Success of sports organizations and correlation with efficiency and leadership style / éxito de las organizaciones deportivas y correlación con eficiencia y estilo de liderazgo / Sucesso de organizações esportivas e correlação com eficiência e estilo de liderança

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this research is to determine how managers evaluate the success of sports organizations. Methods: A system of a total of 119 variables (9 variables of the structure of sports organizations, 7 variables of the management structure of sports organizations, 3 variables of the performance of sports organizations, 45 variables of leadership styles and 55 variables of organizational effectiveness) was applied to a sample of 175 respondents aged 19-66. In the research, we used multiple regression analysis. Results: It was found that there is a statistically significant influence of the management of sports organizations on predicting the success of sports organizations, while organizational effectiveness and leadership styles do not have a significant impact. Conclusion: The success of sports organizations can be predicted based on the characteristics of the management of sports organizations. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic Studies - Examination of Results.

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar cómo los directivos evalúan el éxito de las organizaciones deportivas. Métodos: Sistema de un total de 119 variables (9 variables de estructura de organizaciones deportivas, 7 variables de estructura de gestión de organizaciones deportivas, 3 variables de desempeño de organizaciones deportivas, 45 variables de estilos de liderazgo y 55 variables de eficacia organizacional) se aplicó a una muestra de 175 encuestados de entre 19 y 66 años. En la investigación, utilizamos análisis de regresión múltiple. Resultados: Se encontró que existe una influencia estadísticamente significativa de la gestión de las organizaciones deportivas en la predicción del éxito de las organizaciones deportivas, mientras que la eficacia organizacional y los estilos de liderazgo no tienen una influencia significativa. Conclusiõn: El éxito de las organizaciones deportivas se puede predecir en base a las características de la gestión de las Organizaciones deportivas. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios Terapéuticos - Examen de los Resultados.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa é determinar como os gerentes avaliam o sucesso das organizações esportivas. Métodos: Um sistema com um total de 119 variáveis (9 variáveis da estrutura das organizações desportivas, 7 variáveis da estrutura de gestão das organizações desportivas, 3 variáveis do desempenho das organizações desportivas, 45 variáveis dos estilos de liderança e 55 variáveis da eficácia organizacional) foi aplicado a uma amostra de 175 entrevistados com idades entre 19 e 66 anos. Na pesquisa, utilizamos a análise de regressão múltipla. Resultados: Verificou-se que existe uma influência estatisticamente significativa da gestão das organizações desportivas na previsão do sucesso das organizações desportivas, enquanto a eficácia organizacional e os estilos de liderança não têm influência significativa. Conclusão: O sucesso das organizações esportivas pode ser previsto com base nas características da gestão das organizações esportivas. Nível de Evidencia II; Estudios Terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados.

A Model for Determining the Effect of the Wind Velocity on 100 m Sprinting Performance.

This paper introduces an equation for determining instantaneous and final velocity of a sprinter in a 100 m run completed with a wind resistance ranging from 0.1 to 4.5 m/s. The validity of the equation was verified using the data of three world class sprinters: Carl Lewis, Maurice Green, and Usain Bolt. For the given constant wind velocity with the values + 0.9 and + 1.1 m/s, the wind contribution to the change of sprinter velocity was the same for the maximum as well as for the final velocity. This study assessed how the effect of the wind velocity influenced the change of sprinting velocity. The analysis led to the conclusion that the official limit of safely neglecting the wind influence could be chosen as 1 m/s instead of 2 m/s, if the velocity were presented using three, instead of two decimal digits. This implies that wind velocity should be rounded off to two decimal places instead of the present practice of one decimal place. In particular, the results indicated that the influence of wind on the change of sprinting velocity in the range of up to 2 m/s and was of order of magnitude of 10-3 m/s. This proves that the IAAF Competition Rules correctly neglect the influence of the wind with regard to such velocities. However, for the wind velocity over 2 m/s, the wind influence is of order 10-2 m/s and cannot be neglected.

