Showing papers in "Croatian Medical Journal in 2014"

Self-correction in biomedical publications and the scientific impact

Abstract: Aim To analyze mistakes and misconduct in multidisciplinary and specialized biomedical journals.

A computational model of cerebrospinal fluid production and reabsorption driven by Starling forces.

Abstract: Experimental evidence has cast doubt on the classical model of river-like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow from the choroid plexus to the arachnoid granulations. We propose a novel model of water transport through the parenchyma from the microcirculation as driven by Starling forces. This model investigates the effect of osmotic pressure on water transport between the cerebral vasculature, the extracellular space (ECS), the perivascular space (PVS), and the CSF. A rigorous literature search was conducted focusing on experiments which alter the osmolarity of blood or ventricles and measure the rate of CSF production. Investigations into the effect of osmotic pressure on the volume of ventricles and the flux of ions in the blood, choroid plexus epithelium, and CSF are reviewed. Increasing the osmolarity of the serum via a bolus injection completely inhibits nascent fluid flow production in the ventricles. A continuous injection of a hyperosmolar solution into the ventricles can increase the volume of the ventricle by up to 125%. CSF production is altered by 0.231 µL per mOsm in the ventricle and by 0.835 µL per mOsm in the serum. Water flux from the ECS to the CSF is identified as a key feature of intracranial dynamics. A complete mathematical model with all equations and scenarios is fully described, as well as a guide to constructing a computational model of intracranial water balance dynamics. The model proposed in this article predicts the effects the osmolarity of ECS, blood, and CSF on water flux in the brain, establishing a link between osmotic imbalances and pathological conditions such as hydrocephalus and edema.

Cerebrospinal fluid physiology: visualization of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics using the magnetic resonance imaging Time-Spatial Inversion Pulse method.

Abstract: Previously there have been no methods for directly tracing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under physiological conditions, and the circulation of CSF has therefore been studied and visualized by injecting a radioactively labeled tracer or contrast medium visible in x-ray images. The newly developed Time-Spatial Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) method makes it possible to directly visualize the flow of CSF using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), permitting CSF dynamics to be depicted in a certain time frame. The CSF dynamics visualized using Time-SLIP has been found to differ markedly from the classical CSF circulation theory described in medical textbooks. It can be said that research on CSF dynamics has advanced to the next stage with the use of this innovative imaging method. Obtaining a more accurate understanding of normal CSF physiology and pathophysiology should lead to improved diagnostic accuracy, permit the identification of new etiological factors in a variety of diseases, and promote the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Virchow-Robin space and aquaporin-4: new insights on an old friend

Abstract: Recent studies have strongly indicated that the classic circulation model of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is no longer valid. The production of CSF is not only dependent on the choroid plexus but also on water flux in the peri-capillary (Virchow Robin) space. Historically, CSF flow through the Virchow Robin space is known as interstitial flow, the physiological significance of which is now fully understood. This article briefly reviews the modern concept of CSF physiology and the Virchow-Robin space, in particular its functionalities critical for central nervous system neural activities. Water influx into the Virchow Robin space and, hence, interstitial flow is regulated by aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) localized in the endfeet of astrocytes, connecting the intracellular cytosolic fluid space of astrocytes and the Virchow Robin space. Interstitial flow has a functionality equivalent to systemic lymphatics, on which clearance of β-amyloid is strongly dependent. Autoregulation of brain blood flow serves to maintain a constant inner capillary fluid pressure, allowing fluid pressure of the Virchow Robin space to regulate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) based on AQP-4 gating. Excess heat produced by neural activities is effectively removed from the area of activation by increased rCBF by closing AQP-4 channels. This neural flow coupling (NFC) is likely mediated by heat generated proton channels.

The cellular story of dishevelleds.

