Browsing by Author "Soldatović, Ivan (35389846900)"

Background/Aim. There is no scientific evidence that the prophylactic use of antibiotics as a part of the mandib-ular third molar surgery is effective in suppressing postop-erative pain, edema, trismus, and dry socket. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone (moxifloxacin) and cephalosporin (cefixime) groups in reducing postoperative inflammatory sequelae (pain, edema, and trismus), as well as in possibly reducing the incidence of dry socket after mandibular third molar surgery. Methods. This double-blind study was completed by 157 subjects, comprising two study groups (who received the aforementioned antibiotics) and a con-trol group, who received placebo tablets. Subjects were as-sessed on the first, second, and seventh day following sur-gery. In the postoperative course, patients were monitored for the occurrence, intensity, and duration of postopera-tive inflammatory sequelae and dry socket. Results. Both antibiotics, especially moxifloxacin, had a pronounced ef-fect on reducing all inflammatory sequelae (pain, edema, and trismus) as the most common postoperative com-plaints following mandibular third molar surgery, and also contributed to reducing the incidence of dry socket. Con-clusion. Antibiotic prophylaxis with cefixime and, espe-cially moxifloxacin, reduced the occurrence of postopera-tive inflammatory sequelae and alleviated discomfort. It is interesting, that both antibiotics, especially moxifloxacin, also contributed to reducing the incidence of postopera-tive dry socket, which is not provoked by inflammation. Therefore, further research into the underlying mecha-nisms behind such an effect is warranted. © 2022 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Introduction/Objective Gunshot residue (GSR) on the skin of a victim are important evidence, with far better precision, for reconstructive questions in the forensic investigation of cases involving gunshot wounds. The aim of this experimental study was to analyze if there was any significant difference in macroscopic characteristics of wounds that were caused with different types of weapons from three different distances. Methods This study was conducted at the Department of Ballistic and Mechanoscopic Expertise, Federal Police Directorate. Experiments were done on pigskin and 55 samples were made. Shooting was conducted using a system for safe firing. Samples of the pigskin were shot by firing projectiles from four different weapons and from three different distances, (contact wound, five centimetres and 10 centimetres). Results At the contact range, wounds caused by automatic rifle had horizontal, vertical diameters larger than those made by pistols. Diameters on the wounds that were caused with different pistols, were similar. At the range of five centimetres, the narrowest part of contusion ring significantly differs even through pistol wounds. Diameters at the range of 10 centimetres are in favor of these results. Gunpowder residue scattering area was statistically different depending of type of weapon (p = 0.004). Conclusion Wound diameters and surface area are useful for differentiation between pistol and rifle caused wounds. It is unsecure method for determination of pistol caliber or fire range. GSR have much greater potential for future analyses, but even GSR cannot be used to determine pistol caliber. © 2020, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Background. Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely related pathophysiological processes, both occurring in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to the standard treatment of T2DM, a potential strategy has been focused on the use of bile acids (BAs) as an additional treatment. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), as the first BA used in humans, improves glucose and lipid metabolism and attenuates oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects of UDCA in patients with T2DM. Methods. This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study included 60 patients with T2DM, randomly allocated to receive UDCA or placebo. Subjects were treated with 500 mg tablets of UDCA or placebo administered three times per day (total dose of 1500 mg/day) for eight weeks. Two study visits, at the beginning (F0) and at the end (F1) of the study, included the interview, anthropometric and clinical measurements, and biochemical analyses. Results. UDCA treatment showed a significant reduction in body mass index (p=0.024) and in diastolic blood pressure (p=0.033), compared to placebo. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in waist circumference in the UDCA group before and after treatment (p<0.05). Although no statistical significance was observed at the two-month follow-up assessment, an average decrease in glucose levels in the UDCA group was observed. After two months of the intervention period, a significant decrease in the activity of liver enzymes was noticed. Furthermore, a significant reduction in prooxidative parameters (TBARS, NO2-, H2O2) and significant elevation in antioxidative parameters such as SOD and GSH were found (p<0.001). Conclusions. The eight-week UDCA administration showed beneficial effects on metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in patients with T2DM. Thus, UDCA could attenuate the progression and complications of diabetes and should be considered as an adjuvant to other diabetes treatment modalities. This trial is registered with NCT05416580. © 2024 Biljana Lakić et al.