A comparative analysis of the morphological characteristics of elite karatekas, judokas, taekwondoists, boxers and wrestlers / Análisis comparativo de las características morfológicas de karatistas, judistas, taekwondistas, boxeadores y luchadores de elite

The aim of this research was to use a system of 37 variables of morphological characteristics on a sample of 108 elite male athletes (25 karatekas, 27 judokas, 19 taekwondoists, 18 boxers and 19 wrestlers), aged 17 to 23, to determine any statistically significant differences between the groups of athletes in terms of variable means, so that during the training process, the selection of athletes could be carried out in a proper and objective manner and that the training transformation processes could be managed more effectively. After processing the data using the statistical method of a multivariate and univariate analysis of variance (MANOVA/ANOVA), we obtained results that indicate that among the karatekas, judokas, taekwondoists, boxers and wrestlers in the entire system of (multivariate) morphological variables there is a statistically significant difference between the means (p=0.000). The results of the research have shown that what we are dealing with are different morphological structures of athletes involved in different sports. Since in the longitudinal and transversal dimensionality of the skeleton the values are more pronounced for boxers, wrestlers and karatekas, during selection it is necessary to be vigilant, since these are morphological characteristics which are genetically limited and can only change up to only 2% during the training process, while for voluminosity and body mass and subcutaneous fatty tissue there is the possibility of carrying out transformations of 20­50%.

El objetivo de esta investigación consistió en utilizar un sistema de 37 variables de las características morfológicas de una muestra de 108 deportistas de élite masculinos (25 karatekas, 27 judokas, 19 taekwondistas, 18 boxeadores y luchadores 19), de 17 a 23 años, para determinar alguna diferencia que sea estadísticamente significativa entre los grupos de atletas en términos de medios de variables, de modo que durante el proceso de formación, la selección de los atletas podría llevarse a cabo de una manera adecuada y objetiva, y que los procesos de transformación de la formación podrían ser manejados de manera más eficaz. Después de procesar los datos mediante el método estadístico de análisis multivariado y univariado de la varianza (MANOVA/ANOVA), se obtuvieron resultados que indican que entre los karatekas, judokas, taekwondistas, boxeadores y luchadores en todo el sistema de (multivariable) variables morfológicas no existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las medias (p=0,000). Los resultados de la investigación han demostrado que se observan diferentes estructuras morfológicas de los atletas que participan en diferentes deportes. Dado que en la dimensionalidad longitudinal y transversal del esqueleto y sus valores son más pronunciados para los boxeadores, luchadores y karatekas. Durante la selección es importante estar atentos, ya que estas son las características morfológicas que genéticamente son limitantes y solamente se pueden cambiar hasta el 2% durante el proceso de formación, mientras que para la voluminosidad y la masa corporal y el tejido graso subcutáneo es posible efectuar transformaciones del 20­50%.

Model for the determination of instantaneous values of the velocity, instantaneous, and average acceleration for 100-m sprinters.

Temporal patterns of running velocity is of profound interest for coaches and researchers involved in sprint racing. In this study, we applied a nonhomogeneous differential equation for the motion with resistance force proportional to the velocity for the determination of the instantaneous velocity and instantaneous and average acceleration in the sprinter discipline at 100 m. Results obtained for the instantaneous velocity in this study using the presented model indicate good agreement with values measured directly, which is a good verification of the proposed procedure. To perform a comprehensive analysis of the applicability of the results obtained, the harmonic canon of running for the 100-m sprint discipline was formed. Using the data obtained by the measurement of split times for segments of 100-m run of the sprinters K. Lewis (1988), M. Green (2001), and U. Bolt (2009), the method described yielded results that enable comparative analysis of the kinematical parameters for each sprinter. Further treatment allowed the derivation of the ideal harmonic velocity canon of running, which can be helpful to any coach in evaluating the results achieved at particular distances in this and other disciplines. The method described can be applied for the analysis of any race.

Differences in the bioenergetic potential of athletes participating in team sports.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In modern training technology, assessment of aerobic bioenergetic potential in athletes is commonly performed by standard laboratory procedures to determine basic or specific functional abilities for specific sport activity or discipline. The aim of study was to assess the aerobic bioenergetic potential of athletes participating in basketball, football and handball. METHODS: The study included 87 athletes (29 basketball players, 29 football players, and 29 handball players) aged 21-24. Evaluation of the aerobic bioenergetic potential of athletes participating in basketball, football and handball was performed followed by both univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (MANOVA) statistical methods to determine differences among the athletes in relative (VO2 mL/kg/min) and absolute oxygen consumption (VO2 L/min). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between absolute and relative oxygen consumption were found in basketball players (Mb), football players (Mf), and handball players (Mh) (MANOVA, p = 0.00). ANOVA also revealed significant differences in relative oxygen consumption (VO2 mL/kg/min) (p = 0.00). The football players (55.32 mL/kg/min) had the highest relative oxygen consumption, followed by the handball players (51.84 mL/kg/min) and basketball players (47.00 mL/kg/min). The highest absolute oxygen consumption was recorded in the basketball players (4.47 L/min), followed by the handball players (4.40 L/min) and footballers (4.16 L/min). CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences in the aerobic bioenergetic potential, expressed by the relative oxygen consumption were found among atletes participating in different team sports. It can be assumed that the player from the sports in which it is necessary to cross greater distance in total during the match have a greater need for aerobic capacity.

