Health Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Human Body.

Radioactivity is a process in which the nuclei of unstable atoms spontaneously decay, producing other nuclei and releasing energy in the form of ionizing radiation in the form of alpha (α) and beta (ß) particles as well as the emission of gamma (γ) electromagnetic waves. People may be exposed to radiation in various forms, as casualties of nuclear accidents, workers in power plants, or while working and using different radiation sources in medicine and health care. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs in subjects exposed to a very high dose of radiation in a very short period of time. Each form of radiation has a unique pathophysiological effect. Unfortunately, higher organisms-human beings-in the course of evolution have not acquired receptors for the direct "capture" of radiation energy, which is transferred at the level of DNA, cells, tissues, and organs. Radiation in biological systems depends on the amount of absorbed energy and its spatial distribution, particularly depending on the linear energy transfer (LET). Photon radiation with low LET leads to homogeneous energy deposition in the entire tissue volume. On the other hand, radiation with a high LET produces a fast Bragg peak, which generates a low input dose, whereby the penetration depth into the tissue increases with the radiation energy. The consequences are mutations, apoptosis, the development of cancer, and cell death. The most sensitive cells are those that divide intensively-bone marrow cells, digestive tract cells, reproductive cells, and skin cells. The health care system and the public should raise awareness of the consequences of ionizing radiation. Therefore, our aim is to identify the consequences of ARS taking into account radiation damage to the respiratory system, nervous system, hematopoietic system, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.

Antimicrobial Peptides-Mechanisms of Action, Antimicrobial Effects and Clinical Applications.

The growing emergence of antimicrobial resistance represents a global problem that not only influences healthcare systems but also has grave implications for political and economic processes. As the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents is lagging, one of the solutions is innovative therapeutic options that would expand our armamentarium against this hazard. Compounds of interest in many such studies are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which actually represent the host's first line of defense against pathogens and are involved in innate immunity. They have a broad range of antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with specific mechanisms of action utilized by different AMPs. Coupled with a lower propensity for resistance development, it is becoming clear that AMPs can be seen as emerging and very promising candidates for more pervasive usage in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, their use in quotidian clinical practice is not without challenges. In this review, we aimed to summarize state-of-the-art evidence on the structure and mechanisms of action of AMPs, as well as to provide detailed information on their antimicrobial activity. We also aimed to present contemporary evidence of clinical trials and application of AMPs and highlight their use beyond infectious diseases and potential challenges that may arise with their increasing availability.

Legionella pneumophila-Virulence Factors and the Possibility of Infection in Dental Practice.

Legionella pneumophila is defined as a bacterium that can cause severe pneumonia. It is found in the natural environment and in water, and is often found in water tanks. It can be an integral part of biofilms in nature, and the protozoa in which it can live provide it with food and protect it from harmful influences; therefore, it has the ability to move into a sustainable but uncultured state (VBNC). L. pneumophila has been shown to cause infections in dental practices. The most common transmission route is aerosol generated in dental office water systems, which can negatively affect patients and healthcare professionals. The most common way of becoming infected with L. pneumophila in a dental office is through water from dental instruments, and the dental unit. In addition to these bacteria, patients and the dental team may be exposed to other harmful bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it is vital that the dental team regularly maintains and decontaminates the dental unit, and sterilizes all accessories that come with it. In addition, regular water control in dental offices is necessary.

URINARY BLADDER CANCER RECURRENCE AND EXPRESSION OF LYNCH AND HER MARKERS: SEARCHING FOR IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL PATTERNS AMONG 113 TUMORS FROM 33 PATIENTS.

