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Background/Aim. Serbia belongs to the group of countries with a high lung cancer incidence and mortality rate. p63 gene plays an important role in development of lung cancer and immunohistochemical expression of p63 is considered to be a reliable marker for squamous histology. The results of some in vitro studies show a significant association of p63 expression and cisplatin chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to estimate the significance of p63 expression as predictive and prognostic factor in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. Expression of p63 in 85 NSCLC (stages III, and IV) was investigated by the use of immunohistochemistry. Four weeks after the completion of 2 cycles of platinum-based doublet chemotherapy all the patients were evaluated based on the treatment response. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank tests were used for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) calcultations. Results. The expression of p63 was present in 49.4% of the patients out of whom 38.8% were with positive expression (p63+) and 10.6% of the patients were with weak expression (p63+-). Positive expression of p63 was seen in 93.9% of squamous cell carcinomas (SQCC), 5% of adenocarcinomas (AC), and in no patient with not otherwise specified (NOS) NSCLC. Weak expression of p63 was found in 12.5% of AC, 25% of NOS and only in 3% of SQCC. Analysis of the impact of the presence of p63 expression on the initial response to chemotherapy showed no statistical significance. The patients with weak p63 expression had a significantly shorter OS than the patients with no p63 expression (p = 0.049), and the tendency of shorter OS than the patients with p63 expression (p = 0.068). Conclusion. This study shows that p63 expression has no predictive significance for tumor response to initial chemotherapy regimen gemcitabine/ cisplatin or paclitaxel/cisplatin observed in advanced NSCLC. Weak expression of p63 have a negative prognostic effect in stage III and IV NSCLC.

Background/Aim. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. About 80% of all lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). According to histopathological characteristics, the most common types of NSCLC are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall survival rate in the NSCLC patients initially received surgery according to its histopathological type and T – primary tumor, N –regional lymph nodes, M – distant metastasis (TNM) stages which were treated with surgical treatment, and after that, according to the TNM stage, chemotherapy protocols and/or radiation therapy. Methods. This retrospective case series study included all patients with NSCLC admitted to the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade in the period 2010–2015. A total number of selected patients was 85 (27 females and 58 males). Results. Out of 41 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, 19.5% deceased. On the other hand, in the group of patients with adenocarcinoma, 43.2% out of 44 patients deceased. The average cumulative survival was statistically significantly lower in the adenocarcinoma patients in comparison to the patients with squamous cell carcinoma (1,605.2 vs.1,304.8 days; p = 0.005). On the other hand, the average cumulative survival was statistically significantly lower in our patients in the recurrence group with adenocarcinoma in comparison to the recurrence group with squamous cell carcinoma (1,212.8 vs. 1,835.5 days; p = 0.032). Conclusion. Adenocarcinoma is more aggressive cancer in comparing to squamous cell carcinoma with lower overall survival in comparing to squamous cell carcinoma. Additional studies are needed to identify risk factors for recurrence after surgery, and to additionally explain role of tumor markers and molecular biological techniques in the progression of this kind of cancer.

The demographic picture of Serbia over the last few decades has featured a negative trend, particularly fueled by the negative aspects of the transition process and adjustment to the new models of life functioning, and therefore the harmonization of family relationships is seriously undermined by the increased number of divorces, single-parent families and delayed parenthood. The research has confirmed that the parents opted for a larger number of children under the changed circumstances should relate to the government to take greater responsibility in this area. Programs do not necessarily have to be of material nature. They may include a variety of content-creative measures aimed at increasing the birth rate and the quality of family life by activating various discussions in the local community. National measures that would contribute to a harmonious family life are associated with an increased level of security, extended work of preschool institutions in order to harmonize work and family life and the introduction of discounts on equipment and clothing for the preschool children. In addition to reproductive functions, other functions of the family are: psychological, educational and socializing over the last decade (particularly after the introduction of compulsory pre-school program), which has led to the transformation of active strategies of the state and legislation in this regard and acceptance of the principle of lifelong learning in which preschool foundation plays a crucial role in the adaptation of compulsory education by providing equal starting conditions for all children. The existence of new forms of institutions such as family centers with a differentiated system of services (consulting, information, educational) should compensate deficiencies of the existing system only on the basis of social protection embodied in the social welfare centers, which are available mostly in cases of pre-existing problems.

