Structural, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of the Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Bacterial Nanocellulose-Based Hybrid Composite

This study presents an analysis of films which consist of two layers; one layer is PVDF as the matrix, along with fillers BaTiO3 (BT), and the second is one bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) filled with Fe3O4. The mass fraction of BT in PVDF was 5%, and the samples were differentiated based on the duration of the mechanical activation of BT. This innovative PVDF laminate polymer with environmentally friendly fillers aligns with the concept of circular usage, resulting in a reduction in plastic content and potential improvement of the piezoelectric properties of the entire composite. This work presents new, multifunctional "green" packaging materials that potentially could be a good alternative to specific popular materials used for this purpose. The synthesis of the films was carried out using the hot press method. Tensile tests, water vapor permeability examination, and structural analyses using SEM-EDS and FTIR have been conducted. The sample PVDF/BT20/BNC/Fe3O4 exhibited the best barrier properties (impermeability to water vapor), while the highest tensile strength and toughness were exhibited by the PVDF/BT5/BNC/Fe3O4 sample.

The relationship between agility, linear sprinting, and vertical jumping performance in U-14 and professional senior team sports players

Aim

The aim of this paper is to determine the relationship between the modified agility T-test (change of direction speed ability), 20-meter sprint test (linear speed ability), and countermovement jump test (vertical jumping performance) in U-14 and professional senior team sports players.

Methods

The sample included 78 (59 female and 19 male) U-14 athletes (age 11.70 ± 1.33 years, height 153.00 ± 12.20 cm and body mass 47.10 ± 11.20 kg) and 43 (18 female and 25 male) senior professional athletes (age 24.80 ± 6.58 years, height 169.00 ± 9.13 cm and body mass 71.20 ± 15.10 kg). Both samples participated in different team sports including basketball, field hockey, and football. Participants underwent a series of tests to assess their speed, change of direction speed, and explosive power. Speed assessments involved 20-meter sprints (sec), while change of direction speed was measured using the modified agility T-test (sec). Explosive power was evaluated through countermovement jumps (CMJ), where concentric mean force (N), concentric peak force (N), concentric peak velocity (m/s), eccentric peak force (N), jump height (cm), peak power (W), peak power/BM (W/kg), RSI (m/s) and vertical velocity (m/s) were determined. Pearsońs product moment-correlation coefficient (r) served to determine correlations and linear regression was conducted to explain the relationship between the dependent variable (CODS) and independent variables (S20 m and CMJ). The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and the confidence interval was 95%.

Results

The Pearson product-moment correlation analysis in the U-14 athletes indicated no correlation (r = 0.11, p = 0.34) between the 20-meter linear sprint speed and the modified change of direction T-test. Additionally, the results revealed that 4 out of 10 CMJ values showed a significant moderate correlation (r = 0.3, p < 0.05) between CMJ and the modified change of direction T-test. In contrast, senior players exhibited statistically significant correlations in all variables. A significant correlation (r = 0.90, p = 0.01) was found between 20-meter linear sprint speed and the modified change of direction T-test, while CMJ values showed a range of correlations from moderate to large. In both competitive categories, according to the linear regression model, only linear sprint speed over 20-meters significantly explained (p < 0.05) the CODS speed ability, while the other CMJ parameters did not reach the significance level (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The study emphasized the influence of explosive power performance (CMJ) and linear speed (S20 m) on agility (CODS) within the sample, particularly among professional senior team sports players. These findings indicate that agility, linear sprinting, and jumping abilities may share common underlying factors.

Characterization of scrubber water discharges from ships using comprehensive suspect screening strategies based on GC-APCI-HRMS

An extended suspect screening approach for the comprehensive chemical characterization of scrubber discharge waters from exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCSs), used to reduce atmospheric shipping emissions of sulphur oxides, was developed. The suspect screening was based on gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) and focused on the identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated derivatives (alkyl-PAHs), which are among the most frequent and potentially toxic organic contaminants detected in these matrices. Although alkyl-PAHs can be even more abundant than parent compounds, information regarding their occurrence in scrubber waters is scarce. For compound identification, an in-house compound database was built, with 26 suspect groups, including 25 parent PAHs and 23 alkyl-PAH homologues. With this approach, 7 PAHs and 12 clusters of alkyl-PAHs were tentatively identified, whose occurrence was finally confirmed by target analysis using GC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Finally, a retrospective analysis was performed to identify other relevant (poly)cyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) of potential concern in scrubber waters. According to it, 18 suspect groups were tentatively identified, including biphenyls, dibenzofurans, dibenzothiophenes and oxygenated PAHs derivatives. All these compounds could be used as relevant markers of scrubber water contamination in heavy traffic marine areas and be considered as potential stressors when evaluating scrubber water toxicity.

P53 and survivin expression in renal cell carcinoma

Objective

Mutation of p53 is detected in more than 50% of human cancers, expression of p53 has a potential prognostic value in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, its overexpression is observed in many malignancies, including RCC. The aim of the study was to estimate a correlation between survivin and p53 expression in tumor samples and the histologic type of a tumor, tumor stage, tumor grade, and survival of patients.

Materials and Methods

Tumor samples were collected from surgical specimens of 90 patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy for RCC between November 2017 and July 2020. Tumors were staged according to the UICC (The Union for International Cancer Control) TNM classification system and histopathologically graded according to Fuhrman nuclear grade system. Histopathological diagnosis was confirmed with standard light microscopic evaluation, using hematoxylin and eosin staining and standard p53 and survivin antibodies.

