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Uvod: Inzulinska rezistencija karakterizirana je smanjenim odgovorom ciljanih stanica na izloženu koncentraciju inzulina. Teško ju je odvojiti od šećerne bolesti tip II, metaboličkog sindroma i pretilosti, a nalazi se u podlozi nastanka kardiovaskularnih i neurodegenerativnih bolesti. Hiperglikemija u akutnoj bolesti čest je nalaz kod pacijenata hospitaliziranih u jedinicama intenzivnog liječenja. Javlja se kod pacijenata s prethodno poznatim poremećajem metabolizma glukoze (DM, IFG, IGT), kao prva manifestacija dotada nedijagnosticirane šećerne bolesti te kod pacijenta koji imaju uredan metabolizam glukoze prije i nakon hospitalizacije. Hipoteza istraživanja jest da je pojava hiperglikemije u teškoj akutnoj bolesti povezana s intrinzično povišenom inzulinskom rezistencijom kod pacijenata koji nemaju manifestan poremećaj metabolizma glukoze. Ispitanici i metode: U istraživanje su uključeni pacijenti primljeni u Zavod za intenzivnu medicinu Klinike za unutrašnje bolesti KBC Zagreb radi teške akutne bolesti. Pacijenti bez poznatog poremećaja metabolizma glukoze podijeljeni su u skupinu hiperglikemije (GUK >7.7 mmol/l u najmanje 2 mjerenja) i normoglikemije. Postojanje ranije neprepoznatog poremećaja metabolizma glukoze isključeno je određivanjem HbA1c za vrijeme hospitalizacije i OGTT učinjenim na ambulantoj kontroli 6-8 tjedana nakon hospitalizacije. Na ambulantnoj kontroli 6-8 tjedana nakon hospitalizacije pacijentima je uzet uzorak krvi natašte iz kojeg je indirektnim metodama određena inzulinska rezistencija. Inzulinska rezistencija određena je jednostavnim indeksima: QUICKI, HOMA-IR, log HOMA-IR HOMA2-IR Rezultati: Istraživanje je završeno na 221 pacijentu. Hiperglikemičnu skupinu činilo je 114 pacijenata, dok se u normoglikemičnoj skupini nalazilo 107 pacijenata. Analizom podataka među skupinama nije zamjećena statistički značajna razlika u dobi niti spolu pacijenata. Vrijednost indeksa tjelesne mase, omjera struka i bokova te pozitivna obiteljska anamneza šećerne bolesti bila je statistički značajno viša u hiperglikemičnoj skupini. Skupina bolesnika koja je razvila hiperglikemiju za vrijeme akutne bolesti ima statistički značajno višu vrijednost inzulinske rezistencije nakon hospitalizacije prema svim jednostavnim indeksima u usporedbi sa skupinom koja je ostala normoglikemična za vrijeme akutne bolesti. Multivarijatna analiza logističkom regresijom pokazala je neovisnu povezanost indeksa 76 tjelesne mase, vrijednost omjera struka i bokova, HOMA-IR i QUICKI s pojavom hiperglikemije u akutnoj bolesti. Zaključak: Pojava hiperglikemije u teškoj akutnoj bolesti povezana je s intrinzično povišenom inzulinskom rezistencijom kod pacijenata koji nemaju manifestan poremećaj metabolizma glukoze., Introduction: Insulin resistance is characterized by reduced response of target cells to exposed insulin concentration. It is part of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity and underlying cause of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Hyperglycemia commonly occures in the course of any critical illness. It appeares both among patient with or without apparent glucose metabolism disorder. We hypothesised that the cause of hyperglycemia in critical illness among patients without apparent glucose metabolism disorder lies in intrinsically increased insulin resistance of those patients. Patients and methods: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the University Hospital Centre Zagreb due to critical illness were included in the research. Patients with no history of impaired glucose metabolism were divided into hyperglycemia group (glucose >7.7 mmol/l, measured on at least two occasions) and normoglycemia group. Glycated haemoglobin during hospital stay and oral glucose tolerance test within 6-8 weeks after discharge were all performed in order to disclose patients with unknown diabetes or pre-diabetes who were excluded from the research. On the ambulatory appointment 6-8 weeks after discharge insulin resistance is assessed by indirect methods. Insulin resistance was measured with simple indices: QUICKI, HOMA-IR, log HOMA-IR HOMA2-IR Results: Research was concluded on 221 patients, 114 were in hyperglycemia group while 107 were part of normoglycemia group. There were no signifficant differences in age nor sex among groups. BMI, WHR and positive family history of DM type II showed higher values in hyperglycemia group. Patients in hyperglycemia group had signifficant higher values of insulin resistance measured with all simple insulin resistance indices compared with patients in normoglycemia group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed independent association of BMI, WHR, HOMA-IR and QUICKI with occurrence of hyperglycemia in acute illness. Conslusion: Occurrence of hyperglycemia in critical illness among patients without apparent glucose metabolism disorder is associated with intrinsically increased insulin resistance.

Introduction. The renal artery and segmental renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare and usually asymptomatic vascular lesion which in most of the cases thrombose spontaneously, but at same time it can be a source of life-threatening hemorrhage and shock. Today, these pseudoaneurysms are discovered with increasing frequency due to unrelated abdominal imaging or on screening work-ups for hypertension, as well as widespread use of angiography. Typically, they are seen in patients after trauma, inflammation, or renal surgery or biopsy. Case outline. In our case, a 52-year-old male patient with no prior history of surgery, significant abdominal trauma and systemic disease, presented with left flank pain and signs of hypovolemic shock that manifested before the admission in the surgical emergency room. The CT scan promptly demonstrated rupture of large retroperitoneal hematoma with the massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage. The angiography confirmed the rupture of the renal artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient had the urgent operation. A life-saving nephrectomy was performed while intraperitoneal hemorrhage and retroperitoneal hematoma was evacuated. The fourteen days after surgery the patient was discharged fully recovered, with normal diuresis and serum levels of creatinine and urea within referential values. During the period of hospitalization, he was diagnosed and treated hypertension. Conclusion. Rupture of pseudoaneurysms with the following hemorrhage into the intraperitoneal cavity and retroperitoneum is a life-threatening condition, as proven with this case in which hypovolemic shock manifested before the admission. We would like to highlight the importance of high blood-pressure control and the importance of regular check-ups.

UDK: 581.9:574.5 (497.6) (285) The study presents the first data on biodiversity of macrophyte flora and vegetation of Paučko Lake, which is recognized as an area of great natural, landscape and hydrological value in the Protected Landscape “Konjuh”. Paučko Lake has a small surface and it’s located at 711 m a.s.l. in the catchment area of the Drinjača River. The aquatic and marsh vegetation were studied during spring and summer in 2018 using the traditional Zürich-Montpellier approach. The vegetation of Paučko Lake is comprised of aquatic and marsh associations of the classes Potamogetonetea Klika in Klika et Novák 1941 and Phragmito-Magnocaricetea Klika in Klika et Novák 1941. The following aquatic and marsh plant associations were identified: Myriophyllo-Potametum Soó 1934, Scirpo-Phragmitetum australis W. Koch 1926, Thelypterido palustris-Phragmitetum australis Kuiperex van Donselaar et al. 1961, Schoenoplectetum lacustris Chouard 1924, Typhetum latipholiae Lang. 1973 and Scirpetum silvatici Ht et H-ić prov. (in Ht et al.1974). Rare vulnerable taxa Thelypteris palustris Schott and Menyanthes trifoliata L. were recorded in emerged littoral communities, whose habitats are under successional changes caused by excessive macrophyte overgrowth by competitor species. Restoration measures are necessary to be taken to preserve the habitats of endangered species of the Paučko Lake.

