TNF-alpha, CXCL8, big ET-1 and hsCRP in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease characterised by limitations in lung airflow that is not fully reversible. The concentrations and correlations of TNF-á, CXCL8, big ET-1 and hsCRP were investigated in healthy non-smokers, healthy smokers and patients with COPD in order to study their possible role in the pathophysiology of COPD. The concentrations of TNF-á, CXCL8 and big ET-1 were not statistically different between the experimental groups. No significant differences for the measured analytes were found between smokers and the non-smokers in the control group. The Spearman coefficient of correlation between the concentrations of TNF-á and CXCL8 was r = 0.638 (p<0.0001). However, the concentration of hsCRP was significantly higher in patients with COPD than in the control group (p = 0.0004). hsCRP proved to be a more sensitive diagnostic parameter than TNF-á, CXCL8 and big ET-1 in the systemic circulation in patients with COPD

UTJECAJ SORTE I OTKOSA NA FUNKCIONALNA SVOJSTVA PŠENIČNE TRAVE (Triticum aestivum L.)

Due to its nutritional value, wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) is considered to be a functional food, becoming increasingly popular as a supplement to the people’s quotidian diet. The study aimed to determine the influence of the number of cuttings and cultivars on the total antioxidant activity (DPPH), the content of chloroplast pigments, vitamin C, phenols, and flavonoids in the wheatgrass juice. Two genotypes of wheatgrass, T. aestivum ssp. aestivum (variety Katarina) and T. aestivum ssp. sphaerococcum, respectively, were cut twice during the experiment. In both cuttings, the genotype significantly differed in the flavonoid level and antioxidant activity, while the number of cuttings influenced the content of phenols, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity in the wheatgrass juice. T. sphaerococcum had a higher concentration of flavonoids and a significantly lower antioxidant activity when compared to the Katarina wheat variety. On an average, the first cut implicated an increased content of phenols and vitamin C concerning both genotypes, followed by a higher antioxidant value. In the Katarina variety, a significantly higher phenol content and antioxidant activity was detected in the first cut. In the T. Sphaerococcum, a decrease in the total content of the examined antioxidants was apparent in the second cut.Zbog kvalitete nutritivnoga sastava, pšenična se trava (Triticum aestivum L.) smatra funkcionalnom hranom te postaje sve popularnija kao dodatak svakodnevnoj prehrani ljudi. Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj broja otkosa i sorte na ukupnu antioksidativnu aktivnost (DPPH), sadržaj kloroplastnih pigmenata, vitamina C, fenola i flavonoida. U pokusu su ispitana dva genotipa pšenične trave, Triticum aestivum ssp. aestivum (kultivar Katarina) i Triticum aestivum ssp. sphaerococcum. U obama otkosima utvrđen je značajan utjecaj genotipa na sadržaj flavonoida i antioksidacijsku aktivnost, dok je broj otkosa značajno utjecao na fenole, vitamin C i antioksidacijsku aktivnost. T. sphaerococcum imao je veću koncentraciju flavonoida i značajno nižu antioksidativnu aktivnost u usporedbi s kultivarom Katarina. U prosjeku je za obje sorte u prvome otkosu utvrđen značajno veći sadržaj fenola i veći sadržaj vitamina C, što je bilo popraćeno i većom antioksidativnom aktivnošću. Kod kultivara Katarina značajno veći sadržaj fenola i antioksidativna aktivnost utvrđeni su u prvome otkosu. Kod T. sphaerococcum utvđen je značajan pad sadržaja ispitivanih antioksidanasa u drugome otkosu

UTJECAJ SUMPOROVODIKA NA DEETIOLACIJU PŠENIČNE TRAVE (Triticum æstivum L.)

