bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to the Mass Media, Body Shape Concerns, and Use of Supplements to Improve Weight and Shape Among Male and Female Adolescents
Authors: Field Alison E. , Austin S. Bryn , Camargo Carlos A. , Taylor C. Barr , Striegel-Moore Ruth H. , Loud Keith J. , Colditz Graham A.
Published: August 2005

Objective. To assess the prevalence and correlates of products used to improve weight and shape among male and female adolescents.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 6212 girls and 4237 boys who were 12 to 18 years of age and enrolled in the ongoing Growing Up Today Study. The outcome measure was at least weekly use of any of the following products to improve appearance, muscle mass, or strength: protein powder or shakes, creatine, amino acids/hydroxy methylbutyrate (HMB), dehydroepiandrosterone, growth hormone, or anabolic/injectable steroids.

Results. Approximately 4.7% of the boys and 1.6% of the girls used protein powder or shakes, creatine, amino acids/HMB, dehydroepiandrosterone, growth hormone, or anabolic/injectable steroids at least weekly to improve appearance or strength. In multivariate models, boys and girls who thought a lot about wanting more defined muscles (boys: odds ratio [OR]: 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–2.2; girls: OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2–3.2) or were trying to gain weight (boys: OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 2.0–4.6; girls: OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.6–11.4) were more likely than their peers to use these products. In addition, boys who read men’s, fashion, or health/fitness magazines (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.9) and girls who were trying to look like women in the media (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4–4.0) were significantly more likely than their peers to use products to improve appearance or strength, but hours per week watching television, watching sports on television, and participation in team sports were not independently associated with using products to improve appearance or muscle mass.

Conclusions. Girls and boys who frequently thought about wanting toned or well-defined muscles were at increased risk for using potentially unhealthful products to enhance their physique. These results suggest that just as girls may resort to unhealthful means to achieve a low body weight, girls and boys may also resort to unhealthful means to achieve other desired physiques.
Unworried Parents of Well Children: A Look at Uninsured Children Who Reportedly Do Not Need Health Insurance
Authors: Blumberg Stephen J. , O'Connor Kathleen S. , Kenney Genevieve
Published: August 2005

Objectives. We examined the characteristics of uninsured children from low-income households whose parents reported that health insurance coverage was not needed.

Methods. With data from the 2001 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs, we used logistic-regression analyses to investigate the odds of reporting that uninsured children do not need insurance for various sociodemographic groups and children of varying health status. We also explored the odds of health care use, awareness of Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and desire to enroll according to the reported need for insurance.

Results. Parents of 6.8% of uninsured children from low-income households reported that their children did not need insurance. Rates were highest for American Indian/Alaska Native children (15.2%) and children whose parents completed the interview in a non-English language (10.6%). Rates were lowest for children with special health care needs (2.8%) and children with ≥7 school absences attributable to illness or injury in the past year (2.6%). Relative to children with another reason for lacking insurance, children who reportedly did not need insurance were less likely to have needed (adjusted odds ratio: 0.49) or used (adjusted odds ratio: 0.45) health care services in the past year and their parents were less likely to have heard of Medicaid or SCHIP (adjusted odds ratio: 0.58) or to have a desire to enroll their children if their children were eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP (adjusted odds ratio: 0.25).

Conclusions. Increasing participation among uninsured children whose parents do not perceive a need for insurance coverage may require more than simply increasing knowledge about the availability of public insurance programs.
Leadership Trends in Academic Pediatric Departments
Authors: Stapleton F. Bruder , Jones Douglas , Fiser Debra H.
Published: August 2005

Objective. To examine recent turnover trends among chairs of academic pediatric departments.

Methods. Membership data for the 150 institutions represented by the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico were reviewed for the time period of 1993–2003.

Results. From 1993 to 2003, 278 individuals (250 men and 28 women) held the position of chair. The mean time of service was 5.58 ± 3.2 years (median: 5 years). Twenty-nine individuals served continuously as chairs during the 11-year period. Seventy-two individuals served as interim chairs. Twenty-eight women were appointed either chairs or interim chairs during the 11 years. The number of female chairs decreased from 13 in 1993 to 11 in 2003. Female chairs were in office 3.42 ± 2.72 years. A total of 123 departments had a change in leadership, with a mean annual turnover rate of 17% (range: 4.6–24%). Three departments had 5 different leaders as either interim chair or chair and 6 departments had 4 different leaders during this time period. Neonatology was the most common subspecialty represented by recent pediatric chairs, although nephrology was the subspecialty with the greatest proportional representation.

Conclusions. Departments of pediatrics have high turnover of leadership. Women, in particular, serve for relatively short periods and appear to be under-represented within the leadership of pediatrics. Efforts should be made to ascertain personal qualities that allow sustained leadership and to attract more women into leadership positions.
Late Neurologic and Cognitive Sequelae of Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury in Infancy
Authors: Barlow Karen M. , Thomson Elaine , Johnson David , Minns Robert A.
Published: August 2005

Objective. There is limited information regarding the long-term outcome of inflicted traumatic brain injury (TBI), including shaken infant syndrome. The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term neurologic, behavioral, and cognitive sequelae seen in this population.

