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Field peas are mostly used for animal nutrition in the Balkan region and in the countries of the former USSR, while in the countries of Western Europe, Canada, the USA and the Middle East they are mostly used for human nutrition. Over three years (2010-2012), the yield and grain yield components of the most widespread field pea varieties were examined. The lowest number of plants was determined in 'NS Junior' intended for combined use (65 plants/m2), while 'Dukat' and 'Partner' had 88 and 85 plants/m2 on average, respectively. The average stem height was 158 cm for 'NS Junior', and 65 and 70 cm for 'Dukat' and 'Partner', respectively. 'Dukat' (4846 kg/ha) and 'Partner' (4521 kg/ha) had significantly higher grain yields compared with 'NS Junior' (2717 kg/ha). The content of crude protein in the grain was highest in 'NS Junior' (27.6%), while 'Dukat' and 'Partner' had lower contents (23-25%).

Drought is one of the most important factors limiting the successful production of cultivated plants. One of the most sensitive stage to the water deficit in plants is seed germination. There are various methods of pre-sowing treatments that aim to reduce the negative impact of drought stress and improve seed germination. One of them is priming seeds. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of priming seeds in solutions - KNO3 (1%), ascorbic acid - AsA (100 mgl-1) and potassium chloride KCl (1%) on the reduction of the negative effect of drought stress. The effect of drought stress was simulated using different concentrations of PEG 6000 (0 (control), -0.30, -0.51, -0.80 MPa). The results of the research showed that with the increase of water deficiency, the effect of priming seeds is greater. At the water potential of the solution of -0.30 MPa, germination energy and seed germination increased on average by 6.77% and 5.08%, while at the water potential of the solution of -0.80 MPa, the increase was 19.28% and 16.75%, respectively. Also, priming seeds significantly reduced the intensity of lipid peroxidation and the content of free proline. From all the above, it can be concluded that priming of seeds is a method that can serve to improve the germination of soybean seeds in conditions of drought stress.

Cultivated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a highly productive forage crop with great economic potential. Our objectives were to investigate the effects and interactions of environment, harvest maturity stage, seeding rate and cultivars on alfalfa dry matter yield and quality. The field experiment was carried out over 2010-2012 at the Experimental Field of Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, at two locations: (I) Cenej, and (II) Rimski Šančevi, which were characterized by a contrasting soil condition. The experimental treatments included two seeding rates of 8 and 16 kg ha-1, three different harvest maturity stages of alfalfa, and four alfalfa cultivars included as a subplot in every treatment. Harvesting alfalfa five times within a year (cutting in the beginning of flowering) in the second and third year of stand life is the most efficient harvest regime that allows full exploitation of cultivar genetic potential and environmental conditions. There was no difference in yields between harvests at early and full flowering stage (15.9 t ha-1). Data related to forage quality components show increase of nutritive value when harvesting alfalfa in earlier maturity stage. Maturity stage in the moment of harvesting significantly affected all quality parameters. The results obtained suggest that in a temperate climate of Southeast Europe there is little justification for planting higher seeding rates of alfalfa varieties under good establishment practices. Increasing seeding rates above 16 kg ha-1 does not provide a long-term boon in alfalfa production.

