Biomedical subjects

V Jovanović

Publications and source records attributed to V Jovanović.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

[Predictive factors for recurrent haemorrhagies in patients with brain cavernoma].

Haemorrhage is most important sequelae of brain cavernoma, so the surgical treatment is very important for treatment that complication. There are two types of bleeding chronic subclinical microhaemorrhage and acute real haemorrhage. Pathophysiological factors wich are responsible for bleeding are not still understanding. The reason for this study is understanding of clinical curse of cavernomas and identification of factors of influence. This is retrospective and prospective study. We analised 36 patients with simpthomatic brain cavernoma, surgicaly treated in Institute of neurosurgery KCS in 10 years period (1987-1997). Female were dominant but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). Male patients were older (32,1:29,8), but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). Almost 75% lesions were supratentorial, 25% infratentorial (p < 0.05). Focal neurological deficite (FND) was dominant clinical presentation in 52.8%. FND was dominant in 52.6% female, but without statistical singnificans (p > 0.05). Clinical presentation according the age was not statisticaly significant (p > 0.05). Clinical presentation was very diferent according the size of lesion (p < 0.001). FND as a sign of bleeding was in 57.9% supratentorial cavernomas and in 42.1% infratentorial (p < 0.005). More than 1/3 patients have recurent bleeding with 21 atack of haemorrhage or almost 2 atack per patient. We find that dominant predictive factors for recurent haemorrhages are localisation and size of lesion.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

[Neurosurgical treatment of spontaneous intracerebral haematomas].

There have been 34 patients with spontaneous intracerebral haematomas (ICH) operated, from the 1st January 2002. Yr to the 31st December 2002. Yr., at the Neurosurgical Department of Trauma Centre (Clinical Centre of Serbia). They all were with the serious disturbance of consciousness. For all these patients, indication for operation was established according to CT findings, state of consciousness, defined Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and neurological state. Due to the established incarceration or its risk, none of these patients had angiography, so preoperatively we didn't know the reason of bleeding. From 34 operated patients, 22 or 64.7% died and 12 or 35.3% survived. There were 14 patients in the deepest state of coma, where preoperatively GCS score was 3 to 5. Only one patient age 25 survived postoperatively. Other survivors have less disturbed state of consciousness, CT findings without intraventricular bleeding and were also in younger age group.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Neurosurgical treatment of traumatic intracerebral hematoma].

From January 1st to August 31st 2002 yr., Neurosurgical department of the Trauma Center, Clinical Center of Serbia, has operated 43 patients with posttraumatic intracerebral haemathoma (PTIH). From that number, 9 patients survived and 34 died. Only 4 patients with acute PTIH were in terminal state of incarceration and in spite they were operated immediately, all died. Other 39 patients have delayed PTIH where secondary CT cerebral scans showed the development of posttraumatic intracerebral haematoma that has not been verified at the incipient scanner. Indication for repeated CT scan was found for 19 patients for their focal or general neurological deterioration. 20 patients had no delayed neurological disturbances. Survivors were younger, in lower grade of coma and were mostly with temporal localisation of haemathoma.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Survey of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity in environmental samples from Yugoslavia.

The radioactivity of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in sediments, soil, turf and honey from Serbia and Kosovo (Yugoslavia) was measured using gamma and alpha spectrometry in order to estimate the radiation hazard from natural and man-made sources, as well as to compile a database for radioactivity levels in those regions. One sample, collected in the vicinity of a "depleted uranium" (DU) shell of the recent Balkan war, revealed a high 238U activity and a non-natural 235U/238U activity ratio, confirming therefore its anthropogenic origin. However, some other soil samples coming from characteristic DU craters did not show any characteristic level of radioactivity. The other sediment and turf samples taken all around the country show low radioactivity levels for all the isotopes here considered. With the aim of obtaining some indication about radioactivity migration in the food chain, several honey samples have been examined too. All samples show very low radioactivity content, often indistinguishable from natural background.

Environmental Monitoring↗

PubMed2002

Anthropocybernetic modeling--from population demography to the concept of values.

