Trends in thyroid cancer incidence and mortality in Central Serbia, 1999-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common malignant disease of the endocrine system. The incidence of the TC has been increasing worldwide, especially in female population. However, mortality from TC is low in both males and females. The objective of the paper was to determine and to analyze incidence and mortality trends of TC in males and females in the central Serbia in the period 1999-2014. METHOD: In this descriptive study data from the Serbian Cancer Registry were used. Crude and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence and mortality were calculated. Trend and annual percentage change (APC) of the incidence and mortality rate with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by performing Joinpoint regression analyses. RESULTS: A total number of new cases of TC was 3113. TC was diagnosed in 2343 females and 770 males (female-to-male ratio, 3:1). A total number of fatal cases was 770 (while 504 female and 266 male died from TC, female-to-male ratio, 1.9:1). TC was not common before 30 years of age. The highest incidence was recorded both in males and females aged 50-59. Joinpoint regression analysis showed the statistically significant increase of ASRs of TC incidence in males in 1999-2014 period with APC 6.2% (95% CI: 4.2-8.3, p < 0.001) and there was also significant increase of ASRs of TC incidence in females in the same study period with a APC 6.1% (95% CI: 4.2-8.0, p < 0.001). Joinpoint regression analysis showed an insignificant increase of ASRs of TC mortality in males with APC 2.4% (95% CI: -0.5-5.5, p = 0.1). There was an insignificant decrease of ASRs of TC mortality in females with APC -1.3% (95% CI: -4.4-1.9, p = 0.4). CONCLUSION: The increasing trend of age-standardized incidence rates of TC both in males and females and decreasing trend of age-standardized mortality rates during the observed period were registered. Females had higher age-standardized incidence and mortality rates than males. Female to male ratio of incidence was 3:1 and for mortality 1.9:1. Measures of primary and secondary prevention are needed.

Benefits of Student-Centered Tandem Teaching in Medical English.

This paper addresses some of the key notions about English for special purposes with special regard to English for medical purposes. The content was determined by observations and based on authors' professional experience. The starting point of a medical English course is a thorough analysis of students' needs, which is then used in course design and definition of appropriate learning goals. The student is at the center of learning and it is necessary to establish a positive cooperation between students and teachers. As medical English course is highly context-based, the inclusion of medical teachers can offer many opportunities for a successful learning process.

Towards uniformity in English for medical purposes: evaluation and design.

INTRODUCTION: A thorough analysis of students' needs will enable teachers to build up a profile of a typical learner. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the current and target English language skill level and use the findings as guidelines in designing a uniform course. METHODS: The investigation was carried out at the Congress of Biomedical Science Students of Serbia held in Lepenski Vir in 2009. The investigation was conducted using a questionnaire and included 277 medical students of all study years and from all university centres of Serbia. RESULTS: The obtained results do not vary significantly among universities. The students marked writing and translation as their weakest skills and pointed out that their greatest problem areas were also vocabulary and grammar. On one hand, writing was ranked high among the skills which needed improvement but on the other hand, it was believed to be the least important in medical career. Speaking and listening were shown to be the most important for medical students. CONCLUSION: In designing the course, teachers need to be able to use approaches and methods flexibly and creatively in order to bring about positive results. Since course design is a dynamic process, teachers have the responsibility of negotiating a plan of work with the learners.

Serum lipids and glucose disturbances at professional drivers exposed to occupational stressors.

The aim of this study is to find association between some groups of occupational stressors and serum lipids and glucose concentrations in professional drivers in road traffic. The study included 417 male professional drivers (162 inter city bus drivers, 36 suburban bus drivers, 33 city bus drivers, 81 truck drivers, 71 official car drivers and 34 professional taxi drivers). Occupational stressors were identified and total occupational stress index score was measured by standardized questionnaire authorized by Karen Belkic. Occupational stressors were divided into seven groups (underload, high demand, strictness, extrinsic time pressure, noxious exposures, avoidance and conflict). Serum glucose and lipids concentrations (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols) were measured in study group of drivers. Maximal total OSI values were achieved in group of professional truck drivers. The highest values of serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols and the lowest values of serum HDL cholesterol were found at professional truck drivers. With the increase of occupational stress index, there is an increase of the serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols concentration in the exposed group of drivers. Specific analytes thresholds' level of occupational stress index exists.