Expanded Perlite-Reinforced Alginate Xerogels: A Chemical Approach to Sustainable Building and Packaging Materials.

In sustainable construction and packaging, the development of novel bio-based materials is crucial, driving a re-evaluation of traditional components. Lightweight, biodegradable materials, including xerogels, have great potential in architectural and packaging applications. However, reinforcing these materials to improve their mechanical strength remains a challenge.

Toward the Development of the Trojan Female Technique in Pest Insects: Male-Specific Influence of Mitochondrial Haplotype on Reproductive Output in the Seed Beetle .

Biocontrol techniques that impair reproductive capacity of insect pests provide opportunities to control the dynamics of their populations while minimizing collateral damage to non-target species and the environment. The Trojan Female Technique, or TFT, is a method of the trans-generational fertility-based population control through the release of females that carry mitochondrial DNA mutations that negatively affect male, but not female, reproductive output. TFT is based on the evolutionary hypothesis that, due to maternal inheritance of mitochondria, mutations which are beneficial or neutral in females but harmful in males can accumulate in the mitochondrial genome without selection acting against them.

Mechanism of Interleukin-17A Regulation of Mesenchymal Stroma/Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation.

The immune and musculoskeletal systems closely interplay in bone repair and regeneration. After bone injury, the body produces high levels of cytokines and signaling molecules to balance bone formation and resorption. Interleukin (IL)-17A, a cytokine expressed early in the inflammatory process, profoundly influences osteoprogenitor cell fate, thereby contributing to bone homeostasis.

3D printed extended-release hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

In this study 3D printed tablets (printlets) with extended release of hydrochlorothiazide (HHT) as model active ingredient were designed and developed. Four formulations, F0.1, F1, F0.

Main pre-slaughter factors affecting carcass bruising and meat quality in beef cattle.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of carcass bruising in Simmental cross-breed bulls and to characterize the bruises in terms of number, size, shape, severity, and the affected region of the carcass. In addition, the risk factors related to the pre-harvested and harvested phase of beef production and meat quality parameters, as well, were investigated. The prevalence of bruised carcasses was 40.

Tips and Tricks to Facilitate Late Open Surgical Conversion after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysms Repair.

Endovascular repair has significantly improved the treatment of aortic aneurysms, particularly in older and high-risk patients. However, many studies have not found significant differences in long-term outcomes when comparing open and endovascular repair methods. Additionally, endovascular repair is associated with a higher rate of aortic-related reinterventions compared to open repair (OR), sometimes necessitating late open surgical conversion (LOSC).

Upper airway obstructive events on noninvasive ventilation in NMD adolescents.

Home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is expanding worldwide for pediatrics and is mainly indicated to treat nocturnal alveolar hypoventilation. Nasal mask is the most common interface used in children, but oronasal mask may be indicated in case of excessive mouth leaks or facial weakness. Obstructive events caused by the oronasal mask have been reported in a few studies on adult patients, but never in pediatrics.

How chloride salt mixtures affect the final gel properties of low-sodium myofibrillar protein: Underlining the perspective of gelation process.

This study aimed to investigate the performance differences of low-sodium myofibrillar protein (MP) gels substituted by different chloride salt mixtures from the perspective of gelation process. The results revealed that low-sodium MP substituted by KCl/CaCl exhibited higher turbidity and particle size at 40 % substitution, and formed protein aggregates earlier at 53 °C. During the gelation process, KCl/CaCl increased the extent of cross-linking as the substitution level increased from 10 % to 40 %, which was prone to forming final gels with poor palatability.

Individualized dosing of rec-FSH for ovarian stimulation in women with PCOS reduces asynchronous follicle growth.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate if ovarian stimulation with individualized dosing of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rec-FSH) with follitropin delta compared with standard gonadotropin dosing reduce occurrence of follicular asynchrony in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods: Matched case-control study analyzed occurrence of follicular growth asynchrony during ovarian stimulation and IVF outcomes in women with PCOS. Follicular growth was considered to be asynchronous when one or two leading follicles were at least 4 mm larger in diameter than the rest of the cohort on day 5 and 9 of stimulation.

Factors associated with low birth weight in low-income populations in the Western Balkans: insights from the multiple indicator cluster survey.

Introduction: Low birth weight, defined as a birth weight below 2,500 g, represents a significant public health concern with a multifactorial risk dimension. Socio-demographic factors and individual characteristics of women and their social environment could influence low birth weight. This study aimed to analyze the association between the socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics of women living in low-income households and low birth weight in Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Allelopathic influence of usnic acid on Physcomitrium patens: A proteomics approach.

Allelopathy, the chemical interaction of plants by their secondary metabolites with surrounding organisms, profoundly influences their functional features. Lichens, symbiotic associations of fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria, produce diverse secondary metabolites, among other usnic acid, which express to have potent biological activities. Mosses, i.

An evaluation of the cytotoxic potential of medicinal mushrooms against human breast cancer cell lines.

Medicinal mushroom extracts, i.e. their dried biomass, have long been known as sources of bioactive compounds with positive effects on the human health.

Natural infection of common cranes () with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Serbia.

Introduction: The late autumn epizootic of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in Serbia in 2023 caused massive mortality in the migratory population of common cranes (). This is the first time HPAIV has been identified in the common crane in Serbia, leading to mass mortality of this bird species.

Methods: To understand the pathological impact of HPAIV in cranes, we evaluated the pathological changes in the tissues of common cranes.