Introduction. Trichinellosis is one of the most important foodborne diseases in Serbia. Most patients with suspected trichinellosis in Belgrade are referred to the Clinical Center of Serbia for diagnosis and treatment, as are unclear and complicated cases from all across Serbia. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study of trichinellosis serology was carried out from 2009-2018 and included all outpatients and hospitalised patients from the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Disease, Clinical Center of Serbia, who were serologically tested for Trichinella by the Parasitological Laboratory (n=1,565). Trichinella-specific IgG antibodies were detected in sera by a commercial ELISA test. We analysed the seroprevalence of Trichinella-specific IgG antibodies, antibody detection kinetics and cross-reactivity with other nematodes. Results and Conclusions. The number of patients who reported for serological testing varied greatly per year and month. Most patients were tested in December and March, which coincides with the months with the most confirmed cases of trichinellosis. A total of 17.4% patients who were tested for trichinellosis had other parasitic infections. Altogether, 223 (14.2%) of tested patients were finally diagnosed with trichinellosis. We detected anti-Trichinella IgG in 68.8% (223) of patients with suspected trichinellosis on admission, which increased to 86.5%, 91.5% and 92.4% after later second, third and fourth testing, respectively. Final diagnoses of toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis, filariasis, and dirofilariasis were made for 2.4%, 0.3%, 0.3% and 0.1% of patients, respectively. Concurrent seropositivity for Trichinella and Toxocara was observed in 18.9% (7/37) of patients with clinical presentation of trichinellosis and who were also tested for toxocariasis. In 3/5 patients with imported filariasis, we found cross-reactivity with Trichinella. Potential cross-reactivity of this ELISA test with antibodies to the autochthonous nematode Toxocara canis demands the introduction of Western blot technology. Trichinellosis must be diagnosed by the combination of clinical, laboratory and epidemiological criteria.

Trichinellosis is the most common and most important parasitic zoonosis in Serbia. Complications of this disease are frequent, and a fatal outcome is possible. A particularly significant complication is the involvement of the central nervous system – neurotrichinellosis. This case report presents a previously healthy, 51-year-old female from Belgrade, Serbia, a teacher by profession. The disease started with symptoms of gastroenteritis in April, after which symptoms and signs characteristic of trichinellosis occurred (myalgia, fever, bilateral eyelid edema, conjunctivitis). About two weeks before the onset of the first symptoms, the patient consumed pork sausages that had been purchased at a green market. Seven days after the disease started, she was hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade and the diagnosis of trichinellosis was established. Two days after admission, neurological symptoms appeared – confusion, apathy, right side weakness of the mimic and limb muscles. The medical imaging techniques (CT scan, MRI) showed multiple hypodense changes in different parts of the brain, which corresponded to vasculitis due to parasitic infection. She was treated with approved antiparasitic and corticosteroid therapy. Despite adequate treatment, neurological sequelae were maintained in the follow-up period, and control imaging techniques revealed residual changes in the brain. This case emphasizes the importance of the strict application of all foreseen preventive measures in the control of trichinellosis, and primarily, mandatory trichinoscopic examination of all meat intended for human consumption.

Background/Aim. The World Health Organization estimates that 3.2 billion people are at a risk of being infected with malaria. Thus, the adequate diagnostic protocols for malaria, especially those aimed at determining disease severity, are paramount both in endemic and non-endemic setting. The aim of this study was to identify the demographic, parositological, clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with severe malaria in a non-endemic settings. Methods. We analyzed 22 patients with severe malaria and compared their clinical and laboratory findings with those of the patients with non-severe malaria in a search of predictors of disease severity. All patients were treated at the Infectious and Tropical Diseases University Hospital, Clinical Centre of Serbia in Belgrade, Serbia from 2000 to 2010. Results. The average age of patients with with severe malaria was 44.86 ± 12.33 years and men predominated (95.45%). The patients with severe malaria were infected Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) significantly more frequently compared with those with non-severe disease (p =0.047). Jaundice was the most commonly observed feature of severe malaria, followed by anemia and renal failure. The multifactor analysis of variance showed that thrombocytopenia (p = 0.05) and high serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with the disease severity. Conclusion. A high index of suspicion for malaria should be maintained when evaluating febrile patients returning from the malaria endemic regions. The elevated serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels and thrombocytopenia are associated with severe malaria in non-endemic settings.

The first local cultivar of winter pea for grain, 'NS MRAZ', was developed by pedigree selection from the hybrid population created by crossing local populations and one French line of pea. The cultivar has a high seed yield potential, exceptional earliness and tolerance to low temperatures. Its average plant height is 75-85 cm; it is of the afila type of pea, tolerant to lodging and of uniform maturity. Its genetic potential for seed yield is more than 7,000 kg ha-1, and it achieved an average seed yield of 5,110 kg ha-1 in three-year trials, while seed yield in production conditions was above 5,500 kg ha-1. Thousand-grain weight is about 200 g, which was the goal achieved in reducing the amount of seed per unit area. Protein yield ranged from 1,100 to 1,200 kg ha-1.