Pleistocene glaciations had a tremendous impact on the biota across the Palaearctic, resulting in strong phylogeographic signals of range contraction and rapid postglacial recolonization of the deglaciated areas. Here, we explore the diversity patterns and history of two sibling species of passively dispersing taxa typical of temporary ponds, fairy shrimps (Anostraca). We combine mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS2 and 18S) markers to conduct a range-wide phylogeographic study including 56 populations of Branchinecta ferox and Branchinecta orientalis in the Palaearctic. Specifically, we investigate whether their largely overlapping ranges in Europe resulted from allopatric differentiation in separate glacial refugia followed by a secondary contact and reconstruct their postglacial recolonization from the inhabited refugia. Our results suggest the existence of distinct refugia for the two species, with genetic divergence among intraspecific lineages consistent with late Pleistocene glacial cycles. While B. ferox lineages originated from Mediterranean refugia, the origin of B. orientalis lineages was possibly located on the Pannonian Plain. We showed that most dispersal events predominantly happened within 100 km, coupled with several recent long-distance events (> 1000 km). Hence the regional habitat density of suitable habitats in Central Europe is possibly a key to the co-existence of the two species. Overall, our study illustrates how isolation in combination with stochastic effects linked to glacial periods are important drivers of the allopatric differentiation of Palaearctic taxa.

Aim To investigate whether three-month oral vitamin D supplementation (800 IU in drops) reduces the risk of in - fluenza infection in elderly nursing home residents vacci - nated against influenza. Methods This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 97 participants (73.2% women) who received one dose of seasonal trivalent 2016-2017 influenza vaccine. The patients were randomized into an experimental group, which re - ceived vitamin D supplementation for three months start - ing on the day of vaccination, and a control group, which did not receive vitamin D supplementation. The primary outcome was the number of influenza infections labora - tory-confirmed using a rapid point-of-care test based on nasal swabs collected during vitamin D supplementation. The secondary outcome was serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level at the end of the study. Results The mean age ±standard deviation was 78.5± 8.8 years. All participants had vitamin D deficiency at baseline. Twenty-three participants who developed signs of respira - tory infections during the study were tested for influenza virus. Although the number of influenza-positive partici - pants was lower in the group receiving vitamin D supple - mentation as compared with the control group (5 vs 12), this difference was not significant. Vitamin D supplemen - tation failed to increase 25(OH)D levels after three months of supplementation. Conclusion Elderly nursing home residents in Zagreb County have a significant vitamin D deficiency. The recom - mended national supplementation of 800 IU daily failed to lead to vitamin D sufficiency and did not reduce the risk of influenza infection among the vaccinated elderly.

Multiple vertebral compression and rib fractures in elderly patients with pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common scenario associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Severe pain prevents normal ventilation and leads to atelectasis, consolidation, and pneumonia. Subsequently, these patients frequently develop respiratory failure and require intubation and critical care. Therefore, adequate analgesia is often a life-saving intervention. Anesthetic management of a 78-year-old kyphotic patient with T6, T7, and T9 rib fractures on the right and T10–12 vertebral compression fractures sustained in an accidental fall is presented. She had inadequate pain control and was unable to take a deep breath or cough. Her respiratory status was deteriorating, with tachypnea and worsening hypoxia, necessitating bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) support. Since thoracic epidural analgesia was contraindicated owing to compressive vertebral fractures and to the pending respiratory failure, we opted for a unilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) block at the T7 level and bilateral retrolaminar (RL) blocks at the T10 level. Following the procedure, the pain was immediately relieved and the patient was able to take deep breaths. Shortly thereafter, her respiratory status improved, with the respiratory rate coming back close to the baseline. The patient was subsequently weaned from BiPAP support and discharged from the intensive care unit. While the combination of ESP and RL blocks is not routinely used in patients with multiple rib and vertebral compression fractures, our report indicates that it may be an excellent alternative for analgesia in situations where thoracic epidural and/or paravertebral blocks are contraindicated and when timely intervention could be potentially life-saving.

Introduction: The lives of most people around the world have changed since the onset of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (SARS-CoV - severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus). According to the WHO data, the first cases in Croatia were registered on February 26, in Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 5, and in Serbia on March 10, 2020. The assumption was that due to stress caused by imposed isolation, the alcohol consumption began to increase. Methods: In order to obtain information on alcohol consumption in the period before and during Covid-19 lockdown, an online anonymous survey was conducted, in which a total of 930 persons participated: 542 from Croatia, 219 from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 169 from Serbia. Results: Among those who completed the survey were 659 women and 271 men, mostly between 20-45 years old, with higher or secondary education. Most were employed, living in urban areas with a larger population. The obtained results did not show the influence of lockdown on alcohol consumption. On the contrary, 20.21% of participants, who had previously consumed alcohol, answered that they stopped consuming during the lockdown. Only 0.43% of participants started consuming alcohol precisely because of isolation. Conclusions: This research sheds new light on the daily practice of people during Covid-19 pandemic in the Western Balkans, known as a region where alcohol consumption is quite widespread

Departamento de ​Mejora Genética Animal (INIA), This work was aimed at evaluating loin transcriptome and metabolic pathway differences between the two main Serbian local pig breeds with divergent characteristics regarding muscle growth and fatness, as well as exploring nutrigenomic effects of tannin supplementation in Mangalitsa (MA) pigs. The study comprised 24 Mangalitsa and 10 Moravka (MO) males, which were kept under identical management conditions. Mangalitsa animals were divided in two nutritional groups (n = 12) receiving a standard (control) or tannin-supplemented diet (1.5%; MAT). Moravka pigs were fed the standard mixture. All animals were slaughtered at a similar age; 120 kg of average live weight (LW) and loin tissue was used for RNA-seq analysis. Results showed 306 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) according to breed, enriched in genes involved in growth, lipid metabolism, protein metabolism and muscle development, such as PDK4, FABP4, MYOD1 and STAT3, as well as a relevant number of genes involved in mitochondrial respiratory activity (MT-NDs, NDUFAs among others). Oxidative phosphorylation was the most significantly affected pathway, activated in Mangalitsa muscle, revealing the basis of a different muscle metabolism. Also, many other relevant pathways were affected by breed and involved in oxidative stress response, fat accumulation and development of skeletal muscle. Results also allowed the identification of potential regulators and causal networks such as those controlled by FLCN, PPARGC1A or PRKAB1 with relevant regulatory roles on DEGs involved in mitochondrial and lipid metabolism, or IL3 and TRAF2 potentially controlling DEGs involved in muscle development. The Tannin effect on transcriptome was small, with only 23 DEGs, but included interesting ones involved in lipid deposition such as PPARGC1B. The results indicate a significant effect of the breed on muscle tissue gene expression, affecting relevant biological pathways and allowing the identification of strong regulatory candidate genes to underlie the gene expression and phenotypic differences between the compared groups., This research was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 634476 (Project acronym: TREASURE). The contents of this manuscript reflects only the views of the authors and the European Union Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. MCP is co-financed by Slovenian Research Agency (grant P4-0133)., 23 Pág. (This article belongs to the Special Issue Transcriptomics in Autochthonous Breeds or Populations of Livestock and Aquaculture Species)

Since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported from China the disease became pandemic within a few months. The viral genome was sequenced soon after the outbreak of COVID-19 which enabled development of diagnostic tests and therapeutic options. As the knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 virology increased, many potential drugs appeared. At this moment (January 12th 2021), 4426 studies of COVID-19 are registered, and more than 2680 studies are investigating therapeutic options. This is a short narrative review of currently available evidence on pharmacological treatment of COVID-19.

