The journal Medicinska reč publishes papers from the field of biomedical sciences that have not been published before or submitted for publication in other journals. Publication frequency – one volume, four issues per year
National Association of Healthcare Workers of Serbia (NAHWS)
XXI Congress of the National Association of Health Workers of Serbia (NAHWS) with International Participation 8th–11th May 2025, Vrnjačka Banja
XXII Congress of the National Association of Health Workers of Serbia (NAHWS) with International Participation 9th–12th October 2025, Vrnjačka Banja
Corrigendum In the Journal Medical Word, Vol. 2(2), No 2, 2021, in the article in Section Current Topic: Krzysztof Filipiak, Nadjib Bouayed Pragmatism and Smoking Cessation: The Role of Harm Reduction in Creating Healthier Smoke-Free Societies Medical Word, Vol. 2(2), No 2, 2021, pp. 76-80 http://media.medicinskarec.com/2022/03/rad_076_080web-1.pdf in online and printed version of article important Note was omitted. The Editor-in-Chief has decided to publish a Corrigendum (Note) for this article. Corrigendum (Omitted Note): Note: This article is adapted from the original work titled “Pragmatism and Smoking Cessation: The Role of Harm Reduction in Creating Healthier Smoke-Free Societies” by Amanda Barrell (Brighton, UK), featuring interviews with Krzysztof Filipiak and Nadjib Bouayed. The original article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). This adaptation has been made for non-commercial purposes and includes modifications for clarity, structure, and updated context.
Late Presentation of Right-sided Bochdalek Hernia - Case Report and Literature Review
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital anomaly characterized by a defect in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to herniate into the thoracic cavity. It is most commonly diagnosed during the neonatal period; however, cases diagnosed beyond this period have also been described. We present the case of a 14-month-old male child referred from a regional healthcare center to our institution due to marked irritability during the day, gastrointestinal symptoms, and abnormal findings on the plain chest and abdomen radiographies, which raised suspicion of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The main gastrointestinal symptom was vomiting, with a normal stool pattern and no presence of blood. Upon admission, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of the chest and abdomen confirmed herniation of abdominal contents into the right hemithorax, consistent with a right-sided Bochdalek hernia. Exploration of the abdominal cavity was performed through a right subcostal laparotomy. Loops of the small intestine were observed herniating through a posterolateral defect of the right hemidiaphragm into the right thoracic cavity. Careful reduction of the small intestine into the abdominal cavity was followed by medial and cranial mobilization of the liver, which allowed for clear visualisation of the diaphragmatic defect. The defect was repaired using interrupted sutures. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home on the seventh postoperative day. Although late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia generally has a favourable prognosis, it should not be regarded as a benign condition. This entity should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with respiratory and/or gastrointestinal symptoms unresponsive to standard therapy, especially when abnormalities are noted on plain chest radiography.
The Importance of Determining Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Inflammation a key factor in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the characteristics of the inflammatory process in diabetes are not well understood. Given the importance of inflammation in atherosclerosis as the main etiopathogenetic mechanism of coronary artery disease, the aim of this study was to determine the significance of specific inflammatory parameters in coronary patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 40 patients with confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), 30 patients with CAD and 20 control subjects without evidence of CAD, type 2 DM or glucose intolerance. The blood samples were analyzed prior to therapy and the following parameters were determined: the leukocyte count, the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, and the concentration of albumin and the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The patients with DM had a significantly higher leukocyte count (p < 0.05), elevated hsCRP levels and a higher VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 concentration (p < 0.05), while the patients without DM had less favorable fibrinogen profiles (p < 0.05). The patients with CAD showed significantly higher hsCRP and ICAM-1 concentrations (p < 0.01), as well as VCAM-1 concentrations (p < 0.05). The regression model indicates that elevated albumin concentrations have a significant prognostic value for the occurrence of CAD. The leukocyte count and concentrations of hsCRP, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 is significantly higher in CAD patients with type 2 DM (p < 0.05). Fibrinogen concentrations is significantly lower in these patients compared to those without type 2 DM (p < 0.05). Inflammatory markers in patients with CAD and type 2 DM may have diagnostic and prognostic significance in the pathogenesis of the disease, and this insight could lead to new approaches in the treatment of coronary patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Alcohol Use among Students of “Bećo Bašić” Secondary School (Plav)
