bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bartonella henselae as a cause of optical nerve neuritis
Authors: Veselinovic Dragan
Published: December 2010

Introduction. Bartonella henselae is included into the group of gramnegative bacteria that can cause not so rare disease known as catscratch disease (CSD). This disease is characterized by the specific general symptoms, and the complications in the eyes can be manifested in the form of neuroretinitis, follicular conjunctivitis and focal chorioretinitis. In this paper clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a patient with ophthalmologic complications caused by Bartonella henselae are described. We indicate diagnostic possibilities and the criteria for making the diagnosis. Case report. We presented a 42- year-old female patient with CSD symptoms, and with a registered neuritis as an ophthalmologic complication. Two weeks after the occurrence of a scratch on the hand after the contact with a cat, there was a slight lymphadenopathy of the axial area of the left side, accompanied by light febrility and weakness. A week after these symptoms occurring, the patient complained of a reduction of the visual acuity in her left eye. The established visual acuity in the left eye was 0.1 with ophthalmological findings of a light edema of the optical disk and a partial star-like edema in the nasal half of the macula. Central scotoma was present, with the extension of the blind spot and the constriction of central isopter of the left eye visual field. Fluorescein biomicroscopy revealed an intensive leaking of fluoresceins at the level of optical disk and macular region in an early arterial phase, without the appearance of pathological phenomena at the level of retinal blood vessels. With the application of doxycyline 100 mg two times a day, and systemic application of prednisolone (at the initial doses of 120 mg), after a two-week period, there was a full recovery of the visual acuity, out the optical disk edema, and the presence of light edema in the left eye macula receded. The complete disappearance of the edema in the macula was registered four weeks following the application of the therapy. Conclusion. Cat-scratch disease can be recognized by means of characteristic general symptoms, and it must be considered in persons with ophthalmologic picture of neuroretinitis. In spite of the good prognosis for the general condition of a patient, it is advised to apply antibiotic therapy in the cases where ophthalmologic complications appear. We recommend the application of doxycyline 100 mg two times a day, for a month. When pronounced edema of the optical disk and edema in the macula are present, a systematic application of corticosteroids is necessary.
Prognostic parameters in FIGO stage I endometrial carcinoma of endometrioid type
Authors: Stanojevic Zorica , Djordjevic Biljana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the female genital tract in developed countries. Endometrioid carcinoma represents about three-fourths of all endometrial carcinoma. The aim of this study was to examine pathologic parameters, age, and the 5-year survival of the patients with FIGO stage I endometrial carcinoma of endometrioid type and to assess the prognostic utility of age, depth of myometrial invasion, hystologic type (endometrioid or variant), histologic grade, nuclear grade, and lymph-vascular space invasion. Methods. Age, pathologic parameters, and survival data were retrospectively collected on 236 patients with FIGO stage I endometrial carcinoma of endometrioid type. All the patients underwent hysterectomy between 1996 and 2000 and follow-up until December 2005. Results. A total of 236 patients (mean age 58.0, range 40?79) were analyzed. During the 5-year period of follow-up, 59 (25.0%) patents died from the disease. An univariate analysis revealed that age, depth of myometrial invasion, histologic grade, nuclear grade, and lymph-vascular space invasion were associated significantly with the 5-year survival of the patients. A multivariate analysis revealed that age, lymph-vascular space invasion, and depth of myometrial invasion were associated significantly with the 5-year survival. Conclusion. Age, lymph-vascular space invasion, and depth of myometrial invasion are independent prognostic parameters for the 5-year survival of the patients with FIGO stage I endometrial carcinoma of endometrioid type.
Bioequivalence assessment of the two brands of glimepiride tablets
Authors: Jovanovic Dusan , Stojsic Dragan , Zlatkovic Milica , Jovic-Stosic Jasmina , Jovanovic Miodrag
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Glimepiride, as an antidiabetic from the group of sulfonylurea, is administered perorally in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to compare pharmacokinetic profiles and relative bioavailabilities of the two oral formulations of glimepiride, generic and innovator tablets, after a single dose of the active drug. Methods. An oral dose of 6 mg glimepiride was given under fasting conditions to 24 healthy volunteers. A one-week washout period was applied between the two consecutive periods. The serum samples obtained before dosing, and at various time points up to 48 hours, were analyzed for glimepiride concentration using the validated highperformance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters representing early (maximal concentration, time to reach maximal concentration) and total exposure (area under the curve from the time 0 to the infinite time) to glimepiride were obtained and further analyzed using the multifactorial analysis of variance and the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Comparison of the secondary kinetic variables was only descriptive. Results. The point estimates of the ratios of geometric means (test/reference) of maximal concentrations and areas under the curve were 1.046 (90% confidence interval: 0.906?1.208) and 1.022 (90% confidence interval: 0.856?1.220), respectively, while the median values of times to reach maximal concentration, at 5% level of significance, did not differ significantly. Both formulations were well tolerated. Transient mild hypoglycaemia, which had been noted in 6 participants, resolved spontaneously within 30?60 minutes. Conclusion. Since all the parametric 90% confidence intervals for the log-transformed main variables of glimepiride were within the 0.80 and 1.25 interval, accepted as the definition of bioequivalence, and the differences in times to reach maximal concentration also did not reach statistical significance, studied tablets were considered bioequivalent.
