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Colibacillosis, caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is one of the most prevalent and economically damaging bacterial diseases affecting poultry globally. Managing colibacillosis is difficult and frequently ineffective because APEC strains have developed widespread resistance to antibiotics, and the strict regulations and public concerns towards using antimicrobial agents in poultry further complicate the situation. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of hydrolysable (sweet chestnut extract) and condensed (quebracho extract) tannins on Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates from poultry, exploring their potential as antibiotic alternatives in managing colibacillosis. E. coli was isolated from the internal organs of deceased poultry across 18 farms, including layers, broilers, and broiler breeders. Each isolate was assessed for the presence of APEC strain predictors (virulence genes iutA, hlyF, iss, iroN, and ompT), antimicrobial resistance to 14 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method, and the presence of resistance genes for specific antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and quinolones). Out of 43 isolates, 27 (62.8%) were classified as APEC, 30 (69.8%) showed resistance to three or more antibiotic classes, and 32 (74.4%) carried at least one AMR gene. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the hydrolysable tannins from sweet chestnut extract (Castanea sativa Mill.) (SwCh) ranged from 0.5 to 3 mg/mL, while for the condensed tannins from quebracho extract (Schinopsis lorentzii) (Que), the MICs ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 mg/mL. The results indicate that both hydrolysable and condensed tannins possess significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against APEC, offering a potentially valuable alternative for controlling colibacillosis in the poultry industry.

The battle against mastitis remains an enduring challenge in contemporary animal farming. This paper presents the frequency of bacterial pathogens isolated from milk samples collected on 3 farms with a previous history of clinical mastitis in the Mačva region during the year 2022. A total of 77 Simmental cows were enrolled in the study, ranging from the first to sixth lactation and managed in a tie-stall system. The results obtained indicate that the frequency of clinical mastitis in the animals considered was 16.9%. Of a total of 13 pathogenic isolates with clinically present mastitis, Staphylococcus aureus was recorded in 5 (38.4%), Streptococcus uberis in 3 (23.1%), Escherichia coli in 2 (15.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae in 2 (15.4%), and Streptococcus dysagalactiae in 1 (7.7%). Notably, the largest number of clinical mastitis cases (namely 8, or 61.5%) was recorded during the winter period. Both cases of mastitis caused by K. pneumoniae were detected in the summer, the occurrence of which was implicated in changes in the bedding straw. According to the stage of lactation, the highest frequency of mastitis was found in the early stage of lactation totaling 8 cases (61.5%), followed by 4 (30.8%) in the middle phase of lactation, and only 1 (7.7%) in the late stage of lactation. The causative agents of the Streptococcus genus showed susceptibility to β lactamates in all the cases, whereas all of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were found resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.

Background/Aim. Available face masks, used to protect the respiratory system from various types of pathogens, show unsatisfactory efficiency because the size of viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is much smaller than the void spaces in these masks. Difficult breathing through some masks quickly tires out, which makes ordinary people avoid wearing them. These facts suggest that a new strategy is desirable for designing protective face masks. The aim of the study was to present new filters for face masks to protect people exposed to high concentrations of bacteria and viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Methods. Filters for these masks were manufactured of dense cotton fabric impregnated with silver quantum dots. The filters were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and ion-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Wettability properties were determined by measuring contact angles with water, and a color fastness test was performed. Antibacterial assay was performed using Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. Viability quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for virus integrity assay and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR) assay were used for antiviral activity assessment. Results. In vitro assays showed extremely high efficiency of these filters in destroying S. aureus and SARS-CoV-2 virus. The filters also showed high safety and easy breathing possibilities. Conclusion. The high efficiency of these masks against SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated through numerous tests, and they have been approved as anti-SARS-CoV-2 masks for the first time in the world. In the meantime, this solution has been applied in practice, and the data obtained about that are very encouraging.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic polypectomy as a therapeutic treatment for malignant alteration of colorectal polyps. In a 5-year research, 89 patients were included, who were tested and treated at the University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia, with the confirmed presence of malignant alteration polyps of the colon by colonoscopy, which were removed using the method of endoscopic polypectomy and confirmed by the histopathological examination of the entire polyp. After that, the same group of patients was monitored endoscopically within a certain period, controlling polypectomy locations and the occurrence of a possible remnant of the polyp, in the period of up to 2 years of polypectomy. We observed that, with an increasing size of polyps, there is also an increase in the percentage of the complexity of endoscopic resection and the appearance of remnant with histological characteristics of the invasive cancer. The highest percentage of incomplete endoscopic resection and the appearance of remnant with histological characteristics of the invasive cancer were shown at malignant altered polyps in the field of tubulovillous adenoma. Eighteen patients in total underwent the surgical intervention. In conclusion, our data support the high efficacy of endoscopic polypectomy for the removal of the altered malignant polyp.

