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The aim of our study was to analyze the influence of different surgical techniques (left atriotomy, right atriotomy, biatrial approach and tumor basis solving) on early and late outcomes of patients operated on for cardiac myxoma. We evaluated 74 patients operated on for cardiac myxoma from 1982 through 2011. Sixty-six patients (89.19%) had left atrial myxoma and 8 (10.81%) right atrial myxoma. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of atrial myxoma in all patients. In analyzing different surgical techniques we found that they had no influence on the duration of extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamp time. Mortality analysis revealed: no intraoperative mortality; early mortality in 2 patients; late mortality in 12 patients. Survival after 29 years was 81.08%. There were no myxoma recurrences. 83.78% of the patients had functional improvement. In our opinion the best approach for right atrial myxoma is through right atriotomy, for left atrial myxoma through left atriotomy, with a biatrial approach for large tumors of the left atrium or when exploration of all 4 chambers is necessary. Subendocardial excision or thermocauterization was used for small tumors with bases less than 5 mm. Myxoma with a wider basis, depending on the localization, were partially resected at the atrial septum in the whole thickness or subendocardial excision of the tumor basis.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) include a significant percentage of malnourished patients with other risk factors: dyslipoproteinemia, insulin resistance, increased oxidative stress and inflammation that together impair endothelial function. Abnormal polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) patterns are reported in patients with ESRD. The basic mechanisms of these disorders are connected with changes in cell functions at the membrane level. Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We have examined the association between atherosclerotic risk factors and nutritional status in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Mortality was followed for up to 18 month. Forty-three HD patients were examined (20 males, 23 females, ages 55±12 years). Nutritional and inflammatory markers, including serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), were measured. There was significant positive correlation between the plasma albumin level and CRP. Significant correlation was found between plasma the cholesterol level and some PUFA. Increasing inflammation and endothelial dysfunction predict the development of vascular disease. We report on the relationship between inflammatory markers and nutritional parameter, indices of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients on hemodialysis. [Acknowledgments. This research was supported by a project from the Serbian Ministry of Education and Science no.41030]

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) restores the synchrony of the heart’s contractions. The most critical issue in CRT implantation is the positioning of the coronary sinus (CS) lead because not every region can be accessed due to variations in coronary venous anatomy. The aim was to determine the correlation between different CS lead positions and hemodynamic changes and clinical outcome over time. Our study prospectively enrolled 51 patients with conventional indications for CRT which was divided into three groups according to the vein in which the left ventricle lead was placed during the procedure (posterior, lateral, and anterior). The groups were compared by baseline demographic characteristics, comorbidity, complications, new hospitalizations as well as by hemodynamic parameters before and six months after the procedure. After six months, all patients responded to CRT in the lateral group, 66.7% patients in the posterior group and 50% in the anterior group (p

The modern concept of the development of atherosclerosis implies that the underlying pathogenesis of this disease is vascular remodeling as a response of the vessel wall to hypertension associated with hyperlipidemia and subsequent inflammation. However, even though this disease has been investigated for decades, both from a basic and clinical research aspect, there are still many doubts as to what the initial phase of the disease is. In contemporary literature there are an increasing number of papers that stress the importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the blood vessels connective tissue, particularly proteoglycans, in the formation of early atherosclerotic lesions of human coronary arteries.

Atherosclerosis represents a complex disease which encompasses all the components of the vascular wall. Nevertheless, according to all known theories of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the key role in this process belongs to the endothelial cells, i.e. the changes that they are subjected to especially during the initial stage of the lesion. In this review we have attempted, according to the results of our continuous research and numerous data from available modern literature, to show the cytohistological characteristics of endothelial cells, as well as the changes they are subjected to in all stages of atherosclerosis. In the first part we have reviewed the ultrastructure, function and pathology of the endothelium, subcellular organization of the endothelial cells, their specific characteristics, micro compartments and intercellular junctions. In the second part we have described the morphological and functional changes of endothelial cells during atherosclerosis. Special attention is given to the role of endothelial cells in the development of the initial stage of lesion: endothelial dysfunction, factors that cause the increased expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells and mechanisms that cause leukocytes to migrate through the endothelial layer to subendothelial connective tissue in the early stage of atherosclerosis.

