1011. Brain metastases in lung cancer : impact of prognostic factors on patient survivalUroš Smrdel, Matjaž Zwitter, Viljem Kovač, 2003, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Brain metastases are common patterns of dissemination in lung cancer patients. In this paper we would like to assess the pattern of brain metastases in lung cancer patients and the impact of prognostic factors on thesurvival of lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Patients and methods. In the year 1998 there were 974 registered patients with lung cancer in Slovenia, six hundred and fifteen of them were treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and we analyzed them. Among 615 patients 137 (22.3%) of them have had brain metastases during a natural course of disease. Results. For 12 patients presenting with solitary brain metastases (most of them were undertaken metastaseetomy) median survival was 7.6 months, while in patients with multiple brain metastases the median survival was 2.8 months (p = 0.0018). Of the 137 patients 45 (32.8%) were small cell lung cancer patients, 43 (31.4%) were adenocarcinoma patients and 19 (13.9%) were squamous cell carcinoma patients. Patients with performance status (WHO scale) less than 2 had the median survival time 3.7 months while patients with performance status2 or more had median survival time 2.7 moths (p=0.0448). Conclusions. Patients with solitary brain metastases had better survival comparing with those who had multiple metastases. It is surprisingly that the portion of brain metastases patients with adenocarcinoma is almost equal to those with small-call lung cancer therefore, the prophylactic cranial radiation becomes actual for both groups of patients. The performance status of patients with brain metastases remains very important prognostic factor.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 218; Downloads: 63
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1012. Survivin - an inhibitor of apoptosis and a new therapeutic target in cancerJože Pižem, Andrej Cör, 2003, professional article Abstract: Survivin is a unique member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family. It inhibits apoptosis by interfering with post-mitochondrial events during apoptosis, thus blocking activation of caspases. The expression of survivin is among the most tumour specific of all human genes. It is overexpressed in most human cancers but is not detected in most normal tissues. Some molecular mechanisms of survivin upregulation in cancer have been elucidated, including loss of the wild-type p53. Tumours that overexpresssurvivin generally bear a worse prognosis and are associated with resistance to therapy. Its differential expression in caneer versus normal tissues makes survivin detection a useful tool in cancer diagnostics and a promising therapeutic target. Survivin targeting has resulted in increased spontaneous and induced apoptosis and inhibition of tumourgrowth. Some anticaneer drugs currently introduced into clinical practice might well act byinactivaring survivin.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 270; Downloads: 61
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1013. The role of cyclooxygenase-2 in the malignant tissue and possible applicability of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in the therapy of cancerMateja Legan, 2003, review article Abstract: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2), an inducible prostaglandin (PG) synthase, is elevated in many types of malignant and pre-malignant tissues. This enzyme is localized in neoplastic (epithelial) cells, microvascular endothelial cells, and stromal fibroblasts. Through the released PG it enhances carcinogenesis with increasing angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, activating matrix metalloproteinases, suppressing of cell mediated antitumor immune response andprotection against damage by cytotoxic agents. Evidences from in vitro studies, studies on animal models as well as first clinical outcomes suggest that the inhibition of COX 2 may suppress carcinogenesis by affecting a numberof pathways: inhibiting angiogenesis, invasiveness of tumors and promoting apoptosis. References forecast that COX 2 inhibitors, mostly COX 2 selective inhibitors, may get a role in the therapy of cancer as an adjuvant therapy or as an co-chemotherapeutic agent. The purpose of the present articleis to summarize the most important facts about the role of COX 2 in themalignant tissue and discuss possible ways for potential therapeutic place of COX 2 inhibitors in clinical practice.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 240; Downloads: 63
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1014. Ten years of the journal Radiology and oncology: some bibliometric evaluationMatjaž Musek, Marjeta Oven, Primož Južnič, 2003, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Bibliometrics and its methods are a useful set of tools for analysing a scientific journal's relative position in the field. By measuring different quantitative data and comparing them with other journals in the field, certain decisions can be made as to the future of the journal. Objectives and methods. We thought as appropriate to take last ten years of Radiology and Oncology (1992-2001) and put that content to double scrutiny: first, by applying various guantitative measurements to the journal's content to get a more objective picture of the whole and of its development in the past ten years; then by additionally comparing it to another international journal from the field and of similar orientation, Neoplasma, to illustrate ifdifferences and/or similarities between the two are in favour of or detriment to Radiology and Oncology. Results and conclusion. Results show thatRadiology and Oncology has been progressing in the right direction, but that extra efforts should be made by the editors and the editorial board to attract more articles per issue and to gradually increase the share of experimental articles to boost its impact in the field. Also, to improve its visibility, editors, reviewers and also authors that publish in Radiology and Oncology could consider citing the articles published in this journal, in the articles published elsewhere, when appropriate.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 231; Downloads: 66
