Comparative Analysis of Vascular Calcification Risk Factors in Pre-Hemodialysis and Prevalent Hemodialysis Adult Patients: Insights into Calcification Biomarker Associations and Implications for Intervention Strategies in Chronic Kidney Disease.

This retrospective study aimed to compare risk factors for vascular calcification (VC) between pre-hemodialysis (HD) and prevalent HD adult patients while investigating associations with calcification biomarkers. Baseline data from 30 pre-HD and 85 HD patients were analyzed, including iPTH, vitamin D, FGF 23, fetuin-A, sclerostin, and VC scores (Adragao method). Prevalence of VC was similar in both groups, but HD patients had more frequent VC scores ≥ 6. Pre-HD patients were older, with higher prevalence of hypertension and less frequent use of calcium phosphate binders. Both groups showed similar patterns of hyperphosphatemia, low vitamin D, and iPTH. Fetuin-A and sclerostin levels were higher in pre-HD, while FGF 23 was elevated in HD patients. Higher VC risk in pre-HD patients was associated with male gender, older age, lower fetuin-A and higher sclerostin, lower ferritin, and no vitamin D treatment, while in HD patients with higher sclerostin, FGF 23 and urea, and lower iPTH. Conclusion: Biomarkers could be measurable indicators of biological processes underlying VC in CKD patients that may serve as a potential guide for considering personalized therapeutic approaches. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying pathways.

Applying machine learning in the investigation of the link between the high-velocity streams of charged solar particles and precipitation-induced floods.

This study explores a possible link between solar activity and floods caused by precipitation. For this purpose, discrete blocks of data for 89 separate flood events in Europe in the period 2009-2018 were used. Solar activity parameters with a time lag of 0-11 days were used as input data of the model, while precipitation data in the 12 days preceding the flood were used as output data. The level of randomness of the input and output time series was determined by correlation analysis, while the potential causal relationship was established by applying machine learning classification predictive modeling. A total of 25 distinct machine-learning algorithms and four model ensembles were applied. It was shown that in 81% of cases, the designed model could explain the occurrence or absence of precipitation-induced floods 9 days in advance. Differential proton flux in the 0.068-0.115 MeV and integral proton flux > 2.5 MeV were found to be the most important factors for forecasting precipitation-induced floods. The study confirmed that machine learning is a valuable technique for establishing nonlinear relationships between solar activity parameters and the onset of floods induced by precipitation.

Exploring Perforated Jejunal GIST: A Rare Case Report and Review of Molecular and Clinical Literature.

This case report details a rare instance of a perforated jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a 76-year-old female patient. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and distension without any changes in bowel habits or episodes of nausea and vomiting. Initial diagnostics, including abdominal plain radiography and ultrasonography, were inconclusive; however, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed pneumoperitoneum and an irregular fluid collection suggestive of small intestine perforations. Surgical intervention uncovered a 35 mm jejunal GIST with a 10 mm perforation. Histopathological examination confirmed a mixed cell type GIST with high malignancy potential, further substantiated by immunohistochemistry markers CD117, DOG1, and vimentin. Molecular analysis illuminated the role of key oncogenes, primarily KIT and PDGFRA mutations, emphasizing the importance of molecular diagnostics in GIST management. Despite the severity of the presentation, the patient's postoperative recovery was favorable, highlighting the effectiveness of prompt surgical and multidisciplinary approaches in managing complex GIST cases.

A Rare Case Of Type II Amyand's Hernia.

Amyand's hernia represents an inguinal hernia containing an appendix within the hernia sac. This extremely rare condition occurs in approximately 1% of all inguinal hernias. This report describes the case of an 84-year-old male who presented with a right inguinal mass that intraoperatively turned out to be Amyand's hernia type-II with a gangrenous and perforated appendix. An appendectomy and peritoneal lavage were performed, followed by a hernioplasty where a modified Bassini repair was used. The patient fully recovered, and was discharged from the hospital on the fourth day. A non-reducible inguinal hernia containing a perforated appendix is a very rare emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent abdominal sepsis. Therefore, while examining an inguinal hernia, the possibility of Amyand's hernia should always be considered.

