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Purpose: This paper aims to enrich understanding of the obesity transition among socioeconomic status (SES) strata by gender and age in cities of Colombia and Mexico. The study uses harmonized data from the Salud Urbana en América Latina (SALURBAL) study. Methods: A population-level system dynamics model was developed using 2010 and 2015 data from Colombia and 2012 and 2016 data from Mexico (national health surveys). The model simulates the prevalence of different BMI categories (i.e., not overweight, overweight, obese) stratified by gender, age, and SES, in the SALURBAL cities (aggregated to the country level) of Colombia and Mexico from 2010 to 2050. Sample sizes for Colombia in 2010 and Mexico in 2012 were 7420 and 5785 children (

Abstract Background Transportation policies can impact health outcomes while simultaneously promoting social equity and environmental sustainability. We developed an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the impacts of fare subsidies and congestion taxes on commuter decision-making and travel patterns. We report effects on mode share, travel time and transport-related physical activity (PA), including the variability of effects by socioeconomic strata (SES), and the trade-offs that may need to be considered in the implementation of these policies in a context with high levels of necessity-based physical activity. Methods The ABM design was informed by local stakeholder engagement. The demographic and spatial characteristics of the in-silico city, and its residents, were informed by local surveys and empirical studies. We used ridership and travel time data from the 2019 Bogotá Household Travel Survey to calibrate and validate the model by SES. We then explored the impacts of fare subsidy and congestion tax policy scenarios. Results Our model reproduced commuting patterns observed in Bogotá, including substantial necessity-based walking for transportation. At the city-level, congestion taxes fractionally reduced car use, including among mid-to-high SES groups but not among low SES commuters. Neither travel times nor physical activity levels were impacted at the city level or by SES. Comparatively, fare subsidies promoted city-level public transportation (PT) ridership, particularly under a ‘free-fare’ scenario, largely through reductions in walking trips. ‘Free fare’ policies also led to a large reduction in very long walking times and an overall reduction in the commuting-based attainment of physical activity guidelines. Differential effects were observed by SES, with free fares promoting PT ridership primarily among low-and-middle SES groups. These shifts to PT reduced median walking times among all SES groups, particularly low-SES groups. Moreover, the proportion of low-to-mid SES commuters meeting weekly physical activity recommendations decreased under the 'freefare' policy, with no change observed among high-SES groups. Conclusions Transport policies can differentially impact SES-level disparities in necessity-based walking and travel times. Understanding these impacts is critical in shaping transportation policies that balance the dual aims of reducing SES-level disparities in travel time (and time poverty) and the promotion of choice-based physical activity.

Abstract The SALURBAL (Urban Health in Latin America) Project is an interdisciplinary multinational network aimed at generating and disseminating actionable evidence on the drivers of health in cities of Latin America. We conducted a temporal multilayer network analysis where we measured cohesion over time using network structural properties and assessed diversity within and between different project activities according to participant attributes. Between 2017 and 2020 the SALURBAL network comprised 395 participants across 26 countries, 23 disciplines, and 181 institutions. While the cohesion of the SALURBAL network fluctuated over time, overall, an increase was observed from the first to the last time point of our analysis (clustering coefficient increased [0.83–0.91] and shortest path decreased [1.70–1.68]). SALURBAL also exhibited balanced overall diversity within project activities (0.5–0.6) by designing activities for different purposes such as capacity building, team-building, research, and dissemination. The network’s growth was facilitated by the creation of new diverse collaborations across a range of activities over time, while maintaining the diversity of existing collaborations (0.69–0.75 between activity diversity depending on the attribute). The SALURBAL experience can serve as an example for multinational research projects aiming to build cohesive networks while leveraging heterogeneity in countries, disciplines, career stage, and across sectors.

Introduction Public policymakers are increasingly engaged in participatory model building processes, such as group model building. Understanding the impacts of policymaker participation in these processes on policymakers is important given that their decisions often have significant influence on the dynamics of complex systems that affect health. Little is known about the extent to which the impacts of participatory model building on public policymakers have been evaluated or the methods and measures used to evaluate these impacts.Methods and analysis A scoping review protocol was developed with the objectives of: (1) scoping studies that have evaluated the impacts of facilitated participatory model building processes on public policymakers who participated in these processes; and (2) describing methods and measures used to evaluate impacts and the main findings of these evaluations. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s Population, Concept, Context framework was used to formulate the article identification process. Seven electronic databases—MEDLINE (Ovid), ProQuest Health and Medical, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), CINAHL Complete and PsycInfo—will be searched. Identified articles will be screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist for scoping reviews will be used and reported. A data extraction tool will collect information across three domains: study characteristics, methods and measures, and findings. The review will be conducted using Covidence, a systematic review data management platform.Ethics and dissemination The scoping review produced will generate an overview of how public policymaker engagement in participatory model building processes has been evaluated. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and to communities of practice that convene policymakers in participatory model building processes. This review will not require ethics approval because it is not human subject research.

