bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane
Authors: Memon Lidija , Spasojevic-Kalimanovska Vesna , Jovic Pavle , Spasic Slavica , Bogavac-Stanojevic Natasa
Published: August 2005

Quantification of cholesterol in biological membranes is an important step toward understanding of metabolism of intracellular cholesterol, composition of cell membrane and plasma lipid profile. The aim of our study was to optimize the method for determination of cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane and then to use this method in the determination of cholesterol concentration in erythrocyte membrane in the studied group of blood samples. Cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane was determined in dry lipid extract of erythrocyte membrane by the enzymatic manual CHOD-PAP method. Cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane and plasma lipid parameters (total cholesterol HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) were determined in blood samples of 58 females, obtained by routine health control. Lipid parameters were determined by standard biochemical methods. We examined the relationship between cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane and other plasma lipid parameters as well as other atherogenic risk factors (BMI, blood pressure). Optimization of the method for determination of cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane was based on the observation that primary cholesterol standards prepared by dissolving crystal cholesterol cannot be used due to the interference of the dissolved dry extract in organic solvents with the enzymatic reagent. Commercial standard solutions of cholesterol were used for calibration because they contain detergents for solubilisation of the dry extract in enzymatic reagent. The obtained mean value for cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane, as mmol/L erythrocyte is 4.44 ? 1.019; median 4.65 5-th percentile is 2.70, and 95-th percentile is 6.26. In the examined female group we tested cholesterol concentration in erythrocyte membrane according to age. Two groups were formed (females below and above 50 years) using nonparametric t-test no statistically significant difference was found between these two age groups (p>0.05), while plasma lipid parameters of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol were different in the examined groups (p<0.05). By Spearmen nonparametric correlation method we found no statistically significant correlation between cholesterol in erythrocyte membrane and other atherogenic risk factors.
The serum eosinophil cationic protein concentration in patients with bronchial asthma and its correlation with severity and exacerbation of the disease
Authors: Kovacevic Snezana , Bogic Mirjana , Peric-Popadic Aleksandra , Raskovic Sanvila , Jovicic Zikica , Tomic-Spiric Vesna , Sojic-Rajcic Jasminka , Savic Nevena
Published: August 2005

Activated eosinophilic leukocyte in asthma secretes numerous mediators, among which is ECP as well. The object of our study was to measure the serum ECP concentrations in 46 asthmatic patients with exacerabating and stable asthma, and to correlate the serum ECP concentrations with severity and exacerbation of the disease. Geometric mean of ECP in serum (Gecp) in our group of patients was 7.5 mcg/l, while it was 3.05 mcg/l in the 15 healthy subjects (controls). Highly significant correlation of serum ECP concentrations with the activity of the disease (R=0.897) and the severity of clinical picture (R=0.79) was found. The patients with stable asthma had significant correlation of ECP and the severity of disease (R=0.6). The patients with exacerbating asthma have significantly higher serum ECP concentrations than the patients with stable asthma. Serum ECP concentrations in patients with exacerbating asthma correlate with the severity of the disease.
The use of biochemical markers for diagnosis of the acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Majkic-Singh Nada
Published: August 2005

It was recognized very early that the specificity of AST, LDH, and CK was not high for cardiac diseases, as injury to the liver and skeletal muscles and hemolysis produced falsely positive results. Thus the measurement of isoenzymes becomes important to improve the specificity of total enzyme measurements. Assays for CK and LD isoenzymes were initially developed using electrophoresis. Because this assay was time consuming and difficult to automate, imunooinhibition assays were soon developed. The development of immunoassay measurements enabled determination of the enzyme concentration which was not dependent on whether or not the enzyme was active. These "mass assays" also enabled the measurement of protein markers which are themselves not enzymes. This led to the investigation of many other markers for potential use in cardiac diseases. With changing clinical practices, cardiac markers are now needed to detect the presence of minor myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina. Outcome studies have shown that patients with increased troponin are at high short-term risk for death and AMI. The success of new cardiac markers such as troponin is due to their high cardiac specificity and the existence of assays with low detection limits.
Carbohydrate characterization of purified thyroxine-binding globulin by lectin blot and isoelectric focusing
Authors: Petrovic Ivana , Savin-Zegarac Svetlana , Baricevic Ivona , Cvejic Dubravka
Published: August 2005

The structure of carbohydrate moiety of purified thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) was examined by lectin blot and isoelectric focusing (IEF). In lectin blot, TBG reacted positively with the following lectins: Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA I), Ricinus commuais agglutinin (RCA I), wheat germ lectin (WGA), phytoheamagglutinin (PHA) and pea lectin (PSA). The obtained results indicate that purified TBG contains N-linked oligosaccharide chains consisting of mannose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid. Isoelectric focusing of TBG at pl 4.2-4.6 revealed three bands, which confirmed that isolated TBG had retained its structure with?out desialylation. Lectin blot analysis and IEF can be considered to be useful tools in the study of TBG glycosylation.
Fibronectin and C-reactive protein in pregnancy induced hypertension
Authors: Djuricic Svetlana , Stojanov Marina , Obradovic Ivana , Glisic Aleksandar , Plecas Darko
Published: August 2005

