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Introduction. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an extremely rare tumor of vascular origin, which mainly affects soft tissues and, in rare cases, also affects the skin. Case outline. A 71-year-old man came for an examination due to a tumor localized on the antihelix of the right ear. A radical excision of the tumor and reconstruction of the defect with a preauricular transposition tunnelized Banner flap was performed. Conclusion. Epithelial hemangioendothelioma of the skin is an extremely rare, vascular tumor. It is characterized by local aggression, the appearance of local recurrences and metastatic hematogenous and lymphogenic spread. Standard dermoscopic examination of this tumor is not important. The appearance of the tumor itself has no clinical specificity, and most often resembles nodular basal cell carcinoma. An early visit to the doctor and removing the change early are the key to success in treating this tumor. So far, no case has been reported that is localized on the antihelix of the ear. Radical surgical excision is the therapy of choice.

Retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis (RCT) is a relatively benign condition of calcination of the longus colli muscle tendon of unknown origin, which causes severe acute neck pain. However, it is often not recognised, which leads to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

Introduction: Cancer is causing death in countries with more or less economic development, and it is expected that the burden will grow worldwide, especially in countries with less developed populations, where about 82% of the global population lives. The aim of this study was to present and estimate trends in incidence, mortality rate and MIR of malignant neoplasm of otherand ill-defined sites of lip, oral cavity and pharynx cancer in Central Serbia from 1999 to 2020. Material and methods: The registry-based study was conducted using the data from the publically accessible Yearbooks of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia: Incidence and Mortality in Central Serbia, from 1999 to 2020. Joinpoint regression was used to determine the trend and annual percentage change (APC) of the incidence and mortality rate with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total number of 558 cases (436men and 122women) of other and ill-defined lip, oral cavity and pharynx cancer sites registered in Central Serbia from 1999 to 2020. The crude rate (CR) and age-standardized rate (ASR-W) of incidence in males increased (p

Considering that some researchers point to a possible influence of air pollution on COVID-19 transmission, severity, and death rate, the aim of our in silico study was to determine the relationship between the key air pollutants [sulphur dioxide (SO), carbon monoxide (CO), 2particulate matter (PMx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3)] and COVID-19 complications using the publicly available toxicogenomic analytical and prediction tools: (i) Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD) to identify genes common to air pollutants and COVID-19 complications; (ii) GeneMANIA to construct a network of these common and related genes; (iii) ToppGene Suite to extract the most important biological processes and molecular pathways; and (iv) DisGeNET to search for the top gene-disease pairs. SO2, CO, PMx, NO2, and O3 interacted with 6, 6, 18, 9, and 12 COVID-19-related genes, respectively. Four of these are common for all pollutants (IL10, IL6, IL1B, and TNF) and participate in most (77.64 %) physical interactions. Further analysis pointed to cytokine binding and cytokine-mediated signalling pathway as the most important molecular function and biological process, respectively. Other molecular functions and biological processes are mostly related to cytokine activity and inflammation, which might be connected to the cytokine storm and resulting COVID-19 complications. The final step singled out the link between the CEBPA gene and acute myelocytic leukaemia and between TNFRSF1A and TNF receptor-associated periodic fever syndrome. This indicates possible complications in COVID-19 patients suffering from these diseases, especially those living in urban areas with poor air quality.

Introduction: Echosonography of the appendix is the primary method in the diagnostic algorithm of acute appendicitis, after clinical and laboratory examination. Non-invasiveness, availability and easy performance are the advantages of this method in detecting acute appendicitis. Aim: The research aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the appendix, as well as to evaluate the role of echo sonography in the exploration and visualization of pathological changes in the appendix in acute appendicitis. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study included 59 people who underwent appendectomy and echosonographic examination of the abdomen and pelvis within the Department of Radiological Diagnostics of UHC "Dr Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje" in Belgrade. Results: In 48 out of a total of 59 people (81.4%), there were echosonographic signs of acute appendicitis, of which incompressibility of the wall was present in 40 people (83%), diameter of the appendix over 6mm in 38 (79%), wall thickness over 3mm in 45 (94%), target sign in 33 (69%), hypervascularization of the wall in 28 (58%), as well as the presence of fecoliths with nonhomogeneous content intraluminally in 15 (31.2%) persons. The sensitivity of echosonographic examination for obtaining positive results in persons with acute appendicitis was 86.5%. The specificity of the echosonographic examination to obtain negative results in persons who do not have acute inflammation of the appendix was 57.1%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 93.7%. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 36.4%. The accuracy of the method was 83.1%. Conclusion: Based on the high sensitivity values of the tests tested in this cross-sectional study, we estimate that echosonographic examination has a primary role in the diagnostic algorithm of a person with suspected acute appendicitis.

