The study of cognitive functioning and psychosocial aspects of children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis

Multipla skleroza (MS) je hronična autoimunska inflamatorna bolest centralnog nervnog sistema, sa diseminovanim demijelinacionim lezijama CNS. Ova bolest je jedno od najčešćih uzroka onesposobljenosti kod mladih odraslih osoba. Oko 2 -5% obolelih prve simptome bolesti ima pre 18. godine, a kod oko 1% obolelih ova bolest počinje pre 10. godine života. Procena težine bolesti samo na osnovu objektivnog kliničkog nalaza nije dovoljna, jer ne daje uvid u subjektivni doživljaj simptoma bolesti i teškoće sa kojima se ovi bolesnici sreću u svakodnevnom životu. Merenje kvaliteta života je sveobuhvatnije u proceni zdravlja u odnosu na testove koji procenjuju samo neurološki deficit bolesnika sa multiplom sklerozom. Cilj: Cilj ove studije je bila procena kognitivnih funkcija i kvaliteta života kod dece i adolescenata obolelih od multiple skleroze, kao i njihova korelacija sa kliničko-demografskim obeležjima bolesti. Metodologija: Ova studija je dizajnirana kao studija preseka kod dece i aodolescenata sa dijagnozom MS. Demografske i kliničke podatke prikupili smo za 26 bolesnika, a podatke o kvalitetu života, anksioznosti, depresiji i osećaju hroničnog zamora dobili smo od 21 ispitanika uzrasta od 14 do 18 godina. U proceni kvaliteta života korišćeni su KIDSCREEN-52 upitnici za decu i roditelje. Revidirana skala za anksioznost i depresiju dece (Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale - RCADS) je korišćena da bi se procenili anksiozni i depresivni simptomi, a zamor je procenjivan primenom PedsFACIT-F upitnika za funkcionalnu procenu terapije hronične bolesti u pedijatriji (Pediatric - Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue - PedsFACIT-F). Rezultati: Svi ispitanici su imali blagi stepen neurološkog deficita, sa EDSS (Proširena skala funkcionalne onesposobljenosti) skorom u opsegu od 0 do 3,5. U poređenju sa nacionalnim podacima za zdrave adolescente, skorovi procene fizičkog funkcionisanja su bili značajno niži kod adolescenata sa MS, prema podacima dobijenim kako od samih ispitanika, tako i od njihovih roditelja. Pet (23,8%) adolescenata je imalo RCADS skor unutar kliničkog značaja...Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with disseminated demyelinating lesions of the CNS. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common causes of severe disability in young adult people. Approximately 2 -5% of patients have the first symptoms of the disease before the age of 18 and in about 1% of patients the disease begins before the age of 10. Evaluation of disease severity based only on objective clinical findings is not sufficient, because it does not provide insight into the subjective experience of the symptoms of the disease and the difficulties that these patients have in everyday life. Measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are considered to be more comprehensive in health outcome assessments than the scales assessing only the degree of neurological deficit of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate cognitive functions and HRQOL and its correlates with clinical and demographic characteristics of the disease among children and adolescents with MS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in children and adolescents with diagnosis of MS. Demographic and clinical data were collected for 26 patients, and we received the data on quality of life, anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue from 21 subjects with MS, aged 14 to 18 years. The KIDSCREEN-52 measures for children and parents were used in HRQOL assessments. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were identified by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), while fatigue was assessed by the Pediatric - Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (PedsFACIT-F)..