Results

Positive p53 staining was observed in 36.7% of tumor specimens and 24.4% were survivin positive. There was a statistically significant correlation between p53 or survivin expression and histologic subtype of clear cell RCC as well as Type I and II of papillary RCC. There was a statistically significant correlation between p53 expression and tumor size, stage, and grade. The p53 or survivin expression was related to lower overall survival.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that p53 overexpression and survivin positivity in RCC patients could be associated with poor prognosis. Thus, these proteins could be used as prognostic markers in RCC.

Effects of Combined Plyometric and Shooting Training on the Biomechanical Characteristics during the Made Jump Shot in Young Male Basketball Players

(1) Background: Shooting performance is one of the most important determinants of basketball success and is strongly influenced by vertical jump performance. A lot of research attention has been paid to training programs that may improve the vertical jump. However, the literature regarding the improvement of accuracy during the jump shot is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the combination of two training programs on explosive power of the lower extremities during the made jump shot. (2) Methods: A total of 61 male basketball players were assigned into training group (T, n = 31, age 15.32 ± 0.65) which was conducting a specific, i.e., experimental training program, and control group (C, n = 30, age 16.3 ± 0.71 years) involved in a regular training program. The experimental training program included specific plyometric training with shooting training which lasted for 10 weeks. The obtained data were processed by nonparametric statistics to determine the differences in the vertical jump outcomes, as well as to determine the level of impact of the experimental training program. Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. (3) Results: A significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed in the T group, in every vertical jump variable (flight time, height of the jump, power, and speed of the jump during a jump shot for two and three points), while there was no improvement within the C group. (4) Conclusions: The combination of plyometric and shooting training has a positive impact on the explosive power of the lower extremities during the jump shot.

Electrochemical and Electrical Performances of High Energy Storage Polyaniline Electrode with Supercapattery Behavior

Polyaniline (PANI), due to its highly reversible electrochemistry with superior energy storage and delivery characteristics, is considered as an electrode material in batteries, capacitors, and hybrid systems. We used a facile electrochemical synthesis for the formation of the PANI electrode using galvanostatic polymerization of aniline on the graphite electrode at the current density of 2.0 mA cm^-2 from the aqueous electrolyte containing 0.25 mol dm^-3 aniline and 1.0 mol dm^-3 H₂SO₄. Electrochemical and electrical characterization suggested excellent energy storage features of the PANI electrode in a three-electrode system with specific energy up to 53 Wh kg^-1 and specific power up to 7600 W kg^-1. After 2000 successive charge/discharge cycles at 9.5 Ag^-1, the PANI electrode retained 95% of the initial capacity, with practically unaltered Coulombic efficiency of nearly 98%, providing a good base for future studies and practical applications.

Risk factors and the overall characterization of Yersinia enterocolitica as an initial model of pathogen surveillance in the pig production system in Serbia

A survey was undertaken to determine the overall prevalence of Yersinia enterocolitica in pigs of slaughter age and to characterize the isolates in relation to bio-serotype, the presence of virulence genes, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, possible risk factors associated with Y. enterocolitica infection during the pre-harvested and harvested phase of pig production were studied. The overall Y. enterocolitica prevalence in the pigs was 10.4% (95% confidence interval, CI = 8.5-12.3%). The most common Y. enterocolitica bio-serotype was 4/O:3, accounting for 81.6% of investigated isolates. The pathogenicity of 63 Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 isolates, originating from all infected farms, was confirmed by the presence of both the ail and ystA virulence-associated genes and the absence of ystB gene (100%). Characterization with PFGE of 63 confirmed Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 isolates identified five different genotypes with shared identical genetic profiles (100% similarity) within each genotype. Isolates originating from farrow-to-finish farms were only resistant to ampicillin, while resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol at fattening farms was also observed. Risk factors related to Y. enterocolitica pig infection include fattening farms (odds ratio, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.4-3.8, P < 0.001), a 3-6 h lairage period (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0-2.6, P = 0.035) and winter season (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.0-7.4, P < 0.001). In addition to the overall characterization of Y. enterocolitica isolates, identification of the main risks associated with infection allows better application of preventive measures to reduce the occurrence and distribution of Y. enterocolitica infection.

Niacin Status Indicators and Their Relationship with Metabolic Parameters in Dairy Cows during Early Lactation

Simple Summary

The active forms of niacin that represent niacin status are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and the NAD:NADP ratio. Previous studies have shown metabolic changes in the function of niacin form and dose, but it has not been determined whether there are changes in the function of active form of niacin that indicate the vitamin status in the body. In this study, we examined differences in NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP concentration in blood and their relationship with metabolic parameters in cows receiving and not receiving additional niacin in food. We concluded that NAD and NADP are good indicators of the ability of an additional niacin source to create functional cofactors due to their concentration changes, while the NAD:NADP ratio is a good indicator of the biological effects of additional niacin due to correlation with many metabolites.