Introduction/Objective. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of ultrasound treatment procedure on defined clinical parameters and changes of electrodiagnostic parameters at the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome patients. Methods. Thirty-five patients (50 hands) were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG) (20 patients (29 hands)) and the control group (CG) (15 patients (21 hands)). Twenty sessions of ultrasound treatment were performed over a period of seven weeks and control examination was performed during the eighth week from the initial session. Clinical assessment parameters (pain intensity, superficial sensibility, and Tinel sign), and electrodiagnostic parameters (motor distal latency – mDL), median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), and median sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) were assessed both at baseline (T1) and at control (T2). Results. There is significant improvement of pain intensity (T1 – 10.4/58.6/31; T2 – 65.5/27.6/6.9; p < 0.001) and superficial sensibility (T1 – 3.4/69/27.6; T2 – 44.8/34.5/20.7; p < 0.001) in the EG after the treatment. In the EG, there is significant reduction in frequency of positive Tinel’s sign (T1 – 100/0; T2 – 62.1/37.9; p < 0.001), and mDL significantly decreased after the treatment (T1 – 4.7 ± 1.3; T2 – 4.5 ± 1.2; p = 0.007), while SNAP (T1 – 20.2 ± 15.4; T2 – 24.4 ± 16.5; p < 0.001) and SNCV (T1 – 36.5 ± 9.8; T2 – 42.6 ± 9.7; p < 0.001) significantly increased. Conclusion. Ultrasound treatment along with exercises have positive short-term effects and benefits on improvement of clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Inflammatory events in brain parenchyma and glial tissue are involved in epileptogenesis. Blood concentration of cytokines is shown to be elevated after tonic-clonic seizures. As a result of inflammation, blood-brain barrier leakage occurs. This can be documented by imaging techniques, such is dynamic susceptibility contrast enhanced (DSC) MRI perfusion. Our aim was to check for postictal brain inflammation by studying DSC MRI perfusion and plasma level of cytokines. We looked for correlations between number and type of introducing seizures, postictal plasma level of cytokines and parameters of DSC MRI perfusion. Furthermore, we looked for correlation of those parameters and course of the disease over one year follow up.

Introduction/Objective. Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is an orthopedic condition of multifactorial origin. The aim of our study was to evaluate the factors that are associated with IS in female population and factors associated with varicose veins in females with IS. Methods. This retrospective-prospective cross-section study included 89 patients (the study group) and 87 controls. The following parameters were analyzed: body weight, body height, presence and the degree of varicose veins (the first, second, and third degree), and age (group in the range of 17–26 years, in the range of 27–36 years, and in the range of 37–46 years). Results. The study group has significantly lower body weight (p = 0.046), significantly higher proportion of varicose veins (p < 0.001) compared to controls, significantly lower proportion of patients aged 27–36 years (p = 0.014), and significantly higher proportion of patients aged 37–46 years (p = 0.025) compared to controls. There is significantly higher proportion of patients in the study group with the first degree of varicose veins (p = 0.007). There is weak positive correlation between body weight and body height in the group of patients without varicose veins (R = 0.456) and in the group with the second degree of varicose veins (R = 0.291), while for the group with the first degree of varicose veins there is moderate positive correlation (R = 0.543). Conclusion. Our preliminary findings point out that lower body weight and presence of varicose veins are significantly associated with IS. The group of patients with IS above 37 years of age tends to have significantly higher proportion of varicose veins.

Aging begins at the moment of birth and it is inevitable part of our lives. Statistical data obtained in recent years, indicate that the average human lifespan is significantly prolonged compared to the previous century, which is likely to come as a result of technological progress and consequently the development of medicine. Whole teams of scientists are constantly trying to clarify the process of aging and in some ways make it slower. Attempts to find the causes of aging is present for the purpose of extending the creative activity of man.

