Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Age-Specific Reference Values for Healthy Adult Population of Serbia.

Context: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is main serum surrogate marker of growth hormone (GH) secretion, used in diagnostics and treatment of GH deficiency (GHD) and acromegaly. Regional, ethnic, racial or nutritional factors obscure cross-population applicability of IGF-1 reference values. Establishment of population- and assay-specific reference values requires sizable representative cohort of healthy subjects. Subjects and Methods: In representative sample of healthy adult population of Serbia (N=1200, 21-80 years, 1:1 male:female) serum IGF-1 was analyzed by Siemens Immulite 2000 assay under uniform laboratory conditions. Upper and lower limit of reference range (5th - 95th percentile) were calculated for each of the 12 quinquennial age intervals. IGF-1 distribution was normalized and standard deviation score (SDS) calculated by Logarithmic and LMS methods. Results: IGF-1 and age correlated significantly, with most prominent decline at 21-50 years, followed by a plateau up to age of 70. Gender differences were not significant overall. Plateau in age-related IGF-1 decline was less prominent in women. Correlations of IGF-1 with body mass index (BMI) or waist to hip ratio (WHR) were insignificant. Superior IGF-1 SDS transformation was achieved with LMS method, while logarithmic method was simpler to use. Conclusions: Normative age-specific serum IGF-1 reference values were established on a representative cohort of healthy adults in Serbia. Our results support recommendations against necessity for gender-specific or BMI- and WHR-specific reference ranges. Population-based data serve to generate IGF-1 SDS, which is valuable in rational application of consensus guidelines, proper longitudinal follow-up, advancement in efficacy and safety and personalization of treatment targets.

Reproductive immunology in viviparous mammals: evolutionary paradox of interactions among immune mechanisms and autologous or allogeneic gametes and semiallogeneic foetuses.

Literally, reproductive immunology was born in bovine on-farm reproduction where seminal experiments intended for developing methods for embryo transfer in cattle were performed. Actually, these experiments led to two of major concepts and fundamental principles of reproductive immunology using the bovine species as a model for biomedical research, namely the concept of acquired immunological tolerance and the paradox of the semiallogeneic bovine foetus whereby such organism can develop within an immunologically competent host. Peter Medawar, a scientist who together with Frank Macfarlande Burnet shared the 1960 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for discovery of acquired immunological tolerance, while studying dizygotic cattle twins, thereby giving birth to reproductive immunology. Also, these findings significantly influenced development of organ transplants and showed that using farm animals as models for studying transplantation immunology had general relevance for mammalian biology and health including those of humans. However, the interest for further research of the fascinating maternal immune influences on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes and of the prevention and treatment of immunologically mediated reproductive disorders in viviparous mammals of veterinary relevance by veterinary immunologists and reproductive clinicians have been very scarce regarding the application of nonspecific immunomodulatory agents for prevention and treatment of subfertility and infertility in pigs and cattle, but still broadening knowledge in this area and hold great potential for improving such therapy in the future. The aim of the current overview is to provide up-to-date information and explaining/translating relevant immunology phenomena into veterinary practice for specialists and scientists/clinicians in reproduction of animals.

Relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and vocal fold nodules, polyps and oedema.

The aim of our study was to compare socio-demographic characteristics of vocal fold nodules, polyps and oedema. The study included patients diagnosed for the first time with vocal fold nodules, polyps and oedema at the Communication Disorders Care Center of Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery in Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. Diagnosis was made on the basis of symptoms, clinical otorhinolaryngological and phoniatric examination and endovideolaryngostroboscopic findings. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the following data: socio-demographic status, exposure to occupational noise and air pollution, occupational voice demands, health habits, symptoms of the present voice problems and voice problems in the family. By multivariate logistic regression analyses, nodules and oedema were more frequent in women than men in comparison with polyps (p < 0.001). Patients with nodules and polyps were younger than those with oedema (p < 0.001). Patients with nodules were more frequently lecturers, singers and actors compared with polyp patients (p = 0.006), had occupational voice demands more frequently than patients with oedema (p = 0.037) and were less frequently smokers than patients with polyps (p = 0.043) and those with oedema (p < 0.001). Patients with oedema were more frequently current smokers than patients with nodules and those with polyps (p < 0.001). Hoarseness as the main symptom was more frequent among patients with nodules than among patients with polyps (p = 0.040) and those with oedema (p = 0.001).Voice problems in the family was more frequently reported by oedema patients than by patients with polyps (p = 0.005). These findings are in agreement with majority of previous studies and may be of help in investigations on the aetiology of the disease.