Hypertension is the most common medical complication in pregnancy. Of the varying forms of hypertension that can effect pregnancy pre-eclampsia is the one specific to pregnant women. The differential diagnosis between pre-eclampsia and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is essential to proper management of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hypertension on plasma fibronectin and C-reactive protein (CRP) during gestatation. The examined groups comprised 37 patients with normal pregnancy and 30 with PIH between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation. Plasma fibronectin and CRP were both assayed by nephelometric method. The obtained results for both examined parameters were significantly higher in PIH group than in controls (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between fibronectin, CRP and weeks of gestation (p < 0.05). Therefore, we can conclude that plasmatic fibronectin and CRP are among useful screening parameters for estimation of the endothelial injury in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Role of lipoprotein(a) in the development of coronary heart disease in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Caparevic Zorica , Kostic Nada , Dimkovic Sinisa , Brkic Branislava , Cvetkovic Radojka
Published: August 2005

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an important and independent cardiovascular risk factor, but its role in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in hypertensives have had conflicting results. In order to study the possible role of Lp(a) in the development of coronary heart disease in hypertensive patients, we evaluated Lp(a) levels in 45 (younger than 50 years) CHD hypertensive patients, 45 patients with essential hypertension with?out CHD and 64 healthy controls. Lp(a) was measured by nephelometric assays in fresh serum samples. The levels of Lp(a) were significantly greater in CHD hypertensive patients (0.33 ?0.17 g/L) than in controls (0.18 ? 0.08 g/L) or patients with essential hypertension (0.20 ? 0.05 g/L). The levels of Lp(a) were increased more than 0.30 g/L in 46.6% of CHD hypertensive patiens, in 17.7% of hypertensive patiens and in 8.8% of controls. CHD hypertensive patients had also greater levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides than hypertensive patients and controls. HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in CHD hypertensive patients. This study indicates that high Lp(a) levels can play a major role in the development of CHD in patients with essential hypertension. These findings suggest the great importance of identifying, among hypertensive patients, subjects with higher levels of Lp(a), who belong to a group with cardiovascular risk on the basis of their hypertension.
Reference limits for routine haematological measurements in pre-school and school-children living at an urban area
Authors: Ardalic Daniela , Spasic Slavica , Gulan Brankica
Published: August 2005

The aim of this study is to estimate 95% reference limits for eight haematological constituents of blood in order to provide medically reliable evaluation of haematological laboratory results. Blood counts were performed using an automated haematology analyzer (Cell-Dyn 1500) on capillary blood samples from 1918 children (1?16 years old) residing in a region of Novi Beograd. Physiological variations corresponding to age and sex were studied as the most important factors affecting biological variation in haematological constituents of blood. Children were divided in four groups according to age: 1?3 yrs (281 boys and 241 girls), 4? 6 yrs (196 boys and 150 girls), 7?12 yrs (322 boys and 368 girls) and 13 ?16 yrs (174 boys and 186 girls). In this study all investigated parameters were not sex dependent until the age of 13. Boys between ages 13 and 16 years have higher mean values of haemoglobin (143.81 ? 13.40 g/L) and red blood count (4.81 ? 0.49 ? 1012/L), but lower MCV (86.6 ? 5.27 fL) than girls in same age group (136.81 ? 13.42 g/L, 4.57 ? 0.47 ? 1012/L and 88.0 ? 6.96 fL respectively). There was no significant difference according to sex in the oldest group for mean values of haematocrit (boys 0.42 ? 0.049 L/L and girls 4.57 ? 0.47 L/L), MCH (boys 29.9 ? 1.92 pg and girls 30.2 ? 1.96 pg), MCHC (boys 345.9 ? 18.4 g/L and girls 342.2 ? 19.7 g/L), platelet (boys 219.8 ? 49.6 ? 109/L and girls 225.3 ? 59.2 ? 109/L) and white blood count (boys 8.0 ? 2.60 ? 109/L and girls 8.01 ? 2.08 ? 109/L). Haemoglobin level, red blood count, haematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC increased with age. Levels of platelet count and white blood count decreased with age.
Effects of intracerebroventricularly administered octreotide on gonadotrophic cells in female rats
Authors: Nestorovic Natasa , Lovren Mirjana , Sekulic Milka , Negic Natasa , Sosic-Jurjevic Branka , Manojlovic-Stojanoski Milica , Filipovic Branko , Milosevic Verica
Published: August 2005

Effects of intracerbroventricularly (ICV) administered octreotide on gonadotrophic cells (FSH and LH) of adult Wistar female rats were examined by immunocytochemical and morphometric methods. The animals received ICV three 1.0 mg doses of octreotide dissolved in 10 mL saline every second day. The controls were treated with equivalent volume of physiological saline by the same schedule. FSH- and LH-producing cells were examined using peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical procedure. Morphometric and stereologic examinations were performed to evaluate changes in the number, volume and volume densities of gonadotrophic cells. In females treated with octreotide, the gonadotrophic cells were smaller and often pycnotic, while the number of FSH- and LH-immunopositive cells per unit area (mm2) was significantly reduced. Octreotide also induced a significant reduction of the FSH- and LH-immunoreactive cells volume, as well as of their volume densities. On the basis of these results it can be concluded that octeotride, centrally administered to adult female rats provokes changes in immunocytochemical and morphometric features of both types of gonadotrophic cells.
Biochemical and molecular biological aspects of glucose intolerance in elderly persons
Authors: Djurica Snezana , Koricanac Goran , Ribarac-Stepic Nevena , Davidovic Mladen , Milosevic Dragoslav , Petrovic Miroljub , Rajic Miodrag
Published: August 2005