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is involved in many physiological processes and responses to the abiotic types of stress. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) and the time of application on the physiological properties of etiolated wheatgrass plants. Two genotypes of wheatgrass were grown under controlled conditions for five days without light and then with a 12-hour photoperiod, watered for three consecutive days with 100, 200, and 500 mM NaHS solutions. The plants were watered in three variants, 7-9, 10-12, and 13-15 days after sowing, respectively. The highest content of phenols, flavonoids, and hydrogen peroxide was found in wheatgrass plants watered with 100 mM of NaHS solution. The highest proline content and lipid peroxidation levels were found in the plants at 500 mM of NaHS solution. Also, the significant influence of the watering period on the examined physiological parameters was determined. The results show that H2S significantly affects the de-etiolation process and concentration of physiologically active compounds in wheatgrass plants.Sumporovodik (H2S) je uključen u velik broj fizioloških procesa i reakcija na abiotske tipove stresa. Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj natrijevog hidrogensulfida (NaHS) i vremena primjene na fiziološka svojstva etioliranih biljaka pšenične trave. Dva su genotipa pšenične trave uzgajana u kontroliranim uvjetima pet dana bez svjetlosti te nakon toga uz dvanaestosatni fotoperiod, zalijevane tri dana zaredom otopinama NaHS koncentracija 100, 200 i 500 mM. Varijante tretmana zalijevanja uz osvjetljenje bile su sedmoga do devetoga, desetoga do dvanaestoga te trinaestoga do petnaestoga dana nakon sjetve. Najveći sadržaj fenola, flavonoida te vodikova peroksida utvrđen je kod biljaka pšenične trave zalijevanih otopinom 100 mM NaHS. Najviši sadržaj prolina i lipidna peroksidacija utvrđeni su kod biljaka pri 500 mM NaHS. Također, utvrđen je i značajan utjecaj perioda zalijevanja na ispitivane fiziološke parametre. Rezultati pokazuju da H2S značajno utječe na proces deetiolacije kod biljaka pšenične trave i sadržaj fiziološki aktivnih komponenata u pšeničnoj travi

Influence of type and quantity of filler on change of density of sulfur concrete

Concrete is a material that has been used for centuries and is often modified using polymers. In the last fifty years, synthetic polymers have been used for the modification of concrete, but also for the production of concrete. In recent decades, sulfur concrete has been an interesting product that can be used mainly in low-rise construction due to its characteristics. In this work, we used the starting mixture for the preparation of sulfur concrete (sand, elemental sulfur with the addition of modified sulfur and fillers) heated to a temperature of 120 ºC to 170 ºC and homogenized. The results of previous research on the production of sulfur concrete showed that the density of the obtained product changes depending on the type as well as the amount of filler added to the basic mixture based on raw materials. Talc, microsilicon, plate alumina and fly ash were used as fillers. The amounts of fillers were 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10%

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion as an adverse reaction of ciprofloxacin: a case report and literature review

Highlights Euvolemic patient with mild hyponatremia during ciprofloxacin treatment was evaluated No diuretic use; hypothyroidism and hypocortisolism were excluded as causes Our findings highlight ciprofloxacin\u27s potential role in inducing Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. Unsuppressed release of ADH leads to hyponatremia. This condition is referred to as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Hereby, a case report is presented on ciprofloxacin-induced SIADH. A 67-year-old male patient was examined in the emergency room with symptoms of lethargy, headache, lack of attention, and a generally depressed mood lasting for three days. One week prior, empirical antimicrobial therapy involving ciprofloxacin for prostatitis was initiated. Laboratory analysis showed no relevant abnormalities except for hyponatremia (Na = 129 mmol/L). Chronic hyponatremia, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal dysfunction were ruled out. Serum osmolality was 263 mOsmol/kg, urine osmolality was 206 mOsmol/kg, and urine sodium was 39 mmol/L. Given that all criteria for SIADH were met, ciprofloxacin was discontinued, and fluid restriction was advised. Four days later, the patient’s serum sodium concentrations nearly normalized (Na = 135 mmol/L), and all symptoms resolved. The Naranjo Scale yielded a score of 8, supporting the likelihood of a probable adverse reaction to ciprofloxacin. This case is presented to raise awareness among clinicians about the potential of ciprofloxacin to cause even mild hyponatremia

Reduction in Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Heat Shock Proteins 27 and 70 Expression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic local and systemic inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. Changes in peripheral blood leukocyte counts or in the fractions of leukocyte subsets might be implicated in the development of this disease. In this study, increased monocyte fraction was observed in COPD non-smokers. In light COPD smokers, the fraction of neutrophils was significantly increased along with significantly decreased lymphocyte fraction and lung function parameters. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) could stimulate antioxidant defence of cells by decreasing intracellular levels of reactive oxygen particles (ROS) and by neutralizing toxic effects of oxidized proteins. This study showed that the expression of Hsps in leukocytes was influenced by health and smoking status. Hsp70 and Hsp27 were significantly decreased in COPD ex-smokers and healthy smokers, but the most striking suppression in Hsps expression was detected in COPD smokers. It is suggested that this decline in Hsps intracellular levels could be implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD

Optimal method of sowing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for growing wheatgrass

Pšenična trava predstavlja biljke pšenice u ranim stadijima uzgoja prije ulaska u fazu vlatanja. Zbog visoke koncentracije minerala, vitamina, enzima, klorofila i bioflavonoida, pšenična trava se koristi kao prirodni dodatak prehrani. Iako se može konzumirati u obliku praha i tableta, često se konzumira u obliku svježega soka, te ju stoga ljudi uzgajaju u kućanstvima. Veliki je problem u takvome uzgoju pojava i razvoj plijesni na supstratu i biljkama. Cilj istraživanja bio je ispitati razlike između površinske dezinfekcije sjemena te vrste i dezinfekcije podloge (bez podloge, kvarcni pijesak [dezinficiran i nedezinficiran] i Brillov supstrat [dezinficiran i nedezinficiran]) na pojavu plijesni, broj i masu biljaka (g) i količinu dobivenoga soka (ml) u dvije sorte pšenice (Ilirija i Katarina). Metode površinske dezinfekcije sjemena i dezinfekcije supstrata, koje su ispitivane u provedenome istraživanju, moguće je primijeniti u kućanstvu. Najveći broj biljaka i masa biljaka utvrđene su na Brill supstratu, neovisno o sorti. Između mase biljaka i količine dobivenoga soka utvrđena je pozitivna korelacija (r=0,98; p<0,01). Prosječna količina soka za sortu Iliriju bila je 7,85±2,93 ml, a za sortu Katarinu 5,08±2,21 ml. Najveća pojava i razvoj plijesni utvrđeni su pri uzgoju pšenične trave bez podloge. Na ispitivane parametre najveći utjecaj imali su sorta i podloga.Wheatgrass represents wheat plants in the early stage of development, prior to the jointing stage. Due to its high concentration of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, chlorophyll, and bioflavonoids, wheatgrass is commonly used as a natural dietary supplement. Although it can be consumed in the form of powder or tablets, it is often consumed in the form of fresh juice, which is why wheatgrass is grown in households. The main problem in such cultivation is the occurrence of mildew on plants and substrate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the differences in surface disinfection of seeds and the type and disinfection of substrate (no substrate, disinfected/non-disinfected quartz sand and disinfected/non-disinfected Brill substrate) on the incidence of mildew, the number of plants, plant weight (g) and the amount of juice obtained (ml) in two wheat cultivars (Ilirija and Katarina). The methods of seed-surface disinfection and substrate disinfection tested in this research can be applied in households. The highest number of plants per pot and highest average plant weight were determined on Brill substrate, regardless of wheat cultivar. A positive correlation was found between plant weight and the amount of juice obtained (r=0.98; p<0.01). An average amount of juice for cultivar Ilirija was 7.85±2.93 ml, while cultivar Katarina had an average of 5.08±2.21 ml of juice. The highest incidence of mildew was detected in wheatgrass cultivation without substrate. The obtained results indicate that the examined traits are under the strongest influence of cultivar and the type of substrate

Half-sandwich ruthenium(II)-arene complexes: synthesis, spectroscopic studies, biological properties, and molecular modeling

