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Bioglasses are highly adoptable bone substitute materials, which can be combined with so-called therapeutic ions. These ions have shown to influence underlying molecular processes of the bone regeneration cascade. Moreover, it is known that bone substitutes induce an immune reaction within their implantation area involving macrophages and their pro- and anti-inflammatory subtypes dependent on their chemical composition. However, only poor knowledge exists regarding the influence of therapeutic ions onto the immune reactions and the associated bone healing. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the influence of strontium- and copper-doped bioglasses on the induction of M1- and M2-macrophages as well as the implant bed vascularization. (2) Methods: For this study, two alkali glasses were produced on basis of ICIE-16 bioglass via the melt-quench route with the addition of 5 wt% copper or strontium (ICIE16-Cu and ICIE16-Sr). Pure ICIE16 and 45S5 bioglasses were used as control materials. The bioactivity (ion release), chemical composition and the surface pattern were investigated, as well as an in vivo experiment was performed using the subcutaneous implantation model in rats. (3) Results: SEM imaging showed different formations of hydroxyapatite on the surfaces of the bioglass systems after submersion in simulated body fluid. EDX analysis confirmed the doping process by showing the release kinetics. Copper-doped bioglass exhibited a higher ion release than strontium-doped bioglass. Copper induced both a low immune cell migration and triggered a low number of M1- and M2-macrophages but also of blood vessels. The strontium-containing bioactive glass induced higher numbers of M1-macrophages after 30 days. Both copper- and strontium-doped bioglasses induced comparable numbers of M2-macrophages as found in the control groups. (4) Conclusions: Bioglass doping with copper and strontium did not exhibit significant influence on the foreign body response or the implantation bed vascularization in vivo. However, the prepared bioglass systems seemed to be biocompatible.

The paper presents a pathological-radiological correlation of the manifestation of mucosal cystadenoma with ovarian stroma of the liver with examination and correlation with the new stroma nomenclature and differential diagnostic dilemmas of radiologists and pathologists.

Injectable bone substitutes (IBS) are increasingly being used in the fields of orthopedics and maxillofacial/oral surgery. The rheological properties of IBS allow for proper and less invasive filling of bony defects. Vaterite is the most unstable crystalline polymorph of calcium carbonate and is known to be able to transform into hydroxyapatite upon contact with an organic fluid (e.g., interstitial body fluid). Two different concentrations of hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol)-acetal-dimethacrylat (PEG-a-DMA), i.e., 8% (w/v) (VH-A) or 10% (w/v) (VH-B), were combined with vaterite nanoparticles and implanted in subcutaneous pockets of BALB/c mice for 15 and 30 days. Explants were prepared for histochemical staining and immunohistochemical detection methods to determine macrophage polarization, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to analyze elemental composition was used for the analysis. The histopathological analysis revealed a comparable moderate tissue reaction to the hydrogels mainly involving macrophages. Moreover, the hydrogels underwent a slow cellular infiltration, revealing a different degradation behavior compared to other IBS. The immunohistochemical detection showed that M1 macrophages were mainly found at the material surfaces being involved in the cell-mediated degradation and tissue integration, while M2 macrophages were predominantly found within the reactive connective tissue. Furthermore, the histomorphometrical analysis revealed balanced numbers of pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages, demonstrating that both hydrogels are favorable materials for bone tissue regeneration. Finally, the EDX analysis showed a stepwise transformation of the vaterite particle into hydroxyapatite. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that hydrogels including nano-vaterite particles are biocompatible and suitable for bone tissue regeneration applications.

Synthetic bone substitute materials (BSMs) are becoming the general trend, replacing autologous grafting for bone tissue engineering (BTE) in orthopedic research and clinical practice. As the main component of bone matrix, collagen type I has played a critical role in the construction of ideal synthetic BSMs for decades. Significant strides have been made in the field of collagen research, including the exploration of various collagen types, structures, and sources, the optimization of preparation techniques, modification technologies, and the manufacture of various collagen-based materials. However, the poor mechanical properties, fast degradation, and lack of osteoconductive activity of collagen-based materials caused inefficient bone replacement and limited their translation into clinical reality. In the area of BTE, so far, attempts have focused on the preparation of collagen-based biomimetic BSMs, along with other inorganic materials and bioactive substances. By reviewing the approved products on the market, this manuscript updates the latest applications of collagen-based materials in bone regeneration and highlights the potential for further development in the field of BTE over the next ten years.