Alfalfa is an autotetraploid, perennial forage crop adapted to different environments and management systems. Trial with 12 alfalfa populations was established in spring of 2014. The research involved 9 commercial alfalfa varieties from IFVCNS, Serbia, and included 3 experimental populations in the final phase of breeding program. The main objectives of this paper were to examine the impact of variety selection on alfalfa yield and plant height in intensive cutting management in order to define harvesting strategies (using 6 and 5 cuts per season), with main goal to maximize profit on alfalfa farms in Serbia and Southeast Europe. Our study clearly demonstrates that there is genetic potential in some Serbian varieties (NS Sila, Nera, NS Jelena, and Banat VS) for use in intensive cutting systems with 6 cuts per year that can meet farmers' needs in conventional or organic type of alfalfa hay production.This research represents an initial guideline for the alfalfa variety selection in intensive cutting management systems in Serbia and Southeast Europe.

Drought greatly affects normal plant growth, endangering physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Under the influence of unfavorable environmental conditions, antioxidant protection systems in plant cell can be activated regardless of the stage of growth and development of plants. The experiment was conducted on three vetches species (V. sativa, V. villosa and V. pannonica) under PEG-induced drought stress. Activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (APx, EC 1.11.1.1) and catalase (CAT, EC 1. 11. 1. 6), was determined in shoots and roots of 10-day-old seedlings. Lack of water during germination period activated all the examined antioxidant enzymes in both organs of all tested Vicia species. The activity of SOD and APx generally increased at higher stress levels, while the enzyme CAT showed different patterns of action in all tested species. The results of this study suggest that drought stress causes the production of oxygen radicals that lead to oxidative stress in plants.

In this paper, we present the morphological characteristics of the seed and micromorphological, anatomical and chemical characteristics of the seed coat of pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes, Jezero, Javor and NS Junior. Our aim was to investigate whether these genotypes can be differentiated based on seed coat morphoanatomical characteristics, depending on the harvest treatment. The observations and measurements of seed coat cross-sections were performed using light microscopy. The seed coat surface was observed using SEM. A tuberculate seed coat surface characterized all examined pea genotypes, and the average diameter of the tubercle was about 12 μm. Statistical and laboratory analyses revealed that major damage was the most frequent defect type as the result of mechanized harvest in all the examined genotypes. Genotype NS Junior had the shortest seed length (6.1 mm). Micromorphological analysis revealed that the seed surface was tuberculate in all genotypes. The genotype Jezero had the highest number of tubercle ribs (11.0) and a significantly higher proportion of parenchyma tissue (50.6%), while NS Junior was characterized by the greatest share of macrosclereids (49.8%). The highest number of osteosclereids (832/mm2) was counted in genotype Javor. In addition, genotype NS Junior stands out due to the highest percentage of crude fiber (62.75 g/100g) in the seed coat. There was a marked difference among the studied genotypes with regard to the seed coat morphoanatomical characteristics, which is confirmed by the results of multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA). These results suggested that the morphological, micromorphological and anatomical characteristics of the seed might have an impact on the seed coat damage level at harvest. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 31024 and Grant no. 173002]

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important forage crop in the world, regarding growing area and economic value, because of its high yield level, good persistence, high protein content and energy value. In alfalfa, concept of intra-population breeding means direct selection for yield, through recurrent phenotypic selection using some form of progeny testing. Significant differences between genotypes were found for green forage and dry matter yields. The observed variation for both yield traits was much higher at population level than for the selected plants that will form new improved population. In the next steps of breeding process selected plants will be intercrossed in isolation to develop a new, improved population. Alfalfa breeding programs should focus on yield per se, with the use of old and new knowledge on the genetic control of yield and with adaptation of existing or developing new breeding procedure.