Changes in carbohydrate metabolism in elderly persons have drawn considerable attention but the findings from different studies are in contrast and are even controversial. The insulin receptors in erythrocytes were studied in elderly euglycaemic patients and in a middle-aged control group. The examined persons were also subjected to measurements of blood glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations, before and 3 hours after a dietetic meal. In the present study it was found that in spite of the maintained insulin level and C-peptide secretion, some structural and corresponding changes in membrane insulin receptors and the binding site caused differences in postreceptor responses in elderly persons. The examined groups, consisted of 29 males, average age of 66 years (65-70), with normal serum glucose level and 19 middle-aged males, average age of 42 years (32-48), with normal glycoregulation. In basal condition, elderly persons have both normal morning serum insulin (19.68 ? 4.00 mU/L) and C-peptide (2.04 ? 0.78 nmol/L) level. In elderly persons, the number of high affinity insulin receptors in erythrocytes membrane is 22.80 ? 6.18 but the formed insulin-high affinity receptors were not stable. Dissociation constant (Kd1) indicates its elevated dissociation (0.11 ? 0.04). At the same time the number of insulin low affinity binding sites is increased (13 273 ? 5 572) with a fast dissociation of the hormone (13.99 ? 3.37). Food intake raised the number of high affinity receptors compared to the basal value. Alteration in insulin binding affinity suggests the structural and corresponding changes in membrane receptors that may cause differences in postreceptors responses in elderly persons.
Cellular diagnostics: A challenge for laboratory medicine
Authors: Mïller Mathias
Published: August 2005

Investigating cells for genetic features, malignant transformation, surface characteristics, metabolic functions and signaling will be future key elements for diagnosis of diseases. Integrating this new area into Laboratory Medicine will add new competence and responsibility to Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Cellular genetics will be a main area for the diagnostic laboratory to investigate risk and prognosis for diseases having also impact on a more individualized medication. With the introduction of flow cytometry a more objective way of cell identification by immunophenotyping was added to classical microscopy allowing accurate classification of leukaemias. In addition the functional status and the origin of blood cells or cells in other body fluids (liquor, ascites) can now easily be detected. Cell mediated immunity plays an important role in infectious diseases and in transplantation medicine. The CD4/CD8 ratio of T-lymphocytes is already a routine test for differentiation between viral infection and rejection crises and for monitoring of these conditions. In cellular coagulation platelet function tests will add value to the established plasma tests. The dosage of drugs is now monitored by measuring the blood levels of drugs or their metabolites. In addition investigating the direct effect of drugs on targeted cell functions might be a more specific way.
Diagnosis, assessment of severity and management of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Ignjatovic Svetlana , Majkic-Singh Nada , Radenkovic Dejan , Gvozdenovic Miomir , Mitrovic Mihajlo
Published: August 2005

Severe pancreatitis occurs in 20%?30% of all patients with acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic enzymes, cytokines and other active peptides, liberated from the inflamed pancreas, convert inflammation of the pancreas as a single-organ disease of the retroperitoneum to a multisystem disease. Determinations of pancreatic serum enzymes are still ?the golden standard? for diagnosis of the acute pancreatitis. Out of clinically significant pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic-amylase and lipase are suggested for routine clinical determination due to available methods for their measurement. The methods are simple, and the results may be obtained rather quickly without any special equipment. Maximal diagnostic accuracy is achieved by ?cut-off? values of 182 U/L for pancreatic-amylase and 656 U/L for lipase. Treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis is based on the initial assessment of disease severity. Early staging is based on the presence and degree of systemic failure (cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal) and on the presence and extent of pancreatic necrosis. Individual clinical parameters and laboratory biomarkers, although sometimes helpful, are not sufficiently accurate to reliable assess the severity of an acute attack. Numeric grading systems with sensitivities of about 70% are commonly used today as indicators of organ failure and disease severity. Contrast material-enhanced computed tomography is used in addition to help evaluate local pancreatic morphology and the presence and extent of pancreatic necrosis. Out of all recently studied biochemical parameters for prognostic evaluation of acute pancreatitis patients, the measurement of C-reactive protein concentration appeared to be the parameter with the highest clinical accuracy. The best differentiation of moderate from severe acute pancreatitis forms is achieved by ?cut-off? CRP values of 126 mg/L, 48 hours from the onset of symptoms. For this reason, CRP measurement may be used as the alternative to computerized tomography. In compliance with the postulations for evidence- based medicine, the procedures related to diagnosis, prognosis and management of acute pancreatitis are classified into four categories: certain, probable, possible and inappropriate.
Inter-dependence between cytokines and NO/NOS system in resting and activated endothelial cells
Authors: Djordjevic Vidosava , Cvetkovic Tatjana , Stojanovic Ivana , Cosic Vladan , Kundalic Slavica , Zvezdanovic Lilika , Jevtovic-Stoimenov Tatjana
Published: August 2005

