Search

Solonchaks are soils characterized by high concentrations of soluble salts. These soils form unique ecosystems that provide habitats for organisms adapted to such extreme conditions. Invertebrates are one of the groups of organisms that inhabit these soils and play a significant role in ecosystem resilience contributing to soil health and fertility. However, the diversity of invertebrates inhabiting the solonchaks remains underexplored. The development of eDNA metabarcoding method has facilitated the detection of soil invertebrates, overcoming the limitations of conventional labor-intensive and time-consuming methods. eDNA metabarcoding made it possible to study/monitor changes in soil invertebrate diversity. This pilot study employed eDNA metabarcoding to detect soil invertebrates in solonchak soils at two agricultural fields in Vojvodina, Serbia. Furthermore, we compared two analytical methods of eDNA metabarcoding data – clustering and denoising sequences. eDNА metabarcoding method proved to be effective in detection of invertebrates. Using BOLD database, 0.21% OTUs and 0.11% ESVs were successfully assigned to expected Invertebrate phyla (Arthropoda, Annelida and Nematoda), with two specific species identified: Aporrectodea jassyensis and Sminthurinus elegans. Comparison of the two analytical approaches, denoising and clustering, revealed that these approaches identified the same taxonomic categories. However, given the limited sample size, further studies should compare these two approaches using a more extensive dataset to better estimate their usefulness.

The aim of this study was to examine whether and to what extent wild boars, Sus scrofa, from Vojvodina, Serbia, exhibited pig-typical gene pool characteristics. We used 16 microsatellite markers that have already been proven to distinguish between wild boars from eastern Austria and pigs. We screened genotypes of 21 wild boars from Vojvodina, 20 Mangulica (Serbian Managaliza) and 4 Hungarian Mangaliza as well as 48 commercial slaughter pig (CSP) samples. The wild boars exhibited relatively high genetic diversity, but no significant spatial structuring across Vojvodina. Our analyses of factorial correspondence, Bayesian assignment, as well as genetic structure and admixture demonstrated a clear distinction between wild boars, Mangulica, Hungarian Mangaliza, and CSPs. The latter were characterized by admixture of variable portions of six genetic clusters, while wild boars, Mangulica, and Hungarian Mangaliza were characterized largely by single genetic clusters, respectively; that finding was in strong contrast to earlier results showing presence of several genetic clusters in Austrian wild boars but only one cluster in CSPs. Two (9.5%) of the wild boar samples were massively introgressed by CSPs (or represented pig samples, possibly due to sample confusion). All wild boars harbored at least very small portions of pig-typical gene pool characteristics, supposedly representing signals of historical introgressions or incomplete gene pool differentiation during domestication. Mangulica-typical signals were also found in the wild boars, but at a significantly lower level than CSP-signals. A more comprehensive data set may reveal possible hot spots of introgression by Mangulica or CSPs in wild boars from Vojvodina, particularly when accompanied by other molecular markers, such as mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences or SNPs.

Introduction. Pulmonary artery hypertension and right ventricular failure are potentially fatal complications that can develop in patients with portal hypertension. The objective of this case report was to report a patient with end-stage liver disease, and portal and pulmonary artery hypertension and right heart failure. Case outline. A 57-year-old man was admitted to the Cardiology Department of a tertiary referral hospital due to signs of right-sided heart failure, ascites, pleural effusions, and pretibial edema. The patient had the history of alcohol abuse, arterial hypertension, and gout. Just prior to the admission, abdominal ultrasound revealed granular liver structure, as well as ascites. Laboratory tests showed microcytic anemia, values of transaminases below referent, hypoalbuminemia, low creatinine clearance. Echocardiography revealed pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricle failure. Right heart catheterization unraveled precapillary pulmonary hypertension, but thoracic CT scan and thoracocentesis excluded underlying pulmonary illness. Treatment continued at the Gastroenterology Department of the tertiary hospital. Abdominal CT scan diagnosed cirrhotic liver, and signs of portal hypertension. The patient was treated with symptomatic therapy, but developed acute-on-chronic renal failure and eventually died. Conclusion. Multidisciplinary approach is very important to distinguish portopulmonary hypertension early in the course of liver disease, because evolution of right sided heart failure precludes these patients from adequate lifesaving therapy.