Abstract: Dishevelled (DVL) proteins, three of which have been identified in humans, are highly conserved components of canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways. These multifunctional proteins, originally discovered in the fruit fly, through their different domains mediate complex signal transduction: DIX (dishevelled, axin) and PDZ (postsynaptic density 95, discs large, zonula occludens-1) domains serve for canonical beta-catenin signaling, while PDZ and DEP (dishevelled, Egl-10, pleckstrin) domains serve for non-canonical signaling. In canonical or beta-catenin signaling, DVL forms large molecular supercomplexes at the plasma membrane consisting of Wnt-Fz-LRP5/6-DVL-AXIN. This promotes the disassembly of the beta-catenin destruction machinery, beta-catenin accumulation, and consequent activation of Wnt signaling. Therefore, DVLs are considered to be key regulators that rescue cytoplasmic beta-catenin from degradation. The potential medical importance of DVLs is in both human degenerative disease and cancer. The overexpression of DVL has been shown to potentiate the activation of Wnt signaling and it is now apparent that up-regulation of DVLs is involved in several types of cancer.

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy: diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis.

Abstract: Development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy represents the major determinant of long-term survival in patients after heart transplantation Due to graft denervation, these patients seldom present with classic symptoms of angina pectoris, and the first clinical presentations are progressive heart failure or sudden cardiac death Although coronary angiography remains the routine technique for coronary artery disease detection, it is not sensitive enough for screening purposes This is especially the case in the first year after transplantation when diffuse and concentric vascular changes can be easily detected only by intravascular ultrasound The treatment of the established vasculopathy is disappointing, so the primary effort should be directed toward early prevention and diagnosis Due to diffuse vascular changes, revascularization procedures are restricted only to a relatively small proportion of patients with favorable coronary anatomy Percutaneous coronary intervention is preferred over surgical revascularization since it leads to better acute results and patient survival Although there is no proven long-term advantage of drug-eluting stents for the treatment of in-stent restenosis, they are preferred over bare-metal stents Severe vasculopathy has a poor prognosis and the only definitive treatment is retransplantation This article reviews the present knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy

Update on the core and developing cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer disease

Abstract: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, whose prevalence will dramatically rise by 2050. Despite numerous clinical trials investigating this disease, there is still no effective treatment. Many trials showed negative or inconclusive results, possibly because they recruited only patients with severe disease, who had not undergone disease-modifying therapies in preclinical stages of AD before severe degeneration occurred. Detection of AD in asymptomatic at risk individuals (and a few presymptomatic individuals who carry an autosomal dominant monogenic AD mutation) remains impractical in many of clinical situations and is possible only with reliable biomarkers. In addition to early diagnosis of AD, biomarkers should serve for monitoring disease progression and response to therapy. To date, the most promising biomarkers are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging biomarkers. Core CSF biomarkers (amyloid β 1-42 , total tau, and phosphorylated tau) showed a high diagnostic accuracy but were still unreliable for preclinical detection of AD. Hence, there is an urgent need for detection and validation of novel CSF biomarkers that would enable early diagnosis of AD in asymptomatic individuals. This article reviews recent research advances on biomarkers for AD, focusing mainly on the CSF biomarkers. In addition to core CSF biomarkers, the potential usefulness of novel CSF biomarkers is discussed.

Markers for sepsis diagnosis in the forensic setting: state of the art.

Abstract: Reliable diagnoses of sepsis remain challenging in forensic pathology routine despite improved methods of sample collection and extensive biochemical and im- munohistochemical investigations. Macroscopic findings may be elusive and have an infectious or non-infectious origin. Blood culture results can be difficult to interpret due to postmortem contamination or bacterial transloca- tion. Lastly, peripheral and cardiac blood may be unavail- able during autopsy. Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 can be measured in biological fluids collect - ed during autopsy and may be used as in clinical practice for diagnostic purposes. However, concentrations of these parameters may be increased due to etiologies other than bacterial infections, indicating that a combination of bi- omarkers could more effectively discriminate non-infec- tious from infectious inflammations. In this article, we pro - pose a review of the literature pertaining to the diagnostic performance of classical and novel biomarkers of inflam- mation and bacterial infection in the forensic setting.

Future directions of forensic DNA databases.

