Reproductive health of medical students: exploring knowledge, experiences, and behaviors

 Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) along with unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence, and gender inequality represent a serious risk to reproductive health in adolescent age. Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) plays a central role among public health interventions designed to prepare young people for these challenges. The aim of our research was to examine knowledge, experience, and behaviors regarding reproductive and sexual health among the population of medical students, as well as the possible connection between reproductive health, information, and study success. Material and methods: A total of 186 second-year and 214 fifth-year medical students were included in the study as a convenient sample taken by random selection. We used a questionnaire of the World Health Organization designed for adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Data were analyzed with the IMB SPSS 25 software. Results: For the second-year students, primary source of information about sex are conversations with their family and friends (37.6%), while for the fifth-year students it is the faculty curriculum (34.7%). Students with personal experience of STIs showed higher average level of knowledge about STIs and reproductive health (p=0.011). Significant positive correlation between the average grade and the level of knowledge about reproductive health was found (r=0.150; p=0.03). Conclusion: This study has shown the diverse sexual life of young medical students in Serbia, combined with risky habits and attitudes, also similarly represented in the world. Further research is needed in order to formulate public health policies adjusted to the needs of the Serbian youth

Removal of rose bengal dye by hydrophobic carbon quantum dots and polyurethane nanocomposites

In the present study we report the removal of Rose Bengal dye by gamma irradiated nanocomposites composed of hydrophobic carbon quantum dots incorporated in the matrix of polyurethane (hCQD-PU). It is assumed that the removal is caused by the combination of two different mechanisms. First mechanism suggested is a photocatalytic degradation by lightinduced production of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species by gamma irradiated hCQD and second mechanism is the adsorption of the remaining Rose Bengal dye from the solution, by polymer matrix. The removal efficiency of the dye reached up to 92% for 4 h of irradiation by visible lamp. We have investigated the effect of different parameters, such as the dose of gamma irradiation applied to the nanocomposite, as well as the exposure time of the sample to the blue lamp (470 nm). The proposed material has a potential in water purification systems

Differences in MRSA prevalence and resistance patterns in a tertiary center before and after joining an international program for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged as one of the most important causes of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs), especially the multidrug resistant clones. The aim of the present study was to compare prevalence and resistance patterns of MRSA bacteremia in the major tertiary-care academic and referral center in Serbia before and after implementing an active antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. Laboratory-based before-after study was conducted during a two-year period (January 2012 to December 2013) in Clinical Centre of Serbia. Isolation and identification of bacterial strains were done following standard microbiological procedures. During the AMR surveillance, nearly twice more bloodstream samples were collected compared to the year without surveillance (1,528 vs. 855). In total, 43 isolates of MRSA were identified. MRSA was significantly more prevalent during the AMR surveillance compared to the previous year [14 (66.7%) to 29 (76.3%); P = 0.046]. During the AMR surveillance, MRSA more frequently originated from medical departments compared to intensive care unit, surgical department, and internal medicine (P = 0.027) indicating increasing MRSA infections in patients with less severe clinical condition and no apparent risk factors. Higher prevalence of MRSA and its lower susceptibility to erythromycin were revealed by implementation of active AMR surveillance, which may reflect more thoughtful collection of bloodstream samples from patients with suspected BSI

Preliminary outcomes of five-year survival for ovarian malignancies in profiled Serbian Oncology Centre

Objective: The present study purposed to determine characteristics of ovarian carcinoma and to analyze predictors of survival in patients with ovarian carcinoma. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including the patients with diagnosed ovarian carcinoma treated at the Clinic for Operative Oncology, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina in the period from January 2012 to December 2016. Seventy-two women with ovarian carcinoma were included in the analysis. The data about the histological type of tumor, disease stage, treatment, lymphatic infiltration, and surgical procedure were collected retrospectively, using the database of the institution where the research was conducted (BirPis 21 SRC Infonet DOO ‒ Information System Oncology Institute of Vojvodina). Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model were performed. Results: The univariate Cox regression analysis identified histology, tumor grade, FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage, NACT (Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy), number of therapy cycles, type of surgery, and chemotherapy response as independent predictors of mortality. Finally, the type of tumor and chemotherapy response had an increased hazard ratio for mortality in the multivariate Cox regression model. Herewith, the percentage of high-grade, advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients with complete response to chemotherapy, absence of recurrent disease, and lymphovascular space invasion were significant predictors of survival in patients with ovarian carcinoma. Conclusions: Herein, emerging data regarding precision medicine and molecular-based personalized treatments are promising and will likely modify the way the authors provide multiple lines of treatments in the near future

