First Detection of West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Vectors in Croatia.

The West Nile virus (WNV) has recently become more widespread, posing a threat to both human and animal health. In Western Europe, most outbreaks have been caused by WNV lineage 1, while in Eastern Europe, WNV lineage 2 has led to human and bird mortality. The ability to appropriately manage this threat is dependent on integrated surveillance and early detection.

Indoor and Outdoor Air Microbial Contamination During Different Reconstruction Methods of Historic Buildings.

The quality of indoor air is dependent on a number of factors, including the presence of microorganisms that colonize the building materials. The potential for health risks associated with microbial contamination is a significant concern during the renovation of buildings. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of two reconstruction methods for historic buildings on air quality.

α-Tocopherol and Trolox as Effective Natural Additives for Polyurethane Foams: A DFT and Experimental Study.

In this work, α-tocopherol and trolox were studied as compounds that have high biological activity. α-Tocopherol is considered a food additive because the refining process of vegetable oils causes the depletion of this vitamin, and thus, its inclusion is required to keep them from oxidizing. Computational tools have determined the antioxidant activity of these additives.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Co(III)/Ru(II) Heterobimetallic Complexes as Hypoxia-Activated Iron-Sequestering Anticancer Prodrugs.

Heterobimetallic complexes of an ambidentate deferiprone derivative, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-(3-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)propyl)pyridin-4(1H)-one (PyPropHpH), incorporating an octahedral [Co(4N)] (4N = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) or tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tpa)) and a half-sandwich type [(η--cym)Ru] (-cym = -cymene) entity have been synthesized and characterized by various analytical techniques. The reaction between PyPropHpH and [Co(4N)Cl]Cl resulted in the exclusive (O,O) coordination of the ligand to Co(III) yielding [Co(tren)PyPropHp](PF) () and [Co(tpa)PyPropHp](PF) (). This binding mode was further supported by the molecular structure of [Co(tpa)PyPropHp](ClO)(OH)·6HO () and [Co(tren)PyPropHpH]Cl(PF)·2HO·CHOH (), respectively, obtained via the slow evaporation of the appropriate reaction mixtures and analyzed using X-ray crystallography.

Recent Progress on the Catalytic Application of Bimetallic PdCu Nanoparticles.

Bimetallic PdCu nanoparticles with different Pd:Cu ratios and morphologies can be synthesized and immobilized on a variety of support materials. Accordingly, PdCu nanoparticles can be efficiently applied as heterogeneous catalysts in a large number of organic transformations including C-C coupling and cross-coupling reactions. As related to their favorable electronic and structural interactions, the catalytic performances of PdCu bimetallic nanoparticles may be superior to monometallic species.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation and Identification of Antibacterial Compounds from Invasive Tree of Heaven Stem and Trunk Bark.

Flash column chromatographic fractionation of tree of heaven () stem and trunk bark extracts, guided by thin-layer chromatography (TLC)- assay and TLC-heated electrospray high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HESI-HRMS/MS), lead to the isolation of six known compounds: (9,11)-13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE, ), (10,12)-9-hydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid (9-HODE, ), hexadecanedioic acid (thapsic acid, ), 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid (juniperic acid, ), 16-feruloyloxypalmitic acid (alpinagalanate, ), and canthin-6-one (). Their structures were elucidated by HESI-HRMS/MS and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This is the first study identifying - in tree.

Characterization of Al-Containing Industrial Residues in the ESEE Region Supporting Circular Economy and the EU Green Deal.

The increase in industrial waste generation presents a global problem that is a consequence of the needs of modern society. To achieve the goals of the EU Green Deal and to promote the concept of circular economy (CE), the valorization of industrial residues as secondary raw materials offers a pathway to economic, environmental, energetic, and social sustainability. In this respect, Al-containing industrial residues from alumina processing (red mud), thermal power plants (fly ash and bottom ash), and metallurgy (slag), as well as other industries, present a valuable mineral resource which can be considered as secondary raw materials (SRMs) with the potential to be used in construction, supporting the concept of circular economy.

