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Background/Aim. Thyroid nodules are usually asymptomatic and may occur in 68% of the general population. In most cases, they are discovered incidentally. As malignancy is proven in 10–15% of cases, a rational diagnostic approach is necessary. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine and grade different characteristics of patients with nodular and multinodular atoxic goiter in order to identify the potential predictors for the assessment of thyroid cancer risk. Methods. The study included 275 patients with nodular and multinodular atoxic goiter hospitalized at the Clinic for Endocrinology of the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia, from January 1, 2017, to October 1, 2022, for preoperative preparation. The most relevant clinical, biohumoral, and pathomorphological characteristics were analyzed. Results. Patients with multiple thyroid nodules were older (57.21 ± 13.16 vs. 49.36 ± 15.83 years, p < 0.001) and had higher body mass index (29.12 kg/m2 vs. 26.50 kg/m2, p = 0.004) compared to patients with one nodule. On the other hand, patients with one thyroid nodule had a higher level of the thyroid-stimulating hormone than patients with multiple nodules (1.73 mIU/L vs. 1.21 mIU/L, p < 0.0001). Comparison of patients with and without proven thyroid cancer has shown a highly significant association between the higher categories of Bethesda classification and the presence of cancer (Bethesda IV–VI vs. Bethesda II–III, 52.2% vs. 22.3%, respectively, p = 0.002). Conclusion. Considering all the observed parameters, the cytological finding of fine needle aspiration biopsy emerged as the only one with predictive relevance for assessing thyroid cancer risk.

Harvest residues of sunflower, maize, oilseed rape and soybeans make up more than 50% of the total biomass yield and can also be used to obtain bioenergy. As a source of bioenergy, preference is given to harvesting residues that contain more cellulose and oil, such as soybean straw. Soybean breeding aims to create varieties with higher biomass and increased oil yield per hectare, as well as to create varieties that would be more suitable for industrial processing for the production of technical oils. In this study, the productive parameters of soybeans were investigated in two years, 2021 and 2022. The average yields of soybeans varied from 2.8 t ha-1 (2022) to 2.9 t ha-1 (2022). The total soybean biomass yield was 4.8 t ha-1, while the biogas yield was 384.5 m3 ha-1. The year had a significant impact on soybean production. The more favourable year for production was 2021, with significantly higher yields of grain, biomass and biogas, compared to 2022.

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of fertilizer treatment on the content of polyphenols in velvetleaf and maize, grown without use of herbicides under controlled conditions (12h/12h, T 25º/22ºC day/night). Plants were treated with organic - F1 and synthetic fertilizers - F2 and F3. The content of total phenols, individual polyphenolic acids and antioxidant activity of plant extracts were examined, as important indicators of the plant condition and its resistance to oxidative stress. The content of total phenols was determined spectrophotometrically (modified Folin-Ciocalteu method). The content of individual polyphenolic acids was determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography method, while measurement of polyphenols antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method. It was established that in maize, the application of fertilizers, neither in monoculture nor in competition with velvetleaf plants, caused statistically significant changes in the content of polyphenolic acids. However, in velvetleaf, the use of fertilizers led to an increase in the content of polyphenolic acids in conditions of competition vs monoculture. The content of chlorogenic, p-coumaric and trans-ferulic acids was statistically, significantly higher in plants of velvetleaf competition vs monoculture, and the content of chlorogenic, p-coumaric and cinnamic acids was lower in plants of maize competition vs monoculture. A statistically significant increase in the content of total polyphenols and their antioxidant activity in velvetleaf plants indicates the difficulty of removing weeds from crops, especially resistant populations. The research conducted and the results obtained confirm that weeds in competitive conditions manifest their natural competitive advantage, which is further enhanced by crop feeding.