Acute pelvic pain (APP) requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment. Differential diagnosis of APP is broad, including a variety of gynecologic and non-gynecologic/ urinary, gastrointestinal, vascular and other entities. Close anatomical and physiological relations of pelvic structures, together with similar clinical presentation of different disorders and overlapping of symptoms, especially in the emergency background, make the proper diagnosis of APP challenging. Imaging plays a crucial role in the fast and precise diagnosis of APP. Ultrasonography is the first-line imaging modality, often accompanied by CT, while MRI is utilized in specific cases, using short, tailored protocols. Recognizing the cause of APP in females is a challenging task, due to the wide spectrum of possible origin and overlap of their imaging features. Therefore, the radiologist has to be familiar with the possible causes of APP, and, relying on clinical presentation, together with laboratory findings, choose the best imaging strategy in order to establish a fast and accurate diagnosis.

To test the performance of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting Data System (O-RADS) MRI in characterizing adnexal masses with cystic components and to test new specific MRI features related to cystic components to improve the ability of the O-RADS MRI score to stratify lesions according to their risk of malignancy.The EURopean ADnexal study (EURAD) database was retrospectively queried to identify adnexal masses with a cystic component. One junior and 13 radiologists independently reviewed cases blinded to the pathological diagnosis. For each lesion, the size of the whole lesion, morphological appearance, number of loculi, presence of a thickened wall, thickened septae, signal intensity of the cystic components on T1-weighted/T2-weighted/diffusion weighted, mean value of the apparent diffusion coefficient, and O-RADS MRI score were reported. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant features to predict malignancy.The final cohort consisted of 585 patients with 779 pelvic masses who underwent pelvic MRI to characterize an adnexal mass(es). Histology served as the standard of reference. The diagnostic performance of the O-RADS MRI score was 0.944,Cystic component analysis may improve the diagnosis performance of the O-RADS MRI score in adnexal cystic masses.• O-RADS MRI score combined with specific cystic features (area under the receiving operating curve, AUROC = 0.958) improves the diagnostic performance of the O-RADS MRI score (AUROC = 0.944) for predicting malignancy in this cohort. • Cystic features that improve the prediction of malignancy are ADC mean1.69 (OR = 7); number of loculi ≥ 3 (OR = 5.16); lesion size75 mm (OR = 4.40); the presence of a thick wall (OR = 3.59); a high T2-weighted signal intensity score 4 or 5 (OR = 3.30); a low T1-weighted signal intensity score 1, 2, or 3 (OR = 3.45); and a low diffusion-weighted signal intensity (OR = 2.12). • An adnexal lesion with a cystic component rated O-RADS MRI score 4 and an ADC value of the cystic component1.69 associated with a low diffusion-weighted signal, has virtually a 0% risk of malignancy.

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There is an urgent need to increase the daily intake of insoluble dietary fiber, and at the same time to find new sources and new production technologies. We hypothesized that fungal enzymes directly involved in lignocellulosic material hydrolysis (Aspergillus and Trichoderma enzyme cocktails) will change the fiber structure particularly efficiently after the action of laccase (Trametes versicolor enzyme cocktail). Enzymes production on an inducing substrate (same as starting material for obtainment of insoluble dietary fibers) and their usage resulted in obtainment of novel insoluble dietary fibers with better characteristics, 24% higher swelling, 43% higher WRC and 57% higher ORC compared to insoluble dietary fibers from triticale (already proven to be a good food additive). Changes in structure were analyzed by FTIR and microscopic analysis. Antioxidative performance of the obtained products, new insoluble and released soluble dietary fibers, was analyzed in detail. Newly obtained soluble dietary fibers demonstrated up to 20 times higher antioxidant activity compared to untreated fibers (ABTS and DPPH tests). These results suggest their good performance as a future food additive. At the same time, they prove the hypothesis that the use of enzyme cocktails rich in laccase is a good choice for biological pretreatment in this process. Supplementary data: [https://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4799]

