Modified Titanium Surface with Nano Amorphous Calcium Phosphate@Chitosan Oligolactate as Ion Loading Platform with Multifunctional Properties for Potential Biomedical Application

Titanium (Ti) is widely used in medical and dental implants. Calcium phosphate (CPs) coatings enhance Ti implants' osteoinductive properties, and additives further improve these coatings. Recently, a nano amorphous calcium phosphate (nACP) coating decorated with chitosan oligolactate (ChOL) and selenium (Se) showed immunomodulatory effects. This study investigates the surface morphology, composition, bioactivity, mechanical properties, and Se-release mechanism of the nACP@ChOL-Se hybrid coating on Ti substrates. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) was synthesized, and the nACP@ChOL-Se hybrid coating was deposited on Ti substrates using in situ anaphoretic deposition. Physico-chemical characterization was used to analyze the surface of the coating (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy). The distribution of Se within the coating was examined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Bioactivity was evaluated in simulated body fluid (SBF), and adhesion was tested using a scratch test method. In vitro testing determined the release mechanism of Se. SEM images illustrated the surface morphology, while AFM provided a detailed analysis of surface roughness. XRD analysis revealed structural and phase composition, and EDS confirmed Se distribution within the coating. The coating exhibited bioactivity in SBF and showed good adhesion according to the scratch test. In vitro testing uncovered the release mechanism of Se from the coating. This study successfully characterized the surface morphology, composition, bioactivity, and Se-release mechanism of the nACP@ChOL-Se hybrid coating on Ti substrates, offering insights for developing immunomodulatory coatings for medical and dental applications.

Transcranial brain parenchyma sonography in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

There are rising evidences that subcortical structures, including the basal ganglia, are affected in patients with epilepsy. These structures are thought to influence the modulation and phenotypic expression of epileptic seizures. Our study aimed to evaluate the presence of structural abnormalities in subcortical structures in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 51 patients who were diagnosed with JME and who were monitored on an outpatient basis at the Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth in Belgrade from January 1985 to October 2017. All patients underwent transcranial parenchymal sonography (TCS) from October 2015 to October 2017. Relation of clinical parameters (seizure control andcognitive functioning,) with TCS results was assessed.

RESULTS

Hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) was detected in 37.2% of JME subjects and it was significantly more common in patients with JME than in the control group. The marked echogenicity of the red nucleus (RN) was detected in 17.6% of cases, while 11.8% of subjects had hyperechogenic RN. The presence of hyperechogenic RN (both right and left) was significantly more frequent in the group of patients with JME compared to the control group. The third ventricle diameter was larger in patients with JME than in controls.

CONCLUSION

Structural changes of certain subcortical structures, primarily SN and RN, detected in JME patients indicate additional non-lesional abnormalities of the basal ganglia and midbrain structures in these patients.

Presence of leukemic clone-specific immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements in neonatal blood spots of children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

INTRODUCTION

Childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) can be traced back to birth using leukemic clone-specific immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) rearrangements, implying prenatal origin of this disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed neonatal blood spots (Guthrie cards) of 24 patients with childhood BCP-ALL aged 1-9.6 years (median 3.1 years) for the presence of clonotypic IGH rearrangements identified in diagnostic bone marrow samples. Based on the sequences of IGH rearrangements, 2 patient-specific primers were designed for each patient and used in semi-nested polymerase chain reaction for the detection of preleukemic clones at birth.

RESULTS

Clonotypic IGH rearrangements were detected in neonatal blood spots of 54.2% of patients (13/24). In two cases with double IGH rearrangements detected at diagnosis, only one rearrangement was present at birth, while in the third case both leukemic rearrangements were detected in neonatal blood. Guthrie card-positive findings were significantly more frequent in children ≤5 years of age than in older children (p = 0.011). Regarding patients' characteristics at birth and at diagnosis, Guthrie card-positivity was not associated with sex, birth weight and mother's age, as well as with white blood cell count, percentage of bone marrow blasts, immunophenotype and the presence of ETV6/RUNX1 and TCF3/PBX1 fusion genes at diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that a large proportion of childhood BCP-ALL originates in utero, regardless of the molecular subtype defined by chromosomal aberrations. The observed trend toward younger age at diagnosis in Guthrie card-positive versus Guthrie card-negative patients implies that the age at diagnosis depends on the presence of preleukemic clone at birth, as well as on the timing of postnatal transforming genetic events.

Contamination levels, influencing factors, and risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in house dust of northern Serbia

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of compounds that, due to their applications, are considered mainly indoor contaminants. To obtain the first information about the presence of PBDEs in Serbia, dust samples (n = 50) were collected in settlements in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina. The selected/target congeners (BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and 183) were extracted from house dust by microwave-assisted extraction technique, and purified extracts were analyzed on a dual-column gas chromatograph with micro-electron capture detectors. A wide range of ΣPBDEs was detected (0.295 to 394 ng g-1 dust), which reflects large differences in contamination among the examined homes. For the majority of samples (72%), ΣPBDEs were lower than 5 ng g-1 indicating that people living in Vojvodina province are exposed to low concentrations of PBDEs present in their households. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), balcony areas and age of the house positively correlate with the PBDE congeners with higher detection frequencies (≥ 50%), namely, with BDE-99, BDE-153, and BDE-183. Statistically significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was obtained for BDE-99 and the number of household's members. Estimated daily intakes (EDItot) were calculated for ingestion and dermal absorption of dust for two age groups-adults and toddlers. These are the first data on PBDE status in the area of the Western Balkan, and the health risk assessment indicates that PBDE levels obtained in household dust do not pose a risk for human health.

Structural brain heterogeneity underlying symptomatic and asymptomatic genetic dystonia: a multimodal MRI study

BACKGROUND

Most of DYT genotypes follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with reduced penetrance; the mechanisms underlying the disease development remain unclear. The objective of the study was to investigate cortical thickness, grey matter (GM) volumes and white matter (WM) alterations in asymptomatic (DYT-A) and symptomatic dystonia (DYT-S) mutation carriers.

METHODS

Eight DYT-A (four DYT-TOR1A and four DYT-THAP1), 14 DYT-S (seven DYT-TOR1A, and seven DYT-THAP1), and 37 matched healthy controls underwent 3D T1-weighted and diffusion tensor (DT) MRI to study cortical thickness, cerebellar and basal ganglia GM volumes and WM microstructural changes.

RESULTS

DYT-S showed thinning of the frontal and motor cortical regions related to sensorimotor and cognitive processing, together with putaminal atrophy and subcortical microstructural WM damage of both motor and extra-motor tracts such as cerebral peduncle, corona radiata, internal and external capsule, temporal and orbitofrontal WM, and corpus callosum. DYT-A had cortical thickening of middle frontal areas and WM damage of the corona radiata.

CONCLUSIONS

DYT genes phenotypic expression is associated with alterations of both motor and extra-motor WM and GM regions. Asymptomatic genetic status is characterized by a very subtle affection of the WM motor pathway, together with an increased cortical thickness of higher-order frontal regions that might interfere with phenotypic presentation and disease manifestation.

Effect of prothrombin Belgrade mutation, causing antithrombin resistance, on fibrin clot properties

INTRODUCTION

Prothrombin Belgrade mutation is the result of the c.1787G>A substitution in the prothrombin gene. It is located in the antithrombin and sodium binding site and leads to impaired inactivation of thrombin by antithrombin, resulting in antithrombin resistance and thrombotic disorders. However, it negatively affects sodium binding and may have hypocoagulant effects. Considering that prothrombin Belgrade mutation mechanism is still not fully elucidated and that sodium binding is important for thrombin affinity towards fibrinogen, our aim was to determine whether this mutation affects fibrin clot formation and lysis.

METHODS

Using HEK293T cell line, recombinant wild type and mutated prothrombin were generated by transient transfection. Samples that correspond to plasma of a non-carrier, heterozygous and homozygous carriers were reconstituted using prothrombin deficient plasma and recombinant proteins. Reconstituted samples were used in OHP assay (Overall Hemostasis Potential) to determine kinetic profiles of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Clot turbidity assay was performed to observe kinetics of clot formation and lysis more closely. Fibrin clots formed in reconstituted plasma samples were analyzed by confocal microscopy to determine density of fibrin network. Fibrin clots were additionally observed using electron microscopy to determine thickness of individual fibrin fibers.

