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Background/Aim. The field of lung ultrasonography (US) is a fast-developing one, and it provides the medical community with numerous new diagnostic opportunities. The aim of this study was to examine the etiology of dyspnea on admission and assess the stage of heart failure (HF) according to the US examination of the heart and lungs. Methods. The cross-sectional study included a total of 110 patients treated for the symptoms of dyspnea. The study included all patients treated for any heart or pulmonary condition, as well as patients who reported the first episode of dyspnea with-out any previous illness. The most important diagnostic sign in the US of the lungs in patients with HF was the appearance of B-lines or “comets” (ultrasound artifacts reminiscent of comet tails), which indicate the accumulation of fluid in the interstitium of the lungs. Results. The mean number of registered “comets” in the total number of patients was 14.2 ± 7.4 (minimum 2, maximum 30). The mean number of “comets” among patients with HF was 18.8 ± 5.9. The mean number of “comets” among patients without HF was 8.0 ± 3.7 (p ˂ 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed the association between the number of “comets” and HF (p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion. As the assessment of present “comets” in pulmonary US examination is safe and non-invasive, it can easily be integrated into the daily clinical practice because it has been shown that the number of pulmonary “comets” is significantly higher in patients with HF compared to those with dyspnea of other etiologies.

The aim of the research was to determine the yield, chemical composition and free radical-scavenging activity of the essential oils (EOs) in the leaves and fruit of wild-grown bay (Laurus nobilis L.) and rosemary(Rosmarinus officinalis L.)from the Montenegro coast. The bay essential oil (BEO) yield was 0.88% in fruit and 2.65% in the leaves. The rosemary essential oil (REO) yield was 1.30%. BEOs obtained from the leaves and fruit display different compositions. Fifty components were identified in leaf BEO, with 1,8-cineole (39.4%), linalool (13.9%), α-terpinyl acetate (11.2%), sabinene (6.7%) and methyl eugenol (5.7%) being the most abundant ones. Fifty-five components were isolated from fruit BEO, with 1,8-cineole (34.2%), α-pinene (6.6%), sabinene (6.1%) and β-bisabolene (5.8%) being the main components. Twenty-seven components were identified in leaf REO, with the main components being camphor (31.9%), borneol (12.2%), 1,8-cineole (11.3%) and myrcene (10.7%). The BEOs isolated from leaves (EC50 value of 1.43 mg/mL) and fruit (EC50 value of 3.74 mg/mL) showed stronger antioxidant activity than REO (EC50 value of 5.00 mg/mL) during an incubation time of 20 min. The results obtained for the bay and rosemary EOs from Montenegro highlight their potential not only for culinary purposes but also as a source of antioxidants and for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is estimated that an average of 1,308 people die in traffic accidents in the world every day. Traffic accidents are caused by factors of the road, vehicles and the human factor, which occur alone or in combination with other factors in over 90% of cases. Material and methods: The retrospective systematic research included all cases of traffic trauma that were brought to the admission surgical outpatient clinic in the Clinical Hospital Center Kosovska Mitrovica in the period from January 2020 to December 2022. Results: In the observed period, 126 patients were registered. The age of the respondents differs statistically according to gender (p=0.030), and the highest frequency is male (81.8%) in the working population (18-59 years). The age of the subjects showed no statistical association with the types of injuries in traffic trauma (p=0.151). Friday and Saturday are the days with the highest risk (25.3% of injuries), and Sunday is the day with the least number of injuries (3.6%). The lowest number of injuries was recorded from January to May (n=12, 9.5%), and the highest was in the period August to October (n=54, 42.9%). A male patient, 20 years old, an alcoholic, required urgent surgical treatment (splenectomy) due to abdominal injuries. Alcoholism and the age of the subjects did not show statistical significance (p=0.495), and 24.6% of patients had a diagnosis of alcoholism. The age of the subjects showed a statistical association with hospitalization (p=0.004), male gender and age between 18-59 years. Only 2 patients required transport to a highly specialized facility. The fatal outcome showed a statistically significant correlation with the age of the respondent (p=0.016), there was only one patient (between 12-18 hours), a female, 85 years old as a passenger of a motor vehicle. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate a statistically significantly more frequent injury and hospitalization of male patients, that Friday and Saturday are the days of greatest risk and that the fatal outcome occurs in extremely elderly patients. Our findings favour the need to raise public awareness through the media, public actions and forums.

