University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius

In this study, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA)/low molar mass alkali lignin (aL) (1%, 5% and 10% w/w) composites were prepared primarily for a comprehensive understanding of the effect of aL on their antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility and cytotoxic behavior. The properties were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical, water vapor barrier properties and photodegradability were analyzed as well. The results showed a significant inhibiting effect of aL on the crystallization behavior of PLA, increased water barrier properties (up to 73%) and photodegradability. PLA/aL composites showed a tenfold reduction in Gram-positive bacteria viability, very good cellular response and very low cytotoxicity levels, thus validating these materials as non-cytotoxic and with high potential to be used as food packaging.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), demonstrates anticancer properties; however, it is characterized by poor bioavailability and stability. This study investigates the stability, antioxidant activity, and anticancer effects of two monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin (MACs), C66 and B2BrBC, in in vitro breast cancer models. METHODS: Stability and antioxidant activity of C66 and B2BrBC were assessed using spectrophotometric assays. Their effects on breast cancer cells (MCF-7, BT-474, MDA-MB-231) were evaluated through MTT assay, wound-healing assay, and caspase-3 fluorescence microscopy. EMT modulation was examined via RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses. A MILLIPLEX protein assay was used to analyze cancer metastasis-related protein expression. RESULTS: C66 and B2BrBC demonstrated enhanced stability compared to curcumin. Both compounds significantly reduced breast cancer cell viability and migration, with B2BrBC showing higher potency. They effectively suppressed EMT, reversing EMT-inducer effects on epithelial and mesenchymal markers. C66 and B2BrBC modulated the expression of several metastasis-related proteins, including DKK1, OPG, and GDF15, in a cell line-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: C66 and B2BrBC exhibit improved stability and potent anticancer effects in breast cancer cells, effectively inhibiting cell viability, migration, and EMT. These compounds show promise as potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer, warranting further investigation in in vivo models.

Single crystals of the Cu(II) complex [Cu(PDOA)(H2O)3]n (1) with the O-donor ligand (H2PDOA =o-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid) were synthesized and studied. The crystal structure of 1 is formed by zig-zag chains in which the Cu(II) atoms are linked by bridging PDOA2- ligands in a bis(monodentate) fashion via carboxylate oxygen donor atoms. The Cu(II) central atom is penta-coordinated by five oxygen atoms from two different PDOA2- ligands and three oxygen atoms of the aqua ligands yielding an O2O3 donor set. Hydrogen bonds of the O-H & sdot;& sdot;& sdot;O type afford a 2D supramolecular structure with short distances of 4.8562(7) and 5.1431(7) & Aring; between the Cu(II) atoms. DC magnetic studies in the temperature range 2 - 300 K revealed antiferromagnetic exchange interactions via hydrogen bonds which were corroborated by theoretical calculations.

This scientific paper aims to analyze the multilinear regression between the meteorological parameters air temperature (Tair), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and precipitation (P) to statistically determine the impact on the concentration of PM10pollutant. Since the city of Skopje has the most polluted air in the region, particularly in winter, this scientific research focuses on exploring the correlations between the meteorological parameters and the air pollution from PM10. The results proved the moderate negative correlation (r =-0.76, p= 0.0001) between air temperature and PM10 versus the moderate positive correlation (r = 0.42, p = 0.24) between relative humidity and PM10 and the weak negative correlation between wind speed and PM10 (r =-0.32, p = 0.06) and (r =-0.19, p = 0.001) for precipitation. The model was tested with a goodness-of-fit test and ANOVA, and it was proved that the model was adequate. It can be concluded that there can be different results in the correlation because of different climate, geographical position, topography, and socioeconomic factors in the region.

ObjectivesA growing body of research indicate that experiencing sexual victimization may be linked to lower levels of sexual assertiveness, yet significant gaps remain in understanding how this association varies across the life stages in which one is victimized, gender identities, and cultural contexts. Prior studies have primarily focused on cisgender women from Western countries, mainly examined adolescent/adult sexual assault (AASA), and emphasized sexual refusal while neglecting the larger concept of sexual assertiveness.MethodThis study addresses these gaps by investigating the links between child sexual abuse (CSA), AASA, revictimization (CSA+AASA) and sexual assertiveness-encompassing initiation, refusal, and risk negotiation-using data from a large multinational online survey. We analyzed responses from over 64,000 participants, including men, women, and gender-diverse individuals from 42 countries, comparing the associations of sexual assertiveness and sexual victimization across groups based on gender and the intersection of country and gender.ResultsFindings revealed that CSA is consistently associated with lower sexual assertiveness across all genders and countries, while AASA and CSA+AASA exhibit gender- and culture-specific patterns. Women's sexual assertiveness was negatively associated with all forms of sexual victimization across the lifespan, while men's sexual assertiveness was only consistently linked to CSA, with notable cross-country variations in the AASA-assertiveness relationship.ConclusionsThese findings extend existing literature, fill important research gaps, and identify vulnerable populations, while emphasizing the need for gender- and culturally sensitive interventions to support survivors.