Browsing by Author "Grujicic, Sandra Sipetic (56676073300)"

Purpose: In contrast to other thyroid carcinomas it is diffi cult to establish a correct preoperative diagnosis for oxyphile carcinoma of the thyroid. In this study we looked for predic tive malignancy factors in order to enable surgeons to choose operative treatment and to perform an adequate operation for each patient with an oxyphile neoplasm of the thyroid. Methods: In this retrospective study we have analyzed the medical files of all patients with oxyphile tumors of the thy roid operated between 1999 and 2008 in our institution. A total of 256 patients were included and divided into oxy phile adenomas (142) and carcinomas (114) on the basis of their definite histopathological diagnosis. The most import ant demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Univariate analysis showed that male gender, thyroglobulin concentrations ≥300 ng/ml and tumor diam eter >30 mm were significantly more frequent in patients with oxyphile carcinoma compared to patients with oxy phile adenoma, while coexisting Hashimoto thyreoiditis and positive AntiTPO antibodies appeared significantly less frequent in the carcinoma group. All variables with a p value <0.1 in the univariate test were subjected to multi variate regression analysis in which elevated preoperative thyroglobulin concentrations (≥ 300 ng/ml) was shown as the only independent predictive factor for oxyphile thyroid carcinomas (OR=5.88, 95%Ci 2.78-12.05, p=0.001). Conclusions: Preoperative thyroglobulin concentration is an independent predictor of malignancy for oxyphile thy roid carcinomas.

Purpose: In contrast to other thyroid carcinomas it is diffi cult to establish a correct preoperative diagnosis for oxyphile carcinoma of the thyroid. In this study we looked for predic tive malignancy factors in order to enable surgeons to choose operative treatment and to perform an adequate operation for each patient with an oxyphile neoplasm of the thyroid. Methods: In this retrospective study we have analyzed the medical files of all patients with oxyphile tumors of the thy roid operated between 1999 and 2008 in our institution. A total of 256 patients were included and divided into oxy phile adenomas (142) and carcinomas (114) on the basis of their definite histopathological diagnosis. The most import ant demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Univariate analysis showed that male gender, thyroglobulin concentrations ≥300 ng/ml and tumor diam eter >30 mm were significantly more frequent in patients with oxyphile carcinoma compared to patients with oxy phile adenoma, while coexisting Hashimoto thyreoiditis and positive AntiTPO antibodies appeared significantly less frequent in the carcinoma group. All variables with a p value <0.1 in the univariate test were subjected to multi variate regression analysis in which elevated preoperative thyroglobulin concentrations (≥ 300 ng/ml) was shown as the only independent predictive factor for oxyphile thyroid carcinomas (OR=5.88, 95%Ci 2.78-12.05, p=0.001). Conclusions: Preoperative thyroglobulin concentration is an independent predictor of malignancy for oxyphile thy roid carcinomas.

Background: Post-thyroidectomy bleeding is rare, but potentially life-threatening complication. Early recognition with immediate intervention is crucial for the management of this complication. Therefore, it is very important to identify possible risk factors of postoperative hemorrhage as well as timing of postoperative hematoma occurrence. Methods: Retrospective review of 6938 patients undergoing thyroidectomy in a tertiary center in a ten year period (2009–2019) revealed 72 patients with postoperative hemorrhage requiring reoperation. Each patient who developed postoperative hematoma was matched with four control patients that did not develop postoperative hematoma after thyroidectomy. The patients and controls were matched by the date of operation and surgeon performing thyroidectomy. Results: The incidence of postoperative bleeding was 1.04%. On univariate analysis older age, male sex, higher BMI, higher ASA score, preoperative use of anticoagulant therapy, thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter, larger thyroid specimens, larger dominant nodules, longer operative time, higher postoperative blood pressure and the use of postoperative subcutaneous heparin were identified as risk factors for postoperative bleeding. Sixty-nine patients (95.8%) bled within first 24 h after surgery. Conclusion: The rate of postoperative bleeding in our study is consistent with recent literature. Male sex, the use of preoperative anticoagulant therapy, thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter and the use of postoperative subcutaneous heparin remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). When identified, these risk factors may be an obstacle to the outpatient thyroidectomy in our settings. © 2022, The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Société Internationale de Chirurgie.