Abstract: Forensic DNA databases are indispensable tools of the law enforcement system. The purpose of establishing forensic DNA databases was to develop investigative leads for solving crime and usually was the purview of “criminal justice agencies for law enforcement identification purposes” (1). The forensic DNA databases of most countries generally contain two types of profiles: 1) reference profiles from convicted offenders and/or arrestee profiles; these profiles are from known sources; and 2) forensic profiles which derive from crime scenes and are characteristically from unknown sources. In a typical database search, an unknown forensic profile is searched against the convicted offender and arrestee profiles (or can be searched against other unknown forensic profiles) to determine if an association, often called a match or hit, can be found. The hit can be used to develop investigation leads. As of May 2013, China and the United States (US) maintain the two largest forensic DNA databases, containing more than 20 and 12 million profiles and have produced over 410 000 (2) and 185 000 hits (3), respectively. In addition to direct matching between known and unknown sample profiles, profiles from missing persons and their relatives, as well as unidentified human remains, are included in a number of databases (2,3). Missing person identification also is an invaluable module for investigating certain crimes. For example, as of June 2013, China has successfully identified and rescued 2455 trafficked children through the use of its DNA database (2). The US National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), which uses other meta-data has successfully solved 3499 missing persons cases as of August 2012 (4). As expected with the great success of the use of forensic DNA databases, new challenges are emerging. The databases are experiencing rapid growth, and thus there is a potential of increased adventitious hits; the power for current and new applications (eg, missing person identification and familial searching) require additional infrastructure support; and there is an increased desire for international data sharing (5-7), which possibly could be hampered if only a relatively small number of loci is shared among laboratories worldwide.

Why pulsatility still matters: a review of current knowledge

Abstract: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have become standard therapy option for patients with advanced heart failure. They offer several advantages over previously used pulsatile-flow LVADs, including improved durability, less surgical trauma, higher energy efficiency, and lower thrombogenicity. These benefits translate into better survival, lower frequency of adverse events, improved quality of life, and higher functional capacity of patients. However, mounting evidence shows unanticipated consequences of continuous-flow support, such as acquired aortic valve insufficiency and acquired von Willebrand syndrome. In this review article we discuss current evidence on differences between continuous and pulsatile mechanical circulatory support, with a focus on clinical implications and potential benefits of pulsatile flow.

A comparative study of neurotoxic potential of synthesized polysaccharide-coated and native ferritin-based magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Aim To analyze the neurotoxic potential of synthesized magnetite nanoparticles coated by dextran, hydroxyethyl starch, oxidized hydroxyethyl starch, and chitosan, and magnetic nanoparticles combined with ferritin as a native protein.

Enhanced activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 correlates with the degree of papillary thyroid carcinoma infiltration.

Abstract: Aim To determine whether matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may be a useful adjunctive tool for predicting unfavorable biological behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by evaluating the expression profile and proteolytic activity of MMP-9 in PTC by different techniques and correlating the findings with clinicopathological prognostic factors.

Genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory response genes and their associations with breast cancer risk.

Abstract: Breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer and leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women around the world (1). The cancer accounts for almost one quarter of new cancer cases annually (2), and the incidence continues to increase rapidly, both in China and worldwide (3). Although it has been well-established that breast carcinogenesis is a result of the complex interactions between multiple environmental and genetic factors, the mechanisms of the oncogenesis at the molecular level remain poorly understood. Genetic factors can serve as a susceptibility variable for breast cancer development, and their identification can help to reduce the incidence of breast cancer (4). However, several breast cancer susceptibility genes identified so far, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, account for only less than 5% of the total breast cancer incidence (5). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been extensively investigated for their associations with the risk of various cancers (6-11). As inflammation is caused by a molecular network underlying breast carcinogenesis (12), we propose that SNPs within inflammatory response genes could modify breast cancer predisposition risk. The associations of various inflammatory response gene polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in the Chinese population, especially the East Chinese population, have been understudied. In the current study, we investigated the associations of NFKB1 c.-798_-795delATTG (rs28362491), NFKBIA c.-949C>T (rs2233406), IL-8 c.-352A>T (rs4073), IL-10 c.-854T>C (rs1800871), TNF c.-418G>A (rs361525), and TNF c.-488G>A (rs1800629) polymorphisms with breast cancer risk in East China. Since all these polymorphisms are located in the promoter region, they could affect the transcriptional activity of the gene, resulting in enhanced or reduced cDNA, and eventually protein levels, among their carriers (6,7,13). In addition, despite the relatively well established associations of the polymorphisms with cancer risks in other populations (6-9), little is known about their association with breast cancer risk in East China population, which further motivated us to undertake this research.

Mondino de Luzzi: a luminous figure in the darkness of the Middle Ages.