Methods. A cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal study was conducted of 25 children with inflicted TBI in Scotland between 1980 and 1999. After consent was obtained, neurologic and cognitive examinations were performed on all participants and sequentially in the prospective cohort. Two global outcome measures were used: Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) and Seshia’s outcome score. Cognitive outcome was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, British Ability Scales, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.

Results. The mean length of follow-up was 59 months. A total of 68% of survivors were abnormal on follow-up, 36% had severe difficulties and were totally dependant, 16% had moderate difficulties, and 16% had mild difficulties on follow-up. A wide range of neurologic sequelae were seen, including motor deficits (60%), visual deficits (48%), epilepsy (20%), speech and language abnormalities (64%), and behavioral problems (52%). There was a wide range of cognitive abilities: the mean psychomotor index, 69.9 (SD: ±25.73); and mean mental development index, 74.53 (SD: ±28.55). Adaptive functioning showed a wide range of difficulties across all domains: communication domain (mean: 76.1; SD: ±25.4), Daily living skills domain (mean: 76.9; SD: ±24.3), and socialization domain (mean: 79.1; SD: ±23.1). Outcome was found to correlate with the Pediatric Trauma Score and the Glasgow Coma Score but did not correlate with age at injury or mechanism of injury.

Conclusions. Inflicted TBI has a very poor prognosis and correlates with severity of injury. Extended follow-up is necessary so as not to underestimate problems such as specific learning difficulties and attentional and memory problems that may become apparent only once the child is in school. Behavioral problems are present in 52% and begin to manifest clinically between the second and third years of life, although the consequences of frontal lobe injury may be underestimated unless follow-up is extended into adolescence and early adulthood.
Phosphorus Response Components of Different Brassica oleracea Genotypes Are Reproducible in Different Environments
Authors: Greenwood D. J. , Stellacci A. M. , Meacham M. C. , Broadley M. R. , White P. J.
Published: August 2005

Better criteria for selecting cultivars for their ability to grow well on low‐P soils could reduce waste of fertilizer P. The objective of this study was to quantify and determine the reproducibility of two crop parameters (A and Km) responsible for differences in the response of 12 Brassica oleracea L. genotypes to P supply. Modified Michaelis–Menten equations were fitted to shoot dry weight responses to P supply for each genotype in each of three glasshouse and three field experiments. One of the fitted parameters (A) defined the maximum shoot dry weight that could be obtained with ample P, and the other (Km) defined the efficiency of root P‐uptake as the concentration of extractable soil P in the rooting medium at which growth was half the maximum. The equations fitted the data well. Ranking and regression analyses showed that intergenotypic differences in A were considerable, and reproducible, but that differences in Km were small. Thus, B. oleracea genotypes yielding most on a P‐sufficient soil will also yield most on a P‐deficient soil. However, both the maximum yield (A) and the efficiency of root‐P uptake (Km) vary considerably between different vegetable crops. Thus, a graphical procedure to select crops for highest yields on low‐P soils, on the basis of a comparison of A and Km values, is described.
Evolution of Genome Size in the Grasses
Authors: Caetano-Anollés Gustavo
Published: August 2005

The grasses (Poaceae) exhibit marked conservation of gene content and order (synteny and colinearity), a feature that promises the extension of genomic information from one grass species to another using a unified comparative approach. Grasses also show striking differences in the size of their genomes. Since this complicates the treatment of the grass family as a model genetic system, there is need to better understand the patterns and processes that drive genome size evolution. This requires knowledge of phylogenetic relationships, especially deep branching patterns that unify the grass subfamilies. In this study, a phylogeny of 66 grass species with known genome size, most of them diploid, was assembled. The phylogeny described relationships integrated from shared and derived characteristics in molecular and morphological data and the branching order of basal lineages recently inferred from RNA structure and large‐scale chromosomal rearrangements. Evolutionary changes in genome size that exclude the effect of polyploidization were traced along the branches of the tree using parsimony methods of character state reconstruction. Most levels of change did not exceed twofold, and few exceeded threefold. The frequency of changes in genome size appears to decrease exponentially with the magnitude of change. The ratio of increases‐to‐decreases in genome size increased in the order Ehrhartoideae, PACCAD (panicoids, arundinoids, chloridoids, centothecoids, aristidoids, and danthonioids), and Pooideae clades. However, there were clear patterns of increase and decrease in all major clades, and notable genome size changes in the Pooideae and Chloridoideae subfamilies. This shows different tendencies in genome size diversification in these major grass lineages. Depending on the tracing method, the genome of the ancestor of the grass family had 3.0 to 5.2 pg DNA per 2C nucleus. Results extend early proposals that suggest genome size has both increased and decreased along grass lineages, and show that different models of character evolution imparted different frequencies and levels of change along the branches of the trees.
Characterization of Barley Tissue‐Ubiquitous β‐Amylase2 and Effects of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on the Enzyme's Thermostability
Authors: Clark Suzanne E. , Hayes Patrick M. , Henson Cynthia A.
Published: August 2005

