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Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy during childhood. Mutations in dystrophin (DMD) gene are also recognized as a cause of cognitive impairment. We aimed to determine the association between intelligence level and mutation location in DMD genes in Serbian patients with DMD. Forty-one male patients with DMD, aged 3 to 16 years, were recruited at the Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth in Belgrade, Serbia. All patients had defined DMD gene deletions or duplications [multiplex ligation- dependent probe amplification (MLPA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR)] and cognitive status assessment (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Brunet-Lezine scale, Vineland-Doll scale). In 37 patients with an estimated full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), six (16.22%) had borderline intelligence (70

Background: Among many genes which have been analyzed to understand obesity and related metabolic traits among children and adolescents, not many studies are conducted on LGALS3 gene, especially in population of children. A positive correlation of circulating galectin 3 serum levels with impaired blood glucose, high blood pressure and higher values of serum lipids and was found in general population. The aim was to investigate possible association of rs4644 with body mass index, glycaemia, and lipid profile in Serbian adolescents. Methods: The study included 72 boys and 79 girls, 14-15 years of age. Among boys 51 (67.1%) had normal values of BMI, 11 (14.5%) were overweight, and 14 (18.4%) were obese. Among girls, 53 (63.9%) had normal BMI, 16 (19.3%) were overweight, and 14 (16.9%) were obese. Diabetes type 1 or 2, genetic syndromes, generalized inflammation, cardiovascular and malignant diseases were criteria for exclusion. Genotyping was performed by Real time PCR. Results: Girls carriers of CC genotype had statistically higher mean values of BMI, and triglycerides in comparison to the girls carriers of CA+AA genotypes, p=0.041, and p=0.045, respectively. The higher frequency of obese was found among group of girls who were carriers of CC genotype, p=0.049. No statistically significant association was observed among other analyzed parameters in neither examined groups. Results: Our research indicates that there is an association between the CC genotype of rs4644 polymorphism with obesity and higher triglycerides level in the group of female adolescents.

ndoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a therapeutic technique developed for the resectioning of sessile and flat lesions localized in the mucosa of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is easy to learn and allows the resection of large polyps that would otherwise require radical surgery. For early detection of neoplasia of the gastrointestinal tract, the screening program for colorectal cancer proved to be the most important, and its wide acceptance led to a decrease in the incidence and mortality rate. This article reviews EMR techniques and focuses on large colorectal polyps, representing the most common indication for EMR. Before starting resection, the endoscopist should carefully and thoroughly examine the lesion and differentiate between resectable lesions and those potentially affected by the submucosal invasion. There are different methods of evaluating polyps; more recently advanced techniques are also used. The characteristics of colorectal lesions, including location, size, morphology, and histology, influence the choice of the optimal method of removal. The EMR removes part of the wall of the colorectum that contains the mucosa, the muscularis mucosa and partially or completely, the submucosal layer. In addition to removing benign adenomas of varying degrees of atypia, mucosectomy enables the treatment of early colorectal cancer where the risk of metastasis to the lymph glands is minimal. The primary goal of EMR is the complete and safe removal of colorectal lesions and the complete prevention of CRC. Techniques for performing EMR include conventional EMR with submucosal solution injection, hot loop, and electrocautery removal of colorectal lesions, as well as alternative EMR techniques such as cold loop EMR and "underwater" EMR. Major adverse events associated with EMR include bleeding and perforation after mucosectomy. Because of the risk of polyp recurrence regardless of the EMR technique, as well as the risk of metachronous polyps, control colonoscopies are necessary, especially in patients with the highest risk of recurrence.

Kondo insulators have recently aroused great interest because they are promising materials that host a topological insulator state caused by the strong electron interactions. Moreover, recent observations of the quantum oscillations in the insulating state of Kondo insulators have come as a great surprise. Here, to investigate the surface electronic state of a prototype Kondo insulator YbB12, we measured the transport properties of single crystals and microstructures. In all samples, the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity is insulating at high temperatures and the resistivity exhibits a plateau at low temperatures. The magnitude of the plateau value decreases with reducing sample thickness, which is quantitatively consistent with the surface electronic conduction in the bulk insulating YbB12. Moreover, the magnetoresistance of the microstructures exhibits a weak-antilocalization effect at low field. These results are consistent with the presence of a topologically protected surface state, suggesting that YbB12 is a candidate material for a topological Kondo insulator. The high field resistivity measurements up to µ0H = 50 T of the microstructures provide supporting evidence that the quantum oscillations of the resistivity in YbB12 occurs in the insulating bulk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene expression at the phenotypic level varies due to a number of influences from the environment in which the animals are reared. Ignoring this reality or due to insufficient knowledge, farmers are often disappointed when choosing a population of sheep when they do not get the production results that the breed achieves where they bought it. The investigation of the reproductive and production characteristics of parent herds of Sjenica sheep was conducted on four farms. In the research, it included a total of 921 lambs and 474 sheep. The influence of sheep body weight on the weight of lambs at birth within a farm was analyzed. Based on the research conducted on the sheep population and after the obtained and processed data, we can state the following: certain differences were found in the fertility of sheep depending on the farm and body weight. We also perceived that certain differences in the body weight of the lambs are evident depending on the weight group of the sheep and the farm where the sheep were raised. All of the above leads us to the general conclusion that management is extremely important in sheep farming. If the selection of the breeding population is carried out correctly and adequate measures of keeping, nutrition and reproduction are applied, success is guaranteed.

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was registered in December 2019 in China. In February 2020, the World Health Organization declared the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The first pediatric patient in Serbia with COVID-19 was registered on March 23, 2020, in the 13th week since the start of the pandemic. This disease, three years after the appearance of the first cases, continues to be a global public health challenge. Children get sick with COVID-19 less often than adults. They are mostly infected by droplets in the household from family members, and they have a milder clinical picture and a better prognosis of the disease. The most common symptoms and signs of COVID-19 in children are fever, cough, tachycardia and malaise. In the first waves of the pandemic, about a quarter to a third of the patients had pneumonia. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the treatment of sick children was one of the main problems during the pandemic. Considering that the COVID-19 infection was a threat of global proportions, in addition to the impact on health condition, the deterioration of the quality of life of children was also registered.