Background: West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease (WNND) occurs in less than 1% of infected people. Leukocytosis with lymphocytopenia, mild anaemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver and muscle enzymes and hyponatremia are occasionally present in patients with WNND. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings resemble other viral neuroinfections. The purpose of this study is to present some of the most important laboratory findings of our patients with WNND and to evaluate their correlation with fatal outcome. Methods: The study included 161 patients with WNND. Their blood and CSF samples were cytobiochemically analysed and the obtained variables were then tested for predictive significance of the disease outcome, or used for differentiation between two clinical syndromes (encephalitis vs meningitis). Results: West Nile encephalitis was present in 127 (78.9%) patients and West Nile meningitis was diagnosed in 34 (21.1%) cases. Leukocytosis was found in 45.9% patients. CRP level higher than 100 mg/L was registered only in those with encephalitis (p= 0.020). CSF leukocyte count was 146±171 per microlitre, with slight lymphocytic predominance (mean 52%). Hypoglycorrhachia was registered in 9.3% of our patients with WNND. Twenty-eight (17.4%) patients died and all of them had encephalitis. Independent predictors of fatal outcome in WNND were serum CRP > 100 mg/L (p= 0.011) and CSF proteins > 1 g/L (p= 0.002). Conclusions: WNND usually affects older males. Prolonged neutrophilic predominance in CSF can occasionally be present, as well as hypoglycorrhachia. Patients with encephalitis, high serum CRP and high CSF protein level have a higher risk of fatal outcome.

Alfalfa is the most important forage crop in Serbia grown for high yields of quality fodder. In order to expand alfalfa production on pseudogleys, research was conducted in the vicinity of Kraljevo. Results suggest the potential for growing alfalfa on acid soils in Serbia. The combined use of 2.5 t ha-1 and 5 t ha-1 lime and 30 t ha-1 manure on the pseudogley increases the soil pH, humus content and available phosphorus and potassium levels, while decreasing the content of mobile aluminum, thus making the soil suitable for alfalfa production and high biomass yields (115.9 t ha-1) during 3-4 years of stand utilization.

Bacground/Aim. Nosocomial infections (NIs) are an important cause of morbidity, mortality and prolonged hospitalizations. Fifty percent of NIs have been reported in Intensive Care Units. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and type of NIs among critically ill patients treated in the University Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, as well as risk factors for acquiring them. Methods. This prospective cohort study included 52 patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit from January to June 2004. The diagnosis of NI was established according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition, based on clinical presentation, radiological and microbiological findings, etc. Statistical data processing was done by using the electronic data base organized in SPSS for Windows version 10.0. The level of statistical significance was defined as p < 0. 05. Results. NIs were found in 33 (63.4%) of 52 inpatients. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and soft tissue infections, the most common nosocomial infections in our setting, were recorded in 41.0%, 25.6%, and 23.1%, of patients, respectively. Several factors contributed to a high incidence of these infections: chronic comorbidities (p < 0.01), the presence of indwelling devices such as urinary tract catheters (p < 0.01), endotracheal tubes (p < 0.05) along with mechanical ventilation (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The majority of patients with NIs had chronic underlying comorbidities. All the patients with UTIs had urinary catheters. The most important risk factors for the development of nosocomial pneumonias were endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The patients with pneumonia had the highest mortality.

Introduction. The number of humans infected by Fasciola hepatica is increasing worldwide. Humans can become accidental hosts by ingesting drinking water or plants contaminated with metacercariae. Case report. We reported a case of a 68-year-old Serbian woman, in which the diagnosis of acute fasciolosis had been established after serious diagnostic concerns. Based on clinical picture (episodic right upper quadrant abdominal pain, febrility and generalized body pain) and biochemical analyses (high eosinophilia and high activity of alkaline phosphatase), she was appointed as suspected to the acute fasciolosis. Stool and duodenal aspirate exams were negative for Fasciola ova. In the absence of adequate serologic diagnostic for fasciolosis in Serbia, the diagnosis was confirmed using enzyme immunoassays and immunoblot at the Institute for Tropical Diseases in Hamburg, Germany. Soon after triclabendazole was administered, the symptoms disappeared and biochemical values returned to normal. Conclusion. The diagnosis of human fasciolosis may be problematic and delayed, especially in non endemic areas, because physicians rarely encounter this disease and a long list of other diseases must be considered in the differential diagnosis. The syndrome of eosinophilia, fever, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain suggest acute fasciolosis. Unclear source does not rule out fasciolosis.