The wild cat (Felis silvestris), spread in Romania from the Danube Delta to the mountain range is present in the Banat area, on the hunting ground that can be contaminated with different stage developmental forms of parasites, some of them having real zoonotic potential. The wild cat is an animal protected by the Romanian law of protection animals.

Mycoplasma spp. is the cause of serious cattle health disorders that lead to poor reproductive efficiency. Chronic seminal vesiculitis, infertility, vulvovaginitis and dystocia were observed in Mycoplasma spp. infection. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the frequency o f Mycoplasmas in the uterus of postpartum dairy cows and its potential role in the occurrence of subclinical endometritis. Our study included 102 Holstein Friesian dairy cows 22-32 days postpartum. Uterine samples for cytological, bacteriological, and molecular analysis were provided using Cytoprint A I®. Metricheck® was used for the assessment of cervicovaginal mucus. After detection of Mycoplasma spp. genome in uterine samples, the swabs of the vulva, vagina, nasal swab, and samples of milk were sampled in order to exclude possible contamination with other microorganisms as potential trigger of subclinical endometritis. The genome of Mycoplasma spp. in the uterus was confirmed in 4 cows (2.40%). Sequencing of the 16S RNA revealed that detected mycoplasmas belonged to Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Mycoplasma tauri species, with a prevalence of 1.80% and 0.6%, respectively. The cytological evaluation showed a 69.90%, 54.87% and 48.33% of polymorphonuclear cells for M. bovigenitalium positive cows, and 61.64% for M. tauri positive cow. Bacteriological examination revealed Trueperella pyogenes in uterine samples in all 4 observed cows. This is the first study where M. tauri was detected in the uterus of a live cow with subclinical enodmetritis. In this paper we hypothesized that M. bovigenitalium and M. tauri may have a certain role in the etiology of subclinical enodmetritis.

Background: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have anemia often present as a consequence of chronic bleeding from tumor. The exact role of lL-33, Galectin-l and IL-l in the pathological genesis of anemia in colorectal cancer patients has not been elucidated yet. The main goal of this research was to analyze Gal-l, IL-l and lL-33 systemic values in anemic and non-anemic CRC patients. Methods: Concentrations of IL-33, Galectin-1 and IL-1 have been studied in blood samples of 55 CRC patients (27 without anemia and 28 with anemia). Results: CRC patients with anemia had more severe and local advanced disease compared to CRC non-anemic patients. Anemia positively correlated with higher nuclear grade, lymph and blood vessel invasion, as well as with higher TNM stage, detectable metastatic lesions in lung and liver and peritoneal carcinomatosis. Significantly higher IL-33, Gal-1 and IL-1 concentration have been found in sera of patients with CRC and detected anemia. CRC patients mostly had microcytic anemia, while ferritin values were in normal range. Analysis revealed positive mutual correlation between serum values of galectin-1, IL-1 and IL-33 in CRC patients. Level of hemoglobin negatively correlated with serum IL-33, Gal-1 and IL-1. We have analyzed the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves of serum IL-33, Gal-1 and IL-1 showed that these cytokines can be treated as additional markers for anemia of inflammation in CRC patients. Conclusions: Predomination of Galectin-1, IL-1 and IL-33 in anemic CRC patients implicates on their potential role in anemia genesis and further development.