Alcohol use during adolescence carries health and social risks. We aimed to describe consumption patterns and attitudes among students of “Bećo Bašić” Secondary School (Plav) and to identify prevention targets. Cross-sectional anonymous online survey (Google Forms), 3–8 March 2025; N=139 (47.5% male; 52.5% female; age 15–18). Descriptive statistics (percentages). Current alcohol use: 14.4%. First contact typically at 15–16 years. Drinking most often occurs with friends; 57.6% know a peer who regularly drinks. Most respondents deem peer drinking unacceptable (61.9%) and harmful to health (86.3%), while 38.1% have witnessed negative consequences. Although personal prevalence is modest, exposure to peer drinking and early initiation is notable. Prevention should focus on peer contexts, early education (15–16 years), school programs, and enforcement of sales restrictions to minors.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Knee in a 7-year-old Child: A Case Report
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm with intermediate malignant potential, typically occurring in children and young adults. We report a case of seven-year-old boy with a well-defined, extra-articular medial knee mass. MRI demonstrated a solid lesion with strong homogeneous enhancement without joint or bone invasion. Complete surgical excision was performed. Histopathology revealed myofibroblastic spindle-cell proliferation in a myxoid stroma with mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry showed SMA positivity and ALK negativity; molecular testing identified ROS1 rearrangement and COL1A1–PDGFRα fusion. The postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrence on follow-up. This case underscores the value of comprehensive molecular profiling in atypical IMT locations and the potential for targeted therapy in unresectable or recurrent disease.
The Importance of the Fluency Test in Neuropsychological Diagnostics
The study aimed to examine verbal fluency as an indicator of executive functions in a person diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder compared to a typically functioning individual. The Verbal fluency test (VFT) is used, which includes phonemic and semantic fluency tasks. The test was conducted on two participants – one with schizophrenia and one control participant from the typical population. The number of words produced within the given time limits was measured, as well as qualitative aspects such as clustering and shifting. Results showed a significant decrease in phonemic fluency in the person with schizophrenia, while semantic fluency was mildly reduced but relatively preserved. Results were within the expected ranges in the participant from the typical population, with clearly expressed verbal flexibility and appropriate control of verbal production. The findings confirm that the VFT can effectively identify differences in executive functions and lexical-semantic system organization between these groups. The test represents a valuable tool in neuropsychological assessment, especially in the context of the schizophrenia spectrum, allowing for differential diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression.
Cardinal Mammographic Signs of Malignant Breast Tumor
Cardinal mammographic signs of breast tumors can be categorized into three groups: first group: characteristics of tumor shadow; second group: characteristics of calcifications; third group: characteristics of other accompanying mammographic signs. The goal of the work is to show the cardinal mammographic signs of a malignant breast tumor, while the material of the work consists of 1,300 screening mammograms, performed between January and May 2025, in the Radiology Center of the University Clinical Center in Niš, in women from Rasa, Jagodina, Blace and Prokuplje, and literal reports. The results of the work are illustratively presented in three patients. The authors conclude that the mammographic cardinal signs of a malignant breast tumor represent those X-ray changes that, once visualized on mammograms, point to an objective indication of breast disease, but should by no means be accepted as a substitute for a biopsy of visualized changes in the glandular parenchyma of the breast.
Challenges in Diagnosing Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults - Underdiagnosed, Misdiagnosed, or Overdiagnosed: a Case Report
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is sometimes undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or overdiagnosed, particularly in adults. Although ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, its symptoms often persist into adulthood, complicating diagnosis, especially in women. The aim of this case report was to highlight the challenges in diagnosing ADHD in adults. We present a 30-year-old woman with a complex psychiatric history, in whom the diagnosis of ADHD was considered in adulthood. Initially diagnosed with depression and borderline personality disorder, her symptoms of lack of motivation and poor concentration persisted for over a decade. Despite various psychiatric approaches, her functioning remained impaired. After the latest treatment attempts, her symptoms, including impulsivity, showed partial improvement, but her prognosis remains uncertain. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults should be approached with caution, considering the risks of underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and overdiagnosis, especially in patients with overlapping symptoms of other mental health disorders.
