Dermatophytes: Update on Clinical Epidemiology and Treatment.

Dermatophytes represent the largest and most common group of fungal infections, impacting 25% of the global population. Among them, Trichophyton rubrum has emerged as the predominant species, responsible for a range of conditions such as tinea corporis, tinea pedis, onychomycosis, tinea cruris, and tinea manuum. Although dermatophyte incidence varies geographically, there is a noticeable rise in cases caused by T.

Efficacy of Atezolizumab in Subsequent Lines of Therapy for NSCLC Patients: Insights from Real-World Data.

Unlabelled: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like atezolizumab have improved outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, especially in the second-line setting after progression on platinum-based chemotherapy. However, access to ICIs remains limited in many developing nations. This study evaluated the efficacy of atezolizumab as a second-line versus later-line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients in Serbia.

Correlation of the severity of the clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with respiratory function parameters in the post-COVID period.

Introduction: Since COVID-19 first surfaced in 2019, it has seriously threatened public health. The most prevalent symptoms are respiratory ones. This study aimed to present the correlation between the severity of the clinical presentation of the disease and the results of respiratory function tests conducted within 6 months after hospital discharge.

The Association of Immune-Related Adverse Events with the Efficacy of Atezolizumab in Previously Treated Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Single-Center Experience.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are pivotal in managing metastatic non-oncogene addicted non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They have unique toxicities known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Previous studies have linked irAEs during atezolizumab-based first-line treatments in advanced NSCLC with improved outcomes.

Contemporary Diagnostics of Cardiac Sarcoidosis: The Importance of Multimodality Imaging.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition that can affect multiple organ systems and is characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in various organs, including the heart. Due to suboptimal diagnostic rates, the true prevalence and incidence of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) remain to be determined. In patients with suspected CS, an initial examination should include 12-lead ECG or ambulatory ECG monitoring, and echocardiography with the estimation of LV, RV function, and strain rate.

Towards zero-waste processes: Waste wool derivatives as phosphate adsorbents and auxiliaries for textiles' natural dyeing.

The textile industry is a pillar of the manufacturing sector worldwide, but it still represents a significantly polluting production sector since it is energy-, water- and natural resource-intensive. Herein, waste wool that did not meet the technical requirements to be used for yarns and fabrics was recovered first to prepare materials for wastewater remediation, specifically for phosphate removal. The wool underwent an alkaline treatment, eventually saturated with FeCl and then left at room temperature or thermally treated to induce crosslinking/stabilisation, obtaining adsorbent panels.

Characteristics of Patients with Sarcoidosis with Emphasis on Acute vs. Chronic Forms-A Single Center Experience.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that can affect almost any organ. Although the acute form can have spontaneous regression, a certain number of patients can have a chronic form, which leads to an increase in mortality and a decrease in the quality of life. Considering that the risk factors are still unknown, we wanted to compare the characteristics of patients with acute and chronic forms of sarcoidosis in Serbia in order to determine significant differences between them with hopes of contributing to everyday clinical practice.

Phenotype and Clinicoradiological Differences in Multifocal and Focal Bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic progressive respiratory disease characterized by permanent dilatation of the bronchi. It is a complex condition with numerous different etiologies, co-morbidities, and a heterogeneous presentation. As we know, there is a lack of studies that describe the differences and compare the characteristics between focal and multifocal bronchiectasis.

Influence of Achalasia on the Spirometry Flow-Volume Curve and Peak Expiratory Flow.

Background: Achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder characterized by aperistalsis and the failure of the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. We want to find out whether external compression or recurrent micro-aspiration of undigested food has a functional effect on the airway.

Methods: The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of achalasia on the peak expiratory flow and flow-volume curve.

The Effects of Six Weeks Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional and Psychological Outcomes in Long-COVID Patients: Preliminary Results from Serbian Single Center Study.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional and psychological outcomes in long-COVID patients. The prospective clinical study included 46 patients that were diagnosed with COVID-19. A respiratory rehabilitation program was implemented for six weeks.

Correlation between Radiological Characteristics, PET-CT and Histological Subtypes of Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma-A 102 Case Series Analysis.

Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the world for both men and women as well as the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The aim of this study is to summarize the radiological characteristics between primary lung adenocarcinoma subtypes and to correlate them with FDG uptake on PET-CT. This retrospective study included 102 patients with pathohistologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma.

Effective Differences between 2D and 3D Planned Brachytherapy in Lung Cancer: An Institutional Retrospective Study.

: Advanced lung cancer is usually manifested by endoluminal tumor propagation, resulting in central airway obstruction. The objective of this study is to compare the high dose rate brachytherapy treatment outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) depending on the treatment planning pattern-two-dimension (2D) or three-dimension (3D) treatment planning. : The study was retrospective and two groups of patients were compared in it (a group of 101 patients who underwent 2D planned high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy (HDR-EBBT) in 2017/18 and a group of 83 patients who underwent 3D planned HDR-EBBT between January 2021 and June 2023).

