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Background/Aim. Hemodialysis (HD) is a therapeutic procedure used to partially correct homeostatic disorders and prevent complications of uremia to appear in the terminal stage of renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the incidence and features of headaches in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods. A total of 143 patients, 50 women and 93 men, undergoing hemodialysis, were questioned about their problems with headache using a questionnaire designed according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Classification of Headache Disorders from 2004. The patients were separated into two groups: the patients without headache and the patients with repeated headaches. Afterwards, the patients with headaches were further divided into subgroups: the patients who had the headaches before the beginning of HD and patients who experienced repeated headaches with the beginning of HD headache (HDH). In the group of patients with headaches we analyzed characteristics of headache according to which diagnoses of headaches were made, as well as the effects of HD on headaches. We also analyzed features of HDH. The patients with headache were compared to the patients without headache regarding sex, age, duration of HD, causes of end-stage renal disease, arterial diastolic and systolic blood pressure and serum concentration of hemoglobin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium and potassium. The results were statistically compared. Results. In the group of 143 patients examined, 27 (18.9%) patients had headaches. There were no statistically significant differences between the group of patients with headaches and those without headache regarding to sex, age, duration of HD, causes of end-stage renal disease, serum concentration of hemoglobin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium and potassium. The patients with headaches showed significantly higher mean values of systolic blood pressure during HD in comparison to the patients without headaches (p = 0.029). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean values of diastolic blood pressure. Nineteen (13.3%) patients had had headache before starting HD. HD did not have any effect on the characteristics of headaches in more than a half of these patients. In 8 (5.6%) patients we diagnosed HDH using the diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Classification of Headache Disorders from 2004. HDH showed similar characteristics in all the patients: it appeared mostly in men, during the 4th hour of HD, lasted less than four hours, it was localized bilaterally in the frontal parts of the head, strong in intensity, throbbing and without the associated symptoms. Conclusion. The results of our study clearly showed that HDH was a particular entity of headache, not only because of its connection with HD, but because it had similar characteristics in all the patients in which it had appeared. Finding out the pathophysiological mechanisms of their occurrence would significantly improve the quality of life style of patients on hemodialysis. .

Since early 1990s substance abuse and dependence among young people in our country has been growing. Therefore to devise a prevention program should be a task number one for the government. Social factors (economic and political crisis, forced migration, unemployment, etc), on one side, family disfunction and individual causes on the other, can result in insecurity fear, feeling of meaninglessness in the young mind and hence the need to "solve" these problems by using one of psychoactive substances (PAS). Studies have shown that the young and especially their families have a very poor knowledge of PAS - their kinds and uses, how to recognize a person (ab)using PAS, and what somatic and psychological consequences are produced by taking them. Social tolerance to alcohol use and abuse is high, society is supportive of alcohol use, while on the other hand individuals with substance dependence disorder are stigmatized and ostracized. The very first steps have been made in investigating this problem, some action has been taken, but serious comprehension of the problem and creation and realization of the national prevention program for substance use disorder are still missing.

BACKGROUND: “VITALPLANT” medicinal plant mixture, aimed at body weight regulation and metabolism enhancement was formulated in order to be incorporated as an ingredient in functional food formulations on the basis of known biological activity of the alder buckthorn bark, peppermint, caraway and parsley. METHODOLOGY: The body weight-lowering potential, hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity of “Vitalplant” mixture were examined on five groups of male Wistar rats on different food regimes for 14 weeks. RESULTS: “Vitalplant” mixture supplementation caused an increase in food intake, but induced a decrease in body weight gain. The lipid status and atherogenic index (AI) were significantly improved in “Vitalplant” mixture supplemented hyperlipidemic (HF) groups in comparison to HF group. “Vitalplant” mixture was able to influence the activity of antioxidant enzymes and to protect erythrocytes of the rats fed the HF diet from oxidative damage, which was indicated by significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in “Vitalplant”- HF groups in comparison to the HF group. CONCLUSION: “Vitalplant” mixture seemed to be beneficial for the reduction of body weight and improvement of antioxidant status of the erythrocytes, and its antihyperlipidemic property was highly active for enhancing the profile of plasma lipids in rats.