Cytokines are a heterogeneous and multifunctional group of molecules synthetized in various human cells. Structurally they are peptides (often glycosylated) used by cells for intercellular communication and control the inner environment of the cells in which they operate. Cytokines are produced by the cells involved in the immune response, inflammation, hemopoiesis, healing and systemic response to injury. Immunity, inflammatory reactions and haemostasis involve close interactions between immunocompetent cells and vascular endothelium. Vascular cells are both a target for cytokines and their source. The spectrum of endothelial cell responses challenged by cytokines is wide and varied, with different cytokines activating distinct, but overlapping, sets of functions. Under normal resting conditions endothelial cells constitutively express certain protective genes with the purpose to maintain the endothelial cells in their quiescent phenotype by inhibiting NF-kB activation and exerting antiapoptotic functions. In this status endothelial cells can exhibit their barrier and anticoagulant functions even in the presence of low levels of stimulants. When the endothelial cells are exposed to numerous stimuli such as TNF, IL-1, endotoxin or xenoreactive antibodies and complement, which are usually associated with infections, graft rejection or autoimmune diseases such as, vasculitis, NF-kB induces the expression of adhesion molecules such as E-selectin, chemokines such as IL-8 and procoagulant molecules such as TF. Besides the induction of expression of a functional programme related to thrombosis and inflammation, IL-1 and TNF also induce production of autocoids including nitric oxide (NO). Both the inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS) type II and the constitutive (type III) isoform of NOS are present in endothelial cells catalyzing the conversion of arginine into citruline and NO. The formation of NO is an ubiquitous biochemical pathway involved in the regulation of neurotransmission, vasodilatation, immunity and cytotoxicity. During inflammatory reaction NO produced by endothelial cells exerts its autocrine function through the inhibition of cytokine-induced expression of adhesion molecules and cytokine production by endothelial cells. Also, it has a protective role in inflammation through the inactivation of NADPH oxidase and the consequent impairment of superoxide production for cell mediated injury. On the other hand, there is considerable evidence that NO contributes to tissue destruction in inflammatory and immune diseases being a key component of the cytostatic/cytotoxic function of the immune system. The damage to target cells by NO released from activated macrophages or endothelial cells may involve both necrotic and apoptotic pathways of cell death.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes mutation analysis in patients with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Konstantopoulou Irene , Jankovic Radmila , Raicevic Lidija , Ladopoulou Angela , Armaou Sophia , Nikolopoulos George , Pandis Nikos , Nasioulas George , Radulovic Sinisa , Yannoukakos Drakoulis
Published: August 2005

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes can be caused by loss-of-function germline mutations in one of the tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. In order to characterize these mutations in the Greek population we have been collecting samples from breast/ovarian cancer patients with a family history in collaboration with a large number of Greek Hospitals. Our DNA bank contains samples from more than 300 patients, corresponding to approximately 250 families. In terms of family history this group consists of three subgroups: (I) very early onset (<30 yrs) without family history (10%); (II) moderate family history (2 members affected, < 50 yrs) (40 %) (III) strong family history (3?7 members affected) (50 %). Screening of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in 150 patients has revealed deleterious mutations in 39 unrelated patients. 5382insC has been found in 11 unrelated families. In summary, the mutation spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in the Greek population seems to be composed by an elevated frequency of 5382insC with the rest being novel or recurrent mutations with low frequency in both genes. Screening of BRCA1 gene is also in progress in collaboration with the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. DNA samples have been collected from 32 Serbian families with a family history of breast ovarian cancer. Direct sequencing in exons 2, 5 and 20 of all these samples revealed only one deleterious mutation (C61G) in exon 5 of BRCA1 gene. Screening of the remaining exons is in progress.
The influence of atopy on sICAM-1 serum levels in patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma
Authors: Peric-Popadic Aleksandra , Bogic Mirjana , Jovicic Zikica , Raskovic Sanvila , Tomic-Spiric Vesna , Kovacevic Snezana , Bolpacic Jasna , Colic Miodrag
Published: August 2005

It has been shown that adhesive molecules are involved in inflammatory diseases of the lungs such as bronchial asthma. The purpose of the study was to measure and establish possible difference in serum levels of soluble ICAM-1 in 42 atopic patients (patients with allergic rhinitis and patients with bronchial asthma) in comparison with 28 patients without atopy (patients with asthma without rhinitis); whether there is a difference in sICAM-1 levels between groups of 26 patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma in comparison with group of 16 patients with allergic rhinitis only and also in comparison with 10 healthy controls. Results of the study have substantiated statistically significant difference in sICAM-1 levels between all groups of patients in comparison to healthy control, but no statistically significant difference in sICAM-1 levels between patients with and without atopy (Z=-1.738) or between patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma in comparison with group of patients with allergic rhinitis only (Z=0.00). ICAM-1 is an important marker of inflammation in patients with allergic rhinitis as well as in those with bronchial asthma. Atopic status does not influence differences in sICAM-1 levels. Although mean sICAM-1 levels were higher in patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma (312.71 ng/mL) in comparison with mean sICAM-1 levels in patients with allergic rhinitis only (279.69 ng/mL), no statistically significant difference was noted in sICAM-1 levels between these groups of subjects, i.e. asthma itself did not contribute to statistically significant increase of sICAM-1 levels.
Effects of hormone replacement therapy on serum lipids and other risk factors of coronary diseases
Authors: Jeremic Katarina , Petkovic Spasoje , Lazovic Gordana , Ilic Mirka , Gojnic Miroslava , Stojnic Jelena
Published: August 2005