[Outcomes of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis after administration of antibiotics along with probiotic supplement].

INTRODUCTION: Clostridium difficile enterocolitis is a potentially fatal disease showing increasing incidence in hospital environment. Therapeutic approach in the management of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis is highly complex, particularly because of its tendency to relapse and reinfection. The study was aimed at investigating the factors influencing the development of Clostridium difficile enterocolitis and outcomes of enterocolitis after administration of standard antimicrobial therapy combined with probiotic supplement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A non-comparative prospective observational study encompassed 42 patients (22 males and 20 females) diagnosed with Clostridium difficile enterocolitis and treated at the Department of Infectious Diseases in Novi Sad in the period October 2011 - April 2012. RESULTS: Higher incidence of the disease was found in elderly patients (78.6% of them were over 60 years of age), after antimicrobial therapy (83.8%), after hospitalization (83.3%) and in comorbid conditions (85.7%). The clinical picture revealed predominantly mild to moderate symptoms. A good clinical response to the standard antimicrobial therapy (metronidazole, vancomycin) combined with probiotic given for 10 days was observed in all patients, and the improvement in parameters such as the number and appearance of stools, abdominal distension and pain was recorded. Statistically significant changes in laboratory parameters (leukocyte count, C-reactive protein level) were recorded on day 5 after the onset of disease. Recurrent infection after successful therapy was observed in 9.5% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Administration of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 alongside the standard antimicrobial therapy in the patients with Clostridium difficile enterocolitis demonstrated positive effects on the severity or clinical picture and normalization of laboratory parameters. Recurrent infection after successful therapy was observed in only a small number of patients as compared with the literature data.

Clinical features, treatments and outcomes of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 among the hospitalized patients in the clinic for infectious diseases in Novi Sad.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Most infections caused by influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus are presented by mild respiratory symptoms. However, some patients required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In this article we aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients with influenza A (H1N1) 2009, antiviral therapy use, the disease outcome and risk factors associated with the severe disease. METHODS: The patients with the signs and simptoms of novel influenza A (H1N1) 2009, admitted to the Clinic for Infectious Disease in Novi Sad, were evaluated. The study included 293 patients hospitalized between October 2009 and February 2010. Basic demographic data, underlying medical conditions, clinical signs and symptoms, duration of the disease before the admission, laboratory tests, radiographic findings, treatment, and the final outcome (survived, died) were all noted. Factors associated with severe disease requiring ICU admission were determined by comparing the ICU cases with control groups of the patients admitted to the hospital but not to ICU. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 32.72 years. A total of 114 (38.9%) of the patients had an underlying medical condition. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were present in 44 (15.01%) of the patients, chronic cardiovascular diseases in 28 (9.56%), diabetes mellitus in 16 (5.46%), malignity in 15 (4.44%) of the patients and 11 (3.75%) of the patients were pregnant. Fever was registered in 282 (96.24%), myalgias in 119 (40.61%), headache in 48 (16.38%), cough in 240 (81.91%), sore throat in 25 (8.53%), runny nose and sneezing in 17 (5.8%) and dyspnea in 110 (37.54%) of the patients. A total of 192 (65.53%) had radiological findings that were consistent with pneumonia. A total of 154 (56.61%) of the patients received antiviral therapy within 48 h. A total of 280 (96.24%) patients were discharged and 13 (4.44%) were transferred to ICU. Fatal outcome was noticed in 2/13 (15.3%) ICU treated patients and 11/13 (84.7%) patients survived. The median time from the onset of illness to the initiation of antiviral treatment was 7.1 days for the patients admitted to ICU and 3.2 days for non-ICU patients (p < 0.05). Low blood oxygen saturation (SaO2 < or = 92%) was more common in ICU admitted patients, 10/13 (76,92%), compared to 28/280 (10%) non-ICU admitted ones (p < 0.01). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels > 200 mg/L were noticed in 9/13 (69.23%) patients admitted to ICU and 85/280 (30.35%) patients who were not (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Most novel influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infections presented mild respiratory disease. Prompt antiviral therapy in patients with A (H1N1) virus infection seem to be the best approach to avoid serious form of the disease. Special attention should be payed to patients having low level of peripheral oxygen saturation and raised CRP serum level.