U radu je razmatran mogući način formiranja upravljačkih odluka u višeešelonskom sistemu zaliha popravljivih sklopova. Predloženi postupak sastoji se od: određivanja vrednosti karakteristika funkcionisanja sistema zaliha popravljivih sklopova, formiranja tabele odlučivanja, formiranja modela višeatributnog odlučivanja i rangiranja varijanti slanja opravljenih sklopova. Postupak formiranja upravljačkih odluka zasnovan je na primeni metoda modelovanja i simulacije i odabranih metoda višekriterijumske analize. Na taj način se u proces upravljanja u složenom višeešelonskom sistemu zaliha uvodi naučno zasnovano odlučivanje. / This article considers one possible mode of forming control decisions in multiechelon inventory systems of maintainable parts. The suggested procedure consists of: determining the values of the characteristics of inventory system functioning, forming decision tables, forming a model of multiatribute decision making and ranking variants of repaired parts distribution. The control decision forming procedure is based on the modeling and simulation methods as well as on the chosen methods of multicriteria analysis, thus introducing science - based decision - making into the process of complex multiechelon inventory system control.

The use of additive manufacturing (AM) in the wider sense at the level of elementary education is not sufficiently analysed in Republic of Croatia at the moment. Partially, CAD/CAM technologies requires far more specialized knowledge than what the Croatian curriculum provides. The application of different technological devices in the educational process, accelerates the teaching process, and makes it more interesting and more acceptable. The knowledge that pupil need to have at the end of schooling is rapidly changing. It is quite possible scenario that most of the knowledge gained during the elementary and secondary education will be obsolete before future student applies to the university. In order to achieve further progress, it is necessary to systematically explain all the possibilities of using these technologies from the elementary level. By developing different strategies, the young generation can focus on the knowledge they will need in their future jobs.

Pulmonary granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon and usually benign and their coexistence with bronchogenic adenocarcinoma is rare. We report the case of 50-year-old woman with GCT located in the left lung hilum, which occurred simultaneously with a primary bronchogenic adenocarcinoma in the same area. Contrast CT scan of the head revealed secondary deposits in the right cerebellum, presumably of adenocarcinomas origin. Bronchoscopy revealed narrowing on the beginning of the left lingular bronchus and infiltration of the medial distal wall of the left main bronchus. Large tumor cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm were seen on light microscopic examination. Tumor cells fully occupied submucosa and had small, round nuclei with no signs of pleomorphism. Immunohistochemically, these cells were S-100 positive. In small area, groups of atypical oval-shaped cells of adenocarcinomas origin were noticed. This confirmed the diagnosis of GCT coexisting with adenocarcinoma. After consultation with oncologists, the patient was scheduled for further polychemotherapy and radiation treatment.

In this studious major research paper presented analysis of implementation erp system, through research relevant scientific literature or in practice and determining the most common mistakes (errors) than occur when introducting information system and to define ways to minimize such errors or eliminated. Results of this study can serve as the material to everyone involved in the current issues and who decide to implement modern integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for their companies and for this to expand their knowledge.

A possible method of defining control procedures has been presented in order to increase efficiency of spare parts supply control in hierarchically organized systems such as the spare parts supply system in the Yugoslav Army. The method consists of two phases: identification of procedures in supply system processes and creation of procedure algorithms for events changing the spare parts state in the supply system. The control procedures also give decision making rules for undertaking control actions in order to achieve a desired state of the spare parts supply system.

For evaluating and ranking variant solutions of organizational and technological systems, the paper presents two models of which the basic difference is whether criteria for variants evaluation and ranking are predetermined or not. The model choice depends on the evaluation and ranking purpose as well as on a particular case itself. The procedure of evaluating and ranking variant solutions in the phases of design and redesign is extremely complex and implies solving a sequence of specific problems depending on the evaluation purpose. The paper presents the solving of specific problems such as: reaching the system characteristics quantification, great number of evaluation criteria, great number of variants and ranking (especially multicriteria ranking).