Evaluation of outdoor thermal comfort conditions: evidence from the Serbian major ski resort over the last 30 years.

The study aims to present reliable information about thermal conditions and their impacts on visitors to ski travel destinations. Mountain tourism areas are specific since high altitudes affect the ambient weather conditions which can affect different types of human activities. In this paper, the thermal comfort and its changes in Kopaonik Mountain, the most popular ski resort in Serbia over the last 30 years, have been evaluated. Information about thermal comfort is presented by using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), physiologically equivalent temperature (PET), and modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET) in 3-h resolution for the period 1991-2020. The results indicate prevailing cold stress all year round. Days with moderate, strong, and very strong heat stress were not recorded. Strong and extreme cold stress prevailed during winter, while slight and moderate cold stress prevailed during summer. Transitional seasons were very cold, but autumn was more comfortable than spring. The occurrence of days with neutral and slightly warm/cool conditions is concentrated in the summer months. However, summer is not used enough for tourism because the choice of tourists to stay at Kopaonik is not primarily based on favorable bioclimatic conditions, but on resources for winter tourism. With global warming, the annual number of thermally favorable days has been increasing, while the number of days with extreme and strong cold stress is decreasing. Continuing this trend can significantly influence tourism in the future, and therefore, new strategies in ski resorts will be required to adapt to the changing climate.

Significance of the Work Environment and Personal Resources for Employees' Well-Being at Work in the Hospitality Sector.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether different elements of the work environment (manifested by job demands, job control, and social support) and personal resources were linked to employees' well-being at work. Based on data gathered from 574 employees in the hospitality industry in Serbia, it was also tested if personal resources, expressed through self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience, could moderate the relationship between work environment and employees' well-being at work. Correlation analyses showed that high job demands had negative effects on employees' well-being, causing negative emotional reactions to their job, while job control and social support developed positive relationships with positive employees' well-being. The moderating effect analysis found that personal resources can fully moderate the relationship between job demands and well-being at work, and job control and well-being at work. On the other side, personal resources were not a significant moderator in the relationship between social support and well-being at work, indicating that even when employees have adequate personal resources, they are not enough to decrease the negative effects of lack of social support on employees' well-being at work. This shows how important the support of supervisors and colleagues is for employees in hospitality.

COVID-19 certificate as a cutting-edge issue in changing the perception of restaurants' visitors-Illustrations from Serbian urban centers.

As one of the first European cases of the introduction of COVID-19 certificates, the Serbian Government initiated the measure of limited working hours of restaurants for unvaccinated visitors. Due to such actions and frequent bans on working during the pandemic, many restaurants in Serbia had to lay off workers or close. At the end of October 2021, the certificate for entering restaurants and all catering facilities for all the visitors became mandatory. It is interesting to note that earlier findings suggested that some personality characteristics determine the specific behaviors during the pandemic, but there is still a small number of results related to restaurants' visitors. This study aimed to investigate the predictive strength of the Big Five Factors (BFF) to attitudes toward visits to restaurants in Serbia during the pandemic, depending on the attitudes toward accepting COVID-19 certificates. A survey was conducted on a total sample of 953 visitors of restaurants in three major cities in Serbia. The results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that Openness and Extraversion positively predict attitudes toward visits to facilities during a pandemic, while Conscientiousness and Neuroticism were negative predictors. However, in the second step of hierarchical regression analysis, attitudes toward a COVID-19 certificate as a mediator variable significantly reduced the negative effect of Neuroticism on the attitudes toward visits. It seems that, by obtaining the certificate, the fear of unsafe stays in restaurants can be reduced, and that making decisions about (no) visiting restaurants during the pandemic does not necessarily have to be compromised by emotional lability.

Knowledge About Food Safety and Handling Practices - Lessons from the Serbian Public Universities.