[The costs of urinary tract infection therapy with implementation of pharmacoeconomic guidelines at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina].

BACKGROUND/AIM: The Serbian health system does not have strict guidelines for the treatment of bacterial infections. The choice of treatment is empirical which is not necessarily the same compared to the treatment guidelines from countries with a developed pharmacotherapeutic practice. In this study we compared the difference between the current treatment and the treatment taking into account the latest pharmacotherapeutic and pharmacoeconomic guidelines in order to estimate clinical efficiency of antibacterial drugs that were given as a therapy of urinary tract infections and to evaluate pharmacoeconomic aspect of this therapy as well. METHODS: Our study included 100 patients that were randomly chosen and divided into 2 groups. The first group was treated in an ordinary way, while the second one was treated strictly in accordance with the guidelines (British National Formulary - BNF, and Senford Guide). In both groups of the patients we compared length of hospitalization, combination of the used antibiotics, progress as a whole in clinical picture, laboratory analyses and the price of the whole treatment. RESULTS: Analyzing these values independently and according to statistical tests we proved that there were no significant differences between two groups with regard to the progress in a clinical picture as a whole and the length of hospitalization. According to this analysis, however suggested treatment based on guidelines showed a saving of 34.48% in comparison with the usual system of therapy. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of current treatment of urinary tract infection and the treatment according to foreign guidelines is the same, but the costs of the treatment are lower if the guidelines of developed health care systems are applied.

Isometric force development of some muscle groups in athletes.

In a large sample of both male and female athletes, subdivided by age and sex, a development curve of isometric muscule force (F) was analyzed for hand flexors, upper-body flexors and extensors, and knee extensors (PDS). A sample of 1,857 male and 1,009 female athletes, aged 8-30 years, subdivided by their age and sex, was used to measure the mean values of isometric muscle force of certain muscle groups by way of 5 topologically defined tests. Based on the results, isometric muscle force (F) development curves are shown and analyzed for the right-hand and left-hand (PLS) flexors, upper-body flexors (PTR), upper-body extensors (OTR), and knee extensors (ONO). The application of certain statistical programs gave rise to equations of the relationship between isometric force and age. The maximum mean value of PLS was chosen as the reference value or "the gold standard," with which PTR, OTR, and ONO were subsequently compared. The relationships were 1:1:1:2.8:5.9 (for male athletes), and 1:1:1.3:3.2:5.2 (for female athletes). The newly derived relationship was recognized as "the canon." The results may have practical application in athletes' fitness and conditioning. Every topologically defined muscle force has its own patterns and rules that should be closely followed in the training process, because any generalization may lead to false conclusions.

[Progress in antimicrobial therapy].

INTRODUCTION: Not so long ago, back in the 1900s, infectious diseases were the leading cause of death world wide. The doubling of our life span in the 20th century was achieved, first of all, by using bioactive natural products, their secondary metabolites or their derivates. These substances have prolonged our life span, reduced the pain and suffering and, at the same time, revolutionized medical science. HISTORY OF ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics are among the most important classes of bioactive products and as much as 78% of antimicrobial drugs are extracted from nature. This paper follows the history of progress of antimicrobial drugs, which runs parallel to the history of a man's struggle against the diseases.The golden age of progress of antimicrobial drugs went on between the 1940s and 1970s. Thereafter, there is a gradual decrease in the number of newly discovered antimicrobial drugs. During the time period between 2003 and 2007 only four antibiotics were registered. CONCLUSION: The current situation in the field of antimicrobial therapy should send off a global alarm .for the creation of a well coordinated, sound and all-encompassing monitoring of the resistance, consumption of antimicrobials and investment in the new trials.

[Novelties in antimicrobial therapy].

