Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms association with the risk of sepsis and mortality.

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with sepsis risk and mortality was studied. VDR FokI CC genotype was associated with increased sepsis risk (OR = 13.396, p = .000009) compared to the TT genotype. Results suggest possible role of VDR FokI (rs2228570) as a molecular biomarker of increased sepsis risk.

Predictive value of [-2]propsa (p2psa) and its derivatives for the prostate cancer detection in the 2.0 to 10.0ng/mL PSA range.

INTRODUCTION: To assess predictive value of new tumor markers, precursor of prostate specific antigen (p2PSA) and its derivates-%p2PSA and prostate health index (PHI) in detection of patients with indolent and aggressive prostate cancer (PC) in a subcohort of man whose total PSA ranged from 2 to 10ng/mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 129 consecutive male patients aged over 50 years, with no previous history of PC and with normal digital rectal examination findings, but with serum PSA in interval between 2 and 10ng/mL. All patients underwent standard transrectal ultrasonography guided prostate biopsy for the first time. For all patients, serum PSA, free PSA (fPSA) and p2PSA were measured and PHI and %p2PSA were calculated. RESULTS: PHI and %p2PSA levels were significanlty higher in patients with PC compared to those without this malignancy. The same findings have been observed in group of patients with Gleason score ≥7 compared to those with Gleason score <7. ROC analysis reveled the highest area under the curve with these two markers. Multivariate logistic regression showed significant improvement in PC detection and its agressive form (assumed as Gleason score ≥7). CONCLUSIONS: New markers, derivates of p2PSA (especially %p2PSA and PHI), represente potentially very important clinical tool for predicting presence of PC, and even more important, to discriminate patients with Gleason score <7 from those with Gleason score ≥7 with total PSA in range from 2 to 10ng/mL.

Hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with patients with liver cirrhosis associated with HCV virus infection. METHODS: Forty-five patients were prospectively analyzed, all with HCV infection. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of 21 patients with histologically proven HCC and the second one consisted of 24 patients with liver cirrhosis without HCC. PCR was carried out in order to diagnose active HCV infection and HCV genotyping. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the structure of the compared groups of patients in relation to sex and age. In 76.19% of the patients with HCC cirrhosis preceded HCC, while 23.81% of the patients had chronic hepatitis. The prevalence of genotypes in the HCC group was 1a in 4.76%, 1b in 80.95% and 2a in 14.29%. In the group with liver cirrhosis 1a was detected in 20.83%, 1b in 45.83%, 2a in 12.50%, 2b in 4.17% and 3a in 16.67% of the patients. The prevalence of genotype 1b was significantly higher among HCV RNA positive patients with HCC compared to the group with liver cirrhosis and HCV RNA positive patients (x(2)=4.48; p=0.034). In the group where cirrhosis preceded HCC, genotype 1b was found in 75% of the cases, genotype 2a in 18.75%, and genotype 1a in 6.25%. Genotype 1b was detected in 100% of patients with chronic hepatitis and HCC. CONCLUSION: The role of HCV infection in the development of HCC has not been fully clarified. Most authors evaluate the role of individual genotypes in the pathogenesis of HCC. This study has shown that the dominant genotype found in patients with HCC is 1b.

Monosodium glutamate induces apoptosis in naive and memory human B cells.

The aim of this study was to establish the existence of mGluR7 in normal B lymphocytes and analyse the effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on B cell apoptosis in vitro. B cells were purified by magnetic cell sorting using anti-CD19-coupled magnetic beads. Cells (10(6)/ml) were cultured with increasing MSG concentrations (1-100 mM). Detection of apoptosis by flow cytometry was performed using the Annexin V-FITC/Propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis detection kit. Naïve and memory B cell population were identified by CD27 staining. Expression of GluRs was determined using PCR. Exposure to increasing MSG concentrations displayed dose dependent effect on B cell viability altogether, ranging from 35% with 100 mM up to 80% with 1 mM MSG. Moreover, the number of late apoptotic cells as well as necrotic cells was dose dependant. Both CD27- as well as CD27+ B cells were affected by MSG. Basal expression of GluRs7 was detected in unstimulated B cells. Glutamate induced apoptosis can be seen in memory as well as naive B cell population and is probably mediated through mGluR7, whose expression in B cells we also confirmed. Our study suggests a new possible mechanism of crosstalk between the nervous and the immune system through glutamate as a potential key mediator (Fig. 4, Ref. 27). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