The "Values" model was conceived to integrate complex systems variables including genetic, memetic and demographic variables. Their respective integration in the "Values" model algorithm should enable us to better predict and estimate possible developments within complex anthropological systems such as human communities. The aim of this investigation was to test the ability of the "Values" model to approximately simulate the development and interaction of population size, kinship coefficient, environment and values within an imaginary population. The purpose of our research is to establish a basic model that could be used to simulate the behavior of complex anthropological systems, compare such simulations to available historical data for validation, predict demographic, socio-cultural, psychological and biological developments and finally set guidelines or suggestions for sustainable development of investigated communities.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Demographic development of the middle Dalmatian coast and simulation of trends in population density by the LOPI model.

Demographic development of middle Dalmatian settlements: Jesenice, Mimice, Zivogosće and Zaostrog was followed during the period between 1857 and 1991. On the basis of the analysis, we can conclude that the positive trends in the number of residents were interrupted during the first decades of the 20th century, while the stagnation and decrease of the total number of residents prevailed during the following period. In other words, depopulation was established as a stable demographic process. Population's gender structure was uniform during the rolls in 1971, 1981 and 1991 in all four settlements. During the same period, the age structure of the population showed that the older residents prevailed over younger residents (prereproductive and repoductive population) in all four settlements (Jesenice, Mimice, Zivogosće and Zaostrog). Furthermore, all settlements belonged to the regressive or stationary types of age structure (neither belonging to the progressive type). We have used the LOPI model for the mathematical modeling of demographic processes of the middle Dalmatian population. On the basis of the LOPI model the results show very good accordance between the simulated data and actual values in the settlements of Zivogosće and Zaostrog. The settlements of Jesenice and Mimice showed also very good accordance between the simulated data and actual values, but only until 1920 (Jesenice) and 1910 (Mimice) year.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Interaction with the environment: anthropological cybernetic model.

Cybernetics is primarily concerned with the transfer of information through, and (re)actions of systems. The research aim was to investigate models of interaction dynamics between an anthropological system and its environment. Equifinality dynamic model defined by three compartments and propensity for establishment of a steady state regardless of the initial conditions was applied. The intention was to apply this concept in anthropological research using the OPSIM procedure. DYNOPS model defined by four age-group compartments and the environment was also used. The model was applied on the census of the Bogomolje village on the island of Hvar (R. Croatia). Through numerous simulations, it was found that the influence of the environment increases with the decrease of time spent in the young age compartment. A drawback of DYNOPS model is that it places the environment in an unchangeable category, while in reality it necessarily changes through numerous interactions with various agents. Finally, cybernetics should not only be used to explicate, but also predict and correct undesired communal developments.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Anthropological cybernetic model of demography of the island of Hvar.

Intentions of the present investigation were to apply a cybernetic model in description of demography on the island of Hvar for a time period from year 1800 till now. The basic idea of the model applied in this anthropological study (LOPI) is that the rate of reproduction is given by the non-linear controller: Y2/Te(1-(Y3/G)). Constant G represents an environmental carrying capacity of a community with respect to the cohort of older people (no longer a part of the pool of reproductive inhabitants; Y3) sharing limited survival resources. The proportional constant 1/Te connected with the pool of reproductive inhabitants (Y2) correspond to the reproduction maximum. The consistency of the model is evaluated through comparison between model data and census. The LOPI model describes incredibly well the demography of the island of Hvar from the year 1800 till 1940. After year 1950 there were more inhabitants on the island then the model would predict. This fact is connected with changes in the migration or also in the increased carrying capacity (G). On the basis LOPI model, population dynamic oscillates in its development. The example of the island of Hvar has proved that population reaches a maximal number of inhabitants every 200 years. The oscillation of population dynamics is influenced by the migration processes. The mere fact that oscillating population size is connected to population genetics and probably also to sociocultural factors suggests that a cybernetics demographic model can be a guide in the holistic anthropological approach.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Topography of visual EEG reactivity in school-age children.

