Melatonin treatment prevents carbon tetrachloride-induced acute lung injury in rats by mitigating tissue antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response.

AIM: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an organic chemical that produces different tissue­damaging effects when ingested or inhaled. Present study aims to determine whether the application of exogenous melatonin, a neurohormone with numerous biological properties, can prevent disturbances in lung tissue antioxidative capacities and arginine metabolism, tissue inflammation and oxidative damage induced by exposure to CCl4 in rats. METHODS: The effects of melatonin on the changes occurring in rat lung tissue after an acute exposure to CCl4 were studied by monitoring alterations in antioxidant capacities, inflammatory parameters, parameters of arginine metabolism, and lipid and protein oxidative damage. RESULTS: The results indicated that melatonin prevents CCl4-induced lung damage by mitigating tissue antioxidant capacity and preventing nitric oxide production through a shift from nitric oxide synthase to arginase. Also, melatonin partially prevented tissue inflammation and molecules' oxidative modification seen after exposure to CCl4. CONCLUSIONS: The protective activity of melatonin can be attributed to its ability to scavenge both free radicals, as well as to its potential to increase tissue antioxidant capacity. The modulation of inflammatory response through both decrease in tissue inflammatory parameters and influence on arginine-nitric oxide metabolism might be an additional mechanism of action (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 33).

Association between non-communicable disease multimorbidity and health care utilization in a middle-income country: population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze possible inequalities by gender in the utilization of health services (general practitioner [GP] and hospital), among people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Republic of Serbia, with special reference to multimorbidity. In addition, we examined the prevalence patterns of NCDs by sociodemographic characteristics of the population. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a population-based, cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A secondary analysis from the 2013 Serbian National Health Survey included 13,765 adults aged ≥20 years. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between NCDs and health care utilization. RESULTS: Multimorbidity was present in 30.2% of the total sample. An increased number of NCDs was associated with a higher utilization of both primary (odds ratio [OR] for having any GP visit is 3.17 in males and 3.14 in females; unstandardized coefficient [B] for number of GP visits is 0.33 for both gender) and secondary health care services (OR for having any hospitalization is 2.45 in males and 1.97 in females; B for number of overnight stays in hospital is 1.62 in males and 0.97 in females) in Serbia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided strong evidence that an increased number of NCDs was significantly associated with a higher utilization of health care services in Serbia. There is a need for wise, decisive, and integrated care interventions for effective management of NCDs and their risk factors. Further research is necessary with special emphasis on the role of the health system in satisfying needs of such patients.

Toxicity study of DE-EDCP as a potential drug for cancer therapy: Toxicity profile of DE-EDCP.

It was reported that novel O, O'-diethyl-(S, S)-ethylenediamine- N, N'-di-2-(3-cyclohexyl) propanoate dihydrochloride (DE-EDCP) displayed in vitro antiproliferative activity on several human and mouse cancer cell lines, which was comparable to that of the prototypical anticancer drug cisplatin. In order to reveal its toxicity profile, acute and repeated-dose toxicity studies were performed in Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) Han mice. The intravenous LD50 values of DE-EDCP were found to be 95.3 and 101.3 mg/kg body weight in female and male mice, respectively. In the subacute toxicity study, DE-EDCP was administered intravenously at the doses of 15, 25, and 40 mg/kg/day for a period of 28 days. There were no adverse effects on general condition, growth, feed and water consumption, and hematological parameters. There was a significant increase in urea and alanine aminotransferase in female mice and aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in both genders in 40 mg/kg/day dose-treated group. The histopathological changes confined to the liver and kidney, but in other organs were not found. Satellite group revealed that changes in the kidney and liver were less pronounced, suggesting their reversibility. Interactions with DNA could also be of importance for understanding DE-EDCP toxic side effects. Hyperchromic effect obtained with ultraviolet-visible, suggested electrostatic interactions between DE-EDCP and calf thymus DNA. The toxicity testing of DE-EDCP was conducted to predict human outcomes.

Particle size analysis: 90Y and 99mTc-labelled colloids.

Colloidal particle size is an important characteristic to consider when choosing a radiopharmaceutical for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes in nuclear medicine. Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine the particle-size distribution of (90)Y- and (99m)Tc-labelled antimony trisulfide (Sb(2)S(3)) and tin colloids (Sn-colloid). (90)Y-Sb(2)S(3) and (99m)Tc-Sb(2)S(3) were found to have a diameter of 28.92 +/- 0.14 and 35.61 +/- 0.11 nm, respectively, by PCS. By TEM, (90)Y-Sb(2)S(3) particles were measured to be 14.33 +/- 0.09 nm. (90)Y-labelled Sn colloid were found to exist with a d(v(max1)) of 805 nm and a d(v(max2)) of 2590 nm, by PCS, whereas (99m)Tc-Sn colloid was shown to have more than 80% of radioactive particles of approximately 910 nm by PCS. For (90)Y-labelled Sb(2)S(3) and Sn colloid, a comparison of TEM and PCS indicates that these techniques found significantly different mean diameters. TEM has an excellent resolution necessary for radiocolloid particle-sizing analysis, and it is a desirable size-measuring technique because it is more reliable than PCS.

Influence of cataract maturity on aqueous humor lipid peroxidation markers and antioxidant enzymes.

