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The contribution of social sciences and humanities to the security of people, society and the state is a little studied topic. It goes without saying that every member of society, especially scientists, should contribute to security, primarily through the adoption of an adequate security culture, knowledge and will (to defend the state) that they possess, which presupposes their knowledge of the legal frameworks that regulate this field. The problem of the contribution of social sciences and humanities to national security arose due to uncritical reforms of these fields initiated by Western power centres. The evaluation of scientific works and the actions of scientists is extremely important for the state and requires an organized system, otherwise it can be a significant source of endangering national security. In this paper, the authors analyse the importance attached to social sciences and humanities as well as their evaluation in society. Special importance is given to their study from the aspect of national security. The basic assumption that guides the authors is that insufficient control of science by the state contributes to endangering national security. This does not mean censorship and absolute control at the same time, but the creation of an orderly system within which the authors will be able to strengthen the national and democratic capacities of the state through their work, and not be abused for the sake of its destabilization, which is especially important in crisis areas. At the same time, the problem of insufficient evaluation of the importance of social sciences and humanities in relation to other sciences is highlighted. There is also a crisis of reviewing scientific papers which is resulted by the introduction of ideological criteria for the publication of articles. Thus, when the reviewer determines that the author is from Russia or Serbia, the next question is whether the author considers Crimea to be Russian or Ukrainian, or, whether Kosmet is an independent state or part of Serbia. The attitude of the reviewer depends on the answer. In order to advance in their professions, they need to be published in journals of high categories, most of which are in the West. This again leads to the resolution and declaration of sensitive issues, where papers are immediately disqualified if they do not agree with an accepted ideological matrix. The authors use the method of content analysis and the comparative method in their paper.

Introduction. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant renal tumor. It has a tendency for spreading to unusual and distant sites, such as the orbit, paranasal sinuses, thyroid gland, heart, skin, and muscles. Skeletal muscle metastases are accounting for only 0.4% of all metastatic localizations. Following CT, they may be presented in five different radiology types of lesions. The aim of our case was CT evaluation of rare skeletal muscle metastatic localizations of RCC, following the time interval of their occurrence in relation to the appearance of the primary tumor, with emphasis on metastases in the levator ani muscle, since this metastatic localization of RCC has not been recorded in the previous literature. Case outline. We present a 66-year-old man after partial nephrectomy, due to a primary diagnosis of RCC. Three years after the initial diagnosis, multiple distant metastases were verified at typical localizations, as well as rare localizations such as muscles, including levator ani. Conclusion. Advanced metastases in uncommon locations are most often accompanied by a poor prognosis, therefore the further algorithm includes monitoring the whole clinical and radiological status. Metastases in the levator ani muscle have been recorded for the first time in this report. Taking into account that this muscle has very important functions, such as supporting and raising the pelvic visceral structures, as well as having control of the flow of urine and defecation, it is of great importance to include this localization in the CT evaluation.

The concept of sustainable development in the functional area of the network of the most important settlements is based on the dependence on the settlement environment as well as the development of the entire settlement system in the Zlatibor district. The assessment of the functional development of nodal centres and their impact on the sustainable socioeconomic transformation of other settlements through integrative-incentive mechanisms is based on: the dominant role of nodal settlements as a geospatial factor in the sustainable development of the settlement system of the Zlatibor district; structural and demographic changes within the socioeconomic area; complementarities with settlement specificities; development needs of functional centres; integration into the spatial system of nodal settlements of Serbia; manifestations of differentiated planning and research into the sustainable development of complex geospatial entities. Based on the functional-process approach, the concept of sustainable development of the settlement system was formulated based on the following foundations: elements of the settlement system formed on the basis of spatial-geographical conditions; the main areas of population concentration are urban environments; the high conditionally of the socioeconomic development of the settlement system based on the gravitational-encouraging and polarizing effects of the influence of nodal settlements; from the process of redistribution within the active population, settlement- functional concentration and the development of other settlements result.