The aim of this work was to determine the nitrogen and phosphorus content in arable agricultural land on farms in the Republic of Serbia. The sampling of soils was carried out in 2020 with the recording of GPS coordinates and entering the obtained results into the software platform. The analysis of the nitrogen content (N) was determined by the Kotzman method and calculated from the humus on a sample of 30,957 plots, with an area of 19,629.24 ha. The phosphorus content (P2O5) was determined by extraction, whereby the easily soluble part of the phosphorus was transferred into a solution and colorimetrically determined in the resulting extract, on a sample of 28,944 plots with an area of 18,459.96 ha. The results obtained show that 64.59% of the area, i.e., 12,678.81 ha, had a good nitrogen content (0.2-0.1%). A very high phosphorus content (400.1-500.0 mg kg-1 of the area) was found on 27.68% of the area, which is 5,108.92 ha. On 15.34% of the plots where a harmful value was found, additional analyses should be carried out to determine the cause of such a high phosphorus content in the soil. Based on data on the content of total nitrogen and readily available phosphorus in the soil, the type and amount of fertilizer can be adequately selected, which can lead to a reduction in ecosystem pollution. The results in this study represent the basis for soil management, biodiversity protection and optimal planning of cultivation of arable, vegetable and fruit crops. The obtained results can help agricultural producers and other entities to increase the competitiveness of their production.

To evaluate the quality change of the stored buckwheat grain, the artificial ageing treatment was applied to accelerate these processes. The biological, physical and chemical properties of the grains were examined. For this study, a field experiment was set up in Topola on a smonica-type land, according to a randomized block system in three replications, with a plot size of 120 m2 during the production year 2022. This year was marked by unfavourable conditions for buckwheat production, which affected the average yield, which was 1.86 t ha-1. After three months of storage, grain germination was reduced by 6.6%, 1000 grain weight by 0.81%, grain length by 0.37%, width by 0.22% and thickness by 0.59%. The examined parameters of chemical properties decreased during the storage time, except the ash content, the value of which increased by 30%. Moisture content was reduced from 10.21% to 9.09%, protein from 12.1 to 11.46%, and lipid from 3.09 to 2.78%. The pH value decreased from 6.74 to 6.63, and the total alcoholic acidity from 1.35 to 1.18. The results of this research on the storage of buckwheat grains can be used in the development of new, improved varieties, as well as processors who use this raw material for their products.

Background/Aim. Incidentalomas of the adrenal gland are adrenal masses commonly discovered by chance on imaging not performed for suspected adrenal disease. The aim o f t his study was to analyze clinical, hormonal and histopathological characteristics of adrenal incidentalomas. Methods. This retrospective study included 85 patients (32 men and 53 women) examined for adrenal incidentalomas at the Clinic for Endocrinology, Military Medical Academy in Belgrade, from January 2013 to December 2017. The age of the patients, gender, size, and localization of adrenal tumors, functional activity, as well as the presence of comorbidities were analyzed. Adrenalectomy was performed in 35 patients due to its size and functional activity, and histological findings were analyzed. Results. The largest number (56.4%) of the adrenal tumors, was detected by ultrasound examination of the abdomen, 23 (27.2%) by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, 13 (15.2%) by chest CT scan and 1 (1.2%) by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the abdomen. The average tumor size was 3.8 ± 2.3 cm (range from 1 to 1 5 c m). Adrenal tumors were bilateral in 20 (23%) patients, in 39 (46%) patients, the tumors were localized in the right adrenal gland, and in 26 (31%) in the left gland. Subclinical hypercortisolism, defined as insufficient cortisol suppression during overnight dexamethasone test (1 mg), was observed in 34 (40%) patients, while the absence of cortisol suppression (autonomous cortisol secretion) was found in 4 (4.7%) patients. In the remaining 47 (55.3%) patients, complete overnight suppression of cortisol secretion was achieved. Thirty-five (41%) patients underwent adrenalectomy; among them, in 4 (11.4%) cases, adrenocortical carcinoma was found, 15 (42.9%) were adenomas, pheochromocytoma was found in 4 (11.4%) cases, nodular hyperplasia in 5 (14.3%) cases, distant metastasis in one (2.8%) case and the remaining were different benign masses. Conclusion. For patients with adrenal incidentalomas, two fundamental questions on determining the functionality of the tumor and/or the presence of malignancy need to be clarified. All patients with adrenal incidentaloma should undergo hormonal evaluation for autonomous or possible autonomous cortisol secretion, as well as for autonomous, adrenergic, and mineralocorticoid excess. In patients with autonomous adrenal secretion, surgery is indicated even if the typical clinical manifestation is absent.