The work focuses on the period of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The research observes the prism of the emergence of the Serbian state and carefully considers the development of science. The emergence of modern science in Serbia can be observed and followed in fragments from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The period from the 15th to the 18th century, however, marked almost complete stagnation in all fields, including science. The Turkish occupation interrupted the development of the intellectual thought of the Middle Ages and thus separated the Serbian people from the continuity of thought ideals. The beginning of modern scientific development is chronologically connected to the uprisings of 1804 and 1815. The events that triggered the turmoil in the 18th century were the basis for the development of science and its highest level through the early 19th century. Precisely for this reason, observing the development of science in the chronological period of the late 18th and early 19th centuries reveals the foundations of modern education in our country. In order to understand and perceive the context, the paper also refers to earlier periods of Serbian statehood and science. The paper concludes that the development of statehood in Serbia was closely related to the development of science and that the key participants in those processes understood the importance of the qualifications of state administrators and the very creation of a nation. Competence, in that sense, was understood as the scientific progress of an individual and consequently of the community.

Background/Aim: Warfarin is one of the most common orally prescribed anticoagulant in patients with deep venous thrombosis, myocardial or cerebral infarctions. The main side effects of non-adequate dose of these drugs are prolonged peripheral or internal bleeding. VKORC1 1173C>T polymorphism (rs9934438) is of particular importance, since carriers of non-wild type allele correlates with the lower dosage of warfarin therapy. Thus, the aim of the research was to determine the distribution of 1173C>T polymorphism in population of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (RS) and to compare results with frequencies in other populations. Methods: A total of 124 healthy participants of both genders were enrolled in the study, from all parts of the RS. Molecular genotyping was performed by real-time PCR, using drug metabolism assays according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results: Of the total number, 22 subjects (17.74 %) were genotyped as CC, 69 subjects (55.65 %) as CT and 33 subjects (26.61 %) as TT. The frequencies of alleles C and T were 45.18 % and 54.82 %, respectively. No statistical significance was found among allele distribution between genders (ch² = 0.236; p = 0.627). All observed genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No statistical significance was observed among the frequency of minor T allele between presented findings and other European countries, besides Russia (p = 0.021). Conclusion: This was the first study analysing the distribution of rs9934438 alleles in population of the RS. These findings will be helpful in better and more precise drug prescribing in patients who require anticoagulant therapy.

Background/Aim. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD) and Becker MD are caused by mutations in the gene for dystrophin (DMD). They are X chromosome-linked recessive diseases where males are affected, and females are healthy carriers of the mutation in most cases. It is estimated that 2/3 of mothers of Duchenne MD probands are carriers, while 1/3 of probands have de novo mutations. The aim of the study was to confirm the carrier status of female members of the families of Duchenne MD/Becker MD probands using direct genetic testing methods. Methods. The study included 38 females from 31 families of Duchenne MD/Becker MD probands with deletion/duplication in the DMD gene. Moreover, 4 cases of prenatal diagnosis of Duchenne MD/Becker MD were included. The methods of polymerase chain reaction - PCR and the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification - MLPA were applied for detecting deletions, i.e., deletion/duplication mutations in the DMD gene. Results. In the total of 31 Duchenne MD/Becker MD probands, 87.1% of deletions and 12.9% of duplications of one or more exons in the DMD gene were detected. Of the 29 tested mothers, mutations were found in 17 of them (14 deletions and 3 duplications). Mutations were detected in 11 (57.9%) out of 19 mothers of probands with the Duchenne MD phenotype and 6 (60%) out of 10 mothers of Becker MD probands. Furthermore, 14 (56%) out of 25 mothers were carriers in probands with deletions, and 3 (75%) out of 4 mothers were carriers in probands with duplications. In the remaining 9 other female relatives of the patients, mutations were found in 4. In prenatal diagnosis, we identified a deletion in one male and one female fetus of one single mother who was confirmed as a carrier. Conclusion. The study showed that mothers were carriers in almost 60% of sporadic cases of Duchenne MD/Becker MD with deletions and duplications. In addition, the carrier frequency tended to be higher in mothers of the probands with duplications (75%) compared to mothers of probands with deletions (56%).

Background: Previous studies exploring the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children focused on factors associated with parental quality of life at one point in time. Objective: To examine factors associated with change of quality of life among parents of children affected with AD. Methods: The study cohort comprised 98 parent–children pairs treated for AD at the Clinic of Dermatovenereology; however, 18 parents (18.4%) were lost to follow‐up after 1 year. Children were assessed with SCORing Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) and Children Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) or the Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL), depending on their age. Parents filled in socio‐demographic questionnaire and Dermatitis Family Impact Questionnaire (DFI). After 1 year, both children and parents were reassessed using the same AD‐related battery of questionnaires. Results: After follow‐up, a significant improvement in the average total DFI score was observed, especially for domains of fatigue/exhaustion, emotional distress and impact of helping in child treatment. Lower baseline SCORAD, greater improvement of SCORAD over follow‐up, better CDLQI/IDQOL at baseline, greater improvement in CDLQI/IDQOL over follow‐up, not having asthma and having older child with AD were associated with better parental quality of life after 1 year of follow‐up. Parental higher education level, shorter AD duration, better baseline SCORAD and greater improvement in CDLQI/IDQOL over follow‐up were associated with greater improvement in parental life quality over 1 year of follow‐up. Conclusion: Contributors to parental quality of life after 1 year included clinical features of AD and child's comorbidity (asthma), but also the perception of child's quality of life and its improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare occupational burnout in two groups of teachers from the district of Bijeljina (Bosnia and Herzegovina) measured with the Serbian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory survey for workers in human services (MBI-HSS) at the beginning (group 1) and the end of the school year 2018/2019 (group 2) to see if there are seasonal differences. The questionnaire also included standard sociodemographic data and job description (primary and/or secondary school position, length of service, and overtime work). The prevalence of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation was low in both groups. However, emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation scores significantly shifted to higher values between the beginning and the end of the school year. We also found a statistically significant association between emotional exhaustion and overtime and between depersonalisation and work in a secondary school (p

Lipska sheep is an autochthonous Serbian population from the group of Pramenka (Zapfel) sheep, bred in the area around Smederevo, Požarevac and Mladenovac. The average weight of male animals (BW) is 95 kg and 62 kg of female animals. Other measurements of female animals are: wither height (WH) 74 cm, body length (BL) 78 cm, chest width (CW) 23 cm, chest depth (CD) 40 cm and hearth girth (HG) 91 cm. In the last sixty years, adult female animals gained in average ten kilograms of weight. Other linear measures also increased. The increase is a consequence of better animal management, especially improved diet. Since the reduction of the size of the population, larger animals have dominated, which probably caused the change in the genetic constitution of the breed. Female animals of Lipska sheep are higher compared to the animals of other fifteen Pramenka breeds with the exception of Istrian sheep. The area from which Lipska sheep originates has better soil and richer vegetation compared to the areas of other Pramenka breeds. Partial correlations corrected for weight between individual linear measures were positive, with values between 0.196 and 0.814. Most correlations range between 0.30 and 0.55. Body measurements were studied with ANOVA on females only. The effect of flock influenced all linear measures with the exception of CW, whereas the age of animals had no effect on BL, CW and CD. The increase of individual linear measures was 0.5 to 2.1 mm per kg of BW. The increase of most body measurements from the first to the fifth year was statistically significant (P

The research included a total of 921 lambs, 474 ewes and 8 sjenicke sheep rams from 4 different farms. The aim of the research was to examine the influence of the farm, cultivation technology and the influence of rams within the farm on production indicators. Statistical analysis showed that the body weight of lambs at birth ranged from 3.37 to 4.03 kg (average 3.68 kg), at 30 days from 11.51 to 12.41 kg (average 12.07 kg) and from 90 days from 27.82 to 29 kg (average 28.65 kg). A statistically highly significant influence of the farm was determined (P

The current study aimed to examine the percentage changes of viability sperm and the activity of the enzymes LDH, ALP, GOT / AST, GPT / ALT in the sperm plasma of Lacaune rams, before and after cryopreservation. For this purpose, five rams were examined, and two ejaculates were obtained from each ram. Ejaculates are collected by the method of artificial vagina, during the insemination campaign. All ejaculates were diluted with a 6AG extender and frozen by the Cassou's sequin method. Sperm viability was determined by eosin and nigrosine smears, and enzyme activity was examined spectrophotometrically. As a result, the percentage of vital sperm after cryopreservation decreased by 15% (P ≤ 0.001). The freezing and thawing process also reduced the activity of the enzymes LDH, ALP, GOT / AST and GPT / ALP. In conclusion, the observed enzymes, in relation to sperm vitality, could be used as indicators to optimize the protocols for cryopreservation of ram's sperm.

The enzymes of the cytochrome P450 superfamily play a critical role in phase I drug metabolism. Among them, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 are clinically important, as they can mediate severe toxicity, therapy failure, and increased susceptibility to cancer and other diseases caused by chemicals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pharmacologically most important allelic variants of the CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genes in the general population of the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and to compare them with other populations. For this purpose we determined the genotype profile and allele frequency of 216 randomly selected healthy volunteers using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The prevalence of the CYP2C9 *2 and *3 alleles was 13.6 and 7.4 %, respectively. Based on these frequencies, of the 216 participants four (1.86 %) were predicted to be poor metabolisers, 78 (36.11 %) intermediate, and the remaining 134 (62.03 %) normal metabolisers. Based on the prevalence of CYP2C19 *2 and *17 variants – 16.2 and 20.4 %, respectively – nine (4.17 %) were predicted to be poor, 57 (26.39 %) rapid, and nine (4.17 %) ultra-rapid metabolisers. We found no significant differences in allele frequencies in our population and populations from other European countries. These findings suggest that genetically determined phenotypes of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 should be taken into consideration to minimise individual risk and improve benefits of drug therapy in the Republic of Srpska.

The Simmental breed of cattle is mostly reared in the central part of the Republic of Serbia, where it makes up about 80% of all breeds. In areas of more intensive cattle production, populations of cattle with pronounced milk yield are reared. In more extensive, as well as hilly and mountainous areas, somewhat less productive animals are raised. The main goal of this study was to examine the variability of genetic correlations of milk and fertility traits on the farms of individual agricultural producers using modern methods, depending on the breeding area, i.e. the region in which they are bred and reared. This study included 2589 controlled Simmental heifers, with lactations concluded during one year. All first calving heifers were housed and reared on agricultural family farms in the area of Central Serbia. The paper examines genetic correlations between the following traits of milk yield and fertility: duration of lactation, milk yield in standard lactation, milk fat content in standard lactation, milk fat yield in standard lactation, yield of 4% FCM in standard lactation, age at first calving, duration of service period. The results of the study of genetic correlations were obtained using mixed LSMLMW models (Harvey 1990). The examined genetic correlations of milk yield and fertility traits in Simmental cows showed pronounced variability depending on the breeding area where the cows are reared.

Introduction: Burnout syndrome occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to emotional and interpersonal stressors in the workplace and is characterised by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal achievements. Research and prevention of this phenomenon are of public health importance due to numerous consequences it leaves on the health of the working population and work organisation, and among teachers, on children as direct users of their services. The research aims to examine the presence of the stress and burnout syndrome at work in teachers in the regions of the Republic of Srpska, as well as to determine the existence of differences between regions. Methods: The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study in the period August-September 2018, in the territory of the Republic of Srpska. The target population was represented by teachers of primary and secondary schools. The response rate in all regions was 75 % or above it. For this research, a special questionnaire was constructed, consisting of sociodemographic data, data on economic characteristics of the respondents, characteristics of the work environment, as well as data on satisfaction with equipment and resources at work, support from family and friends and presence of work-life conflict. In addition to the general questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Study (MBI-HSS) questionnaire for the assessment of the burnout syndrome at work, and Karasek's questionnaire (Job Content Questionnaire) for the assessment of stress at work were used. Results: A statistically significant difference in the prevalence of occupational stress among teachers between RS regions was found. Also, a statistically significant difference was found between the regions of the Republic of Srpska related to the dimensions of burnout syndrome at work. A high level of emotional exhaustion was more often reported by teachers from the territory of the region of East Sarajevo and Prijedor (8.0 % and 7.7 %) comparing to teachers from other regions. Teachers from the territory of Prijedor more often showed moderate and high levels of depersonalization, as well as a low level of personal achievements comparing to teachers from other regions. Conclusion: This research shows the presence of burnout syndrome in teachers of all the Republic of Srpska regions at the beginning of the school year, as well as statistically significant differences between the regions. This indicates the need for additional research on risk factors by regions to form targeted and thus more effective prevention measures.

