Marina Pavlak
University of Zagreb
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Publication
Featured researches published by Marina Pavlak.
European Journal of Wildlife Research | 2004
Ksenija Vlahović; Biserka Matica; Ingeborg Bata; Marina Pavlak; Željko Pavičić; Maja Popović; Srebrenka Nejedli; Alenka Dovč
Campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis and avian chlamydiosis are zoonotic diseases in which birds have been suggested to play an important role as reservoirs. We have investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. and Chlamydophila sp. in 107 free-living birds belonging to 25 species from 13 families from Croatia in order to examine the natural infections caused by these agents. Campylobacter jejuni-like organisms were isolated from 2 of 107 free-living bird species examined (1.9%). Salmonella was isolated from 8 fresh fecal specimens from free-living bird species (7.4%). These isolates were identified as S. typhimurium in 4 (3.7%), and S. enteriditis in 4 (3.7%) free-living birds. These samples originated from feral pigeons (Columba livia domesticus; n=14; 28.6%), rook (Corvus frugilegus; n=13; 15.4%), buzzard (Buteo buteo; n=12; 16.7%), black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus; n=8; 12.5%) and tawny owl (Strix aluco; n=8; 12.5%). The presence of Chlamydophila sp. was not detected in the free-living birds examined during this study. Epidemiological aspects and possible significance of the examined birds as a source of infections for domestic animals and humans are discussed.
Veterinary Research Communications | 2005
Alenka Dovč; P. Dovc; D. Kese; Ksenija Vlahović; Marina Pavlak; Olga Zorman-Rojs
Immune reactivity for Chlamydophila (C.) psittaci in Slovenia was monitored in parrots, canaries, finches and nine species of recently captured free-living birds (house sparrows, Eurasian goldfinches, tree sparrows, chaffinches, European greenfinches, European serines, Eurasian siskins, Eurasian linnets and Eurasian bullfinches) in the period from 1991 to 2001. In subsequent years, specific IgG antibodies were found using immunofluorescence in parrots (0.7– 53.6%), canaries (0.0–3.5%), finches (0.0–5.7%) and in captured free-living birds (33.3% of Eurasian goldfinches in 1994). An experimental infection with C. psittaci was performed in order to study clinical signs and pathological changes in canaries and finches. The C. psittaci strain used for experimental infection was isolated from a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). Chlamydial DNA was extracted from clinical material followed by RFLP-PCR analysis. Infection of canaries and finches was confirmed in organ smears by direct immunofluorescence and a modified Gimenez staining method. In addition, serological tests of indirect immunofluorescence and complement fixation were applied. However, in spite of positive immunological reaction there were no clinical signs three weeks after infection. The present study includes results of a serological survey of persons belonging to the most important risk groups (breeders, pet shopkeepers and veterinarians). The results of microimmunofluorescence to identify the presence of specific antibodies and correlation between appearance of infection in birds and important risk groups are presented. Out of 143 persons belonging to the high-risk group we found 10 (7%) persons who were immunologically positive. Testing of two successive samples was used to demonstrate an increase in IgG and IgA titres in human sera. However, IgM, which is indicative of acute infection, could not be detected.
European Journal of Wildlife Research | 2005
Marina Pavlak; Ksenija Vlahović; Jure Jerčić; Alenka Dovč; Željko Župančić
The aim of this study was to determine the basic haematological parameters in feral and racing pigeons and to compare these parameters according to age, sex and season in healthy feral pigeons as well as between Chlamydophila-serologically positive and negative feral pigeons. Red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood count (WBC), thrombocyte count and differential WBC, were determined in 366 pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) captured in the City of Zagreb between 1999 and 2002. Of these, 232 feral (179 adult and 53 juvenile, 104 male and 75 female) and 57 racing pigeons (25 male and 32 female) were clinically healthy and bacteriologically and serologically negative, but 77 birds had antibody titres against Chlamydophila sp. Significantly lower values of RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, WBC and thrombocyte (P<0.05) were observed in young compared to adult pigeons, while the differences in MCV and MCH were not significant between age classes. In differential WBC of young pigeons, a significantly higher percentage of heterophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes and a significantly smaller percentage of lymphocytes (P<0.01) was found than in adult pigeons. Significant sex-related differences were seen only in MCV values and in the percentage of lymphocytes (higher in females) and neutrophils (higher in males). PCV, Hb, MCV and MCH increased, while WBC decreased during wintertime (P<0.05). In differential WBC, percentage of heterophils was low in summer and autumn. At the same time, a higher percentage of basophils was found. Low numbers of monocytes were found in summer and low values of eosinophils in winter. In racing pigeons, values of eosinophils and basophils were significantly lower than in feral pigeons. Pigeons which had antibodies against Chlamydophila sp. possessed a higher percentage of monocytes and less lymphocytes than sero-negative animals, while WBC was significant lower than in sero-negative feral pigeons.
