Current issue
Volume 53, Issue 4, 2025
Online ISSN: 2560-3310
ISSN: 0350-8773
Volume 53 , Issue 4, (2025)
Published: 30.06.2025.
Open Access
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Contents
01.01.2017.
Professional paper
Ultraviolet A irradiation and photoaging of the mouse skin
Introduction: Solar or artificial UVA radiation play a major role in photoaging of the skin. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the presence of morphological changes in the dermis of mouse skin exposed to UVA radiation, with or without the usage of photoprotective cream. Methods: This experiment involved the exposure of female BALBc mice, to solarium UVA lamps. The animals were divided into 2 experimental and 2 control groups. Before the radiation exposure, the hair on the backs of the experimental animals and one kontrol group was removed by shaving 3 times a week, and a half an hour before the exposure a broad spectrum photoprotective cream (UVA filter and SPF 50) was applied on half of the experimental animals. The animals were exposed to radiation 5 times a week, 2 hours a day (the dosage of 156 J/ cm2), for 16 weeks, up to a total radiation of 12500 J/cm2. Results: The presence of impaired collagen fibril network was the most pronounced in the experimental group of animals exposed to radiation without the usage of photoprotective cream (p<0.001). The presence of normal collagen fibril network was observed in the both control groups (p<0.001). The presence of incipient solar elastosis was observed in the experimental group of animals exposed to radiation without the usage of photoprotective cream. Conclusions: The results showed that the usage of a photoprotective cream provided an efficient protection against the effects of UVA radiation and dermal photoaging.
Sladjana Savic, Mlica Mijovic, Aleksandra Ilic, Predrag Mandic, Branislav Djerkovic
01.01.2017.
Professional paper
Prevalence of the use of psychoactive substances and its connection with the socioeconomic characteristics of students
Youth is a critical age to begin experimenting with alcohol and tobacco, whereby social prestige, self-assertion, relaxation from difficulties, the way of showing rebellion against authority and valid social norms are cited as motives. Consumption of alcohol and tobacco during the period of personality formation leads to permanent behavioral disorders, while the biological characteristics of young people determine the faster development of addiction to these substances regarding to adults. In addition, the social position of young people and the position of their families are extremely jeopardized. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use among students of the University of Pristina with a temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica, i.e. to establish the connection between these habits and the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the students. The research was done as a cross sectional study on a representative sample of students of the University of Pristina with a temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica, in March and April 2011. The survey covered 567 subjects. The questionnaire served as a research instrument, the same that was used in researching the health behavior of students from other universities in the Republic of Serbia in 2000. The data were processed using descriptive statistics while the hi-square test was used to analyze the data. Out of the total number of surveyed students, a quarter (24.7%) answered that they were smoking cigarettes, while 91.4% of our respondents tasted alcohol. The highest proportion of respondents from the Faculty of Arts claims to consume cigarettes, students who get 4001-5000 dinars per week, as well as respondents who are "not particularly satisfied" with the their choice of faculty. The highest proportion of male students and students whose weekly pocket is from 2001 to 2000 dinars consume alcohol.
Sladjana Djuric, Momcilo Mirkovic, Danijela Ilic, Jovana Milosevic
01.12.2016.
Professional paper
The problems associated with the treatment of chronic hyperuricaemia in Serbia
Gout is a direct consequence of chronic hyperuricaemia, who 's prevalence is following sedentary lifestyle and improper diet dominated by foods rich in purines and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages with sweeteners. Since gout is associated with other serious comorbidities is essential that the treatment of this disease would be adequate. The results of numerous studies indicate that the worldwide therapy of gout is insufficient in most patients. There is no doubt that this assessment is true for the treatment of gout in the Republic of Serbia, and the reasons for such an assessment are numerous. The most important reason is related to the choice of drugs, because in Serbia they are only available xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which reduce the formation of uric acid, while drugs that increase the excretion of uric acid- Uricosuric drugs are not registered. Beside uricosurics, in Serbia is not registered neither colhicine, a drug that has a very important role in the prevention of adverse effects of antihyperuricaemia drugs in the first few weeks of treatment.