ProPSA and the Prostate Health Index as predictive markers for aggressiveness in low-risk prostate cancer-results from an international multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: One of the major challenges in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment is distinguishing insignificant PCa from those forms that need active treatment. We evaluated the impact of PSA isoforms on risk stratification in patients with low-risk PCa as well as in active surveillance (AS) candidates who underwent radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 112 patients with biopsy confirmed Gleason score (GS) 6 PCa of four different international institutions were prospectively enrolled in the study. Blood withdrawal was performed the day before radical prostatectomy. In addition, patients were classified according to the EAU and NCCN criteria for AS candidates. PSA, free PSA (fPSA) and proPSA were measured using dual monoclonal antibody sandwich immunoassays. In addition, the Prostate Health Index (PHI=proPSA/fPSA × âˆšPSA) was calculated. Final histology of the radical prostatectomy specimens was correlated to PSA, its isoforms and PHI. RESULTS: Serum proPSA levels were significantly elevated in those patients with an upgrade in final histology (GS⩾7). In addition, higher proPSA levels were predictive for extraprostatic extension (⩾pT3a) as well as for positive surgical margins. Interestingly, PHI had an even higher predictive power when compared with proPSA alone concerning GS upgrading, extraprostatic extension and surgical margins in both the total and the AS patient group. CONCLUSION: We showed in a multicenter study that proPSA is a valuable biomarker to detect patients with aggressive PCa in a cohort of GS 6 patients, who would benefit from active tumor therapy. Combining proPSA with the standard markers PSA and fPSA using PHI further increases the predictive accuracy significantly. Moreover, our data support the use of PHI for monitoring PCa patients under AS.

Effect of antioxidants on stabilization of meat products fortified with n-3 fatty acids.

The effects of an n-3 oil emulsion, with and without added antioxidants, on lipid oxidation in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-fortified meat products were studied. An emulsion of n-3 PUFAs was prepared (25% algal oil, 2.5% whey protein isolates, 10mM sodium citrate, 0.2% potassium sorbate, 500ppm of 70% mixed tocopherols, 100µM EDTA, pH 3, pasteurized at 75°C for 30min) and incorporated into fresh ground turkey, and fresh pork sausage (20% fat) to achieve a concentration of 500mg n-3 PUFA/110g meat. An antioxidant combination containing rosemary (0.2% w/w; radical quencher), citrate (0.5% w/w; sequestrant) and erythorbate (1g/kg product; reductant) was prepared and incorporated into ground turkey patties (5cm dia, 1.5cm thick) or fresh pork sausages (5cm dia, 1.5cm thick). Meat products were stored at 4°C or -18°C and analyzed for color (L*, a*, b* values), lipid oxidation (TBARS and lipid hydroperoxides) and n-3 PUFA profile. a* Values of refrigerated ground turkey patties decreased with storage, and an antioxidant combination effect was observed after 4 days (P<0.05). For fresh pork sausages at 4°C, control+antioxidant (CON+ANTI), and n-3+antioxidant (n-3+ANTI) groups showed greater a* values than controls (CON) indicating that the antioxidant combination stabilized meat color. TBARS and lipid hydroperoxides of both n-3 PUFA-enhanced meat products increased with storage (P<0.05); there were no significant changes in TBARS or lipid hydroperoxides for treatments containing the antioxidant combination (P<0.05). The actual level of n-3 PUFA incorporation in both meat products was greater than 87%; n-3 PUFA concentrations did not change within any treatment during storage (P>0.05). These results provide support for including antioxidant protection in n-3 PUFA fortified meat products.

Overtraining does not induce oxidative stress and inflammation in blood and heart of rats.