Acute Coronary Syndrom – the Case Report
Acute coronary syndrome is the most severe, vitally threatening form of coronary disease, which is an increasingly common cause of illness and death in Serbia. Case report: Police officers are often the first to arrive on the scene in various emergencies. In emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, or serious injuries, the first few minutes are crucial. Trained in first aid, they can effectively use this time to provide life-saving interventions until paramedics or other medical professionals arrive. Patient T.M., 41 years old, a member of the Gendarmerie, while engaged in the field in a foot patrol, experiences a sudden pain behind the sternum, which he describes as burning, spreading to the neck and left arm, lasting 15 minutes, which he informs a colleague with whom he is on patrol. As the pain does not stop, a colleague reports the situation to the competent supervisor via radio link and describes the patient as frightened, pale, visibly upset, with pain behind the sternum, then stops further movement and places the patient in a semi-sitting position. In the vicinity of the event, about 15 km away, there is the Institute of Sremska Kamenica, to which it is urgently transported. After admission and emergency coronary angiography, the first stent was placed in the area of the left anterior descending artery, and the second in its first diagonal branch. Comprehensive first aid courses train police officers in areas where they develop life-saving skills that are invaluable in emergencies. The proximity of reference institutions in the first hours when an acute myocardial infarction occurs is important in the chain of providing rapid and adequate therapy.
Skeletal Bone Atrophy - Radiological Considerations
Bone atrophy is a process of a qualitative nature, which occurs due to the weakened function of osteoblasts, while the function of osteoclasts is preserved. The work aims to draw attention to the fact that bone atrophy is a relevant elemental process in various pathological bone conditions and one of the signs of an atrophic complex, while the material of the work consists of selected roentgenogram from our own film library with bone atrophy acquired over many years of work in the profession. Through some characteristic pathological conditions and through illustrations, we show the atrophy of the bones of the skeleton. Conclusion: Skeletal bone atrophy is one of the relevant X-ray signs of skeletal bone disease by which elementary processes in bones are read, and combined into sets, symptom complexes or syndromes, which are sometimes more and sometimes less characteristic of certain diseases. In the radiological diagnosis of atrophy of the bone-joint system of the skeleton, the knowledge of radiologists and orthopedists is of relevant importance.
Etiopathogenesis, Frequency and Significance of Anemia in Heart Failure
Anemia and iron deficiency are common comorbidities in patients with heart failure (HF). In patients with HF, the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency varies depending on the population studied. In the SOLVD study, 22% of patients had a hematocrit ≤39%, and 4% had values below 35%. The incidence of anemia appears to increase with worsening functional class (from 9% for NYHA class to 79% for NYHA class IV). Symptoms of reduced oxygen delivery due to anemia generally occur only in severe anemia, but may also occur with less severely decreased hemoglobin levels in patients with HF. Diagnosis of anemia in patients with HF should include consideration of HF-related etiology as well as other causes. Suggested initial testing includes: complete blood count, including red blood cell counts, reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear evaluation, measurement of iron, C-reactive protein, sedimentation, vitamin B12, and serum folate levels. Iron deficiency should be corrected and the cause investigated. In patients with HF who do not have symptoms attributable to anemia, the use of a restrictive red cell transfusion strategy is suggested. Intravenous administration of iron leads to improvement of symptoms and improvement of prognosis in terms of reduction in the number of hospitalizations. Such benefits were not observed in patients receiving oral iron preparations. The presence of anemia in heart failure is a predictor of poor prognosis and should be diagnosed and adequately treated.
