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Background/Aim: The placenta is an extraembryonic organ necessary for foetal development. Due to its availability and high content of stem cells and growth factors, placenta tissue has found its application in regenerative medicine. The aim of this paper was to determine whether the age of the pregnant woman or the gestational age affects the morphology of the term placenta and whether placentas of advanced maternal age are suitable for application in regenerative medicine. Methods: In this research 30 placentas of healthy pregnant women, aged from 18 to 42 years and from 36 up to 41 weeks of gestational age were used for analyses. Tissue samples were stained with standard haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34 antibody. The parameters of volume density of chorionic villi, intervillous spaces and fibrinoids, as well as the thickness of the placental barrier were determined. Results: The volume densities of chorionic villi and fibrinoids were higher in placentas of advanced maternal age, as well as in placentas of gestational age from 38 to 41 weeks of gestation, while the volume of intervillous spaces was lower in these groups. With increased maternal and gestation age, the placental membrane thickens. Conclusion: When sampling placentas for regenerative medicine purposes, only the placentas from pregnant women younger than 35 years of age and whose gestational age are not exceeding 38 weeks should be selected.

The subject of this analysis is foreign companies in Serbia, which are classified into six groups according to origin of capital. A survey of 28 companies with the largest share of gross value added (GVA) for Serbia was conducted. The research aimed to determine whether lowand medium-developed countries are able to develop when faced with conflicts and confrontations between large countries in the geopolitical and geoeconomic field using Serbia as a case study. A further goal of the research was to establish whether Serbia itself can record industrial growth in such conditions. The results presented cover a two-year period from the beginning of the Russian “special operation” in Ukraine, i.e. February 2022, to February 2024. The analysis showed that industrial production in Serbia has exhibited positive results in the last two years thanks to the participation of FDI from non-European companies. Two key data sources were used in the paper, namely Eurostat’s statistical databases and data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia.

Introduction. Malignant biliary obstruction represents a poor prognostic sign of metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is the procedure of choice for palliative biliary decompression, and this method has both diagnostic and therapeutic values. One of the wellknown complications following this procedure is the development of catheter tract metastases that occur in 0.6–6% of cases post-PTBD. In this case report, we present a patient with implantation metastases of colorectal cancer following PTBD. Case report. In the last six years, 89 patients underwent PTBD procedure at the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina. Among these patients, catheter tract implantation metastasis developed in one patient (1.1%). In this report, we present a patient who underwent right hemicolectomy in January 2015 at the Oncology Institute due to colon cancer located in the transverse colon. In January of 2018, a computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed metastatic disease and chemotherapy was initiated. However, 29 months following the start of chemotherapy, the patient developed jaundice, and as a result, PTBD procedure was performed. A control computed tomography scan of the abdomen in March of 2021 showed a de novo subcutaneous nodule 20 mm in diameter located at the level of ninth right rib. The nodule had been considered a part of the scar that formed at a place of catheter entry, and was still present eight months after PTBD procedure. Biopsy of the subcutaneous mass and pathohistological analysis confirmed well differentiated colon adenocarcinoma. Conclusion. Catheter tract implantation metastasis is not a rare complication following PTBD for malignant biliary obstruction. It generally has a poor prognosis. Nevertheless, literature review shows that radical surgical excision of the catheter tract tissue with hepatectomy can prolong survival in select group of patients.

The subject of this paper is the productivity of the manufacturing industry of Serbia. The analysis was conducted on data for 85 manufacturing groups of Serbian industry during the period 2012-2022. Changes in total factor productivity, as well as the decomposition of these changes into technological changes and innovations on the one hand, and efficiency changes on the other, were estimated using Malmquist indices calculated by DEA program. The introduction offers a brief overview of the macroeconomic context in which industrial production takes place. The second chapter is devoted to the methodology and the presentation of the data used. In the third part of the paper, the results of the research are presented. The total factor productivity of the manufacturing industry grew at a low average rate of about 0.5% annually. The manufacturing industry lacks continuity of growth, with no more than two years of consecutive productivity growth recorded. The best results were achieved in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, electrical equipment and other transport equipment. Productivity growth in these divisions is rather the result of efficiency improvements than technological changes, i.e. innovations. The biggest decline was achieved in the manufacture of basic iron and steel.

