Pub Date : 2022-11-28DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.257
P. Németh
Background: Antigen-antibody reactions are a special field of molecular interactions. The physicochemical nature of antigen-antibody binding and ligand-induced changes in the fine molecular structures of antigens during immunocomplex formation are less studied. However, these changes in the molecular appearance are extremely important for further molecular recognition. The major aim of this study is to clarify the physico-chemical modification of the antigen/hapten during immunobinding using model experiments. Methods: An appropriate model system was designed for our investigations: fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC, isomer I) was used as the antigen (hapten), and its interactions with a specific antibody (monoclonal anti-FITC IgG1) were analyzed using spectrophotometry, different spectrofluorimetric methods and fluorescence polarization, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic methods. Results: Fluorescent polarization and infrared spectroscopic measurements detected a local decrease in the hydration degree in the submolecular area of the specific ligand between the small antigen (hapten) molecule and the hypervariable region of the specific IgG1, causing “rigidization” of molecular movements. Changes in hydration modified the molecular microenvironment, allowing them to influence further functions of both immunoglobulins and the antigen. Conclusion: Hydrophobic interactions with exclusion of water molecules around the binding sites seem to be thermodynamically strong enough for stable molecular binding without a covalent chemical interaction between the antigen and the antibody. The results of this study, together with data obtained in previous research, help understand the molecular dynamics of the antigen-antibody reaction better.
{"title":"Do Water Molecules Displaced by Hydrophobic Interactions Stabilize Antigen-Antibody Binding?","authors":"P. Németh","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.257","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Antigen-antibody reactions are a special field of molecular interactions. The physicochemical nature of antigen-antibody binding and ligand-induced changes in the fine molecular structures of antigens during immunocomplex formation are less studied. However, these changes in the molecular appearance are extremely important for further molecular recognition. The major aim of this study is to clarify the physico-chemical modification of the antigen/hapten during immunobinding using model experiments. Methods: An appropriate model system was designed for our investigations: fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC, isomer I) was used as the antigen (hapten), and its interactions with a specific antibody (monoclonal anti-FITC IgG1) were analyzed using spectrophotometry, different spectrofluorimetric methods and fluorescence polarization, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic methods. Results: Fluorescent polarization and infrared spectroscopic measurements detected a local decrease in the hydration degree in the submolecular area of the specific ligand between the small antigen (hapten) molecule and the hypervariable region of the specific IgG1, causing “rigidization” of molecular movements. Changes in hydration modified the molecular microenvironment, allowing them to influence further functions of both immunoglobulins and the antigen. Conclusion: Hydrophobic interactions with exclusion of water molecules around the binding sites seem to be thermodynamically strong enough for stable molecular binding without a covalent chemical interaction between the antigen and the antibody. The results of this study, together with data obtained in previous research, help understand the molecular dynamics of the antigen-antibody reaction better.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116665565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-28DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.248
Romana Marušić, Adriana Levaković, D. Degmečić, T. Bačun
Aim. Comorbidities pose a major challenge for 21st century medicine. The mutual pathophysiological effect of one disease on another can significantly affect their course and prognosis. The aims of this study were to examine the frequency of comorbidities and the most common psychiatric and somatic comorbidities and to determine the difference in the incidence of certain diseases by gender and age. Methods. Data were recorded in several groups: demographic characteristics, psychiatric and somatic diagnoses classified according to gender, age, and the legally determined ability to work, and correlations of somatic and psychiatric diagnoses. Results. The most common psychiatric diagnoses in men were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (25%) and alcoholism (23%), while in women these were recurrent depressive disorder (19%) and psychosis (10%). A statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of alcoholism and PTSD, which are more common in men than in women. The most common somatic diseases in both sexes were arterial hypertension (M = 33%, F = 46%) and diabetes mellitus (M = 18%, F = 32%). Statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of hypertension (p = 0.03) and epilepsy (p = 0.002), which are more common in men. The ratio alcoholism-hypertension (p = 0.03), alcoholism-diabetes (p < 0.0001), alcoholism-COPD (p < 0.001) was statistically significant. Conclusion. It is extremely important to improve the multidisciplinary approach and cooperation in treatment in order to reduce the number of hospitalizations, emergency interventions and suicides and to improve the patients’ quality of life and life expectancy.
