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The aim of contemporary education is to shape a competent individual capable of solving life problems based on existing knowledge, skills, and abilities, ready to navigate the information space, receive, use, and create information. Achieving this goal requires dedication from education professionals, primarily pedagogues, psychologists, and teachers who must possess integral quality in their profession, which is competency. The main objective of the research is to examine the opinions of pedagogy students about the potentials of a set of workshops collectively named Creative Pedagogical Practices (CPP) for the development of competencies of school pedagogues. The workshops were implemented in secondary schools as part of courses in the field of school pedagogy. The study employed a descriptive research method, using written structured interviews as the research instrument. Research data indicate that students’ expectations regarding the creation and implementation of CPP workshops are met, as they have recognized the potential for developing professional competencies in the domain of didactic-methodological knowledge, social skills, creativity and general competencies for working in school. Regarding the development of personal competencies, respondents mentioned that the implementation of workshops contributed to developing their responsibility, self-confidence, and creativity, which they consider important qualities for future work in schools. The obtained research results can be relevant when creating study programs for educating educators, especially in light of a greater emphasis on practical activities during studies.

We discuss the issue of bringing human trafficking and forced prostitution within the purview of Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Rantsev v. Cyprus and Russia marked a turning point by classifying forced prostitution through human trafficking under Article 4. However, in the judgment in S.M. v. Croatia, the ECtHR further reinforced its view that human trafficking and forced prostitution constitute a violation of Article 4.

The newly developed mononuclear 5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-1,10phenanthroline platinum(II) complex revealed notable antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the effects of this platinum(II) complex on the immune response were assessed. Peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes obtained from mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Concanavalin A (ConA) along with platinum(II) complex and measurement of cytokine concentrations and immunophenotyping was performed. Our findings indicate that the platinum(II) complex exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects on peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes.

Introduction. Quality of life can be defined as a concept that broadly measures one's experience in relation to that person's hopes and aspirations. This definition can be applied to both an individual and a family perspective. Objectives. This research aimed to examine the quality of life of families of children with developmental disabilities and the interrelationship between family quality of life and certain socio-demographic characteristics of the family and the child. The socio-demographic characteristics of the family and the child include family structure, i.e., the total number of family members, the number of adults and the number of children in the family; material conditions, i.e., average monthly income and number of family members who earn money; place of living; availability of family support services; as well as the type of developmental disabilities and the age of the child with developmental disabilities. Methods. The research sample consists of 42 parents of children with developmental disabilities, and the control group consists of 63 parents of children with typical development. The Family Quality of Life Scale was used to assess family quality of life (Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale - Beach FQOL Scale). Results. The results of the research showed that families of children with developmental disabilities have a significantly lower level of family quality of life compared to families of children with typical development, with the Emotional Well-being domain being the worst rated. In an effort to understand differences in family quality of life, additional analyses were conducted on relationships with certain socio-demographic characteristics of families. Conclusion. The findings suggest that the quality of life of families of children with developmental disabilities is influenced by the average monthly income, family structure, and the use of family support services, while no relationship was found between the level of family quality of life and place of residence, the number of persons in the family providing for the family, the type of developmental disabilities and the age of the child with disabilities.

Striving for EU membership, the Republic of Serbia must adjust its waste management practices to comply with EU directives, including targets to reduce biodegradable waste disposal in landfills, as outlined in its Waste Management Program 2022–2031. Cadmium and lead, two highly toxic heavy metals, that are present in municipal solid waste, can pose high environmental and human health threats if not properly managed. The research evaluates how different technologies for biodegradable waste treatment influence the transformation of cadmium and lead flows through waste management systems. Hence, two waste management scenarios were modelled and developed for the Republic of Serbia, where the flows of cadmium and lead are monitored. The results indicate the differences between quantities and concentrations of cadmium and lead emitted in environmental media, thus confirming the various impacts of different waste technologies on achieving the vital goal of waste management – protection of the human health and the environment. The research concludes the crucial role of the versatile approach, where the quality of waste management outputs is highlighted.