Background/Aim. Taking into consideration the justified popularity of total arterial revascularization, the saphenous vein graft (SVG) is still one of the most utilized conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). One of the determining factors of this conduit’s durability is its endothelial integrity at the time of surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different storage solutions on SVG endothelial integrity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 (T2DM) and non-T2DM patients undergoing CABG. The solutions under evaluation were heparinized saline solution (0.9% NaCl), heparinized autologous whole blood, Bretschneider (histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate – HTK) solution, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) solution. Methods. Forty patients were included in this study and were divided into two groups: group A with 23 T2DM patients and group B with 17 non-T2DM patients. The effects of these solutions were examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34 antibodies and morphometric comparison in histologic samples of T2DM patients undergoing CABG between July 2021 and September 2022 with samples provided by non-T2DM patients. Results. In this study, the FFP solution showed the most prominent positive effect on the preservation of SVG endothelial integrity, with an average cell integrity preservation of 92.2%. HTK solution was found to be the least effective, with an endothelial cell preservation integrity of 26.77%. There was no marked statistically significant difference in results from groups A and B. There was a noticeable contrast in preserving SVG endothelial integrity between the two patient groups, T2DM and non-T2DM patients, although it was not statistically significant. Conclusion. The storage solution with the most beneficial effect on SVG endothelial integrity preservation was the FFP solution when harvested via the conventional open method in CABG.

Introduction: The common duckweed (L. minor) is a model organism for investigation of plant physiology, especially stress-related responses. Its two physiological characteristics are of special interest: (1) salt-stressed duckweeds may accumulate starch, a precursor for biofuel; (2) duckweeds are associated with various beneficial (plant-growth promoting, PGP) bacterial strains. In this paper, we analyzed the role of two bacterial strains: Pseudomonas oryzihabitans D1-104/3 and P. gessardii C31-106/3 in regulation of duckweed's growth and antioxidative responses to salt (10 and 100 mM NaCl) and hypothesized that they alleviate salt-induced oxidative stress. Methods: Fresh and dry weight, frond number, photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ascorbic acid (AsA), proline, total polyphenol (TPC) and starch content, as well as antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymatic activity were measured after 14 days. Fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize bacterial presence on duckweeds. Results: Fluorescence microscope revealed that Pseudomonas bacteria colonized all duckweed surfaces. The doubling time of duckweeds inoculated with P. gessardii C31-106/3 was significantly longer. Additionally, at 0 and 10 mM NaCl, this strain decreased chlorosis in duckweeds. Moreover, P. gessardii C31-106/3 increased dry-to-fresh-weight ratio, proline, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid content at 100 mM, as well as AsA content in plants in NaCl-free medium, while P. oryzihabitans D1-104/3 increased AsA at 100 mM NaCl. Both bacterial strains decreased lipid peroxidation, while P. gessardii C31-106/3 increased and P. oryzihabitans D1-104/3 decreased H2O2 content at 100 mM and 0 mM NaCl, respectively. Bacteria significantly increased TPC and antioxidant capacity at 100 mM NaCl, particularly P. oryzihabitans D1-104/3. After 14 days, the SOD and POX activities were at the same level in all samples. At 100 mM NaCl, CAT activity was increased in all plants. Discussion: The results of this study show that two Pseudomonas strains had markedly different effects on duckweed: while P. oryzihabitans D1-104/3 supported growth, P. gessardii C31-106/3 prioritized salt stress tolerance in duckweeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Type IV collagen belongs to the group of nonfibrillar collagens and is an important component of the basement membranes, where it accounts for approximately 50% of its structural elements. The aim of the study was to describe the expression and distribution of collagen type IV in the embryonic and fetal metanephric kidney and to determine the volume density of collagen type IV in kidney tissue in each trimester of development. Methods. The material consisted of 19 human embryos/fetuses, in the gestational age from 8th to 37th week. Kidney tissue specimens were routinely processed to paraffin molds, stained immunohistochemically using polyclonal anti-collagen IV antibody and counterstained with Mayer hematoxylin and eosin. Stained slides were examined using a light microscope, and images of the selected areas under different lens magnification were captured with a digital camera. Volume density of collagen type IV was determined using ImageJ 1.48v and a plugin of the software, which inserted a grid system with 336 points. For the data comparison, the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used. Results. Strong collagen IV immunopositivity was seen in all specimens, with a distribution in the basement membranes of urinary bud, parietal leaf of Bowman’s capsule, glomerular basement membrane, basement membrane of interstitial blood vessels, and basement membranes of nephron tubules and collecting ducts. No statistically significant difference in the volume density of type IV collagen was found among the different trimesters of the embryonic and fetal development. Conclusion. The synthesis and secretion of collagen type IV simultaneously follow the development of nephron structures, collecting system and blood vessels. The volume density of collagen type IV remains constant throughout all the trimesters of metanephric kidney development, indicating that it plays a crucial role in the normal development of nephron and collecting system structures, as well as in maintaining the normal kidney function.

The antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of three thalloid liverworts, Marchantia polymorpha, Conocephalum conicum and Pellia endiviifolia and bis-bibenzyl marchantin A, the most dominant compound in the methanol extract of M. polymorpha, have been investigated in this research. 1H-NMR spectroscopy revealed that the M. polymorpha and P. endiviifolia extracts of liverwort contain terpenes, oils, sugars and bis-bibenzyls, while these specific macrocyclic compounds were absent in the C. conicum extract. The antimicrobial potential was tested on eight bacterial strains. Antimicrobial effects of extracts and marchantin A were observed against Gram-positive bacteria, while they showed no effect against Gram-negative bacteria in both methods used – well diffusion and broth microdilution.

Introduction. Implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) improves survival and quality of life in patients with end-stage heart failure. We reported a case of a severe gastrointestinal bleeding as a life threatening complication in early recovering postoperative period of continuous blood flow LVAD implantation. Case report. The patient had a history of heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy with low systolic function, as an indication for LVAD implantation. The operation and the postoperative course were uneventful. On the 17th postoperative day, the patient developed severe anemia, which was followed by melena with blood clots. Endoscopic examinations revealed diffuse colonic bleeding. Oral anticoagulation therapy was discontinued, and fresh frozen plasma, K vitamin substitution, and human prothrombin complex were administered. The LVAD speed was reduced and subcutaneous administration of somatostatin analog octreotide was initiated. These measures successfully stopped the bleeding and the patient was stabilized. Due to a multidisciplinary team approach, the bleeding was successfully managed and the patient re-covered. Conclusion. Acute gastrointestinal bleeding represents a serious, life-threatening condition that can develop after LVAD implantation, but with timely and appropriate measurements, it can be successfully treated.

This paper offers significant evidence for the presence of a beneficial impact of foreign direct investment on technical efficiency based on a balanced panel data on a sample of 92 manufacturing groups over the period 2010-2019. Throughout this period Serbia lost 28% of the potential output of the manufacturing sector due to technical inefficiency. The finding is directly supported by the results at the level of the observed groups. Thus, the greatest increase in technical efficiency is in branches with a high share of foreign ownership, such as: production of motor vehicles, production of chemicals, and production of wire and cable equipment. The methodology is based on stochastic frontier analysis - within that, 'true' random effects model. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the possible consequences of foreign-invested enterprises on the domestic economy and, in particular, the performance of local businesses. As a result, it is helpful to policymakers in developing counties, where FDI is thought to have technological spillovers on native businesses.

