic Uros , Jevtic Miodrag , Jovanovic Milan , Pucar Dragan , Cizmic Milica
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Lumbar syphatectomy (LS) increases pheripheral blood flow primarily by the arteriolar vasodilatation within the skin vascular net. Increase in tissue nutrition takes place only in the distal blood vessels of the skin. Nevertheless, in some patients sympathectomy brings about improvement in ischemic ulcerations healing. Hyperbaric oxigenation (HBO) is a medical treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen under pressure higher than atmospheric implemented in special units allowing the whole body be in a chamber. The aim of the study was to determine efficacy of the applied therapies for the treatment of inoperable occlusive lower extremities (LE) arteries diseases according to the obtained results. Methods. The study included 30 patients divided into two groups (15 patients each) in which stenosis level of the lower extremities arteries had been determined using aortography due to further treatment with HBO and LS. All the patients were clinically examined, their objective condition evaluation based on claudication distance, pain in rest, skin and skin adnexa atrophy, and temperature and LE functionality, as well as exposed to perfusion scintigraphy prior to the treatment and within 30 days after the treatment finishing. Results. Analyzing patients' status prior to and after the treatments applied the number of patients with obvious improvement was higher in those treated by HBO than those treated by LS. Measuring claudication distance revealed significantly greater changes in patients treated by HBO (from 178.57 m to 754.76 m) than in those treated by LS (from 229 m to 253 m). Other clinical symptoms, such as parasthesia, status of the skin adnexes (hair, nails), skin colour and temperature were also improved after the treatment by HBO. Conclusion. The results obatined in this study confirm the advantages of HBO over LS in therapy of inoperable occlusive LE disease, so LS could be definitely abandoned as a choice for treating such disease.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Tarabar Olivera , Tukic Ljiljana , Stamatovic Dragana , Balint Bela , Elez Marija , Ostojic Gordana , Tatomirovic Zeljka , Marjanovic Slobodan
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantacion (ASCT) has shown to produce long-term disease-free survival in patients with chemotherapysensitive Hodgkin disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of ASCT in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease. Methods. Between May 1997 and September 2008, 34 patients with Hodgkin's disease in median age of 25 (range 16-60) years, underwent ASCT. Autologous SCT were performed as consolidation therapy in one poor-risk patients with complete response (CR) and in 10 patients in partial remission (PR) after induction chemotherapy (32.5%), for chemosensitive relapse (CSR 1 and CSR 2) in 47% patients and in 20.5% patients with chemoresistant disease (CRD). All except one patient were in stage III/IV, extranodal site of disease had 24 patients and bulky disease had l0 patients. All the patients received a uniform preparatory regimen (BEAM). Results. An overall response was achieved in 30 of 32 evaluated patients, with 62.5% in CR and 31.25% in PR. After applying radiotherapy, two patients with PR after ASCT reached CR. Median follow-up was 15.5 months (range 3-133 months). The probability of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) at a 3-year period for all patients was 51.9 % and 48.9%, respectively. For 22 patients in CR after ASCT, a 3-year DFS was 66.5%. Estimates of 2.5-year survival were 14.3%, 61.9% and 100% for CRD, CSR and for patients with CR/PR, respectively (p < 0.01). However, when patients undergoing consolidation were analyzed separately from those in CSR, no significant difference in OS and PFS was observed according to the disease status at ASCT. In univariate analysis for OS, PFS i DFS, extranodal site of disease and disease bulk had no predictive value. Twelve patients died. The main cause of death was Hodgkin's disease. Transplant-related mortality was 3.1%. One patient with CRD developed secondary acute myeloid leukemia and died 28 months after the transplantation. Conclusion. Autologous SCT is efficient as consolidation therapy in high-risk patients and in chemosensitive relapse, but it has no benefit in patients with chemoresistant disease.
Most common mistakes in measuring intraocular pressure
Authors: Markovic Vujica , Marjanovic Ivan , Krstic Vera , Kovacevic Dragana , Radovic Nada , Gvojic Alisa , Jovanovic Svetlana
Published: December 2010

 Zlatni standard za merenje IOP je tehnika GAT koja je tacna, ali ne i potpuno precizna, tako da ce se u cilju dobijanja sto preciznijih vrednosti IOP morati koristiti i druge tonometrijske tehnike.