Introduction Food systems can shape dietary behaviour and obesity outcomes in complex ways. Qualitative systems mapping using causal loop diagrams (CLDs) can depict how people understand the complex dynamics, inter-relationships and feedback characteristic of food systems in ways that can support policy planning and action. To date, there has been no attempt to review this literature. The objectives of this review are to scope the extent and nature of studies using qualitative systems mapping to facilitate the development of CLDs by stakeholders to understand food environments, including settings and populations represented, key findings and the methodological processes employed. It also seeks to identify gaps in knowledge and implications for policy and practice.Methods and analysis This protocol describes a scoping review guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute manual, the framework by Khalil and colleagues and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist reporting guidelines. A search strategy was iteratively developed with two academic librarians and the research team. This strategy will be used to search six databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, EmCare, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest Central. Identified citations will be screened by two independent reviewers; first, by title and abstract, and then full-text articles to identify papers eligible for inclusion. The reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews will be searched to identify other papers eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers will extract information from all included studies and summarise the findings descriptively and numerically.Ethics and dissemination The scoping review will provide an overview of how CLDs developed by stakeholders have been elicited to understand food environments, diet and obesity, the insights gained and how the CLDs have been used. It will also highlight gaps in knowledge and implications for policy and practice. The review will be disseminated through publication in an academic journal and conference presentations.

Cross-impact balance (CIB) analysis leverages expert knowledge pertaining to the nature and strength of relationships between components of a system to identify the most plausible future ‘scenarios’ of the system. These scenarios, also referred to as ‘storylines’, provide qualitative insights into how the state of one factor can either promote or restrict the future state of one or multiple other factors in the system. This paper presents a novel, visually oriented questionnaire developed to elicit expert knowledge about the relationships between key factors in a system, for the purpose of CIB analysis. The questionnaire requires experts to make selections from a series of standardized cause-effect graphical profiles that depict a range of linear and non-linear relationships between factor pairs. The questionnaire and the process of translating the graphical selections into data that can be used for CIB analysis is described using an applied example which focuses on urban health in Latin American cities. • A questionnaire featuring a set of standardized cause-effect profiles was developed. • Cause-effect profiles were used to elicit information about the strength of linear and non-linear bivariate relationships. • The questionnaire represents an intuitive visual means for collecting data required for the conduct of CIB analysis.

The built environment of cities is complex and influences social and environmental determinants of health. In this study we, 1) identified city profiles based on the built landscape and street design characteristics of cities in Latin America and 2) evaluated the associations of city profiles with social determinants of health and air pollution. Landscape and street design profiles of 370 cities were identified using finite mixture modeling. For landscape, we measured fragmentation, isolation, and shape. For street design, we measured street connectivity, street length, and directness. We fitted a two-level linear mixed model to assess the association of social and environmental determinants of health with the profiles. We identified four profiles for landscape and four for the street design domain. The most common landscape profile was the “proximate stones” characterized by moderate fragmentation, isolation and patch size, and irregular shape. The most common street design profile was the “semi-hyperbolic grid” characterized by moderate connectivity, street length, and directness. The “semi-hyperbolic grid”, “spiderweb” and “hyperbolic grid” profiles were positively associated with higher access to piped water and less overcrowding. The “semi-hyperbolic grid” and “spiderweb” profiles were associated with higher air pollution. The “proximate stones” and “proximate inkblots” profiles were associated with higher congestion. In conclusion, there is substantial heterogeneity in the urban landscape and street design profiles of Latin American cities. While we did not find a specific built environment profile that was consistently associated with lower air pollution and better social conditions, the different configurations of the built environments of cities should be considered when planning healthy and sustainable cities in Latin America.

New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae that is popular as a bedding and pot plant. In May 2020, impatiens plants showing chlorotic and necrotic concentric rings, mosaic, leaf malformation and filiformism were noticed in a greenhouse in Rača Kragujevačka, Šumadija District, Serbia. Collected leaves were serologically tested against impatiens necrotic spot orthotospovirus (INSV, Orthotospovirus impatiensnecromaculae), tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV, Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Most of tested samples with chlorotic and necrotic concentric rings (81.81%) were positive for TSWV, while CMV was detected in four samples with mosaic, leaf malformation and filiformism. CMV ELISA-positive sample (106-20) was mechanically inoculated to five plants of Chenopodium quinoa, Nicotiana debneyii, and N. glutinosa. Local chlorotic lesions on C. quinoa and severe mosaic and leaf malformation on N. debneyii and N. glutinosa were observed 5 and 13 days post-inoculation, respectively. PCR fragments of all five genes were digested by following restriction enzymes: HindIII, SacII (1a gene), MluI (2a gene), StuI, SalI (2b gene), BaeI (MP gene), SfcI and HaeIII (CP gene). Differentiation of CMV subgroups were conducted based on the restriction patterns obtained by in situ RT-PCR-RFLP analyses and isolate 106-20 was classified into subgroup IA with haplotype IA; IA, IA; IA, IA. This study reports for the first time the presence of CMV on impatiens in Serbia and its occurrence on this widely cultivated ornamental in our country may have a destructive impact on its production.

