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Background/Aim. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the healthcare system, particularly healthcare providers such as nurses/medical technicians, who were obliged to adhere to strict procedures and manage their time effectively during shifts. The aim of this study was to identify internal strengths, weaknesses, threats, and challenges in palliative care management during the C OVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of nurses/medical technicians. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a 100% sample of nurses/medical technicians working in hospital-based palliative care in two clinics in Belgrade (47 respondents in total). The research instrument was a Questionnaire on Employee Satisfaction. The survey was conducted during September and October 2022. Results. Assessing the job satisfaction of nurses/ medical technicians revealed moderate job satisfaction (3.43), which was mostly influenced by appropriate financial compensation and the implementation of measures to prevent and control the spread of the COVID-19 infection. The dimensions of management that were significantly related to respondents’ satisfaction were motivation and adequacy of hygienic conditions and measures to control COVID-19 (χ2 = 62.83, p = 0.004 and χ2 = 36.42, p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion. Nurses/medical technicians who experience stress at work in regular conditions tend to react the same way in different conditions, such as those related to COVID-19 infection. The most difficult challenge that the management faces is the recognition of the importance of the work of nurses/medical technicians by the community. Therefore, it is vital to respect and support the most important professional values of nurses/medical technicians, such as valuable achievements, the importance of professional challenges, personal growth and development, and independence in practice.

Bacground/Aim. Treatment of neurological diseases usually requires polypharmacy, and it is crucial to detect potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and recognize risk factors on time, as consequences of DDIs could be serious. The aim of the study was to analyze risk factors for the occurrence and the number of potential DDIs among patients in a general neurological ward. Methods. This study was conducted with 144 inpatients in a general-care neurological department of a tertiary care hospital. The effects of risk factors for potential DDIs were evaluated by multiple linear regression. The study had retrospective cohort de-sign. Frequencies of various types of potential DDIs (according to severity) were discovered by Medscape, Epocrates and Micromedex online interaction checkers. Results. The number of prescribed drugs, age of a patient, value of the Charlson comorbidity index and prescription of an antidepressant increase risk of potential DDIs in a general neurology ward. On the other hand, being paralyzed, number of prescribers for a single patient, being bedridden for at least one day of hospitalization decreased the number of potential DDIs per patient. Number of prescribed drugs per patient [odds ratio (OR) = 1.466 ± 0.250; p = 0.000) and age (OR = 1.027 ± 0.026; p = 0.041)] increased, and number of prescribers per patient (OR = 0.056 ± 0.028; p = 0.016), especially if the patients were paralyzed (OR = 0.214 ± 0.294; p = 0.007), decreased the risk of contraindicated, serious, “use alternative” or major potential DDIs. Antidepressants increased the risk of absolute number of all monitor/modify potential DDIs (OR = 1.257 ± 0.726; p = 0.035). Conclusion. Frequency of potential DDIs among neurological patients is considerable and influenced to the largest extent by advanced age, comorbidities, total number of pre-scribed drugs per patient and concomitant use of antidepressants.

Introduction: Key problems when transferring results of pharmacoeconomic studies between countries are: relative infrequency of observational design, utilization of unreliable estimates of input parameters in many of modelling studies, not reporting variability of the study outputs (e.g. ICER, net monetary benefit) in a publication, and large differences in costs of healthcare services and drugs from country to country. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of denosumab vs. alendronate for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Serbia, using results of published pharmacoeconomic studies in United States of America (USA) and Japan. Material and Methods: The estimate of the ICER was made through the following steps: (1) scaling the ICER of the published studies to Serbian healthcare milieu using unit costs in Serbia, USA and Japan; (2) defining prior distribution of the ICER using adjusted results of the earlier published study; (3) defining sampling distribution of the ICER using adjusted results of the next published study; (4) estimating posterior distribution of the ICER and calculating the most probable values the ICER with Bayesian statistics. Results: The ICER of the prior distribution was 572,787.00 RSD, with 99% confidence interval from 1,116.00 to 998,051.00 RSD, and that of the sampling distribution 706,057.00 RSD, with 99% confidence interval from 1,122.00 to 999,308.00 RSD. The most probable ICER value from the posterior distribution was 752,912.00 RSD, with 99% confidence interval from 667,631.00 to 771,552.07 RSD. The estimated ICER was below one Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Serbia per capita (the 2019 value: 780,063.60 RSD). Conclusions: Denosumab should be considered cost-effective in Serbia if one to three GDPs/capita/Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained is taken as the upper limit of willingness to pay by Serbian Health Insurance Fund.