Milos Milosavljevic, Milica Milosavljevic
01.01.2017.
Professional paper
Pulp and dentin modifications that occur after direct and indirect overlay with materials on the calcium hydroxide-base
When pulp tissue gets exposed, therapy procedures are supposed to promote healing and to ease forming of reparative dentin in order to preserve vitality and health of the pulp. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) procedure includes removal of the local irritants as well as application of protective materials directly or indirectly on tooth pulp. Vital pulp therapy may be used for the treatment of the reversible pulp diseases in order to promote root development and to form apical region which will ensure correct endodontic tooth treatment in later stages. There are numerous controversies concerning vital pulp therapy but mostly related to the choice of the materials, correct technique and evaluation of the final therapy results. The goal of the experimental research is to use scanning electron and polarized microscopy to analyze modifications on cellular and extracellular components of the tooth pulp after direct and indirect overlaying with materials on the calcium hydroxide basis (Calcimol VOCO USA). We will also determine the appearance of dental surface after direct and indirect overlaying and if Calcimol proves good and effective in dentinogenesis, we will propose it for clinical usage. Research has been conducted on experimental animals (pig). Materials used in this research were on calcium hydroxide - base, Calcimol. V class preparation has been applied on the teeth of the experimental group. Eleven teeth have been overlaids directly and the same number of teeth has been overlaid indirectly. After the preparation, materials based on calcium hydroxide have been applied and cavity has been closed with materials from the glass ionomer cement group (FUJI IX GC Japan). Teeth that were treated with pulp perforation had their chambers filled with materials on calcium hydroxide-base and their cavities were closed with glass ionomer cement (FUJI IX GC Japan). Correctly prepared teeth have been observed with SEM and polarization microscopes. Observing and analyzing of the results with polarization and scanning electron microscope in comparison with control group showed that gained results may have significant clinical implication in biological pulp treatment. Directly applied Calcimol observed through polarization microscope points to intensive changes in blood vessels and beginnings of erythrocyte disintegration, distinct extravasation, and appearance of the small necrotic spots. SEM analyzes shows contact of the amalgam-Calcimol without new amorphous dentinal structures. Indirectly applied Calcimol observed through polarization microscope points to newly formed dentinal structures, calcification cores surrounded by huge cells and blood vessels presence. SEM analyzes shows clear border between newly formed dentinal tubules and ordinary dentinal structure. Gained results suggest application of the Calcimol as a material for indirect pulp overlay while its application in indirect overlay isn’t indicated.
Radovan Jovanovic, Ljiljana Subaric, Milan Zivkovic, Dejan Peric, Aleksandar Mitic
01.12.2016.
Professional paper
Impact of ocular comorbidities on visual function and quality of life in cataract and pseudophakic patients
Introduction: Age-related cataract (senile cataract) is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world. Objective: To determine whether other ocular comorbidities (glaucoma, age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) affect visual function and quality of life in cataract and pseudophakic patients, and, if possible, to determine which disease has a significant effect. Methods: In this study 202 patients were examinated, regarding of the status of cataract on the second, following eye; the patients were divided into two groups: cataract and pseudophakia. Results: Patients with myopia and capsular glaucoma had significant improvement in average visual acuity (0.87 vs. 0.65) after surgery compared to preoperative results (0.38vs.0.24) (p<0.01). Also, patients with age related macular degeneration and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with an average preoperative visual acuity (0.05 vs. 0.05) after surgery have a significant improvement in average visual acuity (0.2 vs.0.2) (p<0.01). Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma have significant improvement in average postoperative visual acuity (0.28) compared to the preoperative results (0.05) (p<0.01), while patients with primary angle closure glaucoma had improvement in postoperative average visual acuity (0.1) compared to the preoperative results (0.05) (p<0.1). Conclusion: Significant improvements in postoperative average visual acuity compared to preoperative results reduce difficulties in vision-related activities thus providing higher quality of life.
Dubravka Vuksa, Divna Stamenkovic, Olivera Djokic, Jana Mirkovic
01.12.2016.