In order to quantify the visual reactivity of EEG to opening the eyes, the topography of EEG power spectra for a sample of 72 healthy subjects of age ranging from 7 to 15 years was investigated. The EEGs were recorded from 16 scalp sites with eyes open (EOP) and eyes closed (ECL). Ln-transformed absolute EEG powers, acquired under these two states, were tested with Wilcoxon's paired test for differences between the powers. The absolute powers in alpha band and in total, were significantly higher in all derivations, under the ECL, as compared with the EOP, condition. Absolute powers in theta band under the ECL condition were also significantly higher than those under the EOP condition, except for frontal derivations. Changes in delta power were insignificant. Beta 1 band activity, when eyes were closed, was maximal in posterior and minimal in anterior derivations. When the eyes were open, the greatest beta 1 power was found in the frontal derivations. Beta 2 was the only band in which a frequent increase in power took place with eyes opening. Eyes opening appeared to decrease significantly, the beta 1 and beta 2 powers only in posterior derivations. The results showed that the visual blocking of EEG was mostly due to a higher degree of EEG desynchronization for the subjects aged 7-5 years.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Anthropological cybernetic model of demographic structures in the Republic of Croatia.

Intentions of the present investigation were: a) to apply a cybernetic model in description of demography of the Republic of Croatia and b) to underline specificity of this type model application in anthrolpology based on definitions of systems theory as a reaction against reductionism. The cybernetic model is based on the idea that continuous processes of childbirth and ageing can be represented by compartment analysis. Compartment subpopulations were subjected to: a) the elimination by mortality and emigration described by constants Fi,0, and b) the enlargement by the immigration process described by constants F0,i. The consistency of the model is evaluated through the comparison between model data and census. The model prediction of the census and mortality for the period between 1953 to 1998 is fair enough (within +/- 2%). Application of this type of models provides a possibility that the anthropological fitness of regions could be quantified. The obtained data reveals that autoreproduction of the system and its fitness could be described by the chaos theory.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Fatal strongyloidosis following corticosteroid therapy in a patient with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia.

A patient with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenia and fatal strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome following prolonged corticosteroid therapy is briefly described. Diagnosis was difficult to perform due to absence of eosinophilia and diarrhea at presentation, as well as to the negativity of multiple stool specimens examined by direct microscopy of saline smear, formol-ether concentration techniques, and Baermann's test. The striking hypoalbuminemia in the setting of the normal results of liver function tests and prothrombin time was assumed to be due to enteropathy. Therefore, an upper endoscopy was undertaken, revealing Strongyloides stercoralis (SS) larvae in the biopsy specimens of the gastric and duodenal mucosa. The SS larvae were also demonstrated in the multiple specimens of the concentrated sputum. Despite thiabendazol treatment, death ensued. On autopsy, SS larvae were recovered in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. The importance of early diagnosis and of ruling out strongyloidosis prior to administration of corticosteroids are discussed, as well as the pathogenetic aspects of strongyloidosis in the patient under corticosteroids.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed1999

High frequencies and grade expressions of Carabelli's trait in a sample of the Croatian population.

Although it is generally accepted that Europeans exhibit the highest frequencies of Carabelli's trait (70-90%), these values represent the expression of all possible morphological grades. When only a well-defined trait expression is considered (grades 5th, 6th and 7th), the frequency is much lower, not more than 19.2% for the 5th grade, and significantly less for the 6th and 7th grades. Our observations based on the study of the Croatian (Central European) populations show the highest frequencies for grade of the trait (exceeding 23%). Comparative data for European or European derived populations demonstrate significant variation in grade expression. While the previously published data suggest that the highest grade of the trait expression does not exceed 10%, our figures show the highest yet known frequency of a well-defined trait.

Croatia↗

PubMed1998

EEG power spectra of normal preadolescent twins. Gender differences of quantitative EEG maturation.

To determine developmental changes of quantitative EEG maturation, we investigated the electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra in a sample of 72 pairs of healthy twins (144 subjects, 75 girls and 69 boys) ranging in age from 7-15 years. Main spectral parameters were measured in 16 EEG channels. The statistical significance of differences in the EEG power spectra was compared in relation to age and gender. Gender differences were tested by comparing the EEG parameters of boys and girls in the whole sample and separately in the subgroup of dizygotic twins of the opposite sex (DZO twin pairs). A statistically significant decrease of absolute power occurred with increasing age. A significant redistribution of relative power also appeared in higher age, mainly consisting of a progressive increase of alpha 2 power inversely related to relative alpha 1 and theta power. Polynomial regression models of the relation between alpha 2 and theta relative power with age were best described by a 5-order function. The mean frequency of activity across all spectra also increased with age and was maximal in the eldest subjects (13-15 years), with a significantly higher mean frequency of alpha 2 power in females. Similar age and gender differences were less marked in the subgroup of DZO twin pairs. The topographic distribution of spectral bands in normal subjects suggested an earlier maturation of midparietal or occipital than frontocentral regions, and indicated that the growth spurt does not occur simultaneously over homologous right and left hemisphere regions at the same age.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