Background: Some studies did find significant differences in the level of depression of women while undergoing diagnostic evaluation of an abnormal Papanicolaou screening smear, but findings were not consistent. This study aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of depression in women with abnormal cervical screening results before and after diagnostic procedures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during 2017 in a cohort of women with positive Papanicolaou screening test before and after diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) at the university Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. Women completed a questionnaire about demographics, lifestyle, and other factors of interest. Also, questionnaire “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS) was used immediately before and 2–4 weeks after the diagnostic procedures: a score of ≥8 on HADS-D and HADS-A subscales indicated depression and anxiety, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was applied in the data analysis. Results: The study comprised 172 women, giving a response rate of 72.3%. The mean age of the participants was 47.8 ± 11.1 years (range 23–65). The frequency of depressive symptoms was significantly higher after diagnostic procedures (48.3%) than before diagnostic procedures (37.2%) (p = 0.038). Before diagnostic procedures, older age (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09–2.34; p = 0.017), and level of anxiety according to the HADS-A subscale (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.38–1.88; p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of depression. After diagnostic procedures, significant independent predictors of depression were urban place of residence (OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.03–0.47; p = 0.002) and level of anxiety according to the HADS-A subscale (OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.54–2.21; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that older age, rural residence, and anxiety play a role in shaping the risk of depression among women undergoing additional diagnostic procedures after receiving an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result. © 2022 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Background: Some studies did find significant differences in the level of depression of women while undergoing diagnostic evaluation of an abnormal Papanicolaou screening smear, but findings were not consistent. This study aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of depression in women with abnormal cervical screening results before and after diagnostic procedures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during 2017 in a cohort of women with positive Papanicolaou screening test before and after diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) at the university Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. Women completed a questionnaire about demographics, lifestyle, and other factors of interest. Also, questionnaire “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale” (HADS) was used immediately before and 2–4 weeks after the diagnostic procedures: a score of ≥8 on HADS-D and HADS-A subscales indicated depression and anxiety, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was applied in the data analysis. Results: The study comprised 172 women, giving a response rate of 72.3%. The mean age of the participants was 47.8 ± 11.1 years (range 23–65). The frequency of depressive symptoms was significantly higher after diagnostic procedures (48.3%) than before diagnostic procedures (37.2%) (p = 0.038). Before diagnostic procedures, older age (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09–2.34; p = 0.017), and level of anxiety according to the HADS-A subscale (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.38–1.88; p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of depression. After diagnostic procedures, significant independent predictors of depression were urban place of residence (OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.03–0.47; p = 0.002) and level of anxiety according to the HADS-A subscale (OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.54–2.21; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that older age, rural residence, and anxiety play a role in shaping the risk of depression among women undergoing additional diagnostic procedures after receiving an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result. © 2022 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Background: In 2009, an improved influenza surveillance system was implemented and weekly reporting to the World Health Organization on influenza-like illness (ILI) began. The goals of the surveillance system are to monitor and analyse the intensity of influenza activity, to provide timely information about circulating strains and to help in establishing preventive and control measures. In addition, the system is useful for comparative analysis of influenza data from Montenegro with other countries. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the performance and usefulness of the Moving Epidemic Method (MEM), for use in the influenza surveillance system in Montenegro. Methods: Historical ILI data from 2010/11 to 2017/18 influenza seasons were modelled with MEM. Epidemic threshold for Montenegro 2017/18 season was calculated using incidence rates from 2010/11–2016/17 influenza seasons. Results: Pre-epidemic ILI threshold per 100,000 population was 19.23, while the post-epidemic threshold was 17.55. Using MEM, we identified an epidemic of 10 weeks’ duration. The sensitivity of the MEM epidemic threshold in Montenegro was 89% and the warning signal specificity was 99%. Conclusions: Our study marks the first attempt to determine the pre/post-epidemic threshold values for the epidemic period in Montenegro. The findings will allow a more detailed examination of the influenza-related epidemiological situation, timely detection of epidemic and contribute to the development of more efficient measures for disease prevention and control aimed at reducing the influenza-associated morbidity and mortality. © 2019, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). All rights reserved.

