Spatial patterns of serbian migrants in Vienna and in the settlements of their origin in Eastern Serbia

At this moment, the question of immigration became a pan-European issue and it overlaps with other emotional matters such as ethnicity and identity. As a consequence of an increasing globalization, international migrants are targeting primarily larger cities as they provide more opportunities and support networks which are so crucial to newcomers. In the same time, such an immense emigration is significantly influencing development of communities and their places of origin. Vienna has a long tradition of multicultural population, where immigrants from Serbia the largest minority group in the city. Researching Serbian immigrants in Vienna can be used as a reference point in establishing specific characteristics of the group and determine the scope of the idea of „Balkanization” as an urban pattern. The proximity and accessibility of Vienna to homeland is also an important factor for vivid reciprocal influences. Majority of Viennese Serbs is spending holyday time in settlements of their origin. They are also bringing new-acquired habits in this environment, transforming old spatial patterns. This process is especially observable in the case of Eastern Serbia, as a part of country with the highest level of emigration. Thus, specific spatial patterns are recognizable in both cases - as well in Vienna as in Eastern Serbia. The aim of this paper is to present these “mixed” patterns. Finally, the contribution of the paper is to open academic and scientific debate about spatial patterns of migrants’ life in these complex spaces that they can be used as a role-model for further research of spatial patterns of “migrant culture”

Cholesterol Metabolic Profiling of HDL in Women with Late-Onset Preeclampsia

A specific feature of dyslipidemia in pregnancy is increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration, which is probably associated with maternal endothelium protection. However, preeclampsia is most often associated with low HDL cholesterol, and the mechanisms behind this change are scarcely explored. We aimed to investigate changes in HDL metabolism in risky pregnancies and those complicated by late-onset preeclampsia. We analyze cholesterol synthesis (cholesterol precursors: desmosterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol, and lathosterol) and absorption markers (phytosterols: campesterol and β-sitosterol) within HDL particles (NCSHDL), the activities of principal modulators of HDL cholesterol’s content, and major HDL functional proteins levels in mid and late pregnancy. On the basis of the pregnancy outcome, participants were classified into the risk group (RG) (70 women) and the preeclampsia group (PG) (20 women). HDL cholesterol was lower in PG in the second trimester compared to RG (p < 0.05) and followed by lower levels of cholesterol absorption markers (p < 0.001 for campesterolHDL and p < 0.05 for β-sitosterolHDL). Lowering of HDL cholesterol between trimesters in RG (p < 0.05) was accompanied by a decrease in HDL phytosterol content (p < 0.001), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) concentration (p < 0.05), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) (p < 0.001), lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) (p < 0.05), and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) activities (p < 0.05). These longitudinal changes were absent in PG. Development of late-onset preeclampsia is preceded by the appearance of lower HDL cholesterol and NCSHDL in the second trimester. We propose that reduced capacity for intestinal HDL synthesis, decreased LCAT activity, and impaired capacity for HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux could be the contributing mechanisms resulting in lower HDL cholesterol

Uticaj različitih uslova čuvanja uzoraka i kontaminacije uzoraka bakterijama na koncentracije rutinskih biohemijskih parametara