International audience; Importance: Approximately one-quarter of adnexal masses detected at ultrasonography are indeterminate for benignity or malignancy, posing a substantial clinical dilemma.Objective: To validate the accuracy of a 5-point Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting Data System Magnetic Resonance Imaging (O-RADS MRI) score for risk stratification of adnexal masses.Design, setting, and participants: This multicenter cohort study was conducted between March 1, 2013, and March 31, 2016. Among patients undergoing expectant management, 2-year follow-up data were completed by March 31, 2018. A routine pelvic MRI was performed among consecutive patients referred to characterize a sonographically indeterminate adnexal mass according to routine diagnostic practice at 15 referral centers. The MRI score was prospectively applied by 2 onsite readers and by 1 reader masked to clinical and ultrasonographic data. Data analysis was conducted between April and November 2018.Main outcomes and measures: The primary end point was the joint analysis of true-negative and false-negative rates according to the MRI score compared with the reference standard (ie, histology or 2-year follow-up).Results: A total of 1340 women (mean [range] age, 49 [18-96] years) were enrolled. Of 1194 evaluable women, 1130 (94.6%) had a pelvic mass on MRI with a reference standard (surgery, 768 [67.9%]; 2-year follow-up, 362 [32.1%]). A total of 203 patients (18.0%) had at least 1 malignant adnexal or nonadnexal pelvic mass. No invasive cancer was assigned a score of 2. Positive likelihood ratios were 0.01 for score 2, 0.27 for score 3, 4.42 for score 4, and 38.81 for score 5. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.961 (95% CI, 0.948-0.971) among experienced readers, with a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.96; 189 of 203 patients) and a specificity of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.89-0.93; 848 of 927 patients). There was good interrater agreement among both experienced and junior readers (κ = 0.784; 95% CI, 0.743-0824). Of 580 of 1130 women (51.3%) with a mass on MRI and no specific gynecological symptoms, 362 (62.4%) underwent surgery. Of them, 244 (67.4%) had benign lesions and a score of 3 or less. The MRI score correctly reclassified the mass origin as nonadnexal with a sensitivity of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.98-0.99; 1360 of 1372 patients) and a specificity of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71-0.85; 102 of 130 patients).Conclusions and relevance: In this study, the O-RADS MRI score was accurate when stratifying the risk of malignancy in adnexal masses.

Introduction. Around 2% of all cutaneous neoplasms arise in the scalp and can be classified as either primary or metastatic. Intracranial extension is rare in cutaneous malignancies, but can generally occur if left untreated. Squamos cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of nonmelanoma skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. About 3-8% of SCCs are located on the scalp and can cause skull and dural invasion in rare cases. Case report. A 49-year old male patient presented with a large and painful lesion in the parieto-occipital region of the head. MRI revealed a large inhomogeneous, necrotic lesion with infiltration of the underlying skull and dura. The patient underwent surgical removal of the tumor with excision of invaded skin, bone and dura with a safety margin of 1 cm followed by custom prefabricated three-dimensional printed cranioplasty with polymethylmetacrilate (PMMA). Histopathological analysis revealed invasive squamous cell carcinoma with immunohistochemistry staining revealing CK5/6 and CK7 positivity. Conclusion. Some cases of scalp SCCs can cause invasion of the underlying skull and dura if left untreated. Imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play a crucial role in evaluating the degree of neoplastic extension and potential calvarial and dural invasion, thus being of significant importance in preoperative planning and management.

The need to increase the daily intake of dietary fibres opens a new chapter in the research of functional foods enriched with fibres. The potential application of an innovative product - insoluble dietary fibres from triticale in yoghurts - was deployed by characterising their food application and evaluating physico-chemical, rheological and sensory properties and was the aim of this research.; Results: Detailed characterisations of these fibres are presented for the first time and showed very good hydration properties, optimal pH (slightly acidic), optimal chemical composition, high antioxidant capacity which was proven by phenolics contents. Besides, these fibres showed negligible calorific value, with no phytates and high antioxidant capacity, mainly from ferulic acid. Therefore they could be successfully added to yoghurt. Enrichment of yoghurt having different milk fat content (1.5 and 2.8% w/w) with triticale insoluble fibre (1.5% and 3.0% w/w) significantly influenced the syneresis level, its apparent viscosity, yield stress and thixotropic behaviour. The overall sensory quality scores indicated that yoghurt enriched with 1.5% triticale insoluble fibres was recognised as 'excellent' and had enhanced antioxidant activity.; Conclusions: Insoluble triticale fibre could therefore be used as a supplement to produce functional yoghurt. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of suspected adnexal masses, endometriosis and uterine tumors, whereas MRI is used as a secondary diagnostic tool to better characterize these lesions. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest advances in the imaging of these utero-ovarian pathologies.

