How to Compose, Write and Publish a Scientific or Professional Communication.

There is an ample number of recommendations, guides and monographs addressing the art of composing and publishing written, oral or visual communications in science and various professions. In order to write an article, autors have to follow certain rules. Presentation of the article (oral or poster presentation) also requires skill, meaning that you have to fulfill certain guidelines and regulations.

Altered iron metabolism, inflammation, transferrin receptors, and ferritin expression in non-small-cell lung cancer.

The involvement of iron and inflammation parameters on overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was studied. Furthermore, transferrin receptors 1 (TfR1) and ferritin expression in tumor tissue, tumor stroma, and normal lung tissue were analyzed. Iron metabolism and inflammation parameters were determined by automated laboratory measurements at the time of diagnosis. TfR1 and ferritin expression were determined by immuno-histochemical methods. About 50% of patients survived 12 months only. At the time of diagnosis more than half of the patients had anemia and significantly elevated serum ferritin. Iron content of serum ferritin (ICF) was below the reference values in 90% of patients. Furthermore, ICF showed positive correlation with iron metabolic parameters and survival but negative correlation with serum ferritin and ESR. The expression of TfR1 and ferritin in tumor cells was observed in 88% or 62% of patients, respectively. Tumor stroma was TfR1 negative and sporadically ferritin positive. Tumor tissue ferritin expression showed negative correlation with serum iron and hematokrit (Ht), and positive correlation with ferritin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alpha-1 globulin, and alpha-2 globulin. Positive correlation was found between TfR1 expression in tumor tissue and alpha-globulin. The correlation between TfR1/ferritin expression in tumor tissue and ICF or survival was not observed. Therefore, we conclude that elevated serum ferritin in sera of NSCLC patients is the result of inflammation and oxidative stress rather than body iron overload. Higher expression of ferritin in tumor tissue may be the consequence of iron deficiency or local toxicity induced by environmental factors.

[Psychoneurogenic factors and apoptosis]. / Psihoneuroendokrini cinitelji i apoptoza.

Immunity is regulated by its signal molecules, interleukins, as well as by cellular contacts; however, in addition to these 'local' mechanisms there is also neuroendocrine regulation of the immune system, at the level of the organism as a whole that attunes the immunoreaction up or down. The systemic regulation is accomplished by nervous and endocrine signals that translate and transmit inputs from emotional, cognitive and associative processes in the brain. At the cellular level, neuroendocrine signals join local networks to influence biochemical processes in the cytoplasm and nuclei of the lymphocytes, macrophages and other cells of the immune system. The neuroendocrine mediators glucocorticoids and opioid peptides may trigger apoptosis as a final mechanism after binding to specific cytoplasmic viz. membrane receptors and activating the Fas molecule at the cell membrane as the apoptosis promoter. Neuroendocrine mechanisms may also influence carcinogenesis, angiogenesis and tumor metastasis.

[Psychoneuroimmunology--regulation of immunity at the systemic level]. / Psihoneuroimunologija--regulacija imunosti na razini organizma kao cjeline.

Innate and acquired immune reactions are controlled by their intrinsic regulatory mechanisms, ie. by an array of cytokines that mediate communication among cells of the immune system itself and with other cells and tissues, e. g. in areas of inflammation. In addition, the immune system is also subjected to systemic regulation by the vegetative and endocrine systems since immune cells express receptors for neurotransmitters and hormones. Neuroendocrine signals may enhance or suppress the immune reaction, accelerate or slow it, but do not affect specificity. Various stressful factors, including the psychosocial ones, affect immunity. In turn, cytokines generated by the immune system influence hormonal secretion and central nervous system, producing specific behavioral changes (the "sickness behavior") accompanying infectious and inflammatory diseases. That includes somnolence, loss of apetite, depression or anxiety and decrease of cognitive abilities, attention and memory. Local immune systems in skin and mucosa are also subjected to systemic neuroendocrine regulation and possess intrinsic neuroregulatory networks as well. These mechanisms render skin and respiratory and digestive tracts responsive to various forms of stress. Examples are neurodermitis, asthma and ulcerative colitis. In children, the immune and the neuroendocrine systems are still developing, particularly in fetal, neonatal and early infant periods, and exposure to stressful experiences at that time may result in late consequences in the form of deficient immunity or greater risks for allergic or autoimmune reactions. Recognition of the participation of neuroendocrine mechanisms in regulation of immunity helps us understand alterations and disturbances of immune reactions under the influence of stressful factors but so far has not produced reliable therapeutic implications. Psychosocial interventions involving the child and its family may be useful.