Growing field pea for grain and forage is an integral part of the livestock development strategy, due to its importance as a good source of protein in improving milk and meat production. This is of particular relevance to livestock producers in Central Serbia who experience problems in alfalfa production on acidic soils. As a legume, field pea also plays a valuable role in crop rotations. More recently, field pea has been used as an important crop in organic and sustainable farming systems. Under non-irrigated conditions, grain yield of spring pea cvs. 'NS-Junior' and 'Javor' was evaluated in 2011 and 2012 on an acidic soil receiving amendment applications. A field trial was established in Čačak (43°54'39.06" N, 20°19'10.21" E, 246 m a.s.l.) on an alluvial soil acid in reaction (pH H2O 4.8). The experimental field was fertilized with 300 kg ha-1 N 15 P 15 K 15. The treatments used included an unfertilized control and liming at 3t ha-1 and 6t ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with four replications. Plot size was 5m 2 (1x5m). In both years, the average grain yield of CV. 'NS-Javor' was significantly higher than in CV. 'Junior'. No significant differences were observed between the control and the lime treatments. Grain yield in both years was significantly below the genetic potential of the cultivars tested, mostly due to deficient rainfall and severe soil and air drought conditions.

Introduction. Infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are a significant factor of morbidity and mortality. Although central nervous system infections, including septic meningitis, are rare in patients with SLE, they can be significant causes of mortality inspite of the prompt and accurate diagnosis and proper management. Case report. We presented a woman with the diagnosis of SLE and diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis. Because of disease activity we introduced cytostatic immunosuppressive therapy, cyclophosphamide and then azathioprine. Meningoencephalitis, staphylococcal sepsis and abscess of the brain, with resulting seizures developed. Conclusion. This case alerts to the need of careful examination of patients with SLE, collection of adequate cultures and evaluation of predisposition towards ifnections, before the introduction of immunosuppressants due to potentially fatal infection.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L) is widely used in the production of oil, animal feed and biodiesel. Quality of oilseed rape depends on the genotype meteorological conditions and crop management. It is important to provide sufficient quantities of soil nutrients before planting (basal fertilization), so that young plants may form a leaf rosette and prepare for a period of low winter temperature. This research was performed on four commercial genotypes of rapeseed (Banaćanka, Slavica, Express and Valeska) produced in the growing season 2008-2009. The following parameters were determined: germination, 1000-seed weight, oil content and fatty acids. Seed germination, 1000-seed weight and oil content depended on the genotype, but not on the applied NPK dose. The fatty acids content depended on the genotype and the amount of fertilizer applied.

A two-year study (2006 and 2007) was carried out to examine the effect of row spacing and seeding rate on seed and dry matter yield of red clover in a production system for mixed utilization. Field experiments were conducted at the field of Agricultural Highschool in Futog, Serbia. Red clover crop was established in three row distances: 12.5 cm, 25 cm and 50 cm, and three seeding rates: 2.5 kg ha-1, 5 kg ha-1 and 10 kg ha-1. Studies have shown that in the location of Futog (region of south Bačka), sowing 10 kg ha-1 with row distance of 25 cm provides red clover seed yield of 482.4 kg ha-1 in the first year of growing and 546.2 kg ha-1 in the second year. The highest yield of dry matter grown in the system of production for mixed use (seed-forage) in Futog was achieved with the row distance of 12.5 cm and seeds rate of 10 kg ha-1.

Fasciolosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the trematoda Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Human fasciolosis is endemic in some parts of South America, Africa, Eastern Asia and Europe. High prevalence of human fasciolosis does not necessarily occur in areas where fasciolosis is a major veterinary problem. Infection with Fasciola hepatica has not been reported in humans in Serbia and former Yugoslavia, although a large variety of animals, such as sheep and cattle show infection rates that may reach significant proportions in some areas. Humans can become accidental hosts of this parasite by ingesting contaminated drinking water or plants in an endemic area. Infection with Fasciola hepatica has a variable clinical presentation depending on the stage of the disease. Typical symptoms that may be associated with fascioliasis can be divided by the phases of the disease including the acute or liver phase, the chronic or biliary phase, the obstructive phase, and ectopic or pharyngeal fascioliasis. The diagnosis of human fasciolosis may be problematical and delayed, especially in non-endemic areas, because physicians rarely encounter this disease and a long list of other diseases must be included in the differential diagnosis. The diagnosis of fasciolosis is complex and requires the application of direct an indirect methods of diagnostics: clinical diagnosis, haematological and biochemical findings, parasitological diagnosis, immuno-diagnosis, imaging procedures, liver biopsy. At the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in 2005, we recorded the first case of human fasciolosis in a woman from Belgrade, a citizen of Serbia, who developed clinical symptoms of acute fasciolosis after several months of living in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This article reviews the epidemiology and diagnostics of human fasciolosis. .

Field pea, in the form of both forage and feed pea, represents a cheap and quality supplement to soybean meal. On average, forage crude protein yield may reach 1,900 kg ha-1 in winter forage cultivars and more than 1,700 kg ha-1 in spring forage cultivars. The feed pea cultivars of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad of the latest generation, Partner, Kristal and Dukat, have average grain crude protein yields of between 1,400 kg ha-1 and 1,500 kg ha-1. .

The effects of row spacing (12,5 cm and 50 cm) on seed yield components and seed yield of winter-sown hairy, Hungarian and common vetches (V. villosa Roth, V. pannonica Crantz and V. sativa L.) were investigated in this paper. Number of plants per m2, number of stems per plant and per m2, crop height, plant length, lodging index, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 1,000 seed weight and seed yield were determined. Increased row spacing resulted in increased crop height by 13.6 %, decreased plant length by 8.5 %, increased lodging index by 22.3 %, increased number of stems per plant by 57.0 %, number of pods per plant by 43.5 %, number of seeds per pod by 14.7 %, 1,000 seed weight by 4.7 % and seed yield by 29.0 %. The highest and the lowest seed yields were obtained in Hungarian and hairy vetch, 1,380 kg ha-1 and 784 kg ha-1 respectively. .

The effect of seed moisture content at harvest on the most important parameters of dry pea was examined. The seed moisture content, germination energy, germination, proportion of abnormal seedlings and 1000-seed weight were analyzed in three dry pea cultivars (Jezero, Javor and NS-Junior) and at eight harvest stages. At the first harvest stage, seed moisture content was 20.44%, while at the eighth stage it was 11.26%. The best seed quality, with germination energy of 81.70% and germination of 90.11%, was at the sixth harvest time when seed moisture content was 12.92%. The poorest seed quality one was at the first harvest stage, with germination energy of 68.55% and germination of 78.56%. Cultivar Jezero, with shorter growing season, determinant stem growth and uniform maturity, had the highest germination energy (82.00%), germination (92.21%) and percent of abnormal seedlings (1.96%). Cultivar NS Junior, with the longest growing season, indeterminant stem growth and non-uniform maturity, had the lowest germination energy (70.39%) and germination (76.54%), and the highest percent of abnormal seedlings (3.58%).

In 2007 and 2008, the trials of the Department of Variety Protection and Registration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia were carried out on four locations, including three new Novi Sad spring pea line, L-536, L-537 and L-538, and the control cultivar Javor. In average, the grain yield of all three lines was higher in comparison to the control cultivar, with the highest average yield in Partner (2732 kg ha-1). All three cultivars have shown that in favourable years may give grain yields higher than 3500 kg ha-1. The crude protein content ranged from 278.3 g kg-1, in Javor, to 307.0 g kg-1, in Dukat. .