Introduction: Education about food safety is important for public health, and the best place to provide it is a university environment. The aim of the research was to assess food safety knowledge and self-reported food handling practices among students in Serbia. Methods: The research was performed from October to December 2020, using an electronic survey among students at the University of Belgrade, University of Nis, and University of Novi Sad. Results: The average students' age was 21 (SD=1.7), and genderwise the proportion was 54% women and 46% men. The average score for self-reported food handling practices was 45.7% (SD=15.7), and for food safety knowledge 57.9% (SD=15.7). The results showed that students whose field of study is health-related (e.g. nutrition, chemistry, biology, medicine and pharmacy) had the highest score for self-reported food handling practices (48.8%) and for food safety knowledge (57.7%). As for age, the senior students showed the highest score for food safety (57.2%), followed by third-year students (53.8%), second-year (51.9%), and first-year students (49.9%). Conclusions: The first-year students and those whose field of the study was not health-related showed the lowest score in the answers to the questions about food handling practices and food safety knowledge. However, the longer students study, the more knowledge they have, which is not the case for those whose studies are non-health-related.

Will we have the same employees in hospitality after all? The impact of COVID-19 on employees' work attitudes and turnover intentions.

A crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic affected the whole world leaving long-lasting effects on almost every aspect of human lives. The aim of this study was to test how different effects of COVID-19, expressed through job insecurity, employees' health complaints occurred during isolation, risk-taking behavior at workplace and changes in the organization, may impact work-related attitudes (job motivation and job satisfaction) and turnover intentions of the employees in hospitality industry. Based on the data collected from 624 hospitality workers from Serbia, the results indicated that job insecurity and changes in the organization were predictors of all outcomes, in a negative direction, while risk-taking behavior acted as a predictor of job satisfaction only, also in a negative direction. The significance of demographic characteristics, as control variables, showed that age and marital status had significant impact on job motivation and turnover intentions. The theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Quantum Spin Torque Driven Transmutation of an Antiferromagnetic Mott Insulator.

The standard model of spin-transfer torque (STT) in antiferromagnetic spintronics considers the exchange of angular momentum between quantum spins of flowing electrons and noncollinear-to-them localized spins treated as classical vectors. These vectors are assumed to realize Néel order in equilibrium, ↑↓⋯↑↓, and their STT-driven dynamics is described by the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. However, many experimentally employed materials (such as archetypal NiO) are strongly electron-correlated antiferromagnetic Mott insulators (AFMIs) whose localized spins form a ground state quite different from the unentangled Néel state |↑↓⋯↑↓⟩. The true ground state is entangled by quantum spin fluctuations, leading to the expectation value of all localized spins being zero, so that LLG dynamics of classical vectors of fixed length rotating due to STT cannot even be initiated. Instead, a fully quantum treatment of both conduction electrons and localized spins is necessary to capture the exchange of spin angular momentum between them, denoted as quantum STT. We use a recently developed time-dependent density matrix renormalization group approach to quantum STT to predict how injection of a spin-polarized current pulse into a normal metal layer coupled to an AFMI overlayer via exchange interaction and possibly small interlayer hopping-mimicking, e.g., topological-insulator/NiO bilayer employed experimentally-will induce a nonzero expectation value of AFMI localized spins. This new nonequilibrium phase is a spatially inhomogeneous ferromagnet with a zigzag profile of localized spins. The total spin absorbed by AFMI increases with electron-electron repulsion in AFMIs, as well as when the two layers do not exchange any charge.

Modeling and analysis of different scenarios for the spread of COVID-19 by using the modified multi-agent systems - Evidence from the selected countries.