The aim of our research was to evaluate the changes in levels of cytokines and redox state parameters in blood and isolated heart of rats subjected to different swimming protocols. Rats were divided into 3 groups: 1) controls, 2) moderately trained rats that during all 12 weeks swam 1 h/day, 5 days/week, and 3) overtrained rats that in 10(th) week swam twice, 11(th) week 3 times, and in 12(th) week 4 times a day for 1 h. After sacrificing, blood from jugular vein was collected, and the heart excised and perfused on a Langendorff apparatus. Samples of the coronary effluent were collected during coronary autoregulation. Levels of superoxide anion radical (O(2)(-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), nitric oxide (NO) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in plasma and coronary effluent, while reduced glutathione (GSH), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in erythrocytes. Venous blood was also used for interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) determination. Moderate training protocol induced the decrease of TBARS in plasma, while both training protocols induced the decrease of O(2)(-) and H(2)O(2) in coronary effluent. There was no significant difference in levels of cytokines between groups. The results of study add evidence about beneficial effects of moderate-intensity training on blood and cardiac redox state of rats, and furthermore, shows that exercising frequently, if the intensity stays within moderate range, may not have detrimental effects.

Erectile dysfunction as a predictor of advanced vascular age.

Vascular age (VA) represents chronological age (CA) adjusted for individual's atherosclerotic burden. The presence of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been considered as a clinical sentinel of premature atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to explore the predictive value of ED in assessing the discrepancy between VA and CA. In the period from 1 January 2014 to 1 January 2015, all consecutive men referring to the outpatient departments of the Clinics of Urology and Cardiology in Belgrade (Serbia) were considered for enrolment in this cross-sectional study. General exclusion criteria were: age below 18, heart failure, history of myocardial infarction, impaired renal and liver function, acute infection, history of endocrine disease other than type 2 diabetes, pelvic surgery or trauma, and acute coronary syndrome within the last 6 months. According to the presence of ED, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and history of coronary artery disease participants were assigned into five study groups. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictive value of ED in detection of advanced VA. The mean age of males enrolled in the study was 52.9 ± 7.7 years. The predominance of VA over CA was statistically significantly higher in the group of participants with coexistence of ED and hypertension compared to the group of patients with ED and type 2 diabetes (p = 0.027) and the group of patients with ED (p = 0.014) and control group (p < 0.01). Regression analysis highlighted that ED represented a highly important marker (p < 0.01) of advanced VA, which independently accounted for 6.1% of the variance in the discrepancy between VA and CA. Our study suggests that assessment of ED could be a part of a more comprehensive prediction of patients' advanced VA. Screening among such a highly selected population may help identify those that would most benefit from drug treatments and life style changes.

Trace and major element pollution originating from coal ash suspension and transport processes.

Coal ash obtained by coal combustion in the "Nikola Tesla A" power plant in Obrenovac, near Belgrade, Yugoslavia, is mixed with water of the Sava river and transported to the dump. In order to assess pollution caused by leaching of some minor and major elements during ash transport through the pipeline, two sets of samples (six samples each) were subjected to a modified sequential extraction. The first set consisted of coal ash samples taken immediately after combustion, while the second set was obtained by extraction with river water, imitating the processes that occur in the pipeline. Samples were extracted consecutively with distilled water and a 1 M solution of KCl, pH 7, and the differences in extractability were compared in order to predict potential pollution. Considering concentrations of seven trace elements as well as five major elements in extracts from a total of 12 samples, it can be concluded that lead and cadmium do not present an environmental threat during and immediately after ash transport to the dump. Portions of zinc, nickel and chromium are released during the ash transport, and arsenic and manganese are released continuously. Copper and iron do not present an environmental threat due to element leaching during and immediately after the coal ash suspension and transport. On the contrary, these elements, as well as chromium, become concentrated during coal ash transport. Adsorbed portions of calcium, magnesium and potassium are also leached during coal ash transport.

The use of a paraspinal field block before epidural analgesia for labour.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether paraspinal field block (PSFB) reduced the pain of epidural needle insertion and the incidence of prolonged post partum back pain in patients receiving epidural analgesia for labour. Patients were randomly assigned to receive local infiltration only with 1-1.5 ml of 1.5% lidocaine (group C, N = 27) or PSFB consisting of an additional 1 ml of 1.5% (group S, N = 30) through the midline skin wheal, on either side of the midline (total 2 ml), near the lamina, before needle insertion. Back pain was measured at the time of needle insertion, before discharge from hospital and 6 weeks post partum, by a blinded observer. There were no differences between groups in maternal or neonatal demographic data. There was no difference in back pain at any of the times measured. The incidence of severe back pain 6 weeks post partum was 0% in group C and 6.6% in group S (combined incidence group C+group S = 3.5%). The cause of post partum back pain is multifactorial and is not dependent on technique of epidural insertion. We conclude that PSFB is ineffective in reducing the pain of epidural needle insertion in labouring patients. Although this study was too small to detect a difference in incidence of late post partum back pain, it appears to be less common than previously reported.