RESULTS

No significant difference found in OHP, OCP, OFP, and fibrin network density between wild type, heterozygous, and homozygous carrier reconstituted plasma samples. There were significant differences between samples for slope and slope time parameters in kinetic profiles and fibrin fiber thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that prothrombin Belgrade mutation has no significant impact on fibrinolysis, however it may affect kinetics of clot formation and its architecture.

Penile Pearls and Pearling: Characteristics and Social Identity from the Perspective of Forensic Pathologists

Penile pearls are artificial implants placed beneath the skin of a penis to provide enhanced sexual experience for the partner or present a stigma of a particular social subgroup (e.g., prisoner, member of a gang). This genital modification is usually encountered in men of low socioeconomic status and prisoners who might (self) implant improvised pearls under poor sanitary conditions. We have only recently started to encounter penile pearls on autopsy, incidentally. The aim of this study was to analyze our autopsy cases with penile pearls to assess the characteristics of these subjects regarding their socioeconomic status, history of imprisonment, substance abuse, as well as the characteristics of implants. Nineteen men were included. Most were born in the 1970s and 1980s, with only elementary/vocational school education (n = 10). Only five men graduated from high school. At least 14 were in prison at some point in life and 13 were unemployed. Ten men were unmarried. In 11 men, regular alcohol consumption was reported. 12 used illicit substances, most with a history of heroin injection. Penile pearls were improvised and made of rigid plastic in 10 men, eight were of soft silicone-like material, and one was of metal. A distinct characteristic was a ribbed contour of some implants. Although this genital modification seems to gain more attention outside of described vulnerable groups, it mostly remains limited to them in our region. It is most likely performed in improvised, non-professional, unsanitary conditions, probably in prisons.

Exploring the effects of habitat management on grassland biodiversity: A case study from northern Serbia

Grasslands represent a biodiversity hotspot in the European agricultural landscape, their restoration is necessary and offers a great opportunity to mitigate or halt harmful processes. These measures require a comprehensive knowledge of historical landscape changes, but also adequate management strategies. The required data was gathered from the sand grasslands of northern Serbia, as this habitat is of high conservation priority. This area also has a long history of different habitat management approaches (grazing and mowing versus unmanaged), which has been documented over of the last two decades. This dataset enabled us to quantify the effects of different measures across multiple taxa (plants, insect pollinators, and birds). We linked the gathered data on plants, pollinators, and birds with habitat management measures. Our results show that, at the taxon level, the adopted management strategies were beneficial for species richness, abundance, and composition, as the highest diversity of plant, insect pollinator, and bird species was found in managed areas. Thus, an innovative modelling approach was adopted in this work to identify and explain the effects of management practices on changes in habitat communities. The findings yielded can be used in the decision making as well as development of new management programmes. We thus posit that, when restoring and establishing particular communities, priority needs to be given to species with a broad ecological response. We recommend using the decision tree as a suitable machine learning model for this purpose.

Preheating and "snow-plow" composite application technique affect double bond conversion but not bond strength to dentine

OBJECTIVE

To measure degree of conversion (DC) of a flowable composite, microtensile bond strength (MTBS) to dentine in the snow-plow technique with/without preheating and temperature in the preheated composite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For DC, snow-plow specimens of Filtek Ultimate Flowable (Flow) and Filtek Bulk Fill (Bulk) (3M) were prepared by light-curing composites simultaneously in standardized molds while in control groups light-curing was separate. DC of Flow was measured using micro-Raman spectroscopy. For MTBS, specimens were prepared on dentine of human extracted molars by simultaneous (snow-plow) or separate (control) light-curing. MTBS was measured using a universal testing machine after 24 h and 6 months. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Increased curing time significantly increased DC in snow-plow from 13.4% ± 11.6% (10 s) to 31.8% ± 4.4% (40 s) albeit significantly lower than controls (p < 0.05). Preheated Bulk improved conversion in snow-plow (44.3% ± 1.7%) and control (50.5% ± 2.6%) (p < 0.05). No significant differences occurred in MTBS between groups (p > 0.05). MTBS values ranged between 66.7 ± 8.4 MPa (snow-plow group_21°C_baseline) and 54.1 ± 15.8 MPa (control_21°C_long-term). Temperature in the preheated Bulk dropped to ~38°C after 30 s.

CONCLUSIONS

Snow-plow technique, irrespective of preheating, resulted in lower DC of Flow than separate light-curing of composite increments. Snow-plow, irrespective of preheating, resulted in similar initial and long-term MTBS to dentine.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Clinicians with preference for flowable composite liners in Class II restorations should be aware that the snow-plow technique of simultaneous light-curing of flowable and bulk-fill composite increments affects monomer-to-polymer conversion, albeit no effect on immediate, and long-term bonding to dentine was detected. Preheating sculptable bulk-fill composite improves conversion of the flowable liner in the snow-plow technique but has no detectable effect on bond strength to dentine.

Effect of Benzo-Annelation on Triplet State Energies in Polycyclic Conjugated Hydrocarbons

In a series of earlier studies, the effect of benzo-annelation was found to be a useful tool for tuning the aromaticity in polycyclic conjugated compounds to desired level. In this work we studied the (anti)aromaticity of benzo-annelated derivatives of three conjugated hydrocarbons (anthracene, fluoranthene and biphenylene) in their lowest lying singlet (S0) and triplet (T1) states by means of the energy effect (ef), harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA), multicentre delocalization indices (MCI), magnetically induced current densities (MICDs) and nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS). We showed that benzo-annelation is a topology-based effect which can be used to modify the T1 state excitation energies (E(T1)). A quantitative model was established being able to accurately predict the E(T1) based only on the numbers of angularly, linearly and geminally annelated benzene rings. In addition, it was demonstrated that the E(T1) can be directly related to the (anti)aromatic character of the central ring in the studied molecules in their S0 state.

Sex-specific element accumulation in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Honey bees are social insects that show division of labor and sexual dimorphism. Female honey bees differentiate in two different castes, queens or worker bees, while males are called drones. Worker bees have different tasks in the hive including collection of food, its processing, caring for brood, protecting the hive, or producing wax. The drones' only role is to mate with a virgin queen. Many studies have dealt with differences in physiology, behavior, and morphology of workers and drones. This is the first study that demonstrates differences in element accumulation and composition between workers and drones honey bees. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we found that worker honey bees have higher concentrations of most elements analyzed. Drones had higher concentrations of elements essential to bees, Na, P, S, Zn, Cu, and especially Se (2.2 × higher), which is known to be important for sperm quality and fertility in many animals. Until now higher Se content was not observed in male insects. These differences can be attributed to different environmental exposure, reproductive role of drones, but mostly to the food workers and drones consume. Worker bees feed on bee bread, which is rich in minerals. Drones are fed food pre-processed by worker bees.

Anti-calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Monoclonal Antibodies in Migraine: Focus on Clinical Pharmacokinetics

The calcitonin gene-related peptide transmission was the target for recent development of drugs that effectively prevent attacks of both episodic and chronic migraine. The aim of this narrative review was to offer deeper insight into pharmacokinetics of monoclonal antibodies approved for prevention of migraine attacks. For this narrative review, relevant literature was searched for in MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, covering periods 1966-2023 and 2006-2023, respectively. The ClinicalTrials.gov database was also searched for relevant clinical studies whose results had not been published previously in medical journals, covering the period 2000-2023. The monoclonal antibodies from this group are distributed mainly in the plasma and part of the extracellular space; they are neither metabolized in the liver nor excreted via the kidneys. The elimination of galcanezumab, eptinezumab and fremanezumab takes place only by a non-specific linear process via the reticuloendothelial system in the liver, while erenumab is eliminated by a non-specific process and by a specific, saturable process because of binding to receptors located on the cell membrane. Since the elimination processes do not have a large capacity, the half-life is about 2 weeks for erenumab and about 4 weeks for other monoclonal antibodies. Variability in the pharmacokinetics of these monoclonal antibodies is small in different subpopulations, and body weight is the only parameter to consider when choosing the dose of these drugs.