Introduction/Objective. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation is mostly triggered by infectious agents and seriously compromises the patient’s quality of life and predicts a poor outcome of the disease as well. If the signs of the probable bacterial cause of COPD exacerbation are presented in an intubated patient, initial antimicrobial management must be launched. Depending on the results of the respiratory system sample cultures, the initial antimicrobials can be changed or continued. The objective of this study is to present in-hospital suggestions regarding the use of the initial antimicrobial management of urgently intubated COPD adults with the probable bacterial cause of exacerbations, considering the source of bacterial acquisition (i.e. facility- or community-acquired bacteria). Methods. The cross-sectional study covered 51 patients urgently intubated on admission to the medical Intensive Care Unit of the Zemun Clinical Hospital Center during 2015/2016. The patients were divided into two groups: community-acquired (n = 26) and facility-acquired infection group (n = 25). The respiratory system samples were processed in the Microbiology Laboratory. Results. Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas spp. were the most frequently isolated bacteria in both groups, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp. as the third most frequent bacteria in the community- and facility-acquired group, respectively. The parallel use of tigecycline and aminoglycosides proved to cover a sensitive microbial spectrum in 52% of examinees of the community-acquired and 32% of examinees of the facility-acquired group. Conclusion. The present study suggests the initial management of intubated adults with probable bacterial infection-induced COPD exacerbation by the parallel use of tigecycline and aminoglycosides. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 173033]

Introduction. Chronic liver diseases (CLD) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in general population. The aim of this study was to analyze potential differences between patients with CLD and healthy control group, and to estimate the severity of CLD by using simple questionnaires: general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ). Methods. A cross-sectional pilot study was performed in Zemun Clinical Hospital during years 2014 and 2015. Sixty participants were divided into 4 groups (15 per group): chronic alcoholic hepatitis, other chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and healthy control group. Entire study population chose one of four offered answers of structured questionnaires GHQ-12 and CLDQ, based on which mean model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores were calculated. Results. Mean GHQ12 and CLDQ scores were 10.5 and 5.21 ± 1.11 respectively. Regarding certain CLDQ domain scores, a significant difference between alcoholic and non-alcoholic hepatitis groups in the worry domain was observed. Mean MELD score was 7.42 ± 2.89 and did not differ between chronic hepatitis groups, while mean CTP score was 5.73 ± 0.88. A statistically significant correlation was observed between GHQ12 and CLDQ scores (ρ = -0.404, p < 0.01), but not between subjective and objective scores. Conclusions. Mean GHQ12 and CLDQ scores pointed out to general psychological no-distress condition of the studied participants, as well as scarcely expressed CLD-specific complaints. Mean MELD and CTP scores indicated stable chronic liver diseases, with low three-month mortality rates in the cases of chronic hepatitis, as well as determination to Child A group in the case of liver cirrhosis.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important oncological and public health problem worldwide, including Serbia. Unfortunately, half of the patients are recognized in an advanced stage of the disease, therefore, early detection through specific tumor biomarkers, such as carcinoembryonic (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), is the only way to cope with CRC expansion. Methods: Our cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of some clinical, endoscopic and histological characteristics of CRC on CEA and CA 19-9 serum levels, to determine whether these biomarkers could be related to CRC detection. The study included 372 participants: 181 suffered from CRC and 191 participants were controls. Endoscopic and histological examinations were used for CRC diagnosis, while additional ultrasound and abdominal computerised tomography imaging were used for staging the disease. Measurement of CEA and CA 19-9 was performed after CRC confirmation. Results: Age, gender, tumor localization, macro-morphological and histological characteristics did not influence biomarkers serum levels. Both were significantly higher (p

Background. Obesity, diabetes and different lipid metabolic disorders are the most frequent risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, presented with a high variability in clinical and histological findings. Case report. We presented a case of 37-year-old male, suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, grade III obesity (BMI 45 kg/m2) and multiple metabolic disorders. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hepatomegaly during the last six months. Laboratory diagnostics showed increased serum transaminase levels. Serologic markers for viral hepatitis B and C were negative. The patient denied significant alcohol consumption. Liver biopsy and pathohistologic finding revealed macro- (III grade) and microvesicular (I grade) fatty degeneration, as well as mixed-cell portal infiltration with moderate liver fibrosis, corresponding to the typical presentation of NASH (Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis). Conclusion. NASH treatment options include the reduction of body mass and an adequate antidiabetic and dislipidemia treatment. The aim of all therapeutic measures was to stop the progression of the disease, to prevent the progression of fibrosis and the development of of cirrhosis. .

