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Copyright of Veterinary Review / Veterinarski Pregled is the property of University of Novia Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine 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.)

Background/Aim. Measles is a contagious disease with a good prognosis; however, severe complications may sometimes develop. C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood cells count-derived inflammatory indices -- granulocytelymphocyte ratio (GLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), mean platelet volume (MPV)/platelet count ratio (MPR), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and MPV are the indicators related to the clinical outcome in various inflammatory diseases. The aim of the study was to analyze the values of CRP, blood cell count, GLR, PLR, MLR, MPR, RDW, and MPV in measles-affected children compared to healthy controls and between measles-affected children with complicated and severely complicated measles form. A particular aim of the paper was to assess the suitability of inflammatory-derived markers for predicting the severity of the disease. Methods. The study included 55 measlesaffected children who developed complications (examination group), while the control group included 30 healthy children. The first peripheral blood count, obtained on the first hospitalization day (before treatment), was used for further analyses. Results. The white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets count were significantly lower, while GLR, PLR, MPR, and CRP were significantly higher in measles-affected children (p < 0.05). In severely complicated measles form, significantly higher values of granulocytes, CRP, GLR, and PLR were documented, including lower lymphocytes (p < 0.05). A linear regression analysis showed that CRP was the only indicator with predictive significance for the severity of the course of measles. Conclusion. The blood cell count-derived inflammatory indices should not be crucial in assessing the severity of measles in children. CRP was the most valuable predictive factor for the development of the severe course of measles in measles-affected children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The aim of this study was to establish if sodium bicarbonate affects the blood marker levels after a Special Judo Fitness Test in elite judo athletes. Material and Methods. Ten male judo athletes (age 20 ± 2.1 years; body height 180.18 ± 8.11 cm; body mass 85.24 ± 23.17 kg; body mass index 25.2 ± 3.4 kg/m²), judo masters (black belt holders) with at least 10 years of training and competition experience, agreed to participate in the current research. Results. The results showed a significant main effect of time (p < 0.05) for the following variables: uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphate, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride. We found that creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, sodium and chloride were significantly different (p < 0.05) in the sodium bicarbonate group compared to placebo group after the Special Judo Fitness Test. Conclusion. The main finding of the present study was that sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg) improved recovery compared to placebo in elite judokas. Therefore, coaches should consider sodium bicarbonate to improve athlete recovery during combat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) administration significantly interferes with coagulation assays. The a im of the study was to evaluate the effect of DOACs and DOAC-Remove® on coagulation assays during thrombophilia testing. Methods. The s tudy w as c arried out from January 2019 to the end of June 2020. It included 30 DOAC-treated patients, 1 4 females and 1 6 males aged 23 to 63 (median age 47.6 years), tested for thrombophilia due to venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thrombophilia testing was performed using DOACRemove ® tablets (activated charcoal). The results before and after DOAC-Remove® were compared. Results. Positive lupus anticoagulant (LA) results were observed in 20% apixaban, 100% dabigatran, and 70% rivaroxabantreated patients, while in samples after DOAC-Remove®, the LA positivity was observed only in one from the apixaban group. Before DOAC-Remove®, the activated protein C (APC) resistance (APC-R) was measurable in 40% dabigatran and 80% rivaroxaban-treated patients, while, after using DOAC-Remove®, the APC-R was measurable in all cases. Comparing the results obtained from the samples before and after DOAC-Remove®, a difference was noted in relation to all dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) coagulation tests, except for the dRVVT ratio in the apixaban group. Clot-based methods for detecting the APC resistance were significantly affected by dabigatran and less by rivaroxaban. Conclusion. DOACs were practically inactivated after the addition of the DOACRemove ®, which made it possible to perform analyses for the LA and APC-R testing freely and obtain relevant results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Plasma containing a high titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, donated from individuals who recovered from COVID-19, has the potential to be used as initial therapy for patients who have been infected (passive immunization). It is a challenge to find suitable donors. The aim of the study was to successively monitor antibody titer in donations and to investigate the correlation between antibody titer and the severity of the clinical manifestations. Methods. The retrospective study was conducted from May 1 to October 31, 2020, at the Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina. Donors had to meet certain criteria for inclusion in the study: proven SARS-CoV-2 infection, detected SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the serum/plasma, fulfillment of general criteria for performing plasmapheresis, and adequate laboratory findings. Results. During the study, 651 apheresis plasma units were collected and divided into two equal doses. Plasma was donated by 311 COVID-19 convalescents, including 208 (66.9%) men and 103 (33.1%) women. There were 15 (4.8%) plasma donors with asymptomatic infection, 235 (75. 