Anti-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Monoclonal Antibodies in Migraine: Focus on Drug Interactions

Calcitonin gene-related peptide neurotransmission was the target for recent development of monoclonal antibodies that effectively prevent attacks of both episodic and chronic migraine. The aim of this narrative review was to offer deeper insight into drug-drug, drug-food and drug-disease interactions of monoclonal antibodies approved for prevention of migraine attacks. For this narrative review, relevant literature was searched for in MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, covering the 1966-2023 and 2006-2023 periods, respectively. The ClinicalTrials.gov database was also searched for relevant clinical studies whose results had not been published previously in medical journals, covering 2000-2023. Monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab and eptinezumab) augment prophylactic action of gepants and onabotulinumtoxin A and somewhat increase efficacy of triptans used to abort migraine attacks; however, their adverse reactions may also be augmented. Pharmacokinetic interactions and interactions in general with drugs used for other indications except migraine are negligible, as are drug-food interactions. However, monoclonal antibodies may worsen diseases with already weakened CGRP neurotransmission, Raynaud phenomenon and constipation. Monoclonal antibodies used for prevention of migraine do not engage in significant pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs; however, they do engage in pharmacodynamic interactions with other anti-migraine drugs, additively augmenting their prophylactic action, but also increasing frequency and severity of adverse reactions, which are a consequence of the CGRP neurotransmission interruption.

Effects of background doping, interdiffusion and layer thickness fluctuation on the transport characteristics of THz quantum cascade lasers

In this work, we investigate the effects of n and p-type background doping, interface composition diffusion (interdiffusion) of the barrier material and layer thickness variation during molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth on transport characteristics of terahertz-frequency quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs). We analysed four exemplary structures: a bound-to-continuum design, hybrid design, LO-phonon design and a two-well high-temperature performance LO-phonon design. The exemplary bound-to-continuum design has shown to be the most sensitive to the background doping as it stops lasing for concentrations around 1.0 · 10 15 - 2.0 · 10 15 cm- 3 . The LO-phonon design is the most sensitive to growth fluctuations during MBE and this is critical for novel LO-phonon structures optimised for high-temperature performance. We predict that interdiffusion mostly affects current density for designs with narrow barrier layers and higher Al composition. We show that layer thickness variation leads to significant changes in material gain and current density, and in some cases to the growth of nonfunctional devices. These effects serve as a beacon of fundamental calibration steps required for successful realisation of THz QCLs.

3,4-Dimethylenecyclobutene: A Building Block for Design of Macrocycles with Excited State Aromatic Low-Lying High-Spin States

3,4-Dimethylenecyclobutene (DMCB) is an unusual isomer of benzene. Motivated by recent synthetic progress to substituted derivatives of this scaffold, we carried out a theoretical and computational analysis with a particular focus on the extent of (anti)aromatic character in the lowest excited states of different multiplicities. We found that the parent DMCB is non-aromatic in its singlet ground state (S0), lowest triplet state (T1), and lowest singlet excited state (S1), while it is aromatic in its lowest quintet state (Q1) as this state is represented by a triplet multiplicity cyclobutadiene (CBD) ring and two uncoupled same-spin methylene radicals. Interestingly, the Q1 state, despite having four unpaired electrons, is placed merely 4.8 eV above S0, and there is a corresponding singlet tetraradical 0.16 eV above. The DMCB is potentially a highly useful structural motif for the design of larger molecular entities with interesting optoelectronic properties. Here, we designed macrocycles composed of fused DMCB units, and according to our computations, two of these have low-lying nonet states (i. e., octaradical states) at energies merely 2.40 and 0.37 eV above their S0 states as a result of local Hückel- and Baird-aromatic character of individual 6π- and 4π-electron monocycles.

The impact of fullerenol nanoparticles on the growth of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins production in vitro and in corn flour

Antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity of fullerenol nanoparticles (FNPs) were investigated on Aspergillus flavus growth isolated from a real food sample and aflatoxins (AFs) (AFB1 and AFB2 ) production. The final FNPs concentrations in in vitro and in commercial corn flour after the stationary incubation period of 7 and 14 days were in the range 0.16-80 µg/mL and 0.16-80 µg/g, respectively. Nanocharacterization of FNPs revealed an average size of 5-20 nm and a zeta potential of -35 mV. The highest degree of A. flavus mycelium growth inhibition (28%) after 7 days was observed for applied FNP concentration of 8.0 µg/mL, while after 14 days FNP concentration of 0.32 µg/mL led to the maximal inhibition of A. flavus mycelium growth (36%). Spearman's correlations analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between AFB1 and AFB2 concentrations in YES broth after 7 (R = 0.994, p < 0.05) and 14 days (R = 0.976), as well as between AFs concentrations and A. flavus mycelium mass after 7 (R = 0.786 for AFB1 and R = 0.766 for AFB2 ) and 14 days (R = 0.810 for AFB1 and R = 0.833 for AFB2 ). Paired samples t-test showed the existence of a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the produced AFs concentrations after the incubation of 7 and 14 days. Regarding the artificially inoculated corn flour the lower applied FNP concentrations (0.16-0.8 µg/g) achieved a reduction of AFB1 up to 42% and 60% after 7 and 14 days, respectively.

Monte Carlo Optimization Method Based QSAR Modeling of Placental Barrier Permeability

PURPOSE

In order to ensure that drug administration is safe during pregnancy, it is crucial to have the possibility to predict the placental permeability of drugs in humans. The experimental method which is most widely used for the said purpose is in vitro human placental perfusion, though the approach is highly expensive and time consuming. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling represents a powerful tool for the assessment of the drug placental transfer, and can be successfully employed to be an alternative in in vitro experiments.

METHODS

The conformation-independent QSAR models covered in the present study were developed through the use of the SMILES notation descriptors and local molecular graph invariants. What is more, the Monte Carlo optimization method, was used in the test sets and the training sets as the model developer with three independent molecular splits.

RESULTS

A range of different statistical parameters was used to validate the developed QSAR model, including the standard error of estimation, mean absolute error, root-mean-square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient, cross-validated correlation coefficient, Fisher ratio, MAE-based metrics and the correlation ideality index. Once the mentioned statistical methods were employed, an excellent predictive potential and robustness of the developed QSAR model was demonstrated. In addition, the molecular fragments, which are derived from the SMILES notation descriptors accounting for the decrease or increase in the investigated activity, were revealed.

CONCLUSION

The presented QSAR modeling can be an invaluable tool for the high-throughput screening of the placental permeability of drugs.

Sex-Related and Brain Regional Differences of URB597 Effects on Modulation of MAPK/PI3K Signaling in Chronically Stressed Rats

Gender differences exist in depression incidence and antidepressant efficacy. In addition to the neurotransmission theory of depression, inflammation and disrupted signaling pathways play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Endocannabinoids offer a novel approach to treat inflammatory and emotional disorders like depression. URB597, a FAAH inhibitor, reduces endocannabinoids breakdown. In this study, URB597 effects were investigated on the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K) signaling in the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The results show that CUS induces depression-like behaviors, and the URB597 exhibited antidepressant-like effects inboth sexes. URB597 reduced the CUS-induced NLRP3 and IL-1β increase in the hippocampus and mPFC of both sexes. URB597 increased the reduced pERK1/2 levels in the mPFC of both sexes and hippocampus of CUS males. URB597 also prevented the increase in p38 phosphorylation after chronic stress in the mPFC of both sexes and in the hippocampus of the females. The CUS suppressed the downstream Akt phosphorylation in the mPFC and hippocampi of both sexes. URB597 produced an up-regulation of the pAkt in the hippocampus of the CUS animals but did not affect the pAkt in the mPFC. These data demonstrated a sexual dimorphism in the neural cell signaling, and in the effects of endocannabinoids, and indicated these dimorphisms are region-specific.

