Showing papers by "University of Zagreb published in 1999"

Treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid): a two year multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (ALADIN II). Alpha Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy.

Abstract: Short-term trials with the antioxidant thioctic acid (TA) appear to improve neuropathic symptoms in diabetic patients, but the long-term response remains to be established. Therefore, Type 1 and Ty...

Pet Ownership, Type of Pet and Socio-Emotional Development of School Children

Abstract: The current study was designed to compare the socio-emotional characteristics of school children pet owners and children without pets and to examine whether the type of pet is a variable which can differentiate the socio-emotional development of their owners. The subjects, 425 girls and 401 boys, were students of fourth (n=265), sixth (n=295) and eighth (n=266) grade of elementary schools from the metropolitan area of Zagreb, Croatia. Socio-emotional variables assessed in the study were: child attachment to pet, child prosocial orientation, empathy, loneliness, perception of family climate and social anxiety. The data showed that 54.4% of children in the sample were pet owners (26.2% of children in the study had a dog, 9.2% had a cat, and 19.0% had some other pet). In order to answer the main research question, several analyses of variance (gender by grade by pet ownership) were computed for each criterion of socio-emotional development. Significant main effects were obtained for empathy, prosocial orientation and pet attachment, with dog owners being more empathic and prosocially oriented than non-owners, and dog owners and cat owners being more attached to their pets than owners of other kinds of pets. Additional analyses of variance were computed in order to examine the role of attachment in the socio-emotional functioning of the children. Subjects were divided in three sub-groups: non-owners, lower then average attached owners, and higher than average attached owners. Children who scored higher than average on the attachment to pets scale showed significantly higher scores on the empathy and prosocial orientation scales than non-owners and children who scored lower than average on the attachment to pets scale. It was also found that children with higher levels of attachment to pets rated their family climate significantly better than children who had lower attachment to pets.

Effects of 3-week oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) in symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy.

Abstract: Summary Aims To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term oral treatment with the antioxidant thioctic acid (TA) on neuropathic symptoms and deficits in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with symptomatic polyneuropathy. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to oral treatment with 600 mg of TA t.i.d. (n= 12) or placebo (n= 12) for 3 weeks. Neuropathic symptoms (pain, burning, paraesthesiae, and numbness) in the feet were scored at weekly intervals and summarized as a Total Symptom Score (TSS). The Hamburg Pain Adjective List (HPAL) and the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) were assessed at baseline and day 19. Results At baseline the TSS, HPAL, and NDS were not significantly different between the groups. The TSS in the foot decreased from baseline to day 19 by − 3.75 ± 1.88 points ( − 47%) in the TA group and by − 1.94 ± 1.50 points ( − 24%) in the placebo group (P= 0.021 for TA vs. placebo). The total HPAL score decreased from baseline to day 19 by − 2.20 ± 1.65 points ( − 60%) in the TA group and by − 0.96 ± 1.32 points ( − 29%) in the placebo group (P= 0.072 for TA vs. placebo). The NDS decreased by − 0.27 ± 0.47 points in the TA group, whereas it slightly increased by + 0.18 ± 0.4 points in the placebo group (P= 0.025 for TA vs. placebo). No differences between the groups were noted regarding the rates of adverse events. Conclusions These preliminary findings indicate that oral treatment with 600 mg of TA t.i.d. for 3 weeks may improve symptoms and deficits resulting from polyneuropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients, without causing significant adverse reactions.

Small scientific journals from small countries: breaking from a vicious circle of inadequacy.

Abstract: In this editorial we describe the confounding factors that contribute to the poor international recognition of small journals: author pool, review process, finances, language, and visibility. These factors originate from relative scientific inadequacy of the local environment and close a positive feedback loop (vicious circle) of journal inadequacy. We argue that small journals may provide important information and outline the ways in which they can be assisted.

Image compression using wavelets

Abstract: The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) represents images as a sum of wavelet functions (wavelets) on different resolution levels. The basis for the wavelet transform can be composed of any function that satisfies requirements of multiresolution analysis. It means that there exists a large selection of wavelet families depending on the choice of wavelet function. The choice of wavelet family depends on the application. In image compression application this choice depends on image content. This paper provides fundamentals of wavelet based image compression. The options for wavelet image representations are tested. The results of image quality measurements for different wavelet functions, image contents, compression ratios and resolutions are given.

Relativistic Hartree+Bogoliubov description of the deformed N = 28 region

Abstract: Ground-state properties of neutron-rich N≈28 nuclei are described in the framework of relativistic Hartree plus Bogoliubov (RH+B) theory. The model uses the NL3 effective interaction in the mean-field Lagrangian, and describes pairing correlations by the pairing part of the finite range Gogny interaction D1S. Two-neutron separation energies and ground-state quadrupole deformations that result from fully self-consistent RH+B solutions are compared with available experimental data. The model predicts a strong suppression of the spherical N=28 shell gap for neutron-rich nuclei: the 1f7/2 fp core breaking results in deformed ground states. Shape coexistence is expected for neutron-rich Si, S, and Ar isotopes.

