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Background/Aim. The field of lung ultrasonography (US) is a fast-developing one, and it provides the medical community with numerous new diagnostic opportunities. The aim of this study was to examine the etiology of dyspnea on admission and assess the stage of heart failure (HF) according to the US examination of the heart and lungs. Methods. The cross-sectional study included a total of 110 patients treated for the symptoms of dyspnea. The study included all patients treated for any heart or pulmonary condition, as well as patients who reported the first episode of dyspnea with-out any previous illness. The most important diagnostic sign in the US of the lungs in patients with HF was the appearance of B-lines or “comets” (ultrasound artifacts reminiscent of comet tails), which indicate the accumulation of fluid in the interstitium of the lungs. Results. The mean number of registered “comets” in the total number of patients was 14.2 ± 7.4 (minimum 2, maximum 30). The mean number of “comets” among patients with HF was 18.8 ± 5.9. The mean number of “comets” among patients without HF was 8.0 ± 3.7 (p ˂ 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed the association between the number of “comets” and HF (p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion. As the assessment of present “comets” in pulmonary US examination is safe and non-invasive, it can easily be integrated into the daily clinical practice because it has been shown that the number of pulmonary “comets” is significantly higher in patients with HF compared to those with dyspnea of other etiologies.

Introduction: It is estimated that an average of 1,308 people die in traffic accidents in the world every day. Traffic accidents are caused by factors of the road, vehicles and the human factor, which occur alone or in combination with other factors in over 90% of cases. Material and methods: The retrospective systematic research included all cases of traffic trauma that were brought to the admission surgical outpatient clinic in the Clinical Hospital Center Kosovska Mitrovica in the period from January 2020 to December 2022. Results: In the observed period, 126 patients were registered. The age of the respondents differs statistically according to gender (p=0.030), and the highest frequency is male (81.8%) in the working population (18-59 years). The age of the subjects showed no statistical association with the types of injuries in traffic trauma (p=0.151). Friday and Saturday are the days with the highest risk (25.3% of injuries), and Sunday is the day with the least number of injuries (3.6%). The lowest number of injuries was recorded from January to May (n=12, 9.5%), and the highest was in the period August to October (n=54, 42.9%). A male patient, 20 years old, an alcoholic, required urgent surgical treatment (splenectomy) due to abdominal injuries. Alcoholism and the age of the subjects did not show statistical significance (p=0.495), and 24.6% of patients had a diagnosis of alcoholism. The age of the subjects showed a statistical association with hospitalization (p=0.004), male gender and age between 18-59 years. Only 2 patients required transport to a highly specialized facility. The fatal outcome showed a statistically significant correlation with the age of the respondent (p=0.016), there was only one patient (between 12-18 hours), a female, 85 years old as a passenger of a motor vehicle. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate a statistically significantly more frequent injury and hospitalization of male patients, that Friday and Saturday are the days of greatest risk and that the fatal outcome occurs in extremely elderly patients. Our findings favour the need to raise public awareness through the media, public actions and forums.