Abstract

Previous experimental models on cows have examined the difference in the metabolic adaptation in cows after niacin administration, without identifying the most important mediators between niacin administration and its biological effects, namely active forms of niacin. All tissues in the body convert absorbed niacin into its main metabolically active form, the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of niacin administration in periparturient period on NAD, NADP and the NAD:NADP ratio and to determine relationship between these indicators of an active form of niacin with metabolic parameters in cow blood. The study included 90 healthy cows: 45 cows receiving niacin and 45 cows were negative control. The niacin group was treated with nicotinic acid for two weeks before, as well as two weeks after parturition. Nicotinic acid was applied per os with feed. In cows receiving niacin, there was a significantly higher concentration of NAD and NADP, but the NAD:NADP ratio did not differ compared with control. All three indicators were able to separate cows who received and who did not receive additional niacin. NAD and NADP are good indicators of the availability of niacin from additional sources. The NAD:NADP ratio is a good indicator of the biological effect of applied niacin on metabolites in cows due to its correlation with a number of metabolites: positive correlation with glucose, insulin, glucose to insulin ratio and the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKIBHB) of insulin resistance, triglycerides and cholesterol, and a negative correlation with nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), gamma-glutamyltranspherase (GGT) and urea in cows receiving niacin. The same amount of added niacin in feed can produce different concentrations of NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP in the blood, and this was not related to their concentration before the addition of niacin. The change in the concentration of the active form of niacin (NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP) further correlates with the concentration of metabolic parameters, which indicates that the intensity of the biological effect of additional niacin can be accurately determined only if we know the concentrations of its active forms in blood. Under basal conditions (without additional niacin), active forms of niacin that already exist in the blood do not show significant correlations with metabolic parameters.

Anaerobic treatment of swine manure under mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures: Fate of veterinary drugs and resistance genes

The effect of anaerobic treatment of swine manure at 35 °C (mesophilic) and 55 °C (thermophilic) on methane production, microbial community and contaminants of emerging concern was investigated. Pasteurization pretreatment and post treatment was also investigated in combination with anaerobic treatment at 35 °C. Specific methane production (SMP), 26 pharmaceutical compounds (PhACs) and five antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) (qnrS, tetW, ermB, sul1 and bla_TEM) were evaluated. Mesophilic treatment resulted in the highest SMP regardless of whether pasteurization was applied. Marbofloxacin was the most abundant antibiotic in swine manure. In general, all groups of PhACs showed higher removals under thermophilic temperatures as compared to mesophilic. In general, pasteurization pretreatment followed by mesophilic anaerobic digestion provided the highest removals of ARGs. Finally, the genera Streptococcus, Clostridium and Pseudomonas which contain pathogenic species, were present in the swine manure. Streptococcus, which was the most abundant, was decreased during all the treatments, while the others only decreased under certain treatments.

Ketosis in Dairy Cows during Early Lactation - Detection in Pooled Blood Serum Samples

Background: Ketosis is the most important metabolic disease with prevalence from 15 to 45%. Ketosis is diagnosed using a metabolic profile. Due to the high prevalence, it is necessary to determine a large number of metabolic profiles within farm, which represents an additional cost, so the implementation of pooled serum in assessing the metabolic status of cows was examined. The aim of this study was to validate and evaluate the influence of the relative position (Z-score) of the value of pooled sample metabolic parameters within the known reference value of healthy cows in the detection of ketosis in herd during early lactation.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment has been carried out using  blood samples collected by puncture of coccygeal vein from 50 ketotic and 50 healthy cows. Laboratory analysis includes determination of beta-hydroxybutyrate-BHB, non-esterified fatty acids-NEFA, cholesterol-CHOL, triglycerides-TGC, glucose-GLU, albumin-ALB, total protein-TPROT, UREA, Ca, P, total bilirubin-TBIL and aspartat aminotransferase-AST. The pooled serum was made from 10 individual samples originating from 10 different cows. A serum aliquot of 0.1 mL was taken from each sample, and a 1 mL volume of pooled serum was finally formed. Three types of serum pools were made: 1) 30 pooled sample were from ketosis; 2) 30 pooled sample were from healthy cows and 3) 60 pooled samples containing mixed sera of healthy cows and cows with ketosis were made as follows: 10 pools contain 10% to 60% of ketotic cows (1/10 to 6/10 samples). Statistical analysis includes: a) difference in metabolite concentration and Z-score in pooled sample and arithmetic mean individual sample in healthy and ketotic cow, b) correlation between Z-score of pooled sample and arithmetic mean of individual sample, c) ability of Z-score of metabolite to divide ketotic from healthy cow, d) correlation between Z-score and % of ketotic cow in pooled sample; and e) calculation of 95%CI of pooled sample Z-scores for each % of ketotic cow in pools. Z-score and all analysis were calculated for each metabolic parameter. The results of the study show that the mean values and Z-scores of the pool and the calculated average value of the individual samples participating in that pool differ significantly in healthy cows and cows in ketosis, except for TPROT and Ca. A higher value and a higher Z-score were found for BHB, NEFA, UREA, TBIL and AST, and a lower value and a lower Z-score for TGC, CHOL, GLU, ALB and P in ketotic cows compared to healthy cows. The value of the Z-score of the pooled sample and the calculated mean values of individual samples participating in the pool are highly correlated with each other (coefficient of determination over 99%). Z-score of metabolites in the pooled sample can be used to distinguish healthy from ketotic cows (ROC AUC= 0.711 to 0.989), except for TPROT and Ca. The Z-score value of the pooled sample shows a linear correlation with the percentage of ketotic cows in the pool and the reference ranges of Z-scores change significantly as a function of the percentage of ketosis cows.Discussion: Modern research on the metabolic profile in cows requires obtaining a large amount of information from as few samples as possible. The advantages of using the Z-score are reflected in the following: this score does not depend on the absolute value of the metabolite, but on the position within the known population reference value, Z-score of sample and the arithmetic mean of individual samples included in the same pool are almost identical, the Z-score of these 2 groups of results is ideally correlated, the Z-score significantly correlates with the % of ketosis samples in the pooled sample. The use of pooled sample Z-score can be a useful in a herd level assessment of metabolic status and detection of ketosis as most important metabolic disease in dairy cows.Keywords: dairy cattle, ketosis, metabolic disease, metabolic profile, pooled serum, z-score, diagnostics.

