Browsing by Author "Pekmezović, Tatjana (7003989932)"

Objectives: To estimate the risk of seizure recurrence after antiepileptic drugs (AED) withdrawal and to identify related predictive features in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) commencing at developing age (up to 16 year). Methods: Medical records of consecutive patients with IGE from two refferal hospitals were evaluated between 2001 and 2009. Inclusion criteria were clinical and EEG diagnosis of IGE and follow up for at least 2 years after the AED withdrawal. The cohort consisted of 59 patients (38 females, 21 males). Follow up after withdrawal lasted 2-10 years (median 3) Time to seizure relapse and predictive factors were analyzed by survival methods. Results: There were 21 (35.6%) patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), 11 (18.6%) with juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), 10 (16.9%) with isolated primary GTC seizures, and 17 (28.8%) with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). The relapses occured in 23 (52.2%) patients: one (6.2%) with CAE, 4 (50%) with JAE, 8 (80%) with IGE with GTC seizures and all with JME. During the first 6 months 54.5% patients relapsed (20% during withdrawal), 63.6% within 12 months, 81.8% within18 months and 95.4% within 24 months after withdrawal. Female gender, age at onset of seizures, seizure types, EEG worsening during/after AED withdrawal and age at withdrawal were significantly associated with relapse risk according to univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, retained significant factors were: seizure types and EEG worsening. Conclusion: Diagnosis of the specific IGE syndrome strongly affects relapse rate: the lowest was in CAE, the highest in JME. Independent risk factors for seizure relapse were: seizure type and EEG worsening during and/or after withdrawal. © 2011 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Objectives: To estimate the risk of seizure recurrence after antiepileptic drugs (AED) withdrawal and to identify related predictive features in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) commencing at developing age (up to 16 year). Methods: Medical records of consecutive patients with IGE from two refferal hospitals were evaluated between 2001 and 2009. Inclusion criteria were clinical and EEG diagnosis of IGE and follow up for at least 2 years after the AED withdrawal. The cohort consisted of 59 patients (38 females, 21 males). Follow up after withdrawal lasted 2-10 years (median 3) Time to seizure relapse and predictive factors were analyzed by survival methods. Results: There were 21 (35.6%) patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), 11 (18.6%) with juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), 10 (16.9%) with isolated primary GTC seizures, and 17 (28.8%) with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). The relapses occured in 23 (52.2%) patients: one (6.2%) with CAE, 4 (50%) with JAE, 8 (80%) with IGE with GTC seizures and all with JME. During the first 6 months 54.5% patients relapsed (20% during withdrawal), 63.6% within 12 months, 81.8% within18 months and 95.4% within 24 months after withdrawal. Female gender, age at onset of seizures, seizure types, EEG worsening during/after AED withdrawal and age at withdrawal were significantly associated with relapse risk according to univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, retained significant factors were: seizure types and EEG worsening. Conclusion: Diagnosis of the specific IGE syndrome strongly affects relapse rate: the lowest was in CAE, the highest in JME. Independent risk factors for seizure relapse were: seizure type and EEG worsening during and/or after withdrawal. © 2011 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim. The competence of healthcare workers (HCWs) to advocate the importance of immunization to persons who are hesitant about vaccines is extremely important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the final-year medical students’ competencies related to immunization challenges in their practice using their knowledge, attitudes, and study practices. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 442 final-year students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. The instrument used for data collection was an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 38 questions. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictive value of different factors in immunization knowledge among medical students. Results. The median total knowledge score with the interquartile range was 7 ± 3.00 out of 13. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the knowledge score and the grade point average (GPA) (r = 0.207, p < 0.001). Thirty-five percent of students felt moderately capable of conducting work regarding vaccination without supervision. Furthermore, 92.1% of students considered that additional training and information channels about immunization needed to be implemented in curricula for HCWs. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that gender, age, GPA, study duration, self-confidence regarding immunization knowledge, the flu, and hepatitis B vaccination status explained a total of 36% of the variance in the immunization knowledge score. Less than two-thirds of students believed they had enough knowledge to reassure a person hesitant about immunization. Conclusion. The results of our study showed an average level of knowledge about immunization among final-year medical students. As less than two-thirds of students believe that they have enough knowledge to reassure a hesitant person, there is a need for a better understanding and improving the parts of the curricula of medical faculties regarding immunization. © 2023 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The aim of the study was to determine the nursing care-associated predictors of in-hospital mortality in the patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who were hospitalized at the Department of Emergency Neurology. Methods. Prospective cohort study included 59 consecutive patients with AIS admitted to the Department of Emergency Neurology, Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. The patients were followed until discharge or death. For exploring a relationship between the outcome of patients with AIS and different groups of factors, the univariate and multivariate Cox proportionate hazard regression models were used. Results. There were 32 male and 27 female patients with AIS. The mean age was 62.5 ± 15.2 years. The average duration of hospitalization was 11.1 ± 9.6 days (median 8 days; range 1-54 days). Almost 80% of patients (47/59; 79.7%) were admitted to the stroke unit, while 12 (20.3%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. In the univariate Cox regression analysis the significant variables (p < 0.05) were the Morse score (p = 0.030) and the type of admission unit (p = 0.029). The multivariate predictive model revealed that the type of admission unit (stroke unit vs conventional unit) [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.16; p = 0.032] was the independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in the patients with AIS. Conclusion. The results of this study showed an important role of nursing staff in the recovery of the AIS patients, as well as that admission to the stroke units versus the conventional units is the independent predictor of decreased in-hospital mortality. © 2019, Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Objective: to explore the association of health literacy domains with physical and mental quality of life in people with selected chronic diseases. Methods: Community-dwelling people with selected chronic diseases planned for immunization against influenza in 2017/2018 were included in the study. All non-vaccinated people and the corresponding number of randomly selected vaccinated people matched on town of residence were included. Data were collected by means of socio-demographic questionnaire, Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). The Physical and Mental Composite Scores as well as their domains were observed as the study outcomes. Results: A total of 295 people were studied. The adjusted logistic regression showed that Physical and Mental composite scores were associated with all HLQ domains except 5) Appraisal of health information. Better Physical Functioning was associated with higher scores on 1) Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, 6) Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers, 7) Navigating the healthcare system and 8) Ability to find good health information. Better scores on Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional and Mental Health were associated with higher scores on all HLQ domains except 5) Appraisal of health information. Conclusion: Health literacy is important for physical and mental quality of life among people with chronic diseases. Health care providers and other stakeholders should continuously work to improve health literacy of their patients. © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS

There is a gap in understanding specific features of health literacy that might be associated with adherence to influenza immunization. The aim of this study was to examine the association of health literacy with avoidance of influenza immunization and beliefs about the influenza vaccine among people with chronic diseases. Selection of study participants was based on a case-control study design in a population of people with chronic illnesses living in the Foča region (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina) and who were entitled to receive a free influenza shot in season 2017/2018. The cases represented all non-vaccinated people (a total of 146) and the controls were vaccinated people (a total of 149) matched according to town of residence. Participants were interviewed in person from April to December 2018 using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and Health Belief Model Applied to Influenza (HBMAI). Better score on 'Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers', 'Social support for health' and 'Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers' was associated with more perceived benefits of influenza immunization in men, but not in women. Perceiving more Barriers to influenza immunization was associated with lower scores on 'Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers', 'Have sufficient information to manage health', 'Social support for health' and 'Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers' in both men and women. Health literacy may be associated with the perception of susceptibility to influenza, benefits and barriers to influenza immunization and motivations to receive influenza vaccine. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

There is a gap in understanding specific features of health literacy that might be associated with adherence to influenza immunization. The aim of this study was to examine the association of health literacy with avoidance of influenza immunization and beliefs about the influenza vaccine among people with chronic diseases. Selection of study participants was based on a case-control study design in a population of people with chronic illnesses living in the Foča region (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina) and who were entitled to receive a free influenza shot in season 2017/2018. The cases represented all non-vaccinated people (a total of 146) and the controls were vaccinated people (a total of 149) matched according to town of residence. Participants were interviewed in person from April to December 2018 using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and Health Belief Model Applied to Influenza (HBMAI). Better score on 'Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers', 'Social support for health' and 'Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers' was associated with more perceived benefits of influenza immunization in men, but not in women. Perceiving more Barriers to influenza immunization was associated with lower scores on 'Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers', 'Have sufficient information to manage health', 'Social support for health' and 'Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers' in both men and women. Health literacy may be associated with the perception of susceptibility to influenza, benefits and barriers to influenza immunization and motivations to receive influenza vaccine. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Aims: To determine the difference in autonomic symptom burden measured with the Composite Autonomic System Score-31 (COMPASS-31) and presence of objective dysautonomia in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (pwNMOSD) compared to people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Design/Methods: Twenty pwNMOSD and 20 pwMS, matched for age, sex, and disease duration, were enrolled. All patients completed the COMPASS-31. The quantification of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD) was made using the two indices of the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS): adrenergic index (AI) and cardiovagal index (CI). Results: In all pwNMOSD, COMPASS-31 was >0. Sympathetic dysfunction was present in 8 (40%), parasympathetic dysfunction in 10 (50%), and orthostatic hypotension in 6 (30%) pwNMOSD. This group of patients had higher frequency and level on the pupillomotor domain of the COMPASS-31 compared to pwMS (p = 0.048 and p = 0.006, respectively). A binary logistic regression model showed that drop in diastolic blood pressure (dBP) during tilt-table test and normal function of autonomic nervous system, defined as AI = 0 and CI = 0, were independent predictors of pwNMOSD (p = 0.042 and p = 0.029, respectively). If CAD was present, it was significantly worse in pwNMOSD compared to pwMS (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Significant proportion of pwNMOSD experience dysautonomia, which seems to be different from dysautonomia observed in pwMS. © The Author(s), 2019.

Aims: To determine the difference in autonomic symptom burden measured with the Composite Autonomic System Score-31 (COMPASS-31) and presence of objective dysautonomia in people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (pwNMOSD) compared to people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Design/Methods: Twenty pwNMOSD and 20 pwMS, matched for age, sex, and disease duration, were enrolled. All patients completed the COMPASS-31. The quantification of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD) was made using the two indices of the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS): adrenergic index (AI) and cardiovagal index (CI). Results: In all pwNMOSD, COMPASS-31 was >0. Sympathetic dysfunction was present in 8 (40%), parasympathetic dysfunction in 10 (50%), and orthostatic hypotension in 6 (30%) pwNMOSD. This group of patients had higher frequency and level on the pupillomotor domain of the COMPASS-31 compared to pwMS (p = 0.048 and p = 0.006, respectively). A binary logistic regression model showed that drop in diastolic blood pressure (dBP) during tilt-table test and normal function of autonomic nervous system, defined as AI = 0 and CI = 0, were independent predictors of pwNMOSD (p = 0.042 and p = 0.029, respectively). If CAD was present, it was significantly worse in pwNMOSD compared to pwMS (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Significant proportion of pwNMOSD experience dysautonomia, which seems to be different from dysautonomia observed in pwMS. © The Author(s), 2019.

Objectives: To investigate a possible association between autonomic dysfunction and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. Methods: In 70 people with multiple sclerosis early in the disease course (51 females, mean age 33.8 ± 9.1), quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests, cardiovascular reflex tests (heart rate and blood pressure responses to the Valsalva maneuver and heart rate response to deep breathing), and the tilt table test were performed. Participants completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory. Cutoff scores of ≥ 38 or ≥ 45 on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale were used to stratify patients into a fatigued subgroup (N = 17 or N = 9, respectively). Results: We found clear associations between fatigue and scores in subjective tests of the autonomic nervous system: fatigued patients scored significantly worse on Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, and there was a strong correlation between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (rs = 0.607, p < 0.001). On the other hand, we found only modest associations between fatigue and scores in objective tests of the autonomic nervous system: there was a clear trend for lower sweating outputs at all measured sites, which reached statistical significance for the distal leg and foot. We found weak correlations between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Valsalva ratio (rs = − 0.306, p = 0.011), as well as between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests of the forearm, proximal, and distal lower leg (rs = − 0.379, p = 0.003; rs = − 0.356, p = 0.005; and rs = − 0.345, p = 0.006, respectively). A multiple regression model showed that the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, Beck Depression Inventory, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were independent predictors of fatigue (p = 0.005, p = 0.019, and p = 0.010, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that—even early in the course of the disease—people with multiple sclerosis suffer from objective and