One possible approach to the development of the methodology for evaluating and ranking variant solutions in equipping the Yugoslav Army with armament and military equipment (AAİE) has been given in the paper. The complex problem of choosing a variant of Yugoslav Army equipping with AME can be successfully solved by the expert evaluation method and the multicriteria ranking method. Two approaches to solving the given problem have been defined - ranking variant solutions with and without previously imposed criteria. Possible criteria for evaluation and ranking of variant solutions have been given in the form of examples. In both cases the expert evaluation of generated variants is necessary to be performed. One possible procedure of expert evaluation has been developed with the special emphasis on the phases in choosing experts, together with competence coefficients determination and treatment of expert analysis results.

Metoda stabla otkaza, kao jedna od najčešće primenjivanih metoda analize otkaza, primenjena je i u analizi otkaza dizel-motora. Na osnovu prikupljenih podataka izvršena je konstrukcija i analiza stabla otkaza za odabrani vršni događaj. Poseban problem predstavljao je nedostatak podataka potrebnih za analizu stabla otkaza, pa je bilo nužno redukovati već konstruisano stablo otkaza. Najširu primenu metoda stabla otkaza treba da ima u okviru sistema održavanja.

Abstract: According to the charge transfer model of Kudinov et al. the photoinduced enhancement of conductivity in YBa2Cu3O6+ x material can be explained by the photoexcitation of electron–hole pairs, and the subsequent transfer of electrons to the oxygen deficient CuO x planes where they become trapped in the CuO chain fragments, while the holes remain free in the superconducting CuO2 planes contributing to the superconducting current. In this paper we have employed the numerical cluster variation method (CVM) and the recently established relation between chain probability distribution p(n) and the average chain length n av, to calculate the number of electrons being captured in the unoccupied p orbitals of O− ions incorporated in the CuO chains, thus producing the free holes in the CuO2 planes. Our results support the standing that several processes make contribution to the effects of persistent photoconductivity and photoinduced superconductivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Background As a continuation of the previous findings in human fetuses, accidental finding of an accessory vascular component in the posterior part of CAC of human adult cadavers inspired the authors to present and compare its posterior part configuration. Case presentation Examination was carried out on brains of 48 human adult cadavers, routinely dissected at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. The aberrant vessel in the posterior part of four CACs was discovered. Vascular components of the posterior segment of CAC or of the whole CAC were described and photographed. A comparison between fetal and adult cases was also presented. Conclusions Based on the fact that the age of the four presented cases ranged from 73 to 84 and based on the causes of their death, we concluded that the angioarchitecture of the posterior part of the CAC is a consequence of the embryonic or primitive arterial stabilization and interaction with normal adult vessels.

Abstract Nasal polyps can make nasoendotracheal intubation difficult. We present a case of complete obstruction of a nasoendotracheal tube by a nasal polyp during a blind nasoendotracheal intubation in emergency oral surgery.

The variations in the threshold voltage shift in p-channel power VDMOSFET during the gamma ray irradiation was investigated in the dose range from 10 to 100 Gy. The investigations were performed without the gate bias and with 5 V gate bias. The devices with 5 V gate bias exhibit a linear dependence between the threshold voltage shift and the radiation dose. The densities of radiation-induced fixed and switching traps were determined from the sub-threshold I-V characteristics using the midgap technique. It was shown that the creation of fixed traps is dominant during the irradiation. The possible mechanisms responsible for the fixed and switching traps creation are also analyzed in this paper. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 171007]

In this paper, the results of radiation sensitive field effect transistors (Al-gate p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors) sensitivity to gamma and X-ray irradiation are presented. Radiation fields were created using 60Co source for three dose ranges (0-1 Gy, 0-5 Gy, and 0-50 Gy), as well as X-ray unit of 280 kVp spectrum for a single dose range from 0 to 5 Gy. The sensitivity was characterized by the threshold voltage shift, determined from reader circuit measurements, as a function of absorbed radiation dose. It was shown that for the three dose ranges of gamma radiation, as well as for the X-ray range from 0 Gy to 5 Gy there is approximately a linear dependence between threshold voltage shift DVT and radiation dose D. The application of positive bias of +5 V at the RADFET gate during irradiation, for these ranges of gamma radiation, also for X-ray dose range, leads to the increase in DVT and also, approximately a linear dependence between DVT and D, is established. Moreover, it was shown that the sensitivity of RADFET is much higher in the case of X-ray irradiation then in the case of gamma-ray irradiation for the same dose range. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 171007]

