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The most important adipocytokines affecting the formation and the regression of atheromas plaque in the coronary blood vessels are adiponectin and resistin. The essence of this test is to determine the correlation of the leading biochemical parameters of atherosclerosis, adiponectin and resistin and determine their interdependence with other biochemical parameters in patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. Our study group consisted of 140 patients and 40 control group (healthy), 50 with diabetes mellitus and 50 with coronary heart disease (myocardial infarction and angina pectoris). We find that the average value of adiponectin in the group with type 2 diabetes mellitus were significantly lower than in the control group (4.38 to 6.74, p = 0.001, p 0.05). In the same study group average value of resistin was significantly higher than in the control group (15.73 to 7.88, p = 0.001, p

Tests have shown that adipose tissue is very important in the production of chemical substances that have a major impact on atherosclerosis. The basic fat cells adiposity is very active in bio secretion hormones and other substances. Adiposities secrete chemical substances such as leptin, resistin, adiponectin, and others who participate in metabolic processes. One of the most important adipocytokine affecting the formation and the regression of atheromas plaque in the coronary blood vessels are adiponectin and resistin. So our aim was to determine the value of the concentration of adiponectin and resistin on patient with myocardial heart attack and determine their correlation with the control group of healthy subjects. In this study were included 68 subjects, 40 with myocardial heart attacks and 28 control groups of normal healthy. In the group with myocardial 78.6% of respondents were male and 21.4% female. Tests have shown that the concentration of adiponectin in the group with myocardial heart attack was significantly lower than the control group (4.94 to 6.74, p=0.043, p 0.05). All this indicates that in patients with myocardial heart attack there is a decline in the concentration of adiponectin, which has cardio protective effect. The increase in resistin in myocardial heart attack in directly related to the appearance of athermanous plaques in the coronary blood vessels and has a bad prognostic significance.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is one of the leading chronic diseases in the world and in our country, which is an important risk factor for development of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objective. The aim of this research was making the estimation of risk factors in the etiology of coronary heart disease in obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. The study included 82 obese patients, of which 52 with diabetes mellitus and 30 without diabetes mellitus, in all of them coronary artery disease proven by coronary angiography. All were examined by clinical examination, laboratory tests and echocardiography. Based on the test results we found that the distribution of risk factors such as hypertension, family burden coronary artery disease, smoking, alcohol intake was the same in the obese patients with diabetes mellitus, and of those without diabetes mellitus. Echocardiography showed significantly larger left ventricle, lower ejection fraction, larger left atrium and significant mitral regurgitation. Also, in a group of patients with diabetes mellitus, there was significantly higher number of patients with multiple vessel coronary disease. Despite the small sample, we can conclude that the present of diabetes mellitus in obese patients is crucial for severe forms of coronary artery disease. Severity is expressed through significant structural and functional changes in the left ventricle and the number of diseased coronary arteries.

Osteoarthritis of joints is a degenerative disease whose main characteristics are damage and loss of articular cartilage, thickening of the bone just beneath the cartilage (subchondral bone) and hypertrophy of bone at the edges of the joint. Clinically, OA of joints knees, depending on the stage of the disease, manifested by pain in degenerative altered joint, stiffness, restricted range of motion, precipitation, joint effusion within deformations, and varying degrees of inflammation. In this research were involved 100 patients and presented the results of the clinical manifestations of the disease, including amnesics and objective parameters, demographics status, radio-logical findings and the presence of co morbid conditions.

Predictors of improved quality of life after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) are still incompletely known. To determine the predictors of improving the quality of life six months after coronary artery bypass surgery. We studied 208 consecutive patients, who underwent elective CABG. The Nottingham Health Profile Questionnaire part 1 was used as the model for quality of life determination. Questionnaire contains 38 subjective statements divided into six sections: physical mobility, social isolation, emotional reaction, energy, pain and sleep. We distributed the questionnaire to all patients before CABG and six months after CABG. The mean age of patients was 58,8 ± 8,2 years, 82% were males. The comparison between mean preoperative and postoperative scores showed that improvement was found in 53.7% of patients, worsening in 12.5%, quality of life before and after the intervention was normal in 26.7%, and no changes in quality of life was at 7.08%. Independent predictors of patients improvement by CABG were as follows: absence of previous myocardial infarction in the physical mobility section (p=0.03; OR=0.59; CI 0.40-0.92), higher CCS angina class in the physical mobility (p=0.006; OR=2.34; CI 1.46-3.32), energy (p=0.02; OR=1.70; CI 1.29-2.64) and pain sections (p