There are two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) β‐amylase genes encoding important starch‐degrading enzymes. The endosperm‐specific β‐amylase (Bmy1), the more abundant isozyme in cereal seeds, has been thoroughly characterized. The lesser abundant β‐amylase2 (Bmy2) has not been biochemically characterized from any cereal seeds. Characterization of Bmy2 from two commonly grown barley cultivars, Morex and Steptoe, was a major objective of this study. The bmy2 cDNAs were sequenced, expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzymes (rBmy2) characterized. The relative hydrolysis rates of various α‐D‐glucans and the pH activity optima of Morex and Steptoe rBmy2s were the same and not significantly different from barley rBmy1. The Morex rBmy2 was 7°C more thermostable than the Steptoe rBmy2, determined by differences in their T50 values, and is more thermostable than any reported wild‐type β‐amylase1. Three amino acid differences were identified between the two Bmy2 sequences and the contributions to enzyme thermostability evaluated by site‐directed mutagenesis. Examination of mutant enzymes with one amino acid substitution revealed that each of the three residues contributed ≈3°C to the thermostability of the Morex wild‐type rBmy2. Mutant enzymes with two amino acid substitutions contributed ≈5.6°C, and the triple amino acid mutant enzyme contributed ≈8.7°C to thermostability. To date, no quantitative trait loci (QTL) for malting quality traits have been associated with the bmy2 locus. Should an association be discovered, the Morex bmy2 allele, containing D238, M337, and Q362, provides a discrete signature of a thermostable β‐amylase2 that could be targeted for marker assisted selection.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Conditioning Resistance to Fusarium Root Rot in Common Bean
Authors: Román-Avilés Belinda , Kelly James D.
Published: August 2005

Fusarium root rot [caused by the soil borne pathogenFusarium solani(Mart.) Appel & Wr. f. sp.phaseoli(Burk.) Snyd. & Hans.] is a major constraint to common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) production worldwide. The objectives of this study were to transfer Fusarium root rot resistance from small‐seeded Middle American black bean into highly susceptible large‐seeded Andean kidney and cranberry bean genotypes and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Fusarium root rot resistance in common bean. Two inbred backcross line (IBL) populations, developed from crosses between small‐seeded resistant and large‐seeded genotypes, were evaluated for reaction to root rot during 2 yr in field and greenhouse experiments. Significant genetic variation that displayed continuous transgressive segregation toward root rot susceptibility confirmed the quantitative nature of resistance. Highly significant treatment‐by‐environmental effects were observed. Narrow‐sense heritabilityh2Nestimates for resistance ranged from 0.10 to 0.51 for the kidney and from 0.20 to 0.82 for the cranberry IBL populations. Nine QTL significantly associated with Fusarium root rot resistance in the field and greenhouse, explained from 5 to 53% of the total phenotypic variability. The QTL associated with root rot resistance were located on linkage groups (LGs) B2 and B5 of the integrated bean map close to previously identified QTL for resistance on B2. On the basis of a linear regression model, a combination of five markers associated with QTL on two different LGs accounted for 73% of the phenotypic variation for root rot resistance. Data from the current study provides breeders the opportunity to combine, through marker‐assisted backcrossing, large‐effect QTL identified on different LGs to enhance root rot resistance in Andean germplasm of common bean.
Some metabolic and endocrine consequences in portacaval-shunted rats
Authors: Radosavljevic Tatjana , Todorovic Vera , Sikic Branka , Nikolic-Judith Anna
Published: August 2005

Some metabolic and endocrine consequences of portacaval shunt were examined in rats eight weeks after the operation. Plasma levels of insulin, glucagon somatostatin, such as pancreatic content of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Numerous biochemical parameters, such as the concentration of serum ammonia, transaminase (AST and ALT), urea bilirubin, total plasma protein and plasma albumin levels were determined by standard biochemical tests. Normal plasma levels of insulin and somatostatin hyperglucagonaemia were observed in rats with portacaval shunt. After portacaval shunt there was a highly significant increase (p<0.01) in levels of blood ammonia, AST and ALT. Serum fasting glucose levels were significantly lower in portacaval shunt rats (p<0.01) in comparison to controls and sham operated rats. We conclude that the metabolic and endocrine consequences of portacaval shunt in rats are probably related to the functional deterioration of the liver due to diversion of the portal blood in systemic circulation.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors prevents quinolinic acid-induced neurotoxicity: the role of nitric oxide and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in cell death
Authors: Maksimovic Ivana , Jovanovic Marina , Colic Miodrag , Micic Dejan , Mihajlovic Rosa , Selakovic Vesna
Published: August 2005