Abstract: No research on the history of anatomy in the medieval period can be considered complete without mentioning Mondino de Luzzi (cca. 1270-1326). Mondino de Luzzi (also known as Mundini or Mundinus, Liuzzi, Lucci, Liucius, or even Lentiis and Leutiis) was an Italian physician, anatomist, and professor of surgery at the University of Bologna (Figure 1) (1). While his admirers call him the “Restorer of anatomy,” and his teachings on dissection influenced even Leonardo da Vinci (2), his critics claim that he only observed rather than performed dissections and purely repeated his predecessors’ findings (3). All this controversy has justifiably created an atmosphere of mystery around this medieval anatomist. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the life and achievements of Mondino de Luzzi. Figure 1 Portrait of Mondino created by Giovanni Alessandro Brambilla (Available from: http://ihm.nlm.nih.gov/luna/servlet/detail/NLMNLM~1~1~101436495~174950:Mondino-De-Luzzi).

Embryonic Cerebrospinal Fluid in Brain Development: Neural Progenitor Control

Abstract: Due to the effort of several research teams across the world, today we have a solid base of knowledge on the liquid contained in the brain cavities, its composition, and biological roles. Although the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is among the most relevant parts of the central nervous system from the physiological point of view, it seems that it is not a permanent and stable entity because its composition and biological properties evolve across life. So, we can talk about different CSFs during the vertebrate life span. In this review, we focus on the CSF in an interesting period, early in vertebrate development before the formation of the choroid plexus. This specific entity is called "embryonic CSF." Based on the structure of the compartment, CSF composition, origin and circulation, and its interaction with neuroepithelial precursor cells (the target cells) we can conclude that embryonic CSF is different from the CSF in later developmental stages and from the adult CSF. This article presents arguments that support the singularity of the embryonic CSF, mainly focusing on its influence on neural precursor behavior during development and in adult life.

Antiinflammatory effect of sevoflurane in open lung surgery with one-lung ventilation

Abstract: Aim To prospectively assess the antiinflammatory effect of volatile anesthetic sevoflurane in patients undergoing open lung surgery with one lung ventilation (OLV).

Upgrading instructions for authors of scholarly journals.

Abstract: Publishing a scholarly article is the final and perhaps most responsible stage of research that takes time and requires enormous effort of all stakeholders of science communication. Reviewers and editors when they evaluate journal submissions and select items for publishing often ground their decisions on the novelty and originality of the topics, validity and power of statistical and other tests, quality of writing, structuring, and formatting each section of the manuscripts, originality and usefulness of graphical materials, and professionalism in analyzing scientific facts and conclusions. The evaluators also consider ethical issues and the adherence of authors to the guidance from editorial associations (1,2). The authors often receive rejection letters pointing to the mismatch between the scope of the journal and the manuscript topic, methodological errors, inappropriate discussion, unjustified conclusions, and poor writing and formatting (3,4). With the increasing flow of journal submissions it is expected that rejection rates will increase further, causing more frustration for inadequately instructed authors.

Distortion, confusion, and impasses: could a public dialogue within Knowledge Landscapes contribute to better communication and understanding of innovative knowledge?

Abstract: In contrast to former discussions focusing on dialogue between science, policy makers, and the public, the aim of this paper was to focus on the broader com-municative situation related to the inno ...

Perinatal hypoxia: different effects of the inhibitors of GABA transporters GAT1 and GAT3 on the initial velocity of [3H]GABA uptake by cortical, hippocampal, and thalamic nerve terminals.

Abstract: Aim To analyze the effects of highly selective blocker GAT1, NO-711, and substrate inhibitor GAT3, β-alanine, on the initial velocity of [3H]GABA uptake by cortical, hippocampal, and thalamic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) after perinatal hypoxia.

Measurement of cerebrospinal fluid formation and absorption by ventriculo-cisternal perfusion: what is really measured?