Our aim was to compare the effects of transdermal versus oral estrogens on mean arterial pressure, serum lipid concentrations, estradiol and body weight. The investigation includes ten postmenopausal women receiving transdermal estrogen plus cyclic oral progesterone for 6 months. Responses were compared with those of 23 women receiving oral conjugated estrogens plus cyclic progesterone also for 6 months. We concluded that both oral and transdermal estrogen significantly (p<0.05) decreased mean arterial pressure, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level to a similar extent. But only oral estrogen increased HDL cholesterol and triglycerides with statistical significans (p<0.05). Transdermal estrogen group exhibited no significant changes (p>0.05) in values of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides before and after the treatment. The serum estradiol level increased significantly (p<0.05) in oral estrogen group but in lesser extent in transdermal estrogen group (p<0.002). Studies in future should include multiple risk factors to allow better assessment of their impact on coronary artery health.
Reference interval for calculated total iron-binding capacity using Olympus AU2700 analyzer
Authors: Jovicic Snezana , Ignjatovic Svetlana , Dajak Marijana , Kangrga Ranka , Majkic-Singh Nada
Published: August 2005

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) values are determined on Olympus AU2700 automated chemistry analyzer as the sum of serum iron and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) - (calculated TIBC, TIBCcal). Considering that Olympus AU2700 automated analyzer was recently brought in function and TIBC values calculated from serum iron and UIBC values were significantly lower than those obtained by a direct and fully automated TIBC assay, it was necessary to determine the reference interval for TIBC, according to the recommendation that every laboratory should have its own reference ranges. The "calculation method" of TIBC determination showed satisfactory accuracy (p > 0.001) and precision, with CV values ranging from 0.91% to 1.63% within-run and from 2.30% to 2.80% day-to-day. The correlation between the TIBC values obtained with the "calculation method" using Olympus AU2700 analyzer (y) and those obtained with the direct method (x) was: y = 0.919x + 2.319 mmol/L (r = 0.980; Sy,x = 1.814; p < 0.001; N = 85). The reference interval for TIBC was determined using sera collected from 125 healthy individuals of both sexes, 15 to 80 years old. Since the values did not depend on sex, the reference interval calculated for the whole studied population ranged between 42.0 mmol/L and 64.3 mmol/L.
Haemostasis and biochemical parameters of liver function monitoring in the surgical treatment of portal hypertension
Authors: Vavic Natasa , Radevic Bozina , Brkic Branislava
Published: August 2005

Bleeding varices are the complication of portal hypertension and an indication of surgical treatment. Investigation of biochemical parameters such as protein, albumin, cholesterol, billirubin, AST, ALT, as well as haemostasis parameters, including PT, APTT, TT, F II, F V, F VII, AT, plasminogen, could help define the effect of decompression shunt and its possible deleterious effect on the liver function. Investigation included 29 patients with portal hypertension, 19 surgically treated and 10 medication treated patients. F II, F V, F VII, AT, plasminogen and albumin concentration and PT (%) value were statistically significantly lower in medication treated patients in relation with surgically treated patients following one month observation. FVII expressed the highest sensitivity in all investigated parameters. Albumin and billirubin concentrations were in correlation with: PT, F II, F V, F VII and APTT, while transaminases were only in correlation with F VII. Surgical procedures had no effect on the synthetic function of the liver.
Education and training programmes of the IFCC in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine: Improving the quality of professional practice in laboratory medicine
Authors: Sanders Gerard
Published: August 2005

When quality is referred to in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine, the focus is mainly on the analytical process. But good professional quality starts with a sound education. In an attempt to describe the practice of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine in the 15 member states of the "old" European Union, it was noticed that (sometimes) large differences existed in the way professionals are being trained (see: Sanders et al, Clin Chem Lab Med 2002; 40: 196-204). With that outcome, a survey of the Websites of the different Member Societies and Corporate Members of IFCC was conducted. It showed that less than one third of either two groups paid attention to, or offered, education. This led to a series of questions to a non-representative group of colleagues outside the former EU who were willing to give more insight in the educational system of their country. All colleagues were known to be involved actively in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. The outcome did not give a uniform pattern, since every country regulates health care in its own way, according to its own historical development, needs, social vision, etc. From that a number of conclusions have been drawn: a. Proper University Training is required to enter vocational training b. Regulated Vocational Training seems to be necessary (4 years) c. A clear Syllabus as an indicative guide to the vocational training is important d. Management training should be included since a clinical chemist will have organizational responsibilities as well e. Examinations may help in improving the quality of the education f. Official Register, recognized by Law, is essential, but not always existing h. Re-Registration can be seen as part of the Quality Cycle. Finally, some attention is being paid to the activities of the EMD. This Division of the IFCC provides the membership of IFCC and the health-care community with education which it considers relevant to Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. It is the intention of EMD to improve the quality of the profession by educational activities in molecular biology, evidence based laboratory medicine, quality assurance, distance education, and laboratory management. Specific projects are a Master Course in Laboratory Science, a course in Flowcytometry, and the Visiting Lecturer Program which supports national societies in inviting lecturers on specific topics. More information can be found on the IFCC Web-site (www.ifcc.org). In the future, it is to be expected that emphasis on education in our profession will be on the clinical use of tests, modern media and e-learning, and specific courses in new technologies. EMD works continuously to improve the quality of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. The input from all National Societies is appreciated to discern topics most relevant to the membership of IFCC. .
External quality assessment programs: Past, present and future
Authors: Plebani Mario
Published: August 2005