Microorganisms are the oldest forms of life on the planet--they are around 3.5 billion years old. They are characterised by the fast changing generations and by genetic flexibility. Microorganisms which live in and on us outnumber our cells nine times. The development of new antimicrobial drugs has fallen behind in the time period between year 1968 and year 2000. During this time period not a single one antimicrobial drug was discovered. Two new antibacterial drugs and one new antimicotic drug have been approved for the use in human medicine since year 2000. This paper describes the new antimicrobial drugs approved for use in human population. It describes their characteristics as well as the risks pertaining to their use in antimicrobial therapy.

[Antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections of the central nervous system].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of antimicrobial treatment of infections in the central nervous system (CNS) is to eradicate the bacterial cause. The choice of antibiotics should take into account its activity, pharmacokinetic properties, results of clinical trials, side effects and total treatment cost. Despite the fact that pharmacokinetics affects the ability of antibiotics to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) significantly, the most important factor is that meningeal inflammation increases the permeability barrier. The selected antibiotic should have a bactericidal action and the achieved liquor concentration should be high above the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY: Empirical antibiotic therapy should be started immediate after taking the sample to make the etiological diagnosis, taking into account the patient ' age. previous diseases and immune status. The specific or targeted antibiotic treatment is carried out according to the microbiological sensitivity test of antimicrobial agents isolated. Whenever possible, the preference should be given to a monotherapy except when it comes to a cause requiring synergistic combination of antibiotics. The length of treatment is individually assessed and is mainly based on experience. Numerous studies have shown that it is possible to reduce inflammatory response in subarachnoid space and thus improve the outcome of meningitis by using anti-inflammatory agents, along with the antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Today the increase in resistance to antibiotics is a leading medical problem in the 21st century. The most common micro organisms isolated from CSF (liquor) in our region are: Staphylococcus spp. coagulase negative. Haemophilus infuenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, serogroup B. Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus beta haemoliticus. The resistance to antimicrobial drugs most frequently used in the treatment of bacterial meningitis is still not alarmingly. high in our country. Since there is a real possibility of development of high resistance in our area, the main recommendation is to rationalize the use of antibiotics.

[Application of antibiotics in vulnerable groups].

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotics are substances that possess bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. Their administration is widespread in the treatment as well as in the prevention of many infections in general population, and especially in vulnerable groups. THE ELDERLY AND ANTIBIOTICS: Respiratory and urinary infections are the most common infections in the elderly. The initial empirical antibiotic therapy of pneumonia in older patients is directed to possible causative agents. Doxicicline is most frequently applied in ambulatory patients, followed by macrolides (azithromycin), fluorochinolone and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. In the hospitalized patients, a wide spectrum of cephalosporins with macrolides is applied, as well as beta-lactamase inhibitors combined with macrolides or fluorochinolone only. Asymptomatic bacteriuria, a very common phenomenon in the elderly, is usually not treated. The antibiotic therapy of urinary infection in the older population is applied according to the causative agent. Polymicrobial infections occur in 30% of the patients, more often in those with urinary catheter. The wide spectrum antibiotics, especially cotrimoxazole and chinolone are applied in such cases. ANTIBIOTICS AND HIV/AIDS: In the HIV infected and AIDS suffering patients, antibiotics are used as a means of prophylaxis and treatment of the opportunistic infections. They occur during the terminal stage of illness, although they might be the first manifestation of the HIV illness. The treatment of the opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients assumes the primary prophylaxis, then treatment of acute manifestations and the secondary prophylaxis. The aim of the treatment in this category is to prevent several opportunistic infections with a single antibiotic--the so called multiple prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: There are no general rules defining the choice of antibiotics for vulnerable groups, hence each and every patient should be considered as a separate individual and the most efficient antibiotic or a combination of antibiotics ant their optimal dosage should be selected taking into consideration all available facts.

[Collateral damage and hospital infections].

