Assessment of the Quality of Cause-of-Death Data in Serbia for 2005-2019 Vital Statistics Performance Index Estimation.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the quality of the cause of death (COD) concerning mortality patterns and completeness of death registration to identify areas for improvement in Serbia.

Methods: COD data collected from the mortality register in Serbia from 2005 to 2019 (1540615 deaths) were analyzed with the software Analysis of National Causes of Death for Action. The Vital Statistics Performance Index for Quality (VSPI(Q)) is estimated for the overall COD data quality.

DN4 questionnaire as a useful tool for evaluating the pharmacotherapeutic response to opioid pharmacotherapy in malignant neuropathy.

Tapentadol is a drug of choice for neuropathic cancer pain. questionnaire quickly determines neuropathic pain component. The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between neuropathic malignant pain component by applying tapentadol antidolorose pharmacotherapy in combination with palliative radiotherapy of osseous neuropathic metastatic changes in breast cancer patients before and after palliative radiotherapy.

Increase in Frequency of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Bone Marrow of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: Potential Implications in Myelofibrosis.

The Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), defined as clonal disorders of the hematopoietic stem cells, are characterized by the proliferation of mature myeloid cells in the bone marrow and a chronic inflammatory status impacting the initiation, progression, and symptomatology of the malignancies. There are three main entities defined as essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and genetically classified by JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutations. In MPNs, due to the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines by the neoplastic cells and non-transformed immune cells, chronic inflammation may provoke the generation and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressors cells (MDSCs) that highly influence the adaptive immune response.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Level in Synovial Fluid-Association with Joint Destruction in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background and objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the key enzymes in the pathogenesis of cartilage and joint damage and potentially a new biomarker of the early erosive form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Firstly, the study aimed to compare the level of MMP-9 in plasma (PL) and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA). Secondly, the goal was to examine the association of MMP-9 level in PL and SF with early erosive changes in RA, and finally, to determine the association of MMP-9 level with serological parameters of the disease (rheumatoid factor-RF and anti-citrulline protein antibodies-ACPA).

Computational analysis of MRIs predicts osteosarcoma chemoresponsiveness.

This study aimed to improve osteosarcoma chemoresponsiveness prediction by optimization of computational analysis of MRIs. Our retrospective predictive model involved osteosarcoma patients with MRI scans performed before OsteoSa MAP neoadjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. We found that several monofractal and multifractal algorithms were able to classify tumors according to their chemoresponsiveness.

The predictive value of Klotho polymorphism, in addition to classical markers of CKD-MBD, for left ventricular hypertrophy in haemodialysis patients.

Purpose: Cardiovascular events are the major reasons for mortality in haemodialysis patients. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), Klotho protein and G-395A Klotho gene polymorphism have been associated with effects on the cardiovascular system. Our study investigates the interrelationship between Klotho protein gene variations, mineral-bone metabolism and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis programme.

Significance of the Ki-67 proliferation index in the assessment of the therapeutic response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced cervical cancer.

Objective: The purposes of this study were to examine the therapeutic response of advanced cervical cancer to Ki-67 proliferative index (Ki-67 PI) dependent cisplatin chemotherapy, and to determine Ki-67 PI referential value that is expected to provide a satisfactory therapeutic response of cervical cancer to cisplatin chemotherapy.

Patients And Methods: This prospective study enrolled 59 patients treated for cervical cancer at Clinic for Oncology, Clinical Center Nis, Serbia. According to the obtained Ki-67 PI values, patients were divided into three groups, and all the patients received the same cytostatic, cisplatin.

Downregulation of autophagy gene expression in endometria from women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Autophagy, a process of controlled cellular self-digestion, could be involved in cyclic remodeling of the human endometrium. We investigated endometrial mRNA expression of 23 autophagy-related (ATG) genes and transcription factors in healthy controls (n = 12) and anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients (n = 24), as well as in their subgroup (n = 12) before and after metformin treatment. The mRNA levels of transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and several molecules involved in autophagosome formation (ATG13, RB1-inducible coiled-coil 1), autophagosome nucleation (ATG14, beclin 1, SH3-domain GRB2-like endophilin B1), autophagosome elongation (ATG3, ATG5, γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein - GABARAP), and delivery of ubiquitinated proteins to autophagosomes (sequestosome 1), were significantly reduced in anovulatory PCOS compared to healthy endometrium.