Increasing rate of childhood tuberculosis in a region of east Croatia.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of childhood tuberculosis as well as the number of children being in contact with persons having tuberculosis has increased in the region of Slavonski Brod during the past decade (1993-2003). The region is located in east Croatia along the border with Bosnia and close to the besieged and destroyed town of Vukovar. The region was heavily involved in recent military activities and migrations in Croatia and Bosnia (1991-1995). Before the war, the population was reasonably well situated, educated and provided with health services. METHODS: Routine clinical and epidemiological methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis were used. RESULTS: A total of 225 cases of tuberculosis were discovered among 271 suspected cases in a total number of 19 623 children below 18 years of age admitted during the last decade to the county hospital (1.38%). The number increased from three patients with tuberculosis in 1993 to 59 in 2003. Discharge diagnoses were: latent infection 40.1%, specific hilar lymphadenopathy 22.1%, primary lung tuberculosis 18.0%, postprimary tuberculosis 3.0%, and contact with infected person but otherwise normal findings 16.9%. The infection was usualy (53.1%) acquired within the family, more often so in younger patients. Bacteriological cultures were positive in 19 of 117 patients with tuberculosis (16.4%). Antituberculosis drug treatment was carried out to completion in all children. Resistance was not encountered. CONCLUSION: The authors attribute high incidence of childhood tuberculosis in the region of Slavonski Brod, the second highest incidence in Croatia, to the sequellae of migrations during military activities in Croatia and Bosnia (1991-1995) and to the post-war recession.

Emotional and physical abuse in family: survey among high school adolescents.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of different forms of child abuse among high school pupils in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. METHOD: The study included 2140 first and fourth-grade pupils aged between 14 and 18 years from all 10 high schools in Slavonski Brod and the area (4 grammar and 6 vocational schools). The pupils were asked to complete an anonymous structured questionnaire during a 45-minute class. The questionnaire, developed for the needs of this study, collected basic demographic data on family life and experience of emotional or physical abuse. RESULTS: First-grade pupils were more satisfied with their family life than fourth-grade pupils (96.9% vs 91.3%, P<0.001, chi(2) test). The feeling of being insufficiently loved or unloved was reported by 17.5% of the first-grade and 24.6% of the fourth-grade pupils and a greater percentage of pupils whose parents were divorced or who had a step-parent. Almost 80% of pupils had been verbally or nonverbally punished for disobedience. Emotional abuse was significantly associated with female sex (Nagelkerke R(2)=0.87, beta=0.474, P=0.028), younger age (beta=1.263, P<0.001), and alcoholism in the family (beta=2.037, P<0.001. Physical punishment for disobedience was reported significantly more often by first-grade than fourth-grade pupils (15.6% vs 12.9% P=0.021, chi(2) test). Physical abuse was significantly associated (Nagelkerke R2=0.69) with younger age (Beta=0.379, P<0.012), emotional abuse (Beta=0.665, P<0.002), alcoholism in the family (Beta=1.791, P<0.001) and the lack of parental love (Beta=-0.645, P<0.001). Possible sexual molestation was admitted by 6.0% boys and 3.3% girls. CONCLUSION: Most high school pupils in Slavonski Brod were satisfied with their life at home. Disobedience was usually punished verbally or by aggressive behavior of the parents. Physical punishment was less common and usually did not result in serious injuries.

Leber's hereditary optic neuroretinopathy (LHON) associated with mitochondrial DNA point mutation G11778A in two Croatian families.