{"title":"Comorbidity of Somatic Illnesses on People With Treated Mental Disorders – A New Challenge in Medicine","authors":"Romana Marušić, Adriana Levaković, D. Degmečić, T. Bačun","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.248","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.248","url":null,"abstract":"Aim. Comorbidities pose a major challenge for 21st century medicine. The mutual pathophysiological effect of one disease on another can significantly affect their course and prognosis. The aims of this study were to examine the frequency of comorbidities and the most common psychiatric and somatic comorbidities and to determine the difference in the incidence of certain diseases by gender and age. Methods. Data were recorded in several groups: demographic characteristics, psychiatric and somatic diagnoses classified according to gender, age, and the legally determined ability to work, and correlations of somatic and psychiatric diagnoses. Results. The most common psychiatric diagnoses in men were post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (25%) and alcoholism (23%), while in women these were recurrent depressive disorder (19%) and psychosis (10%). A statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of alcoholism and PTSD, which are more common in men than in women. The most common somatic diseases in both sexes were arterial hypertension (M = 33%, F = 46%) and diabetes mellitus (M = 18%, F = 32%). Statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of hypertension (p = 0.03) and epilepsy (p = 0.002), which are more common in men. The ratio alcoholism-hypertension (p = 0.03), alcoholism-diabetes (p < 0.0001), alcoholism-COPD (p < 0.001) was statistically significant. Conclusion. It is extremely important to improve the multidisciplinary approach and cooperation in treatment in order to reduce the number of hospitalizations, emergency interventions and suicides and to improve the patients’ quality of life and life expectancy.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123551531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-11-28DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.256
Eldar Iskandarov, V. Gryshchuk, O. Platonov, Y. Kucheriavyi, O. Slominskyi, Y. Stohnii, V. Vartanov, V. Chernyshenko
Introduction. The performed research focused on a search for new biologically active compounds acting on blood coagulation system proteins and cells. To achieve this goal, we fractionated Vipera berus berus snake venom and studied the action of the separated fractions on human blood plasma, fibrinogen, platelets or red cells. Methods. Crude venom was fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography. Protein composition of fractions was studied using SDS-PAGE. The ability of fractions to prolong or initiate blood plasma clotting was studied using the prothrombin time test with thromboplastin. Fibrinogen-specific proteases were detected using enzyme-electrophoresis. Action on red cells was estimated using the hemolysis test. Aggregometry was used for the detection of action on platelets. All experiments in this study were performed in vitro. Results. We obtained fractions containing phospholipase and a protease that is able to hydrolyze fibrinogen, leading to the loss of its ability to polymerize and to maintain platelet aggregation. Conclusion. Further purification and study of these components can be a promising research direction for biotechnological as well as for biomedical use.
{"title":"Fractionation of Vipera berus berus Snake Venom and Detection of Bioactive Compounds Targeted to Blood Coagulation System","authors":"Eldar Iskandarov, V. Gryshchuk, O. Platonov, Y. Kucheriavyi, O. Slominskyi, Y. Stohnii, V. Vartanov, V. Chernyshenko","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i2.256","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction. The performed research focused on a search for new biologically active compounds acting on blood coagulation system proteins and cells. To achieve this goal, we fractionated Vipera berus berus snake venom and studied the action of the separated fractions on human blood plasma, fibrinogen, platelets or red cells. Methods. Crude venom was fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography. Protein composition of fractions was studied using SDS-PAGE. The ability of fractions to prolong or initiate blood plasma clotting was studied using the prothrombin time test with thromboplastin. Fibrinogen-specific proteases were detected using enzyme-electrophoresis. Action on red cells was estimated using the hemolysis test. Aggregometry was used for the detection of action on platelets. All experiments in this study were performed in vitro. Results. We obtained fractions containing phospholipase and a protease that is able to hydrolyze fibrinogen, leading to the loss of its ability to polymerize and to maintain platelet aggregation. Conclusion. Further purification and study of these components can be a promising research direction for biotechnological as well as for biomedical use.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121763855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-27DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.235
O. R. Adeleke
Aim: This study examined the relationship between alcohol use and patterns of blood pressure changes due to examination stress among academic staff at the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA).Methods: It involved using concurrent mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Both the questionnaire and the blood pressure and pulse rate reading were used as instruments in data collection. The examined population includes all academic staff of AAUA. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study. In stage one, a simple random sampling technique was used to select five faculties of the university. In stage two, systematic sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study; academic staff in every 5th academic staff office at the selected faculties were selected as a sample frame. Two instruments were used in gathering information for this study. The instruments were a self-constructed questionnaire and an electronic sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation at alpha level of 0.05.Results: Findings revealed that there is a significant difference in the pattern of blood pressure before – F (3, 46) = 4.260, P < 0.05; during – F (3, 46) = 3.570, P < 0.05; and after the examination period – F (3, 46) = 3.131, P < 0.05, based on the respondents’ level of alcohol intake.Conclusions: It is recommended that academic staff should be educated on the detrimental health consequences of consuming alcohol to avoid high blood pressure before, during and after the examination period.
