Hormoni i starenje

Since the 19th century, there have been sporadic attempts to attribute the changes of aging to one or another endocrine deficit and efforts to reverse these changes by various replacement therapies. This search for a hormonal ‘fountain of youth’ continues today.Još od 19. stoljeća bilo je sporadičnih pokušaja da se promjene u starenju pripišu nekom endokrinom deficitu, kao i nastojanja da se utječe na te promjene različitim nadomjesnim terapijama. Ta potraga za hormonskim ‘izvorom mladosti’ traje do današnjih dana

Microbiological Analysis of the Mummy of St. Marcian

The paper provides the results of the microbiological analysis of samples taken from the mummified remains of St. Marcian. Microorganisms found belong to bacteria and fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Bacillus, Penicillium, Sarcina, and Shewanella which are all a part of the common air, soil, and human microbial flora and therefore present no health hazard

KORIŠTENJE PALEORADIOLOŠKE I MIKROBIOLOŠKE ANALIZE ANTIČKOGA KULTURNOG MATERIJALA: MSCT, MAMOGRAFIJA I MIKROBIOLOŠKA ANALIZA KAPULJAČE S LIKOM SV. MARTINA I PROSJAKA (TROGIR, HRVATSKA)

Paleoradiology is the study of biological and other materials from archeological settings through the use of various medical imaging techniques. Although it is most often used in the scientific study of ancient human remains, it can also be used to study metals, ceramics, paper, and clothes. The aim of this study was to test two paleoimaging techniques (MSCT and mammography) in the analysis of an important Croatian liturgical vestment: the hood of a bishop’s cope from St. Lawrence’s Treasury in Trogir depicting St. Martin and a beggar. To ensure a safe environment for scientists participating in the analysis, a preliminary microbiological analysis was performed, which contributed to the database of microbiological flora found on Croatian archeological remains and relics studied to date. Due to a great amount of metal filaments, the paleoradiological analysis did not produce satisfactory results. However, a digitally enhanced image clearly showed fine metal embroidery of the hood that was not so easily perceived by naked eye. This article argues in favor of expanding paleoradiological studies on materials other than human remains and also of publishing unsatisfactory results, as important lessons for future development of techniques and methods to analyze ancient remains and seek answers about human historical and cultural heritage.Paleoradiologija je znanstvena disciplina koja se u analizi arheološki značajnih bioloških i drugih materijala služi različitim medicinskim slikovnim metodama. Iako se danas najčešće primjenjuje u istraživanju ljudskih ostataka, paleoradiologija se može koristiti i u analizi metala, keramike, papira i odjeće. Cilj je ovoga rada prikazati rezultate paleoradiološke (MSCT i mamografske) analize značajnoga hrvatskog obrednog crkvenog ruha: kapuljače biskupskog plašta s likom sv. Martina i prosjaka iz Trogirske riznice. Da bi se istraživačima osigurali sigurni uvjeti rada, izvedeno je mikrobiološko testiranje plašta, kojim su se nadopunili dosadašnji podaci o mikrobiološkoj flori hrvatskih arheoloških ostataka i relikvija. Zbog velikog broja metalnih niti prisutnih u kukuljici, paleoradiološka analiza nije dala zadovoljavajuće rezultate. Ipak, digitalno poboljšanje slike omogućilo je bolje uočavanje samog stila figuralnoga metalnog veza kapuljače, koji je teže uočiti golim okom. Naposljetku, studija obrazlaže značenje paleoradiologije u proučavanju nehumanoga arheološkog materijala kao i objavljivanje rezultata koji nisu posve zadovoljavajući, a bitni su za daljnji razvoj i poboljšavanje tehnika koje se koriste u istraživanju i arheološkog materijala i ljudske povijesti

THE USE OF PALEO-IMAGING AND MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING IN THE ANALYSIS OF ANTIQUE CULTURAL MATERIAL: MULTISLICE COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY, MAMMOGRAPHY, AND MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF THE TROGIR CATHEDRAL COPE HOOD DEPICTING ST. MARTIN AND A BEGGAR