Impact of arteriosclerosis on the functioning of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis
Authors: Stolic Radojica , Trajkovic Goran , Peric Vladan , Jovanovic Aleksandar , Subaric-Gorgieva Gordana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Numerous clinical studies have shown that the incidence of artheriosclerosis is higher in patients with progressive renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of artheriosclerosis in patients on chronic hemodialysis and its influence on survival and functioning of vascular access. Methods. The study was organized as one-year prospective study. All the patients had arteriovenous fistulas native as a vascular access. The study analyzed demographic, biochemical, clinical and Doppler echomorphological characteristics of the patients in order to make an evidence of artheriosclerotic incidences as compared to functioning arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Results. The examined patients were of the mean age 55.7?12.68 years. Of them, 53.8% were males and 46.2% females. Functioning arteriovenous fistulas for haemodialysis were found in 56.8% of the examined patients. Concentration of hemoglobin was a significant parameter of functioning fistula (group with complications - 89?14.034 vs. group with no complications - 96.6?17.71; p = 0.0489. An amount of urea removed (URR) was a statistically more significant parameter among the patients without fistula complications: (group with complications - 58.67?7.92% vs. group with no complications - 62.80?7.53%; p = 0.037). A Cox regressive analysis of an index of Doppler parameters of the carotid arteries found no statistical significance between the examined groups. There was a positive correlation between artheriosclerosis and the age, as well as the time on dialysis. In multiple regression, where intima media is a dependent and the age and time on dialysis independent variables, the regressive model was statistically significant (F = 8.22, p = 0.001). Both independent variables had statistically significant inclinations, p < 0.01. Conclusion. Anemia and the level of urea elimination, as a statistically significant indicator of hemodialysis adequacy, were in correlation with the risk for fistula complications. B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries is a significant non-invasive method for detecting artheriosclerosis. Intima- media thickness of the carotid arteries was an important marker of artheriosclerosis correlating significantly with the age and time on dialysis, but not with the traditional risk factors.
Restless legs syndrome prevalence in patients on chronic hemodialysis in central Serbia
Authors: Nikic Petar , Andric Branislav , Stojanovic-Stanojevic Marina , Djordjevic Verica , Petrovic Dejan , Stojimirovic Biljana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorymotor disorder and the core feature of this syndrome is a distressing, irresistible need or urge to move the legs. RLS is one of the most troublesome conditions experienced by endstage renal disease patients treated with regular hemodialysis, and is significantly associated with their increased mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of RLS in the patients with end-stage renal failure in the three dialysis centers in central Serbia, and to investigate the association of the syndrome with clinical characteristics and biochemical variables. Methods. A cross-sectional multicentric study in which 166 consecutive hemodialysis patients were evaluated using a standard questionnaire based on diagnostic criteria elaborated by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group was performed. All patients were reinterviewed and clinically examined by a qualified neurologist. The data on the patients with and without RLS were compared. Results. The prevalence of RLS was 22.96% (95% CI, 16.57% to 29.35%). There was no significant difference in duration of hemodialysis and clinical characteristics when we compared the patients with RLS with those without RLS. We found significantly higher levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and lower level of Kt/V index in the patients with RLS, which might point to inadequate dialysis in these patients. Conclusion. In our study the prevalence of RLS in the patients on the regular hemodialysis was 22.96%. The obtained results are similar to those of other studies using the same methodology in the white population on the regular hemodialysis.