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1015. Radioactive sources in brachytherapyJanez Burger, 2003, professional article Abstract: Background. In modern brachytherapy, a greast step forward was made in the 1960s in France with the introduction of new radioactive isotopes and new techniques. These innovations spread rapidly across Europe, though no single dosimetry standard had been set by then. In the new millennium, the advances in brachytherapy are further stimulated by the introduction of 3-D imaging techniques and the latest after loading irradiation equipment that use point sources. The international organiyation ICRU (International Commission on Radiation Units) worked out brachytherapy techniques and standardized them in 1985 and in 1997. Due to rapid development of new techniques, the revision is required in order to set new international standards in dosimetry and brachytherapy techniques that will fit to the changed conditions in radiotherapy. Conclusions. This is an outline of radioactive sources that are currently used in brachytherapy, such as Cs-137, Ir-192, Ra-226, Rn-222, Co-60, I-131, I-125, Pd-103, Tu-106 and Cf-252.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 267; Downloads: 56
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1016. Assessment of atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia using a moss biomonitoring techniqueLambe Barandovski, Trajče Stafilov, Robert Šajn, Katerina Bačeva Andronovska, Marina V. Frontasyeva, Inga Zinicovscaia, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This study aims to investigate the changes in atmospheric deposition trends in Macedonia, using a moss biomonitoring technique. This technique has been used to assess the content of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2015, within the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. The content of 42 elements was analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), on 72 moss samples collected in the summer of 2015. The median values of the elements studied were compared with data from previous years and with median values obtained from comparable studies in Norway and the neighboring countries. Through factor and cluster analysis, three geogenic factors were identified: Factor 1, which includes the elements Al, Ce, Fe, Hf, La, Li, Na, Sc, Sm, Tb, Ti, Th, V, and U; Factor 4, which includes As, Cl, and I; and Factor 5, which includes the elements Ba and Sr. In addition, one geogenic-anthropogenic factor containing Co, Cr, and Ni (Factor 2), was identified, and one anthropogenic factor containing Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn (Factor 3). The lead and zinc mines near the towns of Kriva Palanka, Probištip, and Makedonska Kamenica in the eastern region of the country, the former lead and zinc smelter in the town of Veles, and the ferronickel smelter near Kavadarci, have continuously had the greatest anthropogenic impact on the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements during the time period of the study. In addition to the human influences, the lithology and the composition of the soil continue to play a significant role in the distribution of the elements.
Keywords: moss, biomonitoring, air pollution, potentially toxic elements, Macedonia
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 288; Downloads: 91
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1017. Secondary deposits as a potential REEs source in South-Eastern EuropeRobert Šajn, Jasminka Alijagić, Ivica Ristović, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The main objective of this manuscript is to collect, classify, and compile all available data about secondary mineral sources of REEs in the South-Eastern Europe (SEE). The material is generated from the extracting and processing sector, that might be possibly transformed in the business process becoming an important raw material for another industry. The management inventory guide will strengthen communication and dissemination efforts and simultaneously contribute to Europe’s self-sufficiency and support transitioning to green and digital technology. Identification of the knowledge gaps associated with secondary sources of REEs in SEE will contribute to connections between all partners being involved at the beginning, during the lifetime of products and at the end of the life cycle, represented with deposit owners, technology developers and potential processors, producers, and potential users. At the investigated area it was found 1835 individual landfills, most of them belonging to waste rocks. The total quantity of all material in SRM is about 3.2 billion tons on an area of about 100 km2. The largest 95 individual landfills were selected as potential prospective landfills, containing about 1600 million tons of material. The estimated total potential of REEs (ΣREE) is more than 200 Kt. The largest quantities are found in landfills for coal fly ash and Cu flotation, which correspond to more than 80% of the ΣREE. Most of the promising sites are located in Serbia and North Macedonia. It has been calculated that the valorisation potential and perspectivity of REE2O3 is about 32.5 billion USD (prices from December 2022). According to the average concentrations of REEs, the most prospective are the red mud dams but their total volume is limited compared to massive amounts of coal fly ash landfills. The REEs content in all type of investigated materials, especially in coal fly ash in North Macedonia is twice as high as in other countries.
