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.

Transcriptome and Gene Expression Analysis Revealed : A Potential New Marker for Somatic Embryogenesis in Common Centaury ( Rafn.).

Rafn. is a medicinal plant used as a model for studying plant developmental processes due to its developmental plasticity and ease of manipulation in vitro. Identifying the genes involved in its organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis (SE) is the first step toward unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying its morphogenic plasticity.

Etiology-Dependent Microbiome Differences in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development.

Chronic liver disease is characterised by persistent inflammation, tissue damage, and regeneration, which leads to steatosis, fibrosis, and, lastly, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC, the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in human physiology, and disturbances in its critical balance are widely recognised as contributors to various pathological conditions, including chronic liver diseases, both infectious and non-infectious in nature.

Study of Graphene Oxide and Silver Nanowires Interactions and Its Association with Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness.

Technological development has led to the need for materials able to block electromagnetic waves (EMWs) emitted from various devices. EMWs could negatively affect the working performance and lifetime of multiple instruments and measuring devices. New EMW shielding materials are being developed, while among nanomaterials, graphene-based composites have shown promising features.

L. Leaf Extract Dose-Dependently Modulates Oxidative Stress in the Kidney and Exerts Anti-Fibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties by the Molecular Mechanisms Independent of NRF-2 Signalization Mirroring the Effects of Losartan in SHR.

Previously, we confirmed systemic antihypertensive and antioxidant properties of L. leaf extract (UE) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Here, we aimed to evaluate whether UE can alter the NO and Nrf-2 signaling to prevent local oxidative stress and kidney damage in the model of essential hypertension.

Advancing Immunoassay Precision: A Novel Preanalytical Method for Enhancing Thyroglobulin Measurement in the Presence of Tg Antibodies.

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a reliable marker for detecting recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients, but frequently occurring Tg antibodies (TgAbs) can hinder accurate measurement. We aimed to develop a preanalytical protocol for precise Tg detection in TgAb presence using the immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) platform. This study involved forty-five patients who underwent IRMA Tg and radioimmunoassay (RIA) TgAb measurements, including two patients monitored for recurrence and one with confirmed recurrence.

Gene Polymorphisms and DNA Methylation in Idiopathic Spontaneous Preterm Birth.

: Preterm birth (PTB) is a complex condition with various contributing factors, including genetic and epigenetic influences such as DNA methylation. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays a critical role in DNA methylation and the remethylation of homocysteine. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, LINE-1 DNA methylation levels, and the risk of idiopathic spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in Caucasian women from Croatia and Slovenia.

Oral Hygiene, Dietary Habits, and Saliva Properties in Relation to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index of Dental Students: A Pilot Study.

: Caries development is associated with poor oral hygiene, inadequate dietary habits, quantitative and qualitative food content, and a high level of bacterial plaque. Physical and chemical changes in saliva composition and particularly changes in its buffering capability play a significant role in caries development. This study aimed to determine the predictors of poor oral health among a sample of second-year dental students.

Relationship Between Population Density, Availability of Gynecological Services, and Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality Across Administrative Units in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina During 2016-2020.

: Burden of cervical cancer in Central and Eastern Europe is higher than in other parts of Europe. We analyzed cervical cancer epidemiology in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska) from January 2016 to December 2020, exploring the role of available sociodemographic factors and healthcare service parameters on incidence and mortality rates, using an ecological approach based on aggregated data. : Incidence and mortality rates are standardized using the method of direct standardization with the World-ASR-W.

The Significance of Plant Nutrition in the Creation of the Intestinal Microbiota-Prevention of Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review.

Dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract is the most common cause of disease in childhood and adulthood. The formation of the intestinal microbiome begins in utero, and composition modification during life depends mainly on various genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. The main cause of intestinal dysbiosis is improper nutrition due to a short period of breastfeeding, insufficient intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and/or consumption of a large amount of processed food.

Lifetime Practice and Intention to Use Contraception After Induced Abortion Among Serbian Women in Belgrade.

: The issue of high rates of abortion among Serbian women has been previously highlighted, yet its social underpinnings are still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the lifetime use of and intention to use contraception among women after having an abortion. : A cross-sectional study was carried out from 2022 to 2024 at the Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Serbia.

Paternal Contributions to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Approaches.

: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects numerous couples worldwide and has traditionally been attributed mainly to maternal factors. However, recent evidence highlights significant paternal influences on pregnancy viability and outcomes. This review aims to comprehensively examine male contributions to pregnancy loss, focusing on underlying mechanisms, novel biomarkers, and integrated strategies for improved reproductive success.

Dental Considerations in Children with Inherited Bleeding Disorders and Inhibitors: A Systematic Review.

: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of various hematological treatment protocols and local hemostatic measures in preventing oral bleeding and other complications during and after dental treatments in children with inherited bleeding disorders and inhibitors. : This study was registered in the PROSPERO database. The comprehensive search strategy for this systematic review was conducted across five databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.