[Contribution of novel anticoagulants fondaparinux and dabigatran to venous thromboembolism prevention].

The data that episodes and sequels of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are recorded in a significant percentage of patients receiving standard anticoagulants as VTE prophylaxis (unfractionated, low-molecular-weight heparin and vitamin K inhibitors) as well as the fact that these drugs have significant limitations and that they may cause serious side-effects in some patients indicate the need for the introduction of new anticoagulant drugs. Fondaparinux, a selective inhibitor of Factor Xa, administered following major orthopedic surgeries having a high risk for the development of VTE, is more efficient than enoxaparin sodium used in European and North-American approved doses. The increased incidence of major bleeding (excluding fatal) due to fondaparinux could be perhaps lowered by dosage reduction in patients with a mildly decreased creatinine clearance.

[Contemporary approach to primary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism regarding the impact of risk factors on anticoagulation therapy duration].

Adequate thromboprophylaxis primarily requires timely detection of reversible and irreversible risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and their categorization. It is important to note that the highest percentage ofVTE episodes occur in non-surgical (medical) patients and that VTE develops in a large number of surgical patients upon hospital discharge; this emphasizes the need for adequate VTE prevention in inflammatory diseases, acute medical illness and other medical diseases as well as for prolonging and optimizing the anticoagulant regimen after surgical intervention in the primary VTE prophylaxis. As almost completely unrecognized and neglected major risk factors of VTE in clinical practice, we particularly point out the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure, especially in NYHA functional class III and IV patients with significantly reduced left heart ventricle.

[Traumatic dental injuries in Serbian children--epidemiological study].

Introduction: Comprehensive epidemiological data regarding factors associated with traumatic dental injuries are scarce.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency and analyze the factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in Serbian children.

Methods: Research included children and adolescents with traumatic dental injury aged 0-19 year during the period from 2003 to 2010, in four University Dental Centres in Serbia: Belgrade, Nis, Novi Sad and Kragujevac.

[Chiari pelvic osteotomy in treatment of hip dysplasia].

Chiari pelvic osteotomy is a surgical procedure having been performed for almost sixty years in patients with the insufficient coverage of the femoral head. It is most frequently used in young patients with dysplastic acetabular sockets as a part of developmental hip dysplasia. Even though performance of the Chiari osteotomy is associated with positive therapeutical results, above all, its main goal is to delay inevitable degenerative changes.

Migration of fluoride ions from the permanent teeth into saliva in children with glass ionomer cement restorations: an in vitro study.

Background/aim: Glass ionomer cements (GIC) belong to the group of polycarboxyl cements, and one of the principal characteristics of these materials is their anticariogenic potential of fluorine release into saliva and enamel-dentin substance. The aim of this study was to examine the content of released fluorine from GIC restorations (Fuji IX, GC, Japan) of young permanent teeth in the medium of artificial saliva and similar releases in the same medium by the restorations of these teeth treated with a low concentration fluoride solution.

Methods: We examined 12 premolars extracted from orthodontic reasons.

[Efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of chronic gingivitis in children].

Introduction/aim: Gingivitis is a common occurrence in children and may well be thought as a risk factor for the appearance and progression of the diseases of parodontal tissues. It is thus necessary to react in a timely and adequate fashion to prevent the disease to become serious and produce parodontopathy. The aim of the study was to establish the efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of chronic gingivitis in children.

Oncology treatment improvement--our experience in Serbia.

Objectives: To determine weather structural changes by a tumor board made any difference in quality of treatment for oncology patients.

Material And Method: Current management of our hospital initiated structural changes in the tumor board in January 2010 and improvement was measured through comparing the clinical staging of cervical cancer to previous tumor board results.

Results: 365 patients were seen by a multidisciplinary tumor board from January to December of 2010.

Chronic gingivitis: the prevalence of periodontopathogens and therapy efficiency.

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of gingival inflammation and the prevalence of periodontopathogenic microorganisms in adolescents with chronic gingivitis, as well as to compare the effectiveness of two approaches in gingivitis treatment-basic therapy alone and basic therapy + adjunctive low-level laser therapy (LLLT). After periodontal evaluation, the content of gingival pockets of 140 adolescents with gingivitis was analyzed by multiplex PCR for the presence of P. gingivalis, A.