Middle turbinate angiofibroma in an elderly woman
Authors: Peric Aleksandar , Baletic Nenad , Cerovic Snezana , Vukomanovic-Djurdjevic Biserka
Published: December 2010

Background. Angiofibromas are histologically benign vascular tumors, originating from the nasopharynx, near by the area of sphenopalatine foramen. These neoplasms occur typically in male adolescents. Reports of primary extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas have appeared sporadically in the literature in English. We present the first case of an elderly woman with tumor arising from the middle turbinate, diagnosed as angiofibroma. Case report. A 63-year-old female presented with left-sided nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Endoscopic evaluation revealed a polypoid mass arising from the anteroinferior portion of the left middle turbinate. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a soft-tissue opacity that filled the anterior part of the left nasal cavity. After the endoscopic excision of the mass, postoperative pathohistological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of an angiofibroma. Two years later, the patient was free of symptoms and without endoscopic evidence of recurrence. Conclusion. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas arising from the nasal cavity are extremely rare tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis is very important in all doubtful cases, especially in those with atypical location.
Frequency of uterine rupture at delivery and accompanying risks for the mother and the newborn
Authors: Cutura Nedjo , Soldo Vesna , Curkovic Aleksandar
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Uterine rupture at delivery is a severe life threatening complication for both matter and the newborn. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of total number uterine rupture within the deliveries, to perceive circumstances and causes that lead to rupture, to establish perinatal and maternal mortality and to present our therapeutic procedure. Methods. In the group of 37 ruptures at 59 660 deliveries from the period 1991-2000 included in this retrospective study we analyzed age, level of education, gestational age, parity, previous caesarian section and other operations on uterus, time of diagnosing rupture, grade and place of rupture, use of Syntocinon and Prostaglandin at delivery, perinatal and maternal mortality, as well as therapeutic procedures at rupture that occurred. Results. The highest influence on uterine rupture in our group had been exerted by previous caesarian section and myomectomy in relation 33 : 4. Incomplete uterine ruptures were more frequent, 26 (70.27%), in relation to complete ones, 11 (29.75%). The most frequent place of uterine rupture was the front wall, 34 (91.89%), two ruptures occurred on the fundus and one on the back wall. The most frequently applied therapeutic procedures were rupture suture in 31 (83.78%) cases, and in six (l6.22%) cases hysterectomy. Perinatal mortality was three times higher than average (17.78?) in that period and was 51.28?. Conclusion. We emphasize that rupture frequency in the total number of deliveries was one rupture at 1 612 deliveries, whereas rupture frequency on the intact uterus was 1 : 17 269, and frequency of uterine rupture after caesarian section was one rupture at 245 deliveries. Our research as well as researches of other authors, showed that a previous caesarian section is the most frequent cause for the occurrence of uterine rupture. Therefore, caesarian section should be avoided whenever possible, not just because of a potential rupture, but also because of more frequent hysterectomy that interrupts woman's reproductive ability.
Quality of life assessment in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kisic-Tepavcevic Darija , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Drulovic Jelena
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of central nervous system. The main physiopatological feature of MS is demyelination. Multiple sclerosis is one of three most common causes of severe disability in youngest people. In patients with MS, apart from complete psychophysical status and objective neurologic status, a subjective perception of symptoms and signs, known as quality of life, must be considered, too. The aim of this study was to estimate a health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate the correlations between scores of HRQoL and selected demographic and clinical parameters. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed in patients meeting following inclusion criteria: MS diagnosis (McDonald's criteria), age 18-60 years, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) < 8, and written informed consent. Exclusion criteria were exacerbation of MS in the last month, any preexisting major chronic illness and/or psychiatric disorders and antidepressive and/or corticosteroid therapy in the last month. The quality of life was measured by a disease specific instrument, MSQoL-54 (The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life). The neurological impairment was assessed using the Expended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Mini Mental Scale (MMS). The presence and severity of depression was estimated by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). The presence and severity of fatigue was assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results. The higher HRQoL score was registered for mental health (56.3 ? 19.5) than for physical one(51.3 ? 17.9), which means that physical disability had more important influence on quality of life deterioration comparing to mental health. The highest values of HRQoL were observed in domains of Cognitive Functioning (77.4 ? 22.5) and Pain (75.7 ? 25.5). The lowest scores of HRQoL were registered in domains of Role Limitations due to Physical Problems (32.5 ? 42.0) and Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems (44.6 ? 47.8). HRQoL scores statistically significantly correlated with natural history of MS, duration of diseases, employment and marriage status of participants. Deterioration in quality of life scores in the most of MSQoL-54 scales and subscales statistically significantly correlated with the presence and severity of physical disability, depression status and fatigue in patients with MS. Conclusion. This study showed that different demographic and clinical parameters had a major influence on HRQoL impairment in the sample of patients with MS.
