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SSSS

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a toxin-mediated dermatologic disorder caused by exfoliative toxins (primarily ETA and ETB) produced by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in superficial epidermal cleavage and widespread skin peeling that mimics a scald burn.^[1]^[2] The condition typically arises from a localized staphylococcal infection at sites such as the nasopharynx, skin, or umbilical stump, with the circulating toxin cleaving desmoglein 1 in the stratum granulosum, leading to intraepidermal splitting without deeper dermal involvement.^[1]^[3] Primarily affecting neonates and children under age 5 due to their lack of protective antibodies, SSSS is rare in adults, who usually possess antitoxin immunity from prior exposures.^[4]^[5] Initial symptoms include fever, irritability, and diffuse erythema with tenderness, progressing to fragile blisters and sheet-like desquamation, often accentuated in flexural areas, accompanied by a positive Nikolsky sign where gentle pressure causes epidermal sloughing.^[1]^[2] Unlike deeper bullous disorders such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, SSSS spares mucous membranes and shows no significant subepidermal separation on biopsy, aiding differentiation.^[3] Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, supported by skin biopsy revealing the superficial split and frozen-section Gram stain identifying staphylococci, though cultures from the primary infection site confirm the toxigenic strain.^[1] Risk factors include young age, immunosuppression, and renal failure, with outbreaks occasionally linked to hospital or nursery settings due to phage group II S. aureus.^[6]^[7] Treatment centers on prompt intravenous anti-staphylococcal antibiotics such as nafcillin, oxacillin, or vancomycin for methicillin-resistant cases, combined with supportive measures like wound care to prevent secondary infection and fluid management for large-area denudation.^[1]^[3] With early intervention, mortality is low (under 5% in children), and re-epithelialization occurs within 5-7 days, though complications like cellulitis or sepsis can arise if untreated.^[4]^[8] Prevention emphasizes hygiene, isolation of infected individuals, and mupirocin decolonization in carriers, underscoring the condition's basis in bacterial toxin production rather than direct tissue invasion.^[2]^[9]

Transportation and Security

Secondary Security Screening Selection

Secondary Security Screening Selection (SSSS) is a risk-based designation applied by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to select passengers for enhanced screening at U.S. airport security checkpoints, primarily to detect potential threats to aviation security.^[10] The code "SSSS" appears on the boarding pass, signaling that the individual must undergo additional procedures beyond standard TSA checks, such as full-body pat-downs, explosive trace detection swabs on hands and items, and manual inspections of carry-on luggage and electronics.^[11] This process typically adds 15 to 45 minutes to screening time, depending on airport volume and the extent of checks required.^[12] The program originated as part of post-9/11 aviation security enhancements, with implementation tied to the TSA's establishment in November 2001 and subsequent prescreening expansions.^[13] Passenger data is vetted through the Secure Flight system, a TSA-managed program launched in 2009 that cross-references names, birthdates, and other details against government watchlists, including the No Fly List and Selectee List, as well as behavioral and travel pattern indicators.^[14] Selection criteria remain classified to prevent exploitation, but documented triggers include partial name matches to watchlisted individuals, one-way ticket purchases, last-minute bookings, or cash payments, alongside algorithmic risk assessments and occasional random sampling.^[15] ^[16] During SSSS screening, passengers are directed to a separate TSA lane where agents conduct a thorough physical search; this may involve disassembling devices for inspection, testing powders or liquids separately, and verifying identity more rigorously.^[17] Checked baggage for SSSS selectees often requires in-person ticketing at the airline counter, as online or kiosk check-in is restricted to ensure oversight.^[11] The measures aim to identify traces of explosives or prohibited items missed by primary scanners, with swabs analyzed via ion mobility spectrometry for chemical residues.^[14] Persistent SSSS designations have sparked traveler complaints, particularly among those with common names resembling watchlist entries or frequent international itineraries, leading to claims of inefficiency and profiling despite TSA assertions of data-driven neutrality.^[18] To mitigate erroneous selections, the Department of Homeland Security's Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) allows affected individuals to submit appeals with supporting documentation, potentially issuing a Redress Control Number to bypass future flags.^[15] Success rates vary, with approvals documented in cases of mistaken identity, though the process can take weeks and does not guarantee removal from risk pools.^[16] Enrollment in programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry may reduce but not eliminate SSSS occurrences, as they operate parallel to Secure Flight evaluations.^[14]