Motor status is an important predictor of physical activity participation among prepubescent aged children. The aim of the present study was to present gender differences in the level of motor abilities among children of prepubescent age. In that regard a reduced "Eurofit" test battery was carried out (Committee of Experts on sports Research, 1988), which consisted of 5 motor tests: hand tap, standing broad jump, running cone drill 10x5m, sit-and-reach and sit-ups for 30 seconds. 420 students of both genders ages 7-9 years participated in this research study. The results of this research indicate that boys have achieved statistically significant better results in the following tests: standing broad jump and running cone drill 10x5m, whilst the girls have achieved better results in sit-and-reach test. No statistically significant differences between genders have been observed in the remaining variables that represent the level of motor ability.

The aim of this research was to determine whether differences among elementary school students of both genders in levels of physical activity in relation to their individual perception of different social support domains are present. 165 fifth graders participated in this research (88 girls and 77 boys). Social Support Scale for Children, SSSC (Harter, 1985) which consists of four subscales: 1. social support of parents; 2. social support of peers; 3. social support of teachers; and 4. social support of close friends, was administered and used. Evaluation of the level of physical activity has been assessed via the questionnaire method which was based on self-evaluation and self-perception of levels of physical activity by applying the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Craig et al., 2003). Results of multiple regression analysis show that the system of prediction variables of specific domain of social support has a statistically significant influence on strenuous physical activity levels of boys. Social support of close friends has displayed itself as the absolute best predictor on their strenuous and total physical activity. Statistically significant influence of system of prediction variables on any type and level of physical activity hasn't been noticed among girls. By observing the influence of certain variables of social support social support from parents has the strongest influence on moderate level of physical activity among girls. is research paper contributes to the identification of factors which influence the participation level of students in physical activity programs. The goal of this research paper was to contribute to the development of fruitful strategies and interventions which will ensure motivation and enjoyment in physical activity participation.

The research on the knowing of the significance and contents of the food product label as well as understanding the data on the label is presented in this paper. The research used the Pearson's chi-square test of homogeneity and Pearson's chi-square test of independence. The research was conducted on a representative sample of 598 respondents from 10 cities in the Republic of Serbia. Research results show that more than half of the respondents always or often read the label, then, that men and women have a similar relation to the frequency of reading the label and its contents. Respondents with special dietary regime frequently read the data on the label than with conventional regimens. Consumers that are more educated are more likely to read the label and know more about its contents. Respondents who know what the label should contain pay more attention to it.

Introduction/Objective. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an age-related systemic disorder characterized by deposition of fibrillary white flaky material mainly on the lens capsule, corneal endothelium, zonules, ciliary body, iris, and pupillary margin. Zonular weakness progressively increases along with the hardness of the lens, patient’s age, and the presence of glaucoma. The objective of the study is to compare the intraoperative and postoperative complications of phacoemulsification in cataract eyes with PEX with cataract eyes without PEX. Methods. The study enrolled 300 eyes with consequently operated senile cataract and PEX and 300 consequently operated eyes with cataract without PEX who underwent phacoemulsification performed by one experienced surgeon (single-surgeon series). A complete ophthalmological examination of all patients was performed preoperatively, as well as on the first, seventh, and 180th day postoperatively. Results. Significant statistical differences between the observed groups were the following: patients with PXF were older (74.2 ± 8; range 56–82 years vs. 68.1 ± 9.6; range 56–79 years), had smaller pupil diameter, and higher intraocular pressure (IOP) preoperatively (16.1 ± 4.1 vs. 13.8 ± 3.7 mmHg). There were no differences between the groups regarding intraoperative complications. Early postoperative complications were a significant rise of IOP (33 vs. six patients; p < 0.001), more frequent postoperative corneal edema (36 vs. 21 patients; p < 0.036), and anterior chamber inflammation (17 vs. seven patients; p < 0.037) in the PEX group, comparing to the control group. The significant late postoperative complication was elevated IOP (24 vs. five patients; p < 0.0002) in patients with PEX. Conclusion. In the hands of an experienced and careful surgeon, phacoemulsification is a safe and beneficial surgery to treat cataract with associated pseudoexfoliation. The greatest problem a surgeon faces is a narrow pupil and zonule instability, and difficulty in recognizing eyes that are particularly at risks, such as those having glaucoma and phacodonesis.