IntroductionWheat dwarf virus (WDV), the species Mastrevirus hordei of the genus Mastrevirus in the family Geminiviridae, is a cereal virus commonly detected in several European, African and Asian countries that causes economic losses.MethodsIn the spring of 2019, a severe outbreak of wheat dwarfing and yellowing was observed in many winter wheat crops across Serbia. A total of 161 samples were tested for the presence of WDV and other common wheat viruses using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). To obtain the complete genome of 23 selected isolates, several overlapping segments of the WDV genome were amplified and sequenced. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the whole genome sequences of the WDV isolates identified in this study and 40 selected sequences from GenBank.Results and discussionThe results of DAS-ELISA indicated the presence of WDV in all samples collected from 21 sites in all nine districts surveyed. Further molecular characterization based on complete genome sequencing of 23 selected isolates showed that the Serbian WDV isolates had low nucleotide diversity and were closely related to wheat-infecting isolates from Europe, suggesting the presence of wheat-adapted forms of WDV in Serbia. The constructed phylogenetic tree revealed that Serbian isolates grouped in clade E within the wheat-adapted forms. This study provided the first insight into the genetic structure of WDV in Serbia based on its whole genome sequence. Further studies on the vector biology and population dynamics are needed to better understand the factors influencing the emergence and spread of WDV under local agroecological conditions.

Addiction is a complex brain disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Psychostimulants, cocaine, and methamphetamine influence different cell types in different brain regions, with a focus on the neurons responsible for rewarding effects in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Known markers for psychostimulant-induced neuronal plasticity in combination with droplet-based high-throughput single-cell sequencing divided the heterogeneity of cell populations in NAc and VTA into clusters, where all cells of the same type do not respond equally to exposure to psychostimulants. To explain psychostimulant-induced neuronal plasticity as changes in the amplitude and phase shifts of gene expression, we focused on epigenetic mechanisms of DNA and chromatin modifications, as well as DNA accessibility. We also comment on epitranscriptomics as a novel approach in the study of messenger RNA posttranslational modification, which regulates translation and potentially localized transcription in synapses in order to address the molecular chains that connect addiction from changes in gene expression to synaptic and, finally, neuronal plasticity.

In order to maximally reduce the toxicity of fullerenol (the first derivative of C60, FD-C60), and increase its biomedical efficiency, the second derivative SD-C60 (3HFWC, Hyper-Harmonized Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex) was created. Several different methods were applied in the comparative characterization of FD-C60 and SD-C60 with the same OH groups in their core. FD-C60 as an individual structure was about 1.3 nm in size, while SD-C60 as an individual structure was 10–30 nm in size. Based on ten physicochemical methods and techniques, FD-C60 and SD-C60 were found to be two different substances in terms of size, structure, and physicochemical properties; FD-C60, at 100 °C, had endothermic characteristics, while SD-C60, at 133 °C, had exothermic characteristics; FD-C60 did not have water layers, while SD-C60 had water layers; the zeta potential of FD-C60 was −25.85 mV, while it was −43.29 mV for SD-C60. SD-C60 is a promising substance for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Does Alzheimer Disease show a decline in cognitive functions that relate to the awareness of external reality? In this paper, we will propose a perspective that patients with increasing symptoms of AD show a change in the awareness of subjective versus objective representative axis of reality thus consequently move to a more internal like perception of reality. This paradigm shift suggests that new insights into the dynamicity of the conscious representation of reality in the AD brain may give us new clues to the very early signs of memory and self-awareness impairment that originates from, in our view the microtubules. Dialog between Adso and William, in Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, Third Day: Vespers. “But how does it happen,” I said with admiration, “that you were able to solve the mystery of the library looking at it from the outside, and you were unable to solve it when you were inside?” “Thus, God knows the world, because He conceived it in His mind, as if it was from the outside, before it was created, and we do not know its rule, because we live inside it, having found it already made.”

