FIRST RECORDS OF THE ALIEN SYCAMORE SEED BUG BELONOCHILUS NUMENIUS IN SERBIA (HETEROPTERA: LYGAEIDAE)

The North American species Belonochilus numenius (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeidae: Orsillinae) was first recorded in Europe in 2008, and is now present in most of the countries of Southern and Central Europe. The first specimen of B. numenius in Serbia was found in 2011 in Sremska Kamenica; it was later recorded in Zasavica, Mokrin and Novi Sad

Корелација маркера оксидативног стреса и параметара спермограма са исходом вантелесне оплодње

Introduction/Objective The aim was to assess the effect of oxidative stress parameters on sperm count, motility, and morphology of spermatozoa, and the influence of different semen parameters on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure – the number of fertilized oocytes, fertilization, and pregnancy rate of female partners. Method In 52 male patients superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups were determined in serum, before beginning the IVF cycle. Semen samples were collected after 2–3 days of sexual abstinence. Results Patients were divided into two groups, the normozoospermic, and those with pathological sperm findings. The second group was divided into oligozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, and teratozoospermic groups. SOD activity was lower, while MDA and-SH groups, while not significantly, was higher in groups with sperm parameter disorders. Fertilization rate was significantly lower in the group of asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia (p = 0.034), as well as delivery rate (p = 0.020). The group with oligozoospermia had significantly lower delivery rate (p = 0.013). Conclusion Our study found higher fertilization and delivery rate in men with normozoospermia. However, no significant correlation between OS markers and semen parameters was found.Увод/Циљ Циљ рада била је процена утицаја параметара оксидативног стреса на број, покретљивост и морфологију сперматозоида, као и утицаја различитих параметара спер-мограма на исход поступка in vitro фертилизације, број фер-тилисаних ооцита, стопе фертилизације и порођаја.Методе Код 52 мушка партнера одређиване су вредности супероксид-дисмутазе, малондиалдехидаи сулфидрила(-SHгрупа) у серуму, пре започињања поступка in vitro ферти-лизације. Узорци семена сакупљани су после два-три дана апстиненције. Резултати Болесници су били подељени у две групе: гру-па са нормозооспермијом и група са патолошким налазом спермограма. Друга група је затим подељена на подгрупе: олигозооспермија, астенозооспермија и тератозооспер-мија. Активност супероксид-дисмутазе била је нижа, док су вредности малондиалдехидаи -SH група биле више у гру-пама са поремећеним параметрима спермограма, али не статистички значајно. Стопа фертилизације била је значајно нижа у групи са астенозооспермијом и тератозооспермијом (p = 0,034), а такође и стопа порођаја (p = 0,020). Група са олигозооспермијом имала је значајно нижу стопу порођаја (p = 0,013).Закључак У овој студији пронађене су више стопе ферти-лизације и порођаја у групи са нормозооспермијом. Није било значајне корелације између параметара оксидативног стреса и спермограма

The potential of corona charged aerosol detector for investigation of telmisartan-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are widely used in pharmaceutical analysis due to its biodegradability and eco-friendly character. The particular structure of CDs, characterized by hydrophobic cavity, enables the formation of inclusion complexes with variety of organic compounds. As structures lacking chromophores, CDs could not be detected by Photodiode Array (PDA) detector and Corona Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) was introduced as the most appropriate detector for the formed complexes. The aim of the study was to investigate the degree of complexation between telmisartan, used as a model substance, and β-CD. Moreover, the effect of different β-CD concentrations (5-15 mM) and pH of the aqueous part of mobile phase (3-7) on the degree of complexation was also assessed. The intensity of the formed complex appeared to be the highest when 15 mM β-CD was used for the complexation. Also, it was noticed that the increase in peak areas with an increasing β-CD concentration was more evident at pH 7 in comparison with the same trend at lower pH values. The reproducibility of the measurement was confirmed by low relative standard deviation (RSD) of peak areas within five measurements. These findings support the use of HPLC-CAD methods for studying the process of inclusion complexes formation

Benefits of implementing Nature-Based Solutions in (re)design of open spaces in inherited multi-family housing area: Experiences from Copenhagen