Background/Aim: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg) belongs to a family of nuclear hormone receptors and ligand-activated transcription factors. PPARG gene is expressed in many tissues including adipose tissue where it plays a crucial role in differentiation of adipocyte, insulin resistance, blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism. The aim of the study was to examine the association of rs3856806 polymorphism with the body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose levels and lipid parameters in Serbian adolescents. Methods: This research included 287 adolescents of both genders (143 boys and 144 girls), 14-15 years of age. Genotype detection was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay. Results: Results showed statistically significant difference in terms of fasting glucose levels among girls (p = 0.013) depending on their genotype. Female carriers of CC genotype had significantly higher level of fasting glucose levels. Also, results showed that in the group of overweight and obese girls, carriers of CT or TT genotype had statistically significant lower values of HDL cholesterol compared to girls - carriers of CC genotype (p = 0.000). However, this result was not confirmed by multiple regression analysis. Statistically significant association of rs3856806 polymorphism was not observed with BMI nor with other lipid parameters. Conclusion: This polymorphism is associated with fasting glucose level and HDL cholesterol among girls. To draw definite conclusions, further research should be conducted including non-genetic factors and other polymorphisms among this gene.

Introduction/Objective. We aimed to investigate the lifetime and periodic prevalence (during a year) and characteristics of violence against women and health status of women whose partners have been treated for alcohol dependence. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women whose male partners were alcoholdependent and admitted to hospital for the inpatient treatment. Exposure to physical and sexual violence was measured by the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2). Mental health status was measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), suicidal risk (using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview or MINI scale), and alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods. We also constructed two logistic regression models to study associations between violence and socioeconomic status, and violence and health-related variables. Results. The lifetime prevalence of physical violence committed by alcohol-dependent partners against women was 65.4%, while the periodic prevalence (during 12 months prior to the study) was 46.2% for physical, 20.2% for sexual, and 18% for both types of violence. No women were in risk of harmful alcohol consumption. Violence was more frequent against women not living in urban areas [odds ratio (OR) 2.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–5.94, in the univariate model], and among women with moderate/ severe depression (OR 12.34, 95% CI 2.26–67.33, in the multivariate model). Conclusion. Alcohol-dependent men are very often violent toward their spouses, and inpatient treatment presents an opportunity to work with them on raising awareness on the unacceptability of violence against women.

The strategy of conservation of endangered sheep populations implies morphological and genetic characterization, as basic preconditions for their conservation. The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric characteristics, their correlations and the index of physical development of Pirot pramenka, which has the status of the most endangered population in Serbia. The measuring was performed on 30 sheep, aged 3 years, reared in the area of Stara Planina. The descriptive statistical procedure was performed using the statistical package Statistica (version 8). The average height at the withers was 56.31 cm, body length 62.93 cm, chest width 18.37 cm, chest depth 25.96 cm, chest circumference 77.59 cm, shin circumference 6.70 cm. The strongest and significantly positive correlation (P

DNA analysis can have great practical application in the management and successful operation of the farm. The application of DNA technology is becoming a tremendous challenge for farm breeding of domestic animals. In recent years, traditional selection methods have been supplement by the results of molecular analysis of the genome. Determining the genetic distance of sheep and goat breeds had practical and multiple significance. Microsatellites are used widely in the selection, and genomic selection is becoming an increasing challenge for breeders. The development of SNP chips brings an immense advanced for rapid and comprehensive analysis of the genome, which is of great importance for the successful selection and Genomic selection in sheep concentrated on all aspects of genetic and production directions. However, it should be noted that genomic selections in sheep breeding, and especially in goat breeding, take place at a slower pace compared to cattle breeding.

In the process of adopting the Vidovdan Constitution of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (1921), one of the topical issues was the form of supervision that the state government would exercise over the local self-government. In this article, the author first elaborates on the development of this constitutional document, with specific reference to the constitutional drafts proposed by the governments of Milenko Vesnić and Nikola Pašić, the amendments introduced by the Constitutional Committee, and the adoption of the constitution in the Constituent Assembly on 28 June 1921 (St. Vitus Day). The Vodovdan Constitution was the legal ground for adopting two important legislative acts in April 1922: the Law on General Administration and the Law on Regional and District Self-Governmnent. The author analyzes the constitutional and statutory provisions that regulated the legal position of state authorities in the administrative districts, counties and local self-government bodies, as well as their mutual relations. State supervision over the local self-government activities, primarily at the regional (district) level, has been observed in the context of state supervision over the administrative acts/ documents and local administrative bodies. In particular, the author focuses on the supervision over regional finances, considering not only the importance of these funds for the functioning of the regional self-government but also the restrictions which the regional government was exposed to. The aim of the research is to point out to the legal relations between the central (state) administration and local self-government in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which were initially envisaged in the Vidovdan Constitution and subsequently instituted by the the 1922 Law on Regional and District Self-Government.

Study aim: To asses and compare the aerobic capacity and respiratory parameters in recreational basketball-engaged university students with age-matched untrained young adults.