目的:本研究在Adekunle Ajasin大学(AAUA)的学术人员中调查了酒精使用与由于考试压力引起的血压变化模式之间的关系。方法:采用定量与定性相结合的并行混合方法。问卷调查和血压、脉搏读数作为数据收集的工具。调查人群包括AAUA的所有学术人员。采用多阶段抽样技术选择研究参与者。在第一阶段，使用简单的随机抽样技术选择了大学的五个院系。在第二阶段，采用系统抽样技术来选择研究参与者;入选学院每5个教职员办公室的教职员被选为样本框架。本研究使用了两种工具来收集信息。实验仪器为自编问卷和电子血压计。数据分析采用均值和标准差，alpha水平为0.05。结果:两组患者术前血压形态差异有统计学意义——F (3,46) = 4.260, P < 0.05;期间- F (3,46) = 3.570, P < 0.05;根据被调查者的酒精摄入水平，检查期后F (3,46) = 3.131, P < 0.05。结论:建议在考试前、考试中、考试后对教学人员进行有关饮酒危害健康的教育，以避免高血压的发生。
{"title":"Investigating the Relationship between Alcohol Use and Patterns of Blood Pressure Change Due to Examination Stress among Adekunle Ajasin University Academic Staff","authors":"O. R. Adeleke","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.235","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: This study examined the relationship between alcohol use and patterns of blood pressure changes due to examination stress among academic staff at the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA).Methods: It involved using concurrent mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Both the questionnaire and the blood pressure and pulse rate reading were used as instruments in data collection. The examined population includes all academic staff of AAUA. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study. In stage one, a simple random sampling technique was used to select five faculties of the university. In stage two, systematic sampling techniques were used to select participants for the study; academic staff in every 5th academic staff office at the selected faculties were selected as a sample frame. Two instruments were used in gathering information for this study. The instruments were a self-constructed questionnaire and an electronic sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation at alpha level of 0.05.Results: Findings revealed that there is a significant difference in the pattern of blood pressure before – F (3, 46) = 4.260, P < 0.05; during – F (3, 46) = 3.570, P < 0.05; and after the examination period – F (3, 46) = 3.131, P < 0.05, based on the respondents’ level of alcohol intake.Conclusions: It is recommended that academic staff should be educated on the detrimental health consequences of consuming alcohol to avoid high blood pressure before, during and after the examination period.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128372313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-27DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.247
Ines Bilić Ćurčić, V. Nincevic, S. Canecki Varzic, Ivana Prpić Križevac, J. Milas Ahić, Ivica Mihaljević
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a newer class of drugs that have primarily been used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, as new findings from clinical trials have become available, their indication has been expanded to include treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease without the presence of diabetes. The pathophysiological mechanisms of extraglycemic effects of SGLT2i are still being unraveled, but one of the most prominent consequences is a decrease in blood pressure, which has implications for hemodynamics and arterial stiffness. Recent findings indicate that this class of drugs has a beneficial effect on lowering nocturnal blood pressure (BP), with special importance in type 2 diabetes (DMT2), since unregulated nocturnal hypertension is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events. In this mini-review, we have summarized current knowledge about the effects of SGLT2i on blood pressure, including office, home, and ambulatory BP, and potential implications for treatment of hypertension in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, with positive effects on cardiorenal outcomes.