The presymptomatic treatment with 3HFWC nanosubstance decreased plaque load in 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

In the present study, we assessed the effects of the hyper-harmonized-hydroxylated fullerene-water complex (3HFWC) on Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological hallmarks in 5XFAD mice, an AD animal model.

METHODS

The 3-week-old 5XFAD mice were exposed to 3HFWC water solution ad libitum for 3 months in the presymptomatic phase of pathology. The functional effects of the treatment were confirmed through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis through machine learning (ML) using artificial neural networks (ANNs) to classify the control and 3HFWC-treated brain tissue samples. The effects of 3HFWC treatment on amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, plaque formation, gliosis, and synaptic plasticity in cortical and hippocampal tissue were assessed.

RESULTS

The 3HFWC treatment significantly decreased the amyloid-β plaque load in specific parts of the cerebral cortex. At the same time, 3HFWC treatment did not induce the activation of glia (astrocytes and microglia) nor did it negatively affect synaptic protein markers (GAP-43, synaptophysin, and PSD-95).

CONCLUSION

The obtained results point to the potential of 3HFWC, when applied in the presymptomatic phase of AD, to interfere with amyloid plaque formation without inducing AD-related pathological processes such as neuroinflammation, gliosis, and synaptic vulnerability.

The presence of Mott cells in the lymph nodes of rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Mott cells are plasma cells that have multiple spherical Russell bodies packed in their cytoplasm. Russell bodies are dilated endoplasmic reticulum cisternae filled with aggregates of immunoglobulins that are neither secreted nor degraded. Mott cells were observed in our study by light and electron microscope in the lymph nodes of rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Mott cells were detected on hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained lymph node sections as vacuolated cells with eccentrically positioned nuclei and large number of faint blue spherical inclusions in the cytoplasm. Electron microscopic investigation revealed the presence of Russell bodies of the "medusa" form inside Mott cells in lymph node ultra-thin sections of EAE animals. Mott cells expressed the plasma cell marker CD138 and either kappa or lambda immunoglobulin light chains, indicating their origin from polyclonally activated B cells. Finally, Mott cells were associated with active EAE, as they were not found in the lymph nodes of EAE-resistant Albino Oxford rats. The presence of Russell bodies implies an excessive production of immunoglobulins in EAE, thus further emphasizing the role of B cells, and among them Mott cells, in the pathogenesis of this animal model of multiple sclerosis.

Segregation of co-cultured multicellular systems: review and modeling consideration

Cell segregation caused by collective cell migration (CCM) is crucial for morphogenesis, functional development of tissue parts, and is an important aspect in other diseases such as cancer and its metastasis process. Efficiency of the cell segregation depends on the interplay between: (1) biochemical processes such as cell signaling and gene expression and (2) physical interactions between cells. Despite extensive research devoted to study the segregation of various co-cultured systems, we still do not understand the role of physical interactions in cell segregation. Cumulative effects of these physical interactions appear in the form of physical parameters such as: (1) tissue surface tension, (2) viscoelasticity caused by CCM, and (3) solid stress accumulated in multicellular systems. These parameters primarily depend on the interplay between the state of cell-cell adhesion contacts and cell contractility. The role of these physical parameters on the segregation efficiency is discussed on model systems such as co-cultured breast cell spheroids consisting of two subpopulations that are in contact. This review study aims to: (1) summarize biological aspects related to cell segregation, mechanical properties of cell collectives, effects along the biointerface between cell subpopulations and (2) describe from a biophysical/mathematical perspective the same biological aspects summarized before. So that overall it can illustrate the complexity of the biological systems that translate into very complex biophysical/mathematical equations. Moreover, by presenting in parallel these two seemingly different parts (biology vs. equations), this review aims to emphasize the need for experiments to estimate the variety of parameters entering the resulting complex biophysical/mathematical models.

Therapeutic potential of low-molecular weight lignin model polymer fractions for treating skin lesions in animals: a pilot study

Bacterial infections and resistance to antibiotics are increasingly severe problems. In recent years, Staphylococcus species have emerged as important pathogens in animals and humans. Current therapeutic methods against these species have serious disadvantages; therefore new agents with antibacterial potential, such as plant-based substances, are very important in therapy. We report a pilot study with new method of fractioning the dehydrogenate polymer DHP obtained from coniferyl alcohol and application of the low-MW fractions of 200-3000 Da for antibacterial activity in healing animal lesions. In vivo experiments were conducted on the dogs having a skin lesion. Dogs were treated with the suspension containing the low-MW DHP fractions as the active ingredient, in combination with alginate for 7 days. Cytological smears and microbiological analyses of the affected area were performed. Staphylococcus spp. was isolated from lesions in all dogs from our research. The results show that the low-MW DHP suspension in alginate promotes skin healing and reduction of the infection of the lesions in the affected animals. Pharmaceutical composition containing the low-MW DHP fractions exerts a soothing effect on the subject in wound treatment. Reduction in the number of bacteria by 30% and more were noticed in 6 dogs, while in 4 dogs this percentage is above 50%. No side effects were noticed. Synthesized lignin oligomers may have a significant place as antimicrobial and skin healing agents, especially since an increasing number of multidrug-resistant staphylococci are found on the skin lesions in animals.

The influence of Klotho protein and prooxidant-antioxidant balance combination on the mortality of HD patients

PURPOSE

End-stage renal disease patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) have a shortened life expectancy compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible link between three new and emerging factors in renal pathophysiology: Klotho protein, telomere length in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (TL) and redox status parameters before HD (bHD) and after HD (aHD), and to test mortality prediction capability of these emerging parameters in a population of HD patients.

METHODS

The study included 130 adult patients with average age 66 (54-72), on HD (3 times per week; 4-5 h per session). Klotho level, TL, routine laboratory parameters, dialysis adequacy and redox status parameters: advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), superoxide anion (O2.-), malondialdehyde (MDA), ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), total sulfhydryl group content (SHG), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined.

RESULTS

Klotho concentration was significantly higher aHD; 68.2 (22.6-152.9) vs. bHD 64.2 (25.5-119.8) (p = 0.027). The observed increase in TL was not statistically significant. AOPP, PAB, SHG, and SOD activity were significantly increased aHD (p > 0.001). The patients with the highest mortality risk score (MRS) had significantly higher PAB bHD (p = 0.002). Significantly lower O2.- (p < 0.001), SHG content (p = 0.072), and IMA (p = 0.002) aHD were found in patients with the lowest MRS values. Principal component analysis revealed redox balance-Klotho factor as a significant predictor of high mortality risk (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Decreased Klotho and TL attrition as well as redox status disturbance could be connected with higher mortality rate in HD patients.

Bacillus and Streptomyces spp. as hosts for production of industrially relevant enzymes

The application of enzymes is expanding across diverse industries due to their nontoxic and biodegradable characteristics. Another advantage is their cost-effectiveness, reflected in reduced processing time, water, and energy consumption. Although Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus, and Streptomyces spp. are successfully used for production of industrially relevant enzymes, they still lag far behind Escherichia coli as hosts for recombinant protein production. Generally, proteins secreted by Bacillus and Streptomyces hosts are released into the culture medium; their native conformation is preserved and easier recovery process enabled. Given the resilience of both hosts in harsh environmental conditions and their spore-forming capability, a deeper understanding and broader use of Bacillus and Streptomyces as expression hosts could significantly enhance the robustness of industrial bioprocesses. This mini-review aims to compare two expression hosts, emphasizing their specific advantages in industrial surroundings such are chemical, detergent, textile, food, animal feed, leather, and paper industries. The homologous sources, heterologous hosts, and molecular tools used for the production of recombinant proteins in these hosts are discussed. The potential to use both hosts as biocatalysts is also evaluated. Undoubtedly, Bacillus and Streptomyces spp. as production hosts possess the potential to take on a more substantial role, providing superior (bio-based) process robustness and flexibility. KEY POINTS: • Bacillus and Streptomyces spp. as robust hosts for enzyme production. • Industrially relevant enzyme groups for production in alternative hosts highlighted. • Molecular biology techniques are enabling easier utilization of both hosts.

