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Juan Sebastián Pappalardo,1–3 Cecilia A Langellotti,2 Sebastián Di Giacomo,1 Valeria Olivera,1 Valeria Quattrocchi,2 Patricia I Zamorano,1,2 William C Hartner,3 Tatyana S Levchenko,3 Vladimir P Torchilin3 1Virology Institute, Center for Research in Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences, National Institute for Agricultural Technology (INTA), Hurlingham, BA, Argentina; 2National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina; 3Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA Abstract: Dendritic cells (DC) are antigen-presenting cells uniquely capable of priming naïve T cells and cross-presenting antigens, and they determine the type of immune response elicited against an antigen. TAT peptide (TATp), is an amphipathic, arginine-rich, cationic peptide that promotes penetration and translocation of various molecules and nanoparticles into cells. TATp-liposomes (TATp-L) used for DC transfection were prepared using TATp derivatized with a lipid-terminated polymer capable of anchoring in the liposomal membrane. Here, we show that the addition of TATp to DNA-loaded liposomes increased the uptake of DNA in DC. DNA-loaded TATp-L increased the in vitro transfection efficiency in DC cultures as evidenced by a higher expression of the enhanced green fluorescent protein and bovine herpes virus type 1 glycoprotein D (gD). The de novo synthesized gD protein was immunologically stimulating when transfections were performed with TATp-L, as indicated by the secretion of interleukin 6. Keywords: dendritic cell transfection, green fluorescent protein, bovine herpes virus 1 glycoprotein D, liposomes, TAT peptide, interleukin 6

Methods of evaluation of interlaboratory comparison results are prescribed by ISO standards. Ruler is probably one of the most widely used length measuring instrument in the world. For laboratories that plan to be accredited for the calibration of Ruler, the acquisition of a specialized Measuring bench is not economically feasible. Confidence in the measured result depends on the measurement uncertainty, and where deficiencies are observed, the values that contribute to the measurement uncertainty should be investigated. This paper describes an interlaboratory comparison for a small number of laboratories on the example of a Measuring bench for calibrating Ruler and indicates the procedure for problem identification; diagnosis of causes; consideration of solutions; initiation of action for improvement and monitoring of the results of applied solutions. The authors documented the problem and listed the elements that contributed to "Unsatisfactory" result in interlaboratory comparisons. They described the actions they took to overcome the "Unsatisfactory" result, analyzed whether the proposed solutions led to "Satisfactory" result and took actions accordingly. The paper presents the results of the international interlaboratory comparison, which are a confirmation of the competence of the personnel, measuring calibration equipment and calibration method.

The research in this paper is related to the accuracy of the tilt compensation function of the GNSS/IMU receivers, which were examined in an open sky environment. The purpose of the paper is to point out to geodesists the conditions and limitations of using GNSS/IMU technology in precise measurements to not jeopardize the coordinate’s accuracy. The environment in which the measurement is made affects the quality of the GNSS signal and can limit the visibility of the satellite, leading to larger errors in the measurement. In this experiment, the current performance of the GNSS/IMU receivers was checked. Seven GNSS/IMU receivers were used for the realization of the experiment. For six receivers the compensation angle was α = 30°, while for one receiver, the compensation angle was α = 45°. The standard uncertainty of GNSS coordinates of the antenna phase center has values less than 9 mm. The standard uncertainty of the IMU component has values less than 31 mm. The measurement uncertainty of the position of the used GNSS receivers is in the range of 18.1 mm to 31.7 mm. The limit values for the differences along the coordinate axes x and y were determined, and their values are from 26 mm to 44 mm. In the conducted experiment, it was confirmed that three GNSS/IMU receivers have a “Satisfactory” result. The results show that GNSS/IMU measurements with a slope greater than 30° significantly affect the accuracy and reliability of GNSS/IMU technology. A slope greater than 45° has a deviation along the coordinate axes of 121.3 mm. The conducted research is particularly important for geodetic works that require high positioning performance. The testing method of the GNSS/IMU receiver presented in this paper can help its users to make correct conclusions regarding the coordinate accuracy of the measured point of interest.