Modern visualization techniques in brain functions estimation
Authors: Ristic Sinisa , Kozomara Ruzica , Medenica Snjezana , Rajkovaca Zvezdana
Published: December 2010

 Prezentovana dostignuca u istrazivanju mozdanih funkcija potvrdjuju ekspanziju uspesnih neuroradioloskih tehnika, ali su istovremeno i izazov da se razvijaju savrsenije tehnike kojima bi se mozdana aktivnost jos jasnije osvetlila.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia as dominant and life-threatening symptom in dermatomyositis
Authors: Djakovic Zorana , Vesic Sonja , Tomovic Maja , Vukovic Jelena
Published: December 2010

Background. Dysphagia can be a serious problem in patients with inflammatory myopathies. It may be associated with nutritional deficit, aspiration pneumonia, and poor prognosis. Case report. We presented a 60-year-old male, suffering from difficulty in swallowing, pain and weaknes in the proximal parts of his extremities, and skin manifestation. Laboratory findings showed increased creatine kinase and aldolase. Antinuclear antibodies to HEP-2 subtrate revealed titer of 1:40. Electromyoneurography demonstrated evidence of a proximal myopathy. A muscle biopsy revealed myositis. The baruim swallow test was remarkable for regurgitation, and nasal emerging of barium. Nuclear magnetic resonance images of cranium was normal. Tumor markers CEA, and Ca 19-9 were increased. A dose of 1 mg daily prednisolone was administered and percutaneous enteral feeding was performed. Two months later, the patient developed febrile state, aspiration pneumonia, and died due to respiratory failure. Conclusion. In cases of dermatomyositis with the serious dysphagia, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy should be performed as soon as possible. Owerall survival rate is low, even with an adequate therapy administration. Inflammatory myopathies should be considered in any patient with oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Association between obesity and socioeconomic factors and lifestyle
Authors: Grujic Vera , Martinov-Cvejin Mirjana , Ac-Nikolic Erzebet , Dragnic Natasa , Mijatovic-Jovanovic Vesna , Kvrgic Svetlana , Travar Sonja
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and it is a manifestation of the epidemics of a sedentary lifestyle and excessive energy intake. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the population of the Province of Vojvodina, Serbia, and to examine the association between obesity and socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study conducted in the Province of Vojvodina in 2006 involved 3 854 participants aged 20 years and over (1 831 men and 2 023 women). The study was a countinuation of the baseline study conducted in 2000 (n = 2 840, 1 255 men and 1 585 women). The main outcome measures were overweight and obesity (Body Mass Index - BMI ? 25 kg/m2), sociodemographic factors, including nutrition habits - having breakfast everyday and television watching frequency. Results. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in both sexes in 2006 was 57.4% (35.7% were overweight and 21.7% obese). The prevalence of overweight was higher in men (41.1%) than in women (30.9%) (p < 0.001) while obesity was higher in women (23.1%) as compared to men (20.2%) (p = 0.035). For both sexes, overweight rates were highest at the age 60-69 (men 44.8% and women 39.1%) while obesity rates were peaked to men aged 50-59 (25.1%) and women aged 60-69 years (37.8%). Increasing ageing, males, rural population, single examinees, lower educational level, improved income, examinees that never/sometimes have breakfast and frequently watch TV were associated with obesity. Conclusions. The population of Vojvodina, with 23.1% obese women and 20.2% obese men is one of severely affected European populations. High prevalence of obesity requires urgent public health action. Healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition with low energy intake and increased physical activity have to be promoted within a prevention strategy and obesity management.