Highlights • What’s new? • Currently there is no evidence for a different course of COVID-19 in HIV(+) patients. • This is the first report on COVID-19 among HIV(+) persons in Central and Eastern Europe. • Earlier reports suggested that some antivirals may suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication. • We analyzed a series of 34 cases of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. • We found that HIV-related factors are not associated with the course of COVID-19. • Our analysis suggests that antiretrovirals may be associated with the course of COVID-19., Background There is currently no evidence suggesting that COVID-19 takes a different course in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral treatment compared to the general population. However, little is known about the relation between specific HIV-related factors and the severity of the COVID-19 disease. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of cases collected through an on-line survey distributed by the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group. In statistical analyses characteristics of HIV-positive patients, asymptomatic/moderate and moderate/severe course were compared. Results In total 34 HIV-positive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were reported by 12 countries (Estonia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Albania, Belarus, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Russia, Hungary, Bulgaria). Asymptomatic courses of COVID-19 were reported in four (12%) cases, 11 (32%) patients presented with mild disease not requiring hospitalization, moderate disease with respiratory and/or systemic symptoms was observed in 14 (41%) cases, and severe disease with respiratory failure was found in five (15%) patients. The HIV-related characteristics of patients with an asymptomatic/mild course of COVID-19 were comparable to those with a moderate/severe course of COVID-19, except for the use of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) in cART regimen (0.0% vs. 31.6% respectively, p = 0.0239). Conclusions In our analyses HIV viral suppression and immunological status were not associated with the course of COVID-19 disease. On the contrary the cART regimen could contribute to severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Large and prospective studies are necessary to further investigate this relationship.

The main subject and goal of this paper is to present the role of technological preparation of production in the manufacturing process of injection molds. The activities of constructing mold for a specific product - pipe holder for underfloor heating, designing the technological process of manufacturing vital parts of mold, as well as generating numerical control program for their machining on CNC machines using the software system PTC/Creo Parametric are described and realized.

Since it emerged in China in the late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread throughout the world and caused the newest pandemic. The epidemiological characteristics of the virus and the clinical manifestations of the COVID-19 disease are currently being studied. The new data is emerging continuously but not yet fully understood. So far, we have learned a lot about the virus and the disease but more research is needed as many issues are still being explored.

The misuse of psychoactive substances is attracting a great deal of attention from the general public. An increase use of psychoactive substances is observed among young people who do not have enough awareness of the harmful effects of these substances. Easy access to illicit drugs at low cost and lack of effective means of routine screening for new psychoactive substances (NPS) have contributed to the rapid increase in their use. New research and evidence suggest that drug use can cause a variety of adverse psychological and physiological effects on human health (anxiety, panic, paranoia, psychosis, and seizures). We describe different classes of these NPS drugs with emphasis on the methods used to identify them and the identification of their metabolites in biological specimens. This is the first review that thoroughly gives the literature on both natural and synthetic illegal drugs with old known data and very hot new topics and investigations, which enables the researcher to use it as a starting point in the literature exploration and planning of the own research. For the first time, the conformational analysis was done for selected illegal drugs, giving rise to the search of the biologically active conformations both theoretically and using lab experiments.

Ibogaine is a psychotropic indole alkaloid extracted from the roots of the Tabernanthe iboga shrub from the Apocynaceae family. Depending on the taken dose, it can lead to stimulant effects, euphoria, visual and auditory hallucinations, along with auditory, olfactory, and gustatory synesthesia. In addition to its historical usage in spiritual rituals of African tribes, these days iboga extract presents a prohibited, alternative drug widely used as a part of addiction treatment. Ibogaine used in opioid withdrawal is associated with serious side effects and sudden deaths. Besides its main use as an anti-addiction medication in alternative medicine, in moderate doses (from 100mg to 1g) ibogaine most commonly causes a "trance-like state".In this paper, we report the case of a heroin addict who died suddenly 5-12 hours after oral ingestion of powder labeled Tabernanthe iboga which had been bought online and used in the process of detoxification during an addiction treatment. The man was found dead in a rented apartment, where he was undergoing the addiction treatment.External examination revealed no lesions other than nonspecific injuries on the legs. The autopsy showed congestion of internal organs and pulmonary edema. Histopathological analysis of the heart showed neither macroscopic nor microscopic abnormalities. The concentration of ibogaine was 3.26mg/L. Moreover, systematic toxicological analyses of biological samples showed the presence of morphine and codeine. These data suggest that death, which occurred unnaturally after initiation of the "treatment", was probably the result of the cardiovascular effects caused by the ibogaine powder.The presented case highlights the worldwide problem of various products being widely available over the internet and the danger associated with consumption thereof.

Control of robot end-effector (EE) Cartesian stiffness matrix (or the whole mechanical impedance) is still a challenging open issue in physical humanrobot interaction (pHRI). This paper presents an optimization approach for shaping the robot EE Cartesian stiffness. This research targets collaborative robots with intrinsic compliance - serial elastic actuators (SEAs). Although robots with SEAs have constant joint stiffness, task redundancy (null-space) for a specific task could be used for robot reconfiguration and shaping the stiffness matrix while still keeping the EE position unchanged. The method proposed in this paper to investigate null-space reconfiguration's influence on Cartesian robot stiffness is based on the Sequential Least Squares Programming (SLSQP) algorithm, which presents an expansion of the quadratic programming algorithm for nonlinear functions with constraints. The method is tested in simulations for 4 DOF planar robot. Results are presented for control of the EE Cartesian stiffness initially along one axis, and then control of stiffness along both planar axis - shaping the main diagonal of the EE stiffness matrix.

Introduction: In December 2019, the existence of a new type of disease, caused by SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was discovered in the city of Wuhan, the Republic of China. The disease itself is characterized by a large number of patients with moderate and severe clinical presentation, who require hospital treatment. The organization of the healthcare system of Serbia, during the aforementioned pandemic, has required the engagement of all doctors, regardless of their specialty, in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Surgeons of all branches, from the Surgery Clinic of the Clinical Hospital Center Zemun, were directly engaged in the treatment of both primary manifestations of the virus and the numerous surgical complications arising in the wake of this disease, but also in the treatment of primary acute surgical diseases in COVID-19-positive patients. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present the functioning of the Surgery Clinic of CHC Zemun, in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to present the types and results of surgical procedures performed in patients with the COVID-19 infection. Methods: This study was conceived as a retrospective study and was conducted in the period between February 2020 and April 2021, in patients who had undergone emergency surgery and in whom the COVID-19 infection had previously been verified. A total of 232 patients surgically treated at the level of the entire Surgery Clinic of the CHC Zemun participated in the study. Results: Chest drainage, due to the development of pneumothorax, accounted for a quarter of all surgical procedures performed, while, in 53.85% of cases, surgical treatment was undertaken due to acute abdomen of various etiology, and in 21.15% of cases, due to vascular diseases. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is, in itself, a major challenge for the entire healthcare system. The role of the surgeon is significant, both in organization and in direct treatment, which is additionally complicated by the uniqueness of the entire situation and the severity of the disease itself. In addition to their involvement in the treatment of the COVID-19 infection itself, surgeons were, in a large number of cases, engaged in their primary activity in health care, i.e., in the treatment of surgical diseases and complications of COVID-19, performing demanding surgical procedures in very difficult and unique conditions.

