Our Journey from Individual Efforts to Nationwide Support: Implementing Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Serbia.

Innovative treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) yield the utmost advantages only within the presymptomatic phase, underlining the significance of newborn screening (NBS). We aimed to establish statewide NBS for SMA in Serbia. Our stepwise implementation process involved technical validation of a screening assay, collaboration with patient organizations and medical professionals, a feasibility study, and negotiation with public health representatives. Over 12,000 newborns were tested during the 17-month feasibility study, revealing two unrelated SMA infants and one older sibling. All three children received therapeutic interventions during the presymptomatic phase and have shown no signs of SMA. No false-negative results were found among the negative test results. As frontrunners in this field in Serbia, we established screening and diagnostic algorithms and follow-up protocols and raised awareness among stakeholders about the importance of early disease detection, leading to the incorporation of NBS for SMA into the national program on 15 September 2023. Since then, 54,393 newborns have been tested, identifying six SMA cases and enabling timely treatment. Our study demonstrates that effective collaborations between academia, non-profit organizations, and industry are crucial in bringing innovative healthcare initiatives to fruition, and highlights the potential of NBS to revolutionize healthcare outcomes for presymptomatic SMA infants and their families.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Carbofuran in Water Using Laser-Treated TiO2: Parameters Influence Study, Cyto- and Phytotoxicity Assessment.

This study investigates the impact of changing parameters on the photocatalytic degradation of carbofuran (CBF) using laser-treated TiO2 nanotube arrays on a Ti mesh under simulated sunlight irradiation and assessing toxicity during photocatalytic degradation. Various parameters, including the stirring effect, light intensity, initial CBF concentration, and variation in the active surface area of laser-treated TiO2 photocatalysts, were examined to determine their impact on degradation efficiency. The photodegradation kinetics were monitored using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with a PDA detector (UPLC-PDA) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, while mineralization was assessed by a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. The photocatalytic degradation of CBF is enhanced by an increase in the active surface area of the TiO2 photocatalyst, light intensity, and the introduction of stirring, but it decreases with an increase in the initial concentration of CBF. The toxicity assessments revealed that the cytotoxicity of CBF initially increased during the degradation process but decreased after further treatment, indicating the formation and subsequent breakdown of toxic intermediates. The phytotoxicity test showed that longer degradation times resulted in higher toxicity to plant growth. This study provides new insights into the photocatalytic degradation of CBF with TiO2, the importance of parameter optimization for more efficient treatment, and the use of toxicity tests to confirm the success of the photocatalytic process.

Case report: Spontaneous rupture of leiomyosarcoma uteri 8 months after primary laparoscopic surgery of STUMP.

Introduction: Leiomyosarcoma (LMS), together with smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) and benign leiomyomas, belongs to a heterogeneous group of uterine neoplasms. According to the World Health Organization, tumors originating from uterine smooth muscle fibers are the second most frequent tumors. It is challenging to distinguish between STUMP and LMS because of an overlap of symptoms, lack of a precise definition, and unequivocal information obtained using imaging diagnostic methods. Following myomectomy or hysterectomy with laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery and a definitive histological diagnosis of STUMP, the course of treatment is determined by the need to preserve fertility. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published an alert that unprotected laparoscopic morcellation is correlated with a 3-fold higher likelihood of dissemination of malignant cells and disease progression. Unprotected morcellation was independently associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence after demolition or conservative surgery, with a relative risk of 2.94. Conclusion: Hematoperitoneum resulting from the spontaneous rupture of a uterine tumor is a rare gynecological emergency, with very few cases reported in the last decade.

Exploring the Antioxidative Effects of Ginger and Cinnamon: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Other Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders.