Background: The pre-analytical (PA) phase is the most vulnerable phase of laboratory testing procedure, with critical procedures-collection, handling, sample transport, and time and temperature of sample storage. The aim of this study was to examine if different anticoagulants, storage conditions, and freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) influence the concentrations of basic biochemical parameters. In parallel, the presence and the effect of sample microbiological contamination during routine laboratory work were examined. Methods: Two plasma pools (EDTA, and sodium-fluoride/potassium oxalate plasma (NaF)) were stored at +4C˚/-20˚C. Total cholesterol (TC), glucose, triglycerides (TG), urea, total protein (TP), and albumin concentrations were measured using Ilab 300+. Sample microbiological contamination was determined by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The experiment encompassed a 5 day-period: Day 1–fresh sample, Day 2–1st FTC, Day 3–2nd FTC, Day 4–3rd FTC, Day 5–4th FTC. The appearance of bacteria in two consecutive samples was the experiment's endpoint. Results: During 4 FTCs there were no changes in plasma urea concentrations. Glucose was stable in EDTA+4˚C and NaF- 20˚C until the 3rd FTC (P=0.008, P=0.042, respectively). Changes in protein concentrations followed the zig-zag pattern. TG concentrations changed significantly in the EDTA-20˚C sample after 1st and 4th FTCs (P=0.022, P=0.010, respectively). In NaF samples no contamination was observed during 4 FTCs. Conclusions: Urea and glucose concentrations were robust. Changes in lipid and protein concentrations after FTCs follow complex patterns. Bacterial growth was not observed in NaF plasma samples. This can promote NaF use in analytical procedures in which microbiological contamination affects the quality of analysis.Uvod: Preanaliti~ka (PA) faza je slo`en proces koji ~ine: prikupljanje, rukovanje, transport i skladi{tenje uzoraka, i predstavlja najzna~ajniji izvor laboratorijskih gre{aka. Cilj ovog istra`ivanja je bio da se ispita stabilnost osnovnih biohemijskih parametara u zavisnosti od uslova skladi{tenja uzoraka i broja ciklusa zamrzavanja-odmrzavanja (FTC). Pored toga, ispitivano je prisustvo bakterijske kontaminacije uzoraka tokom rutinskog laboratorijskog rada. Metode: Dva »pool«-a plazme (etilendiaminotetrasir}etna kiselina (EDTA) i natrijum-fluorid/kalijum oksalat (NaF)) su skladi{tena na +4 ˚C/-20 ˚C. Koncentracije ukupnog holesterola (TC), glukoze, triglicerida (TG), uree i albumina su odre|ene kori{}enjem BioSystems reagenasa (holesterol oksidaza/peroksidaza, glukoza oksidaza/peroksidaza, glice rol fosfat oksidaza/peroksidaza, ureaza/salicilat, od- nosno bromkrezol zeleno metodama, sukcesivno) na Ilab 300+ analizatoru. Bakterijska kontaminacija uzoraka je potvr|ena 16S rRNA sekvencioniranjem. Eksperiment je sproveden tokom 5 uzastopnih dana: 1. dan – sve` uzorak, 2. dan – 1. FTC, 3. dan –2. FTC, 4. dan – 3. FTC, 5. dan – 4. FTC. Zavr{nu ta~ku eksperimenta predstavljala je pojava bakterija u dva uzastopna uzorka. Rezultati: Tokom 4 FTC koncentracije uree u plazmi se nisu zna~ajno razlikovale. Koncentracija glukoze je bila stabilna u EDTA +4 ˚C i NaF -20 ˚C do 3.FTC (P=0,008, P=0,042, redom). Koncentracije TG su se zna~ajno pro- menile u uzorku EDTA -20 ˚C nakon 1. i 4. FTC-a (P=0,022, P=0,010, redom). U uzorcima NaF plazme nije do{lo do bakterijske kontaminacije tokom 4. FTC. Zaklju~ak: Koncentracije uree i glukoze su bile stabilne tokom trajanja eksperimenta. Promene u koncentracijama lipida nakon FTC prate slo`ene obrasce. Rast bakterija nije prime}en u uzorcima NaF plazme, te upotreba ovog anti- koagulansa mo`e biti opravdana u analiti~kim proce - durama podlo`nim uticaju mikrobiolo{ke kontaminacije

Non-coding RNAs in preeclampsia—molecular mechanisms and diagnostic potential

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Defects in trophoblast invasion, differentiation of extravillous trophoblasts and spiral artery remodeling are key factors in PE development. Currently there are no predictive biomarkers clinically available for PE. Recent technological advancements empowered transcriptome exploration and led to the discovery of numerous non-coding RNA species of which microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the most investigated. They are implicated in the regulation of numerous cellular functions, and as such are being extensively explored as potential biomarkers for various diseases. Altered expression of numerous lncRNAs and miRNAs in placenta has been related to pathophysiological processes that occur in preeclampsia. In the following text we offer summary of the latest knowledge of the molecular mechanism by which lnRNAs and miRNAs (focusing on the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC)) contribute to pathophysiology of PE development and their potential utility as biomarkers of PE, with special focus on sample selection and techniques for the quantification of lncRNAs and miRNAs in maternal circulation

