Emission Spectrum of Zinc Oxide between 6000 and 5000 A

Mohler and Moor1 observed in the region between 3000 and 2500 A a suite of absorption bands emitted from zinc vapour, which they ascribed to zinc oxide. The spectrum of zinc vapour in the same region was found by Walter and Barrott

Impact of genetics on neoadjuvant therapy with complete pathological response in metastatic colorectal cancer: case report and review of the literature

Treatment of colorectal metastatic cancer is still challenging, despite recent improvements in chemotherapy. A genetic cancer profile, such as the KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma) gene status, plays a key role in individualized tailored therapy. Molecular targeted therapy added to neoadjuvant chemotherapy can achieve a better pathological response and prolong survival. Pathological complete response of colorectal cancer stage N is rare. A 47-year-old female patient presented with rectal adenocarcinoma and three liver metastases (cT3d/4, N2, M1). After seven cycles of Bevacizumab and CAPOX in neoadjuvant setting, we noted more than 70.0% regression of metastases and complete regression of the primary tumor. We performed low anterior resection of rectum and synchronous subsegmental resection of S3, because the other two lesions were not detectable. Pathology revealed complete response of the primary and also secondary tumors. After 8 months, diagnostic tests did not show any sign of recurrence and the remaining liver lesions disappeared. Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease and it is necessary to identify patients who are at-risk of recurrence and suitable for neoadjuvant therapy. Genetic biomarkers play an important role in metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. Because of the mutated KRAS gene, Bevacizumab was added to cytotoxic therapy achieving a complete pathological response of primary tumor and metastasis. This case is unique because all reported cases with similar results, described staged surgery and one of reverse staged surgery, but with similar results. This neoadjuvant therapy has extra ordinary results for colorectal cancer stage IV and can help disease-free and long-term survival

Nutritional behavior and motives of college students for the choice of traditional food in the Republic of Serbia

The aim of this study was to investigate the eating behavior of college students and the reasons for consuming traditional food and to compare the motives for choosing traditional food with the research conducted in 6 European countries. This research was conducted using anonymous online questionnaires. The majority of surveyed students are physically active (75%) and live with their families (57.0%), which can have a positive impact on their diet and a lower level of consumption of "fast-food" (17.5%). Respondents have bad habits in terms of consuming cigarettes (65.0%), alcohol (73.0%) and energy drinks (75.0%). Most students consume all regular meals (73.0%). Based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) of respondents, they belong to the categories: underweight (12%), normal weight (34%), pre-weight (17%), obese (37%); however, 55.0% believed to have "ideal weight". The reasons for choose particular food are: it is not genetically modified, it tastes good, it is nutritious, it makes them happy, it was produced/packaged in an environmentally friendly and ethical way, while the price of food is not important. Connection with family (81%) and food being tasty (54%) are the main reasons for consuming traditional food. When buying traditional food, respondents (59%) generally do not check the declaration on the product. These results indicate the need to educate students about the harmfulness of cigarettes, alcoholic and energy drinks, the importance of BMI and declaration on the product. Comparing obtained results with the results in 6 European countries it can be noticed that the answers of the respondents in Serbia were the most similar to those obtained in Poland

Utjecaj parodontološke terapije na C-reaktivni protein i parodontne patogene kod pacijenata s parodontopatijom

Objective: Recent epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with periodontitis have significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Although the mechanism responsible for the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular events is not fully understood, it is hypothesized that the removal of infection and inflammatory burden of periodontitis by therapy would be accompanied by a decrease in levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and a decreased risk of coronary heart disease. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the presence of chronic periodontitis and periodontal pathogens and subsequent periodontal treatment could influence the serum levels of C-reactive protein in a Serbian cohort. Material and Methods: Fifty adults with moderate to severe periodontitis who underwent complete mouth disinfection were evaluated to determine if periodontal therapy would result in decreased periodontal infammation and lower serum levels of an inflammatory marker. Subjects underwent measuring of periodontal disease severity and serum C-reactive protein, and periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) at the time of the baseline visit and again 6 and 12 months after treatment. Serum levels CRP were also obtained from 25 subjects without periodontitis in a control group. Results: The levels of CRP in the serum seemed not to be lower than those reported in other population in Western European countries. There were significant changes in clinical periodontal values, CRP levels and presence of periodontal pathogens when baseline values were compared to those taken after periodontal treatment completion. Conclusion: The obtained results confirm the hypothesis that periodontal therapy may contribute to elimination of periodontal inflammation and periodontal pathogens, and reduce serum level of CRP. Periodontitis may contribute to the systemic inflammatory burden of affected individuals since it was shown that periodontal therapy may decrease presence of periodontal pathogens and inflammatory markers

Mineral content of bee pollen from Serbia

In this study we analysed mineral composition of bee pollen of different plant origin collected across Serbia using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. The most abundant elements were potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The samples were also exceptionally rich in iron and zinc, which are very important as nutrients. Judging by our findings, mineral composition of bee pollen much more depends on the type of pollen-producing plant than on its geographical origin

Residents’ Perceptions of Tourism Impact on Community in National Parks in Serbia

