In this paper, we have used the Kolmogorov complexity and sample entropy measures to estimate the complexity of the UV-B radiation time series in the Vojvodina region (Serbia) for the period 1990–2007. We have defined the Kolmogorov complexity spectrum and have introduced the Kolmogorov complexity spectrum highest value (KCH). We have established the UV-B radiation time series on the basis of their daily sum (dose) for seven representative places in this region using: (i) measured data, (ii) data calculated via a derived empirical formula and (iii) data obtained by a parametric UV radiation model. We have calculated the Kolmogorov complexity (KC) based on the Lempel–Ziv algorithm (LZA), KCH and sample entropy (SE) values for each time series. We have divided the period 1990–2007 into two subintervals: (i) 1990–1998 and (ii) 1999–2007 and calculated the KC, KCH and SE values for the various time series in these subintervals. It is found that during the period 1999–2007, there is a decrease in the KC, KCH a...

Improved methods for targeting HIV testing among patients most likely to be infected are required; HIDES I aimed to define the methodology of a European wide study of HIV prevalence in individuals presenting with one of eight indicator conditions/diseases (ID); sexually transmitted infection, lymphoma, cervical or anal cancer/dysplasia, herpes zoster, hepatitis B/C, mononucleosis-like illness, unexplained leukocytopenia/thrombocytopenia and seborrheic dermatitis/exanthema, and to identify those with an HIV prevalence of >0.1%, a level determined to be cost effective. A staff questionnaire was performed. From October 2009– February 2011, individuals, not known to be HIV positive, presenting with one of the ID were offered an HIV test; additional information was collected on previous HIV testing behaviour and recent medical history. A total of 3588 individuals from 16 centres were included. Sixty-six tested positive for HIV, giving an HIV prevalence of 1.8% [95% CI: 1.42–2.34]; all eight ID exceeded 0.1% prevalence. Of those testing HIV positive, 83% were male, 58% identified as MSM and 9% were injecting drug users. Twenty percent reported previously having potentially HIV-related symptoms and 52% had previously tested HIV negative (median time since last test: 1.58 years); which together with the median CD4 count at diagnosis (400 cell/uL) adds weight to this strategy being effective in diagnosing HIV at an earlier stage. A positive test was more likely for non-white individuals, MSM, injecting drug users and those testing in non-Northern regions. HIDES I describes an effective strategy to detect undiagnosed HIV infection. All eight ID fulfilled the >0.1% criterion for cost effectiveness. All individuals presenting to any health care setting with one of these ID should be strongly recommended an HIV test. A strategy is being developed in collaboration with ECDC and WHO Europe to guide the implementation of this novel public health initiative across Europe.

Considering high prices of biologic drugs, using a cost-effective option for treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who did not respond well to first biologic drug would have highly beneficial impact on health insurance budget. The aim of this study was to explore impact on budget of Republic Fund for Health Insurance (RFHI) caused by replacing etanercept with rituximab for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients who failed to respond to the first-line biologic drug. A Markov model with 5 states was constructed, having eight 6-months cycles. The perspective of the RFHI was used in the model, and annual savings in Serbia caused by using rituximab instead of etanercept were calculated. Using rituximab instead of etanercept for treatment of 20% of rheumatoid arthritis patients who failed to respond to the first-line biologic drug in would lead to absolute annual savings of 144,115,218.09 ± 431,906,009.46 RSD. The annual drug budget of RFHI would be decreased for 0.24 ± 0.73 %, while total annual budget of RFHI would drop for 0.07 ± 0.21 % . Based on the results of our study, using rituximab instead of etanercept for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients who failed to respond to the first-line biologic drug is a cost-effective option in Serbia, which would bring significant savings to RFHI.