Maize husk mass affects the dynamics of maize kernel moisture release as well as the yield and harvest timing of maize. The aim of this study was to observe the dynamics of moisture release in maize husks depending on the sowing density technology used. At the Zemun Polje location, a trail was established with three hybrids (H1-ZP 4708, H2-ZP4242, H3-ZP4790) in three densities (G1-40,816, G2-69,689, G3-89,286). During the vegetation period, 15 days after fertilization, four samples (V1-V4) were taken to determine the fresh and dry weight of the husk. The leaves were dried in an oven at 60°C for 12 hours. The effect of the genotype was reflected in the different mass of the maize husks and the dynamics of moisture loss. It was most pronounced in hybrid ZP 4242, which had the highest moisture loss between V1 and V4 samples at 9.86 %. It is also the hybrid with the highest fresh mass of leaves, 88.71 g. The dynamics of mass reduction, i.e. moisture loss, was linear in all hybrids, except for the exceptions by ZP 4242. The effects of sowing density and genotype on the moisture release of the maize husks and thus the maize kernel lead to an optimal harvest and a reduction in the risk of yield loss.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of the hybrid and the medium for germination testing on indicators of pepper seed quality. The obtained results should provide an answer as to whether the application of different growing media for testing seed germination can lead to discrepancies between test results in quality indicators for hybrid seeds. The seed quality of three pepper hybrids: KG 2025 F1, KG 2129 F1 and KG 2032 F1 was tested on two growing media (filter paper and substrate). Statistical analysis of germination energy, total germination, diseased seedlings and dead seeds showed highly significant differences (r

This study presents the findings from assessing the quality of alfalfa seeds collected from three Serbian regions: in each region, batches of seeds from six places were analyzed. The following criteria were investigated: the proportion of dormant seeds, the germinated seed content, the proportion of dead seeds, and the percentage of aberrant seedlings. Seed quality was assessed after six, eighteen, thirty, and forty-two months of storage. The highest seed quality was obtained after thirty and eighteen months of seed storage (91% and 89% of germination, respectively). During the 42-month storage period, the percentage of dead seeds (8%) and abnormal seedlings (7%) increased, while germination declined to 84%. In a storage period of six months, the participation of dormant seeds of 21% affected the germination rate, which was 77%, regardless of the low proportion of dead seeds (1%) and abnormal seedlings (2%).

Abstract Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced in inbred rodents, i.e., genetically identical animals kept under identical environmental conditions, shows variable clinical outcomes. We investigated such variations of EAE in Dark Agouti rats immunized with spinal cord homogenate and identified four groups: lethal, severe, moderate, and mild, at day 28 post immunization. Higher numbers of CD4+ T cells, helper T cells type 1 (Th1) and 17 (Th17) in particular, were detected in the spinal cord of the severe group in comparison with the moderate group. In addition, increased proportion of Th1 and Th17 cells, and heightened levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-6 were detected in the small intestine lamina propria of the severe group. A selective agonist of free fatty acid receptor type 2 (Ffar2) applied orally in the inductive phase of EAE shifted the distribution of the disease outcomes towards milder forms. This effect was paralleled with potentiation of intestinal innate lymphoid cells type 3 (ILC3) regulatory properties, and diminished Th1 and Th17 cell response in the lymph nodes draining the site of immunization. Our results suggest that different clinical outcomes in DA rats are under determinative influence of intestinal ILC3 activity during the inductive phase of EAE.