{"title":"Changing the Landscape of Hypertension Management With SGLT2i","authors":"Ines Bilić Ćurčić, V. Nincevic, S. Canecki Varzic, Ivana Prpić Križevac, J. Milas Ahić, Ivica Mihaljević","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.247","url":null,"abstract":"Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a newer class of drugs that have primarily been used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, as new findings from clinical trials have become available, their indication has been expanded to include treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease without the presence of diabetes. The pathophysiological mechanisms of extraglycemic effects of SGLT2i are still being unraveled, but one of the most prominent consequences is a decrease in blood pressure, which has implications for hemodynamics and arterial stiffness. Recent findings indicate that this class of drugs has a beneficial effect on lowering nocturnal blood pressure (BP), with special importance in type 2 diabetes (DMT2), since unregulated nocturnal hypertension is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events. In this mini-review, we have summarized current knowledge about the effects of SGLT2i on blood pressure, including office, home, and ambulatory BP, and potential implications for treatment of hypertension in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, with positive effects on cardiorenal outcomes.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127013626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-27DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.228
Juraj Jug, M. Matovinović
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a steroid molecule whose function and mechanism of action in the human body are still inadequately researched. A potential protective function for the cardiovascular system can be explained by activation of nitric oxide production, impact on endothelial and mitochondrial function, and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-6 and TNF-α). Some research shows the beneficial effects of DHEA/DHEAS on many bodily functions, especially in the cardiovascular and the neurological systems. However, we need to be careful with interpretation of the results because of different criteria used for defining arterial hypertension, the race that was observed, and reproductive status of women, as these factors can change the conclusion. Due to a lack of evidence, DHEAS supplementation is still not recommended. We need multicentric prospective and randomized studies on DHEAS to examine its potential impact on blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular risk.
{"title":"Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Arterial Hypertension","authors":"Juraj Jug, M. Matovinović","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.228","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.228","url":null,"abstract":"Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a steroid molecule whose function and mechanism of action in the human body are still inadequately researched. A potential protective function for the cardiovascular system can be explained by activation of nitric oxide production, impact on endothelial and mitochondrial function, and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-6 and TNF-α). Some research shows the beneficial effects of DHEA/DHEAS on many bodily functions, especially in the cardiovascular and the neurological systems. However, we need to be careful with interpretation of the results because of different criteria used for defining arterial hypertension, the race that was observed, and reproductive status of women, as these factors can change the conclusion. Due to a lack of evidence, DHEAS supplementation is still not recommended. We need multicentric prospective and randomized studies on DHEAS to examine its potential impact on blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular risk.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123525559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-27DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.244
Nikolina Kolobarić, I. Drenjančević
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding, highly conserved RNAs found in all biological fluids, that are emerging as master regulators of gene expression, consequently impacting a variety of biological processes in both healthy and diseased environments. There are still certain limitations regarding analysis of circulating miRNAs, specifically concerning standardisation and accuracy of obtained data. However, there is an indisputable therapeutic and diagnostic potential, confirmed by recent research. Hypertension, as one of the leading causes of death in modern world, has been in the focus of scientific society for several decades now. So, it is of outmost importance to investigate and pinpoint appropriate miRNAs for early indication and diagnosis of hypertension in general population. More in vivo and clinical research is necessary in animal and human models in order to exploit the full potential of this novel technology.