Organic-inorganic perovskites have attracted much attention from researchers due to their high absorption in the visible part of the spectrum and low-cost fabrication. After absorption of the light, electron-hole pairs are formed. To separate electron-hole pairs and reduce recombination, perovskite is combined with TiO2 which has as a consequence, a spontaneous transition of electrons from perovskite to TiO2. This research aims to increase the contact surface of perovskite and TiO2 nanotubes by filling the nanotubes with perovskite material. The solution of methylammonium lead bromide perovskite (CH3NH3PbBr3) in dimethylformamide (DMF) was deposited on anodically synthesized TiO2 nanotubes by the high vacuum system and inert gas. The procedure involved degassation of the sample under high vacuum for 3 h at 200 °C, cooling of the sample, and putting the solution of CH3NH3PbBr3 in DMF, after which it was treated with inert gas (N2), as an overpressure which enabled the filling of the nanotubes with perovskite material. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurement of the sample proved that deposition of CH3NH3PbBr3 improves the absorption properties of TiO2 nanotubes. The I-V characteristics of the sample showed photodiode behavior and characteristic hysteresis curve for perovskite material. The value of current under visible light for the sample without preconditioning was 46 mA, while after preconditioning value of current was 76 mA. The results indicate that a perovskite photodiode with increased contact between TiO2 and perovskite was made, which is the basis for future solar cell construction.

Introduction: Doxorubicin is an antibiotic from the anthracycline group, with clinical use limited by adverse reactions, primarily cardiotoxicity. Material and Methods: This article provides an overview of therapeutic and toxic doses of doxorubicin, the mechanism of side effects, markers for early detection as well as currently available preparations for preventing its toxicity. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, SCIndex, Dimension, Scopus and Google for English and Serbian language abstracts, using the searching terms "doxorubicin", "cardiotoxicty", "carotenoids", "oncology", "oxidative stress", "DNA damage" and "biomarkers". Topic: The mechanism of side effects is still unclear and is considered to be multifactorial including ROS overproduction, reducing levels of endogenous antioxidants, DNA damage, large drug accumulation in cardiac tissue, calcium overload, histamine release, and impairment of autoimmune regulation of cardiac function Manifestations of cardiotoxicity are mainly acute (appear inside 24h atypical changes of ST segment, decrease in QRS complex voltage, tachycardia and supraventricular extrasystoles are observed, but can also be subacute and chronic (cardiomyocyte edema, disorganzation, fibroblast proliferation, necrosis). Diagnosis of cardiotoxicity is based on ECG, ECHO, and biochemical markers, among which the most important are troponins, while pathohistological verification is necessary for the final diagnosis. Some medications (carvedilol, atorvastatin) have showed some level of cardioprotection against DOX, but there is no overall agreement on their administration solely for this purpose. An increasing number of studies have tested various dietary supplements and natural preparations (already in the human diet) in order to discover those that could completely prevent or reduce the toxic effects of doxorubicin, with special focus on carotenoids. Conclusion: Cardiotoxicity is the leading side effect of doxorubicin, and therefore there is an active search for either new biomarkers and/or diagnostic protocols that would detect toxicity in time, as well as substances able to prevent the occurrence or alleviate DOXinduced cardiotoxicity.

Introduction/Objective. Revascularization in multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a matter of debate. We sought to compare outcomes between revascularization strategies based on angiographic lesion severity or inducible ischemia. Methods. In prospective study, first ever STEMI patients with MVD, defined as > 70% stenosis in non-culprit vessel, treated with culprit only primary PCI were randomized to: A. Complete revascularization of all nonculprit significant lesions during initial hospitalization; B. Complete revascularization after 30 days, or C. Revascularization based on non-invasive testing for inducible ischemia. The study explored occurrence of major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCE) (cardiac death, repeated MI, cerebrovascular event). Results. The study enrolled 120 patients with door to balloon time within appropriate limits (A 51 ± 26 vs. B 47 ± 33 vs. C 44 ± 29 min, p = 0.604) The patients in group A underwent complete revascularization at 6 [4–7] days after primary PCI, while in the group B it was 35 [32–39] days. In group C, 16/43 (37.2%) patients underwent PCI at 82 [66–147] days after infarction (p < 0.001). The patients were followed for 2.7 ± 0.8 years. The events occurred less frequently in patients that underwent planned complete revascularization compared to those who underwent ischemia testing (7.8 vs. 20.9%, p = 0.040). Kaplan–Meier analysis favored complete delayed revascularization (MACCE A 8.8 vs. B 6.9 vs. C 20.9%, log rank p = 0.041). Conclusions. Planned, angiography guided, complete revascularization after initial event may be favorable strategy compared to single stress test for MVD in STEMI.