COLLATERAL DAMAGE: Implies negative ecological effects of antibiotic therapy, characterized by the selection of resistant microorganisms and adverse colonization or injections with their multi-resistant species. MICROBIAL RESISTANCE: Is mediated by various mechanisms, the presence of which is determined by the nature of antibiotic effects and origin of the agent. Its most important aspect is multiple resistance, most commonly conditioned by the presence of several different resistance genes localized in the form of common units on gene transport elements (integrons, transposons, plasmids). It is further developed by way of mutation-guided alterations in the environments with a strong, selective antibiotic pressure, such as hospital conditions. HOSPITAL INFECTIONS: Bacteremias and pneumonias, above all, are nowadays the principal cause of hospital morbidity and mortality. More than 70% of agents causing them are resistant to at least one of the antibiotics to which they were sensitive once, and multi-resistance is their very common feature as well. Currently valid recommendations for the treatment of nosocomial bacteremias and pneumonias are the empirical application of broad spectrum antibiotics, de-escalation treatment, short therapy course. use of bactericidal antibiotics, and optimization of their pharmacodynamics. in that regard, a combined treatment with carbapenems and glycopeptides reduces the probability of inadequate onset of treatment and the risk of further development of microbial resistance (in some cases it also mediates the establishment of earlier sensitivity), it shortens treatment time, and reduces treatment costs. Further improvement of such a treatment involves a possible adjustment to the well known and regularly monitored local incidence and resistance of microbial agents.

Leptospirosis distribution related to freshwater habitats in the Vojvodina region (Republic of Serbia).

The retrospective study (2002-2007) for human leptospirosis in Vojvodina was undertaken in order to describe the distribution of the disease in relation with some environmental factors. Regarding the presented results, the major detected number of leptospirosis cases concurs with stagnant waters, wetlands, fish pond areas and protected regions, which comprised the basis for mapping of the region in three risk zones: very high risk (incidence rate higher than 5.0), high risk (2.5-5.0) and medium risk of leptospirosis infection (1.0-2.5). During the investigated period, 97 cases were registered with an average of 13.85 cases per year: 2002, 32 cases; 2003, 7; 2004, 22; 2005, 16; 2006, 4 and 2007, 16. Out of these 97 cases only 5 were women. Serovars from 11 presumptive serogroups caused infection, with a predominance of Icterohaemorrhagiae and Bratislava, accounting for 72.72% of cases together. Icterohaemorrhagiae was the commonest infecting serogroup mostly connected with fish ponds. Case fatality ratio was 9.4%.

[Various clinical manifestations of brucellosis infection].

INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is an acute, subacute or chronical disease, from the zoonosis group, caused by various types of bacteria belonging to genus Brucellae. It is transmitted to humans from domestic animals: goats, sheep, cattle, pigs and dogs. The course of the disease may either be asymptomatic, or produce a variety of clinical manifestations, ranging from light ones to extremely severe clinical forms. The aim of the study was to follow the clinical features of brucella infection in the hospital-treated patients, as well as its course and outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation included 15 patients, treated for brucella infection at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases during the last two years (2004 and 2005). RESULTS: All patients were adults, their age ranged from 18 to 71, 49.96 on average. The epidemiological questionnaire was positive in all patients, confirming contacts with the ailing animals, or consumption of cheese made from milk of diseased animals. They all exhibited the classic symptoms--increased body temperature and shiver, fever, sweating, malaise and headache, the so called flu like state. The serum agglutination test was positive in respect to brucellosis, the titre ranged from 1:80 to 1:1280. Eight patients suffered excessive back pain, accompanied with impeded walk. In half of them magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the spondylodiscitis diagnosis. Three patients had clinical features of knee arthritis, two had bronchopneumonia, one pancreatitis, and one developed the signs of an acute kidney insufficiency. The outcome was favourable in all patients. They recuperated or healed completely. In one patient a relapse occurred, leading to the chronic course of the illness. DISCUSSION: Although predominantly Mediterranean Brucellosis is a worldwide spread disease. During the last two years, an increased incidence of the disease has been observed. CONCLUSION: Due to the variety of clinical futures and the possibility of numerous complications and sequelae, brucella infection should be always taken into consideration while diagnosing undefined febrile states.

[On the development of the infectology service in Novi Sad].