The most common health disorders and welfare of dairy cows and calves

Three farms of dairy cows (A, B and C) were observed for health disorders of dairy cows and suckling calves. Farm A is farm with tied system of rearing, with 1100 cows, while farms B and C have 400 and 600 cows kept loose with outdoor pens, respectively. Data regarding welfare criteria of dairy cows (health, feeding, housing and behaviour) were collected and analysed through Protocol of Welfare Quality (2009). Health disorders of dairy cows and suckling calves were collected and statistically analysed by chi-square test (X2 test). Welfare of all of three dairy farms were assessed as acceptable, meaning that provided welfare conditions meet the minimum requirements of animals. Principle of provision of good health was rated as acceptable (≥20 points) on farm A, while on farms with loose system (B and C) overall health rated as excellent (≥80 points). Occurrence rate of reproductive, locomotor, skin and claws disorders and digestive and systemic disorders of dairy cows and calves up to 4 months old were very different between three farms (A, B, C) with X2-values of 2901.71, 252.02, 204.08, 1152.31 and 184.23 respectively; α<0.01). According presented data, it is obvious that the majority health problems were observed in tied system of rearing, on farm A, such as reproductive disorders and mastitis, as well as injuries and bad body score and lame cows. The most serious health problems of the calves were diarrhea and bronchopneumonia of different etiology

Priprema i karakterizacija poli(Uretan-siloksan)/titan-dioksid nanokompozita

This work is focused on preparation of poly(urethane-siloxane)/titanium-dioxide nanocomposites (PUSNs) with enhanced features. PUSNs were prepared by the in situ polymerization reaction using titanium-dioxide as a nano-filler in different amounts (1, 2, 3 and 5 wt.%) with respect to the poly(urethane-siloxane) (PUS) matrix. PUS copolymer was based on α,ω-dihy-droxy-ethoxypropyl-poly(dimethylsiloxane), 4,4’-methylenediphenyldiisocyanate and 1,4-bu-tanediole. In order to investigate the influence of TiO 2 content on the structure, UV resistance, thermal properties, hydrophobicity and morphology of the prepared PUSNs, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle measurements, surface free energy (SFE) analysis, water absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed. The PUSNs showed excellent UV resistance, high hydrophobicity, low surface free energy and also higher thermal stability and rougher surface and cross-section relief structure as compared to the pure PUS copolymer. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that prepared PUSNs could be potentially used as protective coatings. © 2019, Association of Chemists and Chemical Engineers of Serbia. All rights reserved

Supplementary material for the article: Stefanović, I. S.; Špírková, M.; Poreba, R.; Steinhart, M.; Ostojić, S.; Tešević, V.; Pergal, M. V. Study of the Properties of Urethane-Siloxane Copolymers Based on Poly(Propylene Oxide)-b-Poly(Dimethylsiloxane)-b-Poly(Propylene Oxide) Soft Segments. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research 2016, 55 (14), 3960–3973. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.5b04975

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.5b04975]Related to published version: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1918

Inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy

Upalne bolesti crijeva često zahvaćaju žene generativne dobi. Često se postavlja pitanje utjecaja trudnoće na prirodni tijek bolesti, utjecaja same bolesti na tijek i ishod trudnoće te sigurnosti primjene lijekova u trudnoći. Žene s upalnom bolesti crijeva u pravilu mogu očekivati normalan tijek trudnoće te rađanje zdravog novorođenčeta. Aktivnost bolesti prilikom koncepcije najvažniji je čimbenik koji utječe na tijek i ishod trudnoće. Terapija koja se uobičajeno koristi za liječenje upalnih bolesti crijeva sigurna je za primjenu u trudnoći. Na temelju prikaza slučaja bolesnice s prvom manifestacijom ulceroznog kolitisa u trudnoći prikazati ćemo utjecaj bolesti na tijek i ishod trudnoće, utjecaj trudnoće na prirodni tijek bolesti te sigurnost primjene lijekova za liječenje upalnih bolesti crijeva u trudnoći.Inflammatory bowel diseases often affect women during their reproductive age. The questions regarding the effect of pregnancy on the natural course of inflammatory bowel disease, effect of inflammatory bowel disease on the course and outcome of pregnancy and safety of medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy arise quite often. In general, women with inflammatory bowel disease can expect to have a normal pregnancy with delivery of a healthy newborn. The most important factor influencing the effect of disease on the course of pregnancy is disease activity at conception. Medications routinely used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases can be used safely during pregnancy. Acase of first presentation of ulcerative colitis in pregnancy is presented with review of disease course during pregnancy, influence of disease on pregnancy course and outcome and safety of medications used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases during pregnancy