Abstract: The generally accepted hypothesis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics suggests that CSF is actively formed mainly by the choroid plexuses, circulates unidirectionally along the brain ventricles and subarachnoid space, and is passively absorbed mainly into the dural venous sinuses. CSF formation rate (Vf) has been extensively studied using the ventriculo-cisternal perfusion technique and the results have been used as the key evidence confirming the mentioned hypothesis. This technique and the equation for Vf calculation are based on the assumption that the dilution of the indicator substance is a consequence of the newly formed CSF, ie, that a higher CSF formation rate will result in a higher degree of dilution. However, it has been experimentally shown that the indicator substance dilution inside the CSF system does not occur because of a "newly formed" CSF, but as consequence of a number of other factors (departure of substances into the surrounding tissue, flowing around the collecting cannula into the cortical and spinal subarachnoid space, departure into the contralateral ventricle, etc). This technique allows "calculation" of the CSF formation even in dead animals, in an in vitro model, and in any other part of the CSF system outside the ventricles that is being perfused. Therefore, this method is indirect and any dilution of the indicator substance in the perfusate caused by other reasons would result in questionable and often contradictory conclusions regarding CSF formation rates.

Reliability of long vs short COI markers in identification of forensically important flies

Abstract: Aim To compare the reliability of short and long cytochrome oxidase I gene fragment (COI) in identification of forensically important Diptera from Egypt and China.

Association between total serum cholesterol and depression, aggression, and suicidal ideations in war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a cross-sectional study

Abstract: Aim. To investigate the relationship between total serum cholesterol and levels of depression, aggression, and suicidal ideations in war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without psychiatric comorbidity. METHODS. A total of 203 male PTSD outpatients were assessed for the presence of depression, aggression, and suicidality using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17), Corrigan Agitated Behavior Scale (CABS), and Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI), respectively, followed by plasma lipid parameters determination (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein [HDL]-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL]-cholesterol, and triglycerides). PTSD severity was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV, Current and Lifetime Diagnostic Version (CAPS-DX) and the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity Scale (CGI-S), before which Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was administered to exclude psychiatric comorbidity and premorbidity. RESULTS. After adjustments for PTSD severity, age, body mass index, marital status, educational level, employment status, use of particular antidepressants, and other lipid parameters (LDL- and HDL- cholesterol and triglycerides), higher total cholesterol was significantly associated with lower odds for having higher suicidal ideation (SSI≥20) (odds ratio [OR] 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.23], clinically significant aggression (CABS≥22) (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.14-0.59), and at least moderate depressive symptoms (HAM-D17≥17) (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.08-0.48). Association of total cholesterol and HAM-D17 scores was significantly moderated by the severity of PTSD symptoms (PCONCLUSION. Our results indicate that higher total serum cholesterol is associated with lower scores on HAM-D17, CABS, and SSI in patients with chronic PTSD. Language: en

Specific antioxidant compounds differentially modulate cytotoxic activity of doxorubicin and cisplatin: in vitro and in vivo study.

Abstract: Low selectivity of action of the chemotherapeutic agents is one of their main shortcomings, leading to serious negative side effects in cancer patients. The main reason for this phenomenon is the formation of free radicals during the action of these drugs in both normal and tumor cells. Doxorubicin and cisplatin are among the most commonly used anticancer drugs. They realize the antineoplastic activity by the intercalation into DNA structure and production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) (1-3). However, these drugs lead to severe cardio- and nephrotoxicity, which significantly limits their use for tumor treatment (4). It was shown that side effects of doxorubicin and cisplatin are mediated by hydroxyl radicals, which are formed in the presence of iron (II) from superoxide anions whose production is induced by these drugs (3,5). Numerous studies indicate that ROS-induced apoptosis of tumor cells takes place only under supraclinical doses of anthracyclines, and ROS production is not critical for realization of their anticancer activity (3). Thus, selective blocking of ROS action by specific antioxidant agents should at least partially reduce the toxicity of doxorubicin and cisplatin toward normal cells, without significant impact on the antitumor action of these drugs. Promising candidates for such role are derivatives of the pantothenic acid, since they possess significant antioxidant effect toward the mammalian cells and are able to protect the cells against toxic effects of free radicals (6). The inorganic and organic selenium derivatives (sodium selenite and selenomethionine) belong to another group of antioxidants that demonstrated a protective effect during cisplatin chemotherapy (7,8). Similar protective effects were also observed for the pantothenic acid (9). However, it remains unknown whether these antioxidants are capable of inhibiting the production of harmful ROS (including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals) due to the action of anticancer agents, and at the same time not interfering with the anti-tumor activity of these drugs. Besides, the effect of D-pantethine, selenomethionine, and sodium selenite used in combination with the anticancer drugs toward tumor cells resistant to chemotherapy has not been studied thoroughly (10). In this study, we aimed to develop new approaches for cancer chemotherapy that would eliminate negative side effects of the anticancer drugs caused by an excessive production of free radicals, which adversely affect normal tissues and organs in cancer patients. A chemotherapy regimen based on a combination of specific antioxidants (sodium selenite, selenomethionine, D-pantethine) and conventional anticancer drugs (doxorubicin, cisplatin), which are known to induce production of ROS, has been proposed. We studied the molecular mechanisms of antitumor activity of doxorubicin and cisplatin combined with the antioxidants toward tumor cell lines possessing different mechanisms of drug resistance. The results obtained in the in vitro study have been verified in experimental animals (rats).

