Fiziološka ispitivanja izolata Colletotrichum spp.

In the physiological studies were included 20 isolates of Colletotrichum spp. originating from pear, apple, sour cherry and tomato fruits, as well as reference strains of C. acutatum (CBS 294.67) and C. gloeosporioides (CBS 516.97). The results indicated that five different culture media (PDA, CA, OA, MEA, CDA), seven different pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), and temperatures (5º, 10º, 15º, 20º, 25º, 30º, 35ºC) have significant influence on growth and sporulation of isolates of Colletotrichum spp. All tested media, except CDA, were suitable for pathogens development. Five morphological groups of colonies on PDA were observed, confirming the great phenotypic variability of isolates. The best media pH for pathogens growth and sporulation were pH 6 and 7. The optimum temperature for colonies development was 25˚C, and temperatures of 20° and 25ºC were the most favorable for sporulation of isolates of Colletotrichum spp.U fiziološka ispitivanja su uključena 20 izolata Colletotrichum spp. poreklom sa plodova kruške, jabuke, višnje i paradajza, kao i referentni sojevi C. acutatum (CBS 294.67) i C. gloeosporioides (CBS 516.97). Rezultati ukazuju da pet različitih hranljivih podloga (PDA, CA, OA, MEA, CDA) sedam različitih pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) i temperatura (5º, 10º, 15º, 20º, 25º, 30º, 35ºC) imaju značajan uticaj na razvoj i sporulaciju izolata Colletotrichum spp. Sve testirane podloge, izuzev CDA su pogodne za razvoj patogena. Na podlozi PDA moguće je razlikovati pet morfoloških grupa kolonija, što potvrđuje fenotipsku varijabilnost proučavanih kultura. Podloge pH 6 i 7 su najbolje za porast i sporulaciju patogena. Optimalna temperatura za razvoj ispitivanih kolonija je 25°C, a temperature od 20° i 25°C su najpovoljnije za sporulaciju izolata Colletotrichum spp

Prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival in stage II and III colorectal carcinoma patients

This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival in local and locally advanced colorectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 273 patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent operative treatment of the primary tumor and adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Results: Over the three-year period (2008–2010), a cohort of 273 patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer had been screened. During follow up, 105 (38.5%) patients had disease recurrence. Survival rates 1-, 3- and 5-year after recurrence were 53.9, 18.2 and 6.5%, respectively, and the median post-recurrence survival time was 13 months. Survival analysis showed that age at diagnosis (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.05), elevated postoperative Ca19-9 (p < 0.01), tumor histology (adenocarcinoma vs. mucinous vs. signet ring tumors, p < 0.01) and tumor stage (II vs. III, p < 0.05) had a significant influence on post-recurrence survival. Recurrence interval and metastatic site were not related to survival following recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (HR 2.43), mucinous tumors (HR 1.51) and tumors expressing Ca19-9 at baseline (HR 3.51) were independently associated with survival following recurrence. Conclusions: Baseline patient and tumor characteristics largely predicted patient outcomes after disease recurrence. Recurrence intervals in local and locally advanced colorectal cancer were not found to be prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival. Older age, male gender, stage III and mucinous histology were poor prognostic factors after the disease had recurred. Stage II patients had remarkable post-recurrence survival compared to stage III patients

Serum activity of DPPIV and its expression on lymphocytes in patients with melanoma and in people with vitiligo

Background: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV, a multifunctional serine protease, is implicated in regulation of malignant transformation, promotion and further progression of cancer, exerting tumor-suppressing or even completely opposite - tumor-promoting activities. The aim of present research was to determine the serum DPPIV activity, as well as the percentages of CD26+ lymphocytes, CD26+ overall white blood cells and the mean fluorescence intensity of CD26 expression on lymphocytes in patients with melanoma, people with vitiligo and in healthy controls. Methods: The activity of DPPIV in serum was determined by colorimetric test. Expression of DPPIV (as CD26) on immunocompetent peripheral white blood cells was done using flow cytometry analysis. Results: Data from our study show for the first time statistically significant decrease: in the serum DPPIV activity, in the percentage of CD26+ overall white blood cells and in the percentage of lymphocytes in patients with melanoma in comparison to healthy control people. In addition, significantly lower serum DPPIV activity was found in the group of patients with melanoma in relation to people with vitiligo too. Conclusion: This study indicates the need for exploring the cause and the importance of the disturbances in the serum DPPIV activity and in the CD26 expression on immunocompetent cells in complex molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of melanomaThe authors are grateful to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia for the financial support (Project 175011)S

Predictors of posttraumatic stress in civilians 1 year after air attacks: A study of Yugoslavian students