The Relationship between Personality Traits and Job Satisfaction among Healthcare Professionals: a Comparative Analysis of Personality and Occupational Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is recognized as one of the key indicators of mental health and professional efficacy in the healthcare sector. Physicians, specialists, nurses, and clinical technicians represent some of the most frequently examined populations in psychological research on personality, occupational stress, job satisfaction, and burnout, due to their frequent exposure to emotionally demanding and high-responsibility work environments. Given the intense demands, elevated accountability, and the inherently stressful nature of their roles, healthcare professionals face complex emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal challenges, making the understanding of factors contributing to job satisfaction particularly significant. The aim of this review paper is to examine the association between personality traits and professional satisfaction among healthcare professionals through an analysis of contemporary theoretical models, relevant scientific publications, and empirical findings. Special emphasis is placed on individual differences in personality characteristics and their influence on perceptions of the work environment, quality of interpersonal relationships, and the subjective experience of professional purpose. Findings from recent studies suggest that traits such as emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness to experience are positively associated with higher levels of job satisfaction, whereas traits like neuroticism are predictive of professional dissatisfaction and occupational burnout. This paper synthesizes data from international studies conducted in diverse clinical and hospital settings, with the goal of identifying and comparing dominant patterns in the relationship between personality traits and subjective professional well-being. In conclusion, the paper discusses implications for personnel selection, the development of psychological support systems, and the design of organizational interventions aimed at promoting job satisfaction and safeguarding the mental health of healthcare professionals.
Principles and Perspectives of Healthcare in the Republic of Serbia
Health care represents one of the most important segments of the medical profession, and nurses play an irreplaceable role in the health system. Their work includes various aspects of patient care, from basic medical interventions to emotional support and education of patients and their families. A special aspect is the development and improvement of health care after the completion of formal nursing education, which implies continuous learning and improvement, but also accepting new challenges that come with the development of technology and changes in health systems. In this work, the principles of the application of health care in our country are presented, starting from the educational path of nurses and the beginning of their work in health institutions, through the basic principles of care and challenges in everyday practice to the guidelines for future work and the implementation of modern technologies. The role of nurses in the future will be even more significant, because this profession will provide not only technical, but also strategic and leadership competencies that are necessary for a sustainable and quality health system.
Hypertrophic Stenosis of the Pylorus – Single Center Experience
This paper aims to show the challenges faced by clinicians when diagnosing hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, the distribution of patients according to gender and age, the variability of the ultrasound dimensions of the pylorus, and the frequency of postoperative complications. Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records, over three years, collected 22 patients with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis who underwent operative treatment - pyloromyotomy. Of 22 subjects, one child was female (4.55%) and 21 (95.45%) were male. The average age of patients of both sexes at admission was 31.2 ± 10.9 days. The youngest recorded case is a 9-day-old male newborn, and the oldest is a 60-day-old male infant. Complaints manifested themselves on average 5.3 ± 3.5 days before admission. On the ultrasound findings of the pylorus, the average length was 19.5 ± 2.3 mm, the average width was 13.4 ± 1.8 mm, and the average thickness of the muscle wall was 4.9 ± 0.6 mm. Postoperative complications were registered in two patients. One developed a fever of up to 40 degrees rectally on the first postoperative day. In the second case, it was a recurrence of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, which required reintervention.Hypertrophic stenosis of the pylorus remains an enigma in the etiological sense. Usually healthy, full-term children with high Apgar scores become surgical patients soon after birth. Considering that it is one of the few diseases with adequate diagnostic and treatment methods, it is necessary to focus future research on finding the etiological factor that leads to it.