Construction of dose response calibration curves for dicentrics and micronuclei for X radiation in a Serbian population.

Biological dosimetry using chromosome damage biomarkers is a valuable dose assessment method in cases of radiation overexposure with or without physical dosimetry data. In order to estimate dose by biodosimetry, any biological dosimetry service have to have its own dose response calibration curve. This paper reveals the results obtained after irradiation of blood samples from fourteen healthy male and female volunteers in order to establish biodosimetry in Serbia and produce dose response calibration curves for dicentrics and micronuclei. Taking into account pooled data from all the donors, the resultant fitted curve for dicentrics is: Ydic=0.0009 (±0.0003)+0.0421 (±0.0042)×D+0.0602 (±0.0022)×D(2); and for micronuclei: Ymn=0.0104 (±0.0015)+0.0824 (±0.0050)×D+0.0189 (±0.0017)×D(2). Following establishment of the dose response curve, a validation experiment was carried out with four blood samples. Applied and estimated doses were in good agreement. On this basis, the results reported here give us confidence to apply both calibration curves for future biological dosimetry requirements in Serbia.

The clinical value of scintigraphy of neuroendocrine tumors using (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TOC.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of whole body scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd) and with single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) in the detection of primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). METHODS: Thirty patients with different neuroendocrine tumors, mainly gastroenteropancreatic (GEP), were investigated. Whole body scintigraphy was performed 2 h (if necessary 10 min and 24h) after i.v. administration of 740 Mbq (99m)Tc-Tektrotyd, Polatom. In cases of unclear findings obtained by whole body scintigraphy, investigation was followed by SPECT. RESULTS: From 12 patients with NETs of unknown origin, there were 10 true positive (TP), and 2 false negative (FN) findings. Diagnosis was made with SPECT in 6 patients. From 8 patients with gut carcinoids, there were 4 TP, 2 true negative (TN), one FN, and one false positive (FP) finding. Diagnosis was made with SPECT in 2 patients. From 7 patients with neuroendocrine pancreatic carcinomas there were 4 TP and 3 TN findings. Diagnosis was made with SPECT in 2 patients. From 3 patients with gastrinomas there were 2 TP findings and one TN findings. Diagnosis was made with SPECT findings in 2 patients. Sensitivity of (99m)Tc-HYNIC-TOC was 87%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 95%, negative predictive value 67% and accuracy 87%. CONCLUSION: We concluded that scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-Tektrotyd is an useful method for diagnosis, staging and follow up of the patients with NETs.

[Open fracture of the shin as an occupational injury and work capacity evaluation--case report].

Injuries at work (occupational injuries) represent a big social and economic problem. This case report presents the patient who suffered occupational injury--open fracture of the left shin. He has been hospitalized for several times at Orthopedic-Surgical Hospital "Banjica" and underwent several surgical procedures, physical therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. After this treatment, he was hospitalized at Institute of Occupational Health for disability evaluation and work capacity evaluation.

[Diagnostic algorithm in patients with cervical metastasis of malignant tumours unknown primary location].