6%) with a mild form of illness, 45 (14.5%) with a moderate form of illness, 16 (5.1%) with a severe form of illness, and none with a critical form of illness. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were present in the plasma of donors for more than 6 months after the disease. Plasma donors with a more severe clinical manifestation of COVID-19 had stable antibody levels for a longer period. However, the Pearson correlation of clinical severity and antibody titer did not confirm a statistically significant correlation between the variables. Conclusion. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were present in the sample of recovered patients, plasma donors, for more than 6 months after the disease. Even though no statistically significant correlation was found between the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer and the clinical severity of COVID-19, in patients with a more severe clinical manifestations of the disease, stable antibody levels were maintained for a longer period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Plateletpheresis (PLTP) is a medical procedure used for collecting donor platelets with multiple benefits for patients who will receive apheresis platelets. The procedure takes one hour and is well tolerated by donors. Nevertheless, adverse events (AEs) may occur during and after the PLTP procedure. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and type of AEs associated with PLTP in donors. Methods. A retrospective analysis of AEs associated with donor PLTP was conducted at the Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Results. Out of 2,073 platelet donors, 94.84% were multiple blood donors, predominantly male (98.55%). AEs were identified during 180 (8.68%) platelet donations with no statistical significance in occurrence in the first time donors (10.28%) and repeat donors (8.59%). Mild local reactions related to venous access (42.22%) were the most common AEs. Generalized symptoms were exhibited in 16.67% of donors, 26.11% exhibited symptoms related to apheresis (citrate reactions), and 15% exhibited those related to other complications. It was found that 95.55% of AEs occurred during PLTP and only 4.45% after it. Conclusion. Donor PLTP is a generally safe procedure, well tolerated by donors. Understanding risk factors for a possible occurrence of AEs provides support for adopting measures to prevent them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agriculture / Poljoprivreda is the property of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek 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.)

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute 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.)

The objective of this study was to research correlations between milk composition and selected blood indicators of liver function in ewes during lactation. The research was conducted with samples of milk and blood from Travnik Pramenka ewes (n = 99). Samples were collected in the area of western Slavonia in Croatia from lactating sheep grazing on natural pastures. Chemical composition of sheep milk was analysed as well as biochemical parameters in serum. Positive correlation between ALB : TGC, ALB : ALT, GUK : GGT, CHOL : ALT and AST : GGT was determined, while significant negative correlation was determined between GUK : ALB, GUK : TGC, GUK : ALT, ALB : GGT as well as ALT : GGT. Significant positive correlation was determined between blood and milk indicators, like ALB protein (r = 0.243), ALB : DMNF (r = 0.309) and ALB : SCC (r = 0.249), as well as negative correlation between TGC : MY (r = -0.264), ALT : protein (r = -0.258), lactose : TGC (r = -0.274) and ALT : DMNF (r = -0.234). The relations between indicators of milk composition, milk production and ewes blood indicators as well as their mutual connections indicate the justification of using the analysis of liver status indicators. Accordingly, by using these relations metabolic pathways of liver status indicators could be better monitored, which is important for practice regarding prevention of possible feeding errors and prevention of major production losses while maintaining the health of lactating sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central notion explored in this article is the notion of blood and its role, meaning, and significance in the Old Testament. The author tries to answer how blood can be seen as the means of purification or consecration in some Old Testament contexts, but elsewhere as a polluting or defiling substance, and offers a two-level answer. On the first level of his thesis, he believes the context of the functioning of blood to be prescribed by God, while on the second level, attempting to explain the mentioned claim, he argues that regarding blood there exists a certain dichotomy of life and death. Namely, when blood ultimately represents life, it functions as a means of purification and consecration, and when it ultimately represents death, it becomes the substance that pollutes or defiles. To support his thesis, the author gives interpretations and conclusions about the theological implications of certain Old Testament texts and the accompanying examples which point to them. The article is divided into two basic parts. The first part presents the notion of blood in the Old Testament through themes