Association between FokI, ApaI and TaqI RFLP polymorphisms in VDR gene and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: preliminary data from female patients in Serbia.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most prevalent autoimmune thyroid disorder caused by an interaction between genes and environmental triggers. Intrathyroid lymphocytic infiltration may lead to progressive destruction of thyroid tissue and consequently to hypothyroidism. Many studies in different populations have shown association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and various autoimmune diseases, including HT.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of zinc on rats and its impact on general behavioural parameters.

Background/aim: Zinc is an essential element which has considerable interaction with gamma-aminobutyric acid A type receptors (GABA(A)) and glutamate receptors in the cen tral nervous system (CNS). It is believed that zinc acts as a potent inhibitor of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and binding to structurally specific site on the GABA(A) receptor leads to inhibition of GABA-dependent Cl-pass. The aim of our research was to test the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of zinc after single application and its influence on general behavioural parameters after repeated administration.

Anti-atherogenic effects of 17β-estradiol.

Estrogens are secreted primarily by the ovaries and placenta, by the testes in men and also produced by peripheral steroidogenic conversion. The 3 major naturally occurring estrogens are: 17β-estradiol (E2), estrone and estriol, of which E2 is the predominant and most active. The actions of E2 are mediated by at least 3 different receptors - the classical ERs (ERα and ERβ) and G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30).

Innovative approach to laser acupuncture therapy of acute obstruction in asthmatic children.

A prospective randomized study encompassed 100 patients with asthma in the stage of acute bronchial obstruction, 7 to 17 years of age, of both sexes and with the similar rate of attack severity. The patients were spirometrically monitored (FVC, FEV1, PEF and FEF 25-75%) by a pediatrician-pulmonologist for 12 days. Fifty patients were subjected to conservative drug therapy, whereas other 50 patients additionally underwent the Su Jok therapy according to the 6-Ki principles, applying laser ray at the acupuncture points in the hand.

[A historical review of the development of physical medicine and rehabilitation service in Vojvodina].

At the end of 1959, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was founded as a part of the Main Provincial Hospital in Novi Sad and it was located in the building built for that purpose in 1958. This institution specialized for rehabilitation was the first of its kind in the region of Vojvodina. Drilling of the first well in the area of today's Futoski park began in 1897.