Main point of prevention of tuberculosis is the existence of basic knowledge about risk factors (smoking habit, alchohol abuse) which contribute to appearance of tuberculosis and influence to therapy. In order to assess the influence of potential risk factors a cross-analysis was made for the years 2002-2004, 2007-2009 and 2012-2014 . During the period of 12 years, 230 cases of TB were included in the study. The mean age of all subjects was 45.81±16.98. There were (61.7-73.2%) males and this observation is supported by reports that males had significantly higher risk for more severe lung destruction (69.2-84.6%), as evidenced by bilateral lung cavitation (86.1-100%) than females. In total 45.6-76.7% were smear-positive. Alcohol use disorders increased (11.8-29.4%; p=0.02) as a smoking habit (44.1-47.1%). In cases with severe lung destruction as a lung cavitation increased cigarette smoking (46.6-60.0%) and alcoholism (19.4-50.0%; p=0.007). Linear regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant correlation between severe form of TB and smoking habit (>20 cigarettes per day, p=0.04) and alcohol use disorders (p=0.004). Successful control in reducing smoking, alcohol use disorders and, could favorably impact the TB morbidity rate.

The aim of this paper is to examine the use of project management practices in Slovenian micro and small firms (MSFs) and to identify project success factors (SF) and project success criteria (SC).

There is a concerning trend of emigration among highly educated individuals in Montenegro. This includes medical professionals who seek better job opportunities abroad. The aim of the present study was to identify the primary motivational factors driving Montenegrin medical students to pursue a career in medicine, and whether these factors undergo changes over the course of their studies.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children with autism spectrum disorders and their parents faced numerous challenges related to health care, education and daily functioning, while available support was limited and often inadequate. The aim of this paper was to examine the differences in subjective quality of life and the support available to parents of children with autism and parents of typically developing children during the state of emergency declared due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to explore the existence of an association between quality of life and the quality of support. The sample consisted of 39 parents of children with autism and 28 parents of children of typical development, fom both genders. To assess the subjective quality of life of parents, a short version of the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale was used, while the quality of available support was measured using a scale specifically constructed for the purposes of this research. The results indicated that during the state of emergency, parents of typically developing children received better support from the health system and had more free time than parents of children with autism. In terms of quality of life, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of parents in any of the examined areas, nor in the overall quality of life. No association between quality of life and the quality of available support was found for either group of parents. The obtained results highlight the need to address the specific needs of families of children with autism in times of uncertainty, such as during a pandemic. These findings can inform future interventions aimed at providing support that is better aligned with the needs of both children and parents in similar circumstances.

Background/Aim. Quality of life (QoL) is one of the out-come measures for patients with chronic diseases. Mental health issues often impact the QoL of cancer patients. Cancer patients with a good QoL have a longer life expectancy and are able to lead a more productive and social life. The aim of the study was to determine the association of mental health with the QoL, as well as to determine significant predictors of QoL in patients with breast cancer (BC). Methods. The study included 118 patients treated at the Specialized Breast Cancer Department of the Oncology Clinic of the University Clinical Center Niš, Serbia. The study’s inclusion criteria were the presence of early-stage nonmetastatic BC and completed surgical treatment. The following questionnaires were used: the general sociodemographic questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, Early Maladaptive Schema questionnaire - short form (SQ-SF), Flanagan’s Quality of Life Scale (QoLS), Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), Health Locus of Control. Results. A statistically significant negative correlation was found with emotional state, i.e., anxiety score, depressiveness score, total stress score, and physical aggression score, while QoL correlated positively with all subscales of the perceived social support (PSS) questionnaire. QoL was significantly different for patients with the following early maladaptive schemas: emotional deprivation, emotional inhibition, and a sense of entitlement/narcissism. Moreover, QoL differed significantly depending on partnership status, the presence of clinically significant anxiety, the presence of hormone-sensitive cancer, the presence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancer, and time since diagnosis. Multiple linear regression was per-formed, and depression and PSS had the highest share. Conclusion. In our study, the presence of depressiveness and PSS were the best predictors of QoL of BC survivors.