Background/Aim. All the functions of the digestive system are controlled, guided and initiated by the autonomic nervous system. A special part of this system placed in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract is known as the enteric or metasympathetic nervous system. The aim of this study was to analyse myenteric nervous plexus in different parts of the digestive tract. Methods. We examined the myenteric nervous plexus of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, transverse colon and rectum in tissue samples taken from 30 cadavers of persons aged 20-84 years. After standard histological processing sections were stained with hematoxylineosin, cresyl violet (CV) and AgNO3 method. Multipurpose test system M42 was used in morphometric analysis. The results were analyzed by t-test and analysis of variance. Results. The number of neurons per cm2 surface was the lowest in the esophagus (2.045 ± 310.30) and the largest in the duodenum (65,511 ± 5,639). The statistical processing showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in the number of neurons between the esophagus and all other parts of the digestive tract. The maximal value of the average surface of the myenteric nervous plexus neurons was observed in the esophagus (588.93 ± 30.45 μm2) and the lowest in the stomach (296.46 ± 22.53 μm2). Conclusion. There are differences in the number of ganglion cells among different parts of the human digestive tract. The differences range from a few to several tens of thousands of neuron/cm2. The myenteric nervous plexus of the esophagus was characterized by a significantly smaller number of neurons but their bodies and nuclei are significantly larger compared to other parts of the digestive tract.

As a mixed exocrine and endocrine gland pancreas has a very important role in the digestive tract. The juice of his exocrine part, which is released into the duodenum, carries more than 20 pancreatic enzymes, important for a normal process of digestion. Endocrine part of the gland, which consists of the islets-insula, actively participate in the metabolism of human organism, secreting two important hormones - insulin and glucagon. Because of its location, the pancreas is an extremely inaccessible organ for a physical examination. Despite of a large number of modern clinical methods for monitoring changes in the body, the detail knowledge of morphological characteristics of this gland is still very important. The material was taken from the cadaver of the fetus and newborn at the Institute of Pathology of the Faculty of Medicine. We classified samples of pancreas into three groups, with respect to age (from 3 months to neonates) and CS length. After dehydration and the molding compositions are cut at a thickness of between 6 and 10 microns. In addition to standard staining methods, some preparations are for identification of insula, painted by Grimelijus. In this study, we determined the morphological changes of the prenatal pancreas, from the third month of intrauterine fetal development, until the end of the fetal time and determine the dynamics of changes in the parenchyma and stroma. We could distinguish functional parts of the pancreas, in 10-11th week of development. In the first trimester of pregnancy, we have noticed an increase in parenchymal elements and the reduction of the stroma, which is slightly more pronounced in interlobular area, that clearly differentiating lobules. At the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy, in the pancreas that are developing, we observed significant changes. The lobular structure of pancreas was clearly visible. Pancreatic acini are clearly differentiated and are in very close contact, since the stroma between them very reduced. Within almost all lobulus there are clearly expressed the islets of Langerhans, which are multiplied, different sizes, separated from the exocrine part by poorly expressed connective tissue. In the group of prematurely born children, we found that the morphology of the pancreas is very similar to the pancreas at the end of the fetal period.

The world is facing two challenges, at this moment. One comes from the past and refers to the crisis model of growth based on consumerism. Another challenge comes from the future and refers to a development that should meet the needs of the present generation without compromising those of future generations to meet their own needs. In order to respond to current challenges, economics and politics have started changing. Thinking logically, when the facts change, a theory changes, new solutions for current challenges are found in the new integral (holistic) paradigm of development. The development has been seen as a sustainable community effort of all stakeholders (individuals, companies and states) in order to create preconditions for a better quality of life and human happiness of present and future generations. The aim of this paper is to high-light the key determinants that new paradigm of growth and development affirms, as well as on major initiatives that contribute to this.

This paper's aim is studying the term of consumer society and its characteristics as well as its consequences on the community as a whole. Nowadays, a consumer is no longer a passive observer but an active participant. As the consumer's role has changed in the modern market, a new approach to marketing is required by companies. The term 'consumer society' entails defining consumerism in more detail as it has been used refer to the consumerists movement or movement for consumer rights protection. In another context, consumerism refers to the so-called consumer mentality.

