In this editorial,we comment on the article by Zeng et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes in 2024.We focus on the epidemiological,pathophysiological,and clinical interplay between obesit...In this editorial,we comment on the article by Zeng et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes in 2024.We focus on the epidemiological,pathophysiological,and clinical interplay between obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM).Overweight and obesity represent a growing threat for modern societies and people with T1DM could not be an exception to this rule.Chronic exogenous insulin administration,genetic and epigenetic factors,and psy-chosocial and behavioral parameters,along with the modern way of life that incorporates unhealthy eating patterns and physical inactivity,set the stage for the increasing obesity rates in T1DM.As our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that lead to the development of obesity and hyperglycemia expands,it becomes clear that there are overlap zones in the pathophysiology of the two main types of diabetes.Stereotypes regarding strict dividing lines between“autoimmune”and“metabolic”phenotypes increase the risk of trapping physicians into ineffective therapeutic approaches,instead of individualized diabetes care.In this context,the use of adjuncts to insulin therapy that have the potential to alleviate cardiorenal risk and decrease body weight can reduce the burden of obesity in patients with T1DM.展开更多
Natural disasters and the adverse human activities are the key events in the history of mankind that form our history and shape our collective memory to this day.People on the planet Earth are not obsessed only with n...Natural disasters and the adverse human activities are the key events in the history of mankind that form our history and shape our collective memory to this day.People on the planet Earth are not obsessed only with natural hazards,caused by earthquakes,floods and volcanic eruptions,and troubles unlikely come solely from the action of nature.Disasters threatening the human race can be caused also by people themselves.Both types of disasters cause vast human suffering,at the same time destroying cultural heritage as well,that has the function of determining the identity of social communities.These sufferings should be added to those that can be determined only by in-depth analyses which are derived from the synergy of natural forces and mistaken choices made by the humans,when it comes to their habitat.The proposed strategic plan for protection of built heritage in emergency situations may become the powerful catalyst for the process of revitalization by which the social tissue of community is maintained and restored,creating the symbol of resistance by which it endures each and every natural element and evil men behaviour.展开更多
Forest structure and function strongly depend on and concurrently influence environmental conditions.Tree performance is generally governed by its genetics and environment;thus,recent hotspots in this field include tr...Forest structure and function strongly depend on and concurrently influence environmental conditions.Tree performance is generally governed by its genetics and environment;thus,recent hotspots in this field include tree genotype×environment,phenotype×environment,and functional trait×environment interactions.The editorial,review,and 22 original research articles in this Special Issue,"Tree ecophysiology in the context of climate change",highlight ecophysiological phenomena(e.g.,climate hormesis,seed germination,tree mortality),processes(e.g.,tree metabolism,photosynthate allocation,nutrient uptake and transport),indicators(e.g.,carbon sequestration,pollutants),measurements(e.g.,thermal time methods,soil quality indices,vegetation spectral index,and near-infrared leaf reflectance),and modeling(e.g.,climate correlations with tree growth,photo synthetic phenology,hydraulic strategies,OliveCan model)in the context of global climate change.Understanding forest-environment interactions from an ecophysiological perspective as climate changes provides insights into species fitness in suboptimal environments,species competition for limited resources,and phylogenetic divergence or convergence of species,and predicting species distributions.展开更多
The number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to increase,especially among younger populations.Apart from genetic predisposition and lifestyle,there is increasing scientific and public concern that environmen...The number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to increase,especially among younger populations.Apart from genetic predisposition and lifestyle,there is increasing scientific and public concern that environmental agents may also contribute to diabetes.Food contamination by chemical substances that originate from packaging materials,or are the result of chemical reactions during food processing,is generally recognized as a worldwide problem with potential health hazards.Phthalates,bisphenol A(BPA)and acrylamide(AA)have been the focus of attention in recent years,due to the numerous adverse health effects associated with their exposure.This paper summarizes the available data about the association between phthalates,BPA and AA exposure and diabetes.Although their mechanism of action has not been fully clarified,in vitro,in vivo and epidemiological studies have made significant progress toward identifying the potential roles of phthalates,BPA and AA in diabetes development and progression.These chemicals interfere with multiple signaling pathways involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis and can aggravate the symptoms of diabetes.Especially concerning are the effects of exposure during early stages and the gestational period.Well-designed prospective studies are needed in order to better establish prevention strategies against the harmful effects of these food contaminants.展开更多
The stability of monocultural,even-aged spruce forests at lower altitudes in Central Europe is seriously threatened by the prospects of global climate change.The thermostability and water use efficiency of their photo...The stability of monocultural,even-aged spruce forests at lower altitudes in Central Europe is seriously threatened by the prospects of global climate change.The thermostability and water use efficiency of their photo synthetic apparatus might play a vital role in their successful acclimation.In this study,photo systemⅡ(PSⅡ)performance(OJIP transient,rapid light curves)and thermostability were analyzed in Norway spruce(Picea abies(L.)Karst.)throughout the growing season of the exceptionally warm year 2018(May-September)in the Western Carpathians,Slovakia.These measurements were accompanied by analysis of pigment concentrations in the needles.In addition,gas-exchange temperature curves were produced weekly from June until September to obtain intrinsic water use efficiencies.At the beginning of the growing season,needles exposed to heat stress showed significantly higher basal fluorescence and lower quantum yield,performance index,critical temperature thresholds of PSII inactivation and nonphotochemical yield in comparison to other months.The overall thermostability(heat-resistance)of PSII peaked in July and August,reflected in the lowest basal fluorescence and the highest quantum yield of PSII,critical temperature thresholds and yield of non-photochemical quenching under heat stress.Additionally,the ratio between chlorophyll and carotenoids was the highest in August and had a positive impact on PSII thermostability.Moreover,the high-temperature intrinsic water use efficiency was significantly higher during July and August than in June.Results show that15-year-old trees of Picea abies at 840 m a.s.l.exhibited acclimative seasonal responses of PSII thermostability and intrinsic water use efficiency during an exceptionally warm year.Our results suggest that mountainous P.abies at lower altitudes can acclimate their photosynthetic apparatus to higher temperatures during summer.展开更多
