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The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of an analysis of course titles and descriptions which are part of core adult education university curricula in the United States. The focus of the analysis was on understanding how well these adult education programs, and their curricula, address the need for developing critical literacy and critical literacies for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and social justice. Further, we discuss strategies for promoting critical literacies and DEI in adult education degree programs. The research process included a content analysis of course/class titles and descriptions pertaining to courses/classes offered in adult education programs in almost 50 US higher education institutions, most of which were at the graduate level. The findings revealed that references to the development of critical literacies with a focus on DEI were notably limited among adult education program offerings at identified institutions. Building on these findings, we propose an increased effort in integrating critical literacies (e.g., intercultural literacy, information literacy, racial literacy, etc.) and DEI-related topics that align with critical literacy goals into adult education curricula, which would contribute to adult education students' career success by preparing them to navigate contemporary global, multicultural, and multilingual contexts. By developing critical literacy and related critical literacies, students would engage in critical thinking in a way that supports DEI and promotes social justice within organisations and communities globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent primary immunodeficiency in adult population. The diagnosis is based on low concentration of at least 2 immunoglobulin classes, mostly IgG, with low IgA and/or IgM. Beside recurrent infections, patients with CVID usually suffer from different respiratory, gastrointestinal, autoimmune and malignant diseases. Leading therapeutic approach to managing CVID is regular intravenous (IVIG) and subcutaneous (SCIG) immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with CVID. Material and methods: The present study included 24 patients with CVID who were treated at Clinic of Allergy and Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia from 2012 to 2022. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained from the patients' medical records. The concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA were measured by nephelometry. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive methods, Student t test for independent samples and Fisher exact test. Results: Respiratory manifestations were found in 70.8% of patients, gastrointestinal in 45.8%, autoimmune in 29.2% and malignancies in 20.8%. The presence of autoimmune diseases was the most common within the patients aged between 20 to 30 years, and it was statistically significantly higher comparing to other age groups (p = 0.014). Serum IgG concentration of 7.6 ± 2.7 g/l was measured. Statistically significantly higher IgG concentrations were observed in patients receiving SCIG (10.2 ± 1.6), compared to those receiving IVIG (6.7 ± 2.4) (t = -3.3, p = 0.003). Premedication was required in 44.4% of patients receiving IVIG. Conclusion: The most common complication of CVID are chronic lung diseases. Autoimmune diseases are the most frequently diagnosed in patients between the ages of 20 and 30. The use of SCIG is identified as better form of immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Total immunoglobulin serum concentration measuring in patients with recurrent infections and autoimmune diseases can contribute to timely diagnosis.

Background/Aim. Approximately one-third of individuals with only one cardiovascular (CV) risk factor or without any, as well as 40% of individuals with a concentration of cholesterol less than average, die from CV diseases (CVD). Recent studies underlined the significant role of inflammation in atherosclerosis and its complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with traditional risk factors for coronary heart disease. This is the first such study in Serbia. Methods. This is an observational cross-sectional study, which included active-duty military personnel of similar socio-epidemiological and economic characteristics. Plasma hs-CRP and traditional CV risk factors were evaluated. The relative CV risk was staged as low (hs-CRP < 1 mg/L), intermediate (hs-CRP between 1 and 3 mg/L), and high (hs-CRP > 3 mg/L). The Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) system was used for absolute CV risk assessment and total risk (fatal and non-fatal events). Results. The study included 205 participants, aver-age age of 39 (35–43) years, with median and interquartile range values of hs-CRP 0.80 mg/L (0.43–1.75 mg/L), with average hs-CRP values of 0.71 mg/L in participants younger than 40 years of age and 1.2 mg/L in the older than 40 years. The difference in hs-CRP values between these two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.006). There was a significant positive correlation between hs-CRP and age (r = 0.266, p < 0.001), weight (r = 0.223, p = 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.344, p < 0.001), diastolic hypertension (r = 0.190, p = 0.007), LDL cholesterol (r = 0.152, p = 0.032), triglycerides (r = 0.144, p = 0.039), number of risk factors (r = 0.210, p < 0.003), as well as negative correlation with HDL cholesterol concentration (r = -0.148, p < 0.035). There was no significant correlation between hs- CRP concentration and total cholesterol (r = 0.131, p = 0.062). According to hs-CRP values, high CVD risk was found in 17.7% of participants older than 40 years of age, and based on SCORE system staging, 90% of participants have intermediate CVD risk. The results of stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that BMI was independently associated with an hs-CRP concentration in the group younger than 40 years of age. Among the older participants, age was found to be associated with concentration of fibrinogen. Conclusion. In the population of active military personnel in the Republic of Serbia, hs-CRP is correlated with some of the risk factors for CVD, and only BMI is in-dependently correlated with hs-CRP in those under 40 years of age. Levels of plasma hs-CRP are increased with aging, implying that hs-CRP measurement may provide a more ac-curate assessment of the individual overall risk profile for CVD in the Serbian military personnel population.