Interactive Sorption of Metal Ions and Humic Acids onto Mineral Particles

Abstract: The sorption of metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+) and soil humic acids (HA) from aqueous solutions onto mineral particles (sand, calcite and clay) was investigated using a batch equilibrium system. The sorption reactions in two- component systems (heavy metals-mineral particles and humic acids- mineral particles), as well as interactions in three-component system (heavy metals-humic acids-mineral particles) were examined. Results showed that the presence of humic acids, dissolved or bound onto mineral surfaces, considerably influenced the fixation of heavy metals. The various effects, depending on mineral type, humic concentration and specific metal-ion, were observed in three- component system. Sorption of Cu2+-ions on all minerals studied rapidly increased as the concentration of dissolved HA increased. The amount of Pb2+-ions sorbed on sand slightly decreased, while on kaolin increased between 15 and 20%. Sorption of Zn2+-ions on all minerals studied decreased at pH 4. At pH 5.5 the sorption of Zn2+-ions onto calcite decreased, while on kaolin and sand increased as a function of the humic acid concentration giving the curve with maximum at c(HA) = 2.5 mmol C L-1. At pH 6.5 sorption onto kaolin and sand increased. This effect occurs as a result of the conditional stability constant of Zn-HA complexes increasing at higher pH which in turn promotes the chelation of Zn2+-ions to mineral- bound humic substances. The enhanced sorption of metal ions from the aqueous phase in three-component systems is not only the result of mineral sorption of free metals but also the result of chelation with HA sorbed on the mineral surface.

Molecular-cytogenetic studies of ribosomal genes and heterochromatin reveal conserved genome organization among 11 Quercus species

Abstract: Genomes of 11 Quercus species were characterized using cytogenetic (Giemsa C-banding, fluorochrome banding), molecular-cytogenetic (fluorescence in situ hybridization, FISH, to ribosomal genes) and molecular (dot-blot for ribosomal gene-copy number assessment) techniques. Ribosomal genes are the first DNA sequences to be physically mapped in oaks, and the copy number of the 18S-5.8S-26 S rRNA genes is estimated for the first time. Oak karyotypes were analysed on the basis of DAPI banding and FISH patterns; five marker chromosomes were found. In addition, chromosomal organization of ribosomal genes with respect to AT- and GC-differentiated heterochromatin was studied. Fluorochrome staining produced very similar CMA/DAPI banding patterns, and the position and number of ribosomal loci were identical for all the species studied. The 18S-5.8S-26 S rRNA genes in oak complements were represented by a major locus at the subterminal secondary constriction (SC) of the only subtelocentric chromosome pair and a minor locus at paracentromeric SC of one metacentric pair. The only 5 S rDNA locus was revealed at the paracentromeric region of the second largest metacentric pair. A striking karyotypic similarity, shown by both fluorochrome banding and FISH patterns, implies close genome relationships among oak species no matter their geographic origin (European or American) or their ecophysiology (deciduous or evergreens). Dot-blot analysis gave preliminary evidence for different copy numbers of 18S-5.8S-26 S rRNA genes in diploid genomes of Q. cerris, Q. ilex, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens and Q. robur (2700, 1300, 2200, 4000 and 2200 copies, respectively) that was correlated with the size polymorphism of the major locus.

Anomalous origin of both vertebral arteries.

Abstract: The authors describe a case of an unusual origin of both vertebral arteries in a singular cadaver. On the left, the artery arises directly from the common trunk of vertebral and subclavian artery at the aortic arch and enters the transverse cervical foramina at C VI. On the right, the artery originates from the right common carotid artery and enters the transverse foramina at C III. Additional anomalies were observed on the aortic arch: the common trunk of both common carotid arteries, the common trunk of the left vertebral and subclavian artery, and as a last branch, the retroesophageal right subclavian artery. The morphometric measurements of the vertebral arteries were performed. The literature on the variations of the vertebral arteries is reviewed and their clinical importance for diagnostical procedures and head and neck surgery stressed.

tRNA recognition and evolution of determinants in seryl-tRNA synthesis.

Abstract: We have analyzed the evolution of recognition of tRNAsSerby seryl-tRNA synthetases, and compared it to other type 2 tRNAs, which contain a long extra arm. In Eubacteria and chloroplasts this type of tRNA is restricted to three families: tRNALeu, tRNASer and tRNATyr. tRNALeuand tRNASer also carry a long extra arm in Archaea, Eukarya and all organelles with the exception of animal mitochondria. In contrast, the long extra arm of tRNATyr is far less conserved: it was drastically shortened after the separation of Archaea and Eukarya from Eubacteria, and it is also truncated in animal mitochondria. The high degree of phylo-genetic divergence in the length of tRNA variable arms, which are recognized by both class I and class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, makes type 2 tRNA recognition an ideal system with which to study how tRNA discrimination may have evolved in tandem with the evolution of other components of the translation machinery.

