Browsing by Author "Grajic, Mirko (24168219000)"

Abstract: Ectopic calcifications occur in tendons, ligaments, entheses, muscles, and fasciae, and are often associated with pain and inflammation. In clinical settings, these calcifications are commonly treated by physical therapy and/or surgical interventions. However, there is not enough understanding of pharmacological treatments as primary cures, supportive therapy to physical or surgical treatment, or even preventive measures to avoid or diminish the development of ectopic calcifications. Here, we summarize preclinical and clinical evidence for pharmacological candidates for treatment/prevention of ectopic calcification in the context of painful syndromes in the musculoskeletal field. Specifically, we discuss the potential mechanisms of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, H2-receptor blockers, bisphosphonates, minocycline, biologics, ACTH analogues, colchicine, calcium channel blockers, vitamins K2 and D, magnesium, zinc, curcumin, and phytates. Given that ectopic calcification is sometimes paradoxically associated with reduced bone mineralization, it appears particularly reasonable to employ strategies that can both inhibit ectopic calcification and promote bone mineralization, such as bisphosphonates and the combination of vitamin K2 and vitamin D, along with other supplements such as magnesium and zinc. Future studies need to test whether differential therapeutic approaches are needed in different phases of the disease and whether different mechanisms of ectopic calcification require different therapeutic strategies. A precondition for such approaches is further clinical and/or imaging delineation and differentiation of various types and phases of calcific diseases. Finally, it is essential to ensure that anti-calcification effects of new treatment strategies do not harm bone formation and skeletal mineralization. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) 2025.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation (PPR) on preoperative clinical status changes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and net effects of PPR and cancer resection on residual pulmonary function and functional capacity. Material and methods: This prospective single group study included 83 COPD patients (62 ±8 years, 85% males, FEV1 = 1844 ±618 ml, Tiffeneau index = 54 ±9%) with NSCLC, on 2-4-week PPR, before resection. Pulmonary function, and functional and symptom status were evaluated by spirometry, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and Borg scale, on admission, after PPR and after surgery. Results: Following PPR significant improvement was registered in the majority of spirometry parameters (FEV1 by 374 ml, p < 0.001; VLC by 407 ml, p < 0.001; FEF50 by 3%, p = 0.003), 6MWD (for 56 m, p < 0.001) and dyspnoeal symptoms (by 1.0 Borg unit, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was identified between preoperative increments of FEV1 and 6MWD (rs = 0.503, p = 0.001). Negative correlations were found between basal FEV1 and its percentage increment (rs = -0.479, p = 0.001) and between basal 6MWD and its percentage change (rs = -0.603, p < 0.001) during PPR. Compared to basal values, after resection a significant reduction of most spirometry parameters and 6MWD were recorded, while Tiffeneau index, FEF25 and dyspnoea severity remained stable (p = NS). Conclusions: Preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation significantly enhances clinical status of COPD patients before NSCLC resection. Preoperative increase of exercise tolerance was the result of pulmonary function improvement during PPR. The beneficial effects of PPR were most emphasized in patients with initially the worst pulmonary function and the weakest functional capacity.

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sociodemographic factors with the presence and different degrees of walking difficulties in elderly above 65 years, and to analyze association between evaluated variables and the presence and degree of waking difficulties. In the population based study, 3540 individuals age above 65 years from Serbia were recruited. Further predictors were analyzed: gender, age, level of education, marital status, body mass index (BMI), index of well-being and place of residence. We assessed difficulty in walking half a km on level ground without the use of any aid (Group-1); and difficulty in walking up or down 12 steps (Group-2). Walking difficulties were categorized as no difficulty, some difficulty, a lot of difficulty and cannot do at all. For present difficulty significant predictors were: age (Group-1 (OR-3.022)/Group-2 (OR-3.825)), gender (Group-1 (OR-0.337)/Group-2 (OR-0.311)), educational level (Group-1 (OR-0.689)/Group-2 (OR-0.556)) and place of residence (Group-2 (OR-1.523)) while for non-performing the task, significant predictors were: age (Group-1 (OR-1.998)/Group-2 (OR-2.096)), gender (Group-1 (OR-0.629)/Group-2 (OR-0.495)), BMI (Group-1 (OR-1.219)/Group-2 (OR-1.305)), marital status (Group-1 (OR 0.764)/Group-2 (OR-0.769)), educational level (Group-1 (OR-0.679)/Group-2 (OR-0.719)) and index of well-being (Group-2 (OR-0.764)). Understanding of predictors, and their role on functional decline in elderly is of great importance for the development of specific population-based health programs to prevent further functional loss and preserve achieved functional gains. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sociodemographic factors with the presence and different degrees of walking difficulties in elderly above 65 years, and to analyze association between evaluated variables and the presence and degree of waking difficulties. In the population based study, 3540 individuals age above 65 years from Serbia were recruited. Further predictors were analyzed: gender, age, level of education, marital status, body mass index (BMI), index of well-being and place of residence. We assessed difficulty in walking half a km on level ground without the use of any aid (Group-1); and difficulty in walking up or down 12 steps (Group-2). Walking difficulties were categorized as no difficulty, some difficulty, a lot of difficulty and cannot do at all. For present difficulty significant predictors were: age (Group-1 (OR-3.022)/Group-2 (OR-3.825)), gender (Group-1 (OR-0.337)/Group-2 (OR-0.311)), educational level (Group-1 (OR-0.689)/Group-2 (OR-0.556)) and place of residence (Group-2 (OR-1.523)) while for non-performing the task, significant predictors were: age (Group-1 (OR-1.998)/Group-2 (OR-2.096)), gender (Group-1 (OR-0.629)/Group-2 (OR-0.495)), BMI (Group-1 (OR-1.219)/Group-2 (OR-1.305)), marital status (Group-1 (OR 0.764)/Group-2 (OR-0.769)), educational level (Group-1 (OR-0.679)/Group-2 (OR-0.719)) and index of well-being (Group-2 (OR-0.764)). Understanding of predictors, and their role on functional decline in elderly is of great importance for the development of specific population-based health programs to prevent further functional loss and preserve achieved functional gains. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.