The need to increase the daily intake of dietary fibres opens a new chapter in the research of functional foods enriched with fibres. The potential application of an innovative product - insoluble dietary fibres from triticale in yoghurts - was deployed by characterising their food application and evaluating physico-chemical, rheological and sensory properties and was the aim of this research.Detailed characterisations of these fibres are presented for the first time and showed very good hydration properties, optimal pH (slightly acidic), optimal chemical composition, high antioxidant capacity which was proven by phenolics contents. Besides, these fibres showed negligible calorific value, with no phytates and high antioxidant capacity, mainly from ferulic acid. Therefore they could be successfully added to yoghurt. Enrichment of yoghurt having different milk fat content (1.5 and 2.8% w/w) with triticale insoluble fibre (1.5% and 3.0% w/w) significantly influenced the syneresis level, its apparent viscosity, yield stress and thixotropic behaviour. The overall sensory quality scores indicated that yoghurt enriched with 1.5% triticale insoluble fibres was recognised as 'excellent' and had enhanced antioxidant activity.Insoluble triticale fibre could therefore be used as a supplement to produce functional yoghurt. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aims This study explored how paediatric healthcare professionals experienced and coped with end-of-life conflicts and identified how to improve coping strategies. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to all 2300 professionals at a paediatric university hospital, covering the frequency of end-of-life conflicts, participants, contributing factors, resolution strategies, outcomes and the usefulness of specific institutional coping strategies. Results Of the 946 professionals (41%) who responded, 466 had witnessed or participated in paediatric end-of-life discussions: 73% said these had led to conflict, more frequently between professionals (58%) than between professionals and parents (33%). Frequent factors included professionals’ rotations, unprepared parents, emotional load, unrealistic parental expectations, differences in values and beliefs, parents’ fear of hastening death, precipitated situations and uncertain prognosis. Discussions with patients and parents and between professionals were the most frequently used coping strategies. Conflicts were frequently resolved by the time of death. Professionals mainly supported designating one principal physician and nurse for each patient, two-step interdisciplinary meetings – between professionals then with parents – postdeath ethics meetings, bereavement follow-up protocols and early consultations with paediatric palliative care and clinical ethics services. Conclusion End-of-life conflicts were frequent and predominantly occurred between healthcare professionals. Specific interventions could target most of the contributing factors.

Introduction. The incidence of chronic hepatitis C and its consequences, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is growing rapidly. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic hepatitis C treated at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina and therapy options. Material and Methods. This retrospective study included 51 patients (52.9% male and 47.1% female) with chronic hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma treated between 2000 and 2014. The average age of patients was 61.6 years (SD=10.8) and the average duration of hepatitis C virus infection was 30.2 years (SD=11.7). All patients had liver cirrhosis and 43.1% had previously been treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer criteria, stadium A, B, C and D were found in 15.7%, 52.3%, 19.6% and 11.8% of the patients, respectively. The average value of alpha fetoprotein at the moment of making diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was 397.56 ng/ml and the level of alpha fetoprotein was below 20mg/ml in 26% of patients. Tumor resection, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization, systemic chemotherapy and liver transplantation were performed in 13.7%, 3.9%, 1.9%, 1.9% and 5.9% of patients, respectively. Average survival time after the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients included in the study was 1.39 (SD=1.61) years. Conclusion. Ultrasound examinations of the patients with liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus infection are obligatory every 3 months. Etiology of every focal lesion in the liver must be clarified, which could increase the possibility of administration of available therapeutic methods.

Investment projects can have a significant impact on the functioning and development of a company. Therefore, the selection of one or more investment projects from the set of possible is an important and difficult task for decision makers. This paper considers the investment projects selection based on financial analysis criteria and use of imprecise data. In the proposed model, the alternative projects performances are expressed using crisp and interval values, and then the best project from the available is selected by using COPRAS and COPRAS-G methods. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

This paper presents an estimation of local diagnostic reference levels in computed tomography in a large teaching hospital. Local diagnostic reference levels, expressed in terms of volume weighted computed tomography dose index and dose-length product, were estimated for three most frequent adult computer tomography examinations: head, abdomen and pelvis combined, and thorax. The established local diagnostic reference levels values were similar or slightly higher compared to the available guidelines, indicating the possibility for optimization of current practice. Analyzing the protocols used here and recently published studies on dose reduction in computed tomography, a dose-reduction technique, was proposed to decrease tube current values in all three examinations. However, the optimization should be restricted only to standard-sized patients.

Diagnostic Importance of CA-125 in Detection of Recurrence and Progress of the Disease in Stages III and IV of Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma In 60 patients operated in stages III and IV of epithelial ovarian carcinoma continuous determination of CA 125 from serum was done during the following 2 years. The main condition for entering the survey were elevated values of CA 125 in serum > 35 U/mL and histologically verified epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The aim of the survey was to perform statistical assessment of serum CA 125 determination in diagnostics of recurrence and progression of the disease in stages III and IV of epithelial ovarian carcinoma, and percentage (%) of false positive and negative results. Determination of CA 125 from serum during 2 postoperative years is a reliable but not completely certain diagnostic parameter in detection of the disease progression in stages III and IV of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (sensitivity 79.3%, specificity 97.1%, positive predictive value 91.2%, negative predictive value 92.4%, test accuracy 92.1%). False positive (0.7%) and false negative results (4.7%) of individual tests were present in 5.4% of all samples.