Currently, there is a global pandemic of COVID-19. To assess its prevalence, it is necessary to have adequate models that allow real-time modeling of the impact of various quarantine measures by the state. The SIR model, which is implemented using a multi-agent system based on mobile cellular automata, was improved. The paper suggests ways to improve the rules of the interaction and behavior of agents. Methods of comparing the parameters of the SIR model with real geographical, social and medical indicators have been developed. That allows the modeling of the spatial distribution of COVID-19 as a single location and as the whole country consisting of individual regions that interact with each other by transport, taking into account factors such as public transport, supermarkets, schools, universities, gyms, churches, parks. The developed model also allows us to assess the impact of quarantine, restrictions on transport connections between regions, to take into account such factors as the incubation period, the mask regime, maintaining a safe distance between people, and so on. A number of experiments were conducted in the work, which made it possible to assess both the impact of individual measures to stop the pandemic and their comprehensive application. A method of comparing computer-time and dynamic parameters of the model with real data is proposed, which allowed assessing the effectiveness of the government in stopping the pandemic in the Chernivtsi region, Ukraine. A simulation of the pandemic spread in countries such as Slovakia, Turkey and Serbia was also conducted. The calculations showed the high-accuracy matching of the forecast model with real data.

Significance of acPWV for Survival of Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Abnormal arterial stiffness (AS) is a major complication in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients treated by dialysis. Our study aimed to determine the significance of AS for survival of prevalent dialysis patients, as well as its association with cardiovascular parameters or vascular calcification promoters/inhibitors or both and AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 80 adult hemodialysis patients. Besides standard laboratory analyses, we also determined promoters and inhibitors of vascular calcification (bone biomarkers): serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), soluble Klotho, intact parathormone (iPTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, osteoprotegerin, sclerostin, AS measured as ankle carotid pulse wave velocity (acPWV), Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), and vascular calcification (VC) score. Patients were monitored for up to 28 months. According to the median acPWV value, we divided patients into a group with acPWV ≤ 8.8 m/s, and a group with acPWV > 8.8 m/s, and the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Values for bone biomarkers were similar in both groups. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), central systolic and diastolic brachial blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse pressure were higher in the group with acPWV > 8.8 m/s than in the group with acPWV ≤ 8.8 m/s. The mortality was higher for patients with acPWV > 8.8 m/s at any given time over 28 months of follow-up. In multivariable analysis, predictors of higher acPWV were age >60.5, higher pulse rate, and higher central systolic or brachial diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, we advise the measurement of acPWV preferentially in younger dialysis patients for prognosis, as well as intervention planning before the development of irreversible changes in blood vessels. In addition, measuring central systolic blood pressure seems to be useful for monitoring AS in prevalent hemodialysis patients.

Proximity Spin-Orbit Torque on a Two-Dimensional Magnet within van der Waals Heterostructure: Current-Driven Antiferromagnet-to-Ferromagnet Reversible Nonequilibrium Phase Transition in Bilayer CrI3.

The recently discovered two-dimensional magnetic insulator CrI3 is an intriguing case for basic research and spintronic applications since it is a ferromagnet in the bulk but an antiferromagnet in bilayer form, with its magnetic ordering amenable to external manipulations. Using the first-principles quantum transport approach, we predict that injecting unpolarized charge current parallel to the interface of the bilayer-CrI3/monolayer-TaSe2 van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure will induce spin-orbit torque and thereby drive the dynamics of magnetization on the first monolayer of CrI3 in direct contact with TaSe2. By combining the calculated complex angular dependence of spin-orbit torque with the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation for classical dynamics of magnetization, we demonstrate that current pulses can switch the direction of magnetization on the first monolayer to become parallel to that of the second monolayer, thereby converting CrI3 from antiferromagnet to ferromagnet while not requiring any external magnetic field. We explain the mechanism of this reversible current-driven nonequilibrium phase transition by showing that first monolayer of CrI3 carries current due to evanescent wave functions injected by metallic transition metal dichalcogenide TaSe2, while concurrently acquiring strong spin-orbit coupling via such a proximity effect, whereas the second monolayer of CrI3 remains insulating. The transition can be detected by passing vertical read current through the vdW heterostructure, encapsulated by a bilayer of hexagonal boron nitride and sandwiched between graphite electrodes, where we find a tunneling magnetoresistance of ≃240%.