Predictive value of [-2]propsa (p2psa) and its derivatives for the prostate cancer detection in the 2. 0 to 10. 0ng/mL PSA range

ABSTRACT Introduction To assess predictive value of new tumor markers, precursor of prostate specific antigen (p2PSA) and its derivates-%p2PSA and prostate health index (PHI) in detection of patients with indolent and aggressive prostate cancer (PC) in a subcohort of man whose total PSA ranged from 2 to 10ng/mL. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 129 consecutive male patients aged over 50 years, with no previous history of PC and with normal digital rectal examination findings, but with serum PSA in interval between 2 and 10ng/mL. All patients underwent standard transrectal ultrasonography guided prostate biopsy for the first time. For all patients, serum PSA, free PSA (fPSA) and p2PSA were measured and PHI and %p2PSA were calculated. Results PHI and %p2PSA levels were significanlty higher in patients with PC compared to those without this malignancy. The same findings have been observed in group of patients with Gleason score ≥7 compared to those with Gleason score <7. ROC analysis reveled the highest area under the curve with these two markers. Multivariate logistic regression showed significant improvement in PC detection and its agressive form (assumed as Gleason score ≥7). Conclusions New markers, derivates of p2PSA (especially %p2PSA and PHI), represente potentially very important clinical tool for predicting presence of PC, and even more important, to discriminate patients with Gleason score <7 from those with Gleason score ≥7 with total PSA in range from 2 to 10ng/mL.

A simple method of supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: use of fortified yogurt in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: A relative dietary ω-3 fatty acid deficiency exists in Western diets, and this deficiency may be associated with some chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to supplement yogurt with docosahexaenoic acid and assess whether this fatty acid could be incorporated into plasma lipids. METHODS: We developed a stable emulsion of docosahexaenoic acid that was incorporated into yogurt. Twelve healthy volunteers agreed to consume 1 serving daily that contained 600 mg of docosahexaenoic acid. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of supplementation, plasma phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid content increased significantly, by 32%, in parallel with a 16% rise in total ω-3 fatty acids. This result was associated with a significant 7% decline in phospholipid arachidonic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Fortification of ordinary foods with docosahexaenoic acid is a potentially attractive method of increasing ω-3 fatty acid content of plasma lipids, and might even lower arachidonic acid concentrations.

[Surgical or conservative treatment of penile fracture].

INTRODUCTION: Penile fracture presents with rupture of corpora cavernosa. It is not rare but is remarkable. Treatment options are controversial. AIM: To establish the incidence, what are early and late complications in patients treated surgically or with conservative treatment options (prospective/retrospective and randomized analysis). To find out what therapy verified as superior. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The total of 32 patients with typical acute penile fracture were analyzed. The patients were between 20 and 56 years of age (Mean age 40+/-7.25 SD). A total of 11 patients that presented up to 48h after the rupture of tunica albuginea (34.37%) were operated, while 9 patients (28.13%) were conservatively treated. 12 patients (37.5%) reported to andrology consulting room due to penile fibrous alterations and/or erectile dysfunction 6 to 14 months after the anamnesticaly established, typical penile fracture ("primary latent penile fracture"). Both groups of patients were strictly clinically followed 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the penile fracture. Eventual development of late complications (erectile dysfunction ED, penile curvature, induratio, caverno-urethral fistula and urethral stenosis) was also recorded. Etiology of ED was investigated: anamnesticaly, by hormone and laboratory analysis, using penodynamic test (PGE1), Duplex Doppler echosonography, and dynamic cavernosography. RESULTS: In the operated group of patients, (11 pts, 34.37%) preserved erectile capacity was recorded and no penile deformity or plaque lesions on the site of suture, after the patients were recommended to have 4 weeks of sexual abstinence. The rupture of tunica albuginea was always transversal in relation to penile axis i.e. in relation to axial force against which the penis acts during the intercourse. The rupture is always on the basis or mid penile portion . Out of 21 (65.63%) conservatively treated patients in 13 (61.9%) plaque lesions (longitudinal diameter 2 cm) was recorded, while sexual dysfunction was established in 13 patients (12 with ED and 1 patient with incapability for vaginal penetration). Evaluation of post therapeutical complications in relation to type of treatment, significantly higher frequency was recorded in the group of conservatively treated patients (p<0.01). Penile veno-oclusive dysfunction was registrated as significantly most frequent cause of ED (in 10-76.92% out of 13 patients). All patients with ED had palpable fibrous lesion similar to Peyrone's plaque, while the degree of penile deviation correlated to the size of plaque lesion. CONCLUSION: The late complications of penile fracture were significantly more frequently recorded in the group of conservative treated patients (p<0.01) which proves that this lesion presents as urgent urological entity. The penile rupture is always transversal, and most probable place of rupture is physiological penile curve since this is the site of weakened structural integrity.