Content of Total Phenolics, Flavan-3-Ols and Proanthocyanidins, Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Capacity of Chocolate During Storage

Antioxidant (AO) capacity of chocolates with 27, 44 and 75 % cocoa was assessed after production and during twelve months of storage by direct current (DC) polarographic assay, based on the decrease of anodic current caused by the formation of hydroxo-perhydroxyl mercury(II) complex (HPMC) in alkaline solutions of hydrogen peroxide at potentials of mercury oxidation, and two spectrophotometric assays. Relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI) was calculated by taking the average value of the AO assay (the sample mass in all assays was identical). Oxidative stability of chocolate fat was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Measured parameters and RACI were correlated mutually and with the content of total phenols (Folin-Ciocalteu assay), flavan-3-ols (vanillin and p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde assay) and proanthocyanidins (modified Bate-Smith assay). During storage, the studied functional and health-related characteristics remained unchanged. Amongst applied AO assays, the DC polarographic one, whose validity was confirmed by two-way ANOVA and F-test, correlated most significantly with oxidative stability (oxidation onset temperature and induction time). In addition, principal component analysis was applied to characterise chocolate types

One-Pot Combustion Synthesis of Nickel Oxide and Hematite: from Simple Coordination Compounds to High Purity Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

This work is the first report of a very simple and fast one-pot synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO) and hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of transition metal aqua complexes with camphor sulfonate anions. Obtained nanopowders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform IR analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the formation of high purity NiO and α-Fe2O3 crystal phases. In the case of α-Fe2O3, about five times larger average crystallite size was obtained. Fourier transform IR spectra of synthesized materials showed characteristic peaks for NiO and α-Fe2O3 nanostructures. To visualize the morphology and the chemical composition of the final products Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed. The thermogravimetric analysis was done for a better understanding of the general thermal behavior of precursor compounds. This easy-to-perform and fast preparation method opens a broad range of obtained materials’ usage, particularly due to its economic viability.У овом раду је први пут дата веома једноставна и брза синтеза наночестица никл-оксида (NiO) и хематита (α-Fe2O3) изведена у једном кораку термалном декомпозицијом аква комплекса прелазних метала чији је анјон камфор сулфонат. Добијени нано прахови су окарактерисани рендгенском дифракцијом на праху, ИЦ спектроскопијом, скенирајућом електронском микроскопијом и енергијски дисперзивном рендгенском спектроскопијом. Рендгенска дифракција на праху потврдила је формирање NiO и α-Fe2O3 кристалних фаза велике чистоће. Просечне димензије кристалита α-Fe2O3 су биле око пет пута веће у односу на кристалите NiO. ИЦ спектри синтетисаних материјала показују карактеристичне траке за наноструктуре NiO и α-Fe2O3. За визуелизацију морфологије и одређивање хемијског састава финалних производа коришћене су скенирајућа електронска микроскопија и енергијски дисперзивна рендгенска спектроскопија. Термогравиметријска анализа је омогућила боље разумевање термичког понашања прекурсора. Ова брза и лако изводљива метода синтезе отвара широк спектар примене добијених материјала, нарочито због своје економске исплативости

Evaluation of urinary hydrogen peroxide as an oxidative stress biomarker in a healthy Japanese population

The usefulness of urinary hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidative stress biomarker was evaluated in 766 healthy Japanese. The mean level of urinary concentrations of H2O2 was 5.66 +/- 8.27 mu mol/g creatinine, and was significantly higher in females than in males. Significant correlations of H2O2 were observed with age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), insulin, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and exercise habit in females. In both sexes, H2O2 showed a significant correlation with 8-OHdG. By a multiple logistic regression analysis, urinary H2O2 was positively associated with urinary 8-OHdG and TC and was inversely associated with insulin. By stratification of sex and age, the association of urinary H2O2 with TC was positive in both sexes under 50 years old and was inverse in males over 50 years old, and that with insulin was inverse in males over 50 years old and in females under 50 years old. Moreover, by stratification of sex and age, a positive association of H2O2 with exercise and an inverse association of H2O2 with alcohol consumption became clear in males under 50 years old, although there were no significant odds for H2O2 after adjustment for covariates. In conclusion, the present results suggest that urinary H2O2 is a useful biomarker for oxidative stress, showing an association with 8-OHdG, TC, and insulin independently