Considering the fact that sheep production has an important role in agriculture of Serbia, lamb performance is essential. Objective of the study was to investigate effect of year, lambing season, sex and birth type on growth performances in lambs of MIS breed. Animal data (birth date, birth type, sex, birth weight -BW0, body weight after 30 days - BW30 and body weight after 60 days - BW60) are gained from control of productive parameters maintained from 2011 to 2020. Research was conducted on the sample of 1592 lambs. Average daily gain from birth to 30 days (ADG1), from 30 to 60 days (ADG2), and from birth until 60 days (ADG3), were calculated and included in analysis. Calendar year was divided in four seasons, each season consists from 3 months: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Average body weights (± standard deviation) at birth, after 30 and 60 days were 4.41 kg (± 0.99), 14.11 kg (± 2.80), 24.05 kg (± 3.86), respectively. Average daily gains were 319.87 g (± 74.97), 329.84 g (± 70.90) and 324.99 g (± 55.48) for ADG1, ADG2 and ADG3, respectively. Lambing type and sex of the lambs affected all of the observed traits very significantly (p < 0.01). Lambing year had very significant effect (p < 0.01) on BW30, on ADG1 and ADG2, while lambing season significantly (p < 0.05) affected BW60, ADG2 and ADG3.Based on the results it can be concluded that birth type and sex had strongest effects in early productive parameters of lambs.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has an important role in energy balance. It suppresses food intake, reduces hepatic glucose production and converts white fat into brown fat in adipose tissue, leading to energy dissipation, lowered blood glucose and a lean phenotype. Studies have shown that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Val66Met within BDNF may be associated with obesity, insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and dyslipidemia. The objective of the study was to investigate the association of the Val66Met polymorphism with body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose levels and lipid profile in Serbian adolescents. The study included 308 randomly selected healthy adolescents, 153 (49.68%) boys and 155 girls (50.32%), 15 years of age. Data including age, gender, height, weight, lipid profile and fasting glucose were recorded. Genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. No association of this polymorphism was found with BMI and lipid profile. However, significant association was observed between this polymorphism and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Carriers of a Val/Val genotype had significantly higher mean values of fasting glucose level compared to carriers of Val/ Met and Met/Met genotypes (p = 0.01). To confirm these results multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Body mass index and gender were taken as covariates. Carriers of the Val/Val genotype had significantly higher levels of FBG (β = -0.152, p = 0.02). A statistically significant association between BMI and glucose level was also observed (β = 0.124,p = 0.033). This polymorphism could be associated with fasting glucose level in Serbian adolescents, thus further research would be of great interest to validate these results.

The aim of the study was to determine whether the bacteria from the environment and from the mucous membrane of the boar prepuce have antimicrobial resistance and whether the result obtained is similar/same to the bacteria that can be found in native boar semen. The study addresses the problem of the presence of primarily resistant bacterial strains in the boar sperm, which, due to their reduced sensitivity, cannot be suppressed by antibiotics used in the semen dilution agent, as well as to emphasize the importance of microbiological monitoring of the boar mucous membranes and ambient surfaces before and during their exploitation. Such an examination could contribute to the interchangeable design of the dilution agent for the boar semen relative to the antibiotic content.Resistant strains of bacteria from prepuce swabs and swabs taken from the facility, as well as from native boar semen were isolated. The presence of these bacteria affected the quality of the semen. In conclusion, it should be pointed out that bacterial monitoring of the prepuce and surface of the facility can indicate possible problems related to the quality of semen, and that the design of the dilution agent for boar semen should be adjusted to the established resistance of isolated bacteria.

The most important stressors in our country are unfavourable climatic and nutritional conditions. Extreme deviations in climatic and nutritional conditions are immediate stressors for the body of sheep and goats. Appetite in sheep and goats decreases if they are exposed to extremely high ambient temperatures, while cold increases the body's energy needs and leads to the mobilization of fat from body fat and the consequent oxidation of fat and the formation of non-esterified fatty acids. Thyroid activity is reduced when these animals are exposed to high temperatures, and increased when they are exposed to cold. In an environment with high temperatures, blood glucose and cholesterol concentrations decrease due to unsuccessful maintenance of homeostasis. Sheep and goats are naturally kept in a group, which basically protects them from predators. They successfully register the action of new stimuli, especially noise and sudden movements of nearby predators. Early weaning breaks the bond between mother and offspring and adversely affects the development of normal behavioural relationships in lambs and kids, because artificial feeding systems do not fully meet the needs of oral activity, so sucking of the umbilical and scrotal region often occurs. Investigations of the influence of various technological procedures on the reactivity of the adrenal cortex indicate that the separation of the animal from the herd and immobilization are the most significant stimuli. Electrical stunning of sheep at the slaughterhouse causes significant stimulation of the sympathetic system with a sudden release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. In conditions of intensive production, the most significant stressors and physiological conditions that lead to stress are: parturition, birth, puerperal period, weaning, oestrus, high pregnancy, various surgical procedures, veterinary and zootechnical procedures, extreme variations of microand macroclimatic conditions, variations in quantity and food quality, etc.

The purpose of this study was to investigate oestrus synchronization efficiency and ram maturity effect on fertility of ewes of MIS sheep population during summer season. Research was performed on the experimental sheep farm of the Institute for Animal Husbandry in Belgrade, Serbia. The study included 70 crossbred ewes of MIS sheep population (Pirot Pramenka, Merinolandschaf and Ile de France breed) and 3 Ile de France rams (2 young, sexually unexperienced rams and 1 mature ram). Oestrus was synchronized in all 70 ewes using progestagen impregnated vaginal sponges (30 mg fluorogestone acetate) in combination with 500 IU PMSG. Ewes were mated with rams 48 h later. Obtained fertility and productivity results were as follows: lambing rate 57.14% (40/70), gestation length 147.11, litter size 1.82, stillborn rate 15.07%, birth weight of lambs 4.29 kg and body weight of lambs at 30 days of age 13.07 kg on average. Based on the results obtained in this study it was concluded that presented oestrus synchronization and mating protocol yielded lower than expected lambing rate. The effect of ram maturity on lambing rate was significant (P

Study aim. The purpose of the current study is to determine the impact of single bouts of physical exercise of different duration and intensity on young adults’ executive functions.