Introduction/Objective. Child abuse is a significant public health problem in modern society. Many cases of violence against children remain undetected. Serbia has no official protocols for medical examination of abused children. The aim of the study is an analysis of the social, clinical and radiological characteristics of physical abuse of children under three years of age that required hospital treatment. Methods. This retrospective study included 98 physically injured children admitted to the University Children’s Hospital in the period from 2013 to 2015, with suspected physical abuse. In addition to the history of injuries, complete clinical examinations and standard laboratory analyses were performed in all children, as well as X-ray examination in children with apparent or suspected skeletal injury. Ultrasound examination and computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were performed in selected patients. Final diagnosis of abuse was established by multidisciplinary assessment team. The children were divided into two groups – those with proven and those with suspected abuse. Results. Most of 98 children who were suspected of being abused (92%) were from one or both unemployed parents, 68% were male, 60% were first-born, and 44% younger than one year. Ninety-two percent of the children had skeletal fractures, 19% of whom had two or more fractures. The commonest fracture was a linear skull fracture, which was detected in 51% of the cases. Abuse was confirmed in only five of 98 suspected cases. Conclusion. Among the known social risk factors for abuse of children, the low economic status of the family was the most frequent one in our analyzed sample. The most common injury is a linear skull fracture. A national guideline for medical investigating of abused children is required.

Background: Lip cancer is the most frequent oral cancer. The aim of this study was to present and estimate trends in the incidence and mortality of lip cancer in Central Serbia during a 16-year period, from 1999 to 2014. Material and methods: This registry-based study was carried out based on the data extracted from publicly available Yearbooks of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia - Incidence and Mortality in Central Serbia, from 1999 to 2014. The trend and the annual percentage change (APC) of the incidence and mortality rate with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated by performing join point regression analyses. Results: A total number of 1,922 cases (1,402 in men and 520 in women) of lip cancer were registered in Central Serbia from 1999 to 2014. The crude rate (CR) and age-standardized rate (ASR-W) of the incidence in males decreased (p=0.001, p

Background/Aim. Not only that ultrasound makes the difference between cystic and solid changes in breast tissue, as it was the case at the beginning of its use, but it also makes the differential diagnosis in terms of benign-malignant. The aim of this study was to assess the role of sonography in the diagnosis of palpable breast masses according to the American College of Radiology Ultrasonographic Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) and to correlate the BI-RADS 4 and BI-RADS 5 category with pathohistological findings. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted with the breast sonograms of 30 women presented with palpable breast masses found to be mammography category BI-RADS 0 and ultrasonographic BI-RADS categories 4 and 5. The sonographic categories were correlated with pathohistological findings. Results. Surgical biopsy in 30 masses revealed: malignancy (56.7%), fibroadenoma (26.7%), fibrocystic dysplasia with/without atypia (10%), lipoma (3.3%) and intramammary lymph node (3.3%). Correlation between BI-RADS categories and pathohistological findings was found (p < 0.05). All BI-RADS 5 masses were malignant, while in BI-RADS 4A category fibroadenomas dominated. A total of 53.8% of all benign lesions were found in women 49 years of age or younger as compared with 35.3% of all malignancies in this group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Ultrasonography BI-RADS improved classification of breast masses. The ultrasound BI-RADS 4 (A, B, C) and BI-RADS 5 lesions should be worked-up with biopsy.