Background/Aim. Reslizumab is humanized monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology which binds to circulating interleukin-5 (IL-5) and down-regulates the IL-5 signaling pathway. Reslizumab is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients 18 years and older with severe eosinophilic asthma phenotype whose symptoms were inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of reslizumab compared to placebo in patients suffering from inadequately controlled, moderateto- severe asthma with elevated blood eosinophil counts. Methods. Our meta-analysis was based on systematic search of literature and selection of high-quality evidence according to pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effects of reslizumab and placebo were summarized using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3.5 and heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochrane Q test and I² values. Several types of bias were assessed and publication bias shown by Funnel plot and Egger’s regression. Results. The meta-analysis included 5 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Reslizumab 3.0 mg/kg produced substantial improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1. second (FEV 1) (mean difference 0.15 [0.10, 0.21]) and in forced vital capacity (FVC) (mean difference 0.21 [0.09, 0.32]) over the 15 or 16-week treatment period, substantial decrease versus placebo in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score (mean difference -0.28 [-0.41, -0.16]), and substantial increase vs. placebo from baseline in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) total score (mean difference 0.24 [0.06, 0.43]). Also, reslizumab 3.0 mg/kg caused less adverse events versus placebo (OR 0.67 [0.51, 0.88]), especially asthma worsening (OR 0.53 [0.36, 0.77]) or bronchitis (OR 0.42 [0.24, 0.74]). Conclusion. On the basis of published clinical trials reslizumab could be considered as an effective and safe therapeutic option for severe, poorly controlled eosinophilic asthma for the time being. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 175007]

Antifungal activity of commercial sample of Boswellia carteri essential oil against selected micromycetes was evaluated in vitro using a microatmosphere method. When compared with biocide Sanosil S003, used as positive control, the tested essential oil showed moderate antifungal activity. The most susceptible fungi to oil treatment were Stachybotrys chartarum and Trichotecium roseum. For both fungi, mycelia growth inhibition of 85% was recorded at oil concentration of 100 μL mL-1. The tested essential oil caused inhibition of S. chartarum sporulation as well as depigmentation of conidiа, which is very significant since melanin contributes to virulence, survival and endurance of pathogenic fungi spores. Aspergillus niger was the least susceptible isolate to essential oil treatment. Mycelial growth of this fungus was not inhibited by any oil concentrations used in the experiment.

Background/Aim. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common disease among males aging 50 years and more. The rise of the prevalence of BPH is related to aging, and since duration of life time period has the tendency of rising the prevalence of BPH will rise as costs of BPH treatment will and its influence on health economic budget. Dutasteride is a new drug similar to finasteride, inhibits enzyme testosterone 5-alpha reductase, diminish symptoms of BPH, reduce risk of the complications and increases quality of life in patients with BPH. But, the use of dutasteride is limited by its high costs. The aim of this study was to compare cost effectiveness of dutasteride and finasteride from the perspective of a purchaser of health care service (Republic Institute for Health Insuranse, Montenegro). Меthods. We constructed a Markov model to compare cost effectivenss of dutasteride and finasteride using data from the available pharmacoeconomic literature and data about socioeconomic sphere actual in Montenegro. A time horizon was estimated to be 20 years, with the duration of 1 year per one cycle. The discount rate was 3%. We performed Monte Carlo simulation for virtual cohort of 1,000 patients with BPH. Results. The total costs for one year treatment of BPH with dutasteride were estimated to be 6,458.00 € which was higher comparing with finasteride which were 6,088.56 €. The gain in quality adjusted life years (QALY) were higher with dutasteride (11.97 QALY ) than with finasteride (11.19 QALY). The results of our study indicate that treating BPH with dutasteride comparing to finasteride is a cost effective option since the value of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) is 1,245.68 €/QALY which is below estimated threshold (1,350.00 € per one gained year of life). Conclusion. Dutasteride is a cost effective option for treating BPH comparing to finasteride. The results of this study provide new information for health care decision makers about treatment of BPH in socioeconomic environment which is actual both in Montenegro and other countries with a recent history of socioeconomic transition.

Background/Aim. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is often associated with injectable drug users and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection for which there is stigmatization in society. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of stigma and discrimination of patients with CHC, as well as the influence of sociodemographic factors on the occurrence of stigmatization. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed. Patients with CHC and conducted antiviral therapy completed an anonymous structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions and Hepatitis C stigma scale. Results. Out of 154 patients 61.7% were male and 72.1% from the city; 59.7% have completed secondary school; 61.7% were employed before the disease while 31.8% after the disease; 45.5% were unsatisfactory with financial situation; 54.5% were married; 37.7% lived with a spouse and children; 86.4% in their own house/apartment; 5.2% of the patients were abandoned by their partners, while 35.7% consumed drugs. A statistical significance of the stigma score was found in those who lived in the city (p = 0.018), unmarried (p = 0.005), abandoned by the partners after the diagnosis of CHC (p < 0.001), drug users (p = 0.002) and those living with parents (p = 0.034). Univariate regression analysis singled out as significant: residence (p = 0.018), living with their parents (p = 0.046), abandonment by a partner (p < 0.001) and drug use (p = 0.002). A multivariate regression model of independent variables singled out abandonment by partners (Beta = 5.158, p = 0.007). Men disagree significantly with the two elements inside stigma [not the same as the others (p = 0.035)] and hurt by the reaction of others (p = 0.047)). Conclusion. The presence of stigma in patients with CHC was proven. The results indicate the need to strengthen anti-stigma programs that will reduce their psychological and social problems and reduce stigmatization in society.

