Oxidative Homeostasis in Follicular Fluid and Embryo Quality-A Pilot Study.

The objective of this study was to measure the different redox biomarker levels within the follicular fluid (FF) and evaluate correlations with embryo quality using the one follicle-one oocyte/embryo approach. The prospective study included 54 women (average age 34.6 ± 3.

Prognostic Factors for Cancer-Specific Survival and Disease-Free Interval in 130 Patients with Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: Single Institution Experience.

Background: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is categorized into three groups: minimally invasive FTC (MIFTC), encapsulated angioinvasive FTC (EAIFTC), and widely invasive FTC (WIFTC). FTC is the second most common type of thyroid tumor, though it remains relatively rare in the general population. This study aimed to examine the prognosis and prognostic factors in patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma.

Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.

Background: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is frequently associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), leading to potentially life-threatening bleeding. Compared to bleeding, thromboses are a less commonly encountered problem.

Objective: The objective of our study was to identify the incidence and predictive value of demographic data, clinical-laboratory parameters, and thrombosis risk assessment models (RAMs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with APL.

Validation of prognostic models in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a real-world nationwide population-based study - development of a clinical nomogram.

The International Prognostic Index (IPI) is the most frequently used tool for prognostication in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of all ages. This study validated and compared six models developed for patients above 60 with International Prognostic Indices (IPI, R-IPI, NCCN-IPI). Moreover, we created a clinical nomogram with an online tool for individualized predictions.

Factors associated with low birth weight in low-income populations in the Western Balkans: insights from the multiple indicator cluster survey.

Introduction: Low birth weight, defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g, represents a significant public health concern with a multifactorial risk dimension. Socio-demographic factors and individual characteristics of women and their social environment could influence low birth weight. This study aimed to analyze the association between the socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics of women living in low-income households and low birth weight in Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Association of Activated Clotting Time-Guided Anticoagulation with Complications during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requires systemic anticoagulation to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. Despite its historic role, activated clotting time (ACT) remains a widely used heparin monitoring method. Systematic evidence on the association of ACT-guided monitoring with hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications does not exist.

A Real-World Data-Based Analysis of Prognostic Indices as Part of Trial Eligibility Criteria in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients.

Objectives: Recent front-line clinical trials used the International Prognostic Index (IPI) to identify trial-eligible patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, many IPI-like variants with improved accuracy have been developed over the years for rituximab-treated patients.

Methods: We assessed the impact of International Prognostic Indices on patient enrolment in clinical trials, aiming to exclude low-risk IPI patients based on POLARIX/EPCORE DLBCL-2 trial criteria.

Anticoagulation Monitoring Using Activated Clotting Time in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis of Correlation Coefficients.

Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) requires systemic anticoagulation to maintain the circuit patency. However, the use of anticoagulation carries a risk of severe hemorrhage, necessitating rigorous monitoring. Activated clotting time (ACT) is a widely used monitoring tool; however, the evidence of its correlation with unfractionated heparin (UFH) infusion dose is limited.

A real-world analysis of pharmacotherapy adherence and the factors influencing it in Serbia: a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Monitoring the pharmacotherapy adherence in society is crucial for identifying occurance and causes of potential inadequate use of drugs and inform providers about the need for better customer counceling. It is necessary component of the strategic planning of the quality of healthcare services. This population- based study aimed to assess the medication intake adherence in the Republic of Serbia and the individual factors and health system variables influencing its pattern.

Can pharmacogenetics impact the therapeutic effect of cytarabine and anthracyclines in adult acute myeloid leukaemia patients?: A Serbian experience.

Background: Cytarabine-anthracycline-based induction chemotherapy remains the standard of care for remission induction among patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). There are remarkable differences in therapy response among AML patients. This fact could be partly explained by the patients' genetic variability related to the metabolic paths of cytarabine and anthracyclines.

Revisiting beta-2 microglobulin as a prognostic marker in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Background: Several clinical prognostic models for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have been proposed, including the most commonly used International Prognostic Index (IPI), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network IPI (NCCN-IPI), and models incorporating beta-2 microglobulin (β2M). However, the role of β2M in DLBCL patients is not fully understood.

Methods: We identified 6075 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL treated with immunochemotherapy registered in the Danish Lymphoma Registry.

Anti-Xa-guided Anticoagulation With Unfractionated Heparin and Thrombosis During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: The initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) triggers complex coagulation processes necessitating systemic anticoagulation. Therefore, anticoagulation monitoring is crucial to avoid adverse events such as thrombosis and hemorrhage. The main aim of this work was to analyze the association between anti-Xa levels and thrombosis occurrence during ECMO support.

Using machine learning algorithms and techniques for defining the impact of affective temperament types, content search and activities on the internet on the development of problematic internet use in adolescents' population.