Medicine and Biology

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a toxin-mediated dermatologic condition characterized by superficial epidermal blistering and desquamation, resembling a partial-thickness burn, caused by exfoliative toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus.^[1] The disorder primarily affects children under 6 years, especially infants, due to their immature renal clearance of toxins and relative lack of protective antibodies.^[6] In the United States, the annual incidence is approximately 7.67 cases per million children, increasing to 45.1 per million in infants under 2 years.^[6] Adults are rarely affected, typically only in cases of immunosuppression, renal failure, or severe comorbidities, where mortality can reach 50-60%.^[6] The causative agent is phage group II S. aureus strains producing serine protease exfoliative toxins ETA or ETB, which specifically cleave desmoglein-1, a desmosomal protein in the granular layer of the epidermis, resulting in acantholysis without deeper dermal involvement.^[1] These toxins disseminate hematogenously from a distant focal infection, often in the nasopharynx, conjunctiva, or skin, rather than direct inoculation at the site of blistering.^[3] Approximately 5% of S. aureus isolates produce these toxins, and methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) have been increasingly implicated in community and nosocomial cases.^[6] Patients typically experience a prodrome of fever, malaise, irritability, and poor feeding 24-48 hours before cutaneous manifestations, followed by tender, diffuse erythema starting in intertriginous areas and progressing centrally.^[1] Flaccid bullae form, rupturing to yield erosions and crusted periorificial lesions, with a positive Nikolsky sign where lateral pressure on intact skin induces epidermal sloughing.^[3] Unlike conditions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, mucosal involvement is absent, and systemic toxicity is mild unless secondary sepsis develops.^[6] Diagnosis relies on clinical features and histopathology from frozen-section biopsy, which reveals intraepidermal cleavage above the basal layer without inflammatory infiltrate or necrosis, distinguishing it from subepidermal blistering disorders.^[1] Cultures from blood or bullae fluid are usually negative for S. aureus, but identification from primary sites like the nasopharynx confirms the etiology; toxin assays or PCR for eta/etb genes may be used in research settings but are not routine.^[3] Management requires hospitalization for intravenous anti-staphylococcal beta-lactam antibiotics such as nafcillin (100-150 mg/kg/day in children) or cefazolin, with vancomycin or clindamycin for suspected MRSA, continued until defervescence and clinical improvement, typically 7-10 days.^[6] Supportive measures include meticulous wound care with non-adherent dressings, fluid and electrolyte replacement to prevent dehydration from insensible losses, and nutritional support; topical antibiotics are ineffective against the systemic toxin.^[1] Isolation precautions are recommended to prevent nosocomial spread.^[3] With prompt treatment, re-epithelialization occurs within 5-7 days in children, with mortality under 5% and rare scarring, though complications like secondary bacterial superinfection, sepsis, or acute kidney injury can arise from extensive denudation.^[6] In adults, outcomes are poorer due to underlying conditions, emphasizing early recognition.^[1] Differential considerations include bullous impetigo (localized form), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (mucosal involvement, deeper split), and drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis, resolved by biopsy and toxin detection.^[3]