This study was conducted to determine the sea fennel essential oil (SFEO) yield, composition, and antioxidant activity of leaves, stem, inflorescences, and umbels from seeds of wild sea fennel (SF) (Crithmum maritimum L.) from the Montenegro coast. The chemical composition of isolated essential oil was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID analyses. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. The maximum SFEO yield was found in umbels with seeds (4.77 mL/100 g p.m.). The leaves contained less EO (0.52 mL/100 g p.m.) than immature inflorescence (0.83 mL/100 g p.m.) The minimum EO content was found in the stem (0.08%). Twenty components were isolated from SFEO leaves, twenty-four from inflorescence, thirty-four components from the stem, and twenty-one components from umbels with seeds. Limonene (62.4–72.0%), γ-terpinene (9.5–14.0%), α-pinene (1.4–5.8%), and sabinene (1–6.5%) were found to be the main components of the SFEO from monoterpene hydrocarbons as dominant grouped components (86% to 98.1%). SF plant parts showed differences in chemical profiles, especially in specific and low-represented ingredients. (E)-anethole (4.4%), fenchone (0.5%), and trans-carveol (0.2%) were present only in umbel with seeds, while the β-longipipene (0.5%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.5%), and (2E)-decenal (0.2%) were found only in the stems. The degree of DPPH radical neutralization increased with incubation time. The SFEO isolated from the stems showed stronger antioxidant activity during the incubation times of 20 and 40 min (EC50 value of 5.30 mg/mL and 5.04 mg/mL, respectively) in comparison to the SFEO isolated from the other plant parts. The lowest antioxidant activity was obtained with the SFEO leaves (155.25 mg/mL and 58.30 mg/mL, respectively). This study indicates that SFEO possesses significant antioxidant activities and is animportant component in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is important to preserve the existing gene pool and biodiversity with rational use SF for the extraction of high-quality essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The process of recording a patient includes a procedure with several separate segments during work that together provide the imaging to be obtained for adequate radiological analysis. Throughout the process, it is possible to experience errors that create artifacts on X-rays which ultimately results in an inadequate recording that is not for valid analysis. Aim: Determine the total number of radiological films that are not for valid analysis. Sort out and analyze errors in radiographs according to the work process. Provide recommendations for improving the quality in the process of recording the patient. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Radiology Clinic of the Clinical Hospital Center Pristina-Gracanica, for two calendar years. All films that are not for valid analysis were considered. The radiological procedure of patient imaging was broken down into logical segments so that possible errors could be observed. We have summarized the causes of the artifacts in five appropriate groups (errors made by the recording technique, during the acquisition of the image, caused by the object of recording, during the processing of films in an automated machine and improper handling of films). Results: The total amount of used X-ray films is 32600 pieces, of which 242 (0.74%) were errors and artifacts. The most common format of a film with an error or artifact was 30x40 cm. A frequency of errors according to the cause of the occurrence is classified into appropriate groups. The largest number was in a group 1 - 155 (64.04%), in a group 2 - 3 (1.24%), in a group 3 - 13 (5.37%), in a group 4 - 67 (27.69%), and in a group 5 - 4 (1.66%). Conclusion: In the proper systematization of all observed errors and artifacts of X-ray film, it allows us to realise the place of error during the whole process of recording and processing of the film. We hereby wish to propose their elimination and improve the quality of the radiology department.

Introduction: The circle of Willis is the major source of collateral blood flow between the carotid and vertebrobasilar system. Its potential depends on the presence and size of arteries that vary greatly among normal individuals and therefore their adequate observation by a radiologist is necessary. Aim: Determine the type of the circle of Willis and their frequency. Determine the type, frequency and localization of anatomical variants of arteries, as well as their average diameter. Compare these variables according to the age and gender of the examinees. Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed at the Center for Radiology of the Clinical Center Nis during 2017. All subjects underwent CT or MR angiography according to a standard endocranial protocol. The anterior and posterior parts of the circle were specially observed, with an emphasis on the presence or absence of anatomical variants of the arteries, with the measurement of their diameter. The obtained data were classified into variants of the front or rear part of the ring as well as the type of ring according to integrity. The frequency of these variables and their comparison by sex and age were measured. Results: The research included 92 examinees. According to the configuration of the Willis arterial ring, the adult type was the most often represented (71.7%). The most common type in terms of integrity was partially complete. The most common anatomical variants obtained in our work was aplasia of AcoA (27.2%) and aplasia of one or both PCoA (21%). PcoA hypoplasia was occured in women with a frequency of 13.5% while in men it was not present. Conclusion: Adequate understanding of the morphology of the circle of Willis by radiological methods is a good guide for neurosurgical and radiological intervention procedures. In this way, potentially significant neurological complications and the risk of morbidity and mortality could be reduced.

Introduction: The most common causes of renal artery disease are stenosis, as a consequence of atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography is a non-invasive method, which enables visualization of vascular structures and walls of blood vessels, as well as morphology of the renal parenchyma. Objective: To determine the importance of CT angiography in detecting the cause and degree of renal arterial disease. Methods: A total of 45 patients were included in the cross-sectional study conducted from March 2017 to March 2019 in the KBC DR Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje, Belgrade, Serbia. Criteria for inclusion were suspicion of secondary arterial hypertension, patients in preparation for kidney transplantation and in the follow-up period after transplantation, as well as patients with suspected traumatic lesions. We analyzed the causes of the disease, the morphology of the blood vessel wall, the percentage of stenosis, and the renal parenchyma. Results: The most common causes of renal arterial disease are atherosclerosis, which was found in 33 (73%) patients, renal artery aneurysm was found in 5 (11%) subjects, fibromuscular dysplasia in 4 (8.9%) and trauma in 1 (2) , 3%) of the patient. There were 10 (22.2%) patients with a significant (average 80 ± 14.5%) degree of stenosis. The sensitivity of CT angiography in the detection of atherosclerotic changes in the renal arteries was 87.9%, while the sensitivity of CT angiography in the detection of fibromuscular dysplasia was 75%. A statistically significant correlation was found between atherosclerotic stenosis of the renal arteries and a positive CTA finding (p = 0.0002). Conclusion: CT angiography is an important method of visualization and quantification of pathological changes in the renal arteries.