In this paper, we discuss the multi-depot vehicle routing problem with regard to mobile beekeeping. Considering that beekeepers usually do not have their own land plots rarely rely on external transporters and often rely on external land plots, we present a fully functional platform to pair beekeepers, transporters, and land plot owners. Two algorithms for calculating optimal mobile beekeeping routes are developed in order to increase honey yield and minimize transport costs. We show that the first algorithm, based on the mathematical model, creates optimal routes in order to transport and distribute beehives by a distributor, while minimizing transport costs. In addition, we consider an option for the case when beekeepers themselves want to handle the transport and use a single external land plot. We show that, for this case, the application of the second algorithm creates a "good enough" solution. This iterative algorithm routes beekeepers to the closest land plot that can handle their beehives. Furthermore, we present a fully functional Web platform that applies these algorithms, enabling beekeepers, transporters and land owners to register and use the platform in Serbia.

Introduction: Optimal management of toxic megacolon as a consequence of Cl. difficile colitis is still matter of controversy, as well as timing of available therapeutic modalities. In this article we report a case of severe C. difficile colitis associated with toxic megacolon in a pregnant patient with Covid 19, who was successfully treated conservatively. Case Report: A 33-years old pregnant woman contracted SARS-CoV-2 in the 32nd week of pregnancy. She was admitted to regional hospital and treated extensively by wide-spectrum antibiotics. After the delivery she developed severe form of Cl. difficile colitis with toxic megacolon. In spite of severe clinical picture, the patient was treated conservatively, with high initial oral doses of vancomycin, with subsequent tapering. The outcome of the treatment was complete recovery and colonic functions were regained completely. Conclusion: In conclusion, our case shows that in younger patients, who were fit before occurrence of Cl. difficile colitis and toxic megacolon, conservative therapy should be tried as long as possible before turning to colectomy, since chances for cure without surgery are considerable.

Global freshwater fish production in aquaculture has grown rapidly in recent decades. This constant growth, involving novel forms of intensive aquaculture, has increased global movements of fish and boosted various anthropogenic stresses to aquatic ecosystems, so rainbow trout aquaculture has encountered the emergence and outbreaks of many bacterial diseases. Due to the need to effectively prevent and control disease outbreaks, vaccines have become an important technology in intensive trout aquaculture. In this review, the applications of specific vaccines against important bacterial diseases of rainbow trout in Serbian aquaculture are summarized.

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) has the widest global distribution among terrestrial carnivore species and is an important reservoir for a range of parasites. Investigations on parasitic fauna of red foxes have intensified in recent years in Serbia, resulting in the detection of some parasites that have not been recorded before. Within the Programme for the Control and Eradication of Rabies in Serbia, from January to March 2019, 52 legally hunted foxes were was established by standard methods, i.e. dissection followed by microscopic examination. Internal organs of the hunted animals were examined for the presence of parasites. Parasite identification was based on morphological characteristics. Parasites were found in 23 (44.23%) foxes. Eight species of parasites were established, among which, the nematode Molineus patens (Dujardin, 1845) was discovered in the small intestine of five foxes (9.61%). The intensity of M. patens infection varied from 17 to 43 parasites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of M. patens in red foxes in Serbia and in the Western Balkans.

Background/Aim. Reactive thrombocytosis, as a paraneoplastic syndrome, is often observed in cancer patients. A variety of tumor-related humoral factors and cytokines con-tribute to tumor-stimulated thrombopoiesis. However, the exact role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of thrombocytosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze systemic values of cytokines and clinical-pathological characteristics in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients with and without thrombocytosis. Methods. Fifty nine CRC patients were involved in this study and divided into two groups according to the number of platelets. We recorded and analyzed the data about: age, gender, size of the cancer, localization, metastasis, vascular or lymph vessel invasion, nuclear grade, histological differentiation rate, tumor, nodus, metastasis (TNM) stage and concentration of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1, IL-33, IL-12, IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ] in both groups. Results. CRC patients with thrombocytosis had significantly higher nuclear grade of the cancer (p = 0.002); higher percentage of detectable metastatic lesions in the liver (p = 0.002), lung (p = 0.001), peritoneal carcinomatosis (p = 0.001), detectable invasion of blood (p = 0.012) and lymph vessels (p = 0.010). Concentrations of tumor markers [alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9)] and se-rum values of IL-1 a nd I L-33 were significantly higher in CRC patients with thrombocytosis. IL-1/IL-12 (p = 0.016), IL-1/IFN-γ (p = 0.007), IL-1/IL-17 (p = 0.006), IL-33/IL- 12 (p = 0.001), IL-33/IFN-γ (p = 0.001), IL-33/IL-17 (p = 0.002), and IL-33/IL-1 (p = 0.006) ratios were significantly higher in CRC patients with thrombocytosis in comparison to CRC patients without thrombocytosis. Analysis of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves showed that values of IL-1 [area under curve (AUC) = 0.718; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.567–0.868; sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 62.9%] and IL-33 (AUC = 0.763; 95% CI: 0.614– 0.911; sensitivity 84.6%, specificity 65.7%)], could be serve as possible markers for paraneoplastic thrombocytosis in CRC patients. Conclusion. IL-1 a nd I L-33 significantly correlated to high thrombocyte number in patients with more aggressive CRC.