Background: In 2009, an improved influenza surveillance system was implemented and weekly reporting to the World Health Organization on influenza-like illness (ILI) began. The goals of the surveillance system are to monitor and analyse the intensity of influenza activity, to provide timely information about circulating strains and to help in establishing preventive and control measures. In addition, the system is useful for comparative analysis of influenza data from Montenegro with other countries. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the performance and usefulness of the Moving Epidemic Method (MEM), for use in the influenza surveillance system in Montenegro. Methods: Historical ILI data from 2010/11 to 2017/18 influenza seasons were modelled with MEM. Epidemic threshold for Montenegro 2017/18 season was calculated using incidence rates from 2010/11–2016/17 influenza seasons. Results: Pre-epidemic ILI threshold per 100,000 population was 19.23, while the post-epidemic threshold was 17.55. Using MEM, we identified an epidemic of 10 weeks’ duration. The sensitivity of the MEM epidemic threshold in Montenegro was 89% and the warning signal specificity was 99%. Conclusions: Our study marks the first attempt to determine the pre/post-epidemic threshold values for the epidemic period in Montenegro. The findings will allow a more detailed examination of the influenza-related epidemiological situation, timely detection of epidemic and contribute to the development of more efficient measures for disease prevention and control aimed at reducing the influenza-associated morbidity and mortality. © 2019, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives: Trends of liver cancer mortality vary widely around the world. The purpose of this study was to assess the trend of liver cancer mortality in Serbia. Material and Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study design was used in this research. The age-standardized rates (ASRs, per 100,000) were calculated using the direct method, according to the World standard population. Temporal trends were assessed using the average annual percent change (AAPC) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), according to joinpoint regression. An age-period-cohort analysis was used to evaluate the underlying factors for liver cancer mortality trends. Results: In Serbia from 1991 to 2015, over 11,000 men and nearly 8000 women died from liver cancer. The trend in liver cancer mortality significantly decreased both in men (AAPC = −1.3%; 95% CI = −1.7 to −0.9) and women (AAPC = −1.5%; 95% CI = −1.9 to −1.1). For liver cancer mortality, statistically significant cohort and period effects were observed in both genders. Conclusions: The downward trends in liver cancer mortality in Serbia are recorded during the past decades. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background and Objectives: Trends of liver cancer mortality vary widely around the world. The purpose of this study was to assess the trend of liver cancer mortality in Serbia. Material and Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study design was used in this research. The age-standardized rates (ASRs, per 100,000) were calculated using the direct method, according to the World standard population. Temporal trends were assessed using the average annual percent change (AAPC) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), according to joinpoint regression. An age-period-cohort analysis was used to evaluate the underlying factors for liver cancer mortality trends. Results: In Serbia from 1991 to 2015, over 11,000 men and nearly 8000 women died from liver cancer. The trend in liver cancer mortality significantly decreased both in men (AAPC = −1.3%; 95% CI = −1.7 to −0.9) and women (AAPC = −1.5%; 95% CI = −1.9 to −1.1). For liver cancer mortality, statistically significant cohort and period effects were observed in both genders. Conclusions: The downward trends in liver cancer mortality in Serbia are recorded during the past decades. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