Psychophysical capabilities of individuals in terms of work in the modern systems of today are not the only factor that their performance and achievement of results depend on. The context is much broader, starting from work conditions at their work place, through physical and climate factors, social environment and support, down to psychophysical status of an individual, his/her general work efficiency and risk from getting professional illnesses. Although the mechanisms and causes of fatigue occurring at work have long been a subject of study and interest in the area of psychophysiology of work, the fact is that to the day there has been no unique and generally accepted definition of fatigue, not only due to complex causes of its origin, but also due to complexity and diversity of its manifestations. Factors that are subject of study may be grouped into areas of contents of work, organization of work or work environment, and they significantly affect working ability and its misbalance, needs, capabilities and requirements to be met by an individual at a work place. Similarly to the concept of stress at work, fatigue as a reversible physiological occurrence manifests itself in physiological, i.e. health-related, psychological and professional areas, which in the long run affects total performance and efficiency of an individual, and results in unfit behavior, mental problems or physical illness. Keeping this in mind, it is important that a professional department and personnel management in organizations and institutions should react in a timely manner in order to prevent, detect and eliminate the factors that bring an individual at work to chronicle fatigue, therefore, to reduced performance and productivity at work.

Background/Aim. Recent studies have shown that biological treatments for rheumatoid arthritis can change the course of rheumatoid arthritis and improve functional ability of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In spite of this fact, use of biological therapy is still limited by high prices of these medicines, especially in countries in socioeconomic transition. The aim of our study was to compare costeffectiveness of a combination of tocilizumab and methotrexate with methotrexate alone for rheumatoid arthritis in Serbia, a country in socioeconomic transition. Methods. For the purpose of our study we designed a Markov model using data on therapy efficacy from the available literature, and data on the costs of health states calculated from records of actual patients treated in the Clinical Center Kragujevac, Serbia. The duration of one cycle in our model was set at one month, and the time horizon was 480 months (40 years). The study was done from the social perspective, and all the costs and outcomes were discounted for 3% per year. Results. Treating rheumatoid arthritis with diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) alone was more cost-effective in comparison with a combination of biologic treatment with tocilizumab and DMARDs. The total costs for treating a patient with DMARDs for one year were on average 261,945.42 RSD, or 2,497.70 Euro and the total costs for treatment with tocilizimab plus DMARDs were on average 1,959,217.44 RSD, or 18,659.20 Euro. However, these results are susceptible to changes in costs and treatment effects of tocilizumab in patients with more severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion. Our results show that the use of tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthrits in economic environment of Serbia is not cost-effective. Use of tocilizumab for treating rheumatoid arthritis can become affordable, if costs of its use become lower. In order to start using expensive biologic medicines in patients in transitional countries, special strategy and pricing policy of international pharmaceutical companies are necessary, which would include calculation of prices of biologic medicines on the basis of local pharmacoeconomic studies. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 175007]

Background/Aim. A cost-effectiveness analyses of immunomodulatory treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in developed countries have shown that any benefit from these drugs is achieved at very high cost. The aim of our study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of five treatment strategies in patients diagnosed with RRMS (symptom management alone and in combination with subcutaneous glatiramer acetate, intramuscular interferon β-1a, subcutaneous interferon β-1a, or intramuscular interferon β- 1b) in a Balkan country in socio-economic transition. Methods. The Markov model was developed based on the literature about effectiveness and on local Serbian cost calculations. The duration of a cycle in the model was set to a month. The baseline time horizon was 480 months (40 years). The societal perspective was used for costs and outcomes, and they were discounted for 3% annually. Monte Carlo micro simulation with 1000 virtual patients was done. Results. Significant gain with immunomodulatory therapy was achieved only in relapse-free years, while the time spent in health states EDSS 0.0-5.5 was longer with symptomatic therapy only, and gains in life years and QALYs were only marginal. One QALY gained costs more than a billion of Serbian dinars (more than 20 million US dollars), making each of the four immunomodulatory therapies costineffective. Conclusion. Our study suggests that immunomodulatory therapy of RRMS in a Balkan country in socioeconomic transition is not cost-effective, regardless of the type of the therapy. Moderate gain in relapse-free years does not translate to gain in QALYs, probably due to adverse effects of immunomodulatory therapy.

