Social support as a complex construct has a positive influence not only on a patient's condition but also on the process of the patient's emotional adjustment to cancer. The goal of this study is to ...investigate aspects of the level of social support in oncology patients and its interconnection with sociodemographic and medical variables.
The study was conducted as a prospective observational study in 2020, including 250 patients aged 19 and over, both sexes, with a diagnosis of oncological disease. The research was conducted in the Department of General Medicine of the Health Center Trstenik, Central Serbia, after approval by the Ethics Committee of the Health Center Trstenik, Central Serbia. A social support assessment questionnaire (Oslo-3 Social Support Scale) was used as a research instrument.
Data collected from the entire study population showed that bad social support was present in almost 90% of cases. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed a statistically significant influence of the following variables on the bad social support: education level, activity limitation, difficulties in performing daily activities, the impact of pain on the performance of activities, the need for additional help with activity, the need for help at home, unfulfilled needs for health care, means of information, anxiety score and depression score.
Interventions to increase social support may be important for enhancing mental health and quality of life in cancer patients.
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a treatment option for well-differentiated, somatostatin receptor positive, unresectable or/and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Although high ...disease control rates seen with PRRT a significant number NET patients have a short progression-free interval, and currently, there is a deficiency of effective biomarkers to pre-identify these patients. This study is aimed at determining the prognostic significance of biomarkers on survival of patients with NETs in initial PRRT treatment.
We retrospectively analyzed 51 patients with NETs treated with PRRT at the Department for nuclear medicine, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Serbia, with a five-year follow-up. Eligible patients with confirmed inoperable NETs, were retrospectively evaluated hematological, blood-based inflammatory markers, biochemical markers and clinical characteristics on disease progression. In accordance with the progression og the disease, the patients were divided into two groups: progression group (n=18) and a non-progression group (n=33). Clinical data were compared between the two groups.
A total of 51 patients (Md=60, age 25-75 years) were treated with PRRT, of whom 29 (56.86%) demonstrated stable disease, 4 (7.84%) demonstrated a partial response, and 14 (27.46%) demonstrated progressive disease and death was recorded in 4 (7.84%) patients. The mean PFS was a 36.22 months (95% CI 30.14-42.29) and the mean OS was 44.68 months (95% CI 37.40-51.97). Univariate logistic regression analysis displayed that age (p<0.05), functional tumors (p<0.05), absolute neutrophil count (p<0.05), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio-NLR (p<0.05), C-reactive protein-CRP (p<0.05), CRP/Albumin (p<0.05), alanine aminotransferase-ALT (p<0.05), were risk factors for disease progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis exhibited that functional tumors (p<0.001), age (p<0.05), CRP (p<0.05), and ALT (p<0.05), were independent risk factors for the disease progression in patients with NETs. Tumor functionality was the most powerful prognostic factor. The median PFS (11.86 ± 1.41 vs. 43.38 ± 3.16 months; p=0.001) and OS (21.81 ± 2.70 vs 53.86 ± 3.70, p=0.001) were significantly shorter in patients with functional than non-functional NETs respectively.
The study's results suggest that tumor functionality, and certain biomarkers may serve as prognostic survival indicators for patients with NETs undergoing PRRT. The findings can potentially help to identify patients who are at higher risk of disease progression and tailor treatment strategies accordingly.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral uptake and ability to diagnose pituitary adenoma (PA) using tumor-seeking radiopharmaceuticals, and to provide a semiquantitative analysis of ...tracer uptake in the pituitary region.
The study included 33 (13 hormonally active and 20 nonfunctioning) patients with PA and 45 control participants without pituitary involvement. All patients (n=78) underwent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging with technetium-99m-labeled hydrazinonicotinyl-tyr-octreotide (Tc-HYNIC-TOC), dimercaptosuccinic acid (Tc(V)-DMSA) and hexakis-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (Tc-MIBI). A semiquantitative analysis of abnormal uptake was carried out by drawing identical regions of interest over the pituitary area and the normal brain on one transverse section that shows the lesion most clearly. The pituitary uptake to normal brain uptake (P/B) ratio was calculated in all cases.