In the present study we employed Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, non-specific potent nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, 7-nitroindazole, reportedly to investigate the possible involvement of nitric oxide in quinolinic acid-induced striatal toxicity in the rat. Quinolinic acid was administered unilaterally into striatum of adult Wistar rats in the single dose of 150 nmol/L. The other two group of animals were pretreated with Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and 7-nitroindazole respectively. Control groups of animals were treated with 0,154 mmol/L saline solution likewise. Nitrite levels was decreased in the ipsi- and contralateral striatum and forebrain cortex in the group treated with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and neurotoxin compared to quinolinic acid-treated animals. In the same structures, activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was also decreased, compared to quinolinic acid-treated animals. These results indicate that application of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, supressed nitrite accumulation and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and attenuated quinolinic acid-induced neuronal damage in the striatum and forebrain cortex.
Clinical importance of proteinuria in diagnostic strategy for kidney diseases
Authors: Petrovic Dejan , Obrenovic Radmila , Majkic-Singh Nada , Poskurica Mileta , Stojimirovic Biljana
Published: August 2005

Basal glomerular membrane represents mechanical and electrical obstacle for passing of plasma proteins. In physiological conditions only plasma proteins of low molecule weight are completely filtered through basal membrane. Due to damages of basal glomerular membrane there is increase in filtration of plasma protein of middle and high molecular weight. Depending on etiology of proteinuria it can be prerenal, renal and postrenal. By analyzing albumin a1-microglobulin, immunoglobulin G and a2-macroglobulin, together with total protein in urine, it is possible to detect and differentiate causes of prerenal, glomerular, tubular and postrenal proteinuria. The adequate and early differentiation of proteinuria is of an immense diagnostic and therapeutic importance.
Protection management of working in health laboratories
Authors: Ilic Mirka , Postic-Grujin Aleksandra , Majkic-Singh Nada
Published: August 2005

Protection management of working environment in the laboratories may be implemented only through efficient control of all laboratory hazards, which may be manifested at any time. The protection involves first of all the recognition of the hazards and is implemented by reasonable approach, good behaviour of the personnel, adequate work process in all laboatories and continuing application of good laboratory practice and techniques in the laboatory work. The responsibility for the implementation of safety measures lies primanly on the head of the laboratory i.e. employer but also on the entire personnel. Each clinical-biochemical laboratory must have an official protection programme. Besides, it is upon the employer to provide reliable laboratory procedures constant, supervision over the work of the employees, information on the manner of protection, training, protective equipment and medical protection for the personnel.
Alteration of circulating insulin-like growth factors in patients infected with bacteria helicobacter pylori or francisella tularensis
Authors: Baricevic Ivona , Nedic Olgica , Nikolic-Judith Anna , Marjanovic Slavica , Ristanovic Elizabeta , Lako Branislav
Published: August 2005

Alterations of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and -II) and their binding proteins (IGFBP) in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori or Francisella tularensis are reported in this paper. Infections were diagnosed immunochemically, by determination of specific antibodies to each bacterial species. It was shown that IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 concentrations were lower in patients with bacterial infections, while IGFBP-2 concentration increased in comparison with healthy adults. Although the effect was more pronounced in the case of H. pylori infection, statistically significant reductions of IGF-I and IGF-II were found in both groups of patients. For IGF-I p < 0.0001 and for IGF-II p = 0.037 in patients with H. pylori, while p = 0.017 and p = 0.032 in patients with F. tularensis. Alterations of the IGF system can be regarded as a combined effect of bacterial infection on immuno, gastrointestinal hepatobiliary and nutritional axes in the organism.
Pathology of cerebral ischaemia - mechanisms involved in neuronal damage
Authors: Özben Tomris
Published: August 2005

The following features of the ischaemic and postischaemic brain are the focus of interest: Development of acidosis, edema formation, calcium overload glutamate excitotoxicity, free radical formation and nitric oxide overproduction. The brain is critically dependent on its blood flow for a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose. Energy depletion has fundamental importance in the genesis of subsequent injurious events. Loss of ATP rapidly leads to a massive calcium influx and release of calcium from intracellular compartments. Extracellular concentrations of glutamate are markedly elevated in ischaemic brain tissue. Intracellular Ca2+ overload during ischemia has several deleterious consequences including the formation of reactive oxygen species. Nitrogen monoxide (NO) is an important mediator of cellular and molecular events which impacts the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ activates the enzyme NO synthase which catalyzes the synthesis of NO. NO is produced in neurons glia cells and vascular endothelium in central nervous system. Depending on its origin, its effects are varied. NO is a mediator having both neurotoxic and neuromodulator effects. Neuronal NO is the neurotoxic agent mediating glutamate toxicity and increasing acute ischaemic damage. Vascular NO as a potent vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, may be beneficial in the early stages of focal cerebral ischemia. There is increasing evidence that ischaemic brain injury secondary to arterial occlusion is characterized by acute local inflammation, which involves accumulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Overexpression of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules promotes recruitment of leukocytes in the ischaemic area.
The role of xanthine dehydrogenase / xanthine oxidase in atherogenesis in patients with hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Kundalic Slavica , Kocic Gordana , Cosic Vladan , Jevtovic-Stoimenov Tatjana , Djordjevic Vidosava
Published: August 2005

