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This study investigates the micromorphology and morphometrics of aggregate fruit (ripe hypanthium and achene) of eight wild Rosa species collected throughout Serbia. Field research was conducted to find roses at different habitats, collecting 1,836 aggregate fruits with 25,999 achenes from 137 shrubs. Multicellular glandular trichomes are found on the hypanthium surface, while long and short stalk capitate glandular trichomes were observed on the fruits of R. gallica, R. pendulina, R. tomentosa and R. villosa. Numerous unicellular non-glandular trichomes were found inside the urceolate hypanthium and on the surface of most studied achenes, except for R. spinosissima species. Micromorphological analysis revealed three types of exocarp ornamentation: scalariform (R. dumetorum, R. tomentosa and R. micrantha), reticulate (R. gallica, R. arvensis, R. spinosissima and R. villosa) and reticulate-smooth (R. pendulina). Morphometric analysis indicated significant differences among the 14 morphological characters. Achene length was the most significant morphometric feature for identifying Rosa species (P˂0.05). The results contribute to our poor knowledge of rose fruit morphology and provide some well-defined microcharacters that could be used as additional features for species delimitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Animal models for food allergies serve as crucial tools in understanding allergy mechanisms and assessing the efficacy of potential desensitization methods. The effectiveness of inducing allergies in mice through intragastric lavage sensitization varies. The intraperitoneal method can trigger systemic anaphylaxis, however it lacks anatomical relevance. Hence, a uniform and reliable allergy induction method in mice is required. Tape -stripping can mimic atopic dermatitis (AD), a precursor to lifelong peanut allergies in humans. Furthermore, skin damage triggers the upregulation of skin alarmins and the expansion of small-intestinal mast cells, both implicated in allergy development. We standardized a skin-based sensitization method in a mouse model of peanut allergy using skin tape-stripping followed by allergen application. We compared this method with intragastric sensitization. Skin-based sensitization led to increased mast cells, goblet cells, and eosinophils in the small intestine, elevated systemic IgE levels, murine mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1), histamine, and eosinophilic activity in peripheral blood. Moreover, it resulted in a significant hypothermic response, with nearly 30% mortality following an oral challenge one-month post-sensitization. Our research offers a standardized and readily reproducible method for inducing peanut allergy in mice, which could also be adapted for other food allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toskić, LD, Dopsaj, MJ, Marković, MR, Toskić, DR, Ignjatović, AM. Mechanical and contractile properties of knee joint muscles measured by the method of tensiomyography in differently trained men and women. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1532–1539, 2022—The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in mechanical and contractile properties of knee joint flexor and extensor muscles between differently trained men and women, using tensiomyography (TMG). The sample consisted of 159 subjects (84 men and 75 women), who were assigned to one of 5 groups according to the following levels and types of their physical activity: physically inactive, physically active nonathletes, strength and power athletes, endurance athletes, and team sports athletes. Measurements were performed on the following knee flexor and extensor muscles of the dominant leg: rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus. The results showed significant differences in contraction time—Tc (F = 1.911, p = 0.010) and delay time—Td (F = 1.989, p = 0.007) parameters between differently trained men and women, whereas in other TMG parameters, there were no differences between groups. It is indicated that physical activities characteristic of strength and power sports (combat sports and sprint disciplines) could lead to an increased speed of twitch force generation and fast twitch muscle fibers, and that almost any regular, systematic, and planned physical activity leads to increased muscle responsiveness. Obtained results also indicated that TMG parameters do not have enough specific discriminatory power for detecting differences between differently trained young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the surface and external structure of petals, sepals, hypanthium and pedicel of eight Rosa species were examined. Micromorphological investigation of distribution and dimension of different trichome types, which were found in analysed plant parts was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results showed that the adaxial epidermal cells of all analysed petals formed papillae, whereas the abaxial epidermis was with flat walls and had cuticle striation. Two types of trichomes, the capitate glandular and nonglandular