Biohemijski i hematološki parametri u prvom trimestru trudnoće

The 1st trimester of pregnancy is accompanied with changes in different biochemical and hematological parameters. Analyses scheduled to be performed in the 1st trimester are complete blood count, blood group, Rh factor and the double test. Many experts also suggest the determination of lipid status parameters as a routine analysis in the early pregnancy. Reliable data about maternal and fetal health can be obtained by the assessment of the above-mentioned parameters. They may be helpful in assessing the risk for pregnancy complication development and/or perinatal adverse outcomes.Prvi trimestar trudnoće praćen je promenama različitih biohemijskih i hematoloških parametara. Analize koje se rade u 1. trimestru su kompletna krvna slika, krvna grupa, Rh faktor i tzv. „double“ test. Mnogi stručnjaci predlažu određivanje parametara lipidnog statusa kao rutinsku analizu u ranoj trudnoći. Procenom gore navedenih parametara mogu se dobiti pouzdani podaci o zdravlju majke i fetusa, a mogu da posluže i za procenu rizika za razvoj komplikacija u trudnoći i/ili perinatalnih neželjenih ishoda

Biochemical and hematological parameters in the 1st trimester of pregnancy

The 1st trimester of pregnancy is accompanied with changes in different biochemical and hematological parameters. Analyses scheduled to be performed in the 1st trimester are complete blood count, blood group, Rh factor and the double test. Many experts also suggest the determination of lipid status parameters as a routine analysis in the early pregnancy. Reliable data about maternal and fetal health can be obtained by the assessment of the above-mentioned parameters. They may be helpful in assessing the risk for pregnancy complication development and/or perinatal adverse outcomes

Effects of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Cholesterol Metabolism in Women with High-Risk Pregnancies: Possible Implications for Neonatal Outcome

Metabolic disorders in pregnancy, particularly gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are associated with an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcome and long-term cardiometabolic health of mother and child. This study analyzed changes of serum cholesterol synthesis and absorption markers during the course of high-risk pregnancies, with respect to the development of GDM. Possible associations of maternal lipid biomarkers with neonatal characteristics were also investigated. The study included 63 women with high risk for development of pregnancy complications. Size and proportions of small low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were assessed across trimesters (T1–T3), as well as concentrations of cholesterol synthesis (lathosterol, desmosterol) and absorption markers (campesterol, β-sitosterol). During the study, 15 women developed GDM, while 48 had no complications (non-GDM). As compared to the non-GDM group, women with GDM had significantly higher triglycerides in each trimester, while having a lower HDL-C level in T3. In addition, they had significantly lower levels of β-sitosterol in T3 (p < 0.05). Cholesterol synthesis markers increased across trimesters in both groups. A decrease in serum β-sitosterol levels during the course of pregnancies affected by GDM was observed. The prevalence of small-sized HDL decreased in non-GDM, while in the GDM group remained unchanged across trimesters. Newborn’s size in the non-GDM group was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and inversely associated with proportions of both small, dense LDL and HDL particles (p < 0.05) in maternal plasma in T1. In conclusion, high-risk pregnancies affected by GDM are characterized by altered cholesterol absorption and HDL maturation. Advanced lipid testing may indicate disturbed lipid homeostasis in GDM