Quantitative Indicators of Microstructure and Texture Heterogeneity in Polycrystalline System.

The microstructural features of polycrystals determine numerous properties, whereas the evolution of crystallographic texture is responsible for the anisotropy of particular properties. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to find proper quantitative indicators, which reflect the nature of microstructure and texture characteristics. This is partially performed by the assessment of the average grain size and texture intensity that provide basic information on the microstructural features evolved; however, often, the basic quantitative indicators are not capable of revealing the complete microstructural state especially when the system is highly heterogeneous.

The Generalized Phase Rule, the Extended Definition of the Degree of Freedom, the Component Rule and the Seven Independent Non-Compositional State Variables: To the 150th Anniversary of the Phase Rule of Gibbs.

The phase rule of Gibbs is one of the basic equations in phase equilibria. Although it has been with us for 150 years, discussions, interpretations and extensions have been published. Here, the following new content is provided: (i).

Influence of Magnetic Stirring and Eutectic Front Velocity on the Solidified Microstructure of Al-18 wt.% Si Alloy.

The microstructure of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys is crucial in determining their mechanical properties and overall performance in engineering applications. This paper investigates the effect of a rotating magnetic field (RMF) and eutectic front velocity on the microstructure of hypereutectic Al-18 wt.% Si alloy.

Investigation of Calcium Phosphate-Based Biopolymer Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

We present a novel method for preparing bioactive and biomineralized calcium phosphate (mCP)-loaded biopolymer composite scaffolds with a porous structure. Two types of polymers were investigated as matrices: one natural, cellulose acetate (CA), and one synthetic, polycaprolactone (PCL). Biomineralized calcium phosphate particles were synthesized via wet chemical precipitation, followed by the addition of organic biominerals, such as magnesium gluconate and zinc gluconate, to enhance the bioactivity of the pure CP phase.

Translocation: A Common Tumor Driver of Distinct Human Neoplasms.

Cancer is among the leading causes of mortality in developed countries due to limited available therapeutic modalities and high rate of morbidity. Although malignancies might show individual genetic landscapes, recurring aberrations in the neoplastic genome have been identified in the wide range of transformed cells. These include translocations of frequently affected loci of the human genetic material like the Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 () of chromosome 22 that results in malignancies with mesodermal origin.

Identification of Protein Networks and Biological Pathways Driving the Progression of Atherosclerosis in Human Carotid Arteries Through Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics.

Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, especially hemorrhaged lesions, are the major cause of mortalities related to vascular pathologies. The early identification of vulnerable plaques helps to stratify patients at risk of developing acute vascular events. In this study, proteomics analyses of human carotid artery samples collected from patients with atheromatous plaques and complicated lesions, respectively, as well as from healthy controls were performed.

Genomic Variability Survey in L., with Reference to Four Insular Populations from Eastern Europe.

Cosmopolitan in the western areas of Europe as well as on other continents, the Ilex genus is interesting for its genetic, phenotypic, and biogeographic variabilities. Its insular/local distribution, according to existing data on the periphery of the central and southern European areas, represents a suitable case study with reference to the adaptive plasticity or acclimatization of the L. species to new climatic conditions.

Investigation of Host-Guest Interactions in 2-Ureido-4-ferrocenylpyrimidine Derivatives.

In the present study, synthesis, conformational behavior, host-guest complex formation, and electrochemical properties of novel 6-substituted-2-ureido-4-ferrocenylpyrimidines were explored. A comprehensive NMR spectroscopic investigation was carried out to confirm the structure and conformational equilibrium of the ureidopyrimidines through studying the temperature- and concentration dependence of NMR spectra. Low-temperature NMR measurements were used to clarify structural changes inflicted by a 2,6-diaminopyridine guest.

Sigma-1 Receptor as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Current treatments for DKD do not halt renal injury progression, highlighting an urgent need for therapies targeting key disease mechanisms. Our previous studies demonstrated that activating the Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) with fluvoxamine (FLU) protects against acute kidney injury by inhibiting inflammation and ameliorating the effect of hypoxia.