Given the importance of trade performance to overall economic fundamentals, the question arises as to the extent that South East European Countries (SEEC) have successfully followed the successful transition path of Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC). To address this issue, we use similarity indicators to calculate possible convergence between the export structures of SEEC and CEEC from 2007-2008 to 2018-2019. We then compute the value of the similarity coefficients of SEEC and CEEC export structures and compare them with EU import structures, and intra-industry trade for both SEEC and CEEC. Next, we calculate the qualitative changes of both SEEC and CEEC merchandise trade through the tendency of technology-intensive products. The results of these two groups are compared to determine whether SEEC trade performance is converging to that of the CEEC. The results show structural improvements and an above-average increase in SEEC trade since 2007. However, given the simultaneous, moderate qualitative trade progress in the CEEC, the convergence between these two groups is insufficient to close the gap in the foreseeable future.

Athletes, like ordinary people, have the right to get sick and be treated, but they are not allowed to use most of the drugs that are commonly prescribed to other people, because they are on the list of prohibited doping agents. Therefore, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has introduced the "Therapeutic Use Exemptions" (TUEs), which are submitted when there is an indication for the use of substances and methods that are on the list of prohibited substances. This "exemption" serves to relieve the athlete from the danger of being declared positive during or outside a competition. In recent years, permits for the therapeutic use of illicit drugs for treatment have been increasingly sought, and the aim of this paper is to investigate the causes of seeking TUEs, as well as whether there is abuse of TUEs in order to improve athletic ability and results. Descriptive method and theoretical analysis were used for the collection, classification and analysis of the targeted research, and the data used for the research was collected with the help of Google Scholar, PubMed and KoBSON search engines. Treatment of sports injuries is the most common cause for which athletes seek TUE approval. The second on this list are stimulants, which are used for the treatment of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in athletes, while the third place is occupied by beta blockers for the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The aim of this paper is to provide an answer on question if energy transition would have an effect on electricity prices in Serbia. As a part of the Energy Community, Serbia is obliged to harmonize its energy regulation with the Europan Union. Even though electricity price in Serbia is at the lowest level in Europe, it has a high share in the household consumer basket. However, electricity price does not include the cost of CO2 emissions. The recent adoption of National Emission Reduction Plan implies Serbia's obligation to reduce emissions from large combustion plants by 2028. This commitment will entail significant investments and will influence the further development of the electricity sector. Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the EU and consequent implementation of EU ETS in the period 2023-2028, will have a significant impact on the EPS electricity cost production. At the moment, rough estimates show that this amount goes up to 2.5 eurocents per kWh produced by thermal power plants.

This paper analyses technological intensity of Serbian manufacturing sector. The key purpose is to identify development of technological advancement groups (high, medium-high, medium-low and low) during the period of 2010-2019. The analysis shows that in 2019 the share of high-tech production areas in the total MVA increased to 5%, which is the best result since 2015. Changes in production correspond to the movement in foreign trade. The coverage of imports by exports of the manufacturing industry, relatively observed in the medium term, is increasing the fastest in the segment of tangible production, which is included in the category of medium-technological complexity. Serbia is not exclusively competitive in the labour intensive stages of production. It is also competitive in a good part of medium-technological complexity production. Finaly, vast FDI inflows and the activities of foreign investors, in good part, drive successful technological restructuring in recent years.