Professional Organizations

Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) is a non-profit professional membership organization established in 1957 to promote rigorous, systematic inquiry into human sexuality across disciplines including psychology, biology, sociology, and medicine.^[19]^[20] It serves researchers, clinicians, educators, and students by fostering empirical research that prioritizes methodological soundness over ideological preconceptions, though fields like sexology have historically faced challenges from cultural taboos and varying institutional biases toward progressive interpretations of sexual data.^[21] SSSS's foundational leadership included psychologist Albert Ellis as its first president from 1958 to 1960, followed by figures such as Christopher Tietze (1960–1962) and Hans Lehfeldt (1962–1964), who helped steer the organization amid mid-20th-century efforts to professionalize sexuality studies post-Kinsey reports.^[22] Founding member Hugo Beigel served as the inaugural editor of its flagship publication, emphasizing peer-reviewed contributions grounded in observable evidence rather than anecdotal or normative claims.^[23] The organization's core mission centers on advancing sexual science through high-quality empirical investigations and their translation into clinical, educational, and policy applications, with membership benefits including access to discounted events and resources for approximately 1,000 professionals worldwide.^[24]^[25] Governed by an 11-member board comprising elected officers and at-large directors, SSSS maintains operational independence as a 501(c)(3) entity focused on stimulating interdisciplinary dialogue while upholding standards against unsubstantiated advocacy.^[26] Key activities include an annual conference featuring symposia, continuing education credits, and presentations of cutting-edge research, such as the 2025 event scheduled for November 12–16.^[27] SSSS also administers awards like the Founders Award, recognizing lifetime contributions (e.g., to Albert Ellis in 2003), and student grants of $1,000–$1,500 annually for graduate-level human sexuality research projects.^[28]^[29] SSSS publishes The Journal of Sex Research (JSR), launched in 1965 as a quarterly peer-reviewed outlet for empirical studies, theoretical reviews, and methodological advancements in sexuality spanning psychology, allied health, and social sciences; it rejects submissions lacking robust data or replicable findings.^[21]^[30] Members receive full access to JSR, which has evolved to include interdisciplinary analyses while maintaining editorial oversight to mitigate biases common in sexuality scholarship, such as overreliance on self-reported surveys vulnerable to social desirability effects.^[31]^[25]

Arts and Entertainment

Stand Still. Stay Silent

Stand Still. Stay Silent is a post-apocalyptic webcomic written and illustrated by Finnish-Swedish artist Minna Sundberg, serialized weekly from November 2013 until its conclusion in March 2022, comprising over 500 pages divided into multiple chapters.^[32] Set approximately 90 years in the future, the story unfolds in a world ravaged by a mysterious pandemic called the "Rash," which transformed most humans into monstrous trolls and beasts, rendering vast regions uninhabitable and known as the "Silent World." Survivors in the Nordic countries—Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland—have established isolated safe zones protected by ancient runes, immune individuals, and a blend of technology and magic derived from folklore. The narrative follows the inaugural official expedition from these safe havens into the Silent World to map territories, scavenge artifacts, and uncover lost knowledge, emphasizing themes of exploration, survival, interpersonal dynamics, and encounters with mythological horrors.^[32]^[33] The plot centers on a small multinational crew aboard a modified tank-turned-catamaran hybrid, the Vänersborg, led by Norwegian military captain Sigrun Eide, whose optimism and combat prowess drive the mission despite the dangers.^[33] Key members include Danish medic Mikkel Madsen, tasked with maintaining crew health; Swedish newcomer Emil Västerström, an immune soldier specializing in anti-troll weaponry; Finnish tracker's assistant Tuuri Hotakainen, one of few immunes allowing travel without protective gear; and her cousin Lalli Hotakainen, a ritualistic mage who communicates with spirits and combats supernatural threats.^[33] Icelandic shepherd Reynir joins later as a tagalong, providing comic relief and unexpected magical utility. The expedition faces escalating perils, including infected wildlife, ancient curses, and internal conflicts arising from cultural and linguistic barriers—depicted through realistic multilingual dialogue in Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Icelandic, bridged by a magical "communication curse" that enables comprehension without translation.^[33] Sundberg incorporates constructed languages and authentic Nordic linguistics to highlight national identities and misunderstandings, grounding the fantasy elements in cultural realism.^[34] Sundberg developed the comic as a successor to her earlier work A Redtail's Dream, drawing from her background in graphic design and interest in folklore, with influences from Christian perspectives on morality and redemption subtly woven into character arcs.^[35] The artwork evolved from detailed black-and-white panels to full-color sequences, praised for its atmospheric depictions of desolate landscapes, grotesque creatures, and dynamic action, often evoking Studio Ghibli's blend of whimsy and dread.^[34] Publication occurred via Sundberg's independent site, with print editions released through Hiveworks Comics: the first three volumes in hardcover around 2016–2018, each covering roughly 300 pages, and a fourth volume anticipated post-completion.^[32] The webcomic received acclaim for its intricate world-building, linguistic authenticity, and character-driven storytelling, earning the 2015 Reuben Award (specifically the division award for Online Comics – Long Form) from the National Cartoonists Society, recognizing its excellence among web-based long-form works.^[36]^[37] Critics highlighted its avoidance of clichés in post-apocalyptic tropes, instead focusing on Nordic cultural nuances and cooperative heroism amid horror, though some noted the deliberate pacing suited to weekly updates sometimes delayed plot momentum.^[33] Fan communities appreciated the merchandise, including prints and apparel, and the comic's completion allowed for retrospective analysis of unresolved mysteries like the Rash's origins and deeper mythological ties.^[32]