To identify the prognostic impact of tumor multifocality on upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) outcomes in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Study included 342 consecutive patients with UTUC. Tumor multifocality was defined as the synchronous presence of 2 or more pathologically confirmed tumors in any upper urinary tract location. Cox regression analyses were used to address recurrence-free (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) estimates. Tumor multifocality was significantly associated with a history of previous non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), gender (P = 0.009), tumor location (P = 0.005), and anemia (P = 0.01). The Kaplan–Meier method showed that tumor multifocality was significantly associated with worse recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001, log rank). Using multivariate analysis, tumor multifocality (HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 2.06 – 3.99; P < 0.001) was independently associated with recurrence free survival. During the follow-up, a total of 128 (37.4%) patients died, including 92 (28.2%) from UTUC. However, tumor multifocality was not associated with CSS (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.89 – 1.96; P = 0.21) in univariate Cox regression analyses. Tumor stage (HR, 11.1; 95% CI, 3.64 – 33.8; P < 0.001), lymph node status (HR, 2.04, 95% CI, 1.05 – 3.94; P = 0.03) and preoperative anemia (HR, 3.50, 95% CI, 2.02 – 6.08; P < 0.001) were the only independent predictors associated with worse cancer-specific survival. Tumor multifocality is an independent prognostic factor of disease recurrence in patients treated with RNU for UTUC. Tumor multifocality is unable to predict cancer specific survival in a single-center series of consecutive patients who were treated with RNU. © 2021

To identify the prognostic impact of tumor multifocality on upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) outcomes in patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Study included 342 consecutive patients with UTUC. Tumor multifocality was defined as the synchronous presence of 2 or more pathologically confirmed tumors in any upper urinary tract location. Cox regression analyses were used to address recurrence-free (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) estimates. Tumor multifocality was significantly associated with a history of previous non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (P < 0.001), tumor size (P < 0.001), gender (P = 0.009), tumor location (P = 0.005), and anemia (P = 0.01). The Kaplan–Meier method showed that tumor multifocality was significantly associated with worse recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001, log rank). Using multivariate analysis, tumor multifocality (HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 2.06 – 3.99; P < 0.001) was independently associated with recurrence free survival. During the follow-up, a total of 128 (37.4%) patients died, including 92 (28.2%) from UTUC. However, tumor multifocality was not associated with CSS (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.89 – 1.96; P = 0.21) in univariate Cox regression analyses. Tumor stage (HR, 11.1; 95% CI, 3.64 – 33.8; P < 0.001), lymph node status (HR, 2.04, 95% CI, 1.05 – 3.94; P = 0.03) and preoperative anemia (HR, 3.50, 95% CI, 2.02 – 6.08; P < 0.001) were the only independent predictors associated with worse cancer-specific survival. Tumor multifocality is an independent prognostic factor of disease recurrence in patients treated with RNU for UTUC. Tumor multifocality is unable to predict cancer specific survival in a single-center series of consecutive patients who were treated with RNU. © 2021

Objective: We aimed to assess the prognostic value of De Ritis ratio on oncological outcomes in patients suffering from urothelial bladder cancer and undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). Patients and Methods: Analytical cohort comprised a single-center series of 367 patients treated between January 2015 and December 2018. Patients were classified into two groups based on De Ritis ratio (<1.3 [normal] vs. ≥1.3 [high]). Along with the Kaplan-Meier survival probability, cox proportional hazard regression models were used. Results: A total of 299 patients were included, 60.5% of them having a De Ritis ratio of <1.3% and 39.5% with a De Ritis ratio of ≥1.3. Preoperative increased De Ritis ratio was associated with age (p = 0.001), gender (p = 0.044), cancer-related death (p = 0.001), overall death (p = 0.001), and tumor stage (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis implied that preoperative De Ritis ratio was a significant independent prognosticator of overall survival (HR 0.461; 95% CI 0.335–0.633; p < 0.001) and CSS (HR 0.454; 95% CI 0.330–0.623; p < 0.001). Only tumor stage (HR 1.953; 95% CI 1. 106–3.448; p = 0.021) was independently associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS). De Ritis ratio was not independently associated with RFS in multivariate analyses. During the follow up, a total of 198 (66.2%) patients died, including 173 (57.9%) from BC, 5-year CSS was 45.8%. Conclusions: De Ritis ratio is an independent prognostic factor of cancer specific and overall survival in patients treated with RC for urothelial BC. RC patients may benefit from the use of the De Ritis ratio as a valid predictive biomarker. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Background: Postoperative complications (PCs) following total laryngectomy remain a significant challenge, with recent investigations directed toward the impact of nutrition status and vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: To elucidate the association between preoperative vitamin D level status, malnutrition risk score, and surgical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer following total laryngectomy. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Sixty-four patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma treated with total laryngectomy were included in the study. Serum levels of 25(OH) D3 were measured employing a commercial chemiluminescent immunoassay kit, while nutrition status was evaluated using the nutrition risk index (NRI) and Malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST). Results: The mean serum 25(OH) D level was 37.1 ± 19.4 nmol/L (range 11.0-100.6 nmol/L), with 47% of patients exhibiting vitamin D deficiency and 31% displaying insufficiency. Medium/high MUST score had 53% of patients, and moderate/severe NRI was verified in 48% of patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified MUST score, GPS score, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and circulating 25(OH) D levels as predictive for the occurrence of PCs. In multivariate analysis, MUST score and circulating 25(OH) D levels remained significantly associated with PCs. Patients with high nutrition risk had significantly lower two-year OS rates compared to the medium and low nutrition risk groups, respectively (30% vs. 62% and 83%, p = 0.010). Conclusion: Early identification of malnourished or patients with vitamin D deficiency and those who would benefit from specific nutritional support could be beneficial for minimizing the risk of development of surgical complications and help improve our clinical outcomes. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024.

Background: Recently, demand for and supply of short-form patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have risen throughout the world healthcare. Our contribution to meeting that demand has been translating and culturally adapting the Chronic Otitis Media Questionnaire-12 (COMQ-12) for adults into Serbian and enhancing its psychometric base on the relatively large Serbian COM caseload. Chronic otitis media can seriously affect quality of life progressively and in long-term, and it remains the major source of hearing problems in the developing world. Methods: The translated questionnaire was given twice to 60 adult patients with chronic otitis media of three types (inactive, active mucosal and active squamous disease) and to 60 healthy volunteers. Both patients and volunteers also filled the generic Short-Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36). Conventional statistical procedures were used in strategically driven development of scoring. Additionally, item responses were scaled by linear mapping against the provisional total score. Generalizability, detailed factor interpretation and supportability of scores were criteria, for the best compromise factor solution. Results: Test-retest reliability was very high (0.924 to 0.989, depending on score). The a priori content dimensions of the questionnaire were strongly supported by 3-factor exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses for content validity, separating (i) ear symptoms from (ii) hearing problems, from (iii) daily activity restriction plus healthcare uptake. The 3-factor structure was furthermore highly stable on replication. The very large effect sizes when contrasting patients with healthy volunteers, and active with inactive disease established construct validity for the total score. A strong association with disease activity and a moderate one with generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL), the SF-36, supported construct validity for two of three factors extracted (ear symptoms, and impact on daily activities plus healthcare uptake). Conclusions: Given the minimal psychometric work to date on COMQ-12, this interim sample with 120 data points adds materially to knowledge of its reliability, several forms of validity and the feasibility of profile sub-scores to supplement total scores. The good psychometric properties shown for COMQ-12 justify both its routine clinical use and acquisition of the necessarily larger sample for generality, score optimisation and the evaluation of responsiveness. © 2017 The Author(s).