The result of this study confirms that the SPECT semiquantitative method, with all three tracers, showed statistically significant differences between the PA group and the controls. However, Tc-HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy could have the highest diagnostic yield because of the smallest overlap between the P/B ratios between adenoma versus nonadenoma participants (the receiver operating characteristic curve P/B ratio cut-off value was 13.08). In addition, only Tc-MIBI SPECT have the diagnostic potential to detect secreting PAs, with statistically significant differences between groups (P<0.001), with an receiver operating characteristic curve P/B ratio cut-off value of 16.72.
A semiquantitative analysis of increased focal tracer uptake in the sellar area showed that Tc-HYNIC-TOC is a highly sensitive and reliable tumor-seeking agent for detecting PA, whereas Tc-MIBI SPECT is a highly sensitive and specific method in differentiating hormone-secreting pituitary tumor.
Primary adrenal tumors (AT) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms due to their functional heterogeneity, which results in the diverse clinical presentation of these tumors. The purpose of this study ...was to examine cross-sectional imaging characteristics using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) to provide insight into the lesion characterization and functional status of these tumors. The radionuclide imaging using Technetium-99m radiolabeled hydrazinonicotinylacid-d-phenylalanyl
-tyrosine3-octreotide (
Tc-HYNIC-TOC), was also used in the diagnostic evaluation of these tumors.
: This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with confirmed diagnoses of AT (21 hormone-secreting and 29 non-functional) at the University Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia, during the 2019-2022 year period. The morphological and dynamic characteristics using MDCT were performed, using qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative analysis. Absolute washout (APW) and relative washout (RPW) values were also calculated. A semi-quantitative analysis of all visual findings with
Tc-HYNIC-TOC was performed to compare the tumor to non-tumor tracer uptake.
: A statistically significant difference was found in the MDCT values in the native phase (
< 0.05), the venous phase (
< 0.05), and the delayed phase (
< 0.001) to detect the existence of adrenal tumors. Most of these functional adrenocortical lesions (n = 44) can be differentiated using the delayed phase (
< 0.05), absolute percentage washout (APW) (
< 0.05), and relative percentage washout (RPW) (
< 0.001). Furthermore,
Tc-HYNIC-TOC could have a high diagnostic yield to detect adrenal tumor existence (
< 0.001). There is a positive correlation between radionuclide imaging scan and APW to detect all AT (
< 0.01) and adrenocortical adenomas as well (
< 0.01).
The results can be very helpful in a diagnostic algorithm to quickly and precisely diagnose the expansive processes of the adrenal glands, as well as to learn about the advantages and limitations of the mentioned imaging modalities.