The aim was to identify immunohistochemical (IHC) markers able to predict recurrence of urinary bladder tumors. The method of multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) was applied to IHC data of 33 patients with urinary bladder cancer that relapsed one to six times (24 male and nine female, age 57-87 years). The MARS analysis was used to predict the total number of recurrences and the Ki-67 value by nine IHC markers (epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, HER3, E-cadherin, Ki-67, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2). Data were divided as initial tumors, first and subsequent recurrences, and tumors that relapsed within nine months of previous surgery or later. The IHC markers were semiquantitatively classified into four groups, as follows: 0 means no positive cells; 1, 10% of positive cells; 2, 11%-30% of positive cells; and 3, 31%-100% of positive cells. In predicting the overall number of recurrences, as a surrogate marker of tumor biology, the R2 value for all tumors was 0.423, for initial tumors 0.686, for first recurrence 0.700, and for subsequent recurrences only 0.233. The key predictors for initial tumors were HER2 and MSH2, while for the first recurrence it was EGFR. For quick recurrences (within nine months), the R2 was 0.474 with EGFR and HER3 as predictors, while for slow recurrences R2 was 0.640 due to EGFR and PMS2. In predicting the Ki-67 value of that tumor, the R2 value for all tumors was 0.300, for initial tumors 0.262, for first recurrence 0.360, and for subsequent recurrences only 0.533. The key predictors for first recurrences were EGFR and MSH6, and for subsequent recurrences HER2, EGFR and all Lynch markers. The R2 was 0.266 for quick recurrences and 0.370 for slow recurrences. The finding of E-cadherin was not found relevant by any of these MARS models. In conclusion, the MARS results associated multiple IHC markers with the number of recurrences and with Ki-67 values. It is important that differences in predictive markers were found between initial tumors and first recurrences, and between quick and slow recurrences, thus suggesting that tumor biology is different among these subgroups regarding the total number of recurrences and Ki-67 values.

Quality of Life in Road Traffic Accident Survivors.

INTRODUCTION: The loss of quality of life is the major consequence following a non-fatal road traffic accident (RTA). Previous research regarding quality of life did not include uninjured RTA survivors. The research aim was thus to evaluate the quality of life of the RTA survivors regardless of whether or not they sustained injures, and to identify factors associated with decreased quality of life after the RTA. METHODS: A cohort of 200 RTA survivors with and without injuries was followed after experiencing an RTA. The quality of life and mental health outcomes were assessed 1 month following RTA. A vast range of sociodemographic, pre-RTA health-related, RTA related, RTA injury-related, compensation-related factors and mental health outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: Decreased quality of life following an RTA showed an association with the low socioeconomic status of the RTA victims, poor pre-RTA health, injury-related factors, compensation-related factors and psychological disorders after the RTA. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying predictors of decreased quality of life following an RTA will enable planning interventions targeting the most important factors that influence recovery of RTA victims. Assessing and recording of self-reported quality of life should be a part of the routine protocol in RTA survivors' health-care.

COMBINED TREATMENT WITH BEVACIZUMAB AND TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE FOR MACULAR EDEMA DUE TO RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of combined intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone in the treatment of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion. A prospective randomized trial was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Osijek University Hospital Centre in Osijek including 51 patients divided into three groups depending on the drug received. The first group received 1.25 mg intravitreal bevacizumab, the second group received 1 mg intravitreal triamcinolone, and the third group received a combination of 1.25 mg bevacizumab and 1 mg intravitreal triamcinolone on the same day. Changes in the central macular thickness, intraocular pressure and visual acuity were monitored during the follow up period. The retinal perfusion status was evaluated by fluorescein angiography. The group that received combined treatment had better outcome in terms of reduction of macular thickness. There was no statistically significant intraocular pressure elevation among the three treatment groups or within each group of patients. A positive trend regarding visual improvement was observed in the group receiving combined treatment in spite of the lowest initial visual acuity, highest value of macular thickness and longest mean duration of symptoms. In conclusion, combined treatment with bevacizumab and triamcinolone for the treatment of retinal vein occlusion is more potent, safe, efficient and cost-effective. It can also be recommended because fewer injections are needed in patients undergoing treatment for macular edema.

WHICH PATIENTS SHOULD RECEIVE RADIOTHERAPY IN POSTOPERATIVE DISEASE RECURRENCE?