Tailoring electronic and optical properties of hBN/InTe and hBN/GaTe heterostructures through biaxial strain engineering

In this research study, we systematically investigate the electronic and optical properties of van der Waals heterostructures (HSs) consisting of InTe (GaTe) and hBN monolayers, subjected to controlled biaxial strain. Our analysis demonstrates that the application of strain induces noteworthy alterations in the electronic band structure, enabling precise manipulation of the band gap and augmentation of the absorption properties of these structures. Employing density functional theory, we conduct a comprehensive examination of the influence of strain on the electronic and optical characteristics of these HSs. Our investigation showcases the remarkable potential of strain engineering in rendering these heterostructures into efficient and robust wide-range absorbers, particularly optimised for the visible spectrum, underscoring their relevance in various photonic and optoelectronic applications, paving the way for integration into advanced nanodevices.

The use of vitreous humour as a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification in forensic science

Vitreous humour (VH) is routinely collected for toxicological analyses. However, only a few studies have examined its possible use in genotyping. Because of its isolation from the rest of the body, later onset of postmortem changes, and availability, VH could be a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification and other molecular analyses in forensic genetics. During forensic autopsies, samples of different VH volumes (5 ml, 4 ml, 3 ml, 2 ml, 1 ml, and 0.5 ml) were taken from 66 cadavers 24-48 h after death. DNA was also isolated from the samples immediately after collection and after a specific time of storage (1, 2, and 6 months). DNA was isolated using phenol‒chloroform‒isoamyl alcohol (PCI), and the yield and purity of the obtained DNA were determined spectrophotometrically using a FastGene NanoView Photometer. The integrity of the isolated DNA molecule was determined by PCR amplification of the hTERT (113 bp) gene. The results showed that VH could be a reliable source of genetic material for forensic analysis, and the method used for DNA extraction was effective. The yield of the isolated DNA ranged from 6.20 to 609.5 ng/µl, and the purity of the samples was 1.24-2.34. The isolated DNA concentration and integrity depend on the sample volume, but the DNA purity does not. It is also shown that DNA can be extracted from VH samples that have been stored for up to 6 months at - 20 °C. Therefore, using VH can be a valuable material for DNA identification.

An EKC-based modelling of CO2 emissions, economic growth, electricity consumption and trade openness in Serbia

Understanding the complex interactions between the economy and the environment is crucial for promoting sustainable development and mitigating the negative impact of human activities on the Planet. The importance of this issue for Serbia is evident as the country strives to balance economic growth and environmental protection to ensure a sustainable and resilient future. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate and model the relationship between CO2 emissions, economic growth, electricity consumption, and trade openness in Serbia. Initially, an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model is used to characterize the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) using data from the period from 1995 to 2019, followed by the construction of a bootstrap logistic regression model to predict environmental quality in Serbia. Long-term estimates of the model confirm an inverted U-shaped relationship, where all three variables exert a statistically significant influence on CO2 emissions. In the short run, however, a causal relationship is only observed between electricity consumption and CO2 emissions. The logistic regression results show that all three factors significantly influence environmental quality. The study proposes policy recommendations for Serbia, such as promoting sustainable economic growth, implementing long-term programs to reduce CO2 emissions, reviewing trade policies to prioritize sustainable practices, and investing in renewable energy sources to reduce emissions.

Beta-blockers in Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Atrial Fibrillation Prevention

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (HTN LVH) is a key risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible role of beta-blockers (BBs) in addition to a renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) blocker in AF prevention in patients with HTN LVH.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed, Elsevier, SAGE, Oxford, and Google Scholar search with the search items 'beta blocker hypertension left ventricular hypertrophy patient' from 2013-2023. In the end, a 'snowball search', based on the references of relevant papers as well as from papers that cited them was performed.

RESULTS

HTN LVH is a risk factor for AF. In turn, AF substantially complicates HTN LVH and contributes to the genesis of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The prognosis of HFpEF is comparable with that of HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), and, regardless of the type, HF is associated with five-year mortality of 50-75%. The antiarrhythmic properties of BBs are wellrecognized, and BBs as a class of drugs are - in general - recommended to decrease the incidence of AF in HTN.

CONCLUSION

BBs are recommended (as a class) for AF prevention in several contemporary guidelines for HTN. LVH regression in HTN - used as a single criterion for the choice of antihypertensive medication - does not capture this protective effect. Consequently, it is worth studying how meaningful this antiarrhythmic action (to prevent AF) of BBs is in patients with HTN LVH in addition to a RAAS blocker.

The common nase (Chondrostoma nasus) as an indicator of aquatic pollution and human health risk assessment associated with its consumption

Individuals of common nase were sampled from three waterbodies (Kačer river, Zaovine, and Medjuvršje reservoirs) with different characteristics, types, and levels of anthropogenic pressure. The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of 26 elements in gills, liver, and muscle using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES); determine the concentrations of 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in muscle tissue using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS); compare these findings with fish condition (CF); and conduct human health risk and benefit assessments due to consumption of fish meat using target hazard quotient, target carcinogenic risk factor, Se:Hg molar ratio, Na:K and Ca:Mg ratios, and contribution of elements to human diet. Results indicated that in addition to the fact that the type of ecosystem (lentic vs. lotic) plays an important role in the fate and kinetics of pollutants, the degree of anthropogenic pressure is one of the most important factors of environmental pollution - Zaovine and Medjuvršje reservoirs (both lentic ecosystems) had the lowest and the highest levels of pollution, respectively. CF did not reflect the differences in accumulation of all analyzed elements in nase tissues. None of the 17 analyzed OCPs were detected due to the absence of recent use. Fish muscle was the least affected by metal pollution at all studied localities and could be safely used for consumption. We recorded several benefits for human health when using the nase meat in human diet.

Exploring Socioeconomic, Demographic and Psychological Predictors of At-risk Gambling and Participation in Specific Gambling Activities: A Comparative Approach

In this research, we aimed to provide a comparative examination of at-risk gambling and four types of gambling activities from the standpoint of socioeconomic, demographic and psychological factors. Using data collected from 7,385 adults aged 18-64 from Serbia, we investigated how specific variables contribute to the likelihood of participation in lottery playing, sports betting, casino games, and slot games across the three time frames (lifetime, last year, and last month), and at-risk gambling. Logistic regressions revealed that male sex, ages 18 to 34, drug use, harmful alcohol use, and elevated levels of distress were significant predictors of participation in any point of life in sports betting, casino games, and slot games, and at-risk gambling. Secondary education, residing in an urban area, and harmful alcohol use predicted - across three time frames - the engagement in lottery playing, sports betting, and slot games playing, respectively. Smoking, and specifically heavy smoking, was shown to be predictive of lifetime participation in all types of gambling, while having single marital status and being unemployed emerged as the factors increasing the odds for the last-month slot games playing. Notably, the 18 to 24 age cohort turned out to be the most vulnerable part of the population, as they displayed the largest odds for at-risk gambling, and both lifetime and last-year involvement in sports betting, casino games, and slot games playing. This highlights the necessity of targeted public health interventions for the young adult population and people who experiment or already experience problems related to substance use.

Micropetrosis: Osteocyte Lacunar Mineralization in Aging and Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As the importance of osteocytes for bone mineral homeostasis is increasingly recognized, there is growing interest in osteocyte cell death as a relevant indicator in various physiological and pathological conditions. Micropetrosis is an established term used to describe osteocyte lacunae that are filled with minerals following osteocyte death. While the early reports of micropetrosis were purely descriptive, there is now an increasing body of literature showing quantitative data on micropetrosis in various conditions such as aging, osteoporosis, immobilization, and diabetes, and in osteoporosis treatment (denosumab and bisphosphonates). This review summarizes quantitative findings on micropetrosis, with a particular emphasis on the recent advances in the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is growing evidence that micropetrosis is more common in older, osteoporotic, and immobilized individuals, as well as in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Denosumab and bisphosphonates seem to affect lacunar mineralization differently, where specifically bisphosphonates have been shown to prolong osteocyte viability and reduce micropetrosis. Despite continuous proceedings in the field of osteocyte-lacunar-network characteristics, more studies are necessary to further clarify the mechanisms of lacunar mineralization, the inter-site variability of micropetrosis accumulation, the relevance of micropetrosis in various diseases and conditions, and whether micropetrosis could be an indicator of bone fragility or a target for treatment.