Introduction. Primary hyperparathyroidism is rare pathology in children (2?5:100,000). In more than 85% of patients, a single adenoma is present, and its extirpation is usually the only treatment a patient requires. In approximately 15?80% of cases, ectopic mediastinal parathyroid tissue can be found inside the thymus. Case outline. Our patient was a 13-year-old boy, who presented with multiple bone fractures in the previous period of time, and fatigue. Parathyroid hormone levels preoperatively were extremely high (1320 pg/ml ? more than 19 times higher than normal). Serum calcium was also elevated (total 3.55 mmol/l; ionized 1.41 mmol/l). He was examined and diagnosed as primary hyperparathyroidism by a pediatric endocrinologist. Imaging procedures for the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas were done (99mTc sestamibi scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging suggested ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma). The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedure. After exploration of the mediastinum and chest, no ectopic parathyroid tissue was found, so total thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed. Final pathological section confirmed parathyroid adenoma inside the thymus. Conclusion. We believe that if no parathyroid tissue is found during surgical exploration of mediastinum, in a child with preoperatively detected parathyroid adenoma in anterior mediastinum, recommendation is to think about possible intrathymic localization and consider removing the thymus. Greater sample size is necessary for higher reliability of this statement.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops. It is the object of many studies, aiming to utilize its full genetic potential and quality, while protecting it from the harmful external factors. Considering that weeds in the early stage of maize development can severely affect the yield, effective weed control is of great importance. As the most significant herbicides in fighting maize weeds, sulfonylurea herbicides are singled out. The aim of this research was to test the impact of different concentrations of nicosulfuron (150 and 250 mg/mL) on the biochemical (oxidative and anti-oxidative) parameters of two maize hybrids (ZP 555 and ZP 606). After treating maize plants with different concentrations of nicosulfuron for five days, concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), phenolic compounds and total chlorophyll were measured, as well as the activity of enzymes Peroxidase Class III (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The results showed that nicosulfuron significantly impacted the biochemical parameters in the root and leaves of maize. Differences in impact of nicosulfuron at different concentrations and differences in the tolerance of two hybrids to treatment were also observed.

Introduction. Higher level of knowledge and frequent contacts with peers with disabilities can influence the emergence of more positive attitudes of students towards peers with disabilities. In regard to that, our aim was to test the importance of knowledge, contact frequency and other possible factors influencing attitudes of students toward disabled peers. Methods. The study included 140 students of 4th and 5th grade of primary schools. The research was conducted in the period from December 2020 to March 2021 in two primary schools. The Chedoke McMaster scale was used to examine students' attitudes toward peers with disabilities, while Contact with Disabled Persons Scale and the Children's Knowledge about Handicapped Persons Scale were used to assess frequency of contact and knowledge about disabilities. Results. Girls showed a significantly higher level (25.21±6.21) of frequency of contacts with students with disabilities compared to boys (19.66±7.30) (p=0.043) and higher level of knowledge (27.88±5.88) about disabilities compared to boys (25.50±4.69) (p=0.009). Respondents who attended school together with children with disabilities (31.07 ± 8.41) showed a significantly higher level of frequency of contacts with students with disabilities compared to respondents who did not attend school with peers with disabilities (13.72±6.32) (p=0.001). Conclusion. Higher level of knowledge and frequent contacts with peers with disabilities does not have influence on the emergence of more positive attitudes of students towards peers with disabilities.

The development of solid dosage forms that are both convenient for administration and allow precise drug dosing for pediatric patients is one of the great challenges in contemporary pharmaceutical technology. The presented study has utilized propranolol hydrochloride, as one of the most frequently prescribed drugs that require manipulation of the conventional dosage forms to be administered to children. Multiparticulate oral formulations, powder- and granule-filled capsules, as well as mini tablets, were prepared and characterized in terms of their mass and content uniformity and compared to conventional marketed tablets split into halves and quarters. The obtained results have demonstrated the superiority of the multiparticulate formulations, in terms of their average mass and drug content uniformity. It has also been demonstrated that, due to improved flowability, granule-filled capsules are more conveniently compounded and provide higher content uniformity compared to powder-filled capsules. The presented compounding method could be easily employed in community pharmacy settings. Mini tablets with high and uniform content of propranolol hydrochloride have been successfully prepared, thereby presenting a viable strategy for efficient drug dose adjustment. Razvoj čvrstih farmaceutskih oblika lekova koji su prikladni za primenu kod pedijatrijske populacije pacijenata, ali koji istovremeno omogućavaju i precizno doziranje lekovite supstance, predstavlja jedan od vodećih izazova u farmaceutskoj tehnologiji. Prikazana studija koristi propranolol-hidrohlorid, kao jedan od najčešće primenjivanih lekova koji zahteva prilagođavanje farmaceutskih oblika za primenu kod dece. Višečestični farmaceutski oblici u vidu kapsula napunjenih praškom ili granulama, kao i mini tablete, su izrađene i ispitane u pogledu variranja mase i ujednačenosti sadržaja lekovite supstance. Dobijeni rezultati su upoređeni sa variranjem mase uzoraka koji se dobijaju deljenjem konvencionalnih registrovanih tableta na polovine i četvrtine. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na superiornost višečestičnih farmaceutskih oblika, zbog visokog stepena ujednačenosti mase i sadržaja lekovite supstance. Takođe je pokazano da se, zbog unapređene protočnosti, kapsule lakše pune granulama u odnosu na praškove, kao i da takvi farmaceutski oblici imaju veću ujednačenost mase i sadržaja lekovite supstance. Predstavljeni postupak izrade je jednostavan za izvođenje u uslovima apoteke. Mini tablete sa visokim udelom i ujednačenim sadržajem propranolol-hidrohlorida su uspešno izrađene, i predstavljaju značajnu strategiju koja može da omogući efikasno prilagođavanje doze lekovite supstance.

Flooding stress nowadays is one of the major stressors for plants under climate change. This kind of stress may cause severe depression of the plant’s growth through inhibition of photosynthesis and oxidative cell damage as well as changes in cell respiration. The present work aimed to study the effect of flooding stress on oxidative and antioxidative parameters in leaves of two maize hybrids (ZP 555 and ZP 606). Leaves of maize plants at the stage of three fully developed leaves were harvested after 6, 24, 72, and 144 h of applied flooding stress. Leaves were used for determination of physiological (the content of photosynthetic pigments and soluble proteins), oxidative stress parameters (the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2) as well as antioxidants (the total polyphenols content, and activity of antioxidative enzymes [catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), and Class III peroxidases (POX, EC, 1.11.1.7)]). Results indicated that flooding stress-induced time-dependent changes of measured parameters and those hybrids differ in response to stress. The noticeable difference between hybrids was detected in the H2O2 and MDA content. An increase in the activity of SOD, POX and polyphenols content, with the most pronounced changes in POX activity and polyphenols concentration, could minimize the cellular damage caused by flooding. The results of the present study suggest that a more robust antioxidative metabolism is essential under flooding stress and could be a protective strategy against oxidative damage induced by flooding in ZP 606 maize plants compared to ZP 555 plants.

This paper will present the results of a study on dietary habits in adolescents. The high school or adolescent era is a time of great physical and psychological changes, which cause instability and oscillations in the mood and behavior of high school students. Results obtained by interviewing secondary school students about eating habits and results obtained using a standardized questionnaire for the risk of type 2 diabetes were analyzed using a reliable statistical tool IBM SPSS Statistical, which offers a range of reliable analyzes and statistical tests. Previous research has shown that for each person with type 2 diabetes, one person finds out who does not know it. Discovery of pre-diabetes, in new potential patients, is necessary at the earliest age, when a number of factors affect lifestyles, such as irregular nutrition and obesity, physical inactivity, stress, and others become important for the development of this disease. Detection of risk levels in potential patients is important for both the individual and public health, and everyday clinical practice. After determining the degree of risk for a particular sample, a set of measures for a particular adolescent population will be recommended, so that the disease does not occur, or its onset will move for a later period of life.