Professional paper
Comparison of clinical, biochemical and morphological parameters in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Introduction: Hepatitis B virus is primarily hepatotropic, causing chronic hepatitis B in 5-10% of patients. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a dynamic process, which may have five phases: immunotolerant, immunoactive, latency phase, reactive and HBsAg negative phase. Aim: Analyze clinical and biochemical parameters in relation to morphological condition of the liver. Material and Methods: The study enrolled 35 patients diagnosed with CHB, 24 males and 11 females, aged between 12 and 62 years, in the period 2015-2016. The diagnosis was based on serological, biochemical results, and liver biopsy. In patients in an ELISA assay demonstrated the presence of HBsAg in serum. Results: The study shows that middle-aged male patients are more prone to chronic hepatitis B infection. Most patients have one or two symptoms.Fatigue and right subcostal pain are most commonly present in the groups with fibrosis in second- and third-degree,and hepatomegaly in the group with fibrosis in first-degree. Splenomegaly is present only in groups with fibrosis in third and fourth degree. Elevated average aminotransaminase levels reflected the degree of fibrosis. Significant statistical difference in aminitransaminase levels was confirmed between the group of patients with third- and forth-degree and patients without fibrosis. Conclusion: The increase in ALT levels reflect the degree of fibrosis and cirrhosis of the occurrence. ALT levels may be a predictor of the process of the fibrogenesis, as well as to indicate the degree of fibrosis in HHB infection. Due to frequent discrepancies between clinical manifestations and results of laboratory tests, liver biopsy has been considered “gold standard” for establishing the diagnosis, staging chronic hepatitis B, making therapeutic decisions, monitoring the course of the disease, and assessing prognosis.
Vanja Nickovic, Andrijana Odalovic, Jelena Aritonovic, Boban Stolic
01.01.2017.
Professional paper
The impact of stress on occupational burnout among miners
Existence of stress at workplace leads to the occurrence of occupational burnout among miners. OBJECTIVE is testing of influence of stress on occupational burnout among miners. METHODS The research was designed as a cross-sectional study and covered 345 subjects, which were classified into three groups: two investigated groups, consisting of Miners A (142), Miners B (147) and Control group (56) consisting of administrative workers. The research was conducted in the Health Center ZveĆan, in the Medical Laboratory Service in ZveĆan and at the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Niš. The following questionnaires were used in the study: Questionnaire on basic sociodemographic indicators of respondents, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and Occupational stress assesment questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software package. RESULTS The study of the presence of stressors in the workplace compared to the examined groups showed that a large number of stressors were evident, with the average value of all stressors at miners 2.60 ± 1.02, which is significantly above the average value of all stressors in the control group 1.85 ± 1.02. Above the total average of all stressors 2.60 ± 1.02, there is a large number of stressors. All stressors statistically significantly higher in miners compared to the control group (p <0.001) and the values of each individual stressor in the control group are below the average values of all stressors in miners (2.60 ± 1.02). High burnout level is present in 50.70% of Miners A, 46.90% of Miners B and 16.10% of Control group subjects. It was found that there is a statistically significant difference in the incidence of high burnout in relation to the investigated groups (p <0.001). DISCUSSION There is a large number of stressors among miners and their average value is significantly above the average value of all stressors in the control group. The stressors are both quantitatively and qualitatively different in relation to the control group. A large number of high-strength stressors significantly increases the probability of stress in both groups of miners and contributes to the occurrence of occupational burnout. There is a high exposure to stress among miners, and the impact of stress on occupational burnout has been proven in a large number of research in different professions. This was also confirmed in miners, among whom high exposure to stress led to high occupational burnout, which is statistically significant in relation to the control group. CONCLUSION The results of the study showed that there are a large number of stressors in the miner groups, that the average value of all stressors in miners is significantly above the average value of all stressors in the control group, that there are a large number of stressors that are in strength above the total average of all mining stressors and that all stressors are statistically significantly higher in miners than in the control group. The strongest stressors are most important for stress, and the presence of a large number of stressors above the total average of all stressors not only increases the probability of stress, but also proves a great deal of stress, but also contributes to the intense occurrence of occupational burnout. The results of the study have shown that high burnout is present in about 50% of miners in both mines and that there is a statistically significant difference in the incidence of high burnout in relation to the control group. Occupational stress affects occupational burnout among miners.