Association of Anthropometrics and Body Composition with Maximal and Relative Force and Power of Kayak Stroke in Competitive Kayak Athletes

This study determined to what degree anthropometrics and body composition are associated with force and power outputs of a single-stroke kayak test (SSKT). Body height (BH), sitting height, biacromial distance, arm span, stroke length, body mass index (BMI), percent of skeletal muscle mass (PSMM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), percent body fat (PBF) and maximal and relative force (SSKTFmax and SSKTFrel) and power (SSKTPmax and SSKTPrel) of the SSKT were assessed in 21 male kayak competitors, including sprint specialists and long-distance specialists. Correlation analysis established the association (p < 0.05) between SSKTFmax and BM (r = 0.511), BMI (r = 0.495) and SMMI (r = 0.530). A significant correlation (p < 0.05) also occurred between SSKTPmax and BMI (r = 0.471) and SMMI (r = 0.489). Regression analysis determined a significant association of the anthropometrics−body composition model of kayakers with SSKTFmax (R2 = 0.790), SSKTFRel (R2 = 0.748), SSKTPmax (R2 = 0.676) and SSKTPrel (R2 = 0.625). A longer and wider upper body supported by higher amounts of skeletal muscle mass per square of body size provides higher force outcomes in a complex single-handed SSKT, while the PSMM provides higher outcomes in SSKTPmax.

Preparation and characterization of 3D printed bone scaffold for ibuprofen delivery

In this work, a blend of gelatin A (GA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) was used for semi-solid 3D printing of bone scaffold for ibuprofen (IBU) delivery. The cross-linking of the obtained scaffold was performed with a 1% glutaraldehyde (GTA) solution, followed by lyophilization. The thermal and mechanical properties, as well as drug release profiles, and drug kinetics of prepared scaffolds were investigated. The cross-linked and lyophilized scaffold has shown good thermal stability, mechanical properties, and prolonged release of IBU following the Fickian diffusion process.

Inorganically modified particles FeAl-LDH@SiO2 as reinforcement in poly (methyl) methacrylate matrix composite

Silica particles were obtained from rice husk to which layered double hydroxide particles were deposited (weight ratio 1 : 1). Fe²⁺-Al³⁺ layered double hydroxides (FeAl-LDH) were synthesized by co-precipitation with ratios Fe : Al of 3 : 1 in the presence of SiO₂ particles from the rice husk. Characterization of the synthesized FeAl-LDH@SiO₂ particles was performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with EDS. Prepared FeAl-LDH@SiO₂ particles were used as reinforcing agents in 1, 3 and 5 wt% quantity in poly (methyl) methacrylate matrix. The aim of this study was to examine whether FeAl-LDH@SiO₂ particles affect the mechanical properties of polymer composite materials. The morphology of the composites was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Microindentation, tensile and impact testing determined the mechanical properties of the obtained composites.

Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on hospital admissions and outcome of acute coronary syndromes in a single high-volume centre in southeastern Europe

BACKGROUND

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic status, authors from the most severely affected countries have reported reduced rates of hospital admissions for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 outbreak on hospital admissions and outcomes in ACS patients in a single high-volume centre in southeastern Europe.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study aimed to investigate the number of hospital admissions for ACS, clinical findings at admission, length of hospitalisation, major complications and in-hospital mortality during the COVID-19 outbreak and to compare the data with the same parameters during an equivalent time frame in 2019. For the ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) subgroup of patients, changes in ischaemic times were analysed as well.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction of 44.3% in the number of patients admitted for ACS during the COVID-19 outbreak when compared with the same period in 2019 (151 vs 271; 95% confidence interval 38.4-50.2, p < 0.01) with a higher mortality rate (13.2% vs 7.2%, p = 0.03). In 2020, patients with non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction presented more often with acute heart failure (3.3% vs 0.7%, p = 0.04). During the COVID-19 outbreak, we observed increases in the total ischaemic time (303 ± 163.4 vs 200.8 ± 156.8 min, p < 0.05) and door-to-balloon time (69.2 ± 58.4 vs 50.5 ± 31.3 min, p < 0.01) in STEMI patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings should increase the awareness of morbidity and mortality related to missed or delayed treatment of ACS among the public and the healthcare services.

Comprehensive environmental monitoring and assessment of protected wetland and lake water quality in Croatia and Serbia

The irresponsible and uncontrolled use of water bodies for long period of time leads to pollution and water quality degradation, particularly in sensitive protected terrestrial and aquatic areas as lakes and wetlands situated in the vicinity of human habitations. Vulnerable ecosystems, the Lake Zobnatica, Serbia and the Wetlands of Tompojevci, Croatia, are characterized as protected natural areas and are surrounded by agricultural land and developed anthropogenic activities. In the samples of surface, ground water and agricultural runoff the key physicochemical parameters were determined. The results of analysed water characterized the Lake water quality class as IV-V. The measured parameters for the Lake show the high values of nutrients, particularly in ground water and agricultural runoff, pH value higher than 8.5 and lower values of dissolved oxygen (DO) than 5 mg/L in the most of the examined water samples. According to the results and maximal allowable values Wetlands belong to the class V water quality, with high trophic state and poor eco-status according to Croatian and Serbian national Laws and By-Laws. The pH value higher than 8.5 of ground water in Wetlands of Tompojevci signifies alkaline groundwater. The maximum concentrations of orthophosphates in ground water and agricultural runoff (10.875 and 10.886 mg/L, respectively) imply the high level of agricultural pollution. Research study of water samples has been performed from 2017 to 2019 within the Interreg IPA CBC Croatia-Serbia Project AF_HR-RS135_SeNs_Wetlands. This type of parallel and comparative research in Serbia and Croatia was conducted for the first time.