Dear colleagues, respected readers, In front of you is the new, sixteenth issue of the magazine “Medical Word” in which we present five new scientific medical papers from five different areas of medical practice. Teamwork, versatility, quality work, and most of all, the desire to improve and play a role in the education of all personnel in the health profession enabled us to fill these pages and publish a new issue of the magazine, which, I hope, will be equally interesting for everyone to read. We tried to bring the latest knowledge about the medical problems we face in our daily practice, provide insight into modern medical attitudes and inform about recommendations and attitudes to solve them. In this issue, we are talking about the practice of pediatrics, children’s surgery, children’s dentistry, health care and nuclear medicine, so different areas of medicine that are ubiquitous in the era of modern practice. Original papers, case reports, and also review papers aim to provide assistance in work at all levels of health care, in terms of applying the most modern knowledge and approaches in treatment. Working diligently on all the texts, the authors presented the results of their work, thus enabling the exchange of information from medical practice, a better understanding of their importance and current answers. We invite new authors and reviewers to join us in creating the magazine, we thank everyone who has already contributed to the affirmation of “Medical Word”. Editor-in-Chief Prim. Ana Momčilović, MD, PhD, Professor of vocational studies Research Associate
Dehydration in Children in the Mountain - Causes and Practical Advice
Being in nature and numerous beneficial effects on health and disease prevention make hiking a physical activity recommended for all ages. However, this activity is not without absolute risk to health, considering that vast majority of mountaineering activities are organized at altitudes over 2000 m above sea level (highland), which can last for several days. In that case, risks caused by potentially inadequate psychophysical and ambient conditions (e.g. sprained joints, insect bites, frostbite/heat stroke, acute altitude sickness,...) must be considered, but also a dehydratation, especially in summertime. As a result of dehydration, serious health disorders can occur, which sometimes require immediate professional intervention. Therefore, it is recommended for every mountaineer who attend a physically and/or technically demanding mountaineering action, to know about the amount of water, its intake rate and factors that increase the need for water, as well as the general physiology and regulation of body fluids. More often, we see the youngest (even young infants) at the high-mountain activities, especially during the summer. The inclusion of children in mountaineering is affirmative, but it is also known that they are at greater risk for acute health disorders comparing to adults, including dehydration. The aim of this article is to give a general overview of the body fluids and provide useful practical tips for preventing dehydration of the youngest on the mountain, in order to fully express the psychophysical benefits of hiking, both for the child and for the parents.
The Significance of Bone Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of Metastatic Disease Before and After Therapy in a Patient with Prostate Cancer: a Case Report and a Review of Literature
Prostate cancer (PC) typically leads to osteoblastic metastases, primarily affecting the axial skeleton and subsequently the femur and humerus. We present a case in which the patient underwent bone scintigraphy (BS) following the diagnosis of PC—initially before the application of therapy due to suspicion of bone metastases and then a follow-up BS after therapy to evaluate treatment efficacy. A 69-year-old male patient underwent initial BS in October 2017. The scintigraphy results revealed multiple areas of asymmetrically increased radiopharmaceutical accumulation in the bones of the head, right clavicle, sternum, several ribs, the thoracic spine, all bones of the pelvis bilaterally, and the right femur. The BS conclusion indicated that the described lesions in the skeletal system were consistent with metastases originating from the previously diagnosed PC. In October 2021, the patient underwent a follow-up BS, after the applied therapy. Compared to the previous scintigraphic findings from 2017, the pathological process had shown complete regression within the skeletal system. No signs of bone metastases were detected. The presented case underscores the pivotal role of BS in detecting skeletal metastases and evaluating patients with confirmed metastases. The initial BS, in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, facilitated the selection of appropriate therapeutic modalities. Conversely, follow-up BS enabled the evaluation of treatment efficacy, and with a low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood, the decision was made to discontinue therapy.
Early orthodontic treatment is considered as treatment that begins and ends before all permanent teeth erupt, i.e. it is carried out in the period of milk and mixed dentition. Synonyms of early treatment are: preventive orthodontic treatment, interceptive orthodontic treatment or the first phase of comprehensive treatment. The aim of the work is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of early orthodontic therapy. It is necessary to carry out therapy that will lead to the desired facial aesthetics, increase the child’s confidence, parents’ satisfaction, enable simpler therapy in the future, a better and more stable result, enable the proper performance of orofacial functions, achieve more opportunities for skeletal growth modification and reduce potential iatrogenic damage. Based on an extensive diagnostic procedure, which includes: history, clinical examination, functional analysis, radiography and photography of the patient and analysis of study models, we come up with a therapy plan. The case report is a girl aged 9 years and 3 months. Early treatment should be carried out only in children who have a definite need for treatment. The group with a limited need should be given time for spontaneous correction.