Endurance Sports and Atrial Fibrillation: A Puzzling Conundrum.

The confirmed benefits of regular moderate exercise on cardiovascular health have positioned athletes as an illustration of well-being. However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential predisposition to arrhythmias in individuals engaged in prolonged strenuous exercise. Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common heart arrhythmia, is typically associated with age-related risks but has been documented in otherwise healthy young and middle-aged endurance athletes.

Abstracts of the 16th European Congress of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology .

PAG aims to foster a collaborative environment that bridges knowledge from various disciplines to ensure the highest quality of care for children and adolescents with gynaecological issues. The European Association of PAG and HellenicPAG, like all National PAG Societies, support research and education to advance new insights, improve health outcomes, enhance quality of life, and protect future fertility. Additionally, PAG promotes international cooperation by proposing guidelines for good clinical practice in terms of prevention, diagnosis, procedures, and treatment.

Reliability and Sensitivity of Enode/Vmaxpro Sensor for Muscle Power Assessment.

(1) Background: Regardless of the level of physical activity, performance monitoring is a valuable component of the training process. The aim of this research was to assess the reliability and sensitivity of parameter measurements using the Enode/Vmaxpro sensor. (2) Methods: Metric characteristics were examined for average velocity, peak velocity, average power, peak power, movement length, and movement duration.

Survival Prognostic Factors of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease with high rates of disability and mortality. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an effective method of treating patients, increasing life expectancy, but currently, predictors available to determine the best outcome of therapy in this category of patients are unknown. This systematic review aimed to determine the impact of prognostic factors on benefits from NIV application compared with non-NIV tools of treatment (invasive ventilation and standard care) in case of survival of ALS patients.

Advancing Field-Based Vertical Jump Analysis: Markerless Pose Estimation vs. Force Plates.

The countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) is widely used in sports science and rehabilitation to assess lower body power. In controlled laboratory environments, a complex analysis of CMJ performance is usually carried out using motion capture or force plate systems, providing detailed insights into athlete's movement mechanics. While these systems are highly accurate, they are often costly or limited to laboratory settings, making them impractical for widespread or field use.

Do Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Have an (In)Adequate Level of Physical Activity? A Latent Class Analysis Approach.

Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) has a beneficial effect on joint pain, stiffness, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of PA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to identify potential barriers to this activity.

Material And Methods: The study involved 132 patients with RA.

Characterization of Chestnut Tannins: Bioactive Compounds and Their Impact on Lamb Health.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the chestnut ( Mill.) tannin product, Farmatan Plus (Tanin Sevnica d.d.

Apocynin and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improve Renal Function and Structure in an Animal Model of CKD.

Background/objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive pathological condition which results in the severe fibrosis of the kidneys. However, the mechanisms of CKD progression and fibrogenesis remain unclear. We wanted to examine the effects that apocynin and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have on renal function and structure in animals with CKD induced through 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx-L).

Sex-Related Differences in Heart Failure Development in Patients After First Myocardial Infarction: The Role of Galectin-3.

Galectin-3 (gal-3) is upregulated in remodeling, and failing myocardium and gal-3 levels are increased in hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of sex-related differences in the following: risk factors, left ventricular (LV) structural and functional changes, coronary angiography, expression of the gal-3 encoding gene and plasma gal-3 levels in heart failure (HF). : This prospective study included 137 men and 44 women with first MI who underwent Doppler echocardiography within 2-4 days of MI and after 6 months.

Prognostic Factors for Cancer-Specific Survival and Disease-Free Interval in 130 Patients with Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: Single Institution Experience.

Background: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is categorized into three groups: minimally invasive FTC (MIFTC), encapsulated angioinvasive FTC (EAIFTC), and widely invasive FTC (WIFTC). FTC is the second most common type of thyroid tumor, though it remains relatively rare in the general population. This study aimed to examine the prognosis and prognostic factors in patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma.

Valorizing Grape Pomace: A Review of Applications, Nutritional Benefits, and Potential in Functional Food Development.

Grape pomace (GP), a byproduct of winemaking, has gained significant attention as a sustainable and functional ingredient with applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. This review examines the potential of GP in meat products and analogs, functional foods, and nutraceuticals, highlighting its composition, health benefits, and role in enhancing nutritional and functional properties. Rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds, GP exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut health-promoting effects, making it suitable for various food applications.

Screening of Nutritionally Important Components in Standard and Ancient Cereals.

Sustainable nutrition and food production involve dietary habits and farming systems which are eco-friendly, created to provide highly nutritious staple crops which could serve as a functional food at the same time. This research sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of whole-grain cereals, and some ancient grains toward important macro- (protein), micro-nutrients (mineral elements), and bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (arabinoxylan and β-glucan) and antioxidants (phytic acid, total glutathione, yellow pigment, and phenolic compounds) to provide functionality in a sustainable diet. Genotypes, such as durum wheat, triticale, spelt, emmer wheat, and barley, could be considered important and sustainable sources of protein (ranging 11.