Morphological characteristics define a man based on his features, usually using appropriate anthropometric measures. Morphological characteristics of this study are based on a bio-psycho-social status of the man in the broadest sense. Monitoring the morphological characteristics is subject to a number of scientific disciplines. The morphological characteristics and their knowledge are used for correct selection and application of physical exercises and proper load determination in training. Morphological characteristics of the long term change primarily in terms of increasing longitudinal dimension. This phenomenon is called the acceleration of growth and development. The aim of the research is to analyze differences in morphological characteristics football players older pioneers and cadets. The sample comprised a total of 60 football players of different age categories FC 'Vojvodina', as follows: older youths (13.5 ± 0.5 years) - 30 members and cadets (15.5 ± 0.5 years) - 30 pts. In order to determine the differences in morphological characteristics of youth football players measured 11 anthropometric measures according to the International Biological Program. Differences in morphological characteristics of youth football players were determined by means of canonical discriminant analysis. The results indicate that these two groups differ in morphological characteristics. Distinguishing groups has contributed most to the difference in body weight.

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Backround/Aim. Adolescence is the period of greatest risk of starting to use substances: cigarette smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs. In the first decade of this millennium substance use among adolescents has increased. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of substances use among adolescents and its correlation with social and demographic factors. Methods. The study was conducted among adolescents in Novi Sad during 2010-2011 and included 594 conveniently selected adolescents (275 male and 319 female), aged 15-19 years. A special questionnaire was used and statistical analysis performed in SPSS17. The correlation between parameters was evaluated by the Pearson correlation method and frequency differences were analysed using χ2 test and starting level was p < 0.05. Results. The prevalence of substance use was statistically higher in males. Cigarettes were smoked daily by 21.45% males and 15.67% females (p < 0.01), alcohol was consumed by 81.6% males and 69.11% females (p < 0.001) and illicit drugs were used by 13.65% males and 8.30% females (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between smoking cigarettes and alcohol consumption, but negative between smoking cigarettes and the use of illicit drugs (p < 0.01). The prevalence of substance use was statistically higher among adolescents with poor achievement in school (p < 0.01), who lived in a broken home (illicit drugs p < 0.01) and who had more pocket money (cigarette smoking p < 0.01, and alcohol consumption p < 0.5). Conclusion. Stable family, lower amount of pocket money weekly and good school performance are protective factors in prevention of substances use among adolescents.

Introduction. In liver diseases, all components of the haemostatic system are changed and the degree of dysfunction is proportional to hepatocellular damage. During the liver transplantation, values of haemostatic parameters show substantial changes, while postoperatively there is a gradual normalisation of the haemostatic system function. Objective The aim was to monitor the changes of the haemostatic system intraoperatively and postoperatively, including the dynamics at which physiological values of parameters are reached after transplantation. Methods. There were 17 cadaveric transplantations performed at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina in the period from June 2008 to February 2012. The following parameters were tested: platelets, activated partial thromboplastin, prothrombin and thrombin time, fibrinogen, euglobulin clot lysis time, D-dimer, antithrombin and heparinemia. The results were presented intraoperatively in phases of transplantation, and postoperatively from day 1 to day 7, ending with postoperative day 14. Results. During transplantation, the most pronounced disorders among those observed are: thrombocytopenia (96±66.1×109/L), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin (1.80±0.8 R), prothrombin (1.59±0.4 R) and thrombin time (2.03±1.7 R), hypofibrinogenemia (2.13±0.5 g/L), hyperfibrinolysis (29±12.0 min), increase of D-dimer (1393±1220.4 ng/mL) and decrease of antithrombin (61±18.0%). Further monitoring after transplantation from postoperative day 1 revealed a gradual normalisation in the values, reaching physiological values for all parameters on postoperative day 14, except for the sustained high value of D-dimer (2606±1055.1 ng/mL). Heparinemia was within the prophylactic range (0.26±0 IU/mL). Conclusion. Thorough monitoring of the haemostatic system parameters in liver transplantations is of great importance, as it enables the use of optimal substitution therapy during and after transplantation, as well as an adequate postoperative thromboprophylaxis. Our study has shown normalisation of investigated laboratory parameters within 7-14 days after transplantation.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the noninvasive breast malignant tumor originates from the terminal ductal­lobular units (TDLU). The typical feature of DCSI is the formation of calcifications. Up to 90% of DCIS are diagnosed on mammographic examinations, as clinically asymptomatic. Between 10% and 20% of DCIS remain mammographically occult due to the lack of calcifications and/ or small tumor dimensions. Contrast­enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects mammographically occult breast lesions, thus defining morphologic features of the lesion and the dynamics of signal intensity changes due to contrast enhancement. Distribution of contrast enhancement - signal intensity increase in DCIS most frequently includes segmental, ductal and linear patterns, followed by regional enhancement pattern, while the intralesional contrast uptake most frequently includes the nodular pattern with the areas of confluence. Post­ contrast signal intensity increase in DCIS is most frequently fast in the initial phase (wash­in), while the whole dynamic of contrast­enhancement includes either of the three possible time­intensity curve (TIC) types (persistent, plateau or washout), although the plateau TIC is considered to be more frequent. Breast MRI has high sensitivity in the diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, varying from 90% to 100%; the sensitivity in the diagnosis of DCIS is lower (77­96%). For the time being, the primary role of MRI in DCIS is planning of breast­conserving surgery (BCS) for the evaluation of lesion extension. Further development of MRI in the diagnosis of DCIS includes the implementation of the principles of functional and molecular imaging.