Background: It is well known that less than 1% of the population achieves ideal cardiovascular health, and 65% of patients do not have their conventional risk biomarkers under control. Military service has its own particularities that may contribute to cardiovascular risk. Methods: To define the preventive strategy goals, we analysed the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors for coronary artery disease and elevated fibrinogen among active military personnel in the Republic of Serbia. Results: The cross-sectional study included 738 individuals older than 20 years, mostly between 31 and 40 years old. The mean value of SBP for the whole group was 122.39± 9.42 mmHg, and for the DBP, it was 79.94±6.56 mmHg. Among active military personnel, 72.7% (533) had prehypertension, and 13.8% (101) was hypertensive. Both body mass and BMI index among the observed age subgroups were found to increase with the age of the patients and cholesterol values. HDL cholesterol values also differed statistically significantly between age subgroups, with the proportion of individuals with HDL less than 1.5 mmol/L in all subgroups being about 85%, the only in the 41-50 age group was lower, 76.4%. LDL cholesterol and the proportion of individuals who had LDL 3.5 increases with the age of patients, and an identical trend was recorded with triglycerides. With ageing, fibrinogen levels increased. Conclusions: Those findings considering cardio and cerebrovascular risk factors would help create a new approach for primary prevention for these categories of individuals.

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus patients are a vulnerable group of people who are prone to getting infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus has a high binding affinity to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which allows efficient host cell entering, prolonged virus retention, and a possibility of insulin resistance and ketoacidosis development. Case outline. We describe a case of a 20-year-old patient with a past medical history of type 1 diabetes mellitus who presented with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia. Initially, treatment with polyvitamin therapy, corticosteroids, tocilizumab, and convalescent plasma did not improve the patient’s condition, but might have led to the worsening of the underlying disease, high blood glucose level, and ketoacidosis. Patient developed a rapid progression of the disease and severe pneumonia that required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was administrated in order to suppress a hyperactive immune response through its immunomodulatory effect. Forty-eight hours later, respiratory gas exchange was improved, almost complete regression of changes in the lungs was seen, normalization of metabolic and gas exchange parameters was detected. After 14 days of hospitalization, the patient was discharged in good general condition. Conclusion. COVID-19 complicated by diabetes mellitus leads to a poor outcome of the disease, but antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of IVIg suggests that it may be a useful therapeutic agent in cases of COVID-19. In the presented case, the application of IVIg led to a rapid improvement in the patient’s condition.

In the course of their studies, students encounter subjects they regard as difficult or less interesting and which they study only reluctantly, often struggling to pass the final exams. It can be assumed that changes in the manner of studying can lead to greater student motivation for studying and better achievement. Our study aimed to examine to what extent students engage in self-initiated cooperative learning, and examine the correlation of self-initiated cooperative learning with student achievement and motivation. The study was carried out with a convenience sample of 32 second-year undergraduate physics students of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad. The study was designed as a systematic non-experimental survey, using the questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The results indicate that students engage in self-initiated cooperative learning, but that the expected positive effects of cooperative learning are absent. No correlation was found between the use of cooperative learning and learning motivation and student achievement. Nevertheless, the self-initiated cooperative learning observed can serve as the basis for the further development of cooperative learning. The findings of the study suggest the need to provide students with guidelines on how to prepare for cooperative learning, so that they can benefit from this form of learning.

Introduction. Early assessment of the severity and etiology of acute pancreatitis is very important for further treatment procedures. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and procalcitonin as an indicator of severity of acute pancreatitis. Method. The IAP is measured every 12 hours through the urinary catheter placed in the bladder, in 65 patients with acute pancreatitis. Procalcitonin is measured within 24 hours of receipt of the patient, after 48 hours and after 78 hours. These values of procalcitonin and IAP were compared to each other and in relation to the Acute Physiology, Age and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system. Patients with APACHE II score > 8 are defined with moderate and severe acute pancreatitis. Results. The values of IAP (18,1 ± 4,5 mmHg vs 8,9 ± 2,67 mmHg; p = 0,01 ), procalcitonin (15,43 + 2,25 ng/ml vs 3,14 + 1,12 ng/ml; p =0,031) and APACHE II scoring system (17,3 ± 6,24 vs 6,5 ± 1,0; p = 0,013) were significantly higher in patients with moderate and severe acute pancreatitis. The increase in the value of IAP was accompanied by an increase in the value of procalcitonin (r = 0,581, p = 0,01). The sensitivity in the prediction of severe acute pancreatitis after 24 hours of receiving the patient is 91,7% for the IAP, 87,8% for procalcitonin and 84,9% for APACHE II scoring system. Conclusion. The increase in the value of the IAP is accompanied by an increase in the values of procalcitonin, also patients with higher values of APACHE II scoring sys­tem have higher values of IAP and procalcitonin. The values of IAP and procalcitonin can be used as markers of acute pancreatitis severity.

