Clinoptilolite for Treatment of Dyslipidemia: Preliminary Efficacy Study.

Objectives: A tribomechanically activated clinoptilolite (natural aluminosilicate mineral) has been used to increase growth in meat-producing animals, as an adjuvant in cancer therapy, and a heavy metal remover in humans. Because of its unique cation exchanging and chelating properties, we hypothesized that clinoptilolite may be beneficial for the treatment of dyslipidemia in the manner similar to bile acid sequestrants. Thus, specific aims of this pilot study were to orally administer clinoptilolite in different doses and granule size combinations to determine magnitude and time profile of changes in blood lipids.

Population genetic analyses of susceptibility to increased body weight.

Introduction: Obesity is a complex condition with multifactorial origin. Assuming that such a state is genetically controlled, the aim of our study was to evaluate the degree of genetic homozygosity among overweight and obese individuals by the homozygously recessive characteristics (HRC) test.

Material And Methods: We analysed the presence, distribution and individual combination of 15 selected genetically controlled recessive phenotype traits in a sample of 140 individuals with increased body mass index (overweight individuals n = 100 and obese individuals n = 40) and a control group of normal weight individuals (n = 300).

Structured exercise program improves functional capacity and delays relapse in euthyroid patients with Graves' disease.

Purpose: To evaluate short- and long-term effects of structured exercise program in euthyroid patients with Graves' disease.

Methods: The study employed a retrospective case-control design. The exercise group (n = 62) underwent 3 weeks of structured exercise program consisting of daily walking, strengthening, and stretching exercises while the control group (n = 62) participated in leisure activities.

Low-level laser therapy for acute neck pain with radiculopathy: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate clinical effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with acute neck pain with radiculopathy.

Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Setting: The study was carried out between January 2005 and September 2007 at the Clinic for Rehabilitation at the Medical School, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

Acute low back pain with radiculopathy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with acute low back pain (LBP) with radiculopathy.

Background Data: Acute LBP with radiculopathy is associated with pain and disability and the important pathogenic role of inflammation. LLLT has shown significant anti-inflammatory effects in many studies.

[Rehabilitation of children with apallic syndrome of traumatic or ischemic etiology].

Introduction: Apallic syndrome may be defined as the complete lack of cortical function - paragnosia and parapraxia. Vegetative functions and other sub cortical functions are maintained (sleep rhythm, suckling and swallowing reflex). The aim of the study was to investigate the recovery of children with Apallic syndrome depending on the etiology and differences among various modalities like self-care, motor control and speech during rehabilitation.

[The effects of balneotherapy on knee osteoarthritis].

Introduction: Effects of two types of balneotherapy on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were compared.

Material And Methods: 58 patients were included in the study and treated in the "Rusanda Spa" in Melenci. The patients were divided into two groups: group I (n=30) received a spa treatment and a mud pack per day, group II (n=28) received only two spa treatments per day.

[Quality of life in patients with subacute low back pain treated with physiotherapy rehabilitation].

Introduction: Low back pain is one of the most frequent health problems. The aim of the study was to investigate clinical effects of complex rehabilitation programs on quality of life of patients with subacute lumbar pain, and also to investigate the relationship between quality of life and the intensity of pain and local functional status of the lumbar spine.

Material And Methods: The prospective study included 60 patients suffering from subacute low back pain with radiculopathy caused by lumbar disc syndrome, without any previous treatment, and who did not need surgery.

[Functional outcome evaluation after total hip arthroplasty].

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty improves the hip functional status and quality of life of operated patients. The surgery outcome is determined by several numerical methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hip functional status 1 and 5 years after total hip arthroplasty using a modified Harris hip score.

Histopathology of chronic hepatitis C in relation to virus genotype.

Background/aim: The natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is variable and the factors determining the course of the illness are unclear. There are geographical variations in the distribution of different HCV genotypes, and some of them are related to the specific infection routes. Regarding our country, the dominant genotype is genotype 1b.