The paper discusses whether "enlargement fatigue," slowing down the European Union integration process of 6 Candidate Countries (C6), can be explained by the poor economic and trade performance of those economies, especially in trading with the EU. We comprehensively analyzed the merchandise trade of those economies with the EU in 2007–2018 using numerous quantitative techniques and applying a very high level of data disaggregation. First, the value of similarity indicators between the C6's export and EU import structures and indices of intra-industry trade was calculated. Then we controlled for additional factors: the changes in C6's exports (imports) to the EU through shares of goods at higher levels of processing, as well as their export (import) specialization. The conclusion is that the weak trade performances of C6 are not the cause of enlargement fatigue, as these economies saw moderate structural improvements in their trade with the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Although the role of PET/CT imaging is well established in oncology, its diagnostic value in routine monitoring for recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC) is still controversial. The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of F-18 FDG PET/CT in detecting recurrent CRC in correlation with CEA, CA 19-9 levels, and conventional imaging modalities (CIM). Methods: Between 2009 and 2023, a retrospective study was performed including 134 CRC patients referred for PET/CT imaging on the suspicion of recurrence, based on elevated CEA and/or CA 19-9 and/or equivocal CIM findings. According to our institution's Tumor Board CRC protocol, after the initial treatment, which was dependent on the TNM stage (neoadjuvant therapy, primary resection, or adjuvant treatment), patients underwent a standard 5-year surveillance including CEA and CA 19-9 measurements, CIM, and colonoscopy, every six months. The statistics, including univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS 20.0 statistical software. p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Recurrent CRC was confirmed in 54/134 (40.3%) patients with elevated tumor markers. PET/CT showed high diagnostic performance in detecting recurrent CRC with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 94.4%, 82.5%, 78.5%, 95.7%, and 87.3%, respectively. The CEA showed a high sensitivity of 98.1% but both low specificity and accuracy of 15% and 48.5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for CA 19-9 and CIM for diagnosis of CRC recurrence were 44.4%, 67.5%, 58.2%, and 51.9%, 98.8%, 79.9%, respectively. The AUC for PET/CT, elevated CEA levels, CIM, and elevated CA 19-9 levels was 0.885 (95% CI: 0.824–0.946; p < 0.001), 0.844 (95% CI: 0.772–0.916; p < 0.001), 0.753 (95% CI: 0.612–0.844; p < 0.001), and 0.547 (95% CI: 0.442–0.652; p = 0.358), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that both PET/CT and CIM positive results were highly associated with CRC recurrence (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). At the same time, gender, mucinous tumor type, presence of initial lymph node metastasis (N+), and presence of initial distant metastasis (M+) had no significance (p = 0.211, p = 0.158, p = 0.583, and p = 0.201, respectively). Our multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors for CRC recurrence are positive PET/CT scans (p < 0.001), positive CIM results (p = 0.001), and elevated CA 19-9 levels (p = 0.023). Although CA 19-9 was not detected as a statistically significant predictor in the univariate analysis (p = 0.358), in a multivariate analysis it was recognized as a significant predicting factor in detecting the CRC recurrence (p = 0.023). Conclusions: F-18 FDG PET/CT showed high diagnostic efficacy in CRC recurrence detection, in correlation with CEA levels, CA 19-9 levels, and CIM. This imaging modality should be routinely integrated into the post-operative follow-op in patients with elevated tumor markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichinellosis is the most common and most important parasitic zoonosis in Serbia. Complications of this disease are frequent, and a fatal outcome is possible. A particularly significant complication is the involvement of the central nervous system – neurotrichinellosis. This case report presents a previously healthy, 51-year-old female from Belgrade, Serbia, a teacher by profession. The disease started with symptoms of gastroenteritis in April, after which symptoms and signs characteristic of trichinellosis occurred (myalgia, fever, bilateral eyelid edema, conjunctivitis). About two weeks before the onset of the first symptoms, the patient consumed pork sausages that had been purchased at a green market. Seven days after the disease started, she was hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade and the diagnosis of trichinellosis was established. Two days after admission, neurological symptoms appeared – confusion, apathy, right side weakness of the mimic and limb muscles. The medical imaging techniques (CT scan, MRI) showed multiple hypodense changes in different parts of the brain, which corresponded to vasculitis due to parasitic infection. She was treated with approved antiparasitic and corticosteroid therapy. Despite adequate treatment, neurological sequelae were maintained in the follow-up period, and control imaging techniques revealed residual changes in the brain. This case emphasizes the importance of the strict application of all foreseen preventive measures in the control of trichinellosis, and primarily, mandatory trichinoscopic examination of all meat intended for human consumption.