of the blood–life relation, the prohibition of eating of blood, and the place of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The second part is an analysis of specific Old Testament examples showing blood that purifies and consecrates or blood that defiles and pollutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the literary debate on the first experiments regarding blood transfusion on human beings between 1667 and 1668 in Europe, with particular attention to the less-known experimental research, carried out in Italy. The authors examine the details of the experimental developments, focusing on the techniques and instruments used by physicians involved in this new surgical approach, with special attention to the Italian debate and experimentations. The article suggests that transfusion was considered a part of what we could call “emergency surgery”. In this framework, Italian transfusional pioneers played a central role in the improvement and transmission of a discipline that was still in its dawning throughout Europe. Moreover, the manuscript highlights the contribution of the “chirurgia infusoria” as an innovative therapeutic system for an immediate and rapid recovery. From this perspective, blood transfusion represents a surgical practice for reanimation and resuscitation. The objective of this work was to analyze the importance of foreign literature and the English and French disputes presented by Davia in Italy, which made them known. Despite foreign prohibition in Italy, experiments with animal-to-human transfusions continued after 1648. A papal bull excommunicating scientists for conducting such research has never been found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the microbiological laboratory of the Cantonal hospital "Dr. Irfan Ljubijankić “Bihać, who performs microbiological processing of all biological samples of hospitalized patients in the KB Bihaćl, collected data on performed blood cultures for the periods from 2015 to 2020. For the processing of blood cultures, the microbiological laboratory uses an automated system for the detection of microorganisms in blood and primarily sterile fluids - BD BACTEC 9050. The procedure of causing blood cultures is carried out according to standard recommendations for causing and processing blood cultures. In the period from 2015 to July 2020, the microbiological laboratory of KB Bihać processed a total of 2,037 blood cultures. The number of processed samples in the microbiological laboratory of KB Bihać during six years ranged from 208 to 425 pairs of blood cultures. The proportion of positive blood cultures ranged from 7% to 16%, and the proportion of contaminated samples ranged from 2% to 12%. The largest number of processed blood cultures was in 2019. The highest number of contaminated blood cultures was recorded in 2020 in the amount of 12% by July 2020. Descriptive statistics methods were used in data processing. One of the most common, but also the most common bacterial isolates was Escherichia coli. ESBL strains among E. coli isolates from blood range from 1.5%. Then E.coli is followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Brucella spp. had a high number of isolates, Klebsiella pneumoniae had 12 isolates. Behind it in terms of the total number of 12 isolates were Streptococcus pneumonia and Streptococcus beta-haemolyticus B groups. While Enterococcus spp. had 10. The smallest number of isolates had Proteus spp. and Citrobacter spp. per 1 isolate present in 2015 where we have no occurrence in other years. Other isolates are: Streptoccocus spp., Staphylococcus spp., S. epidermis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Pseudomonas spp. and Streptococcus beta-haemolyticus C group 1 isolate each in the period from 2015 to 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of mortality. Disease progression and advanced disease are characterized by the unprotective immune response due to M2 macrophage polarization, myeloidderived suppressor cells (MDSC) activity, cytokine imbalance, and regulatory T lymphocyte activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between Th1/Th2 cytokines and CD14+B7H4+ monocyte (Mo) number in LC patients. Methods. We investigated principal Th1/Th2 cytokines and CD14+B7H4+ Mo number in blood and tumor microcirculation samples of 41 LC patients (III a nd I V clinical stage) and 30 healthy participants (control group). Results. The serum concentrations of investigated cytokines in all patients vs. heathy controls did not differ significantly. Stratification in groups according to tumor histology, disease extent, and tumor size revealed significant differences. LC patients with different histology types demonstrated significant differences, both in serum and tumor microcirculation samples. The presence of metastasis was associated with increased IFN-γ/IL-4 in blood and increased IL-13 in tumor microcirculation samples. Tumor microcirculation samples of the l argest t umors were c haracterized by the Th2 cytokine profile. Investigation of CD14+B7H4+ Mo in blood samples demonstrated a significant association of extreme value of this cell population with elevated IL-2/IL-13. Patients with the highest CD14+B7H4+ Mo number in tumor microcirculation samples demonstrated significant increments of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, and TGF-β1. Conclusion. LC patients demonstrated polarization of cytokine response associated with microenvironment origin, tumor histology type, tumor size, and disease extent. The highest number of CD14+ B7H4+ monocytes is significantly associated with the Th2 cytokine profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinaria is the property of University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty 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.)