Programmed cell death-1 and its ligands: Current knowledge and possibilities in immunotherapy

Programmed Cell Death-1 (PCD-1) is a key immune checkpoint receptor, which mainly expresses on activated T, B, Dendritic (DC), Natural Killer (NK), and Treg cells. On the surface of activated T-cells, PCD-1 expression is upregulated after the recognition of peripherals antigens by T cells; subsequently, the elevated binding of PD-1 to Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) and Programmed Death Ligand-2 (PD-L2) becomes a key step for downstream inhibitory signaling. Although the role of PD-L1 has been evaluated more thoroughly by clinical research, and PD-L1 has also been used more widely in the clinical setting, PD-L2 also plays an important role in the negative regulation of T-cells, one of the necessary conditions that lead to immune tolerance. Expression of PD-L1 either in tumors or in infiltrating immune cells has been verified predominantly by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a variety of tumors, suggesting a role for the PD-1/PD-L1 axis as a prognostic trait and therapeutic target across multiple histotypes. The complex interplay between these factors plays a major role in the diffusion and clinical application of PD-L1 IHC assays as predictive biomarkers of response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Checkpoint blockades are registered for the treatment of various cancers, including gynecological malignancies

Antioxidants of Edible Mushrooms

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to a range of health disorders in humans. Our endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms and our dietary intake of antioxidants potentially regulate our oxidative homeostasis. Numerous synthetic antioxidants can effectively improve defense mechanisms, but because of their adverse toxic effects under certain conditions, preference is given to natural compounds. Consequently, the requirements for natural, alternative sources of antioxidant foods identified in edible mushrooms, as well as the mechanistic action involved in their antioxidant properties, have increased rapidly. Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of mushrooms have been intensively studied. Edible mushrooms might be used directly in enhancement of antioxidant defenses through dietary supplementation to reduce the level of oxidative stress. Wild or cultivated, they have been related to significant antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals. Antioxidant and health benefits, observed in edible mushrooms, seem an additional reason for their traditional use as a popular delicacy food. This review discusses the consumption of edible mushrooms as a powerful instrument in maintaining health, longevity and life quality

Reise- og ferieundersøkelsen 2018: Dokumentasjonsrapport

Reise- og ferieundersøkelsen gjennomføres fire ganger i året, en gang hvert kvartal. Hovedformålet med undersøkelsen er å kartlegge nordmenns reisevaner, samt datainnsamling for annen offisiell statistikk. Foruten data om nordmenns reisevaner, samles det også inn data om grensehandel, bruk av tobakk og andre rusmidler, bruk av internett og informasjonsteknologi, vedfyring, influensavaksine, barnevaksinasjon og holdninger til innvandring. Noen temaer er med hvert kvartal, mens andre er med kun én gang. Til hvert kvartal i 2018 ble det trukket et utvalg på 2 000 personer i alderen 16 til 79 år. I fjerde kvartal ble det trukket et tilleggsutvalg på 1 000 personer som kun fikk spørsmål om rusvaner. Det er noe variasjon i svarprosent mellom kvartalene, med 52 prosent som den laveste i andre kvartal, og 58 prosent som den høyeste i fjerde kvartal. Ser man alle kvartaler under ett, ble svarprosenten 55 prosent. De viktigste årsakene til frafall er at vi ikke kommer i kontakt med respondentene og at personer ikke ønsker å delta. Det er yngre personer, spesielt aldersgruppen 25-44 år og personer med lav eller ingen utdanning som er vanskeligst å få med på undersøkelsen. Rapporten undersøker om frafallet har medført skjevheter for kjennetegnene alder, kjønn, landsdel og utdanning. Vi finner at avvikene mellom netto- og bruttoutvalgene generelt sett er små, og at de i de fleste tilfeller ikke har betydning for analysene. Vi finner noen avvik når det gjelder aldersfordeling. Personer i alderen 25–44 år er noe mindre representert i nettoutvalget enn andre aldersgrupper. De største avvikene finner vi når vi studerer utdanningsnivået. Personer med universitets- eller høyskoleutdanning er overrepresentert i nettoutvalget sammenliknet med personer med lavere utdanning.publishedVersio