Background/Aim. Contrast echocardiography (CE) is an echocardiographic modality where ultrasound contrast echocardiographic agent (CEA) is introduced peripherally for the image enhancement. The aim of this study was to present the initial clinical experience of the use of CEA Optison™ (GE Healthcare, Princeton, NJ) at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Serbia and prospectively monitor the occurrence of possible side effects. Methods. A total of 357 patients were referred for resting or stress echocardiographic examinations, with an approved indication for CEA administration. The average age of patients was 63.3 years (range, 21–92 years), 62% of them were men. Most of the patients (77.31%) had some form of ischemic heart diseases. Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor (77.03%), but 57 patients had diabetes mellitus and 33 patients had chronic kidney disease as comorbidity. Most (90.5%) of the patients were on beta blocker therapy, 83.5% of them on angiotensin converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blockers. Majority (80.3%) of the patients received single or dual (49.5%) antiagregation therapy, 74 (26.3%), of them were on anticoagulation therapy, 55.1% of the patients were taking diuretics. The global ejection fraction (EF) was preserved in 39.85% of them, the majority (136 of them), had left ventricle (LV) impairment, with an EF less than 50%. Patients were followed up for 30 minutes after CEA administration for potential side effects. In 118 patients, vital signs (heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) were measured before and 30 minutes after CEA administration. Results. The administration of CEA was not associated with side effects. Diastolic blood pressure drop and heart rate increase were statistically, but not clinically significant (p = 0.027 and p = 0.028, respectively). Conclusion. Changes in analyzed vital signs were clinically non relevant. CE is a safe noninvasive diagnostic modality for patients undergoing rest and stress echocardiography.

Introduction/Objective. The purpose of the current Echocardiographic Society of Serbia (ECHOS) survey was to assess echocardiography practice in Serbia during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods. An online survey consisting of 12 questions about the usa of echocardiography, the availability of portable ultrasound devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) was sent to all ECHOS members. Results. Overall, 126 ECHOS members (43%) answered the survey. One-third of respondents (36%) were physicians from specialized COVID-19 centers. During the pandemic, indications for echocardiographic examination were restricted in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 centers. In COVID-19 centers, 41% of respondents performed lung ultrasound to each patient versus 26% in non-COVID-19 centers. Transesophageal echocardiography was not performed in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in any center. Portable ultrasound devices were available to 66% of respondents from COVID-19 versus 44% of respondents from non-COVID-19 centers (p = 0.018). The respondents reported regular use of PPE, regardless of the patient’s COVID-19 status and found their personal knowledge about protective measures and use of PPE satisfactory. Conclusion. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia, indications for echocardiography were restricted to clinical scenarios in which the results of examination were expected to alter patient management. In both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 centers, the use of PPE was in line with national and international recommendations. A wider availability of portable ultrasound devices and application of lung ultrasound could improve patient management in similar situations in the future.

This paper addresses the first-order outage statistics of asymmetrical radio frequency (RF)-optical wireless (OW) relay systems over non turbulent-induced-fading (nTIF) and turbulent-induced-fading (TIF) channels. We rely on dual-hop amplify-and-forward relay (AFR) scheme and provide detailed mathematical development for derivation of novel exact analytical as well as novel closed form approximative expressions for: i). cumulative distribution function, II.) outage probability, and III.) average bit-error-rate. The system under consideration is modeled as the product of independent Nakagmi-m and double squared Nakagami-m (also known as Gamma-Gamma) random processes. The obtained results of the proposed system are graphically presented for RF-OW TIF and nTIF channel sets of parameters. Moreover, the detailed comparisons of exact and approximated numerical results whose derivation resorts on exponential Laplace approximation method (LAM) are provided and thoroughly examined for the considered RF-OW statistical measures.