A new approach to the protection against infections caused by bacteria and various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 is described. In concrete example, protective filters and ALBO nanosilver masks showed extraordinary efficiency in protection against Staphylococcus aureus. These results show that it highly overcomes the efficiency of ordinary surgical masks. Besides, systematic meta-analysis given for ordinary surgical masks and filters N95 for masks and respirators, showed no statistical difference between them in the case of SARS-CoV-2. On the base our experimental data and systemic meta-analysis given in this paper, it can be concluded that ALBO nanosilver masks have significant advantages, and show a very perspective concept of developing new protective gear.

The aim of this study is to analyze how the process parameters affect the mechanical properties of butt joints obtained by friction stir welding (FSW). The experimental study was performed by the FSW of sheets having a thickness equal to 6 mm and made of aluminum alloys AA2024 T351, varying the process parameters, namely rotational speed and welding speed. The following welding parameters were used: the rotation speed of the tool did not change and amounted to 750 rpm, and the welding speed was 73, 116,150 mm / min. The welds were obtained without the presence of errors and with an acceptable flat surface of the compound. Tensile tests were performed orthogonally to the welding direction on specimens having the welding nugget placed in the middle of gage length. Vickers hardness measurement was conducted perpendicular to the welding direction, a cross-section of the weld joint. The hardness profiles were obtained along 3 horizontal and 63 vertical directions. Bend testing was carried out according to EN 910 The bending specimens were tested using face and root side of the joint in tension.

Background/Aim. Liver damage, with potentially serious consequences, is not uncommon in hospitalized cardiac patients. The aim of our study was to determine the risk factor profile for liver damage in patients hospitalized from a deterioration of their acute or chronic cardiac illness. Methods. The study had observational case-control design with retrospective data collections from medical files of adult patients hospitalized in a tertiary health care center. The cases (n = 140) were subjects with novel liver injury (which emerged during hospital stay) and three control subjects were matched (age, date) for each case subject (n = 420). The primary outcome was hepatotoxicity (present or absent) and independent variables were proposed risk factors. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods, hypothesis testing and univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression, with p ≤ 0.05. Results. In the whole study population, there were 432 (77.1%) females and the mean age of patients was 64.1 years [standard deviation (SD) = 10.7, range 24–85 years]. The most common illnesses were coronary heart disease (n = 385), hypertension (n = 334) and arrhythmia (n = 115). Mean value of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was 3.8 (SD=1.7; range 1-10) corresponding to estimated CCI 10-years survival rate of 54.4% (SD = 33.5%). In the group of cases, 114 (81.4%) of the patients had hepatocellular, 9 (6.4%) cholestatic and 17 (12.2%) mixed type of hepatic injury. Factors independently associated with hepatotoxic event were previous occasional alcohol intake odds ratio (OR) 96.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 28.95–321.43; p < 0.001), amiodarone (OR 3.70; 95% CI 1.82–7.53; p < 0.001), enoxaparin (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.79–6.05; p < 0.001), obesity (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.15– 6.71; p < 0.023), atorvastatin (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.33–5.38; p < 0.006) and CCI total score (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.53–2.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Major factors associated with acute liver damage in patients hospitalized in cardiology ward of a tertiary health care institution were patient’s constitutional and habitual characteristics (occasional alcohol intake, obesity, CCI total score) and drugs with known hepatotoxic properties (amiodarone, enoxaparin, atorvastatin).

Background/Aim: Toothbrushes are one of the main means of cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene, but toothbrushes are also potential reservoir of microorganisms, including pathogens. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the oral health, oral hygiene awareness and assess the degree of contamination of toothbrushes among students attending Secondary Medical School.