In 2007 and 2008, the trials of the Department of Variety Protection and Registration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia were carried out on four locations, including two new Novi Sad spring feed faba bean lines, B-412 and B-413, and the control cultivar Uran. In average, the highest grain yield was in the cultivar Gema (2905 kg ha-1), although there were no significant differences between three tested cultivars. In comparison to the control, Gema and Šarac had significantly higher crude protein content in grain dry matter, with 341.4 g kg-1 and 341.1 g kg-1. .

Background/Aim. Meningococcal disease most often manifests itself as meningitis or sepsis. During the course of these diseases, other clinical events sometimes develop such as pneumonia, pericarditis, arthritis, and they are referred to as extrameningeal or systemic manifestations of the meningococcal disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and the incidence of particular extrameningeal/systemic manifestations among patients with meningococcal meningitis and sepsis, including time of their onset and the influence on the disease outcome. Methods. The retrospective study of the medical records of 246 patients treated for meningococcal disease over the 25-year period in the Institute for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Belgrade was conducted. The patients, aged 3 months to 82 years both sexes, were divided into two groups. Results. Out of 246 patients extrameningeal/ systemic manifestations were found in 42 (17.1%) patients: 35 (14.2%) occurred during meningitis, and seven (2.8%) during sepsis. Pulmonary manifestations (mostly pneumonia) were the most prevalent, found in 12 (4.9%) patients, followed by heart involvement in nine (3.6%) patients (mostly pericarditis, in seven or 2.8% patients). Various ophthalmic manifestations occurred in seven (2.8%), arthritis in 4 (1.6%) and sinusitis in six (2.4%) patients. Otitis, multiple renal embolisms with hematuria, osteomyelitis and thrombophlebitis were evidenced in one patient, each. Most of the systemic manifestations (30 patients or 71.4%), developed within the initial three days of the disease (p < 0.01), suggesting direct pathogenic mechanism induced by meningococci per se, while only three (7.1%) developed after seven days, when immune-mediated disease was more likely. Even though these manifestations complicate and prolong treatment of the meningococcal disease, they had no major influence on the disease outcome. Lethal outcome occurred in 2 (4.76%) patients, both with the meningococcal type of the disease. Conclusion. Extrameningeal or systemic manifestations are uncommon complications during the course of both meningococcal meningitis and sepsis. The onset of pneumonia, pericarditis, eye involvement, and arthritis, within the initial seven days of the disease, were most prevalent in the course of meningitis. They had no major influence on the disease outcome.

Background We investigated the therapeutic response of tocilizumab (TCZ) therapy in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods This observational retrospective study included 205 patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia with SpO2˂93% and a markedly increased level of at least two biomarkers of inflammation. The TCZ was given in combination with corticosteroids. Clinical and laboratory results were analyzed and compared before TCZ therapy and 7 d after. Results The mean value of C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly lower (p=0.001) on the seventh day after administration of TCZ compared with before (10.7 and 173.6 mg/L, respectively). Only in 9/205 (4.3%) patients, the CRP level did not decrease during the week-long period, and this was related to disease progression. The mean level of interleukin-6 before TCZ administration was 88±113 pg/mL, while after it was 32.7±21.7 pg/mL (p=0.01). After 7 d of TCZ therapy, almost 50% of patients who needed high-flow oxygen or ventilation support started to receive low-flow oxygen, while 73/205 (35.6%) patients who received low-flow oxygen before TCZ administration did not receive further oxygen support anymore (p=0.001). Although they received TCZ treatment, 38/205 (18.5%) severely sick patients died. Conclusions Tocilizumab improves clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. These advantages were evident independent of the patient's comorbidities and were in addition to the advantages of systemic corticosteroids. In COVID-19 patients at risk of cytokine storms, TCZ appears to be an effective therapy choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]