Aim of study: To report the occurrence of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) on tomato in Serbia and to genetically characterize Serbian PepMV isolates. Area of study: Tomato samples showing virus-like symptoms were collected in the Bogojevce locality (Jablanica District, Serbia). Material and methods: Collected tomato samples were assayed by DAS-ELISA using antisera against eight economically important or quarantine tomato viruses. Three selected isolates of naturally infected tomato plants were mechanically transmitted to tomato ‘Novosadski jabučar’ seedlings. For confirmation of PepMV infection, RT-PCR was performed using specific primers PepMV TGB F/PepMV UTR R. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed with 47 complete CP gene sequences of PepMV to determine the genetic relationship of Serbian PepMV isolates with those from other parts of the world. Main results: The results of DAS-ELISA indicated the presence of PepMV in all tested samples. Mechanically inoculated ‘Novosadski jabučar’ seedlings expressed yellow spots and light and dark green patches, bubbling, and curled leaves. All tested tomato plants were RT-PCR positive for the presence of PepMV. The CP sequence analysis revealed that the Serbian PepMV isolates were completely identical among themselves and shared the highest nucleotide identity of 95.1% (99.2% aa identity) with isolate from Spain (FJ263341). Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of the Serbian PepMV isolates into CH2 strain, but they formed separate subgroup within CH2 strain. Research highlights: This is the first data of the presence of PepMV in protected tomato production in Serbia. Considering increased incidence and rapid spread in Europe, the presence of PepMV on tomato could therefore represent serious threat to this valuable crop in Serbia.

The importance of innovations for development of knowledge–based economies is widely acknowledged. However, certain challenges for researching the innovativeness in post–socialist economies still exist. We analyse the most influential drivers for innovativeness in Macedonian enterprises. Based on the extended literature review and the firm–level dataset collected by the CIS 2012 (Community Innovation Survey 2012), the conceptual model for identifying the factors that drive innovation was developed and tested with standard multiple regression. The findings confirm that firm innovativeness could be improved by extending the number of collaborators and sources for information and knowledge. Also, further investments in research and development for innovation positively impact the variety of innovation activities in companies. In addition to the theoretical and practical implications, this study is significant because the proposed method could be adjusted and applied in many countries where CIS research is conducted.

The most symmetric molecule, Buckminster fullerene C60, due to its unique properties, has been intensively studied for various medical and technological advances. Minimally invasive and minimally toxic treatments hold great promise for future applications. With this in mind, this research exploited the physical properties of fullerene molecules for potential therapeutic effects. Pristine fullerenes have peak absorbance in the 380–500 nm range, making them an attractive violet-blue light filter. Since spectral quality of light can affect behavior, this research used resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs fMRI) and behavioral testing to directly evaluate the effects of fullerene-filtered light on brain processing and behavior in mice. The same method was used to study if hydroxyl fullerene water complexes (3HFWC), with or without fullerene-filtered light, modulated brain processing. A month-long, daily exposure to fullerene-filtered light led to decreased activation of the brain area involved in emotional processing (amygdala). Water supplemented with 3HFWC resulted in an activation of brain areas involved in pain modulation and processing (periaqueductal gray), and decreased latency to first reaction when tested with a hot plate. The combination of fullerene-filtered light with 3HFWC in drinking water led to restored sensitivity to a hot plate and activation of brain areas involved in cognitive functions (prelimbic, anterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortex). These results uncovered the potential of fullerene-filtered light to impact emotional processing and modulate pain perception, indicating its further use in stress and pain management.

Bronchial asthma is a poligenic disorder caused by the influence of genetic and envioromental factors. The functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the regulatory regions of the cytokine genes may affect the cytokine production and thus play a contributory role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Substitution of cytosine (C) by thymine (T) at the position -509 in the promoter region of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) gene could be associated with asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the TGF-β1 C-509T polymorphism with asthma and to determine the distribution of this polymorphism in the Serbian population. A total of 57 patients with diagnosed asthma and 49 healthy controls were screened for TGF-β1 C-509T polymorphisms using the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The TGF-β1 C-509T genotype (p=0.413) and allele frequencies (p=0.227) distributions in patients did not reveal statistically significant difference compared to controls. Additionally, no difference in genotype and allele frequencies distribution between male and female subjects was observed. In conclusion, to the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study examining the association of TGF-β1 C-509T polymorphism in the Serbian patients with asthma. The present study did not confirm the specific role of TGF-β1 C-509T polymorphisms in asthma. No differences in the distribution of TGF-β1 C-509T polymorphism between patients and healthy subjects were observed.