The “Pirot ‘ironed’ sausage” (Pis) is a traditional, dry, fermented product originating from the town of Pirot, situated in southeastern Serbia. This product is made from different types of meat (goat, sheep, beef and donkey) and spices, without additives or starter cultures. Pis is an organic, unprocessed product, without heat or smoke treatment. The aim of this study was to characterize 120 isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Pis produced by six different brands during a two-year period using phenotypic and genetic identification. Preliminary characterization of the LAB was based on general morphology and biochemical tests. Repetitive elements such as REP, BOX and GTG5, found in the genome of these bacteria, and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD PCR) sequences were used for determination of genetic polymorphism. Identification by 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed the presence of only two LAB species, Lactobacillus sakei (76%) and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (24%). However, genetic polymorphism was detected using fingerprinting methods. In comparison with other primers, the profiles obtained with GTG5 showed the highest heterogeneity for most of the tested isolates, with sequencing results additionally confirming its discriminatory power. In addition, M13 RAPD primer also produced satisfactory separation of the tested isolates. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 173026]

The objective of this study is to examine the formation of relationship quality and its consequences in higher education setting. The study draws on extant literature in service businesses and proposes teachers' customer orientation as an antecedent to relationship quality, encompassing trust and satisfaction, and relationship continuity and word-of-mouth (WOM) communication as consequences of students' perceptions of relationship quality. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyse survey data collected on a convenience sample of 236 students attending a small public faculty in Serbia. The results show that trust and satisfaction mediate the impact of teachers' customer orientation on relationship continuity and WOM. Both trust and satisfaction emerged as direct positive determinants of WOM, whereas the impact of trust on relationship continuity is mediated via student satisfaction. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed and future research directions are provided.

This paper analyses the determinants of economic growth in the post WWII to the pre-crisis period (1953-2007) using the dynamic generalized methods of moments (GMM) panel approach to determine effects of the real and the monetary determinants. Our results obtained from the panel of 61 countries suggest that economic growth varies between periods, as well as with level of economic development. Real determinants of GDP growth (real per capita GDP level, private consumption, investments, government expenditure, exports, and imports) affect the economic growth in all countries, while the monetary determinants (inflation, interest rate, and foreign direct investment) play more important role in the developed countries.

Methylation of p16 and p14 genes is a common event in colorectal cancers; however, their exact role in the prediction of patients’ outcome is unclear. We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate their potential predictive and/or prognostic roles. Methylation-specific PCR was used to examine the methylation status of p16 and p14 in pretherapeutic and preoperative biopsy specimens of 60 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. The methylation status of the examined genes did not affect the response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), recurrence rate and overall survival. However, patients with a simultaneous presence of either p16 or p14 methylation and high vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression showed a significantly worse response to CRT (p=0.005 and p=0.038, respectively). Moreover, patients with both p16 methylation and high VEGF expression had significantly shorter overall survival (p=0.010), while no such association was found in patients with p14 methylation and high VEGF expression. On the other hand, a subgroup of patients with p16 methylation and low VEGF and high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression showed a significantly better response to CRT (p=0.024). The obtained results point to the importance of p16 and p14 methylation analyses in combination with VEGF and EGFR expression, aimed at better predicting treatment response and patient outcome. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 173049]

The main objective of this paper is to consider the factors that led to the poor performances of the Serbian agribusiness sector in recent years. Moreover, specific objectives are to discuss the productivity trends in agribusiness sector, to evaluate statistical significance of several important determinants like insufficient domestic demand, low product quality, slow technological changes as well as inadequate state support, and to suggest ways to overcome challenges. A methodology used in the analysis and the results can be employed in a number of ways. It should be noted that panel analysis provides a framework for easy interpretation of determinants that affect the performance of agribusiness sector but also serves as a good empirical confirmation of their statistical significance. On the other hand, the results have implications for the food industry and policy decision making process, as they provide evidence on the current and projected economic performance of food manufacturing industry. .