Introduction Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is relatively new term, it can be localized anywhere inside the gastrointestinal system. It has formerly been called leiomyoma, leiomyoblastoma, and/or leiomyosarcoma. Case report Case report is about a female patient with indefinite difficulties described as 'bother', mild anemia and anamnesis data of her mother who had been operated on for colon tumor. After blood examination, which had shown values within referential limits except for mild anemia, patient underwent radiological examination. Primarily, an abdominal cavity ultrasound had been performed, where a suspicious formation in the right hemiabdomen was found, but without distinctive anatomical localization in the abdominal cavity. Secondly, a checkup by Duplex Doppler ultrasound was made, as well as radiological examination with double contrast of colon and computed tomography, where tumor was visualized on ascendant colon with extraluminal localization. Discussion Radiological findings were confirmed by surgery. Histopathological findings were positive for gastrointestinal stromal colon tumor. Conclusion Gastrointestinal stromal tumors represent extremely rare tumors of gastrointestinal system, especially when localized at the colon, but they should be included in a differential diagnosis for their malignant potential.

Introduction. During the period from 1993 - 2013, 175 women with invasive cervical cancer underwent radical hysterectomy sec. Wertheim-Meigs at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. Indications for radical hysterectomy comprise histopathologically confirmed invasive cervical cancer in stages I B 1 - II B according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Material and Methods. Stage of the disease or extent of the disease spread to the adjacent structures was assessed in accordance with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system from 2009. Exclusion criteria were all other stages of this disease: I A and stages higher than II B, as well as the absence of definite histological confirmation of the cervical cancer (primary endometrial or vaginal cancer which infiltrates the uterine cervix). Prior the operation, the following had to be done: the imaging of pelvis and abdomen, chest X-ray in two directions, electrocardiography, internist and anesthesiological examination. Results. The patients? age ranged from 24-79 years (x : 46 years), and the operation duration was 120-300 minutes (x : 210 min.). Stage I B 1 was found in 64.6% of operated patients, 14.8% of the patients were in stage I B 2, 9.1% were in stage II A and 11.4 % were in stage II B. Blood loss during the operation ranged from 50-800 ml (on average 300 ml), and the number of removed lymph nodes per operation was 14-75 (x : 32). Intraoperative and postoperative complications developed in 6.8% of and 17.7% of patients, respectively. Recurrence was reported in 22 (12.5%) patients, most often in paraaortic lymph nodes (3.4%) and parametria (2.8%), while the overall 5-year survival rate was 87% until 2008. Concluision. Wertheim-Meigs radical hysterectomy is a basic surgical technique for the treatment of initial stages of invasive cervical cancer.

Ultrasonography Ultrasonography is an efficient tool in the detection of calculi in the pyelocalyx system, but it may not be sufficient for the area of renal pelvis and ureter, as well as for the ureter and the ureterovesical junction. Intravenous urography Radiolucent stones, dilatation of the ureter and of the pyelocalyx system were identified on the urogram, which are common signs of ureter calctilosis. Defects in the contrast can be caused by blood clots and papillary or malignant tumors of the ureter, thus causing a differential diagnosis problem. Unenhanced Helical Computed Tomography Noncontrast spiral CT is useful for detection for calculi as small as 3mm. It can identify their localization and size without enlargements. The primary and secondary CT signs also confirm the established diagnosis. Conclusion The noncontrast spiral CT is a highly precise method for assessment of kidney pain. It is a reliable and rapid diagnostic modality for the detection of urinary stones which differentiates them from blood clots, tumors, air and other factors which create a differential diagnosis problem.

Introduction Plain x-rays and contrast urography are important for diagnosing urinary tract diseases. The first plain film of the urinary tract was made in 1896, and the first tests using contrasts started in 1904. Excretory urography has been used since 1930. Plain film of the urinary tract Plain films of the urinary tract are used in the kidney area, the area of the ureter and urinary bladder. They also show structures (lumbar and sacral spine and pelvis), muscles (m. iliopsoas) as well as calculi. Excretory urography X-ray visualization of the urinary tract with contrast substances is intravenous urography. It is used for diagnosing diseases of the upper urinary system with symptoms such as: pain, colic, hydronephrosis, as well as acute cortical infections, urinary bladder tumors, etc. Retrograde urography Retrograde urography is a procedure recommended when either the pyelocalyx system or the ureter are not seen unilaterally or bilaterally. Cystography and urethrocystography Cystography is used to visualize the bladder. It is recommended in case of intravesical obstruction. Urethrocystography is a technique for investigation of the anterior and prostatic urethra as well as the neck of the urinary bladder. Conclusion Plain film of the urinary tract, excretory urography, retrograde pyelography, cystography and urethrocystography, used along with ultrasonography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance, are useful diagnostic procedures which provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