The growing body of evidence on the dimensional classification of personality disorders (PD) has resulted in its acceptance in the ICD-11 classification, which abolished categories and retains only a general description of PD. Specifying the type of PD is optional, and the suggested domains represent maladaptive variants of the five-factor model of personality (FFM). The aim of our study was to explore the existence of a joint structure between maladaptive and normal personality traits, and to investigate how these structures are integrated. The study included 223 patients who had been diagnosed with PD and completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders and the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R). To determine the degree of overlap between PD domains and NEO PI–R scales, a canonical analysis of covariance was conducted. Our findings showed a relationship between the internalizing PD spectrum (consisting of avoidant, dependent, and borderline traits with detached and anankastic traits) and high neuroticism, low conscientiousness, and moderately low agreeableness and extroversion, suggesting the existence of a broad personality disorder factor. However, the internalizing dimensions exhibited a more pronounced effect within this construct. Furthermore, we identified a second function that demonstrated a link between the externalizing PD spectrum (including narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial traits) and high extraversion, high openness, and low agreeableness, suggesting the existence of an externalizing factor. Overall, our findings provide evidence for a joint structure of maladaptive and normal personality traits in a sample of personality disorders and emphasize the importance of integrating the FFM model in PD evaluation in clinical practice, suggesting that differentiating between major subgroups could assist in adjusting therapeutic approaches.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have a prolonged impact on mental health (MH); however, the long-term MH effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown. The Serbian national survey—CoV2Soul.RS—was launched to document the MH status of the Serbian population following the COVID-19 pandemic and to contribute to an international evidence base about MH prevalence rates during different phases of the pandemic.Methods and analysis This cross-sectional study was designed to collect a nationally representative sample (N=1200; age 18–65 years; estimated start/end—June/November 2021) using multistage probabilistic household sampling. Trained staff will conduct in-person diagnostic interviews. A battery of self-report instruments will be administered to assess the quality of life (QoL), general distress and associated protective and harmful psychological and societal factors. Analyses will be conducted to delineate the prevalence rates of MH disorders, how MH conditions and QoL vary with respect to sociodemographic variables, personality, health status and traumatic events during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to test how these relations depend on geographical region. Moreover, this study was designed to explore mechanisms linking personality and the perception of pandemic consequences and associated distress. Prevalence rates of MH disorders will be calculated using descriptive statistics. For additional analyses, we will use correlations, analysis of variance and regression analyses. The hierarchical structure of the data will be explored using multilevel random coefficient modelling. Structural equation modelling will be used to investigate the indirect effects of personality on distress through relevant variables.Ethics and dissemination Ethical Committees of the Faculty of Medicine (1322-VII/31) and Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade (02-33/273) and Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad (05-27, br.893/1) approved the protocol. Only respondents able to provide informed consent will participate in the study. Research reports will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and the results will be placed on the website www.cov2soul.rs to be available to funders, researchers, policy-makers and interested laypeople, and will be advertised through social media.Trial registration number NCT04896983.

The validity of the results obtained within different permanent GNSS reference station networks (GNSS Network) must be periodically controlled using criteria that are generally known from statistical analyzes or prescribed by International Standards. Procedures for evaluating the uncertainty of measurements are defined in accordance with the purpose of the GNSS Network. The authors of this paper want to point out the need to establish requirements for periodical and systematical control of GNSS coordinates within the same permanent GNSS Network and control of GNSS coordinates between different permanent GNSS Networks measured on the same/unique point on the ground. This paper presents control procedures for three permanent GNSS reference station Networks established and operating in the Republic of Serbia. Special attention is on the analysis of data consistency within one permanent GNSS Network and the mutual consistency of GNSS data between different networks. The paper aims to promote reliance on the different GNSS Networks and contains suggestions on how GNSS Networks may prove that they are performing competently and that they can provide valid results for field measurements. Particularly highlighted is the need to plan and implement measures related to increasing the effectiveness of the GNSS system, achieving improved results, and preventing negative effects while performing field measurements. The paper presents the results for comparison, selected according to the rules for creating a Digital Cadastral Map features, i.e., points, lines, and polygon. The results for comparing point features are the GNSS coordinates. The results for comparing line features are the lengths of the line, i.e., distances, and the results for comparing polygon features are the areas of the polygons.

