In vitro culture and apogamy: Alternative pathway in the life cycle of the moss Amblystegium serpens (Amblystegiaceae)

In vitro culture of the moss Amblystegium serpens (Amblystegiaceae) was established on hormone-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium that contained a half amount of MS micro- and macro- mineral salts and vitamins, 100 mg/l myoinositol, 30 g/l sucrose, and 0.70% (w/v) agar. Spores were germinated and primary protonema developed on the above medium at 16 h day/8 h night 25±2ºC, 60-70% air humidity, and irradiance of 47 μmol/m2s. Three months after development of primary protonema, seven sporophytes appeared directly from primary protonema without generation alternation. The phenomenon of apogamous sporophyte formation is very rare, both in nature and under in vitro conditions. This is the first report of apogamy induced by Amblystegium serpens

Development of the moss Pogonatum urnigerum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. under in vitro culture conditions

Pogonatum urnigerum (Polytrichaceae) in vitro culture was established from spores collected in nature. Both protonema and gametophore stages of gametophyte development were obtained. Also, a stable callus culture was established using hormone-free nutrient medium. The best nutrient medium for development was half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium supplemented with 1.5% sucrose. Auxin treatment enabled some gametophores to develop, but prolonged treatment induced early senescence. Tissues grown on cytokinin did not produce any gametophytes and did not survive prolonged treatment.Sterilna kultura mahovine Pogonatum urnigerum (Polytrichaceae) uspostavljena je iz spora sakupljenih u prirodi. Gajenjem na hranljivoj podlozi bez biljnih hormona iz spora su se razvile protoneme i gametofiti. Uspostavljena je i stabilna kultura kalusa. Ustanovljeno je da je za gajenje ove vrste najbolja hranljiva podloga koja sadrži smanjenu koncentraciju soli i vitamina po Murashige-Skoog-u i 1.5% saharozu. Tretman auksinom nije pospešio razviće gametofita, dok je produženi tretman doveo do postepenog odumiranja protoneme. Tkiva gajena na podlozi koja je sadržala citokinine uopšte nisu produkovala gametofite i nisu preživela produženi tretman ovim hormonom. Ovaj rad predstavlja prvu studiju razvića vrste Pogonatum urnigerum u in vitro kulturi.nul

The Allocation of Business Model Components under Presence of Uncertainties by the Branch-and-Bound Method

As the only constant in business is change, business transformation is essential for adopting new perspectives and business trends. One of the keys to performing successful business transformation is to be fully aware of the current components of the business model. This research aims to allocate the business model components (BMCs) to defined business model components groups (BMCGs) by developing a new approach that integrates fuzzy sets and heuristic algorithms. The allocation results enable a comprehensive analysis of business model frameworks and give a good connection to research in the domain of strategic management and business process modeling. For allocation, the decision-makers (DMs) are employing the linguistic terms modeled by the fuzzy sets theory. The considered problem is stated as an integer programming model where the optimal solution is given by a B&B algorithm. The model is tested on a sample of forty experts from four different economic sectors

LAMOTRIGINE VERSUS LITHIUM AUGMENTATION OF ANTIDEPRESSANT THERAPY IN TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: EFFICACY AND TOLERABILITY