Hybrid denture acrylic composites with nanozirconia and electrospun polystyrene fibers

The processing and characterization of hybrid PMMA resin composites with nano-zirconia (ZrO₂) and electrospun polystyrene (PS) polymer fibers were presented in this study. Reinforcement was selected with the intention to tune the physical and mechanical properties of the hybrid composite. Surface modification of inorganic particles was performed in order to improve the adhesion of reinforcement to the matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided successful modification of zirconia nanoparticles with 3-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MEMO) and bonding improvement between incompatible inorganic nanoparticles and PMMA matrix. Considerable deagglomeration of nanoparticles in the matrix occurred after the modification has been revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microhardness increased with the concentration of modified nanoparticles, while the fibers were the modifier that lowers hardness and promotes toughness of hybrid composites. Impact test displayed increased absorbed energy after the PS electrospun fibers had been embedded. The optimized composition of the hybrid was determined and a good balance of thermal and mechanical properties was achieved.

Limitations of a polymer-based hole transporting layer for application in planar inverted perovskite solar cells

Planar inverted lead halide photovoltaics demonstrate remarkable photoconversion properties when employing poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) as a hole transporting layer. Herein, we elucidate the effect of ambient ultraviolet (UV) degradation on the structural and operational stability of the PTAA hole transporter through a series of rigorous optoelectrical characterization protocols. Due attention was given to the interplay between the polymer and perovskite absorber, both within the framework of a bilayer structure and fully assembled solar cells. The obtained results imply that UV degradation exerts a major influence on the structural integrity of PTAA, rather than on the interface with the perovskite light harvester. Moreover, UV exposure induced more adverse effects on tested samples than environmental humidity and oxygen, contributing more to the overall reduction of charge extraction properties of PTAA, as well as increased defect population upon prolonged UV exposure.

Epizootic features and control measures for lumpy skin disease in south-east Serbia in 2016

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious disease of cattle caused by virus of the Capripoxvirus genus (LSDV), family Poxviridae. Until 2015, it had not appeared in the Balkans. In June 2016, LSD spread throughout Serbia. This study analyses the first LSD occurrence, epizootic features, applied diagnostic procedures and control measures in five districts in south-east Serbia (Pcinja, Jablanica, Pirot, Toplica and Nisava). In total, there were 225 LSD outbreaks reported in Serbia, out of which 189 (84%) were located in the study area. The highest number of outbreaks was registered in Pcinja district (169), where LSD was first registered. The median distance and time between the nearest previous outbreak sites were calculated (4.32 km and 9 days). The median altitude of outbreak locations was 992 m with more than 90% above 500 m (p ≤ 0.001). The average herd morbidity rate in the study area was 13.6% and the herd mortality rate was recorded only in Pcinja (0.5%) and Jablanica (1.6%) districts. Samples taken from the cattle suspected to LSD were subjected to real time PCR analysis. Out of 233 samples tested for LSDV 132 (56.7%) were positive. The LSDV genome was identified in skin nodules (85.4%), blood (72.7%) and nasal swabs (62.5%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the LSDV strain circulating in Serbia fell within the cluster of field LSDV found worldwide. In response to the LSD epizootic, animal trade and movement were prohibited, complete stamping out, disinfection, disinsection and an entire bovine population vaccination using the homologous Neethling live attenuated vaccine (OBP, South Africa) were conducted. A month and a half after the completion of the vaccination campaign, the LSD epizootic was stopped, and no new cases have been reported since.

The dietary modification and treatment of intestinal Candida overgrowth - a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an alternative treatment in a form of recommended diet modification during and after conventional treatment with antifungals in patients with a chronic form of intestinal Candida overgrowth (ICOG).

METHODS

The study included patients with ICOG divided in two subgroups: patients treated with nystatin and recommended diet regime (study group-SG) and the patients treated only with nystatin (control group-CG). After treatment, the mycological control examination and follow-up were performed two times: the first one within ten days after the completion of antifungal treatment, and the second one three months after the treatment initialization.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients finished the study: 80 from the SG and 40 from the CG. At the first mycological control examination of SG patients stools, we noted satisfactory antifungal and symptomatic effect in 56 out of 80 (70.0%) patients and 29 out of 40 (72.5%) in CG, with no statistically significant difference. However, at the second control stool examination, significantly higher percent (85%) of cured patients was recorded after three months of the recommended diet comparing with CG-17 out of 40 (42.5%).

CONCLUSION

Results of this pilot study showed that patients who adhered to diet modification during and after treatment with nystatin had better outcomes of ICOG and strongly suggest the need for diet modification in these patients which recommendation could reduce excessive prescription of antifungals.