{"title":"MicroRNAs and Hypertension","authors":"Nikolina Kolobarić, I. Drenjančević","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.244","url":null,"abstract":"MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding, highly conserved RNAs found in all biological fluids, that are emerging as master regulators of gene expression, consequently impacting a variety of biological processes in both healthy and diseased environments. There are still certain limitations regarding analysis of circulating miRNAs, specifically concerning standardisation and accuracy of obtained data. However, there is an indisputable therapeutic and diagnostic potential, confirmed by recent research. Hypertension, as one of the leading causes of death in modern world, has been in the focus of scientific society for several decades now. So, it is of outmost importance to investigate and pinpoint appropriate miRNAs for early indication and diagnosis of hypertension in general population. More in vivo and clinical research is necessary in animal and human models in order to exploit the full potential of this novel technology.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134474950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-27DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.225
A. Mišković, N. Marinić, Z. Bosnić, Karolina Veselski, D. Vučić, Ivana Pajić Matić
Aphthous lesions of the oral mucosa are a very common symptom and can be seen in both family medicine practice, dental medicine practice, and dermatology or otorhinolaryngology clinics. Some patients develop a chronic recurrent condition, which is clinically known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). These ulcers are round, clearly defined, and can be visible on the movable part of the oral mucosa, with variations in size. A prodromal symptom like the burning or stinging sensation can precede the appearance of lesions. The main reason why patients seek medical help is oropharyngeal pain with lack of appetite.The exact etiopathogenesis of RAS remains unknown. Immune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, mechanical injuries, and even psychological disorders are being studied as potential causes of this condition. Some authors claim that iron deficiency may be a possible causative factor of RAS due to its role in DNA synthesis, mitochondrial function, and enzymatic activity. In iron deficiency, epithelial cells turn over more rapidly and produce an immature or atrophic mucosa. Such mucosa is vulnerable and can be a fertile soil for chronic inflammation and development of aphthae.Finally, our goals were to describe the clinical aspects and etiology of RAS, as well as to determine whether RAS may be related to iron deficiency, in order to identify potential patients with iron deficiency in everyday work.
{"title":"The Correlation between Iron Deficiency and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis","authors":"A. Mišković, N. Marinić, Z. Bosnić, Karolina Veselski, D. Vučić, Ivana Pajić Matić","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.225","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.225","url":null,"abstract":"Aphthous lesions of the oral mucosa are a very common symptom and can be seen in both family medicine practice, dental medicine practice, and dermatology or otorhinolaryngology clinics. Some patients develop a chronic recurrent condition, which is clinically known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). These ulcers are round, clearly defined, and can be visible on the movable part of the oral mucosa, with variations in size. A prodromal symptom like the burning or stinging sensation can precede the appearance of lesions. The main reason why patients seek medical help is oropharyngeal pain with lack of appetite.The exact etiopathogenesis of RAS remains unknown. Immune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, mechanical injuries, and even psychological disorders are being studied as potential causes of this condition. Some authors claim that iron deficiency may be a possible causative factor of RAS due to its role in DNA synthesis, mitochondrial function, and enzymatic activity. In iron deficiency, epithelial cells turn over more rapidly and produce an immature or atrophic mucosa. Such mucosa is vulnerable and can be a fertile soil for chronic inflammation and development of aphthae.Finally, our goals were to describe the clinical aspects and etiology of RAS, as well as to determine whether RAS may be related to iron deficiency, in order to identify potential patients with iron deficiency in everyday work.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133052388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-27DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.230
Martina Liovic Milec, Sandra Sekelj, Slavica Konjević-Pernar
Aim: To determine the effect of nuclear opalescence (NO) on intraoperative parameters during phacoemulsification using the WhiteStar Signature® PRO and to show the impact of preoperative and intraoperative parameters on postoperative corneal edema.Methods: This prospective study included 267 patients selected to undergo phacoemulsification using the WhiteStar Signature® PRO system at the Department of Ophthalmology of the General Hospital “Dr Josip Benčević”, Slavonski Brod, Croatia. NO was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Preoperative parameters were age, sex, NO and preoperative central corneal thickness. Intraoperative parameters of phacoemulsification included in the study were ultrasound time (UST), phaco time using Ellips FX technology (EFX) and average phaco power (AVG). Patients were followed up on postoperative days 1 and 7 and after two months. The state of the cornea was noted in each follow-up.Results: There was a statistically significant increase of intraoperative parameters with NO. Postoperative corneal edema depended on all measured intraoperative parameters (UST, EFX and AVG, all p < .001), patient’s age (p < .05) and NO (p < .001) on postoperative day 1, while on postoperative day 7, it depended on UST (p = .011) EFX (p = .012) and NO (p < .05).Conclusion: Older patients, higher grade of NO and amount of energy consumed during phacoemulsification using the WhiteStar Signature® PRO are predictive factors for severity of transient corneal edema. We found this information important for better preoperative planning of phacoemulsification, as well as for better postoperative results.