Black pepper is one of the most used spices around the world, with numerous biological activities. Precisely because of the frequent use of this spice, the aim of this research was to determine the elemental composition of black pepper fruit ethanol extracts (BPEEs). The presence of heavy metals in spices is of particular importance because it can lead to the accumulation of these elements in human organs, which can further cause various health problems. The preparation of samples was done by dilution of the initial extracts with distilled water to a concentration of 0.5 mg/cm3. In the group of spice macroelements, the concentration of potassium is the highest of all the tested elements (20.412-26.370 mg/g of dry extract). From the group of heavy metals, bismuth was the most present in the range of 0.134-0.156 mg/g of dry extract, while lead, cadmium, and mercury were detected in smaller amounts. The extracts that contained elevated levels of certain heavy metals should be consistently monitored. However, it is crucial to develop effective procedures for removing already-extracted heavy metals from BPEEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The presence of malignant altered axillary lymph nodes, and their timely detection is crucial for staging and prognosis of breast cancer. Echotomographic examinations are widely used technique, and represents one of the first tests of diagnostic modalities. Classic B mode, Doppler sonography, and MicroPure testing technique, allow a comprehensive assessment of the detailed morphology and internal structure of the nodes (number, location, size, shape, borders, echogenicity, edema of the surrounding soft-tissue, the presence of microcalcifications), and determination of their nature. Objective: The aim is to determine the role of echotomographic review the morphology, determining the nature and setting guidelines for diagnostic testing algorithm for malignant altered axillary lymph nodes. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 212 echotomographic tested axillary lymph nodes in the Department of Radiological Diagnostics KBC 'Dr Dragisa Mišović-Dedinje' in Belgrade, in the period from February 2016.do March 2017. All patients were examined in the supine position with arms in abduction, and external rotation. The following parameters: shape, size, and homogeneity of the echo-structure, edge, an auxiliary structures such as intranodal necrosis, edema and peripheral vascularization, as well as the presence of microcalcifications, using classical B mode, Doppler sonography and MicroPure technique. For all examinations we used Toshiba device, Aplio XG, 10MHz linear transducer. Results: Of a total of 212 tested nodule, histopathology was also verified 44 malignantly changed (21%), 4 of which the primary (9%) in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and secondary 40 (91%) in patients with breast cancer. Other nodes 168 (79%) were normal-reactive. The best performance in the echotomographic examinations are the criteria of: the shape (longitudinal cross-ratio

Introduction: Radiological diagnostics is the dominant diagnostic discipline in medicine. The level of technical equipment of radiological departments directly affects many aspects of importance for the diagnosis of a large number of pathological conditions and, therefore, the progress in the treatment of patients. Aim: The research analyzes the existing situation in radiological cabinets on the territory of AP Kosovo and Metohija. Particularly important elements will be analyzed for the functioning of the radiology service. An analysis of the obtained results gives recommendations in order to improve radiological diagnostics. Methods: A survey was conducted to obtain relevant data. A questionnaire consisting of segments containing basic elements for determining patients' accessibility criteria, equipping the cabinet with equipment and employing professional staff was designed. This formulated questionnaire was sent to radiological departments in health institutions on the territory of AP of Kosovo and Metohija, which are part of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. Results: The highest percentage of radiological equipment is represented in KBC Kos. Mitrovica and KBC Pristina-Gračanica, a total of 54%. The percentage of medical staff is at KBC Kos Mitrovica radiologist 50%, work technician 36%. This is followed by KBC Prishtina-Gračanica with 25% radiologists and 27% of radiological therapists. Conclusion: The basics of radiological diagnosis are conventional x-ray techniques. Tertiary health care does not adequately possess radiological high-tech modes of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance. Staff training is required in order to re-establish existing knowledge and skills development that are followed by the continuous professional development of technology applied in radiological practice.