Introduction. Vitamin D active metabolites deficit that is altered by negative calcium and phosphorus balance is a potential complication during long­term antiepileptic drug therapy. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in epileptic children receiving antiepileptic drug therapy longer than one year. methods. The examined sample consisted of 34 epileptic children, 18 male and 16 female, aged 6­12 (9.77±2.01) years, treated with carbamazepine, valproate, phenobarbital, lamotrigine or their combination without vitamin D supplementation. The lumbar spine BMD (L1­L4) was estimated by a Lunar densitometer and obtained results were compared with results of 35 matched population of healthy children from the control group. results. Lumbar BMD Z­score was significantly lower in female patients treated with antiepileptic therapy compared with those in the control group (­1.048±1.35 vs. ­0.399±0.518; p=0.03). Bone mineral density Z­score decrease of both gender groups receiving antiepileptic polytherapy was significantly lower compared to the control group (­1.153±0.938 vs. ­0.043±0.815; p=0.007). Therapy duration had no influence on the lumbar BMD level decrease either in boys (rxy=0.33; p=0.174) or in girls (rxy=0.02; p=0.935) treated with antiepileptic therapy. Conclusion. Our results have indicated that antiepileptic drug therapy usage longer than one year can have adverse affects on the lumbar spine BMD (L1­L4) in epileptic children, and that prophylactic vitamin D supplementation is also necessary in these patients.

Background/Aim. Habilitation of children with hearing loss is a very complex process and requires a team work. Habilitation period length, as well as the effects themselves are individual and depend on many factors. The goal of any habilitation process is to improve the quality of life of each individual to the maximal extent possible, regardless of whether embedded cochlear implant, or other forms of amplification applied. A long-standing practice has shown that the influence of parents and their attitudes in the habilitation process is great. The aim of this study was to examine the extent of this influence in order to educate the parents so to help their children maximize their potential. Methods. The instruments used in this study were: semi-structured interview, the Parental Attitudes Scale (PAD), Package Nottingham Early Estimates (NEAP). The participants in this study were the parents with children aged 4-15 years. The extent of hearing loss in the children was recorded at the beginning and during the habilitation process and all were actively involved at least three months. For statistical analysis of this study the descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied. Results. The results of our study show significant differences in certain parental attitudes. A close cooperation of the parents and quality experts interactions with the parents are a prerequisite for a successful habilitation. Conclusion. The result of this research show that the process of habilitation of children with hearing and speech disorders is significantly affected by the parent attitudes. Parental attitudes were proved to be especially important for children with greater hearing loss. It was also noted that in our society mainly mothers are concerned with hearing-damaged children, which indicates that the educational process should be extend to both parents.