External Quality Assurance (EQA) and Proficiency Testing (PT) programs are fundamental tools for quality evaluation and improvement in clinical laboratories. A growing body of evidence has been collected to demonstrate the usefulness of these programs for reducing inter-laboratory variation, analytical errors and for improving the "state-of-the art". The validity of EQA/PT programs is strongly affected by the quality of control materials, the design of the program, namely the ability to estimate analytical bias and imprecision, and the commitment of providers to assist in the education participant laboratories. Future perspectives of EQA/PT are the possibility to evaluate pre- and post-analytical steps, the utilization of Internet for receiving and communicating results to participant laboratories and the accreditation/certification of the programs. .
An efficient de novo synthesis of 3'-deoxythymidine from D-xylose
Authors: Cetkovic Gordana , Lajsic Stevan , Popsavin Mirjana , Popsavin Velimir , Miljkovic Dusan
Published: August 2005

An efficient stereospecific synthesis of 3?-deoxythymidine has been achieved, starting from D-xylose. The key step of the synthesis involved the NBS promoted conversion of 5-O-benzoyl-2,3-di-S-ethyl-2,3-dithio-D-ribose diethyl dithioacetal (4) into the 1-O-acetyl-5-O-benzoyl-2,3-di-S-ethyl-2,3-dithio-?-D-ribofuranose (5) followed by the stereospecific coupling of the intermediate 5 with silylated thymine, in the presence of ethylaluminium dichloride as the catalyst.
Hydride reduction of B-norcholestane 5α,6α-epoxide
Authors: Bjelakovic Mira , Pavlovic Vladimir , Lorenc Ljubinka
Published: August 2005

B-Norcholestane epoxide 2 is reduced with lithium aluminium hydride to give either the 3?,6?-diol 3 or the corresponding 3?,5?-diol 4, depending on the quality of the reducing reagent employed. Aplausible mechanistic explanation of the obtained results is suggested.
Intramolecular Barbier reaction in water: Cyclopentane and cyclohexane ring closure
Authors: Ivkovic Aleksandar , Matovic Radomir , Saicic Radomir
Published: August 2005

Zinc or indium promoted intramolecular Barbier reactions of aldehydes containing a suitably positioned allylic or propargylic halide unit afford unsaturated cyclic alcohols in moderate yields.
The mechanism of cathodic electrodeposition of epoxy coatings and the corrosion behaviour of the electrodeposited coatings
Authors: Miskovic-Stankovic Vesna
Published: August 2005

The model of organic film growth on a cathode during electrodeposition process proposes the current density-time and film thickness-time relationships and enables the evaluation of the rate contents for the electrochemical reaction of OH? ion evolution and for the chemical reaction of organic film deposition. The dependencies of film thickness and rate constants on the applied voltage, bath temperature and resin concentration in the electrodeposition bath have also been obtained. The deposition parameters have a great effect on the cathodic electrodeposition process and on the protective properties of the obtained electrodeposited coatings. From the time dependencies of the pore resistance, coating capacitance and relative permittivity, obtained from impedance measurements, the effect of applied voltage, bath temperature and resin concentration on the protective properties of electrodeposited coatings has been shown. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis gravimetric liquid sorption experiments, differential scanning calorimetry and optical miscroscopy, the corrosion stability of epoxy coatings was investigated. A mechanism for the penetration of electrolyte through an organic coating has been suggested and the shape and dimensions of the conducting macropores have been determined. It was shown that conduction through a coating depends only on the conduction through the macropores although the quantity of electrolyte in the micropores of the polymer net is about one order of magnitude greater than that inside the conducting macropores.
Investigations of asialoglycoprotein receptor glycosylation by lectin affinity methods
Authors: Baricevic Ivona , Vicovac-Panic Ljiljana , Marinovic Vesna , Cuperlovic Margita
Published: August 2005

The asialoglycoprotein receptor belongs to the family of calcium-dependent (C-type) animal lectins. The purified receptor is a glycoprotein in which 10 % of the dry weight consists of sialic acid, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and mannose. The carbohydrate content of the asialoglycoprotein receptor was investigated by lectin affinity methods. The usefulness of plant lectin affinity methods in the characterization of the saccharide content of the asialoglycoprotein receptor, as an animal lectin, is demonstrated. RCA I ConA, PHA, SNA I and WGA showed greater affinity toward the asialoglycoprotein receptor, while PSL, AAA and PNA showed negligible interactions with the asialoglycoprotein receptor. The obtained results correlated well with the carbohydrate content of the asialoglycoprotein receptor as determined by chemical methods.
Cometary impacts into ocean: Thermodynamical equilibrium calculations of high-temperature O2 generation on the early Earth
Authors: Premovic Pavle , Panov Katja
Published: August 2005