The level of posttraumatic stress, other psychological symptoms, and potential predictors were assessed in 139 medical students 1 year after experiencing air attacks in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Eleven percent of the students showed high levels of posttraumatic stress (scores gt 34) on the Impact of Event Scale; lower degrees of intrusion symptoms were reported by 32% of the students and avoidance symptoms were reported by 45%. Although gender, distress during previous stressful events, and exposure to trauma during the attacks were all of some predictive value, distress during the attacks was the best predictor for symptoms. This association remained significant when the influence of other psychological symptoms was controlled. The type of previous stressful events interacted with the degree of exposure to trauma during the attacks in predicting avoidance symptoms, but not intrusion symptoms. The findings suggest that predictors for high and low thresholds of symptoms may be similar. The quality of previous stressful events can modify the response to subsequent trauma

Fiziološka ispitivanja izolata Colletotrichum spp.

In the physiological studies were included 20 isolates of Colletotrichum spp. originating from pear, apple, sour cherry and tomato fruits, as well as reference strains of C. acutatum (CBS 294.67) and C. gloeosporioides (CBS 516.97). The results indicated that five different culture media (PDA, CA, OA, MEA, CDA), seven different pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), and temperatures (5º, 10º, 15º, 20º, 25º, 30º, 35ºC) have significant influence on growth and sporulation of isolates of Colletotrichum spp. All tested media, except CDA, were suitable for pathogens development. Five morphological groups of colonies on PDA were observed, confirming the great phenotypic variability of isolates. The best media pH for pathogens growth and sporulation were pH 6 and 7. The optimum temperature for colonies development was 25˚C, and temperatures of 20° and 25ºC were the most favorable for sporulation of isolates of Colletotrichum spp.U fiziološka ispitivanja su uključena 20 izolata Colletotrichum spp. poreklom sa plodova kruške, jabuke, višnje i paradajza, kao i referentni sojevi C. acutatum (CBS 294.67) i C. gloeosporioides (CBS 516.97). Rezultati ukazuju da pet različitih hranljivih podloga (PDA, CA, OA, MEA, CDA) sedam različitih pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) i temperatura (5º, 10º, 15º, 20º, 25º, 30º, 35ºC) imaju značajan uticaj na razvoj i sporulaciju izolata Colletotrichum spp. Sve testirane podloge, izuzev CDA su pogodne za razvoj patogena. Na podlozi PDA moguće je razlikovati pet morfoloških grupa kolonija, što potvrđuje fenotipsku varijabilnost proučavanih kultura. Podloge pH 6 i 7 su najbolje za porast i sporulaciju patogena. Optimalna temperatura za razvoj ispitivanih kolonija je 25°C, a temperature od 20° i 25°C su najpovoljnije za sporulaciju izolata Colletotrichum spp

The impact of different infusion solutions on postoperative recovery following colorectal cancer surgery

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare two groups in postoperative recovery, whether there were any complications and whether the length of their hospital stay differed. One group received intraoperatively a combination of crystalloids and a small colloid dose, while the other group received only the crystalloids intraoperatively. Methods: This randomized prospective study included 80 patients with colorectal cancer prepared for major elective colorectal surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (CG) which received only crystalloid solutions intraoperatively or to the research group (RG) which received a combination of colloid and crystalloid solutions. Regional and general endotracheal anesthesia techniques were combined in all patients. Goal-directed fluid therapy was administered to patients in both groups. After extubation, patients were transferred in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). We measured the administered fluids, fluid balance, the volume of received red packed cells (RPC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Recorded were the first bowel movement, the first flatus, the tolerance on oral food, complications by Clavian-Dindo classification, days of patient's recovery delay in the ICU, Surgery Department (SD) and the total length of hospital stay (LOS). Results: Statistically significant differences were present in all parameters of postoperative recovery. RG patients showed better results relative to the CG patients. RG patients were faster in restoring bowel movement and peristalsis, get the first postoperative stool and re-acquire oral food tolerance. According to the Clavian-Dindo classification of complications, no significant difference between these two groups was noted. Conclusions: Goal-directed colloid-crystalloid therapy significantly improved postoperative recovery