Objectives Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in Serbia. Organized screening for detection of cervical cancer was introduced in Serbia in 2013 and provided free of charge in all state health facilities. Studies have shown that depression frequently follows the notification of abnormal findings on the Papanicolaou (Pap) screening test. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale among women in Serbia receiving a report of abnormal cytology. Methods This population-based study used cross-sectional, self-reported data involving 198 consecutive women attending cervical cancer screening who had received abnormal Pap smear results. All participants completed the socio-demographic questionnaire and CES-D scale. Reliability of the CES-D scale was assessed by internal consistency reliability (measured with standardized Cronbach's coefficient α). Exploratory factor analysis was done using Promax rotation. Results The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the CES-D scale was 0.865, while the Cronbach's α coefficients for the subscales Depressed affect, Somatic complaints, Positive affect, and Interpersonal relationship were 0.885, 0.802, 0.851, and 0.593, respectively. Principal component analysis with Oblimin rotation indicated four main components that explained 62.0% of variance. Over one-quarter (28.8%) of the participants scored above the cut point (≥16) on the CES-D scale. The mean score for depressive symptoms was 13.0 for the study sample. Conclusions The Serbian version of the CES-D scale proved to be a valid and reliable instrument for identifying patients with depressive symptoms among women with abnormal Pap smear results. © 2019 IGCS and ESGO.

Background: Multidrug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) represents TB which is simultaneous resistant to at least rifampicin (R) and isoniazid (H). Identifying inadequate therapy as the main cause of this form of the disease and explaining the factors leading to its occurrence, numerous social determinants that affect the risk of developing resistance are highlighted. The objectives of the study was to identify independent factors of MDR-TB among tuberculosis patients. Methods: Case-control study was conducted from 1st September 2009 to 1st June 2014 in 31 healthcare institutions in Serbia where MDR-TB and TB patients were treated. TB patients infected with MDR- M. tuberculosis and non MDR- M. tuberculosis strain were considered as cases and controls, respectively. Cases and controls were matched by the date of hospitalization. The data was collected using structured questionnaire with face to face interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis (MLRA) were used to identify determinants associated with MDR-TB. Results: A total of 124 respondents, 31 cases and 93 controls were participated in the study. MLRA identified six significant independent risk factors for the occurrence of MDR-TB as follows: monthly income of the family (Odds ratio (OR) = 3.71; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.22-11.28), defaulting from treatment (OR = 3.33; 95% CI = 1.14-9.09), stigma associated with TB (OR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.18-7.45), subjective feeling of sadness (OR = 4.05; 95% CI = 1.69-9.70), use of sedatives (OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.02-7.65) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 4.51; 95% CI = 1.07-18.96). Conclusion: In order to reduce burden of drug resistance, strategies of controlling MDR-TB in Serbia should emphasize multi-sectorial actions, addressing health care and social needs of TB patients. © 2018 The Author(s).

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic impact of ABO blood groups and Rhesus factor in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC). Methods: The study included 78 consecutive patients who were treated with RNU. Demographic and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed using x2 or an unpaired t-test. Recurrence-free probabilities and cancer-specific (CSS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used for the statistical differences. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the association between various clinicopathologic factors with disease recurrence and CSS. Results: ABO blood groups antigen and Rhesus factor were not significantly associated with any clinicopathologic and patient characteristics. At a median follow up of 25.2 months, 42.3% of the patients experienced disease recurrence and 15.4% died of UTUC. History of bladder tumor (HR 1.34; 95% CI, 0.76-2.34; p=0.3) was associated with disease recurrence. ABO blood group (p=0.3) and Rhesus factor (HR 6.7; 95% CI, 0.76-59.2; p=0.08) were not independently associated with disease recurrence. There was no difference in CSS when we compared ABO blood groups and Rhesus factor. ABO blood group and Rhesus factor were not significantly associated with worse disease recurrence-free survival (p=0.4, log rank), (p=0.8, log rank) respectively. In addition, ABO blood group was not significantly associated with CSS (p=0.55), as well as Rhesus factor (p=0.3). Conclusions: ABO blood group antigens and Rhesus factor expression were unable to predict outcomes in a single-center series of consecutive patients who were treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). © 2021 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic impact of ABO blood groups and Rhesus factor in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC). Methods: The study included 78 consecutive patients who were treated with RNU. Demographic and clinicopathologic factors were analyzed using x2 or an unpaired t-test. Recurrence-free probabilities and cancer-specific (CSS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used for the statistical differences. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the association between various clinicopathologic factors with disease recurrence and CSS. Results: ABO blood groups antigen and Rhesus factor were not significantly associated with any clinicopathologic and patient characteristics. At a median follow up of 25.2 months, 42.3% of the patients experienced disease recurrence and 15.4% died of UTUC. History of bladder tumor (HR 1.34; 95% CI, 0.76-2.34; p=0.3) was associated with disease recurrence. ABO blood group (p=0.3) and Rhesus factor (HR 6.7; 95% CI, 0.76-59.2; p=0.08) were not independently associated with disease recurrence. There was no difference in CSS when we compared ABO blood groups and Rhesus factor. ABO blood group and Rhesus factor were not significantly associated with worse disease recurrence-free survival (p=0.4, log rank), (p=0.8, log rank) respectively. In addition, ABO blood group was not significantly associated with CSS (p=0.55), as well as Rhesus factor (p=0.3). Conclusions: ABO blood group antigens and Rhesus factor expression were unable to predict outcomes in a single-center series of consecutive patients who were treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). © 2021 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives: Smartphone use has been rapidly increasing worldwide, which has brought possible smartphone addiction into the focus of research. In order to identify potential smartphone addicts, several scales were developed to assess smartphone addiction. Among them, the Smartphone Addiction Scale was frequently used. The study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Serbian version of the SAS-SV and estimate smartphone addiction prevalence among medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in December 2018 on a convenience sample of 323 third-year medical students. The cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the well-established guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported measures. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the structure of the questionnaire. Factor extraction was performed by principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. For test–retest reliability, students completed the questionnaire twice within seven days. Results: The Serbian version of the SAS-SV showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) and excellent reliability for test–retest scores (ICC = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92–0.96). Factor analysis supported the extraction of one factor, which explained 51.538% of the variance. To explore convergent validity furthermore, the SAS-SV was correlated with time indicators of smartphone use. According to cut-off values for the SAS-SV score, 19.5% of students could be regarded as “addicted”, and often spent more time on smartphones and social networks on working days and weekends than “not addicted” students. Conclusions: The Serbian version of the SAS-SV is a reliable and valid instrument for detecting smartphone addiction among university students. Further research on this issue is encouraged to enable a better understanding of this ever-increasing public health issue. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background and Objectives: Smartphone use has been rapidly increasing worldwide, which has brought possible smartphone addiction into the focus of research. In order to identify potential smartphone addicts, several scales were developed to assess smartphone addiction. Among them, the Smartphone Addiction Scale was frequently used. The study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Serbian version of the SAS-SV and estimate smartphone addiction prevalence among medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in December 2018 on a convenience sample of 323 third-year medical students. The cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the well-established guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported measures. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the structure of the questionnaire. Factor extraction was performed by principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. For test–retest reliability, students completed the questionnaire twice within seven days. Results: The Serbian version of the SAS-SV showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) and excellent reliability for test–retest scores (ICC = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92–0.96). Factor analysis supported the extraction of one factor, which explained 51.538% of the variance. To explore convergent validity furthermore, the SAS-SV was correlated with time indicators of smartphone use. According to cut-off values for the SAS-SV score, 19.5% of students could be regarded as “addicted”, and often spent more time on smartphones and social networks on working days and weekends than “not addicted” students. Conclusions: The Serbian version of the SAS-SV is a reliable and valid instrument for detecting smartphone addiction among university students. Further research on this issue is encouraged to enable a better understanding of this ever-increasing public health issue. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.