BackgroundChagas disease is a vector borne infection of poverty endemic to Latin America which affects an estimated 40,000 women of child-bearing age in the United States (US). In the US Chagas disease is concentrated among individuals who have lived in endemic areas. Prenatal diagnosis and treatment are needed to prevent congenital transmission. The objective of this study was to assess perceived barriers to Chagas disease screening among prenatal care providers in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine Departments of a tertiary care safety-net hospital caring for a significant at-risk population.Methodology/principal findingsAn anonymous survey was distributed to 178 Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine practitioners. Of the 66 respondents, 39% thought Chagas screening was very important, and 48% somewhat important as a public health initiative. One third judged screening patients during clinic visits as very important. Most respondents (64%) reported being familiar with Chagas disease. However, only 32% knew how to order a test and only 22% reported knowing what to do if a test was positive.Conclusions/significanceThese findings will be incorporated into measures to facilitate full implementation of Chagas screening, and can inform initiatives at other centers who wish to address this deeply neglected infection among their patient families. Greater integration of information on Chagas disease screening and treatment in medical and nursing education curricula can contribute to addressing this disease with the focus that its potentially fatal sequelae merit.

BACKGROUND:To the best of our knowledge, studies are lacking on burnout among veterinary students in Serbia, and this is the first study trying to address such a problem. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students. METHODS:Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and anonymous structured questionnaire addressed to personal data, health habits and stressful influence of educational process were applied among 496 respondents from a total of 1113 students from all grades in spring semester 2014 (response rate 44.6%). RESULTS:The prevalence of burnout was 43.3%. High scores on depersonalization and emotional exhaustion scales of MBI were found among 79.4% and 45.0% students, respectively; low personal accomplishment was reported by 50.5% students. Female students reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to males (p = 0.012). A low score on personal achievement scale of MBI was least frequent among the freshmen and most frequent among sophomores (41.1% and 65.3%, respectively; p = 0.986). There were more students with burnout who considered their health as a worsened vs. pre-study period compared to students with no burnout, both concerning mental (61.4% vs. 38.6%) and physical health (61.1% vs. 38.9%; both p

Preterm birth is a major public health problem, occurring in more than half a million births per year in the United States. A number of maternal conditions have been recognized as risk factors for preterm birth, but for the majority of cases, the etiology is not completely understood. Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections in the world. However, its role in adverse pregnancy outcome in women is still debated. In order to determine if genitourinary tract infection with C. trachomatis during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, we conducted a case-control study on women who delivered at Boston Medical Center, an urban “safety-net” hospital that serves a socioeconomically disadvantaged and racially diverse population. Women with known risk factors for preterm birth or immune suppression were excluded. Variables collected on enrolled subjects included demographics; diagnosis of C. trachomatis during or prior to pregnancy; tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use; gestational age; and birthweight and gender of the newborn. We also collected urine for chlamydia testing at the time of delivery and placental biopsies for nucleic acid amplification and histological studies. A total of 305 subjects were enrolled: 100 who delivered preterm and 205 who delivered full term. Among those subjects, we identified 19 cases of pregnancy-associated C. trachomatis infection: 6/100 preterm and 13/205 full term, a difference which was not statistically significant. Only two cases of untreated chlamydia infection were identified postpartum, and both occurred in women who delivered at term. We conclude that genitourinary tract infection with C. trachomatis during pregnancy, when appropriately treated, is not associated with preterm birth.

A longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the presence of antibodies (Ab) to Rotavirus (RV), Parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3), Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus (BVDV-1) and Bluetongue virus (BTV) in eleven guanaco's crias (chulengos) relocated from Rio Negro to Buenos Aires Province (Argentina) and reared in captivity for a year in an experimental field. Serum samples were collected periodically to detect the evidence of viral infections. Faecal samples were collected to investigate RV shedding. We detected the evidence of Ab to RV from the beginning of the experience, suggesting the presence of maternal Ab against the virus. RV infection was detected in seven of the eleven chulengos, by seroconversion (4), virus shedding in stools (1) or both (2). In all cases, the RV strain was typed as [P1]G8, the same G/P type combination detected in captive chulengos with acute diarrhoea sampled in Rio Negro, in 2001. In contrast, we could not detect antibodies against PI-3, BoHV-1, BVDV or BT in any of initial samples. No Abs against BoHV-1, BVDV or BTV were detected in the chulengos throughout the study. However, all the chulengos became asymptomatically seropositive to PI-3 by the 7 month after arrival. This study suggest that wild-born guanacos raised in captivity can be relatively susceptible to common livestock viral infections, such as RV and PI-3, which are easily spread among chulengos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anxiety disorder, one of the highly disabling, prevalent and common mental disorders, is known to be more prevalent in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than the general population, and the comorbid presence of anxiety disorders is known to have an impact on the diabetes outcome and the quality of life. However, the information on the type of anxiety disorder and its prevalence in persons with T2DM is limited.Aims To assess the prevalence and correlates of anxiety disorder in people with type 2 diabetes in different countries.Methods People aged 18–65 years with diabetes and treated in outpatient settings were recruited in 15 countries and underwent a psychiatric interview with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Demographic and medical record data were collected.Results A total of 3170 people with type 2 diabetes (56.2% women; with mean (SD) duration of diabetes 10.01 (7.0) years) participated. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders in type 2 diabetic persons was 18%; however, 2.8% of the study population had more than one type of anxiety disorder. The most prevalent anxiety disorders were generalised anxiety disorder (8.1%) and panic disorder (5.1%). Female gender, presence of diabetic complications, longer duration of diabetes and poorer glycaemic control (HbA1c levels) were significantly associated with comorbid anxiety disorder. A higher prevalence of anxiety disorders was observed in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Argentina with a lower prevalence in Bangladesh and India.Conclusions Our international study shows that people with type 2 diabetes have a high prevalence of anxiety disorders, especially women, those with diabetic complications, those with a longer duration of diabetes and poorer glycaemic control. Early identification and appropriate timely care of psychiatric problems of people with type 2 diabetes is warranted.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 60 days of rose-hip and grapeseed dietary supplementation of a balanced home-cooked diet on serum oxidative stress parameters: ROMs, MDA and FRAP in army service dogs before and after regular physical exercise. The dogs were fed a balanced cooked diet as instructed by army standards until the initial blood sampling in June. Thereon the dogs were randomly allotted to 4 groups according to the dietary regime: dogs maintained on a balanced cooked diet according to army standards, branded dry dog food, cooked diet with added 500 mg rose-hip extract, and cooked diet with added 100 mg grapeseed extract for a 60 day period from June to September after which all 4 groups were fed the standard cooked meal diet. Sampling was performed at the beginning of the experiment (June), 60 days from the start of the treatment (September) and finally 60 days after the end of supplementation (November). Statistical analysis of the results included descriptive statistical parameters: mean (M), standard deviation (SD), and variation coefficient (CV%). In order to test the statistical significance of the differences between treatments a multifactor variance test (ANOVA) was performed for ROM, MDA and FRAP and the combined effects of diet, exercise and time period were observed. The initial (in June) increase in MDA and ROMs after exercise indicates the presence of oxidative stress 30 minutes after exercise. However, the antioxidative effects of rose-hip and grapeseed extracts are not conclusive, as multifactor ANOVA testing of time, diet, and exercise factors did not reveal for MDA statistically significant differences either at 60 days of supplementation nor 60 days after withdrawal of the supplements. Only one distinct exception was recorded for the prolonged antioxidative effects reflected in significantly decreased (p0.05) after exercise compared to before exercise in all experimental groups in November, indicating on a possible redistribution and upregulation of endogenous antioxidants during the experiment.

This paper discusses the development of mortgage loans market in the Republic of Serbia through development of the instruments for provision of legal security of investments – both to creditors and to debtors. It explains the process of establishment of Real Estate Cadastre as a prerequisite for registration of real estate mortgages. Creation of the Central Mortgage Register is an additional service that provides transparency of the procedures and mortgage market development. The entire procedure has been illustrated by the statistical data on the increase of the number of registered mortgages, starting from 1998 through the end of 2011. The impact of the global economic crisis on the moderate decrease of the number of new mortgages in the Republic of Serbia is quite evident ; Prispevek obravnava razvoj hipotekarnega trga posojil v Republiki Srbiji z razvojem instrumentov za zagotavljanje pravne varnosti naložb - tako za upnike kot za dolžnike. Obrazloži postopek stanavljanja katastra nepremičnin, ki je predpogoj za registracijo hipotek na nepremičninah. Vzpostavitev centralnega hipotekarnega registra je dodatna storitev, ki zagotavlja preglednost postopkov in razvoja hipotekarnega trga. Celoten postopek je razviden iz statističnih podatkov o rasti števila registriranih hipotek, začenši z letom 1998 do konca leta 2011. Vpliv svetovne gospodarske krize na zmerno znižanje števila novih hipotek v Republiki Srbiji je dokaj očiten.

