Faculty of Medicine
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Item type:Publication, Assessment of the Motivation for Smoking Cessation among the Citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia(Galore Knowledge Publication Pvt. Ltd., 2022-04-19); ; ; Marya HubbardIntroduction: North Macedonia is among the top rated countries with high smoking prevalence with high rate of adult smoking 48.4%, and nearly 81.4% of the smokers started smoking before being 25 years of age. This paper will highlight the prevalence and public’s motivation on smoking cessation, broken down into age groups throughout the entire country of North Macedonia. Materials and Methods: The method is an analytical-descriptive method with cross sectional study, as a result to a quantitative-qualitative survey conducted among the population in 2021 with the collaboration of the Virginia Tech University and the NGO Link Across. Data from the Qualtrics housed surveys and the completed paper surveys were entered into an Excel DB. Descriptive statistics were generated for all questions. Bivariate data were analyzed using r. Results and Discussion: Smoking is widely spread among all age groups, but with a trend to decrease in numbers as the age is of a higher number - 32.2% belongs to the 18 to 24 year old group. Distribution by gender -57.8% female, 40.4% male. Younger age groups have the highest relative frequencies about the intention to quit smoking within one month. Approximately 16% of participants who were smokers and attempted to quit, were smoke free and successful in cessation. Majority of survey participants who attempted to quit were not successful and resumed smoking within 6 months. This is strong justification of smokers who attempt to quit needing a program that would guide them and maintain the attempts for cessation. Conclusions: New state programs for smoking cessation should be offered as soon as possible. Also regarding the changes in smoking protection laws, they should be analyzed; some of the changes need to be reverted regarding the law legislation of the new modern ways of tobacco use, which are on the rise all over the world. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Health promotion challenges and opportunities in the Western Balkans: a review of contemporary policies and actions(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-01-27) - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, EMERGING BIOMARKERS AT THE CROSSROADS OF CARDIAC, RENAL, AND HEPATIC DYSFUNCTION: A NEW ERA IN MULTIORGAN RISK STRATIFICATION(Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2026-03-24); ; - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, IMPACT OF TIME-TO-TREATMENT AND THROMBECTOMY TECHNIQUE ON OUTCOMESINACUTEISCHEMICSTROKE:ASINGLE-CENTERCOHORTANALYSIS(Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2025-06); ; ; ; Introduction:Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Time-to-reperfusion is the most critical determinant of patient outcome. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of key time metrics and the efficacy of MT at our institution, evaluating their impact on both angiographic and clinical results to identify areas for process optimization.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 17 consecutive patients treated with MT for LVO stroke. We analyzed demographics, baseline clinical status (mRS), occlusion location, detailed time-to-treatment intervals, procedural techniques, and outcomes. The primary angiographic endpoint was successful reperfusion, defined as an extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) score of ≥2b. Clinical endpoints included functional outcome at 3 months, measured by the mRS, and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).Results:The mean patient age was 60.9 years, with a significant male predominance (70.6%). All patients presented with severe stroke (initial mRS 4-5), indicating a high-acuity cohort. The mean time from symptom onset to final reperfusion was prolonged at 505 minutes (8 hours 25 minutes). Despite this, a high rate of successful reperfusion (eTICI ≥2b) was achieved in 85.7% of patients, with complete reperfusion (eTICI ≥2c/3) in 57.1%. However, this technical success did not fully translate to clinical recovery, as a good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 3 months was achieved in only 30.8% of patients. The rate of sICH was 15.4%.Conclusion:Our center achieves high rates of technical success in reperfusion (85.7% eTICI ≥2b), comparable to international benchmarks. However, prolonged treatment delays are significantly attenuating clinical outcomes, with only 30.8% of patients achieving functional independence. This analysis underscores that procedural excellence alone is insufficient; optimizing system-wide time-to-treatment protocols isthe critical next step to improve patient recovery. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, ‘What’ and ‘How’ to Measure in Allergy and Clinical Immunology: A Systematic Review of Core Outcome Sets and Outcome Harmonisation Processes(Wiley, 2026-04-13) - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Pathohistomorphometric and Immuno-Histologic Changes in Early Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease(Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts/Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2024-07-15); ; ; ; Popov, ZivkoBackground Hemodialysis is a prevalent treatment for the end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. The primary arteriovenous fistula (AVF), widely considered the optimal hemodialysis access method, fails to mature in up to two-thirds of the cases. The etiology of the early AVF failure, defined as thrombosis or inability to use within three months post-creation remains less understood, and is influenced by various factors including patient demographics, surgical techniques, and genetic predispositions. Neointimal hyperplasia is a primary histological finding in stenotic lesions leading to the AVF failure. However, there are insufficient data on the cellular phenotypes and the impact of the preexisting CKD-related factors. This study aims to investigate the histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical alterations in the fistula vein, pre-, peri-, and post-early failure. Materials and Methods Eighty-nine stage 4-5 CKD patients underwent standard preoperative assessment, including the Doppler ultrasound, before a typical radio-cephalic AVF creation. Post-failure, a new AVF was created proximally. The vein specimens were collected during the surgery, processed, and analyzed for morphometric analyses and various cellular markers, including Vimentin, TGF, and Ki 67. Results The study enrolled 89 CKD patients, analyzing various aspects of their condition and AVF failures. The histomorphometric analysis revealed substantial venous luminal stenosis and varied endothelial changes. The immunohistologic analysis showed differential marker expressions pre- and post-AVF creation. Conclusion This study highlights the complexity of the early AVF failures in CKD patients. The medial hypertrophy emerged as a significant preexisting lesion, while the postoperative analyses indicated a shift towards neointimal hyperplasia. The research underscores the nuanced interplay of vascular remodeling, endothelial damage, and cellular proliferation in the AVF outcomes. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, The azygos vein as an alternative route for haemodialysis catheterisation(SMC Media, 2025-05-20); ; Introduction: Central venous catheterisation (CVC) is essential for haemodialysis in end-stage kidney disease, but superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis or occlusion often complicates long-term access. The azygos vein, a collateral drainage pathway, has been rarely used intentionally for catheterisation. Case description: We report on a 68-year-old male on haemodialysis with SVC perforation and stenosis due to prolonged catheter use. After a failed guidewire-assisted exchange, a non-tunnelled CVC was successfully placed in the enlarged azygos vein under fluoroscopy. The patient continued haemodialysis without complications, and the two-month follow-up confirmed catheter patency. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the azygos vein as a viable alternative for haemodialysis access in SVC stenosis. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Association Between the Polymorphism of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene and Interleukin-1 Beta Gene and the Response to Erythropoietin Therapy in Dialysis Patients with Anemia(Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts/Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2023-12-01); ; ; Introduction The polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b) gene could be associated with resistance in the treatment of anemia in dialysis patients with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the polymorphism of the ACE and IL-1b genes and the response to rHuEPO therapy in dialysis patients with anemia. Material and methods The study investigated 69 patients on dialysis with anemia treated with recombinant human erythropoietin for 12 months. Genotyping of ACE and IL-1b polymorphism was done in all study patients at the initiation of the study. The patient’s demographic characteristics, dialysis vintage, and laboratory parameters were also evaluated as factors associated with rHuEPO resistance. The erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) was calculated as the weekly rHuEPO dose per kg of body weight, divided by the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in g/dl. Results The Hb ≥ 110 g/l was registered in 37 (53.6%) patients. Patients with Hb ≥ 110 g/l were characterized by significantly higher serum levels of albumin, cholesterol, and iron than those with Hb < 110 g/l. The serum level of the CRP, the weekly dose of rHuEPO, and ERI were significantly higher in patients with Hb < 110 g/l compared to patients with Hb ≥ 110 g/l. The ERI value of ≥ 10 IUkg/weekly/g/dl was present in 27 (39.1%) patients. The serum levels of ferritin and CRP, and weekly dose of rHuEPO were significantly higher in patients with ERI value ≥ 10 IU kg/weekly/g/dl compared with the patients with ERI value < 10 IUkg/weekly/g/dl. There was no significant association between the ERI and polymorphism of the ACE and IL-1b genes in study patients. Conclusion The polymorphism of the ACE and IL-1b genes was not significantly associated with the response to erythropoietin therapy in dialysis patients with anemia. Iron deficiency, malnutrition, and inflammation were factors associated with anemia and resistance to erythropoietin therapy in dialysis patients. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Predictive Admission Risk Factors, Clinical Features and Kidney Outcomes in Covid-19 Hospitalised Patients with Acute Kidney Injury(Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts/Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2023-12-01); ; ; - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Comparison between different methods in evaluating haemodialysis adequacy(Oxford University Press (OUP), 2025-10); ;