Diagnosis of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Clinical, Radiological or Laboratory?

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a chronic progressive lung disease associated with a poor prognosis and a 5-year mortality rate of approximately 40-50%. The disease is characterized by slowly progressive destruction of the lung parenchyma, in the form of multiple cavities, nodules, infiltrates or fibrosis. CPA can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms and similarities with other respiratory conditions combined with the poor awareness of the medical community about the disease.

Invasive Diagnostic Procedures from Bronchoscopy to Surgical Biopsy-Optimization of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Samples for Molecular Testing.

: Treatment of advanced lung cancer (LC) has become increasingly personalized over the past decade due to an improved understanding of tumor molecular biology and antitumor immunity. The main task of a pulmonologist oncologist is to establish a tumor diagnosis and, ideally, to confirm the stage of the disease with the least invasive technique possible. : The paper will summarize published reviews and original papers, as well as published clinical studies and case reports, which studied the role and compared the methods of invasive pulmonology diagnostics to obtain adequate tumor tissue samples for molecular analysis, thereby determining the most effective molecular treatments.

Knowledge is the most powerful tool in the fight against tuberculosis.

Introduction: In October 2022, after almost two years, tuberculosis reclaimed its first place as the world's deadliest infectious disease, replacing COVID-19. Since knowledge is the most powerful tool to combat any disease, the primary goal of our study was to assess patients' knowledge of tuberculosis and its relationship to their socio-demographic status.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 1,067 respiratory patients who were surveyed between November 2021 and June 2022 at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina (Serbia).

King's Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ) - Validation study in Serbian speaking population of sarcoidosis patients.

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multiorgan, multisystem chronic disease of unknown etiology and unpredictable course. Health status is reduced in sarcoidosis and assessing it is a difficult multitask effort due to many faces this disease might have. Recently, a new questionnaire for assessing health status in sarcoidosis was developed by a group of authors from England-King's Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ).

Hematological Indices Are Useful in Predicting Complications of Liver Cirrhosis.

Background: Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease. We aimed to evaluate non-invasive scores as predictors of complications and outcome in cirrhotic patients.

Methods: A total of 150 cirrhotic patients were included.

The usefulness of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio for diagnosis and assessment of COPD severity.

Background: Inflammation, oxidative stress and an imbalance between proteases and protease inhibitors are recognized pathophysiological features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in patients with COPD and to assess their relationship with lung function, symptom severity scores and recent acute exacerbations.

Methods: In this observational cohort study, serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in the peripheral blood of COPD patients with stable disease and healthy controls were determined, and their association with lung function (postbronchodilator spirometry, body plethysmography, single breath diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide), symptom severity scores (mMRC and CAT) and exacerbation history were assessed.

Changes in pacing variation with increasing race duration in ultra-triathlon races.

Despite the increasing scientific interest in the relationship between pacing and performance in endurance sports, little information is available about pacing and pacing variation in ultra-endurance events such as ultra-triathlons. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the trends of pacing, pacing variation, the influence of age, sex, and performance level in ultra-triathlons of different distances. We analysed 969 finishers (849 men, 120 women) in 46 ultra-triathlons longer than the original Ironman® distance (e.

Large-Vessel Giant Cell Arteritis following COVID-19-What Can HLA Typing Reveal?

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an immune-mediated vasculitis that affects large arteries. It has been hypothesized that viruses may trigger inflammation within the vessel walls. Genetic studies on human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) have previously reported HLA-DRB1*04 as a susceptible allele for GCA and HLA-DRB1*15 as a protective allele for GCA.

Diagnosis and treatment of adult asthma patients in Serbia: a 2022 experts group position statement.

Introduction: Asthma is the most common non-communicable chronic lung condition across all ages. Epidemiological data indicate that many asthma patients in Serbia remain undiagnosed and untreated. The implementation of recent global advances in asthma management is limited due to the lack of a systematic approach, drug availability and regulatory affairs.

Autoimmune and immunoserological markers of COVID-19 pneumonia: Can they help in the assessment of disease severity.

Background: Immune dysregulation and associated inefficient anti-viral immunity during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause tissue and organ damage which shares many similarities with pathogenetic processes in systemic autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigate wide range autoimmune and immunoserological markers in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods: Study included 51 patients with confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection and hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia.

Association between active pulmonary tuberculosis and miRNA-146a: A preliminary study from Serbia.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant public health problem. The role of small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), was investigated extensively in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection as well as in a variety of other pathophysiological processes in recent years. It was found that miRNAs act as regulators of both early reaction to MTB infection and in process of adaptation of the host immune cells during latent course of the disease.