Croatian medical journal
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Croatian medical journal · Oct 2007
EditorialSetting priorities in global child health research investments: assessment of principles and practice.
This article reviews theoretical and practical approaches for setting priorities in global child health research investments. It also provides an overview of previous attempts to develop appropriate tools and methodologies to define priorities in health research investments. A brief review of the most important theoretical concepts that should govern priority setting processes is undertaken, showing how different perspectives, such as medical, economical, legal, ethical, social, political, rational, philosophical, stakeholder driven, and others will necessarily conflict each other in determining priorities. ⋯ The case for a new methodology for setting priorities in health research investments is presented, as proposed by Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative, and a need for its implementation in global child health is outlined. A transdisciplinary approach is needed to address all the perspectives from which investments into health research can be seen as priorities. This prioritization requires a process that is transparent, systematic, and that would take into account many perspectives and build on advantages of previous approaches.
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Croatian medical journal · Aug 2007
Allele frequencies for 15 short tandem repeat loci in representative sample of Croatian population.
To study the distribution of allele frequencies of 15 short tandem repeat (STR) loci in a representative sample of Croatian population. ⋯ Obtained population data concurred with the expected "STR data frame" for this part of Europe.
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Croatian medical journal · Jun 2007
ReviewRole of exposure analysis in solving the mystery of Balkan endemic nephropathy.
We evaluated the role of exposure analysis in assessing whether ochratoxin A or aristolochic acid are the agents responsible for causing Balkan endemic nephropathy. We constructed a framework for exposure analysis using the lessons learned from the study of endemic goiter within the context of an accepted general model. We used this framework to develop an exposure analysis model for Balkan endemic nephropathy, evaluated previous findings from the literature on ochratoxin A and aristolochic acid in the context of this model, discussed the strength of evidence for each, and proposed approaches to address critical outstanding questions. ⋯ Exposure analysis results suggest that neither ochratoxin A nor aristolochic acid can be firmly linked to Balkan endemic nephropathy. However, this approach suggests future research directions that could provide critical evidence on exposure, which when linked with findings from the health sciences, may be able to demonstrate the cause of this disease and provide a basis for effective public health intervention strategies. One of the key unknowns for both agents is how differential exposure can occur.
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Croatian medical journal · Jun 2007
Case ReportsEffective treatment of multiple unresectable skin melanoma metastases by electrochemotherapy.
Multiple unresectable melanoma skin metastases pose a treatment problem, especially in centers where isolated limb perfusion is not available. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman who developed multiple small unresectable cutaneous melanoma metastases on the thigh after her lower limb was amputated. ⋯ Comparison between electrochemotherapy using repetition frequency of the applied electric pulses of 1 Hz and 5 kHz demonstrated equal antitumor effectiveness. Electrochemotherapy with intravenous bleomycin can also be used as a treatment of choice for local control of multiple unresectable cutaneous melanoma skin metastases.