Rusundersøkelsen 2019. Dokumentasjonsrapport

Denne rapporten dokumenterer gjennomføringen av Rusundersøkelsen 2019. Statistisk sentralbyrå har gjennomført denne undersøkelsen årlig siden 2012. Undersøkelsen er finansiert av Folkehelseinstituttet (FHI). Hovedformålet er å kartlegge befolkningens bruk og vaner knyttet til alkohol, tobakk og andre rusmidler. Populasjonen er befolkningen i Norge. Utvalget er trukket blant personer i alderen 16–79 år. Fordi det er et ønske å kunne få detaljert informasjon om unge, er det det trukket et tilleggsutvalg på 700 personer i alderen 16–30 år. Vekter som korrigerer for denne overrepresentasjonen i den yngste aldersgruppen er dokumentert i kapittel 6 i denne rapporten. Det ble gjennomført intervju med 58 prosent av utvalget. Den viktigste grunnen til at vi ikke fikk svar fra alle var at vi ikke kom i kontakt med alle personene i utvalget. Andelen vi ikke oppnådde kontakt med var 19 prosent. I tillegg var det 17 prosent i utvalget som ikke ville delta, og 6 prosent som var forhindret fra å delta. I denne rapporten dokumenteres skjevheter som følge av frafallet.publishedVersio

Følger av bølger: En poststrukturalistisk metaforanalyse av asyldebatter om innstramninger overfor bosniske og syriske flyktninger

Denne oppgaven tar for seg måten den norske politiske eliten har gitt mening til to brått oppståtte flyktningsituasjoner, knyttet til krigen i Bosnia i første halvdel av 1990-tallet og borgerkrigen i Syria i årene fra 2013. Teoretisk henter oppgaven inspirasjon fra poststrukturalistisk diskursanalyse og metaforteori og utvikler et kombinert rammeverk – poststrukturalistisk metaforanalyse. Poststrukturalistisk diskursteori bidrar med sin forståelse av kampen ulike diskurser og representasjoner inngår i. Metaforteori bidrar på sin side med antakelser om hva slags kognitive mekanismer som understøtter meningstilskrivelsen som diskursanalyse er opptatt av. Sammen bidrar de til å belyse fremtredende diskurser, representasjoner og metaforer i stortingsdebatter om innføringen av visumplikten for bosniere (1994) og innstramninger i utlendingsloven (2015). Sammenstilling av de to debattene viser hvordan geografiske kategorier om avstand blir metaforisk overført til det abstrakte ansvarsbegrepet. Dermed har Norge mer ansvar for bosniske flyktninger, siden de befinner seg nærmere, rent geografisk, men også i form av nærhet til en antatt europeisk sivilisasjon. Asyldebatter kjennetegnes av at mennesker deles inn i ulike grupper, som deretter settes opp mot hverandre, og prioriteres ulikt. Derfor danner ulike gruppeoppstillinger, som både definerer gruppene og foreskriver handling, diskurser i denne oppgaven. Diskursene er ulike i 1994 og i 2015, men det finnes et bestandig trekk i de offisielle diskursene: innstramninger overfor flyktninger rettferdiggjøres av hensyn til en undergruppe av flyktninger, og ikke av hensyn til nordmenn. Knippet av virkelighetsrepresentasjoner som legitimerer slike diskursive gruppeinndelinger, viser både til endringer og opprettholdelser. I begge debattene omtales flytninger både som mennesker og som naturkrefter, men i 2015 er flyktninger i større grad omtalt metaforisk, og i mindre grad som mennesker. Juridisk representasjon er fremtredende i begge debatter, men i 2015 underlegges den i den offisielle diskursen en annen representasjon, som fremhever manglende kontroll, og ønsket om å gjenvinne kontroll – over territorielle grenser så vel som i sikkerhetsmessig forstand. Til slutt finnes det en utvikling fra en representasjon av alle flyktninger som en trussel mot den norske nasjonale enheten, til en representasjon hvor bare noen av flyktningene utgjør en terrortrussel. Begge representasjonene er et uttrykk for sikkerhetiseringen av norsk asylpolitikk, men det er bare i 2015 denne sikkerhetiseringen har virkelig gjennomslag. Oppgaven viser hvordan ulike diskurser, representasjoner og metaforer foreskriver ulike politiske handlinger, og oppfordrer til slutt til økt bevissthet omkring den metaforiske omtalen av flyktninger

Distribution network optimization:Heineken Mexico

This report gives an overview of a project conducted at Heineken. The overall project objective is to determine the long term distribution that minimizes operational expenses, given the required level of service. The model reflects distribution network with its four areas: primary warehousing, primary transport, secondary warehousing and secondary transport. After the model is developed different scenarios are introduced and tested in order to decrease the total costs. Different opportunities are tested in scenarios, better customer allocation, increase of warehouse space, improvement of efficiencies and productivities in different areas of the network. Analysis of scenarios provided insights in behavior and sensitivity of the network to different limitations and changes but also gave clear directions how to optimize distribution in a long term. The Greenfield scenario showed that savings of 12% are possible