The activity of xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase has been a target of considerable interest. In the metabolic pathway of purines, XO catalyzes the oxidation of xanthine and hypoxanthine to uric acid and thereby produces reactive oxygen metabolites. It is proposed that endothelial cells are major stores of XD and its converting XO form that, during ischaemia/reperfusion injury, generates free radicals and causes direct damage to vascular endothelium, whilst the circulating XO may lead to subsequent damage to other remote organs. As hyperlipidaemia ultimately leads to endothelium damage in the blood vessel, the activity of XO was examined in patients with hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and hypertension. Given the parameter values of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, the patients were divided into groups on the basis of hyperlipoproteinaemia types according to Fredrickson. The most frequent types of HLP were IIa, IIb and IV. The activity of XO revealed a significant increase in the serum of all three patients groups, as well as in all types of HLP as compared to healthy subjects. A significant positive correlation was noticed between the activity of XO and atherogenic lipids and a negative correlation with protective HDL cholesterol. A significant decrease in XD activity was identified in patients of all three groups and in all HLP types. The activity of XD correlated inversely with atherogenic lipids and positively with HDL cholesterol. The end product of purine metabolism, uric acid showed a significant increase in the serum of all three patients groups, as well as a positive correlation with XO activity and a negative correlation with XD activity. Given the results of the study, it may be concluded that the activity of XO is a significant biochemical parameter and a marker of the extent of endothelium damage in atheromatose blood vessels, the fact that may be a novel diagnostic approach to atherogenesis and modification of hyperlipidaemia treatment in clinical practice.
Pituitary thyrotropic cells are affected by steroid hormones
Authors: Sekulic Milka
Published: August 2005

The pituitary gland is a heterogeneous tissue comprised of several hormone-secreting cells most of which are targeted by sex steroids. Our long-term studies were concentrated on the response of rat pituitary TSH cells to gonadal steroids applied to animals of different age. With this goal, we examined immunoreactive and morphometric, as well as subcellular organization of pituitary TSH cells in rats of both sexes after neonatal and perinatal estradiol-dipropionate (EDP) treatment. The results undoubtedly indicated persistent EDP-related inhibitory changes of tyrotrophs up to the adulthood. At the subcellular level, a delayed differentiation of TSH cells was noticed. Besides, a special attention has been paid to the changes in the structure of immunoreactive TSH cells of middle-aged (14-month-old) rat females, chronically treated with EDP, calcium (Ca) or a combination of EDP and Ca. Based on our results it can be concluded that both EDP and Ca act inhibiting the thyrotrophs under the applied experimental conditions.
Effects of cytokine mixtures on the expression of adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in an in vitro model of inflammation
Authors: Markovic Snezana , Griesmacher Andrea , Karimi Alireza , Müller Mathias
Published: August 2005

As an essential early event in the activation of the immune system increased adherence of circulating neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes to the microvascular endothelium is observed. This situation is followed by migration of these cells through vessel walls and their accumulation at sites of tissue injury. This process is mediated by specific cell adhesion molecules being crucial to the generation of immune and inflammatory responses. In this report we demonstrate the effects of cytokine stimulation on endothelial adhesion molecules evoked by incubating HUVECs with two specific cytokine combinations both comprising IL-2, IL-6, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, which have been selected because they are elevated in the blood during rejection and infection processes. Combination I additionally include IL-8, which is released by activated monocytes and macrophages and is suggested to be an important angiogenic mediator stimulating the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. On the other hand combination II contains the two anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 which are predominantely synthesized by Th2 cells. While IL-4 demonstrates multiple stimulatory and regulatory effects, IL-10 plays a pivotal part in the regulation of immune responses. Both cytokines block the synthesis of cytokines, such as IL-1, TNF-alpha and IL-12, which are of regulatory importance at the beginning of inflammatory processes. These cytokine mixtures are placed in the center of our studies in order to elucidate their influence on the cell surface expression of a number of adhesion molecules on HUVECs, when combined in multi-component incubation cocktails. The application of these cytokine combinations results in comparable effects significantly increasing the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of VCAM-1 slightly up-regulating ICAM-1 surface expression accompanied by the induction of E- and P-selectin expression. These adhesion molecules play pivotal parts in the process of leukocyte transmigration. The experiments reveal a strong up-regulation of these cell surface antigens under conditions mimicking inflammation. This is an essential finding stressing the importance of endothelial cells during the activation of the immune system.
Salivary carcinoembryonic antigen as an inflammatory marker
Authors: Golubovic Snezana , Jankovic Ljiljana , Movsesijan Aris , Bojic Zanka , Jankovic Miroslava
Published: August 2005