This work presents initial data on radiation doses in adult computed tomography (CT) in Serbia. Data were collected in terms of CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) values for head, chest and abdomen examination. The range of CTDIvol values was found to be 53-98, 11-34 and 8.5-227 mGy whereas for DLP was 803-1066, 350-845 and 1066-3078 mGy cm(-1) for head, chest and abdomen examination, respectively. Except for abdomen on one CT unit, all estimated values were in line with the reported data. This work also presents simple method on how to reduce radiation doses when scanning head. Using axial (step-and-shot) instead of helical mode and decreasing tube current-time product leads to significant dose reduction. CTDIvol was decreased by 20 % whereas DLP was reduced for a factor 2. 2nd International Conference on Radiation and Dosimetry in Various Fields of Research RAD and The 2nd East European Radon Symposium (SEERAS), May 27-30, 2014, Nis, Serbia

L'objectif de ce travail est l'etude de la photodegradation de solutions aqueuses d'aspartame 3,4 × 10 -3 M (λ max = 257 nm, e = 180 M -1 .cm -1 ). Le dosage de l'aspartame a ete effectue en chromatographie liquide haute performance. On a ainsi pu mettre en evidence que la photodegradation de cet edulcorant suivait une cinetique d'ordre un. La constante de vitesse de reaction de degradation a pH 5 est de 3,47 x 10 -3 min -1 .

Harris RD, Stojanovic S, Stepanov S, Popov V [AQ1] erbia (or the remaining Republic of Yugoslavia, along with Montenegro) is a country isolated by years of war, a repressive dictatorship, and United Nations sanctions [1]. Its infrastructure is decaying, in part due to 1999 NATO bombings, but more universally due to lack of funds and attention. Most of these untoward events, however, are in the past, and the country slowly is attempting to become politically and economically more aligned with the rest of Europe and the West. I recently visited Serbia for a week of medical volunteer work, including lecturing on sonography topics at a medical school (Novi Sad) and in a city where I was based (Zrejnanin, about 40 miles [64 km] north of Belgrade). I also had the chance to tour several radiology departments in Serbia, and formulate my impression of the field there. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on the status of radiology in this strife-torn country, with a longer-term goal of continuing the improvement of health care in Serbia.

The objective of this paper is to measure the radiation dose and image quality in conventional screen-film mammography and full-field digital mammography in women referred to mammography examination. Participants underwent bilateral, two-view screen-film mammography or full-field digital mammography. The visibility of anatomical regions and overall clinical image quality was rated by experienced radiologists. Total of 387 women and 1548 mammograms were enrolled in the study. Image quality was assessed in terms of image quality score, whereas patient dose assessment was performed in terms of mean glandular dose. Average mean glandular dose for cranio-caudal projection was 1.5 mGy and 2.1 mGy in full-field digital mammography and screen-film mammography, respectively. For medio-lateral oblique projection, corresponding values were 2.3 and 2.1 mGy. Overall image quality criteria scoring was 0.82 and 0.99 for screen-film and digital systems, respectively. The scores were in the range from 0.11 to 1.0 for different anatomical structures. Overall, full-field digital mammography was superior both in terms of image quality and dose over the screen-film mammography. The results have indicated that phantom dose values can assist in setting the optimisation activities in mammography and for comparison between mammography units. To obtain accurate diagnostic information with an acceptable radiation dose to breast, it is necessary to periodically perform patient dose and image quality surveys in all mammography units.

A 45-year-old woman was referred for CT of the abdomen due to endoscopically detected esophageal varices. The patient complained of dizziness and long-term epigastric pain. The CT scan showed five aberrant splenic nodules (Picture a), a short pancreas (Picture b, arrowhead), a preduodenal portal vein (Picture b, arrow), intestinal malrotation (Picture c) and a symmetric midline position of the liver (Picture c), all of which were consistent with a diagnosis of polysplenia syndrome. Polysplenia syndrome (PSS) is a rare congenital disease that occurs in patients with two or more spleens and various organ anomalies. Unlike that occurring in children, PSS in adults is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally since cardiovascular anomalies are minor or nonexistent (1). However, anomalies of the abdominal viscera sometimes lead to clinical manifestations or represent a surgery danger (2). Fortunately, conducting a careful analysis of systemic anomalies, which is required in medical evaluations, is therefore facilitated using modern imaging techniques.

