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The subject of the research is focused on questioning teachers' attitudes in reference to using ICT competencies in the classroom, considering the gender, years of service and education, while the problem of the research concerns the question: What are the teachers' attitudes in reference to using ICT competencies in the classroom? Regarding to the previously defined subject and problem, the aim of this research is to question the attitudes of teachers--reflective practitioners in reference to using ICT competencies in the classroom considering the gender, years of service and the education. The teachers' attitudes in reference to using ICT competencies in the modern teaching, in the teaching practice research and for self-development were examined by using the Likert scale which consists of 31 items, especially constructed for the need of this research. The research included 100 primary school teachers with various years of service from the city of Nis (N = 100). The results showed that there are no statistically significant differences in reference to the variables: gender, years of service and the education concerning the teachers' attitudes towards importance of using ICT competencies in the classroom. They are mostly considered to be insufficient. Thus, the respondents recognize the need and the importance of using ICT in preparation and teaching realization and they consider it as an important part of their professional development.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that can affect almost any organ. Although the acute form can have spontaneous regression, a certain number of patients can have a chronic form, which leads to an increase in mortality and a decrease in the quality of life. Considering that the risk factors are still unknown, we wanted to compare the characteristics of patients with acute and chronic forms of sarcoidosis in Serbia in order to determine significant differences between them with hopes of contributing to everyday clinical practice. A total of 2380 patients treated in our clinic were enrolled in this study. They were separated into the following two groups: 1126 patients with acute form and 1254 patients with chronic form. They were further compared by gender, smoking status, radiological status, exposition, biomarkers for sarcoidosis, organ involvement, and other comorbidities; the distribution of patients according to regions of Serbia was also noted. Statistical significance was found in radiological findings (p < 0.001), biomarkers (calcium in 24 h urine p < 0.001; chitotriosidase p = 0.001), and the affliction of organs (p < 0.001). The differences noted in this paper could help improve our understanding of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Serbia has faced devastating losses related to increased mortality rates among men and women of all ages. With 14 registered cases of maternal death in 2021, it became obvious that pregnant women are faced with a serious threat that jeopardises their life as well as the life of their unborn child. Studying the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal outcomes is vivifying and stimulating for many professionals and decision-makers, and knowing the contextual characteristics can facilitate the application of literature findings in practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present findings of maternal mortality in Serbia associated with SARS-CoV-2 infected and critically ill pregnant women. Methods: Clinical status and pregnancy-related features were analysed for a series of 192 critically ill pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to the treatment outcome, pregnant women were divided in two study groups: a group of survivors and a group of deceased patients. Results: A lethal outcome was recorded in seven cases. Pregnant women in the deceased group were presenting at admission more commonly with X-ray–confirmed pneumonia, a body temperature of >38 °C, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. They were more likely to have a progression of the disease, to be admitted to intensive care unit, and be dependent from mechanical ventilation, as well as to have nosocomial infection, pulmonary embolism, and postpartum haemorrhage. On average, they were in their early third trimester of pregnancy, presenting more commonly with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Conclusions: Initial clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as dyspnea, cough, fatigue, and fever, could be a potent factors in risk stratification and outcome prediction. Prolonged hospitalization, ICU admission, and associated risk of hospital-acquired infections require strict microbiological surveillance and should be a constant reminder of rational antibiotics use. Understanding and identification of risk factors associated with poor maternal outcomes among pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 should warn medical professionals of potentially unwanted outcomes and can be used for organising an individualised treatment for a pregnant patient's specific needs, including a guide to necessary consultations with medical specialists in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The investigations covered a total of 234 lungs from necropsied pigs with different pneumonic lesions, from 6 farrow-to-finish pig farms during 2013 and 2014. The samples were inoculated on selective culture media and aerobically incubated at 37°C and in carbon dioxide condition. The isolated bacterial colonies were further characterised morphologically and biochemically. The identification was confirmed using the BBL Crystal, E/N, G/P ID Kit (Becton Dickinson). For determination of the type of Pasteurella multocida, the PCR method was