Human dimension of strategic partnerships

This paper aims to point to the widespread practice of neglecting behavioral aspects of different forms of fusions and integrations of enterprises that have emerged in the process of privatization through strategic partnerships with foreign companies among Serbian enterprises. The initial hypothesis in this paper is that the process of privatization, restructuring and transformation in Serbian enterprises cannot be completely successful and equally advantageous for all the subjects involved if there is no concern for human dimension of these processes. Without this concern there is a possibility for behavioral problems to arise, and the only way to resolve them is through post festum respecting and introducing elements that should never have been neglected in the first place. This paper refers to the phenomenon of collision of cultures and the ways of resolving it while forming strategic partnerships

Interaction of the [PtCl2(DMSO)(2)] Complex with L-Cysteine

The reaction between [PtCl,(DMSO)(2)] and L-cysteine (L-Cys) has been investigated in the presence of micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) - as a model for biological membranes. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of [PtCl2(DMSO)(2)] on the Na+,K+-ATPise activity and its partial prevention with 10 mM L-Cys were demonstrated. The interaction of L-Cys with [Ptcl(2)(DMSO)(2)] resulted in the formation of a [Pt(DMSO)(2)L-Cys)(2)](2+) (DMSO)(2)] Complex, which most probably occurs through stepwise replacement of Cl- with L-Cys. It has also been demonstrated that neither the pH value nor SDS affects the composition of the new complex. On the other hand, the pH value and SDS do affect the reaction rate, most probably due to electrostatic interactions with reactants. In Summary, this study can be used as a simple model approach for the investigation of reaction mechanisms between platinum complexes and various biomolecules, and for the determination of potential toxicity and/or side effects of antitumour platinum drugs

Interaction of the [PtCl2(DMSO)(2)] Complex with L-Cysteine

The reaction between [PtCl,(DMSO)(2)] and L-cysteine (L-Cys) has been investigated in the presence of micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) - as a model for biological membranes. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of [PtCl2(DMSO)(2)] on the Na+,K+-ATPise activity and its partial prevention with 10 mM L-Cys were demonstrated. The interaction of L-Cys with [Ptcl(2)(DMSO)(2)] resulted in the formation of a [Pt(DMSO)(2)L-Cys)(2)](2+) (DMSO)(2)] Complex, which most probably occurs through stepwise replacement of Cl- with L-Cys. It has also been demonstrated that neither the pH value nor SDS affects the composition of the new complex. On the other hand, the pH value and SDS do affect the reaction rate, most probably due to electrostatic interactions with reactants. In Summary, this study can be used as a simple model approach for the investigation of reaction mechanisms between platinum complexes and various biomolecules, and for the determination of potential toxicity and/or side effects of antitumour platinum drugs

Estimating the Effects of Dental Caries and Its Restorative Treatment on Periodontal Inflammatory and Oxidative Status: A Short Controlled Longitudinal Study

Dental caries and periodontitis are among the most common health conditions that are currently recognized as growing socio-economic problems relating to their increasing prevalence, negative socio-economic impact, and harmful effects on systemic health. So far, the exact effects of caries and standard restorative materials on periodontal inflammatory and oxidative status are not established. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of caries and its restoration using standard temporary and permanent filling materials on a panel of 16 inflammatory and oxidative markers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontally healthy individuals, 7 (D7) and 30 (D30) days post-restoration, while the intact teeth represented the control. One hundred ninety systemically and periodontally healthy patients with occlusal caries underwent standard cavity preparation and restorations with one of six standard temporary or permanent restorative material according to indication and randomization scheme. Interleukin (IL)-2, IFN- γ, IL-12, IL-17A, IL-13, IL-9, IL-10, IL-6, IL-5, IL-4, IL-22, TNF-α, IL1- β, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide dismutase, and reduced form of glutathione were measured in GCF samples by flowcytometry and spectrophotometry in aid of commercial diagnostic assays. Caries affected teeth exhibited significantly increased IL-1 β, IL-17, IL-22, and TBARS and decreased IL-9 concentrations compared to healthy controls. Treatment generally resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity with exception of zinc-polycarboxylate cement showing distinctive inflammatory pattern. Comparison of inflammatory and oxidative profiles in temporary and permanent restorations showed material-specific patterning which was particularly expressed in temporary materials plausibly related to greater caries extension. Caries affected teeth exhibited a balanced inflammatory pattern in GCF, with a general tendency of homeostatic re-establishment following treatment. Restorative materials did not provide specific pathological effects, although some material groups did exhibit significantly elevated levels of inflammatory and oxidative markers compared to healthy controls, while the material-specific patterning was observed as well

A genetic history of the Balkans from Roman frontier to Slavic migrations

The rise and fall of the Roman Empire was a socio-political process with enormous ramifications for human history. The Middle Danube was a crucial frontier and a crossroads for population and cultural movement. Here, we present genome-wide data from 136 Balkan individuals dated to the 1st millennium CE. Despite extensive militarization and cultural influence, we find little ancestry contribution from peoples of Italic descent. However, we trace a large-scale influx of people of Anatolian ancestry during the Imperial period. Between 250 and 550 CE, we detect migrants with ancestry from Central/Northern Europe and the Steppe, confirming that ‘‘barbarian’’ migrations were propelled by ethnically diverse confederations. Following the end of Roman control, we detect the large-scale arrival of individuals who were genetically similar to modern Eastern European Slavic-speaking populations, who contributed 30%–60% of the ancestry of Balkan people, representing one of the largest permanent demographic changes anywhere in Europe during the Migration Period