Introduction: The number of blood donors at the global level has decreased primarily due to ethical and age-related changes in the structure of the planet’s population. In addition, there is over ordering of blood for surgical patients. Accordingly, there is a need for rationalizing the testing i.e. reducing the number of cross-matchings and decrease in the use of blood. A type and screen (T&S) upon admission is sufficient for most patients. Determination of ABO blood group and Rh type, and screens for clinically significant alloantibodies is denoted as type and screen (T&S). Aim: Comparison of pharmaco-economic effect using transfusion indices on the number of performed cross-matches and the amount of packed red blood cells issued. Material and Methods: The authors present the comparison between the year 2010 before the introduction of the Type and Screen (T&S) system and the year 2019 when the T&S system and restrictive policy in transfusion practice, were introduced. Data for 2010 were collected from written transfusion protocols of the clinic, and for 2019 were obtained from the hospital information system (Heliant) and written transfusion protocols. The difference between two groups of data was examine with Chi-square test and Fisher exact test, with the reliability level set at p<0.05. Results: With the introduction of the T&S system, the number of cross-matches was reduced from 0.63 to 0.49 and the number of blood units was reduced from 0.21 to 0.11 per hospitalized patient, which at the level of one clinic represents a significant pharmacoeconomic contribution of approximately 50%. In our study, after processing T&S in ordering of blood, the indices (CTR, %T, TI) failed to improve. Despite of unsatisfactory transfusion indices, the application of restrictive indication policies in accordance with national and international guidelines has led to highly significant reduction in the consumption of total blood from 3243 to 1867 blood units. The BOQ as an overall assessment of the results after the introduction of the T&S procedure indicated improvement. Conclusions: The introduction of validation in blood transfusion indirectly draws the attention of prescribing physicians to take into account the significance of blood therapy. The effects of the introduction of the T&S method and restrictive transfusion policy are savings in blood consumption, decreased number of patients tested, a significant reduction in used blood units, and the number of performed cross-matches, despite the increased number of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Haemoglobin (Hb) determination is a routine part of the blood donor selection process. Previously reported studies have revealed that iron deficiency is common in frequent donors. This prospective investigation was aimed at examining iron status among blood donors with low circulating Hb and evaluating correlation between Hb values determined by capillary methods and those obtained by reference method from venous blood count (BC), as well as ferritin level. Methods. Between February 2017 and December 2018, 200 consecutively recruited regular blood donors with low Hb, aged 19 to 64 years (median 39), were included. Hb level was determined using the copper sulphate method, the HemoCue capillary method, and also from venous blood within the complete blood count (CBC) test. Plasma ferritin was determined turbidimetrically. Results. In 42.7% of men and 57.3% of women, ferritin concentration was low (p = 0.008). The relative numbers of males and females, with levels < 12 µg/L (p = 0.023) or > 50 µg/L (p = 0.022), differed. Comparison of the values obtained with the capillary methods with reference Hb levels obtained from the CBC test showed that the copper sulphate procedure gave false fails in 10.5% of cases (p < 0.001). Hb values from HemoCue were significantly correlated with Hb values from the CBC test, but no correlation was observed between ferritin levels and Hb levels determined by both capillary method. Conclusion. Low ferritin was observed in 51.5% of Serbian blood donors deferred due to low Hb. Based on our results, the determination of the algorithm in the iron deficiency detection is necessary, while the capillary method (HemoCue) represents a more convenient method for Hb testing prior to blood donation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zdravotnícke Študie is the property of Catholic University in Ruzomberok 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.)

Copyright of Filozofija i Drustvo is the property of University of Belgrade, Institute for Philosophy & Social Theory 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.)

Background/Aim. In vitro and in vivo studies show that CX3CL1 and CXCL16 chemokines and their specific receptors, CX3CR1 and CXCR6, respectively, mediate mechanism of neuroinflammation during the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate relative messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of CX3CL1, CXCL16, CX3CR1 and CXCR6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as potential molecular markers of relapsing-remitting (RR) MS. Methods. The study included 43 unrelated RR MS patients, 20 of them with clinically active disease (relapse) and 23 with clinically stable disease (remission), and 28 unrelated healthy subjects as controls. Real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed using TaqMan® gene expression assays. Relative expression (mRNA) level of each target gene in each sample of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was calculated as the mean normalized expression. Results. The levels of CX3CR1 mRNA were significantly higher in clinically active RR MS patients compared to controls [fold change = 1.38, p (Mann-Whitney U test) = 0.009], and significantly lower in clinically stable vs active RR MS patients [fold change = - 1.43, p (t-test) = 0.03]. Stable RR MS patients had significantly higher CXCL16 mRNA levels than controls [fold change = 1.33, p (Mann-Whitney U test) = 0.006]. A trend of increased CXCR6 gene expression was found in active RR MS patients compared to controls [fold change = 1.23, p (Mann-Whitney U test) = 0.08]. In either active or stable RR MS patients there were no significant correlations of the clinical parameters with expression levels of the target genes. Conclusion. The current results show that increased CX3CR1 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells could represent a proinflammatory molecular marker of clinically active RR MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Church in the World / Crkva u Svijetu is the property of University of Split, Catholic Faculty of Theology 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.)