Oxidative stress represents the pathophysiological basis for most disorders, including reproductive issues. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is heterogeneous endocrine disorder of women characterized primarily by irregular menstrual cycles, hyper-androgenism, and ovulatory dysfunction. In the last decades, PCOS was recognized as a systemic silent inflammation and an oxidative disturbance-related disorder, exerting multifaceted symptoms, including metabolic. PCOS treatment should involve a personalized approach tailored to individual symptoms; however, the results are often unsatisfactory. Various supplementary treatments have been proposed to assist in the management and alleviation of PCOS symptoms. Cinnamon and ginger, known for millennia as herbs used in spices or traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, are of interest in this study. The aim of this study is to evaluate and investigate the effects of cinnamon and ginger in PCOS patients. Using relevant keywords we searched through PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of science to find animal studies, pre-clinical, and clinical studies which were then reviewed for usage. Out of all of the reviewed studies a total of 65 studies were included in this review article. Cinnamon and ginger can affect hormonal status, lipid profile, obesity, and insulin resistance by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Generally, based on current clinical evidence, it was revealed that supplementation with cinnamon or ginger had a useful impact in patients with PCOS. This review summarizes the antioxidative effects of ginger and cinnamon in PCOS treatment, highlighting their potential benefits in other oxidative stress-related pathologies.

Green Extraction Strategy Using Bio-Based Aqueous Biphasic Systems for Polyphenol Valorization from Grape By-Product.

Polyphenols are natural compounds with enhanced antioxidant properties. They are present in relatively high concentrations in fruit/vegetable by-products. Therefore, there is a need for the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for the separation and purification of these valuable compounds. Traditional extraction with organic solvents needs to be switched to novel methods that are more efficient, with reduced extraction times and low consumption of organic solvents. Aiming at developing sustainable processes for the separation and purification of phenolic compounds, we used three model compounds, namely resveratrol, quercetin, and gallic acid, to investigate ionic liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems (IL-ABSs) formed by cholinium-based IL in combination with polypropylene glycol with a molecular mass of 400 g/mol (PPG400). The ABS composition in the two-phase region was selected according to a previously determined phase diagram. Extraction studies indicated the preferential partition of resveratrol and quercetin toward the hydrophobic PPG-rich phase that is mainly dominated by its hydrophobic nature and the strong salting-out effect of ILs. On the other hand, due to its considerably hydrophilic nature, gallic acid preferentially migrates toward the IL phase. The achieved results from grape stem extract demonstrated high extraction efficiencies of cholinium dihydrogen phosphate (~99% for resveratrol for the PPG phase and 78% for gallic acid for the IL phase), with considerable selectivity, demonstrating promising outcomes for potential applications.

Prognostic Value of Lactate Dehydrogenase in Patients with Melanoma Treated with Pembrolizumab.

INTRODUCTION: Elevated LDH levels have been extensively reported as a biomarker of poorer outcome in patients with melanoma during the chemotherapeutic era. The role of LDH level as a prognostic factor for treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with immunooncological therapy has also been reported but requires further analysis. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) among patients with metastatic and unresectable melanoma treated with pembrolizumab in terms of progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS: The study included 59 patients with unresectable and metastatic melanoma treated with pembrolizumab. A comparison was performed between patients with normal and elevated levels of LDH in terms of PFS, with subgroup analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in PFS among patients with elevated levels of LDH compared with patients with normal levels of LDH (NR vs. 5 months; P=0.02). Patients with elevated LDH levels were older (P=0.01), with liver metastasis (P=0.004), and with less frequent CNS deposits (P=0.028). CONCLUSION: Although novel agents improved outcomes in patients with melanoma, high levels of LDH persist as an independent prognostic biomarker of poor prognosis.

Five-year disease-free survival in FIGO IA stage endometrial cancer patients: Tertiary institution experience in a developing country.

Purpose: Endometrial cancer is characterized as histopathological, molecular, genetic, biological, and very diverse group of malignancies. Due to the need to precisely define the indications for adjuvant treatment in recent years, there has been a division made according to risk groups based on prognostic factors, which identify patients at risk for disease relapse, who may benefit from adjuvant therapy. The aim of this research was to examine the clinical and morphological factors that influence disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with FIGO IA stage endometrial cancer. Material and methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted, primarily based on the identification of factors that influence five-year DFS and OS. The study integrated data of FIGO IA stage endometrial cancer patients, who presented to gynecological oncology board for the first time after operative treatment, from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2022. Adjuvant radiotherapy was applied to patients with an initially higher risk of disease progression. Length of survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, while log-rank test was used to assess differences between groups. Results: The results show that 5-year OS for 93 patients was 89.2% and DFS was 88.2%. Application of adjuvant brachytherapy, number of deliveries, MRI staging, type of institution where the surgery was performed influenced DFS. Pathohistological characteristics of tumor indicated a statistically significant impact on DFS. Conclusions: Application of adjuvant brachytherapy in high-intermediate and high-risk patients contributes to DFS increase. Moreover, the existence of a pre-operative MRI assessment of the stage of disease as well as the type of healthcare provided by an institution where the surgery was performed, significantly affect DFS.