Background/Aim. Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the most common cancers worldwide. CRC is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis, indicating the need for new diagnostic and prognostic markers. The aim of this study was to determine systemic and fecal values of galectin- 1 (gal-1) and ratios between gal-1 and proinflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), in the patients with CRC and the relationship with clinicopathological aspects of the disease. Methods. The blood samples and feces liquid fraction of 58 patients with CRC were analyzed. The serum and fecal levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ and gal-1 were measured using sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results. The fecal level of gal-1 was increased in the CRC patients with higher nuclear grade and poor tumor tissue differentiation. The gal-1/TNF-α ratio in the serum and feces had a higher trend in the patients with the advanced tumor-nodemetastasis (TNM) stage as well as the detectable lymphatic and blood vessel invasion. The gal-1/TNF-α and gal-1/IFN-γ ratios were increased in the serum of patients with presence of lung/liver metastasis or peritoneal carcinomatosis, while the enhanced gal-1/IL-1 ratio was detected only in the serum of patients with lung metastasis. A positive correlation between the gal-1 value in feces and histological differentiation of tumor and biomarkers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and cancer antigen- 19-9 (CA 19-9), respectively, was also observed. The fecal values of gal-1 higher than 13,708.29 pg/g presented a highly sensitive and specific marker for histological differentiation of tumor tissue. Conclusion. We believe that the predomination of gal-1 over pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN- γ in the patients with advanced and progressive CRC may implicate on an immunomodulatory role of gal-1 in the limiting ongoing proinflammatory processes. The fecal values of gal-1 can be used as a valuable marker for the severity of CRC. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 175071, Grant no. 175069 and Grant no. 175103]

Background/Aim. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease affecting the distal colon and rectum with complex pathogenesis and diagnosis, indicating the need for new diagnostic and prognostic markers. The aim of this study was to determine the fecal values of TNF- α, IL-17, IL-10 and soluble protein ST2 (sST2) in the patients with UC and their relationship with clinicopathological aspects. Methods. The samples of stool of 80 patients with UC were analyzed. Concentrations of TNF-α, IL-17, IL-10 and sST2 were measured by ELISA. Results. Concentrations of TNF-α, IL-17 and sST2 were significantly increased in the feces of patients with the higher endoscopic, clinical and total Mayo score, as well as in the patients with an intense crypt destruction, erosion of the mucous membranes, architectural changes, neutrophil infiltration and eosinophil infiltration. The local value of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in liquid fraction of feces was increased in the patients with an advanced endoscopic stage of UC. The moderate positive correlation between the fecal sST2/IL-17 and the clinical and histological parameters of disease severity and also the strong correlation between sST2 and IL-17 was also observed in the feces of patients with UC. The analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the optimal cut-off value for sST2 of 624.0 pg/g allows the discrimination of clinical stages of UC. Conclusion. The increased fecal value of sST2 in the UC patients with a higher endoscopic, clinical and histological stage of disease may be considered as a sign of the disease severity. The fecal values of sST2 can be used as a valuable marker for UC severity. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 175071, Grant no. 175069 and Grant no. 175103]

Background/Aim. The main task of endodontic treatment is to eliminate pathologically altered tissue, to disinfect root canal space and to obtain its three-dimensional hermetic obturation. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial activity of new endodontic nano-structured highly active calcium silicates based materials albo-mineral plyoxide carbonate aggregate (ALBO-MPCA) and calcium silicates (CS) in comparison to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA+) and UltraCal XS (CH). Methods. The antimicrobial activity of materials was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 14506) strains, and following clinical isolates: Rothia dentocariosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus vestibularis using a double layer agar diffusion test. The pH measurements were performed using the pH meter. Total amount of released ions was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results. All tested materials showed the best antibacterial potential after 1 h of incubation. After 3h and 24h of the incubation period, the antibacterial potential of all tested materials were similar. The Agar diffusion test showed that ALBO-MPCA, CS and MTA+ had similar inhibition zones (p > 0.05), except in the activity against Staphylococcus aureus where ALBO-MPCA showed better antimicrobial properties than MTA+ in 3h and 24h of the incubation period (p < 0.05). Following 24h of the incubation, the inhibition zones were the strongest with CH against Staphylococcus aureus (16.67 ± 2.34 mm) followed by ALBO-MPCA (14.67 ± 1.21 mm) and the weakest with CS against Enterococcus faecalis (6.50 ± 1.76 mm). CH showed the highest pH, followed by ALBO-MPCA, CS and MTA+. Conclusion. The expressed antibacterial effects indicate that materials based on nano-structured highly active calcium silicates represent effective therapeutic agents for root canal obturation in one-visit apexification treatment, therefore they are recommend for further examination and clinical trials as they are proposed for MTA substitution. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 172026 Grant no. TR31079]