Background/Aim. Thyroid nodules represent a common problem in medicine. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid glands is a common method for the initial diagnosis of thyroid neoplasia enabling the selection of nodules that should undergo fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). It is a noninvasive method that has a great potential in discovering suspicious lesions, enabling timely actions for further diagnostics and potential treatment. However, it is still not clear enough how the quantitative data collected from Ultrasound elastography correlate with those obtained by other diagnostic tools used for detecting thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to estimate the importance of ultrasound elastography in diagnostics of differentiated thyroid carcinomas but also to estimate the importance of other diagnostic procedures as well. Methods. The research was performed on patients initially referred to the Clinic of Endocrinology in Military Medical Academy, Belgrade to evaluate the status of thyroid nodules. The da-ta from ultrasound elastography was then correlated with those from other diagnostic procedures including clinical examination, echosonography, cytological and histopathological analyses. Results. Statistically significant difference between the group of patients with follicular adenoma and the group of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma was detected for consistency, nodules immovability, thyroglobulin (Tg) levels, presence of calcifications in the nodules and the elastographic score. Fixed nodules and those with firmer consistency were significantly more common in the group of patients with malignant lesions, in which Tg levels were higher. The elastography score 3-4 showed a high predictive value for the detection of thyroid carcinoma, unlike the elasticity score. Conclusion. Ultrasound elastography represents a new non-invasive method that has a very significant, high predictive value for the detection of thyroid carcinoma, especially in correlation with other diagnostic procedures.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZON), deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin are the most extensively studied toxic fungal metabolites. Once mycotoxins enter the food/feed production chain keeping their toxic characteristics, it is very difficult to remove or eliminate them. One of promising methods to reduce mycotoxins in contaminated food/feedstuffs is the use of mycotoxin binders. This paper presents the results of in vitro investigations of mineral mycotoxin binders (bentonite - BEN, diatomite - DIA and zeolite - ZEO), and organic mycotoxin binders - agricultural waste materials (Myriophillium spicatum, peach and sour cherry pits). Chemical compositions of the adsorbents have showed that they do not consist of elements toxic to the animals. Inorganic adsorbents (BEN, DIA and ZEO) tested in vitro were better binders of AFB1 (94.97% - 96.90%), while the biosorbents were more efficient in adsorption of OTA (19.98% - 66.66%), ZON (33.33% - 75.00%) and T-2 toxin (16.67% - 50.00%). Inorganic adsorbents and organic waste materials expressed similar binding capacity for DON in vitro, with the exception of M. spicatum that did not at all adsorb this type B trichothecene. Our results indicate that feed contamination with different types of mycotoxins might be diminished by a product that combines different inorganic and organic adsorbents with diverse mycotoxin binding properties.

Introduction. Frequent coexistence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) indicates their immunological connection, with no consensus on the cause and effect of this relationship. The aim of this report is to present an unusual case of occurrence of multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in severe thyroid atrophy as a result of the end stage of HT and to analyze its clinical significance. Case outline. A 59-year-old female patient with a 14-year-long history of HT was admitted for the surgical treatment of a cytologically suspected PTC. During disease evolution, ultrasound controls were performed once a year and the findings showed a progressive decrease in thyroid volume. The nodule in the right lobe was detected for the first time in 2014. After a one-year follow-up, the nodule size was 7 mm. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed and was reported as “suspicious for PTC.” The patient underwent total thyroidectomy. Intraoperatively, thyroid gland was indistinguishable from the surrounding tissue and histopathological intraoperative consultation was performed in order to confirm malignancy and thyroid tissue. After gross examination, all surgical specimens weighed less than 3 g. A final diagnosis of multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with bilateral presentation and extrathyroidal extension was made. Seventeen months after total thyroidectomy was performed, the patient was well, with no evidence of metastasis or recurrence of papillary carcinoma. Conclusion. In the circumstances of severe thyroid atrophy, papillary microcarcinoma with infiltrative growth can lead to early extrathyroid extension, and even to the infiltration of surrounding structures.