La polysémie constitue un moyen important de lʼéconomie linguistique. Si les langues de spécialité ne disposent pas dʼun terme spécifique, elles trouvent la solution dans le vocabulaire général auquel elles empruntent des mots comprenant de nombreuses acceptions. Lʼune dʼelles sera précisée dʼaprès les besoins du domaine en question. Dans le présent article, nous rendons compte de lʼinterpénétration existant entre le vocabulaire du droit pénal français (issu de Code de procédure pénale et de Vocabulaire juridique), le vocabulaire général et dʼautres vocabulaires de spécialité. Les approches contemporaines de la terminologie qui prennent en considération les dimensions discursive, sociale, cognitive et culturelle permettent dʼaborder le terme avec plus de flexibilité et de ne pas le considérer comme une simple étiquette destinée à classer les connaissances. Les migrations qui sʼeffectuent entre vocabulaire général et vocabulaires de spécialité, connues sous les noms de terminologisation et déterminologisation,sʼaccompagnent des modifications sémantiques. En fonction du contexte et du domaine spécialisé, un mot peut avoir des acceptions différentes. A titre dʼexemple, le mot blanchiment ne renverra pas à la même notion pour un agent qui lutte contre la criminalité financière, un horticulteur, un cuisinier, un photographe ou un dentiste. Nous nous proposons de vérifier à quel point la polysémie externe est un phénomène répandu. Notre objectif est dʼexplorer ces transferts sémantiques, cʼest-à-dire les diverses facettes dʼun terme

The distribution of weak and strong non-linear feeding interactions (i.e., functional responses) across the links of complex food webs is critically important for their stability. While empirical advances have unravelled constraints on single-prey functional responses, their validity in the context of complex food webs where most predators have multiple prey remain uncertain. In this study, we present conceptual evidence for the invalidity of strictly density-dependent consumption as the null model in multi-prey experiments. Instead, we employ two-prey functional responses parameterised with allometric scaling relationships of the functional response parameters that were derived from a previous single-prey functional response study as novel null models. Our experiments included predators of different sizes from two taxonomical groups (wolf spiders and ground beetles) simultaneously preying on one small and one large prey species. We define compliance with the null model predictions (based on two independent single-prey functional responses) as passive preferences or passive switching, and deviations from the null model as active preferences or active switching. Our results indicate active and passive preferences for the larger prey by predators that are at least twice the size of the larger prey. Moreover, our approach revealed that active preferences increased significantly with the predator-prey body-mass ratio. Together with prior allometric scaling relationships of functional response parameters, this preference allometry may allow estimating the distribution of functional response parameters across the myriads of interactions in natural ecosystems.

The importance of the effect of the organization of health institutions on the system of health tourism is important not only from the point of view of scientific management theory, but, above all, in order to make strategically important decisions for the further functioning and development of the new, reformed health care system in Serbia. In the new organizational environment, healthcare workers will have a new and more complex role. The organization of health institutions and the role of employees in health care will be directed towards the users of health services with constant work on their own education, as service providers, as well as the education and information of users. Healthcare has characteristics that distinguish it from other fields. Specific characteristics include knowledge of health services and their value. Effective organization of health institutions in the health tourism system is essential for creating a high impact health system.

H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus has killed thousands of marine mammals in South America since 2022. Here we report epidemiological data and full genome characterization of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI viruses associated with a massive outbreak in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Península Valdés, Argentina, in October 2023. We also report on H5N1 viruses in concurrently dead terns. Our genomic analysis shows that viruses from pinnipeds and terns in Argentina form a distinct clade with marine mammal viruses from Peru, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay. Additionally, these marine mammal clade viruses share an identical set of mammalian adaptation mutations which were also present in tern viruses. Our combined ecological and phylogenetic data support mammal-to-mammal transmission and occasional mammal-to-bird spillover and suggest multinational transmission of H5N1 viruses in mammals. We reflect that H5N1 viruses becoming more evolutionary flexible and adapting to mammals in new ways could have global consequences for wildlife, humans, and/or livestock., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)