Psychological Distress in Women With Abnormal Pap Smear Results Attending Cervical Cancer Screening.

OBJECTIVE: Women often experience psychological distress upon receipt of an abnormal Pap test result. This study aimed to evaluate psychological distress and its correlates among women who received an abnormal Pap screening test result. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a cohort of 172 consecutive women who had attended screening for cervical cancer and who received abnormal Pap smear results and underwent additional diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage). The participants filled out a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was used for the analysis of the data. For multiple comparisons, the Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust the level of significance. RESULTS: In women who received an abnormal Pap smear result, the independent correlate of higher psychological distress (by Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire score) before diagnostic procedures was lower satisfaction with information/support received from other people ( p = .002). Correlates of psychological distress in women older than 40 years with abnormal Pap smear were anxiety ( p = .042) and worry about having cervical cancer, general health and having sex ( p = .044). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' findings could enable control of factors predictive of psychological distress in women who received a positive Pap smear screening test before undergoing diagnostic procedures, primarily via active provision of targeted information.

High Fat Diet Exaggerate Metabolic and Reproductive PCOS Features by Promoting Oxidative Stress: An Improved EV Model in Rats.

Background and Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent multifactorial endocrinopathy affecting women in the reproductive period, often associated with infertility and metabolic disorders. The use of animal models helps to better understand etiopathogenesis, enabling the examination of the effects of certain drugs in order to discover the best possible therapeutic approach. We tried to investigate the additional effect of estradiol-valerate (EV) and high-fat diet (HFD) in female rats to explore PCOS-related alterations with special focus on oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into three groups: control group (CTRL, n = 6), estradiol-valerate group (EV, n = 6), and estradiol-valerate group on HFD (EV + HFD, n = 6). PCOS was induced by single subcutaneous injection of long-acting EV in a dose of 4 mg/per rat. We tried to improve the metabolic characteristics of the PCOS animal model by adding HFD, so the CTRL and EV group had a regular diet, while the EV + HFD group had HFD during the induction period of 60 days. Results: We observed alterations of anthropometric parameters and hormonal disturbances, along with estrus cycle impairment reassembly to obese-type PCOS phenotype. Moreover, glucose metabolism was impaired after addition of HFD to EV protocol, contrary to EV administered alone. Histological analysis confirmed more numerous cystic follicles after the combination of EV and HFD protocol. The alterations of oxidative stress markers could be related to and serve as the mechanistic base for development of PCOS-related endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic properties. Conclusions: The additive effect of EV and HFD was obvious in the majority of the parameters observed. Our study strongly demonstrated metabolic as well as reproductive properties of PCOS in rats.

The Potential of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrinopathy during women's reproductive age. PCOS is a heterogeneous disorder featuring specific cardiometabolic properties. The association between the presence of metabolic disorders and PCOS supports the claim that the regulation of glycemic status is very important in these patients. There is a wide range of therapeutic options (including those treating diabetes mellitus type 2) with potential advantages available for the management of PCOS. Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) improve glucose metabolism, reduce fat tissue, lower blood pressure, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and protect the cardiovascular system. Currently, the use of SGLT-2is is not widespread in PCOS therapy, although these drugs represent a promising new therapeutic approach. Therefore, it is necessary to initiate further study in order to determine more effective therapies for PCOS and investigate the effect of SGLT-2is, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying SGLT-2is in PCOS and their effects on long-term complications, especially since the gold standard treatment for PCOS, such as metformin and oral contraceptives, do not have long-term cardioprotective effects. The effects of SGLT-2is seem to involve cardiac protection, while diminishing endocrine and reproductive abnormalities in PCOS. In the current narrative review, we examine the most recent clinical evidence and discuss the potential applications of SGLT-2is for PCOS therapy.

Testing of new instrument for measuring quality and diversity of nutrition in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was construction and development of a new questionnaire for assessing the quality and diversity of nutrition of pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The novel questionnaire was developed through eight steps according with internationally accepted guidelines for questionnaire development. The questionnaire with 18 questions and answers according to the Likert's scale was created and called Balkan Food Quality and Diversity in Pregnancy Questionnaire-18 (BFQDPQ-18). Reliability testing and factor analysis of BFQDPQ-18 were carried out on a sample of 382 women in the third trimester of pregnancy whose pregnancy control and monitoring were performed at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Clinical Center in Kragujevac, Serbia. RESULTS: The first test of reliability indicated high levels of internal consistency, with the Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 of the BFQDPQ-18. After dividing the BFQDPQ-18 into two parts of nine questions each by split-half method, the Cronbach's alphas were 0.799 and 0.716. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) was 0.878, and the Bartlett's test of sphericity: 1,892.206, p < 0.000. Factor analysis revealed four factors explained in total 51.99% of the variance: mean meal and snack, foods with a low degree of industrial processing, subjective assessment of dietary quality and starchy foods. CONCLUSIONS: The final version of the BFQDPQ-18 showed high reliability and good psychometric properties, so we believe it could be useful instrument for assessing the quality of nutrition of pregnant women.

Maternal Anxiety and Its Associated Factors During the First and Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Serbia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: The COVID 19-pandemic affects people differently, while pregnant women are among the most sensitive populations. The data about maternal mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak are in some ways consistent but also country-specific. Purpose: The study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women's anxiety and identify its associated factors. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a sample of 358 pregnant women during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Serbia. An anonymous survey included basic demographic questions, pregnancy-related background questions, the question of self-reported COVID-19-related fear, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The study revealed no pregnant women with low anxiety levels measured by STAI-T and STAI-S, while the STAI-S and STAI-T scores indicated high anxiety in 32.4% and 42.7% of pregnant women, respectively. The obtained results pointed out the nonlinear dependence of state anxiety on observed associated factors and their complex interactions, including the data collecting period. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that COVID-19 affects pregnant women's mental health and makes it necessary for psychological monitoring and support for pregnant women, which may be reflected in their mental health but also the development of their offspring.

Factors associated with fetal growth restriction and small for gestational age newborns.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) and quantify the strength of their impact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective-prospective observational cohort study conducted on pregnant women at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. We measured the intrauterine degree of fetal development through the estimated fetal weight (EFW) on ultrasound examination, which was calculated using Hadlock's formula 3. Fetuses whose EFW was below the 10th percentile on the World Health Organization (WHO) fetal growth charts adjusted for gender and gestational age were classified as FGR fetuses, while newborns weighing less than the 10th percentile were considered SGA. RESULTS: The study included 320 pregnant women with an average age of 30.3 ± 5.5 years who gave birth to 332 newborns. The results of univariate and multivariate stepwise backward conditional binary logistic regression showed that the occurrence of FGR during the second trimester was more likely in pregnant women with lower body height and proteinuria. The risk factors for the occurrence of FGR during the third trimester were lower body height and proteinuria, while iron supplementation had a protective effect. SGA newborns were more common in pregnant women who were shorter, had proteinuria, used corticosteroids, or smoked during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should pay special attention to pregnant women with lower body height, proteinuria, who smoke and use corticosteroids in order to prevent FGR and SGA.

Predictors of Anxiety Before and After Diagnostic Procedures in Women with Abnormal Papanicolaou Smear in Cervical Cancer Screening Program.

Anxiety is one of the most common causes of withdrawal from follow-up among women with abnormal Papanicolaou screening results. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of anxiety in women with abnormal Papanicolaou smear in cervical cancer screening program. A population-based, cross-sectional study concerning the factors related to anxiety was carried out during 2017 in a cohort of women (N = 172) with positive Papanicolaou screening test before and after diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) at one university Clinical Center in Serbia. Women completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and scale concerning anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subscale HADS-Anxiety) immediately before and 2-4 weeks after the diagnostic procedures. Multivariate logistic regression was applied in the data analysis. In our study, 35.2% (n = 52) of women had abnormal anxiety scores before the diagnostic procedures and 40.1% (n = 69) after the diagnostic procedures. Predictors of anxiety before diagnostic procedures were family history of noncervical gynecological cancers, higher level of worry and high burden of depressive symptoms. Significant independent predictors of anxiety after diagnostic procedures in women were rural residence, tension and discomfort during medical procedures, and less satisfaction with information/support. Although there was no significant difference in the prevalence of anxiety before and after diagnostic procedures in women with abnormal Papanicolaou screening results, results of this research will enable doctors to successfully make decisions concerning timely psychological support for women with positive screening test for cervical cancer that is necessary to decrease anxiety in our population.

Predictors of depressive symptoms before and after diagnostic procedures in women with abnormal Pap smear attending cervical cancer screening programme in Serbia.

OBJECTIVES: Receipt of a positive Papanicolaou screening result and subsequent referral for diagnostic tests can cause psychological stress. Still, not enough is known about depression before and after the diagnostic test in these women. The aim of this study was to determine the burden and predictors of depressive symptoms prior to and after diagnostic investigations in women who had received a positive Papanicolaou screening result. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Study cohort comprised women who received an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result. Women completed the socio-demographic questionnaire and 'The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression, CES-D' questionnaire before and after diagnostic tests (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) to assess factors related to depression. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in the frequency of depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥ 16) before and after diagnostic investigations, but the mean score on CES-D scale showed a significant difference before and after diagnostic investigations (13.98 ± 9.56 and 12.74 ± 9.15, respectively). A significant predictor of depression before diagnostic investigations was spontaneous abortion, whereas family history of other gynaecological cancers was a predictor of depression after diagnostic investigations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could contribute to improving the rates of cervical cancer screening, by identifying women at risk for depression before and after investigations.

Bevacizumab with Chemotherapy as a First-Line Treatment for Advanced Ovarian Cancer in a Serbian Cohort.

Background and Objectives: For stage IIIb-IV ovarian cancer, bevacizumab-containing treatment is considered the standard of care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for advanced ovarian cancer. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients had stage IIIc-IV ovarian cancer according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics with no clinical signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction or a history of abdominal fistulae, gastrointestinal perforation, or intra-abdominal abscess or evidence of rectosigmoid involvement by pelvic examination, bowel involvement on computed tomography, or clinical symptoms of bowel obstruction in the previous 6 months. After debulking surgery, the patients received 175 mg/m2 paclitaxel and carboplatin (AUC 6) for the first six cycles and 7.5 mg/kg bevacizumab every three weeks up to 17 cycles until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. The secondary endpoint was overall survival. Results: Between April 2017 and March 2020, 35 patients began study treatment. Bevacizumab was administered at 7.5 mg/kg in all the patients and for more than 7.5 months in 70% of them. The median progression-free survival was 20 months (95% CI: 16-23). The median overall survival was not reached. Conclusions: This was, to our knowledge, the first trial in Serbia to show progression-free survival and overall survival of combination regimens in advanced ovarian cancer. Based on the observed progression-free survival, bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy should be considered as a standard option in advanced ovarian cancer.

Potential role of d-chiro-inositol in reducing oxidative stress in the blood of nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

d-chiro-Inositol (DCI), an isomer of inositol, possesses antioxidative and endothelial protective properties. Possibly due to a deficiency of insulin mediators, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinemia, likely responsible for an elevated production of reactive oxygen species. We investigated oxidative-related alterations of inositol in the blood of women with PCOS before and after treatment with DCI. A total of 38 normal-weight PCOS women were investigated before and after DCI administration (500 mg/day for 12 weeks; n = 38) by evaluating serum testosterone, serum androstenedione, fasting serum insulin, fasting serum glucose, and parameters of IR. From the blood, we determined biomarkers of oxidative stress: superoxide anion radicals, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and the index of lipid peroxidation. The activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase and the reduced glutathione (GSH) content in the hemolysate were also assessed. Data showed that PCOS patients' plasma underwent oxidative stress, as indicated by the higher level of prooxidants and reduced cytosolic GSH content. DCI treatment significantly improved the metabolic parameters. Also, serum values of testosterone were reduced. In conclusion, PCOS patients suffer from a systemic oxidative stress that induces endothelial dysfunction. Treatment with DCI is effective in reducing hormonal, metabolic, and oxidative abnormalities in PCOS patients by improving IR.