Dual Roles of the Mineral Metabolism Disorders Biomarkers in Prevalent Hemodilysis Patients: In Renal Bone Disease and in Vascular Calcification.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in dialysis (HD) patients, and its mechanism is multifactorial. Most likely that systemic or local inhibitory factor is overwhelmed by promoters of VC in these patients. VC increased arterial stiffness, and left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of VC and myocardial remodeling and to analyze their relationship with VC promoters (fibroblast growth factor 23-FGF23, Klotho, intact parathormon-iPTH, vitamin D) in 56 prevalent HD patients (median values: age 54 yrs, HD vintage 82 months). METHODS: Besides routine laboratory analyzes, serum levels of FGF 23, soluble Klotho, iPTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; pulse wave velocity (PWV); left ventricular (LV) mass by ultrasound; and VCs score by Adragao method were measured. RESULTS: VC was found in 60% and LV concentric or eccentric hypertrophy in 50% patients. Dialysis vintage (OR 1.025, 95%CI 1.007-1.044, p=0.006) FGF23 (OR 1.006, 95% CI 0.992-1.012, p=0.029) and serum magnesium (OR 0.000, 95%CI 0.000-0.214, p=0.04) were associated with VC. Changes in myocardial geometry was associated with male sex (beta=-0.273, 95% CI -23.967 1.513, p=0.027), iPTH (beta 0.029, 95%CI -0.059-0.001, p=0.027) and vitamin D treatment (beta 25.49, 95%CI 11.325-39.667, p=0.001). Also, patients with the more widespread VC had the highest LV remodeling categories. PWV was associated patient's age, cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, LV mass (positively) and serum calcium (negatively), indicating potential link with atherosclerotic risk. CONCLUSIONS: Despite to different risk factors for VC and myocardial remodeling, obtained results could indicate that risk factors intertwine in long-term treatment of HD patients and therefore careful and continuous correction of mineral metabolism disorders is undoubtedly of the utmost importance.

Identifying areas and risk groups with localised Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission in northern England from 2010 to 2012: spatiotemporal analysis incorporating highly discriminatory genotyping data.

BACKGROUND: Information on geographical variation in localised transmission of TB can inform targeting of disease control activities. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of TB attributable to localised transmission for the period 2010-2012 in northern England and to identify case characteristics associated with spatiotemporal-genotypical clusters. METHODS: We combined genotyping data with spatiotemporal scan statistics to define an indicator of localised TB transmission and identified factors associated with localised TB transmission thus defined in a multivariable logistics regression model. RESULTS: The estimated proportion of TB cases in northern England attributable to localised transmission was 10% (95% CI 9% to 12%). Clustered cases (cases which were spatiotemporally clustered with others of identical genotype) were on average younger than non-clustered cases (mean age 34 years vs 43 years; p value <0.05). Being UK born (adjusted OR (aOR) 3.6, 95% CI 2.9 to 6.0), presenting with pulmonary disease (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.6) and history of homelessness (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 6.8) or incarceration (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 5.9) were independently associated with being part of a spatiotemporal-genotypical cluster in a multivariable model. Belonging to an ethnic group other than white or mixed/other was also significantly associated with localised transmission. We identified localised transmission in 103/1958 middle super output areas mostly in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating highly discriminatory genotyping data into spatiotemporal analysis of TB incidence is feasible as part of routine surveillance and can provide valuable information on groups at greater risk and areas with localised transmission of TB, which could be used to inform control measures, such as intensified contact tracing.

Cancer of ectopic parathyroid gland presentation of the disease with a case report.

Tc-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitril (MIBI) scintigraphy is localizing diagnostic methods that is used for detection of sicken parathyroid gland (PT). The use of this method for PT diseases diagnosis makes surgical treatment of a patient more successful. This is a report about the patient who was surgically treated for primary hyperparathyroidism caused by hyperplasia of parathyroid glands and cancer of ectopic parathyroid gland. He was operated in two acts. The first surgical intervention was performed without preoperative diagnostics of Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy, while the second surgical intervention was preceded by Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy which clearly showed the existence of tumor in the back mediastinum (ectopic parathyroid gland). Pathophysiological analysis of the extirpated parathyroid gland showed the case of ectopic parathyroid gland cancer. The use of Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy as a localizing method before the first surgical intervention could have saved the patient from the second one and from risks it could have caused, as well.