Guided by the idea that the presence of a heterocyclic aromatic core and tyramine moiety, under the umbrella of a single molecular scaffold could bring interesting biological properties, herein we present synthesis, characterization, with two crystal structures reported, and biological evaluation of some tyramine derivates. Cytotoxic and antimigratory potential was addressed by using a colorectal cancer cell line as a model system. Although possessing no cytotoxic effects, two compounds have shown strong antimigratory potential in low doses, with no effect on healthy MRC‐5 cells. Evaluation of their antimicrobial activities suggested prominent antimicrobial activity, where Compound 4 outperformed streptomycin against Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. Hormone‐dependent types of cancer, such as prostate, ovary, and breast, are highly dependent on human sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) blood levels. A molecular docking study has shown that 1 has high affinity to bind and therefore compete with natural steroids for the SHBG steroid‐binding site. DNA‐binding study have shown that 4 interacts with CT‐DNA in a groove‐binding mode. In silico ADME/T study revealed that all compounds have suitable physicochemical properties for oral bioavailability and druglikeness, while toxicity tests for 1, 4, and 6 suggested potential for mutagenicity (4, 6), hepatotoxicity (6), and skin sensation (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medicinal properties of transition metal complexes are greatly influenced by the nature and physico-chemical features of the ligand present in the complex structure. Due to the unique biological properties of the organoselenium compounds reflected in the variety of pharmacological activities (such as antioxidative, antiviral, antimicrobial and anticancer), the last years have brought increased interest for their use as a ligands compounds in the design and syntheses of range of transition metal-based coordination compounds that have been explored as antitumor and antimicrobial agents. Our aim in this review is to provide the overview of an recent development of the transition metal complexes bearing organoselenium ligands in the structure that could be promising choice for the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer and infective diseases. For this purpose, the complexes of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ru, Pd, Pt, Au and Sn as the most explored examples will be included and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify risk factors for amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement, assess quality of life, and analyze gingival tissue. This cross-sectional study involved hypertensive patients on amlodipine, divided into groups with and without gingival enlargement. Assessments included sociodemographic data, clinical evaluations, and clinical parameters. Quality of life was assessed using OHIP-14 and WB-HRQoL scales. Gingival tissue samples were analyzed for oxidative status and key molecules using RT-PCR and colorimetric assays. The study included 32 patients with no significant sociodemographic differences between groups (p > 0.05). Patients with gingival enlargement had higher systolic blood pressure (139.63 ± 10.743 vs. 128.38 ± 7.249, p = 0.028) and higher OHIP-14 scores. The RT-PCR analysis showed significant differences in IL-6, TNF-α, IL-33, ST2, TGF-β1, FGF-2, CTGF, VEGF-D, and KGF expression. IL-6, TNF-α, ST2, and FGF-2 expression levels were lower in patients taking amlodipine, with and without gingival enlargement. TGF-β1 and CTGF expression levels were highest in patients with amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement. SOD activity was also highest in these patients, whereas MDA levels were higher in patients with gingival enlargement without amlodipine. Our study highlights the impact of amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement on oral health and quality of life, emphasizing fibrosis and oxidative stress, and suggests the need for integrated healthcare approaches and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The pharmacoeconomic aspect of the treatment of pneumonia in the pediatric population is scarce analyzed in the countries of the Balkan region. This research aimed to determine the value of total hospital costs of treating childhood pneumonia from the Republic Fund of Health Insurance perspective. This retrospective cost of illness study was performed using the "from the bottom to the top" approach. It included 82 patients with childhood pneumonia who were treated at Clinical for pediatrics at Clinical Centre Kragujevac. The total costs of hospital treatment of pneumonia for the examined population were 4,095,293.73 RSD. The largest share in total hospital costs has the length of patient hospitalization (22%). The median total hospital costs per patient per year amounted to 40,249.91 RSD (4,793.10 - 142,149.63 RSD). Since the main determinants of overall costs of treating childhood pneumonia are the length of stay and noninvasive ventilation rate, therapeutic strategies should provide not only efficient treatment in compliance with current guidelines as also decreasing these determinants to offer a better pharmacoeconomic profile of childhood pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Workplace burnout syndrome is often as sociated with particular aspects of certain job positions, especially those that entail working with people with special needs. The burnout syndrome in healthcare jobs is a serious problem that has grown into an epidemic among healthcare workers and associates. The aim of this research is to assess the presence of stress and burnout syndrome at work with healthcare workers, expert workers, professional associates, and associates in social service institutions in Belgrade. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in the form of a cross-sectional study of a representative sample in social institutions in Belgrade. It was conducted from March to the end of June of 2023. The sample of the study had 491 participants. The questionnaires used were a structured instrument with social–demographic and social–economic characteristics, workplace characteristics, lifestyle characteristics, and the following questionnaires: DASS-21, Copenhagen, Brief Resilience Scale, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Results: The end results indicate the following to be significant risk factors for the occurrence of workplace burnout syndrome: overtime (OR = 2.62; CI = 1.50–4.56), BRS average score (OR = 0.28; CI = 0.17–0.44), DASS21 D heightened depression (OR = 2.09; CI = 1.1–4.04), DASS21 A heightened anxiety (OR = 2.38; CI = 1.34–4.21), and DASS21 S heightened stress (OR = 2.08; CI = 1.11–3.89). The only protective risk factor that stood out was the self-assessment of health levels (OR = 0.60; CI = 0.42–0.85). Conclusion: Overtime is a significant factor associated with workplace burnout. Apart from it, other significant factors associated with workplace burnout were heightened depression, anxiety, and stress levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface texture and biofilm adhesion of veneered or CAD/CAM milled zirconia (partially stabilized with yttrium) after professional oral hygiene procedures. The samples (4 × 4 mm, thickness 2 mm; n  =  72) were separated from zirconia blanks (3Y-TZP-LA). One group was veenered with ceramics, and the other group of samples was CAD/CAM milled. Each group had two subgroups: polished and glazed. The samples were subjected to simulated strokes of professional brushing using abrasive paste and ultrasonic scaling. The parameters of surface micromorphology and receptivity to biofilm were calculated before and after simulating the given methods of the professional maintenance of oral hygiene. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate zirconia surface properties. Microbial (bacterial/fungal) species (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sanguinis and Candida albicans) were used and cultured on respective sterilized zirconia surfaces. Colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were used to quantify the amount of biofilm formation on zirconia samples surfaces. Results: The SEM analysis showed the greatest change in surface microtopography after the use of ultrasonic scaling on glazed zirconia samples. Less formation of colonies on the surfaces of CAD/CAM milled zirconia restorations was observed. Conclusion: Routine methods of oral hygiene professional maintenance can damage the surfaces of glazed zirconia restorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts and other plant products have been used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides or an additional way to reduce their use. The choice of plant extracts and their application depends on their functional characteristics, availability, cost‐effectiveness, and their impact on phytopathogens, and also on the environment. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the potential of Celtis australis methanolic extracts as source of compounds with antifungal activity. Methanolic extracts prepared from leaves and unripe mesocarps of C. australis collected from different localities of Montenegro (Podgorica—PG, Donja Gorica—DG, and Bar—BR) were evaluated for their phenolic compounds' composition as well as antifungal and cytotoxic properties. Obtained results revealed that extracts contain various bioactive constituents including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives. The predominant phenolic acid was ferulic acid, identified in leaf samples from DG (187.97 mg/100 g dw), while isoorientin was the most abundant phenolic compound found in all examined samples. Regarding antifungal potential of the tested samples, all but one (prepared from mesocarp BR) possessed higher activity than Previcur, a commercial systemic fungicide intended to control seedlings. In vitro studies on HaCaT cell line showed that the extracts had no toxic effect toward the tested cell line. These results lead to the conclusion that methanolic extracts of C. australis can become an alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides in agriculture. Those extracts represent natural biodegradable fungicides and enable more efficient control of pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are rich in bioactive phytochemicals that often display medicinal properties. These can play an important role in the production of health-promoting food additives and the replacement of artificial ones. In this sense, this study aimed to characterise the polyphenolic profile and bioactive properties of the decoctions, infusions and hydroethanolic extracts of three plants: lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.). Total phenolic content ranged from 38.79 mg/g extract to 84.51 mg/g extract, depending on the extract. The main phenolic compound detected in all cases was rosmarinic acid. The results highlighted that some of these extracts may have the ability to prevent food spoilage (due to antibacterial and antifungal effects) and promote health benefits (due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities) while not displaying toxicity against healthy cells. Furthermore, although no anti-inflammatory capacity was observed from sage extracts, these stood out for often displaying the best outcomes in terms of other bioactivities. Overall, the results of our research provide insight into the potential of plant extracts as a source of active phytochemicals and as natural food additives. They also support the current trends in the food industry of replacing synthetic additives and developing foods with added beneficial health effects beyond basic nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness with a poor quality of life (QoL). The main aim of this study was to measure the QoL and factors that affect the QoL of patients with schizophrenia placed in a social welfare institution. This cross-sectional study included 287 patients with schizophrenia who were treated in a long-stay social care institution in which QoL was assessed using five different instruments: the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, the EuroQoL Five-Dimension-Five-Level scale (including the visual analog scale), the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – Short Form, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. To determine the impact of patients’ characteristics on score values, multiple linear regression using backward elimination was employed. Due to non-normality in the distribution of the dependent variables, a Box–Cox power transformation was applied to each dependent variable prior to conducting multiple linear regression analysis. Results revealed that patients with schizophrenia have lower QoL. Our study revealed that age, level of education, type of accommodation, type of pavilion, age of onset of the disease, number of prescribed antipsychotics, number of psychiatric comorbidities, duration of therapy, and the number of daily doses of antipsychotics are dominant contributors to the QoL in patients with schizophrenia who were treated in social welfare institution.