Leber's hereditary optic neuroretinopathy (LHON) is manifested as a bilateral acute or subacute loss of central vision due to optic atrophy. It is linked to point mutations of mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited maternally. The most common mitochondrial DNA point mutations associated with LHON are G3460A, G11778A and T14484C. These mutations are linked with the defects of subunits of the complex I (NADH-dehydrogenase-ubiquinone reductase) in mitochondria. The G11778A mitochondrial DNA point mutation is manifested by a severe visual impairment. In this paper two Croatian families with the LHON G11778A mutation are presented. Three LHON patients from two families were younger males which had the visual acuity of 0.1 or below, the ophthalmoscopy revealed telangiectatic microangiopathy and papilloedema, while Goldmann kinetic perimetry showed a central scotoma. The mothers and female relatives were LHON mutants without symptoms, whereas their sons suffered from a severe visual impairment. Molecular diagnosis helps to explain the cause of LHON disease.

Sources of infection in childhood tuberculosis in a region of east Croatia.

Possible sources of tuberculosis (TBC) infection in children have been assessed in a retrospective epidemiological study covering a north-east region of Croatia in which the incidence of childhood tuberculosis has been increasing since the war in 1991-1995. During the past decade (1993-2003), 271 children up to 18 years of age have been referred for hospital care because of known contacts with tuberculosis (142 children, group A) or because of indicative clinical signs and symptoms (129 children, group B). Possible sources of infection were identified on the basis of medical documentation and field investigations. Frequencies of source identification for different age groups were compared. In group A, the exposure took place most often within the family (parents, grandparents, siblings, 129 of 142 children, 90.87%). Relatives, neighbors, friends and schoolmates accounted for 9.2%. In group B, possible sources of infection were identified for 44 of 129 children (34.1%) and were within the family for 16 of those 44 (36.4%). Evidenced contact with tuberculosis was more usual among younger children (0-9 years of age, 65.5%) in group A than among the older ones (10-18 years of age, 34.5%). In group B, contacts with tuberculosis were equally distributed (50.0%) among younger and older children. High proportion of unrecognized contacts in children having clinical signs and symptoms indicative of tuberculosis (group B, 85 of 129, 65.9%) opens the possibility that extra-familial exposure to tuberculosis occurs more often than expected regardless of the age of children.

Low levels of immunoglobulin A in children with intrinsic asthma: a possible protection against atopy.

Immunoglobulin A and G (IgA, IgG) serum concentrations were detected in children with nonallergic/intrinsic (36 children) or allergic/extrinsic asthma (43 children) and in age-matching control children (40 children). Asthmatic children with allergic asthma had lower IgA (1.36+/-0.54 g/L) and higher IgG (10.48+/-2.77 g/L) levels than the age-matching control children group (1.63+/-0.69 vs. 9.01+/-2.32 g/L). Children with nonallergic/intrinsic asthma had lower IgA (1.03+/-0.41 g/L) ( p = 0.004) and IgG (8.38+/-1.93 g/L) (p = 0.001) levels than the allergic/extrinsic asthma group (1.36+/-0.54 vs. 10.48+/-2.77 g/L). Low IgA levels were found in children with nonallergic/intrinsic asthma and high IgG levels were found in those children with allergic/extrinsic childhood asthma. The hypothesis is that the increased incidence of asthma in the population may be caused by a decrease in childhood infections (hygiene hypothesis). Frequent infections in early life boost the immune system, stimulating Th1-type response in young children and reducing the risk of atopic diseases. Our hypothesis is that low IgA (and/or IgG) levels in our patients might be responsible for infection development among those children with nonallergic/intrinsic asthma. These infections stimulate the normal development of immune system in young children, reducing risk of atopy, so that those children do not get allergic/extrinsic childhood asthma. Intrinsic childhood asthma=nonallergic (nonatopic) childhood asthma. Extrinsic childhood asthma=allergic (atopic) childhood asthma.

Breastfeeding practices in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: cross-sectional self-report study.