After radical prostatectomy (RP), up to 60% of patients with high-risk prostate cancer (PC), such as high Gleason score, extracapsular prostatic extension (ECE), positive margins, seminal vesicle involvement (SVI), will develop biochemical relapse and they will require further local treatment. Radiotherapy (RT) to the prostate bed has been used as adjuvant (ART) or salvage (SRT). In patients with high-risk PC, radiotherapy immediately after RP or adjuvant radiotherapy may eradicate residual localized microscopic disease and improve biochemical, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Only a few observational studies have compared RP patients who have received only RT with patients who have received RT with some form of hormonal therapy. A few of them have reported improved progression-free survival with addition of hormonal therapy to SRT, but benefit in overall survival (OS) is not yet known.

Protective Effect of Blepharospasm on the Anterior Segment of the Eye.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of blepharospasm as a protective factor for the anterior segment of the eye by comparing the degree of blepharospasm and changes of the anterior segment structures. The study included sixty female patients older than forty years with the clinical diagnosis of blepharospasm. They were divided into two groups; the first group consisted of patients with stage I and II of blepharospasm with dominant dry eye symptoms, and the second group consisted of patients with stage III and IV of blepharospasm who required interventional therapy (all patients in this study were treated with botulinum toxin type A). Staining of ocular surface with vital dyes such as fluorescein was used to determine ocular surface defects. Fluorescein stains the corneal epithelial defects, which were statistically less pronounced in the interventional group. In conclusion, comparison of the results between the two groups of patients may implicate that advanced blepharospasm has a protective effect on ocular surface.

Prevalence of Open Angle Glaucoma in Risk Groups in Slavonia and Baranya Region.

The aim of this prospective study was to detect primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in its early stage in patients at a higher risk of its development, and to identify the risk group with the highest prevalence of POAG. The study was conducted at Department of Ophthalmology, Osijek University Hospital Centre, and included 250 patients divided into five groups, as follows: group 1, patients with diabetes type 1 and type 2; group 2, patients with arterial hypertension (blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg); group 3, patients with positive family history of POAG; group 4, patients with myopia between -3.0 and -8.0 diopters; and group 5, control group including patients aged 40 with no risk factors for POAG development. Study results showed that distribution of glaucoma patients was not equal across the groups. The prevalence of POAG in all patients was 5.6%, whereas in patients with positive family history of POAG it was 14%, which was statistically significantly higher than in patients with diabetes and myopia (4% both), as well as in control group. The difference was greatest in comparison to control group. There was no statistically significant difference in glaucoma incidence between the group of patients with positive family history (14%) and patients with systemic hypertension (6%). The results obtained suggest that of all risk factors analyzed, positive family history of POAG is the most important risk factor for glaucoma development in all risk groups.

Sensitivity of Diagnostic Tests for Dry Eye in Patients with Blepharospasm.

The aim of the study was to evaluate diagnostic tests for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT) test, and corneal staining with fluorescein and lissamine green dye) in patients with blepharospasm. This prospective study included 60 female patients older than 40 with blepharospasm, divided into two groups according to clinical symptoms. For fluorescein test, the surface under the ROC curve was 1.0 with standard error (SE) 0 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.940-1.0; for Schirmer test, the surface under the ROC curve was 0.817 with SE 0.0555 and 95% CI 0.696-0.905; for lissamine green test, the surface under the ROC curve was 0.813 with SE 0.056 and 95% CI 0.691-0.902; and for TBUT test, the surface under the ROC curve was 0.772 with SE 0.061 and 95% CI 0.645-0.870. According to the results of ROC curve, which determines the sensitivity and specificity of normal values, comparison of diagnostic tests for keratoconjunctivitis sicca used in this study showed that fluorescein test had the best sensitivity and specificity. Schirmer test should be avoided in patients with blepharospasm because its results are influenced by frequent blinking and are not appropriate for study interpretation. Despite the pathologic values of TBUT test (numerically), this test is still acceptable for patients with blepharospasm because its interval takes more time than the interval between two blinks.