Introduction. Partial atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a form of congenital heart disease (CHD) rarely detected in adults. Infective endocarditis represents a severe complication that carries a substantial risk. Case report. We here reported a case of a 43-year-old female with previously diagnosed adult CHD (partial AVSD and bicuspid aortic valve) presented to the hospital with fever and malaise 14 days prior to admission. On the lung computed tomography scan inflammatory consolidations were found and dual antibiotic therapy (ceftazidime and clarithromycin) was administered without significant regression of pulmonary inflammatory consolidations. The antibiotic treatment was continued with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combined with levofloxacin and metronidazole. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large vegetation (dimension, 3.6 x 1.8 cm) attached to the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve floating between right atrium and right ventricle through tricuspid valve with high embolic potential. Endocarditis team reached a decision for immediate surgical intervention. The operative findings revealed the partial AVSD, common atrioventricular valve with cleft of the anterior mitral leaflet in the A2 segment and detached and cleft septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve. Vegetation (size 4 x 3 cm) was attached to the septal side of the tricuspid annulus, basal segment of the anterior mitral leaflet and edge of the atrial septal defect freely floating between right atrium, right ventricle and left atrium. Excision of the vegetation and AVSD plastics were done, as well as the reconstruction of the mitral and tricuspid annuli and leaflets. The treatment was continued with antibiotics and completed in 18 days with full recovery. Conclusion. Early and precious diagnosis and optimal management that combines both conventional and surgical approaches are crucial for reducing the risk of complications and mortality in patients with infective endocarditis in grown-up congenital heart disease.

Introduction/Objective. The purpose of the Echocardiographic Society of Serbia (ECHOS) national survey was to assess current echocardiography practice in Serbia, the availability of different echocardiographic techniques and self-perceived need for improvement at personal and institutional level. Methods. A survey comprising 20 questions about demographics, numbers and distribution of echocardiographic equipment and techniques, image acquisition and reporting standards as well as future educational preferences was sent to all ECHOS members via email. Results. A total of 106 members (42%) answered the survey. Echocardiographic examinations are most frequently performed by cardiologists and internal medicine specialists. Transesophageal echocardiography (TOE), stress echocardiography (SECHO) and speckle tracking echocardiography (SpTE) are available in approximately 20% of centers, three-dimensional echocardiography in 11%, while contrast echocardiography is practiced in only two centers. Less than a third of respondents always attach electrocardiographic electrodes and archive examinations. Almost all respondents (96%), always evaluate both systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV), although systolic LV function is frequently assessed (55%) using non-standard methods. The newer echocardiographic machines are more often available at university than non-university centers (87 versus 44%, p < 0.01). SECHO was perceived as the most needed technique at the institutional level, while SpTE and TOE were most often reported personal aspirations of the respondents. Conclusion. Advanced techniques, SECHO and TOE are needed but rarely performed outside the university hospitals in Serbia. In order to achieve a better adherence to standards of practice in echocardiography, the development of national guidelines and personal and laboratory accreditation seem warranted.

Background/Aim. Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in bifurcation lesions having more than 50% stenosis of both the main branch (MB) and the side branch (SB) remain challenging. Measurements of the vessel diameters and angles using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) software have been used in evaluating PCI outcomes. We investigated potential effects of provisional stenting of the MB on SB coronary blood flow by determining quantitative vessel parameters in “true” non-left main coronary bifurcation lesions using conventional two-dimensional QCA. Methods. The study was prospective and conducted in a highvolume university PCI center. Study included patients with “true” native coronary artery bifurcations (Medina 1.0.1; 0.1.1; 1.1.1) treated with “provisional” stenting of the MB. Patients were excluded from the study if having left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30%, having renal failure with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/kg/m2 or bifurcation lesions within the culprit artery causing myocardial infarction, grafted surgically or previously treated by PCI. QCA analysis included measurements of reference vessel diameters (RVD), diameter stenosis (DS) and bifurcation angles. Results. The study included 70 patients with 72 “true” non-left main bifurcations. Most of the bifurcations were located in the left anterior descending (LAD) – diagonal (Dg) territory. Compromise of the SB ostium defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) < 3 coronary flow occurred in 17/72 (23.6%) bifurcations. It was treated by either balloon angioplasty only of the SB ostium (9/17, 52.9%) or stent implantation [8/17 (47.1%)]. In a logistic regression analysis, including previously recognized predictors of SB compromise (bifurcation’s angles, RVD, DS and ratio of MB RVD to stent diameter ratio), only MB RVD to stent diameter ratio after PCI remained independent predictor of SB coronary flow compromise after stent implantation in the MB [OR 2.758 (95% CI 1.298–5.862); p = 0.008]. Conclusions. It appears that SB decreased coronary blood flow after “provisional” stenting in “true” non-left main bifurcations is associated with greater MB to stent diameter ratio.