Background/Aim. Posterior breast cancers are located in the prepectoral region of the breast. Owing to this distinctive anatomical localization, physical examination and mammographic or ultrasonographic evaluation can be difficult. The purpose of the study was to assess possibilities of diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasonography in detection and differentiation of posterior breast cancers. Methods. The study included 40 women with palpable, histopathological confirmed posterior breast cancer. Mammographic and ultrasonographic features were defined according to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon. Results. Based on standard two-view mammography 87.5%, of the cases were classified as BI-RADS 4 and 5 categories, while after additional mammographic views all the cases were defined as BIRADS 4 and 5 categories. Among 96 mammographic descriptors, the most frequent were: spiculated mass (24.0%), architectural distortion (16.7%), clustered microcalcifications (12.6%) and focal asymmetric density (12.6%). The differentiation of the spiculated mass was significantly associated with the possibility to visualize the lesion at two-view mammography (p = 0.009), without the association with lesion diameter (p = 0.083) or histopathological type (p = 0.055). Mammographic signs of invasive lobular carcinoma were significantly different from other histopathological types (architectural distortion, p = 0.003; focal asymmetric density, p = 0.019; association of four or five subtle signs of malignancy, p = 0.006). All cancers were detectable by ultrasonography. Mass lesions were found in 82.0% of the cases. Among 153 ultrasonographic descriptors, the most frequent were: irregular mass (15.7%), lobulated mass (7.2%), abnormal color Doppler signals (20.3%), posterior acoustic attenuation (18.3%). Ultrasonographic BI-RADS 4 and 5 categories were defined in 72.5% of the cases, without a significant difference among various histopathological types (p = 0.109). Conclusion. Standard two-view mammography followed by additional mammographic projections is an effective way to demonstrate the spiculated mass and to classify the prepectoral lesion as category BI-RADS 4 or 5. Additional ultrasonography can overcome the mimicry of invasive lobular breast carcinoma at mammography.

Background/Aim. According to the number of active smokers, Serbia occupies a high position in Europe, as well as worldwide. More than 47% of adults are smokers according to WHO data, and 33.6% according to the National Health Survey Serbia in 2006. Smoking physicians are setting a bad example to patients, they are uncritical to this habit, rarely ask patients whether they smoke and rarely advise them not to smoke. These facts contribute to the battle for reducing the number of medical workers who smoke, as well as the number of smokers among general population. The aim of the study was to determine the smoking behavior, knowledge and attitudes and cessation advice given to patients by healthcare professionals in Serbia. Methods. A stratified random cluster sample of 1,383 participants included all types of health institutions in Serbia excluding Kosovo. The self administrated questionnaire was used to collect data about smoking habits, knowledge, attitudes and cessation advice to patients given by health professionals in Serbia. Results. Out of 1,383 participants, 45.60% were smokers, of whom 34.13% were physicians and 51.87% nurses. There were 46.4% male and 45.4% female smokers. The differences in agreement with the statements related to the responsibilities of health care professionals and smoking policy are significant between the “ever” and “never” smokers, and also between physicians and nurses. Twenty-five percent of nurses and 22% of doctors claimed they had received formal training. However, only 35.7% of the healthcare professionals felt very prepared to counsel patients, while 52.7% felt somewhat prepared and 11.6% were not prepared at all. Conclusions. According to the result of this survey, there are needs for more aggressive nationwide non-smoking campaigns for physicians and medical students. Experiences from countries where physicians smoke less and more effectively carry out smoking cessation practices need to be shared with Serbian physicians in order to improve their smoking behavior and smoking cessation practices. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 43012]