The objective of the paper was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of laryngeal cancer in the Nišava District in the last 10 years. Published data from the Population Cancer Registry (Serbia) for the period 1999 to 2008 was used. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated, according to the standard world population. The rates were calculated per 100.000 inhabitants. Population data were obtained from the National Census 2002. Linear trend was calculated, too. During the period 1999-2008, a total number of 440 cases of laringeal cancer was registered – there were 401 (91.1%) males and 39 (8.2%) females. The average age of patients was similar (male: 61.7±10.97 vs female: 61.8±12.3). In the observed period, the average annual standardized incidence rate was 75.39 (145.77 in males and 11.16 in females). Value of linear incidence trend in males was Y=0.5565x+9.422, R2=0.4554 compared tothe linear incidence trend of laringeal cancer in females Y=0.1426x+0.3807, R2=0.3347. During the entire observation period, a total number of 189 deaths of laringeal cancer was registered, 176 (93.1%) in males and 13 (6.9%) in females. The average annual-standardized mortality rate was 15.14 (29.67 in males and 0.17 in females). Value of mortality trend in males was Y=0.5238x+1.3333, R2= 0.4394 compared to the value of mortality trend in females Y=0.0143x+0.3663, R2= 0,0558. In 204 (80.3%) patients, the histological type of cancer was squamous cell carcinoma. According to localization, approximately two thirds had a glottic cancer while one-third of the cancers were supra- or subglottic cancers. The research period showed that men suffered more and died from laryngeal cancer, i.e. a slight increase in disease incidence and mortality was observed in men, whereas in females only increase in disease incidence was observed.

survey was conducted in 2012 and 2013 to detect the presence and distribution of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) in lavandin crops growing in continental parts of Croatia. A total of 73 lavandin samples from six crops in different localities were collected and analyzed for the presence of AMV and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) using commercial double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits. AMV was detected serologically in 62 samples collected at three different localities, and none of the samples tested positive for CMV. For further analyses, six selected samples of naturally infected lavandin plants originating from different localities were mechanically transmitted to test plants: Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, Nicotiana benthamiana and Ocimum basilicum, confirming the infectious nature of the disease. Molecular detection was performed by amplification of a 751 bp fragment in all tested samples, using the specific primers CP AMV1/CP AMV2 that amplify the part of the coat protein (CP) gene and 3’-UTR. The RT-PCR products derived from the isolates 371-13 and 373-13 were sequenced (KJ504107 and KJ504108, respectively) and compared with the AMV sequences available in GenBank. CP sequence analysis, conducted using the MEGA5 software, revealed that the isolate 371-13 had the highest nucleotide identity of 99.5% (100% amino acid identity) with an isolate from Argentina originating from Medicago sativa (KC881010), while the sequence of isolate 373-13 had the highest identity with an Italian AMV isolate from Lavandula stoechas (FN667967) of 98.6% (99% amino acid identity). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the clustering of selected isolates into four molecular groups and the lavandin AMV isolates from Croatia grouped into two distinct groups, implying a significant variability within the AMV lavandin population.

Viruses are responsible for numerous epidemics in different crops in all parts of the world.As a consequence of their presence great economic losses are being incurred. In addition tothe development of sensitive techniques for detection, identification and characterization ofviruses, substantial attention has also been paid to biotechnological methods for their eliminationfrom plants. In this review article, the following biotechnological in vitro culture techniquesfor virus elimination from ornamental plants are presented: meristem culture, thermotherapy,chemotherapy, cryotherapy or a combination of these methods. The plant species,as well as the type of virus determine the choice of a most suitable method. The state ofthe art in investigation of virus elimination from Impatiens sp. in Serbia is summarized.

During 2010, Impatiens walleriana plants with symptoms of downy mildew were collected in a greenhouse in the vicinity of Mionica, Kolubara District. Disease incidence was extremely high, approaching 100%, and wilting and collapse of affected plants was very rapid, resulting in losses of more than 90%. White downy growth produced on the lower leaf surface consisted of hyaline, thin–walled sporangiophores with monopodial branching and numerous, ovoid and hyaline sporangia. Apical branchlets of sporangiophores were at right angles to the main axis, with no apical thickening. Pathogenicity tests included inoculation of young I. walleriana plants by spraying with a sporangial suspension, and downy mildew symptoms were observed after 13 to 15 days. The absence of well–defined spots on the infected impatiens leaves and straight sporangiophores indicated that the pathogen was P. obducens, which was further supported by molecular identification, the 5’–end of the nuclear DNA coding for the large ribosomal subunit (LSU rDNA) was amplified by PCR, using primers NL1 and NL4. A representative isolate, 28–10, was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis showed its grouping with other P. obducens isolates of different origin.Considering that impatiens downy mildew in Serbia is proved to be caused by P. obducens it is necessary to employ adequate phytosanitary measures to prevent further spread of the pathogen.