Keywords: secondary raw materials, ESEE, rare elements, economic prospective
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 277; Downloads: 81
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1018. Effect of electroporation on radiosensitization with cisplatin in two cell lines with different chemo- and radiosensitivitySimona Kranjc Brezar, Maja Čemažar, Alenka Grošel, Živa Pipan Tkalec, Gregor Serša, 2003, original scientific article Abstract: Aim. Radiosensitization with cisplatin can be enhanced by electroporation of cells and tumours. The aim of this study was to extend our previous studies ontwo carcinoma tumour models with different chemo-and radiosensitivity in order to evaluate whether this treatment is effective also on less chemo-and radiosensitive tumour cells. Materials and methods. This in vitro study was performed on carcinoma SCK and EAT-E cells. The cytotoxicity of three-modalitytreatment consisting of cisplatin, electroporation and irradiation was determined by the clonogenic assay. Results. The radiosensitizing effect of cisplatin on the two cell lines was greatly enhanced by electroporation. By this combined treatment, less chemo and radiosensitive EAT-E cells were rendered as sensitive as more chemo and radiosensitive SCK cells. Conclusion. The enhancement of cisplatin-induced radiosensitization of cells by electroporation could be beneficially used in the treatment of intrinsically less chemo- and radiosensitive tumours.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 223; Downloads: 72
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1019. Early postoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients operated for colorectal carcinoma - a new method for following-upBojan Veingerl, 2003, professional article Abstract: Background. The only method of treatment offering a favourable prognosis for colorectal carcinoma is radical resection of the part of the colon or rectum including the pertaining lymph nodes and eventual radical removal of metastases. But even such presumably curative surgery does not warrant full recovery of all operated patients as recurrences are frequent and according tomost analyses 5-year survival is lower than 50%. Therefore, additional treatment is attempted in some patients. Various prognostic factor of disease recurrance are helful. One such prognostic sign is serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level measured soon after surgery. Conclusions. All patients with radical R0 resection, according to their postoperative serum CEA levels and the CEA half-life fall into three groups: CEA R0, CEA R1, and CEA R2 resected patients. A statistically significant difference regarding survival and number of recurrence was noted among patients categorized bz the stage of disease, particularly between the three groups of patients and the group having been undergone presumably curative surgery.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 249; Downloads: 51
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1020. Dedicated small bowel follow-through - experience of Clinical institute of radiology in LjubljanaMateja Koprivnik, Breda Jamar, 2003, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Small bowell is a difficult part of the alimentary tract to examine. Radiologic modality most commonly used has been the conventional small bowel follow-through (SBFT), which has often been done in a cursory manner, without fluoroscopy and manual palpation. The purpose of our study is to present dedicated SBFT and to assess its sensibility and specificity. Patients and methods. We analysed 35 dedicated SBFT, performed from April to September 2002, in patients. Findings were evaluated according to clinical follow-up, endoscopy and surgery. Results. Our findings were consistent with clinical follow-up, endoscopy and surgery in 33 patients. In 2 patients our findings were false negative. Our results show 89.5% sensitivity and 100% specifity. Conclusions. An adequate per-oral examination remains the most reliable toll for diagnostic evaluation of the small bowel.
Published in DiRROS: 06.02.2024; Views: 218; Downloads: 50
Full text (125,73 KB) |