Background/Aim. In studies that investigate the health effects of short-term air pollution exposure, population-wide changes in acute outcomes such as mortality, hospital admissions and healthcare visits are linked to short-term variations in ambient pollutant concentrations. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between daily outdoor black smoke and sulphur dioxide levels and hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Niš, within a period 2001-2005. Methods. A time series analysis was performed using separated regression models for each pollutant and disease group, by age groups and population as a whole. The effects of copollutant, meteorological factors and cyclic oscillations in hospitalization numbers were controlled. Results. A significant increase in hospital admissions was associated with a 10 μg/m3 increase in the concentration of black smoke, for cardiovascular diseases: 3.14% (< 0.01) in children and youth under 19 years of age, 1.85% (< 0.001) in 19-64 age group, and 0.84% (< 0.05) in all ages, and for respiratory diseases: 1.77% (< 0.05) in 19-64 age group, and 0.91% (< 0.05) in all ages. The effects on hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in children and youth under 19 years of age, and for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in the elderly were not statistically significant. The increase of sulphur dioxide level was associated with the increased number of hospitalizations, for both cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in all age groups, but the influence was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Outdoor pollutants concentrations in urban area of Niš were below regulated limit values during most of the investigated period days but it is shown that even such a level of pollution has a significant effect on hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Background/Aim. Low birth weight (LBW) is a result of preterm birth or intrauterine growth retardation, and in both cases is the strongest single factor associated with perinatal and neonatal mortality. It is considered that socioeconomic factors, as well as mothers bad habits, play the most significant role in the development of LBW, which explains notable number of researches focused on this particular problem. The aim of this study was to characterize socioeconomic factors, as well as smoking habits of the mothers, and their connection with LBW. Methods. The questionnaire was carried out among mothers of 2 years old children (n = 956), born after 37 gestational weeks. The characteristics of mothers who had children with LBW, defined as < 2 500 g, (n = 50), were matched with the characteristics of mothers who had children ≥ 2 500 g, (n = 906). For defining risk factors, and protective factors as well, we used univariant and multivariant logistic modeles. Results. As significant risk factors for LBW in an univariant model we had education level of the mothers, smoking during pregnancy, smoking before pregnancy, the number of daily cigarettes, the number of cigarettes used during pregnancy, paternal earnings and socioeconomic factors. In a multivariant model the most significant factors were socioeconomic factors, education level of the mothers, paternal earnings and mothers smoking during pregnancy. Conclusion. Smoking during pregnancy and socioeconomic factors have great influence on LBW. Future studies should be carried out in different social groups, with the intention to define their influence on LBW and reproduction, as well. This should be the proper way of adequate health breeding planning for giving up smoking, the prevention of bad habits and melioration of mothers and children health, as the most vulnerable population.

Background/Aim. Numerous epidemiological studies have reported effects of air pollution on the prevalence of respiratory diseases in children. Association between air pollution and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases among children has not been investigated in our country yet. The purpose of this study was to examine impact of ordinary air pollutants (sulfur dioxide and black smoke) in concentrations regularly reported during monitoring on hospital admissions for respiratory diseases among children. Methods. We compared daily data of sulphur dioxide and black smoke concentrations in air with data of daily hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children 0-14 years of age in two periods (1992-1995 and 2002-2005) in Niš, Serbia. Results. There were totally 4 283 and 3 842 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children in the first (1992-1995), and the second (2002-2005) period observed, respectively. The highest number of hospital admissions was registered in children aged 0-4 years, and the lowest one in children aged 10-14 years. Statistically significant influence of pollutants on the number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases was observed in the period 1992-1995 in children aged 0-4 years. Overall, a 10 μg/m3 increase in black smoke concentration was associated with a 3.95% (95% CI 1.29-6.67%) increase in the rate of hospital admission for respiratory diseases after three days, 4.50% (1.77-7.30%) after four days and 7.15% (1.21-13.44%) after seven days. A 10 μg/m3 increase in sulphur dioxide concentration was associated with a 1.29% (0.03-2.56%) increases in the rate of hospital admission for respiratory illness after three days. Influence of air pollution on the number of hospital admissions in older groups of children, as well as in the period 2002-2005 was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Our study suggested that air pollution concentration measured during regular monitoring, out of episodes of pollution, appear to be risk for hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children age 0-4 years.