The gamma-ray irradiation sensitivity to radiation dose range from 0.5 Gy to 5 Gy and post-irradiation annealing at room and elevated temperatures have been studied for p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (also known as radiation sensitive field effect transistors or pMOS dosimeters) with gate oxide thicknesses of 400 nm and 1 mm. The gate biases during the irradiation were 0 and 5 V and 5 V during the annealing. The radiation and the post-irradiation sensitivity were followed by measuring the threshold voltage shift, which was determined by using transfer characteristics in saturation and reader circuit characteristics. The dependence of threshold voltage shift DVT on absorbed radiation dose D and annealing time was assessed. The results show that there is a linear dependence between DVT and D during irradiation, so that the sensitivity can be defined as DVT/D for the investigated dose interval. The annealing of irradiated metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors at different temperatures ranging from room temperature up to 150°C was performed to monitor the dosimetric information loss. The results indicated that the dosimeters information is saved up to 600 hours at room temperature, whereas the annealing at 150°C leads to the complete loss of dosimetric information in the same period of time. The mechanisms responsible for the threshold voltage shift during the irradiation and the later annealing have been discussed also. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 17007]

The paper investigates a possibility of pMOS dosimeter re-use for the measurement of gamma-ray irradiation. The dosimeters were irradiated to the dose of 35 Gy, annealed at room and elevated temperatures, after which they were irradiated again to the same dose value. Changes in the threshold voltage shift during those processes were followed, and it was shown that their re-use depends on a gate polarization during irradiation. For the gate polarization of 5 V during irradiation the pMOS dosimeters can be re-used for measurements of the irradiation dose after annealing without prior calibration. The pMOS dosimeters with the gate polarization during irradiation of 2.5 V can also be re-used for irradiation dose measurements but they require calibration. It is shown that for their re-use it is necessary to anneal the pMOS dosimeter so that the fading is higher than 50%. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 171007]

The influence of gate bias during gamma-ray irradiation on the threshold voltage shift of radiation sensitive p-channel MOSFETs determined on the basis of transfer characteristics in saturation has been investigated. It has been shown that for the gate bias during the irradiation of 5 V and 10 V the sensitivity of these transistors can be presented as the threshold voltage shift and the absorbed irradiation dose ratio. On the bases of the subthreshold characteristics and transfer characteristics in saturation using the midgap technique we have determined the densities of radiation induced oxide traps and interface traps responsible for the threshold voltage shift. In addition, the charge pumping technique was used to determine the energy density of true interface traps. It has been shown that radiation-induced oxide traps have dominant role on threshold voltage shift, especially for gate biases during the irradiation of 5 V and 10 V.