The early Earth?s atmosphere apparently differed from the present atmosphere mainly in its lack of free O2, and this absence is believed to have been indispensable for the origin of early anaerobic life forms. One of the central problems in Earth science is to explain the apparent transition from the primitive atmosphere (free of O2) to the present atmosphere which contains 21% of the gas. Theoretical models suggest that the initial form of O2 in the Earth?s atmosphere may have been H2O, which was converted into atmospheric O2 mainly through photosynthesis. We have investigated an alternative (abiotic) method for the conversion of H2O to O2: a high-temperature shock generated during a cometary impact into an ocean (or on land). The calculations presented here show that 1% of the present level of O2 could have resulted from an icy 1.3x1016 kg comet entering the early (pre-oxygenic) Earth with a velocity of between about 11 and 30 km s-1.
Alkylation of N-substituted 2-phenylacetamides: Benzylation of N-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-phenylacetamide
Authors: Jankovic Vida , Mijin Dusan , Petrovic Slobodan
Published: August 2005

N-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-phenylacetamide was alkylated with benzyl chloride in the presence of powdered potassium hydroxide at different temperatures and in various solvents in order to establish the reactivity and orientation in the reaction. The reactions were also carried out in the presence of different phase-transfer catalysts in toluene. Product formation was followed by GC. The obtained results were compared to the results of the benzylation of other N-substituted 2-phenylacetamides, especially of N-phenyl-2-phenylacetamide.
Indene dimerization products
Authors: Jovanovic Jovan , Spiteller Michael , Elling Wilhelm
Published: August 2005

The reaction of 1H-indene (indene) in the presence of Friedel-Crafts acids was studied. As expected [M. Spiteller, J. Jovanovic, Fuel 78(1999)1263] there were dimers and trimers in the product mixture together with higher oligomers. Among products with double molecular weight relative to the molecular weight of indene, the structure of four compounds was determined: 6-(2?,3?-dihydro-1?H-inden-1?-yl)-1H-indene 2-(2?,3?-dihydro-1?H-inden-1?-yl)-1H-indene 1-(2?,3?-dihydro-1?H-inden-2?-yl)-1H-indene and 2,3,1?,3?-tetrahydro-[1,2?]biindenylidene. It was shown that the first one represents an indene alkylation product and that the others were obtained by bonding of the indan-1-ylium ion and indene at the position 2, followed by acid catalyzed 1,2-hydride rearrangement in the case of the third and fourth one. Considering the indene dimerization products as components of pyrolysis oils and as interesting compounds to be used as model substances for NMR, MS and X-ray analysis, the reaction, separation and isolation parameters were optimized in this study.
The influence of electroless plated chromium on printing properties of aluminium offset printing plate
Authors: Zivkovic Predrag , Jovanovic S. , Ilic Nenad , Popov Konstantin
Published: August 2005

A method for the improvement of the printing properties of offset printing forms is presented. Specimens of technical aluminum were electrochemically roughened and treated in different alkaline solutions of chromium chloride in order to chemically deposit a chromium layer. The composition of the surface layer was investigated by EDAX. Chromium was found on the specimens that had been treated in an alkaline solution of chromium chloride, while no chromium was found on chemically untreated specimens or on specimens that had been treated in an alkaline solution without chromium chloride. The spectral reflectance from treated and non-treated specimens was also measured. The chromium-treated specimens were brighter than the non-chromium-treated ones. The wettability of the chromium- treated samples was compared with the wettability of the non-chromium treated samples by measuring the contact angle with water and the wetted area. The chromium-treated samples showed increased wettability compared with the non-chromium-treated samples.A printing test was performed under real printing conditions. Control prints was analyzed densitometrically and statistically. The chromium-treated printing forms gave clearer prints than the non-chromium-treated printing forms under all printing conditions.
Study of sepiolite from Goles (Kosovo, Yugoslavia) I: Sorption capacity
Authors: Radojevic Marina , Jovic Vidojko , Vitorovic Dragomir
Published: August 2005

The sorption of molecules of different size and polarity (water, n-hexane isooctane, benzene, toluene, cyclohexane, carbon tetrachloride, isopropanol isobutanol, methanol, ethanol) by sepiolite from Goles, i.e. from the biggest to-date known Yugoslav deposit, was studied in this work. The BET surface area observed with different sorbates varied from 227 to 314m2/g due to only partial migration of sorbate molecules into the pores or to imperfect packing of the sorbate molecules. The value of the outer surface area suggested that the average thickness of the fibers of Goles sepiolite was approximately 15 nm.
Surface reconstruction during the adsorption/desorption of OH species onto Cu(111) and Cu(100) in O. 1 M NaOH solution
Authors: Jovic V.D. , Jovic Borka
Published: August 2005