Background. Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely related pathophysiological processes, both occurring in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to the standard treatment of T2DM, a potential strategy has been focused on the use of bile acids (BAs) as an additional treatment. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), as the first BA used in humans, improves glucose and lipid metabolism and attenuates oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects of UDCA in patients with T2DM. Methods. This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study included 60 patients with T2DM, randomly allocated to receive UDCA or placebo. Subjects were treated with 500 mg tablets of UDCA or placebo administered three times per day (total dose of 1500 mg/day) for eight weeks. Two study visits, at the beginning (F0) and at the end (F1) of the study, included the interview, anthropometric and clinical measurements, and biochemical analyses. Results. UDCA treatment showed a significant reduction in body mass index (p=0.024) and in diastolic blood pressure (p=0.033), compared to placebo. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in waist circumference in the UDCA group before and after treatment (p<0.05). Although no statistical significance was observed at the two-month follow-up assessment, an average decrease in glucose levels in the UDCA group was observed. After two months of the intervention period, a significant decrease in the activity of liver enzymes was noticed. Furthermore, a significant reduction in prooxidative parameters (TBARS, NO2-, H2O2) and significant elevation in antioxidative parameters such as SOD and GSH were found (p<0.001). Conclusions. The eight-week UDCA administration showed beneficial effects on metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in patients with T2DM. Thus, UDCA could attenuate the progression and complications of diabetes and should be considered as an adjuvant to other diabetes treatment modalities. This trial is registered with NCT05416580. © 2024 Biljana Lakić et al.

OBJECTIVES: Healthcare workers are the professional group at higher risk of burnout than others. It is the underlying reason for medical errors and the general decrease in quality of patient care and is related to poor patient-healthcare worker relationships. Healthcare workers who work with military personnel have specificities compared to healthcare workers who work only with civilians. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 171 nurses at the Military Medical Academy was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of items regarding socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle characteristics, workplace environment, workplace stress, strategies of stress management, symptoms and signs of workplace-related stress, and the Serbian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout was 46.2%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the burnout was associated with stating that they would not choose the same profession again (OR = 4.54, 95% CI: 1.53-14.50) and with not being interested in the work (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.58-14.92). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of burnout is relatively high among nurses at the Medical Military Academy in Belgrade and is associated with factors in the work environment.

Pedagogical work, especially with preschool children, is one of the most stressful professions, and the incidence of stress-related illnesses among preschool teachers is higher than in the general population. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2018 and April 2019, was to examine the prevalence of the burnout syndrome in a representative sample of 482 preschool teachers in Serbia and the factors associated with it. For this purpose, the participants completed a questionnaire composed of six sections: the socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics, health and lifestyle characteristics, workplace and employment characteristics; Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). The frequency of the total burnout was 27.1 %. The frequency of burnout on the CBI was 25.4 % for personal burnout, 27.0 % for work-related burnout, and 23.4 % for client-related burnout. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with total burnout as an outcome variable showed that being single (OR: 0.18; 95 % CI: 0.05-0.58), having poor (OR: 6.05; 95 % CI: 1.05-34.91), or average (OR: 3.60; 95 % CI: 1.57-8.25) self-rated health, not having didactic/play tools (OR: 2.71; 95 % CI: 1.21-6.04), having a higher score on the BDI (OR: 1.19; 95 % CI: 1.09-1.29) or SAS (OR: 1.10; 95 % CI: 1.03-1.18) was significantly associated with the total burnout among our participants. Our study shows the worryingly high prevalence of the burnout syndrome among preschool teachers in Serbia and points to its association with mental health issues, depression, and anxiety. © 2024 Sciendo. All rights reserved.