Limb salvage procedure in occlusion of the infrapopliteal arteries
Authors: Mijailovic Milan , Lukic Snezana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Limb salvage is a procedure for treatment of the causes of ischemia in the peripheral arteries of the lower limbs. This procedure consists of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of arteries of the infrapopliteal segment in the lower limbs, endovascular stents implantation and selective intraarterial thrombolytic therapy. The main PTA principle is balloon dilatation of a blood vessel and increasing blood flow in this zone. The aim of this study was to show the validity and benefits of applying this procedure in pathologically corrupted arteries of the infrapopliteal segment. Methods. A prospective study included 30 patients: 15 with PTA dilatations, 13 with stents implantations and five with thrombolytic therapy. The follow-up period was: immediately after the procedure, a month later, and six months later. Results. Of the 15 patients with balloon dilatation, three still suffered from artery stenosis, and they additionally underwent stents implantation. These three patients were in the group of 13 patients who had underwent stent implantation.. The last group consisted of five patients with thrombolytic therapy (urokinase, streptokinase, rt-PA - recombinant tissue plasminogen activator). Restenosis appeared only in the three patients from the first group (PTA) immediately after the intervention. A month later, there was no restenosis or ischemia of the limbs. After six months, restenosis appeared in three patients from the first group (PTA), in one patient from the second group (stent), and in two patients from the third group (thrombolytic therapy). The best results were shown by the stent implantation method (successful in 92.3% of the cases), PTA (75%), and thrombolytic therapy (60%). Conclusion. On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded that the limb salvage method in case of occluded arteries of infrapopliteal segment is fully justified, especially the stent implantation method being successful in 92.3% of the patients within a six month-period of time, which is a relevant proof of its efficiency.
Angiectatic pseudocyst of the pancreatic head
Authors: Colovic Radoje , Grubor Nikica , Jovanovic Miodrag , Micev Marijan , Radak Vladimir , Sagic Dragan
Published: December 2010

Background. Arteriovenous malformations of the pancreas are very rare, most frequently congenital ones, but tending to increase frequency, predominantly due to the introduction and use of new diagnostic modalities. They usually present with gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. Case report. The autors presented a 52-year-old woman in whom, during the investigation for the abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding, an ultrasonography showed a hypoechogenic lesion within the head of the pancreas 3 cm in diameter. Endoscopic ultrasound showed an irregular hypoechogenic lesion. Computed tomography showed a low density area within the lesion (< 10HU). At endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, a cystic lesion within the head of the pancreas was filled with contrast from the normal pancreatic duct. Angiography showed an arteriovenous malformation within the head of the pancreas. The patient underwent pylorus preserving cephalic duodenopancreatectomy. The diagnosis of arteriovenous malformation, probably of congenital origin, was confirmed on histology. Conclusion. Arteriovenous malformations should be considered in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown etiology. In this case, the lesion was taken into account preoperatively, based on color Doppler ultrasonography and angiography. The best results of treatment can be achieved with resection, but it has to be performed before an eventual portal hypertension takes place.
Reduction of myocardial hypertrophy after aortic valve replacement
Authors: Kostic-Mirkovic Andrijana , Otasevic Ivan , Vujisic-Tesic Bosiljka
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Aortic valve disease - stenosis and regurgitation are the cause of increased homodynamic stress of the left ventricle (LV) which then develops an adaptive mechanism of cardiac muscle hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to establish if aortic valve replacement procedure (AVR) reduces myocardial hypertrophy and if it does in what period of time. Methods. Eighty-six patients who had been operated for AVR in the Clinical Center of Serbia were included in this investigation. In the every patient the aortic valve had been replaced with a mechanical valve prosthesis. Transthoracic echocardiography examination (TTE) was performed in all of the patients before, and one week after the operation, while 22 patients were followed-up on a long term basis. The LV mass was determined with the formula according to the Pen convention. Results. In the tested group there was significantly more male than female individuals (n = 57-66.3%, 29-337%). Twelve patients (14%) were operated for isolated aortic stenosis, 22 patients (25.6%) for aortic regurgitation, 48 patients (55.8%) for combined aortic valve disease, while 4 patients (4.7%) for endocarditis. Student t test did not show any significant difference in diastolic septal thickness before and after the operation (p = 0.88), while it did show that the difference in the LV mass before and after the operation was highly significant (p = 0.000). This test also showed that, taking the mass of 240 g as the border value for hypertrophy of LV, the reduction of LV mass between preoperative and early postoperative finding was not significant (p = 0.5), while the reduction in LV mass between late and early postoperative examination was statistically significant (p = 0.000). In 19 of 22 patients who were followed-up postoperatively over a long period (84 months after the operation) significant reduction of LV mass was registered. The mean time of the reduction was 27.5 months. Conclusion. This study showed the presence of a significant reduction in the LV mass after AVR, and that the mean time required for this process was more than two years.
