Factors Associated with PA Level during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Serbia.

OBJECTIVE: The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has had an influence on almost the entire world and has become a major public health problem. Many countries have introduced measures that restrict the movement of the population and that may negatively influence the physical activity (PA) levels. The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with changes in PA in Serbia during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from the 9th through the 13th of April 2020. A total of 340 people, all contacted using Viber, were invited to participate in the study. The study instrument was a questionnaire that gathered information regarding social characteristics, PA during the outbreak, PA before the outbreak, and fear of COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 50 participants (14.7%) had low levels of PA in the 7 days prior to the study, while 133 (39.1%) had moderate and 106 (31.2%) had high levels of PA. The participants with high levels of PA had significantly higher energy expenditures before than after the COVID-19 outbreak (P < .001). There were no significant differences between the participants with different levels of PA in the scores on the Fear of COVID-19 scale (low: 13.4 ± 5.2; moderate: 12.6 ± 4.4; high: 13.8 ± 5.5; P = .204). CONCLUSION: One-sixth of the participants had low PA levels, and as restrictive measures are still in place in many countries, the lack of PA in high proportions of the general population may cause significant public health concerns.

Subacute alcohol and/or disulfiram intake affects bioelements and redox status in rat testes.

The aim of the study was to investigate if alcohol and disulfiram (DSF) individually and in combination affect bioelements' and red-ox homeostasis in testes of the exposed rats. The animals were divided into groups according to the duration of treatments (21 and/or 42 days): C21/C42 groups (controls); OL21 and OL22-42 groups (0.5 mL olive oil intake); A1-21 groups (3 mL 20% ethanol intake); DSF1-21 groups (178.5 mg DSF/kg/day intake); and A21+DSF22-42 groups (the DSF ingestion followed previous 21 days' treatment with alcohol). The measured parameters in testes included metals: zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and selenium (Se); as well as oxidative stress (OS) parameters: superoxide anion radical (O2•-), glutathione reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition and activities of total superoxide dismutase (tSOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR). Metal status was changed in all experimental groups (Fe rose, Zn fell, while Cu increased in A21+DSF24-32 groups). Development of OS was demonstrated in A1-21 groups, but not in DSF1-21 groups. In A21+DSF22-42 groups, OS was partially reduced compared to A groups (A1-21>MDA>C; A1-21

Disulfiram moderately restores impaired hepatic redox status of rats subchronically exposed to cadmium.

Examination of cadmium (Cd) toxicity and disulfiram (DSF) effect on liver was focused on oxidative stress (OS), bioelements status, morphological and functional changes. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally treated with 1 mg CdCl2/kg BW/day; orally with 178.5 mg DSF/kg BW/day for 1, 3, 10 and 21 days; and co-exposed from 22nd to 42nd day. The co-exposure nearly restored previously suppressed total superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities; increased previously reduced glutathione reductase (GR) and total glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities; reduced previously increased superoxide anion radical (O2·-) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; increased zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), and decreased copper (Cu) (yet above control value), while magnesium (Mg) was not affected; and decreased serum alanine aminotransferases (ALT) levels. Histopathological examination showed signs of inflammation process as previously demonstrated by exposure to Cd. Overall, we ascertained partial liver redox status improvement, compared with the formerly Cd-induced impact.

Experimental closure of gunshot wounds by fibrin glue with antibiotics in pigs.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Gunshot wounds caused by the automatic rifle M70AB2 (AK-47) 7.62 mm, after the primary surgical management, were closed with delayed primary suture during the next four to seven days. This period coincides with the fibroblastic phase of wound healing. Fibrin glue is used as a local hemostatic and as a matrix for the local dosed release of antibiotics. Antibiotics addition to fibrin glue resulted in continuous diffusion into the surrounding next 4 to 7 days. The aim of this study was to create the preconditions for gunshot wounds closing without complications by the application of fibrin glue with antibiotics 24 h after primary surgical treatment. METHODS: A total of 14 pigs were wounded in the gluteofemoral region by the bullet M67, initial velocity of 720 m/s. All wounded animals were surgically treated according to the principles of the war-surgery doctrine. Seven wounds were closed with primary delayed suture four days after the primary surgical treatment (traditional approach). Fibrin glue with antibiotics was introduced in seven wounds during the primary surgical treatment and primary delayed suture was done after 24 h. The macroscopic appearance and the clinical assessment of the wound were done during the primary surgical treatment and during its revision after 24 h, as well as histopathological findings at the days 4 and 7 after wounding. RESULTS: Gunshot wounds caused by the automatic rifle M70AB2 (AK-47) 7.62 mm, and treated with fibrin glue with antibiotics after primary surgical management, were closed with primary delayed suture after 24 h. In further wound evolution there were no complications. CONCLUSION: Uncomplicated soft-tissue wounds caused by an automatic M70AB2 rifle may be closed primarily with delayed suture without the risk of developing complications if on revision, 24 h after primary surgery, there were no present necrotic tissues, hematoma, and any signs of infection when fibrin glue with antibiotics (ceftriaxone and clindamycin) was applied. The use of this method should be limited to individual and strictly controlled cases in civil practice for now.