Anthropogenic emissions are the primary source of the increase in atmospheric methane (CH4) levels. However, estimates of anthropogenic CH4 emissions still show large uncertainties at global and regional scales. Differences in CH4 isotopic source signatures δ13C and δ2H can help to constrain different source contributions (e.g., fossil, waste, agriculture). The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) represents one of the largest European CH4 emission regions, with more than 500 Gg CH4 yr−1 released from more than 50 coal mine ventilation shafts, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants. During the CoMet (Carbon Dioxide and Methane Mission) campaign in June 2018 methane observations were conducted from a variety of platforms including aircraft and cars to quantify these emissions. Besides the continuous sampling of atmospheric methane concentration, numerous air samples were taken from inside and around the ventilation shafts (1–2 km distance) and aboard the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO) and DLR Cessna Caravan aircraft, and they were analyzed in the laboratory for the isotopic composition of CH4. The airborne samples downwind of the USCB contained methane from the entire region and thus enabled determining the mean signature of the USCB accurately. This mean isotopic signature of methane emissions was -50.9±0.7 ‰ for δ13C and -226±9 ‰ for δ2H. This is in the range of previous USCB studies based on samples taken within the mines for δ13C but more depleted in δ2H than reported before. Signatures of methane enhancements sampled upwind of the mines and in the free troposphere clearly showed the influence of biogenic sources. We determined the source signatures of individual coal mine ventilation shafts using ground-based samples. These signatures displayed a considerable range between different mines and also varied for individual shafts from day to day. Different layers of the USCB coal contain thermogenic methane, isotopically similar to natural gas, and methane formed through biogenic carbonate reduction. The signatures vary depending on what layer of coal is mined at the time of sampling. Mean shaft signatures range from −60 ‰ to −42 ‰ for δ13C and from −200 ‰ to −160 ‰ for δ2H. A gradient in the signatures of subregions of the USCB is reflected both in the aircraft data and in the ground samples, with emissions from the southwest being most depleted in δ2H and emissions from the south being most depleted in δ13C, which is probably associated with the structural and lithostratigraphic history of the USCB and generation and migration processes of methane in the coal. The average signature of -49.8±5.7 ‰ in δ13C and -184±32 ‰ in δ2H from the ventilation shafts clearly differs from the USCB regional signature in δ2H. This makes a source attribution using δ2H signatures possible, which would not be possible with only the δ13C isotopic signatures. We assume that the USCB plume mainly contains fossil coal mine methane and biogenic methane from waste treatment, because the USCB is a highly industrialized region with few other possible methane sources. Assuming a biogenic methane signature between and −320 ‰ and −280 ‰ for δ2H, the biogenic methane emissions from the USCB account for 15 %–50 % of total emissions. The uncertainty range shows the need of comprehensive and extensive sampling from all possible source sectors for source apportionment. The share of anthropogenic–biogenic emissions of 0.4 %–14 % from this densely populated industrial region is underestimated in commonly used emission inventories. Generally, this study demonstrates the importance of δ2H-CH4 observations for methane source apportionment in regions with a mix of thermogenic and biogenic sources and, especially in our case, where the δ13C signature of the coal mine gas has a large variability.

The aim of this study was to produce and to characterize craft beer fermented by immobilized yeast cells with the addition of Prokupac grape pomace seed powder (2.5% and 5%), to obtain a beer enriched with phenolic compounds and improved sensory characteristics. The immobilization of the yeast cells was performed by electrostatic extrusion, while the obtained calcium alginate beads were characterized by light and scanning electron microscopy. Phenolic and hop-derived bitter compounds in beer with or without grape pomace seed powder (GS) phenolics were identified using UHPLC Q-ToF MS. The results indicated that GS adjunct significantly shortened the fermentation process of wort and increased the content of phenolic compounds, especially ellagic acid, flavan-3-ols and pro(antho)cyanidins in the final products compared to the control beer. A total of twenty (iso)-α-acids and one prenylflavonoid were identified, although their levels were significantly lower in beers with GS phenolics compared to the control beer. Beers with GS phenolics showed good antioxidant properties as measured by the reduction of ferric ions (FRP) and the scavenging of ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals. The concentration of immobilized viable yeast cells was higher than 1 × 108 CFU/g wet mass after each fermentation without destroying the beads, indicating that they can be reused for the repeated fermentation of wort. Beers produced with 5% GS added to the wort exhibited the best sensory properties (acidity, astringency, bitterness intensity, mouthfeel, aftertaste and taste), and highest overall acceptability by the panelists. The results showed that grape pomace seed powder present a promising adjunct for the production of innovative craft beer with good sensory properties and improved functionality.

Osnovni cilj ovog istraživanja je da se ispitaju percepcije roditelja o partnerstvu predškolske ustanove i lokalne zajednice. U radu se ukazuje na značaj upoznavanja dece sa neposrednim lokalnim okruženjem, kao i na različite oblike partnerstva poput poseta, zajedničkih akcija i manifestacija, koji su prisutni u praksi predškolskog vaspitanja. Pored postojećih oblika partnerstva, pažnja je posvećena potencijalima lokalne zajednice za učenje dece predškolskog uzrasta i stvaranja osnove za očuvanje kulture, tradicije i običaja zajednice u kojoj odrastaju. U istraživanju je korišćena deskriptivna metoda, a osnovni instrument istraživanja je skala procene Likertovog tipa. Uzorak istraživanja čine roditelji čija deca pohađaju državne predškolske ustanove. Podaci istraživanja su prikupljeni neposredno, u saradnji s vaspitačima i uz saglasnost direktora ustanova. Rezultati istraživanja su delimično potvrdili postavljene hipoteze da predškolska ustanova i lokalna zajednica ostvaruju partnerstva u raznovrsnim aktivnostima u cilju pružanja podrške kvalitetu vaspitno-obrazovnog rada, kao i da postoje statistički značajne razlike u stavovima roditelja u odnosu na karakteristike uzorka. Najvažnije implikacije nalaza našeg istraživanja odnose se na doprinos unapređenju postojeće vaspitno-obrazovne prakse, imajući u vidu da se tretirani problem sagledava iz perspektive roditelja koji su jedan od ključnih faktora uspešne saradnje na svim nivoima.

Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) is used as a standard adjuvant for the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most commonly used animal model in multiple sclerosis studies. Still, CFA induces glial activation and neuroinflammation on its own and provokes pain. In addition, as CFA contains Mycobacteria, an immune response against bacterial antigens is induced in parallel to the response against central nervous system antigens. Thus, CFA can be considered as a confounding factor in multiple sclerosis–related studies performed on EAE. Here, we discuss the effects of CFA in EAE in detail and present EAE variants induced in experimental animals without the use of CFA. We put forward CFA-free EAE variants as valuable tools for studying multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches.

In the search for novel potent immunomodulatory nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) activators, a derivative of cholic bile acid, SB140, was synthesized. The synthesis of SB140 aimed to increase the electrophilic functionality of the compound, enhancing its ability to activate Nrf2. Effects of SB140 on microglial cells, myeloid-derived cells (MDC), and T cells were explored in the context of (central nervous system) CNS autoimmunity. SB140 potently activated Nrf2 signaling in MDC and microglia. It was efficient in reducing the ability of microglial cells to produce inflammatory nitric oxide, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Also, SB140 reduced the proliferation of encephalitogenic T cells and the production of their effector cytokines: IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ. On the contrary, the effects of SB140 on anti-inflammatory IL-10 production in microglial and encephalitogenic T cells were limited or absent. These results show that SB140 is a potent Nrf2 activator, as well as an immunomodulatory compound. Thus, further research on the application of SB140 in the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases is warranted. Animal models of multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory neurological disorders will be a suitable choice for such studies.

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a redox-active compound that has been previously shown to be effective in restraining immune hyperactivity in animal models of various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Importantly, EP has also been proven to have a potent tolerogenic effect on dendritic cells (DCs). Here, the influence of EP on the signaling pathways in DCs relevant for their tolerogenicity, including anti-inflammatory NRF2 and pro-inflammatory NF-κB, was explored. Specifically, the effects of EP on DCs obtained by GM-CSF-directed differentiation of murine bone marrow precursor cells and matured under the influence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were examined via immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. EP counteracted LPS-imposed morphological changes and down-regulated the LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in DCs. While it reduced the activation of NF-κB, EP potentiated NRF2 and downstream antioxidative molecules, thus implying the regulation of NRF2 signaling pathways as the major reason for the tolerizing effects of EP on DCs.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their immunosuppressive properties. Based on the demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect of mouse MSCs from hair follicles (moMSCORS) in a murine wound closure model, this study evaluates their potential for preventing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in C57BL/6 mice. T1D was induced in C57BL/6 mice by repeated low doses of streptozotocin. moMSCORS were injected intravenously on weekly basis. moMSCORS reduced T1D incidence, the insulitis stage, and preserved insulin production in treated animals. moMSCORS primarily exerted immunomodulatory effects by inhibiting CD4+ T cell proliferation and activation. Ex vivo analysis indicated that moMSCORS modified the cellular immune profile within pancreatic lymph nodes and pancreatic infiltrates by reducing the numbers of M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages and T helper 17 cells and upscaling the immunosuppressive T regulatory cells. The proportion of pathogenic insulin-specific CD4+ T cells was down-scaled in the lymph nodes, likely via soluble factors. The moMSCORS detected in the pancreatic infiltrates of treated mice presumably exerted the observed suppressive effect on CD4+ through direct contact. moMSCORS alleviated T1D symptoms in the mouse, qualifying as a candidate for therapeutic products by multiple advantages: non-invasive sampling by epilation, easy access, permanent availability, scalability, and benefits of auto-transplantation.