Humoral immunoreactivity to gliadin and to tissue transglutaminase is present in some patients with multiple myeloma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell disorder with many immunological disturbances. The aim of this work was to assess whether some of food antigens contribute to the imbalance of immune response by screening the sera of MM patients for their immunoreactivity to food constituent gliadin, to tissue transglutaminase-2 (tTG-2) and to Ro/SSA antigen.</p> <p>Sera from 61 patients with MM in various stages of disease, before, or after some cycles of conventional therapy were analyzed by commercial Binding Site ELISA tests. The control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers. Statistical analysis of data obtained was performed by Mann Whitney Test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The higher serum IgA immunoreactivity to gliadin was found in 14/56 patients and in one of control people. The enhanced serum IgG immunoreactivity to gliadin was found in only two of tested patients and in two controls. The enhanced IgA immunoreactivity to tTG-2 was found in 10/49 patients' sera, while 4/45 patients had higher serum IgG immunoreactivity. The enhanced serum IgG immunoreactivity to RoSSÀ antigen was found in 9/47 analyzed MM patients' sera. Statistical analysis of data obtained revealed that only the levels of anti-tTG-2 IgA immunoreactivity in patients with MM were significantly higher than these obtained in healthy controls (P < 0.02)</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Data obtained showed the existence of the enhanced serum immunoreactivity to gliadin, tTG-2 and Ro/SSA antigens in some patients with MM. These at least partially could contribute to the immunological imbalance frequently found in this disease.</p

Prognostic Factors for Post-Recurrence Survival in Stage II and III Colorectal Carcinoma Patients

Abstract: Background and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors for postrecurrence survival in local and locally advanced colorectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 273 patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent operative treatment of the primary tumor and adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Results: Over the three-year period (2008–2010), a cohort of 273 patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer had been screened. During follow up, 105 (38.5%) patients had disease recurrence. Survival rates 1-, 3- and 5-year after recurrence were 53.9, 18.2 and 6.5%, respectively, and the median post-recurrence survival time was 13 months. Survival analysis showed that age at diagnosis (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.05), elevated postoperative Ca19-9 (p < 0.01), tumor histology (adenocarcinoma vs. mucinous vs. signet ring tumors, p < 0.01) and tumor stage (II vs. III, p < 0.05) had a significant influence on post-recurrence survival. Recurrence interval and metastatic site were not related to survival following recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (HR 2.43), mucinous tumors (HR 1.51) and tumors expressing Ca19-9 at baseline (HR 3.51) were independently associated with survival following recurrence. Conclusions: Baseline patient and tumor characteristics largely predicted patient outcomes after disease recurrence. Recurrence intervals in local and locally advanced colorectal cancer were not found to be prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival. Older age, male gender, stage III and mucinous histology were poor prognostic factors after the disease had recurred. Stage II patients had remarkable post-recurrence survival compared to stage III patients.This study is supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Re-public of Serbia (Agreement No. 451-03-9/2021-14/200043). This article is based upon work from COST Action CA17118, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology); www.cost.eu (accessed on 12 October 2021). : JS and MC are supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (PROMIS TRACEPIGEN project No. 6060876

Association of uPA and PAI-1 tumor levels and 4G/5G variants of PAI-1 gene with disease outcome in luminal HER2-negative node-negative breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic potential of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) tumor tissue levels and examine the association between these biomarkers and classical prognostic factors in early node-negative luminal breast cancer patients. The clinical value of 4G/5G variants of PAI-1 gene was evaluated. Patients and methods This study involved 81 node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive and/or progesterone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative operable breast cancer patients who underwent radical surgical resection and received adjuvant endocrine therapy. Determination of uPA and PAI-1 concentrations in the breast cancer tissue extracts was performed using FEMTELLE® uPA/PAI-1 ELISA. An insertion (5G)/deletion (4G) polymorphism at position − 675 of the PAI-1 gene was detected by PCR-RFLP analysis. Results Our research showed that patients with uPA tumor tissue levels higher than 3 ng/mg of protein had significantly reduced disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) when compared to patients with uPA tumor tissue levels lower or equal to 3 ng/mg of protein. Patients with PAI-1 tumor tissue levels higher than 14 ng/mg of protein had significantly decreased OS in comparison with patients with PAI-1 tumor tissue levels lower or equal to 14 ng/mg of protein. ROC analysis confirmed the uPA and PAI-1 discriminative potential for the presence/absence of relevant events in these patients and resulted in higher cut-off values (5.65 ng/mg of protein for uPA and 27.10 ng/mg of protein for PAI-1) than standard reference cut-off values for both biomarkers. The prognostic importance of uPA and PAI-1 ROC cut-off values was confirmed by the impact of uPA higher than 5.65 ng/mg of protein and PAI-1 higher than 27.10 ng/mg of protein on poorer DFS, OS and event-free survival (EFS). We observed that patients with dominant allele in PAI-1 genotype (heterozygote and dominant homozygote, − 675 4G/5G and − 675 5G/5G) had significantly increased DFS, OS and EFS when compared with patients with recessive homozygote genotype (− 675 4G/4G). Conclusion Our study indicates that uPA and PAI-1 tumor tissue levels and 4G/5G variants of PAI-1 gene might be of prognostic significance in early node-negative luminal HER2-negative breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy