University of Niš: Facta Universitatis (E-Journals) / Универзитет у Нишу
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DIVERSION COLITIS - MINI REVIEW
Full text linkDiversion colitis refers to inflammatory condition of the defunctionalized colon or rectum following fecal diversion, with possible clinical significance primarily for surgical practice. To review current understanding of diversion colitis from a surgical point of view, emphasizing on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and therapeutic strategy. Incidence is high histologically whereas less than half of patients become symptomatic. In the center of pathogenesis are loss of short-chain fatty acids and microbiome disruption. Endoscopy with biopsy confirms diagnosis. Ostomy reversal remains the most definitive treatment. Short chain fatty acids enemas and topical agents are alternatives for patient not suited for surgery. Diversion colitis highlights the importance of intraluminal nutrition for colorectal mucosal integrity and supports timely restoration of continuity when feasible
FORENSIC AND SOCIOEPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF STRAY DOGS BITES
Full text linkDog bites represent an increasingly significant medical, public health, and legal issue, particularly in urban areas with a high number of stray dogs. Alongside actual injuries, there is a growing number of false bite reports aimed at obtaining unlawful financial compensation. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of injuries reported as dog bites in southeastern Serbia during 2022, determine the frequency of falsely reported cases, and identify changes in dog bite frequency in 2023 and 2024. Data were collected from the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Niš, including 443 reported cases. Each case was analyzed for cause, type, location of injury, and demographic characteristics of the injured individuals. In 87.58% of cases, the bite was confirmed as authentic, while 4.74% were determined to be falsely reported. Individuals aged 51 to 70 years were most frequently affected, and the lower limbs were the most common injury location. Most injuries were minor and occurred in the afternoon. No statistically significant change in the frequency of false reporting was observed from 2022 to 2024. The calculated slope of -12.50 and p-value of 0.6166 indicate no statistically significant trend in total dog bite reports. This study highlights the need for a systematic approach, including improved stray dog control, enhanced shelter infrastructure, and the development of forensic protocols to distinguish between real and false bite injuries. Such measures could reduce both the legal and financial burden on local communities
SHORT TERM OUTCOMES AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC AND OPEN RESECTIONS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER-PROPENSITY SCORE ANALYSIS
Full text linkColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-specific mortality and the third most common cancer worldwide. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for nonmetastatic disease. Currently, most surgeons perform either open or laparoscopic resections. However, the implementation of minimally invasive surgery in all institutions can be challenging due to the learning curve, which may jeopardize oncologic results. The aim of the study was to compare the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open resections for colorectal cancer performed in a single institution. A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of 99 consecutive patients who underwent elective resection for adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum. Patients were divided into two groups - the open surgery group and the laparoscopic group – and subsequently matched into 30 pairs using a propensity score technique. Variables compared between the groups included: demographics, tumor localization, type of resection, 30-days postoperative outcome, number of lymph nodes retrieved, length of resected specimens, distal margins, tumor T stage, and disease stage. Out of the total 99 patients included, 69 (69.7%) underwent an open approach and 30 (30.3%) a laparoscopic approach. According to propensity score analysis, patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery experienced significant differences compared with the open group (p 0.05). The results suggest that patients treated with laparoscopic surgery experienced significant benefits in the first 30 postoperative days compared with those treated with an open approach. Minimally invasive surgery, apart from aesthetic benefits, offers important advantages in fewer complications, faster postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stay, without compromising oncologic principles of resection
OPPORTUNITIES FOR REDUCING EMISSIONS AND CONGESTION IN CITIES THROUGH THE USE OF ECO-FRIENDLY MINIBUSES IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Full text linkhe application of modern technologies in combination with logistics centers in the public passenger transportation system can contribute to reducing fuel consumption, preserving the environment, and increasing driving comfort. This work examines the door-to-door passenger transport model as one of the ways for smart traffic management, but also as a means of improving driving comfort, primarily for people with special needs or those requiring constant medical care, etc. Modern technologies include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning and vehicles powered by alternative fuels in city transport. In the paper, the regional significance of the proposed eMiniBuS project is examined as a first step toward sustainable mobility in the region. The study shows that implementing a door-to-door transportation system with eco-friendly minibuses could reduce the number of passenger vehicles by up to 50% over six years in medium-sized cities, leading to lower CO₂ emissions and improved accessibility. The use of natural gas, hydrogen, and electric vehicles, combined with intelligent management systems, significantly enhances energy efficiency and supports sustainability goals
ISTA TURNEJA, RAZLIČITE SEZONE: ANALIZA TAKMIČARSKE AKTIVNOSTI NA ATP MASTERS 1000 TURNIRIMA
No full textThe aim of this study was to compare the performance of professional tennis players at ATP Masters 1000 tournaments across four competitive seasons, in order to determine whether and to what extent match-play characteristics differ between years. Statistical data were retrieved from the official results archive of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). The final sample included 24 Masters 1000 tournaments, four competitive seasons, and 1,354 completed matches, yielding data for 2,708 players. Performance indicators were grouped into three domains: serve parameters, baseline-play parameters, and spatio-temporal parameters. To assess differences across seasons, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed, followed by Tukey HSD post hoc tests. Results revealed statistically significant differences in serve-related variables (percentage of first serve points won and percentage of unreturned first serves), baseline-play parameters (excluding percentage of total points won), and spatio-temporal parameters (excluding number of games played and distance covered per point). Notably, the 2023 season demonstrated higher first serve efficiency and the most favorable winners to unforced errors ratio, while the 2022 season was characterized by the longest matches and highest frequency of unforced errors. In contrast, matches in 2019 were the shortest in duration but featured the longest rallies. Given that competitive performance varies between seasons, continuous monitoring and in-depth analyses are essential to better understand the demands of modern men’s tennis and to identify potential trends in its evolution.Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je uporediti takmičarsku aktivnost profesionalnih tenisera na ATP Masters 1000 turnirima između četiri takmičarske sezone kako bi se utvrdilo da li i u kojoj meri se razlikuju karakteristike igre. Statistički podaci preuzeti su iz zvanične arhive rezultata teniske asocijacije (ATP). Konačan uzorak obuhvatio je 24 Masters 1000 turnira, četiri takmičarske sezone i 1354 odigrana meča, odnosno podatke za 2708 igrača. Statistički pokazatelji grupisani su na: parametre servis udarca, parametre igre sa osnovne linije i prostorno-vremenske parametre. Za utvrđivanje razlika korišćena je MANOVA, dok je Post Hoc analiza sprovedena Tukey HSD testom. Rezultati su pokazali statistički značajne razlike u parametrima servisa (procenat osvojenih poena na prvi servis i procenat nevraćenih prvih servisa), parametrima igre sa osnovne linije (izuzev za varijablu procenat ukupno osvojenih poena) i prostorno-vremenskim parametrima (izuzev za varijable broj odigranih gemova i pretrčana distanca po poenu). Konkretno, 2023. godine zabeležena je veća efikasnost prvog servisa i najbolji odnos direktno osvojenih poena i neiznuđenih grešaka, dok su 2022. karakterisali najduži mečevi i najveća učestalost neiznuđenih grešaka. U 2019. godini mečevi su bili najkraći, ali su razmene bile najduže. Obzirom da takmičarska aktivnost igrača varira između sezona, potrebno je konstantno praćenje i analiziranje igre, kako bi se razumeli zahtevi savremenog muškog tenisa i eventualno prepoznao pravac u kom se on razvija
FIZIČKE I FIZIOLOŠKE KARAKTERISTIKE VESLAČA JUNIORSKE KATEGORIJE
No full textThe aim of this study was to review and critically examine the existing evidence on the effects of supplementary Kids’ Athletics programs on the motor abilities of younger school-aged children. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria, and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final synthesis, comprising a total of 613 participants of both sexes aged 6 to 12 years. The included studies varied considerably in design, sample size, intervention duration and frequency, program content, and outcome measures. Most studies reported improvements in motor abilities such as speed, agility, coordination, explosive power, flexibility, and aerobic endurance following participation in Kids’ Athletics programs. However, the magnitude and consistency of these effects differed across motor domains, and evidence was limited for certain abilities due to the small number of available studies. Given the substantial heterogeneity among interventions and methodological limitations of the included studies, the overall findings should be interpreted with caution. While supplementary Kids’ Athletics programs appear to have the potential to support motor development in young school-age children, further high-quality, methodologically consistent studies are needed to strengthen confidence in these conclusions.Ovaj sistematski pregled ispituje fizičke, fiziološke i psihološke karakteristike juniorskih (U19) veslača. Veslanje je zahtevan sport izdržljivosti koji kombinuje aerobni i anaerobni kapacitet, mišićnu snagu, motoričku preciznost i mentalnu otpornost. Sledeći PRISMA smernice, analizirane su studije objavljene u periodu od 1997. do 2024. godine u bazama podataka PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, CEEOL i dodatnim izvorima. Od 217 identifikovanih radova, 20 je ispunilo kriterijume podobnosti i uključeno je u analizu. Primarni ishod bio je rezultat na testu veslačkog ergometra na 2.000 metara; podaci sa 1.500 metara i sa vode razmatrani su kao opravdane zamene kada su pružali relevantne informacije za U19 sportiste. Ključni procenjivani parametri obuhvatali su antropometriju i telesni sastav, VO₂max i druge aerobne pokazatelje, anaerobnu snagu i maksimalnu snagu, motoričke sposobnosti (posebno koordinaciju i eksplozivnu snagu) i psihološke faktore (otpornost i upravljanje stresom). Nalazi naglašavaju značaj telesne visine i dužine ekstremiteta za biomehaničku efikasnost, VO₂max za održavanje trkačkog tempa i anaerobnog kapaciteta za odlučujuće faze starta i finiša. Snaga donjih ekstremiteta i eksplozivne motoričke sposobnosti dosledno su povezane sa boljim rezultatima na ergometru i na vodi. Psihološka otpornost i efikasno upravljanje stresom dodatno diferenciraju najuspešnije juniore. Praktične implikacije uključuju integrisani razvoj aerobnih i anaerobnih kapaciteta, ciljani trening snage i eksplozivnosti, kao i sistematsko razvijanje psiholoških veština tokom adolescencije, uz redovno praćenje procesa sazrevanja. Preporučuju se longitudinalna istraživanja radi praćenja promena u rastu i razvoja performansi kroz U19 period. Konsolidacijom postojećih dokaza, ovaj pregled pruža primenljive smernice za identifikaciju talenata i juniorski specifične trenažne strategije
FEMALE SEX HORMONE RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN IMMUNE SYSTEM CELLS OF MALE WISTAR RATS
Full text linkSex hormones, estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR), play important roles in the physiology of both females and males, influencing various processes through interaction with their respective receptors. The effects of these hormones on immune cells has been a topic of interest, particularly due to observed differences in immune responses between genders in various immune-mediated diseases. The aim of the study was to quantify the expression of ER and PR receptors in different immune tissue cells of male Wistar rats using standard immunohistochemical methods. Lymphoid tissue was obtained from three-month-old sexually naïve male Wistar rats. Cell suspensions were prepared from the spleen, thymus, and peritoneal lymph nodes. The expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors was quantified on stained cells under 1000´ magnification. The results showed that spleen cells exhibited estrogen receptor positivity at 3.59 ± 0.02%, while lymph node cells exhibited 0.22 ± 0.38% positivity. No estrogen receptor-positive cells were detected in the thymus. For progesterone receptors, 2.85 ± 0.1% of spleen cells and 0.45 ± 0.75% of lymph node cells were positive, while again, no positive cells were found in the thymus. Sex hormone receptors are sparsely distributed in the immune tissues of male rats. These findings provide a foundation for further research into the mechanisms of immune-mediated diseases and may contribute to the development of novel pharmacological therapies
FIZIČKE I FIZIOLOŠKE KARAKTERISTIKE VESLAČA JUNIORSKE KATEGORIJE
No full textThis systematic review examines the physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics of junior (U19) rowers. Rowing is a demanding endurance sport that combines aerobic and anaerobic capacity, muscular strength, motor precision, and mental resilience. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies published from 1997 to 2024 were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, CEEOL, and additional sources. Of the 217 records identified, 20 met the eligibility criteria and were included. The primary outcome was that the 2000 m ergometer performance; 1500 m and on-water data were considered as justified proxies when directly informative for U19 athletes. Key parameters evaluated were anthropometry and body composition, VO₂max and other aerobic indices, anaerobic power and maximal strength, motor abilities (especially coordination and explosive power), and psychological factors (resilience and stress management). Findings highlight the importance of height and limb length for biomechanical efficiency, VO₂max for sustained race pace, and anaerobic capacity for decisive start/finish phases. Lower limb strength and explosive motor abilities are consistently associated with better ergometer and on-water performance. Psychological resilience and effective stress management further differentiate high performing juniors. Practical implications include integrated development of aerobic and anaerobic capacities, targeted strength and power training, and systematic cultivation of psychological skills during adolescence, with routine monitoring of maturation. Longitudinal designs are recommended to track growth related changes and performance trajectories across U19 development. By consolidating current evidence, this review provides actionable guidance for talent identification and junior specific training strategies.Ovaj sistematski pregled ispituje fizičke, fiziološke i psihološke karakteristike juniorskih (U19) veslača. Veslanje je zahtevan sport izdržljivosti koji kombinuje aerobni i anaerobni kapacitet, mišićnu snagu, motoričku preciznost i mentalnu otpornost. Sledeći PRISMA smernice, analizirane su studije objavljene u periodu od 1997. do 2024. godine u bazama podataka PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, CEEOL i dodatnim izvorima. Od 217 identifikovanih radova, 20 je ispunilo kriterijume podobnosti i uključeno je u analizu. Primarni ishod bio je rezultat na testu veslačkog ergometra na 2.000 metara; podaci sa 1.500 metara i sa vode razmatrani su kao opravdane zamene kada su pružali relevantne informacije za U19 sportiste. Ključni procenjivani parametri obuhvatali su antropometriju i telesni sastav, VO₂max i druge aerobne pokazatelje, anaerobnu snagu i maksimalnu snagu, motoričke sposobnosti (posebno koordinaciju i eksplozivnu snagu) i psihološke faktore (otpornost i upravljanje stresom). Nalazi naglašavaju značaj telesne visine i dužine ekstremiteta za biomehaničku efikasnost, VO₂max za održavanje trkačkog tempa i anaerobnog kapaciteta za odlučujuće faze starta i finiša. Snaga donjih ekstremiteta i eksplozivne motoričke sposobnosti dosledno su povezane sa boljim rezultatima na ergometru i na vodi. Psihološka otpornost i efikasno upravljanje stresom dodatno diferenciraju najuspešnije juniore. Praktične implikacije uključuju integrisani razvoj aerobnih i anaerobnih kapaciteta, ciljani trening snage i eksplozivnosti, kao i sistematsko razvijanje psiholoških veština tokom adolescencije, uz redovno praćenje procesa sazrevanja. Preporučuju se longitudinalna istraživanja radi praćenja promena u rastu i razvoja performansi kroz U19 period. Konsolidacijom postojećih dokaza, ovaj pregled pruža primenljive smernice za identifikaciju talenata i juniorski specifične trenažne strategije
IMPACT OF AMBIENT PM10 AND PM2.5 CONCENTRATIONS ON HEALTH RISKS IN THE CITY OF NIŠ: EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE ROUTES
Full text linkAnalysis of air quality in the city of Niš indicates the presence of increased concentrations of pollutants in outdoor air. From 2019 to 2023, the air quality in the city of Niš was classified as highly polluted due to increased concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 particles. Multiple exceedances of the limit and tolerance values of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter are the basis for health risk that manifests through various types of pathological conditions. The physicochemical properties and chemical composition of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter are the criteria for classifying these particles as carcinogenic substances. This paper presents a probabilistic assessment of carcinogenic risk associated with inhalation, dermal, and ingestion exposure to suspended particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 among the exposed population. The risk of cancer development (Ri) was determined based on the intake dose and unit risk during four-hour daily exposure among the exposed population. The calculated probability is in the range of possible and/or acceptable risk, as well as the level of probable carcinogenic risk. The probability was determined using the methodology provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
SARCOPENIA – CAUSES AND MANAGEMENT
Full text linkSarcopenia is an epidemic that has been recognized only recently, presenting a threat to the functional independence and quality of life of the elderly. Sarcopenia is defined as a loss of muscle mass in combination with changes in muscle quality and physical function. Common causes of sarcopenia are the aging process, an imbalance of sex hormones, lack of physical activity or chronic diseases, which is why sarcopenia, apart from the elderly, can also occur in the younger population. Both dimensions of sarcopenia, quantitative, skeletal muscle loss, and qualitative, loss of quality of life and disability, should be considered when creating and designing preventive and therapeutic measures. There are quick and simple tests for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, but they are still not sufficiently recognized and regularly used as part of physiotherapy assessment