In this study we examined concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in paired saliva and serum samples from healthy individuals and patients with periodontal disease. CEA concentration was determined immunoradiometrically using highly specific anti-CEA antibodies. The salivas from periodontally healthy subjects revealed CEA concentrations with median value of 62 mg/L. Distribution of salivary CEA concentrations in patients with periodontal diseases were very broad with median values: 74 mg/L (stage I), 84 mg/L (stage II), 240 mg/L (stage III) and 412 mg/L (necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis-NUP). Analysis of the obtained values indicated statistically significant increase in salivary CEA, in subjects with periodontal diseases. Metronisadole treatment in patients with NUP leads to statistically significant decrease in salivary CEA. The results obtained suggested salivary CEA as a potential marker of the alterations of periodontium.
Protein C as diagnostic and predictive biomarker of sepsis during severe intra-abdominal infections
Authors: Karamarkovic Aleksandar , Djukic Vladimir , Stefanovic Branislav , Ilic Mirka , Popovic Nada , Vukosavljevic Dragana , Vodnik Tatjana
Published: August 2005

Severe intra-abdominal infections (IAI) with sepsis syndrome are still associated with high mortality rate (20-60%). This prospective study refers to diagnostic and prognostic importance of protein C detection during severe abdominal sepsis. We treated surgically 22 patients with severe IAI (mostly diffuse peritonitis with sepsis syndrome) vs. 15 patients with hernia repair (control group). During the study the next parameters were analyzed: Protein C, AT III, plasminogen, alpha-2 antiplasmin, HMWK, C5a, C5-B9 complements C1-inhibitor, CRP. All the evaluated parameters were different between the study and control groups, with high statistical significance (p < 0.001). The results and multivariate statistical analysis revealed the following parameters as very sensitive and important biological markers of abdominal sepsis: Protein C, AT III, HMWK, C5-B9, C1-inhibitor (p < 0.0001-0.026). The clinical difficulties of intra-abdominal sepsis are due to inherent problems of the limited clinical signs and the complexity of the distribution of infection. Inflammatory process is often well under way before the clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis are present. Early diagnosis of plasma proteolytic disturbances is, from the diagnostic and predictive point of view, very important in abdominal sepsis. According to multivariate statistical analysis protein C is the most significant diagnostic marker of sepsis during severe IAI (p < 0.0001).
Hyperdynamic circulation and serotonin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Culafic Djordje , Djukic Vladimir , Mirkovic Dusko , Karamarkovic Aleksandar
Published: August 2005

Patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension develop hyperdynamic state of circulation. Recent studies indicate that nitric oxide, prostaglandin's, endothelin-1 and serotonin are of major importance in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and other hemodynamic complications. In our study we estimated the levels of serotonin in sera and 24h urine in 20 patients with liver cirrhosis, using original solid phase extraction procedure. Concentration of serotonin in sera was ranged from 18 to 270 nmol/L and in 24h urine ranged from 97 to 238 nmol/L/24h. In comparison with reference values (determined in range from 280 ?1300 nmol/L in sera and determined in the range from 157.8?1035.4 nmol/ L/24h in urine), a significant fall of serotonin concentration in sera, and urine was noted. A statistically significant correlation between serotonin levels in sera and platelet count was found (p = 0.017). Colour Doppler ultrasonography and peroral fiberpanendoscopy was applied in the whole series to evaluate degree of portal hypertension. The average diameter of portal vein was 16 mm (SD=1.36) and mean blood flow velocity in portal vein was 12 cm/s (SD=1.12). Splenomegaly was approved in the whole group and the mean splenic craniocaudal distance was 17.75 mm (SD=1.65). Esophageal varices grade I?II were detected in 8 (40%) of our patients and reamaining 12 (60%) were grade III?IV. In cirrhotic liver, the spleen congestion, result from platelet degradation. Serotonin, release in to spleen sinusoidal spaces, induces strong vasoconstriction response in portal venous circulation, which contributes to maintain portal hypertension. However, we consider that the decrease of serotonin levels in sera lead to development of hyperdynamic state of circulation.
Clinical significance of measurement of interleukin 4 and interleukin 5 serum concentrations in bronchial asthma
Authors: Bogic Mirjana , Savic Nevena , Jovicic Zikica , Spiric-Tomic Vesna , Popadic-Peric Aleksandra , Raskovic Sanvila , Arandjelovic Snezana , Sojic-Rajcic Jasminka , Colic Miodrag
Published: August 2005

Cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 participate in the chronic inflammation process in the atopic airway diseases. Our study is aimed at determining correlation between IL-4 and IL-5 serum concentrations and severity of the disease in patients with bronchial asthma. The total of 65 patients with asthma is classified into three groups: 1. patients with mild, 2. moderate and 3. severe asthma. The control group comprised 10 healthy individuals. Measurement of IL-4 and IL-5 serum concentrations was performed according to ELISA method. Minimal detectable concentrations of IL-4 and IL-5 were 0.27 pg/mL and 4 pg/mL, respectively. IL-4 (Z = 2.245, p = 0.025) and IL-5 (Z = 2.139, p = 0.032) serum concentrations are significantly lower in healthy individuals in comparison to the individuals with asthma. Comparison of the study results between the groups (mild, moderate and severe asthma) evidenced that IL-4 serum concentrations in the group with moderate (Z = 2.604, p = 0.009) and severe asthma (Z= 2.658, p = 0.008) were statistically significantly higher in comparison to the group with mild asthma. IL-5 serum concentrations in the group with moderate (Z = 3.910, p = 0.000) and severe asthma (Z = 4.037, p = 0.000) were statistically significantly higher in comparison to the group with mild asthma. Further studies on the role of IL-4 and IL-5 in the process of chronic inflammation in asthma are needed.
Lipid disturbances at workers professionally exposed to industrial noise
Authors: Jovanovic Jovica , Jovanovic Milan
Published: August 2005

