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In addition to traffic, the main source of nitrogen dioxide is also industrial plants where combustion takes place at high temperatures, such as heating plants and smelters. Nitrogen oxides from traffic are the dominant component of air pollution in large cities and represent an important source of exposure and health risk for people, especially those who move along busy roads. In Bor, real-time nitrogen dioxide concentrations have been measured since 2010 at the measuring point "Institute IRM Bor" near Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor. This paper presents an analysis of the results of measuring nitrogen dioxide concentrations in Bor in the periods 2010-2013 and 2019-2023. Based on the analysis of nitrogen dioxide measurement results, it was established that in both periods there are seasonal changes (heating/non-heating season) in nitrogen dioxide concentrations. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations were on average 17% higher in the heating season than in the non-heating season. Also, in the period 2019-2023 the average concentration of nitrogen dioxide was 28.6 µg/m3 , which is about 18% more compared to the period 2010-2013 in which the average concentration of nitrogen dioxide was 24.3 µg/m3 . In the observed periods, there was no exceedance of the limit value for the average annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide of 40 µg/m3 . However, several days were recorded with an average daily concentration of nitrogen dioxide above the daily limit value of 85 µg/m3 .

The air quality in the city of Bor in 2023 is analysed in this paper. In the period from May 1, 2022 until April 1, 2023 the copper smelter in Bor was not working due to reconstruction and capacity increase. The analyses show that in 2023, no exceeding of the daily limit value for SO2 , PM10, and soot concentrations was detected at any measuring point. During the reconstruction of the copper smelter, correlation coefficients (Pearson) at measurement point "Jugopetrol" between PM10 and the chemical elements Cd and As were moderate (0.6>r>0.4), while in the period before and after the reconstruction of the smelter, they were strong (0.8>r>0.6), and very strong (r>0.8). The results presented in the paper indicate that despite the reconstruction of the copper smelter, the problem of emission of high concentrations of carcinogenic elements in PM10 from the copper smelter is still present. It is necessary to urgently implement additional measures to reduce these emissions to the values provided by law.

This paper presents the results of measurements the suspended particles of the PM 10 and PM 2.5 fractions in two high schools in Bor (School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering-MS and Grammar School-GM). The measurements were conducted in two heating seasons for a duration of seven days (five weekdays, and two weekend days). Periods during the weekdays when there were classes and weekend days when there were no classes at school were analyzed separately. The measurement results show that the average concentrations of suspended particles PM 10 during the class period were 1.7 (GM) and 2.4 (MS) times higher than in the period without classes. The average concentrations of suspended particles PM 2.5 in both schools during the class period were 1.5 times higher than in the period without classes. In MS the average PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations during classes were above daily limit values for 3 of 5 working days. In contrast, there was no exceeding of the average daily limit values for concentrations of suspended particles during classes in GM. The results of measurements indicate that more attention should be paid to the way classrooms are cleaned to reduce the possibility of particles resuspension due to the movement of pupils during the teaching period.

This paper presents the results of the air quality measurements in the agglomeration of Bor in the period June-December 2022, in which the Copper Smelter in Bor was not working due to the works on reconstruction and increasing the capacity for copper concentrate processing. Based on an analysis of the existing measuring points and concentrations of pollutants, measured in the local and national air quality monitoring network in the territory of the Bor agglomeration, as well as the possible impact of the new mining and metallurgical facilities in the company Serbia ZiJin Copper Bor, the additional locations, where the measurements were performed, were selected. The air quality measurement results show that there was no exceedance of the hourly and daily limit values for gaseous pollutants, nor were there an exceedance of the limit value for the mean daily concentration of lead in the suspended particles of the PM10 fraction, as well as the target values for the concentrations of cadmium and nickel in PM10. The arsenic concentration in PM10 at the measuring point of PU Bor was above the target annual value for 3 days. The maximum measured mean daily value of arsenic concentration in PM10 at this measuring point was 11.3 ng/m3 . Based on a complete insight into the results of air quality measurements in the Bor agglomeration in 2022, it can be concluded that the dominant share of concentration of SO2 , CO, as well as the concentration of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in PM10, originates from the gaseous pollutant emissions from the Copper Smelter Bor in the period when it operates. It was established that at the measuring point MMI Bor, the nitrogen oxide emissions from traffic mostly affect the level of nitrogen oxides in the air. Also, the measurement results indicate that the operation of the Smelter in 2022 did not significantly contribute to the concentration increase of suspended PM10 particles in the agglomeration of Bor, and that during the period of operation of the Copper Smelter in 2022, no copper concentrates with increased nickel content were processed.