Introduction The ventricular septal defect (VSD) incidence today is less than 1%. It presents with a rapid clinical deterioration and acute heart failure. A loud systolic murmur appears over the precordium. Doppler echocardiography is the golden standard for diagnosis. Case Report A female patient was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction with the involvement of the inferior wall and right ventricle. At admission, a loud systolic murmur above the precordium was noted and an emergency echocardiography was performed. A suspected interruption of the interventricular septum continuity was registered at the inferoseptal level. An emergency coronography was immediately performed to uncover a subocclusion of the medial segment of the right coronary artery. Ventriculography was performed in the same act and passage of contrast was registered from the left ventricle to the right at the septal level. A cardiac surgeon was consulted, but the patient died while being prepared for surgery. Conclusion Keeping in mind the high mortality rate, a prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment with a timely surgical intervention are necessary to enable a favorable outcome. Poor prognosis parameters are advanced age and a myocardial infarction involving the inferior wall, which were both present in our patient.

Introduction. Management of cardiogenic shock caused by severe drug intoxication is always challenging. In case of multidrug intoxication, a result, despite aggressive medical therapy, is often unpredictable. Utilization of extracorporeal life support devices in these cases has been suggested and reported results are promising. Case report. We presented a case of profound cardiogenic and distributive shock caused by suicidal intoxication with diltiazem and anionic surfactant ingestion in a 36-year-old woman. The patient ingested more than 90 tablets of diltiazem of 90 mg (ingested dose of 8.1 g), and 4 pieces of household toilet refresh agent containing anionic surfactant. During the admission, systemic blood pressure was 65/40 mmHg, heart rate 45 beats per minute, with signs of metabolic acidosis. The patient underwent several repeated gastric lavages. Emergent fluid resuscitation, calcium gluconate, insulin and vasopressive agents (dopamine and noradrenaline) infusions were administered with negligible effect. Due to progressive and refractory cardiogenic shock with signs of multiorgan failure, a decision was made to put the patient on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator. Immediately after starting the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, diuresis was established. During the next 36 h, an adequate end-organ perfusion was achieved with complete reversal of multiorgan failure. After the successful restoration of all major organ functions, the patient was successfully decannulated and discharged from the hospital after 10 days in a good condition. Conclusion. In severe cases of refractory cardiogenic and distributive shock due to diltiazem and other poison intoxication, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation could allow additional circulatory support providing the bonus time for endogenous clearance of toxins. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation could be used in conjunction with the optimal medical therapy aiming to the restoration of end-organ perfusion and allowing for intrinsic drug and toxin metabolism and natural elimination.

The paper takes into consideration dual-branch selection combining (SC) diversity reception technique in the presence of dissimilar fading at their branches. We efficiently obtained first and second order closed form statistics at the output of the considered model such as probability density function (PDF), cumulative distribution function (CDF) and average level crossing rate (aLCR). Moreover, obtained results are numerically presented for various sets of system model parameters and mainly confirmed by computer based MATLAB simulations.

Introduction. Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy is extremely rare, but potentially fatal condition due to possible massive hemorrhage, representing a great challenge to clinicians. Case report. We presented early retroperitoneal pregnancy in a patient with previous caesarean section, diagnosed at the sixth gestational week, located in the left broad ligament, primary treated by laparoscopy, which had to be converted to laparotomy due to massive intraoperative bleeding from the implantation site. Conclusion. High index of suspicion, combined with carefully interpreted clinical and ultrasound findings are crucial for the timely diagnosis of retroperitoneal pregnancy, before the occurrence of severe bleeding. The rising, even plateau of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels without identification of uterine or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy should cause suspicion on ectopic pregnancy in unusual location.

Introduction. Dysgerminomas are germ cell ovarian tumors. They affect young females, prevalently during childhood. The problem arises when dysgerminoma is diagnosed in women of reproductive age who have never given birth and require a surgical procedure. Case outline. A 28-year-old patient was admitted to hospital in week 26 of her first pregnancy. The reason for patient hospitalization was the growth of the isthmic myoma diagnosed by her obstetriciangynecologist in the primary care unit. By examining the medical history of the patient, the following was revealed: A year and a half before pregnancy she was diagnosed with left ovary dysgerminoma. The patient’s medical history led us to conclude that uterine myoma was a misdiagnosis and that the actual diagnosis was dysgerminoma of the right ovary. The surgery was performed after the fetal viability had been achieved. Conclusion. Malignant ovarian tumours may occur in young women during pregnancy and increase in size significantly in a short period of time, although their recurrence is not expected in such a short period of time after surgical treatment. This poses a great challenge for obstetricians.