Bovini Herpesvirus tip 4 (BHV-4) je široko rasprostranjen gamaherpesvirus u populaciji goveda, sa potpuno različitim antigenim i biološkim karakteristikama od ostalih goveđih herpesvirusa. In vivo distribucija BHV-4 je ispitivana testiranjem različitih organa eksperimentalno inficirane teladi, kao i kliničkih uzoraka. Za sada ima malo informacija o karakteristikama BHV-4 i putevima infekcije. U ovim ispitivanjima su uzorci krvi i semena uzorkovani od bikova iz dva centra za veštačko osemenjavanje. Sa ciljem da se utvrdi prisustvo BHV-4 infekcije, 35 krvnih seruma iz Centra I i 15 iz Centra II ispitivano je na prisustvo specifi~nih anti BHV-4 IgG1 klase, pomo}u iELISA testa. Serološkim ispitivanjem je u 18 od ukupno 50 krvnih seruma utvrđeno prisustvo specifičnih antitela na BHV-4. Virusnom izolacijom nije utvrđeno prisustvo BHV-4, ali je pomoću nested PCR tehnike detektovano prisustvo virusa u jednom ispitivanom uzorku. Imajući u vidu ove rezultate, može se pretpostaviti da veštačko osemenjavanje ima ulogu u prenošenju ovog virusa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic properties of the dinuclear cobalt complex originate from the magnetically isolated “asymmetric dimers” where each Co(II) ion within the dimer is situated in the differently distorted octahedral ligand field. Calculated values of magnetic susceptibility, obtained by use of the anisotropic Heisenberg-asymmetric dimer model, are found to be in excellent agreement with experimental χ(T) data over a wide range of temperature (4–295 K). Values of fitted parameters, the exchange integral J and both g-factors of the dimer, are in a very good agreement with the literature data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The classic enzymatic function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) in the neuronal synapse. However, AChE is also present in nonneuronal cells such as lymphocytes. Various studies have proposed the participation of AChE in the development of cancer. The ACHE gene produces three mRNAs (T, H and R). AChE-T encodes amphiphilic monomers, dimers, tetramers (G 1 A , G 2 A and G 4 A ) and hydrophilic tetramers (G 4 H ). AChE-H encodes amphiphilic monomers and dimers (G 1 A and G 2 A ). AChE-R encodes a hydrophilic monomer (G 1 H ). The present study considered the differences in the mRNA expression (T, H and R) and protein levels of AChE, as well as the molecular forms of AChE, the glycosylation pattern and the enzymatic activity of AChE present in normal T lymphocytes and leukemic Jurkat E6-1 cells. The results revealed that AChE enzymatic activity was higher in normal T lymphocytes than in Jurkat cells. Normal T cells expressed AChE-H transcripts, whereas Jurkat cells expressed AChE-H and AChE-T. The molecular forms identified in normal T cells were G 2 A (5.2 S) and G 1 A (3.5 S), whereas those in Jurkat cells were G 2 A (5.2 S), G 1 A (3.5 S) and G 4 H (10.6S). AChE in Jurkat cells showed altered posttranslational maturation since a decrease in the incorporation of galactose and sialic acid into its structure was observed. In conclusion, the content and composition of AChE were altered in Jurkat cells compared with those in normal T lymphocytes. The present study opened new avenues for exploring the development of novel therapeutic strategies against T-cell leukemia and for identifying potential molecular targets for the early detection of this type of cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © 2024 Gómez-Olivares et al.)

Systemic oxidative stress stemming from increased free radical production and reduced antioxidant capacity are common characteristics of obese individuals. Using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce DNA damage in vitro, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from obese subjects and controls, the DNA protective ability of dihidroqercetin (DHQ) and biochaga (B) alone or in combination, were evaluated. The effects of DHQ and B were estimated under two experimental conditions: pre-treatment, where cells were pre-incubated with the substances prior to H2O2 exposure; and post-treatment when cells were first exposed to H2 H2O2, and further treated with the compounds. DNA damage was evaluated using the comet assay. The results of pre- and post-treatment showed a significant decrease in DNA damage produced by H2O2 in the obese group. This decrease was not significant in control group probably due to a small number of subjects in this pilot study. More prominent attenuation was noted in the pre-treatment with DHQ (250 μg/mL). Analysis of antioxidant properties revealed that DHQ's remarkable reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, and potent ∙OH scavenging properties may contribute to strong attenuation of H2O2 induced DNA damage. Also, B showed strong reducing power, DPPH, and ∙OH scavenging ability, while reducing power and DPPH scavenger effects were increased in the presence of DHQ. Conclusively, DHQ and B may reduce H2O2-induced DNA damage in PBMCs from obese subjects when challenged in vitro, and could be valuable tools in future research against oxidative damage-related conditions., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the UK Environmental Mutagen Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Determining the reference base of anthropometric parameters on a sample of elite athletes is one of the foundations of further research and forming a clearer picture of each sport and sports discipline. In this study, the aim was to describe the anthropometric and somatotype profiles of elite Finn class sailors and to determine the differences in the measured parameters between sailors at different levels of general competitive success. The subject sample included 57 Finn class sailors who competed at the open Finn European Championship. A set of 25 anthropometric variables were applied. The sailors were divided into three groups according to their level of general competitive success using World Sailing Rankings. Finn sailors had higher average values in almost all morphological characteristics when compared to the sailors in other Olympic classes. Considering the average values of somatotype categories, we determined that Finn sailors fit the endomorphic mesomorph somatotype category (3.94 ± 1.19 - 5.50 ± 1.19 - 1.63 ± 0.74). Significant differences were observed between more-successful, medium, and less-successful sailors in the variables of age , body mass , muscle mass , arm muscle mass , and endomorphy rating . These results indicate the possibility of selection processes and/or adaptation to sailing occurring in the Finn class. The anthropometric characteristics of Finn sailors compared to sailors in Olympic classes further "support" the Finn class being called the "heavy dinghy" male class. This study on anthropometric parameters, determined via a sample of top Finn sailors, may be of great help to coaches and young sailors when deciding on the selection of an adult sailing class.