Introduction: In adults the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis is primarily based on clinical and laboratory-biochemical testing. In patients where the clinical picture atypical, even if a person does not respond to therapy resorts to radiographic examination. Echotomographic examination is unavoidable in the diagnostic algorithm. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the individual echotomographic parameters, as well as to determine their diagnostic power in patients with acute infections (pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis), and comparing them with the appropriate reference tests. Materials and methods: We performed a cross sectional study in the period from October 2014. until May 2015. It included 50 patients with acute inflammation of the kidney which was made echotomographic examination of the abdomen and pelvis, within the Department of Radiological Diagnostics KBC 'Dragisa Mišović-Dedinje' in Belgrade. The echotomographic examination of the kidneys included testing of numerous parameters that could indicate the existence of an acute inflammation of the kidney. For the gold standard, we take the findings obtained by CT (computed tomography) imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, as well as histopathological findings obtained by fine needle bio-psy. Results: At 50 patients with acute inflammation of the upper urinary tract, 41 patients (82%) had acute pyelonephritis, and 9 (18%) had acute glomerulonephritis. In 70% of patients with acute pyelonephritis (29 people) were present enlargement of the kidney where the test sensitivity was 79.3% and specificity of 91.7%. The accuracy of the method was 82.9% when the monitored parameters: loss of central echo complex and cortico-medullary differentiation. The sensitivity of the test in which the observed thickening of the pelvic and ureteric wall was 65% and specificity of 90%. The analysis of the presence of calculus in renal parenchyma leads to the values of sensitivity test of 54.8% and specificity of 80%. Hypoechoic focus in the renal parenchyma, enlargement of the kidneys and loss corticomedullar limits are parameters who with great sensitivity and specificity suggest acute glomerulonephritis. Conclusion: On the basis of high values of sensitivity and specificity of the test survey estimates that ultrasound has a required place in the following diagnostics algorithm. The use of echotomography that offer the possibility of high resolutive views, as well as the wide availability and good reproducibility of the method, the low cost of inspection, in favor of the first exploration ultrasound examination. Multidetector CT scan and fine needle biopsy remains the method of choice for the definitive diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: In the development of the society the traffic is taking very important role .In the same time, the traffic represents each day more significant factor in damaging human health, most of all by its perimeter and dynamics. AIM: The aim of our work is to analyze injuries in the traffic accidents on the territory of the Podgorica municipality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research we used data from the field work of the emergency unit JZU Dom zdravlja Podgorica. We analyzed frequency of the traffic accidents (time of the day, month in a year) age and gender of the injured, gravity and type of the injury. Results: In the observed period in our Emergency unit we had13718 cases of field work. In 330 cases (2, 40 %) it was about assisting the injured person in the traffic accidents. The highest number of traffic accidents (31, 8%) took place in the time period from 22 PM to 02 am. Among the injured people there were significantly higher number of man (263, or 79, 7%), than women (67, or 20, 3%).Ratio, man - women was 3, 92 to 1.The most frequent age was between 20 - 30 years of life. The most frequent injuries were head injuries ( 58,8%), leg injuries and pelvis (29,4%),chest injuries , arms ( 3,5%), abdomen ( 1,8%).There were 11( 3%)immediate death , and 6 of them- only in January of 2008.In the Emergency Room of the Montenegrin Clinical Center 77% had ambulatory treatment while 20% we hospitalized in one of the clinics of our center. The most common treatments in ER were performed by our neurosurgeons (160), orthopedics (140), and otorinolaringologist and maksilofacial surgeon (40). CONCLUSION: Traffic accidents are significant factor in harming ones health, often with the mortal consequences. Man more often die in the traffic accidents. And the most frequent injuries are had trauma, leg injuries and pelvis injuries. The highest number of injured are treated by orthopedics and neurosurgents. There is a need on national level for taking necessary measures in order to make clear strategy with the aim of increasing traffic culture and necessity of adopting protocols for taking care of traumatized patients in the field.