Različiti ekološki orijentisani urbanistički koncepti pojavili su se poslednjih decenija u akademskom diskursu kako bi odgovorili na tri ključna razvojna izazova: poboljšanje kvaliteta života u gradovima, smanjenje ekoloških otisaka i prilagođavanje klimatskim promenama. Cilj ovog rada je da utvrdi prednosti primene rešenja zasnovanih na prirodi (NbS) u otvorenim prostorima (OP), posebno u nasleđenim područjima višeporodičnog stanovanja. S obzirom na njihovu prirodu i urbo-morfološke karakteristike, OP su identifikovani kao ključni za primenu NbS-a u procesu urbane regeneracije ili planiranja. Njihov dizajn treba istovremeno da zadovolji funkcionalne, ekološke, sociokulturne i estetske zahteve koji su usklađeni sa postojećim karakteristikama konkretne lokacije. Kopenhagen je izabran kao istraživačka platforma zbog uspešne implementacije NbS-a u različitim urbanim situacijama.Various ecologically oriented urban concepts and strategies have emerged in academic discourse in the last decades to address three key developmental challenges: enhancing urban quality of life, reducing ecological footprints, and adapting to climate change. This paper aims to determine the advantages of implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in open spaces (OS), particularly in inherited multi-family housing areas. According to their nature and urban-morphological features, OS are identified as crucial for applying NbS in the urban regeneration or planning process. Their design should simultaneously meet functional, ecological, socio-cultural and aesthetic requirements that are aligned with the existing characteristics of the specific site. Copenhagen was selected as a research platform due to its successful implementation of NbS in various urban situations

Primena koncepta razvoja ekološki prihvatljivih metoda tečne hromatografije u analitici lekova

Liquid chromatography is the most widely used analytical technique in course of research and development, as well as for routine investigation and quality control of pharmaceutical products. Having in mind the remarkable amount of waist resulting from the use of organic solvents, especially for reversed-phase liquid chromatography, recently ecologically acceptable concepts in chromatographic method development were noticed. The 3 Rrule (Reduce - Replace - Recycle) refers to the decrease of the toxic solvents use, their replacement with less toxic ones and the use of renewable solvents. This paper presents different solutions commonly applied in drug analysis that are in accordance with the 3 Rrule.Tečna hromatografija predstavlja najčešće korišćenu analitičku tehniku tokom istraživanja i razvoja, kao i u rutinskom ispitivanju i kontroli kvaliteta farmaceutskih proizvoda. Imajući u vidu značajnu količinu otpada koji potiče od upotrebljenih organskih rastvarača, naročito kod reverzno-fazne tečne hromatografije, zabeleženi su novi koncepti razvoja ekološki prihvatljive hromatografske metode. Pravilo 3 R (eng. Reduce - Replace - Recycle) podrazumeva smanjenu upotrebu toksičnih rastvarača, njihovu zamenu manje toksičnim rastvaračima, kao i rastvaračima koji se mogu prerađivati. U ovom radu su predstavljena različita rešenja koja zadovoljavaju 3 R pravila i često se primenjuju u analitici lekova

Small Shrinking Towns in the Post-Socialist Context of Development

The process of urban shrinkage is affecting many cities around the world. It is evident in small towns as well, but unlike larger cities, it has not received much attention. Accordingly, this paper analyses small towns’ shrinking focusing on post-socialist context of development, which led to new patterns of urban shrinkage in countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). After discussing the specific characteristics of the shrinkage of small towns, their paths of development in different CEE countries are analyzed, in order to highlight the characteristics of urban shrinkage and the influence of post-socialist transition on this process. Thereafter, the shrinkage of small towns in Serbia is analyzed in order to determine whether the identified characteristics are recognized in them and to single out the specifics of that process in relation to other post-socialist countries. Based on the general characteristics of the development and shrinkage of small towns in the CEE countries, it can be concluded that shrinking small towns are not equally represented in all countries, and there are certain differences in terms of dynamics and intensity of shrinkage. The results of the analysis indicate that the previous path of development had a strong influence on their shrinkage after the post-socialist transformation. Three general trajectories of socialist development have been singled out, which influenced different patterns of urban shrinkage. In Serbia, it has also been observed that the shrinkage of small towns is directly related to the unfavourable direction of the urbanization process during socialist development

Nove strategije u razvoju ekološki prihvatljivih RP‐HPLC metoda primenom detektora naelektrisanja u aerosolu