The subjective experience of the environment where people live defines the comfort of that environment. The elements of environmental comfort are the air quality, thermal comfort, visual comfort, and sound comfort. The air quality in the room where people stay can significantly affect their concentration, i.e., the ability to work and study. The concentration of CO 2 in the room is used as an indicator of ventilation, that is, as an indicator of the air quality in the observed room. The thermal comfort defines a state of satisfaction with the thermal environment. The thermal comfort is achieved when the environment properties are such that they ensure the release of BAKAR 48 (2023) 1 COPPER body heat within the comfortable limits. This paper presents a part of the air quality and thermal comfort measurement results in the selected office in the Mining and Metallurgy Institute Bor from 2020 to 2022. Based on the analysis of measurement results, it was determined that the air quality in the selected office was satisfactory on an average of more than 90% of the working time, and the thermal comfort on an average of about 60% of the working time.

While experimental animal investigation has historically been the most conventional approach conducted to assess drug safety and is currently considered the main method for determining drug toxicity, these studies are constricted by cost, time, and ethical approvals. Over the last 20 years, there have been significant advances in computational sciences and computer data processing, while knowledge of alternative techniques and their application has developed into a valuable skill in toxicology. Thus, the application of in silico methods in drug safety assessment is constantly increasing. They are very complex and are grounded on accumulated knowledge from toxicology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, statistics, mathematics, as well as molecular biology. This review will summarize current state-of-the-art scientific data on the use of in silico methods in toxicity testing, taking into account their shortcomings, and highlighting the strategies that should deliver consistent results, while covering the applications of in silico methods in preclinical trials and drug impurities toxicity testing.

Nickel (Ni) is an essential nutrient for animals and it has an important role in many physiological and biochemical processes in higher plants. At the same time, it belongs to the group of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The aim of this study is to determine Ni concentrations in the soil-plant relationships between the main crops and agricultural land in Central Serbia. A total of 71 bulked soil samples are taken from the topsoil at the depth of 0-30 cm in an area belonging to 6 statistical districts of Central Serbia. A total of 71 seed samples are collected during harvest as an average sample of seed from each observed plot, of which 26 are corn, 19 sunflower, 17 wheat, and 9 soybean samples. Analysis of the collected samples includs the main soil parameters and Ni total and available concentrations in soil, as well as Ni total concentration in seeds. The median value of total Ni concentration in soil is 44.8 mg kg-1, close to MAC. The median nickel concentration in wheat and corn seeds is 0.5 mg kg-1, while soybean and sunflower seeds have higher median Ni content of 8.40 and 10.26 mg kg-1, respectively. Bioaccumulation factors in seeds (BAF) in the present study ranges from 0.013 (corn) to 0.256 (soybean). According to statistically significant differences, all crops have equal total NiT concentration in soil, while the available NiA concentration differs in soils under corn and sunflower cultivars. Based on Ni concentration in seed and BAF, two groups are distinguished − the group of soybeans and sunflowers with higher Ni content and the group of wheat and corn with lower Ni content in seed. The obtained differences confirm that plant species have a significant role in the bio­accumulation of Ni. The determined BAF parameter is in a statistically significant negative correlation with the total Ni content in soil in all observed crops except maize. However, the BAF parameter for maize alone is in a statistically significant negative correlation with the readily available Ni concentration in the soil. The obtained correlations indicate that higher Ni concentration in soil causes lower Ni concentration in seeds, which might be due to the activation of plant defense mechanism to preserve the reproductive organs ‒ seeds ‒ from harmful effects. Based on the obtained results, Ni concentration in seeds of the main field crops in Central Serbia is safe for feed and food usage. Increased content of Ni found in agricultural soils in Central Serbia requires constant monitoring for maintaining sustainable agriculture production.

The aim of the study was evaluation of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) in the detection of active disease in the patients with suspected recurrence of the medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

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.