Introduction: The process of recording a patient includes a procedure with several separate segments during work that together provide the imaging to be obtained for adequate radiological analysis. Throughout the process, it is possible to experience errors that create artifacts on X-rays which ultimately results in an inadequate recording that is not for valid analysis. Aim: Determine the total number of radiological films that are not for valid analysis. Sort out and analyze errors in radiographs according to the work process. Provide recommendations for improving the quality in the process of recording the patient. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Radiology Clinic of the Clinical Hospital Center Pristina-Gracanica, for two calendar years. All films that are not for valid analysis were considered. The radiological procedure of patient imaging was broken down into logical segments so that possible errors could be observed. We have summarized the causes of the artifacts in five appropriate groups (errors made by the recording technique, during the acquisition of the image, caused by the object of recording, during the processing of films in an automated machine and improper handling of films). Results: The total amount of used X-ray films is 32600 pieces, of which 242 (0.74%) were errors and artifacts. The most common format of a film with an error or artifact was 30x40 cm. A frequency of errors according to the cause of the occurrence is classified into appropriate groups. The largest number was in a group 1 - 155 (64.04%), in a group 2 - 3 (1.24%), in a group 3 - 13 (5.37%), in a group 4 - 67 (27.69%), and in a group 5 - 4 (1.66%). Conclusion: In the proper systematization of all observed errors and artifacts of X-ray film, it allows us to realise the place of error during the whole process of recording and processing of the film. We hereby wish to propose their elimination and improve the quality of the radiology department.

Introduction: The most common causes of renal artery disease are stenosis, as a consequence of atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography is a non-invasive method, which enables visualization of vascular structures and walls of blood vessels, as well as morphology of the renal parenchyma. Objective: To determine the importance of CT angiography in detecting the cause and degree of renal arterial disease. Methods: A total of 45 patients were included in the cross-sectional study conducted from March 2017 to March 2019 in the KBC DR Dragiša Mišović-Dedinje, Belgrade, Serbia. Criteria for inclusion were suspicion of secondary arterial hypertension, patients in preparation for kidney transplantation and in the follow-up period after transplantation, as well as patients with suspected traumatic lesions. We analyzed the causes of the disease, the morphology of the blood vessel wall, the percentage of stenosis, and the renal parenchyma. Results: The most common causes of renal arterial disease are atherosclerosis, which was found in 33 (73%) patients, renal artery aneurysm was found in 5 (11%) subjects, fibromuscular dysplasia in 4 (8.9%) and trauma in 1 (2) , 3%) of the patient. There were 10 (22.2%) patients with a significant (average 80 ± 14.5%) degree of stenosis. The sensitivity of CT angiography in the detection of atherosclerotic changes in the renal arteries was 87.9%, while the sensitivity of CT angiography in the detection of fibromuscular dysplasia was 75%. A statistically significant correlation was found between atherosclerotic stenosis of the renal arteries and a positive CTA finding (p = 0.0002). Conclusion: CT angiography is an important method of visualization and quantification of pathological changes in the renal arteries.

Introduction: The circle of Willis is the major source of collateral blood flow between the carotid and vertebrobasilar system. Its potential depends on the presence and size of arteries that vary greatly among normal individuals and therefore their adequate observation by a radiologist is necessary. Aim: Determine the type of the circle of Willis and their frequency. Determine the type, frequency and localization of anatomical variants of arteries, as well as their average diameter. Compare these variables according to the age and gender of the examinees. Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed at the Center for Radiology of the Clinical Center Nis during 2017. All subjects underwent CT or MR angiography according to a standard endocranial protocol. The anterior and posterior parts of the circle were specially observed, with an emphasis on the presence or absence of anatomical variants of the arteries, with the measurement of their diameter. The obtained data were classified into variants of the front or rear part of the ring as well as the type of ring according to integrity. The frequency of these variables and their comparison by sex and age were measured. Results: The research included 92 examinees. According to the configuration of the Willis arterial ring, the adult type was the most often represented (71.7%). The most common type in terms of integrity was partially complete. The most common anatomical variants obtained in our work was aplasia of AcoA (27.2%) and aplasia of one or both PCoA (21%). PcoA hypoplasia was occured in women with a frequency of 13.5% while in men it was not present. Conclusion: Adequate understanding of the morphology of the circle of Willis by radiological methods is a good guide for neurosurgical and radiological intervention procedures. In this way, potentially significant neurological complications and the risk of morbidity and mortality could be reduced.