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of drug substances and drug dosage forms is of utmost importance for the quality control in pharmaceutical industry. Among the analytical techniques available, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) stands out due to its high efficiency and robustness. But, HPLC is also characterized by high consumption of toxic organic solvents used both for method development and routine analyses. These solvents could harmfully impact the environment and human health. Therefore, various strategies are developing for attracting eco-friendly character to HPLC. Recently introduced green chromatography concept is based on the 3R rule (Reduce – Replace – Recycle) implying the HPLC method development governed by the decreased use of acetonitrile labeled as the most commonly used HPLC solvent and its replacement with ethanol or acetone (1). However, these greener alternatives are known for their high UV absorbtion cut-off values making them unsuitable for common UV/VIS detection. As appropriate solvent compatible solution, the use of Corona Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) is proposed. CAD is recognized as a universal detector providing persistent mass sensitive analyte response independent of chemical structure (no need for UV/VIS chromofores or ionization ability). The detection principle involves the nebulization of chromatographic mobile phase, the evaporation of aerosol droplets and finally the production of charged analyte particles (2). Assuming that chromatographic behavior and CAD generated responses of analytes could be affected by various mobile phase related factors and/or detector parameters settings, design of experiments (DoE) supported HPLC-CAD method development was performed for the analysis of antipsychotic drug risperidone in presence of its impurities. By carefully planning the number and the order of performing experiments, DoE methodology enables investigation of significance effects of multiple factor effects together with their factor interactions. Different experimental settings involving variation of organic solvent type and content in range 15-25% (V/V), mobile phase flow rate (0.50-1.00 mL min -1) and column temperature (25-50 °C) were examined in accordance with Box-Behnken design and selectivity factor between adjacent peaks on the chromatogram was measured. The optimal conditions were defined applying mucticriteria decision making approach by means of Derringer desirability function evaluation. Optimal separations were achieved using 20% (V/V) of ethanol in mobile phase flowing at 0.6 mL min -1 under 37.5 °C column temperature, while in case of acetone, optimum comprised 17% (V/V) of organic modifier, 0.8 mL min -1 and 37.5 °C. Finally, eco-friendly character of both methods was rated by Green Analytical Procedure Index, GAPI (3).Kvalitativna i kvantitativna analiza farmaceutskih supstanci i doziranih oblika predstavlja činioce od najvećeg značaja za kontrolu kvaliteta u farmaceutskoj industriji. Među dostupnim analitičkim tehnikama, tečna hromatografija pod visokim pritiskom (HPLC) ističe se svojom visokom efikasnošć u i robusnošću. Ali, HPLC takođe karakteriše velika potrošnja toksičnih organskih rastvarača koji se koriste za razvoj metoda i za rutinsku analizu lekova. Ovi rastvarači mogu štetno uticati i na životnu sredinu i na zdravlje ljudi. Zbog toga se razvijaju različite strategije za obezbeđivanje ekološki prihvatljivog karaktera HPLC metode. Nedavno predstavljeni koncept zelene hromatografije zasnovan je na pravilu 3 R (Smanji - Zameni - Recikliraj), što podrazumeva razvoj HPLC metode koji se rukovodi smanjenom upotrebom acetonitrila kao najčešće korišć enog rastvarača i njegovu zamenu etanolom ili acetonom (1). Međutim, ove zelenije alternative poznate su po visokim vrednostima za UV apsorpciju, što ih čini neprikladnim za uobičajenu UV/VIS detekciju. Kao odgovarajuće rešenje kompatibilno sa pomenutim rastvaračima, predlaže se upotreba detektora naelektrisanja u aerosolu (CAD). CAD je prepoznat kao univerzalni detektor koji pruža postojan odgovor zavistan od mase analita, a nezavisan od hemijske strukture (postojanje UV/VIS hromofora ili sposobnosti jonizacije). Princip CAD detekcije uključuje raspršivanje hromatografske mobilne faze u vidu kapljica aerosola, njihovo isparavanje i konačno naelektrisavanje dobijenih čestica analita (2). Pretpostavljajuć i da na hromatografsko ponašanje i CAD generisane odgovore analita mogu uticati različiti faktori povezani sa mobilnom fazom i/ili parametrima podešavanja detektora, izvršen je razvoj HPLC-CAD metode za analizu antipsihotika risperidona u prisustvu njegovih nečistoća uz podršku metodologije dizajna eksperimenata (DoE). Pažljivim planiranjem broja i redosleda izvođenja eksperimenata, DoE omoguć ava ispitivanje značaja efekata više faktora istovremeno zajedno sa njihovim faktorskim interakcijama. Različite eksperimentalne postavke koje uključuju varijacije tipa i sadržaja organskog rastvarača u opsegu 15- 25% (V/V), protok mobilne faze (0,50-1,00 mL min -1) i temperaturu kolone (25-50 °C) ispitivane su u skladu sa Boks-Behnken-ovim dizajnom i faktor selektivnosti između susednih vrhova na hromatogramu je praćen. Optimalni uslovi definisani su primenom pristupa mutikriterijumskog odlučivanja baziranog na izračunavanju Derringer-ove funkcije poželjnosti. Optimalna separacija je postignuta primenom 20% (V/V) etanola u mobilnoj fazi koja teče pri 0,6 mL min -1 i pri temperaturi kolone od 37,5 °C, dok je u slučaju acetona optimum podrazumevao 17% (V/V) organskog modifikatora, protok 0,8 mL min -1 i temperaturu 37,5 °C. Konačno, ekološki karakter obe metode procenjen je na osnovu indeksa zelenih analitičkih procedura, GAPI (3).Drugi naučni simpozijum Saveza farmaceutskih udruženja Srbije sa međunarodnim učešćem, 28. 10. 2021. Beogra