Politics and Nationalism

Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava

"Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava" (Serbian Cyrillic: Само Слога Србина Спасава), translating to "Only Unity Saves the Serb", is an unofficial national motto of Serbia emphasizing collective solidarity as essential for the ethnic Serb community's preservation and success.^[38] The phrase underscores the historical vulnerability of Serbs amid regional conflicts and foreign dominations, promoting internal cohesion over division.^[39] The motto emerged in the 19th century during Serbia's push for independence from Ottoman rule, serving as a rallying cry for national unification in the Principalities of Serbia.^[40] It gained prominence as a response to existential threats, reflecting first-hand experiences of fragmentation leading to subjugation, as documented in accounts of Balkan nation-building where disunity repeatedly undermined Serb aspirations.^[39] Though sometimes folkishly attributed to medieval Saint Sava, this lacks primary evidence; the slogan instead aligns with modern nationalist rhetoric postdating the symbol it interprets..html) Symbolically, the motto is linked to the four Cyrillic "С" (S) letters in Serbia's coat of arms, a white cross on red shield inherited from Byzantine and Nemanjić traditions dating to the 12th-14th centuries.^[38] These letters, predating the phrase by centuries, were retroactively interpreted in the 19th century to acronymically represent Samo (Only), Sloga (Unity), Srbina (the Serb), Spasava (Saves), embedding the motto into national heraldry.^[38] This adaptation reinforced ethnic identity during state formation, appearing on flags, seals, and military insignia by the early 1800s.^[40] In contemporary contexts, the motto persists in Serbian politics and culture as a call for ethnic solidarity, invoked during crises like the 1999 NATO intervention—e.g., in Bora Đorđević's song of the same name—and in public discourse on Kosovo or diaspora unity.^[41] It appears in graffiti, sports chants, and nationalist gatherings, sometimes critiqued for enabling insular attitudes but defended as pragmatic realism given historical precedents of betrayal by internal divisions.^[42] While mainstream media may frame such usage pejoratively, primary instances show it as a defense of self-preservation against demographic and territorial pressures, with empirical support from Serbia's survival through cohesive revolts in 1804 and 1876.^[41]