The Ti−45Nb(wt.%)alloy properties were investigated in relation to its potential biomedical use.Laser surface modification was utilized to improve its performance in biological systems.As a result of the laser treatme...The Ti−45Nb(wt.%)alloy properties were investigated in relation to its potential biomedical use.Laser surface modification was utilized to improve its performance in biological systems.As a result of the laser treatment,(Ti,Nb)O scale was formed and various morphological features appeared on the alloy surface.The electrochemical behavior of Ti−45Nb alloy in simulated body conditions was evaluated and showed that the alloy was highly resistant to corrosion deterioration regardless of additional laser surface modification treatment.Nevertheless,the improved corrosion resistance after laser treatment was evident(the corrosion current density of the alloy before laser irradiation was 2.84×10^(−8)A/cm^(2),while that after laser treatment with 5 mJ was 0.65×10^(−8)A/cm^(2))and ascribed to the rapid formation of a complex and passivating bi-modal surface oxide layer.Alloy cytotoxicity and effects of the Ti−45Nb alloy laser surface modification on the MRC-5 cell viability,morphology,and proliferation were also investigated.The Ti−45Nb alloy showed no cytotoxic effect.Moreover,cells showed improved viability and adherence to the alloy surface after the laser irradiation treatment.The highest average cell viability of 115.37%was attained for the alloy laser-irradiated with 15 mJ.Results showed that the laser surface modification can be successfully utilized to significantly improve alloy performance in a biological environment.展开更多
Oncofertility is an extremely significant topic that is increasingly being discussed owing to increased evidence indicating that fertility preservation does not affect the treatment outcomes of patients with cancer but...Oncofertility is an extremely significant topic that is increasingly being discussed owing to increased evidence indicating that fertility preservation does not affect the treatment outcomes of patients with cancer but significantly contributes to preserving life quality.The effect of chemotherapy can range from minimal effects to complete ovarian atrophy.Limited data are available on the effects of monoclonal antibodies and targeted therapies on the ovaries and fertility.Temporary ovarian suppression by administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist(GnRHa)during chemotherapy decreases the gonadotoxic effect of chemotherapy,thereby diminishing the chance of developing premature ovarian insufficiency(POI).At present,the concomitant administration of GnRH analogs during chemotherapy is the only accepted pharmacological method for preserving ovarian function.Notably,most randomized studies on the effectiveness of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists during chemotherapy in preventing POI have been conducted in women with breast cancer,with a considerably small number of studies on patients with hematological malignancies.Furthermore,most randomized controlled trials on breast cancer have revealed a decrease in treatment-induced POI risk,regardless of the hormone receptor status.In addition,studies on hematological malignancies have yielded negative results;nevertheless,thefindings must be interpreted with caution owing to numerous limitations.Current guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend sperm,oocyte,and embryo cryopreservation as a standard practice and only offering GnRHa to patients when proven fertility preservation methods are not feasible.In this manuscript,we present a comprehensive literature overview on the application of ovarian suppression with GnRHa during chemotherapy in patients with cancer by addressing preclinical and clinical data,as well as future perspectives in thisfield that upcoming research should focus on.展开更多
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and it encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The mechanisms involved in the occurren...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and it encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of NAFLD and its progression are probably due to a metabolic profile expressed within the context of a genetic predisposition and is associated with a higher energy intake. The metabolic syndrome(MS) is a cluster of metabolic alterations associated with an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. NAFLD patients have more than one feature of the MS, and now they are considered the hepatic components of the MS. Several scientific advances in understanding the association between NAFLD and MS have identified insulin resistance(IR) as the key aspect in the pathophysiology of both diseases. In the multi parallel hits theory of NAFLD pathogenesis, IR was described to be central in the predisposition of hepatocytes to be susceptible to other multiple pathogenetic factors. The recent knowledge gained from these advances can be applied clinically in the prevention and management of NAFLD and its associated metabolic changes. The present review analyses the current literature and highlights the new evidence on the metabolic aspects in the adult patients with NAFLD.展开更多
The aim of this study was to evaluate the resolution of brain lesions in patients with Wilson’s disease during the long-term chelating therapy using magnetic resonance imaging and a possible signiifcance of the time ...The aim of this study was to evaluate the resolution of brain lesions in patients with Wilson’s disease during the long-term chelating therapy using magnetic resonance imaging and a possible signiifcance of the time latency between the initial symptoms of the disease and the introduction of this therapy. Initial magnetic resonance examination was performed in 37 patients with proven neurological form of Wilson’s disease with cerebellar, parkinsonian and dystonic presentation. Magnetic resonance reexamination was done 5.7 ± 1.3 years later in 14 patients. Patients were divided into: group A, where chelating therapy was initiated 〈 24 months from the ifrst symp-toms and group B, where the therapy started≥ 24 months after the initial symptoms. Symmetry of the lesions was seen in 100% of patients. There was a signiifcant difference between groups A and B regarding complete resolution of brain stem and putaminal lesions (P= 0.005 andP=0.024, respectively). If the correct diagnosis and adequate treatment are not established less than 24 months after onset of the symptoms, irreversible lesions in the brain parenchyma could be ex-pected. Signal abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging might therefore, at least in the early stages, represent reversible myelinolisis or cytotoxic edema associated with copper toxicity.展开更多
Processes to ensure world-wide best-practice for critical care delivery is likely to minimize preventable death, disability and costly complications for any healthcare system's sickest patients, but no large-scale...Processes to ensure world-wide best-practice for critical care delivery is likely to minimize preventable death, disability and costly complications for any healthcare system's sickest patients, but no large-scale efforts have so far been undertaken towards these goals. The advances in medical informatics and human factors engineering have provided possibility for novel and user-friendly clinical decision support tools that can be applied in a complex and busy hospital setting. To facilitate timely and accurate best-practice delivery in critically ill patients international group of intensive care unit(ICU) physicians and researchers developed a simple decision support tool: Checklist for Early Recognition and Treatment of Acute Illness(CERTAIN). The tool has been refined and tested in high fidelity simulated clinical environment and has been shown to improve performance of clinical providers faced with simulated emergencies. The aim of this international educational intervention is to implement CERTAIN into clinical practice in hospital settings with variable resources(included those in low income countries) and evaluate the impact of the tool on the care processes and patient outcomes. To accomplish our aims, CERTAIN will be uniformly available on either mobile or fixed computing devices(as well as a backup paper version) and applied in a standardized manner in the ICUs of diverse hospitals. To ensure the effectiveness of the proposed intervention, access to CERTAIN is coupled with structured training of bedside ICU providers.展开更多