Background/Aim. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccine since 1982, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection still remains a major occupational disease among health care workers (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to estimate the level of knowledge regarding HBV among HCWs in Serbia. Methods. A random sample of 352 HCWs, stratified by occupation, was selected from the list of employees in the Clinical Centre of Serbia during December 2015. Anonymous questionnaire was used in data collection. Data were statistically assessed. Results. The mean HBV knowledge score was 22.9 ± 4.8 (out of maximum 30). Better knowledge score correlated with higher education attainment (ρ = 0.377; p < 0.001), younger age (ρ = -0.113; p = 0.034) and less working experience (ρ=-0.127; p = 0.017). We observed that those HCWs who were previously vaccinated against hepatitis B demonstrated statistically significantly higher knowledge level (t = 5.656, p < 0.001) compared to HCWs who were not vaccinated (23.9 ± 3.7 vs. 20.9 ± 5.8, respectively). Conclusion. We found poor level of knowledge on some aspects of HBV infection among HCWs in Serbia. Tailoring of education campaigns in this high-risk exposure group is necessary. Education intervention should focus on change of attitudes and behaviour modification to ensure safe and responsible health care environment. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 175087]

Since the 1970's when it first started being mentioned in scientific literature, the burnout syndrome has become a widely explored phenomenon. It is defined as a stressful reaction at workplace characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization/cynicism and reduced feeling of personal achievements. However, authors agreed that it is a multicausal phenomenon as they identified a large number of situational and individual factors involved in its creation. Situational factors relate to working environment and include characteristics of work and profession itself, so as the way of work organization. On the other hand, individual factors include personality characteristics, sociodemographic characteristics and various life-working attitudes of individuals. However, existence of certain contradictions has been noticed and its variation depending on the country in question. The importance of this phenomenon is reflected in numerous negative effects it leaves on the health of individuals, but also in the significant economic overloading of employer and the country, as well. This is the reason for conducting numerous researches regarding this syndrome, with a high prevalence observed in a wide range of professions, including teachers. Authors emphasize that the importance of researching this phenomenon among teachers is of global interest due to already described negative effects on teachers. Additionally, it has a direct effect on educational process, as well as negative influence on mental and emotional growth of children. Consequently, additional research is necessary, especially among teachers, in order to better understand this phenomenon. Gaining further knowledge would enable us to form targeted interventions in order to reduce stress exposure at work and reduce the prevalence of this syndrome among teachers.

This investigation is undertaken based on the indicated improvements for fabric simulations. According to the expert opinions, there is no coherency between methods used to measure the fabric properties and the simulated results of the same fabric among the different software packages. In praxis, fashion brands use different 3D software packages and need to measure a fabric with different methods to obtain the same fabric properties. In addition to the time investment, the simulated results for the same fabric vary significantly between the different software packages. The experts indicated the lack of standardization in material measurements, the lack of correlation between the data of the different measurement systems, and the lack of correlation between the simulated results of the different software packages for the same material. This paper investigates, on the one hand, the suitability of the two measurement technologies for retrieving fabric parameters for precise virtual fabric and garment simulations. The focus is on the main properties required by the software packages - bending, shear, tensile and friction-aiming to identify and specify the most suitable methods to retrieve mechanical fabric properties and to start a standardization process for fabric measurements for virtual simulations.

Background/Aim. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and its allelic form Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are X-linked diseases that affect males, characterized by progressive muscle and cardiopulmonary weakness, especially in DMD as a severe form of the disease. They result from mutations in the dystrophin gene, and the most common changes are large intragenic deletions and duplications (80%). One third of patients have de novo mutation and 2/3 of the mothers are estimated as carriers. The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of duplications versus deletions in the dystrophin gene in patients with dystrophinopathies, as well as to analyze the phenotypic effect of large mutations obtained and to determine the carrier status of female relatives in probands with duplications. Methods. We examined 22 DMD and 35 BMD unrelated patients and 6 female relatives of the probands where duplications were found. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) methods, according to the protocol, to detect or confirm mutations in probands and female carriers. Results. In probands, there were 34 (59.6%) large deletions (mostly affected exons 44–60) and 6 (10.5%) large duplications in 4 DMD and 2 BMD patients. Also, duplications were found in 3 out of 4 (75%) tested mothers. The distribution of duplications was heterogeneous, affecting N-terminal and central rod domain, and included more exons, except for one DMD patient who had duplication of exon 2. An exception from the Monaco rule was present in 9.5% of DMD and 15.8% of BMD probands, i.e. in 12.5% of DMD/BMD cases. Conclusion. In 57 DMD/BMD probands, we found 59.6% of large deletions and 10.5% of large duplications. The most affected region of the DMD gene was the central rod domain. An exception to Monaco''s rule was present in 12.5% of DMD/BMD cases. Three out of 4 examined proband''s mothers were confirmed as carriers. [Projects of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. ON175083 and Grant no. ON175091]

Quantitative genetic analysis of variability and relationship of lambs body weight traits in indigenous pirot sheep population are done. The the examined lambs had high variability which very suitable for selection on a larger weight. There is a high and very significant correlation between the body weight of lambs with 30 and 60 days (.969 **) and the weight with 30 and 90 days ( .914 **). There is also a highly significant correlation between the weights of lambs with 60 and 90 days of age (.904 **). From our research, we can see that the first month of the lamb's life is very important for the further development of the body. There is different level of correlation between weight of lambs. This gives us an idea to say that many paragenetic factors are crucial for the growth of lambs from birth to weaning. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) is 0.845 which means that 8.45% of the lamb's body weight variance at 90 days is determined by the variance of the set of predictor variables (PI-60, 30, 1). Each increase in lamb body weight during the observed periods of age is associated with an increase in the score of depending variable PI90. In particular, any increase in lamb body weight at birth by 1 kg is associated with an increase in lamb body weight from 90 days by 0.238 kg.