trichomes (ribbon and acicles) were observed. Ribbon trichomes were presented on the adaxial side of all analysed sepals with the exception of R. spinosissima samples. Multicellular glandular trichomes were distributed on the surface of the hypanthium and the sepals of R. gallica, R. micrantha, R. pendulina, R. tomentosa and R. villosa samples. In addition, they were presented on the pedicel of most analysed species, except in R. dumetorum samples. Micromorphological analysis had shown that capitate glandular trichomes, based on their size, can be classified into two typeslong and short trichomes. Their presence, type and length were specific for each analysed species. Additionally, acicles were found only on the pedicel and hypanthium of R. spinosissima and R. gallica samples. This study provided useful information of different trichomes of genus Rosa which could be helpful in more accurate plant determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygenic photosynthesis takes place in thylakoid membranes (TM) of cyanobacteria, algae, and higher plants. It begins with light absorption by pigments in large (modular) assemblies of pigment-binding proteins, which then transfer excitation energy to the photosynthetic reaction centers of photosystem (PS) I and PSII. In green algae and plants, these light-harvesting protein complexes contain chlorophylls (Chls) and carotenoids (Cars). However, cyanobacteria, red algae, and glaucophytes contain, in addition, phycobiliproteins in phycobilisomes that are attached to the stromal surface of TM, and transfer excitation energy to the reaction centers via the Chl a molecules in the inner antennas of PSI and PSII. The color and the intensity of the light to which these photosynthetic organisms are exposed in their environment have a great influence on the composition and the structure of the light-harvesting complexes (the antenna) as well as the rest of the photosynthetic apparatus, thus affecting the photosynthetic process and even the entire organism. We present here a perspective on 'Light Quality and Oxygenic Photosynthesis', in memory of George Christos Papageorgiou (9 May 1933-21 November 2020; see notes a and b). Our review includes (1) the influence of the solar spectrum on the antenna composition, and the special significance of Chl a; (2) the effects of light quality on photosynthesis, measured using Chl a fluorescence; and (3) the importance of light quality, intensity, and its duration for the optimal growth of photosynthetic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy has been practiced clinically for decades to treat airborne allergies. Recently, the cutaneous route, which exploits the immunocompetence of the skin has received attention, which is evident from attempts to use it to treat peanut allergy. Delivery of allergens into the skin is inherently impeded by the barrier imposed by stratum corneum, the top layer of the skin. While the stratum corneum barrier must be overcome for efficient allergen delivery, excessive disruption of this layer can predispose to development of allergic inflammation. Thus, the most desirable allergen delivery approach must provide a balance between the level of skin disruption and the amount of allergen delivered. Such an approach should aim to achieve high allergen delivery efficiency across various skin types independent of age and ethnicity, and optimize variables such as safety profile, allergen dosage, treatment frequency, application time and patient compliance. The ability to precisely quantify the amount of allergen being delivered into the skin is crucial since it can allow for allergen dose optimization and can promote consistency and reproducibility in treatment response. In this work we review prominent cutaneous delivery approaches, and offer a perspective on further improvisation in cutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To determine associations between fetal lung and liver herniation volumes measured by magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) and mortality/need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ( ECMO) in cases of isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia ( CDH). A secondary objective was to compare prenatal MRI parameters with two-dimensional ultrasound lung measurements. Methods A retrospective review of medical records of all fetuses with isolated CDH evaluated between January 2004 and July 2012 was performed. The following MRI parameters were measured at 20-32 weeks: observed/expected total fetal lung volume (o/e- TLV), predicted pulmonary volume ( PPV), percentage of liver herniated into the fetal thorax (% LH) and the liver/thoracic volume ratio ( LiTR). These were compared with the ultrasound-determined lung-to-head ratio ( LHR) and the observed/expected LHR (o/e- LHR) in the same cohort. The predictive value of MRI and ultrasound parameters for mortality and the need for ECMO was evaluated by univariate, multivariate and factor analysis and by receiver-operating characteristics curves. Results Eighty fetuses with isolated CDH were evaluated. Overall mortality was 18/80 (22.5%). Two newborns died