Pedagogical work, especially with preschool children, is one of the most stressful professions, and the incidence of stress-related illnesses among preschool teachers is higher than in the general population. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2018 and April 2019, was to examine the prevalence of the burnout syndrome in a representative sample of 482 preschool teachers in Serbia and the factors associated with it. For this purpose, the participants completed a questionnaire composed of six sections: the socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics, health and lifestyle characteristics, workplace and employment characteristics; Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). The frequency of the total burnout was 27.1 %. The frequency of burnout on the CBI was 25.4 % for personal burnout, 27.0 % for work-related burnout, and 23.4 % for client-related burnout. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with total burnout as an outcome variable showed that being single (OR: 0.18; 95 % CI: 0.05-0.58), having poor (OR: 6.05; 95 % CI: 1.05-34.91), or average (OR: 3.60; 95 % CI: 1.57-8.25) self-rated health, not having didactic/play tools (OR: 2.71; 95 % CI: 1.21-6.04), having a higher score on the BDI (OR: 1.19; 95 % CI: 1.09-1.29) or SAS (OR: 1.10; 95 % CI: 1.03-1.18) was significantly associated with the total burnout among our participants. Our study shows the worryingly high prevalence of the burnout syndrome among preschool teachers in Serbia and points to its association with mental health issues, depression, and anxiety. © 2024 Sciendo. All rights reserved.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of the subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) marker, elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibodies in their ability to predict subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In a prospective clinical trial, 230 pregnant women were screened for thyroid function during the first trimester of pregnancy. Increased TSH levels with normal free thyroxine (fT4) were considered SCH. The titers of thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti TPO Ab) at >35 IU/mL and thyroglobulin antibody (anti Tg Ab) at >115 IU/mL were considered as antibodies present. According to the OGTT results, the number of pregnant women with GDM showed the expected growth trend, which was 19%. Two groups of pregnant women were compared, one with GDM and the other without. Increased TSH levels and the presence of thyroid antibodies showed a positive correlation with the risk of GDM. TSH levels were significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM, p = 0.027. In this study, 25.6% of pregnant women met the diagnostic criteria for autoimmune thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was significantly more common in GDM patients, p < 0.001. Through multivariate logistic regression, it was demonstrated that patient age, TSH 4 IU/mL, and anti TPO Ab > 35 IU/mL are significant predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus that may improve first-trimester pregnancy screening performance, AUC: 0.711; 95% CI: 0.629–0.793. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background/Aim. Suicide is a significant public health problem worldwide. Numerous factors contribute to suicide. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of suicide in the city of Niš in the period 2001-2010. Methods. The retrospective study consisted of 608 persons divided into three groups: suicide committers with mental disorders, somatic disorders or without registered disorders. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, previous suicide attempts, methods of suicide and presuicidal syndrome were obtained from the Police Directorate for the city of Niš, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Republic of Serbia and from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Results. Persons with mental disorders were the most prevalent group of people who committed suicide (54.3%), followed by persons without registered disorders (31.9%) and with somatic disorders (13.8%). Persons with mental disorders who committed suicide were most often divorced, with high school education, monthly salary and with at least one previous suicide attempt. The hanging was the most frequent method of committing suicide in all investigated groups, followed by self-poisoning using drugs or liquid substances. The presuicidal syndrome was significantly more frequent among persons with mental disorders compared to persons with somatic