AIM: To investigate breastfeeding practices among mothers of infants in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: The cross-sectional self-report study was conducted among 326 mothers of infants visiting the Advisory Center for Infants at the Medical Center in Mostar and at the Children's Department of Mostar University Hospital between January and May 2003. The data were collected from mothers by trained interviewers using a structured interview. In addition to demographic data, mothers were inquired about the frequency of breastfeeding, use of commercial infant food products, and the reasons for the termination of breastfeeding. RESULTS: According to mothers' statements, 85%, 70%, 44%, and 8% infants were breastfed at the age of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Significantly more infants aged < or =3 months were breast feed than not. Infant formula was given to 31%, 43%, 85%, and 62% of infants aged 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Cow milk was given to 19% of 6-month-old infants, and the proportion of infants fed with cow milk increased with age. Tea and water were often added to the infant diet. The most frequently stated reason for the termination of breastfeeding was the lack of breast milk. Decision whether to breast feed or not was made by the mothers themselves, in 85% of cases before the delivery. Only 27% of mothers received advice on breastfeeding from the medical personnel. CONCLUSION: The number of breastfed infants decreased with their age, especially after 3 months of age. Infant formulas and cow milk were introduced into infant diet very early. The reasons stated for the termination of breastfeeding reflected unawareness of the indications for ablactation and advantages of breastfeeding. Young mothers should be better educated on breastfeeding.

Expression of CD13/aminopeptidase N and CD10/neutral endopeptidase on cultured human keratinocytes.

Keratinocytes actively participate in immune response and inflammation by secreting cytokines and chemokines. Membrane-bound peptidases serve as negative loop in controlling concentration of peptide signalling molecules. Recently, they have also been proposed as additional mechanism of cell-to-cell interaction and as signalling molecules. In this study, we examined expression of two membrane-bound peptidases: aminopeptidase N (APN; EC 3.4.11.2; CD13) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11; CD10) on nonstimulated cultured human keratinocytes obtained from healthy skin. Membrane expression of CD13 and CD10 was analysed by FACS and fluorescent microscope. Functional properties of CD13 and CD10 were examined by testing their enzymatic activity towards selective substrates. The data were compared to those obtained on cultured nonstimulated human skin fibroblasts expressing both CD13/APN and CD10/NEP. Approximately one-third (i.e. 31.7+/-2.8%; n=3) of cultured keratinocyte express CD13 as compared to fibroblasts which are 100% CD13(+) (n=3). Density of CD13 on keratinocytes is several times lower than on fibroblasts. Membrane CD13 expression on keratinocytes was associated with significant enzyme activity, which on the basis of substrate (L-Ala-betaNA) and inhibitor (bestatin, actinonin) selectivity could be ascribed to aminopeptidase N. Kinetic parameter V(max) revealed lower APN activity expressed on keratinocytes than on fibroblasts (V(max)=1.49+/-0.08 microM/60 min/5 x 10(4) cells for keratinocytes, n=3 versus V(max)=4.09+/-0.76 microM/60 min/5 x 10(4) cells for fibroblasts, n=3). Likewise, K(m) value of APN on keratinocytes was lower as compared to fibroblasts (K(m)=0.307+/-0.090 mM for keratinocytes, n=3 versus K(m)=0.766+/-0.065 mM for fibroblasts, n=3). CD13 demonstrated on cultured keratinocytes, is at least partly due to its constitutive expression since it was also found on freshly prepared epidermal skin cells. Inhibitors of APN, actinonin, bestatin and substance-P, as well as the APN blocking antibody WM-15, decreased keratinocytes growth. In contrast to membrane CD13 associated with APN enzyme activity, neither membrane CD10, nor its enzyme (NEP) activity could be found on the same keratinocyte samples. In conclusion, functional CD13, associated with APN activity, was found on about one third of cultured, non-stimulated keratinocytes, whereas no CD10/NEP was found on the same keratinocyte samples. Role of APN in regulation of keratinocyte growth is suggested, as its inhibition resulted in decreased keratinocyte growth.

Diagnostic value of a peroral sucrose permeability test in children with recurrent upper abdominal pain.