The objective of this study was to present some clinical and radiological manifestations of PNS in relation to bronchogenic carcinoma (BC) and to evaluate the usefulness of imaging findings in the diagnosis of asymptomatic BC. In the study group of 204 patients (146 male and 58 female) with proven bronchogenic carcinoma, PNS was present in 18 (8.62%) patients. The patients with PNS were divided into two groups. The first one consisted of 13 (72.2%) patients with symptoms related to primary tumours while the second one consisted of 5 (27.7%) patients with symptoms, at initial appearance, indicative of disorders of other organs and systems. The predominant disorder was Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, associated with small-cell carcinoma. Endocrine manifestations included: inappropriate antidiuretic hormone production syndrome (small-cell carcinoma), a gonadotropin effect with gynaecomastia and testicular atrophy (planocellular carcinoma, small-cell carcinoma), a case of Cushing Syndrome (small-cell carcinoma), and hyper-calcaemia, due to the production of the parathyroid hormone-related peptide, which was associated with planocellular carcinoma. A rare case of bilateral exophthalmos was found as PNS at adenocarcinoma. Digital clubbing and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HO) were associated with planocellular and adenocarcinoma, while clubbing was much more common than HO, especially among women. The differences between the two groups were related to the time of PNS appearance. In the first group, PNS occurred late on in the illness, while in the second group, PNS preceded the diagnosis of BC. Alternatively, the disappearance of a clinical or a radiological manifestation of PNS after surgery or chemotherapy may be an indicator of an improvement in health or PNS may be the first sign of illness recurrence. Radiological manifestations of PNS in asymptomatic patients may serve as a useful screen for identifying primary BC. In symptomatic patients, it may be an indicator of a higher likelihood of metastatic disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breasts was introduced in clinical practice over 10 years ago. The method is based on visualization of morphology of the lesion and pathophysiology of their vascularization. It is useful complementary method to mammography and breasts ultrasound, with potential to detect clinically or mammography occult lesions. Compared to the conventional visualization methods, MRI of the breasts is more sensitive, although specificity of the method is lower than sensitivity. The indications for MRI of the breasts are: differentiation between recurrent malignant disease and postoperative or post irradiation changes, local cancer staging in preoperative planning, breasts implants, axillary metastases with occult primary tumor and cases with inconclusive conventional imaging. The limitations of MRI of the al Bezanijska kosa, Belgrade breasts are: low sensitivity for in situ carcinomas, false negative results for 10% carcinomas and hormone-induced false positive results. The further development of the method includes: breasts cancer screening in the patients with high risk, monitoring of the effects of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, MR-guided biopsy and new contrast agents.

Background. It is well known that intramammary arterial calcifications diagnosed by mammography as a part of generalized diabetic macroangiopathy may be an indirect sign of diabetes mellitus. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the incidence of intramammary arterial calcifications, the patient’s age when the calcifications occur, as well as to observe the influence of diabetic polineuropathy, type, and the duration of diabetes on the onset of calcifications, in comparison with nondiabetic women. Methods. Mammographic findings of 113 diabetic female patients (21 with type 1 diabetes and 92 with type 2), as well as of 208 nondiabetic women (the control group) were analyzed in the prospective study. The data about the type of diabetes, its duration, and polineuropathy were obtained using the questionnaire. Statistical differences were determined by Mann-Whitney test. Results. Intramammary arterial calcifications were identified in 33.3% of the women with type 1 diabetes, in 40.2% with type 2, and in 8.2% of the women from the control group, respectively. The differences comparing the women with type 1, as well as type 2 diabetes and the controls were statistically significant (p=0.0001). Women with intramammary arterial calcifications and type 1 diabetes were younger comparing to the control group (median age 52 years, comparing to 67 years of age, p=0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference in age between the women with calcifications and type 2 diabetes (61 years of age) in relation to the control group (p=0.176). The incidence of polineuropathy in diabetic women was higher in the group with intramammary arterial calcifications (52.3%) in comparison to the group without calcifications (26.1%), (p=0.005). The association between intramammary arterial calcifications and the duration of diabetes was not found. Conclusion. The obtained results supported the theory that intramammary arterial calcifications, detected by mammography could serve as markers of co-existing diabetes mellitus and therefore should be specified in radiologic report in case of their early development.