used. The findings showed that bacteria were isolated from 202 (86%) out of 234 examined lung samples. The pure isolates of Pasteurella multocida were obtained from 71 (35 %) samples. Out of the remaining 29 (14%) examined lung samples, 9, 8, 7 and 5 examined lung samples were shown as mixed cultures of Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus spp., Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Haemophilus parasuis, respectively. The PCR method confirmed that all 15 investigated strains of P. multocida belong to type A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial inflammation and destruction of joint cartilage and bone. Different cytokines play important role in the processes that cause articular destruction and extra-articular manifestations in RA. The contribution of cytokines representing the Th1 (INF-γ), Th2 (IL-4) and IL-17A to the pathogenesis of early RA and bone mineral density (BMD) loss in still poorly understood. Serum samples of 38 early RA patients were evaluated for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and for the tested cytokines (IL-17A, IL-4 and INF-γ). BMD was evaluated by dualenergyX-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Disease activity score (DAS28) calculation was assessed for all patients. Control serum samples were obtained from 34 healthy volunteers. The levels of tested cytokines were significantly higher (IL-17A, p<0.001; INF-γ, P<0.001; IL-4, P<0.01) in patients with early RA, compared to the healthy controls. In early RA patients, strong correlation of serum IL-17A was found with DAS28, ESR and CRP. Also, a significant negative correlation was found between serum INF-γ levels and the DAS28 score. Significantly positive correlation of BMD values and CRP, DAS28 IL-17A were also demonstrated. DXA analysis revealed that the most common site for osteoporosis was the lumbar spine followed by the femoral neck. BMD values significantly correlated with CRP, DAS28 score and IL-17A serum levels. The mean serum IL-17A levels, in patients with early RA, corresponded with disease activity, severity and BMD loss, indicating the potential usefulness of serum IL-17A in defining the disease activity and bone remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease with autoimmune etiology, characterized by synovial inflammation and destruction of joint cartilage and bone. There are controversial data about the profile of interleukin-17 (IL-17A), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-gamma (INFγ), indicating in some studies the key role of IL-17, while in others the Th1 cytokines. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 31 early RA patients were evaluated for erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and for the tested cytokines (IL-17A, IL-4, and INFγ). Disease activity score (DAS28) calculation was done for all patients. Control serum samples were obtained from 29 healthy volunteers. Results: The levels of tested cytokines were significantly higher (IL-17A, p < 0.001; INFγ, p < 0.001; IL-4, p < 0.01) in patients with early RA, compared to the healthy controls. In early RA patients, a strong correlation of serum IL-17A was found with DAS28, ESR, and CRP. Also, significant negative correlation was found between serum INFγ levels and the DAS28 score, indicating that INFγ may play a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis in patients with RA. Conclusion: The mean serum IL-17A levels in patients with early RA, corresponded with the disease activity and severity. This might highlight the usefulness of the serum IL-17A level in defining the activity and predictive patterns, for aggressive disease therapy, and it might express specific therapeutically targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the main causative agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). To characterize and determine the genetic diversity of PCV2 in the porcine population of Serbia, nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of PCV2 collected from the tissues of pigs that either had died as a result of PMWS or did not exhibit disease symptoms were analyzed. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed considerable diversity among PCV2 ORF2 sequences and the existence of two main PCV2 genotypes, PCV2b and PCV2a, with at least three clusters, 1A/B, 1C and 2D. In order to provide further proof that the 1C strain is circulating in the porcine population, the whole viral genome of one PCV2 isolate was sequenced. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis using the entire viral genome sequences confirmed that there was a PMWS-associated 1C strain emerging in Serbia. Our analysis also showed that PCV2b is dominant in the porcine population, and that it is exclusively associated with PMWS occurrences in the country. These data constitute a useful basis for further epidemiological studies regarding the heterogeneity of PCV2 strains on the European continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of cold-pressed oil from nonroasted naked pumpkin seeds by pressing with screw presses started in the Republic of Serbia at the end of 1990s. This oil has the characteristic flavour of raw-dried seeds, and is a specific product of this region. The oil samples were prepared by pressing naked pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seeds with the hulls in a 3:2 ratio using a screw press. The changes of the oil sensory characteristics, basic chemical quality and oxidative stability were followed over a 2-year period. The results obtained showed that the oil sensory quality was stable during the first 12 months of storage, after which the flavour became musty. Although the chemical quality of the oil deteriorated to some extent, both the acid and peroxide values satisfied the legislative minimum during the whole investigation time. The oxidative stability of oil determined by a Rancimat apparatus was good, although the induction period after 2 years decreased by 25-40%. To ensure the use of only the highest quality oil, a 12-month shelf life is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MARIC D., JOVANOVIC D., GOLUBICIC I., DIMIC S. & PEKMEZOVIC T. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care 19, 594–602 Health-related quality of life in lung cancer patients in Serbia: correlation with socio-economic and clinical parameters The objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In Serbia, there is the lack of available data on HRQoL in lung cancer patients. The special attention in our study has been paid on relationships between socio-economic factors and HRQoL. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in group of 100 NSCLC patients with advanced stage diseases. HRQoL was measured using three standard instruments: 36-item Short Form Health Survey, EORTC QLQ-C30 and its Lung Cancer module (EORTC QLQ-LC13). Unexpected, highly educated patients reported significantly worse social functioning ( P= 0.044), and higher degree of financial difficulties ( P= 0.047), in comparison with less-educated. Also unusual, unemployed patients had significantly better HRQoL in all domains and significantly lower symptom distress. Significantly better overall HRQoL ( P= 0.043), social ( P= 0.024), emotional ( P= 0.001) and mental functioning ( P= 0.011) were observed in patients treated with chemotherapy in comparison with newly diagnosed ones. In addition, the most prominent side effects of chemotherapy were nausea and vomiting, and all QoL domains correlated significantly with them. Patients who undergo active treatment improve their HRQoL but chemotherapy-induced emesis adversely affects many HRQoL domains. Additionally, HRQoL is highly dependent on patient's socio-economic characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There are a numerous scenario factors and their usage by the available models of scenario is difficult or disenabled. • Content analysis enables identification needed factors and a convenient description of scenario. • It is widely accepted that an increase of factors number potentiates the scenario description. • Fuzzy DEMATEL method is an appropriate method to group a numerous factors of scenario description. • The grouping factors of scenario description enables rationalization in the sense of reduction the number of experts judgment and the number of possible configurations. Literature analysis has shown that the rationalization of the scenario process is mainly done by reducing the number of input factors, which greatly influences the scope of the output scenarios. The paper proposes the rationalization of the scenario process that is focused on the selection, validation, and classification of factors, but to involve as many factors as possible. The proposed modification involves grouping factors based on their influences using the fuzzy DEMATEL method in which way the scenario model is created. With the proposed model it is possible to use large number factors, significantly shorten the time required for the development of the scenario and achieve the necessary scenario scope. Further, in paper, the model was concretized for the socialization subfield within the sociology field, using real data about factors on the example of the Republic of Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vertebral fractures could lead to reduced physical, social and mental functioning, and loss of personal independence. Therefore, during the treatment of osteoporosis, it has become necessary to examine the changes in everyday functioning, well-being and health related quality of life (HRQOL). To that effect, this study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Serbian version of Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41) for patients with vertebral fractures., Methods: Nine female patients with osteoporosis participated in the pre-validation study. A validation, case-control study included two groups of female patients: one that consisted of 50 female patients with osteoporosis, and with at least one vertebral fracture, and another one that consisted of 50 control patients with osteoporosis but without fractures. They completed the QUALEFFO-41 and the EuroQol group questionnaire with five dimensions (EQ-5D) twice within a month. The validation study examined internal consistency, concurrent validity, test-retest reliability, sensitivity and specificity., Results: During the pre-validation study, three of the items in the QUALEFFO-41 were slightly changed. Afterwards, during the validation study, the statistically significant differences (adjusted for: age, duration of menopause, current employment and marital status) in the mean values of all domains and total scores between the groups were noted. For the case group, the internal consistency of the QUALEFFO-41 domains and of total questionnaire was above 0.70. The test-retest reliability was tested by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) that were in range 0.87 - 0.96 for the case, and 0.15 - 0.83 for the control group. Correlations between the total scores of the QUALEFFO-41 and the EQ-5D health state value, for both groups were negative and statistically significant (r = -0.78, p<0.001 and r = -0.73, p<0.001, respectively). The QUALEFFO-41 had a better prediction of the value of HRQOL of cases compared to the generic questionnaire EQ-5D (the AUC difference was 0.099, p = 0.013)., Conclusions: The Serbian QUALEFFO-41 version is reliable, valid, sensitive and predictive for examinations of HRQOL in patients with prevalent vertebral fractures and can be used in further studies.