Introduction: A new approach of social therapy for criminal offenders was applied in Penalty Facility in Niš, Serbia. It is based on three month peer-training focusing on recognizing of triggers for anger, understanding emotional manifestation and learning socially acceptable ways of anger expression. Objectives: To estimate how the impact of pear-based training influences the level of agression of criminal offenders in prison settings. Methods: One hander and six prisoners were randomly assigned to program. The six previously educated inmates trained the participants through 12 work-shops. An independent professional evaluated change in aggression levels after training using Buss&Perry Aggression Scale. We compared subgroups with shorter versus longer sentences pre and post training using Student's t test. And univariate logistic regression analysis for impacts of sociodemographic variables on aggression scores. Results: We found a significant higher scores of anger (6.6 ± 4.7 & 11.8 ± 4.2, p=0,043) hostility (15.5 ± 8 & 20.1 ± 6.5, p=0,029) and total aggression (32 ± 14 & 48 ± 21, p=0,023 in subgroup with longer sentences at baseline. After training anger (12.4 ± 4.8 & 15.5 ± 5.6, p= 0,0167), physical aggression (14.6 ± 51. & 17.2 ± 5.6 ,p=0,024) and total aggression score (55.5 ± 14.1 & 68.2 ± 18, p=0,0152) remained higher in the group with sentences more than five years. Lower education level is associated with undesirable outcome-higher level of aggression after training. Conclusions: Three months training was not sufficient for adopting skills for better control of aggressive behavior in criminal offenders never the less the length of the sentences. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores potential of Er3+-Yb3+ doped phosphors for up-conversion luminescence thermometry in the temperature range from 10K to 300 K. Yttrium oxide nanopowder doped with trivalent ytterbium and erbium ions (Y1.97Yb0.02Er0.01O3) was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis as an example. The intensity ratios of up-conversion emissions from thermally coupled 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 levels of Er3+ show strong temperature dependence (in the range 150 K-300 K) with much higher relative sensitivity than those reported for thermometry above room temperature with Er3+-Yb3+ based up-conversion materials. The maximal value of relative sensitivity is 5.28%K-1 at 150 K, with temperature resolution ranging from 0.81K to 0.06K. In addition, the intensity ratios of emission from thermally non-coupled Er3+ levels (2H9/2 and 4F9/2) and from 4S3/2 also show temperature dependence that can be approximated with an exponential function. With these up-conversion emission ratios, it is possible measure temperature in the range of 10K to 300K with excellent sensitivity and resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to immunological theories of schizophrenia prenatal and postnatal exposure to pathogens may contribute to the etiopathogenesis, suggesting that chronically activated immune system cells (macrophages and T lymphocytes) constantly secrete proinflammatory cytokines which affect the development and function of central nervous system. Objectives: In the present work we aimed to evaluate IL-1β plasma levels in schizophrenic patients during their first psychotic episode and to compare the obtained results to those from healthy subjects. Methods: Plasma was obtained from 32 drug-naive schizophrenic patients, without history of substance abuse or addiction, immediately after their admission to the medical ward, while the control samples were obtained from 20 healthy volunteers. Results: Levels of IL-1β were measured using ELISA assay, which measures IL-1β protein in a range from 7.81 to 500 pg/ml. Results revealed that the levels of IL-1β in patients with first psychotic episode were not increased and were below the limit of detection in all studied samples. The same was found in the samples belonging to the control group. Conclusions: These data contribute to the poll of knowledge and a still unresolved dogma about the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia since the results obtained by some studies are also questioning this marker. Thus, whether or not an increase of IL-1β is congenital, acquired during the prodromal phase or absent until the time of first psychotic episode has not yet been investigated. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geoecological assessment of the natural potentials of the Montenegrin municipality of Šavnik for the purposes of recreational tourism is carried out in this work using the quantitative diversity method (V-Wert method). The main criteria used in this evaluation method are natural elements (forests, water areas, relief, climate) and land cover. For the evaluation, the whole procedure was implemented in the environment GIS (Geographic Information Systems) using the software QGIS 3.14. The evaluation results show that unfavorable areas occupy 247 km 2 (39%), conditionally favorable 185 km 2 (30%), favorable 141 km 2 (22%) and very favorable 54 km 2 (9%). Despite the significant natural potential, which is partially recognized by this method with certain advantages and disadvantages, recreational tourism and all forms of tourism are underdeveloped in the municipality.