Paleoradiologija je znanstvena disciplina koja se u analizi arheološki značajnih bioloških i drugih materijala služi različitim medicinskim slikovnim metodama. Iako se danas najčešće primjenjuje u istraživanju ljudskih ostataka, paleoradiologija se može koristiti i u analizi metala, keramike, papira i odjeće. Cilj je ovoga rada prikazati rezultate paleoradiološke (MSCT i mamografske) analize značajnoga hrvatskog obrednog crkvenog ruha: kapuljače biskupskog plašta s likom sv. Martina i prosjaka iz Trogirske riznice. Da bi se istraživačima osigurali sigurni uvjeti rada, izvedeno je mikrobiološko testiranje plašta, kojim su se nadopunili dosadašnji podaci o mikrobiološkoj flori hrvatskih arheoloških ostataka i relikvija. Zbog velikog broja metalnih niti prisutnih u kukuljici, paleoradiološka analiza nije dala zadovoljavajuće rezultate. Ipak, digitalno poboljšanje slike omogućilo je bolje uočavanje samog stila figuralnoga metalnog veza kapuljače, koji je teže uočiti golim okom. Naposljetku, studija obrazlaže značenje paleoradiologije u proučavanju nehumanoga arheološkog materijala kao i objavljivanje rezultata koji nisu posve zadovoljavajući, a bitni su za daljnji razvoj i poboljšavanje tehnika koje se koriste u istraživanju i arheološkog materijala i ljudske povijesti.Paleoradiology is the study of biological and other materials from archeological settings through the use of various medical imaging techniques. Although it is most often used in the scientific study of ancient human remains, it can also be used to study metals, ceramics, paper, and clothes. The aim of this study was to test two paleoimaging techniques (MSCT and mammography) in the analysis of an important Croatian liturgical vestment: the hood of a bishop’s cope from St. Lawrence’s Treasury in Trogir depicting St. Martin and a beggar. To ensure a safe environment for scientists participating in the analysis, a preliminary microbiological analysis was performed, which contributed to the database of microbiological flora found on Croatian archeological remains and relics studied to date. Due to a great amount of metal filaments, the paleoradiological analysis did not produce satisfactory results. However, a digitally enhanced image clearly showed fine metal embroidery of the hood that was not so easily perceived by naked eye. This article argues in favor of expanding paleoradiological studies on materials other than human remains and also of publishing unsatisfactory results, as important lessons for future development of techniques and methods to analyze ancient remains and seek answers about human historical and cultural heritage

THE USE OF PALEO-IMAGING AND MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING IN THE ANALYSIS OF ANTIQUE CULTURAL MATERIAL: MULTISLICE COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY, MAMMOGRAPHY, AND MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF THE TROGIR CATHEDRAL COPE HOOD DEPICTING ST. MARTIN AND A BEGGAR

Paleoradiologija je znanstvena disciplina koja se u analizi arheološki značajnih bioloških i drugih materijala služi različitim medicinskim slikovnim metodama. Iako se danas najčešće primjenjuje u istraživanju ljudskih ostataka, paleoradiologija se može koristiti i u analizi metala, keramike, papira i odjeće. Cilj je ovoga rada prikazati rezultate paleoradiološke (MSCT i mamografske) analize značajnoga hrvatskog obrednog crkvenog ruha: kapuljače biskupskog plašta s likom sv. Martina i prosjaka iz Trogirske riznice. Da bi se istraživačima osigurali sigurni uvjeti rada, izvedeno je mikrobiološko testiranje plašta, kojim su se nadopunili dosadašnji podaci o mikrobiološkoj flori hrvatskih arheoloških ostataka i relikvija. Zbog velikog broja metalnih niti prisutnih u kukuljici, paleoradiološka analiza nije dala zadovoljavajuće rezultate. Ipak, digitalno poboljšanje slike omogućilo je bolje uočavanje samog stila figuralnoga metalnog veza kapuljače, koji je teže uočiti golim okom. Naposljetku, studija obrazlaže značenje paleoradiologije u proučavanju nehumanoga arheološkog materijala kao i objavljivanje rezultata koji nisu posve zadovoljavajući, a bitni su za daljnji razvoj i poboljšavanje tehnika koje se koriste u istraživanju i arheološkog materijala i ljudske povijesti.Paleoradiology is the study of biological and other materials from archeological settings through the use of various medical imaging techniques. Although it is most often used in the scientific study of ancient human remains, it can also be used to study metals, ceramics, paper, and clothes. The aim of this study was to test two paleoimaging techniques (MSCT and mammography) in the analysis of an important Croatian liturgical vestment: the hood of a bishop’s cope from St. Lawrence’s Treasury in Trogir depicting St. Martin and a beggar. To ensure a safe environment for scientists participating in the analysis, a preliminary microbiological analysis was performed, which contributed to the database of microbiological flora found on Croatian archeological remains and relics studied to date. Due to a great amount of metal filaments, the paleoradiological analysis did not produce satisfactory results. However, a digitally enhanced image clearly showed fine metal embroidery of the hood that was not so easily perceived by naked eye. This article argues in favor of expanding paleoradiological studies on materials other than human remains and also of publishing unsatisfactory results, as important lessons for future development of techniques and methods to analyze ancient remains and seek answers about human historical and cultural heritage