In search for antitumor metal-based drugs that would mitigate the severe side-effects of cisplatin, Ru(II) complexes are gaining increasing recent interest. In this work, we report on the synthesis, characterization (1H- and 13C-NMR, FT-IR), and cytotoxicity studies of two new half-sandwich organometallic Ru(II) complexes of the general formula [Ru(η6-arene)(XY)Cl](PF6) where arene = benzene or toluene and XY = bidentates: dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz) or 2-(9-anthryl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (aip), which are bound to Ru(II) via two phenanthroline-N atoms in a characteristic “piano-stool” configuration of Ru(II)-arene complexes—as confirmed by vibrational and NMR spectra. In addition, cytotoxic studies were performed for similar half-sandwich organometallic [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(Me2dppz)Cl]PF6 complex (Me2dppz = 11,12-dimethyl-dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine). This study is complemented with elaborate modeling with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which provided insight into reactive sites of Ru(II) structures, further detailed by molecular docking on the B-DNA dodecamer, which identified binding sites and affinities: most pronounced for the [Ru(η6-benzene)(aip)Cl](PF6) in both A-T and G-C regions of the DNA minor groove. Cytotoxic activity was probed versus tumor cell lines B16, C6, and U251 (B16 mouse melanoma, C6 rat glioma, U251 human glioblastoma) and non-tumor cell line HACAT (HACAT normal human keratinocytes).This is the peer-reviewed version of the following article:Nikolić, S.; Grgurić-Šipka, S.; Djordjević, I. S.; Dahmani, R.; Dekanski, D.; Vidičević, S.; Tošić, J.; Mitić, D.; Grubišić, S. Half-Sandwich Ruthenium(II)-Arene Complexes: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies, Biological Properties, and Molecular Modeling. Journal of Coordination Chemistry 2019, 72 (1), 148–163. [https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2018.1553298].Supplementary material: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/3753

IMPORTANCE OF NURSES COMMUNICATION IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

Cilj istraživanja: utvrditi u kolikoj mjeri su pacijenti u ambulantama primarne zdravstvene zaštite u Splitu zadovoljni komunikacijom medicinskih sestara. Metode: Ispitivanje sudionika provedeno je pomoću upitnika s Likertovom ljestvicom. Upitnik se sastoji od ukupno 14 pitanja, od kojih su prva dva pitanja vezana za opći dio (spol i dob sudionika ispitivanja), a ostalih 12 za procjenu komunikacije medicinske sestre ambulante primarne zdravstvene zaštite. Istraživanje je provedeno tijekom siječnja 2018. u 11 ambulanti primarne zdravstvene zaštite u Splitu, a sudjelovalo je 483 sudionika, od toga 238 muškaraca i 245 žena. Po dobi, sudionici su bili podijeljeni u osam dobnih skupina, od 18 do 85+ godina. Rezultati: Rezultati statističke analize istraživanja potkrijepili su hipotezu da će 51 % ili više ispitanika odgovoriti kategorijom „potpuno“ na postavljena pitanja. Elementi komunikacije koje su pacijenti ocjenjivali uključivali su: ljubaznost, posvećivanje dovoljno vremena pacijentu, uključivanje pacijenta u planiranje zdravstvene njege, jednostavnost i razumljivost u objašnjavanju medicinsko – tehničkih postupaka i liječenja, pružanje točnih informacija. U svim navedenim kategorijama sudionici su najvišom ocjenom (potpuno) ocijenili sva pitanja, a postotak najviše ocjene je varirao od 53 % do 74 %. Rezultati su uspoređeni s britanskim godišnjim istraživanjem zadovoljstva pacijenata primarne zdravstvene zaštite. Zaključak: Pacijenti u ambulanti primarne zdravstvene zaštite ocijenili su komunikaciju medicinskih sestara visokom pozitivnom ocjenom od 88 % pozitivnih odgovora. Sudionici ispitivanja ocijenili su kako su medicinske sestre primarne zdravstvene zaštite stručne u poslu koji obavljaju, postotkom višim od 90 % pozitivnih ocjena. Utvrđena je snažna korelacija od 0,97 o tome je li komunikacijske vještine medicinske sestre u ambulantama primarne zdravstvene zaštite utječu na odabir liječnika primarne zdravstvene zaštite. Udio od 80 % smatra da su im komunikacijske vještine i stručnost medicinske sestre važni pri odabiru liječnika primarne zdravstvene zaštite.Aim: Aim of this research was to establish the level of satisfaction with nurses communication skills among patients in general practitioners in Split. Methods: Research tool was a questionaire with Lickert scale, consisting of 14 questions, of which first two involved general data (sex and age) and remaining twelve assessed nurses communication skills. Research was conducted during Janury 2018. in 11 general practicioners offices in Split. 483 participants took part in the research, of which 238 were man and 245 were woman, divided in eight age categories, ranging from 18 to 85+ years of age. Results: Statistical analisys showed results that confirmed hypotesis that more than 51% of participants will answer with 'completely' category. Communications elements graded by patients were: kindness, giving patient enough time, including patient in nursing care planning, simple and clear communication concerning medical procedures and treatement, providing correct information. All mentioned categories scored the highest score (completely) and its percentige ranged from 53% to 74%. Results were compared with British annual patient satisfaction survey for general practitioners practice. Conclusion: General practitioners patients have scored primary healthcare nurses communication skills with a high 88% positive score (completely). Research participants scored general practitioners nurses professionalism with more than 90% positive score. Strong correlation of 0,97 pearson score has been determined concerning influence of general practitioners nurses communication skills and choice of general practicioners practice. 80% of participants consider nurses communication skills of importance when choosing ones general practicioner practice