The skin that covers our body has the role of the shells, so its specific 'wrinkled' look corresponds the reefs. The traces that remain on the subjects of 'pattern' on our fingers called fingerprints-dermatoglyphs. These 'patterns' consisting of various configurations, characteristic of every man. Dermatoglyphs are polygenic determined properties, whose appearance and the number of identified specific genes. Forms skin are closely related to the structure of nerve endings in the fingertips. Indicating a very precise correlation characteristics in the design of the human brain. Based on this, we can learn much about the nervous system functions, temperament and character. We are witnessing the increasing importance and application of dermatoglyphics in everyday life.

Background/Aim. Aging is one of the most complex biological processes which probably affect structure and function of the enteric nerve system. However, there is not much available information on this topic, particularly in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of aging on the structure of the myenteric ganglia in the anterior wall of the human proximal duodenum. Methods. We examined the myenteric ganglia in the proximal duodenal anterior wall specimens obtained from 30 cadaver persons aged from 20 to 84 years. Tissue samples were classified into three age groups: 20-44, 45-64 and 65-84 years. After standard histological preparation, specimens were stained with HE, Cresyl Violet and AgNO3. Morphometric analysis of all the specimens, using a multipurpose test system M42, was performed. The data were subjected to the ttest. Results. The myenteric ganglia of very old humans contains an empty space, i.e. the respective parts of ganglia show a decreased number of neuron as compared to younger population. The average number of neuron per cm2 of the duodenum in the youngest people (20-44 years) was 69,370 ± 1,750.00, in the people aged 45-64 years 69,211 ± 1,573.33, and in the oldest persons (65-84 years) 57,951 ± 1,291.52. The loss of neurons in the oldest persons was 16.46%. The applied statistic test demonstrated a significant difference between the observed groups (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Aging does not induce changes in size and surface of neurons in the ganglia, but it decreases the number of neurons. The nerve structures in the elderly are partly emptied of bodies of nerve cells (“empty ganglions”), which indicates the existence of changed myenteric ganglia in the duodenum. These changes could be related to the duodenum motility disorder associated with aging.

Background/Aim. Both superior parietal lobule (SPL) of dorsolateral hemispheric surface and precuneus (PEC) of medial surface are the parts of posterior parietal cortex. The aim of this study was to determine the numerical density (NV) of pyramidal neurons in the layer V of SPL and PEC and their potential differences. Methods. From 20 (40 hemispheres) formaline fixed human brains (both sexes; 27- 65 years) tissue blocks from SPL and PEC from the left and right hemisphere were used. According to their size the brains were divided into two groups, the group I with the larger left (15 brains) and the group II with the larger right hemisphere (5 brains). Serial Nissl sections (5 μm) of the left and right SPL and PEC were used for stereological estimation of NV of the layer V pyramidal neurons. Results. NV of pyramidal neurons in the layer V in the left SPL of brains with larger left hemispheres was significantly higher than in the left SPL of brains with larger right hemisphere. Comparing sides in brains with larger left hemisphere, the left SPL had higher NV than the right one, and then the left PEC, and the right SPL had significantly higher NV than the right PEC. Comparing sides in brains with the larger right hemisphere, the left SPL had significantly higher NV than left PEC, but the right SPL had significantly higher NV than left SPL and the right PEC. Conclusion. Generally, there is an inverse relationship of NV between the medial and lateral areas of the human posterior parietal cortex. The obtained values were different between the brains with larger left and right hemispheres, as well as between the SPL and PEC. In all the comparisons the left SPL had the highest values of NV of pyramidal neurons in the layer V (4771.80 mm-3), except in brains with the larger right hemisphere.