disorders or without registered disorders others (45.8% vs. 16.7%, and 45.8% vs. 28.4% respectively p < 0.001). Conclusion. Although the persons with mental disorders are in the greatest risk of suicide, they are under medical care. In this regard, the prevention programs should be directed towards persons with severe somatic disorders and to old persons without registered disorders. © 2018, Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim. Thymoma is the most common mediastinal tumor. The treatment procedures are based on the results from the research of retrospective studies because they are not frequent tumors. The aim of this work was to define common clinical features, therapeutic aspects, survival and recurrence free survival. Methods. This study was performed in the Clinic for Pulmonology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade from January 1993 to December 2013. We analyzed 62 patients with histopathologically proven thymoma. The results were obtaind from medical history, physical exam, chest X-ray and/or computed tomography and operational findings or diagnostic procedure reports. Thymomas were clasiffied according to the World Health Organization classifying system, based on histopathological findings, and staged according to the Masaoka-Koga staging system. Results. There were more female (54.8%) patients. Patients were mostly in the seventh decade of life. One third (29%) of the patients were asymptomatic. Cough was the dominant symptom. Myasthenia gravis was the most common paraneoplastic syndrome (12.9%). Solitary tumor was the most common in our patients (61.3%), as well as the tumors larger than 5 cm (52.5%), and noninvasive thymomas (52.5%). The majority of patients (40%) were in the stage I of the disease. The operative approach was conducted in most of the patients (88.7%). A statistically significant difference in survival was in women, patients with solitary tumor, non-invasive thymomas, patients in the stage I of the disease, and those who were operated. The dimension of the tumor mass approached the conventional level of significance. Conclusion. In patients with thymomas, statistically significant survival rate predictors are gender, presence of solitary tumor mass, tumor invasiveness, clinical stage and surgical treatment of the disease. © 2020 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Background: Data about correlation of interleukins (IL-1 α IL-1 β IFN γ IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in HIV/AIDS patients are still limited. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlations of serum levels of PAI-1, leptin and ferritin with HOMA in HIV/AIDS patients treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 64 HIV/AIDS patients, all Caucasians, receiving cART at the HIV/AIDS Centre, Belgrade, Serbia. PAI-1, leptin, ferritin and insulin levels were measured using the Metabolic Syndrome Array I (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK), while adiponectin and resistin levels were measured using Metabolic Syndrome Array II (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK), interleukins (IL-1 α IL-1 β IFN γ IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), MCP-1, TNF-α as well as VEGF was measured using Cytokine Array I (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK). Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA). Multicollinearity of independent variables in multivariate model was analyzed using Variance Inflation Factor. Results: Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between HOMA and waist circumference, body mass index, patients’ age, number of cART combinations and triglycerides (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.050, p = 0.044, p = 0.002, respectively). HOMA negatively correlated with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) (Rho = −0.282; p = 0.025). PAI-1 (Rho = 0.334; p= 0.007) and leptin (Rho = 0.492; p = 0.001) together with ferritin (Rho = 0.396, p = 0.001) positively and significantly correlated with HOMA. Levels of IL-1 α IL-1 β IFN γ IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, adiponectin, MCP-1, resistin, TNF-α CRP and VEGF did not significantly correlate with HOMA. Further, multiple logistic regression showed that there is a statistically significant correlation between PAI, leptin and ferritin with HOMA levels (p = 0.042; p < 0.001, p = 0.009). Conclusions: We showed significant correlation between PAI-1, leptin and ferritin, independently of each other with HOMA, in HIV/AIDS patients on cART. © 2018 Elsevier Inc.