Introduction/Objective. Association of Graves’ disease (GD) and thyroid cancer is reported in a wide range from 0% to 33.7%. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in GD, namely its variant – papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). The increasingly frequent PTMC disclose favorable biological behavior with low mortality and recurrence rates. The aim of this work is to report our experience on the frequency and morphological features of PTMC in surgically treated patients with GD. Methods. Over a period of three years, total or near-total thyroidectomy was performed in 129 patients with GD. Results. Incidental PTMC was diagnosed in 24 (18.7%) patients with GD. The mean tumor diameter was 3.03 ± 2.17 mm. The average age of patients in the GD with PTMC group was 48.50 ± 13.07 years, while in the GD without PTMC group it was 41 ± 13.12 years, and it proved to be statistically significant ( p = 0.045). Most of the PTMC were unifocal (83%), and the most common morphological features of PTMC were intraparenchymal localization (62.5%), follicular morphology (66.7%), and infiltrative growth pattern (62.5%). Extrathyroidal extension, lymphatic invasion and multifocality of PTMC were more commonly related with subcapsular localized PTMC. The presence of at least one nodule in the GD with PTMC group was 58.3%, while in the GD without PTMC group it was 26.7%, and it was statistically significant (p = 0.003). Conclusion. Our results showed a high incidence of PTMC (18.7%) in patients with GD. Clinically, the most important morphological characteristics of PTMC were related with its subcapsular localization.

The production of fumonisins by potentially toxigenic Fusarium verticillioides isolates originating from Serbian maize and wheat kernels was tested in vitro. A total of six F. verticillioides isolates were incubated on yeast extract sucrose medium (YESA) for 4 weeks at 25 °C in the dark. Their toxin production potential was tested by applying a modified HPLC method for determination of fumonisins in cereals, since the TLC method gave no results. Analyses were performed on a HPLC-FLD system after sample extraction from YESA and extract cleanup on a SPE column. Although the isolates were tested for fumonisin B1, B2 and B3, only fumonisin B1 was detected. The results showed that all tested isolates had toxigenic potential for fumonisin B1 production. The average fumonisin B1 production of the isolates ranged from 7 to 289 μg/kg, thus indicating a highly variable toxigenic potential among the isolates. Isolate 1282 expressed the highest toxigenic potential for fumonisin B1 production (289 μg/kg), while isolate 2533/A showed a questionable potential for fumonisin production (7 μg/kg). [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR 31023]

Introduction. Fahr´s syndrome is a rare, slowly progressive, neurodegenerative disorder, characterised by extensive, bilateral, and symmetrical basal ganglia calcification. It is associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations and gradually progressive cognitive impairment. Fahr's syndrome is the secondary form of brain calcification that is caused by various metabolic, infectious, or degenerative diseases. Case report. We presented a middle-aged male with Fahr's syndrome due to primary idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. Clinical diagnosis was based on signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia, progressive neuropsychiatric illnesses, laboratory evidence of hypoparathyroidism, and radiological signs of calcifications in the basal ganglia. The patient improved after only a few days of intravenous rehydration and calcium substitution, followed by oral supplemental calcitriol. Conclusion. Timely recognition of idiopathic and iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism allows appropriate treatment that can prevent the development and clinical manifestations of Fahr´s syndrome and potentially slow its progression.