Three-year investigation of the presence and distribution of tobacco viruses in Serbia revealed that Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) appeared every year with different frequency in tobacco crops. During 2008, the presence of AMV was detected in most of the tested samples(58.82%) and it was the second most common compared to all other viruses which presence was confirmed in Serbia. In 2006 and 2007, AMV was detected in a significantly lower percentage (2.80% and 13.64%, respectively). This study showed that Alfalfa mosaic virus was more commonly found in multiple infections with two, three or even four detected viruses. Single infections were detected only in 2006, in one tobacco field in the locality of Futog. During this investigation, a rapid and simple protocol was optimized and developed for molecular detection of AMV in tobacco leaves, using primers CPAMV1/CPAMV2 and commercially available kits for total RNA extraction as well as for RT-PCR (reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction). Using RT-PCR and these primers that flank the AMV coat protein gene, a DNA fragment of 751 bp was amplified, sequenced, and compared with the sequences available in GenBank database. The sequence of isolate 196-08 (GenBank Acc. No. FJ527749) proved to be identical at the nucleotide level of 99 to 93% withthose from other parts of the world. Phylogenetic analysis of 27 isolates based on 528 bp sequences of the coat protein gene did not show correlation of the isolates with their geographic origin or plant host and showed that these isolates fall into four molecular groups of strains. Serbian AMV isolate from tobacco belongs to group IV, the group that includes most of the isolates selected for phylogenetic analysis.

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is considered one of the most economically importantplant viruses and has a worldwide distribution and a very wide host range including plantsfrom family Cucurbitaceae. In Serbia, on cucurbits CMV was detected in single and mixedinfections with Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV). Viruses,including CMV, are constantly present in cucurbit crops, but their frequency changesby year and locality. Surveys and sample collections were conducted in cucurbit crops inthe period from 2008 to 2009 at 15 localities in Vojvodina province, and sample testing wascarried out using the DAS-ELISA method and commercially available antisera for six economicallymost important cucurbit viruses. In 2008, a total of 51 samples were collected from13 cucurbit crops of oilseed pumpkin Olinka variety, squash, and bottle gourd and CMV wasdetected in a total of 55% of tested samples with symptoms of viral infection. The most commoninfectious type was mixed infection with ZYMV and WMV (35.3%), and then mixedinfection with ZYMV (17.7%) and WMV (2%). A total of 599 symptomatic samples of oilseedpumpkin Olinka variety, zucchini squash varieties Beogradska and Tosca, squash, and wintersquash were collected in 15 cucurbits crops in 2009. CMV was present in 4.4% of totalcollected samples, in single infections in 1.3%, and in mixed with WMV or ZYMV in 1.3%, and1.8%. Five CMV isolates were obtained by mechanical inoculations of N. glutinosa and oneof them was selected for further biological characterization. Test plants which were describedto be hosts of CMV expressed symptoms characteristic for those caused by CMV afterinoculations by isolate 115-08. CMV specific primers Au1u/Au2d were used to amplify an850 bp fragment using RT-PCR method. Amplified fragment encodes the entire viral coatprotein (CP) gene and partial 5’ and 3’ UTRs of two selected CMV isolates. Amplified fragmentswere sequenced and deposited in the NCBI, where they were assigned accessionnumbers, HM065510 (115-08) and HM065509 (151-08). The sequences of CMV isolates fromSerbia shared the highest nucleotide and amino acid identity with isolates from subgroupIA, from 99.5 to 97.4% and 99.1 to 97.4%, and the lowest identities were with the subgroup IIisolates from 66.9 to 64, 5%, from 75.8 to 74.1%.

As there is a growing frequency of viral plant diseases in epidemic proportions, the possibilities for successful control are constantly being explored. Despite the fact that integral and simultaneous employment of numerous control measures may contribute to thedecreasing amount of yield losses, especially concerning non-persistently aphid-transmitted viruses, these measures are often not efficient enough. Research into the basis of resistance to viral infection and principles of its inheritance, introduction of sources of resistance in susceptible genotypes, by conventional or genetic manipulations, are very intensive for cucurbit crops, especially pumpkins. Pumpkin crops are being endangered by a great number of different viruses, among which the Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, (ZYMV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) are present every year in Serbia, frequently causing epidemics.The majority of pumpkin cultivars are not resistant or tolerant to viral infections, but sources of resistance have been identified in various related species. So far, the identified sources of esistance to the ZYMV are found in Cucurbita moschata and Citrullus lanatus var.lanatus genotypes and consist of one or several major dominant genes of resistance. It is a similar case with WMV, although the sources of dominant major genes are identified in C. lanatus and C. colocynthis. The sources of resistance to CMV in the form of one dominant gene have been identified in the genotype C. moschata, although the introduction of this gene by conventional means proved to be very difficult. Besides the aforementioned, substantial efforts are being made in developing genotypes with multiple resistance against several viruses and even other pathogens, as well as genotypes with resistance to the most significant plant aphid species, through mechanisms of antixenosis or antibiosis. The other way of obtaining resistant genotypes includes genetic manipulation.Genetically modified resistant pumpkins have been among the first successfully developed crops. Genotypes with pathogen derived resistance can already be found in commercially grown pumpkins in some parts of the world, and they have been developed by introducingthe coat protein gene of one, two or all three viruses which are the most frequent,ZYMV, WMV and CMV. Yet, this approach to the control of pumpkin viral diseases is related to possible negative consequences, mostly through the already detected gene transferto wild plants and development of resistant transgenic weeds of unpredictable impact on the environment. Improved host plant genetic resistance to viral infections or biological vectors, developedby conventional or genetic engineering methods, represents the most dynamic and prominent field of research. It is economically and ecologically the most justified approach to the control of pumpkin and other plant diseases caused by viruses non-persistentlytransmitted by aphids.

Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) is widespread in cucurbit crops, most commonly occuring in temperate and Mediterranean regions. In Serbia WMV has been detected in single and mixed infections with Zucchini yellow mosaic virus and Cucumber mosaic virus in field-grown pumpkin and squash crops. Among pumpkin-affecting viruses WMV is the most frequent one, both by the number of localities and its incidence at each location. During the growing season of 2009, samples from 583 plants of Cucurbita pepo cvs. Olinka, Belgrade zucchini and Tosca (Zucchini group), as well as from C. maxima and C. moschata showing symptoms of virus infection were collected from 12 commercial fields at eight localities and analyzed by DAS-ELISA using polyclonal antisera specific to six most important cucurbit viruses. Interestingly, WMV was detected at fewer sites and had lower ncidence rate than in two previous years. In single infections, WMV was found in 11% of tested plants in three fields; in mixed infections with ZYMV, it was recorded in 9.9% of plants in five fields and with CMV in only 0.2% in one field. The partial coat protein gene and 3’ non-translated region from two representativeisolates of WMV originating from different localities and host plant species were amplified by RT-PCR, sequenced, and compared with the sequences available in GenBank database. The PCR-amplified fragment of predicted size of approximately 1017 bp was obtained. The sequences of isolates 137-08 (Acc. No. GQ259958) and 159-08 (GU144020) proved to be 94-99% identical at the nucleotide level with those from other parts of the world. The sequences of these two isolates differed from each other only at two nucleotide positions, without any amino acid substitution. Phylogenetic analysis of 57 isolates based on 750 bp sequences of the coat protein gene showed no correlation between isolates and their geographic origin, and italso indicated that these isolates fell into three molecular groups of strains. Serbian WMV isolates belong to group I, the most widespread group of isolates of this virus in the world.

Many studies have researched the prognostic factors of Hodgkin disease. Up date, seven most important prognostic factors have been defined.Among them, as an important negative prognostic factor, the dissemination of the disease at the moment of diagnosis stands out. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the presence of mediastinal mass greater than a third of the chest diameter in Hodgkin lymphoma on the disease outcome. In this study, an 18-year-old patient P.A. was presented. At the time of diagnosis, the patient had Bulky disease. Mediastinal mass was observed by radiography, computed tomography, ultrasound of the heart.The patient was treated with ABVD, GDP, BEACOPP, miniBEAM protocol and mediastinal radiation. In this patient, the mediastinal mass persisted in spite of the therapy.The course of disease deteriorated due to the presence of resistant pericardial effusion, and the patient died three years after.

The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of recreational swimming on lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in patients with mild persistent asthma. This study included 65 patients with mild persistent asthma, who were divided into two groups: experimental group A (n = 45) and control group B (n = 20). Patients from both groups were treated with low doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and short-acting β2 agonists salbutamol as needed. Our program for patients in group A was combined asthma education with swimming (twice a week on a 1-h basis for the following 6 months). At the end of the study, in Group A, we found a statistically significant increase of lung function parameters FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) (3.55 vs. 3.65) (p < 0.01), FVC (forced vital capacity) (4.27 vs. 4.37) (p < 0.05), PEF (peak expiratory flow) (7.08 vs. 7.46) (p < 0.01), and statistically significant decrease of BHR (PD20 0.58 vs. 2.01) (p < 0.001). In Group B, there was a statistically significant improvement of FEV1 3.29 vs. 3.33 (p < 0.05) and although FVC, FEV1/FVC, and PEF were improved, it was not significant. When Groups A and B were compared at the end of the study, there was a statistically significant difference of FVC (4.01 vs. 4.37), FEV1 (3.33 vs. 3.55), PEF (6.79 vs.7.46), and variability (p