subjective impairments of the autonomic nervous system. The results also point to an association between autonomic nervous system impairment and multiple sclerosis related fatigue. © 2018, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Objectives: To investigate a possible association between autonomic dysfunction and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. Methods: In 70 people with multiple sclerosis early in the disease course (51 females, mean age 33.8 ± 9.1), quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests, cardiovascular reflex tests (heart rate and blood pressure responses to the Valsalva maneuver and heart rate response to deep breathing), and the tilt table test were performed. Participants completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory. Cutoff scores of ≥ 38 or ≥ 45 on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale were used to stratify patients into a fatigued subgroup (N = 17 or N = 9, respectively). Results: We found clear associations between fatigue and scores in subjective tests of the autonomic nervous system: fatigued patients scored significantly worse on Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, and there was a strong correlation between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (rs = 0.607, p < 0.001). On the other hand, we found only modest associations between fatigue and scores in objective tests of the autonomic nervous system: there was a clear trend for lower sweating outputs at all measured sites, which reached statistical significance for the distal leg and foot. We found weak correlations between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Valsalva ratio (rs = − 0.306, p = 0.011), as well as between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests of the forearm, proximal, and distal lower leg (rs = − 0.379, p = 0.003; rs = − 0.356, p = 0.005; and rs = − 0.345, p = 0.006, respectively). A multiple regression model showed that the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, Beck Depression Inventory, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were independent predictors of fatigue (p = 0.005, p = 0.019, and p = 0.010, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that—even early in the course of the disease—people with multiple sclerosis suffer from objective and subjective impairments of the autonomic nervous system. The results also point to an association between autonomic nervous system impairment and multiple sclerosis related fatigue. © 2018, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Background/Aim. Botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) is known to block the release of acetylcholine from motor and autonomic nerve terminals and may significantly decrease saliva production when injected intraglandulary. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of BTX-A injections in the treatment of disabling sialorrhea in various neurological disorders. Methods. This study included 19 consecutive patients with significant sialorrhea associated with various neurological disorders. Out of them 13 patients were with Parkinson's disease, two with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, two with multiple system atrophy, one with Wilson's disease, and one patient with postoperative sialorrhea. Botulinum toxin-A (Dysport®, Ipsen Pharma) was injected into the parotid glands with (n = 7 patients) or without (n = 12 patients) ultrasound guidance. All the patients were scored before and after the treatment and in weekly intervals thereafter using the salivation item of the part II (Activities of Daily Living) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Results. Thirteen patients (68%) reported beneficial effect of BTX-A injection, while 6 of them (32%) had no response at all. The sialorrhea scores before and after the treatment were 3.1 ± 0.1 (range 2-4) and 1.8 ± 0.1 (range 0-3), respectively (t = 5.636; p < 0.001). There was no difference in the magnitude of response between the groups with (t = 4.500; p = 0.004) and without (t = 3.674; p = 0.005) ultrasound control of injection sites. Adverse effects were registered in 5 patients (26%). Conclusions. Botulinum toxin-A injections to easily accessible parotid glands, without necessity for ultrasound guidance, are safe and efficaceous treatment for sialorrhea in different neurological disorders.

Objective – The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and patterns of bullying victimization among primary school pupils. Our goal was also to structure evidence-based recommendations as to the main issues surrounding bullying victim-ization. Methods – A cross-sectional study included 380 primary school pupils from 6 primary schools located in the municipality of Voždovac, in the capital city of Belgrade, Serbia. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire explored socio-demographic data, types, location and frequency of bullying as well as pupils’ reactions to bullying. Results – One hundred fifty one pupils (39.7%) reported being victims to bullying. The prevalence of bullying varied across school grades, but showed a decreasing tendency with more advanced grade at school (58.3% in 3rd grade, 37.1% in 5th grade and 26.3% in 7th grade). Making jokes and exclusion from the group were the most frequent types of bullying. The most common location of bullying was inside the classroom (81.4%) and school yard (61.8%). Boys were more frequently victims of bullying compared with girls (χ2 test=6.264; P=0.012). Being younger correlated with more frequent reporting of bullying (rho=0.236; P=0.001). Conclusion – Our findings call for bullying prevention programs in primary schools with the aim at improving teachers’ competence to promptly recognize and respond to bullying. Bullying prevention programs should be compulsory for the teaching staff as well as for the pupils and their parents. © 2019 ETA-Florence Renewable Energies.