IMPORTANCE OF NURSES COMMUNICATION IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

Cilj istraživanja: utvrditi u kolikoj mjeri su pacijenti u ambulantama primarne zdravstvene zaštite u Splitu zadovoljni komunikacijom medicinskih sestara. Metode: Ispitivanje sudionika provedeno je pomoću upitnika s Likertovom ljestvicom. Upitnik se sastoji od ukupno 14 pitanja, od kojih su prva dva pitanja vezana za opći dio (spol i dob sudionika ispitivanja), a ostalih 12 za procjenu komunikacije medicinske sestre ambulante primarne zdravstvene zaštite. Istraživanje je provedeno tijekom siječnja 2018. u 11 ambulanti primarne zdravstvene zaštite u Splitu, a sudjelovalo je 483 sudionika, od toga 238 muškaraca i 245 žena. Po dobi, sudionici su bili podijeljeni u osam dobnih skupina, od 18 do 85+ godina. Rezultati: Rezultati statističke analize istraživanja potkrijepili su hipotezu da će 51 % ili više ispitanika odgovoriti kategorijom „potpuno“ na postavljena pitanja. Elementi komunikacije koje su pacijenti ocjenjivali uključivali su: ljubaznost, posvećivanje dovoljno vremena pacijentu, uključivanje pacijenta u planiranje zdravstvene njege, jednostavnost i razumljivost u objašnjavanju medicinsko – tehničkih postupaka i liječenja, pružanje točnih informacija. U svim navedenim kategorijama sudionici su najvišom ocjenom (potpuno) ocijenili sva pitanja, a postotak najviše ocjene je varirao od 53 % do 74 %. Rezultati su uspoređeni s britanskim godišnjim istraživanjem zadovoljstva pacijenata primarne zdravstvene zaštite. Zaključak: Pacijenti u ambulanti primarne zdravstvene zaštite ocijenili su komunikaciju medicinskih sestara visokom pozitivnom ocjenom od 88 % pozitivnih odgovora. Sudionici ispitivanja ocijenili su kako su medicinske sestre primarne zdravstvene zaštite stručne u poslu koji obavljaju, postotkom višim od 90 % pozitivnih ocjena. Utvrđena je snažna korelacija od 0,97 o tome je li komunikacijske vještine medicinske sestre u ambulantama primarne zdravstvene zaštite utječu na odabir liječnika primarne zdravstvene zaštite. Udio od 80 % smatra da su im komunikacijske vještine i stručnost medicinske sestre važni pri odabiru liječnika primarne zdravstvene zaštite.Aim: Aim of this research was to establish the level of satisfaction with nurses communication skills among patients in general practitioners in Split. Methods: Research tool was a questionaire with Lickert scale, consisting of 14 questions, of which first two involved general data (sex and age) and remaining twelve assessed nurses communication skills. Research was conducted during Janury 2018. in 11 general practicioners offices in Split. 483 participants took part in the research, of which 238 were man and 245 were woman, divided in eight age categories, ranging from 18 to 85+ years of age. Results: Statistical analisys showed results that confirmed hypotesis that more than 51% of participants will answer with 'completely' category. Communications elements graded by patients were: kindness, giving patient enough time, including patient in nursing care planning, simple and clear communication concerning medical procedures and treatement, providing correct information. All mentioned categories scored the highest score (completely) and its percentige ranged from 53% to 74%. Results were compared with British annual patient satisfaction survey for general practitioners practice. Conclusion: General practitioners patients have scored primary healthcare nurses communication skills with a high 88% positive score (completely). Research participants scored general practitioners nurses professionalism with more than 90% positive score. Strong correlation of 0,97 pearson score has been determined concerning influence of general practitioners nurses communication skills and choice of general practicioners practice. 80% of participants consider nurses communication skills of importance when choosing ones general practicioner practice