Background/Aim. A short-term high-intensity noise from a gunshot impulse that occurs when using infantry weapon, can result in onset of auditory symptoms such as tinnitus, impaired hearing or feeling of pressure in one or both ears. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of live ammunition shooting from an automatic rifle on the hearing sense in professional military personnel. The examination was done in correlation with the conditions of the common shooting practice procedure. Methods. The research has been conducted on 22 professional soldiers serving in the Serbian Military, during their regular peacetime training shooting from the automatic rifle AP 7.62 mm M70. The training was conducted on the formational shooting field “Bubanj Potok”. The written consent from all subjects was acquired. All subjects were submitted to medical examination prior and after the shooting session. The medical examination consisted of anamnesis, clinical otorhinolaryngological examination, audiometry and impedancemetry. All subjects filled out the following questionnaire forms: “The Questionnaire prior to shooting” and “The questionnaire after shooting.” Subjects who were incapable to undergo shooting practice, whether from psychological or physical reasons were excluded from this study. Results. After the assessment of received data from 22 subjects, the results were as followed: in 2 (9%) subjects hearing impairment was diagnosed. Tinnitus was registered in 5 (22.7%) patients. One (4.5%) patient reported the feeling of pressure in one ear. One of two cases of one ear hearing impairment was on the rifle holding side and second case was on opposite lateral side. In both cases, hearing loss was of sensorineural type of milder degree, with a scotoma at 4,000 Hz in one case up to 50 dB and the second up to 55 dB. Conclusion. Auditory effects of impulse noise that occurs when shooting from automatic rifles cause hearing impairment, tinnitus and a feeling of pressure in the ears. The practical significance of this study lies in prevention which includes the mandatory use of personal protective equipment and functional arrangement of the practice shooting field.

Introduction/Objective. The success of endodontic treatment depends on the effective removal of root content, the elimination of infection, and the hermetical sealing of the root system using a compatible material. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the tissue response to the implant of endodontic material based on calcium hydroxide into the bone in the artificially prepared defect in a rat mandible. Methods. The research was carried out on 40 Wistar rats. The artificial defect was made between the midline and the mental foramen on the left side of the mandible. The prepared defect was left to heal spontaneously in animals of the control group, while among the animals of the experimental group the sealer Apexit (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Lichtenstein) was implanted into the experimental defect. The tissue samples consisting of the experimental field and the surrounding bone were microscopically analyzed with a light microscope. Results. During the initial phase, 15 days after the implantation, signs of chronic inflammation were noted and expansion of the Volkmann’s and Haversian canals. On the 30th day after the implantation, osteosynthetic activity and filling with newly-formed bone were noted. Changes were also noted in cement lines in the wider region of the experimental defect. Sixty days following the implantation, the bone was gradually remodeled. Ninety days after the implantation, a restitutio ad integrum was noted. Conclusion. Apexit does not lead to any disruptions in normal reparation processes nor in morphofunctional relations in bone tissue during the remodeling phase. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 175061: The antioxidant protection and potentials for differentiation and regeneration of mesenchymal stem cells from different tissues during the aging process]

Over previous years the construct of corporate reputation has received much attention among academics and business practitioners. Whereas researchers' interests have been mainly pointed to the implications of good corporate reputation, its antecedents have largely been understudied. Moreover, majority of previous research took part in the context of the U.S. and Western Europe, leaving service industries in emerging economies rather neglected area. Hoping to fill this void in marketing knowledge, the objective of this study is to propose and empirically examine a model of retailer reputation, by incorporating the construct into the framework of established relationships among key service evaluation constructs. Conceptual model has been examined on a sample of Serbian grocery retail customers by means of structural equation modeling (SEM). Results of the study point to significant effect of service quality and value on retailer reputation and the direct impact of reputation on customer loyalty. Limitations of the study have been discussed and directions for future research are provided.