Oxidative stress, bioelements and androgen status in testes of rats subacutely exposed to cadmium.

The objective of our study was to examine testicular toxicity of cadmium (Cd), focusing on oxidative stress (OS), essential metals and androgenic status and morphological changes. Male Wistar rats [controls and four Cd-subgroups (n = 6) organized according to the exposure (1, 3, 10 and 21 days)] were intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with 1 mg CdCl2/kg/day. Testicular Cd deposition was noticed from the 1st day. After 10 and 21 days, copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) increased by 60-109% and 43-67%, respectively, while zinc (Zn) decreased by 24-33%. During 1-21 days of the exposure, decrease in testicular total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities occurred gradually by 30-78% and 15-84%, respectively, while superoxide anion radical (O2(-)) increased gradually by 114-271%. After 10-21 days, decrease in testicular catalase (CAT) activity appeared by 13-31%. After 21 days, malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 44% and the ratio of oxidized glutathione/reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH) increased by 130% in testes of the rats exposed to Cd. Additionally, decreased testicular testosterone level and the relative testes mass, along with induced microscopic and macroscopic changes were occured, what can be explained as the consequence of instantly developed OS, impaired essential metals status and Cd testicular deposition.

Surface enlargement of a new arterialised venous flap by the surgical delay method.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The delay method is a surgical, pharmacological and combined method that includes two or more time separated phases, which gives bigger flap surface. In our research we explored the possibility of flap surface enlargement in a new arterialised venous flap (AVF) on an experimental rabbit ear model by the delay surgical method. The aim of this research was to establish vitality surface of our AVF and to maintain the difference in flap vital surface between AVF flaps, with or without performing the delay surgery method. METHODS: We used both ears of "Big Chinchilla" rabbits in 10 experimental male animals, divided into two groups, average weight 3-3.5 kg, and average age 8-10 months. In the first (experimental) group, a venous flap was arterialised by our method. In the second (control) group, the venous flap was arterialised 14 days after the delay surgical method. AVF surface was measured on the 1 and 14 days by the method of trapezoid rule. RESULTS: Vital surface on our AVF experimental model was bigger than 87% of elevated flap surface after the delay surgical method. Vital surface on AVF without delay on our experimental model was bigger than 30% of elevated flap surface (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Analysis of previous experimental models on the rabbit ear, non-delayed and delayed (to enlarge flap surface) led us to conclusion that previously created experimental models of non-delayed AVF are hemodynamically negative. Our experimental non-delay AVF model is hemodynamically more positive than previously created models of non-delay AVF and provides better conditions for AVF survival and enlargement of vital flap surface of elevated flap. On the other hand, surgical delay method significantly enlarges vital surface of AFF.

Experimental pleural empyema model in rabbits: Why, how and what are the next steps.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The use of new therapeutic methods to prevent development of fibrothorax as the final complication of the human pleural infections requires research with experimental animals. The aim of this study was to standardize the procedures for the establishment of our own experimental model of empyema in rabbits, since it should be able to offer similar conditions found in human pleural infections. METHODS: This experiment included 15 chinchilla rabbits, weighing from 2.3 to 2.8 kg. There were 12 rabbits in the experimental group, while 3 rabbits formed the control group. On the first day, we administered 0.4-0.5 mL of turpentine in the right pleural space of the rabbits from the experimental group in order to provoke sterile exudative pleurisy. After 24 h we injected 1 mL of Staphylococcus aureus and 1 mL of Escherichia coli bacteria in the same concentration of 4.5 x 10(8) bacteria/mL. Thoracocentesis for the pleural fluid analysis was performed 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after bacteria instillation. In these pleural samples we estimated the number of leucocytes and the values of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose and pH in pleural fluid, as well as the presence of bacteria. We did not protect the animals with antibiotics, and on the day 7 of the experiment they were sacrificed with the lethal dose of barbiturate (iv). The lung from the empyemic side of all experimental animals and the lung of one control animal were histopathologically examined. RESULTS: A total of 4 animals had a small amount of clear pleural fluids or there was no fluid obtained with thoracocentesis 24 and 48 h after the bacteria instillation. after the bacteria instillation. In the remaining 8 rabbits 24 h after bacteria administration the mean values (± SD) of the parameters monitored were as follows: Le 34.75 ± 6.13 x 109/L, LDH 17,000 ± 4,69 U/L, glucose 1.23 ± 0.45 mmol/L, and pH 6.975 ± 0.15. The obtained values met the criteria for the evaluation of effusion as pleural empyema or complex and complicated pleural effusion (LDH > 1000 U/L, glucose < 2.31 mmol/L and pH < 7.20). Bacterial cultures were positive in 5 out of 8 first pleural samples and in only 2 samples after 48 h of bacteria administration. There was a positive correlation between the number of leukocytes and the LDH value (r = 0.071, p < 0.001), and a negative correlation between the number of leukocytes and the glucose level (r = 0.864, p < 0.001), and the leukocytes number and pH of the pleural fluid (r = 0.894, p < 0.001). The mean glucose value increased after 48 h (3.23 ± 0.44 mmol/L), and the pH value rose after 72 h (7.22 ± 0.03) which was beyond the empyema level. CONCLUSION: The creation of the experimental empyema model is a very delicate work with uncertain success. Its value and importance are crucial for pleural pathology research. With the intention to obtain a more empyemic pleural reaction we created a model with two different human pathogen bacteria. We generated the satisfactory results, but not as good as those contained in some of the reference literature data.