Carcinoma of unknown primary location are heterogeneous group of metastatic tumours where primary location could not be discovered with detail anamnesis, clinical examination and diagnostic procedures. Patients with metastasis carcinoma of unknown primary location in clinical oncology are represent with about 4% of total number of patients with solid tumours. The most frequent location carcinoma of unknown primary location, discovered with autopsy, are lungs, pancreas, colon, kidney, prostate and breast. Metastasis in cervical lymph nodes carcinoma of unknown primary location are represent between 3-9% of total number of patients with head and neck carcinoma. Patients with persistent cervical lymph node should be examined through diagnostical plan "step by step" for identification carcinoma of unknown primary location.

[Preliminary results of applying the inverse stapedotomy].

The authors have analyzed a group of 90 patients (105 operations) that have underwent stapes surgery over three years period. First group of 40 patients (45 operations) have been operated on by a classic stapedotomy from 2006 to 2007 and the second group of 50 patients (60 operations) by inverse stapedotomy in 2007. Manual perforator has been used in all of the patients. In a group of patients operated by inverse technique not a single case of floating basal plate has occurred during surgery. Rate of postoperative complaints regarding nausea and balance disorders was considerably lower when reversal of the steps has been used. Closure of air bone gap better than 20dB in about 80% patients in both series, with slight advantage of the inverse technique, but no statistically significant difference was proven. Inverse stapedotomy is efficient procedure as compared to classic stapedotomy with less intraoperative complications and postoperative complaints. Postoperative audiograms have shown similar improvement of hearing thresholds in both groups.

Computerized rhinomanometry: a study of total nasal resistance normal values.

Computerized rhinomanometry with the practical software programmes is used widely as a research tool to evaluate objectively nasal air flow and resistance parameters, while the increase of its clinical application may be facilitated by further standardization of the method. The aim of the study was to determine the total nasal resistance normal values in healthy adult population using a method of computerized rhinomanometry. A randomized sample of 108 white healthy adults (216 nasal cavities), both sexs with a mean age of 32 (20-45) years comprised the test group. Nasal patency was measured by active anterior rhinomanometry in non-decongested mucosa ("at rest") during 10 repetitive measurements at inspiratory and expiratory reference pressure of 150 Pa. Nasal resistance was measured and calculated according to the recommendations of the Committee on objective assessment of the nasal airway, International Rhinologic Society. The mean total nasal resistance in the sample was found to be 0.179 Pa/cm3/s with the confidant interval from 0,167 to 0,191 Pa/cm3/s at the probability level of 95%. Total nasal resistance was very significantly influenced by sex (t = -4.614), height (F=11.625) and weight (F=11.529) of the examinees. This paper provides additional information on total nasal resistance normal values in healthy adult population important for computirezed rhinomanometry normative parameters standardization.

[Hearing damage caused by noise].

INTRODUCTION: Noise is most common profession risk, as well as risk from environment, for hearing loss. Top limit for industrial noise is 85 dB. OBJECTIVES: Aim of our study was to determined all number of recognized professional diseases in our country, as well as to see which of industries are with highest prevalence of professional hearing damage caused by noise. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We use an cohort study for analyzing patient histories which were hospitalised in the Institute of occupational health. All of them have recognized professional disease hearing loss. In order to be recognized as cases of a professional hearing damage, all of them had to satisfy all legal requirements. RESULTS: Average age of patients with professional damage of cochlear nerve was 50 y. They have high total time period as well as exposed time period. In 2003 and 2004 there was highest number of detected and recognized cases of such professional diseases. More than half of examined patients had lesion between 30 and 40 percent following tables of F. S. Most of them were metal and mining industry workers. CONCLUSION: Following results of the study we can conclude that regular medical examinations of workers in all industries are necessary, specially in metal and mining industry. It is also needed to use personal protection items and to provide appropriate medical education of both workers and the management staff of said industries in order to prevent this kind of profession disease.

[Laser surgery of supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma].