Abstract Background The cultivation of medicinal plants is a promising alternative to overcoming problems in the overharvesting of wild plants and ecosystem degradation. Cultivation depends upon two major factors: seed quality and the presence of seed-borne pathogens. Organic production of marshmallow plants (Althea officinalis L.) does not allow for the use of conventional pesticides. This study aimed to find an environmentally safe solution and the equilibrium between seed germination and the presence of fungal pathogens. The study was performed on a population of marshmallows which were cultivated for a period of 3 years (2018–2020) in Pančevo, The Republic of Serbia. The following six essential oils: Origanum vulgare L., Cinnamomum cassia Presl., Ocimum basilicum L., Carum carvi L., Mentha piperita L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill. at five concentrations (1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.02%, 0.002%) were used for seed treatment along with water and PEG-40 (emulsifier) as controls. Germination, dormant seeds, dead seeds, abnormal seedlings and the presence of seed-borne pathogens were determined under laboratory conditions. Results Among the aforementioned treatments using oregano, cinnamon, basil, caraway, mint, and lavender essential oils, the most effective treatment resulted with lavender essential oil at a concentration of 0.02% in 3-year-old seeds. The highest values for seed germination and dead seeds were 46% and 20% in 3-year-old seeds, respectively. This treatment increased seed germination by 13%, and seedling growth i.e., the growth of seedling stems and radicles by 24–35%, respectively. It also reduced the presence of seed-borne fungal pathogens from 53 to 100%. Conclusions The results revealed that an increase in seed germination rate and simultaneous reduction in seed-borne fungal infection was achieved with the lavender essential oil seed treatments. This is the first discovery of the stimulating effect of lavender essential oil on seed quality parameters. Furthermore, the study demonstrates its potential application in seed processing in the organic production of marshmallow plants. Graphical Abstract

Background: Plerixafor is a bicyclam molecule with the ability to reversibly bind to receptor CXCR-4 thus leading to an increased release of stem cells (SC) into the circulation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of G-CSF plus plerixafor versus G-CSF alone mobilizing regimens on the basis of CD34+ cell yield and engraftment kinetics following hematopoietic SC transplants. Methods: The study incorporated 173 patients with plasma cell neoplasms (PCN), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), undergoing mobilization and following autologous SC-transplant. For patients with mobilization failure and those predicted to be at risk of harvesting inadequate CD34+ yields (poor-responders), plerixafor was administered. Data was collected and compared in relation to the harvesting protocols used, cell quantification, cell-engraftment potential and overall clinical outcome. Results: A total of 101 patients received plerixafor (58.4 %) and the median CD34+increase was 312 %. Chemotherapy-mobilized PCN-patients required less plerixafor administration (p = 0.01), no difference was observed in lymphoma groups (p = 0.46). The median CD34+cell yield was 7.8 × 106/kg bm. Patients requiring plerixafor achieved lower, but still comparable cell yields. Total cell dose infused was in correlation with engraftment kinetics. Patients requiring plerixafor had delayed platelet engraftment (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Adequately selected plerixafor administration reduces ''mobilization-related-failure'' rate and assure a high-level cell dose for SC transplants, with superior ''therapeutic-potential'' and safety profile. The mobilization strategy that incorporates ''just-in-time'' plerixafor administration, also leads to a reduction of hospitalization days and healthcare resource utilization. For definitive conclusions, further controlled/larger clinical trials concerning correlation of CD34+ cell count/yield, with hematopoietic reconstitution are required.

Primena aplikacije Google Meet u cilju prelaska sa tradicionalne nastave na onlajn nastavu postala je izbor mnogih univerzitetskih ustanova tokom pandemije kovida. Shodno tome, aktuelizuju se pitanja koja se odnose na njenu efikasnost, pozitivne i negativne strane, kao i prihvatanje od strane glavnih aktera – studenata i nastavnika. Istraživanje ima za cilj da pruži odgovor na pitanje kakvi su stavovi studenata Filozofskog fakulteta u Nišu prema primeni aplikacije Google Meet u visokoškolskoj nastavi. U istraživanju je primenjena deskriptivna metoda, a uzorak istraživanja činilo je 211 studenata sa različitih departmana. Instrument istraživanja je petostepena skala procene Likertovog tipa putem koje su ispitivani stavovi studenata prema primeni aplikacije Google Meet. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da su studenti uglavnom neodlučni kada se izjašnjavaju o primeni ove aplikacije, kao i da u odnosu na nezavisne varijable istraživanja – pol, godinu studija, prosečnu ocenu tokom studiranja i studijski program, nema statistički značajnih razlika, osim kod pojedinih ajtema.