Industrial noise can damage the hearing organ, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, peripheral and central nervous system of exposed workers. The atherogenic risk at workers professionally exposed to noise was assessed by measuring total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and calculating the ratio: T-C/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C. The exposed group consisted of 150 workers professionally exposed to noise intensity of 70?110 dB. The results were compared to a control group of 80 workers working in relatively silent environment. Serum lipid parameters were examined by standard methods. All lipid parameters in exposed group were statistically different compared to the control group. All calculated atherogenic ratios were higher for workers in exposed group than the control group. Atherogenic risk raises by the length of exposition to the noise and by the intensity of noise. The most atherogenic risk is presented at workers exposed to noise over the 90 dB intensity.
Biochemical markers of cardiac diseases
Authors: Panteghini Mauro
Published: August 2005

This article reviews the current contribution of the determination of biochemical markers to clinical cardiology and discusses some important developments in this field. Biochemical markers play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as witnessed by the incorporation of cardiac troponins into new international guidelines for patients with ACS and in the redefinition of myocardial infarction. Despite the success of cardiac troponins, there is still a need for development of early markers that can reliably rule out ACS from the emergency room at presentation and detect myocardial ischemia also in the absence of irreversible myocyte injury. Under investigation are two classes of indicators: markers of early injury/ischemia and markers of coronary plaque instability and disruption. Finally, with the characterization of the cardiac natriuretic peptides, Laboratory Medicine is also assuming part in the assessment of cardiac function.
Apolipoprotein e gene polymorphism as a risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Stankovic Sanja , Jovanovic-Markovic Zagorka , Majkic-Singh Nada , Stankovic Aleksandra , Glisic Sanja , Zivkovic Maja , Kostic Vladimir , Alavantic Dragan
Published: August 2005

The possible association of apolipoprotein E (apoE) DNA polymorphism with ischemic cerebrovascular disease was evaluated in 65 patients who had suffered completed stroke or transient ischemic attack and 330 healthy controls. ApoE genotypes were determined by restriction isotyping/MADGE analysis. Significant difference in apoE genotype frequencies between case and control group was observed (p<0.01). Patients affected by ischemic stroke had higher frequency of E4 allele and lower E2 allele than age-matched control subjects. Compared with persons without E4 allele, carriers of an E4 allele had 2.1 times higher risk of incident stroke. Our results indicate that the apoE gene polymorphism may be a risk factor for the development of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in Serbian population..
Effect of AT1 receptor blockers on plasma lipid profiles in type 1 diabetic patients with incipient diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Dragovic Tamara , Mijuskovic Zoran , Karajovic Jelena , Andjelkovic Zoran
Published: August 2005

Inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system are considered as the first line antihypertensive drugs in therapy of incipient diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim od this study was to investigate the effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers-valsartan, on plasma lipid profiles in diabetic patients with persistent microalbuminuria (McA). Among the group of 67 type 1 diabetic patients, we choose 20 normotensive patients with incipient DN, who were divided into two groups (10 patients each): valsartan group, treated with 80 mg valsartan daily during 6 months, and the group treated with placebo during the same period. After 6 months therapy, the reduced values of total cholesterol (5.35 ? 1.19 vs 5.20 ? 1.94 mmol/L), triglyceride (1.42 ? 0.79 vs 1.21 ? 0.69 mmol/L) and LDL-cholesterol fraction (3.41 ? 1.21 vs 3.31 ? 0.84 mmol/L) were registrated in valsartan group. While compared with placebo gruop, reduction in serum triglyceride values reached statistical singificancy (-15.5%; p<0.05). Patients with persistent McA have a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than diabetics without this complication. These results, therefore, suggests beneficial effect of valsartan on lipid metabolism, additionally to secondary prevention of chronic diabetic complications.
Lupus anticoagulans in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and secondary sterility
Authors: Jeremic Katarina , Ilic Mirka , Gojnic Miroslava , Petkovic Spasoje , Ljubic Aleksandar , Nikolic Ljiljana , Maslac Sasa
Published: August 2005

Antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulans and anticardiolipine antibodies) are frequent cause of recurrent spontaneous abortion in patients with secondary sterility. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of lupus anticoagulans antibodies in patients with recurrent abortions and to analyze their coagulation status relative to health (control) patients. We got the statistical significances (p < 0.05) in number of lupus anticoagulans positive women between the groups. Activated partial tromboplastin time and protrombin time are statistical significant (p < 0.05) higher in analyzed patients with recurrent abortion, which is in agreement of existing lupus anticoagulans activity. Detecting by the time, antiphospholipid antibodies and giving the anticoagulant therapy to the patients, the risk for abortion will be decreased.
Development of immunoradiometric assay for quantitative determination of free prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Jankovic Miroslava , Kosanovic Maja , Hajdukovic-Dragojlovic Ljiljana , Golubovic Snezana
Published: August 2005