At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emergency Center of the University Clinical Center of Serbia (EC-UCCS), although a non-covid hospital, had to adapt to taking care of a large number of critically ill and, at the same time, potentially contagious patients. In this paper, we present the ways that the EC-UCCS has adjusted to the conditions of the pandemic, where no precise protocols had previously been established for acting in these types of situations. In March 2019, the Admissions Triage Facility of Emergency Medicine (ATFEM) was established. The main task of this facility was to separate patients with epidemiological risk (ER) from patients without risk and to carry out their further isolated care. ER assessment involves completing an epidemiological questionnaire, a targeted brief history, body temperature measurement, and assessment of the patient's respiratory status. The complete triage process, initial diagnosis, and treatment of patients with ER is the task and responsibility of emergency medicine specialists. Between March 15, 2020 and March 15, 2021, about 155,000 patients were examined in triage, of whom 9,519 had ER and were taken care of in the ATFEM. This triage method minimizes the spread of infection while taking care of all critically ill patients, regardless of ER. However, both patients with low and high risk of COVID-19, were all admitted to the same facility, due to the shortage of available space. Also, triage relates only to "covid triage" and not to triage according to the degree of urgency of the patients, which is the primary task of every modern emergency center.

Objective. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body either does not produce or inadequately uses the hormone of the pancreas, insulin. Health education work with this population of patients is an important aspect of treatment and health care, it aims to change harmful health behavior and prevent complications. The aim of the research is to examine the information and health habits of patients with diabetes mellitus, to determine the presence of factors that can affect the worsening of the condition and lead to complications of the disease. Methods. The research was conducted according to the type of cross-sectional study. To collect data, a questionnaire for patients with diabetes mellitus was used, which the authors constructed for this research. The research was conducted in the population of patients with diabetes, in the period June-August 2018. at the General Hospital in Valjevo. The sample consisted of 110 respondents. Results. In the observed sample, almost 2/3 (63%) of the respondents are overweight, and almost 3/4 (74%) of the respondents regularly control their blood sugar values. More than 1/2 (56%) were educated for glycemic self-control, 70% were informed about signs of hyperglycemia, 87% were signs of hypoglycemia. More than 1/3 of respondents are exclusively on insulin therapy, 87% adhere to the therapeutic regimen, 87% of the subjects are trained for insulin self-application. 90% of respondents go to check-ups regularly, and 97% think that the information they receive from health workers is useful. Conclusion. Healthcare professionals of all profiles, primarily doctors and nurses, should continuously conduct health education work with people with diabetes. The largest number of patients in the observed sample were informed about their disease and hygienic dietary regime. In order to make the results even more encouraging, it is necessary to intensify health education work at all levels of health care.

Introduction: There is a growing amount of evidence showing the significant analytical bias of steroid hormone immunoassays, but large number of available immunoassays makes conduction of a single comprehensive study of this issue hardly feasible. Aim of this study was to assess the analytical bias of six heterogeneous immunoassays for serum aldosterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (OHP) and progesterone using the liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Materials and methods: This method comparison study included 49 serum samples. Testosterone, DHEAS, progesterone and cortisol immunoassays were performed on the Abbott Architect i2000SR or Alinity i analysers (Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, USA). DiaSorin’s Liaison (DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy) and DIAsource’s ETI-Max 3000 analysers (DIAsource ImmunoAssays, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium) were chosen for aldosterone and OHP immunoassay testing, respectively. All immunoassays were evaluated against the LC-MS/MS assay relying on the commercial kit (Chromsystems, Gräfelfing, Germany) and LCMS-8050 analyser (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). Analytical biases were calculated and method comparison was conducted using weighted Deming regression analysis. Results: Depending on the analyte and specific immunoassay, mean relative biases ranged from -31 to + 137%. Except for the cortisol, immunoassays were positively biased. For none of the selected steroids slope and intercept 95% confidence intervals simultaneously contained 0 and 1, respectively. Conclusions: Evaluated immunoassays failed to satisfy requirements for methods’ comparability and produced significant analytical biases in respect to the LC-MS/MS assay, especially at low concentrations.

A nine-year-old male dog of Doberman breed was taken to the laboratory for animal reproduction of the Scientific Veterinary Institute „Novi Sad“ for semen quality control. The sample of the ejaculate was taken without difficulty; however, the sample contained a significant amount of fresh blood (total ejaculate volume was 5 ml). The assessment of semen quality from such sample was not possible because blood components mask the spermatozoa. Nevertheless, the sample of ejaculate drop was placed for microscopic observation and analysis. In the semen, a lot of blood cells and only a few spermatozoids (mostly not moving) were found; however, something else was observed - the presence of a live motile organism, long-shaped, looking very much like a larval stage of a parasite Dirofilaria sp. Next day, the blood sample was taken for the analysis for dirofilariosis. The result of the ELISA test for Dirofilaria immitis antigen was negative indicating the absence of adult worms of Dirofilaria immitis. The result of modified Knott test showed the presence of larval stages of Dirofilaria repens.

The persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus imposed vaccination passports for traveling in most countries. We investigated psychological factors that predict the intention to vaccinate for travel. In a cross-sectional study, we examined how demographic variables, vaccination status, perceived risk of infection and severity of disease contracted at travel destination, safety and effectiveness of vaccines against contracting COVID-19 during travel, and conspiracy beliefs are related to intention to vaccinate for travel. Further analyses involved differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in a Romanian sample regarding conspiracy beliefs, attitudes about vaccines, and self-efficacy of controlling COVID-19 infection. Results showed that the intention to vaccinate for travel reasons is best predicted by vaccination status and perceptions of safety and efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19. Thus, vaccinated individuals believing that vaccines are safe and effective most probably will take another vaccine booster if it will allow them to travel. Positive relationships of the intention to vaccinate for travel reasons were found with age, vaccination status, conspiracy beliefs, perceptions of safety and effectiveness of vaccines, intention to travel, and a more cautious approach to travel. No significant relationships were found between perceptions of risk for self or for transmitting the disease to others, severity of disease, and the intention to vaccinate for travel. We also found significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, as unvaccinated participants showed higher levels of conspiracy beliefs and less trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines. We conclude that campaigns focused on promoting information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines is the most important direction for promoting vaccination in young travelers.

Intensive broiler chicken production involves different lighting regimes, which affects a natural cycle of secretion of melatonin, a hormone included in multiple physiological processes in a bird's body. This research aimed to determine the effects of dietary melatonin supplementation during the first two weeks of broiler chickens' life, bred under constant 24 h lighting, on their health and some hematological, biochemical, and production parameters. The study lasted 6 weeks. Three hundred and twenty 1-day chickens were divided into two groups (control-C and experimental-M), with four replications and 40 chickens in each replica. In the first two weeks (the first phase of the study), a continuous lighting mode 24L: 0D was applied. Group M was receiving a diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg synthetic melatonin only during the first phase. Group C had a diet without melatonin supplementation throughout the whole study. Melatonin addition had a statistically significant effect (P

Introduction: Cell population data (CPD) are background optical signals measured during complete blood count analysis on hematology analyzers that reflect structural and morphological characteristics of leukocytes. Our aim was to assess the value of CPD obtained on Sysmex XN-1000 in the differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the early stage of the disease. Methods: This retrospective study included 114 COVID-19 confirmed cases and 88 negative patients presenting with respiratory flu-like symptoms for whom laboratory analysis was performed at hospital admission. Results of leukocyte count, including CPD, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between the two groups. Results: All CPD except lymphocyte internal complexity (LY-WX) and monocyte nucleic acid content (MO- WY) were significantly different in COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19 cases (P

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has enormous effects on peoples’ lives and on the global economy. The outbreak and effects of COVID-19 have resulted in fears, concerns, and anxiety among people all around the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19, travel anxiety, and travel intention among residents in Serbia. In addition to the above, the aim of the study was to examine the impact of personality traits on the fear of COVID-19, travel anxiety, and travel intentions. To enhance the understanding of the relationship between the mentioned variables, this study proposes a research model based on the use of measurement scales from the existing studies to develop the questionnaire. The standard paper-and-pen survey was used for data collection from the respondents from Serbia. The total sample include 987 respondents. It was determined that Travel intention was negatively influenced by Neuroticism and Conscientiousness, but positively by Extroversion and Openness. The supposed Agreeableness did not have a significant effect on Travel intention. This study contributes to understanding the respondents’ behavior during pandemic of COVID-19, and their responses to the crisis according to their personality traits might have practical implications in the travel sector.