This study was conducted to determine the sea fennel essential oil (SFEO) yield, composition, and antioxidant activity of leaves, stem, inflorescences, and umbels from seeds of wild sea fennel (SF) (Crithmum maritimum L.) from the Montenegro coast. The chemical composition of isolated essential oil was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID analyses. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. The maximum SFEO yield was found in umbels with seeds (4.77 mL/100 g p.m.). The leaves contained less EO (0.52 mL/100 g p.m.) than immature inflorescence (0.83 mL/100 g p.m.) The minimum EO content was found in the stem (0.08%). Twenty components were isolated from SFEO leaves, twenty-four from inflorescence, thirty-four components from the stem, and twenty-one components from umbels with seeds. Limonene (62.4–72.0%), γ-terpinene (9.5–14.0%), α-pinene (1.4–5.8%), and sabinene (1–6.5%) were found to be the main components of the SFEO from monoterpene hydrocarbons as dominant grouped components (86% to 98.1%). SF plant parts showed differences in chemical profiles, especially in specific and low-represented ingredients. (E)-anethole (4.4%), fenchone (0.5%), and trans-carveol (0.2%) were present only in umbel with seeds, while the β-longipipene (0.5%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.5%), and (2E)-decenal (0.2%) were found only in the stems. The degree of DPPH radical neutralization increased with incubation time. The SFEO isolated from the stems showed stronger antioxidant activity during the incubation times of 20 and 40 min (EC50 value of 5.30 mg/mL and 5.04 mg/mL, respectively) in comparison to the SFEO isolated from the other plant parts. The lowest antioxidant activity was obtained with the SFEO leaves (155.25 mg/mL and 58.30 mg/mL, respectively). This study indicates that SFEO possesses significant antioxidant activities and is animportant component in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is important to preserve the existing gene pool and biodiversity with rational use SF for the extraction of high-quality essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black pepper is one of the most used spices around the world, with numerous biological activities. Precisely because of the frequent use of this spice, the aim of this research was to determine the elemental composition of black pepper fruit ethanol extracts (BPEEs). The presence of heavy metals in spices is of particular importance because it can lead to the accumulation of these elements in human organs, which can further cause various health problems. The preparation of samples was done by dilution of the initial extracts with distilled water to a concentration of 0.5 mg/cm3. In the group of spice macroelements, the concentration of potassium is the highest of all the tested elements (20.412-26.370 mg/g of dry extract). From the group of heavy metals, bismuth was the most present in the range of 0.134-0.156 mg/g of dry extract, while lead, cadmium, and mercury were detected in smaller amounts. The extracts that contained elevated levels of certain heavy metals should be consistently monitored. However, it is crucial to develop effective procedures for removing already-extracted heavy metals from BPEEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hydrodistillation time on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of collected essential oils' (EOs') fractions from black pepper fructus for five hydrodistillation periods: I (0-15 min), II (15-30 min), III (30-60 min), IV(60-90 min) and V (90-120 min). In this way, an essential oil with the desired chemical composition and antioxidant activity can be selected. The essential oil was obtained by Clevenger-type hydrodistillation (CHD). The qualitative and quantitative composition of the collected EOs' fractions was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID analysis. The efficiency of EOs' fractions to scavenge DPPH radicals was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Essential oil yield was 3.0 ± 0.050 ml/100 g of plant material after 120 min of CHD. The content of monoterpene hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds decreased, while the content of oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes increased with the time of CHD. The most abundant compound of EOs' fractions was (E)-caryophyllene, whose content increased with the time of CHD (I-V: 24.9-36.6%). Results indicated that all collected EOs' fractions exhibited antioxidant activity (EC50 values were in the range I-V: 81.27±0.327–8.02±0.044 mg/ml), where fraction V showed the highest activity. This study proved that CHD time and fractionation affect the composition and antioxidant activity of black pepper essential oil. Future research may be extended to examine other biological activities of black pepper EOs' fractions, as well as synergistic effects of other identified active components of the essential oil, in addition to (E)-caryophyllene, that would affect biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiological diagnostics is the dominant diagnostic discipline in medicine. The level of technical equipment of radiological departments directly affects many aspects of importance for the diagnosis of a large number of pathological conditions and, therefore, the progress in the treatment of patients. Aim: The research analyzes the existing situation in radiological cabinets on the territory of AP Kosovo and Metohija. Particularly important elements will be analyzed for the functioning of the radiology service. An analysis of the obtained results gives recommendations in order to improve radiological diagnostics. Methods: A survey was conducted to obtain relevant data. A questionnaire consisting of segments containing basic elements for determining patients' accessibility criteria, equipping the cabinet with equipment and employing professional staff was designed. This formulated questionnaire was sent to radiological departments in health institutions on the territory of AP of Kosovo and Metohija, which are part of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. Results: The highest percentage of radiological equipment is represented in KBC Kos. Mitrovica and KBC Pristina-Gračanica, a total of 54%. The percentage of medical staff is at KBC Kos Mitrovica radiologist 50%, work technician 36%. This is followed by KBC Prishtina-Gračanica with 25% radiologists and 27% of radiological therapists. Conclusion: The basics of radiological diagnosis are conventional x-ray techniques. Tertiary health care does not adequately possess radiological high-tech modes of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance. Staff training is required in order to re-establish existing knowledge and skills development that are followed by the continuous professional development of technology applied in radiological practice.