International guidelines advocate the early introduction of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in all types of persistent asthma. Our study was undertaken to assess the effects of ICS on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) as a hallmark of inflammation, and to assess the symptoms, the use of rescue medications, and the parameters of lung function in patients with mild intermittent asthma. The patients with intermittent asthma (n = 85) were randomly allocated to a treatment with ICS, beclomethasone dipropionate 250 μg/day and short-acting β2 agonists salbutamol as needed (Group A, n = 45) or to a treatment with only short-acting β2 agonists as needed (Group B, n = 40) during the 6-month treatment period. At the end of the study, in Group A, we found a statistically significant decrease of BHR (PD20 0.98 vs. 2.07) (p < 0.001), diurnal peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability (17.9 vs. 13.8) (p < 0.001), symptom scores (0.63 vs. 0.30) (p < 0.001), and used rescue medication (p < 0.001), while the parameters of lung function remained unchanged except for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), which had a statistically significant increase (3.58 vs. 3.66) (p < 0.001). In Group B, there was a statistically significant decrease of lung function parameters FEV1 (3.80 vs. 3.71) (p < 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (4.43 vs. 4.37) (p < 0.001), FEV1/FVC (88.2 vs. 85.3) (p < 0.05), PEF (8.05 vs. 7.51) (p < 0.01), PEF variability (17.85 vs. 18.33) (p < 0.001), increased BHR (PD20 1.04 vs. 0.62) (p < 0.05), and symptom scores (0.46 vs. 0.62) (p < 0.01), as well as the use of rescue medication during the day (p < 0.001). Early introduction of low doses of ICS may be more beneficial than β2 agonists alone in patients with intermittent asthma.

It is generally accepted that the National Innovation Systems (NIS) are one of the most comprehensive systemic approaches that give insight into innovative and economic performance of a country. This insight is essential for policymakers to develop legislatives for enhancing the innovative performance and success of today’s knowledge based economies. The development of the NIS is a complex, path-dependant process due to the differences in the development of the main sectors involved: the academia and the industry. Macedonian later emergence of the NIS is explained by the fact that after 1990, with the collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) there were significant losses in the Yugoslav, East and Central European markets. This process was accompanied by disintegration of many large industrial complexes, leading to a large number of bankruptcies and lay-offs. The existing strong governmental support for the scientific and research projects in the Federation was disrupted and disabled by these rapid changes, which was also reflected in the breakdown of direct links between academia and industry. The following two decades were transitional, and this period of recovery was terminated with the adoption of several strategic documents such as: industrial policy; program for science-research work and technological development; innovation strategy; and strategy for intellectual property. Finally, in 2013 the Law on Innovation Activity, which includes establishment of Innovation Fund, was adopted. This paper aims to retrospect the main activities for developing innovation infrastructure and enhancing innovation capacities. Moreover, it offers critical assessment of the improvements and the main challenges faced. The presented overview is designed to assist policymakers in further monitoring, evaluation and improvements, and to provide researchers with a solid base for the additional in-depth analysis of the impact of the implemented and proposed measures.

Plant biomass holds a promise for the production of second-generation ethanol via enzymatic hydrolysis, but its utilization as a biofuel resource is currently limited to a large extent by the cost and low efficiency of the cellulolytic enzymes. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to elucidate the mechanisms of the enzymatic process. It is well known that most cellulases possess a catalytic core domain and a carbohydrate binding module (CBM), without which the enzymatic activity can be drastically reduced. However, Cel12A members of the glycosyl hydrolases family 12 (GHF12) do not bear a CBM and yet are able to hydrolyze amorphous cellulose quite efficiently. Here, we use X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations to unravel the molecular basis underlying the catalytic capability of endoglucanase 3 from Trichoderma harzianum (ThEG3), a member of the GHF12 enzymes that lacks a CBM. A comparative analysis with the Cellulomonas fimi CBM identifies important residues mediating interactions of EG3s with amorphous regions of the cellulose. For instance, three aromatic residues constitute a harboring wall of hydrophobic contacts with the substrate in both ThEG3 and CfCBM structures. Moreover, residues at the entrance of the active site cleft of ThEG3 are identified, which might hydrogen bond to the substrate. We advocate that the ThEG3 residues Asn152 and Glu201 interact with the substrate similarly to the corresponding CfCBM residues Asn81 and Arg75. Altogether, these results show that CBM motifs are incorporated within the ThEG3 catalytic domain and suggest that the enzymatic efficiency is associated with the length and position of the substrate chain, being higher when the substrate interact with the aromatic residues at the entrance of the cleft and the catalytic triad. Our results provide guidelines for rational protein engineering aiming to improve interactions of GHF12 enzymes with cellulosic substrates.