Albendazolesulphoxide concentrations in plasma and hydatid cyst and prediction of parasitological and clinical outcomes in patients with liver hydatidosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus

Abstract: Aim To investigate the relationship between plasma and cyst concentrations of albendazolesulphoxide (ASO) and their effects on parasitological findings and disease recurrence in patients with liver hydatidosis.

An evaluation of direct PCR amplification.

Abstract: Aim To generate complete DNA profiles from blood and saliva samples deposited on FTA® and non-FTA® paper substrates following a direct amplification protocol.

Idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid overproduction: case-based review of the pathophysiological mechanism implied in the cerebrospinal fluid production.

Abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overproduction results from either CSF infection or choroid plexus hypertrophy or tumor, with only a single idiopathic case described so far. We report a unique case of a male infant with Crouzon syndrome who presented with intracranial hypertension, caused by up to 4-fold increase in CSF daily production. Conditions related to CSF overproduction, namely central nervous system infections and choroid plexus hypertrophy or tumor, were ruled out by repeated magnetic resonance imaging and CSF samples. Medical therapy failed to reduce CSF production and the patient underwent several shunting procedures, cranial expansion, and endoscopic coagulation of the choroid plexus. This article thoroughly reviews pertinent literature on CSF production mechanisms and possible therapeutic implications.

Alcohol abuse as the strongest risk factor for violent offending in patients with paranoid schizophrenia.

Abstract: Aim. To determine predictive risk factors for violent offending in patients with paranoid schizophrenia in Croatia. METHOD. The cross-sectional study including male in-patients with paranoid schizophrenia with (N=104) and without (N=102) history of physical violence and violent offending was conducted simultaneously in several hospitals in Croatia during one-year period (2010-2011). Data on their sociodemographic characteristics, duration of untreated illness phase (DUP), alcohol abuse, suicidal behavior, personality features, and insight into illness were collected and compared between groups. Binary logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of violent offending. RESULTS. Predictors of violent offending were older age, DUP before first contact with psychiatric services, and alcohol abuse. Regression model showed that the strongest positive predictive factor was harmful alcohol use, as determined by AUDIT test (odds ratio 37.01; 95% confidence interval 5.20-263.24). Psychopathy, emotional stability, and conscientiousness were significant positive predictive factors, while extroversion, pleasantness, and intellect were significant negative predictive factors for violent offending. CONCLUSION. This study found an association between alcohol abuse and the risk for violent offending in paranoid schizophrenia. We hope that this finding will help improve public and mental health prevention strategies in this vulnerable patient group. Language: en

New classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus correlate with disease activity

Abstract: Aim To determine the prevalence of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients; to determine disease activity and severity; and to investigate the correlation of classification criteria with disease activity, and of disease activity and damage index with disease duration.

Impact of ovariectomy, high fat diet, and lifestyle modifications on oxidative/antioxidative status in the rat liver

Abstract: Aim To estimate the impact of high fat diet and estrogen deficiency on the oxidative and antioxidative status in the liver of the ovariectomized rats, as well as the ameliorating effect of physical activity or consumption of functional food containing bioactive compounds with antioxidative properties on oxidative damage in the rat liver.

Enigma of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics.

Abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a major part of the central nervous system (CNS) extracellular fluid, and fine regulation of its composition is vital to the brain’s health. Despite over a hundred years of CSF dynamics study, many of its aspects are still insufficiently understood. It seems that today there are two concepts (1, 2) of CSF physiology: a) traditional hypothesis and b) microcirculatory/microvessel hypothesis.