A combined inorganic and organic geochemical study was carried out on marls and mudstones collected from the Lower Miocene Lopare Basin,Bosnia and Herzegovina.A total of 46 samples collected from two boreholes,Pot 1(d...A combined inorganic and organic geochemical study was carried out on marls and mudstones collected from the Lower Miocene Lopare Basin,Bosnia and Herzegovina.A total of 46 samples collected from two boreholes,Pot 1(depth of 193 m)and Pot 3(depth of 344 m),showed that element abundances like boron(B),lithium(Li),strontium(Sr),uranium(U),chromium(Cr),nickel(Ni),magnesium(Mg),sodium(Na)and calcium(Ca)are much higher than average than in the upper continental crust(UCC).Chemical composition indicates at least two sources:(i)Mesozoic ophiolites occurring in the north of the investigated area,and(ii)dacito-andesitic pyroclastics(Mesozoic to Cenozoic).Lopare Basin sedimentation was influenced by strong evaporation resulting in a partly hypersaline lake,which formed during a warm climatic period,probably during the Miocene Climatic Optimum.A brief episode of humid climate conditions resulted in the basin fillingup and deposition of felsic sediments enriched in thorium(Th).Organic geochemistry shows that the majority of studied sediments contains predominantly immature to marginally mature algal organic matter(OM).The biomarker patterns are generally in agreement with the geological history of the Lopare Basin and inorganic and mineralogical data.Conversely,the molecular distribution of n-alkanes as reliable climatic andδ-MTTC as paleosalinity indicators do not support this conclusion.展开更多
Hepatic steatosis is commonly seen in the patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection. HCV is closely associated with lipid metabolism,and viral steatosis is more common in genotype 3 infection owing to a d...Hepatic steatosis is commonly seen in the patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection. HCV is closely associated with lipid metabolism,and viral steatosis is more common in genotype 3 infection owing to a direct cytopathic effect of HCV core protein. In non-genotype3 infection,hepatic steatosis is considered largely to be the result of the alterations in host metabolism; metabolic steatosis is primarily linked with HCV genotype 1. A d i p o s e t i s s u e s e c r e t e s d i f f e r e n t h o r m o n e s involved in glucose and lipid metabolisms. It has been demonstrated that adipocytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,as the decreased plasma adiponectin levels,a soluble matrix protein expressed by adipoctyes and hepatocyte,are associated with liver steatosis. Various studies have shown that steatosis is strongly correlated negatively with adiponectin in the patients with HCV infection. The role of adiponectin in hepatitis C virus induced steatosis is still not completely understood,but the relationship between adiponectin low levels and liver steatosis is probably due to the ability of adiponectin to protect hepatocytes from triglyceride accumulation by increasing β-oxidation of free fatty acid and thus decreasing de novo free fatty acid production.展开更多
Ground cover management and farmyard manure (FYM) management have important roles in organic lettuce production. However, there is not enough information about their combined effects. In order to assess the effects ...Ground cover management and farmyard manure (FYM) management have important roles in organic lettuce production. However, there is not enough information about their combined effects. In order to assess the effects of individual and combined ground cover and FYM management on soil mineral N (NH4-N and NO3-N) dynamics, lettuce yield and economics in organic farming, a two-year field experiment was conducted on a certified organic farm in Kisa6 (Vojvodina, Serbia). The experiment had a two-factorial split-plot completely randomized block design. FYM was applied on the half of the experimental field as a whole-plot factor, while ground cover management included the following four treatments: (I) control, without ground cover management (0); (11) hoeing (H); (111) agrotextile cover; (IV) straw mulch (SM), which were applied on split plots. The applied SM and AT increased soil moisture by 12.83 and 3.73%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. FYM increased soil mineral N concentration, the lettuce fresh matter (FM) yield and nitrate concentration in lettuce. However, nitrate concentration in lettuce in all treatments was below the limit required by the European Commission (EC) (2001). The highest lettuce yield was obtained by AT (39 122 kg), followed by SM (33 925 kg), and it was higher with FYM application by 16.85%. Hoeing did not positively affect the yield, probably due to its negative effect on soil moisture. Additional profit was higher with FYM, showing the following decreasing order: AT〉H〉SM〉Ф. However, value/cost ratio (VCR) was in the order Ф〉H〉SM〉AT on FYM fertilized plots. FYM application led to higher lettuce yield and higher profit and VCR. In case a farm does not have FYM, SM is the best alternative due to its positive effect on the yield and low investment costs. Keywords: hoeing, agrotextile cover, straw mulch, farmyard manure, FYM, mulch展开更多
Renal cell cancer(RCC)represents 2%-3% of all adulthood cancers and is the most common malignant neoplasm of the kidney(90%).In the mid-nineties of the last century,the standard of treatment for patients with metastat...Renal cell cancer(RCC)represents 2%-3% of all adulthood cancers and is the most common malignant neoplasm of the kidney(90%).In the mid-nineties of the last century,the standard of treatment for patients with metastatic RCC was cytokines.Sunititib and pazopanib were registered in 2007 and 2009,respectively,and have since been the standard first-line treatment for metastatic clear cell RCC(mccRCC).Renal cell cancer is a highly immunogenic tumor with tumor infiltrating cells,including CD8+T lymphocytes,dendritic cells,natural killer cells(NK)and macrophages.This observation led to the design of new clinical trials in which patients were treated with immunotherapy.With the growing evidence that proangiogenic factors can have immunomodulatory effects on the host’s immune system,the idea of combining angiogenic drugs with immunotherapy has emerged,and new clinical trials have been designed.In the last few years,several therapeutic options have been approved[immunotherapy and immunotherapy/tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI)]for the first-line treatment of mccRCC.Nivolumab/ipilimumab is approved for the treatment of patients with intermediate and poor prognoses.Several checkpoint inhibitors(pembrolizumab,nivolumab,avelumab)in combination with TKI(axitinib,lenvatinib,cabozantinib)are approved for the treatment of patients regardless of their International mRCC Database Consortium prognostic group and PD-L1 expression.There is no specific and ideal biomarker that could help in selecting the ideal patient for the appropriate first-line treatment.展开更多