Bearing in mind that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with a wide range of laboratory abnormalities, the aim of this study was to examine the importance of determining the parameters of ...oxidative stress and antioxidant protection as well as markers of inflammation and hemostasis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The study population included 105 patients with severe COVID-19 and 65 healthy control subjects. The parameters of oxidative stress and the activity of enzymes of the antioxidant system were determined from the obtained samples using spectrophotometric methods. Standard laboratory methods were performed for the determination of the biochemical and hematological parameters. Patients with COVID-19 showed a significantly higher level of pro-oxidative parameters (hydrogen peroxide (H
O
) and the index of lipid peroxidation in the form of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARSs)) and a significantly lower activity of the antioxidant system (catalase (CAT)). Patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher values of inflammation parameters (C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), ratio of the number of neutrophils to lymphocytes (NLR), and ratio of the number of platelets to lymphocytes (PLR)) and parameters of hemostasis (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), D-dimer, fibrinogen) than the control healthy subjects. In addition, changes in hemostatic parameters correlated positively with inflammatory markers in the group of patients with COVID-19. The early determination of hemostasis parameters and the parameters of inflammation can help in the prediction of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
Several studies indicate the impact of antipsychotics like risperidone and paliperidone on oxidative stress parameters, yet data remain inconsistent. We investigated the link between these ...medications, hyperprolactinemia (HPRL), and oxidative stress. This study was conducted at the Psychiatry Clinic, University Clinical Center, Kragujevac, between November 2022 and August 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised diagnosed psychotic disorders from the ICD-10-based F20-F29 spectrum and clinical stability on risperidone/paliperidone for ≥12 weeks with no recent dose adjustments. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, breastfeeding, relevant medical conditions, or co-therapy with prolactin-secreting drugs. Data encompassed drug choice, administration method, therapy duration, and daily dose. Prolactin (PRL) levels, oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, H2O2, O2−, NO2−), and antioxidant system (CAT, GSH, SOD) were assessed. Of 155 subjects, women exhibited significantly higher PRL levels (p < 0.001) and symptomatic HPRL (p < 0.001). Drug choice and regimen significantly influenced TBARS (p < 0.001), NO2− (p < 0.001), O2− (p = 0.002), CAT (p = 0.04), and GSH (p < 0.001) levels. NO2− levels were affected by drug dose (p = 0.038). TBARS (p < 0.001), O2− (p < 0.001), and SOD (p = 0.022) inversely correlated with PRL levels, suggesting PRL’s protective role against oxidative stress. The female sex association with higher PRL levels implies additional factors influencing PRL’s antioxidant role. Antipsychotic choice and dosage impact PRL and oxidative stress markers, necessitating further exploration.
Internet use (IU) commonly refers to sedentary lifestyle and may be addictive, especially among children. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IU and some aspects of ...child physical and psychosocial development.
We conducted a cross-sectional survey by using a screen-time based sedentary behavior questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)-among 836 primary school children in the Braničevo District. The children's medical records were analysed for vision problems and spinal deformities. Their body weight (BW) and height (BH) were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as BW in kilograms divided by BH in meters squared (kg/m
).
The average age of respondents was 13.4 (SD 1.2) years. The mean duration of daily Internet use and sedentary behavior was 236 (SD 156) and 422 (SD 184) minutes, respectively. There was no significant correlation between daily IU and vision problems (near sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus), and spinal deformities. However, daily Internet use is significantly associated with obesity (
< 0.001) and sedentary behavior (
= 0.01). There was significant correlation between emotional symptoms with total Internet usage time, and total sedentary score (
< 0.001 for both,
= 0.141 and
= 0.132, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the total sedentary score of children and hyperactivity/inattention (
= 0.167,
< 0.001), emotional symptoms (
= 0.132,
< 0.001), and conduct problems (
= 0.084,
< 0.01).
In our study, children's Internet use was associated with obesity, psychological disturbances and social maladjustment.
Background/Aim. Depression and anxiety problems are a major public health concern due to their high prevalence rates, difficult treatment, and often chronic course. This study examined the impact of ...somatic symptoms on depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students in Serbia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed among 1,940 students using a questionnaire specially designed for this study which included presence of Somatic and Non-specific Mental Symptoms (SNMS), Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The presence of somatic and associated non-specific mental symptoms over the last six months served as the basis for creating a new variable called SNMS score. Results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the SNMS score might be a very good marker for the distinction of students with or without depressive symptoms (area = 0.754, p < 0.05). The threshold value was 8.50 (sensitivity 67.6%, specificity 69.4%). Binary logistic regression showed that Odds ratio was 1.052 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.045?1.059, which means that an increase in the value of the SNMS score by 1 increases the risk of depressive symptoms by 5.2%. ROC curve showed that the SNMS score might be an excellent marker for the distinction of students with or without anxiety symptoms (area = 0.800, p < 0.05). Limit value (cut-off) was 7.50 (sensitivity 74.2%, specificity 71.6%). Binary logistic regression showed that odds ratio was 1.056 (95% CI 1.049?1.064), which means that increasing the value of SNMS score by 1 increases the risk of anxiety symptoms by 5.6%. Conclusion. The SNMS score might be a state marker for the screening and distinction of students with depressive symptoms, and excellent state marker for screening and making distinction between students with anxiety symptoms and the students who do not have these symptoms.