Many real-world problems are complex and/or related to the manifestation of some form of uncertainty and/or prediction. Therefore the use of extended MCDM methods is more appropriate than the use of the other classic decision making methods. These methods are improved by the use of a form of fuzzy or interval grey numbers. In the field of operational research, during the previous period, numerous MCDM methods were formed, but one newly proposed, the MOORA method, is very specific and yet has no extension. Therefore, in this paper we combine concept of interval grey numbers and MOORA method in order to propose extended MOORA method which will be more appropriate to solve many complex real-world problems.

Introduction CA 125 determination started in 1981, when Bast et al. discovered monoclonal antibody OC-125 belonging to immunoglobulin G class (IgG1) using K?hler and Milstein's technique of hybridization. CA 125 antigen is produced in amniotic cells of the 7 week-old embryo, while in adults it can be detected in epithelium of most organs which originate from M?ller ducts. The upper level of referent values for CA 125 in serum is 35 U/mL and can be seen in about 99% of healthy people. Application of tumor marker CA 125 in gynecological oncology More than 83% of patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma have elevated values of CA 125 higher than 35 U/mL at the moment of diagnosing the disease. In cases of ovarian carcinoma, preoperatively determined values of CA 125 in serum are correlated with the extent of the expansion of the disease , histological type of tumor and degree of differentiation of malignant cells. Elevated values up to 65 U/mL in serum can also be found in other malignant tumors (pancreas, breast, colon, bladder, lungs, liver) and in different benign diseases. The level of serum CA 125 after the surgery can indicate regression or progression of ovarian carcinoma in more than 90% of the patients who had had elevated values of CA125 prior to the surgery. Postoperative levels of CA 125 >35 U/mL in patients with no residual tumor and values >65 U/mL in those with residual tumor implants represent a separate prognostic factor in further course of the disease. Conclusion The importance of continuous determination of CA 125 tumor marker has to be adjusted to each single case.

Transient cortical blindness is reported to occur in 0.3% to 1% of cerebral angiography procedures. It develops within minutes of contrast medium injection and lasts for up to several days. We report a long episode of transient cortical blindness in a 17-year-old boy with cerebellar haemangioblastoma, which started during the preoperative vertebral angiography and lasted for 5 days. CT performed 2 days after the sudden onset of bilateral visual loss showed multiple asymmetrical lesions within the brain parenchyma in the distribution of the posterior cerebral circulation. Even though the patient’s vision was completely restored 5 days after angiography, repeat MRI performed 2 months after angiography showed improvement but with residual lesions in the thalami, cerebellum and occipital lobe.

Since the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad R?entgen at the end of the 19th century, diagnostic imaging techniques have been continously improved by technological advances, bringing radiological diagnosis into the very center of modern medicine. Nowadays, it is hard to imagine therapy planning without previous radiological examination. Great advances in the field of computer technology have been accompanied by development of radiological techniques, and today they include not only morphological and anatomical, but also dynamic, functional and molecular imaging. This paper is an overview of new and improved radiological techniques and their implementation.

Acute flank pain is commonly caused by urolithiasis. This paper discusses advantages and disadvantages of procedures used for evaluation of acute flank pain. In our institution, the diagnostic algorithm includes ultrasonography and plain film radiog?raphy, and unenhanced spiral CT in equivocal cases. .

Introduction. Dulpex and color duplex ultrasonography of lower limb arteries are valuable non-invasive diagnostic methods in the pathology of vascular diseases and a major step in diagnostics and in follow-up of hemodynamic and morphologic characteristics. Color Duplex Sonography. The method consists of image analysis and analysis of Doppler information. Real-time-B mode is used to visualize the anatomy of blood vessels and other pathological lesions. Doppler information based on the Doppler effect determine the pulse wave i.e. the shape of flow velocity - hemodynamic characteristics. Spectral analysis is the most important element ofDoppler examination of the lower limb peripheral arteries. Based on the spectral analysis, there are four stages of lower limb arterial disease: normal findings - 1%-19% diameter reduction; medium stenosis - artery diameter reduction of 20%-49%; high level stenosis - artery diameter reduction of 50%-100%; occlusion - no flow detected within the imaged arterial segment. In the first place, both iliac arteries are examined, which is followed with femoral, popliteal and crural arteries. The examination of iliac arteries is carried out with a 3.5 MHz transducer, and other peripheral arteries of the lower limbs are examined with a 7,5 or 5 MHz transducer. Conclusion. Color Doppler is an extremely valuable diagnostic method in detecting pathology of the lower limb arteries. With high reliability level arterial insufficiency and pathological arterial segments are diagnosed by a duplex-Doppler. .