Based on domain specified language mechanism(DSLM),the architecture of the robotic training system for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy(CP)is designed.Application of human-computer interaction(HCI)mo...Based on domain specified language mechanism(DSLM),the architecture of the robotic training system for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy(CP)is designed.Application of human-computer interaction(HCI)motion recognition technology is combined with Kinect to improve the effect of cerebral palsy rehabilitation training.In this system,Kinect's bone recognition method is used to judge the patient's training movements,and the collected bone movement information is judged.The human-computer interaction function is based on the Microsoft foundation classes function of Visual Studio based on DSLM development,which can realize real-time interactive training and evaluation of people and actions,and record the training information of patients.The system combines the designed small game to train the upper limb movement ability and reaction ability of the cerebral palsy patient,and provides key technology for improving the cerebral palsy rehabilitation training system.展开更多
The field of environmental sciences is abundant with various interfaces and is the right place for the application of new fundamental approaches leading towards a better understanding of environmental phenomena. Follo...The field of environmental sciences is abundant with various interfaces and is the right place for the application of new fundamental approaches leading towards a better understanding of environmental phenomena. Following the definition of environmental interface by Mihailovic and Bala? [1], such interface can be, for example, placed between: human or animal bodies and surrounding air, aquatic species and water and air around them, and natural or artificially built surfaces (vegetation, ice, snow, barren soil, water, urban communities) and the atmosphere, cells and surrounding environment, etc. Complex environmental interface systems are (i) open and hierarchically organised (ii) interactions between their constituent parts are nonlinear, and (iii) their interaction with the surrounding environment is noisy. These systems are therefore very sensitive to initial conditions, deterministic external perturbations and random fluctuations always present in nature. The study of noisy non-equilibrium processes is fundamental for modelling the dynamics of environmental interface regarded as biophysical complex system and for understanding the mechanisms of spatio-temporal pattern formation in contemporary environmental sciences. In this paper we will investigate an aspect of dynamics of energy flow based on the energy balance equation. The energy exchange between interacting environmen- tal interfaces regarded as biophysical complex systems can be represented by coupled maps. Therefore, we will numerically investigate coupled maps representing that exchange. In ana- lysis of behaviour of these maps we applied Lyapunov exponent and cross sample entropy.展开更多
Objective:To examine the effect of Rumex crispus(R.crispus)and Rumex sanguineus(R.sanguineus)plant extracts against isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)from wounds,including multidrug-resistant strains.Met...Objective:To examine the effect of Rumex crispus(R.crispus)and Rumex sanguineus(R.sanguineus)plant extracts against isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)from wounds,including multidrug-resistant strains.Methods:Six prepared Rumex extracts were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Antimicrobial activity of extracts and pure compounds(catechin,quercetin,isoquercitrin,emodin,and gallic acid)was examined by a microtiter plate method,while for determination of compound binary combinations activity a checkerboard method was applied.Active fractions of extracts were detected by agar-overlay high-performance thinlayer chromatography-bioautography assay followed by liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry analysis.Results:A total of 28 compounds were detected in two extracts of R.crispus and 26 compounds in four different R.sanguineus extracts,with catechin as a dominant component.Anti-A.baumannii activity was confirmed for all six R.sanguineus and R.crispus extracts at the concentration range from 1 to 4 mg/mL.Neither examined single compounds nor their binary combinations exhibited an anti-A.baumannii activity(MIC>256μg/mL).The bioautography showed that fractions with the most prominent anti-A.baumannii activity tended to contain more polar compounds,predominantly flavonol(quercetin and kaempherol)glycosides;but also fractions containing flavanone(eriodictyol)glycosides and anthraquinone(emodin)glycosides;and less polar eriodictyol aglycone.Conclusions:The results justify and elucidate the traditional application of R.sanguineus and R.crispus extracts for wound healing,indicating the necessity for their further examination in combat against multidrug-resistant A.baumannii isolates from wounds.展开更多
We find an upper viscosity solution and give a proof of the existence-uniqueness in the space C^∞(t∈(0,∞);H2^s+2(R^n))∩C^0(t∈[0,∞);H^s(R^n)),s∈R,to the nonlinear time fractional equation of distribu...We find an upper viscosity solution and give a proof of the existence-uniqueness in the space C^∞(t∈(0,∞);H2^s+2(R^n))∩C^0(t∈[0,∞);H^s(R^n)),s∈R,to the nonlinear time fractional equation of distributed order with spatial Laplace operator subject to the Cauchy conditions ∫0^2p(β)D*^βu(x,t)dβ=△xu(x,t)+f(t,u(t,x)),t≥0,x∈R^n,u(0,x)=φ(x),ut(0,x)=ψ(x),(0.1) where △xis the spatial Laplace operator,D*^β is the operator of fractional differentiation in the Caputo sense and the force term F satisfies the Assumption 1 on the regularity and growth. For the weight function we take a positive-linear combination of delta distributions concentrated at points of interval (0, 2), i.e., p(β) =m∑k=1bkδ(β-βk),0〈βk〈2,bk〉0,k=1,2,…,m.The regularity of the solution is established in the framework of the space C^∞(t∈(0,∞);C^∞(R^n))∩C^0(t∈[0,∞);C^∞(R^n))when the initial data belong to the Sobolev space H2^8(R^n),s∈R.展开更多
In this work, five mixtures with different concentrations of banana-shaped and calamitic compounds have been prepared and subsequently studied by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X...In this work, five mixtures with different concentrations of banana-shaped and calamitic compounds have been prepared and subsequently studied by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction on non-oriented samples. The phase sequences and molecular parameters of the binary systems are presented.展开更多
文摘In this editorial,we comment on the article by Zeng et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes in 2024.We focus on the epidemiological,pathophysiological,and clinical interplay between obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM).Overweight and obesity represent a growing threat for modern societies and people with T1DM could not be an exception to this rule.Chronic exogenous insulin administration,genetic and epigenetic factors,and psy-chosocial and behavioral parameters,along with the modern way of life that incorporates unhealthy eating patterns and physical inactivity,set the stage for the increasing obesity rates in T1DM.As our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that lead to the development of obesity and hyperglycemia expands,it becomes clear that there are overlap zones in the pathophysiology of the two main types of diabetes.Stereotypes regarding strict dividing lines between“autoimmune”and“metabolic”phenotypes increase the risk of trapping physicians into ineffective therapeutic approaches,instead of individualized diabetes care.In this context,the use of adjuncts to insulin therapy that have the potential to alleviate cardiorenal risk and decrease body weight can reduce the burden of obesity in patients with T1DM.