Effect of Low Temperature on Charge Transport in Operational Planar and Mesoporous Perovskite Solar Cells

Low-temperature optoelectrical studies of perovskite solar cells using MAPbI₃ and mixed-perovskite absorbers implemented into planar and mesoporous architectures reveal fundamental charge transporting properties in fully assembled devices operating under light bias. Both types of devices exhibit inverse correlation of charge carrier lifetime as a function of temperature, extending carrier lifetimes upon temperature reduction, especially after exposure to high optical biases. Contribution of bimolecular channels to the overall recombination process should not be overlooked because the density of generated charge surpasses trap-filling concentration requirements. Bimolecular charge recombination coefficient in both device types is smaller than Langevin theory prediction, and its mean value is independent of the applied illumination intensity. In planar devices, charge extraction declines upon MAPbI₃ transition from a tetragonal to an orthorhombic phase, indicating a connection between the trapping/detrapping mechanism and temperature. Studies on charge extraction by linearly increasing voltage further support this assertion, as charge carrier mobility dependence on temperature follows multiple-trapping predictions for both device structures. The monotonously increasing trend following the rise in temperature opposes the behavior observed in neat perovskite films and indicates the importance of transporting layers and the effect they have on charge transport in fully assembled solar cells. Low-temperature phase transition shows no pattern of influence on thermally activated electron/hole transport.

Enhanced Charge Carrier Transport and Device Performance Through Dual-Cesium Doping in Mixed-Cation Perovskite Solar Cells with Near Unity Free Carrier Ratios

PbI₂-enriched mixed perovskite film [FA_0.81MA_0.15Pb(I_0.836Br_0.15)₃] has been widely studied due to its great potential in perovskite solar cell (PSC) applications. Herein, a FA_0.81MA_0.15Pb(I_0.836Br_0.15)₃ film has been fabricated with the temperature-dependent optical absorption spectra utilized to determine its exciton binding energy. A ∼13 meV exciton binding energy is estimated, and a near-unity fraction of free carriers out of the total photoexcitons has been obtained in the solar cell operating regime at equilibrium state. PSCs are fabricated with this mixed perovskite film, but a significant electron transport barrier at the TiO₂-perovskite interface limited their performance. Cs₂CO₃ and CsI are then utilized as functional enhancers with which to substantially balance the electron and hole transport and increase the carriers (both electrons and holes) mobilities in PSCs, resulting in much-improved solar-cell performance. The modified PSCs exhibit reproducible power conversion efficiency (PCE) values with little hysteresis effect in the J-V curves, achieving PCEs up to 19.5% for the Cs₂CO₃-modified PSC and 20.6% when subsequently further doped with CsI.

Electrosprayed TiO2 nanoporous hemispheres for enhanced electron transport and device performance of formamidinium based perovskite solar cells

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoporous hemispheres (NHSs) with a radius of ∼200 nm are fabricated by electrospraying a hydrothermally synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticle (NP) suspension solution. The resulting TiO₂ NHSs are highly porous, which are beneficial to the infiltration of perovskites and provide a larger contact area, as building blocks to construct a mesoporous TiO₂ layer for FA_0.81MA_0.15Pb(I_0.836Br_0.15)₃ based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By varying the TiO₂ NHS collecting period (15 s, 30 s, 60 s and 90 s) during the electrospraying process, the performance of PSCs changes with different TiO₂ NHS distribution densities. The optimized PSC employing TiO₂ NHSs (60 s) exhibits a photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 19.3% with a J_sc of 23.8 mA cm^-2, a V_oc of 1.14 V and a FF of 0.71. Furthermore, the PSC possesses a reproducible PCE value with little hysteresis in its current density-voltage (J-V) curves. The small perturbation transient photovoltage (TPV) measurement reveals a longer free carrier lifetime within the TiO₂ NHS based PSC than that in the TiO₂ NP based PSC, and the time of flight (TOF) photoconductivity measurement shows that charge mobilities in this system are also enhanced. These characteristics make TiO₂ NHSs a promising electron transport material for efficient photovoltaic devices.

First evidence of Brucella ovis infection in rams in the Pirot Municipality, Serbia

This paper describes a research on Brucella ovis infection in rams in the Pirot Municipality of South Serbia. A positive result with indirect immunoenzyme test (i-ELISA) was confirmed in 67 (29.8%) and suspicious in 31 (13.8%) out of 225 tested rams. Complement fixation test (CFT) was used as a confirmation test on 67 ELISA positive sera and gave positive reaction in 41 (61.2%) ram serum samples. Rams originated from 113 flocks with 4751 sheep, from 28 villages in the Pirot Municipality of southern Serbia. Clinical examination was performed on epididymis and testes of 12 rams from 7 seropositive flocks by inspection and palpation. The examination showed scrotum asymmetry and unilateral increase of the epididymistail in 5 (41.7%) out of 12 seropositive rams. Pathomorphological examination of testes and epididymis confirmed pathological changes in 7 (58.3%) of the 12 examined rams. Onesided epididymitis with pronounced hypertrophy of the epididymitis was also confirmed. Twelve rams were tested for the presence of bacteria, i.e. 21 epididymis, testes and lymph nodes samples. We isolated 20 Brucella strains from 11 (91.7%) of the 12 examined animals. All isolates were identified with bacteriological and molecular techniques as B. ovis. This is the first evidence of ovine epididymitis (B. ovis) in Republic of Serbia.