The impact of thickness of resorbable membrane of human origin on the ossification of bone defects: a pathohistologic study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A wide range of resorbable and non-resorbable membranes have been investigated over the last two decades. The barrier membrane protects the defect from ingrowth of soft tissue cells and allows bone progenitor cells to develop bone within a blood clot that is formed beneath the barrier membrane. The membranes are applied to reconstruct small bony defect prior to implantation, to cover dehiscences and fenestrations around dental implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of human resorbable demineralized membrane (RHDM) thickness on bone regeneration. METHODS: The experiment, approved by Ethical Committee, was performed on 6 dogs and conducted into three phases. Bone defects were created in all the 6 dogs on the left side of the mandible, 8 weeks after extraction of second, third and fourth premolars. One defect was covered with RHDM 100 micro thick, one with RHDM 200 micro thick, and the third defect left empty (control defect). The histopathological analysis was done 2, 4 and 6 months after the surgery. In the third phase samples of bone tissue were taken and subjected to histopathological analysis. RESULTS: In all the 6 dogs the defects treated with RHDM 200 micro thick showed higher level of bone regeneration in comparison with the defect treated with RHDM 100 micro thick and especially with empty defect. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the thicker membrane showed the least soft tissue ingrowths and promoted better bone formation at 6 months compared with a thinner one.

Intrastriatal pre-treatment with L-NAME protects rats from diquat neurotoxcity.

INTRODUCTION: Contact herbicide diquat (DQ), redox cycling compound, mediates its systemic toxicity throughout the enlarged production of free radicals. Target organs are liver and kidney in humans. To-date, the mechanism of DQ-induced neurotoxicity has not been rationalized. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to examine the ability of DQ to induce oxidative stress (OS) and/or nitrosative stress (NS) upon intrastriatal (i.s.) administration and to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO(x)) using NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the pretreatment of DQ i.s. administration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was conducted on Wistar rats, randomly divided in experimental groups, receiving different treatments i.s. applied. Parameters of OS/NS such as: superoxide anion radical (O(2)(•-)), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrates (NO(3)(-)) were measured in the cortex (bilaterally), at 30(th) min, 24 hours and 7 days after the treatments. RESULTS: Lethargy and high mortality rate were observed only in the DQ group (within 24 hours and 2-3 hours, respectively) after awakening from anesthesia. Markedly increased production of NO(x) and O(2)(•-) along with elevated lipid peroxidation altogether contributed to DQ neurotoxicity. The most importantly, the L-NAME i.s. pretreatment protected treated animals from dying and diminished OS/NS response against DQ-induced neurotoxicity. CONCLUSION: The i.s. pretreatment with L-NAME resulted in neuroprotection against DQ neurotoxity, based on animal survival and reduced LPO in the cortex.

[Impact of dental implant insertion method on the periimplant epithelial seal--experimental study on dogs].

BACKGROUND/AIM: There is a controversial opinion among implantologists on the method of dental implantation that provides more favourable response of soft and bone tissues. The aim of this study was to pathohistologicaly compare the influences of one- and two-phase implant surgical methods on the periimplant epithelial tissues. METHODS: The experiment was performed on 10 dogs. Eight weeks following tooth extractions implants were inserted using one phase method on the right side of the mandible, and two-phase method on the left one. Three months after implantation the animals were sacrificed. Contact regions of epithelial and subepithelial tissues and implants were pathohistologicaly examined, the elements of analysis were scored and compared. RESULTS: Epithelial tissue was not found in the two samples of one-phase implants, while in the remainder of samples the structure of basal membrane was preserved, massive inflammatory infiltrate was found in one, and partial necrosis was found in three samples. Epithelial tissue was not found in the three samples of two-phase implants, in three samples the structure of basal membrane was intact, while in three remained samples the membrane could not be detected; moderate inflammatory infiltrate was found in four samples and massive inflammatory infiltrate in both two remained samples; tissue necrosis, which was observed in the half of the samples, was complete. In subepithelial gingival tissues around one-phase implants the number of blood vessels was increased in three samples, accompanied by the thickening and dilatation of vascular walls, proliferation of blood elements, altered vascular walls and inflammatory cell infiltrate was found in four samples. CONCLUSION: On the base of the analized characteristics of epithelial and subepithelial tissues in contact with dental implants, one-phase method of implantation showed a more favorable tissue response.