Background: Data about correlation of interleukins (IL-1 α IL-1 β IFN γ IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in HIV/AIDS patients are still limited. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlations of serum levels of PAI-1, leptin and ferritin with HOMA in HIV/AIDS patients treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 64 HIV/AIDS patients, all Caucasians, receiving cART at the HIV/AIDS Centre, Belgrade, Serbia. PAI-1, leptin, ferritin and insulin levels were measured using the Metabolic Syndrome Array I (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK), while adiponectin and resistin levels were measured using Metabolic Syndrome Array II (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK), interleukins (IL-1 α IL-1 β IFN γ IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), MCP-1, TNF-α as well as VEGF was measured using Cytokine Array I (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK). Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA). Multicollinearity of independent variables in multivariate model was analyzed using Variance Inflation Factor. Results: Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between HOMA and waist circumference, body mass index, patients’ age, number of cART combinations and triglycerides (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.050, p = 0.044, p = 0.002, respectively). HOMA negatively correlated with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) (Rho = −0.282; p = 0.025). PAI-1 (Rho = 0.334; p= 0.007) and leptin (Rho = 0.492; p = 0.001) together with ferritin (Rho = 0.396, p = 0.001) positively and significantly correlated with HOMA. Levels of IL-1 α IL-1 β IFN γ IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, adiponectin, MCP-1, resistin, TNF-α CRP and VEGF did not significantly correlate with HOMA. Further, multiple logistic regression showed that there is a statistically significant correlation between PAI, leptin and ferritin with HOMA levels (p = 0.042; p < 0.001, p = 0.009). Conclusions: We showed significant correlation between PAI-1, leptin and ferritin, independently of each other with HOMA, in HIV/AIDS patients on cART. © 2018 Elsevier Inc.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) have both been used for testing of antibodies to desmogleins 1 and 3 (anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3) and for the serologic diagnosis of pemphigus. IIF values and antibody concentrations and profile do not always correlate with a specific clinical phenotype and with the disease activity. The purpose of the present study was to correlate the clinical phenotype of patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and the disease activity with anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 antibodies and IIF titers. A total of 72 patients with PV underwent ELISA serum testing for the presence and titers of anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 and IIF which were correlated with the severity of the disease (evaluated using the Pemphigus Disease Area Index, PDAI), clinical phenotype, and clinical course. In 79.2% patients there was a perfect correlation between the clinical phenotype and antibody profiles; in 20.8% patients, clinical features and antigenic findings were discordant. A statistically significant correlation was found between disease activity and a) anti-Dsg3 and anti-Dsg1 concentrations (Rho=0.679, P<0.001 and Rho=0.363, P=0.02, respectively) and b) IIF titers (Rho=0.426, P<0.01), as well between IIF titers and anti-Dsg3 and anti-Dsg1 antibodies (Rho=0.742, P<0.01 and Rho=0.372, P=0.02, respectively). This study supports the previous observations that the disease severity in most patients with pemphigus correlates with IIF titers, which in turn is determined by the quantities of Dsg1 and Dsg3 antibodies, as well as the previous observation that the clinical phenotype and antibody profile are not always in correlation. © 2017, Croatian Dermatovenerological Society. All rights reserved.

Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Serbian version of the Australian pelvic floor questionnaire.; Methods: The Australian pelvic floor questionnaire was translated according to the standard method of back-translation. Women who presented with pelvic floor disorders completed the Serbian version of the Australian pelvic floor questionnaire. Women were subjected to clinical and gynecological assessment including physical examination, cough stress test, pelvic prolapse anatomical assessment using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, and post-void residual volume. Reliability and divergent validity was performed on 76 patients with significant pelvic floor dysfunction and 23 women without pelvic floor dysfunction. Patients repeated the questionnaire after 4 weeks.; Results: High reliability was observed in all four dimensions (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were above 0.8 for each dimension: bladder 0.846, bowel 0.822, prolapse 0.842, and sexual function 0.823). Test-retest analyses revealed high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficients were above 0.9). Prolapse symptom score correlated significantly with pelvic organ quantification and bladder score correlated significantly with the results of the cough stress test (convergent validity). Scores distinguished between patients with pelvic floor disorders and controls (high discriminant validity).; Conclusions: The Serbian version of the Australian pelvic floor questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for assessment of quality of life in women with pelvic floor disorders. © 2014, The International Urogynecological Association.

Background: Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) is not considered tumorigenic, there is evidence for its oncomodulatory effects and association with hematological neoplasms. Conversely, a number of experimental and clinical studies suggest its putative anti-tumour effect. We investigated the potential connection between chronic CMV infection in patients with B-lymphocyte (B-cell) malignancies in a retrospective single-center study and extracted relevant data on CMV prevalences and the incidences of B-cell cancers the world over. Methods: In the clinical single-center study, prevalence of chronic CMV infection was compared between patients with B-cell leukemia/lymphoma and the healthy controls. Also, global data on CMV seroprevalences and the corresponding country-specific incidences of B- lineage neoplasms worldwide were investigated for potential correlations. Results: Significantly higher CMV seropositivity was observed in control subjects than in patients with B-cell malignancies (p = 0.035). Moreover, an unexpected seroepidemiological evidence of highly significant inverse relationship between country-specific CMV prevalence and the annual incidence of B-cell neoplasms was noted across the populations worldwide (ρ = −0.625, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We try to draw attention to an unreported interplay between CMV infection and B-cell lymphomagenesis in adults. A large-scale survey across > 70 countries disclosed a link between CMV and B-cell neoplasms. Our evidence hints at an antagonistic effect of chronic CMV infection against B-lymphoproliferation. © 2022, The Author(s).

Background: Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) is not considered tumorigenic, there is evidence for its oncomodulatory effects and association with hematological neoplasms. Conversely, a number of experimental and clinical studies suggest its putative anti-tumour effect. We investigated the potential connection between chronic CMV infection in patients with B-lymphocyte (B-cell) malignancies in a retrospective single-center study and extracted relevant data on CMV prevalences and the incidences of B-cell cancers the world over. Methods: In the clinical single-center study, prevalence of chronic CMV infection was compared between patients with B-cell leukemia/lymphoma and the healthy controls. Also, global data on CMV seroprevalences and the corresponding country-specific incidences of B- lineage neoplasms worldwide were investigated for potential correlations. Results: Significantly higher CMV seropositivity was observed in control subjects than in patients with B-cell malignancies (p = 0.035). Moreover, an unexpected seroepidemiological evidence of highly significant inverse relationship between country-specific CMV prevalence and the annual incidence of B-cell neoplasms was noted across the populations worldwide (ρ = −0.625, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We try to draw attention to an unreported interplay between CMV infection and B-cell lymphomagenesis in adults. A large-scale survey across > 70 countries disclosed a link between CMV and B-cell neoplasms. Our evidence hints at an antagonistic effect of chronic CMV infection against B-lymphoproliferation. © 2022, The Author(s).

Background: Nodular follicular lesions of thyroid gland comprise benign and malignant neoplasms, as well as some forms of hyperplasia. "Follicular" refers to origin of cells and in the same time to growth pattern - building follicles. Nodular follicular thyroid lesions have in common many morphological features, therefore attempts were made to define additional criteria for distinction between follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma and follicular variant of papillary carcinoma. Increasing number of immunohistochemical markers is in the continual process of evaluation. Methods: Tissue microarrays incorporating, total 201 cases, out of which 122 malignant and 79 benign follicular lesions, including neoplastic and non-neoplastic, were constructed and immunostained with antibodies to CD56, CK19, Galectin-3, HBME-1. Tissue cores were exclusively being acquired from tumour/lesion on interface with normal thyroid tissue. A systematic review of literature was done for period from the year 2001 to present time. Results: All analysed markers may make a difference between benign lesions/tumours from differentiated thyroid carcinomas (p = <0.01, for all markers). Expression of all markers is significantly higher in papillary carcinoma than in follicular adenoma (p < 0.01). Statistically significant difference in expression of Galectin-3 and CD56 between follicular carcinoma and follicular adenoma was registered (p = 0.043; p = 0.028, respectively). The only marker which expression showed statistically significant difference between adenoma and carcinoma of Hurthle cells was Galectin 3 (p = 0.041). CK19 and HBME-1 were significantly expressed more in papillary carcinoma as compared to follicular carcinoma. Conclusion: Galectin 3 is most sensitive marker for malignancy, while loss of expression of CD56 is very specific for malignancy. Expected co-expression for combination of markers in diagnosis of follicular lesions decreases sensitivity and increases specificity for malignancy. © 2015 Dunderović et al.

