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Copyright of Acta Chirurgica Iugoslavica is the property of Association of Yugoslav Surgeons and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Objectives: Oxidative stress and paraoxonase activity play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) study evaluated the prevalence of CVD risk factors and postulated the prediction of future CVD events. We therefore investigated the association between plasma markers of oxidative stress and paraoxonase status with PROCAM risk score. Design and methods: Oxidative stress status parameters [lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), superoxide anion (O2 −), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total sulphydryl group content] and paraoxonase (PON1) status were assessed in 211 participants. The predicted 10-year risk was calculated according to the PROCAM algorithm. Results: As expected subjects with high PROCAM risk score (high CVD risk) had significantly higher concentrations of oxidative stress parameters (TBARS and O2 − P <0.001 and P <0.05, respectively). The PON1192 phenotype distribution among CVD risk groups was not significantly different. Logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations of all the examined oxidative stress status parameters with calculated CVD risk score. The potential of the parameters for CVD risk prediction was tested via multivariate analysis. Only the O2 − level retained a strong association with high CVD risk. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that high PROCAM risk score is associated with increased oxidative stress, indicating for the first time that elevated O2 − is independently associated with high CVD risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determinate both the oxidative stress/anti-oxidative defense status and the concentration of leptin in obese, overweight and normal weight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients to seek possible association between oxidative stress and hyperleptinemia. Oxidative stress status parameters [thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), superoxide anion (O2 −), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total sulphydryl groups] and the concentration of leptin were measured in 312 subjects (178 patients and in 134 control subjects). Obese patients had a significantly higher concentration of leptin compared to obese subjects in the control population (P <0.001). They also had significantly higher plasma concentrations of TBARS, O2 − and SOD activity in combination with a lower sulphydryl group concentration when compared to control subjects. Obese patients had significantly higher concentrations of both TBARS and O2 − and increased SOD activity compared to normal weight patients. The odds ratio for the degree of association between oxidative stress status parameters and hyperleptinemia was strongest for TBARS [odds ratio 2.66, 95% CI (1.02–6.94), P =0.045]. The observed positive correlation between TBARS and leptin (ρ =0.29, P <0.01) in obese patients suggests that increased oxidative stress and hyperleptinemia, both consequences of obesity, may play a role in type 2 diabetes mellitus development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Defects in trophoblast invasion, differentiation of extravillous trophoblasts and spiral artery remodeling are key factors in PE development. Currently there are no predictive biomarkers clinically available for PE. Recent technological advancements empowered transcriptome exploration and led to the discovery of numerous non-coding RNA species of which microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the most investigated. They are implicated in the regulation of numerous cellular functions, and as such are being extensively explored as potential biomarkers for various diseases. Altered expression of numerous lncRNAs and miRNAs in placenta has been related to pathophysiological processes that occur in preeclampsia. In the following text we offer summary of the latest knowledge of the molecular mechanism by which lnRNAs and miRNAs (focusing on the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC)) contribute to pathophysiology of PE development and their potential utility as biomarkers of PE, with special focus on sample selection and techniques for the quantification of lncRNAs and miRNAs in maternal circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Changes in lipid composition might be associated with the onset and progression of various neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we investigated the changes in the plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC)/lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) ratios in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in comparison with healthy subjects and their correlation with clinico‐pathological features. Methods: The study included 10 controls and 25 patients with PD. All patients were assigned to groups based on clinico‐pathological characteristics (gender, age at examination, duration of disease and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage). The analysis of the PC/LPC intensity ratios in plasma lipid extracts was performed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Results: PD patients exhibited an increased PC/LPC intensity ratio in comparison with the control group of healthy subjects. Furthermore, the investigated ratio was shown to be correlated with clinico‐pathological parameters, in particular with H&Y stage and disease duration. The PC/LPC intensity ratio in plasma samples of PD patients was found to be elevated in all examined H&Y stages and throughout the disease duration. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the PC/LPC ratios in plasma of patients with PD and illustrating their correlation with clinico‐pathological features. Although the presented results may be considered as preliminary due to the limited number of participants, the observed alterations of PC/LPC ratios in plasma might be a first step in the characterization of plasma lipid changes in PD patients and an indicator of lipid reconfiguration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By conducting an assessment of the existing building stock from the perspective of the Green Building Certification System (GBCS), it is possible to contribute to the improvement of energy utilization and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as promoted through the Renovation Wave strategy by the European Union. These aspirations will simultaneously contribute to enhancing human well-being, indoor environmental quality, and comfort. This paper describes a novel methodology for enhancing the renovation of existing buildings at the design stage using automation within the Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. By parameterizing the requirements of GBCS using a visual programming tool, real-time insight into the number of achieved certain issue credits in the certification process is enabled. It was also created to enable designers in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector to continuously monitor the development of design and make modifications as early as possible in the design process. Thus, cost overruns in design projects, as well as later renovations and building maintenance, are prevented. This research has utilized the capability of BIM to perform rapid compliance simulations with Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) requirements without the need for manual calculations and/or computer simulations in other software, which would increase the time required for analysis due to additional modeling requirements. The methodology is demonstrated using the automation of the Daylighting section of the issue Hea01 Visual Comfort from the Technical Manual SD225 1.4 − BREEAM International Non-Domestic Refurbishment 2015, and the validation was performed on a BIM model of an existing building belonging to the educational sector. The application of the described methodology in the case study reduced the time required for assessing the number of achieved daylighting credits by 40%, with potential savings extending up to 80% depending on the chosen criteria for analysis. The tool is designed to be applicable to other GBCS, building types, and newly designed buildings as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathophysiological mechanisms crucial in the development of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in the pediatric population are still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension, oxidative stress, and inflammation in pediatric patients during the acute phase of the disease. Methods: The study included 33 children, aged 2 to 9 years, with nephrotic syndrome. Blood samples were collected during the acute phase and remission. Parameters of oxidative status were determined, including total oxidative status (TOS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), sulfhydryl groups (- SH), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum, measured spectrophotometrically. Inflam - matory parameters such as pentraxin 3 (PTX3), leptin, program med cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and E-cadherin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Patients with nephrotic syndrome and hypertension had significantly higher levels of advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant status (p=0.029 and p=0.003, respectively). During the acute phase of the disease, lower activity of sulfhydryl groups and paraoxonase 1 was observed compared to remission (p<0.001, for both). Pentraxin 3 levels were higher, while leptin levels were lower during the acute phase (p<0.001, for both). Pentraxin 3 correlated with advanced oxidation protein products and total antioxidant status during the acute phase but not in remission (rs=0.42, p=O.O27 and rs=0.43, p=0.025, respectively). A negative correlation between Advanced oxidation protein products and leptin was observed during the acute phase, which disappeared in remission (rs=-0.42, p=0.028). Conclusions: Results of this study show that hypertension influences oxidative stress markers, and decreased antioxidant capacity may contribute to nephrotic syndrome development. Pentraxin 3 appears as a potential disease activity marker, indicating a dynamic connection between inflammation and oxidative stress. Leptin may also play a role in oxidative stress in nephrotic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct and an indirect relationship between paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and atherosclerosis exists. Given PON1's physical location within high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and its recognized enzyme activity, it is certainly reasonable to suggest that PON1 facilitates the antiatherogenic nature of HDL particles. PON1 also plays a role in regulating reverse cholesterol transport, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic, vasodilative, and antithrombotic activities and several endothelial cell functions. HDL dysfunctionality is a more recent issue and seems to be centered on pathological conditions affecting HDL structure and size profiles. This review is focused on the role of PON1 status in different atherosclerosis‐related diseases that we have studied over the last twenty years (coronary heart disease, acute ischemic stroke, diabetes mellitus type 2, end‐stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sarcoidosis) with the aim to determine the true value of PON1 as a biomarker. The role of PON1 in cancer is also covered, as risk factors and mechanisms underlying both atherosclerosis and cancer share common features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specific feature of dyslipidemia in pregnancy is increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration, which is probably associated with maternal endothelium protection. However, preeclampsia is most often associated with low HDL cholesterol, and the mechanisms behind this change are scarcely explored. We aimed to investigate changes in HDL metabolism in risky pregnancies and those complicated by late-onset preeclampsia. We analyze cholesterol synthesis (cholesterol precursors: desmosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol, and lathosterol) and absorption markers (phytosterols: campesterol and β-sitosterol) within HDL particles (NCSHDL), the activities of principal modulators of HDL cholesterol's content, and major HDL functional proteins levels in mid and late pregnancy. On the basis of the pregnancy outcome, participants were classified into the risk group (RG) (70 women) and the preeclampsia group (PG) (20 women). HDL cholesterol was lower in PG in the second trimester compared to RG (p < 0.05) and followed by lower levels of cholesterol absorption markers (p < 0.001 for campesterolHDL and p < 0.05 for β-sitosterolHDL). Lowering of HDL cholesterol between trimesters in RG (p < 0.05) was accompanied by a decrease in HDL phytosterol content (p < 0.001), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) concentration (p < 0.05), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) (p < 0.001), lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) (p < 0.05), and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activities (p < 0.05). These longitudinal changes were absent in PG. Development of late-onset preeclampsia is preceded by the appearance of lower HDL cholesterol and NCSHDL in the second trimester. We propose that reduced capacity for intestinal HDL synthesis, decreased LCAT activity, and impaired capacity for HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux could be the contributing mechanisms resulting in lower HDL cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visceralno masno tkivo je glavni faktor rizika za nastanak mnogih patoloških stanja udruženih sa gojaznošću. U periodu jun 2011 - avgust 2012. pregledano je 677 pacijenata kod kojih su mereni ultrasonografski parametri količine oba kompartmenta abdominalnog masnog tkiva: visceralno i supkutano. Svi pregledi učinjeni su natašte, ultrazvučnim aparatom Shimadzu 2200 konveksnom sondom frekvence 3MHz i linearnom sondom frekvence 8MHz. Dijametri visceralnog masnog tkiva koji su mereni su: rastojanje između zadnje površine m. rectus abdominisa (MRA) i aorte 2cm iznad pupka (IAFT), rastojanje između MRA i prednje površine lijenalne vene (LV), rastojanje od paravertebralne muskulature do MRA (VF), rastojanje između listova mezenterijuma (MFT 1, 2, 3) i rastojanje između linee albe i peritoneuma koji prepokriva levi režanj jetre (Max PFT), dok su mereni sledeći dijametri supkutanog masnog tkiva: rastojanje od kože do linee albe supksifoidno (Min SFT), 2cm iznad (Max SFTa) i 2cm ispod pupka (Max SFTb). Ultrazvučni nalazi su korelirani sa antropometrijskim merenjima (telesna masa, BMI, obim struka, obim kuka). Ultrasonografija je korisna metoda u kvantifikaciji abdominalnog masnog tkiva i praćenju efekata terapije (dijetetskog režima i barijatrijske hirurgije). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. One of the complications that can occur during pregnancy is the development of preeclampsia (PE). The main characteristics of this condition are high blood pressure and very often signs of kidney damage or other organ damage. The condition affects 5--7% of all pregnant women and is one of the main factors of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural and functional modifications of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles during high-risk pregnancies (HRP) for PE development. Methods. The longitudinal prospective study included a total of 91 pregnant women with a HRP for developing PE. Out of this total number, 71 women did not develop PE until delivery, and this group was designated as the group without PE (WPE). The rest of the 20 HRP women developed PE before delivery and were designated as the PE group. The blood was sampled toward the end of each trimester and before the delivery. The distribution of HDL particles was determined by the vertical 3--31% polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis method. The antioxidative capacity of HDL particles was measured by the activity of the HDL-associated enzyme -- paraoxonase 1 (PON1). PON1 activity was determined by the method of kinetic spectrophotometry from serum samples. Results. The results have shown that the proportions of HDL2b particles significantly increased in the 2nd trimester (p < 0.05) and remained increased until the end of pregnancy in the WPE group. PON1 activity was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester (p < 0.05) of the WPE group. In the PE group, we found that the proportions of HDL3a particles significantly decreased in the 2nd trimester (p < 0.05) and remained decreased until the end of pregnancy. PON1 activity has not changed in the PE group during pregnancy. Conclusion. Dyslipidemia in pregnancy could be associated with different modifications of HDL particles. The adaptive pregnancy mechanisms expressed as a functional modification of HDL particles in pregnant women who develop PE seem inadequate and, therefore, lose their atheroprotective role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It has been reported that high-density lipoprotein ( HDL) particles have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles thanks to different enzymes such as paraoxonase 1 ( PON1). Under inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions, HDL particles may lose their protective properties. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by excessive oxidative stress. Serum amyloid A ( SAA) is produced in liver and in granulomas, and its concentration increases in inflammatory conditions contributing to increased catabolism of HDL particles. The aim of our study was to determine PON1 activity, SAA concentration and their associations in patients with sarcoidosis. Materials and methods Inflammatory [high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs CRP), angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE), SAA], lipid [total cholesterol ( TC), HDL-cholesterol ( HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-c), triglycerides ( TG)] oxidative stress status parameters [total oxidant status ( TOS), malondialdehyde ( MDA), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance ( PAB), sulfhydryl ( SH) groups] and PON1 activities were determined in serum of 72 patients with sarcoidosis and 62 healthy subjects. Results Hs CRP ( P < 0·05), TC, LDL-c, TG, SAA, TOS, MDA and PAB ( P < 0·001) were significantly higher, whereas HDL-c, SH groups and PON1 activity ( P < 0·001) were significantly lower in patients with sarcoidosis when compared with controls. PON1 showed significant association with SAA, MDA and PAB. It was shown that 71% of decrease in PON1 activity may be explained by increase in TOS, PAB and SAA concentration. Conclusions We found decreased PON1 activity and increased SAA concentration in patients with sarcoidosis. Inflammatory condition presented by high SAA was implicated in impaired HDL functionality evident through dysregulated PON1 activity. Excessive oxidative stress was also involved in dysregulation of PON1 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate lipoprotein particle distributions and the likelihood of achieving cholesterol homeostasis in the remission phase of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in paediatric patients. We hypothesized that lipoprotein particle distributions moved toward less atherogenic profile and that cholesterol homeostasis was achieved. Materials and methods: Thirty-three children, 2 to 9 years old with NS were recruited. Blood sampling took place both in the acute phase and during remission. Serum low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein particles (HDL) were separated using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel (3-31%) electrophoresis. Serum non-cholesterols sterols (NCSs), desmosterol, lathosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), campesterol and ß-sitosterol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results: All patients had desirable serum HDL cholesterol concentrations during remission. The dominant lipoprotein diameters and LDL subclass distribution did not change significantly during follow-up. In contrast, HDL lipoprotein particle distribution shifted towards larger particles. The absolute concentration of desmosterol was significantly lower during remission (P = 0.023). ß-sitosterol concentration markedly increased during remission (P = 0.005). Desmosterol/ß-sitosterol (P < 0.001) and 7-DHC/ß-sitosterol (P = 0.005) ratios significantly declined during disease remission. Conclusions: Favourable changes in the serum lipid profiles, HDL particle subclass distribution and cholesterol metabolism in paediatric patients with NS during remission took place. For the first time, we found that cholesterol homeostasis changed in favour of increased cholesterol absorption during disease remission. Nevertheless, complete cholesterol homeostasis was not achieved during disease remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition closely related to obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to explore the possible relationship between OSA and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9).Methods: Full-night polysomnography was performed on 150 participants who were divided into three groups: controls, OSA patients on statin therapy, and OSA patients not on statin therapy. Biochemical markers, plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses, and PCSK9 were determined.Results: PCSK9 was highest in OSA patients on statins compared to the control group and to OSA patients not on statins (p = 0.036 and p = 0.039, respectively), after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). LDL diameter was greater in OSA patients not on statins compared to OSA patients on statins (p = 0.032). PCSK9 was highest in the group of patients with all three risk factors (diagnosed OSA, statins, BMI ≥25 kg/m2) compared to groups with no, one, and two risk factors (p = 0.031, p = 0.001, and p = 0.029, respectively). Presence of OSA, statin therapy, and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 when combined were independently associated with higher levels of PCSK9 when adjusted for antihypertensive therapy, small dense LDL, and HDL 3c subclass (odds ratio = 2.849; interquartile range [1.026-7.912], p = 0.044).Conclusion: Statin therapy was closely related to PCSK9. OSA along with obesity and statin use induces elevation of PCSK9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy can be associated with maternal hypertension leading to possible complications in pregnancy outcome. Antioxidant status may be proned to changes during pregnancy with hypertension. The aim of our study was to estimate antioxidant status through high-risk pregnancies. Seventy-nine pregnant women with high-risk for preeclampsia development were included and 46 of them developed some hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. Superoxide-dismutase (SOD) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activities and relative proportion of PON1 activiity on different HDL subclasses were determined in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester and prior to delivery. SOD activity was significantly lower in 2nd and 3rd trimesters when compared to 1st trimester (P˂0.001) whereas PON1 activity was significantly higher in 3rd than in 1st trimester (P˂0.05) in group of hypertensive women. This group had significantly higher