{"title":"Postoperative Corneal Edema After Phacoemulsification","authors":"Martina Liovic Milec, Sandra Sekelj, Slavica Konjević-Pernar","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.230","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: To determine the effect of nuclear opalescence (NO) on intraoperative parameters during phacoemulsification using the WhiteStar Signature® PRO and to show the impact of preoperative and intraoperative parameters on postoperative corneal edema.Methods: This prospective study included 267 patients selected to undergo phacoemulsification using the WhiteStar Signature® PRO system at the Department of Ophthalmology of the General Hospital “Dr Josip Benčević”, Slavonski Brod, Croatia. NO was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Preoperative parameters were age, sex, NO and preoperative central corneal thickness. Intraoperative parameters of phacoemulsification included in the study were ultrasound time (UST), phaco time using Ellips FX technology (EFX) and average phaco power (AVG). Patients were followed up on postoperative days 1 and 7 and after two months. The state of the cornea was noted in each follow-up.Results: There was a statistically significant increase of intraoperative parameters with NO. Postoperative corneal edema depended on all measured intraoperative parameters (UST, EFX and AVG, all p < .001), patient’s age (p < .05) and NO (p < .001) on postoperative day 1, while on postoperative day 7, it depended on UST (p = .011) EFX (p = .012) and NO (p < .05).Conclusion: Older patients, higher grade of NO and amount of energy consumed during phacoemulsification using the WhiteStar Signature® PRO are predictive factors for severity of transient corneal edema. We found this information important for better preoperative planning of phacoemulsification, as well as for better postoperative results.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122228341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-04-27DOI: 10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.239
N. Bukal, I. Golubić, B. Jelaković, N. Bašić Jukić, S. Karanovic, A. Jelaković, V. Premužić, J. Josipović, Melanija Kolarić
COVID-19 is currently a major global health concern. Among many unanswered questions related to COVID-19, some of the most debated ones are those concerning arterial hypertension. Arterial hypertension is a major risk factor for mortality worldwide and its importance has been emphasised even further in light of COVID-19. The most common antihypertensive drugs are ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II type-I receptor blockers. SARS-CoV-2 utilises the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) for cell entry and therefore has a direct effect on the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). In terms of arterial hypertension and COVID-19, there are three main issues which have been the focus of extensive debates. First, is arterial hypertension a predisposing factor for COVID-19 infection? Second, does arterial hypertension affect the severity of COVID-19 infection and increase the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality? And finally, how important is the interaction of COVID-19 infection and the renin–angiotensin system for clinical outcomes? Is RAS blockade beneficial or harmful? The aim of this brief review was to provide substantiated answers to these questions.
{"title":"Arterial Hypertension and Risk of Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 Infection","authors":"N. Bukal, I. Golubić, B. Jelaković, N. Bašić Jukić, S. Karanovic, A. Jelaković, V. Premužić, J. Josipović, Melanija Kolarić","doi":"10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.239","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v6i1.239","url":null,"abstract":"COVID-19 is currently a major global health concern. Among many unanswered questions related to COVID-19, some of the most debated ones are those concerning arterial hypertension. Arterial hypertension is a major risk factor for mortality worldwide and its importance has been emphasised even further in light of COVID-19. The most common antihypertensive drugs are ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II type-I receptor blockers. SARS-CoV-2 utilises the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) for cell entry and therefore has a direct effect on the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). In terms of arterial hypertension and COVID-19, there are three main issues which have been the focus of extensive debates. First, is arterial hypertension a predisposing factor for COVID-19 infection? Second, does arterial hypertension affect the severity of COVID-19 infection and increase the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality? And finally, how important is the interaction of COVID-19 infection and the renin–angiotensin system for clinical outcomes? Is RAS blockade beneficial or harmful? The aim of this brief review was to provide substantiated answers to these questions.","PeriodicalId":265607,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern European medical journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134245974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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