Retrospective phylogenetic analysis of rabies virus G and N genes from Serbia

Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system of all warm-blooded animals and one of the oldest and most important zoonoses. In the Republic of Serbia, rabies is controlled by compulsory vaccination of dogs and cats and oral vaccination of wild carnivores, which has been implemented since 2010. In the period 2009-2018, 367 rabies cases were recorded. The last rabies case in Serbia was recorded in 2018 in a red fox (Vulpes vulpes), while the last case in dogs was diagnosed in 2011. This study aimed to perform a retrospective phylogenetic analysis of G and N genes of the rabies virus from Serbia from 2009 to 2018 to understand sources and pathways of infection better and to enable molecular virus tracing in the future based on the association of rabies virus genetic lineages with the geographic distribution. For the phylogenetic analysis of the rabies virus, 14 historically positive brain samples of red foxes from 2009 to 2018, collected in central Serbia, were used. All field strains from Serbia were identified as classic rabies virus and grouped within the Cosmopolitan lineage. Phylogenetic analysis of N gene sequences revealed that 13 rabies virus strains (92.9%) from Serbia belonged to the EE sub-lineage of isolates, while one virus (7.1%) ON988027 from 2011 clustered together with isolates from the WE sub-lineage.

The Serbian validation of the Rational-Experiential Inventory-40 and the Rational-Experiential Multimodal Inventory

The widely used Rational-Experiential Inventory-40 (REI-40) assesses Rational and Experiential thinking styles. Recently, the authors have distinguished three aspects of the Experiential style: Intuition, Emotionality and Imagination and developed the Rational-Experiential Multimodal Inventory (REIm). In this study, we examined the internal consistency, structural/factorial, discriminant and known-groups validity of both REI-40 and REIm, in two samples of Serbian students. Participants in Study 1 (N = 819, mean age M = 19.81, 31% males) completed REI-40 and HEXACO Personality Inventory (HEXACO-PI-R), while participants in Study 2 (N = 304, mean age M = 19.47, 29% males) completed REIm, HEXACO-PI-R and Disintegration inventory DELTA. The internal consistency of both REI version subscales was acceptable to good. The results of CFA analyses indicated an acceptable fit for REI-40, while the structural validity of REIm was poor. Both REI-40 subscales (Rationality and Experientiality), as well as REIm Intuition demonstrated only a small content overlap with basic personality traits, while REIm Experientiality, Emotionality and Imagination correlated highly with Openness and Emotionality. We also observed some gender differences in the expected direction.

Dietary restriction alters insulin signaling pathway in the brain

Insulin is known to be a key hormone in the regulation of peripheral glucose homeostasis, but beyond that, its effects on the brain are now undisputed. Impairments in insulin signaling in the brain, including changes in insulin levels, are thought to contribute significantly to declines in cognitive performance, especially during aging. As one of the most widely studied experimental interventions, dietary restriction (DR) is considered to delay the neurodegenerative processes associated with aging. Recently, however, data began to suggest that the onset and duration of a restrictive diet play a critical role in the putative beneficial outcome. Because the effects of DR on insulin signaling in the brain have been poorly studied, we decided to examine the effects of DR that differed in onset and duration: long-term DR (LTDR), medium-term DR (MTDR), and short-term DR (STDR) on the expression of proteins involved in insulin signaling in the hippocampus of 18- and 24-month-old male Wistar rats. We found that DR-induced changes in insulin levels in the brain may be independent of what happens in the periphery after restricted feeding. Significantly changed insulin content in the hippocampus, together with altered insulin signaling were found under the influence of DR, but the outcome was highly dependent on the onset and duration of DR.

The phenotype of Graves' orbitopathy is associated with thyrotropin receptor antibody levels

PURPOSE

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is a specific inflammatory disorder of the orbit characterized by a highly heterogeneous clinical phenotype. The role of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Ab) has been widely researched, however there is still no evidence that these antibodies have a direct pathogenic role in this pathology. The aim of this study was to examine their relation to the individual clinical features of GO.

METHODS

Ninety-one consecutive patients with GO were recruited. Total antibody concentration (TSH-R binding inhibitory immunoglobulins, TBII) and their functional activity (stimulating TSH-R-Ab, TSAb) were measured using binding immunoassay and cell-based bioassay, respectively.

RESULTS

Both TSAb and TBII levels were significantly associated to the clinical parameters of GO activity. TSAb was a more sensitive serological marker compared to TBII pertaining to eyelid retraction and edema, proptosis, extra-orbital muscle disorders, diplopia, irritable eye symptoms, and photophobia. TSAb, but not TBII, was a significant predictive marker of conjunctival redness, chemosis, caruncle/plica inflammation, eye irritation, and orbital pain, (odds ratio: 3.096, p = 0.016; 5.833, p = 0.009; 6.443, p = 0.020; 3.167, p = 0.045; 2.893, p = 0.032; versus 2.187, p = 0.093; 2.775, p = 0.081; 3.824, p = 0.055; 0.952, p = 0.930; 2.226, p = 0.099, respectively). Neither TSAb nor TBII correlated with the level of proptosis (ρ = 0.259, p = 0.090, and ρ = 0.254, p = 0.104, respectively), however rising TSAb levels were strongly associated to the level of proptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

TSH-R-Ab were significantly associated with GO's phenotype. Especially TSAb, as a sensitive and predictive serological biomarker, can improve diagnosis and management of GO.

Physics of collective cell migration

Movement of cell clusters along extracellular matrices (ECM) during tissue development, wound healing, and early stage of cancer invasion involve various inter-connected migration modes such as: (1) cell movement within clusters, (2) cluster extension (wetting) and compression (de-wetting), and (3) directional cluster movement. It has become increasingly evident that dilational and volumetric viscoelasticity of cell clusters and their surrounding substrate significantly influence these migration modes through physical parameters such as: tissue and matrix surface tensions, interfacial tension between cells and substrate, gradients of surface and interfacial tensions, as well as, the accumulation of cell and matrix residual stresses. Inhomogeneous distribution of tissue surface tension along the cell-matrix biointerface can appear as a consequence of different contractility of various cluster regions. While the directional cell migration caused by the matrix stiffness gradient (i.e., durotaxis) has been widely elaborated, the structural changes of matrix surface caused by cell tractions which lead to the generation of the matrix surface tension gradient has not been considered yet. The main goal of this theoretical consideration is to clarify the roles of various physical parameters in collective cell migration based on the formulation of a biophysical model. This complex phenomenon is discussed with the help of model systems such as the movement of cell clusters on a collagen I gel matrix, simultaneously reviewing various experimental data with and without cells.

Metagenomic Analysis of Bacterial Community and Isolation of Representative Strains from Vranjska Banja Hot Spring, Serbia

The hot spring Vranjska Banja is the hottest spring on the Balkan Peninsula with a water temperature of 63-95 °C and a pH value of 7.1, in situ. According to the physicochemical analysis, Vranjska Banja hot spring belongs to the bicarbonated and sulfated hyperthermal waters. The structures of microbial community of this geothermal spring are still largely unexplored. In order to determine and monitor the diversity of microbiota of the Vranjska Banja hot spring, a comprehensive culture-independent metagenomic analysis was conducted in parallel with a culture-dependent approach for the first time. Microbial profiling using amplicon sequencing analysis revealed the presence of phylogenetically novel taxa, ranging from species to phyla. Cultivation-based methods resulted in the isolation of 17 strains belonging to the genera Anoxybacillus, Bacillus, Geobacillus, and Hydrogenophillus. Whole-genome sequencing of five representative strains was then performed. The genomic characterization and OrthoANI analysis revealed that the Vranjska Banja hot spring harbors phylogenetically novel species of the genus Anoxybacillus, proving its uniqueness. Moreover, these isolates contain stress response genes that enable them to survive in the harsh conditions of the hot springs. The results of the in silico analysis show that most of the sequenced strains have the potential to produce thermostable enzymes (proteases, lipases, amylases, phytase, chitinase, and glucanase) and various antimicrobial molecules that can be of great importance for industrial, agricultural, and biotechnological applications. Finally, this study provides a basis for further research and understanding of the metabolic potential of these microorganisms.