Prevalence and management of hypertension in type 1 diabetes mellitus in Europe: the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study.

Abstract: Summary Aim To examine the prevalence of hypertension and the rates of hypertension awareness by investigating treatment and control among respondents to the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study, and to explore the variation in hypertension management by age, sex and end-organ damage Methods A cross-sectional study, examining 3250 randomly selected Type 1 diabetic patients from 31 diabetes clinics in 16 European countries between 1989 and 1990 Mean age was 327 years ( sd = 100) and mean duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 147 years ( sd = 93) Subjects were asked about a history of high blood pressure (BP) and current prescribed medications were recorded by the subject’s physician Hypertension was defined as having a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or current use of antihypertensives Control was defined as a BP < 130/85 mmHg Results Twenty-four per cent of subjects had hypertension, among whom fewer than one-half (485%) were aware of a previous diagnosis and a similar proportion (422%) were on treatment Only 113% of those with hypertension were both treated and controlled The majority (81%) of those receiving drug therapy for hypertension were on a single drug, most commonly an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (47%) Conclusion These data show the extent of undermanagement of hypertension in Type 1 DM across Europe prior to the publication of the St Vincent Declaration and provide a useful baseline against which future improvements in the management of hypertension can be monitored Diabet Med 16, 41–49 (1999)

Nitrinergic neurons in the developing and adult human telencephalon: transient and permanent patterns of expression in comparison to other mammals.

Abstract: A subpopulation of cerebral cortical neurons constitutively express nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and, upon demand, produce a novel messenger molecule nitric oxide (NO) with a variety of proposed roles in the developing, adult, and diseased brain. With respect to the intensity of their histochemical (NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry) and immunocytochemical (nNOS and eNOS immunocytochemistry) staining, these nitrinergic neurons are generally divided in type I and type II cells. Type I cells are usually large, intensely stained interneurons, scattered throughout all cortical layers; they frequently co-express GABA, neuropeptide Y, and somatostatin, but rarely contain calcium-binding proteins. Type II cells are small and lightly to moderately stained, about 20-fold more numerous than type I cells, located exclusively in supragranular layers, and found almost exclusively in the primate and human brain. In the developing cerebral cortex, nitrinergic neurons are among the earliest differentiating neurons, mostly because the dominant population of prenatal nitrinergic neurons are specific fetal subplate and Cajal-Retzius cells, which are the earliest generated neurons of the cortical anlage. However, at least in the human brain, a subpopulation of principal (pyramidal) cortical neurons transiently express NOS proteins in a regionally specific manner. In fact, transient overexpression of NOS-activity is a well-documented phenomenon in the developing mammalian cerebral cortex, suggesting that nitric oxide plays a significant role in the establishment and refinement of the cortical synaptic circuitry. Nitrinergic neurons are also present in human fetal basal forebrain and basal ganglia from 15 weeks of gestation onwards, thus being among the first chemically differentiated neurons within these brain regions. Finally, a subpopulation of human dorsal pallidal neurons transiently express NADPH-diaphorase activity during midgestation.

Computed tomographic imaging to determine the frequency of anatomical variations in pneumatization of the ethmoid bone.

Abstract: The present study was performed on axial and coronal CT scans of 212 patients. Scans were analyzed by an anatomist and a radiologist for the presence of Haller’s cells, agger nasi cells, Onodi’s cells and pneumatized crista galli. Results demonstrated the presence of Haller’s cells in 21.2%, Onodi’s cells in 10.4% and pneumatized crista galli in 2.4% of patients. A pneumatized anterior clinoid process was found in 0.5% of the patients. The data obtained in our study were compared with those reported in other anatomic and radiologic studies.

Leakage of five root canal sealers.

Abstract: Aim The aim of this study was to examine the apical sealing ability of five root canal sealers using a fluid transport model. Methodology A comparison of root canal scalers AH26, AH Plus, Diaket, Apexit, and Ketac-Endo were tested on 60 single-rooted teeth. The coronal part of each tooth was removed at the amelo-cemento junction, and also 3 mm of the root tip. Root canals were instrumented using the 'step-back' technique with Gates Glidden drills and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl. The specimens were divided into five groups of 10 samples each and filled with test materials and gutta-percha points by the cold lateral condensation technique. Ten teeth were used as a control group, out of which five served as negative and five as positive controls. The leakage was measured by the movement of an air bubble in a capillary glass tube connected to the experimental root section. Results The differences in leakage amongst Ketac-Endo (0.318 microL: SD 0.084), AH26 (0.319 microL; SD 0.075), AH Plus (0.330L; SD 0.085) Apexit (0.360 microL; SD 0.127) and Diaket (0.387 microL; SD 0.140) were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions Under the conditions of this study, all five sealers produced a satisfactory seal.