a few hours after birth. ECMO was performed in 29/78 (37.2%) newborns, with a survival rate of 48.3% (14/29). The side of the diaphragmatic defect was not associated with mortality ( P = 0.99) or the need for ECMO ( P = 0.48). Good correlation was observed among o/e- TLV, PPV, LHR and o/e- LHR as well as between % LH and LiTR ( r = 0.89; P < 0.01); however, fetal lung measurements and measures of liver herniation were not correlated (all P > 0.05). All parameters were statistically associated with mortality or the need for ECMO. The best combination of measurements to predict mortality was o/e- TLV and % LH, with 83% accuracy. Conclusion Mortality and the need for ECMO in neonates with isolated CDH can be best predicted using a combination of MRI o/e- TLV and % LH. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Fetal lung response after complete and partial tracheal occlusion using a prototype engineered ''smart'' balloon in sheep model," by R. Ruano and colleagues is presented.

Eastern and south-eastern Serbia is a cultural crossroads between East and West, and due to its economic underdevelopment, the traditional use of medicinal plants remains crucial in healthcare even today. This study aimed to collect and preserve ethnopharmacological knowledge about musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and genitourinary disorders, which are common in the local population. Information was collected using semi-structured anonymous ethnobotanical interviews with location informants. According to respondents, monographs of official international authorities (European Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP, WHO, EMA, and PDR) have been reviewed to confirm the traditional use of medicinal plants. Out of a total of 161 respondents, 58 (36%) declared that they use plants to treat musculoskeletal diseases, 147 (91.3%) to treat respiratory diseases, 113 (70.19%) to treat circulatory diseases, and 25 (15.53%) to treat genitourinary diseases. Among the plants that are traditionally used for the treatment of diseases of these organ systems, the following are highlighted for future research: Verbascum phlomoides, Inula helenium, and Rosmarinus officinalis for musculoskeletal; Ocimum basilicum, Robinia pseudoacacia and Primula vulgaris for respiratory; Urtica dioica, Allium ursinum, and Rosa canina for circulatory and Apium graveolens, Zea mays and Calendula officinalis for treatment of genitourinary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the treatment of traumatic brain injury and haemorrhagic complications after intracranial pressure monitoring. Over 5 months, the Neurosurgery Service at Harborview Medical Center treated 314 patients with traumatic head injury. There were 247 males and 67 females with a median age of 35.16 years, and all were admitted to the hospital. Placement of an Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor was undertaken in 130 of these patients. Nineteen patients had more than one ICP monitor inserted, altogether, 155 procedures were carried out. The majority of the patients in this study were admitted with the diagnosis of a closed head injury, 10 patients had open head injury, and four suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

The traditional European medicinal plant Laserpitium siler L. was studied for the first time for the chemical composition and in vitro biological potential of extracts from fruits and aerial parts. Eight extracts were subjected to spectrophotometric detection and LC-MS quantification of phenolics. The bioactivity assessment comprised antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-denaturation, acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, a-amylase, and a-glucosidase inhibition assays. The spectrophotometric analyses showed that the alcoholic extracts contained the most phenolic acids and coumarins. Among the twenty quantified compounds in the methanolic extracts, chlorogenic acid (29.10 mg/kg in the fruits; 47.00 mg/kg in the aerial parts) and p-coumaric acid (7.50 mg/kg in the fruits; 9.50 mg/kg in the aerial parts) were the most abundant. The DPPH/ABTS/BBT tests showed the strongest antioxidant effect of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts. The results of the microdilution assay referred to stronger antibacterial than antifungal activity, with the essential oil being as effective as the antibiotics used. The extracts expressed promising activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation and pyocyanin synthesis. The prevention of BSA denaturation by the ethanolic extracts was comparable to diclofenac (91.08%-fruits, 95.08%-aerial parts, and 95.60%-diclofenac). IC50 values showed greater enzyme inhibitory potential of aerial parts and the highest reduction of a-glucosidase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Despite technological advances in diagnosis and treatment, in-hospital mortality with acute aortic dissection type B is still about 11%. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for early and long-term adverse outcomes in patients with acute aortic dissection type B treated medically or with conventional open surgery. Methods. The present study included 104 consecutive patients with acute aortic dissection type B treated in our Center from January 1st, 1998 to January 1st, 2007. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics as well as in-hospital complications were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate testing was performed to identify the predictors of in-hospital (30-day) and late (within 9 years) mortality. Results. 92 (88.5%) patients were treated medically, while 12 (11.5%) patients with complicated acute aortic dissection type B were treated by open surgical repair. In-hospital complications occurred in 35.7% patients, the most often being acute renal failure (28%), hypotension/shock (24%), mesenteric ischemia (12%), and limb ischemia (8%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 15.7% and the 9-year mortality rate was 51.9%. Independent predictors of early mortality in patients with acute aortic dissection type B were uncontrolled hypertension (HR-20.69) and a dissecting aorta diameter >4.75 cm (HR-6.30). Independent predictors of late mortality were relapsing pain (HR-7.93), uncontrolled hypertension (HR-7.25), and a pathologic difference in arterial blood pressure (>20 mmHg) (HR-5.33). Conclusion. Knowledge of key risk factors may help with a better choice of treatment and mortality reduction in acute aortic dissection type B patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas rectification columns are process apparatuses which are very important part of each onshore plant. Sudden failure of these types of columns causes huge daily losses, while fluid leakage can be very dangerous for the people and hazardous for the environment. For that reason, a regular and correct examination of the column is of great importance for the continual process of leading. Together with the detailed examination of the column, a risk-based inspection was applied to maximize savings, both material, time, and costs. The expected remaining service life of rectification columns was also analyzed, while the corrosion rates were calculated according to the various international standards. The minimum required column wall thickness was calculated according to the most commonly used international standard and the obtained difference was analyzed. Detailed analysis of the total risks of the column due to potential failure is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Use the reduced graphene oxide as additive to make more efficient the heat transfer through MOFs pellets. • The influence of the reduced graphene oxide concentration on thermal properties of pellets with different densities. • Comparison with aluminum as additive in metal-organic frameworks pellets. • Enhancement the thermal conductivity of pellet by a factor of 4. • Improving the hydrogen adsorption kinetic and favoring shorter equilibrium time. The development of effective methods for hydrogen storage is of paramount importance in using hydrogen as a transportation fuel for on-board applications. The rate at which the hydrogen is adsorbed/desorbed on porous materials in compressed pellets is directly related to the thermal conductivity of the adsorbent. This work aims to increase the hydrogen adsorption rate in MIL-101(Cr) and MIL-100(Fe) compressed pellets by using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an additive, in order to get an increased thermal conductivity and thus a more efficient heat transport through the pellets. To achieve this goal, a complex study was undertaken using different techniques, namely photothermal radiometry (PTR) for thermal conductivity investigation, a volumetric home-made device for kinetic measurements and other techniques (XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, TG-DTA) for structural and morphological characterization of the samples. It has been found that the thermal conductivity of the pellets increases with the graphene addition. A significant enhancement in thermal conductivity (by factors of 4 compared to pellets without additives) is obtained and reaches a maximum of 0.58 W/mK for MIL-100(Fe) pellet (ρ = 0.65 g/cm3). The hydrogen adsorption equilibrium time in neat samples is reached in about 180 s. The presence of 10 wt% rGO in both MIL-100 and MIL-101 pellets improves the hydrogen adsorption kinetics and favors the equilibrium in shorter times, respectively 20 and 40 s, than in neat samples. The experimental data are in very good agreement with the Linear Driving Force Model (LDF) for gas adsorption kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molybdenum doped TiO 2 nanocomposite layer double hydroxide (LDH) suspensions, Mo:TiO 2 -LDHs, were synthesized by a wet impregnation method in order to enhance the pure TiO 2 (water suspension) photocatalytic activity and consequently its self-cleaning efficiency under exposure to visible light. The aim was to produce nanocomposites by a simple, energy saving and cost beneficial synthesis. The mass ratio Mo/Ti was systematically varied (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12). The obtained nanocomposite Mo:TiO 2 -LDH suspensions were first characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy (band-gap energies), Zeta-sizer (particle size distribution and stability) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) (structure) and then applied onto the model mineral substrates, brick and stone. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained coating was determined based on the degradation kinetics of the Rhodamine B (RhB) under artificial visible light irradiation (white LED). The obtained results were compared to the ones of the unmodified TiO 2 -LDH suspension. The obtained results also showed that all prepared nanocomposites have good photocatalytic activity, particularly the suspension Mo:TiO 2 -LDH with the Mo/Ti 0.03 mass ratio which possesses the best value. In addition, as regards the visible light driven self-cleaning effect, this suspension has proven to be a good protective functional coating for porous mineral substrates (bricks and stones). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface properties and photocatalytic activity of the cement and pozzolanic mortar samples coated with TiO 2 /ZnAl layered double hydroxides were studied with the intention to design suitable protective, hydrophilic coatings. In order to underline the existing correlation between the water uptake characteristics and the surface features, the coated mortars were subjected to water absorption test by capillarity, to photo-induced surface water absorption test and to photo-induced hydrophilicity test by contact angle measurements. The self-cleaning behavior of the mortar systems was evaluated by monitoring the photocatalytic rhodamine B removal efficiency in correlation with the development of photo-induced surface hydrophilicity. The coating durability was assessed towards the weathering effect of rain (essential for the coating self-cleaning properties). The positive result of the coating deposition was the improvement of photocatalytic activity, photo-induced hydrophilicity and the decrease of mortar systems surface roughness. The study revealed that the developed coating promotes self-cleaning effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dentistry literature shows consensus to use the Garvie and Nicholson equation modified by Toraya to quantify the Y-TZP phase transformation. However, this method does not include the possibility of cubic phase transformation and crystallographic texture after artificial ageing, and in this case, it is possible to observe errors of quantification. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate a dental Y-TZP ageing kinetic of phase transformation under pressure and hydrothermal conditions (130° C, 2 bar) and to compare the methods of quantification by the equation of Garvie and Nicholson modified by Toraya and the Rietveld refinement method. Methods: Discs of Y-TZP (12 mm Ø × 1.2 mm in height) were divided into groups (n = 4) according to the ageing times (in the range of 6 and 138 h). The superficial characterisation was made using SEM and the XDR for crystallographic analysis. Results: An aggressive superficial degradation process at the beginning of phase transformation in 6-10 h of ageing was observed by SEM. The phase transformation quantification showed differences between the methods. It was observed the increase and stabilisation of monoclinic phase until 80% at 40 h of ageing by the Garvie and Nicholson modified by Toraya equation, compared to 60% of monoclinic phase and approximately 30% of cubic phase observed by the Rietveld method. Conclusion: The Toraya equation showed an overestimated result of monoclinic quantification compared to the Rietveld method. Clinical significance: The overestimated result of monoclinic phase could lead to different interpretation about the dental Y-TZP ageing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Due to the actions of many environmental aspects, such as inorganic and organic pollutants as well as microorganisms, porous building materials are constantly damaged and deteriorated. Deposition of photocatalytic coating on the surface of building material is one of the most effective procedures for the protection of the material from both environmental and economic point of view. Three types of porous brick substrates and one stone material were chosen and investigated regarding chemical and mineralogical composition, textural and surface (roughness and microhardness) properties. In order to improve the porous building material surface properties the newly designed TiO2–ZnAl layer double hydroxide (TiO2–ZnAl LDH) coatings were prepared, applied and investigated. New experimental technique based on the Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrometry in diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) modality was established and compared to existing methods (contact angle measurements without addition of water, surface water absorption and contact angle assessment after spraying with water as the function of UV/Vis irradiation time) in order to assess the photo-induced hydrophilicity of the coated materials. The DRIFT analysis confirmed the existence of the photo-induced