This case report describes interference from heterophilic antibodies in D-dimer assay. The interference was suspected due to discrepancies between D-dimer concentrations in the original sample and diluted samples, as well as inconsistent clinical findings. The patient's medical history, laboratory results, and imaging studies were considered in the investigation. Heterophilic antibodies, likely developed during the SARS-CoV-2 infection, were identified as the probable cause of interference. The interference was confirmed through various methods, including dilution studies, blocking heterophilic antibodies, and comparing results with an alternative D-dimer method. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing interference in D-dimer testing, emphasizing the need for collaboration between clinicians and laboratory specialists., Competing Interests: Potential conflict of interest None declared., (Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.)

The use of the comet assay in large biomonitoring studies may present logistical and technical challenges because of the processing of numerous samples. Proper sample preservation becomes imperative to prevent spurious DNA breakage. Previous research has shown the feasibility of conducting the comet assay on frozen blood samples, highlighting the potential of freezing at - 80 °C in preserving DNA integrity. Nonetheless, this approach presents challenges, including potential DNA damage during freezing and thawing, variability in processing, and the need for standardized protocols. Our objective was to evaluate whether there are comparable results in DNA migration assessed by the comet assay between fresh and frozen blood samples on a larger scale (N = 373). In our findings, elevated DNA migration was evident in frozen samples relative to fresh ones. Additionally, smoking, alcohol consumption, and season were linked to increased DNA damage levels in whole blood cells. Based on our results and available literature, conducting the comet assay on frozen blood samples emerges as a practical and efficient approach for biomonitoring and epidemiological research. This method enables the assessment of DNA damage in large populations over time, with samples, if properly cryopreserved, that may be used for years, possibly even decades. These observations hold significant implications for large-scale human biomonitoring and long-term epidemiological studies, particularly when samples are collected during fieldwork or obtained from biobanks. Continued method optimization and validation efforts are essential to enhance the utility of this approach in environmental and occupational health studies, emphasizing caution when comparing data obtained between fresh and frozen blood samples., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Severe coagulation abnormalities are common in patients with COVID-19 infection. We aimed to investigate the relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokines and coagulation parameters concerning socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. Methods: Our study included patients hospitalized during the second wave of COVID-19 in the Republic of Serbia. We collected socio-demographic, clinical, and blood-sample data for all patients. Cytokine levels were measured using flow cytometry. Results: We analyzed data from 113 COVID-19 patients with an average age of 58.15 years, of whom 79 (69.9%) were male. Longer duration of COVID-19 symptoms before hospitalization (B = 69.672; p = 0.002) and use of meropenem (B = 1237.220; p = 0.014) were predictive of higher D-dimer values. Among cytokines, higher IL-5 values significantly predicted higher INR values (B = 0.152; p = 0.040) and longer prothrombin times (B = 0.412; p = 0.043), and higher IL-6 (B = 0.137; p = 0.003) predicted longer prothrombin times. Lower IL-17F concentrations at admission (B = 0.024; p = 0.050) were predictive of higher INR values, and lower IFN-γ values (B = -0.306; p = 0.017) were predictive of higher aPTT values. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a significant correlation between pro-inflammatory cytokines and coagulation-related parameters. Factors such as the patient's level of education, gender, oxygen-therapy use, symptom duration before hospitalization, meropenem use, and serum concentrations of IL-5, IL-6, IL-17F, and IFN-γ were associated with worse coagulation-related parameters.