Application of biodegradable cholinium ionic liquids for the extraction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from honey

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a Maillard reaction product, can be formed when honey is subjected to heat treatment or a long storage time, becoming volatile and toxic depending on its concentration. The fact that, until today, there is no literature data on the extraction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from honey using ionic liquids directed the investigation of the influence of biodegradable cholinium ionic liquids on the formation of aqueous biphasic systems and the application of these systems for the extraction of HMF from honey. The influence of anions of synthesised ionic liquids on the construction of biphasic systems in which an inorganic salt was used as a salting agent was investigated. Then, the extraction of HMF in these systems was examined, and the mechanisms of HMF extraction using ionic liquids were explained using computer simulations. Examining the effect of cholinium ionic liquids (choline chloride ([Ch][Cl]), cholinium nicotinate ([Ch][Nic]), cholinium propionate ([Ch][Prop]), and cholinium butyrate ([Ch][But])) on the formation of aqueous biphasic systems by comparing the phase diagrams, it was concluded that the ability of ionic liquids to form an aqueous biphasic system with tripotassium phosphate (K3PO4) decreases in the following order: [Ch][But] ≈ [Ch][Prop] > [Ch][Nic] > [Ch][Cl]. By applying all tested aqueous biphasic systems for the extraction of HMF from honey, an extraction efficiency of more than 89% was achieved. Complete extraction was achieved using the extraction system with [Ch][But], while the weakest ability to extract HMF was exhibited by the system with [Ch][Cl]. The mechanisms of HMF extraction using ionic liquids are explained on the basis of the optimised structures of the ionic liquid systems with HMF, together with the visualisation of non-covalent interactions, and on the basis of the calculated binding energies ΔGbin, which can be used as a good predictor of the extraction potential of newly synthesised ionic liquids.

Effects of direct pulp capping with recombinant human erythropoietin and/or mineral trioxide aggregate on inflamed rat dental pulp

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the dental pulp responses to recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and/or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in pulp capping of inflamed dental pulp in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In accordance with ARRIVE guidelines, pulp inflammation was induced by exposing the maxillary first molars (n = 64) of Wistar rats (n = 32) to the oral environment for two days. The exposed pulps were randomly assigned four groups based on the pulp capping material: rhEPO, MTA, MTA + rhEPO, or an inert membrane. An additional eight rats formed the healthy control group. After four weeks, the animals were euthanized, and histological, qRT-PCR, and spectrophotometric techniques were employed to analyze the left maxillary segments, right first maxillary molars, and blood samples, respectively. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and < 0.001.

RESULTS

Pulp capping with rhEPO, MTA, or MTA + rhEPO resulted in lower inflammation and higher mineralization scores compared to untreated control. MTA + rhEPO group exhibited significantly decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, while MTA group showed substantially reduced expression of interferon-gamma. Both rhEPO and MTA + rhEPO groups presented elevated dentin matrix protein 1 levels compared to untreated control. Furthermore, pulp capping with rhEPO and/or MTA led to increased transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression and reductions of pro-inflammatory/immunoregulatory cytokine ratios and prooxidative markers. Pulp capping with rhEPO also resulted in increase of systemic antioxidative stress markers.

CONCLUSION

Capping with rhEPO or MTA + rhEPO resulted in a favorable effect that was similar or even superior to that of MTA.

Oil yield prediction for sunflower hybrid selection using different machine learning algorithms

Due to the increased demand for sunflower production, its breeding assignment is the intensification of the development of highly productive oil seed hybrids to satisfy the edible oil industry. Sunflower Oil Yield Prediction (SOYP) can help breeders to identify desirable new hybrids with high oil yield and their characteristics using machine learning (ML) algorithms. In this study, we developed ML models to predict oil yield using two sets of features. Moreover, we evaluated the most relevant features for accurate SOYP. ML algorithms that were used and compared were Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Regression, K-Nearest Neighbour, and Random Forest Regressor (RFR). The dataset consisted of samples for 1250 hybrids of which 70% were randomly selected and were used to train the model and 30% were used to test the model and assess its performance. Employing MAE, MSE, RMSE and R2 evaluation metrics, RFR consistently outperformed in all datasets, achieving a peak of 0.92 for R2 in 2019. In contrast, ANN recorded the lowest MAE, reaching 65 in 2018 The paper revealed that in addition to seed yield, the following characteristics of hybrids were important for SOYP: resistance to broomrape (Or) and downy mildew (Pl) and maturity. It was also disclosed that the locality feature could be used for the estimation of sunflower oil yield but it is highly dependable on weather conditions that affect the oil content and seed yield. Up to our knowledge, this is the first study in which ML was used for sunflower oil yield prediction. The obtained results indicate that ML has great potential for application in oil yield prediction, but also selection of parental lines for hybrid production, RFR algorithm was found to be the most effective and along with locality feature is going to be further evaluated as an alternative method for genotypic selection.

Four New Species of Pseudephedrus (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) from Chile with a Key to Species Identification

The following work consists of the description of four new species of the genus Pseudephedrus Starý (Aphidiinae), endemic to South America, associated with endemic callaphidid aphid hosts. The descriptions of the new species are based on new samples from Chile and Argentina. The new species described here are as follows: Pseudephedrus staryi sp.n., which is morphologically very close to the already described P. chilensis Starý, with clear apomorphies; P. pubescens sp.n., which presents a setose scutellum, P. flava sp.n. and P. patagonicus sp.n. which have distinct, very elongated, and crenulated petioles representing synapomorphies and probably form separate phylogenetic lineages within Pseudephedrus. All hosts are aphids from the genus Neuquenaphis Blanchard, with varying degrees of diet specialization. From our field and laboratory observations, we hypothesize that, since attempts to sample parasitoids using sweep nets were much more successful than sampling from collected aphids, and since we found mummified aphids only on the ground among the fallen leaves under the trees, Neuquenaphis aphids fall to the ground showing a dropping behaviour as a defence against natural enemies after being stung by parasitoids. This makes rearing from live aphids very unsuccessful and could help explain why it has been difficult to collect and describe species. We supplement the distribution of Pseudephedrus from South America and present a key for the identification of all species based on their morphology.

Human health risk assessment based on direct and indirect exposure to endocrine disrupting herbicides in drinking, ground, and surface water in Croatia

The recognition of certain herbicides as endocrine disrupting compounds has raised concerns due to their ability to interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which regulates various physiological processes in organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the possible human health risks associated with terbuthylazine and endocrine-disrupting herbicides atrazine, acetochlor, and metolachlor in the drinking, surface, and groundwater of the Zagreb city region, Croatia. We relied on advanced statistical methods and principal component analysis (PCA), which revealed higher levels of atrazine and acetochlor in drinking and groundwater samples and higher presence of metolachlor and terbuthylazine in surface waters. To evaluate the danger to human health, various exposure scenarios have been assessed. The risk of direct human exposure to analyzed herbicides through drinking or bathing with drinking (tap) or groundwater, as well as from recreational activities like swimming in rivers, streams, and lakes, has been quantified. In addition to these direct exposure scenarios, indirect ones based on consumer goods, fruits, and vegetables, treated with surface and groundwater for irrigation, were assessed to investigate the danger to human health. Judging by the reported herbicide levels there was no significant risk of carcinogenic (CR ≤ 1 × 10-6) or non-carcinogenic (HI < 1) diseases, not even when we assessed the so-called "cocktail effect" of combined the herbicide exposure in different waters.

Patient discomfort and intensity of intraseptal anesthesia of computer-controlled articaine/epinephrine delivery for scaling and root planing

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim was to assess the pain during intraseptal anesthesia (ISA) administration, as well as during and after scaling and root planing (SRP). The secondary aims pertained to comparing the pain in different jaw regions and evaluating the factors affecting pain during ISA administration, during and after SRP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

ISA was obtained with three different doses of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (4%Ar + Ep) in 360 patients. The pain levels were measured using the visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain intensity during ISA administration (VASa), during SRP (VASi), and after SRP (VASp). These findings were then correlated with periodontal parameters. Regression analysis was performed for pain during ISA, during and after SRP.