Background and Objectives: Acute appendicitis in pediatric patients is one of the most common surgical emergencies, but the early diagnosis still remains challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), Mean platelet volume (MPV) and Platelet distribution width (PDW) in children with acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective assessment of laboratory findings (RDW, MPV, PDW) of patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute appendicitis from January 2019 to December 2020. Result: During this period, 223 appendectomies were performed at our Institute. In 107 (43%) cases appendicitis was uncomplicated, while in 116 (46.6%) it was complicated. WBC and RDW/MPV ratio were significant parameters for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with cut-off values of 12.86 (susceptibility: 66.3%, specificity: 73.2%) and 1.64 (susceptibility: 59.8%, specificity: 71.9%), respectively. WBC and RDW/RBC ratio were independent variables for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis. The cut-off values were 15.05 for WBC (sensitivity: 60.5%, specificity: 70.7%) and 2.5 for RDW/RBC ratio (sensitivity: 72%, specificity: 52.8%). Conclusions: WBC is an important predictor of appendicitis and complicated appendicitis. RDW, MPV and PDW alone have no diagnostic value in pediatric acute appendicitis or predicting the degree of appendix inflammation. However, the RDW/MPV ratio can be an important predictor of appendix inflammation, with higher values in patients with more severe appendix inflammation. RDW/RBC ratio may be an important predictor of complicated appendicitis.

Disease-specific treatments are available only for a minority of patients with genetic epilepsies, while the rest are treated with anticonvulsants, which are ineffective in almost one-third of patients.Recently approved and the most effective emerging therapeutics under development for the treatment of genetic epilepsies are overviewed after systematic search and analysis of relevant literature.New and emerging drugs for genetic epilepsies exploit one of the two approaches: inhibiting hyperactive brain foci through blocking excitatory or augmenting inhibitory neurotransmission, or correcting the underlying genetic defect. The first is limited by insufficient selectivity of available compounds, and the second by imperfection of currently used vectors of genetic material, unselective and transient transgene expression. Besides, the treatment may come too late, after structural abnormalities and epilepsy deterioration takes place. However, with recent improvements, we can expect to see soon gradual decline in the number of patients with therapy-resistant genetic epilepsies.

To evaluate our single-center experience and results in management of children diagnosed with ovarian masses using minimal access surgery. Retrospective data review (2014–2016) of patients with adnexal disease was performed. Institutional ethical committee approval was obtained for this analysis. Twenty-one girls aged 9–18 years with 12 right, 7 left and 2 bilateral ovarian masses were analyzed. Of these 16 girls, 15 were operated laparoscopically based on clinical findings, ultrasound reports, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and tumor marker levels. There was a significant difference observed in the size of ovarian masses between operated versus non-operated group (87.1 vs. 31.8 mm; p

Background/Aim. Serotonin [5-hydroxytriptanine (5-HT)], as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is included in the regulation of autonomic and cognitive functions, sensory processing, motor activity, emotions, mood, and almost every kind of behavior. In forensic investigations of death, 5-HT has been studied in different body fluids, regarding the cause of death, particularly in suicides and drug abuse or as a marker of an acute stress response. The aim of this study was to establish 5-HT levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a marker of its central activity during fatal event in deaths different in manner, particularly in cases where the victims were aware of the stressful event. Methods. Study sample consisted of 81 postmortem CSF obtained during autopsy. Concentrations of the 5-HT were established regarding natural versus violent (accidents, homicides and suicides) deaths. After preparation, samples were analyzed through the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Results. Violent deaths had significantly higher 5-HT levels (U = 519.000; p < 0.05). Differences were found in mean values among different causes of death (higher in blunt injury, stabbing and intoxication, while lower in cardiac deaths and hypothermia) but without statistical significance. 5-HT levels significantly differed among age groups (?2 = 13.354; p = 0.001), with the tendency to decrease with age. No differences in 5-HT levels were observed regarding gender, length of agony period, and awareness of impending lethal outcome. The values tended to increase with postmortem interval albeit without significant differences. Conclusion. Serotonin could be a useful postmortem biochemical marker to distinguish natural and violent death, regardless of individual variability in concentrations.

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a 4R-tauopathy predominated by subcortical pathology in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglia associated with various clinical phenotypes. In the present international study, we addressed the question of whether or not sequential distribution patterns can be recognized for PSP pathology. We evaluated heat maps and distribution patterns of neuronal, astroglial, and oligodendroglial tau pathologies and their combinations in different clinical subtypes of PSP in postmortem brains. We used conditional probability and logistic regression to model the sequential distribution of tau pathologies across different brain regions. Tau pathology uniformly predominates in the neurons of the pallido-nigro-luysian axis in different clinical subtypes. However, clinical subtypes are distinguished not only by total tau load but rather cell-type (neuronal versus glial) specific vulnerability patterns of brain regions suggesting distinct dynamics or circuit-specific segregation of propagation of tau pathologies. For Richardson syndrome (n = 81) we recognize six sequential steps of involvement of brain regions by the combination of cellular tau pathologies. This is translated to six stages for the practical neuropathological diagnosis by the evaluation of the subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus, striatum, cerebellum with dentate nucleus, and frontal and occipital cortices. This system can be applied to further clinical subtypes by emphasizing whether they show caudal (cerebellum/dentate nucleus) or rostral (cortical) predominant, or both types of pattern. Defining cell-specific stages of tau pathology helps to identify preclinical or early-stage cases for the better understanding of early pathogenic events, has implications for understanding the clinical subtype-specific dynamics of disease-propagation, and informs tau-neuroimaging on distribution patterns. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00401-020-02158-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objectives: To assess the prognostic value of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation. Methods: In this prospective study, PTX3, interleukin (IL-6), IL-10, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) plasma values were determined before and 24 hours after BMS implantation in 97 consecutively enrolled patients with STEMI who were admitted to University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina between February 2016 and February 2017. Patients were followed for 24 months to assess major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Results: At 24 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), plasma values of PTX3, IL-6, hsCRP, and cTnI were significantly increased; and IL-10 levels were significantly decreased compared with the values determined before PCI. Patients with MACEs had significantly higher plasma PTX3 levels at 24 hours after BMS-PCI than in patients without MACEs. Patients with PTX3 plasma values ≥5042 ng/ml had a significantly higher risk of MACEs than patients with PTX3 levels

Tau pathology is the main driver of neuronal dysfunction in 4-repeat tauopathies (4RT), including cortico-basal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Tau is assumed to spread prion-like across connected neurons, but the mechanisms of tau propagation are largely elusive in 4RTs, characterized not only by neuronal but also by astroglial and oligodendroglial tau accumulation. Here, we assessed whether connectivity drives 4R-tau spreading patterns by combining resting-state fMRI connectomics with both 2nd generation 18F- PI-2620 tau-PET in 46 patients with clinically diagnosed 4RTs and post-mortem cell-type- specific regional tau assessments from two independent PSP samples (n=97/96). We found that inter-regional connectivity was associated with higher inter-regional correlation of both tau- PET and post-mortem tau levels in 4RTs. In regional cell-type specific post-mortem tau assessments, this association was stronger for neuronal than for astroglial or oligodendroglial tau, suggesting that connectivity is primarily associated with trans-neuronal tau spread. Using tau-PET we found that patient-level tau patterns can be predicted by the connectivity of subcortical tau epicenters. Together, the current study provides combined in vivo tau-PET and histopathological evidence for brain connectivity as a key mediator of trans-neuronal tau spreading in 4RTs.