Does the addition of ketorolac and dexamethasone to lidocaine intravenous regional anesthesia improve postoperative analgesia and tourniquet tolerance for ambulatory hand surgery?

BACKGROUND: The inability to provide effective postoperative analgesia is one of the major disadvantages of intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). We designed a prospective, randomized, double blind study to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of adding both ketorolac and dexamethasone to lidocaine for IVRA. METHODS: The study involved 45 patients undergoing ambulatory hand surgery. They were randomly allocated into three groups: Group L, Group LK and Group LDK. Group L received 3 mg x kg-1 lidocaine; Group LK received 3 mg x kg-1 lidocaine + 30 mg ketorolac; and Group LDK received 3 mg x kg-1 lidocaine for IVRA + 8 mg dexamethasone + 30 mg ketorolac for IVRA using a 40 mL solution. Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times were recorded. Tourniquet pain and pain at the operative site were assessed by a visual analog scale. In the first 24 h after surgery, opioid requirements and total analgesic consumption, including side effects, were noted. RESULTS: Sensory and motor block onset and recovery times were similar in all groups. Patients in Groups LK and LDK required less alfentanyl for control of intraoperative and early postoperative pain. Further, patients in Groups LK and LDK reported significantly lower pain scores compared to those in Group L (P<0.001). Patients in Groups LK and LDK required fewer postoperative ketorolac tablets (2.2+/-1.6 and 1.3+/-0.6 tablets, respectively) in the first 24 h after surgery and had significantly longer periods during which they required no analgesics (524 min and 566 min, respectively) compared to those in Group L (3.8+/-1.3 tablets; 122 min, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: IVRA with lidocaine and with the inclusion of ketorolac and dexamethasone provides effective perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing ambulatory hand surgery, when compared to the use of lidocaine alone or lidocaine with ketorolac IVRA.

Chemical and physical stability of protein and gum arabic-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions containing limonene.

An important flavor component of citrus oils is limonene. Since limonene is lipid soluble, it is often added to foods as an oil-in-water emulsion. However, limonene-containing oil-in-water emulsions are susceptible to both physical instability and oxidative degradation, leading to loss of aroma and formation of off-flavors. Proteins have been found to produce both oxidatively and physically stable emulsions containing triacylglycerols. The objective of this research was to determine if whey protein isolate (WPI) could protect limonene in oil-in-water emulsion droplets more effectively than gum arabic (GA). Limonene degradation and formation of the limonene oxidation products, limonene oxide and carvone, were less in the WPI- than GA-stabilized emulsions at both pHs 3.0 and 7.0. These data suggest that WPI was able to inhibit the oxidative deterioration of limonene in oil-in-water emulsions. The ability of WPI to decrease oxidative reactions could be due to the formation of a cationic emulsion droplet interface at pH 3.0, which can repel prooxidative metals, and/or the ability of amino acids in WPI to scavenge free radical and chelate prooxidative metals.

Dermatoglyphic studies in eastern and south-eastern Europe.

In nine population samples from Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Macedonia (Skopje and Aromuns from Stip region), Romania, Serbia and Slovakia 12 dermatoglyphic variables have been studied. There are distinct differences between the populations and between males and females. The Macedonian Aromuns are clearly separated from the other populations.

Long-term follow up of serum thyroglobin levels and its clinical implications in subjects after surgical removal of "cold" thyroid nodule.