Animal bones are natural and rich source of calcium hydroxyapatite (HAP), which was found to be a good sorbent material for heavy metals and radionuclides. Various treatments can reduce the content of bone organic phase and improve sorption properties. In this study, sorption capacities of raw bovine bones (B) and samples obtained by chemical treatment with NaOH (BNaOH), by heating at 400 oC (B400) and by combined chemical and thermal treatment (BNaOH+400), were compared, using Ni(II) ions as sorbates. Maximum sorption capacities increased in the order B

Introduction. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of the acute abdomen. Based on the idea that appendicitis is a progressive disease eventually leading to perforation, removal of the appendix is the gold standard of treatment. Material and Methods. The objective of the study is to determine if there is any difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications, and if hospitalization differs depending on the appendicitis surgery method used with the patients. A retrospective analysis was made using the data from the hospital sample of patients admitted to the University Hospital in Foca in the period from January 2019 to December 2021. Results. In the period that was retrospectively analyzed, 107 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were operated on. There was no statistically significant difference between the treated groups in relation to the degree of appendicitis, type and duration of symptoms, diagnostic procedures and the time that had elapsed from admission to surgery. The Alverado Score in the probable appendicitis group was 41.1%. The most common symptoms were palpation sensitivity in the inguinal region (84.1%), and pain in the right lower quadrant (69.1%), intraoperative findings of uncomplicated appendicitis 58%, and 25.2% intraoperative findings inconsistent with the pathohistological ones. Conclusion. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergency surgical conditions, which requires surgical intervention if not treated in time, and causes life-threatening consequences. Surgical treatment with selected techniques for faster establishment of the gastrointestinal tract function, shorter stay in the hospital, faster recovery and return to daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of 60Co and 90Sr from the aqueous phase was tested using red mud - the fine grained residue from bauxite ore processing. This industrial waste represents a mixture of numerous minerals, mainly oxides and hydroxides of Fe, Al, Si, and Ti. Experiments were conducted as a function of contact time, pH, and pollutant concentrations. Kinetic data were well fitted with a pseudo-second order equation. The calculated rate constants and initial sorption rates indicated faster sorption of Sr2+ ions. Removal of both cations rapidly increased with the initial pH increase from 2.5 to 3.5. With the further increase of pH, Co2+ sorption was nearly constant (98%-100%), whereas Sr2+ removal remained at the same level to initial pH ~8 and gradually increased to 100% at pH 12. Equilibrium sorption data followed the Langmuir model, with the maximum sorption capacities of 0.52 mmol/g for Co2+ and 0.31 mmol/g for Sr2+. Sorbed cations exhibited high stability in distilled water. Desorption of Co2+ was also negligible in the presence of the competing Ca2+ cation, while 42%-25% of Sr2+ ions were desorbed depending on the previously sorbed amount. The results indicate that red mud is of potential significance as Co2+ and Sr2+ immobilization agent due to its high efficiency, abundance, and low-cost. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 43009]

Experimental design methodology represents a powerful tool for the analysis and optimization of various processes. Immobilization of toxic substances by sorption onto low-cost materials gained a lot of attention in the last decade. Fundamental knowledge about sorption processes and their practical use can be improved by experimental planning and statistical analysis. In this study, the effects of initial metal concentration and pH, as well as the sorbent mass and particle size, on Cu(II) sorption by natural clinoptilolite were evaluated and compared. Full factorial experimental design at two levels was applied. Statistically significant factors were determined considering residual Cu(II) concentrations as a system response. The Pareto graphs of standardized effects, Main effect plots and Interaction plots were created using statistical software. Initial sorbate concentration, sorbent mass and their interaction were recognized as statistically significant, at 95 % confidence level. Main effect plot approved that sorbent mass increase and initial Cu(II) concentration decrease caused reduction of residual Cu(II) concentration in solution. On the other hand, the change of initial solution pH and sorbent particle size didn’t provoke significant response changes. Bearing in mind that pH is the factor with large effect on heavy metal sorption, insignificant influence of initial pH detected in this study can be explained by buffering properties of the applied clinoptilolite and relatively narrow pH range chosen in order to prevent sorbent dissolution on one side and sorbate precipitation on the other. By regression analysis, the mathematical model for process description was derived. The correlation between predicted and experimental values was high (R2>0.99). In the investigated ranges of parameters, the obtained empirical equation can be applied for the prediction of system response.

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