Background: Mood stabilizer augmentation of standard antidepressant drugs has been shown to be effective in treatment-resistant depression. Despite the reported high overall efficacy, lithium has been relatively underused in recent years. Lamotrigine, a novel anticonvulsant recently recognized as a mood stabilizer, seems to have putative antidepressive properties. The aim of the study was to investigate lamotrigine efficacy and tolerability as antidepressant augmentation for unipolar treatment-resistant depression compared to lithium. Subjects and methods: 88 patients suffering from treatment-resistant Major depressive disorder, having acute recurrent depressive episodes according to DSMIV criteria, were enrolled in the study. This was an open-label trial with a flexible dosing regimen. All patients, received antidepressants in full therapeutic doses. They were divided into two augmentation groups: 46 patients received 50-200 mg/day lamotrigine, and 42 patients received 600-1200 mg/day lithium. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and The Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI) were used to monitor therapeutic efficacy. Patients were evaluated weekly for an 8 week treatment period. Results: The HAM-D total score was significantly reduced in both treatment groups at the study endpoint, without any difference between the groups. However, significant clinical improvement was reached within the second treatment week in the lamotrigine group compared to the lithium group (p=0.01 vs. lithium). Lamotrigine showed significant efficacy on the HAM-D item 1(depressed mood; p=0.01), item 7 (work and interest; p=0.01) and CGI-Improvement scale (p=0.02). The drop-out rate due to treatment failure was lower in the lamotrigine group (n=1) compared to the lithium (n=4) group. Also, the incidence of side effects did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that lamotrigine could be useful as augmentation of antidepressants for treatment-resistant unipolar depression. Also, lamotrigine may accelerate the onset of antidepressant action, and therefore might be useful in treatment of major depression in general

FOR THOSE WHO FIGHT, FALL AND RAISE AGAIN - IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic health care providers found themselves under increased demands in the work environment and in their professional and personal lives which created both physical and mental health challenges. Thus, we aim to provide an integrative review that identifies and summarizes the research published regarding mental health functioning in health care providers, in Serbia, since the beginning of the pandemic. Subjects and methods: A search of the published literature was conducted using Medline and SCIndex databases, applying key words “COVID-19” and “Serbia”. The search was limited to papers published since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic until January 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved papers. The study used pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: We identified eight papers on the subject of mental health functioning in health care providers. The studies were all original research papers with predominantly cross-sectional study design, using online assessments. Sample size varied in number of participants and profile of medical providers (physicians, nurses and medical technicians, community pharmacists). Dominantly, focus of interests of researchers were exploration of levels of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, burnout, as well as behavioural changes and environmental influences. Conclusions: The studies related to mental health of medical professionals show the importance of recognizing the psychological challenges posed by health crises caused by COVID-19. They raise awareness of recognizing differences and difficulties between wide range of medical sectors, and appeal for necessity for accessible and professional psychological support. Further studies should address the detailed exploration of the mental health of this specific population, as well as propose strategies needed to balance the challenges posed by the pandemic

The Life and Work of Ksenija Atanasijević (1894-1981) - Psychology and Anthropology as the Inevitability and Necessity of Philosophy

Ksenija Atanasijević (1894-1981) was the first woman in Serbia to obtain a Ph. D. in philosophy. Going through numerous psychological metamorphoses in her lifetime and confronted with numerous challenges, Ksenija Atanasijević developed a specific philosophical-psychological system of consolation prominently featuring the concepts of happiness, bliss, moderation, courage and wisdom. Modifying the original teachings of Democritus and Epicurus, Ksenija Atanasijević developed a distinctive anthropology based on confrontation with but equally the overcoming of obstacles, both internal (spiritual) as well as external ones. The philosopheress developed a reflexive and indeed metaphysical defensive psychotherapeutical skill at the root of which was cleansing the soul, as well as dedication to the realm of fancy, fantasy and imagination. Ksenija Atanasijević also had precious literary talent which was best expressed in her analyses of the poetry and prose of great Serbian writers (Pandurović, Njegoš, Nastasijević, etc.). It is quite certain that this, with Anica Savić-Rebac, definitely greatest Serbian philosopheress, through personal suffering, creative solitude and shrouded desperation built an utterly authentic and harmonious system of philosophical comfort

The Life and Work of Ksenija Atanasijević (1894-1981) - Psychology and Anthropology as the Inevitability and Necessity of Philosophy

Ksenija Atanasijević (1894-1981) was the first woman in Serbia to obtain a Ph. D. in philosophy. Going through numerous psychological metamorphoses in her lifetime and confronted with numerous challenges, Ksenija Atanasijević developed a specific philosophical-psychological system of consolation prominently featuring the concepts of happiness, bliss, moderation, courage and wisdom. Modifying the original teachings of Democritus and Epicurus, Ksenija Atanasijević developed a distinctive anthropology based on confrontation with but equally the overcoming of obstacles, both internal (spiritual) as well as external ones. The philosopheress developed a reflexive and indeed metaphysical defensive psychotherapeutical skill at the root of which was cleansing the soul, as well as dedication to the realm of fancy, fantasy and imagination. Ksenija Atanasijević also had precious literary talent which was best expressed in her analyses of the poetry and prose of great Serbian writers (Pandurović, Njegoš, Nastasijević, etc.). It is quite certain that this, with Anica Savić-Rebac, definitely greatest Serbian philosopheress, through personal suffering, creative solitude and shrouded desperation built an utterly authentic and harmonious system of philosophical comfort

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOFT NEUROLOGICAL SIGNS IN POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SUBTYPE OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Background: The objective of the study was to investigate neurological deficit in schizophrenia and to compare soft neurological signs in positive and negative subtypes of schizophrenia. Subjects and methods: 66 patients with schizophrenia were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale to classify the subtype of schizophrenia: positive subtype (36 patients) and negative subtype (30 patients), all of which were entering into remission. To examine the neurological soft signs we compared scores on the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) for positive and negative subtype. Results: The negative subtype of schizophrenia showed significantly higher neurological soft signs in comparison to the positive subtype, with reduced functioning in the sensory integration and motor coordination subscale as well as the other subscale. Conclusion: The main finding in this study indicates that patients with schizophrenia have neurological impairment, and that the negative subtype has significantly higher neurological impairment than the positive subtype. The results further support the significance of the soft neurological signs as a possible marker of different subtypes of schizophrenia

ALGORITHMS IN PSYCHIATRY: STATE OF THE ART

Introduction: In literature, algorithms (guidelines) are often synonymous with problem-solving procedures. The importance of using algorithms in psychiatry can be seen in many areas. For physicians, algorithms ease clinical decision making, provide an adequate clinical basis for therapy, stimulate research, and stimulate sources of financing. For users of psychiatric services, algorithms tailor treatment to the individual, enhance the standard of care by using efficient therapeutic techniques, improve outcome, cut costs, and provide continuity of care after hospital treatment. Aim: Our goal with this paper is to present the advantages of using algorithms, but also to advise caution in their application. It is important to be aware and critical of limitations present in algorithm use. Methods: A MEDLINE and KOBSON search was conducted combining the following key words and phrases: “treatment guidelines”; “algorithms”; “psychiatry”; “bipolar”; “depression”; “schizophrenia”. Results: We investigated the advantages and disadvantages of algorithms presented in the publications we found in our search. Conclusion: We consider algorithms to be a necessary component in the treatment of psychiatric patients, but recommend that one should maintain a critical attitude and remember that guideline proposed therapy should always be tailored to the individual

Coupling native page/activity-staining with SDS-PAGE/immunodetection for the analysis of glutamine synthetase isoforms in spinach

Glutamine synthetase (GS) is a key nitrogen-assimilating enzyme in plants and a target for the broad-spectrum herbicide glufosinate. Understanding its kinetic and structural properties is of major agricultural importance. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is classified as a plant expressing only chloroplastic GS activity. We have analyzed soluble proteins in the spinach by coupling native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)-activity detection, based on phosphate precipitation, with SDS-PAGE/immunoblotting. One cytosolic (GS1) isoform from the roots and two chloroplastic (GS2) isoforms expressed in leaves were resolved by native PAGE. The identity of the obtained bands was established by the application of GS-specific inhibitors, L-methionine sulfoximine and glufosinate. Examination by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE/ Western analysis with anti-GS antibodies, confirmed the identity of the active bands and revealed that both chloroplastic isoforms are composed of 44 kDa subunits, while the cytosolic isoform consists of 40 kDa subunits. The presence of more GS2 isozymes than encoded in the spinach genome is discussed in terms of posttranslational modifications.Projekat ministarstva br. ON17302