Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of expanded hemodialysis on the degree of b2-microglobulin removal. Methods. Sixteen patients treated with extended MCO hemodialysis were examined. The main parameter for assessing the efficiency of removal of uremic toxins of middle molecular weight is the concentration of b2-microglobulin in the serum before and after a single session of extended MCO hemodialysis. The following were used for statistical analysis: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's T test for bound samples and Wilcoxon test. Results. Extended MCO hemodialysis effectively removes uremic toxins of middle molecular weight. The reduction index of b2-microglobulin during a single session of extended MCO hemodialysis is 70.60 ± 5.88%. The average loss of albumin during a single session of extended MCO hemodialysis is 1.88 ± 1.02 g/4h, and the index of albumin reduction is 4.94 ± 2.49%. Conclusion. Extended MCO hemodialysis effectively removes b2-microglobulin. The b2-microglobulin reduction index is ~ 71% and the albumin loss is less than 4.0 g/4h. This dialysis modality prevents the development of amyloidosis, atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in the population of patients treated with regular hemodialysis.

Jedno je od glavnih istraživačkih područja u socijalnoj kogniciji životinja kooperativno rješavanje problema, tj. kognicija kod međusobne suradnje životinja. Smatra se da je socijalna kognicija evoluirala zbog zahtjeva koje donosi život u grupama i često se drži adaptacijom za takav život. Analiza socijalnoga učenja, drugoga istraživačkog područja unutar socijalne kognicije, pokazala je da je ta pretpostavka u literaturi prouzročila dva problema. Prvo, postoji pristranost prema testiranju socijalnih vrsta, i drugo, postoji a priori pretpostavka da je socijalno učenje kvalitativno drugačije od individualnoga. Ta dva problema nisu nužno ograničena na socijalno učenje, nego mogu biti prisutna i u drugim poljima unutar istraživanja socijalne kognicije. Primjena slične analize na kooperativno rješavanje problema ukazuje da i u tome području postoje oba problema. Prvo, empirijska se istraživanja provode ponajprije na vrstama koje su socijalne i na onima koje pokazuju kooperativna ponašanja u divljini. Drugo, pretpostavka da se kooperativno rješavanje problema temelji na specifično socijalnim kognitivnim sposobnostima implicirana je u velikome dijelu literature. Moguće je da je to rezultat miješanja različitih komponenti unutar kognitivnoga procesa: koja je informacija potrebna za uspješnu kooperaciju i kako se ta informacija stječe. Dok prva komponenta mora uključivati informaciju o drugome pojedincu, ne postoji indikacija da se druga komponenta mora razlikovati od već poznatih, općenamjenskih mehanizama. Ta dva problema sprečavaju sistematsko ispitivanje razlika između vrsta i ometaju istraživanje evolucije kooperativnoga rješavanja problema.

Purpose: Change of direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RAG) are important qualities in futsal, but studies rarely examined the predictors of these conditioning capacities in players of advanced level. This study aimed to evaluate predictive validity of certain anthropometric and conditioning capacities in evaluation of futsal specific CODS and RAG in top-level players. Methods: The sample comprised 54 male players from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, members of teams competing at the highest national rank, including national champions for the 2017–2018 competitive season in both countries. The variables comprised set of predictors (body mass, body height, triceps skinfold, reactive strength index [RSI], sprint 10 m [S10M], and broad jump [BJ]; and four criteria: futsal specific CODS and RAG, performed with and without dribbling (CODS_D, CODS_WD, RAG_D, RAG_WD). To identify the association between variables Pearson’s correlation and multiple regressions were calculated. Results: Observed predictors explained statistically significant (p < 0.05) percentage of variance for all four criteria (Rsq: 0.28, 0.30, 0.23 and 0.25, for CODS_WD, CODS_D, RAG_WD, RAG_D, respectively). Body mass was significant predictor for all criteria (Beta: 0.35–0.51), with poorer performances in heavier players. In both performances which involved dribbling, significant predictors was RSI (Beta: −0.27 and −0.31 for CODS_D and RAG_D, respectively), with superior performances in players with better RSI. The S10M and BJ were not identified as being significantly correlated to studied RAG and CODS performances. Conclusion: Study confirmed specific influence of studied predictors of futsal specific CODS and RAG with consistent negative influence of body mass on studied performances. Almost certainly this can be explained by specifics of RAG and CODS execution. Specifically, tests are performed over relatively small distances, with several changes of direction, which clearly mimic the futsal specific performances. Although sprint performance is often observed as important determinant of CODS and RAG, herein we did not confirm its predictive validity in explanation of futsal specific CODS and RAG. Future studies should evaluate other potentially important predictors of these capacities in futsal.

Introduction. Success in endodontic treatment depends upon the clinician's knowledge and ability to recognize and diagnose the presence of anatomical and morphological variations of the root and canal system. Mandibular canines are usually recognized as having one root and one root canal. In spite of the low incidence of mandibular canines with one root and two canals, their appearance should not be neglected due to the fact that the presence of a second canal in these teeth leads to difficulties in endodontic treatment. The aim of this case report is to describe mandibular canine with two root canals. Case presentation. 45-year-old patient presented for medical care due to the pain in a lower right canine. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed composite filling and caries with periapical radiolucent area and sensitivity to percussion in the mandibular right canine. By careful evaluation of the diagnostic radiology, it was observed that the mandibular canine had two canals. The patient was diagnosed with acute apical periodontitis and root canal therapy was given following the standard protocols. Conclusion. Although the prevalence of two canals in mandibular canine is low, the clinician should always be mindful of variations in the number of canals for appropriate therapeutic management.

Introduction. The success of endodontic treatment depends on the adequate biomechanical preparation and obturation of the entire root canal system. The untreated or poorly debrided/obturated root canals are among the most frequent causes of endodontic treatment failure. The endodontic treatment of maxillary molar has the highest failure rates due to the complexity of their root canal anatomy. The aim of the study is to present the endodontic treatment of maxillary second molar with two roots and two canals. Case report. The clinical case report presents the endodontic treatment of maxillary second molar with two roots and two canals in a patient, aged 32 years. After the analysis of preoperative diagnostic radiograph, opening the pulp chamber and access cavity preparation, two canal orifices were localized. After the biomechanical preparation, root canals were obturated with the Gutta-percha points and sealer during the same visit. Conclusion. Although maxillary second molar most commonly varies in terms of the number of root canals in the buccal roots, less common variations in anatomical and morphological traits, such as the presence of two roots and two canals, should be considered during endodontic treatment.