nema
BACKGROUND/AIM. Mental health of university students is under increasing concern worldwide, because they face challenges which predisposes them to depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to ...identify demographic and socioeconomic variables associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students.
This cross-sectional study on 1,940 university students was performed using a questionnaire including demographic and socioeconomic variables, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory.
The prevalence of depressive symptoms in students was 23.6%, while the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 33.5%. The depressive symptoms were significantly related to the study year (p = 0.002), type of faculty (p = 0.014), satisfaction with college major choice (p < 0.001), satisfaction with grade point average (p < 0.001). Female students (odds ratio--OR = 1.791, 95% confidence interval--CI = 1.351-2.374), older students (OR = 1.110, 95% CI = 1.051-1.172), students who reported low family economic situation (OR = 2.091, 95% CI = 1.383-3.162), not owning the room (OR = 1.512, 95%CI = 1.103-2.074), dissatisfaction with graduate education (OR = 1.537, 95% CI = 1.165-2.027) were more likely toshow depressive symptoms. The anxiety symptoms were significantly related to study year (p = 0.034), type of faculty(p < 0.001), family economic situation (p = 0.011), college residence (p = 0.001) satisfaction with the college major choice (p = 0.001), and satisfaction with graduate education(p < 0.001). Female students (OR = 1.901, 95% CI =1.490-2.425), and students who reported parents high expectations of academic success (OR = 1.290, 95% CI =1.022-1.630) were more likely to show anxiety symptoms.
This is one of the largest study examining mental disorders in a sample of university students in Serbia. These findings underscore the importance of early detections of mental problems and prevention interventions in university students.
Background/Aim. Coagulation disorders could be a cause of menorrhagia in women of reproductive age. The aim of the study was to estimate frequency of coagulation disorders and design an appropriate ...algorithm for detection of coagulation disorders. Methods. We investigated coagulation in 115 women (36.1 ? 9.6 years) with anamnestic data of menorrhagia, verified using semiquantitative method ? Pictorial Bleeding Assessment Chart (PBAC) with score ? 100. Results. Menorrhagia was objectively verified in sixty-four women (55.7%) and in comparison with those with normal menstruation they had higher PBAC score of menstrual cycle median (Md) = 150.0 vs. Md = 50.0; p < 0.001 but not its duration (7.2 ? 2.1 days vs. 7.3 ? 1.9 days; p > 0.05). Coagulation defects was found in 12 (10.4%) women ? decreased F IX: Ac in 4 (3.5%), decreased F VII: Ac in 1 (0.9%), decreased F X: Ac in 1 (0.9%), decreased F XI: Ac in 1 woman (0.9%), while 5 (4.3%) women matched criteria for mild von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 1. Women with coagulation disorders had prolonged prothrombin time (PT) Md = 13.1 s, range: 12.2?14.8 s vs. Md = 12.5 s, range 10.6?18.3 s; p = 0.032. Anemia was diagnosed in 61 (53.0%) women. The strongest predictor of the hemostasis disorder was menorrhagia (Quotient of probability 0.018), then anemia presence (12.43), P? (2.35), menstrual cycle duration (1.16) and the PBAC score (0.98). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the need to form a diagnostic algorithm for hemostasis disorders, primarily VWD. Sophisticated analysis of hemostasis is required, especially if predictive factors of statistical models are detected: objectively verified menorrhagia, anemia, prolonged menstrual cycle, PBAC score > 100 and extended PT.
nema
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