In this study, the new Schiff base bearing Se−Se bond and vanillin core in the structure was synthesized from the naturally occurring amino acid selenocystine and vanillin as an aldehyde counterpart. Taking into account the fact that synergy of different pharmacophores in one molecular structure could bring interesting biological properties, the synthetized compound was screened for the antimicrobial activities with respect to their minimum inhibitory concentracion (MIC) values for different bacteria and fungi cultures, as well as for binding interactions with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Furthermore, the additional quantum chemical calculations and molecular docking simulations were performed for the better insight into detailed mechanism of Schiff base‐formation and mode of its biological activities. It has been observed that among tested bacterial and fungal strains, the best antimicrobial activity was displayed for the Staphylococcus aureus, while the fluorescence quenching experiments have revealed that compound possesses binding affinity towards both BSA and DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to promote the total upcycling of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) peel into bioactive extracts (BEs) and fiber concentrates (FCs). The multicomponent extraction processes were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with a 20-run experimental design, where the effects of time (1–120 min), temperature (25–95 °C), and EtOH percentage (0–100%) were combined. In addition to the extraction yields, BEs were analyzed for phenolic compounds, organic acids, and other water-soluble constituents, while FCs were characterized for their color and dietary fiber content. Statistically valid theoretical models were obtained by fitting these dependent variables to a quadratic equation and used to predict optimal extraction conditions. Those obtained for phenolic compounds and malic acid were experimentally validated, yielding 9.3 mg/g and 7.6 g/100 g of these bioactive constituents, respectively, and about 51% (w/w) FC. These BEs showed in vitro antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects against foodborne fungi and bacteria, standing out in some aspects in relation to synthetic food additives, mainly the malic acid-enriched BE. Overall, the developed extraction processes allowed valorizing of quince peel in FCs and BEs that could be used as natural fortifiers or preservatives in the formulation of foods, beverages and dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms are valued worldwide for their nutritional, organoleptic and chemical properties. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition (free sugars, organic acids, fatty acids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds) and bioactivity of three wild mushrooms (Lactarius piperatus, Lactarius quietus and Lactarius vellereus) from Serbia. Chemical analysis was performed with HPLC-RI and UFLC-PDA (for hydrophilic compounds) and with GC-FID and HPLC-FP (for lipophilic compounds). The analysis of phenolic compounds was performed by UFLC-DAD. Biological activities were evaluated using three different assays (microdilution, TBARS and SRB assays). The results showed that the fruiting bodies were rich in mannitol and trehalose. The main organic acids were oxalic acid and citric acid. As for lipophilic components, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids and β-tocopherol dominated in all the species studied. In addition, the methanolic and ethanolic extracts obtained showed antibacterial, antibiofilm and antioxidant properties. As for cytotoxicity, the extracts were not toxic or only moderately toxic toward different tumor cell lines. According to the results, the selected Serbian mushrooms are a rich source of bioactive compounds, and due to their good biological potential, they can be further exploited as functional ingredients beneficial to human health (antimicrobial agents, antioxidants). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the interest in products of natural origin has boosted the exploitation and use of plants as food and sources of bioactive compounds, especially wild plants widely used in different cultures for several purposes. Commelina erecta is a wild edible plant (WEP) traditionally used as food and medicine, about which few studies exist. Thus, this study aimed at enhancing the knowledge about its nutritional, chemical and bioactive profile, considering different plant parts and development stages, in order to increase its inclusion in the diet of South American communities. The nutritional profile was found to be similar to other WEP frequently consumed in Brazil. Thirteen phenolic compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) were tentatively identified, with apigenin, luteolin and quercetin derivatives being the most abundant. Fructose and oxalic acid were the major sugar and organic acid, respectively, in the aerial parts of C. erecta, and four isoforms of tocopherols were also identified. Regarding the plant's antioxidant activity, the EC50 values varied between 18.4 and 1060 µg/mL in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation assay (TBARS) and between 53 and 115 µg/mL in the oxidative haemolysis inhibition (OxHLIA) assay. The hydroethanolic extract obtained from stems at the flowering stage also presented anti-inflammatory activity. In general, all the extracts evidenced promising antimicrobial activity. Altogether, these results reinforce the traditional use of this plant species as food and medicine to support the diet of needier populations and also promote food sovereignty and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and biological activity of essential oils (EOs) from leaves of Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz & P.H.Davis, and seeds of Coriandrum sativum L. were investigated. Chemical analyses of EOs were performed and the major components were carvacrol (81.5%) and linalool (69.6%), respectively. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against several bacteria originating from the tonsillar tissue. Activities of EOs against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm were investigated, as well as the effect of the mixture of these EOs and antibiotics against the pathogen. The antioxidant activity of both EOs was determined by TBARS assay, and examined wild oregano EO showed better activity. Also, cytotoxicity of EOs was evaluated in vitro and both EOs showed potential to inhibit further proliferation of tumor cells. This study reported for the first time the effects of EOs on chronic tonsillitis causative pathogens, supporting their role as a natural bioactive therapeutic agent with possible antimicrobial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Without being aware of its chemical makeup, many ancient societies have used Steppe peony in their traditional medicine. Given that modern phytopreparation intended for use on human skin requires, above all, knowledge of its chemical composition, the goal of this study was to make a screening of the composition of aqueous and methanolic extracts of the petals of P. tenuifolia L. and to examine them for various skin-beneficial properties. The extracts were prepared by maceration, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extraction procedures. The chemical profiling was conducted by the use of UHPLC-LTQ-OrbiTrap MS and UHPLC/MS, and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents. The biological activities entailed antioxidant ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC (Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays, antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) and antibiofilm activities, cytotoxicity, wound healing potential, as well as the adhesion and invasion of Staphylococcus lugdunensis. The results showed that the petals are rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are commonly associated with numerous biological activities. The aqueous extracts were more efficient in the majority of the bioactivity assays then the methanolic ones, whereas the optimal extraction method varied between the assays. This study is the first step towards the safe use of the aqueous extracts of P. tenuifolia petals for therapeutic skin treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic tonsillitis (CT) is a global health issue which can impair patient's quality of life and has an important socioeconomic impact due to the nonrational use of antibiotics, increased antimicrobial resistance and frequent need for surgical treatment. In order to isolate and identify the causing agents of CT, a total of 79 postoperative palatine and adenoid tissue samples were obtained from the ENT Clinic, KBC Zvezdara, Belgrade, Serbia. Culture identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and the Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested for biofilm forming capability and antibiotic susceptibility. Additionally, a histological examination of palatine and adenoid tissue was performed in order to detect the presence of CT-causing bacteria. The slight majority of participants were females with median age of 28 years for adult patients (group I) and 6 years for children (group II). Analysis of the incidence of bacteria isolated from tissue samples in both groups showed the highest prevalence of S. aureus, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus parasanquinis. In addition to interfollicular hyperplasia, colonies of species S. aureus were detected in histological material. The presence of biofilm might be the reason for the recurrence of infection. Therefore, searching for a new treatment of CT is of great importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hesperetin is the aglycone of citrus flavonoid hesperidin. Due to the limited information regarding hesperetin antimicrobial potential and emerging need for novel antimicrobials, we have studied its antimicrobial activity (microdilution assay), antibiofilm activity with different assays in two models (mono- and polymicrobial biofilm), and toxicity (MTT and brine shrimp lethality assays). Hesperetin inhibited growth of all Candida isolates (minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC, 0.165 mg/mL), while it's inhibitory potential towards Staphylococcus aureus was lower (MIC 4 mg/mL). Hesperetin (0.165 mg/mL) reduced ability of Candida to form biofilms and moderately reduced exopolysaccharide levels in biofilm matrix. Effect on the eradication of 24 h old C. albicans biofilms was promising at 1.320 mg/mL. Inhibition of staphylococcal biofilm formation required higher concentrations of hesperetin (<50% inhibition with MIC 4 mg/mL). Establishment of polymicrobial C. albicans-S. aureus biofilm was significantly inhibited with the lowest examined hesperetin concentration (1 mg/mL) in crystal violet and CFU assays. Hesperetin toxicity was examined towards MRC-5 fibroblasts (IC50 0.340 mg/mL) and in brine shrimp lethality assay (LC50 > 1 mg/mL). Hesperetin is efficient in combating growth and biofilm formation of Candida species. However, its antibacterial application should be further examined due to the cytotoxic effects provoked in the antibacterial concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of three biostimulant products (Nomoren (N), Twin Antistress (TW), x-Stress (XS) and control treatment (C: no biostimulants added)) on the nutritional value, chemical composition and bioactive properties of greenhouse tomato fruit grown under full (W+: 100% of field capacity) and deficit irrigation (W–: 70% of field capacity) conditions. Fat content was the highest for the fully irrigated plants that received no biostimulants (CW+), while proteins and carbohydrates and energetic value were the highest in the XSW+ treatment. The content of the main detected sugars (fructose, glucose and trehalose) varied depending on the irrigation and biostimulant treatment. The highest amounts of individual and total organic acids and tocopherols were recorded in fully irrigated plants treated with Twin Antistress (TW), whereas the lowest overall values were observed under deficit irrigation for plants that received the XS treatment. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic (27.5–36.0%) and linoleic acid (27.4–35.4%), followed by oleic (9.2–21.2%), linolenic (5.4–13.1%) and stearic acid (5.3–6.8%). Moreover, the highest values of β-carotene and lycopene were recorded for the CW- and NW+ treatments, respectively. The TWW+ showed the highest antioxidant activity for both assays tested (TBARS and OxHLIA). Most of the tested extracts showed lower antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria compared to the positive controls. On the other hand, CW+, XSW+ and XSW- treatments showed higher antifungal activity (MIC values) than positive controls. In conclusion, each biostimulant product had a different effect on the determined characteristics depending on the level of irrigation. Therefore, more research is needed to better identify the mechanisms of action and the physiological processes, after which the tested biostimulants may be used to standardize the application of such products in tomato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel Assembly Monitoring System (FAMOS) was developed to set up a NDA method for the characterization of light water reactor fuel assemblies. The applied active/passive monitoring system made total characterization of fuel assemblies possible, without any previous knowledge of fuel assembly data or reactor operating data. FAMOS III measurement system was especially developed for the determination of fuel assembly burn-up which is suitable for the control of the acceptance criteria in the so-called La Hague measurements.