Introduction. During the last few years, intravenous lipid emulsions have been effectively used in treatment of acute poisonings with lipophilic substances, including verapamil. Case report. A 37-year-old women presented 1 hour after ingestion of 2.8 g verapamil with hypotension and complete heart block. Because of the applied standard therapy failure and further patients impairment, Intralipid® 20% was used. Sinus rhythm was restored, arterial blood pressure increased and verapamile concentrations, both total and free decreased. Conclusion. Intravenous lipid emulsion can be important in treatment of severe acute intoxication and cardiotoxicity caused by verapamil.

Introduction. Turner syndrome presents with one of the most frequent chromosomal aberrations in female, typically presented with growth retardation, ovarian insufficiency, facial dysmorphism, and numerous other somatic stigmata. Gigantism is an extremely rare condition resulting from an excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion that occurs during childhood before the fusion of epiphyseal growth plates. The major clinical feature of gigantism is growth acceleration, although these patients also suffer from hypogonadism and soft tissue hypertrophy. Case report. We presented a girl with mosaic Turner syndrome, delayed puberty and normal linear growth for the sex and age, due to the simultaneous GH hypersecretion by pituitary tumor. In the presented case all the typical phenotypic stigmata related to Turner syndrome were missing. Due to excessive pituitary GH secretion during the period while the epiphyseal growth plates of the long bones are still open, characteristic stagnation in longitudinal growth has not been demonstrated. The patient presented with delayed puberty and primary amenorrhea along with a sudden appearance of clinical signs of hypersomatotropinism, which were the reasons for seeking medical help at the age of 16. Conclusion. Physical examination of children presenting with delayed puberty but without growth arrest must include an overall hormonal and genetic testing even in the cases when typical clinical presentations of genetic disorder are absent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of simultaneous presence of Turner syndrome and gigantism in the literature.

Background/Aim. In the current literature, data on impact of intrahospital changes in patients’ nutritional status on the treatment outcome are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nutritional status deterioration and the treatment outcome among hospitalized gastroenterological patients. Methods. In 650 adult gastroenterological patients nutritional status on admission and at discharge was evaluated using the 6 nutritional status assessment parameters: body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-upper arm muscle circumference, serum albumin concentration, lymphocyte count and unintentional weight loss. The influence on treatment outcome was tested for the nutritional status on admission, nutritional status at discharge and intrahospital nutritional status deterioration. Results. The incidence of favorable outcome in the non-undernourished and undernourished patients on admission was in the range 93.4-97.3% and 81.2- 91.2%, respectively. The incidence of favorable outcome in the non-undernourished and undernourished patients at discharge was in the range 94-97.4% and 80.8-88.1%, respectively. Favorable outcomes were obtained in 95.6-98.9% of the patients without nutritional status deterioration and in 87.1-90.3% of the patients with nutritional status deterioration. Intrahospital nutritional status deterioration significantly influenced the outcome, no matter what assessment parameter had been used (p < 0.001 for all the applied parameters). Furthermore, only the deterioration of nutritional status was found to be an independent predictor of treatment outcome (multivariate analysis Forwald Wald, p £ 0.001; relative risk (RR) = 0.104-0.350; confidence intervals (CI) = 0.037-0.186/0.297-0.657). Conclusion. Deterioration of nutritional status is an independent predictor of adverse outcome.

Technological quality of wheat is defined by physical and chemical indicators of quality and its baking properties. To make wheat a commodity, there are certain requirements to be met, defined by minimum values of trade quality indicators. As hexaploid wheat, spelt (Triticum spelta L.) belongs to a group of alternative cereal grains high in gluten, and its flour is therefore used for making most pastries. Due to its high nutritional value, spelt flour is used to enhance the quality or flavour of wheat bread and other bakery products. Two-year research was conducted during 2011 and 2012 to investigate protein content in crops grown on the Eutric Cambisol soil type. The research was conducted on two spelt cultivars: Hungarian Ekö 10 and Serbian NS Nirvana. The results showed that NS Nirvana averaged a statistically significantly higher proteins content (16.76%) than Hungarian cultivar Ekö 10 (15.65%). Climatic factors, temperatures, the intensity of light and duration of seed filling had an impact on the investigated parameter.