Context. There are evidences that excessive production of reactive oxygen species is one of important abnormalities that contribute to development of chronic diabetic complications. Objective. To test the effect of intensive insulin therapy with analogues through the examining the level of oxidative stress parameters. Subjects and Methods. Comparison of data obtained by prospective analysis in 49 patients with T1DM was used, before and after six months of intensive insulin analog therapy. Results. The values of all three investigated parameters of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA); xanthine oxidase (XO) and nitrates and nitrites (NOx) in our population with T1DM compared to the control (group of 42 voluntary blood donors) are statistically higher. The levels of antioxidant protection parameters compared to the control group also differ; the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are statistically higher in our population of T1DM patients compared to the control and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities are statistically lower. The values of all three examined parameters of oxidative stress decrease after six months of intensive insulin analog therapy and were statistically lower after the therapy: for MDA p<0.001, for XO p<0.01 and for NOx p<0.05. The activities of catalase (p<0.001) and GPx (p<0.01) both decrease with therapy, while the activity of SOD is highest after the sixth month of therapy (p<0.001). Conclusion. In our patients with T1DM compared to the control the level of oxidative stress is significantly higher. Intensive insulin analog therapy with aspart and glargine promotes predominantly the improvement of oxidative stress, and in a less degree antioxidant protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is present in almost 5% of adults worldwide and accompanies clinical findings in many diseases. Diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver are a common cause of anemia, so patients with anemia are often referred to a gastroenterologist., Summary: Anemia could be caused by various factors such as chronic bleeding, malabsorption, or chronic inflammation. In clinical practice, iron deficiency anemia and the combined forms of anemia due to different pathophysiological mechanisms are most common. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and the small intestine examinations in specific situations play a crucial role in diagnosing anemia. In anemic, GI asymptomatic patients, there are recommendations for bidirectional endoscopy. Although GI malignancies are the most common cause of chronic bleeding, all conditions leading to blood loss, malabsorption, and chronic inflammation should be considered. From a gastroenterologist's perspective, the clinical spectrum of anemia is vast because many different digestive tract diseases lead to bleeding. Key Messages: The gastroenterological approach in solving anemia's problem requires an optimal strategy, consideration of the accompanying clinical signs, and the fastest possible diagnosis. Although patients with symptoms of anemia are often referred to gastroenterologists, the diagnostic approach requires further improvement in everyday clinical practice., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Vascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are common. Since impaired oxygen balance in plasma plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic DM-associated complications, the administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been recommended to influence development of vascular complications. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves inhalation of 100% oxygen under elevated pressure from 1.6 to 2.8 absolute atmospheres in hyperbaric chambers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases plasma oxygen solubility, contributing to better oxygen diffusion to distant tissues and preservation of the viability of tissues reversibly damaged by atherosclerosis-induced ischemia, along with microcirculation restoration. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy exerts antiatherogenic, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects by altering the level and composition of plasma fatty acids and also by promoting signal transduction through membranes, which are impaired by hyperglycemia and hypoxia. In addition, HBOT affects molecules involved in the regulation of nitric oxide synthesis and in that way exerts anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects in patients with DM. In this review, we explore the recent literature related to the effects of HBOT on DM-related vascular complications.