• Antimicrobial potential of rosmarinic acid confirmed towards 11 Candida strains and 13 bacterial pathogens. • Antibiofilm properties include inhibition of Candida attachment, eradication of established biofilms, moderate reduction of exopolysaccharide production. • Antimicrobial mechanisms include disturbance in mitochondria activity and cell membrane integrity, moderate reduction in protease production but not binding to ergosterol. Emerging antimicrobial resistance and side effects associated with antibiotics overuse are driving the need for the novel antimicrobial therapeutics with the natural compounds considered as an appealing alternative. Rosmarinic acid is abundantly present in medicinal plants. This study aimed to elucidate its possible role as an inhibitor of planktonic and biofilm microorganism growth, along with its antifungal mechanisms. In this study, rosmarinic acid showed promising anticandidal (MIC 0.1–0.2 mg/mL) and antibacterial (MIC 0.002->0.8 mg/mL) activity. To some extent it was able to prevent cell attachment and eradicate established biofilms. Rosmarinic acid antifungal mechanisms included reduction of mitochondrial activity, alteration in membrane integrity, and slight inhibition of protease production but not binding to ergosterol. Its antibiofilm activity was moderately linked to the reduction in exopolysaccharide production. Considering its wide antimicrobial and antibiofilm spectrum rosmarinic acid could be further explored as an antimicrobial agent along with range of medicinal plants with rosmarinic acid as the dominant compound. Nevertheless, rosmarinic acid could serve as the basis for the development of antimicrobials employing novel mechanisms of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report computational and experimental evaluations of the antimicrobial activity of twenty one 2,3-diaryl-thiazolidin-4-ones. All synthesized compounds exhibited an antibacterial activity against six Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to different extents. Thus, the MIC was in the range of 0.008–0.24 mg/mL, while the MBC was 0.0016–0.48 mg/mL. The most sensitive bacterium was S. Typhimurium, whereas S. aureus was the most resistant. The best antibacterial activity was observed for compound 5 (MIC at 0.008–0.06 mg/mL). The three most active compounds 5, 8, and 15, as well as compound 6, which were evaluated against three resistant strains, MRSA, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli, were more potent against all bacterial strains used than ampicillin. The antifungal activity of some compounds exceeded or were equipotent with those of the reference antifungal agents bifonazole and ketoconazole. The best activity was expressed by compound 5. All compounds exhibited moderate to good drug-likeness scores ranging from −0.39 to 0.39. The docking studies indicated a probable involvement of E. coli Mur B inhibition in the antibacterial action, while CYP51 inhibition is likely responsible for the antifungal activity of the tested compounds. Finally, the assessment of cellular cytotoxicity of the compounds in normal human MRC-5 cells revealed that the compounds were not toxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of this paper is to investigate the policy and role of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on nuclear disarmament in the 21st century. Nuclear disarmament continues to be the highest priority of the NAM, which is why it deserves a special place in the analysis of the activities of the NAM in modern international relations. However, this policy and role have been shaped in the new century as well by the adoption and expression of principled views on the necessity of nuclear disarmament, with very few results achieved, sometimes even among its own membership. Through the analysis of the content and comparison of NAM documents adopted at the NAM summits or within multilateral forums dealing with disarmament and international security issues, as well as secondary sources dealing with this topic, the author concludes that the role of non-aligned in nuclear disarmament is primarily to keep this issue high on the international agenda and as a kind of counterbalance to the demands of the nuclear powers for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. However, this role is weakened for at least six reasons: the importance that individual NAM member states attach to nuclear weapons; their refusal to accede to or fully implement universal and regional instruments of nuclear disarmament; the (mis) use of the NAM as a means of pursuing individual member states' interests for the promotion of issues that lack significant support from other member states of the Movement; the absence of any NAM measure to condemn or sanction such behaviour within the Movement, while they are constantly repeated towards other countries such as Israel and the United States; inconsistent "call out" of individual NWS for disrespect of the principles and measures for disarmament and lack of the adequate mechanisms; and the intention of the NAM to participate more actively in resolving existing crises regarding disarmament and nonproliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) is traditionally used for gastrointestinal ailments and disorders linked to numerous risk factors including microbial infections. We aimed to provide contemporary evidence for its ethnopharmacological use and determine its antimicrobial capacity and mode of action, cytotoxicity, and phenolic constituents. Ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using semistructured interviews. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm capacities were determined by microdilution/crystal violet assay, respectively. Modes of action tested include estimation of exopolysaccharide production (congo red binding assay) and interference with membrane integrity (crystal violet uptake and nucleotide leakage assay). Cytotoxicity was determined using crystal violet assay. Polyphenolic profiling was done by advanced liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ OrbiTrap MS). Artemisia absinthium in Serbia is traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders, among others. Further study revealed high antifungal capacity of herb ethanolic extract towards range of Candida species (MIC 0.5–1 mg/mL) along with promising antibacterial activities (MIC 0.25–4 mg/mL). Interference with membrane integrity could be observed as a possible antimicrobial mechanism. Antibiofilm potential can be considered as high (towards C. krusei) to limited (towards P. aeruginosa) and moderate based on reduction in exopolysaccharide content. In concentrations up to 400 µg/mL, no cytotoxicity was observed towards HaCaT and HGF-1 cell lines. Polyphenolic analysis revealed twenty-one different constituents. A. absinthium usage as a gastrointestinal ailment remedy has been confirmed in vitro by its antimicrobial capacity towards microorganisms whose presence is linked to the diseases and associated complications and noncytotoxic nature of the natural product. The observed activities could be attributed to the present phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]