Dose assessment from domestic building materials used in housing sector in Serbia

The results of mass activity measuring in many domestic building materials used in a housing sector are presented. Natural radionuclides (40)K, (226)Ra, (232)Th, (235)U and (238)U as well as artificial radionuclide (137)Cs were detected using a gamma spectrometry. Based on measured mass activity values, the absorbed dose rate from examined building materials was calculated following EC standards. According to the UNSCEAR procedure, the annual effective dose was also calculated.

The mechanism of caesium intercalation of graphene

Properties of many layered materials, including copper- and iron-based superconductors, topological insulators, graphite and epitaxial graphene, can be manipulated by the inclusion of different atomic and molecular species between the layers via a process known as intercalation. For example, intercalation in graphite can lead to superconductivity and is crucial in the working cycle of modern batteries and supercapacitors. Intercalation involves complex diffusion processes along and across the layers; however, the microscopic mechanisms and dynamics of these processes are not well understood. Here we report on a novel mechanism for intercalation and entrapment of alkali atoms under epitaxial graphene. We find that the intercalation is adjusted by the van der Waals interaction, with the dynamics governed by defects anchored to graphene wrinkles. Our findings are relevant for the future design and application of graphene-based nano-structures. Similar mechanisms can also have a role for intercalation of layered materials.

Comparison of measured and predicted concentrations of selected pharmaceuticals in wastewater and surface water: a case study of a catchment area in the Po Valley (Italy)

The aim of this study is to compare measured and predicted concentrations of 11 antibiotics and the antiepileptic carbamazepine in wastewater and surface water and to discuss the accuracy and usefulness of applied predictive models in assessing their concentrations. The occurrence (exposure assessment) of the target compounds was monitored in the influent and effluent of a large municipal wastewater treatment plant, and in its receiving water body, situated in the Po Valley, Italy. Information on the consumption and sales of pharmaceuticals in Italy, along with data related to their excretion and removal during wastewater treatment, were used to predict the concentrations of the selected pharmaceuticals for the studied site. The measured and predicted concentrations were compared for all three sampling points, and according to a criterion available in literature and already adopted in similar studies, the prediction was considered "acceptable" when the ratio of predicted and measured concentrations was between 0.5 and 2. The results show that the concentrations were accurately predicted for ciprofloxacin in wastewaters, and for azithromycin, trimethoprim and carbamazepine in surface water. For all the other compounds and sampling points, the difference between the measured and the predicted concentrations was very high. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed and the main potential factors that influence both measured and predicted concentrations are identified by means of an assessment of the uncertainties in the measured values and sensitivity of all the parameters required for predicting concentration ones. The potential factors are sampling mode for measured values and dilution factor, removal and excretion for predicted ones.

[Prosthetic rehabilitation in patient with forced class III malocclusion]

The paper presents clinical case of 63 years old edentulous patient with slight class III malocclusion. For 15 years he was using inadequately fabricated dentures causing forced severe class III malocclusion. Forced progeny was corrected by newly fabricated dentures which restored normal orofacial function and facial harmony.

Central rupture and bulging of low-weight polypropylene mesh following recurrent incisional sublay hernioplasty

A recurrent incisional hernia resulting from the rupture of low-weight polypropylene mesh is rarely reported in the literature. Three patients with recurrent incisional hernia due to low-weight polypropylene mesh central rupture were operated 5, 7 and 13 months after initial sublay hernioplasty. The posterior myofascial layer was fully reconstructed in all patients during the hernioplasty, whereas the anterior myofascial layer was only partially reconstructed. The recurrent hernia was managed using heavy-weight polypropylene mesh; in two patients, a new sublay hernioplasty was performed and in one patient an "open preperitoneal flat mesh technique" was performed under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure. If closing of the anterior myofascial layer cannot be ensured during the incisional hernioplasty, the use of low-weight polypropylene meshes should be avoided; preference should be given to the heavy-weight polypropylene meshes.

Light-induced catalytic transformation of ofloxacin by solar Fenton in various water matrices at a pilot plant: mineralization and characterization of major intermediate products

This work investigated the application of a solar driven advanced oxidation process (solar Fenton), for the degradation of the antibiotic ofloxacin (OFX) in various environmental matrices at a pilot-scale. All experiments were carried out in a compound parabolic collector pilot plant in the presence of doses of H2O2 (2.5 mg L(-1)) and at an initial Fe(2+) concentration of 2 mg L(-1). The water matrices used for the solar Fenton experiments were: demineralized water (DW), simulated natural freshwater (SW), simulated effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plant (SWW) and pre-treated real effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plant (RE) to which OFX had been spiked at 10 mg L(-1). Dissolved organic carbon removal was found to be dependent on the chemical composition of the water matrix. OFX mineralization was higher in DW (78.1%) than in SW (58.3%) at 12 mg L(-1) of H2O2 consumption, implying the complexation of iron or the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals by the inorganic ions present in SW. On the other hand, the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in SWW and RE, led to lower mineralization per dose of H2O2 compared to DW and SW. The major transformation products (TPs) formed during the solar Fenton treatment of OFX, were elucidated using liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ToF-MS). The transformation of OFX proceeded through a defluorination reaction, accompanied by some degree of piperazine and quinolone substituent transformation while a hydroxylation mechanism occurred by attack of the hydroxyl radicals generated during the process leading to the formation of TPs in all the water matrices, seven of which were tentatively identified. The results obtained from the toxicity bioassays indicated that the toxicity originates from the DOM present in RE and its oxidation products formed during the photocatalytic treatment and not from the TPs resulted from the oxidation of OFX.