文摘Natural disasters and the adverse human activities are the key events in the history of mankind that form our history and shape our collective memory to this day.People on the planet Earth are not obsessed only with natural hazards,caused by earthquakes,floods and volcanic eruptions,and troubles unlikely come solely from the action of nature.Disasters threatening the human race can be caused also by people themselves.Both types of disasters cause vast human suffering,at the same time destroying cultural heritage as well,that has the function of determining the identity of social communities.These sufferings should be added to those that can be determined only by in-depth analyses which are derived from the synergy of natural forces and mistaken choices made by the humans,when it comes to their habitat.The proposed strategic plan for protection of built heritage in emergency situations may become the powerful catalyst for the process of revitalization by which the social tissue of community is maintained and restored,creating the symbol of resistance by which it endures each and every natural element and evil men behaviour.
基金the Excellence Action Plan for China STM Journals(EAPCSTMJ-C-077)International Infl uence Promotion Project of China STM Journals(Journal of Forestry ResearchPIIJ2-B-18).
文摘Forest structure and function strongly depend on and concurrently influence environmental conditions.Tree performance is generally governed by its genetics and environment;thus,recent hotspots in this field include tree genotype×environment,phenotype×environment,and functional trait×environment interactions.The editorial,review,and 22 original research articles in this Special Issue,"Tree ecophysiology in the context of climate change",highlight ecophysiological phenomena(e.g.,climate hormesis,seed germination,tree mortality),processes(e.g.,tree metabolism,photosynthate allocation,nutrient uptake and transport),indicators(e.g.,carbon sequestration,pollutants),measurements(e.g.,thermal time methods,soil quality indices,vegetation spectral index,and near-infrared leaf reflectance),and modeling(e.g.,climate correlations with tree growth,photo synthetic phenology,hydraulic strategies,OliveCan model)in the context of global climate change.Understanding forest-environment interactions from an ecophysiological perspective as climate changes provides insights into species fitness in suboptimal environments,species competition for limited resources,and phylogenetic divergence or convergence of species,and predicting species distributions.
基金Supported by the Ministry of Education,Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia,451-03-68/2022-14/200125Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research,AP Vojvodina,Republic of Serbia,142-451-3120/2022-01.
文摘The number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to increase,especially among younger populations.Apart from genetic predisposition and lifestyle,there is increasing scientific and public concern that environmental agents may also contribute to diabetes.Food contamination by chemical substances that originate from packaging materials,or are the result of chemical reactions during food processing,is generally recognized as a worldwide problem with potential health hazards.Phthalates,bisphenol A(BPA)and acrylamide(AA)have been the focus of attention in recent years,due to the numerous adverse health effects associated with their exposure.This paper summarizes the available data about the association between phthalates,BPA and AA exposure and diabetes.Although their mechanism of action has not been fully clarified,in vitro,in vivo and epidemiological studies have made significant progress toward identifying the potential roles of phthalates,BPA and AA in diabetes development and progression.These chemicals interfere with multiple signaling pathways involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis and can aggravate the symptoms of diabetes.Especially concerning are the effects of exposure during early stages and the gestational period.Well-designed prospective studies are needed in order to better establish prevention strategies against the harmful effects of these food contaminants.
基金the Ministry of Education,Youth and Sports of CR within the CzeCOS program(grant number LM2018123)the Slovak Grant Agency for Science(no.VEGA 1/0535/20)+1 种基金Slovak Research and Development Agency(APVV-17-0644)project FORRES,ITMS:313011T678(20%)supported by the Operational Programme Integrated Infrastructure(OPII)funded by the ERDF。
文摘The stability of monocultural,even-aged spruce forests at lower altitudes in Central Europe is seriously threatened by the prospects of global climate change.The thermostability and water use efficiency of their photo synthetic apparatus might play a vital role in their successful acclimation.In this study,photo systemⅡ(PSⅡ)performance(OJIP transient,rapid light curves)and thermostability were analyzed in Norway spruce(Picea abies(L.)Karst.)throughout the growing season of the exceptionally warm year 2018(May-September)in the Western Carpathians,Slovakia.These measurements were accompanied by analysis of pigment concentrations in the needles.In addition,gas-exchange temperature curves were produced weekly from June until September to obtain intrinsic water use efficiencies.At the beginning of the growing season,needles exposed to heat stress showed significantly higher basal fluorescence and lower quantum yield,performance index,critical temperature thresholds of PSII inactivation and nonphotochemical yield in comparison to other months.The overall thermostability(heat-resistance)of PSII peaked in July and August,reflected in the lowest basal fluorescence and the highest quantum yield of PSII,critical temperature thresholds and yield of non-photochemical quenching under heat stress.Additionally,the ratio between chlorophyll and carotenoids was the highest in August and had a positive impact on PSII thermostability.Moreover,the high-temperature intrinsic water use efficiency was significantly higher during July and August than in June.Results show that15-year-old trees of Picea abies at 840 m a.s.l.exhibited acclimative seasonal responses of PSII thermostability and intrinsic water use efficiency during an exceptionally warm year.Our results suggest that mountainous P.abies at lower altitudes can acclimate their photosynthetic apparatus to higher temperatures during summer.