Increased thyroglobulin (Tg) serum level in females (n = 49) suffering from scintigraphically "cold" thyroid nodule (395 +/- 168, micrograms/l, mean +/- SD) is significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in comparison with the data obtained from euthyroid healthy persons (28 +/- 10, n = 15) or those diagnosed with scintigraphically functional thyroid nodule (72 +/- 14, n = 15). No correlation between Tg and TSH serum levels has been seen before surgical removal of "cold" nodule (rxy = +0.34). In 49 out of 75 cases (65.3%) struma colloids were confirmed pathohistologically. After surgery, "cold" thyroid nodule was removed, serum Tg level decreased progressively within several days and three months afterwards, Tg level in most patients was mainly within the normal range for a healthy subject. The positive correlation between Tg and TSH was established three months after surgical removal of the nodule (rxy = +0.90). An elevation of serum Tg level was found in 16 out of the 49 patients during different postoperative periods (from 2 to 9 years). Under thyroxine treatment, in most of these patients a significant decrease of serum Tg level was observed. However, in a few treated patients, no change in Tg level was seen. Further clinical control in thyroxine-nonsuppressive patients discovered a compensatory hypertrophy of thyroid tissue and the appearance of a new thyroid nodule later. Present data and clinical experience suggest that long-term follow-up of serum Tg level in patients after surgical removal of "cold" thyroid nodule, brings about to early diagnosis of thyroid tissue postoperative hypertrophy before the appearance of thyroid gland nodule relapse.

Ethanol interactions with other cytochrome P450 substrates including drugs, xenobiotics, and carcinogens.

Chronic ethanol abuse is associated with increased activity of the microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system. This effect is due primarily to induction by ethanol of a specific cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) responsible for enhanced oxidation of ethanol and other P450 substrates and, consequently, for metabolic tolerance to these substances. Furthermore, cytochrome 450 induction increases the activation of numerous xenobiotics to toxic metabolites and of chemical carcinogens to reactive metabolites, thereby accelerating their adverse effects. Microsomal enzyme induction has been associated with increased reactive oxygen species production and enhanced lipid peroxidation, as well as with decreased enzymatic and nonenzymatic scavenger activity, providing another possible explanation for ethanol-mediated toxicity. Yet another effect of chronic alcohol abuse is chronic immune system activation, which is the mechanism underlying alcohol-related liver disease. The metabolism of steroids and vitamins is catalyzed by P450 and is altered in chronic alcoholics. This article reviews recent advances in the understanding of ethanol interactions with drugs, toxic agents, and carcinogens, as well as with steroids and vitamins.

[Work capacity evaluation in workers with arterial hypertension]. / Ocenjivanje radne sposobnosti radnika sa arterijskom hipertenzijom.

The aim of this study was to show the results of working ability estimation of the workers with arterial hypertension. The estimation included 313 workers with arterial hypertension estimated by Disability Commission during 1999. Arterial hypertension was a leading diagnosis in 30.9% cause of working ability estimation. The majority of workers belonged to the 41-60 years age group and were with arterial hypertension with complications on the fundus and on the heart. In the examined group the majority of workers was declared as first category invalid (35.8%), while 32.3% of hypertensive workers had to change the working place. The majority of the first category invalids were among the hypertensive workers from textile and chemical industry, as well as among the professional drivers. The changing of the working place was more frequently suggested to the workers in textile and metal industry and in printing firms. These results could be explained by the influence of professional noxious agents on the onset and development of arterial hypertension.

Microtiter plate assay for assessment of Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation.

Listeria monocytogenes has the ability to form biofilms on food-processing surfaces, potentially leading to food product contamination. The objective of this research was to standardize a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microtiter plate assay to compare the ability of L. monocytogenes strains to form biofilms. A total of 31 coded L. monocytogenes strains were grown in defined medium (modified Welshimer's broth) at 32 degrees C for 20 and 40 h in PVC microtiter plate wells. Biofilm formation was indirectly assessed by staining with 1% crystal violet and measuring crystal violet absorbance, using destaining solution. Cellular growth rates and final cell densities did not correlate with biofilm formation, indicating that differences in biofilm formation under the same environmental conditions were not due to growth rate differences. The mean biofilm production of lineage I strains was significantly greater than that observed for lineage II and lineage III strains. The results from the standardized microtiter plate biofilm assay were also compared to biofilm formation on PVC and stainless steel as assayed by quantitative epifluorescence microscopy. Results showed similar trends for the microscopic and microtiter plate assays, indicating that the PVC microtiter plate assay can be used as a rapid, simple method to screen for differences in biofilm production between strains or growth conditions prior to performing labor-intensive microscopic analyses.