Objectives To identify factors associated with sexual initiation before the age of 17 among Serbian adolescents and to assess whether the latter is associated with other risky behaviours, such as tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use, and fighting. Methods The study was an analysis of data gathered by the 2006 Serbian National Population Health Survey in which information concerning adolescents was obtained by means of questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. Results A total of 474 adolescents aged 15 and 16 completed the survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male respondents reporting sexual initiation were significantly more likely to smoke daily and to have experienced two or more episodes of drunkenness in the past. Female respondents reporting sexual initiation were significantly more likely to live with both parents, to feel insecure in school, to smoke daily and to drink more than once a week. Conclusions A strong association was found between adolescent sexual initiation and substance abuse. Although a causal relationship is evidently not established, one might contemplate including measures lowering the frequency and intensity of substance abuse in health prevention programmes and interventions aiming at reducing the risks associated with sexual initiation. © 2014 The European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health.

Introduction/Objective The aim of the paper was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of ultrasound treatment procedure on defined clinical parameters and changes of electrodiagnostic parameters at the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome patients. Methods Thirty-five patients (50 hands) were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG) (20 patients (29 hands)) and the control group (CG) (15 patients (21 hands)). Twenty sessions of ultrasound treatment were performed over a period of seven weeks and control examination was performed during the eighth week from the initial session. Clinical assessment parameters (pain intensity, superficial sensibility, and Tinel sign), and electrodiagnostic parameters (motor distal latency – mDL), median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), and median sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) were assessed both at baseline (T1) and at control (T2). Results There is significant improvement of pain intensity (T1 – 10.4/58.6/31; T2 – 65.5/27.6/6.9; p < 0.001) and superficial sensibility (T1 – 3.4/69/27.6; T2 – 44.8/34.5/20.7; p < 0.001) in the EG after the treatment. In the EG, there is significant reduction in frequency of positive Tinel’s sign (T1 – 100/0; T2 – 62.1/37.9; p < 0.001), and mDL significantly decreased after the treatment (T1 – 4.7 ± 1.3; T2 – 4.5 ± 1.2; p = 0.007), while SNAP (T1 – 20.2 ± 15.4; T2 – 24.4 ± 16.5; p < 0.001) and SNCV (T1 – 36.5 ± 9.8; T2 – 42.6 ± 9.7; p < 0.001) significantly increased. Conclusion Ultrasound treatment along with exercises have positive short-term effects and benefits on improvement of clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2018, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

Introduction Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory lesion of peri-implant tissues. Eradication of the causative bacteria and decontamination of the implant surface is essential in achieving predictable and stabile clinical results. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is non-invasive adjuvant therapeutic method to surgery in the treatment of bacterial infection. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate early clinical and microbiological outcomes of periimplantitis after surgical therapy with adjuvant PDT. Methods Fifty-two diagnosed peri-implantitis sites were divided into two groups. PDT was used for decontamination of implant surface in the study group; in the control group, chlorhexidine gel (CHX) followed by saline irrigation was applied. Several clinical parameters were recorded before the treatment (baseline values) and three months after surgical treatment. Samples for microbiological identification were collected before therapy, during the surgical therapy (before and after decontamination of implant surface), and three months thereafter, and analyzed with identification systems using biochemical analysis. Results The use of PDT resulted in significant decrease of bleeding on probing in comparison to CHX (p < 0.001). It showed significant decontamination of implant surfaces with complete elimination of anaerobic bacteria immediately after surgical procedure and three months later. Conclusion The results indicate that PDT can be used as an adjuvant therapy to surgery for decontamination of implant surface and surrounding peri-implant tissues within the treatment of peri-implantitis. © 2016, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.