Introduction. Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm that may arise from the extra-adrenal autonomic paraganglia. Urinary bladder paraganglioma is typically presented as repeated episodes of palpitations, headache or blood pressure rise immediately after micturition. Management of these tumors includes radical surgical treatment with preoperative antihypertensive preparation, and a life-long follow-up. Case report. We presented a middle- age female patient with functional urinary bladder paraganglioma, with a 3-year history of repeated episodes of abdominal pain, dysuria and hematuria. After obtaining more precise anamnestic data, the patient reported occasional simultaneous presence of mild adrenergic symptoms, that did not cause any particular attention at first. Morphological and biohumoral examinations suggested paraganglioma of the urinary bladder. Open partial cystectomy was performed, detecting a submucosal mass, while immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of chromaffin tissue. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, management and histopathological findings of urinary bladder paraganglioma are discussed. Conclusion. Since the prognosis with localized paraganglioma is good, we underlined the importance of a well-timed, accurate and detailed medical history in all the patients with even mild, inexplicable micturition-provoked adrenergic symptomatology.

Rural economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is increasingly diversified but agriculture is still important. Governance influences agricultural and rural development (ARD) policy impacts. The paper aims at analysing ARD governance and coordination in BiH. The paper is based on primary information collected by questionnaires and semi-structured interviews performed in 2011 with representatives of 120 institutions as well as a secondary data review. Vertical coordination between State level institutions with entities, cantons, regions, municipalities and non-state actors, especially civil society ones, is still particularly challenging. Coordination between the State Ministry of Foreign Trade and External Relations; Ministries of Agriculture of the Republika Srpska (RS) and Federation of BiH (FBiH) and the Department for Agriculture of Brčko district is crucial. Participation of civil society organizations in ARD policies design and evaluation should be encouraged. Effectiveness of vertical coordination also depends on quality of horizontal coordination at RS and FBiH levels.

Background/Aim. Insulinomas are rare benign tumors in the most cases and the most frequent endocrine tumors of the pancreas. A wide spectrum of clinical manifestations in patients with insulinoma is the reason for difficult recognition of the disease with a long period of time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. Diagnostic procedures include Whipple’s triad, 72-hour fast test and topographic assessment. The only currative therapy for patients with insulinoma is operative treatment. Methods. This retrospective study included 42 patients with diagnosis of insulinoma treated in our institution in a 60-year period. In all the patients a demographic and clinical data, types of biochemical methods for diagnosis, and diagnostic procedures for insulinoma localization were analyzed. Tumor size and localization, surgical procedures, postoperative complications and outcome were assessed. Results. A study included 42 patients, 29 women and 13 men. The median age at diagnosis was 43 years. Median time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 3 years. The most common clinical symptoms and signs were disturbance of consciousness and abnormal behavior in 73%, confusion and convulsions in 61% of patients. The diagnosis of insulinoma was estimated by Whipple's triad and 72-hour fast test in 14 patients. Determination of insulinoma localization was assessed by angiography in 16 (36%) of the patients, by ultrasound (US) in 3 of 16 (18.8%) patients, by abdominal computed tomography (CT) in 8 of 18 (44.5%) patients, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 2 of 8 (25%) patients. Insulinoma was found in 13 of 13 (100%) patients by arterial stimulation with venous sampling (ASVS) and in 13 of 14 (93%) patients by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Of the 42 patients, 38 (90.5%) underwent operative procedure. Minimal resection was performed in 28 (73.6%) of the patients [tumor enucleation in 27 (71%) and central pancreatectomy in one (2.6%) of the patients], and the major resection was performed in 9 (23.6%) of the operated patients [distal splenopancreatectomy in 8 (21%) and pancreaticoduodenectomy in one (2.6%) patient]. The overall mortality rate in postoperative period was 2.6% (one patient). Conclusion. A combination of ASVS and EUS as diagnostic procedures ensures high accuracy for preoperative determination of insulinoma localization. Minimal resection such as enucleation shoud be performed whenever it is possible.