The acidic skin pH is one of the regulating factors of skin barrier homeostasis. Topical products as extrinsic factors which influence skin pH could be used for acidification of the skin and consequent beneficial effect. To formulate stabile and safe topical emulsion product with low pH is on-going challenge and areas interesting to explore are related to the effect of acidic products on the skin pH together with development of protocols for these studies. Aim of our work was to investigate formulations of acidic topical products with glycolic acid (GA) stabilized with long chain alkyl polyglucoside emulsifier, in regard to the specific colloidal structure of the vehicle, together with effect of products with different concentration of acidic active on skin pH.Investigated formulations were basic vehicle and two creams with glycolic acid (concentration 2 and 10 wt%). Microstructure was investigated by polarization microscopy, Raman spectral imaging, thermal analysis and rheological measurements. Effects on the skin were assessed by measurement of biophysical skin parameters in vivo studies (5-hour, 24-hour and 7-days). In vitro screening of antimicrobial activity was performed against bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis.Polarization micrographs and Raman images have shown that GA does not disturb the specific colloidal structure. Together with rheological and thermal analysis obtained results have shown that GA in higher concentrations contributes to vehicles' lamellar structure. In 5-hour study the mean values of skin pH ranged from 3.98-4.25 and 3.89-4.10 after application of products with smaller and higher GA concentration. GA samples lowered skin surface pH to 5 and less in 24-hour and 7-day study, with stronger effect of sample with more GA. Sample with 10% of GA had significant inhibitory effect on growth of S. epidermidis in 1:1 concentration.Investigated APG emulsifier could be used as a stabilizer for acidic topical products with GA which are characterized by satisfactory safety profile. Topical products induce acidification of the skin after short- and long-term application without barrier impairment or sign of irritation. Acidification of the skin depends on presence of ingredients which are proton donors and their concentrations.Le pH acide de la peau est l’un des facteurs de régulation de l’homéostasie de la barrière cutanée. Les produits topiques pourraient être utilisés en tant que facteurs extrinsèques d’influence du pH cutané pour permettre l’acidification de la peau et obtenir l’effet bénéfique qui en résulte. Formuler des émulsions topiques stables et sûres à faible pH représente un défi constant et les domaines d’étude dignes d’intérêt portent sur l’effet des produits acides sur le pH cutané et sur l’élaboration de protocoles pour ces études. L’objectif de notre travail était d’étudier des formulations de produits topiques acides à base d’acide glycolique (AG) stabilisé à l’aide d’un émulsionnant à base d’alkylpolyglucoside (APG) à longue chaîne, par rapport à la structure colloïdale spécifique de l’excipient, ainsi que l’effet des produits à différentes concentrations d’acide actif sur le pH cutané. MÉTHODES: Les formulations étudiées étaient un excipient de base et deux crèmes à base d’acide glycolique (concentration égale à 2 % et 10 % de la fraction massique). La microstructure a été étudiée par microscopie à polarisation, par spectroscopie Raman, par analyse thermique et par mesures rhéologiques. Les effets cutanés ont été évalués par la mesure des paramètres cutanés biophysiques dans des études in vivo (5 heures, 24 heures et 7 jours). Un dépistage in vitro de l’activité antimicrobienne a été effectué sur la bactérie Staphylococcus epidermidis. RÉSULTATS: Les micrographies après polarisation et les images obtenues par spectroscopie Raman ont montré que l’AG ne perturbe pas la structure colloïdale spécifique. Avec les analyses rhéologique et thermique, les résultats obtenus ont montré que l’AG à des concentrations plus élevées joue un rôle dans la structure lamellaire des excipients. Dans l’étude de 5 heures, les valeurs moyennes du pH cutané allaient de 3,98 à 4,25 et de 3,89 à 4,10 après l’application des produits présentant une concentration d’AG plus faible et plus élevée. Grâce aux échantillons d’AG, le pH de la surface cutanée a diminué, passant ainsi à une valeur de 5 et à des valeurs inférieures dans les études de 24 heures et de 7 jours, et l’échantillon contenant davantage d’AG a eu un effet plus important. L’échantillon contenant 10 % d’AG a eu un effet inhibiteur significatif sur la croissance de la bactérie S. epidermidis à une concentration de 1:1.L’émulsionnant à base d’APG étudié pourrait être utilisé comme stabilisateur pour les produits topiques acides à base d’AG caractérisés par un profil d’innocuité satisfaisant. Les produits topiques induisent une acidification de la peau après une application à court et à long terme sans altération de la barrière cutanée ou signe d’irritation. L’acidification de la peau dépend de la présence de donneurs de proton parmi les composants et de leurs concentrations.

Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and titres of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children treated at the Children’s Hospital Zagreb in the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical significance of difference at two time points was done to determine how restrictive epidemiological measures and exposure of children to COVID-19 infection affect this prevalence in different age groups.Materials and methods: At the first time point (13th to 29th May 2020), 240 samples and in second time point (24th October to 23rd November 2020), 308 serum samples were tested for anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electrochemilumines-cence immunoassay (ECLIA). Confirmation of results and titre determination was done using virus micro-neutralization test. Subjects were divided according to gender, age and epidemiological history. Results: Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differs significantly in two time points (P = 0.010). In first time point 2.9% of seropositive children were determined and in second time point 8.4%. Statistically significant difference (P = 0.007) of seroprevalence between two time points was found only in a group of children aged 11-19 years. At the first time point, all seropositive children were asymptomatic with titre < 8. At the second time point, 69.2% seropositive children were asymptomatic with titre ≥ 8. Conclusions: The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was significantly lower at the first time point than at the second time point. Values of virus micro- neutralization test showed that low titre in asymptomatic children was not protective at the first time point but in second time point all seropositive children had protective titre of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Background Platelet transfusion practice varies widely since many aspects of platelet concentrate (PC) use have not been definitively determined. The objectives of this retrospective study were to present platelet transfusion practice and evaluate PC and patient characteristics, as well as their association with transfusion reaction (TR) rate. Material and methods Platelet transfusions over a 5-year period were analysed regarding PC characteristics (the ABO and RhD compatibility, product type, and storage duration), patient characteristics (most responsible diagnosis, age, and gender), and TR type. Results A total of 46,351 PCs were transfused: 76.4% whole blood-derived (WBD) and 23.6% single donor apheresis (SDA). Three thousand seven hundred seventy-six patients received platelet transfusions: 24.7% paediatric and 75.3% adult patients, 79.6% outpatients and 20.4% inpatients. As much as 63.1% of all transfused PCs were fresh (stored for ≤ 3 days), 98.0% ABO-identical, and 87.3% of all PCs given to RhD− patients were RhD−. PCs were mainly transfused to haemato-oncology (76.8%) and cardiovascular surgery patients (6.5%). Overall, 84 (0.18%) TRs were reported, with allergic TRs (ATRs) being the most common. Although PC ABO compatibility and storage duration, as well as patient age and gender, showed differences in TR rate, only the use of PCs in platelet additive solution (PAS) showed a statistically significant reduction of TRs (P Conclusion Transfusion practice at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb resulted in almost all patients receiving ABO and RhD identical PCs, and most of them were fresh PCs. The most important factor affecting the incidence of TRs was platelet storage solution. The use of PAS effectively reduced the rate of TRs, particularly allergic TRs.