This retrospective study aimed to compare risk factors for vascular calcification (VC) between pre-hemodialysis (HD) and prevalent HD adult patients while investigating associations with calcification biomarkers. Baseline data from 30 pre-HD and 85 HD patients were analyzed, including iPTH, vitamin D, FGF 23, fetuin-A, sclerostin, and VC scores (Adragao method). Prevalence of VC was similar in both groups, but HD patients had more frequent VC scores ≥ 6. Pre-HD patients were older, with higher prevalence of hypertension and less frequent use of calcium phosphate binders. Both groups showed similar patterns of hyperphosphatemia, low vitamin D, and iPTH. Fetuin-A and sclerostin levels were higher in pre-HD, while FGF 23 was elevated in HD patients. Higher VC risk in pre-HD patients was associated with male gender, older age, lower fetuin-A and higher sclerostin, lower ferritin, and no vitamin D treatment, while in HD patients with higher sclerostin, FGF 23 and urea, and lower iPTH. Conclusion: Biomarkers could be measurable indicators of biological processes underlying VC in CKD patients that may serve as a potential guide for considering personalized therapeutic approaches. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying pathways.

Chalkbrood is a disease of honey bee brood caused by the fungal parasite Ascosphaera apis. Many factors such as genetics, temperature, humidity and nutrition influence the appearance of clinical symptoms. Poor nutrition impairs the immune system, which favors the manifestation of symptoms of many honey bee diseases. However, a direct link between dietary ingredients and the symptoms of chalkbrood disease has not yet been established. We show here that the elemental composition of chalkbrood mummies and healthy larvae from the same infected hives differ, as well as that mummies differ from larvae from healthy hives. Chalkbrood mummies had the highest concentration of macroelements such as Na, Mg, P, S, K and Ca and some microelements such as Rb and Sn, and at the same time the lowest concentration of B, As, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba and Pb. Larvae from infected hives contained less Pb, Ba, Cs, Sb, Cd, Sr, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, V and Al in contrast to healthy larvae from a disease-free apiary. This is the first study to demonstrate such differences, suggesting that an infection alters the larval nutrition or that nutrition is a predisposition for the outbreak of a chalkbrood infection. Though, based on results obtained from a case study, rather than from a controlled experiment, our findings stress the differences in elements of healthy versus diseased honey bee larvae.

A series of mono- and heteronuclear platinum(II) and zinc(II) complexes with 4,4′,4″-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligand were synthesized and characterized. The DNA and protein binding properties of [ZnCl2(terpytBu)] (C1), [{cis-PtCl(NH3)2(μ-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpytBu)}](ClO4)2 (C2), [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2(μ-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpytBu)}](ClO4)2 (C3), [{cis-PtCl(NH3)2(μ-4,4′-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpytBu)}](CIO4)2 (C4) and [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2(μ-4,4′-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpytBu)}](CIO4)2 (C5) (where terpytBu = 4,4′,4″-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), were investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence spectroscopic, and molecular docking methods. Complexes featuring transplatin exhibited lower Kb and Ksv constant values compared to cisplatin analogs. The lowest Ksv value belonged to complex C1, while C4 exhibited the highest. Molecular docking studies reveal that the binding of complex C1 to DNA is due to van der Waals forces, while that of C2–C5 is due to conventional hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. The tested complexes exhibited variable cytotoxicity toward mouse colorectal carcinoma (CT26), human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116 and SW480), and non-cancerous mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSC). Particularly, the mononuclear C1 complex showed pronounced selectivity toward cancer cells over non-cancerous mMSC. The C1 complex notably induced apoptosis in CT26 cells, effectively arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, and selectively down-regulated Cyclin D.