The process of adsorption/desorption of OH- species onto Cu(111) and Cu(100) in 0.1M NaOH solution has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and the potentiostatic pulse technique. Investigation of the electrochemical behavior of the Cu(100) face in 0.1M NaOH solution was performed for the first time in this work. It was shown that the adsorption/ desorption of OH species occurs in the potential range between ?1.13 V vs. SHE and ?0.83V vs SHE forming an adsorbate of low coverage. It was shown that in 0.1MNaOHsolution irreversible surface reconstruction of the Cu(111) face occurs as a consequence of the adsorption/desorption of OH- species. The original surface cannot be restored even if the electrode is exposed to potentials more positive than ?0.53 V vs. SHE for some time. If this time is, in the case of repetitive pulse experiments, equal or smaller than 10 s reconstruction does not occur. Adsorption of OH- species takes place in the potential range more negative than ?0.6 V vs. SHE only on reconstructed surfaces. For this process to occur onto non-reconstructed, original Cu(111) surfaces, higher overpotentials are needed.
Regioselectivity of conjugate additions to monoalkyl-1,4-benzoquinones
Authors: Bozic Tatjana , Sladic Dusan , Zlatovic Mario , Novakovic Irena , Trifunovic Snezana , Gasic Miroslav
Published: August 2005

The regioselectivity of the reaction of conjugate addition of thiols amines, methanol and hydrogen chloride with the monoalkyl-1,4-benzoquinones avarone and 2-tert-butyl- 1,4-benzoquinone was investigated. It was shown that the regioselectivity of the reaction is influenced by the electrophilicity of position 5 in unprotonated 2-alkylquinones, the increased electrophilicity of position 6 in acidic medium, and by the acidity of the intermediate hydroquinones.
Desorption of 137Cs+ from mosses
Authors: Dragovic Snezana , Stankovic Slobodanka , Nedic Olgica
Published: August 2005

Mosses are biomonitors that accumulate large amounts of various pollutants including radionuclides. In this work we investigated the possibility of 137Cs extraction from mosses, as well as the significance of species specificity on the efficiency of 137Cs desorption. Salt and acid solutions were used as extraction media. It was shown that a 5% solution of both ammonium oxalate and phosphoric acid was able to desorb 81.8% of 137Cs from Homalothecium sericeum, which was 39.9%more than desorption from water. At the same time, most of the desorbed 137Cs+ was incorporated in crystals that precipitated from the solution. An interspecies difference in respect to 137Cs+ desorption was noticed.
Substituted ferrocenes: Synthesis and correlation of their electronic spectra with structure (LFER)
Authors: Kassab E.A. , Marzouk M.I. , El-Hashash M.
Published: August 2005

Three series of diacylferrocences (I) and ferrocenylidene acetophenones (II) and monoalkyl ferrocences (III) were synthesized and their electronic spectra in the visible region were studied. The bands exhibited by compounds (II) show a good correlation between their wave numbers and the Hammett ? constants.
Chemical composition and antimicrobial action of the ethanol extracts of Salvia pratensis L. Salvia glutinosa L. and Salvia aethiopis L.
Authors: Velickovic Dragan , Randjelovic Novica , Ristic Mihailo , Smelcerovic Andrija , Velickovic Ana
Published: August 2005

In this paper the chemical composition and antimicrobial action of the extracts from the flower, leaf and stem of Salvia pratensis L., Salvia glutinosa L. and Salvia aethiopis L. were investigated. The investigated extracts mostly contain monoterpenes to a high degree, except the flower extract of S. pratensis and the leaf extract of S. glutinosa where sesquiterpenes were found in great amounts. Diterpenes were found only in the extracts of S. aethiopis. All these extracts contained 1,8-cineole (to the highest degree (19.1%) in the stem extract of S. glutinosa) and beta-caryophyllene (to the highest degree (7.0%) in the flower extract of S. pratensis). The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were determined by the diffusion and dilution method.
Extraction of Tb(III) with N, N, N', N'- tetrabutylmalonamide
Authors: Guoxin Sun , Yu Cui , Runtian Jiang , Rongqi Xu , Sixiu Sun
Published: August 2005

The study on the extraction and separation of rare earths with new extractants is important in rare earth hydrometallurgy and nuclear fuel reprocessing. In this work, a new synthesis method of N,N,N?,N?-tetrabutylmalonamide (TBMA) is described with a yield higher than 80%. The extraction behavior of TBMA employing n-hexane-20 % n-octanol benzene and toluene as diluents toward Tb(III) was investigated. The effect of the concentrations of nitric acid, lithium nitrate and extractant as well as the temperature on the extraction distribution ratio was studied in different diluents. The stoichiometry of the extracted species of Tb(III) conforms to Tb(NO3)3?3TBMA. An attempt was made to determine the structure of the extracted species from IR and mol conductance data.
Factorial design in isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography of phenolic compounds
Authors: Onjia Antonije , Vasiljevic Tatjana , Cokesa Djuro , Lausevic Mila
Published: August 2005

A multifactor optimization strategy was utilized to predict the isocratic HPLC separation of nine phenols. The retention behavior was studied as a function of changing eluent (methanol ? acetic acid) composition. The predicted and measured retentions are in rather good agreement. To locate the optimum in the factor space, the normalized resolution product criterion was applied. In virtually every case, the resolution is limited by the separation of the 2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dinitrophenol pair.