Functional effects of preserving the intercostobrachial nerve and the lateral thoracic vein during axillary dissection in breast cancer conservative surgery
Authors: Ivanovic Nebojsa , Granic Miroslav , Randjelovic Tomislav , Bilanovic Dragoljub , Djukanovic Blagoje , Ristic Natasa , Babic Darko
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Conventional axillary dissection in breast cancer surgery implicates the section of the neurovascular elements passing through the dissected tissue: the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) and lateral thoracic vein (LTV). Preservation of the ICBN during axillary dissection is well documented in the literature, with slightly contradictory results of its influence to postoperative pain. There is no published data, as far as we know, on the functional effects of preserving the LTV. We supposed that ligation of the LTV contributes to the emergence of postoperative breast edema, which is common in breast cancer conservative surgery. The preservation of venous drainage could diminish the frequency of this undesired occurrence. Methods. In a prospective study, 126 patients undergoing axillary node clearance for breast cancer of stages I and II were randomly selected for preservation of ICBN and LTV (n = 65), or for conventional dissection (n = 61). Sensory deficit, pain and breast edema as a dichotomized characteristics were examined in the first two weeks after the surgery. Results. No difference in the number of dissected nodes was seen between the two groups (p = 0.7). The loss of sensitivity was significantly less common in the group randomized for ICBN preservation (16/65 vs. 30/61, p < 0.005), while there was no difference in the pain intensity and duration (49/65 vs 44/61, p > 0.05). LTV was preserved in 22 patients in the group for preservation, and in none of the control group. Breast edema was registered in 33 patients from the group for preservation (51%) and in 37 patients from the control group (61%). The difference in distribution was not significant, and the same results were obtained when the frequency of breast edema in the group with preserved LTV (22 patients, 10 of them without breast edema) was compared with the all others (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The preservation of the ICBN significantly improved the functional effect of the axillary dissection for breast cancer by reducing sensory loss, while there was no difference in pain intensity and duration. Although we did not prove that the preservation of LTV prevents breast edema after conservative surgery for breast cancer, we think that more complex analysis, including parameters such as the extent of resection of breast tissue, the dimension and constitutional characteristics of the breast, tumor location, obesity, and further developments in surgical technique, would reveal at least discrete improvements in the functional results of this surgical approach.
Neonatal outcome in pregnancies complicated with pregestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cetkovic Aleksandar , Djurovic Marina
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) represents glucose intolerance that begins before pregnancy and is followed by the increased risk of neonatal and maternal complications. The aim of this study was to establish neonatal outcome in pregnancies with pregestational diabetes mellitus and the factors that had influence on it. Methods. This study included 27 pregnant women with insulin-dependant PGDM hospitalized during 2004 in the Institute for Obstretics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. The control group consisted of 2 292 healthy pregnant women presented to the Institute within 2004. Results. Twenty-three (85%) infants of the women with PGDM had complications in comparison with 356 (15.5%) infants of the women in the control group, that was statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Macrosomia was present in 8 (29.6%) and birth injuries in 6 (22.2%) infants of women with PGDM that was statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in comparisom with the women in the control group who had 194 (8.5%) infants with macrosomia and 156 (6.8%) infants with birth injuries. The women with PGDM had 3 (11.1%) neonatal deaths and 3 (11.1%) infants were born with congenital malformations in comparison with the women in the control group without these complications. We established statisticaly significant correlation (p < 0.001) between glicoregulation before and during pregnancy in the women with PGDM and neonatal outcome. Conclusion. The incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the women with PGDM was significantely more frequent as compared with the normal population. Achieving optimal maternal glucose levels in women with PGDM both preconceptionally and during pregnancy is associated with significant reduction of neonatal complications.
Papillary muscle head rupture in a patient with normal coronarography findings
Authors: Kostic-Mirkovic Andrijana , Pavicevic Srdjan , Otasevic Ivan , Radovic Sergej , Marenovic Tomislav
Published: December 2010

Background. Rupture of papillary muscle generally happens during acute myocardial infarction and is the cause of acute mitral regurgitation, pulmonary oedema, so it should be promptly recognized and managed. Case report. A patient, 52 year-old, was admitted to the Thoracic Department with fever, general weakness, dyspnea and cough as a case of suspected pneumonia. Two days before the admission he was treated with antibiotics. At thoracic ward, his clinical status got serious and he transferred to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as pulmonary oedema. At the time of admission to ICU the patient was seriously ill with tachycardia, tachydyspnea, orthopnea and cyanosis image. Auscultatory, he showed pulmonal stasis at both sides and a tachyarrhythmic action, with a systolic murmur 5/6 grade above the mitral valve. Echocardiography showed grave mitral regurgitation with prolapsus of posterior leaflet with suspected chordal rupture. At coronarography no significant lesions of coronary arteries were found. After hemodynamic stabilization the patient was operated. During the operation, Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination showed a rupture of the head of the posteromedial papillary muscle. He was surgically treated with atypical quadrantectomy of posterior leaflet with homologous pericardial patch anuloplasty. Conclusion. The recognition of acute mitral regurgitation caused by the papillary muscle rupture and prompt surgical treatment is of vital interest for the survival of patients.