Background/Aim. Tuberculosis in the second decade of the 21st century is an infectious disease with the highest mortality rate. In addition, in developed countries, pneumonia is the major couse of morbidity and mortality in adults. The aim of our study was to point out the differences and similarities between symptoms, laboratory parameters and clinical indicators in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and patients with pneumonia in the general population and in people belonging to the high risk groups for developing tuberculosis. Methods. This prospective study included patients with PTB (n = 70) and pneumonia (n = 75) treated at the Pulmonology Department of Clinical Hospital Center in Kosovska Mitrovica. Results. PTB was more frequent in men, 30–39 years of age (OR; 6:08), mainly from rural areas (p = 0.001), and with lower levels of education (p = 0.031). Pneumonia was more frequent in women older than 60 years of age (p = 0.0012). Night sweats (p = 0.001) and weight loss (p = 0.062) were significantly more frequent in patients with PTB, while chest pain (p = 0.001) and high temperature (p = 0.036) were more common in patients with pneumonia. X-ray changes in patients with PTB were located in the upper fields (p = 0.001), or appeared to be bilateral (p = 0.004). The strongest predictor associated with an increased risk of night sweats was diagnosed PTB (OR = 30.0). The chest pain was a predictor of pneumonia, unilateral changes (OR = 4.65) in the lower lung fields (OR = 0.08). Conclusion. Night sweats, weight loss and chest X-ray abnormalities in upper fields were significant indicators of PTB. Chest pain, fever and chest X-ray abnormalities in lower fields were significant indicators of pneumonia.

Introduction: Dementia is a clinical diagnosis based on deficits of intellectual function, usually memory. Primarily neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive neuronal damages and its synapsis. Early-onset Alzheimer disease 18 occurs in someone younger than 65. 18FDG-PET/CT is a quantitative tomographic technique also called a biomarker of neuronal activity. Case outline: A female of 54, mother, 12 years of education, an accountant, was sent to FDG-PET/CT brain scan because of loss of memory, social withdrawal, apathy, behavior changes, troubles with paying bills, speaking difficulties with no structural imaging abnormalities. PET scan reviled glucose hypometabolism in parietal lobes, left posterior cingulum, parietotemporal regions, the left parietooccipital region, left insula and temporal lobes. A male of 43, father, army corporal, 12 years of education, was sent to metabolic hybrid imaging because suspected dementia. He expressed progressive behavior decline, in a year time. The patient wasn't cooperative, could not concentrate and confabulated a lot. Forgetfulness, decline in voluntary dynamics and apathy dominated the clinical presentation. Structural imaging showed supratentorial, right precentral gyri solitary lesion and cortical bilateral hypocampal atrophy. FDG scan reviled distinctively diminished glucose metabolism posteriorly in parietal and temporal lobes, both posterior cingulum. SPM analysis confirmed the visually observed pattern of hypometabolism in both patients. Conclusion: Depression is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of AD. Early detection of AD through molecular imaging techniques will assist the choice of medications to slow the progression of the disease and optimize patient care.

Background/Aim. Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, affecting different countries disproportionally. Effective diagnosis and treatment of TB saved an estimated 43 million lives between 2000 and 2014. The aim of our study was to show sociodemographic influences, risk factors for the morbidity and clinical characteristics of tuberculosis among residents of northern Kosovo, Serbia, between two decades at the beginning of the 21st century. Methods. A prospective study was conducted at the Department for Pulmonology of the Clinical-health Centre, Kosovska Mitrovica, included all tuberculosis patients treated during two three-year periods, between 2000–2002 and 2012–2014. In total, 134 patients with tuberculosis were treated, 91 in the first observed period and 43 in the second period. Results. In both observed periods, male patients suffered from tuberculosis more frequently. In the first observed period, younger and middle age (18–49) persons suffered from tuberculosis more frequently (p = 0.014). In relation to the place of residence, in the first reporting period there were more patients from urban areas, while in the second, there were significantly more patients from rural areas (p = 0.008). In the second observed period, TB was significantly more associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.001) and comorbidities with TB were significantly more frequent (p = 0.006). During the 2000–2002 period, there were more severe clinical forms, with severe radiological changes, bilateral parenchymal and cavernous forms (p = 0.08). Mild unilateral parenchymal lesions were more common in the last 3 years (p = 0.02). Conclusion. Social determinants, older age and comorbidities are the most important risk factors for the persistent number of patients, and therefore this target group needs attention during active approach in TB screening.