INTRODUCTION: Infectious diseases are a part of the history of this region. Devastating epidemics of plague, smallpox, and cholera were frequent during the 18th and the 19th centuries. Other infectious diseases were a serious problem as well: alimentary tract infections, scarlet fever, diphtheria, whooping cough. Geographic position, climate, migrations, as well as the tradition and lack of medical staff and medications, affected the frequency and outcome of infections. THE HISTORY OF THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Patients with infectious diseases were first treated at home. Later, a hospital in Visarion street was opened as an isolation facility and a hospital for homeless patients. The development of science and the education of medical personnel exerted the greatest influence on the control and later treatment of infectious diseases. These measures resulted in the establishment of the first specialized medical institutions in Novi Sad during the cholera outbreak in 1884. After that, temporary pediatric units were organized for the treatment of scarlet fever, diphtheria and smallpox. A ward for infectious diseases was founded in the The Great City Hospital in the second half of the 19th century (1892). The 20th century was a period of control and eradication of infectious diseases in Vojvodina (smallpox, malaria, diphtheria, polio). MODERN INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Nowdays, major infectious deseases include respiratory, alimentary and parasitic infections. However, new diseases are being registered as well - hemorrhagic fevers, Lyme disease, HIV infection. The Infectologic Service in Novi Sad was developed from an Infectology Departement as part of the Departement of Internal Diseases in the new Provincial Hospital (1909) to the independent Departement for Infectious Diseases (1945). Today, Clinic of lnfectious Diseases is an integral part of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina. DEPARTMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES: The Department of Infectious Diseases of the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad was founded in 1960. Undergraduate studies started in 1963/64 for students of medicine and in 1978/79 jor dentistry students. Today. the faculty of the Department takes part in undergraduate studies of medicine, dentistry, health care, as well as in graduate programs. The faculty members are also taking part in specialization programs at the Faculty of Medicine. Infectious disease physicians are involved in the activities of the Infectology Section (founded in 1979) of the Society of Physicians of Vojvodine of the Medical Society of Serbia. The first president of the Infectology Section was Dr. Vera Mudric, professor, infectologists, whereas Dr. Grozdana Canak, professor, was the vice-president from 2000-2004. The Infectology Section collaborates with various national and international societies for infectious diseases.

[Aging and infection]. / Starost i infekcija.

EPIDEMIOLOGY: Aging is a natural process and a part of our lives, but nowadays there is an increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over. Today infectious diseases are still responsible for one-third of all deaths in the world. The elderly population is most vulnerable to serious infections and at greatest risk for death and complications. Among geriatric population pneumonia and influenza are the fourth most common cause of death. VACCINATION: One of the goals of preventive medicine is to reduce the rate of complications and mortality from infectious diseases by increasing immunization rates. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are indicated for persons aged 65 and over. Despite well-recognized benefit of such vaccination, less than 50% of eligible patients receive the vaccine each year. INFECTIONS: Older persons generally have increased susceptibility to infections because of multiple risk factors and they are the most vulnerable population to nosocomial and health-care associated infections. Older persons may manifest infectious diseases atypically, with acute confusion or delirium which can lead into delay in diagnosis and therapy. It is important to know that the older present with delayed or poor response to antimicrobial therapy and high rates of adverse reactions to drugs, including antibiotics. CONCLUSION: As elderly population is rapidly growing, majority of patients with serious or life-threatening infections are old. Geriatric issues have not typically been a focus of training in infectious diseases, but we must become aware of and knowledgeable about special and unique aspects of infections in this population.

[Lyme disease--new findings on its physiopathology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention]. / Lajmska bolest--nova saznanja u patofiziologiji, dijagnostici, terapiji i prevenciji.

INTRODUCTION: Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by a spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which manifests as a multisystem disease of the skin, nervous system, heart and joints. Recently it is the most common vector-borne disease in Yugoslavia. NEW EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES: New epidemiological studies revealed that ticks can occasionally be infected not only by Borrelia burgdorferi, but also by some other microbes that can cause diseases in humans. Recently discovered the variable major protein-like sequence, antigenic variation of B. burgdorferi B 31 partly explains the ability of this organism to evade an active immune response. A key role in development of clinical symptoms associated with lyme disease belongs to the connection with ability of B. burgdorferi to induce and activate metallopeptidases and fibrinolytic enzymes, leading to extracellular matrix destruction. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is made on the basis of clinical picture, exposure to ticks in endemic areas and serologic confirmation. It seems that polymerase chain reaction has little role in detection of B. burgdorferi in urine, blood, and spinal fluid samples, but it is most useful in evaluating the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy of Lyme arthritis. Infectious Diseases Society of America had prepared new guidelines for selective treatment of Lyme disease. Vaccination is still the best way of prevention for people living in high-risk areas.