Introduction In everyday gynecological clinical practice imaging modalities are becoming more and more important. Depending on the site of pathology itself, CT and MR have certain advantages and disadvantages, which are important to know in order to choose adequate diagnostic procedure. Diagnosis of gynecological diseases Benign conditions such as myomas, inflammatory processes and genital tract abnormalities are major indications for MR imaging. In oncology, it is necessary to perform staging of the disease by imaging modalities. Tumors of the vagina and vulva are diagnosed by clinical examination and imaging modalities are used for staging. In cervical carcinoma it is very important to define stages of the disease and invasion of the surrounding structures which is better seen on MR, but invasion of parametria can be visualized by CT as well. For endometrial cancer MR imaging is a modality of choice. For ovarian cancer both modalities are in use, CT is less expensive and gives enough information. New possibilities with MR imaging using an endovaginal coil in diagnosis of stress incontinence are also discussed. .

Introduction The word artifact stands for any visible result of imaging procedures which is caused by the procedure itself and not the entity being analyzed. Recognition of artifacts in everyday work is of great significance for final diagnosis, since their wrong interpretation not only compromises the value of ultrasound finding, but may also lead to a wrong therapeutic approach. Ultrasound artifacts. Artifacts appear as the result of physical properties of an ultrasound beam, technical aspects of ultrasound apparatus and immobility in creation of ultrasound image. Artifacts in the form of acoustic shadows, acoustic enhancements and reverberation most commonly appear and lead to changed appearance of certain structures. That is why great experience and knowledge of radiologists-ultrasonographists is necessary, since diagnostic accuracy of the method itself is under their immediate control. Incorrect interpretation of artifacts and failure to recognize them, reduces the value of ultrasound imaging which has, during the past 25 years, confirmed its exceptional diagnostic value. .

Introduction The number of male patients with clinical presentation of infertility, especially secondary infertility after infections, is increasing every day. Contemporary urological standards in defining male infertility include ultrasound examination. Ultrasound examination of the scrotum using color doppler is of great importance. Diagnosis of male infertility Testicular atrophy, microlithiasis and varicocele are the most common causes of male infertility. Microlithiasis and classical testicular microlithiasis are not directly associated with infertility. Gray scale sonography is used in evaluation of the dilatation of the testicular veins, but color Doppler made a real contribution in revealing subclinical varicocele. Transrectal ultrasound is used in a number of pathological conditions of prostate, seminal vesicles and ducts. In cases of obstructive azoospermia it is important to find out the cause, such as focal prostatitis, cysts, ejaculatory ducts obstruction or absence of vas deferens. Conclusion UIltrasound is a noninvasive method easy to perform, which provides information without postexamination consequences such as strictures or obstructions, which are possible after invasive deferentography. Ultrasound guided biopsy, provides a new minimally invasive diagnostic tool in current urology.

Introduction The spleen is situated in the upper left abdominal cavity and spleen parenchyma has a homogenous appearance. For that reason changes in parenchymal echogenicity should be understood as pathological, since many splenic focal lesions appear as different changes in echostructure of spleen parenchyma. Focal splenice lesions Focal lesions are not rare and are found in every day work. Great advantages of ultrasound diagnostics in relation to other complementary methods put this method into the leading position in diagnostics, not only in spleen disorders, but the whole abdomen. Advantages include: diagnostic accuracy, possibility of repetition, low price of the examination, and no irradiation. Splenic ultrasonography Splenic ultrasonography is efficient and provides findings which represent a significant contribution in reaching the final diagnosis and selecting the appropriate therapeutic approach. Due to various ultrasonographic images of numerous splenic focal lesions (metastasis, hemangioma, cysts, infarction, hematoma etc) great knowledge and experience is required in order to come to accurate diagnosis. This will bring application of other diagnostic procedures, such as CT and MR, mostly available in large radiological institutes, to a minimum.

This study presents ureteral injuries in gynecologic oncology surgical procedures performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Novi Sad, in the period from 1991 to 2001. Intraoperative ureteral injuries were recorded in 4 (1%) patients, including: partial ureteral dissection bilateral ureteral ligation and complete ureteral dissection bellow the lower pole. In 3 (75%) cases, injuries were recognized immediately, and surgical reparation was performed. The patient with bilateral ureteral ligation presented with increased creatinine levels, anuria and development of hydronephrosis detected by ultrasonography 24 h later. Leading reasons for operative ureteral injuries include inadequate experience of surgeons carelessness during surgery, wrong indication and wrong approach to ureter Preparation of ureter with minimal trauma, precise localization and visualization of the complete ureteral length, as well as preservation of its vascular network, are of utmost importance in prevention of injuries.