Records of female lambs and their parents of the Mis sheep breed have used. All animals are approximately have weaned at 90 days of age. Descriptive statistics, paired sample test, paired differences, measures of association, correlations and regression of body weights between female lambs and their parents have done. A complementary least body weights at 30 days and weaning between dams and lambs but utmost weight at 30 days, the lambs were higher while at weaning, the dams had higher weight. It can observe that the averages on body weights the rams were the highest, followed by lambs and the lowest the dams' body weights. The coefficient of determination of R2 varies from low to high, indicating that the lamb's body weight has more influenced by other factors that we have not considered.There were significant correlations between lamb body weight at birth and sire/dam body weight at birth. The results showed highly significant correlations of lamb's body weight at 30 days with dams but with sires, positive and very low. There had positive but no significant correlation between lamb body weight at weaning and sire body weight at weaning. Lamb body weight at weaning and dam body weight at weaning are highly correlated.

In addition to nutritional value, a very important criterion for the selection of meat, for the modern consumer is the health aspect, i.e. the content of fat and the profile of fatty acids in meat. The content of fat and fatty acids, among other things, is conditioned by the feeding system and the rearing method. Lambs fed on pasture have a lower share of fat in the carcass than animals fed with a concentrated mixture, in a closed system. The recommended value for the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids is up to 0.45, and below 4.0 for the n-6 and n-3 fatty acids ratio. Taking into account that the influence of lamb nutrition on these relationships is significant, modelling of fatty acid composition should be directed to the lamb nutrition system which leads to a decrease in the content of saturated and an increase in the concentration of polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids in meat. A feeding strategy involving a grazing feeding system of lambs results in a higher content of n-3 PUFA, CLA and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio of fatty acids, while the lamb meat originating from animals fed concentrated diets has a higher proportion of n-6 PUFA and a higher n-6 ratio/n-3 fatty acids, which exceeds the recommended value of 4.0. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is of great importance since it has an anticancer, antidiabetic effect as well as an effect on the immune system, suggesting a direction for future research on lamb meat.

Particle-in-cell simulations of (m = 2; n = 1) tearing mode in cylindrical plasmas are carried out with kinetic electrons using the split-weight control-variate algorithm [Y. Chen and S. E. Parker, J. Comput. Phys. 220, 839 (2007)]. Radially, global simulation shows global mode structure in agreement with reduced-magnetohydrodynamic eigenmode calculation. Simulations of the tearing layer are verified with analytic results for the collisionless, semi-collisional, and drift-tearing mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizotypy is a construct used to describe a group of persons with symptoms which do not fulfill criteria for schizophrenia, but have some similarities with this complex and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder. ICD-10 describes schizotypy as a state (schizotypal disorder), while DSM-5 labels it as a trait marker (schizotypal personality disorder). Considering how schizotypy encompasses through the normal, subclinical and clinical population, a thorough theoretical understanding of this concept could be helpful in developing measures of assessment. So far, most of the tools for psychometric evaluation of schizotypy have focused only on abnormal personality. The present article focuses on the evolution of the term schizotypy, its current understanding, the possibilities of psychometric assessment in relation to contemporary constructs of personality and on clinical considerations for improved detection and intervention in this field.

Background/Aim. The assessment of association of depression and diabetes mellitus type 2 using the Patient Health Questionaire (PHQ-9) has not been done in Montenegro. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of depression. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the General Hospital in Bijelo Polje, from July to September, 2015. It included 70 patients over 35 years of age with the diagnosis of diabetes for at least six months. For the assessment of depression presence and intensity PHQ–9 was used. All variables associated with the presence of depression at a significance level of p < 0.05 were included into the final method of the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. Comorbidities were statistically significant more frequent among patients with depression (χ2 = 5.40; p = 0.020). Duration of diabetes over five years was significantly associated with depression (χ2 = 12.48; p < 0.001). Depression occurred more frequently among physically inactive subjects (χ2 = 10.74; p = 0.005). The presence of diabetic polyneuropathy (χ2 = 6.04; p = 0.014) and cataract (χ2 = 5.351; p = 0.021) were also significantly associated with depression. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of diabetes over five years and presence of cataract were independently associated with depression. Conclusion. The risk factors for depression among the subjects with diabetes were disease duration more than five years and the presence of cataract. Since depression is a serious disease and can be a risk factor for many chronic diseases, the best way of prevention is its early detection and treatment.

In this review paper, contradictions in modern livestock production as dilemmas of farm animal welfare are considered. The main dilemma concerns the question of whether extensive production in small farms is generally better than intensive production in large farms. The next dilemma relates to an intensive selection of animals and its impact on the emergence of welfare problems. Another dilemma is related to the two main interconnected problems of pig welfare in individual farrowing pens: the piglet death by crushing and the sows' movement restriction. Similarly, welfare dilemma is the paradox of parent flocks of broiler line breeding that could not be solved until the pressure for genetic advancement in production is required due to the economic efficiency. The next example of the dilemma is the widespread practice of tail docking in piglets in order to reduce the risk of tail biting. Although the tail docking is painful and may cause death, anaesthesia is usually not applied on farms. A similar example of the dilemma is debeaking in the laying hens and the occurrence of feather pecking in free rearing systems. It is important to notice the difference between the described dilemmas, where one premise opposes the other, which is essentially a conflict between the animal welfare goals and other values, such as economic, ethical and moral issues. Finally, there are also some dilemmas about the consumers' willingness to pay a higher price of products that originate from welfare friendly rearing conditions.

The objective of this research paper was to estimate heritability coefficients (heritability) of growth traits in the lambs of indigenous Sjenicka Pramenka breed. The research was conducted on a sample which included 421 lambs the descendants of 15 sires and 187 sheep-dams, raised on 3 private farms in Kolubarski district, Serbia. The effect of fixed factors was studied while the values of heritability coefficients were estimated within the frame of SAS software package. A statistically highly significant (**=P

The main goal of this research was to examine, using modern methods, the variability of phenotypic correlations of production performances and reproductive properties of Simmental cows reared on the farms of individual agricultural producers, in different breeding areas of the Republic of Serbia. The study of phenotypic correlations of milk performance and fertility properties in different regions of Serbia was carried out on a total of 3.056 primi parous Simmental heifers under control, with lactations completed within one year. The examined animals were reared on different individual farms, and mainly in very different conditions of housing and nutrition, depending on the breeding area. The study of phenotypic correlations included the following milk performance traits: milk yield, milk fat content, milk fat yield, yield of 4% corrected milk; and fertility properties: age at first calving and service period. The results of the study among other things indicate that although the phenotypic correlations between the fertility and milk performance properties show different degrees of variation, they should be taken into account in the final assessment of the breeding value of the animal, so that the breeding selection programs are more comprehensively designes.