Depression before and after diagnostic procedures among women with abnormal finding of Papanicolaou screening test.

BACKGROUND: Some studies did find significant differences in the level of depression of women while undergoing diagnostic evaluation of an abnormal Papanicolaou screening smear, but findings were not consistent. This study aimed to assess prevalence and correlates of depression in women with abnormal cervical screening results before and after diagnostic procedures. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out during 2017 in a cohort of women with positive Papanicolaou screening test before and after diagnostic procedures (colposcopy/biopsy/endocervical curettage) at the university Clinical Centre Kragujevac, Serbia. Women completed a questionnaire about demographics, lifestyle, and other factors of interest. Also, questionnaire "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" (HADS) was used immediately before and 2-4 weeks after the diagnostic procedures: a score of ≥8 on HADS-D and HADS-A subscales indicated depression and anxiety, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was applied in the data analysis. RESULTS: The study comprised 172 women, giving a response rate of 72.3%. The mean age of the participants was 47.8 ± 11.1 years (range 23-65). The frequency of depressive symptoms was significantly higher after diagnostic procedures (48.3%) than before diagnostic procedures (37.2%) (p = 0.038). Before diagnostic procedures, older age (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09-2.34; p = 0.017), and level of anxiety according to the HADS-A subscale (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.38-1.88; p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of depression. After diagnostic procedures, significant independent predictors of depression were urban place of residence (OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.03-0.47; p = 0.002) and level of anxiety according to the HADS-A subscale (OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.54-2.21; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that older age, rural residence, and anxiety play a role in shaping the risk of depression among women undergoing additional diagnostic procedures after receiving an abnormal Papanicolaou screening result.

The significant role of dietary intake of vitamin D in non-menopausal women health.

Optimal vitamin D status is very important for reflecting not only bone but overall woman's health. The aim of the study was to determine pharmacokinetic variability of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, to reveal and quantify the most significant factors that affect its variability in the population of healthy non-menopausal women using the population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) approach. The study population consisted of 74 healthy reproductive women aged from 35 to 50 years, without the use of any supplement. A population pharmacokinetics analysis was conducted using a nonlinear mixed-effects model software. A total of 35 factors were assessed: demographic, clinical, biochemical data and lifestyle factors. The average age and bodyweight of our participants were 40.11 ± 4.35 years 65.30 ± 6.80 kg, respectively. The observed mean serum concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D was 26.51 ± 13.49 ng/mL with a wide range of 6.97 to 59.89 ng/mL. Development final PopPK model of the clearance of 25-hydroxy vitamin D showed that only the average daily dose of vitamin D intake from food had a significant influence, with a magnitude of its effects of 0.00401. These results could help when individualizing vitamin D intake in the form of supplements, especially during the wintertime, in healthy reproductive women.

Internal consistency and validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in women with abnormal Pap smear in Serbia.

Receiving a report of an abnormal finding of Pap screening test in women often leads to anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the Serbian version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in women with abnormal Pap smear results. In 2017, a cross-sectional study was done involving 142 consecutive women attending cervical cancer screening who had received abnormal Pap smear results at one University clinical center in Serbia. We used exploratory factor analysis to establish the structure of the HADS and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used for assessing the internal consistency. In our study, the HADS demonstrated high internal consistency, for both subscales (Cronbach's alpha coefficient for subscale Anxiety was 0.862, and for subscale Depression was 0.851). The intra-class correlation coefficients for the two components were significant (0.860 and 0.843, p < .001). Principal component analysis with Oblimin rotation indicated a two-factor structure that explained 56.4% of variance. In conclusion, the Serbian version of the HADS showed satisfactory internal consistency reliability and construct validity and could be useful as a screening questionnaire for the assessment of anxiety and depression among women with abnormal Pap smear results.