1931. Tumor markers in clinical oncologySrdjan Novaković, 2004, review article Abstract: The subtle differences between normal and tumor cells are exploited in the detection and treatment of cancer. These differences are designated as tumor markers and can be either qualitative or quantitative in their nature. That means that both the structures that are produced by tumor cells as well as thestructures that are produced in excessive amounts by host tissues under theinfluence of tumor cells can function as tumor markers. Speaking in general, the tumor markers are the specific molecules appearing in the blood or tissues and the occurrence of which is associated with cancer. According totheir application, tumor markers can be roughly divided as markers in clinical oncology and markers in pathology. In this review, only tumor markersin clinical oncology are going to be discussed. Current tumor markers in clinical oncology include (i) oncofetal antigens, (ii) placental proteins, (iii) hormones, (iv) enzymes, (v) tumor-associated antigens, (vi) special serum proteins, (vii) catecholamine metabolites, and (viii) miscellaneous markers. As to the literature, an ideal tumor marker should fulfil certain criteria - when using it as a test for detection of cancer disease: (1) posirive results should occur in the early stages of the disease, (2) positiveresults should occur only in the patients with a specific type of malignancy, (3) positive results should occur in all patients with the same malignancy, (4) the measured values should correlate with the stage of the disease, (5) the measured values should correlate to the response to treatment, (6) the marker should be easy to measure. Most tumor markers available today meet several, but not all criteria. As a consequence of that, some criteria were chosen for the validation and proper selection of the most appropriate marker in a particular malignancy, and these are: (1) markers' sensitivity, (2) specificity, and (3) predictive values. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters). Published in DiRROS: 13.02.2024; Views: 306; Downloads: 0 |
1932. SBA-15 mesoporous particles with adsorbed cresol red dye and functionalized with 3-aminopropyl groups : materials properties and dye release studiesErika Švara Fabjan, Romana Cerc Korošec, Klara Šifrer, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Ramon Martinez Manez, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Research in the field of sensing has focused on tailoring the responsiveness of materials through the variation in materials properties achieved via functionalization of the mesoporous matrix. pH indicator dyes capable of protonation/deprotonation reactions are known to display different forms, resulting in changes in colour. This research focused on the preparation of mesoporous substrates SBA-15 with integrated pH indicator dye o-cresolsulphonephtalein (cresol red) grafted with (3-aminopropy) trimethoxysilane (gaining functionalized-SBA-15 material) in order to gain a colour change response following release of the dye. UV-Vis reflectance and absorbance spectra were used to evaluate forms of cresol red. The textural properties, including specific surface area, pore size distribution and pore volume were evaluated using nitrogen sorption, and XRD analysis was conducted to evaluate crystallinity of the material and pore ordering. The presence of 3-aminopropyl groups was determined by thermal decomposition using TGA–DSC/MS. The functionalized SBA-15 materials loaded with cresol red mostly retained ordering of the pores and showed a slight reduction in surface area. Functionalization changed the surface properties of the material. In the non-functionalized SBA-15, cresol red was present in both double (H2L) and single (HL−) protonated forms, whereas in the functionalized SBA-15 the deprotonated L2−form prevailed. Through desorption experiments cresol red was successfully desorbed from selected sample to different media. The change of colour caused by alterations in the form of the dye once released from the mesoporous silica material into the medium was confirmed. The form of cresol red released was determined by the pH of the medium. Keywords: mezoporozni materiali, SBA-15, funkcionalizacija, uravnavanje odzivnosti, zaznavanje Published in DiRROS: 13.02.2024; Views: 392; Downloads: 290
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1933. Evaluation of water equivalency of Plastic waterTM for high-energy electron beams using IAEA TRS-398 code of practiceBožidar Casar, Urban Zdešar, Vlado Robar, 2004, original scientific article Abstract: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a novel method for efficient tumor treatment in clinical environment. It combines local drug delivery and application of shorthigh voltage pulses, which permeabilize the plasma membrane by electroporation. Drug can enter only the cells with permeabilzed membrane. Recently, medical device CliniporatorTM for controlled electroporation was developed. Here, we present a web-application that extends the functionality of this medical device. The aim of the application is to collect, store and toallow the analysis of every ECT application using this medical device. The application helps transferring data collected by dev;ce during the electroporation process to the central database, and enables filling of medical records through the web forms. The application is based on technologies ASP, HTML, Flash, JavaScript, XML and others. The application main advantages are easy and rapid data access, scalability and independence of client computer operating system as well as easy application debugging and upgrading. Published in DiRROS: 13.02.2024; Views: 326; Downloads: 80
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1934. Effect of demineralization and ball milling treatments on the properties of Arundo donax and olive stone-derived biocharMariem Zouari, Laetitia Sarah Jennifer Marrot, David Brian DeVallance, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The structural and physio-chemical properties of biochar are crucial to determining biochar’s quality and the adequate application. Specifically, the large porosity of biochar has been known as a favorable feature, especially for environmental remediation. In this regard, physical and chemical modifications have been used to improve biochar’s porosity which requires high-energy consumption and involves chemical agents. The objective of this study was to prepare biochar with developed porosity using mild treatments. Arundo donax and olive stone were demineralized by a water-washing method. Treated and non-treated biomasses were pyrolyzed, and part of the derived samples was subjected to wet ball milling. Samples were characterized with proximate, Fourier transform infrared, particle size, and physisorption analyses. The effect of demineralization depended on the biomass type, as ash reduction only influenced Arundo donax-derived biochar, which was attributed to the difference in initial ash content that was relatively low for olive stone. The carbonization yield decreased by 46% for the Arundo donax biomass after demineralization. Moreover, demineralization expanded the surface area and total pore volume of the Arundo donax biochar. The ball milling was effective in producing micro-sized biochar particles with a mean size ranging between 30 ± 2 µm and 42 ± 2 µm and between 13 ± 1 µm and 22 ± 2 µm for Arundo donax and olive stone without and with demineralization, respectively. Ball milling increased the surface area of non-demineralized Arundo donax by 47% and demineralized Arundo donax by 124%. Additionally, ball milling increased the surface area of non-demineralized olive stone by 65% and demineralized olive stone by 62%. Keywords: biomass, carbonisation, porosity Published in DiRROS: 13.02.2024; Views: 361; Downloads: 245