基金the Ministry of Science,Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia(No.451-03-47/2023-01/200017)the PhD fellowship of Slađana LAKETIĆ.Authors would also like to acknowledge the help of Dr.Anton HOHENWARTER from the Department of Materials Science,Montanuniversitat Leoben,Austria,during the Ti−45Nb alloy microstructural analysis.
文摘The Ti−45Nb(wt.%)alloy properties were investigated in relation to its potential biomedical use.Laser surface modification was utilized to improve its performance in biological systems.As a result of the laser treatment,(Ti,Nb)O scale was formed and various morphological features appeared on the alloy surface.The electrochemical behavior of Ti−45Nb alloy in simulated body conditions was evaluated and showed that the alloy was highly resistant to corrosion deterioration regardless of additional laser surface modification treatment.Nevertheless,the improved corrosion resistance after laser treatment was evident(the corrosion current density of the alloy before laser irradiation was 2.84×10^(−8)A/cm^(2),while that after laser treatment with 5 mJ was 0.65×10^(−8)A/cm^(2))and ascribed to the rapid formation of a complex and passivating bi-modal surface oxide layer.Alloy cytotoxicity and effects of the Ti−45Nb alloy laser surface modification on the MRC-5 cell viability,morphology,and proliferation were also investigated.The Ti−45Nb alloy showed no cytotoxic effect.Moreover,cells showed improved viability and adherence to the alloy surface after the laser irradiation treatment.The highest average cell viability of 115.37%was attained for the alloy laser-irradiated with 15 mJ.Results showed that the laser surface modification can be successfully utilized to significantly improve alloy performance in a biological environment.
基金This work was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia(IDEAS),Project Number:7750154(NPATPETTMPCB).Project Title:New Prognostic and Theranostic Potential of Enzymes Involved in CoTranscriptional Cleavage and Co-Translational Modification in Prostate,Colorectal,and Breast Cancer Tissue.
文摘Oncofertility is an extremely significant topic that is increasingly being discussed owing to increased evidence indicating that fertility preservation does not affect the treatment outcomes of patients with cancer but significantly contributes to preserving life quality.The effect of chemotherapy can range from minimal effects to complete ovarian atrophy.Limited data are available on the effects of monoclonal antibodies and targeted therapies on the ovaries and fertility.Temporary ovarian suppression by administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist(GnRHa)during chemotherapy decreases the gonadotoxic effect of chemotherapy,thereby diminishing the chance of developing premature ovarian insufficiency(POI).At present,the concomitant administration of GnRH analogs during chemotherapy is the only accepted pharmacological method for preserving ovarian function.Notably,most randomized studies on the effectiveness of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists during chemotherapy in preventing POI have been conducted in women with breast cancer,with a considerably small number of studies on patients with hematological malignancies.Furthermore,most randomized controlled trials on breast cancer have revealed a decrease in treatment-induced POI risk,regardless of the hormone receptor status.In addition,studies on hematological malignancies have yielded negative results;nevertheless,thefindings must be interpreted with caution owing to numerous limitations.Current guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend sperm,oocyte,and embryo cryopreservation as a standard practice and only offering GnRHa to patients when proven fertility preservation methods are not feasible.In this manuscript,we present a comprehensive literature overview on the application of ovarian suppression with GnRHa during chemotherapy in patients with cancer by addressing preclinical and clinical data,as well as future perspectives in thisfield that upcoming research should focus on.
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and it encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of NAFLD and its progression are probably due to a metabolic profile expressed within the context of a genetic predisposition and is associated with a higher energy intake. The metabolic syndrome(MS) is a cluster of metabolic alterations associated with an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. NAFLD patients have more than one feature of the MS, and now they are considered the hepatic components of the MS. Several scientific advances in understanding the association between NAFLD and MS have identified insulin resistance(IR) as the key aspect in the pathophysiology of both diseases. In the multi parallel hits theory of NAFLD pathogenesis, IR was described to be central in the predisposition of hepatocytes to be susceptible to other multiple pathogenetic factors. The recent knowledge gained from these advances can be applied clinically in the prevention and management of NAFLD and its associated metabolic changes. The present review analyses the current literature and highlights the new evidence on the metabolic aspects in the adult patients with NAFLD.
基金supported by a grant from the Ministry of Science and Technological Development of Serbia,Scientific Project Number 175090
文摘The aim of this study was to evaluate the resolution of brain lesions in patients with Wilson’s disease during the long-term chelating therapy using magnetic resonance imaging and a possible signiifcance of the time latency between the initial symptoms of the disease and the introduction of this therapy. Initial magnetic resonance examination was performed in 37 patients with proven neurological form of Wilson’s disease with cerebellar, parkinsonian and dystonic presentation. Magnetic resonance reexamination was done 5.7 ± 1.3 years later in 14 patients. Patients were divided into: group A, where chelating therapy was initiated 〈 24 months from the ifrst symp-toms and group B, where the therapy started≥ 24 months after the initial symptoms. Symmetry of the lesions was seen in 100% of patients. There was a signiifcant difference between groups A and B regarding complete resolution of brain stem and putaminal lesions (P= 0.005 andP=0.024, respectively). If the correct diagnosis and adequate treatment are not established less than 24 months after onset of the symptoms, irreversible lesions in the brain parenchyma could be ex-pected. Signal abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging might therefore, at least in the early stages, represent reversible myelinolisis or cytotoxic edema associated with copper toxicity.