SOD and PON1 activities and relative proportion of PON1 on HDL3c subclasses in the 1st trimester, significantly increased PON1 in the 3rd trimester and prior to delivery and significantly higher PON1 activity on HDL3c subclasses (P˂0.05) than nonhypertensive group. In 1st trimester and prior to delivery, total PON1 activity and relative proportion of PON1 on HDL3c subclasses exhibited significant ability to mark out hypertension in pregnancy (P˂0.05). SOD activity decreased whereas total PON1 activity increased during pregnancy with hypertension. Pregnant women with hypertension had higher activities of PON1 and SOD and relative proportion of PON1 on HDL3c subclasses than nonhypertensive ones. PON1 activity and relative proportion of PON1 on HDL3c subclasses exhibited significant association with hypertension in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) screening algorithm for the prediction of preeclampsia.METHODS: Out of 138 women with high-risk pregnancies prospectively followed, 30 developed preeclampsia. The clinical examination and biochemical measurements were performed at first, second, early and late third trimester.RESULTS: A lower PAPP-A levels were found in the first trimester, while sFlt/PlGF was increased in the second and early third trimester in preeclampsia (p>0.05). FMF algorithm presented higher specificity (>70%), but had a drawback of lower sensitivity (35-77%).CONCLUSION: FMF algorithm had modest performance in the prediction of preeclampsia for high-risk pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) mellitus is one of the most frequent autoimmune diseases in childhood. Chronic complications are the main causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in T1D. Although interactions between advanced glycation end products (AGE) and their receptors (RAGE) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are implicated in development and progression of diabetic microand macro-vascular complications, they also have important roles in immune system regulation. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 156 adolescents with T1D and 80 apparently healthy controls. T1D patients diagnosed with any other autoimmune disease and receiving any kind of drugs except insulin therapy were excluded from this study. Exclusion criteria for controls were positive family history of T1D and drugs/supplements application. TGF-β1 and transmembrane full-length RAGE (flRAGE) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. Circulating levels of biochemical markers, TGF-β1 and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels were also determined. Results: TGF-β1 and flRAGE mRNA levels were significantly higher in controls compared to patients (p<0.001, for both). However, TGF-β1 and sRAGE levels were higher in patients than controls (p<0.001, for both). There were significant independent associations of all mRNA and protein levels with T1D. TGF-β1 mRNA was the only marker independently negatively associated with urinary albumin excretion rate in T1D adolescents (p=0.005). Conclusion: Our results indicated gene expression downregulation of TGF-β1 and flRAGE in PBMC of T1D adolescents. TGF-β1 mRNA downregulation may be useful for predicting early elevation of urinary albumin excretion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) related parameters in differentiation of hypovascular liver lesions is still unknown. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of IVIM related parameters in comparison to apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for differentiation among intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (IMC), and hypovascular liver metastases (HLM). Methods: Seventy-four prospectively enrolled patients (21 IMC, and 53 HLM) underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance examination with IVIM diffusion-weighted imaging using seven b values (0–800 s/mm2). Two independent readers performed quantitative analysis of IVIM-related parameters and ADC. Interobserver reliability was tested using a intraclass correlation coefficient. ADC, true diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (ƒ) were compared among the lesions using Kruskal-Wallis H test. The diagnostic accuracy of each parameter was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The interobserver agreement was good for ADC (0.802), and excellent for D, D*, and ƒ (0.911, 0.927, and 0.942, respectively). ADC, and D values were significantly different among IMC and HLM (both p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference among these lesions for ƒ and D* (p = 0.101, and p = 0.612, respectively). ROC analysis showed higher diagnostic performance of D in comparison to ADC (AUC = 0.879 vs 0.821). Conclusion: IVIM-derived parameters in particular D, in addition to ADC, could help in differentiation between most common hypovascular malignant liver lesions, intrahepatic mass—forming cholangiocarcinoma and hypovascular liver metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of allele frequencies of short tandem repeat (STR) loci in ethnically diverse populations is essential for forensic reference database construction and studies on population genetics. To analyse genetic polymorphisms of 22 autosomal STR loci in the Serbian population and to compare them with previously published data from some European and Turkish populations. The study was conducted among 983 unrelated individuals from Serbia. Genotyping was performed using the PowerPlex® Fusion amplification kit. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters were calculated using FORSTAT software. Interpopulation comparisons and genetic distance calculations were performed in Arlequin and POPTREEW software. A total of 280 alleles were detected with corresponding allelic frequencies ranging from 0.0005 to 0.5255. Based on heterozygosity and the polymorphism information content, D1S1656 and Penta E may be considered as the most informative markers. Both the combined power of discrimination (CPD) and the combined power of exclusion (CPE) for the 22 analysed loci were higher than 0.999999. The combined match probability (CPM) for all 22 loci was 6.773688e−29. With respect to the results, the 22 STR loci are highly polymorphic and discriminating in the Serbian population and could be used for forensic practice and population genetics studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroun/Aim. Constant production of free radicals and antioxidants (AO) in cells is a part of normal cellular function. Their imbalance might take a part in pathophysiology of many diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Evaluation of the disease status, prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and antioxidants are being widely estimated. The aim of this study was to examine potential interaction between several AO variables: glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and PAB, and clinicopathologic features of patients with PD, particularly the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage. Methods. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to analyze mean differences between clinicopathologic characteristics (gender, age at examination, duration of the disease, and the H&Y stage) and AO variables of PD patients and those of age/sex matched healthy controls. The study included 91 patients with idiopatic PD patients and 20 healthy persons. Results. The multivariate effect size was estimated at 0.269 (p < 0.001), implying that 27.0% of the variance of the dependent variables was accounted for the H&Y stage. Univariate tests showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.001) across the H&Y stage of all AO variables. The H&Y stage remained significant predictor after controlling for the second variable, the disease duration (p < 0.001, X2 = 0.249), and there were still significant differences across the H&Y stage of all variables, with effect size (X2) ranging from 0.132 (p = 0.011) (lnGSH) to the still high values of 0.535 (lnPAB), 0.627 (lnSOD) and 0.964 (lnCAT). Conclusion. The results indicate that higher level of oxidative stress in blood of PD patients is possibly related to the PD stage. Along with reduction of SOD and GSH levels, CAT activity was elevated in comparison to these values in healthy subjects. Furthermore, PAB was shifted toward oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common postoperative complication following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. New biomarkers to identify patients with early AKI (before increases in serum creatinine) are needed to facilitate appropriate treatment. This study aimed to test the role of urinary liver fatty-acid-binding protein (L-FABP) as an early biomarker for AKI in children undergoing CPB surgery. Methods: This is a case-control study of children undergoing CPB. AKI was defined as 50 % increase in serum creatinine at 48 h after surgery. For each patient, five serum and urine samples were obtained corresponding to time 0 h (presurgery) and 2, 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Results: Twenty-seven patients, median age 360 days, were enrolled. AKI developed in 11 patients (41 %); three needed renal replacement therapy (peritoneal dialysis); there were two deaths. There were significant differences between patients with and without AKI in L-FABP levels at 2, 6, and 48 h after surgery, length of hospital stay, and CPB time; there were no differences in gender, patient age, and body weight. L-FABP was normalized to urinary creatinine concentration at all time points, with area under the receiver operator curve (AUC ROC) 0.867 at 2 and 6 h postoperatively. Correlation coefficient between L-FABP and length of hospital stay after surgery was statistically significant ( r = 0.722, p value = 0.000). Conclusions: Our results suggest that urinary L-FABP can be used to diagnose AKI earlier than rise in serum creatinine in children undergoing CPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The roles of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in the early phases of atherosclerosis were tested in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Intima media thickness of common carotid arteries (cIMT) is used as a measure of early atherosclerosis. Methods: Fifty-two pediatric CKD patients were enrolled in the study (10 with chronic renal failure [CRF], 22 with a renal transplant [RT], 20 with chronic hemodialysis (cHD) patients, and 36 healthy children (control group, CG). Lipid status, oxidative stress, and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) status were assessed. cIMT was measured by ultrasound, adjusted for age and sex, and presented as standard deviation scores (SDS). Results: Children with CKD had disturbed lipid content, which was most pronounced in cHD children, with higher free cholesterol and triglycerides compared with healthy children. Oxidative stress was markedly increased (malodialdehyde [MDA, μmol/L]: CRF 1.50 ± 0.26, RT 1.55 ± 0.40, cHD 1.77 ± 0.34, CG 0.97 ± 0.33, p < 0.001) and antioxidative defense was compromised (superoxide dismutase [SOD, U/L]: CG 120 ± 21, CRF 84 ± 25, RT 93 ± 12, cHD 119 ± 37, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a model that included disease duration, blood pressure, urea, lipid, and oxidative status parameters accounted for more than 90% of the variability of cIMT-SDS. Conclusions: Early atherosclerosis in CKD children is caused, at least in part, by dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Monitoring of vessel wall changes, along with assessment of oxidative stress status and high density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality is necessary to ensure better therapeutic strategies for delaying atherosclerotic changes in their asymptomatic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]