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1937. Psychosocial coping strategies in cancer patientsLilijana Šprah, Mojca Šoštarič, 2004, review article Abstract: Background. The aim of this review is to present common psychosocial problems in cancer patients and their possible coping strategies. Cancer patients are occupied with many psychosocial problems, which are only partially related to their health state and medical treatments. They are faced with a high social pressure, based on prejudices and stereotypes of this illness. The review presents the process of confrontation with the cancer diagnosis and of managing the psychological consequences of cancer. The effects of specific coping styles, psychosocial interventions and a social support on initiation, progression and recurrence of cancer are also described. Conclusions. Althoughsome recent meta-analysis could not provide scientific evidence for the association befween coping strategies and the cancer initiation, the progression or the recurrence (neither have studies rejected the thesis of association), the therapeutic window for the psychosocial intervention is still wide and shows an important effect on the quality of lives of many cancer patients. Published in DiRROS: 07.02.2024; Views: 327; Downloads: 91
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1938. Rituximab affects the prognosis of patients with nonHodgkin's lymphomasBarbara Jezeršek Novaković, Marjeta Vovk, Simona Borštnar, Radka Tomšič, 2004, original scientific article Abstract: Backround. Rituximab - the most widely used monoclonal antibody in the B cell lymphoid malignancies has been applied successfully in the treatment of relapsed and refractory indolent CD20 positive B cell lymphomas and more recently, also in the treatment of aggressive lymphomas in combination with standard chemotherapy. Albeit the chemo-immunotherapy has a wide range of potential applications, there are still several issues that have to be resolved: (1) the optimal scheduling of antibody-chemotherapy combinations, (2) the most active of these combinations, as well as (3) the predictors of response to rituximab. Patients and methods. To facilitate addressing the first two questions, we performed an analysis in 25 patients with different histological types of CD20 positive nonHodgkin's lymphomas (10 aggressive and 15 indolent). Seventeen patients were treated with chemo-immunotherapy for a relapse, and just in 8 patients rituximab was added to first line chemotherapy. Most of the responders received the CHOP regimen, but also otherregimens (FC, BVCPP) were effective in combination with rituximab. Results. The overall response rate was 76%, with 68% complete remissions. The median response duration has not been reached yet. The response was markedly better in the group of previously untreated patients, where the overall response rate reached 100%, with 7 patients in complete and 1 patient in partial remission. Most of the treatment failures occurred in heavily pretreated patients with aggressive lymphomas. No serious adverse effects wereobserved. Conclusion The chemo-immunotherapy improves the treatment outcomes in patients with untreated and relapsed CD20 positive nonHodgkin's lymphomas in comparison to chemotherapy alone. The combined treatment is the most effective when used as soon as possible (preferably as the first line treatment). (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters). Published in DiRROS: 07.02.2024; Views: 418; Downloads: 109
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1939. A web-application that extends functionality of medical device for tumor treatment by means of electrochemotherapyIvan Pavlović, Peter Kramar, Selma Čorović, David Cukjati, Damijan Miklavčič, 2004, original scientific article Abstract: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a novel method for efficient tumor treatment in clinical environment. It combines local drug delivery and application of shorthigh voltage pulses, which permeabilize the plasma membrane by electroporation. Drug can enter only the cells with permeabilzed membrane. Recently, medical device CliniporatorTM for controlled electroporation was developed. Here, we present a web-application that extends the functionality of this medical device. The aim of the application is to collect, store and toallow the analysis of every ECT application using this medical device. The application helps transferring data collected by devčce during the electroporation process to the central database, and enables filling of medical records through the web forms. The application is based on technologies ASP, HTML, Flash, JavaScript, XML and others. The application main advantages are easy and rapid data access, scalability and independence of client computer operating system as well as easy application debugging and upgrading. Keywords: neoplasms- drug therapy, drug delivery systems, elektroporation instrumentation Published in DiRROS: 07.02.2024; Views: 455; Downloads: 110
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1940. Breast cancer and breast health awareness as an evolving health promotion conceptAndrej Plesničar, Viljem Kovač, Božo Kralj, 2004, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant disease in the majority of developed countries. In the last few years the introduction of mammography screening programmes has resulted in an improved survival of breast cancer patients. However, the incidence of the disease in these countries is still on the increase. Present focus on secondary breast cancer prevention activities, consisting of early detection and treatment, cannot ensure a decrease of breast cancer incidence. Improved breast health awarenesscould therefore represent a part of specific health promotion activities aimed at decreasing the incidence of breast cancer. Conclusions. Indeveloped countries breast cancer is a significant health care issue. Secondary breast cancer prevention activities should therefore be complementedby specific health promotion activities in order to reduce its incidence in the future. Primary breast cancer prevention would include healthpromotion activities aimed at enhancement of the individual as well as collective breast health awareness. Properly enlightened members of the influential population groups could attain appropriate changes in the fields of legislation, taxation, customs and commercial regulations that would enablewomen to control their own breast health. Published in DiRROS: 07.02.2024; Views: 545; Downloads: 87
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