hydrophilicity by assessing the surface OH− groups׳ quantity during UV/Vis irradiation necessary for the development of the surfaces hydrophilicity. The obtained results indicate a strong influence of the reference building material surface characteristics on the photo-induced hydrophilicity, photocatalytic and self-cleaning properties of the newly designed TiO2–ZnAl LDH coatings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mesophase behaviour of binary mixtures of bent-core and calamitic liquid crystals is presented. The nematogenic 4,6-dichloro-1,3-phenylene bis[4′-(10-undecen-1-yloxy)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylate] (I) was the banana-shaped component. As the calamitic compound ethyl 4′-(9-decen-1-yloxy)-1,1′-biphenyl-4-carboxylate (II), similar to one arm of the bent-core molecule, was used which exhibits smectic phases in a wide temperature range. A total of six mixtures with different compositions were prepared and studied by polarising optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction on non-oriented samples. In the mixtures, a nematic phase is not concomitant with smectic A phase, and the temperature range of both phases highly depends on the concentration of the comprising compounds. Lowered melting temperatures have been observed for all mixtures with respect to that of the pure compounds. Unforeseen finding is the induction of a monotropic SmC phase in mixtures with lowest concentration of the bent-core compound. Semi-empirical quantum-chemical calculations have also been performed. Based on the calculated molecular conformation, as well as on collected X-ray diffraction data, a model for a possible self-assembly of the banana-shaped and calamitic compounds is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the influence of some estradiol derivatives on the thermal and structural properties of binary mixtures of cholesteryl enantate and cholesteryl myristate. The characterization of the mesophases was made by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. A considerable shift of the phase transition temperature I→Ch, as well as the temperature of formation of the SmA* phase was observed. Besides phase sequences and phase transition temperatures the measurements enabled the determination of some molecular parameters of the mixtures: the thickness of smectic layers and the longitudinal spacing distance in the cholesteric phase (d) and the average distance between the long axes of neighboring molecules (D). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), a disease with a severe outcome due to the complications it causes, can be associated with the processes of atherosclerosis with a massive and extensive fibrosis. In this paper we present a patient with retroperitoneal fibrosis in which we noticed estrogen receptors at the level of the periaortic fibrous tissue and we obtained a regression of this process under treatment with tamoxifen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porous nickel–8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni–8YSZ) composite, used as anode for solid oxide fuel cell, was obtained by reduction of NiO–8YSZ cermet. The first goal was the evaluation of the temperature effect of powder processing by thermogravimetry. In addition, the influence of porosity in the reduction kinetic of the sample sintered at 1450 °C was evaluated. The final porosity produced in NiO–8YSZ composite by pore former was 30.4 and 37.9 vol.%, respectively, for 10 and 15 mass% of corn starch. The sample with 15 mass% of corn starch promotes a reduction rate almost twice higher than sample with 10 mass% of corn starch. The porosity introduced by the reduction of NiO was 23 vol.%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the influence of the new chiral non-mesogenic seco-estrone derivatives 1-7, synthesized in several synthetic steps starting from estrone, onto the physical characteristics of the binary mixtures of cholesteric liquid crystals. We have examined the phase transitions of the mixture of cholesteryl laurate and cholesteryl enantate with the added chiral non-mesogenic additives 1-7 (45%-45%-10%; Mix.1-Mix.7, respectively). A considerable shift of the I→Ch phase transition temperature, as well as of the temperature of the SmA* phase formation, was observed. X-ray diffraction data enabled the determination of the molecular structures of the compounds 3, 5, 6 and 7, the crystal lattice parameters of the new chiral additives and their molecular length (ℓ) and width (d*), as well as some parameters of the mixtures Mix.1-Mix.6: the thickness of smectic layers and the longitudinal spacing distance in the cholesteric phase (d) and the average distance between the long axes of neighbouring molecules (D). Using molecular-mechanic calculations, on the basis of solved molecular structures, the most probably conformation of the other compounds (1, 2 and 4) used in this work is determined. We have also investigated the influence of these chiral additives onto the pitch of the cholesteric helix of a binary mixture of cholesteric liquid crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]