Introduction: The presence of malignant altered axillary lymph nodes, and their timely detection is crucial for staging and prognosis of breast cancer. Echotomographic examinations are widely used technique, and represents one of the first tests of diagnostic modalities. Classic B mode, Doppler sonography, and MicroPure testing technique, allow a comprehensive assessment of the detailed morphology and internal structure of the nodes (number, location, size, shape, borders, echogenicity, edema of the surrounding soft-tissue, the presence of microcalcifications), and determination of their nature. Objective: The aim is to determine the role of echotomographic review the morphology, determining the nature and setting guidelines for diagnostic testing algorithm for malignant altered axillary lymph nodes. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 212 echotomographic tested axillary lymph nodes in the Department of Radiological Diagnostics KBC 'Dr Dragisa Mišović-Dedinje' in Belgrade, in the period from February 2016.do March 2017. All patients were examined in the supine position with arms in abduction, and external rotation. The following parameters: shape, size, and homogeneity of the echo-structure, edge, an auxiliary structures such as intranodal necrosis, edema and peripheral vascularization, as well as the presence of microcalcifications, using classical B mode, Doppler sonography and MicroPure technique. For all examinations we used Toshiba device, Aplio XG, 10MHz linear transducer. Results: Of a total of 212 tested nodule, histopathology was also verified 44 malignantly changed (21%), 4 of which the primary (9%) in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and secondary 40 (91%) in patients with breast cancer. Other nodes 168 (79%) were normal-reactive. The best performance in the echotomographic examinations are the criteria of: the shape (longitudinal cross-ratio

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of plant shading (covered by pearl shade nets with a 40% shade index or nonshading plants from open field) on the content and composition of essential oils extracted from summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) during the flowering stage cultivated under the ecological conditions of Serbia. The summer savory essential oil (SSEO) was extracted by Clevenger hydrodistillation. According to the GC/MS analysis of the SSEO, twenty-five and twenty-six components were detected in the non-shaded and shaded plants, respectively. The yield of SSEO from non-shaded plants was 1.64%, while SSEO from plants covered by shade nets was 1.76%. Carvracol (48.7–53.25%) and γ-terpinene (32.7%–36.8%) were found to be the main components in SSEO, followed by p-cymene (3.4%-3.2%), α-terpinene (2.9%-3.5%) and limonene (1.9-1.3%). In the DPPH assay, SSEO showed an IC50 of 0.99 μg mL−1 in shaded and an IC50 of 1.01 μg mL−1 in non-shaded plants. Additionally, SSEO exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (44.3–48 mm inhibition zone), Bacillus subtilis (34.7–41.0 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (28.3–29.0 mm) and Proteus vulgaris (21.0–24.3 mm). A possible practical application of this study would be to grow summer savory at higher plant densities, or as an intercrop, because it does not require too much light for production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal bones are natural and rich source of calcium hydroxyapatite (HAP), which was found to be a good sorbent material for heavy metals and radionuclides. Various treatments can reduce the content of bone organic phase and improve sorption properties. In this study, sorption capacities of raw bovine bones (B) and samples obtained by chemical treatment with NaOH (BNaOH), by heating at 400 oC (B400) and by combined chemical and thermal treatment (BNaOH+400), were compared, using Ni(II) ions as sorbates. Maximum sorption capacities increased in the order B

The removal of 60Co and 90Sr from the aqueous phase was tested using red mud - the fine grained residue from bauxite ore processing. This industrial waste represents a mixture of numerous minerals, mainly oxides and hydroxides of Fe, Al, Si, and Ti. Experiments were conducted as a function of contact time, pH, and pollutant concentrations. Kinetic data were well fitted with a pseudo-second order equation. The calculated rate constants and initial sorption rates indicated faster sorption of Sr2+ ions. Removal of both cations rapidly increased with the initial pH increase from 2.5 to 3.5. With the further increase of pH, Co2+ sorption was nearly constant (98%-100%), whereas Sr2+ removal remained at the same level to initial pH ~8 and gradually increased to 100% at pH 12. Equilibrium sorption data followed the Langmuir model, with the maximum sorption capacities of 0.52 mmol/g for Co2+ and 0.31 mmol/g for Sr2+. Sorbed cations exhibited high stability in distilled water. Desorption of Co2+ was also negligible in the presence of the competing Ca2+ cation, while 42%-25% of Sr2+ ions were desorbed depending on the previously sorbed amount. The results indicate that red mud is of potential significance as Co2+ and Sr2+ immobilization agent due to its high efficiency, abundance, and low-cost. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 43009]