The aim of the study presented in this paper was to test the measurement characteristics of Lawson's test of Scientific Reasoning (LTSR) and to examine the relationship between scientific reasoning levels on the one hand, and socio-demographic variables and students' physics grades on the other. Scientific reasoning is defined as a set of skills necessary for the successful application of the scientific method, which includes problem analysis, formulation and testing of hypotheses, manipulation of variables, and the monitoring and evaluation of results. The test comprises 13 questions aimed at testing scientific reasoning and 11 questions requiring students to provide reasons for their answers. An empirical analysis of the test was conducted on a sample of 547 high school students in Novi Sad and Bačka Palanka. The obtained values of indicators of reliability and representativeness suggest that the test has satisfactory psychometric properties and can therefore be used in further research.

The main goal of this study was to examine the extent to which different teaching instructions focused on the application of laboratory inquire-based experiments (LIBEs) and interactive computer based simulations (ICBSs) improved understanding of physical contents in high school students, compared to traditional teaching approach. Additionally, the study examined how the applied instructions influenced students’ assessment of invested cognitive load. A convenience sample of this research included 187 high school students. A multiple-choice test of knowledge was used as a measuring instrument for the students’ performance. Each task in the test was followed by the five-point Likert-type scale for the evaluation of invested cognitive load. In addition to descriptive statistics, determination of significant differences in performance and cognitive load as well as the calculation of instructional efficiency of applied instructional design, computed one-factor analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test. The findings indicate that teaching instructions based on the use of LIBEs and ICBSs equally contribute to an increase in students’ performance and the reduction of cognitive load unlike traditional teaching of Physics. The results obtained by the students from the LIBEs and ICBSs groups for calculated instructional efficiency suggest that the applied teaching strategies represent effective teaching instructions. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 179010: The Quality of Education System in Serbia from European Perspective]

Introduction. Massive haemorrhage requires infusion of fluids that do not contain coagulation factors, which leads to dilutional coagulopathy. Blood products therapy based on the results of the coarse screening tests can be unpurposeful. Case report. A 75-year-old patient was addmited to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) Clinical Center 'Zvezdara; as an emergency with the symptoms of hypovolemic shock. In order to compensate the lost fluid volume administered as crystalloids, colloids, concentrated red cells and fresh frozen plasma. The patient was quickly transported to the operation room for surgical treatment, with the additional lost about 3 L of blood during surgery. Continued treatment with the administration of crystalloid and 5% albumin in relation 1.3:1, concentrated red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, with the vasoactive support. During the surgery, it was observed that the diffuse bleeding starts. In order to prevent further deterioration of the situation, an analysis of rotation thrombelastometry (ROTEM) is conducted, which showed a low value of MCF 240s in INTEM, as well as in APTEM, the MCF at the lower limit of the FIBTEM, which indicated the need for replacement of fresh frozen plasma and platelets. Therapy is continued, after which thebleeding is stopped, and at the end of surgery, the patient was hemodynamically stable, adequated urine output, transported to the ICU. Conclusion. Application of modern additional tests of coagulation allows quick differential diagnosis of pathophysiological mechanisms of coagulopathy in massive bleeding.

Internationalization is a key element of higher education missions to prepare learners for the global dimensions of their lives and work, which are increasingly integrated. In the United States, adult education graduate programs play a vital role in the wider educational landscape, particularly because of their interconnectedness with diverse disciplines and a working learner student population. Although student and scholar mobility remain important to fostering connections, adult education graduate programs can broaden the scope of internationalization aims. This paper proposes three main opportunities for internationalization growth within adult education graduate programs: incorporating intercultural literacy in formal curricula, emphasizing a continuing professional education approach, and integrating the formal - nonformal - informal education continuum in programs. Conceptualizing efforts within these opportunity sectors can spur innovation central to internationalization initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies investigate student leadership development in educational contexts or curriculum-based programs, little is known about the efficacy of leadership development programs that emerge in municipalities. This mixed methods case study explored the leadership development of participants in three nine-month youth leadership programs at a municipal-based prevention, treatment, and outreach center in the United States. Qualitative focus groups and quantitative surveys using the Student Leadership Practices Inventory (SLPI) were used to collect data at the beginning and end of the three programs along with a post-program evaluative survey. Findings from the qualitative and quantitative analyses are first presented individually and then expressed using a joint display table to visually represent the integrated results. Findings showed that the programs positively influenced participants' perceptions, characteristics, and behaviors as youth leaders in their communities. Participants not only indicated improvements in their leadership practices according to the SLPI from pre- to post-program, but also demonstrated more complex understandings of leadership and what it means to be a leader in one's community. These findings are useful for individuals and organizations planning student leadership development programs and should inform future research in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]