Background/Aim. Bronchial asthma is a disease that is characterized by the variability of the clinical picture, physical and functional status and the existence of bronchial hypersensitivity and hyperreactivity with varying degrees. Bronchial responsiveness and sensitivity are tested in patients with clinically suspected existence of asthma and normal spirometry test. The aim of the study was to analyze the patients with atopic asthma and study test results of skin sensitization to inhaled allergens, nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity and specific hyperreactivity estimated by bronchial provocation tests with inhalant allergens. Methods. The prospective study at the Pulmonology Clinic of the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade Serbia, during 2014, included 70 male subjects aged 18–30 years, who had perennial asthma symptoms. All subjects were nonsmokers, with normal spirometry findings, with normal radiological chest findings and with no symptoms of respiratory infection over the past two months. All respondents were tested with skin prick tests with inhalant allergens and nonspecific bronchial provocation test with histamine. On the basis of histamine test, subjects were divided into two groups: the group I, in which there was a slight degree of hypersensitivity [provocation concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume – PC20 = 6.09 ± 1.1 mg/mL], and the group II with negative histamine test (PC20 = 14.58 ± 6.34 mg/mL). Specific bronchial provocation test was performed in all patients, and the selection of the allergens was carried out based on the results of testing of skin hypersensitivity. Results. Results of skin sensitization show the highest incidence of mites Dermatophagoides pterronissinus (83.3% group I and 85.0% group II) followed by grass pollen (53.3% group I and 52.0% group II), and house dust (33.3% group I and 50.0% group II). There were no statistically significant differences in allergens between groups (p > 0.05). In both groups, spirometry findings were within normal values [forced vital capacity – FVC and forced expiratory volume 1 – FEV1 > 80% predictive value], but statistically significant difference was found in FEV1 between groups (p < 0.05). Specific bronchial provocation tests with solutions of inhaled allergens in both groups caused a significant decline in FEV1 (≥ 20%) in all patients individually. No statistically significant differences were found neither between groups, nor between individual allergens (average decline in FEV1: Group I 32.9 ± 2.4% and group II 31.5 ± 2.2%). Conclusion. There is no relationship between the degree of specific and non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with allergic asthma.

Introduction. Pseudomesotheliomatous lung carcinoma is a special, rare entity characterized by large pleural growth and minor invasion of lung tissue. Clinically, radiologically, macroscopically and even histologically this tumor can be misdiagnosed as malignant pleural carcinoma. Case report. We represent a 64-year-old male patient, former smoker. Due to difficulties in the form of dry cough, feeling of dis-comfort and pain in the right hemithorax, fatigue, heavy breathing, sweating, fever up to 39.6°C the patient was treated as with combined antibiotic therapy (macrolides, cephalosporins and penicillin), but without improving of his condition. Chest radiography showed a shadow of pleural effusion by the height of the front end of the third right rib. Chest MSCT showed the extremely thickened pleura apically and to the posterior along the upper right lobe in addition to existence of massive pleural effusion. Subpleural condensation of parenchyma ranging about 30 mm was described in the upper right lobe. Cytological analysis of the pleural effusion showed the presence of malignant cells impossible to differentiate whether they were metastasis of adenocarcinoma or malignant pleural mesothelioma. By histochemical and immunohistohemical analyses of a pleural sample, pseudomesotheliomataus lung adenocarcinoma was diagnosed. Conclusion. Pseudomesotheliomataus carcinoma of the lungs can be a diagnostic problem. Its diagnosis is based on recognition of histopathological characteristics which enable its discernment from the epithelial variant of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