PURPOSE: The impact of cataract maturity on the aqueous humor (AH) oxidant/antioxidant balance is largely controversial. This study was aimed at assessing the relationships between cataract maturity and AH lipid peroxidation markers and enzymatic antioxidants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipofuscin-like fluorescent end-products (LLF), soluble proteins, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in AH samples from nondiabetic patients with either immature (n=15) or mature (n=15) cataract. RESULTS: In the overall AH sample, the mean values of CD, LLF, SOD, and CAT were 0.160 ± 0.024 (OD234), 166 ± 27 RFU, 24.5 ± 7.1 U/ml, and 31.9 ± 3.9 pmol/ml, respectively. CD was positively correlated with SOD (r=0.647; P<0.001), CAT (r=-0.394; P=0.031), and LLF (r=-0.399; P=0.029). The LLF was negatively correlated with SOD (r=-0.461; P=0.010). In samples adjusted for confounding factors, differences between immature and mature cataract groups regarding SOD, CD, LLF, and total proteins were significant (P<0.05; for all variables). The multiple logistic regression analysis identified LLF (OR=4.08; P=0.038) and SOD (OR=4.99; P=0.031) as independent predictors of cataract maturity. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that AH lipid peroxidation markers and antioxidants may significantly depend on the cataract maturity stage.

[20 years' experience in the treatment of abdominal echinococcosis (1966-1987)]. / Dvadesetogodisnje iskustvo u lecenju ehinokokusa abdominalne lokalizacije (1966-1987).

Primary echinococcus of abdominal localization at Clinic of Abdominal and Endocrine Surgery in Novi Sad in twenty years period is rare disease, without decreasing tendency. Mostly, there is general and local manifestations on which, one can suspect on disease, and almost in all cases prove it by US and CT. These diagnostical procedures contributed to earlier and better surgical treatment. The most common localization of the cyst is liver. Choice of operative procedure is termed by pathomorphological particularity of the cyst, type of complication and recidive prevention. Intraoperative exploration of biliary tract has an important place in prevention of biliary fistulas. Authors underlined controversy about uncomplicated cyst treatment and emphasized that they are often today grateful to noninvasive diagnostics methods.

[Surgical trauma in laparoscopic and classical cholecystectomy]. / Operativna trauma pri laparoskopskoj i klasicnoj holecistektomiji.

INTRODUCTION: Accidental or surgical trauma stimulates a response and its intensity is proportional to extent of trauma. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the intensity of the acute-phase reaction and metabolic changes in patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with cholelithiasis were divided into two groups: thirty patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC group) and thirty patients open cholecystectomy (OC group). Glucose concentration, mean cortisol concentration, C-reactive protein, albumin levels and lactate-dehydrogenase activity were measured preoperatively and postoperatively for up to 48 hours. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The examined groups of patients were comparable in regard to age and sex. The duration of operation was similar in both groups. Postoperative hospital stay after laparoscopic operation was significantly shorter than after open cholecystectomy (p < 0.05). The mean glucose concentration (s.e.m.) during the initial 24 hours after surgery was significantly higher (p < 0.05) following open cholecystectomy. The mean cortisol concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) following open in regard to laparoscopic operation. Increase in plasma C-reactive protein was significantly higher (p < 0.05) after open cholecystectomy, with maximal levels 48 h after operation. There was a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in albumin concentration after open cholecystectomy. Serum concentration of intracellular enzyme lactate-dehydrogenase increased significantly (p < 0.05) following open in regard to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CONCLUSION: According to these results, aspects of metabolic and acute-phase responses and tissue damage are reduced following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with rapid patient recovery.

[Injuries of the extrahepatic biliary tract]. / Povrede ekstrahepaticnih zucnih puteva.

We represented two injuries of extrahepatic bile ducts upon our clinics materijal within last ten years. With the first case we had isolated rupture calculus gallbladder by closed abdominal injury. Secend case had opend abdominal injury and rupture of gallbladder and common bile duct. We faund gallbladder teard off in Douglas spece. We solved both cases succesfully with cholecystectomy and in secend case we also aplied suture of common bile duct with T tube drainage.

[Liver injuries at the surgical clinic in Novi Sad from 1967-1978]. / Povrede jetre na klinici za hirurske bolesti u Novom Sadu od 1967 - 1978 g.

Experience gained from 80 ceses of liver injuries which have been under treatment at the Clinic of Surgical Diseases in Novi Sad in the period from 1967 to 1978 has been presented in this article. The number of liver injuries has amounted to 0,3% from a total of 23.300 injuried persons who have undergone the treatment at this clinic. The problems of dealing with liver injuries, especially those which can be expected in wartime, have been particularly emphasize.

[Personal experience with segmental corporo-caudal allotransplantation of the pancreas in an experiment on dogs]. / Nasa iskustva segmentalne korporokaudalne alotransplantacije pankreasa u eksperimentu na psima.

In the Institute for Surgery, its Experimental Centre, has already several years an experimental transplantations of pancreas been carried out with the aim of learning surgery technique and performing a clinical transplantation of that organ. In our work we have used a technique of corporacaudal allotransplatation of pancreas with vascular anastomosis. As the blood vessels of the graft we have used the arteria and vena lienalis with parts of aorta and portal vein, which have been anastomosed with a. and v. iliaca communis of the pancretotomized recipient. We have used techniques of the open pancreatic duct, ligated pancreatic duct, our own technique of permanent bleeding of the pancreatic graft during the transplantation pancreaticojejunostomy and pancreatico-vesicular anastomosis. As the parameters of function of allograft we are using: glycaemia, i.v. GT test, K constant, insulinaemia, amylasaemia, length of survival of animals and pathohistological finding. The average term of survival of experimental animals was 28 days. During the function of alograft the experimental animals shown some signs of laboratory subclinical diabetes. Refusal of transplant was followed by sudden increase of glycaemia, without any clinical or laboratory sign of anticipation of the refusal.