In this study we reported the development and analytical validation of new assay for quantitative determination of free prostate-specific antigen, fPSA. It is formulated as one step, two-site "sandwich" immunoradiometric assay. Specificity of this assay was achieved by using epitope-1-reactive anti-fPSA antibody as tracer antibody. Assay was calibrated against first international standard 96/668, and its detection limit was determined as 0.08 mg/L. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 3.42-7.53% and 7.04-8.33%, respectively. Measured concentrations of serially diluted serum samples were close to the calculated concentrations, indicating good linearity with recovery percentage ranging from 98.7-107.4%. Analytical performance characteristics of fPSA assay speaks in favor of its use as a reliable tool in laboratory diagnostics relating to prostate diseases.
Formulation, standardization and validation of an ELISA test for determination of anticardiolipin antibodies
Authors: Marjanovic Slavica , Golubovic Snezana , Vicovac Ljiljana
Published: August 2005

Availability of a sensitive and a reliable test for anticardiolipin autoantibodies (aCL) is important in diagnosis and follow-up of the patients. This study presents the data on the assay protocol, analytical validation (detection limit, precision, linearity) and reference ranges for the ELISA aCL IgG and IgM assays developed at INEP. The determined characteristics of the assays, as well as the reference ranges, being 0-5.9 MPL U/mL for aCL IgM and 0-10.5 GPL U/mL for aCL IgG, are comparable to the assay from Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited used as accepted procedure in the absence of the reference one. The tests described here can be included in to the standard laboratory panel for autoimmune conditions.
EC4: Present and future activities
Authors: Jansen Rob
Published: August 2005

EC4 is the organization for clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine in the European Union. The main goals of EC4 are the recognition of professional qualifications, the influencing of ISO and CEN documents relevant for the profession, monitoring EU directives relevant for the profession, reaching equivalence of standards in accreditation in Europe for medical laboratories, defining guidelines on the laboratory investigation of disease, harmonization of laboratory data via calibration. The European register of specialists in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine is maintained by the EC4 Registration Commission. A number of working groups are active in reaching the goals set. In this article present and future activities are described. .
Antioxidant activities of the constituents of Picris echoides
Authors: Milovanovic Mirjana , Picuric-Jovanovic Ksenija , Djermanovic Verica , Stefanovic Milutin
Published: August 2005

Some flavonoids with antioxidant properties from the aerial parts of the plant species Picris echoides (family Asteraceae) were identified. Upon chromatography, the ethyl acetate extract afforded flavonoids, such as flavone apigenin (1) and its glucoside, cosmosiin (2), as well as common plant constituents from this family, flavonol galetin (3 3,4?,5,6,7-pentahydroxyflavone) and 4,4?,6,7-tetrahydroxyaurone (4). The structure of the aurone 4 has not been described so far in the literature and presented a very rare type of aurone skeleton. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by interpretation of their physical and spectral data. The antioxidant activities of different extracts from Picris echoides were measured by the Schaal oven test at 60 ?C and by the Rancimat method at 100 ?C.Water/ethanol extracts (2:8, v/v), in concentrations of 0.02 and 0.05 %, showed lower activity than commercial tocopherol (Tch). On the contrary, the purified ethyl acetate extracts showed a strong concentration-dependent antioxidant effect. The investigation demonstrated that galetin was the main flavonol from this origin. According to the results of the two methods, galetin (3) showed a two-fold better activity than didTch and a lower activity than did butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The aurone 4 exhibited significantly lower antioxidant activity than did galetin at the same concentration level. Thus, the plant species P. echoides is a new and favorable source of natural lipid antioxidants.
The spectroabsorptiometric and voltammetric behavior of malvin in buffered solutions and its antioxidant properties
Authors: Ignjatovic Ljubisa , Dimitric-Markovic Jasmina , Markovic Dragan , Baranac Jelisaveta
Published: August 2005

In the present work the structural transformations of malvin in aqueous acetate buffer solutions were investigated over a wide pH range under in vitro conditions using electronic absorption spectroscopy. In addition to the spectroabsorptiometric investigation, the voltammetric behavior and the mechanism of the redox process of this molecule were studied, in order to define its antioxidant properties. The electronic absorption spectra reveal that the structural changes of malvin, caused by changes in the pH of the medium, lead to changes in the voltammetric behaviour of this molecule. The dependence of the oxidation potential of malvin on pH, which can be explained by the presence of different electroactive molecular structures of malvin at different pH values, indicates different mechanisms of the electrode process. The voltammetric activity of malvin is compared semiquantitatively with the voltammetric activity of a standard synthetic antioxidant, BHA, and a natural antioxidant, quercetin.