In the present study we tested the dose andh time dependence of the antinematodal effects of carvacrol and tyhmol on Caenorabditis elegans, and the efficacy of carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene and cinnamaldehyde,which were administrated in the drinking water of rats naturally infected with the pinworm Syphacia muris. The control treatment of the infected rats was carried out with piperazine. Thymol caused a dose and time-dependent mortality in adult C. elegans. The value of the Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of thymol was 117.9nM after 24h and 62.89 nM after 48h of exposure. Carvacrol exhibited a higher antinematodal efficiency than thymol. The LC50 of carvacrol, after 24 hours of exposure, was 53.03 nM, while after 48 hours it was 33.83 nM. On the other hand, piperazine showed an extremely high efficacy against S. muris infection in rats. Piperazine, at a dose of 625 mg/kg bw, administered in drinking water continuously for 10 days, eliminates the infection completely. However, none of the investigated active ingredients of essential oils were effective against S. muris. The reason for the lack of efficiency may be due to their pharmacokinetic properties. A relatively low amount of, orally administered, active ingredients of essential oils reaches the distal segments of the gastrointestinal tract, where S. muris inhabits the gut (colon and cecum). The obtained results, on C. elegans, indicate a clear dose and time-dependent antinematodal effect of thymol and carvacrol. However, for clinical application, it is necessary to examine the efficacy of microencapsulated formulations with a controlled release of active ingredients of essential oils in certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

BALB/c mice are resistant to diabetes induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-STZ; 5 × 40 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) regimen in contrast to C57/BL6 mice. The deletion of ST2 gene renders BALB/c mice susceptible to diabetes induction. Cyclophosphamide (CY) in the dose of 175 mg/kg b.w. eliminated CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and enhanced disease severity in C57/BL6 mice, but it did not overcome resistance to diabetes in BALB/c mice and did not affect diabetes progression in ST2 knock-out (ST2KO) mice. We argued that a lower dose of CY may selectively eliminate Tregs while sparing effector T cells in BALB/c mice. Indeed, only a very low dose of CY (50 mg/kg b.w.) enhanced diabetes severity in ST2KO mice. This treatment eliminated Tregs in pancreatic lymph nodes in ST2KO mice, while markedly increasing the influx of CD8+, CD4+TNF-α+, and CD4+IFN-γ+ effector T cells (Teffs) in pancreata. Also, the aggravation of diabetes was accompanied with increased serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17. Taken together, our data suggest that the prevailing Th2 immune response in BALB/c mice may be responsible for the resistance to MLD-STZ diabetes and that ST2 gene deletion reveals the role of highly cyclophosphamide sensitive CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes in diabetes modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by a critical myocardial ischemia followed by an irreversible myocardial cell damage or death. Case report. We presented two similar clinical cases with the ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) diagnosis due to a prolonged coronary artery spasm, but with different treatment options due to different basic patophysiological supstrates and clinical presentations. Conclusion. Coronary artery spasm is a very complex pathophysiological entity with a different medication therapy management. Although the percutaneous coronary intervention can be the first choice, the treatment strategy should be carefully planned