Investigational New Drugs | 2012
Jelena Kasnar-Samprec; Ivana Ratkaj; Katarina Mišković; Marina Pavlak; Mirela Baus-Lončar; Sandra Kraljević Pavelić; Ljubica Glavaš-Obrovac; Biserka Žinić
SummaryNew N-1-sulfonylpyrimidines showed potent growth inhibitory activity against human and mouse tumour cells of different origin. 1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)cytosine (TsC) and 1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)cytosine hydrochloride (TsC × HCl) inhibited the growth of human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), and had no significant cytotoxic effects on normal human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ). TsC and TsC × HCl interfered with the HeLa cell cycle progression bringing about the accumulation of G1 phase cells and the induction of apoptosis. Antiproliferative effects of TsC and TsC × HCl were additionally confirmed by investigating de novo synthesis of RNA, DNA and proteins in HeLa cells. Monitoring gene expression using DNA Chip Analysis and quantitative PCR showed that TsC × HCl affects the expression of several cell-cycle regulating genes implying that cell cycle arrest and DNA damage-induced apoptosis might account for the observed cellular effects. In vivo experiments revealed low toxicity of TsC × HCl, as demonstrated by unaltered haematological and metabolic blood parameters. In conclusion, potent antitumour efficacy and low toxicity of new compounds in comparison with the common chemotherapy drug 5-FU make them promising anticancer agents. Additional pre-clinical and clinical studies are warranted to illuminate the mode of action of these newly synthesized compounds in vivo, which would lay the groundwork for their further optimization.
Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids | 2005
Ljubica Glavaš-Obrovac; Ivan Karner; Marina Pavlak; Marko Radačić; Jelena Kašnar-Šamprec; Biserka Žinić
Large-scale preparation of 5-bromo-1-mesyluracil (BMsU) 4 has been optimized. BMsU was synthesized by condensation of silylated 5-bromouracil and MsCl in acetonitrile or by the reaction of 5-bromouracil with MsCl in pyridine. The same product was obtained by bromination of 1-mesyluracil. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of BMsU on the biosynthetic activity of tumor cell enzymes involved in DNA, RNA and protein syntheses, and in de novo and salvage pyrimidine and purine syntheses. Investigations were performed in vitro on human cervix carcinoma cells (HeLa). BMsU displayed inhibitory effects on DNA and RNA syntheses in HeLa cells after 24 h of treatment. De nova biosynthesis of pyrimidine and purine was also affected. Antitumor activity of BMsU is closely associated with its inhibitory activity on the enzymes that play an important role in the metabolism of tumor cells. In vivo antitumor activity of BMsU was also investigated. The model used in investigations was a mouse anaplastic mammary carcinoma transplanted into the thigh of the right leg of CBA mice. Significant reduction in tumor growth time was achieved with BmsU administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg.
Avian Biology Research | 2008
Jasmina Mužinić; Marina Pavlak; Vladimir Savić; Denis Cvitković; Marko Tadić
The lack of epidemiological knowledge when planning the approach to preventing possible future outbreaks of avian influenza may lead to uncontrolled spreading of HPAI H5N1 virus and, consequently, danger to the poultry industry and human health and threats to the survival of endangered wild birds. The implementation of a model developed for the rapid assessment of ornithological data relevant to the spreading of avian influenza in the EU countries resulted in the identification of 23 Higher Risk Species and 17 Bridge Species for the territory of Croatia. It also identified a number of wetland areas, where Higher Risk Species come together during migration and wintering, as potential AI introduction and outbreak sites. The EU model was adapted to suit the Croatian circumstances. The migratory flyways of Higher Risk Species were analysed using data on birds ringed outside Croatia and found on the territory of Croatia between 1910 and 1992. These results form the ornithological part for the risk assessment of possible future outbreaks both at the national level and internationally, in neighbouring countries. It may also be used for AI research under the global European model. Data on poultry density, type of poultry husbandry, poultry trade and movement are needed. We propose the establishment of a database on the commercial movements of poultry and poultry products under the Early Warning System.
Acta Veterinaria Hungarica | 2017
Alenka Dovč; Gordana Gregurić Gračner; Iztok Tomažič; Ksenija Vlahović; Marina Pavlak; Renata Lindtner Knific; Klemen Kralj; Mateja Stvarnik; Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
After cannibalism had appeared in the reproductive units of a white mouse colony, treatment against confirmed Hymenolepis nana, a tapeworm with zoonotic potential, was performed on 67 mice in the reproductive and nursery units. Faecal droppings were evaluated by flotation and sedimentation methods. The sedimentation method revealed a higher number of positive results before, during and after the treatment, but the flotation method yielded some additional positive cases. In the reproductive unit, H. nana eggs were confirmed in 50% of the tested mice by the flotation and in 70% by the sedimentation method. In the nursery units, H. nana eggs were detected in 10.5% of the tested mice by the flotation and in 24.6% by the sedimentation method. A colony of mice was treated against the tapeworm H. nana with praziquantel and emodepside in doses of 2.574 mg praziquantel/100 g body mass and of 0.642 mg emodepside/100 g body mass. The content of the original pipettes (Profender®) was applied as a spot-on on the back of the neck in the area between the shoulders. The application was repeated three times at 14-day intervals. Seven days after the third therapy no H. nana was found in any of the tested mice in the reproductive or the nursery units. After the treatment, cannibalism was no longer observed. This treatment represented one of the steps aimed at improving animal welfare and preventing potential zoonotic disease. The public health significance of this cestode should receive more attention, especially among people who take care of mice, have them as pets, or feed them to reptiles.
Zeitschrift Fur Jagdwissenschaft | 2003
Marija Vučemilo; Ksenija Vlahović; Alenka Dovč; Jasmina Mužinić; Marina Pavlak; Jure Jerčić; Željko Župančić
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | 2005
Marina Pavlak; Ranko Stojković; Matea Radačić-Aumiler; Jelena Kašnar-Šamprec; Jure Jerčić; Ksenija Vlahović; Biserka Žinić; Marko Radačić
Croatica Chemica Acta | 2005
Jelena Kašnar-Šamprec; Ljubica Glavaš-Obrovac; Marina Pavlak; Ivica Mihaljević; Vladimir Mrljak; Nikola Štambuk; Paško Konjevoda; Biserka Žinić