Cholesterol homeostasis is dysregulated in women with preeclampsia

Introduction The link between preeclampsia and dyslipidemia has been established. Even though lipid profile parameters have been intensively investigated in the pathology of preeclampsia, their accurate molecular mechanisms of action have not been fully decoded. Objectives We aimed to identify the specifics of cholesterol metabolism in women affected by late‑onset preeclampsia and single out potential biomarkers associated with late‑onset syndrome. Patient s and methods A total of 90 pregnant women with a priori risk for preeclampsia were monitored at 4 time points during gestation and, based on the outcome of pregnancy, they were classified into the high‑risk group (70 women) and the preeclampsia group (20 women). Cholesterol metabolic profiling was done using liquid chromatography‑tandem mass spectrometry. Result s The only significant change in the preeclampsia group was an increase in the lathosterol level (P = 0.001). The first‑trimester lathosterol level was higher in the preeclampsia group compared with the high‑risk group (P = 0.02). Further, in the preeclampsia group, positive correlations were found between desmosterol and β‑sitosterol (ρ = 0.474; P = 0.03) in the third trimester, desmosterol and campesterol changes between the second and the first (ρ = 0.546; P = 0.02), and the third and first trimesters (ρ = 0.754; P <0.001), as well as between the desmosterol and β‑sitosterol differences between the third and first trimesters (ρ = 0.568; P = 0.01). No similar correlations were found in the high‑risk group. Conclusions Late‑onset preeclampsia could be associated with an altered lipid profile. By studying the quantitative metabolic signatures of cholesterol, we might assume that both cholesterol synthesis and absorption are increased, that is, there is an imbalance in the cholesterol homeostasis regulation in women affected by the disease

Novi biomarkeri u procjeni rizika za razvoj preeklampsije

Despite significant progress in improving pregnancy outcomes in recent decades, predicting the risk and treatment of preeclampsia are still major challenges in clinical practice (1). The aim of this study was to examine non-routine biomarkers in preeclampsia risk assessment. The study involved 90 women with high-risk pregnancies, 20 of whom developed preeclampsia by the end of pregnancy. Biochemical parameters were determined between the 12th and 13 th weeks of gestation. The results of the study showed that women who later developed preeclampsia had higher concentrations of lathosterol, cholesterol synthesis marker (p <0.05), inflammatory proteins - monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and resistin (p <0.01, both), as well as paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity (p <0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher concentrations of lathosterol, MCP-1, resistin, and PON-1 were associated with preeclampsia development. To determine whether the parameters significant in univariate analysis, are independent predictors of preeclampsia, we applied multivariate regression analysis. Clinical markers commonly used in risk assessment (maternal age and body mass index, mean arterial pressure, and uterine blood flow), lathosterol, MCP-1, resistin, and PON-1 were included in the model. MCP-1 and resistin stood out as significant independent predictors of preeclampsia. The diagnostic accuracy of the investigated model was excellent (AUC=0.859). The study results indicated the importance of a multi-marker approach in risk assessment for preeclampsia development.Uprkos značajnom napretku u poboljšanju ishoda trudnoće poslednjih decenija, predviđanje rizika i terapija preeklampsije su još uvijek veliki izazovi u kliničkoj praksi (1). Cilj ove studije je bio ispitivanje biomarkera koji se ne koriste u rutinskoj praksi u proceni rizika za razvoj preeklampsije. U studiji je učestvovalo 90 žena sa visokorizičnim trudnoćama, od kojih je 20 razvilo preeklampsiju do kraja trudnoće. Biohemijski parametri su određivani između 12. i 13. nedelje gestacije. Rezultati studije su pokazali da su žene koje su razvile preeklampsiju imale više koncentracije latosterola, markera sinteze holesterola (p <0,05), inflamatornih proteina - monocitnog hemoatraktantnog proteina-1 (MCP-1) i rezistina (p < 0,01, oba), kao i aktivnost enzima paraoksonaze-1 (PON1) (p <0,05). Binarna logistička regresiona analiza je pokazala da su više koncentracije latosterola, MCP-1, rezistina i PON-1 povezane sa razvojem preeklampsije. Da bi se utvrdilo da su parametri koji su se u univarijantnoj analizi pokazali značajnim, nezavisni prediktori preeklampsije, primjenili smo multivarijantnu regresionu analizu. U model su ušli klinički parametri koji se uobičajeno koriste u procjeni rizika (starost i indeks tjelesne mase majke, srednji arterijski pritisak i protok krvi kroz matericu), latosterol, MCP-1, rezistin i PON-1. MCP-1 i rezistin su se istakli kao značajni nezavisni prediktori preeklampsije. Pokazana je odlična dijagnostička tačnost ispitivanog modela (AUC=0,859). Rezultati ove studije su ukazali na značaj multimarkerskog pristupa u procjeni rizika za razvoj preeklampsije.VIII Kongres farmaceuta Srbije sa međunarodnim učešćem, 12-15.10.2022. Beogra