What is in a label: Effects of labeling on the preference for plant-based products.

Our study investigated the effects of three labels on the preference for plant-based products: plant-based, vegan, and Lenten, referring to products appropriate to consume during religious fasting. We conducted two preregistered experiments to measure the effects of labeling on product preference (Study 1, N = 290) and actual tasting preferences (Study 2, N = 251) in a predominantly meat-eating European society (Serbia). We did not find statistically significant effects of labels on the preference for plant-based products in Study 1.

A Formal 1,2-Stevens Rearrangement of Thioester Ylides as a Single-Atom Molecular Editing Tool.

A rhodium-catalyzed reaction of thioesters with diazo reagents was recognized as a powerful and unprecedented tool for single-atom molecular editing by the insertion of a single carbon atom into the C(O)─S thioester bond, thereby leading to various α-thioketones possessing a quaternary carbon atom. A selective and precise defunctionalization of the polyfunctionalized products further demonstrated the synthetic utility of the reaction for the synthesis of more common structural classes of compounds.

Bound-State Beta Decay of ^{205}Tl^{81+} Ions and the LOREX Project.

Stable ^{205}Tl ions have the lowest known energy threshold for capturing electron neutrinos (ν_{e}) of E_{ν_{e}}≥50.6  keV. The Lorandite Experiment (LOREX), proposed in the 1980s, aims at obtaining the longtime averaged solar neutrino flux by utilizing natural deposits of Tl-bearing lorandite ores.

Changes of peripheral serotonin in the psychosocially stressed rats treated with linden honey.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of linden honey in maintaining the stability of peripheral serotonergic system in the psychosocially stressed rats. In this experiment we examined concentration of serotonin (5-HT) in Serbian linden honey, as well as concentrations of 5-HT and MAO A activity in the blood of chronically stressed rats treated with linden honey. The investigated parameters were quantified using HPLC method with electrochemical detector, HPLC method with a fluorescent detector, and assay of enzyme activities.

Parallelization of particle-based reaction-diffusion simulations using MPI.

Particle-based reaction-diffusion models offer a high-resolution alternative to the continuum reaction-diffusion approach, capturing the discrete and volume-excluding nature of molecules undergoing stochastic dynamics. These methods are thus uniquely capable of simulating explicit self-assembly of particles into higher-order structures like filaments, spherical cages, or heterogeneous macromolecular complexes, which are ubiquitous across living systems and in materials design. The disadvantage of these high-resolution methods is their increased computational cost.

Assessment of the diagnostic value of serum cathepsin S and its correlation with HDL subclasses in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Background: Recent findings point to the key role of cathepsin S (CTSS) in the survival of malignant cells, as well as the significance of the anti-apoptotic properties of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that contribute to enhanced cell survival. The purpose of this study is to analyse CTSS as a potential biomarker in lymphoma. Also, in order to better understand the role of CTSS in the origin and development of lymphoma, its association with cystatin C (Cys C), lipids, and inflammatory markers was analysed.

Bone quality analysis of the mandible in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: Anatomical, microstructural, and microhardness evaluation.

Objectives: Alcoholic bone disease has been recognized in contemporary literature as a systemic effect of chronic ethanol consumption. However, evidence about the specific influence of alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) on mandible bone quality is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore microstructural, compositional, cellular, and mechanical properties of the mandible in ALC individuals compared with a healthy control group.

Hospitalized hidradenitis suppurativa patients at a university clinic: a fifteen-year retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients with a focus on sex differences.

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease marked by recurrent abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, often accompanied by systemic symptoms. Diagnosed clinically, HS affects around 0.4% of people in western populations, but standardized treatment options are limited, leading to inconsistent outcomes.

Insights into general practitioners' self-care across 38 countries during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The adoption of healthy self-care practices has proven necessary for professional life, as they often serve as a shield against stressors in the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic created a high strain on general practitioners (GPs), contributing to increased workload, burnout, and anxiety. The present study aimed to identify self-care practices adopted by GPs amid the COVID-19 pandemic; and to explore the relationships between self-care practices and risk of distress.

Management strategy of giant inguinoscrotal hernia-a case series of 24 consecutive patients surgically treated over 17 years period.

Purpose: Management of giant inguinoscrotal hernia (GIH) is still a challenging procedure associated with a higher risk of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome as a life-threatening condition. The aim of the study was to present our management strategy for GIH.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of a case series including 24 consecutive patients with 25 GIH who underwent reconstructive surgery from January 2006 to June 2023, at the University Clinic for Digestive Surgery and Hernia Center Zuvela.

Optimal Medical Therapy for Heart Failure and Integrated Care in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report From the ESC-EHRA EORP Atrial Fibrillation Long-Term General Registry.

Background: Heart failure (HF) often occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with a major impact on prognosis. Few data are available on the effect of integrated treatment strategies to improve prognosis in patients with AF. We aimed to evaluate the association between HF (according to left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]), HF optimal medical therapy and adherence to the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway, and major outcomes in patients with AF.

Evaluating frailty scores across experimental groups in rodent models: bridging physical and cognitive domains.

Frailty, a reversible clinical geriatric syndrome, impairs the ability to maintain homeostasis, leading to severe consequences such as hospitalization and death. Cognitive frailty, characterized by the co-occurrence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Preclinical models, especially rodent studies, are essential for understanding frailty and developing interventions to mitigate associated conditions.