Precision Oncology Approach for Urachal Carcinoma: A Clinical Case Report.

Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease which is mostly diagnosed late due to symptoms caused by its local invasion to the urinary bladder. Given the lack of clinical trials and guideline recommendations for systemic treatment, a molecularly informed precision oncology approach is a viable option for UrC already in the early lines of systemic treatment. While single case experiences may provide valuable reference for later decision-making, well-documented clinical experience with off-label targeted treatments is limited to a few patients.

Analysis of Plant Physiological Parameters and Gene Transcriptional Changes Under the Influence of Humic Acid and Humic Acid-Amino Acid Combinations in Maize.

The study investigated the application of humic acids (HAs) and a combination of humic acids and amino acids (HA+AA) in maize under field conditions. Based on preliminary data in the literature, the aim was to investigate the effects of the two plant conditioning compounds on plant physiological parameters. In addition to measuring plant physiological parameters in the field, a complete transcriptome analysis was performed to determine exactly which genes were expressed after the treatments and in which physiological processes they play a role.

Kallistatin as a Potential Marker of Therapeutic Response During Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment in Diabetic Patients with Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy.

Diabetic sensorimotor neuropathy (DSPN) is strongly associated with the extent of cellular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) attenuates the progression of DSPN through its antioxidant and vasculoprotective effects. Kallistatin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Novel Molecular Classification of Breast Cancer with PET Imaging.

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by a wide range of biomarker expressions, resulting in varied progression, behavior, and prognosis. While traditional biopsy-based molecular classification is the gold standard, it is invasive and limited in capturing tumor heterogeneity, especially in deep or metastatic lesions. Molecular imaging, particularly positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, offering a non-invasive alternative, potentially plays a crucial role in the classification and management of breast cancer by providing detailed information about tumor location, heterogeneity, and progression.

Impact of Diabetes on Excessive Cardiovascular Risk: Matched Analysis Based on the European Health Interview Survey.

: Diabetes represents a major public health challenge due to its strong link to cardiovascular risk, therefore the aim was to explore the excessive cardiovascular risk attributed to diabetes. : This cross-sectional study was based on data from the European Health Interview Surveys in Hungary. Propensity score matching was used to control confounding factors including age, gender, education, marital status, income, health status, obesity, smoking, place of residence, and physical activity.

Body Positions and Physical Activity Levels Modulate the Ratio of Abdominal to Thoracic Breathing and Respiratory Rate in Young Individuals.

: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that body positions substantially affected the mortality rate. We hypothesized that body position modulates the contribution of abdominal (AB) and thoracic breathing (TB) to the breathing cycle (BC), as well as respiratory rate (RR). In addition, we hypothesized that physical activity level can increase the contribution of abdominal breathing.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Selective JAK Inhibitors in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective, Multicentre Study.

: Data on the real-world effectiveness and safety of selective JAK inhibitors (JAKis) in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are limited. : We conducted a multicentre, retrospective study to assess clinical, biochemical, and endoscopic outcomes of selective JAKis in bio-experienced UC and CD. : A total of 246 patients (mean age: 40.

Effectiveness of Video-Game-Based Therapy to Improve Hand Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Advances in technology have led to the emergence of new therapeutic methods such as video-game-based therapy (VGBT). This may be a promising new method for improving upper limb function, but the role and proposed uses still need to be clarified. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of VGBT in children with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to conventional therapy (CT).

Generation and Assessment of Soybean ( (L.) Merr.) Hybrids for High-Efficiency -Mediated Transformation.

The -mediated technique is widely employed for soybean transformation, but the efficiency of this method is still relatively modest, in which multiple factors are involved. Numerous chemical and physiological cues from host plants are needed for attraction and subsequent T-DNA integration into the plant genome. Susceptible genotypes may permit this attachment and integration, and the agronomically superior genotypes with susceptibility to would play an important role in increasing transformation efficiency.