Individuals with serious mental illness are more affected by emotional reactions, including suicidal behavior due to COVID‐19 and psychosocial consequences of pandemic. The current cross-sectional study aimed to explore the possible association of COVID-19 and suicidal behavior (suicide ideation and attempt) before and during pandemic-associated lockdown in Serbia. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 104 adult psychiatric inpatients admitted at Psychiatric Clinic, University Clinic Center Niš, Serbia, after ending lockdown and compared the obtained results with 181 adult psychiatric inpatients admitted during the same period in 2019 and 2018. Suicide ideation were more frequent in 2020 comparing with 2019 and 2018 (25 vs 12.5%, vs 9.41%; p < 0.05). Around 28% of patients with suicide attempts were exposed daily to the information related to COVID-19 coming from social media, while this frequency was significantly lower, only 7.55% (p < 0.1), among patients with no suicide ideation or attempts. Adjustment disorder was more frequent among patients with suicide attempts in comparison to the patients with suicide ideation (32 vs 11%), especially in patients without suicide ideation and attempts (32 vs 0%, p < 0.001). Of all studied patients with suicide attempts during 2020, 60% were not in the previous psychiatric treatment before admission.

The expected economic growth of the EU27 and China by 2025 will lead to a further increase in the share of the Chinese economy in world GDP and the overtaking of the EU economy in 2022. The main contribution of this paper is the presentation and analysis of IMF projected GDPs for China and the EU27 in the period 2020-25, and assessing the impact of divergent GDP growth trends of the two economic giants on the further development in their bilateral relations. Namely, since the change in the global economic position causes geopolitical consequences, it is clear that the very expectation of such trends influences the decisions of political and economic actors today - such as the signing of the investment agreement between Brussels and Beijing, despite Washington's opposition. The EU's response to China's growing influence could be an attempt to mitigate Beijing's strategic challenge by creating a stronger transatlantic partnership, but it is uncertain that Washington will be willing to offer significant concessions to Brussels. An alternative scenario could involve strengthening the EU's "strategic autonomy", which would imply an attempt at a more independent geopolitical positioning, which would enable better relations with China and easier access to the country's huge market. The EU, the world's largest trading bloc and the largest trading partner of as many as 80 countries, will find it difficult to come to terms with its subordinate role in Sino-US competition and will remain focused on exploring synergies with both powers.

Wildfire is one of the most dangerous environmental stressors in most vegetation zones worldwide. Determining and monitoring this stressor is important because of the disturbances that occur during the burning of biomass in ecosystems, as well as because of the damage or suffering of organisms. In the last decade, a greater number of wildfires and burnt areas were recorded in Southern Europe and Montenegro. Therefore, it is important to develop optimal methodology and models to help in better management of forest protection against wildfire. The spatial component in firefighting plays a significant role in management. In this context, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) come to the fore, which analyze spatial data and turn it into useful information - models applied in practice. The study aims to geospatial assess condition of vegetation pre-wildfire and post-wildfire in study area of the Luštica peninsula in Montenegro during the summer of 2017. Open and publicly available Sentinel 2 satellite was used. The scaled index differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) of burned vegetation was applied as an indicator for assessing the state of vegetation after a wildfire in the open source software Quantum GIS (QGIS). The results of the damage assessment of the burned area based on the applied scaled index reveal that the category of low severity occupies an area of 335.86 ha (7%), moderately-low severity 250.13 ha (5%), moderately-high severity 406.22 ha (8%), high severity 238.03 ha (5%). The unburned areas occupy an area of 3624.95 ha (75%). This study contributes to assessing vegetation conditions and other accompanying activities pre-wildfire and post-wildfire using modern open-source geospatial tools.