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Laser-induced graphene (LIG) possesses desirable properties for numerous applications. However, LIG formation on biocompatible substrates is needed to further augment the integration of LIG-based technologies into nanobiotechnology. Here, LIG formation on cross-linked sodium alginate is reported. The LIG is systematically investigated, providing a comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical characteristics of the material. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques confirm the successful generation of oxidized graphene on the surface of cross-linked sodium alginate. The influence of laser parameters and the amount of crosslinker incorporated into the alginate substrate is explored, revealing that lower laser speed, higher resolution, and increased CaCl2 content leads to LIG with lower electrical resistance. These findings could have significant implications for the fabrication of LIG on alginate with tailored conductive properties, but they could also play a guiding role for LIG formation on other biocompatible substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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There are many essentially similar interpretations of the concept of logistics in contemporary science. Interpretations are primarily concerned with the economic aspect and purpose of logistics. Definitions differ only according to the number of processes that are included or the way in which they could be managed. The similar situation is with the definitions of military logistics although they encompass greater number of various processes. There are not many definitions of national logistics in literature. Once definitions are found, they are related to national support to economy. In order to bridge the gap between the concept of logistics in the economic aspect and for the purpose of meeting logistical needs of the people, the armed forces, security sector and others involved in crises situations, the necessary coverage and content of the concept of national logistics in the broader sense has been reached on the basis of analysis of literature, relevant factors and their mutual relations. The research of the meaning of the concept has been done for the utmost practical reason - explanation of the importance and coverage of something that has to be managed in practice, that requires development of an appropriate strategy, planning, organising and developing regulatory framework in order to better prepare a country for the inevitable occurrence of crises situations and effective and efficient response in such case.

There are various interpretations of the concept of national logistics. According to one of such interpretations, national logistics is a system which is comprised of resources, infrastructure and economy as its elements. This system functions in a general milieu set by the regulatory framework while interconnections of the system elements are established on the basis of mutual conditionality and interaction. Consideration of the elements of national logistics of a particular country renders the given term more concrete and specific features. This paper addresses the elements of the national logistics system of the Republic of Serbia. Thus, a general overview of the system concerned is being presented since an elaborate description is not possible within the given framework. Such a general overview of the elements of the national logistics system provides the basis for assessment of different systems in the country, from economic to security systems.

Background/Aim. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is relatively frequent condition, and may have serious health consequences, like chronic vulvovaginal pain syndrome. The aim of our study was to determine possible risk factors for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in non-pregnant females within the reproductive age. Methods. The design of our study was of a case-control type. Case and control patients were selected from the gynecological patients at six primary care facilities in Serbia and in Montenegro. The data on the patients' health condition, concomitant therapy and diseases were taken from their records, and the data on habits were obtained by unstructured interview. For potential risk factors crude odds ratios were calculated, and then adjusted by logistic regression. Results. A total of fifty-one patients had four or more episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis during the last year (cases), and 132 patients with one to three episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis were sampled as controls, matched by age. The only two significant associations were found between recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and continual wearing of panty liners during the last year (Odds ratio - ORadjusted: 3.97; confidence interval - CI: 1.57-10.02; p = 0.004), and between recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and predominant use of vaginal tampons during menstruation in the last year (ORadjusted: 4.25; CI: 1.11-16.27; p = 0.035). The synergistic effect was observed for the concurrent continual wearing of panty liners during the last year and selfmedication with antimycotics. Conclusions. Local factors, like wearing of panty liners or use of tampons during menstruation, may promote recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, especially in patients who practice selfmedication with antimycotics.

Exposure to altered gravity influences cellular behaviour in cell cultures. Hydrogels are amongst the most common materials used to produce tissue-engineering scaffolds, and their mechanical properties play a crucial role in cell-matrix interaction. However, little is known about the influence of altered gravity on hydrogel properties. Here we study the mechanical properties of Poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and PEGDA incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) by performing tensile tests in micro and hypergravity during a Parabolic flight campaign, and by comparing them to the same tests performed in Earth gravity. We show that gravity levels do not result in a statistically significant difference in Young's modulus., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) possesses desirable properties for numerous applications. However, LIG formation on biocompatible substrates is needed to further augment the integration of LIG-based technologies into nanobiotechnology. Here, LIG formation on cross-linked sodium alginate is reported. The LIG is systematically investigated, providing a comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical characteristics of the material. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques confirm the successful generation of oxidized graphene on the surface of cross-linked sodium alginate. The influence of laser parameters and the amount of crosslinker incorporated into the alginate substrate is explored, revealing that lower laser speed, higher resolution, and increased CaCl 2 content leads to LIG with lower electrical resistance. These findings could have significant implications for the fabrication of LIG on alginate with tailored conductive properties, but they could also play a guiding role for LIG formation on other biocompatible substrates., (Creative Commons Attribution license.)

Aim To determine parameters of glycaemic control, renal function and anthropometric measurements in patients with type 2 diabetes in family medicine offices and to examine whether there is a difference in these parameters between genders. Methods This cross-sectional study included 136 patients of both genders diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, with an average age of 69.33±10.87. General and demographic data were collected, anthropometric measurements were taken, as well as data on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1 c and creatinine level from laboratory findings. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. Results The average results of fasting plasma glucose test were 8.43 mmol/L, of HbA1c 7.15%, and of creatinine 79.00 µmol/L. In 19.12% of patients eGFR was <60 mL/min/1.73m2 . 80.15% were overweight and 38.97% had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. Morbid obesity was recorded in 2.94% of patients. Females had a statistically significantly higher hip circumference (p=0.002) and BMI (p=0.019), while males had a statistically significantly higher waist-to-hip ratio (p=0.006) and BMI (p=0.007). Conclusion The patients did not reach the target value of fasting plasma glucose (<7mmol/L) and HbA1c was above recommended (<7%). Given that the patients were elderly, glucoregulation can be considered as adequate. The average eGFR classified the patients into G2 group (mildly decreased glomerular filtration). The mean BMI was not within the recommended values. It is important to educate patients on a healthy diet and physical activity, to control their weight, but also to choose medications that reduce weight in addition to glycaemic control., (Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.)