The research involved a comparison of two case studies dealing with the perceptions of the local population to tourism. The effects and the control of tourism development were analyzed, as well as the availability of information on sustainable tourism and impact on the community in two national parks (NPs) in Serbia. The survey method was applied on a sample of 227 (NP Đerdap) and 210 (NP Tara) respondents. The survey results identified the strong positive perception of the presence of tourists among the two categories of respondents and also certain differences regarding economic benefits of tourism. Research also recognized a poor impact of tourism on the local community in terms of their knowledge and personal involvement. Education and employment in tourism industry were found to be strong factors affecting the residents’ perceptions. Some independent variables significantly predicted the level of local population’s support for tourism in both national parks (tourism impact on job creation, tourism impact on fostering a local culture, etc.). This comparative analysis provides inputs for directing future tourism programmes and devising a development policies adjusted to the needs of the local community

Comparative analysis of expression of angiogenic factors and CD44 gene in human glioma and neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro

Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and relies on the production of angiogenic factors. By comparative analysis using RT-PCR method of angiogenic growth factors: VEGF, bFGF, PDGF-A, angiogenin- 1 and IL-8 we established the level of expression of these genes necessary for angiogenesis in glioma and neuroblastoma cell lines. Our analyses were also extended to CD44 gene, which plays an important role in cascade of metastasis and progression of brain tumors. Significant differences in the level of gene expression of angiogenic factors and CD44 gene between the two cell lines observed throughout this study can be used as a prognostic marker for predicting clinical outcome in human brain tumors at the time of the initial staging.Angiogeneza je neophodna za rast tumora i zahteva proizvodnju angiogenih trofičkih faktora koji učestvuju u tumorogenezi. Uporednom analizom angiogenih trofičkih faktora: VEGF, bFGF, PDGF-A, angiogenina-1 i IL-8 pomoću metode RT-PCR utvrdili smo nivo ekspresije ovih gena uključenih u proces angiogeneze u ćelijskim linijama glioma i neuroblastoma. Takođe smo proširili analize i na CD44 gen koji igra važnu ulogu u kaskadi nastanka i progresiji metastaza tumora mozga. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na značajnu razliku u nivou genske ekspresije angiogenih faktora i CD44 gena u ove dve ćelijske linije čije se poreklo razlikuje ne samo po nastanku već i po mestu rasejavnja metastaza. Rezultati bi mogli da posluže kao prognostički faktor u prekliničkim i kliničkim istraživanjima tumora mozga od inicijalnih do terminalnih stupnjeva nastanka i terapije

A novel method of molecular imprinting applied to the template cholesterol

A novel method is successfully tested for non-covalent imprinting. Conditions are used which practically exclude the formation of prepolymerization complexes. The template is cholesterol, and no so-called functional monomer is used. The polymers contain only an acrylic diester crosslinker. The porogen isopropanol prevents even hydrogen bonding between the template and the monomer in the prepolymerization solution. Despite of these apparently very disadvantageous conditions, appreciable imprinting factors for cholesterol and imprinted selectivity against some other steroids are observed, similar to other cholesterol MIPs with proven analytical usefulness

Application of Polyphenol-Loaded Nanoparticles in Food Industry

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science, and nanotechnological concepts have been intensively studied for potential applications in the food industry. Nanoparticles (with dimensions ranging from one to several hundred nanometers) have specific characteristics and better functionality, thanks to their size and other physicochemical properties. Polyphenols are recognized as active compounds that have several putative beneficial properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. However, the use of polyphenols as functional food ingredients faces numerous challenges, such as their poor stability, solubility, and bioavailability. These difficulties could be solved relatively easily by the application of encapsulation. The objective of this review is to present the most recent accomplishments in the usage of polyphenol-loaded nanoparticles in food science. Nanoparticles loaded with polyphenols and their applications as active ingredients for improving physicochemical and functional properties of food, or as components of active packaging materials, were critically reviewed. Potential adverse effects of polyphenol-loaded nanomaterials are also discussed

Mycotoxins and Mycotoxin Producing Fungi in Pollen: Review

Due to its divergent chemical composition and good nutritional properties, pollen is not only important as a potential food supplement but also as a good substrate for the development of different microorganisms. Among such microorganisms, toxigenic fungi are extremely dangerous as they can synthesize mycotoxins as a part of their metabolic pathways. Furthermore, favorable conditions that enable the synthesis of mycotoxins (adequate temperature, relative humidity, pH, and a(w) values) are found frequently during pollen collection and/or production process. Internationally, several different mycotoxins have been identified in pollen samples, with a noted predominance of aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and T-2 toxin. Mycotoxins are, generally speaking, extremely harmful for humans and other mammals. Current EU legislation contains guidelines on the permissible content of this group of compounds, but without information pertaining to the content of mycotoxins in pollen. Currently only aflatoxins have been researched and discussed in the literature in regard to proposed limits. Therefore, the aim of this review is to give information about the presence of different mycotoxins in pollen samples collected all around the world, to propose possible aflatoxin contamination pathways, and to emphasize the importance of a regular mycotoxicological analysis of pollen. Furthermore, a suggestion is made regarding the legal regulation of pollen as a food supplement and the proposed tolerable limits for other mycotoxins