Susceptibility to oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and insulin secretory response in the development of diabetes from obesity
Authors: Kocic Radivoj , Pavlovic Dusica , Kocic Gordana , Pesic Milica
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recent reports indicate that obesity may induce systemic oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to potentiate oxidative stress as a factor which may aggravate peripheral insulin sensitivity and insulinsecretory response in obesity in this way to potentiate development of diabetes. The aim of the study was also to establish whether insulin-secretory response after glucagonstimulated insulin secretion is susceptible to prooxidant/ antioxidant homeostasis status, as well as to determine the extent of these changes. Methods. A mathematical model of glucose/insulin interactions and C-peptide was used to indicate the degree of insulin resistance and to assess their possible relationship with altered antioxidant/prooxidant homeostasis. The study included 24 obese healthy and 16 obese newly diagnozed non-insulin dependent diabetic patients (NIDDM) as well as 20 control healthy subjects, matched in age. Results. Total plasma antioxidative capacity, erythrocyte and plasma reduced glutathione level were significantly decreased in obese diabetic patients, but also in obese healthy subjects, compared to the values in controls. The plasma lipid peroxidation products and protein carbonyl groups were significantly higher in obese diabetics, more than in obese healthy subjects, compared to the control healthy subjects. The increase of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation at basal state was shown to be more pronounced in obese daibetics, but the apparent difference was obtained in both the obese healthy subjects and obese diabetics, compared to the control values, after exposing of erythrocytes to oxidative stress induced by H2O2. Positive correlation was found between the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and index of insulin sensitivity (FIRI). Conclusion. Increased oxidative stress together with the decreased antioxidative defence seems to contribute to decreased insulin sensitivity and impaired insulin secretory response in obese diabetics, and may be hypothesized to favour the development of diabetes during obesity.
Endoscopically removed giant submucosal lipoma
Authors: Jovanovic Ivan , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Popovic Dragan , Pavlov Maja
Published: December 2010

Background. Although uncommon, giant submucosal colon lipomas merit attention as they are often presented with dramatic clinical features such as bleeding, acute bowel obstruction, perforation and sometimes may be mistaken for malignancy. There is a great debate in the literature as to how to treat them. Case report. A patient, 67-year old, was admitted to the Clinic due to a constipation over the last several months, increasing abdominal pain mainly localized in the left lower quadrant accompanied by nausea, vomiting and abdominal distension. Physical examination was unremarkable and the results of the detailed laboratory tests and carcinoembryonic antigen remained within normal limits. Colonoscopy revealed a large 10 cm long, and 4 to 5 cm in diameter, mobile lesion in his sigmoid colon. Conventional endoscopic ultrasound revealed 5 cm hyperechoic lesion of the colonic wall. Twenty MHz mini-probe examination showed that lesion was limited to the submucosa. Since polyp appeared too large for a single transaction, it was removed piecemeal. Once the largest portion of the polyp has been resected, it was relatively easy to place the opened snare loop around portions of the residual polyp. Endoscopic resection was carried out safely without complications. Histological examination revealed the common typical histological features of lipoma elsewhere. The patient remained stable and eventually discharged home. Four weeks later he suffered no recurrent symptoms. Conclusion. Colonic lipomas can be endoscopically removed safely eliminating unnecessary surgery.
Comparison of the suppressing capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil effects on the pronounce of inflammatory cells score in the induction of episcleral fibrosis after trabeculectomy
Authors: Milivojevic Milorad , Vukosavljevic Miroslav , Aleksic Petar , Stojkovic Radovan , Dimitrijevic Jovan , Latkovic Zoran , Avramovic Sinisa
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Trabeculectomy is a filtering antiglaucoma surgery performed to facilitate the formation of a drainage channel for the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye to the subconjunctival space making a collector, filtering cushion of the eye liquid. The cause of unfavourable outcome of trabeculectomy is episcleral fibrosis which leads to the obstruction of the drainage channel. Inflammatory reaction is an initial, but, also, the key event in the process of fibrosis and directly proportional to it. A successful medicamentous suppression of inflammation could stop fibrosis. Arccordingly, the aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate suppressing effects of capecitabine and 5-fluoroaracil upon inflammation, an initial fibrosis process after trabeculectomy. Methods. This study was performed on an experimental animal model, namely 24 rabbits (48 eyes), which were exposed to artificial cause of the tissue changes analogous to human subclinical inflammation. During the trabeculectomy, a 5% solution of 5- fluoroaracil was applied to the right eye sclera of a rabbit, while 2% solution of kapecitabine was applied to the left eye sclera, thus making possible to evaluate the effects of different drugs to the same animal. Two weeks after the surgery the subconjunctival - episcleral tissue cuts were analyzed. Semiquantitative histologic test was used to compare the cellular elements of inflammatory (fibroblasts, mononuclears, plasmocytes, eosinophiles), as well as fibrosing (colagen, reticulin fibers) process, and, based on the differences in histopathologic score, suppressive efficacy of 5-fluoroaracil and kapecitabine was evaluated and compared between the groups of the treated tissues. The results were shown as mean values ? standard deviation. Results. A statistically significantly lower score was revealed in the initial inflammatory cells - mononuclears and plasmocytes in the group of the tissues treated with kapecitabine, while there was no differences between the groups in the score of fibroblasts and colagen fibers. Conclusion. The suppression of the initial episcleral fibrosis process obtained by kapecitabine was more significant as compared to the suppression obtained by 5-fluoroaracil, thus providing more favorable outcome of the trabeculectomy. .
