Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim To determine the most common indications for measuring metanephrine and normetanephrine in plasma by gender and age and to compare the concentrations of metanephrine and normetanephrine by indication, gender and age. Methods The study was conducted on 224 patients whose plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine concentrations were measured at the Clinical Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics at the University Hospital Centre Osijek for one year, until 1st January 2020. Results The most frequent indications for biochemical testing were adrenal incidentaloma, 138 (6.6 %), and symptoms of pheochromocytoma, 41 (18.3%). ⋯ Of the 224 patients, only one patient was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, whose indication for measurement of metanephrine and normetanephrine was adrenal incidentaloma. Conclusion Adrenal incidentalomas and symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma are very common in the general population, while the incidence of pheochromocytoma is extremely low. Clear guidelines for the referral of patients for biochemical testing are needed to avoid unnecessary costs and to identify the correct diagnosis promptly.
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Aim To determine the value of angles between the left coronary artery main trunk (LMT) and its branches, the anterior interventricular branch (LAD) and the circumflex branch (CX), and their possible relationship with the LMT length. Methods A total of 29 cadaveric hearts were used. The left coronary artery and its branches were dissected. ⋯ The mean value of the LMT-LAD angle was 30.83±9.23⁰ and it was significantly lower (p=0.006) in the group of hearts with bifurcation compared to the group with trifurcation of the main trunk. Conclusion The LMT length shows great variability and is not related to the LAD-CX, LMT-LAD or the LMT-CX angle. Knowledge of the left coronary variation is essential in order to avoid misinterpretation of arteriogram.
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Aim To determine the effect of red algae extract on the gene expression of catalase and caspase-3 in testicules of rats induced by boric acid (BA). Methods This is experimental research with post-test control group design. Twenty four healthy male Wistar rats were divided into four treatment groups: a healthy group, negative control group, two treatment groups with red algae extract 400mg/kgBW/day (T1) and red algae extract 800mg/kgBW/day (T2). ⋯ Treatment groups T1 and T2 showed a significant increase in catalase gene expression, 2.67±0.69; and 2.85±0.64, respectively (p<0.05) and caspase-3, 3.96±1,16 and 1.89±0.84, respectively, compared to the control group. Conclusion: The administration of red algae extract had a significant effect on increasing the expression of the catalase gene and decreasing the expression of the caspase-3 gene. This suggests that red algae extract has the potential to be developed as a protective agent against exposure to the effects of BA.
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Aim To assess morphological characteristics of carotid blood vessels in uremic patients before to the initiation of the dialysis treatment, and corelate data with various dialysis therapy modules. Methods The study included 30 patients with end-stage renal disease (ERDS) prior to commencing dialysis, 30 patients treated with haemodialysis and 30 patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The control group consisted of 15 subjects with normal kidney function (eGFR>60ml/min). ⋯ The only variable from the patient's lipometabolic profile significantly associated with the change in IMT in uremic patients was HDL. A significant difference was found in the average value for systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.018) in patients before starting the dialysis treatment compared to patients treated with other dialysis methods. Conclusion Patients on haemodialysis treatment had a significantly greater CIMT, which is in relation with a higher cardiovascular risk.
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Aim To investigate morphometric determinants of lumbar canal in patients treated in Cantonal Hospital Zenica, and their variation according to gender. Methods Morphometry of lumbar spinal canal was assessed in 52 patients treated at the Department of Neurosurgery of Cantonal Hospital Zenica in the period between September 2022 and November 2022. ⋯ Conclusion This study increases anatomical knowledge of the vertebras and spinal canal of the lumbar region. Therefore, the measured dimensions of the lumbar vertebrae and spinal canal could be used as a baseline point for evaluation of patients presenting with low back pain and potential spinal canal stenosis.