Studija projekta 'Optimizacija i standardizacija autohtone tehnologije sjeničkog sira sa zaštitom oznake porekla'

Investigations are based on use of natural potentials on the wide region of Sjenica-Pešter highlands. Certain parameters on selected locations are recorded (soil, vegetation, livestock production, technology of milk and cheese production). On selected locations, farms and processing capacities detail researches are carried out relating to soil, artificial and natural grasslands, reproductive and production potential of cattle and sheep, determination of genetic and non-genetic factors affecting milk traits, quantity and quality of milk, proteins, milk fat, lactose, etc., technological and microbiological traits of milk and cheese. Main objectives of this research and development project is to realize scientific -technological solutions in primary livestock production using our own scientific potentials in order to provide increased productivity, increased number of market farmers capable for competitive economy and production on domestic and foreign market with recognized final product with protected geographical origin, in other words - optimization and standardization of native technology of white cheese from Sjenica with protected brand and origin.Istraživanja su zasnovana na korišćenju prirodnih potencijala šireg regiona Sjeničko-pešterske visoravni. U okviru ovih istraživanja obavlja se snimanje i proučavanje određenih parametara na odabranim lokalitetima ( zemljište, vegetacija, stočarstvo, tehnologija mleka i sira). Na odabranim lokalitetima, farmama i preradjivačkim kapacitetima obavljaju se detaljna istraživanja, zemljišta, prirodnih i veštačkih travnjaka i livada, reproduktivnih i proizvodnih potencijala goveda i ovaca, determinacija genetskih i negenetskih faktora na svojstva mlečnosti, kvantitet i kvalitet mleka, proteini, mlečna mast, laktoza i dr.,tehnološka i mikrobiološka svojstva mleka i sira. Osnovni ciljevi ovog istraživačko-razvojnog projekta je da se korišćenjem sopstvenih naučnih potencijala dođe do naučno-tehnoloških rešenja u primarnoj stočarskoj proizvodnji, koja će obezbediti porast produktivnosti, povećanje robnih proizvođača osposobljenih za konkurentnu proizvodnju na domaćem i stranom tržištu sa prepoznatljivim finalnim proizvodom zaštićenog geografskog porekla, odnosno optimizaciju i standardizaciju autohtone tehnologije Sjeničkog sira sa zaštitom oznake porekla

Digital ulcers predict a worse disease course in patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease with high morbidity and significant mortality. There is a great need of predictors that would allow risk stratification of patients with SSc and ultimately initiation of treatment early enough to ensure optimal clinical results. In this study, we evaluated whether a history of digital ulcers (HDU) at presentation may be a predictor of vascular outcomes and of overall clinical worsening and death in patients with SSc. Methods: Patients from the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) database, satisfying at inclusion the 1980 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SSc, who had a follow-up of at least 3 years since baseline or who have died, were included in the analysis. HDU at presentation as a predictor of disease worsening or death was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results :3196 patients matched the inclusion criteria (male sex 13.2%, 33.4% diffuse subset). At presentation, 1092/3196 patients had an HDU (34.1%). In multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender and all parameters considered potentially significant, HDU was predictive for the presence of active digital ulcers (DUs) at prospective visits (HR (95% CI)): 2.41(1.91 to 3.03), p&lt;0.001, for an elevated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure on heart ultrasound (US-PAPs):1.36 (1.03 to 1.80), p=0.032, for any cardiovascular event (new DUs, elevated US-PAPs or LV failure):3.56 (2.26 to 5.62), p&lt;0.001, and for death (1.53 (1.16 to 2.02), p=0.003). Conclusions :In patients with SSc, HDU at presentation predicts the occurrence of DUs at follow-up and is associated with cardiovascular worsening and decreased survival