Background: By using algorithms and Machine Learning - ML techniques, the aim of this research was to determine the impact of the following factors on the development of Problematic Internet Use (PIU): sociodemographic factors, the intensity of using the Internet, different contents accessed on the Internet by adolescents, adolescents' online activities, life habits and different affective temperament types.

Methods: Sample included 2,113 adolescents. The following instruments were used: questionnaire about: socio-demographic characteristics, intensity of the Internet use, content categories and online activities on the Internet; Facebook (FB) usage and life habits; The Internet Use Disorder Scale (IUDS).

Trends in oesophageal cancer mortality in Montenegro, 1990-2018.

Background: Oesophageal cancer (OC) is a significant public health issue, despite the decreasing trends in OC mortality rates observed globally in the past decades. The objective of our study is to analyze the pattern of OC mortality in Montenegro between 1990 and 2018 and contribute to the development of a national long-term strategy for the prevention and control of this malignancy.

Methods: The data on OC death cases in Montenegro between 1990 and 2018 were collected.

Mortality trend of cutaneous melanoma in Montenegro from 1990-2018.

Objective: Every year, melanoma claims over 20,000 lives in Europe. In Montenegro, as in Europe, numerous campaigns have been initiated to raise public awareness about the importance of melanoma prevention and its early detection. Thus, accompanying current diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, new methods of melanoma diagnosis and treatment have been implemented.

Immediate and long-term effects of COVID-19 on antibiotic dispensing: increasing use of Watch antibiotics.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected antibiotic usage worldwide. However, there is limited data from Serbia. Dispensing of oral antibiotics in Serbian pharmacies was analyzed to calculate monthly and yearly changes between 2018-2021, and to explore immediate and long-term effects of COVID-19 on antibiotic dispensing during this period.

Association of anti-factor Xa-guided anticoagulation with hemorrhage during ECMO support: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with complex hemostatic changes. Systemic anticoagulation is initiated to prevent clotting in the ECMO system, but this comes with an increased risk of bleeding. Evidence on the use of anti-Xa-guided monitoring to prevent bleeding during ECMO support is limited.

Predisposition and Working Conditions for the Occurrence of Lumbar Syndrome in Medical Workers of the Clinical Center of Montenegro during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Lumbar pain is a condition of discomfort in the lower back caused by numerous factors, lasting for short or longer periods of time. Healthcare professionals, regardless of the type of care they are engaged in, are at risk of lumbar pain. This is the first study that deals with the problem of lumbar syndrome in health workers in Montenegro.

Nurses' Perception of Tension, Stress, and Pressure before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Serbian Study.

The mental health of healthcare workers, especially the nursing staff in intensive care units, is crucial for the optimal functioning of healthcare systems during medical emergencies. This study implements a cross-sectional design to investigate the associations between nurses' personal characteristics, workplace challenges, and job satisfaction with the increased perception of tension, stress, and pressure at the workplace (TSPW) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we surveyed 4210 nurses from 19 intensive healthcare facilities in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, and, at that time, collected data about their perceived TSPW before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Comparative Effects of Myo-Inositol and Metformin Therapy on the Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Women of Normal Weight Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem reproductive-metabolic disorder and the most common endocrine cause of infertility. The objective of our study was to determine the influence of myo-inositol (MI) on insulin resistance (IR), menstrual cycle regularity, and hyperandrogenism in women suffering from PCOS with normal BMI and diagnosed IR.

Methods: We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) that included 60 participants with PCOS who had IR and a normal BMI.

Trends in Gastric Cancer Mortality in Montenegro, 1990-2018: Joinpoint Regression.

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant global public health problem, despite the decreasing trends in GC mortality rates in the last 5 decades. Our study aimed to examine the pattern of GC mortality in Montenegro between 1990 and 2018 and to contribute to the future by designing a national long-term strategy for the control and prevention of GC.

Methods: Gastric cancer mortality data in Montenegro from 1990 to 2018 were collected.

Should we use nomograms for risk predictions in diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients? A systematic review.

Models based on risk stratification are increasingly reported for Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Due to a rising interest in nomograms for cancer patients, we aimed to review and critically appraise prognostic models based on nomograms in DLBCL patients. A literature search in PubMed/Embase identified 59 articles that proposed prognostic models for DLBCL by combining parameters of interest (e.

Variant Genotype Affects the Risk of Developing Severe Forms of COVID-19.

In SARS-CoV-2 infection, excessive activation of the immune system intensively increases reactive oxygen species levels, causing harmful hyperinflammatory and oxidative state cumulative effects which may contribute to COVID-19 severity. Therefore, we assumed that antioxidant genetic profile, independently and complemented with laboratory markers, modulates COVID-19 severity. The study included 265 COVID-19 patients.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use among the population of the Republic of Serbia - A cross-sectional study.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance presents one of the most significant threats to public health. This study aimed to examine antibiotic usage within the general population in the Republic of Serbia and their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning this topic.

Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study over two weeks in December 2022, on a sample of 1014 respondents, representative of the Republic of Serbia's population.