The access of ingested sucrose into blood and urine indicates the presence of mucosal lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The study involved 42 children, aged 5-15, having recurrent upper abdominal pain and 43 peers with minor extra-abdominal complaints. Sucrose in urine was determined by thin layer chromatography. The test was positive in 27 out of 42 children having recurrent abdominal pain (64.3%) and in none of the control children (chi2 = 37.6, p < 0.0001). When correlated with endoscopic findings it was falsely negative in 12 out of 38 patients with endoscopically verified lesions of the stomach or duodenum and falsely positive in 1 out of 4 without lesions. Sensitivity of the test was 68.4%, specificity 97.9%, positive predictive value 96.3%. The test cannot be used as an alternative to endoscopy, but may serve for screening of candidates for it.

Chronic tension-type headache in school-aged children--personality traits and behavior.

Basic personality traits and specific behavior characteristics were assess in 39 patients (12 to 15 years old) having chronic tension-type headache. Patients were referred for clinical examination to the Neural-pediatrics Ward of the Department of Pediatrics, Osijek, Croatia. Eysenck Personality Questionnaire--Juniors (EPQ-J), a new Croatian personality Questionnaire of domination, aggression, introversion and ambition (DAIA), were applied for the testing. The scores obtained by patients in personality questionnaires were compared with averages scores normal sample of healthy pupil same ages. Our patients were found to have no signs of emotional instability. Their behavior is prosocial, nonaggressive, and ambitious, aimed at the achievement of superior results at school and life although already quite successful in their studies. Tensions arising from the school setting seem to be important factors triggering tension-type headaches.

Incidence of major congenital malformations in a region of Bosnia and Herzegovina allegedly polluted with depleted uranium.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of major congenital malformations in West Herzegovina, a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, immediately and five years after 1991-1995 military activities, which allegedly included the use of weapons with depleted uranium. METHODS: The study included all live-born and stillborn neonates and excluded all aborted fetuses in two one-year cohorts (1995 and 2000) of neonates in the Maternity Ward of the Mostar University Hospital. Malformations were recorded according to the recommendations of the EUROCAT protocol. RESULTS: Major malformations were found in 40 (2.16%) out of 1,853 neonates in 1995 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-2.82%) and in 33 (2.26%) out of 1,463 neonates five years later (95% CI, 1.50-3.01%), ie, at comparable prevalence. In both cohorts, anomalies of the musculoskeletal system were the most common, followed by anomalies of the digestive system (in 1995) and the cardiovascular system (in 2000). The prevalence of malformations and the organ systems involved were essentially comparable with those in other populations not affected by military activities. CONCLUSION: Despite alleged environmental pollution in some regions of the former Yugoslavia, which was attributed to military activities and the presence of depleted uranium (the "Balkan syndrome"), there was no significant postwar increase in the prevalence of congenital malformations.

Methionine enkephalin suppresses metabolic activity of a leukemic cell line (NALM-1) and enhances CD10 expression.

NALM-1 cells (a cell line derived from human pre-B leukemia) were exposed to the opioid pentapeptide methionine-enkephalin (Met-enkephalin) and/or to thiorphan, an inhibitor of the enzyme that degrades the enkephalins (membrane endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11, CALLA, the CD10 marker). Metabolic and proliferative activity was assessed after 6, 24 and 48 h in microplates using a colorimetric assay with vital dye MTT. CD10 expression was determined by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Exposure to the Met-enkephalin at concentrations of 10(-8)-10(-6) M for 6 h reduced the MTT-activity, and after 24 and 48 h the suppression waned. Thiorphan (5 x 10(-6) M) abrogated the suppressive effect of the enkephalin, and after 6 h converted suppression into stimulation. Met-enkephalin (10(-6) M) increased and thiorphan (2.5 x 10(-6)-10(-6) M) decreased expression of CD10 at the RNA level. Suppression of the MTT uptake was attributed to the products of Met-enkephalin degradation caused by the enzymatic activity of CD10.

Spinal dysraphism associated with congenital heart disorder in a girl with MELAS syndrome and point mutation at mitochondrial DNA nucleotide 3271.

We describe a case of mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactacidosis, and stroke-like episode (MELAS syndrome) associated with ventricular septal defect and meningocele at the L3 level in a 5-year-old girl. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed point mutation at nucleotide 3271--> TC. The occurrence of heart and neural tube defects in association with usual features of the MELAS syndrome might be explained by either defective high-energy metabolism during early embryogenesis or a common genetic cause.