Introduction. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of the acute abdomen. Based on the idea that appendicitis is a progressive disease eventually leading to perforation, removal of the appendix is the gold standard of treatment. Material and Methods. The objective of the study is to determine if there is any difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications, and if hospitalization differs depending on the appendicitis surgery method used with the patients. A retrospective analysis was made using the data from the hospital sample of patients admitted to the University Hospital in Foca in the period from January 2019 to December 2021. Results. In the period that was retrospectively analyzed, 107 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were operated on. There was no statistically significant difference between the treated groups in relation to the degree of appendicitis, type and duration of symptoms, diagnostic procedures and the time that had elapsed from admission to surgery. The Alverado Score in the probable appendicitis group was 41.1%. The most common symptoms were palpation sensitivity in the inguinal region (84.1%), and pain in the right lower quadrant (69.1%), intraoperative findings of uncomplicated appendicitis 58%, and 25.2% intraoperative findings inconsistent with the pathohistological ones. Conclusion. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergency surgical conditions, which requires surgical intervention if not treated in time, and causes life-threatening consequences. Surgical treatment with selected techniques for faster establishment of the gastrointestinal tract function, shorter stay in the hospital, faster recovery and return to daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black (Piper nigrum L.) and cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba L.) fruits from the Serbian market were chosen as unprocessed materials for obtaining market-valuable essential oils. Since pepper fruits are only imported in Serbia, inadequate transportation and storage conditions may lead to their spoilage, negatively affecting their quality as feedstocks. To ensure the highest quality of essential oils, fruits were refrigerated upon purchase, mechanically disintegrated at colder conditions and subjected to hydrodistillation. Black (BPEO) and cubeb pepper essential oil (CPEO) contained 34 and 42 compounds, respectively. CPEO showed better inhibitory effect on B. cereus (ATCC strain) and C. albicans (isolate and ATCC strain). Both oils were not bactericidal against B. cereus (isolate and ATCC strains) and S. enterica (isolate). The best antioxidant properties were shown after 1 h of incubation. These results are valuable for further progress, development and production regarding the aromatic plant industry, pharmaceutical and food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical profiling the sage essential oils (SEOs) from wild and cultivated (shaded or non-shaded) plants has been investigated. The yield of SEOs from wild plants (3.51 mL/100 g) was higher than that from cultivated plants(shaded plants: 3.20 mL/100 g and non-shaded plants: 2.56 mL/100 g).The main components of SEO from wild plants were cis-thujone (43.2%), camphor (17.6%), 1,8-cineole (13.8%), veridiflorol (3.8%) and borneol (3.4%).The chemical composition of SEO from cultivated plants included camphor > cis-thujone > 1,8-cineole. Net shading lowered the content of toxic cis-thujone in sage (23.5%) and is therefore recommended in order to achieve better quality of SEO compared to non-shaded plants (cis-thujone 28.3%).The thujone content of SEO from wild plants is much higher (43.2%), and this drastically reduces the quality of EO. Cultivated sage was found to have stronger antioxidant activity (shaded plants 6.16 mg/mL or non-shaded 7.49 ± 0.13 mg/mL) compared to wild sage plants (9.65 mg/mL). The isolated SEOs are good sources of natural antioxidants with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental design methodology represents a powerful tool for the analysis and optimization of various processes. Immobilization of toxic substances by sorption onto low-cost materials gained a lot of attention in the last decade. Fundamental knowledge about sorption processes and their practical use can be improved by experimental planning and statistical analysis. In this study, the effects of initial metal concentration and pH, as well as the sorbent mass and particle size, on Cu(II) sorption by natural clinoptilolite were evaluated and compared. Full factorial experimental design at two levels was applied. Statistically significant factors were determined considering residual Cu(II) concentrations as a system response. The Pareto graphs of standardized effects, Main effect plots and Interaction plots were created using statistical software. Initial sorbate concentration, sorbent mass and their interaction were recognized as statistically significant, at 95 % confidence level. Main effect plot approved that sorbent mass increase and initial Cu(II) concentration decrease caused reduction of residual Cu(II) concentration in solution. On the other hand, the change of initial solution pH and sorbent particle size didn’t provoke significant response changes. Bearing in mind that pH is the factor with large effect on heavy metal sorption, insignificant influence of initial pH detected in this study can be explained by buffering properties of the applied clinoptilolite and relatively narrow pH range chosen in order to prevent sorbent dissolution on one side and sorbate precipitation on the other. By regression analysis, the mathematical model for process description was derived. The correlation between predicted and experimental values was high (R2>0.99). In the investigated ranges of parameters, the obtained empirical equation can be applied for the prediction of system response.