The purpose of this study was to determine status, number and present level of productivity of autochthonous goats raised in Central Serbia on smallholder farms. Study included quality breeding animals of Balkan and Serbian white goat breed registered in Central herd book. Productivity data were collected from regular annual performance recordings at 11 smallholder farms for 145 Balkan does (2-9 years of age) and 203 kids and 83 Serbian white does (2-10 years of age) and 109 kids. Traits recorded were as follows: body weight of does, body weight of kids at birth, at the age of 30 days and at weaning, prolificacy of does and milk production. The analysis showed the average body weight of does to be 43.07 kg for Balkan does and 47.42 kg for Serbian white does. Average body weight of kids at birth, 30 days of age and weaning was 2.22 kg, 6.87 kg and 15.71 kg, respectively for Balkan breed and 3.66 kg, 7.24 kg and 14.23 kg for Serbian white breed. Prolificacy was 140% in Balkan and 131% in Serbian white does. Among dairy production traits, following results were obtained for Balkan and Serbian white goat respectively: lactation length 199 and 229 days, total milk yield 257.89 kg and 459.49 kg, milk fat content 4.03% and 3.79%, milk protein content 3.06% and 3.35%. Number of quality breeding animals registered at Central herd book in 2018, as presented in Institute for Animal Husbandry's annual report for goats for Central Serbia in 2018, was 159 for Balkan and 138 for Serbian white goat. As these breeds represent a valuable and irreplaceable source of genetic variability, as well as very important cultural and traditional heritage and further emphasis should be on preserving and increasing their number.

Crossbreeding serves as a predictable and cost-effective method to genetically increase lamb body weight by mating two or more breeds of sheep. The crossing over breed comes to a far greater number of combinations of genes and thus is more likely to express favorable allele carriers of economically important traits. The phenomenon of heterosis has used since the beginning of the last century. However, its genetic basis has remained unclear. From the very beginning of the knowledge of heterosis to the present day, there are several theories, but neither theory able to answer all questions that arise regarding the apparent strength of the F1 generation offspring. Not assert anything about the genetic or molecular phenomenon that causes heterosis. It has been increasingly experimentally confirmed that heterosis is the result of highly complex interactions within the genome as well as between the genome and the environment. In Serbia, some activity of domestic researchers regarding crossbreeding of sheep after the Second World War has been recorded up to date. It found out that crosses have a higher body weight than the maternal base in the F1 generation. In other words, they had better fattening capacity than purebreds. However, the results are not always in line with expectations due to the influence of various known and unknown factors.This review paper aims to draw attention to the phenomenon of heterosis through experience in its application in Serbia, in the hope that this biological phenomenon would clarify in the near future by applying modern scientific understandings and technologies.

From locally adapted sheep and goat breeds in Central Serbia pramenka (with its ecotypes), and Balkan and Serbian white goat are present. These breeds differ by morphological, reproductive and productive traits and their differentiation was affected by specific climatic, hydrological and nutritional conditions. Thanks to that, these breeds are characterized by the wide adaptability, disease resistance, expressed maternal instinct, relatively high fertility and a long productive life-time. The productivity of these genotypes is relatively low, which led to a drastic reduction in the number of head of locally adapted breeds, simultaneously emphasizing the more productive genotypes. These trends led to loss of genetic diversity. The consequence of these practices in sheep and goat farming is that most of the locally adapted races are endangered in different degrees (from high to critically endangered), according to the criteria of the valid Rulebook. Genotypes of sheep and goat observed in this study belong to a group of genetic resources. According to the Institute for animal husbandry's annual report for Central Serbia in 2017, number of heads for most of locally adapted breeds is in slight increase, but still is not satisfactory. Thus, the number of active animals registered in flockbook for sheep and goats by races are 10386 for Svrljig pramenka, 686 Lipa pramenka, Krivovir pramenka 616, Karakachan pramenka 139, Pirot pramenka 124, Bardoka 94 animals, Balkan goat 121 and Serbian white goat 145 animals. The highest values of live body weight (BW) for the lamb were found in the Lipa lambs (BW at birth 3,44 kg, BW after 30 days 11,79 kg and BW at weaning 27,92 kg), and the Serbian white goat's kids (BW at birth 2,56 kg, BW after 30 days 7.68 kg and BW at weaning 16,04 kg). The highest fertility indexes were observed in Svrljig strain (1,28) and the Balkan goats (1,51). The protection and conservation of sheep and goat genetic resources in the Republic of Serbia is still insufficient, although there is a shift in their conservation. However, urgent protection measures must be taken in the form of in situ and ex situ conservation to prevent the loss of genetic resources forever.

Selenium is a trace element, which stimulates antioxidant defenses and improves reproductive functions in human and animals, under the form of selenoproteins. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of selenium, supplemented as inorganic or organic form in the diet of stud rams, on some of their semen parameters. The experiment was performed with 15 clinically healthy rams from North East Bulgarian merino breed. The animals were divided in three groups (5 per group). The rams from first experimental group (G1) received a diet with supplementation of 4,0mg sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) per animal per day, while the animals of the second experimental group (G2) obtained diet with 1.83g L-selenomethionine (Sel-Plex, Alltech, USA) per animal per day. Eventually, each animal from the G1 and G2 received 1.83g selenium per day. The control group (GC) received a diet without supplementation of selenium. The principal composition of the diet in each group was the same. The ejaculates were obtained via artificial vagina. The evaluated parameters were volume and pH of the ejaculates and motility, concentration and in vitro survivability of the spermatozoa at 39˚S for 360 min. It was found that the supplementation of ram studs diet either with inorganic and organic selenium led to increase in the volume of the ejaculates, motility and survivability of the spermatozoa. The pH of the freshly obtained semen was not affected by selenium treatment.