Association of stressful life events with acute myocardial infarction in population in the city of Nis within the period from 1998-2000.
Authors: Deljanin Zorana , Rancic Natasa , Tiodorovic Branislav , Petrovic Branislav , Velickovic Zoran , Ilic Mirko
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Stressful life events present a very important category of psychosocial stress. A few studies have showed that a psychosocial stress represents a very important risk factor for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but measures of stress may not be suitable for different countries, cultures and ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation of stressful life events with AMI in the period of 1998-2000 in the population of the city of Nis. Methods. A case-control study included 100 patients with the first MI (in the period 1998-2000) and 100 healthy subjects, matched with respect to sex and age (? 2 years) from the city of Nis. The data of stressful life events were obtained by the Scaling of life events by Paykel ES, modified by the authors consistent with the examined population and the period of investigation. The Yates ?2 test, odds ratio - OR and their 99% interval of confidence were used as statistical procedures. Results. The results showed that stressful life events in the period of investigation were very important risk factors for AMI with a statistically significant level (p = 0.000). Huge financial problems (OR = 202.36, Ci = 24.82-4387.58), violation of law (OR = 168.00, Ci = 10.66-6658.96) and serious illness of family members (OR = 159.60, Ci = 19.05- 3514.81) were the highest risk for AMI. The patients who reported that his/her son or other member of family had been gone to the army (or mobilization) before the illness onset, had 138 times higher risk of AMI (Ci = 14.98-3222.47, ?2 = 40.95, p = 0.000), while the patients who had mobilized themselves had 84 times higher risk (Ci = 7.00- 2363.06, ?2 = 23.87, p = 0.000). Effect of several stressful life events lead to significantly increased risk of AMI and that significance is larger as the number of life events is more frequent (one life event: OR = 28.41, Ci = 3.73- 593.52; ?2 = 17.40, p = 0.000; ? 4: OR = 336.00, Ci = 28.31- 9760.28, ?2 = 50,43, p = 0,000). Conclusion. These findings indicate that stressful life events are associated with AMI and that they are very important for further epidemiological investigation of the triggering mechanisms and should improve preventive strategies of this serious disorder. .
Prevalence and prognostic significance of silent myocardial ischemia in patients after myocardial infarction
Authors: Deljanin-Ilic Marina , Ilic Stevan
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Silent myocardial ischemia (MI) can be detected in subjects with any symptoms, in patients after myocardial infarction and in coronary patients who have episodes of symptomatic, as well as of silent MI. This study was carried out to evaluate the frequency, characteristics and prognostic significance of silent MI detected in stress echocardiography test in patients after myocardial infarction. Methods. In 210 patients within three months after myocardial infarction exercise test was performed. In those patients with ischemic ST depression on exercise electrocardiogram, in order to confirm MI stress echocardiography was additionally performed. To assess the incidence of major cariovascular events, all the patients were followed at least five years after the first myocardial infraction. Results. Out of 210 patients 88 (42%) had ischemic response during stress echocardiography test. Out of 88 patients with MI 54 (61%) had anginal pain (patients with symptomatic MI), while 34 (39%) were free of symptoms (patients with silent MI). Level of exercise test, heart rate, time to the onset of ST segment depression, and the magnitude of ST segment depression were similar in both subgroups of the patients with MI. Duration of exercise test was longer in patients with silent MI (p < 0.05). Wall motion score index during stress echocardiography was higher in patients with symptomatic MI (p < 0.05). Coronary angiography findings were similar in patients with silent and those with symptomatic MI. During a five- yearsfollow- up period the occurrence of major cardic events (cardiac mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction) was similar in both subgroups of the patients with MI. Conclusion. In more than one third of patients after myocardial infarction silent MI during stress echocardiography was detected. The patients with silent ischemia had longer duration of exercise test and smaller wall motion score index on stress echocardiography. There was no difference in coronary angiography finding between patients with silent and those with symptomatic MI. The incidence of major cardiac events during a five- years- follow-up was similar in the patients with silent and those with symptomatic MI. .