文摘Processes to ensure world-wide best-practice for critical care delivery is likely to minimize preventable death, disability and costly complications for any healthcare system's sickest patients, but no large-scale efforts have so far been undertaken towards these goals. The advances in medical informatics and human factors engineering have provided possibility for novel and user-friendly clinical decision support tools that can be applied in a complex and busy hospital setting. To facilitate timely and accurate best-practice delivery in critically ill patients international group of intensive care unit(ICU) physicians and researchers developed a simple decision support tool: Checklist for Early Recognition and Treatment of Acute Illness(CERTAIN). The tool has been refined and tested in high fidelity simulated clinical environment and has been shown to improve performance of clinical providers faced with simulated emergencies. The aim of this international educational intervention is to implement CERTAIN into clinical practice in hospital settings with variable resources(included those in low income countries) and evaluate the impact of the tool on the care processes and patient outcomes. To accomplish our aims, CERTAIN will be uniformly available on either mobile or fixed computing devices(as well as a backup paper version) and applied in a standardized manner in the ICUs of diverse hospitals. To ensure the effectiveness of the proposed intervention, access to CERTAIN is coupled with structured training of bedside ICU providers.
基金partly financed by the Ministry of Education,Science and Technological Development,Republic of Serbia(Grant No.451-03-68/2020-14/200026 and Project 176006)。
文摘A combined inorganic and organic geochemical study was carried out on marls and mudstones collected from the Lower Miocene Lopare Basin,Bosnia and Herzegovina.A total of 46 samples collected from two boreholes,Pot 1(depth of 193 m)and Pot 3(depth of 344 m),showed that element abundances like boron(B),lithium(Li),strontium(Sr),uranium(U),chromium(Cr),nickel(Ni),magnesium(Mg),sodium(Na)and calcium(Ca)are much higher than average than in the upper continental crust(UCC).Chemical composition indicates at least two sources:(i)Mesozoic ophiolites occurring in the north of the investigated area,and(ii)dacito-andesitic pyroclastics(Mesozoic to Cenozoic).Lopare Basin sedimentation was influenced by strong evaporation resulting in a partly hypersaline lake,which formed during a warm climatic period,probably during the Miocene Climatic Optimum.A brief episode of humid climate conditions resulted in the basin fillingup and deposition of felsic sediments enriched in thorium(Th).Organic geochemistry shows that the majority of studied sediments contains predominantly immature to marginally mature algal organic matter(OM).The biomarker patterns are generally in agreement with the geological history of the Lopare Basin and inorganic and mineralogical data.Conversely,the molecular distribution of n-alkanes as reliable climatic andδ-MTTC as paleosalinity indicators do not support this conclusion.
文摘Hepatic steatosis is commonly seen in the patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection. HCV is closely associated with lipid metabolism,and viral steatosis is more common in genotype 3 infection owing to a direct cytopathic effect of HCV core protein. In non-genotype3 infection,hepatic steatosis is considered largely to be the result of the alterations in host metabolism; metabolic steatosis is primarily linked with HCV genotype 1. A d i p o s e t i s s u e s e c r e t e s d i f f e r e n t h o r m o n e s involved in glucose and lipid metabolisms. It has been demonstrated that adipocytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,as the decreased plasma adiponectin levels,a soluble matrix protein expressed by adipoctyes and hepatocyte,are associated with liver steatosis. Various studies have shown that steatosis is strongly correlated negatively with adiponectin in the patients with HCV infection. The role of adiponectin in hepatitis C virus induced steatosis is still not completely understood,but the relationship between adiponectin low levels and liver steatosis is probably due to the ability of adiponectin to protect hepatocytes from triglyceride accumulation by increasing β-oxidation of free fatty acid and thus decreasing de novo free fatty acid production.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education,Science and Technological Development,Republic of Serbia(TR 31027)
文摘Ground cover management and farmyard manure (FYM) management have important roles in organic lettuce production. However, there is not enough information about their combined effects. In order to assess the effects of individual and combined ground cover and FYM management on soil mineral N (NH4-N and NO3-N) dynamics, lettuce yield and economics in organic farming, a two-year field experiment was conducted on a certified organic farm in Kisa6 (Vojvodina, Serbia). The experiment had a two-factorial split-plot completely randomized block design. FYM was applied on the half of the experimental field as a whole-plot factor, while ground cover management included the following four treatments: (I) control, without ground cover management (0); (11) hoeing (H); (111) agrotextile cover; (IV) straw mulch (SM), which were applied on split plots. The applied SM and AT increased soil moisture by 12.83 and 3.73%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. FYM increased soil mineral N concentration, the lettuce fresh matter (FM) yield and nitrate concentration in lettuce. However, nitrate concentration in lettuce in all treatments was below the limit required by the European Commission (EC) (2001). The highest lettuce yield was obtained by AT (39 122 kg), followed by SM (33 925 kg), and it was higher with FYM application by 16.85%. Hoeing did not positively affect the yield, probably due to its negative effect on soil moisture. Additional profit was higher with FYM, showing the following decreasing order: AT〉H〉SM〉Ф. However, value/cost ratio (VCR) was in the order Ф〉H〉SM〉AT on FYM fertilized plots. FYM application led to higher lettuce yield and higher profit and VCR. In case a farm does not have FYM, SM is the best alternative due to its positive effect on the yield and low investment costs. Keywords: hoeing, agrotextile cover, straw mulch, farmyard manure, FYM, mulch
文摘Renal cell cancer(RCC)represents 2%-3% of all adulthood cancers and is the most common malignant neoplasm of the kidney(90%).In the mid-nineties of the last century,the standard of treatment for patients with metastatic RCC was cytokines.Sunititib and pazopanib were registered in 2007 and 2009,respectively,and have since been the standard first-line treatment for metastatic clear cell RCC(mccRCC).Renal cell cancer is a highly immunogenic tumor with tumor infiltrating cells,including CD8+T lymphocytes,dendritic cells,natural killer cells(NK)and macrophages.This observation led to the design of new clinical trials in which patients were treated with immunotherapy.With the growing evidence that proangiogenic factors can have immunomodulatory effects on the host’s immune system,the idea of combining angiogenic drugs with immunotherapy has emerged,and new clinical trials have been designed.In the last few years,several therapeutic options have been approved[immunotherapy and immunotherapy/tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKI)]for the first-line treatment of mccRCC.Nivolumab/ipilimumab is approved for the treatment of patients with intermediate and poor prognoses.Several checkpoint inhibitors(pembrolizumab,nivolumab,avelumab)in combination with TKI(axitinib,lenvatinib,cabozantinib)are approved for the treatment of patients regardless of their International mRCC Database Consortium prognostic group and PD-L1 expression.There is no specific and ideal biomarker that could help in selecting the ideal patient for the appropriate first-line treatment.