Antibacterial Acitivity of Esssential Oils of Selected Medicinal Plants on the Causative Agents of Respiratory Infections in Pediatric Population
Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common infectious diseases today and are the reason for as many as 75% of prescribed antibiotics in the world. For this reason, ARI is responsible for the emergence of bacterial resistance to the most commonly used antibiotics. The paper aimed to examine the potential antibacterial activities of the essential oil of medicinal plants Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Mentha spicata L., Chamomilla recutita (L.) Raushert, Salvia officinalis L., Urtica dioica L., from the region of southeastern Serbia, on bacteria associated with respiratory infections in the pediatric population. Relevant, dichotomous keys were used to determine the plant material. The extraction of the essential oil was performed with a Clevenger-type apparatus, while the antibacterial activity was examined with an aromatogram, using the disk-diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed with a one-factor ANOVA test. The use of essential oils can be an alternative solution to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. In our research, the oil of Salvia officinalis L. showed the strongest inhibitory effect against Moraxella sp., while the oil of Chamomilla Recutita (L.) Raushert showed the weakest effect against Haemophilus sp. In general, the essential oil of Chamomilla recutita (L.) Raushert showed the weakest effect against all isolated pathogens. The essential oil of the investigated plants can be used as a potential source of natural antibacterial compounds. Because of all the above, it is necessary to further investigate and identify the biologically active compounds of the investigated plants.
Professor Spira Strahinjić (1925 – 2022) – Pioneer of Serbian and Yugoslav Nephrology
Professor Dr. Spira Strahinjić (August 30, 1925, village of Orane, Kingdom of Yugoslavia - January 25, 2022, Niš, Republic of Serbia) was and will remain a doyen and legend of Serbian and Yugoslav medicine and beyond, a pioneer of Serbian and Yugoslav nephrology, visionary and strategist of the development of nephrology in Niš, Serbia and Yugoslavia, creator and founder of the Institute for Nephrology and Hemodialysis of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Niš (which today bears his name), founder and initiator of the development of a large number of healthcare institutions for nephrology and hemodialysis in the south of Serbia, In Kosovo and Metohija and Montenegro, initiator of the first kidney transplant in the south of Serbia, one of the founders of BANTAO, patriot and revolutionary, participant of the National Liberation Movement (1941-1945), oriented and oriented towards the young man, the young doctor, always on the side of the students and student ideas of Niš , Serbia and Yugoslavia.
Hydrocephalus is a pathological condition with many variations which is always characterized by an increase in cerebrospinal fluid that is or has been under increased pressure, and it can occur at any age. It is displayed as different neurological and psychiatric conditions. The most important symptoms in adults are dizziness, cognitive decline, dementia, gait apraxia, and problems with bladder control. This paper presents the case of an elderly person with hydrocephalus. A 74-year-old male patient contacted the doctor of the Healthcare Center because of dizziness, instability when walking or climbing stairs. There is also forgetfulness, poor concentration, and weaker urination control. Orientation neurological examination showed a wide-based gait, with positive Romberg’s sign with eyes closed. He was referred to a neurologist with a questionable diagnosis of vertigo syndrome R 42.0. After neurological and radiological examinations, the diagnosis of communicating, normotensive hydrocephalus was confirmed and the patient underwent neurosurgical intervention. The therapeutic approach to this condition depends on age, clinical findings, and comorbidities and is determined individually for each patient. Surgery takes the main place in therapy because by installing a shunt, a rapid reduction of symptoms is achieved. The role of the selected doctor is to implement all aspects of treatment and care based on anamnestic data, and clinical examination according to the diagnostic algorithm, to improve the functional status and quality of life of these patients and their families.
Craniosynostosis are a congenital condition characterized by a deformed skull, caused by the premature fusion of one or more, and exceptionally all sutures. Crouzon’s and Apert’s syndromes are classified as craniosynostosis. Along with craniosynostosis, deformities can also occur on other bones of the skeleton. The goal of the presentation is a revue and illustrative presentation of craniosynostosis. The results of the work: oxycephalus, scaphocephalia, triginocephalia, plagiocephalia, dysostosis cranio-facialis (Crouson), acro-cephalo-syndactylis (Apert) are presented. The authors conclude that radiological images of craniosynostosis have their own specificity, while radiological examination methods are relevant and irreplaceable in diagnosing craniosynostosis.