This study presents an innovative approach for the reuse and recycling of waste material, brewer's spent grain (BSG) for creating a novel green biocatalyst. The same BSG was utilized in several consecutive steps: initially, it served as a substrate for the cultivation and production of laccase by a novel isolated fungal strain, Coriolopsis trogii 2SMKN, then, it was reused as a carrier for laccase immobilization, aiding in the process of azo dye decolorization and finally, reused as recycled BSG for the second successful laccase immobilization for six guaiacol oxidation, contributing to a zero-waste strategy. The novel fungal strain produced laccase with a maximum activity of 171.4 U/g after 6 days of solid-state fermentation using BSG as a substrate. The obtained laccase exhibited excellent performance in the decolorization of azo dyes, both as a free and immobilized, at high temperatures, without addition of harmful mediators, achieving maximum decolorization efficiencies of 99.0%, 71.2%, and 61.0% for Orange G (OG), Congo Red, and Eriochrome Black T (EBT), respectively. The immobilized laccase on BSG was successfully reused across five cycles of azo dye decolorization process. Notably, new green biocatalyst outperformed commercial laccase from Aspergillus spp. in the decolorization of OG and EBT. GC-MS and LC-MS revealed azo-dye degradation products and decomposition pathway. This analysis was complemented by antimicrobial and phytotoxicity tests, which confirmed the non-toxic nature of the degradation products, indicating the potential for safe environmental disposal., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

In this study, we used the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay to evaluate the background frequency of cytogenetic damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the general population concerning different anthropometric data and lifestyle factors. The background frequency of CBMN assay parameters was analysed in 850 healthy, occupationally non-exposed male and female subjects (average age, 38±11 years) gathered from the general Croatian population from 2000 to 2023. The mean background values for micronuclei (MNi) in the whole population were 5.3±4.3 per 1000 binucleated cells, while the mean frequency of nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) was 0.7±1.3 and of nuclear buds (NBUDs) 3.1±3.2. The cut-off value, which corresponds to the 95th percentile of the distribution of 850 individual values, was 14 MNi, 3 NPBs, and 9 NBUDs. Results from our database also showed an association of the tested genomic instability parameters with age and sex but also with other lifestyle factors. These findings underscore the importance of considering several anthropometric and lifestyle factors when conducting biomonitoring studies. Overall, the normal and cut-off values attained here present normal values for the general population that can later serve as baseline values for further human biomonitoring studies either in Croatia or worldwide., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest On behalf of, and having obtained permission from all the authors, Goran Gajski declares that the material has not been published elsewhere, the paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere, all authors have been personally and actively involved in substantive work leading to the report and will hold themselves responsible for its content. Goran Gajski also declares that there are no potential conflicts of interest related neither to individual authors’ commitments, project support, or the commitments of editors, journal staff, or reviewers., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Frequent episodes of nasal symptoms are the usual clinical manifestations (CM) of allergic rhinitis (AR) and have a significant negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test the hypothesis that cytokines in nasal mucus may be associated with HRQoL in adolescents with AR., Methods: European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L), "The Adolescent Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire" (AdolRQLQ) and the Total 4 Symptom Score (T4SS) scoring system were administered to 113 adolescents with AR, nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) and to healthy control subjects. Nasal secretions were sampled and tested for 13 cytokines using a multiplex flow cytometric bead assay., Results: The AR group had significantly lower EQ-5D-3L (0.661 ± 0.267 vs. 0.943 ± 0.088; p < 0.001) and higher AdolRQLQ total scores (2.76 ± 1.01 vs. 1.02 ± 0.10; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The AR group had higher concentrations of IL-1β ( p = 0.002), IL-6 ( p = 0.031), IL-8 ( p < 0.001), IL17-A ( p = 0.013) and IL-18 ( p = 0.014) compared to the control group, and IL-1β, IL-6, IL17-A and IL-18 were significantly ( p < 0.050) increased with disease progression. Cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, as well as severe CM, were identified as significant predictors of lower HRQoL in adolescents with AR., Conclusions: This study identified IL-1β, IL-6, as well as severe CM, as predictors of lower HRQoL in adolescents with AR. However, these results should only serve as a starting point for additional confirmation research.