This study was aimed at determining impact of an empowerment-based psychosocial intervention on the patients' quality of life and glycemic control as compared to patients in standard care. Consecutively recruited type 2 diabetic patients, scheduled for their regular medical check-ups, were individually acquainted with empowerment-based principles and invited to participate in an empowering psychosocial course. The response rate was 35% giving a number of 73 patients who were treated in eight separate groups. The treated patients reported their quality of life to be improved after the course regarding its psychological and social aspects. Their glycemic control also improved and remained so after 3- and 6-month follow-up periods, still being in a category of poor control. Empowerment-based psychosocial intervention in type 2 diabetic patients was shown to favourably affect their quality of life and to improve their metabolic control, the latter in a modest degree. Better educated patients believing in internal health control and efficacy of diabetes treatment seemed to benefit the most. Further research is needed in order to highlight individual preferences for different educational approaches, as well as social and cultural factors affecting them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies showed the importance of right ventricular (RV) remodeling in patients with arterial hypertension and RV longitudinal strain was recognized as very sensitive parameter for detection of subtle cardiac impairment. However, its clinical importance in arterial hypertension has not been established so far., Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between RV longitudinal strain (global and free-wall) on adverse outcomes measured by MACE in the large group of hypertensive patients who were followed for mean period of 10 years., Methods: This retrospective study finally included 544 hypertensive patients who underwent full echocardiographic examination including 2D speckle tracking imaging. between January 2010 and December 2014. MACE was considered as the primary outcome and it was defined by all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, coronary artery by-pass, coronary stent implantation, stroke, development of heart failure, and occurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up., Results: Patients who experienced MACE were older than those who did not. There was no difference in demographic and clinical parameters between MACE and non-MACE patients. There was no difference in RV diameter, but MACE patients had higher RV wall thickness. RV systolic function parameters were similar between the two groups. RV global and free-wall longitudinal strain were significantly lower in MACE patients (-22.3 ± 3.6 vs. -24.7 ± 3.9%, p < 0.001 and - 25.8 ± 4.2 vs. -28.1 ± 4.5%, p < 0.001; respectively). Reduced RV GLS [OR 1.10; 95%: 1.02-1.20] and reduced RV free-wall longitudinal strain [OR 1,21; 95%CI: 1.05-1.39] were independently of clinical and echocardiographic parameters related with adverse outcome measured by MACE., Conclusion: RV GLS and RV free-wall longitudinal strain were independently related with adverse outcomes during 10-year follow-up in initially uncomplicated hypertensive patients., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The aim of the current study was to investigate the predictive value of a multidirectional LV strain on adverse outcomes in a large population of uncomplicated hypertensive patients who were followed for a mean period of 10 years. Methods: This retrospective study included 591 recently diagnosed hypertensive patients who underwent clinically indicated echocardiography between January 2010 and December 2014 and were followed for a mean period of 10 years. Global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strains (GLS, GCS and GRS) were measured by 2D speckle tracking imaging. The primary outcome was a MACE occurrence defined by all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, coronary artery by-pass, coronary stent implantation, stroke, development of heart failure and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Results: Our results showed that GLS, GCS and GRS were significantly lower in patients who experienced MACE. Age, male gender, systolic blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left atrial enlargement (LAE) were associated with MACE occurrence. Reduced GLS [OR 1.15; 95%CI: 1.01-1.30] and reduced GCS [OR 1.1; 95%CI: 1.02-1.22] were related with MACE independently of clinical characteristics, LV systolic and diastolic function, as well as LVH. Reduced GRS was not independently associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Reduced GLS and GCS were independently associated with adverse outcomes during 10-year follow-up in patients who were recently diagnosed and uncomplicated hypertensive patients at the baseline.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundantly present in the microenvironment of virtually all tumors and strongly impact tumor progression. Despite increasing insight into their function and heterogeneity, little is known regarding the origin of CAFs. Understanding the origin of CAF heterogeneity is needed to develop successful CAF-based targeted therapies. Through various transplantation studies in mice, we show that CAFs in both invasive lobular breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer originate from mammary tissue-resident normal fibroblasts (NFs). Single-cell transcriptomics, in vivo and in vitro studies reveal the transition of CD26+ and CD26- NF populations into inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) and myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), respectively. Functional co-culture experiments show that CD26+ NFs transition into pro-tumorigenic iCAFs which recruit myeloid cells in a CXCL12-dependent manner and enhance tumor cell invasion via matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Together, our data suggest that CD26+ and CD26- NFs transform into distinct CAF subpopulations in mouse models of breast cancer., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate the Serbian version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and to evaluate temporal stability for the purpose of its implementation in the evaluation of Serbian patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and Methods: For the validation of the Serbian version of the BCTQ (BCTQSR), we tested 69 individuals with diagnosed CTS that were referred for a conservative treatment at the Institute for Rehabilitation. Neurophysiological tests were used for the electrophysiological grading (EG) of CTS severity in the study sample. The final version of the BCTQSR was given to the tested participants from the study on two occasions: test and retest, with a five-day period between the two measurements. Results: The mean value for the symptom severity subscale (SSS) of the BCTQSR was 3.01 ± 0.94; for the functional status subscale (FSS) of the BCTQSR it was 2.85 ± 1.00. Cronbach’s α for the SSS was 0.91 and 0.93 for the FSS. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) concerning the test−retest were significant (p < 0.001) and were 0.949 for the SSS and 0.959 for the FSS. Those with a higher EG grade had higher values of the SSS and FSS but without a statistical significance (p = 0.103 and p = 0.053, respectively). The intercorrelation of the BCTQSR subscales (SSS and FSS) on the test was significant (p < 0.001) with a correlation coefficient equal to 0.777. Conclusion: The Serbian version of the BCTQ (BCTQSR) was successfully culturally adopted. The BCTQSR was a valid and reliable instrument for the measurement of symptom severity and functional status in adults with CTS. Therefore, it can be used in clinical practice for patients with CTS.