Characteristics of Age and Gender Distribution of Abused and Neglected Children - National Strategy and Prevention Measures
The problem of child abuse and neglect in the world is increasing, there is an increasing number of children with this problem and there is a need to define this problem as well as legal guidelines and guidelines to work more efficiently. Injuries in abused and neglected children are very diverse, rarely endangering the life of the child or leading to permanent disability, and must be hospitalized and surgically treated as emergencies. The retrospective study included 79 patients treated at the Clinic for Pediatric Surgery Orthopaedics and Traumatology (KDHOT), University Clinical Center Niš. The results show that there was no statistically significant distribution by gender. The average age of all hospitalized children in the examined period is 7.97 ± 6.67 years with a median of 7.00 years. In the largest percentage of cases, abusers are peers or relatives. Although the public today more than ever is warned about various cases of violence against children, this is a problem that is solved in practice by a small number of experts and which is not given as much importance as necessary to solve this problem.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Perinatal and Infant Oral Health among Healthcare Workers and Students of Medicine and Dentistry
A shared approach, coordination, and care for oral health as an integral part of general health should be imperative for every primary healthcare worker. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding perinatal and infantile oral health in different groups of health professionals in North Macedonia. The survey was conducted from January 2020 to January 2021 with the distribution of an anonymous survey questionnaire electronically in the form of a Google Document to a different profile of healthcare professionals from primary healthcare in North Macedonia, as well as students of dentistry and medicine. The questions examined early childhood caries knowledge, attitudes about their role in preventing childhood oral health, and practices for promoting good oral health. It was determined that 85.7 percent of doctors believed they need additional oral health education, 93.9 percent of respondents believed that they must educate parents/guardians about the importance of the preventive measures to maintain children’s oral health and that they must advise parents in case of suspected caries to visit a dentist/pedodontist. Only 46.9% of respondents knew that cariogenic bacteria can be transmitted vertically from mother to newborn. A small percentage (26.5%) of respondents knew that white spots on baby teeth are early signs of caries. A Guide to Perinatal and Infant’s Oral Health for all health professionals who are in contact with a child in the first years of life would help to properly guide and educate parents in preserving infants` oral health.
Dear colleagues, The latest, quite interesting and meaningful issue of the journal “Medical Word” is in front of you, with various topics, providing readers with the opportunity to improve and upgrade special professional knowledge, but also to compare it with their own experiences and work results. At the beginning of this issue of the journal, a group of authors from the Republic of North Macedonia presented the results and analysis of a survey on oral health that was conducted among primary healthcare workers in North Macedonia, as well as students of dentistry and medicine. The role of essential oils in the fight against infections of the respiratory system and their antimicrobial effect was presented by a group of authors who dealt with this problem from different aspects, showing the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in the treatment of pediatric patients. The problem of abuse and neglect of children, as well as the resulting injuries, is increasing, so the authors of a paper have just presented the results of the treatment of abused children, with a special emphasis on prevention measures and on everything that we as a society can do to prevent violence against children. In this issue of the journal, a comprehensive and illustrative X-ray presentation of craniosynostosis, as well as a presentation of a case of hydrocephalus in practice, is also given. In the end, as always, there is a documented and thorough work from the history of medicine. Therefore, continuing our established conception of the journal, and following our broad thematic orientation, we present six new papers, which are available to readers in open access, as before. And this time, we invite our respected colleagues to send their papers to our journal. We are impatiently waiting for your papers. Editor-in-Chief Prim. Ana Momčilović, MD, PhD, Professor of vocational studies
Effects of aerosol from the Tobacco Heating System (THS) on human organotypic cultures of the aerodigestive tract
Cigarette smoking is responsible for a multitude of health risks and is one of the major modifiable risk factors for many smoking-related diseases. Tobacco Heating System (THS) is an electronic device, which heats tobacco instead of burning it. The THS aerosol has a different chemical composition to cigarette smoke, with its levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents reduced on average by 90-95%. Advances in tissue engineering have enabled the development of sophisticated, three-dimensional organotypic culture systems that closely resemble human physiology. In several recent studies, buccal, gingival, nasal, bronchial, and small airway human epithelial organotypic cultures were exposed to aerosol from the THS and cigarette smoke. Standard toxicological assays were combined with network-based systems toxicology analyses to identify otherwise undetectable cellular-level effects. The results showed that the THS aerosol has a minimal biological impact on cells in comparison to cigarette smoke.