Role of smoking in periodontal disease among diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to analyse the effect of smoking on periodontal disease in diabetic patients.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty patients participated in the study Fifty patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease were the first group; 50 patients with Type 2 DM and periodontal disease were the second group, and 50 non-diabetic patients with periodontal disease were the third group. After anamnesis was taken, the variable in the analysis was smoker/non-smoker The status of the oral hygiene and periodontal condition was recorded using Plaque index, Supragingival calculus index, Subgingival calculus index, Gingival index, Periodontal Disease Index and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs, by the periodontologist.

RESULTS

Except Gingival index, mean values of all investigated indices were higher in smokers in all investigated groups.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal disease is more advanced in diabetic smokers compared to diabetic non-smokers. It can be concluded that smoking negatively affects the course of diabetic periodontal disease and increases the risk of attachment loss. Diabetic smokers are at high risk for poor periodontal prognosis, and they should be included in careful periodontal treatment.

Evidencing generation of persistent ozonation products of antibiotics roxithromycin and trimethoprim

The mechanism of product formation during ozonation of two widely used antimicrobial agents, macrolide roxithromycin and inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) trimethoprim was studied in laboratory-scale experiments with two types of matrix: distilled water and secondary wastewater effluent The structures ofthe primary and secondary reaction intermediates were elucidated byquadrupole-time-of-flight (QqToF) instrument, showing that in spite of their high ozone affinity both roxithromycin and trimethoprim oxidation pathway involve to a great degree the *OH radical chain reactions. In total nine ozonation products were detected, whereas two products of roxithromycin exhibited high refractoriness to ozonation, especially in the case of distilled water. Furthermore, the intact tertiary amine moiety of roxithromycin in these products suggests that the antimicrobial activity of the parent compound will be preserved.

Rejection of pharmaceuticals in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membrane drinking water treatment

This paper investigates the removal of a broad range of pharmaceuticals during nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) applied in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) using groundwater. Pharmaceutical residues detected in groundwater used as feed water in all five sampling campaigns were analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ketoprofen, diclofenac, acetaminophen and propyphenazone, beta-blockers sotalol and metoprolol, an antiepileptic drug carbamazepine, the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole, a lipid regulator gemfibrozil and a diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. The highest concentrations in groundwater were recorded for hydrochlorothiazide (58.6-2548ngL(-1)), ketoprofen (<MQL-314ngL(-1)), diclofenac (60.2-219.4ngL(-1)), propyphenazone (51.5-295.8ngL(-1)) and carbamazepine (8.7-166.5ngL(-1)). Excellent overall performance of both NF and RO was noted, with high rejection percentages for almost all of the pharmaceuticals investigated (>85%). Deteriorations in retentions on NF and RO membranes were observed for acetaminophen (44.8-73 %), gemfibrozil (50-70 %) and mefenamic acid (30-50%). Furthermore, since several pharmaceutical residues were detected in the brine stream of NF and RO processes at concentrations of several hundreds nanogram per litre, its disposal to a near-by river can represent a possible risk implication of this type of treatment.

Littoral-cell angioma as a rare cause of splenomegaly

We report the case of a littoral-cell angioma of the spleen, a recently described benign vascular tumour, whose imaging and pathological characteristics have been discussed only by a few authors. The diagnosis was made after elective splenectomy. The CT images, scintigraphy and histological specimens are presented, and differential diagnoses discussed.

Counterpropagating self-trapped beams in optical photonic lattices

Dynamical properties of counterpropagating (CP) mutually incoherent self-trapped beams in optically induced photonic lattices are investigated numerically. A local model with saturable Kerr-like nonlinearity is adopted for the photorefractive media, and an optically generated two-dimensional fixed photonic lattice introduced in the crystal. Different incident beam structures are considered, such as Gaussians and vortices of different topological charge. We observe spontaneous symmetry breaking of the head-on propagating Gaussian beams as the coupling strength is increased, resulting in the splitup transition of CP components. We see discrete diffraction, leading to the formation of discrete CP vector solitons. In the case of vortices, we find beam filamentation, as well as increased stability of the central vortex ring. A strong pinning of filaments to the lattice sites is noted. The angular momentum of vortices is not conserved, either along the propagation direction or in time, and, unlike the case without lattice, the rotation of filaments is not as readily observed.

Ambulatory surgery of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernias: open preperitoneal flat mesh technique in local anaesthesia

Introduction. The dilemma whether to use the mesh or non mesh technique in the management of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernia is slowly fading away. The open preperitoneal "flat mesh" technique performed as ambulatory surgery may be one of the solutions. The Aim. The aim of this retrospective study is to present the results of open preperitoneal "flat mesh" technique in the management of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernia within Material and methods. This study included 34 patients (11 of them with umbilical, 13 with epigastric and 8 of them with small incisional hernia) operated by one surgeon in the period January 2004 - January 2006. Results. The median operative time was 52 minutes for umbilical hernia?s, 43 minutes for epgastric and 54 minutes for incisional hernia?s. The ambulatory surgery was performed at 91% of patients. The median hospitalization was 4h for patients with umbilical hernia?s, 3,7h for patients with epigastric and, 7,7h for patients with small incisional hernia. The follow up is 10,5 months. Apart of one superficial infection other complications were absent. Conclusion. The open preperitoneal "flat mesh" technique performed in local anesthesia as an ambulatory surgery provides good results in the management of umbilical, epigastric and small incisional hernia.