RESULTS

Anesthesia administration was painful in 80.8% of cases. VASa negatively correlated with pocket depth (PPD). VASi showed no dose-dependency, except in mandibular premolars. VASi negatively correlated with the clinical attachment level (CAL). VASp positively correlated with PPD and CAL. Positive bleeding on probing reduced the chance of pain during ISA administration. Longer anesthesia duration and wider anesthetic field (orally) increased the prospects of painless SRP.

CONCLUSIONS

No dose-dependent differences were found regarding patient discomfort and pain intensity of ISA delivery of 4%Ar + Ep for SRP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The pain during ISA administration was mild and well tolerated regardless of the anesthetic dose. A lower intensity of pain during SRP can be expected in patients with greater CAL. Post-treatment pain can be anticipated after SRP in the regions with greater PPD and CAL.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04392804 (May 9th, 2020).

Antitumor activity of natural pigment violacein against osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines

PURPOSE

Sarcomas are rare and heterogenic tumors with unclear etiology. They develop in bone and connective tissue, mainly in pediatric patients. To increase efficacy of current therapeutic options, natural products showing selective toxicity to tumor cells are extensively investigated. Here, we evaluated antitumor activity of bacterial pigment violacein in osteosarcoma (OS) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cell lines.

METHODS

The toxicity of violacein was assessed in vitro and in vivo, using MTT assay and FET test. The effect of violacein on cell migration was monitored by wound healing assay, cell death by flow cytometry, uptake of violacein by fluorescence microscopy, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by DCFH-DA assay and lipid peroxidation by TBARS assay.

RESULTS

Violacein IC50 values for OS and RMS cells were in a range from 0.35 to 0.88 µM. Its selectivity toward malignant phenotype was confirmed on non-cancer V79-4 cells, and it was safe in vivo, for zebrafish embryos in doses up to 1 µM. Violacein induced apoptosis and affected the migratory potential of OS and RMS cells. It was found on the surfaces of tested cells. Regarding the mechanism of action, violacein acted on OS and RMS cells independently of oxidative signaling, as judged by no increase in intracellular ROS generation and no lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided further evidence that reinforces the potential of violacein as an anticancer agent and candidate to consider for improvement of the effectiveness of traditional OS and RMS therapies.

Visible-light promoted photoredox catalysis in flow: addition of biologically important α‑amino radicals to michael acceptors

Visible light promoted photoredox catalyzed formation of α-amino radicals from cyclic tertiary amine compounds and their subsequent addition to Michael acceptors performed in flow conditions allowed access to a wide range of functionalized N-aryl-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) and N-aryl-substituted tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THBCs). Visible light in conjunction with Ru(bpy)3Cl2 photocatalyst allowed the formation and high reactivities of α-amino radicals in flow conditions at room temperature. These reactions gave valuable products with high efficiencies; some previously unavailable reaction pathways photo or thermal reaction conditions; i.e. direct synthesis of 1-substituted (THBCs) via α-amino radical path were successfully realized in flow. The use of custom-made FEP tube microreactor proved to be the key to succesfull α-amino-radical formation and overall reaction performance in flow. Three types of light transparent custom-made microfluidic devices were tested, among them glass/silicon and FEP type reactor showed very good results in the conversion of tested compounds. Plausible reaction mechanism is proposed in accordance with known principles of photo activation of tertiary amines. Visible light promoted C(sp3)-H functionalization of N-aryl-protected tetrahydroisoquinolines and N-aryl-protected tetrahydro-β-carbolines in microflow conditions via a-amino radical pathway with various coupling partners in excellent yields and efficiencies.

Upregulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells resistin gene expression in severe obstructive sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterised by increased systemic inflammation, and is often accompanied with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate gene expression of resistin, its receptor CAP1 and CD36 as the indicators of the inflammatory changes in PBMCs in relation to the severity of OSA, and the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in OSA.

METHODS

Severity of OSA was defined by the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI): AHI < 30: mild to moderate OSA (MM-OSA), AHI ≥ 30: severe OSA (S-OSA). Presence of T2DM was captured: OSA with T2DM (OSA + T2DM), OSA without T2DM (OSA-T2DM). PBMC resistin, CAP1, and CD36 mRNA were determined by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Resistin mRNA was significantly upregulated in S-OSA (N = 54) compared to the MM-OSA (N = 52, P = 0.043); CAP1 and CD36 mRNA levels did not differ between the groups (P = 0.302; P = 0.166, respectively). Resistin mRNA was significantly upregulated in OSA + T2DM (N = 29) compared to the OSA-T2DM (N = 77, P = 0.029); CAP1 and CD36 mRNA levels did not differ between the groups (P = 0.662; P = 0.108, respectively). AHI and T2DM were independent predictors of resistin mRNA above the 75th percentile (OR = 3.717 [1.152-11.991]; OR = 3.261 [1.000-10.630], P = 0.042 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Resistin gene upregulation in S-OSA indicates its possible contribution to increased inflammation in S-OSA and makes it a possible marker of the disease severity. Resistin gene upregulation in OSA + T2DM suggests that a joint effect of these two comorbidities may have a major contribution to increased inflammation and complications that arise from this state.

A cross-sectional study comparing emotional intelligence and perceived stress amongst community pharmacists delivering and not delivering a new service

BACKGROUND

Community pharmacists contribute substantially to public health and person-centred care. Emotional intelligence (EI) may help health professionals better engage with patients, handle stress in challenging situations and, presumably, better introduce and implement new services.

AIM

The study's aims were to compare the EI and perceived stress (PS) levels of community pharmacists who provided a new service to patients with diabetes with their controls who provided standard pharmaceutical services and to test the correlations between the two constructs.

METHOD

This study used a survey methodology. Well-validated instruments were distributed electronically to all participating pharmacists. To compare the continuous EI and PS data between the two study groups, the paired-samples t test was used. Pearson and Spearman's correlations were used to test the associations between EI and PS and their respective subdomains.

RESULTS

A total of 86 pharmacists participated in the study (n = 43 in each group). The study groups did not differ by any characteristic except gender. Their mean EI and PS levels were 120.95 ± 11.53 and 17.45 ± 4.55, respectively, with no difference between the groups. In both study groups, inverse correlations were found between PS and EI levels, with statistical significance in the control group and in the overall study population (r = - 0.611 and r = - 0.370, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the introduction of the EI agenda into certification programmes for new community pharmacy services should be considered. The results also suggest that higher EI may have protective effects against PS. Additional research would clarify the need to invest more in such programmes.

Chironomus riparius Larval Gut Bacteriobiota and Its Potential in Microplastic Degradation

Chironomus riparius are sediment-dwelling invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems and are used as indicators of environmental pollution. Their habitat is threatened by high levels of contaminants such as microplastics and organic matter. A promising strategy for the eco-friendly degradation of pollutants is the use of bacteria and their enzymatic activity. The aim of this study was to characterize for the first time bacteriobiota associated with the gut of C. riparius larvae from nature and laboratory samples, to compare it with sediment and food as potential sources of gut microbiota, and to assess its ability to degrade cellulose, proteins, and three different types of microplastics (polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyamide). The metabarcoding approach highlighted Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota as most abundant in both gut samples. Culturable microbiota analysis revealed Metabacillus idriensis, Peribacillus simplex, Neobacillus cucumis, Bacillus thuringiensis/toyonensis, and Fictibacillus phosphorivorans as five common species for nature and laboratory samples. Two P. simplex and one P. frigoritolerans isolates showed the ability for intensive growth on polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyamide. Both cellulolytic and proteolytic activity was observed for Paenibacillus xylanexedens and P. amylolyticus isolates. The characterized strains are promising candidates for the development of environmentally friendly strategies to degrade organic pollution and microplastics in freshwater ecosystems.