The study was conducted to determine fennel essential oil (FEO) yield, composition, and antioxidant activity during four different maturation stages of umbels with seeds (1st stage: immature-pasty; 2nd stage: premature-waxy; 3rd stage: mature-fully ripe; and 4th stage: seeds only), and leaves of wild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. subsp. vulgare) from the Montenegro coast. The maximum oil yield was found in premature umbels at the waxy stage (4.76 mL/100 g p.m.) and in fully ripe umbels in the early fruiting stage (5.16 mL/100 g p.m.). Fully ripe seeds contained the lowest FEO (mL/100 g p.m.). The minimum FEO content was found in leaves (0.67%). (E)-anethole (64%), α-phellandrene (11.0%), and fenchone (4.8%) were found to be the main components of the essential oil from immature fennel umbels. (E)-anethole (72.3%), fenchone (9.6%) and methyl chavicol (9.5%) were found to be the main components of the essential oil from premature fennel umbels. (E)-anethole (71.6%), fenchone (10.7%) and methyl chavicol (10.3%) were found to be the main components of the essential oil from mature fully ripe fennel umbels. Fennel seeds were rich in (E)-anethole (75.5%) and fenchone (13.7%). FEO from fennel leaves contained (E)-anethole (32.5%), α-phellandrene (18.8%), p-cymene (17.3%), and β-phellandrene (10.3%) as the main compounds. The antioxidant activity of FEO decreases from leaves (12.37 mg/mL) to seeds (37.20 mg/mL). The degree of DPPH radical neutralization increased with the incubation time. Fennel umbels can be harvested before the fully ripe stage, i.e., at the waxy stage, which considerably reduces seed shedding and losses and increases the essential oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine essential oil yield, composition, and antioxidant activity during two different maturation stages of umbels with seeds(I stage: premature–waxy; and II stage: mature–fully ripening) of wild carrot (Daucus carrota var. carota) from the Montenegrin coast. A higher yield of carrot essential oil (CEO) was determined in mature, fully ripening umbels (1.96 mL/100 g p.m) than in premature umbels at the waxy stage (mL/100 g p.m). Thirty-three components were identified in premature umbels, with β-bisabolene (32.3%), 11-α-(H)-himachal-4-en-1-β-ol (27.9%), elemicin (10.1%), and α-longipipene (7.7%) being the main components. They were followed by α-pinene (3.7%), (E)-asarone (3.4%), (E)-anethole (3.2%), and β-himachalene (2.0%). Thirty-two components were identified in CEO from mature umbels, with β-bisabolene (41.0%), 11-α-(H)-himachal-4-en-1-β-ol(21.1%), elemicin (14.8%), andα-longipipene (5.7%) being the most abundant. These components were followed by (E)-asarone (3.9%), cis-α-bisabolene (2.4%), and β-himachalene (2.0%). The CEO isolated from mature umbelsshowed better antioxidant activity (EC50 value of 31.80 mg/mL) in comparison to the CEO isolated from premature umbels (EC50 value of 49.18 mg/mL) during the incubation time of 60 min. The degree of DPPH radical neutralization increased as the incubation time increased from 20 to 60 min. Therefore, our findings recommend that wild carrot could be harvested in the fully ripening stage when the umbel improves CEO yield and antioxidant activity, without the risk of seed shedding from the umbel and seed losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyme, mint, and lemon balm were used to determine whether shading conditions could improve the yield, composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity in plant essential oils (EOs) in comparison with non-shaded plants from an open field. The yield of the EOs of non-shaded thyme, mint, and lemon balm, was 3.44, 3.96, and 0.21 mL/100 g, respectively. Plants covered by nets produced different levels of EOs (3.46, 2.20, and 0.45 mL/100 g) after 120 min of hydrodistillation. The main components of the thyme essential oil are thymol (44.2–43.9%), γ-terpinene (18.3–16.8%), and p-cymene (16.5–17.4%). The predominant components of mint essential oil are piperitenone oxide (52.6–64.8%) and 1,8 cineole (25.9–16.3%), while lemon balm essential oil consists of the following main components: geranial (34.0–32.8%); neral (21.3–24.9%); and piperitenone oxide (17.2–16.7%). The EOs from non-shaded thyme and mint plants have the highest antioxidant activity (EC50 value 0.54 mg/mL and 3.03 mg/mL). However, shaded lemon balm showed a stronger antioxidant activity (EC50 3.43 mg/mL) than non-shaded plants (12.85 mg/mL) after 60 min of incubation. The EOs from all plants showed significant effects against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The most active EOs against most of the isolates originated from Thymus vulgaris L., plants. Adequate cultivation techniques, such as shading for Lamiaceae plants, has positive effects, especially in Melissa officinalis L. Shading can achieve a higher content and components in terms of the specific biological activity (antioxidant and microbial) of EOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study focuses on the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of essential oils from different parts (flowers or leaves/stems) of cultivated plants grown under pearl shade nets with a 40% shaded index or in nonshaded plants and wild-grown oregano. The chemical composition of isolated essential oils was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. The highest yield of oregano essential oils (OEOs) was obtained in cultivated shaded plants (flowers) at 0.35 mL/100 g p.m., in contrast to nonshaded plants (flowers), where the yield of OEOs was low (0.21 mL/100 g p.m.). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the OEOs identified 16–52 constituents that varied with origin and plant organs. The oxygenated sesquiterpene caryophylleneoxide (7.4–49.9%) was predominant in all the essential oil samples. Other major constituents were sesquiterpene hydrocarbon-germacrene D (8.4–22.5%) and (E)-caryophyllene (8.5–10.8%), monoterpene hydrocarbon-sabinene (1.6–7.7%), and oxygen-containing monoterpenes-terpinen-4-ol (1.5–7.0%). The plant part has a significant effect on the antioxidant activity of OEOs, while the influenceof modified light under the shade nets is significantly lower. The OEOs from wild flowers showed the highest antioxidant activity, with an EC50 value of 4.78 mg/mL. OEOs from cultivated nonshaded plants (flowers) recorded the lowest antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 24.63 mg/mL. The results suggest that the yield and quality of OEOs can be scaled-up by optimizing plant production in comparison with wild-growing plants. The content and quality of OEO can be increased by optimizing its production compared to plants from the spontaneous flora. Adequate cultivation techniques, such as shading, can achieve high-quality oregano yields and better quality parameters in terms of specific OEO components and meet the different requirements of the market and industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oils from two plant parts (leaves and stems) of fennel, wild-grown in the Montenegro seaside. The chemical composition of the isolated essential oils was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and flame ionization detection (GC/FID). The yield of the fennel essential oils (FEOs) from leaves (0.83%) was four times higher than that from the fennel stems (0.21%). Forty-six compounds were identified from leaves' FEOs and were mainly aromatic compounds (68.5%), monoterpenes (17.8%), and others, where the most abundant compounds were (E)-anethole (51.4%) and methyl chavicol (9.3%). Forty-seven compounds were identified in the FEOs from stems, which were mainly aromatic compounds (69.7%), oxygen-containing monoterpenes (14.9%), where the most abundant compounds were also (E)-anethole (55.7%) and methyl chavicol (7.8%). The FEOs from stems showed higher antioxidant activity, with an EC50 value of 2.58 mg/mL, than in the fennel leaves, which had an EC50 value of 6.91 mg/mL. The FEOs show superior antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans (45.3 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (24.0 mm). Isolated essential oils could be used as a safer alternative to synthetic additives in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) and hydrolate of black pepper fruit, as well as their antioxidant activity. The EO was obtained by Clevengertype hydrodistillation with hydromodule 1:10 m/v for 240 minutes, and the hydrolate was collected after the hydrodistillation process. The qualitative composition of EO was determined by GC/MS and quantitative by GC/FID method, while the qualitative composition of a hydrolate was determined by HS-SPMEGC/MS and quantitative composition by HS-SPME-GC/FID method. The antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH assay. Fifty-five compounds were identified from black pepper EO, where the most abundant compounds were (E)-caryophyllene (41.6 %), limonene (9.7 %), and sabinene (8.6 %). Twelve compounds were identified from black pepper hydrolate, where the most abundant compounds were αterpineol (34.7 %), borneol (17.3 %), and terpinen-4-ol (13.9 %). The hydrolate showed higher antioxidant activity after 20 minutes of incubation with an EC50 value of 0.993 ± 0.011 mg/cm³ compared to the EO with an EC50 value of 67.72 ± 1.871 mg/cm³ . According to the results obtained in this study, both the EO and hydrolate are good sources of natural antioxidants with potential uses in the food, organic agriculture, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as a safer alternative to synthetic additives. Furthermore, the possibility of wider uses of the hydrolate should be investigated in more detail. Although researchers interested in hydrolate investigation focus mostly on their antioxidant activity, these "aromatic wastes" could also present promising cosmetic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral cavity and oropharynx represent the topmost parts of the digestive tract, which is unique due to both its complex anatomy and tissue structures localized in a small area. In the head and neck region, oral carcinomas are characterized by high prevalence and mortality, multifactorial etiology and delayed diagnosis. Their prognosis, as in other