Ljiljana Kulic, Milivoje Galjak, Rade Grbic, Jovana Jovanovic, Stefan Jovanovic
01.12.2016.
Professional paper
Morbidity of non-melanoma skin cancer
Introduction. The incidence of both non-melanoma (NMSC) has been increasing over the past decades worldwide. The objective of the paper was to determine incidence trend of NMSC in the Serbian population on the territory of Kosovo and Metohija in the period 2004-2013. Method. Descriptive epidemiological study was done. Data about incidence for NMSC were obtained from the record. Data about population originated from International Red Cross and UMNIK. Crude incidence rates were calculated per 100 000 inhabitans. Trend lines were estimated using linear regression. Results. During a 10-year period a total number of new NMSC cases was 304 (173(56,9%) in men and 131(43,1%) in women). Аverage crude annual incidence rate was 29,08/100 000. A significantly increasing incidence trend for NMSC in men (y=0,617x+24,29, R2=0,500) was determined. Conclusion. Our findings showed significantly increasing incidence trend of NMSC. Presented findings support the important role of primary prevention and early detection of NMSC in the earliest age. Screening of skin cancers may improve treatment and prognosis by earlier diagnosis.
Aleksandar Antonijevic, Natasa Rancic, Branislav Tiodorovic, Jasmina Stevanovic, Marijana Krivokapic, Ana Antonijevic
01.12.2016.
Professional paper
Randomization techniques in protocols for cluster randomized trials
Introduction: Planning cluster randomized studies requires special attention due to their specific design. To achieve balance on a cluster level as well as on individual level, it is necessary to apply randomization techniques which involve restricted randomization. Objective: Determine randomization techniques as well as their frequency in protocols for cluster randomized trials. Materials and method: Searching the MEDLINE bibliographic database, there were 1020 bibliographic units, the analysis included only the protocols for cluster randomized trials, which was a total of 169 trials. Data on randomization techniques, units of randomization and publication years of protocols were extracted. Results: The randomization technique with most frequency was stratification (35.9%). After stratification the most frequent was simple randomization (13.5%), followed by a combination of block and stratification (10%), block randomization (9.4%) and matching (9.4%). The most frequent units of randomization were health facilities (52%). The number of published protocols statistically increases during time (p<0.01). Conclusion: The most frequent randomization technique used by researchers is restricted randomization
Mirjana Kostic, Dejana Stanisavljevic, Aleksandra Ilic, Zoran Bukumiric, Marija Jovanovic, Goran Trajkovic
01.12.2016.
Professional paper
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was described for the first time by Sato in Japan in 1990. It is also called: stress cardiomyopathy, ampulla cardiomyopathy, transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, "broken heart" syndrome and takotsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction. It is characterized by finding of transient abnormal wall motion of the left ventricle, without significant coronary artery stenosis (<50% of lumen), typically accompanied by chest pain, dynamic, reversible disorders of ST-T segment and a slight increase in levels of cardiac enzymes. Previously it was thought that this disease occurs primarily in older women, usually in menopause. With the increase of knowledge and experience about this cardiomyopathy, it is more and more often diagnosed in younger people of all ages, even in younger women during pregnancy or childbirth. Etiology of this disease still remains unknown. The trigger for development of this syndrome is usually, but not always, an intensive emotional or physical stress. Pathogenesis is still not clear enough. There are several pathogenetic theories, and the most widely accepted is a catecholamine theory. It is described seven different types of cardiac dysfunction until now, and the most common are apical akinesia of the left ventricle with a compensatory basal hyperkinesia (classical form), akinesia of the middle part of the left ventricle with preserved ability of contraction in the basal and apical regions (MLV form), biventricular akinesia and isolated right ventricular dysfunction. In this paper are presented the latest findings about this cardiomyopathy, by etiopathogenetic, clinical and therapeutic aspects.
Vladan Peric, Nenad Relic