Background/Aim. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XPS) is an age-related systemic disorder characterized by increased production and accumulation of elastic microfibrillar material in different tissues of the body: skin, connective tissue portions of visceral organs, periphery blood vessels and the eye, as well. The aim of our study was to determine the significance of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries in the development of XFS and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). Methods. The study included 120 patients – 40 patients per each of the three defined groups: XFS group, XFG group and age- and sex-matched control subjects (control group) without XFG. Blood samples were collected from the patients before cataract surgery. Serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein – LDL, high density lipoprotein – HDL and triglycerides were analyzed by standard laboratory techniques. Standard ultrasonography of the carotid blood vessels was performed in all the participants. Results. Lipid’s profile was disturbed in the patients with XFS and XFG with statistical significance p control group (p < 0.01). Systolic and diastolic pressure was elevated in the patients with XFS and XFG (p < 0.01). Resistance index was increased in the patients with XFG (p < 0.01). Intima-media thickness was prolonged in patients with XFG (p < 0.01). Conclusion. A disturbed lipid profile with elevated resistancy index and intima-media thickness and increased systolic and diastolic pressure were compulsory findings in patients with developed XFG. So, these factors could be considered as risk. It seems to be difficult to inhibit the process of pseudoexfolation production in the whole body, but it appears that with proper therapy (antihypertnesive, cardiotoncs, etc.) and adequate nourishing, the process of XFG development could be interrupted.

Introduction. The objective of our research was to point to the significance of serological diagnostic methods, that is, competitive immunoenzyme test - cELISA as well as the method of classical agglutination of O and H salmonella antigen, for specific antibodies against Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis presence and titre detection in blood serum samples of bothvaccinated and unvaccinated poultry. Material and methods. In our work, we have used commercial competitive immunoenzyme test - cELISA and classical agglutination method with O and H antigens of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis. Comparative testing included 177 blood serum samples of poultry, out of which 137 was from unvaccinated and 40 from vaccinated individuals originating from majority of poutry farms. Results. In 74 blood serum samples, that is 54,01% out of the total of tested samples originating from unvaccinated flocks, by the use of cELISA test, there were found specific antibodies against S. Enteritidis, while by the method of classical agglutination specific antibodies against O antigen 1,9 and 12 were found in 58 samples, that is in 42,34% , and specific antibodies against H antigen g and m were found in 61 samples,what was 44,53% . In all the tested blood serum samples of vaccinated poultry, there was determined the presence of of specific antibodies against S. Enteritidis, both by the use of competitive cELISA method and classical agglutination with somatic O and flagellar H antigens. By the statistical analysis of the results obtained by the method of classical agglutination and cELISA use of kappa test, there was found out a very good compliance (kappa=0,813). Conclusion. Based on the compared results of blood serum testing on the presence of specific antibodies against S. Enteritidis, it can be concluded that cELISA and classic agglutination with O and H antigen methods have a significant place in serological diagnostics of poultry samonelosis, because their application enables detection of the titre of specific antibodies against S. Enteritidis presence in the population of unvaccinated poultry sensitized with antigens of the mentioned causative agent, as well as in unvaccinated animals.

Although commensals in digestive tract of a large number of fish species, diplomonads represent very significant opportunistic pathogens. For so far unknown reasons, they can proliferate uncontrollably and thus cause changes in the skin and internal organs in aquarium fish. The problem is confusion over nomenclature of the two most important genera: Spironucleus i Hexamita. Aquarium fish species in which there were diagnosed changes in the skin caused by diplomonads were: Microgeophagus ramirezi, Apistogramma cacatuoides, Apistogramma nijsseni, Symphysodon aequifasciatus, Pterophyllum altum, Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Pelvicachromis pulcher i Labidochromis caruleus. The fish were treated with 250 mg tablets of metronizadole dissolved in water, or metronizadole in a concentration of 6.6 mg per liter of water. The treatment was successful in only 9 out of 45 treated fish. In the others the symptoms reappeared after certain time. It is necessary to determine the prevalence of the infection in aquarium fish in Serbia, and also examine the success of the treatment with metronizadole applied in food or even other possibilities of the treatment.

[Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 31087]

This paper treats the elastic stability of three-segment stepped column that is subjected to axial concentrated compressive forces using the strain energy method. Efforts have been made to establish the methodology for the development of a model that is useful for quick, yet quite accurate, estimation of the elastic buckling critical load. By using the load, segments stiffness and lengths ratios, the dimensionless influence coefficient is defined for any combination of parameters. The diagrams of critical load based on geometric parameters variation are given. The results of analytical model are compared with numerical results obtained from finite element method. Within two investigation regimes, influences of bending stiffness and lengths variations are analyzed separately.

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