Visual dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

The aim of this study was to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the Pelli-Robson and Ishihara diagnostic methods in differing Parkinson's disease from essential tremor compared to DaTSCAN (dopamine transporter scan) findings. The intention was to investigate whether visual dysfunction appears in the early state of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, we included patients with the symptomatology of parkinsonism lasting between 6 and 12 months. The study included 164 patients of which 59 (36.0%) suffered from Parkinson's disease, 51 (31.1%) from essential tremor, and 54 (32.9%) healthy patients which presented the control group. The specificity of Pelli-Robson test in confirming Parkinson's disease was 53% and the sensitivity 81.4%. The specificity of Ishihara test in confirming Parkinson's disease was 88.2%, and sensitivity 55.9%. We found that the colour and contrast dysfunction are present as the earliest symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In this study the Pelli-Robson test is highly sensitive and the Ishihara tables are highly specific in the differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, but neither of these methods fulfils the criteria for the validity of a test. We suggest performing both of these methods to evaluate which patients are indicated for DaTSCAN.

Influence of silicone oil tamponade after vitrectomy on intraocular pressure.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the possible influence of the silicone oil tamponade after vitrectomy on the early intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, which is a major risk factor for developing secondary glaucoma in patients with vitreal and retinal proliferative changes. The research included 110 patients which were allocated in three groups according to the medical history data. The surgical procedures were performed at the Eye Clinic, University of Zagreb School of Medicine. The control group comprised 40 patients who underwent vitrectomy with air or saline solution tamponade. The second group consisted of 40 patients with retinal detachment and proliferative retinopathy who had vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade and the third group were 30 patients with diabetic retinopathy who underwent vitrectomy and tamponade with silicone oil. The intraocular pressure was measured and gonioscopy was performed in all patients one month before and after vitrectomy. The results showed that there is no statistically significant difference among IOP values before and after vitrectomy in the control group (p = 0.104) as well as in the preoperative IOP values among all three groups of patients. The data analysis determined that in both groups of patients with silicone oil tamponade after vitrectomy, there is a statistically significant difference in IOP values one month after the surgical procedure (p = 0.000). The mean IOP values in those patients a month after vitrectomy were significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Comparison of the IOP one month after vitrectomy between the patients with retinal detachment and those with diabetic retinopathy showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.331) but the qualitative analysis showed that the IOP one month after vitrectomy was 2 mmHg higher in the diabetic retinopathy group. The results suggest that there is no difference in angle width before and after vitrectomy among different groups of patients. Emulsified silicone oil was confirmed in 18% of patients in the retinal detachment group. In 17% of patients in the diabetic retinopathy group the emulsified oil was found in the angle, whereas a 10% of patients had neovascularization of the angle one month after vitrectomy. The IOP elevation in the early postoperative course may be caused by intravitreal instillation of the silicone oil after vitrectomy. Emulsification of the silicone oil may lead to the early IOP rise; especially in the diabetic patients with angle neovascularization which itself can additionally accelerate the development of the secondary glaucoma.

Chalazion management--surgical treatment versus triamcinolon application.

The aim of the study was to compare the length of treatment and efficiency of applied therapy in two groups of patients with chalazion who underwent surgical procedure or got triamcinolone application in chalazion. Our study included 30 patients with chalazions that persisted for about one month. All of them were resistant to applied topical antimicrobial therapy. These patients were devided in two groups. 15 patients underwent surgical procedure that included incision, excochleation and excision of the capsule of chalazion, while other 15 patients underwent triamcinolone aplication directly in chalazion (dosage of 2-4 mg). Patients were followed up a day after therapy, two weeks after therapy and one month after applied therapy. We found that chalazion treatment with triamcinolone application directly in the lesion was to be more comfortable for patients, took less time to treat and needed no additional topical antimicrobial therapy.

Quality of life in patients with blepharospasm.

The aim of this prospective study was to analyse the quality of life in patients with blepharospasm grade III and IV and to explore whether Botulinum neurotoxin type A treatment improves their quality of life. We used a WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, based on the existing WHO recommendation and its meaningful metric characteristics. The study included 37 patients with either grade/type III or IV blepharospasm who were treated with Botulinum neurotoxin Type A. Each patient completed the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire by themselves just before the Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A (BT-A) therapy application, when the clinical symptoms of blepharospasm were most manifest and a month and a half after, when the regression of symptoms appeared. Consequently, the application of BT-A resulted in improved changes in terms of quality of life in 3 of the 4 measured fields (psychical and physical health as well as the environmental living conditions).