Prototypic rat parvoviruses are among the most common infectious agents in laboratory rats worldwide. It is important to determine the infectious condition of rat parvoviruses in research colonies in Taiwan. In this study, virus species-specific PCR assays were applied to screen Kilham rat virus (KRV), Toolan's H-1 virus (H-1 virus), rat parvovirus (RPV) and rat minute virus (RMV) in 203 rats from five different research colonies in Taiwan. In this survey, the infection rate of rat parvoviruses was 19.2% (39/203), including KRV (12.3%; 25/203), RMV (8.9%; 18/203) and RPV (1.0%; 2/203). Dual infection of KRV and RMV were detected in 3.0% (6/203) of samples. No rats were positive for H-1 virus. The infectious rates of KRV and RMV detected in this study are much higher than those reported in USA and in Europe. Rat parvovirus PCR assays reported in this paper could be a useful tool for routine rat health monitoring program applied in laboratory rat facilities. [Chang YH, Liao YC, Wang KW, Hsieh SC, Wang MH, Fang BH, Chang CY, Chueh LL, Wan CH, PCR Surveillance of four prototypic rat parvoviruses in laboratory rat colonies in Taiwan, Taiwan Vet J 46(1): 1–7, 2020] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in bifurcation lesions having more than 50% stenosis of both the main branch (MB) and the side branch (SB) remain challenging. Measurements of the vessel diameters and angles using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) software have been used in evaluating PCI outcomes. We investigated potential effects of provisional stenting of the MB on SB coronary blood flow by determining quantitative vessel parameters in "true" non-left main coronary bifurcation lesions using conventional two-dimensional QCA. Methods. The study was prospective and conducted in a highvolume university PCI center. Study included patients with "true" native coronary artery bifurcations (Medina 1.0.1; 0.1.1; 1.1.1) treated with "provisional" stenting of the MB. Patients were excluded from the study if having left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30%, having renal failure with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/kg/m2 or bifurcation lesions within the culprit artery causing myocardial infarction, grafted surgically or previously treated by PCI. QCA analysis included measurements of reference vessel diameters (RVD), diameter stenosis (DS) and bifurcation angles. Results. The study included 70 patients with 72 "true" non-left main bifurcations. Most of the bifurcations were located in the left anterior descending (LAD) - diagonal (Dg) territory. Compromise of the SB ostium defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) < 3 coronary flow occurred in 17/72 (23.6%) bifurcations. It was treated by either balloon angioplasty only of the SB ostium (9/17, 52.9%) or stent implantation [8/17 (47.1%)]. In a logistic regression analysis, including previously recognized predictors of SB compromise (bifurcation's angles, RVD, DS and ratio of MB RVD to stent diameter ratio), only MB RVD to stent diameter ratio after PCI remained independent predictor of SB coronary flow compromise after stent implantation in the MB [OR 2.758 (95% CI 1.298-5.862); p = 0.008]. Conclusions. It appears that SB decreased coronary blood flow after "provisional" stenting in "true" non-left main bifurcations is associated with greater MB to stent diameter ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Danas se u dijagnostičke svrhe često upotrebljava analiza krvne slike, odnosno utvrđivanje broja eritrocita, leukocita, trombocita, te ostalih krvnih elemenata. Hematološki parametri i tjelesna masa su pouzdani pokazatelji općeg stanja organizma, i indirektni pokazatelj prostora u kome borave. Hematološka slika i tjelesna masa ispitana je kod ukupno 60 pasa različitih vrsta, uključujući i mješance. Grupa sa čistokrvnim psima brojala je 30 jedinki dok je grupa sa mješancima brojala 30 jedinki sa prostora Tuzlanskog kantona. Ispitivane jedinke su se razlikovale po načinu hranjenja i prostoru u kome obitavaju tako da rezultati pokazuju velika odstupanja koja su naknadno razmatrana i uzeta na dalju obradu zbog utvrđivanja uzroka koji su doveli do njih. Sva ispitivanja su posmatrana i obrađivana u skladu sa relevantnim ekološkim faktorima sredine u periodu jeseni 2016. godine. Cilj istraživanja je bio utvrditi uticaj faktora sredine u periodu istraživanja na hematološku sliku obje ispitivane grupe pasa. Osim navedenog istražitiuticaj parazita kao biotičkog faktora, na krvnu sliku obje ispitvane grupe pasa. Nakon analiziranja krvne slike pomoću hemograma vlasničkih pasa i pasa iz azila, koji su njegovani i čuvani na različite načine, te statističke obrade dobivenih podataka, zaključeno je da su psi sa povećanim brojem eozinofila imali parazitsko oboljenje.Veliki broj vlasničkih pasa imao je parazitska oboljenja zbog nestručnog rukovanja antiparaziticima i ne tako čestih posjeta veterinaru. Psi koji su bili pod stalnim veterinarskim nadzorom bili su potpuno zdravi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The hypercoagulable state and inflammation state in diabetics has been widely studied by previous researchers, but there is a lack of research about a possible impact of exercise training on this relationship. The aim of this study was to assess and compare correlation between the coagulation and inflammation status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus taking into account the gender differences as well as an impact of the 8-week exercise training on the correlation coefficient and parameters of the inflammation and coagulation state. Methods. A total of 60 patients in stable clinical condition and well-regulated diabetic status passed through all phases of the study. The exercise training included the exercise program as interval training with estimated intensity uphill to 75% of a maximal heart rate in particular individual, 5 times a week for 8 weeks, and walking for 30 minutes with a speed of 5 km/h, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Further fibrinolytic, coagulation and inflammatory parameters were analyzed before and after the study: D-dimer, von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), leukocytes, thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and coagulation factors: FII, FV, FVII and FX. Results. Our research showed a statistically significant reduction in the mean vWF levels after intervention both at the males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.001). According to a correlation analysis between hs-CRP and fibrinogen, there was a positive correlation as baseline both at the males (p < 0.05, r = 0.492) and females (p < 0.01, r = 0.516) which became weaker in the males (p < 0.01, r = 0.449) and disappeared in the females (p < 0.05, r = 0.059) after intervention. The correlation which existed as baseline in the males between D-dimer and either hs-CRP (p < 0.01, r = 0.633) or fibrinogen (p < 0.01, r = 0.673) as well as the correlation between hs-CRP and FII (p < 0.01, r = 0.728), FV (p < 0.05, r = 0.366), FVII (p < 0.05, r = 0.373) coagulation as well as between D-dimer and FII (p < 0.01, r = 0.851), FVII (p < 0.05, r = 0.367)was absent in the females. Our research demonstrated a weakening correlations in the males after intervention between D-dimer and hs-CRP (p < 0.05, r = 0.378), between hs-CRP and FII (p < 0.01, r = 0.501), FV (p < 0.05, r = 0.298), FVII (p < 0.05, r = 0.351) as well as between D-dimer and FII (p < 0.01, r = 0.759), and FVII (p < 0.05, r = 0.296). The increase of the FX values (p < 0.05) in the females after intervention suggested the possible antiinflammatory effect of exercise training. Conclusion. According to previous research, the higher levels of vWF was associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and vWF may be a risk factor unique to these populations. We demonstrated that the 8-week exercise training can significantly reduce the value of vWF in the males and females, suggesting a potential beneficial effect on the endothelial function parameters. Our research demonstrated a stronger correlation between the coagulation and inflammation parameters as baseline in the males than in the females with type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to our results, the 8-week exercise training lead to a weakening of the strength of correlation between the coagulation and inflammation parameters in the males and complete disappearance of this correlation in the females, suggesting a unique effect of exercise training that should be explored in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Recently adopted technique, Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography (TDE) enables the estimate of functional significance of coronary luminal narrowing. A multi-slice computed coronary angiography (MSCT), as one of the most important noninvasive methods, offers us a quite precise visualization of morphological characteristics of atherosclerotic changes in coronary arteries. We have tried to evaluate the most reliable noninvasive approach aimed at the detection of major stenosis on the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the right coronary artery (RCA). Methods. This study involved 84 patients, with the previously detected atherosclerotic lesions on the LAD and/or RCA by MSCT. The coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessment by TDE with adenosine was obtained in LAD (n = 75); RCA (n = 61), resulting in 136 vessels subjected to the analysis. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was performed in all patients within 24 to 48 hours after the CFR as a reference technique. Results. The Cochrans Q test proved a significant statistical difference among these techniques in detection of a significant stenosis on the LAD and RCA (p < 0.01). Further analyses revealed a significant difference between the MSCT and CFR (p < 0.05), MSCT and ICA (p < 0.01), whereas we did not find a significant difference between the CFR and ICA (p > 0.05). The main discrepancies in results among the CFR, ICA and MSCT were noticed concerning intermediate and severe stenosis on the MSCT. The MSCT had a diagnostic accuracy for the LAD 66.67%, for the RCA 75.%, the CFR had for the LAD 90% and for the RCA 81.67%, in detection of significant stenosis. Where the consensus was reached between both techniques, diagnostic accuracy was improved for the LAD 97.33% and the RCA 90 %. Conclusion. Comprehensive noninvasive evaluation of both anatomical and functional imaging in coronary diseases makes the optimal approach for precise, noninvasive assessment of the coronary artery lesions in the coronary arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Belgrade is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture 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.)