Cataract surgery in patients with ocular pseudoexpholiation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective 5-year study based on general and ophthalmic history records, and including 268 eyes (174 patients), aged 50 years and over. Ophthalmological examination involved visual acuity, measuring of intraocular pressure, slit lamp examination and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Type of surgical treatment was tailored for each patient (extra capsular cataract extraction, phaco-emulsiphication). RESULTS: Preoperative slit lamp examination showed phacodonesis in 17.91% (47), iridodonesis in 2.98% (8), pigment dispersion in 6.72% (18), lens subluxation in 4.85% (13) on the total. Extra capsular cataract extraction was performed in 36.94% (99) and phaco-emulsiphication in the others. Analysis of intra operative complications showed: posterior capsular rupture 17.91% (48), zonular dialysis or break 5.97% (16), lens subluxation 1.86% (5), intraocular bleeding 2.98% (8), vitreous loss 13.80% (37). Postoperative complications include: anterior chamber reaction 45.90% (123), intraocular lens tilt 15.67% (42), endothelial decompensation 21.64% (58), subluxation/luxation IOL 3.73% (10), secondary cataract 21.46% (58), pigment dispersion 37.68% (101), increased IOP 13.80% (37), residual lens matter 13.80% (37), hyphema 3.73% (10), posterior synechiae 6.72% (18), iris prolapsus 2.73% (8). CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery in PES will frequently encounter small pupils, shallow anterior chambers, posterior adhesions, weak zonular support, partial subluxation or complete dislocation of lens. Authors presented the best possible approach on PES and surgical methods for patients with cataract with special accent of possible surgical complications.

Cyclocryotherapy in neovascular glaucoma treatment.

The main goal in the struggle with neovascular glaucoma is to control intraocular pressure (IOP) and pain. 152 patients, e.g., 203 eyes, were examined at the Clinic of Ophthalmology, Clinical Centre of Kragujevac, Serbia, in period between 01. 01. 2005 - 31. 12. 2010. Cyclocryoanemisatio was performed for all patients. Measurments of IOP showed statistical significant changes before and after the treatment for every patients. There was no difference in sex distribution, but a difference was noted in age distribution. Early posttreatment complications included hyphema, fibrin's exudation, chemosis. Cyclocryotherapy is usefull and accessible method for control of intensive pain in neovascular glaucoma.

Evaluation of the patients with Grave's ophthalmopathy after the corticosteroids treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Graves' ophthalmopthy is one of the most common causes of exophthalmos as well as the most common manifestation of Graves' disease. The treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy includes ophthalmological and endocrinological therapy. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate the patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy treated with corticosteroids. METHODS: Evaluation of 21 patients was performed in the Ophthalmology Clinic and Endocrinology Clinic, Clinical Centre Kragujevac, in the period from 2009 to 2010. They were treated with pulse doses of intravenous corticosteroids. They were referred to ophthalmologist by endocrinologist in euthyroid condition in the active phase of Graves' ophthalmopathy (ultrasonography of orbit findings and positive findings of antithyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody--anti-TSH R Ab). The clinical activity score (CAS) and NO SPECS classification for evaluation of disease severity were used. Ophthalmological examination includes: best corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp exam, Hertels' test, direct ophthalmoscopy and ultrasonography of the orbit. RESULTS: According to our results 76.19% of the patients were female; mean age of the patients was 35.2 +/- 5.6 years. According to CAS classification after 6 months of the treatment recovery was shown in 23.81% of the patients, partial amelioration in 47.62% and no clinical amelioration in 28.57% of the patients. We achieved better results with male, young patients with high clinical activity score. Good results were observed after the first dose of corticosteroids, much better CAS after the third dose, which maintained until 6 months after the first treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results signify that intravenous pulse dose of corticosteroids treatment of the patients with Graves' ophthalmopthy is safe, comfortable, clinically justified and accessible for the clinicians and patients. Positive results are achieved after the first dose with increasing trend up to the third dose, which was maintained for the next three months.