Priprema biološkog materijala i validacija bioanalitičkih HPLC metoda za ispitivanje lekova i njihovih metabolite

Purification of biological matrix prior to HPLC analysis has been complex procedure and source of great variability of analytical results. The most used biological matrixes used for analysis are plasma, serum, urine and saliva and it has been advisable to use the simplest procedure for purification of these samples. Biological matrixes are complex and variability of its content is the main problem in development of bioanalytical methods. Namely, plasma and urine samples contain large number of endogenous compounds in concentrations much larger than concentration of investigated analyte. The concentrations of investigated analytes are often in very low concentrations and its structure can be very similar to structure of some endogenous compounds. Due to this problem, purification and concentration of biomatrix is one of the most important steps in development of bioanalytical methods. For bioanalytical methods the most important parameters are reliability and repeatability of the analytical results. Validation of bioanalytical chromatographic methods can be conducted according to The International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). During the validation process selectivity, limit of detection (LOD), lower limits of quantification (LLOQ), range, linearity, precision, accuracy, stability and efficacy of biological sample purification have to be investigated.Priprema biološkog materijala pre HPLC analize predstavlja kompleksnu proceduru koja je obično izvor velike varijabilnosti dobijenih analitičkih rezultata. Najčešće analizirane telesne tečnosti jesu plazma, serum, urin i saliva, i poželjno je primeniti što jednostavniju proceduru pri pripremi navedenih uzoraka. Kompleksnost i varijabilnost sastava biološkog materijala predstavlja jedan od glavnih problema u razvoju bioanalitičkih metoda. Plazma i urin sadrže veliki broj endogenih komponenata prisutnih u koncentracijama koje su obično veće od koncentacije samog leka i/ili njegovih metabolita. Osim što se lekovi i/ili njihovi metaboliti često nalaze u malim koncentracijama, njihova struktura može biti slična strukturi nekih endogenih komponenata. Imajući ovo u vidu, prečišćavanje i koncentrisanje biološkog materijala je jedan od najvažnijih koraka u razvoju bioanalitičke metode. Bez obzira sa kojim se uzorcima biološkog materijala radi, važno je voditi računa da se tokom analize dobiju pouzdani i ponovljivi rezultati. Validacija bioanalitičkih hromatografskih metoda izvodi se prema preporukama The International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) regulative, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) i European Medicines Agency (EMA). U okviru postupka validacije ispituje se selektivnost, donja granica detekcije (LD), donja granica određivanja (eng. lower limits of quantification, LLOQ), opseg, linearnost, preciznost, tačnost, stabilnost i efikasnost postupka prečišćavanja uzoraka biološkog materijala

Praćenje građenja kompleksa aktivne farmaceutske supstance i β-ciklodekstrina kao aditiva mobilne faze primenom masene spektrometrije