Background/Aim. Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone mass and changes in the bone structure. An increased tendency of the bone tissue for fractures occurs as a consequence of these changes. The initial phase of physiological aging of the bones that gradually leads to osteoporosis is osteopenia. This paper tracks the effects of a specific kind of physical exercise program in women with osteopenia. The aim was to quantify the impact of this program on: the concentration of bone metabolism blood markers, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and physical dimensions. Methods. The sample consisted of 26 women in postmenopause (age 46-58) divided into two groups -- experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 11). A combined program of exercise consisting of aerobic activities and strength training was applied in the experimental group, while the control group did not join in the exercise program. The program lasted for 7 weeks, three times a week with a break day between the trainings. The intensity of the aerobic training was in the span of 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve (HRR), and the intensity of the strength training was in the span of 60% to 85% of one repetitive maximum (1RM). Osteopenia was diagnosed prior to the experiment by applying a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and the hip. The following was measured before and after the experiment: the level of biochemical markers in the serum [Beta-aspartic acid β-cross laps (CTx), total procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (tP1NP) and bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 1RM of leg extensors, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), bodily height and mass, and a calculated Body Mass Index (BMI). Results. Significant changes were determined only in the experimental group. During the experimental period, there was a significant increase of muscle strength and VO2 max, with a decrease of Beta-CTx concentration. No statistically significant changes were recorded in the control group. Conclusion. A 7-week period of systematic exercise showed to be sufficient to increase muscle strength and VO2 max, partially also to decrease bone resorption, but insufficient to alter bone volume, bodily mass, and BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the basic complication of diabetes, associated with impared glucoregulation, metabolic distrurbances, microvascular vessel damage and increased cardiovascular risk. We monitored the impact of glucoregulation on the efficacy of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) treatment, when all pharmaceutical treatment options were exhausted. Methods. Patients (n = 53, both gender, average age 68.3 ± 12.6) with PDN resistant to the pharmacotherapy were treated with the ultrasound-guided local anesthetic (0.5% procaine hydrochloride, 1% lidocaine, 0.25% levobupivacaine) blocks. Neuropathy was confirmed in accordance with the applicable European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) criteria. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and blood glucose levels were monitored before and after therapy and one month after the treatment. Neuropathic pain was confirmed by Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) or Douleur neuropathique (DN4) or pain DETECT scales. The pain intensity was assessed by Visual analog scale, Neuropathic pain symptom and Neuropathic pain symptom inventory (VAS, NPS and NPSI, respectively) scales before and after therapy and one month after the treatment. The efficacy of the therapy was assessed as: excellent result (> 50% of pain loss), good result (30%-49% of pain loss and the therapy does not work (< 30% of pain loss). The correlation between glucoregulation and the outcome was examined. Results. Because the values of glycenia and HbA1c were not different among patients treated with different local anesthetics, they were presented together. All patients had elevated blood glucose and HbA1C levels before (8.23 ± 2.77 mmol/L and 8.53% ± 2.48% respectively), after (8.43 ± 2.461 mmol/L and 8.85% ± 2.87%, respectively) and one month after the treatment (8.49 ± 2.22 mmol/L and 8.51% ± 2.09%, respectively). The loss of the pain was not result of the decrease in blood glucose and HbA1C blood levels. VAS, NPS, NPSI values were the following before the therapy: 81.53 ± 11.62 mm; 62.00 ± 13.04; 53.40 ± 17.63, respectively; after the therapy: 29.00 ± 9.23 mm; 13.79 ± 6.65; 11.83 ± 7.93, respectively; and one month later: 26.15 ± 8.41 mm; 12.68 ± 6.03; 9.81 ± 7.64, respectively]. There was no correlation between glucoregulation and excellent outcome. Conclusion. Even though the disturbance of glucose control is the key factor for the progression of PDN, it is not significant for the outcome of the pain treatment. New investigations are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. In recent decades noninvasive methods for the assessment and monitoring of liver fibrosis have been developed and evaluated in numerous chronic liver diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive markers for fibrosis assessment transient elastography (TE) and biochemical markers using liver biopsy as reference in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Methods. One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent both liver biopsy and blood tests on the same day and TE in a month following the biopsy and the tests. Liver biopsies were reviewed by a single pathologist using the METAVIR scoring system for assessment of liver fibrosis. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns scores, AST and alanine transaminase (ALT) ratio and TE were compared with liver fibrosis stage in order to determine the best noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis. Results. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for the APRI score, Forns index and TE according to stages of liver fibrosis. T E showed superior diagnostic performance when compared to other surrogate markers of liver fibrosis that were investigated. Optimal cut-off for TE were 4.25 and 5.9 kPa for diagnosing the presence of fibrosis and distinguishing mild/moderate and advanced stages of fibrosis respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of TE were 0.963 and 0.865, respectively. Conclusion. Based on our investigation the APRI score, Forns index and TE adequately predict fibrosis stage in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, but the most sensitive and specific parameter appears to be TE. Using non invasive markers and methods in the evaluation of patients in daily clinical practice may reduce, but not eliminate, the need for invasive diagnostic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The northern part of Kosovo was one of the largest lead and zinc production industries in Europe. Special attention has been paid to the landfill sites of these metals remained after past industrial activities. The inhabitants of Roma camps in this area are collecting led waste they process by crushing and melting in their shacks in primitively organized working environments. Because of all the aforementioned it was necessary to examine the concentration of blood lead level (BLL) in the children aged less than 6 years inhabiting this area, especially taking care of blood analysis of children living in Roma camps. Methods. The study was conducted in the municipality of Leposavić, Province Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia. Totally 78 subjects participated in the study. All the subjects were divided into two groups: the group I consisting of 42 children who lived in the Romas camp and the group II with 36 children from a city kindergarten. Based on the mathematical model WRPLOT we found out that both groups of patients were in the low risk zone for industrial contamination exposure. Blood analysis was done according to the protocol provided by ESA Lead Care. Results. The average age of participants in the study was 4.60 ± 1.63 years. The mean BBL in the children from the group 1 was 19.11 μg/dL and from the group 2 4.87 μg/dL. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of BBL between the groups (U = 39, p < 0.001). All of the children from the group 1 had BBL greater than 5 μg/dL in comparison to 38.9% of the children from the group 2 (X2 = 35.75, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Although both groups were located outside the zone of direct spread of pollution, the results indicate high concentrations of lead in blood of all the examined children. The concentration was higher in the children who lived in the area in which illegal processing of lead waste took place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agriculture / Poljoprivreda is the property of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek 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.)

The study was designed to investigate the influence of zinc (Zn) supplementation on cadmium-induced alterations in zinc, copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) status in rabbits. For this purpose, the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), Zn, Cu, and Mg were estimated in the blood, liver, kidney, and bone. The rabbits were divided in a control group, a Cd group-animals intoxicated orally with Cd (10 mg kg-1 bw, as aqueous solution of Cd-chloride), and a Cd+Zn group-animals intoxicated with the same dose of Cd and co-treated with Zn (20 mg kg-1 bw, as aqueous solution of Zn-sulphate). Solutions were administered orally, every day for 28 days. Sample mineralisation was performed with concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and perchloric acid (HClO4) (4:1) and metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Zinc supplementation improved some of Cd-induced disturbances in bioelement levels in the investigated tissues. Beneficial effects of Zn on Zn and Cu levels were observed in blood, as well as on the Cu kidney level. The calculated values for Cu/Zn, Mg/Zn, and Mg/Cu ratios in blood suggest that Zn co-treatment reduces Cd-induced changes in bioelement ratios in blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este trabajo relee algunos de los escritos considerados pre-críticos de Kant, indagando cómo en ellos la reflexión sobre el conocimiento va reorientándose contra las posiciones dogmáticas, para lo que se centra en algunas de sus aportaciones concretas. Si bien no cabe asimilar estos textos a la revolución que supondrá la KrV2, sí pueden leerse como preparación del terreno para el pensamiento crítico. De este modo, suscribimos aquellas interpretaciones que entienden que hay más bien continuidad que ruptura entre el Kant considerado pre-crítico y el del período (netamente) crítico.

Copyright of Journal of Central European Agriculture is the property of Journal of Central European Agriculture 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.)