Neuroendocrine differentiation as a survival prognostic factor in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Petrovic Marina , Tomic Ilija , Ilic Srbislav
Published: December 2010

Beckground/Aim. Neuroendrocine lung tumors are histologically heterogenous group of cancers with different clinical progression. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) neuroendocrine differentiation exists in 10-30% of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and influence of neuroendocrine differentiation on survival of treated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. A clinical trial included 158 patients (74% males and 26% females), with the diagnosis of NSCLC, determined by histological verification. The patients were treated by combined chemo - and X-ray therapy in stage III (without pleural effusion) or chemotherapy only in stage III (with pleural effusion) and stage IV. Chemotherapy was conducted until progression of the disease, but no more than six cycles. When the progression had been noted in stage III (without pleural effusion), the treatment was continued with X-ray therapy. Neuron specific enolase, chromogranin A, as well as synapthophysin expression in tissue examples were determined by immunohistochemical analysis with monoclonal mouse anti-human-bodies. Survival was assessed within a year and two years follow-up examination. Results. A total of 53 patients (34%) had NSCLC with neuroendocrine differentiation, confirmed rather in large cell lung cancer and lung adenocarcinoma (66.7% and 40%, respectively). Neuron specific enolase, chromogranin A and synapthophysin expression was noted in 45 (28.5%), 34 (21.5%) and 33 (20.1%) patients, respectively. The one year and two years follow-up survival periods were confirmed in 39% and 17% of patients respectively. The median survival time in the patients with the neuroendocrine expression as compared to those without the expression was 15.6 vs 10.8 months; one year survival time with the expression compared to those without the expression achieved in 62% vs 27% of the patients, (p < 0.001); a two - year survival time noted in 30% of the patients (p = 0.000). One year follow-up survival time was longer in the patients with neuron specific enolase and chromogranin A expression lung cancer (p < 0.001). Synapthophysin expression was not statisticaly significant for survival (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that almost the third of the advanced NSCLC has neuroendocrine differentiation. The median survival time of the treated patients is longer when the tumor is associated with neuron specific enolase and chromogranin A expression. .
Risk and causes of gastroesophageal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Benedeto-Stojanov Daniela , Nagorni Aleksandar , Mladenovic Bojan , Stojanov Dragan , Djenic Nebojsa
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Variceal bleeding is the most life-threating complication in liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the sources of gastroesophageal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and to ascertain the risk factors of bleeding from esophageal varices. Methods. This prospective study included 52 patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Severity of liver dysfunction according to Child?s classification, coagulation parameters, and endoscopic findings were analyzed. In patients with varices we analyzed the size, color, location of varices, and the presence of red signs. The varices were classified as small, medium and large. Results. Esophageal varices were found in 76.9% of the patients. Isolated varices were present in 36.6%, and associated with other findings in 40,3%. Small varices were present in 10%, medium in 25% and large in 65% patients. Of them 55% had variceal bleeding. Variceal bleeding was present in 50% of the patients with medium and in 65.38% of the patients with large varices. There was no bleeding in the patients with small varices. Endoscopy revealed red signs before bleeding in 85% of the patients with large varices. There was a higher incidence of variceal bleeding in the Child?s group B. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the coagulation parameters in patients with and without variceal bleeding. Rebleeding was present in 86.36% of the patients. Most of them (52.63%) were rebleeding between 7 weeks and 12 months after the first episode of variceal bleeding. In the patients with the most severe hepatocellular dysfunction (Child?s group C) the period between the first bleeding and rebleeding was the shortest (mean, 20.8 days). Conclusion. Our study revealed that esophageal varices are the most frequent sources of bleeding in the patients with liver cirrhosis. There is the association between the first bleeding and large varices and the red signs. Coagulation disorders and hepatic dysfunction were not related to the initial episode of variceal bleeding. The risk of early rebleeding was higher in the patients with severe hepatic dysfunction (Child?s class C). .