Background and objectives: Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) is among the most described scales developed to evaluate the physical status of children and adolescents with various musculoskeletal disorders. We aimed to translate PODCI from English to Serbian, culturally adopt items and domains, evaluate the temporal stability, internal consistency and the test−retest reliability of PODCISR in children with obstetrical brachial plexus lesion (OBPL), and finally, to test the construct validity of PODCISR against muscular manual test (MMT) Materials and Methods: The study included 48 eligible participants aged between 2 and 10 years with OBPL. The MMT was used to test the construct validity. Results: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between test and retest for all PODCISR domains. Correlations for all tested domains with MMT were statistically significant except for biceps muscle and domains II and IV. Cronbach’s alpha value of the Global Functioning Scale was good and equaled 0.838 for test and 0.832 for retest session. Cronbach’s α was more than 0.600 for all PODCISR domains except for Domain II and for Domain IV. The observed Test−Retest ICC for all PODCISR domains scores ranged from 0.899 to 0.996. Conclusion: The Serbian version of PODCI (PODCISR) was successfully translated and transculturally adopted. It has satisfactory temporal stability, construct validity and test−retest reliability as well as relevant internal consistency.

Introduction: Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common neurological disease in childhood. The etiology of FS is the subject of numerous studies including studies regarding genetic predisposition. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the association of TRPV1 rs222747 and KCC2 rs2297201 gene polymorphisms with the occurrence of FS. Materials and Methods: The study included 112 patients diagnosed with FS classified as simple febrile seizures (SFS) or complex febrile seizures (CFS). We analyzed selected polymorphisms of KCC2 and TRPV1 genes using the Real-time PCR method. Results: The CT and TT genotypes of the rs2297201 polymorphism of the KCC2 gene are significantly more common in the group of children with FS than the control group ( p  = .002) as well as the allele T of this polymorphism ( p  = .045). Additionally, genotypes CT and TT of the rs2297201 polymorphism of the KCC2 gene were more frequent in the group of children with CFS compared to the control group ( p  < .001). Different genotypes and alleles of the rs222747 TRPV1 gene polymorphism were not associated with the occurrence of febrile seizures or epilepsy, nor were associated with the occurrence of a particular type of febrile seizure ( p  = .252). Conclusion: These results indicate that the CT and TT genotypes, as well as the T allele of rs2297201 polymorphism of the KCC2 gene, could be a predisposing factor for the FS, as well as the occurrence of CFS.

Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common neurological disorder in childhood and are a great stress for parents due to their dramatic clinical appearance. Using test for determination of homozygously recessive characteristics in humans (HRC test) we analyzed presence, distribution, and individual combination of 20 selected genetically controlled morphophysiological traits among FS patients (N=121) and control (N=121) to determine a possible deviation in the homozygosity level and genetic loads in the group of affected children and whether there is a predisposition to the occurrence of FS. The results of our study show a statistically significant difference in the mean values of the HRC tested ( x ¯ H R C / 20 CN = 3.2 ± 0.2; x ¯ H R C / 20 FS = 4.6 ± 0.2, t= 5.74 , p< 0.0001), as well as in the distribution and variability of two studied samples (V C =55,3%, V FS = 39,6%), which indicates a complex polygenic difference among the tested groups of subjects. The differences in the degree of genetic homozygosity and variability are also present between the genders (t Cf/FSf = 4.12; t Cm/FSm = 3.98; p <0.0001) (V Cf =56.9%, V FSf = 39.3%; V Cm =54.1%, V FSm =40.1%). Obtained results indicate the enlargement of recessively homozygous genetic loads in the group of children with FS which may represent some kind of predisposition for expressivity of this type of seizures.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the functional status in surgically treated patients with Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) compared with those treated conservatively by Levine Questionnaire (LQ) in relation to electroneurographic findings., Methods: The prospective study included 80 patients with diagnosed CTS. Patients were assessed clinically and electrophysiologically. The main outcome measures were sensory latency of median nerve (SL II), and terminal (distal) motor latency of median nerve (TML). For the assessment of functional status we performed Levine Questionnaire (LQ) scoring examination which was divided in two sections: symptoms severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS). Regarding treatment options patients were divided into 2 groups: group that underwent surgical procedure (Group A) and group that underwent only conservative treatment (Group B). Patients were assessed neurophysiologically twice: before treatment and 12 months after treatment., Results: There is significant increase in LQ-FSS (p=0.021) and LQ-SSS (p=0.038) scores for increased TML and significant increase of LQ-SSS scores (p=0.027) for increased SL II for Group A, while in Group B, LQ-FSS (p=0.034) and LQ-SSS (p=0.018) were significantly increased in patients with increased SL II. After treatment there was significant increase in LQ-FSS (p=0.037) and LQ-SSS (p=0.041) scores for increased SL II for Group B, while in Group A after treatment, we have noticed non-significant differences both regarding TML and SL II values., Conclusion: We have demonstrated the benefits of surgical treatment and better functional improvement with symptoms reduction particularly in more severe cases of patients with CTS., Key Words: Carpal tunnel syndrome, Conservative treatment.

Background: This study aims to assess at what level healthcare worker satisfaction affects patient satisfaction, as well as which elements of healthcare worker satisfaction affect health service quality and patient satisfaction., Methods: Data was collected via questionnaire-based surveys, from 18,642 healthcare workers and 9,283 patients across 50 secondary healthcare institutions in Serbia. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics, correlations and the I2-distance method., Results: Despite the general belief that healthcare worker satisfaction has a significant impact on patient satisfaction, the research results show that the correlation factor between these two is relatively low. Despite this, the obtained value of correlation cannot be neglected, therefore it can only corroborate the fact that healthcare worker satisfaction does impact patient satisfaction. The results of the study show that the satisfaction of healthcare workers with the time they have to accomplish their assigned tasks has the greatest effect upon patient satisfaction., Conclusion: By understanding the importance of certain elements of healthcare worker satisfaction and its effects on patient satisfaction, it is possible to make decisions about factors that need to be improved in order to raise patient satisfaction to the highest possible level. These research results are significant for the management of health care institutions and responsible state institutions which create policy and strategy for improving the quality of health care services.

Background: In a healthy kidney, contractile protein alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) is immunohistochemically strongly expressed only in the blood vessels, while in pathological conditions it can be visualized in glomerular mesangial cells and interstitial myofibroblasts. The aim of this study was to explore the possible correlation between expression of ASMA in glomerulonephritis (GN) and indicators of renal function., Material/methods: We analyzed expression of ASMA in percutaneous renal biopsy of 142 adult and pediatric patients with GN and its correlation with blood pressure, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and 24-hour urine protein at the time of biopsy. Immunoexpression of ASMA was analyzed quantitatively using computer-assisted morphometric analysis. Relative surface of ASMA expression in all glomeruli and interstitium was calculated for each patient., Results: In adults and children, greater expression of ASMA in interstitium was associated with higher serum creatinine and reduced creatinine clearance. Conversely, greater ASMA expression in glomeruli was associated with normal or decreased serum creatinine in adults and increased creatinine clearance in children. In children, correlation was found between high blood pressure and ASMA expression in interstitium., Conclusions: We confirmed that interstitial expression of ASMA is associated with reduced renal function at time of biopsy. The connection of ASMA expression in glomeruli with lower serum creatinine and normal or increased creatinine clearance suggests a favorable role of this phenotypic change in glomerular filtration rate; further investigation is needed.