Introduction. The presence of bilateral exophthalmos and palpebral, periorbital edema associated with hyperthyroidism is most often considered as an initial sign of Graves’ ophthalmopathy. However, in up to 20% of cases, Graves’ ophthalmopathy might precede the occurrence of hyperthyroidism, which is very important to be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if it is stated as unilateral. Among other less common causes of non-thyroid-related orbitopathy, orbital lymphoma represents rare conditions. We presented of a patient with Graves’ disease, initially manifested as bilateral orbitopathy and progressive unilateral exophthalmos caused by the marginal zone B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the orbit. Case report. A 64-yearold man with the 3-year history of bilateral Graves’ orbitopathy and hyperthyroidism underwent the left orbital decompression surgery due to the predominantly left, unilateral worsening of exophthalmos resistant to the previously applied glucocorticoid therapy. A year after the surgical treatment, a substantial exophthalmos of the left eye was again observed, signifying that other non-thyroid pathology could be involved. Orbital ultrasound was suggestive of primary orbital lymphoma, what was confirmed by orbital CT scan and the biopsy of the tumor tissue. Detailed examinations indicated that the marginal zone B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma extended to IV - B-b CS, IPI 3 (bone marrow infiltration: m+ orbit+). Upon the completion of the polychemiotherapy and the radiation treatment, a complete remission of the disease was achieved. Conclusion. Even when elements clearly indicate the presence of thyroid-related ophthalmopathy, disease deteriorating should raise a suspicion and always lead to imaging procedures to exclude malignancy.

Based on the comparative analysis of gross margins in 2006 and 2011, the economic impact of winter wheat production on farms in the Republic of Serbia was estimated. The subject of the analysis was variable costs for purchased seed, fertilizers, pesticides, and contract harvesting services. Based on the analysis of the gross margin for winter wheat, it was noted that the value of production (VP), total variable costs (TVC) and gross margin (GM) were significantly higher in 2011 than in 2006. In 2011, VP was higher due to a significantly higher yield and the higher price of winter wheat grain. In addition to higher prices of all inputs, the increase in variable costs was mostly influenced by the higher price of fertilizer. Comparing the two time periods in winter wheat production, it was concluded that the value of GM in 2011 increased by 30%.

Background/Aim. Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is potentially lethal syndrome, but there are no enough published data on its frequency and characteristics in acute poisonings. The aim of this study was to determine the causes and severity of RM in acute poisonings. Methods. Patients hospital charts were retrospectively screened during a one-year period in order to identify patients with RM among 656 patients treated due to acute poisonings with different agents. All the patients with RM were selected. Entrance criterion was the value of creatine kinase (CK) over 250 U/L. The severity of RM was assessed according to the Poison Severity Score. The patients were divided into three groups: the first one with mild RM (CK from 250 to 1,500 U/L), the second with moderate RM (CK from 1,500 to 10,000 U/L) and the third with severe RM (CK greater than 10,000 U/L). Results. RM occurred in 125 (19%) of the patients with acute poisonings. It was mainly mild (61%), or moderate (36%), and only in 3% of the patients was severe RM. The incidence of RM was the highest in poisonings with opiates (41%), pesticides (38%), neuroleptics (26%), anticonvulsants (26%), ethyl alcohol (20%), and gases (19%). Psychotropic agents were the most common causes of poisoning, and consequently of RM. Fatal outcomes were registered in 32 (25.60%) of all RM patients. The incidence of fatal outcomes in poisonings with mild, moderate and severe RM was 19.73%, 31.11% and 75%, respectively. Conclusion. RM syndrome occurs at a relatively high rate in acute poisonings. Although agent’s toxicity is crucial for the outcome, severe RM and its complications may significantly influence the clinical course and prognosis of poisoning. Routine analysis of CK, as a relevant marker for RM may indicate the development of RM in acute poisoning and initiate prompt therapeutic measures in preventing acute renal failure as the most frequent consequence of extensive rhabdomyolysis.