The limited excision addresses small superficial lesions affecting free edge of the epiglottis, the aryepiglottic fold or the superior edge of the arytenoid. The median supraglottic laryngectomy excluding the pre-epiglottic space addresses small superficial T1 lesions of the endolaryngeal epiglottis. The incision line extends to the pre-epiglottic space but does not aim at removing the pre-epiglottic space entirely. The pharyngo-epiglottic folds, aryepiglottic folds, and ventricular folds are preserved. The median supraglottic laryngectomy including the pre-epiglottic space addresses T1 and T2 lesions of the endolaryngeal epiglottis. The entire pre-epiglottic space is removed as far as possible. Depending on extent of the lesion, the resection can include one or two ventricular bands and the aryepiglottic folds. The lateral supraglottic laryngectomy addresses lesions affecting the three folds or T1 and T2 lesions of the aryepiglottic fold. The procedure removes free edge of the epiglottis ipsilateral to the lesion, the area of the three folds and the aryepiglottic fold. The resection can include the inner wall and anterior angle of the pyriform sinus, the entire ventricular fold and the arytenoid (provided it is mobile).

[Functional results of treatment of early carcinoma in the glottic region of the larynx].

Early stage glottic cancer can be successfully treated with open surgery, LASER surgery or radiotherapy. During this treatment the physician obviously has to bear in mind principles of oncological radicality, but also, none the less, the preservation of all the functions of the larynx, and especially the preservation of voice quality. The aim of the study is to compare, in a specifically designed prospective study, the method of treatment with the functional results of basic characteristics of spoken voice of patients with early stage cancer of the glottis region. Then, based on the analysis of the results, to try and determine the most successful method of treatment. The first study group consisted of 72 patients operated using transoral laser microsurgery; the second study group consisted of 75 patients operated using open surgery; and the third study group consisted of 74 patients treated with radiotherapy. The voice quality is much better after laser chordectomy compared to open surgery chordectomy with reconstruction. Furthermore, the functional results of voice quality, after a laser chordectomy, are worse when compared to the group of patients treated with radiotherapy. Taking into account all objective and subjective phoniatric parameters, we determined that there is no crucial difference in the voice quality of patients operated using laser chordectomy and patients primarily treated with radiotherapy. From a functional point of view these two methods are superior to open surgery chordectomy.

[Dysphagia rehabilitation].

Dysphagia and aspiration are important problems among the elderly population, particularly in neurological patients and patients with cancers of the oropharingeal area or laryngs. Early detection and rehabilitation are crucial because adequate management can reduce morbidity and complications like aspiration pneumonia, dehidratation and malnutrition. We overviewed rehabilitation procedures including nutritional management, postures, maneuvers, exercises and stimulation techniques and their efficacy in treatment of patients with dysphagias.

[Laser surgery of malignant tumors of the glottic region of the larynx].

The Nomenclature Committee of the European Laryngological Society taken the personal classification used by various members were analyzed and integrated into a common format. Thus, a new classification (Remacle et al., 2000) end next modification (Remacle et al., 2007) in was proposed and accepted by the members. This nomenclature takes into account both the histological and anatomical extent of surgery, and groups it into several categories. Subepithelial cordectomy--excision of the epithelium and the superficial layer of the lamina propria. Subligamentous cordectomy--excision of the epithelium, Reinke's space, and vocal ligament is undertaken. Transmuscular cordectomy--resection consists of the epithelium, lamina propria, and part of the vocal fold muscle, and may extend from the vocal process to the anterior commissure. Total or complete cordectomy--excision extends from the vocal process to the anterior commissure. Anteriorly, the incision is made at the anterior commissure. Type Va extended cordectomy--includes the anterior commissure and contralateral vocal fold, if necessary. In type Vb extended cordectomy, the excision is extended to remove part or all of the arytenoids. The posterior arytenoids mucosa is preserved. In Type Vc extended cordectomy, the whole of the ventricle and the ventricular fold is removed together with the vocal fold. In Type Vd extended cordectomy, surgery is extended inferiorly to include the subglottic mucosa. Type VI cordectomy--Anterior billateral cordectomy in this operation surgical intervention is focused on anterior commissure, therefore some authors name it commissurectomy.