Influence of chemiotherapeutic protocol and neuroendocrine differentiation on metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treatment results
Authors: Tomic Ilija , Petrovic Marina , Plavec Goran , Ilic Srbislav
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. In 40-50% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the time of making a diagnosis, the disease is yet at IIIb and IV stage. Standard in the treatment of these patient is the application of systemic chemiotherapy based on CIS/Carboplatin preparations. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of two different chemiotherapeutic protocols and neuroendocrine differentiation on treatment response and survival in patients with metastatic NSCLC. Methods. We examined 85 patients with metastatic NSCLC, of which 51 with stage IIIb, and 34 with stage IV of the disease. The histologic diagnosis of NSCLC was determined by tissue assays using hematoxylin eosin method. Neuroendocrine differentiation was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of neuron- specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin A, and synapthophysin expression using monoclonal mouse anti- human bodies (DAKO, Denmark). According to chemiotherapeutic protocol, the patients were randomly assigned into combined Taxol + Cisplatin group (Tax + Cis, n = 35), and Cyclophosphamide + Etoposide + Carboplatin group (CEP, n = 50). The treatment was conducted within 4-6 chemiotherapeutic cycles. The efficacy was assessed after the therapy regimen and median survival time was assessed after the randomization. Results. A total of 31 (36.47%) patients had a favourable therapeutic response, both partial and complete response (54.2% in the Tax + Cis group and 24% in CEP group of patients, respectively, p < 0.001). The median survival time in both groups was 13.1 months (15.3 months in the Tax + Cis group and 10.6 months in the CEP group, respectively, p < 0.001). A one-year follow-up survival period was confirmed in 40% of patients (60% only in the Tax + Cis group). A total of 23 (27.05%) patients with metastatic NSCLC had neuroendocrine differentiation. The disease progression or stable disease was noted only in patient with NSCLC without neuroendocrine differentiation (n = 42, 67.7%, p < 0.001). The median survival time in patients with NSCLC and neuroendocrine differentiation was 14.8 months, without neuroendocrine differentiation 10.7 months (p < 0.001). The patients with NSCLC and neuroendocrine differentiation in the CEP group had a longer one-year follow-up survival period than patients in Tax + Cis group (p < 0.001). In Tax-Cis group of patients, there was no significant difference in one-year follow-up survival period with neuroendocrine differentiation. Conclusion. Better therapeutic response and longer median survival time in metastatic NSCLC was obtained using Tax + Cis as compared to CEP protocol. Similar effect was noted using CEP protocol in patients with NSCLC and neuroendocrine differentiation. .
Radiographic cephalometry assessment of the linear and angular parameters on cranial base in children with skeletal class III
Authors: Stojanovic Zdenka , Milic Jasmina , Nikolic Predrag
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. In malocclusion of skeletal class III, mandible is located in front of maxilla in sagital plain, which is manifested by a lower value of the sagital inter-jaw angle than in skeletal class I, where the jaw sagital relation is normal. Apart from the deformities on mandible and/or maxilla, in skeletal class III deformities are also frequent on the cranial base. The aim of this research was to find the differences in the parameter values on the cranial base among the children with skeletal class III and the children with skeletal class I in the period of mixed dentition. Methods. After clinical examination and orthopan-tomography, profile radiography of the head was analyzed in 60 examinees, aged from 6?12 years. The examinees were divided into two groups: group 1 - the children with skeletal class III; group 2 - the children with skeletal class I. Both linear and angular parameters on the cranial base were measured, as well as the angles of maxillary and mandible prognatism and the angle of sagital inter-jaw relation. The level of difference in the parameter values between the groups was estimated and the degree of correlation of the main angle of the cranial base with the angles of sagital position of the jaws in each of the two groups was established. Results. A significant difference between the groups was found only in the average values of the angles of maxillary prognatism and sagital interjaw relation. In the group 1, the main angle of the cranial base was in a significant correlation with the angles of sagital positions of the jaws, while in the group 2, such significance was not found. Conclusion. There were no significant differences in the parameter values on the cranial base between the groups. There was a significant correlation of the main angle of the cranial base with the angles of sagital position of the jaws in the group 1 only. .
Morphological markers of secretory activity in prostatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jankovic-Velickovic Ljubinka , Katic Vuka , Ignjatovic Ivan
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. The vast majority of prostatic tumors developing in adult males are adenocarcinomas (ACP). Histological diagnosis of prostate cancer relies on the infiltrative growth pattern, presence of macronucleoli, and absence of basal cell layer. In the last few years a special attention has been focused on investigation of cancerous glands lumen content. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of intraluminal (crystaloids, blue-tanged mucinous secretions and distension of glands) and extracellular markers of pathological secretions in ACP, as well as the type of intraluminal and extracellular mucinous secretions. Methods. Micromorphological and hystochemical (PAS, HIDAB pH 2.5) analysis was done in 96 patients to detemine differentiation by Gleason and markers of secretory activity. Results. In ACP neoplastic gland`s distension (53.12%), crystalloids (30.2%), basophilic secretions (26.04%) and presence of extracellular mucins (8.3%) were found. All morphological signs were detected in carcinoma of Gleason grade 1-4A. There was significant presence of crystalloids ((G1+G2)/G4 p < 0.05; G3/G4A p < 0.05), basophilic secretions (G3/G2 p < 0.05; G3/G4A p < 0.05) and extracellular mucins (G3/G4A p < 0.001). The association of these morphological features with neutral and acidic mucins secretion was statisticaly significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. This study showed that intraluminal and extracellular markers of secretory activity in ACP were significantly more often associated by mixed type of mucin secretion with predominace of sialomucins. .