Extra-adrenal myelolipomas are rare, asymptomatic entities, although large tumors may cause local symptoms or hemorrhage. When these lesions occur outside the adrenals in the retroperitoneum, they are radiographically easily confused with both primary and secondary retroperitoneal tumors, which tend to be aggressive. Although myelolipomas are benign and can be managed conservatively, if malignancy is suspected, a surgical procedure is an option. We report a case of a 68-year-old patient with multiple perirenal extra-adrenal myelolipomas. Initial abdominal ultrasound reviled an inhomogeneous mass surrounding the left kidney. Subsequent CT examination of the abdomen showed four separate, extrarenal, well-circumscribed, round-shaped, fat-containing retroperitoneal tumors. Given the significant size of the masses, that compressed major abdominal vessels and the suspicion of liposarcoma, a surgical excision of the lesions was performed. The tumors were easily separated, all surrounding structures were spared, and they were removed completely. Histologically, all masses consisted of hematopoietic and mature fat tissue and the final diagnosis was extra-adrenal myelolipoma. The patient was released from the hospital 7th day after surgery in good condition and at his baseline. Since myelolipomas are, by definition, nonfunctional benign tumors, there was no need for further follow-up. The radiological evaluation and fine needle biopsy are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis, but in some cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma, the differentiation between myelolipoma and liposarcoma can be challenging. Therefore, considering that myelolipomas and liposarcomas have opposite prognoses, which affects the surgeon’s decision on the extent of surgical procedure and further treatment, we also emphasize the importance of intraoperative assessment of the tumor, both by the surgeon and by intraoperative pathology consultation.

In less intensive production systems, native poultry breeds can be used in order to diversify the products and achieve self-sustainability of these breeds through production. Given the missing data on the sustainability of quality of eggs obtained from indigenous, native hens, during storage, the aim of the study was to determine the most important parameters of egg quality of indigenous breed of Banat Naked Neck hens during a four-week period in different storage conditions. The design of the experiment was two-factorial with 4 levels of storage time factors (fresh eggs - 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of storage) and 2 levels of temperature storage condition factors (room temperature and refrigerator). The room temperature was on average 21.3?C and the refrigerator temperature 8?C. Quality analysis was performed on a total of 200 eggs, and it included following parameters: egg weight, egg weight loss, weight and proportion of structural components: shell, yolk and albumen, albumen height, yolk colour, Haugh Units and albumen pH. The storage time had a significant effect on all properties of egg quality, except for the yolk colour, which was under the impact of the interaction of storage time and temperature. Storage temperature influenced egg weight loss (

Noah’s ark shellfish is a commercially important species in the Adriatic Sea, but its populations are overexploited. The objective of this study was to complete the information on reproduction for potential commercial breeding. Previous attempts at ark cultivation resulted in high post-transfer mortality due to mechanical stress from individuals’ detachment from the natural environment. A different approach involving the culture of broodstock for aquaculture operations should be considered. Accurate prediction of spawning events and comparison of the main spawning season and peak in several populations could help to identify a favorable location and period for the collection of hatched gametes and transfer to growing sites. Thus, females of two distinct populations from the Middle Adriatic Sea were investigated. The range of oocyte size at each gonadal developmental stage, the monthly distribution of oocyte frequency and the variation in the monthly mean value of oocyte diameter during 2013 and 2014 were determined. Gametogenesis was not fully synchronous between localities. The period of spawning in Pasman Channel lasts longer and new gametes develop faster. Based on the results we could estimate the periods of gamete release in the studied sites, which may indicate a favorable location and period for the collection of hatched gametes for aquaculture purposes.

The marine environment is a rich source of biologically active molecules for the treatment of human diseases, especially cancer. The adaptation to unique environmental conditions led marine organisms to evolve di erent pathways than their terrestrial counterparts, thus producing unique chemicals with a broad diversity and complexity. So far, more than 36,000 compounds have been isolated from marine micro- and macro-organisms including but not limited to fungi, bacteria, microalgae, macroalgae, sponges, corals, mollusks and tunicates, with hundreds of new marine natural products (MNPs) being discovered every year.Marine-based pharmaceuticals have started to impactmodern pharmacology and different anti-cancer drugs derived frommarine compounds have been approved for clinical use, such as: cytarabine, vidarabine, nelarabine (prodrug of ara-G), fludarabine phosphate (pro-drug of ara-A), trabectedin, eribulin mesylate, brentuximab vedotin, polatuzumab vedotin, enfortumab vedotin, belantamab mafodotin, plitidepsin, and lurbinectedin. This review focuses on the bioactive molecules derived from the marine environment with anticancer activity, discussing their families, origin, structural features and therapeutic use., This publication is based upon work from COST Action CA18238 (Ocean4Biotech), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) programme. This work was partially supported by the Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit-UCIBIO (UID/Multi/04378/2019), financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES. Additionally, support was received from the FCT/MCTES through grant IF/00700/2014 (to SPG); the Slovenian Research Agency research core funding P1-0245 (to AR); TÜB˙ITAK grant number 216Z167 (to AE); the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (grant RTA 2015-00010-C03-02) (to MC); the Agustin de Betancourt Programme (Cabildo de Tenerife, TFinnova Programme supported by MEDI and FDCAN funds) (to ARDM); the MetaboCell project of Canceropôle Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region (to MM). This project (to OPT, Grant-Aid Agreements No. PBA/MB/16/01 and PDOC/19/02/01) was carried out with the support of the Marine Institute and funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Irish Government.

BackgroundA novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected at the end of 2019 in China. There are many COVID-19 studies in progress however, little is known about the course of COVID-19 in people living with HIV (PLWH). The aim of our study was to describe epidemiology and clinical characteristics of PLWH diagnosed with COVID-19 reported form Central and Eastern European Countries.MethodsOn-line survey was sent to Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) Network Group. Analysis included all confirmed COVID-19 cases between March 11 and June 26 2020 among PLWH in 12 countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Serbia.ResultsIn total 34 cases were reported. The mean age of those patients was 42.7 years (IQR = 35.8-48.5) and most of the patients were male (70.6% vs 29.4%). The mean CD4+ T-cell count prior COVID-19 diagnosis was 558 cells/mm3 (IQR = 312-719) and HIV RNA viral load (VL) was undetectable in 18 of 34 (53%) cases, the data about most recent HIV RNA VL was not available in three cases (8,8%). Comorbidities were observed in 19 (55.9%) patients, mostly cardiovascular disease (27,8%), and in 10 (29.4%) patients had coinfection, mostly chronic hepatitis C (87.5%). The clinical course of COVID-19 was asymptomatic in 4 (12%) cases, mild disease without hospitalization was reported in 11 (32%) cases. Stable patients with respiratory and/or systemic symptoms have been documented in 14 (41%) cases; 5 (15%) patients were clinically unstable with respiratory failure. Full recovery was reported in 31 (91%) cases, two patients died. In one case the data was not available.ConclusionThis study from 12 countries in Central and Eastern Europe region indicates no alarming signals of increased morbidity or mortality from COVID-19 among HIV-positive persons there is a need for further research.