In recent years, there is aim to reduce toxic solvents use in chromatographic techniques. Beta-cyclodextrins (β-CD) are commonly used for this purpose, as substance retention modulators. By increasing their concentration in the mobile phase, generally there is a decrease in analyte retention time, and consequently, a decrease in the organic solvent ratio in the mobile phase. The aim of this study was to investigate β-CD and selected sartans inclusion complexes formation. The emphasis was on the influence of the aqueous phase pH value, the drug-β-CD molar ratio and the organic solvent type on complex formation. The mass spectrometry investigation included characterization of the formed complex drug: β-CD at different molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:5 and 1:10), and at different pH values of the aqueous phase (5, 7 and 9) using triple quadrupole mass analyzer. The mobile phase and solvent in which the complexes were formed consisted of acetonitrile and water mixture (50:50, v/v) and methanol and water mixture (50:50, v/v). Measurements of these complexes signal intensity after electrospray ionization in negative mode. Observed m/z values indicated formation of drug-β-CD in 1:1 ratio at all pH values of water phase and independently of organic solvent type and β-CD ratio. It was noted that formed complex signal intensity increased only by increasing β-CD ratio.Poslednjih godina sve više se teži smanjenju upotrebe toksičnih rastvarača u hromatografskim metodama. U te svrhe često se upotrebljavaju beta-ciklodekstrini (β-CD) kao modulatori retencije supstanci. Povećavanjem njihove koncentracije u mobilnoj fazi uglavnom dolazi do smanjenja retencije analita i, posledično, do smanjenja udela organskog rastvarača u mobilnoj fazi. Cilj rada bio je ispitivanje načina formiranja inkluzionih kompleksa β-CD i odabranih lekova iz grupe sartana, sa posebnim osvrtom na uticaj pH vrednosti vodene faze, molarnog odnosa leka i β-CD i vrste organskog rastvarača na formiranje kompleksa. Primenom metode masene spektrometrije, na triplkvadrupolskom masenom analizatoru, vršena je karakterizacija formiranog kompleksa β-CD i leka pri različitom molarnom odnosu lek:β-CD (1:1, 1:2, 1:5 i 1:10) i pri pH vrednostima vodene faze 5, 7 i 9. Mobilna faza i rastvarač u kome su formirani kompleksi bila je smeša acetonitrila i vode, kao i smeša metanola i vode (50:50, V/V). Merenja intenziteta signala nagrađenih kompleksa nakon elektrosprej jonizacije vršena su u negativnom modu. Uočene su m/z vrednosti koje potiču od masa kompleksa leka i β-CD u odnosu 1:1 pri svim pH vrednostima vodene faze i nezavisno od vrste organskog rastvarača i udela β-CD. Uočeno je da intenzitet signala nastalog kompleksa raste jedino povećanjem udela β-CD

Pharmacy students' perspectives on online lectures during the COVID – 19 pandemic – case study from the University of Belgrade.

Synchronous lectures tend to be used as the prevalent method of online instruction, irrespective of notable differences and obvious limitations when compared to their in-person delivery. Study aim was to assess students’ perspective on online lectures held during the emergency remote teaching (ERT) due to COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Students were invited to take part in online survey related to their experience with ERT. Survey included 25 items related to: satisfaction (14 items), motivation (3 items), interaction with peers and lecturers (4 items), and perceived challenges (4 items). A 5-point Likert scale was employed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Results: A total of 387 students participated in the survey. Majority of respondents (79.3%) were junior students. Among them, 72.6% reported no previous experience with online learning. Although relatively high level of satisfaction was reported (mean score 3.91±0.75), challenges were also scored relatively high (3.05±0.99), while interaction was scored somewhat lower (2.98±0.73), and the least mean score was observed for motivation (2.73±0.58). Students reported having trouble to keep motivation, concentration and focus during online lectures, which usually took long hours per day. Interaction with peers was reported as unsatisfactory (2.48±1.46), whereas it was more feasible with lecturers (3.24±1.42). Students were quite satisfied with the possibility to organize their time flexibly (71.4%), and with respect to the workload (54.5%), while they were less convinced that online sessions provide enough opportunities to reflect on what has been learnt (50,1% agree, 25,1% neither agree nor disagree). Conclusions: The results obtained indicate that students are somewhat hesitant with respect to online lectures as the main mode of instruction. Lectures, generally, place students in a passive role, which is further increased in online delivery. In order to support students’ engagement and success, online lectures should be combined with more active instructional strategies.ORAL PREVIEW (usmena prezentacija)Link to the Pharmacy Education version [https://farfar.pharmacy.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4381