A series of poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate-co-itaconic acid), P(HEA/IA), hydrogels with different HEA/IA ratio, were synthesized using free radical crosslinking/copolymerization and investigated as sorbents for Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Hydrogels were characterized using DMA, FTIR, DSC, SEM and AFM. The adsorption was found to be highly dependent on hydrogel composition, solution pH, sorbent weight, ionic strength and contact time. Five isotherm models, Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich, were applied to the sorption data. The best fit was obtained with Redlich-Peterson isotherm. The separation factor, RL, value indicated favorable sorption for Pb2+ ions. The maximum sorption capacities were 392.2 and 409.8 mg/g for P(HEA/2IA) and P(HEA/10IA), respectively. Kinetic data showed best fit with pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the reaction was exothermic and proceeds with a decrease in entropy. Moreover, P(HEA/IA) hydrogel showed the most pronounced sorption toward Pb2+ ions from environment containing Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Co2+ ions. Sorption/desorption experiments, showed that the P(HEA/IA) hydrogels could be reused without significant loss of the initial properties even after three adsorption-desorption cycles. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 172015 i br. 172062]

Introduction. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease that occurs due to vascular dysplasia associated with the disorder in the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). The clinical consequence is a disorder of blood vessels in multiple organ systems with the existence of telangiectasia which causes dilation of capillaries and veins, are present from birth and are localized on the skin and mucosa of the mouth, respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tract. They can make a rupture with consequent serious bleeding that can end up with fatal outcome. Since there is a disruption of blood vessels of more than one organic system, the diagnosis is very complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Case report. We reported a 40-year-old female patient with a long-time evolution of problems, who was diagnosed and treated at the Clinic for Lung Diseases of the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade, Serbia, because of bilaterally pulmonary arteriovenous malformations associated with HHT. Embolization was performed in two acts, followed with normalization of clinical, radiological and functional findings with the cessation of hemoptysis, effort intolerance with a significant improvement of the quality of life. Conclusion. HHT is a rare dominant inherited multisystem disease that requires multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Embolization is the method of choice in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations with minor adverse effects and very satisfying therapeutic effect.