A controversial issue: could a watch-and-wait policy for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma clinical stage I or IE with no lymphoma left following diagnostic surgery be justified? Results of a single centre study.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with clinical stage I or IE at presentation is left without other NHL localizations following surgery performed for diagnostic histology, and thus without any target lesion to judge the immediate effectiveness of immediately applied additional treatment modalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1988 we have adopted in this single centre, prospective non-randomized study, a watch-and-wait policy for such patients, who in addition had to have non-bulky disease, normal LDH levels, no 'B' symptoms and no Burkitt, lymphoblastic and cutaneous T-cell histology. Up to 1993 we have observed 50 consecutive cases. Patients were regularly followed with the endpoint to determine the relapse-free interval and overall survival. NHL relapses were treated, either with locoregional radiotherapy, or with chemotherapy, or both. RESULTS: The median observation time is at the moment 53.5+ months (range 6-106+). The initial NHL localizations were: a solitary cervical or auxillary lymph node in 18 patients, inguinal or scarpal lymph node in eight, tonsil in 12 and skin/subcutis in 12 (B-cell NHL only for skin/subcutis). Nine patients had low, 15 intermediate, and 26 high-grade histology. Within the observation period NHL relapses occurred in 10/50 patients (20 per cent). At the moment 46/50 patients (92 per cent) are alive and NHL free. The estimated 9-year freedom from relapse is 79 per cent and overall survival 92 per cent, and for 41 patients with intermediate/high-grade histologies 80 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. CONCLUSION: It seems that a proportion of the very selected subgroup of patients with stage I of IE NHL and absolutely no NHL left following diagnostic surgery, with additional criteria as described in this study can achieve a substantial freedom from relapse and overall survival rate without immediate additional therapeutic procedures following diagnosis of NHL, but no prognostic factors predicting this outcome seem yet available.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Computerized EEG topography of normal preadolescent twins--correlating similarity of background activity with genetic relatedness.

The influence of genetic relatedness on the similarity degree of topographical EEG parameters was studied in a sample of 26 sets of monozygotic (MZ) and 46 sets of dizygotic (DZ) twins. All 144 subjects were healthy, primary school children, aged 7-15 years, 69 boys and 75 girls. Correlation coefficients were calculated for 50 quantitative EEG parameters of paired values obtained at each of 16 active electrode sites, in four groups of paired tracings: 1. MZ twins, 2. DZ twins, 3. The autocorrelated (A) group formed by correlating the spectral parameters from the same subjects in two different analyzed sequences, 4. The random (R) control group of 1200 unrelated pairs formed from DZ twin pairs. Sets of MZ twins and A group showed the highest degrees of similarity of spectral parameters over all brain areas except for significant differences only for some background features over posterior regions. In contrast, highly significant differences in topographic parameters were evident in comparison of MZ sets with DZ sets, particularly when MZ sets were compared with DZ subsets of opposite sex. Both number and degree of significant differences increased progressively in comparisons with groups 3 vs 2, 1 vs 4, and 3 vs 4. The data gave strong evidence for a complex polygenic determination of normal human EEG topography.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Randomized study of zorubicin versus zorubicin-cisplatin in undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx (UCNT)