Objective: Metabolic changes in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) impair vasodilation, and this leads to tissue hypoxia and microvascular pathology. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can significantly improve the outcome of ischemic conditions in T1DM patients and reduce vascular complications. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of HBOT on plasma fatty acid (FA) composition, and expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) in T1DM patients., Methods: Our study included 24 adult T1DM patients diagnosed with peripheral vascular complications. The patients were exposed to 10 sessions of 100% oxygen inhalation at 2.4 atmosphere absolute for 1 hour. Blood samples were collected at admission and after HBOT for measurement of metabolic parameters, FA composition and IGFBP-1. Measurement of plasma FA composition was determined by gas chromatography. Expression of IGFBP-1 in the serum was estimated by Western blot analysis., Results: HBOT decreased blood levels of total cholesterol (p<0.05), triglycerides (p<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein (p<0.05). HBOT increased plasma levels of individual FAs: palmitic acid (p<0.05), palmitoleic acid (p<0.05), docosapentaenoic acid (p<0.05) and docosahexaenoic acid (p<0.01), and decreased levels of stearic acid (p<0.05), alpha linolenic acid (p<0.05) and linoleic acid (p<0.01). Expression of IGFBP-1 (p<0.01) was increased, whereas the level of insulin (p<0.001) was decreased in the serum after HBOT., Conclusions: Our results indicate that HBOT exerts beneficial effects in T1DM patients by improving the lipid profile and altering FA composition., (Copyright © 2019 Canadian Diabetes Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) respond to arterial wall injury by intimal proliferation and play a key role in atherogenesis by proliferating and migrating excessively in response to repeated injury, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. In contrast, fully differentiated, quiescent VSMC allow arterial vasodilatation and vasoconstriction. Exaggerated and uncontrolled VSMC proliferation appears therefore to be a common feature of both atherosclerosis and hypertension. Signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells integrate diverse extracellular signals, and regulate complex biological responses such as growth, differentiation and death. One group of proline-directed Ser/Thr protein kinases, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), plays a central role in these signalling pathways. Much attention has focused in recent years on subfamilies of MAPKs, the extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERKs). Here we overview the work on ERKs 1 to 2, emphasising when possible their biological activities in VSMC proliferation. It is clear from numerous studies including our own, that ERK1/ERK2 pathway has an important role in VSMC proliferation induced by insulin (INS) and thrombin. Despite the physiological and pathophysiological importance of INS and thrombin, possible signal transduction pathways involved in INS and thrombin regulation of VSMC's proliferation remains poorly understood. Thus, this review examines recent findings in signaling mechanisms involved in INS and thrombin- triggered VSMC's proliferation with particular emphasis on ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Future investigations should now focus on the mechanisms of MAPK activation which might therefore represent a new mechanism involved in the antiproliferative effect revealed in this review.

We investigated the effect of body composition, nutrition, inflammation and iron status on insulin resistance in patients with long-term hemodialysis. We selected 43 stable end-stage chronic renal failure patients, on maintenance hemodialysis. We evaluated the nutritional status, body composition by subjective global assessment (SGA), anthropometric measurements (BMI and waist circumference), bioelectrical impedance analysis and biochemical parameters measurements [serum albumin, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, hematocrit, hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, calcium, phosphorus, intact parathormone (i-PTH), TNF-alpha, IL-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein]. All parameters were evaluated by comparisons between HOMA-IR tertiles, and after simple regression analysis, by backward multivariate regression analysis we identified independent variables for IR. As the tertile of HOMA-IR increased, serum level of glucose, insulin, and waist increascd, whereas HDL-cholesterol level decreased, or the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome increased across the tertiles of HOMA-IR. After adjustment for gender, age, hemodialysis duration, ferritin, phosphorus, waist and total fat percentages, multivariate regression analysis was performed and the association with HOMA-IR was still strong only for serum levels of iron and TNF-alpha. That explains 16% of the total variation in HOMA-IR. Our results suggest that the increase of IR in end-stage chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis could be related to anemia and particularly to iron overload. Moreover, chronic inflammatory status with over-production of adipokine TNF-alpha participate in the pathogenesis of IR too. The present study demonstrated that adipokine TNF-alpha and serum iron participated as independent predictors in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance on long-term hemodialysis patients.

Objective: Pheochromocytoma is an adrenal or extra-adrenal tumor, which produces and secretes catecholamines. It is a rare cause of hypertension. Hypertension or hypertensive crises are most frequent clinical manifestations. Sometimes it can be associated with other diseases and conditions, such as cholelithiasis., Case Report: We present a 37-year-old woman admitted to hospital with gastrointestinal complaints (right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting) and hypertension with occasional hypertensive crises. Routine abdominal ultrasound revealed a gall-bladder stone, and enlargement of the right adrenal gland. The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by measurement of catecholamine levels in 24-hour urine collection and MIBG scan. After preoperative preparation, tumor extirpation was done. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Routine controls of catecholamine 24-hour urine levels showed no catecholamine excess, without hypertension and hypertensive crises as most frequent clinical manifestations., Comment: Physicians must consider pheochromocytomas in cases of drug resistant hypertension or hypertensive crises. Sometimes pheochromocytomas are associated with other diseases, such as gall-bladder stones, with mimicking and overlapping of clinical manifestations of pheochromocytomas with symptoms and signs of the associated disease.