tumors, depends on the disease stage. More than 90% of the mouth and oropharynx malignant tumors are histopathologically diagnosed as squamous cell carcinomas. Their clinical diagnosis is based on the inspection and palpation, and cranial nerve neurological examinations. The use of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a key step in the staging of oral cavity tumors and adequate therapy planning. The knowledge of radiological anatomy and pathology of this region is of great importance in making adequate diagnostic conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck infections are a group of disorders that can be accompanied by serious complications with an extent that is hard to estimate. Although their occurrence has significantly decreased due to the use of antibiotic and improvements in oral hygiene in modern times, there still exists a high rate of morbidity and mortality of these infections. A complex anatomy and communications between spaces in this region favor the spread of these processes and can lead to life-treating conditions such as airway obstruction, empyema, mediastinitis, thrombophlebitis, pericarditis and septic shock. Computerized tomography (CT), as a method of choice in emergency conditions of the head and neck region, allows a fast and accurate diagnosis, estimation of the disease spread and potential complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prospects of rinsed red mud (alumina production residue) utilization for liquid radioactive waste treatment have been investigated, with Co2+ and Sr2+ as model cations of radioactive elements. To evaluate the sorption effectiveness and corresponding binding mechanisms, the process was analyzed in batch conditions, by varying experimental conditions (pH, Co2+ and Sr2+ concentrations in single solutions and binary mixtures, contact time, and the concentration of competing cations and ligands common in liquid radioactive waste). Comparison of the Co2+ and Sr2+ sorption pH edges with the red mud isoelectric point has revealed that Co2+ removal took place at both positive and negative red mud surface, while Sr2+ sorption abruptly increased when the surface became negatively charged. The increase of initial cation content and pH resulted in increased equilibrium times and sorption capacity and decreased rate constants. From single metal solutions and various binary mixtures, Co2+ was sorbed more efficiently and selectively than Sr2+. While Sr2+ sorption was reduced by coexisting cations in the order Al3+ = Ca2+ >Na+ =Cs+, removal of Co2+ was affected by Al3+ species and complexing agents (EDTA and citrate). Desorption of Co2+ was negligible in Ca2+ and Sr2+ containing media and in solutions with initial pH 4-7. Sr2+ desorption was generally more pronounced, especially at low pH and in the presence of Co2+. Collected macroscopic data signify that Co2+ sorption by red mud minerals occurred via strong chemical bonds, while Sr2+ was retained mainly by weaker ion-exchange or electrostatic interactions. Results indicate that the rinsed red mud represent an efficient, low-cost sorbent for Co2+ and Sr2+ immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental design methodology represents a powerful tool for the analysis and optimization of various processes. Immobilization of toxic substances by sorption onto low-cost materials has gained a lot of attention in the last decade. Fundamental knowledge about sorption processes and their practical use can be improved by experimental planning and statistical analysis. In this study, the effects of initial metal concentration and pH, as well as the sorbent mass and particle size, on Cu(II) sorption by natural clinoptilolite were evaluated and compared. Full factorial experimental design at two levels was applied. Statistically significant factors were determined considering residual Cu(II) concentrations as a system response. The Pareto graphs of standardized effects, Main effect plots and Interaction plots were created using statistical software. Initial sorbate concentration, sorbent mass and their interaction were recognized as statistically significant, at 95% confidence level. Main effect plot approved that sorbent mass increase and initial Cu(II) concentration decrease caused reduction of residual Cu(II) concentration in solution. On the other hand, the change of initial solution pH and sorbent particle size didn’t provoke significant response changes. Bearing in mind that pH is a factor with high effect on heavy metal sorption, the insignificant influence of initial pH detected in this study can be explained by buffering properties of the applied clinoptilolite and relatively narrow pH range chosen in order to prevent sorbent dissolution on on e side and sorbate precipitation on the other. By regression analysis, the mathematical model for process description was derived. The correlation between predicted and experimental values was high ( R 2 > 0.99). In the investigated ranges of parameters, the obtained empirical equation can be applied for the prediction of system response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]