BACKGROUND: The most active chemotherapy regimens in UCNT were those combining anthracyclines (doxorubicin or epirubicin) and cisplatin. Our previous pilot study on 37 patients treated with the zorubicin-cisplatin combination with a RR of 67% and literature data about other anthracyclines such as epirubicin achieving a response rate of over 50% were the basis of this randomized study comparing efficacy and toxicity of the combination vs. zorubicin as monotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients entered the study. The diagnosis of UCNT was confirmed by two independent pathologists. All patients had their primary tumors in the nasopharynx. The patients were randomized in two groups: group A (zorubicin 325 mg/m2, day 1), and group B (zorubicin 250 mg/m2, day 1 and cisplatin 30 mg/m2, days 2-5). The inter-cycle interval was four weeks. The two groups were well balanced according to sex, age, stage Ho and TNM stage. RESULTS: Group A: 40 patients included, 34/40 evaluable for activity. Activity on evaluable patient basis: CR 4/34 (11.75%), PR 4/34, SD 14/34, PD 12/34, response rate 8/34 (23.5%); response rate on intent to treat basis 8/40 (20%). TOXICITY: granulocytopenia grade 3-4 6/40, thrombocytopenia grade 3-4 2/40, no febrile neutropenias, nausea/vomiting any grade 3/40, cardiac toxicity any grade (rhythm) 3/40 other toxicities minor or absent. Group B: 40 patients included, 36/40 evaluable for activity. Activity on evaluable patient basis: CR 10/36 (27.78%), PR 17/36, SD 3/36, PD 6/36, response rate 27/36 (75%); response rate on intent to treat basis 27/40 (67.5%). TOXICITY: granulocytopenia grade 3-4 10/40, thrombocytopenia grade 3-4 8/40, two febrile neutropenias, nausea/vomiting any grade 13/40, other toxicities mild or absent. Of the group of patients achieving a CR, four relapsed following 7, 11, 22 and 23 months, one was lost to follow-up, one died after six months from fulminant hepatitis B and eight are in complete remission lasting for 30+ to 66+ months. Following CR achievement none received any consolidation radiotherapy, and the projected five years of freedom from relapse for complete responders is about 60%. CONCLUSION: Zorubicin is an effective drug in UCNT and its combination with cisplatin has a significant activity and an acceptable toxicity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Richter syndrome with emphasis on large-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in previously unrecognized subclinical chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The authors report seven cases of Richter's syndrome, i.e. of large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) arising in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Six patients had the recently recognized variant of this syndrome, occurring in patients with previously undiagnosed subclinical CLL. All patients were treated with aggressive chemotherapy and a complete response of large cell NHL was achieved in 4/7. A complete response of NHL was observed in 3 out of 6, and a partial response in 2/6 patients with simultaneous occurrence of subclinical CLL and large cell NHL (response rate 5/6). Our findings might suggest that patients with Richter syndrome occurring in previously undiagnosed subclinical CLL could represent a better prognostic group in the overall population of patients with large cell NHL transformation of CLL.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Estimation of radioactive calcium absorption based on expanding Ca-exchangeable space.

Anthropological interest in calcium metabolism is partially connected with the genetic basis of skeletal metabolism that could provide additional optimism for people suffering from osteoporosis. The present investigation is aimed at deal with a of model describing Ca intestinal absorption, suitable for other descriptions currently investigated in anthropology (migration and gene flow). The purpose of this investigation was to establish features of the reflection of the Ca isotopic absorption tests in serum using the concept of an expanding Ca-space and to assess the reliability of the estimation of absorption (ABS) from one serum sample. Double tracer method, using 85Sr as the iv tracer, was used as the referent. The study included 100 subjects (49 females, 51 males) of which 34 were considered healthy. The mean value of ABS was 68 (+/-17.45 SD) % of dose. Serum radioactivity during the 24 hours following oral administration of 47Ca (together with 100 mg elemental Ca), o.s(t), from five blood samples was determined. The relationship between o.s(t) and ABS was found to be connected to an expanding Ca-space, V(t): ABS = o.s(t)V(t) = 26 + 11.8t0.35 o.s(t). After the absorption process was finished, an approximate value of V(t) is (100/S1)(t-x)b. The constants "S1" and "b" describe power function of iv s(t), whereas parameter "x" represents delay of V(t) Ca-space at oral administration in comparison to the iv administration. Statistical models selected on the basis of their low values of the SEE (from 8.71 to 8.90% of dose) include body surface index or body weight index (BW0.425). The CV expressed as (SEE/mean x ABS(Ca/Sr) x 100 were about 13% and the observed greatest difference between the estimated and measured ABS(Ca/Sr) was 20% of dose. The authors believe that models presented permit, to a limited extent, comparison of results obtained by different procedures. The results, according to variability of the sample of subjects, permit judgment on upper limits of error at estimation of absorption from one blood sample radioactivity.

Adult↗