Background/Aim. Around 30% of university students have chronic diseases and/or special care needs. As future taskforce in various job sectors will be drawn from current university student population, it is essential that their healthrelated problems are recognized and properly managed. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence and patterns of chronic diseases in the university student population and to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods. A total of 1,624 Belgrade University students were recruited from April to June 2009 at the Student Public Health Center. The students filled in sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the SF-36 questionnaire. Data on chronic diseases were self-reported and thereafter validated in medical records. The impact of chronic diseases on HRQoL was evaluated through series of linear regression models. Results. The prevalence of chronic diseases was 16.5%. The most common chronic diseases were asthma and chronic bronchitis (4.2% and 3.1%, respectively). All SF-36 domains, both composite and total scores were lower compared to healthy students (p < 0.001). Females with chronic diseases reported all eight HRQoL domains as worse, whilst males with chronic diseases reported some HRQoL domains as worse. After adjustment, having chronic diseases remained significantly associated with worse HRQoL [beta (β) -5.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) -8.09, -3.28]. Conclusion. To meet the needs of university students, the health care service should provide support in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. © 2018, Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Background: Cladribine is an oral disease-modifying drug authorized by the European Medicine Agency for the treatment of highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To provide real-world evidence of cladribine's effectiveness and safety in people with MS (pwMS). Methods: A retrospective observational multi-center, multi-national study of pwMS who were started on cladribine tablets in ten centers from five European countries. Results: We identified 320 pwMS treated with cladribine tablets. The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension and depression. Three patients had resolved hepatitis B infection, while eight had positive Quantiferon test prior to cladribine commencement. There were six pwMS who had malignant diseases, but all were non-active. During year 1, 91.6% pwMS did not have EDSS worsening, 86.9% were relapse-free and 72.9% did not have MRI activity. During the second year, 90.2% did not experience EDSS worsening, 86.5% were relapse-free and 75.5% did not have MRI activity. NEDA-3 was present in 58.0% pwMS in year 1 and in 54.2% in year 2. In a multivariable logistic regression model age positively predicted NEDA-3 in year 1. The most common adverse events were infections and skin-related adverse events. Lymphopenia was noted in 54.7% of pwMS at month 2 and in 35.0% at month 6. Two pwMS had a newly discovered malignant disease, one breast cancer, and one melanoma, during the first year of treatment. Conclusion: Our real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of cladribine tablets are comparable to the pivotal study and other real-world data with no new safety signals. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Background: Cladribine is an oral disease-modifying drug authorized by the European Medicine Agency for the treatment of highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To provide real-world evidence of cladribine's effectiveness and safety in people with MS (pwMS). Methods: A retrospective observational multi-center, multi-national study of pwMS who were started on cladribine tablets in ten centers from five European countries. Results: We identified 320 pwMS treated with cladribine tablets. The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension and depression. Three patients had resolved hepatitis B infection, while eight had positive Quantiferon test prior to cladribine commencement. There were six pwMS who had malignant diseases, but all were non-active. During year 1, 91.6% pwMS did not have EDSS worsening, 86.9% were relapse-free and 72.9% did not have MRI activity. During the second year, 90.2% did not experience EDSS worsening, 86.5% were relapse-free and 75.5% did not have MRI activity. NEDA-3 was present in 58.0% pwMS in year 1 and in 54.2% in year 2. In a multivariable logistic regression model age positively predicted NEDA-3 in year 1. The most common adverse events were infections and skin-related adverse events. Lymphopenia was noted in 54.7% of pwMS at month 2 and in 35.0% at month 6. Two pwMS had a newly discovered malignant disease, one breast cancer, and one melanoma, during the first year of treatment. Conclusion: Our real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of cladribine tablets are comparable to the pivotal study and other real-world data with no new safety signals. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Objectives: The FACIT-CD (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Cervical Dysplasia) questionnaire is a disease-specific instrument for assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with cervical dysplasia. Our aim was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the FACIT-CD scale in Serbian women with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). Study Design: Our study included women of reproductive age diagnosed with SIL in a single university-affiliated hospital. A total of 160 participants with histologically confirmed low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade (HSIL) squamous intraepithelial lesions responded to the Serbian version of the FACIT-CD instrument, the Short Form-36v2 questionnaire (SF-36v2), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Women also participated in an interview regarding their socio-demographic data. We evaluated the validity and reliability of the Serbian version of FACIT-CD. Results: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.710 for the entire sample (0.702 for LSIL and 0.711 for HSIL). We found numerous correlations between the FACIT-CD scores and SF-36v2 scores, as well as between the BAI and BDI scores for both the total score and most of the domain scores. The mean FACIT-CD total score was high (114.47 ± 13.25 out of 136.00 which is the maximum score). There were no significant differences in the mean scores between the LSIL and HSIL groups. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the Serbian FACIT-CD has overall good psychometric properties in women with both LSIL and HSIL. We propose the use of the FACIT-CD questionnaire as an indicator for HRQoL in women with cervical dysplasia. © 2018

Background: Cyberbullying is a serious problem among adolescents and has an impact on mental health. The purpose of this study was to: 1) translate and validate the Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey in the Serbian language; 2) explore factors associated with more intense cyber victimization and cyber offending and 3) examine whether more intense cyber victimization and cyber offending are associated with a higher likelihood of online search for topics on mental health in a sample of high school students. Subjects and Methods: A total of 702 students from 4 public high schools participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a general questionnaire and the Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was examined and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess construct validity. The multiple linear regression model examined factors associated with higher levels of cyber offending and cyber victimization. The multiple logistic regression models examined whether cyber offending and cyber victimizations were associated with searching for mental health topics on the Internet. Results: Cronbach’s alpha for the Cyberbullying Victimization Scale was 0.813 and for the Cyberbullying Offending Scale was 0.789. Both scales had a one-factorial structure and parameters on the confirmatory factor analysis were appropriate. More than one-half of students (56.2%) reported ever being cyber victimized and 39.9% of students reported ever being cyber offenders. Having lower grades, being younger at first Internet use and more frequent use of the internet were associated with both higher Cyberbullying Victimization and Offending scores. Having higher scores on both Cyberbullying Victimization and Offending scales was associated with higher odds of searching for mental health topics online. Conclusion: It is necessary to address cyberbullying in schools to help recognize and modify the behavior of cyber offenders and provide means of support and empowerment to cyber victims. © Medicinska naklada & Pro mente, Zagreb, Croatia.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α has been considered the prototypic cytopathogenic cytokine in multiple sclerosis (MS), but recently this cytokine has been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in demyelinating diseases. It has been reported that the TNFα-308 polymorphism influences levels of TNFα production, and that the rare allele, TNF2, is associated with high TNFα production. We investigated the TNFα-308 polymorphism in 143 unrelated Serbian patients with MS and 123 ethnically matched, healthy individuals using the allele-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction technique. The frequency of the TNF2 allele was significantly decreased in MS patients (14%) in comparison with controls (24%; p = 0.044). The TNF2 allele had no influence on disease behavior, since it was not associated with the course and severity of MS in this group of patients. The result suggests that in the Serbian population polymorphism at position -308 of TNFα or at an adjacent locus might have a role in MS susceptibility. Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α has been considered the prototypic cytopathogenic cytokine in multiple sclerosis (MS), but recently this cytokine has been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in demyelinating diseases. It has been reported that the TNFα-308 polymorphism influences levels of TNFα production, and that the rare allele, TNF2, is associated with high TNFα production. We investigated the TNFα-308 polymorphism in 143 unrelated Serbian patients with MS and 123 ethnically matched, healthy individuals using the allele-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction technique. The frequency of the TNF2 allele was significantly decreased in MS patients (14%) in comparison with controls (24%; p = 0.044). The TNF2 allele had no influence on disease behavior, since it was not associated with the course and severity of MS in this group of patients. The result suggests that in the Serbian population polymorphism at position -308 of TNFα or at an adjacent locus might have a role in MS susceptibility. Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.