Cytomorphometric and clinical investigation of the gingiva before and after low-level laser therapy of gingivitis in children.

Gingival epithelial cells are the first physical barrier against periodontal pathogenic microorganisms. Bacterial products may penetrate the epithelium and directly disturb its integrity. We investigated the clinical and cytomorphological status of the gingiva in children with gingivitis before and after low-level laser therapy.

Acute patellar dislocation in adolescents: operative versus nonoperative treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective non-randomised study was to compare the efficacy of two opposed methods, operative and conservative. Our hypothesis was that if the method was selected correctly, on an individual basis, the results should be approximately equal.

Methods: The study included 37 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years, with a mean follow up of 6.

[Diagnosis and treatment of Paget disease of the spinal vertebrae].

Paget disease, localized only on thoracic spine is extremly rare. It is a huge diagnostic problem and an equally big therapy challenge. Course of this disease is slow, it chronically worsens, thus demanding differentiation of various conditions, along with orthopaedic, neurological, radiographic and endocrine evaluation.

[The quantity of information which parents and their seven-year-old children have on the affects of nutrition, oral hygiene and fluoride prophylaxis on dental health].

Introduction: Health education plays a crucial road in maintaining good oral health of human population and, primarily, in reducing the incidence of caries as one of the most frequent oral diseases. This implies the need for a change in the behaviour of individuals, groups or the society as a whole, in terms of the following: establishing a proper nutrition regime, establishing the habit of maintaining oral hygiene and the use of fluorides. The goal of the paper is to determine the quantity of information which parents and their seven year old children have on the effects of nutrition, oral hygiene and fluoride prophylaxis on dental health in rural and urban environment.

[Analysis of enzyme activity and the level of malondialdehyde in the saliva of children with gingivitis].

Introduction/aim: By analysing activity of some of the enzymes normally present in the saliva and the level of malondialdehyde in gingivitis, it is possible to estimate the functional condition of parodontium, and the examined parametres can be considered as biochemical markers of its functional condition. The aim of this paper was to examine activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and the level of malondialdehyde in the saliva of children affected with gingivitis, as well as the values of the mentioned parametres in relation to the level of the inflammation of gingiva.

Methods: The research included 120 children at the age of 12.

Changes in common melanocytic naevi after intense sun exposure: digital dermoscopic study with a 1-year follow-up.

Background: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces acute changes in common melanocytic naevi (CMN).

Aim: To analyse changes in size and dermoscopic structures of CMN in healthy individuals under the influence of intense sun exposure and to investigate effectiveness of sunscreen usage in preventing the appearance of dermoscopic changes.

Methods: The subjects were divided into an SS group and a non-SS group, according to whether they used sunscreen or not.

[Low-level laser efficiency in the therapy of chronic gingivitis in children].

Background/aim: Gingivitis is a frequent phenomenon in children considered to be a risk factor for the occurrence and progression of paradontal tissue disease. So, it is necessary not only to identify inflammation, but also to react in due time and adequately in order to avoid further disease spread and the beginning of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of a low-level laser application in the therapy of chronic gingivitis in children.

[Caries risk estimation in children regarding values of saliva buffer system components and carboanhydrase activity].

Background/aim: One of the preconditions for efficacious systematic reduction of caries prevalence and prophylaxis is the determination of risks of this disease appearance. The aim of this study was to prove the significance of salivary carboanhydrase activity determination in estimation of caries risk in children.

Methods: The study included 123 children of average age of 13.

[The importance of health education in prevention of oral health in children].

Unlabelled: HEALTH EDUCATION: The aim of education is to impart knowledge on the causes of disease and decay of the teeth and periodontium, on the ways and possibilities of disease prevention and adequate treatment; to point out to the necessity of proper nutrition, regular and proper oral hygiene, proper use of fluoride products as well as to the significance of regular check-ups with a dentist.

Nutrition: Frequent intake of carbohydrates leads to a higher prevalence of caries. Taking into consideration that it is neither obtainable nor recommendable to completely eliminate glucoses from the nutrition components, it is necessary to advice parents and children to take glucose (if possible) only along with the regular meal when the saliva flow is increased.