The grading model for the assessment of the total amount of epidural fibrosis in postoperative lumbar spine.

Purpose: To present a new model derived from Ross's model for the assessment of the total amount of epidural fibrosis and to present inter- and intravariability study.

Methods: Two readers blinded to each other and blinded to their first and second reading retrospectively evaluated the magnetic resonance examinations in 32 postoperative spine surgery patients using this model.

Results: Paired and unpaired two-sided t tests showed no significant difference between the first and second reading, and interclass correlation coefficient revealed good interobserver reliability.

HIV infection, as opposed to antiretroviral therapy, does not cause changes in the concentration levels of specific salivary electrolytes.

The concentration levels of salivary calcium, magnesium and zinc can vary in different localized oral, as well as systemic diseases and conditions. So far changes in the concentration levels of specific electrolytes in stimulated parotid saliva in HIV-positive/AIDS patients have been proven. The objective of this research was not only to study the concentration levels of calcium in non-stimulated total saliva, but also the concentration levels of magnesium and zinc, which have not been studied so far, and the influence of antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

[Hip fracture incidence in Croatia in patients aged 65 years and more].

Introduction: Incidence of hip fractures in Croatia is unknown as well as regional variations. The aim of this study is to 1) estimate incidence of hip fractures in Croatia and, 2) analyze differences in the incidence between the coastal and the continental region of Croatia.

Methods: Incident cases of hip fractures among people aged 65 years and more in 2003 were identified from the national hospital claims database.