References

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Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Jun 22, 2025 · Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a severe dermatologic condition caused by a systemic infection with toxin-producing staphylococcal bacteria.
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Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) - DermNet
SSSS is a rare, severe, superficial blistering skin disorder which is characterised by the detachment of the outermost skin layer (epidermis).
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Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome - Dermatologic Disorders
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is an acute epidermolysis caused by a staphylococcal toxin. Infants and children are most susceptible.
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Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a serious skin infection. The infection causes peeling skin over large parts of the body.
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Jul 20, 2023 · Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a serious skin infection that usually occurs in infants and young children under the age of six.
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Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)
Nov 3, 2022 · Pathophysiology. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is caused by an exfoliative toxin produced by roughly 5% of Staphylococcus aureus.
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Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a response to a Staphylococcus (or “staph”) infection. It causes a reddening and blistering of the skin that ...
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SSSS, or Ritter's Disease, is a skin infection caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This infection produces a toxin that can affect skin all over ...<|separator|>
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What Does SSSS Mean on Your Boarding Pass? - Travel + Leisure
Feb 26, 2025 · SSSS stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection” by the US Department of Homeland Security and is displayed on boarding passes as a four-letter code.
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What Is SSSS on Your Boarding Pass? Everything to Know About ...
Feb 7, 2025 · For fliers who haven't encountered it before, SSSS on a boarding pass stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection.
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SSSS on boarding pass means more TSA screening. What it is, what ...
Jun 18, 2025 · It means you've been selected for a more thorough screening by the Transportation Security Administration and an extra 15 to 46 minutes in the security process.
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What SSSS Means on Your Boarding Pass - Fodors Travel Guide
Apr 7, 2025 · Turns out, it's an acronym for “Secondary Security Screening Selection,” a process that started after 9/11.
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it's a flag for Secondary Security Screening Selection, which adds extra screening ...
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Aug 7, 2023 · "SSSS" indicates that you've been selected for secondary screening before boarding your flight. Here's what SSSS on a boarding pass means, why travelers get it ...Missing: explanation | Show results with:explanation
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May 31, 2024 · The Odd Reasons TSA May Have Pulled You Aside For Additional Screening · High risk travel · False positive identity detection · Behavior triggers.
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Apr 21, 2023 · Singled out for Secondary Security Screening Selection? Here's what SSSS on a boarding pass means, what to expect, and how to get it ...<|separator|>
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Why Denied Entry or Exit at Airport? - National Security Law Firm
Jul 18, 2024 · Sometimes, the abbreviation “SSSS” (Secondary Security Screening Selection) may appear on the person's boarding pass. Other times, the ...
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Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality - SSSS - Facebook
Rating 5.0 (6) The 2025 Annual Conference for the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) is coming! Visit the conference website at https://sexscience. org ...
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The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality | LinkedIn
Website: https://www.sexscience.org/. External link for The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality ; Industry: Non-profit Organization Management ; Company ...
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Oct 1, 2024 · SSSS founded the Journal of Sex Research in 1965, which continues today and remains one of our field's premier sexological journals. In addition ...
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Founders & Past Presidents
Albert Ellis, Ph.D. (1958-1960) Christopher Tietze, M.D. (1960-1962) Hans Lehfeldt, M.D. (1962-1964) Henry Guze, Ph.D. (1964-1966)Missing: history | Show results with:history
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Sep 19, 2012 · The award is named in memory of Dr. Hugo Beigel, a founding member of SSSS and the first editor of JSR, a position he held for 13 years. This ...
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SSSS is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about sexuality through high-quality research and the clinical, educational, and social applications of ...Events · Distinguished Scientific... · JSR · 2025 Annual Conference
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Membership - The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
SSSS members enjoy reduced registration fees for SSSS events, such as the Annual Conference, Symposia, and other professional development offerings.
[26]
SSSS Board of Directors & Staff
The SSSS Board of Directors manages the affairs of The Society. In general, the Board of Directors is a policy-making body. The 11-member Board is composed ...
[27]
2025 Annual Conference
QUESTIONS? Contact SSSS at thesociety@sexscience.org or 610-443-3100 (Regular EST Business Hours) SSSS conference emails will be sent from
[28]
Awards Info - The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
For specific details about an award or grant, select the button or link(s) below. All awards will be presented during the 2025 SSSS Annual Conference.
[29]
Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)
Each year The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality awards $1,500 to one graduate student member who are doing human sexuality research.
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The Journal of Sex Research | Taylor & Francis Online
The Journal of Sex Research publishes research into the scientific study of sexuality, spanning the disciplines of psychology, education and allied health.
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JSR - The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
The Journal of Sex Research (JSR) is a scholarly journal publishing articles on the scientific study of sexuality, including empirical reports and reviews.
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Stand Still. Stay Silent - webcomic
(To keep up with my future comic work you can go to my personal artist website.) Subscribe to the "Stand Still. Stay Silent" newsltter! ~© Minna Sundberg~Webcomic, page 1ArchiveWebcomic, page 560About page, over here71
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May 23, 2015 · Here are this year's winners: Magazine Feature / Magazine ... Minna Sundberg (Stand Still, Stay Silent). Newspaper Panel Cartoon
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webcomic - Stand Still. Stay Silent
In 2015 SSSS won the Reuben award for "best online comic-long form", which was mind-blowing.
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Flag of Serbia | History, Meaning & Design - Britannica
The arms showed a red shield bearing a white cross with a Cyrillic C in each corner—the letters popularly thought to mean, “Samo sloga Srbina spasava ... origin.
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[37] This is perpetuated by the initial letters of the saying "Samo sloga Srbina spasava" ("Only in the union of Serbs is salvation"), which are placed ...
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Slobo Was Here - The New York Times
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Winnipeg - Serbian Skinheads? - VICE
... Samo sloga Srbina spasava–“Only Unity can Save Serbia.” It's one of the most common political slogans used by Serbian nationalists and skinheads–kind of ...<|control11|><|separator|>