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.

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Background/Aim. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is a potentially blinding condition of the posterior segment of the eye. Currently, the only treatment modality is surgery and surgical options include scleral buckling, pars plana vitrectomy and pneumoretinopexy. Many factors may influence the outcome of the surgery. Well defined indications are essential for achieving the best postoperative results. The aim of this study was to assess anatomical and functional outcome of treatment with scleral buckling for macula- off rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. Methods. This prospective, nonrandomized, interventional study included consecutive patients underwent scleral buckling for macula-off retinal detachment in the tertiary centre for vitreoretinal surgery. Results. A total of 168 consecutive patients (mean age 58.2 ± 13.9 years) were included in the study. Postoperatively, anatomical success was achieved in 152 (90.5%) of the patients. Parameters that influenced the anatomical success included the number of retinal breaks (p = 0.040), lens status (p = 0.041), preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (p < 0.001), patients’ age (p = 0.049), and marginally, the presence of typical symptoms (p = 0.057). Duration of macular detachment, previous ocular trauma and refraction of the eye did not affect the anatomical result. Functional success was evaluated using the postoperative visual acuity and depended mainly on the duration of macular detachment prior the surgery. Visual acuity 0.4 or better was significantly more often achieved if duration of macular detachment was up to seven days (p < 0.001). Refraction and patients’ age did not influence the functional result. Conclusion. Scleral buckling is an efficient surgical procedure for treatment of patients with retinal detachment. Optimal results are achieved if operation is performed within the first seven days of duration of macular detachment. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III41019]

Strategic environment of the Republic of Serbia is determined by the operation of a large number of factors, which affect the defense system and its development in various ways. In the area of development planning of the defense system, the overriding purpose of analysis and assessment of the strategic environment is review and cogitation of phenomena and trends, and their influence on the development of the defense system. This paper analyzes the basic phenomena and trends in the field of strategic environmental factors and their individual, as well as hybrid, impact on the development of the defense system. For the sake of predictable and successful implementation of the defense system purpose, defense planning holders pay special attention to the analysis and assessment of the strategic environmental factors such as security, political, economic, social, technological, informational, ecological, and others. Strategic environmental factors are interdependent and connected, and they make an inseparable whole - the reality that affects functioning and development of the defense system. Knowledge and experience of defense analysts and planners is important for the quality assessment of the strategic environment impact and in the end it is crucial for proposing management decisions in order to ensure the effective functioning and development of the defense system. In the process, the application of scientific and field-proven methods, tools and techniques is inevitable. Study of the strategic environment impact creates the conditions for continuous and preventive action for timely adjustment of the defense system to new circumstances, thus enabling the successful execution of the defense tasks and protection of the defense interests.

Ethanol/water (7∶3) extracts of the plant species Anthriscus sylvestris possess antioxidant activity. Separation and identification of antioxidant components by thin-layer and column chromatography and spectral analysis demonstrated that quercetin and apigenin appeared to be the main flavonoid species in Anthriscus sylvestris. Rutin was one of the major quercetin glycosides. Structures of the isolated compounds were determined by infrared andH nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Ethanolic extract (70%) of A. sylvestris showed concentration-dependent, strong antioxidant activity as determined by the Schaal Oven test of lard at 60°C. Rancimat analysis at 100°C showed that the antioxidant activity of 70% ethanolic extract of A. sylvestris was superior to quercetin, apigenin, or a tocopherol mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sjenica cheese is our representative white cheese product in brine. It is produced by indigenous technology on Sjenica-Pester plateau, and latterly in the dairy industry. The aim of researches is to show comparative advantages of sheep milk through utilization rate, as well as the utilization rate of milk ingredients and economical aspects of cheese production. It also shows correctness of technological process through distribution of milk components into cheese. Utilization rate, during cheese production, is 32,15% of sheep milk, and 15,17 % of cow milk. Distribution of basic ingredients in cheese production is good, with pure content of 61,14% from sheep milk, and 48,68 % from cow milk; milk fat is 90,91 % in sheep milk and 93,55 % in cow milk. Proteins percentage is 75,86 % in sheep milk and 71,69 % in cow milk.