Over the last few years, careful analysis of a large quantity of ceramic material found during excavation at Vinca has identified a significant number of ceramic fragments with clear use-wear traces. Recycled fragments of ceramic vessels are characterized by the presence of damage and deformation caused by abrasive processes i.e. contact of the fragments with hard material. All recorded recycled fragments can generally be divided into two basic groups: fragments representing tools with a working edge, and fragments with traces of abrasion on their outer surface. The largest group comprises fragments whose edges form the working edge of a tool, rounded or flattened through use and so becoming smooth. In contrast to so-called burnishers (the secondarily used, striped handles with traces of the action of water, manifesting in a uniformly rounded break) with ceramic tools only one edge of the fragment is rounded and used; the remaining edge indicates a completely normal break. In addition, most fragments also have abrasions directly beneath the working edge, which indicates holding the tool at a certain angle during use. That damage can occur both on the exterior and interior surfaces. It is striking that in a large group of fragments, the rim is used as a working edge. Tools are mostly fragmented, but it appears that their shape was not modified before use. In that sense, two straight polygonal tools can be distinguished (T. I/1a-b), or tools which are rectangular in shape with rounded corners (T. II4a-b), preserved complete. In most cases, these are fragments of bowls, so tools usually have polished or burnished surfaces, but ornamental parts formed by burnished lines or channelling are also noticeable. Fragments of rough fabric were never used as tools, but only those with an admixture of fine sand. Very rarely, actually in two cases, fragments of amphorae were used as tools (T. IV/2,5). Usually the upper parts of vessels were used, although there are several exceptions, where parts of the base and body were used as well (T. IV/3). Also, in the damaged area straight depressions can often be noticed, which apparently represent some kind of negative impression of the object on which they were used, or, in rare cases, the whole working surface is step-like. The second group of fragments do not generally differ from the first group as regards their form and the surface treatment. The difference can be seen in the distribution of damage. To be precise, the zone of intensive abrasion lies on the surface of fragments and is manifested by complete removal of original surface, while across it, marks caused by contact with hard material often result in deep incisions, which can be seen with the naked eye. These marks can be found on the most protruted parts of vessels i.e. on the shoulder, apart from two cases concerning the shoulder, or the thickened rim of an amphora (T.V/1,5). Finally, we should emphasise the fact that not one ceramic tool has been found around an architectural structure. Specimens originate from archaeological layers or contexts which do not represent a specific zone of activity (destruction layers, ditch filling, posthole, levelling layers etc) but in contexts in which waste material was deposited. From that perspective, one example can particularly be distinguished, a tool with a working edge found near the ceramic substructure of a oven. By analysis of the distribution, shape and kind of damage, as well as the position and shape of the working edge, it is possible to reconstruct the direction of movement and position of the tool during use. Scraping tools show marks in the form of dense incisions, visible both macroscopically and microscopically. They can also be characterised by a pronouncedly rounded working edge. Bearing these characteristics in mind, tools from Vinca with rounded working edges can be categorized as tools for scraping away excess clay and for thinning the surface of unfired vessels. They were held at right angles or slanting in relation to the vessel, with the working edge horizontal or also at an angle or lateral to the working edge, so that the vessels walls were thinned by movements in various directions. Ceramic tools were not specialized, and were undoubtedly multi-functional. They could have been used for smoothing and polishing. This is supported by the fact that abrasion traces are parallel or distributed in various directions. A group of tools with a flattened working edge, judging by preserved marks, had a rather different function. There are indications that these were held at right angles to the vessel but that the movement was not lateral. The tool was probably held with the working edge in a vertical position, so that burnished decoration could be carried out by using up/down movements, when it was necessary to make thin burnished lines of uniform thickness and with clearly defined edges. Bearing in mind traces of 'negative' impressions of the item on which the tools were used, the tool could also have been used in a left-right direction, when it was used to execute the burnished zone typical for upper bowls' parts. One of the important characteristics of ceramic tools is the use of the rim of a broken vessel as a working edge. This is a very logical choice. Bowl rims have a naturally rounded and often symmetrical, sharpened shape. Thus, craftsmen got a ready-made thin, relatively sharp tool, so there was no need to modify a fragment or re-shape it for the working edge to obtain the desired shape. Likewise, as mentioned before, the existence of a negative impression on work edges, usually rims, makes it probable that such tools were used to shape and burnish the rims of vessels. It is an interesting fact that most of these tools comprise fragments of bowls, and this is not coincidental. Important role in the appearance and form of traces caused by abrasive processes is played by characteristics of the abrasive, i.e. tool, such as hardness and granulation. All bowls are characterised by their fine fabric and fine-sand admixture, thin walls, burnished or polished surfaces and firing in a reduced atmosphere. These characteristics are very significant regarding the reaction of material to mechanical stress. A reduced atmosphere during firing increases the hardness of ceramics. Ceramics with fine granulation and lower porosity show greater resistance to mechanical stress than ceramics of rougher fabric with larger quantities of a coarse admixture. Burnishing and polishing lead to the compression of particles on surfaces, which creates a hard, compact structure, resistant to abrasion. It was especially convenient to have tools made of materials with identical characteristics as material they were used on. Analysis of ceramic fragments from the early phase of the Late Neolithic settlement at Vinca indicated an exceptional number of recycled vessel fragments, shaped as tools and used in the process of shaping and modifying ceramic surfaces. Since this concerns a new class of archaeological finds, it is necessary to suggest a direction for future research, particularly experimental, which would, together with microscopic identification of use-wear traces, reveal completely the activities in which ceramic tools were used.

This paper presents one of the possible ways to optimize the movement of the suspended payload. Application of presented optimization procedure is shown on grab crane devices such as unloading bridge and harbour crane. The optimization procedure is divided into two phases. The first phase is optimization of the cargo and grab (suspended payload) movement. The second phase is determination of movement, of the grab crane device mechanisms, upon obtained optimal path and parameters of cargo and grab (payload) movement. Shape of presented mathematical model makes possible direct application of optimal control theory methods i.e. optimization of the payload movement is determined using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The basic aim of optimization is to attain the minimal working (unloading) cycle, spending of energy and material dissipation during the grab discharging. All relevant expressions are derived analytically..

