People who inject drugs (PWIDs) experience high rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, primarily due to needle sharing and limited healthcare access, resulting in a disproportionate disease burden within this population. This prospective study evaluated treatment outcomes in 432 adult patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) at the University Clinical Center of Serbia. Patients were categorized into two groups based on a history of drug addiction: PWIDs (163, 37.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study explores the influence of algal incorporation on the sensory and physicochemical attributes of caseless sausage-ćevap (CSC). Various algae, including , (sea spaghetti), and (wakame), were added at different concentrations to standard CSC formulations. Proximate analysis revealed that the addition of algae did not significantly change crude protein and fat content ( > 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSevere coagulation abnormalities are common in patients with COVID-19 infection. We aimed to investigate the relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokines and coagulation parameters concerning socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. Our study included patients hospitalized during the second wave of COVID-19 in the Republic of Serbia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for around one-third of all HCC cases. Prolonged inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), maintained through a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, is one of the aspects of carcinogenesis, followed by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Immune response dysfunction including the innate and adaptive immunity also plays a role in the development, as well as in the recurrence of HCC after treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: HIV testing in the Northern Kosovo province is challenging, because the infrastructure is being rebuilt after the ethnic conflict. The purpose of this research was to examine self-perceived risk for acquiring HIV infection and factors associated with risk assessment among university students.
Methods: Students completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic data, knowledge about HIV prevention and transmission, attitudes toward people living with (PLHIV) and self-perceived risk for HIV infection.