[Bilateral vocal paralysis phonosurgery in adults].

Ordinary clinical manifestation of the patient with bilateral vocal fold paralysis is inability of abducting the cords with a result of narrowing the glottic space, causing inspiratory stridor and mild dysphonia. Such patients can be life threatened due to narrowing airway. Some kind of surgery has to be performed on these patients in order to enlarge the airway. When we treat patients with OPG, the most reasonable way is to gradually enlarge airway at glotic level and there are several surgical methods for achieving this. The least agresive and the safest procedures are posterior transversal cordectomy (PTC) or medial arytenoidectomy (MA), after which we can perform extended versions of some of these methods or combination of both. Bilateral vocal fold paralysis has to be diagnostically different from stenosis of posterior commissure, even though the procedures such as medial arytenoidectomy, posterior transversal cordectomy and total arytenoidectomy can be performed in both cases. The patients have to be explained that the aim of the procedure is to enlarge airway to the detriment of voice quality and voice capabilities.

[Forensic importance of face, mouth, teeth, ear, throat, nose and labyrinth injuries].

Evaluation of bodily injuries and diminished general vital activity from face and facial bones injuries accompanied by scars and disfiguration ranges from 5 to 50 percent depending on the disfiguration, loss of function and degree of aesthetic marring. They are graded accordingly and they may be: mild (5 to 20%), medium (20 to 35%) and serious when the degree of bodily injury and diminished general vital activity is 35 to 50%. Percentage of bodily injuries and diminished general vital activity from jaw defects ranges from 30 to 80 percent depending on the disfiguration, loss of function and degree of aesthetic marring. Percentage of bodily injuries and diminished general vital activity from nose structure nasal pyramid defects ranges from 10 to 20 percent depending on the disfiguration, loss of function and degree of aesthetic marring. Partial loss of nose structure is estimated at 15%, whereas the complete one may go up to 30%. Diminished general vital activity and percentage of bodily injury with partial laryngectomy ranges from 20 to 40%. In case of subtotal laryngectomy, this is up to 60% and with total one, it reaches 80%.

[Postoperative morbidity and quality of live in patients after radical and modified radical neck dissection].

Useful of radical neck dissection would not be questioned if the effects would be perfect. When postoperative morbidity is associated with oncological shortage of radical neck dissection in functional and cosmetics disfunction, looking for a new therapeutics procedures are justify. In our study were 319 patients. They were treated in period from 01 January 2000 to 31 December 2002. The follow-up was 5 year. We tried to consolidate distribition of n. accesorius operative injuries in modified radical neck dissection and relationship beetwen shoulder pain and shoulder droop after modified and radical neck dissection. Injured n.accesorius in modified radical neck dissection was significantly decreased in patients with modified radical neck dissection. The frequence of patients is significantly different (chi m2=26.662; df = 1; p<0.01) in categories of complications of n.accesorius (shoulder pain, shoulder droop). Shoulder pain and shoulder droop were significantly decreased in modified radical neck dissection (p<0.01).

[Results of hemilaryngectomy in primary surgical treatment of laryngeal carcinoma]. / Rezultati hemilaringektomije u primarnom hirurskom lecenju karcinoma larinksa.

Hemilaryngectomy is the resection of a true anatomic half of the larynx with preservation of the cricoid cartilage. We present a retrospective study of 438 patients with glottic carcinoma, treated with hemilaryngectomy, at the Institute of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia between 1988 and 1997. The patients with positive margins (19.4% of all) were postoperatively irradiated. Local recurrences of carcinoma were found in 17.3% of subjects, and regional recurrences in 16.4% of subjects. Those patients were treated with total laryngectomy or radical neck dissection, and with radiotherapy. 5-years survival rate in our patients was 79%. Hemilaryngectomy provided acceptable percent of local and regional recurrences, and good functional results: respiration, swallowing and voice quality. Therefore it could be the first choice surgery technique in treatment of T2 laryngeal carcinoma.