Microbiological Analysis of the Mummy of St. Marcian

The paper provides the results of the microbiological analysis of samples taken from the mummified remains of St. Marcian. Microorganisms found belong to bacteria and fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Bacillus, Penicillium, Sarcina, and Shewanella which are all a part of the common air, soil, and human microbial flora and therefore present no health hazard

Embolisation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations : case series

Purpose: Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) are the direct communications between the pulmonary arteries and veins. These malformations can cause serious complications, and most of these patients should be treated. Herein we present our experience in the treatment of 18 cases of PAVM, treated with endovascular embolisation. Material and methods: Eighteen patients with PAVMs underwent endovascular embolisation during a five-year period. Eight were male and 10 were female, with ages ranging from 16 to 65 years. Standard steel coils and vascular plug were used for embolisation. Results: Embolisation was successful in 17 of 18 patients. Coiling was used in 10 patients, vascular plug in five, and both materials in two patients. All symptomatic patients with successful embolisation lost all their symptoms after treatment. Control angiography after embolisation showed a closure of AV shunt without migration of embolic material in all patients. Post-embolisation syndrome developed in four patients and late onset of pleural pain in three patients. There was no connection between pleural reaction and type of PAVM and embolic material. Conclusions: Endovascular PAVM treatment is a minimally invasive, highly successful method with a low rate of only transitory complications

Microbiological analysis of the mummy of St. Marcian [Mikrobiološka analiza mumije sv. Marcijana]

The paper provides the results of the microbiological analysis of samples taken from the mummified remains of St. Marcian. Microorganisms found belong to bacteria and fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Bacillus, Penicillium, Sarcina, and Shewanella which are all apart of the common air, soil, and human microbial flora and therefore present no health hazard

Percutaneous endovascular treatment for hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplantation : the role of percutaneous endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively analyze the outcomes of interventional radiology treatment of patients with hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after liver transplantation at our Institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hepatic artery stenosis was diagnosed and treated by endovascular technique in 8 (2.8%) patients, who underwent liver transplantation between July 2007 and July 2011. Patients entered the follow-up period, during which we analyzed hepatic artery patency with Doppler ultrasound at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after percutaneous endovascular treatment (PTA), and every six months thereafter. RESULTS: During the 12-month follow-up period, 6 out of 8 patients (75%) were asymptomatic with patent hepatic artery, which was confirmed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography, or color Doppler (CD) ultrasound. One patient had a fatal outcome of unknown cause, and one patient underwent orthotopic liver retransplantation (re-OLT) procedure due to graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that HAS angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive and safe endovascular procedures that represent a good alternative to open surgery, with good 12-month follow-up patency results comparable to surgery

Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Therapy for Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats Leads to Prevention and Reversal

Background. Monocrotaline selectively injures the lung’s vascular endothelium and induces pulmonary arterial hypertension. The stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 acts as a prototype cytoprotective agent that maintains endothelium, and its application may be a novel therapy. Besides, BPC 157 prevents and reverses thrombosis formation, maintains platelet function, alleviates peripheral vascular occlusion disturbances, and has anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects. Monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats (wall thickness, total vessel area, heart frequency, QRS axis deviation, QT interval prolongation, increase in right ventricle systolic pressure and bodyweight loss) can be counteracted with early or delayed BPC 157 therapy. ----- Methods and Results. After monocrotaline (80 mg/kg subcutaneously), BPC 157 (10 μg/kg or 10 ng/kg, days 1–14 or days 1–30 (early regimens), or days 14–30 (delayed regimen)) was given once daily intraperitoneally (last application 24 h before sacrifice) or continuously in drinking water until sacrifice (day 14 or 30). Without therapy, the outcome was the full monocrotaline syndrome, marked by right-side heart hypertrophy and massive thickening of the precapillary artery’s smooth muscle layer, clinical deterioration, and sometimes death due to pulmonary hypertension and right-heart failure during the 4th week after monocrotaline injection. With all BPC 157 regimens, monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (including all disturbed parameters) was counteracted, and consistent beneficial effects were documented during the whole course of the disease. Pulmonary hypertension was not even developed (early regimens) as quickly as the advanced pulmonary hypertension was rapidly attenuated and then completely eliminated (delayed regimen). ----- Conclusions. Thus, pentadecapeptide BPC 157 prevents and counteracts monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and cor pulmonale in rats