基金Supported by the China-Slovenia Intergovernmental Science and Technology Cooperation and Exchange Project(2017-21-12-16)China-Serbia Intergovernmental Science and Technology Cooperation and Exchange Project(266-3-1).
文摘Based on domain specified language mechanism(DSLM),the architecture of the robotic training system for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy(CP)is designed.Application of human-computer interaction(HCI)motion recognition technology is combined with Kinect to improve the effect of cerebral palsy rehabilitation training.In this system,Kinect's bone recognition method is used to judge the patient's training movements,and the collected bone movement information is judged.The human-computer interaction function is based on the Microsoft foundation classes function of Visual Studio based on DSLM development,which can realize real-time interactive training and evaluation of people and actions,and record the training information of patients.The system combines the designed small game to train the upper limb movement ability and reaction ability of the cerebral palsy patient,and provides key technology for improving the cerebral palsy rehabilitation training system.
基金funded by the Serbian Ministry of Science and Technology under the project No.III 43007“Research of climate changes and their impact on environment.Monitoring of the impact,adaptation and moderation”for 2011-2014.
文摘The field of environmental sciences is abundant with various interfaces and is the right place for the application of new fundamental approaches leading towards a better understanding of environmental phenomena. Following the definition of environmental interface by Mihailovic and Bala? [1], such interface can be, for example, placed between: human or animal bodies and surrounding air, aquatic species and water and air around them, and natural or artificially built surfaces (vegetation, ice, snow, barren soil, water, urban communities) and the atmosphere, cells and surrounding environment, etc. Complex environmental interface systems are (i) open and hierarchically organised (ii) interactions between their constituent parts are nonlinear, and (iii) their interaction with the surrounding environment is noisy. These systems are therefore very sensitive to initial conditions, deterministic external perturbations and random fluctuations always present in nature. The study of noisy non-equilibrium processes is fundamental for modelling the dynamics of environmental interface regarded as biophysical complex system and for understanding the mechanisms of spatio-temporal pattern formation in contemporary environmental sciences. In this paper we will investigate an aspect of dynamics of energy flow based on the energy balance equation. The energy exchange between interacting environmen- tal interfaces regarded as biophysical complex systems can be represented by coupled maps. Therefore, we will numerically investigate coupled maps representing that exchange. In ana- lysis of behaviour of these maps we applied Lyapunov exponent and cross sample entropy.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education,Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia,grant OI 172058.
文摘Objective:To examine the effect of Rumex crispus(R.crispus)and Rumex sanguineus(R.sanguineus)plant extracts against isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)from wounds,including multidrug-resistant strains.Methods:Six prepared Rumex extracts were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Antimicrobial activity of extracts and pure compounds(catechin,quercetin,isoquercitrin,emodin,and gallic acid)was examined by a microtiter plate method,while for determination of compound binary combinations activity a checkerboard method was applied.Active fractions of extracts were detected by agar-overlay high-performance thinlayer chromatography-bioautography assay followed by liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry analysis.Results:A total of 28 compounds were detected in two extracts of R.crispus and 26 compounds in four different R.sanguineus extracts,with catechin as a dominant component.Anti-A.baumannii activity was confirmed for all six R.sanguineus and R.crispus extracts at the concentration range from 1 to 4 mg/mL.Neither examined single compounds nor their binary combinations exhibited an anti-A.baumannii activity(MIC>256μg/mL).The bioautography showed that fractions with the most prominent anti-A.baumannii activity tended to contain more polar compounds,predominantly flavonol(quercetin and kaempherol)glycosides;but also fractions containing flavanone(eriodictyol)glycosides and anthraquinone(emodin)glycosides;and less polar eriodictyol aglycone.Conclusions:The results justify and elucidate the traditional application of R.sanguineus and R.crispus extracts for wound healing,indicating the necessity for their further examination in combat against multidrug-resistant A.baumannii isolates from wounds.
基金Partially supported by projects:MNTR:174024APV:114-451-3605/2013
文摘We find an upper viscosity solution and give a proof of the existence-uniqueness in the space C^∞(t∈(0,∞);H2^s+2(R^n))∩C^0(t∈[0,∞);H^s(R^n)),s∈R,to the nonlinear time fractional equation of distributed order with spatial Laplace operator subject to the Cauchy conditions ∫0^2p(β)D*^βu(x,t)dβ=△xu(x,t)+f(t,u(t,x)),t≥0,x∈R^n,u(0,x)=φ(x),ut(0,x)=ψ(x),(0.1) where △xis the spatial Laplace operator,D*^β is the operator of fractional differentiation in the Caputo sense and the force term F satisfies the Assumption 1 on the regularity and growth. For the weight function we take a positive-linear combination of delta distributions concentrated at points of interval (0, 2), i.e., p(β) =m∑k=1bkδ(β-βk),0〈βk〈2,bk〉0,k=1,2,…,m.The regularity of the solution is established in the framework of the space C^∞(t∈(0,∞);C^∞(R^n))∩C^0(t∈[0,∞);C^∞(R^n))when the initial data belong to the Sobolev space H2^8(R^n),s∈R.
基金supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Serbia(Grant No.OI171015)the Hungarian Research Fund OTKA K81250the SASA-HAS Bilateral Scientific Exchange Project#9
文摘In this work, five mixtures with different concentrations of banana-shaped and calamitic compounds have been prepared and subsequently studied by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction on non-oriented samples. The phase sequences and molecular parameters of the binary systems are presented.