Introduction. Bronchial carcinoids belong to a rare type of lung tumors. If they do not expose outstanding neuroendocrine activity, they develop without clearly visible symptoms. They are often detected during a routine examination. According to their clinical pathological features, they are divided into typical and atypical tumors. Typical bronchial carcinoids metastasize to distant organs very rarely. Localized forms are effectively treated by surgery. The methods of conservative treatment should be applied in other cases. Case report. We presented a 65-year-old patient with carcinoid lung tumor detected by a routine examination. Additional analysis (chest X-ray, computed tomography of the chest, ultrasound of the abdomen, skeletal scintigraphy, bronhoscopy, histopathological analysis of the bioptate of bronchial tumor, as well as bronchial brushing cytology and immunohistochemical staining performed with markers specific for neuroendocrine tumor) proved a morphologically typical lung carcinoid with dissemination to the liver and skeletal system, which is very rarely found in typical carcinoids. Conclusion. The presented case with carcinoid used to be showed morphological and pathohistological characteristics of typical bronchial carcinoid. With its metastasis to the liver and skeletal system it demonstrated unusual clinical course that used to be considered as rare phenomenon. Due to its frequent asymptomatic course and varied manifestation, bronchial carcinoid could be considered as a diagnostic challenge requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

This paper defines the notion of standardization, presents the methodological approach to analysis, points to the problems and limitation arising in examination of materials from archaeological excavations, and presents the results of the analysis of coefficients of variation of metric parameters of the Late Neolithic vessels recovered at the sites of Vinča and Motel Slatina. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177012: Society, the spiritual and material culture and communications in prehistory and early history of the Balkans]

Background/Aim. The diagnosis of bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, is made on the basis of anamnesis, pathologic auscultatory findings of the lungs, lung function disturbances, skin tests, as well as the basic indices of immunologic condition in bronchial trunk. The aim of the study was to find out correlation of objective indices of the disease and than relation with the symptoms in the patients with bronchial asthma. Methods. The study included 60 young male non smokers with long lasting symptoms of bronchial asthma including shortness of breath, wheezing, hard breathing, nonproductive or productive cough, weakness and night hard breathing. There were no symptoms of respiratory infection over the past two months and lung radiography and spirometry were normal. Based on the results of nonspecific bronchoprovocative test two groups of the patients were formed, group I (n = 30) with positive histamine test (average value of the inhaled histamine concentration with FEV1 drop by 20% in regard with the initial value (PC20) = 2.99 ± 0.51 mg/ml of histamine) and group II (n = 30) with negative histamine test (PC20(a) = 14.58 ± 6.34 mg/ml of histamine). Results. The obtained spirometry results revealed a statistically significant difference in values of FEV1 between groups: I group - FEV1 = 93.2%; II group - FEV1 = 101.8%; (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test), although all the FEV1 values were normal. Regarding the presence of the most common symptoms there was not statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0. 05, chisquare test). Pathologic auscultatory lung findings were found in 73.4% of the patients in the group I and 27.5% of the patients in the group II. There was statistically significant difference (p < 0.05, chi-squared test). A positive correlation between the degree of hypersensitivity and lung physical findings was confirmed (p < 0.05 Spearman's rho), but there was no correlation with FEV1 values. Conclusion. There is a correlation with lung pathologic physical findings, lower values of FEV1 (in a range of normal values) and the degree of nonspecific bronchial sensitivity as objective indices of activity of bronchial asthma. There is no correlation of these parameters with patient's symptoms as subjective indices of bronchial asthma.

Background. Dysphagia can be a serious problem in patients with inflammatory myopathies. It may be associated with nutritional deficit, aspiration pneumonia, and poor prognosis. Case report. We presented a 60-year-old male, suffering from difficulty in swallowing, pain and weaknes in the proximal parts of his extremities, and skin manifestation. Laboratory findings showed increased creatine kinase and aldolase. Antinuclear antibodies to HEP-2 subtrate revealed titer of 1:40. Electromyoneurography demonstrated evidence of a proximal myopathy. A muscle biopsy revealed myositis. The baruim swallow test was remarkable for regurgitation, and nasal emerging of barium. Nuclear magnetic resonance images of cranium was normal. Tumor markers CEA, and Ca 19-9 were increased. A dose of 1 mg daily prednisolone was administered and percutaneous enteral feeding was performed. Two months later, the patient developed febrile state, aspiration pneumonia, and died due to respiratory failure. Conclusion. In cases of dermatomyositis with the serious dysphagia, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy should be performed as soon as possible. Owerall survival rate is low, even with an adequate therapy administration. Inflammatory myopathies should be considered in any patient with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

In this paper, two samples of polyurethane (PU) crosslinked with hydroxy -functonal hyperbranched aliphatic polyester of the second pseudo generation were investigated. For the synthesis of these crosslinked PUs two different macrodiols were used: poly(tetramethyleneoxide) (PTMO) for PUPTMO and ethylene oxide-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-ethylene oxide (PDMS-EO) for PUPDMS-EO sample. Synthesized samples behave as elastomers and have yellow color. Obtained results show that swelling degree of the sample PUPDMS-EO in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinon (NMP) determined at room temperature is higher than for the sample PUPTMO. It has been also observed that thermal properties of these polyurethane networks can be changed by incorporation of siloxane sequences in their structure.