Black locust flower extract contains various polyphenols and their glucosides contribute to the potential health benefits. After intake of these bioactive compounds and passage through the gastrointestinal tract, their degradation can occur and lead to a loss of biological activity. To overcome this problem, the bioactive compounds should be protected from environmental conditions. This study aimed to encapsulate the black flower extract in the microparticles based on biodegradable polysaccharides, alginate, and chitosan. In the extract, the total antioxidant content was found to be 3.18 ± 0.01 g gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry weight. Also, the presence of lipids (16), phenolics (27), organic acids (4), L-aspartic acid derivative, questinol, gibberellic acid, sterol, and saponins (2) was confirmed using the UHPLC–ESI–MS analysis. In vitro assays showed that the extract has weak anti-α-glucosidase activity and moderate antioxidant and cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line. The extrusion method with secondary air flow enabled the preparation of microparticles (about 270 μm) encapsulated with extract. An encapsulation efficiency of over 92% was achieved in the alginate and alginate–chitosan microparticles. The swelling study confirmed a lower permeability of alginate–chitosan microparticles compared with alginate microparticles. For both types of microparticles, the release profile of antioxidants in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids at 37 °C followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. A lower diffusion coefficient than 0.5 indicated the simple Fick diffusion of antioxidants. The alginate–chitosan microparticles enabled a more sustained release of antioxidants from extract compared to the alginate microparticles. The obtained results indicated an improvement in the antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds from the extract and their protection from degradation in the simulated gastric conditions via encapsulation in the polymer matrixes. Alginate–chitosan showed slightly slower cumulative antioxidant release from microparticles and better antioxidant activity of the extract compared to the alginate system. According to these results, alginate–chitosan microparticles are more suitable for further application in the encapsulation of black locust flower extract. Also, the proposed polymer matrix as a drug delivery system is safe for human use due to its biodegradability and non-toxicity.

Innate lymphoid cells type 3 (ILC3s) are the first line sentinels at the mucous tissues, where they contribute to the homeostatic immune response in a major way. Also, they have been increasingly appreciated as important modulators of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune responses, both locally and systemically. The proper identification of ILC3 is of utmost importance for meaningful studies on their role in immunity. Flow cytometry is the method of choice for the detection and characterization of ILC3. However, the analysis of ILC3-related papers shows inconsistency in ILC3 phenotypic definition, as different inclusion and exclusion markers are used for their identification. Here, we present these discrepancies in the phenotypic characterization of human and mouse ILC3s. We discuss the pros and cons of using various markers for ILC3 identification. Furthermore, we consider the possibilities for the efficient isolation and propagation of ILC3 from different organs and tissues for in-vitro and in-vivo studies. This paper calls upon uniformity in ILC3 definition, isolation, and propagation for the increased possibility of confluent interpretation of ILC3’s role in immunity.

Introduction. Most patients with liver hemangiomas are unrecognized, when symptoms occur it is usually due to the size of the hemangioma. Hemangioma of the liver are benign tumors which affects women more often. Surgical indications for liver resection remain unclear. Case outline. We present a patient with a giant hemangioma of the left liver lobe that was misdiagnosed in a primary care unit. The patient underwent resection of the left liver lobe and fully recovered after several days. Conclusion. Symptoms, size, and risk of rupture should be considered when decision for surgery is made. Linear stapler can be useful especially when left and middle hepatic vein have common trunk.

Project-based learning, involving an interdisciplinary approach, can be applied in the treatment of the content of various teaching subjects. It is also applicable at the university level. The aim of this research was to examine whether project-based learning could enhance students’ motivation to learn physics and their metacognitive awareness. Therefore, a pedagogical experiment with one group was applied. The sample consisted of 94 first-year students from the Faculty of Sciences and the Faculty of Technology at the University of Novi Sad. A pedagogical experiment was applied, and statistical analysis of the collected data was conducted. Project-based learning was implemented in addressing the topic of Diffusion and Osmosis, which involves the integration of content from biology, physics, and chemistry. Students created eighteen projects, and their products were video materials. The data collection technique was the use of a questionnaire. The research results showed that there was no significant difference in students’ motivation before and after the implementation of project-based learning. However, a statistically significant difference was found in students’ metacognition before and after the application of project-based learning. The results of this research suggest the need to encourage the implementation of project-based learning in university education with the aim of increasing students’ metacognitive awareness and further enhancing the implementation of project-based learning to positively impact students’ motivation for learning.

School culture as a determinant for the functioning and development of a school plays a crucial role in shaping the identity, values, and norms within the school context. The primary objective of this paper is to emphasize the significance of a positive school culture for the development of modern schools. Accordingly, the paper provides an overview and analysis of recent discussions regarding various aspects of school culture and the roles of key stakeholders, primarily teachers and school leaders, in shaping and developing it. The paper highlights the connection between school culture and reform processes directed towards current changes in the educational environment. In line with this, desirable strategies for promoting fundamental values in the school context are discussed and recommendations are given for creating educational institutions that support the learning, growth, and development of all participants in the educational process. The concluding section of the paper emphasizes that understanding and enhancing school culture has a profound and lasting impact on the entire educational process in schools. Therefore, the pedagogical implications of this paper can be of significance for both educational policy makers and practitioners working in schools.