The Hyde-vase and anthropomorphic vessel found at Vinča within two sets of pottery vessels are vessels of cult the meaning of which has never been examined. The authors highlight the significance of their archaeological contexts and positions in the settlement, reconstructed based on the preserved documents. The cult character of both pottery sets is confirmed and they are thought to have been used for a ritual important to the whole Vinča community. Considering that they come from the horizon associated with the beginning of the Gradac phase of the Vinča culture, the performed ritual may be seen as a possible reaction of the Vinča inhabitants to dynamic changes triggered by emergence of metallurgy in the region and the whole of South East Europe.

In this work, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used for the characterization of aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters (AHBP), synthesized from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) and di-trimethylolpropane. From the obtained results it was concluded that it was not possible to take complete advantages of MALDI-TOF MS in this particular case, since the AHBP used in this work were polydisperse. The intensity of the signals from the high mass tail of these samples (pseudo generation higher than four) was underestimated and insufficient to distinguish it from the baseline and to use it for the analysis of the spectra. As a consequence of that, lower values of the Mn were obtained. At the same time, Mw were also underestimated, which led to very low values of the polydispersity index. On the other hand, it was possible to obtain molar masses of individual molecules from the MALDI-TOF mass spectra of AHBP and to qualitatively determine the extent of cyclization (side reactions) at each degree of polymerization. Using the adequate set of equations and results obtained from MALDI-TOF mass spectra of AHBP, every signal from the spectra was identified. The obtained results show that formation of poly(bis-MPA), intramolecular esterification and intramolecular etherification occurred as side reactions during the synthesis of these polyesters. The relative amount of the cycles increases with the number of pseudo generation (from the second up to the fifth pseudo generation). It was also observed that the relative proportion of the signals which represent cyclic structures increases with the increasing degree of polymerization. In this work the basic principles of MALDI-TOF MS are also presented, as well as, a review of adequate published articles.

The results of an investigation of the influence of the synthesis procedure, number of pseudo generations and degree of branching of hydroxy-functional aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters (AHBP) on the values of limiting viscosity number, [η], hydrodynamic radius, Rη, molar mass and polydispersity index, Q, are presented in this paper. Two series of AHBP, synthesized from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid and di-trimethylolpropane using a pseudo-one-step and a one-step procedure were investigated. The obtained results show that the values of [η] and Rη for all examined samples are the highest in a 0.7 mass % solution of LiCl in N,N-dimethylacetamide (LiCl/DMAc), which indicates that this solvent is the best from the investigated ones. The values of [η] in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) increased up to the sixth pseudo generation, after which a slight decrease occurred as the consequence of the presence of side-reaction products, formed during the synthesis. The appearance of these side-reaction products was also confirmed from the characteristic GPC chromatograms. For the samples of AHBP synthesized using the pseudo- one-step procedure, a good linear dependence between log [η] and log Mw was obtained up to the fifth pseudo generation, when LiCl/DMAc, NMP and DMAc were used as solvents. The values of the "shrinking" factor, g’, were calculated for all investigated AHBPs.

The influence of the molar mass (generation), number and type of end groups on the thermal stability of aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters are presented in this study. Different end groups were obtained by modification of the samples with chlorides of propionic acid and stearic acid. The thermal stability of the hyperbranched polyesters was determined by thermogravimetry using a NET-ZSCH TG 209 instrument in nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 10°C/min. A comparison of the temperatures obtained for mass losses of 5 20 and 40 wt% for unmodified samples showed that the thermal stability increased up to the fourth generation and then remained practically constant. An increase in the thermal stability of modified samples of the second, third and fourth generation was observed.