Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a leading cause of blindness among individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), with a continuously rising global prevalence. While anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, corticosteroids, laser photocoagulation, and vitreoretinal surgery have improved outcomes, none can permanently prevent disease progression. The complex pathophysiology of DR, which includes inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration, highlights the need for additional systemic strategies. This narrative review was informed by a structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science covering the period from January 2000 to September 10, 2025. Original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included, whereas case reports and editorials were excluded. Findings were synthesized qualitatively. Preclinical models suggest that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors exert neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects on the retina, preserve the blood-retinal barrier, and reduce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. However, whether these retinal effects are only partially independent of glycemic control remains speculative, as clinical studies have not adequately controlled for changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or for differences in concomitant glucose-lowering therapies. Observational clinical studies have associated SGLT2 inhibitor use with a lower risk of DR progression, a reduced incidence of proliferative DR, and fewer vision-threatening interventions compared with some other antihyperglycemic agents. Owing to the established indications in heart failure and chronic kidney disease associated with SGLT2 inhibitors, these agents appear promising for DR prevention and risk modification. However, current clinical evidence is based mainly on observational and retrospective studies and remains vulnerable to confounding and selection bias. Prospective randomized studies with ophthalmic endpoints are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health burden, and plant-derived polyphenols are increasingly explored as adjuncts for metabolic control. Hence, the hypoglycaemic potential of Pinus nigra bark extract from Serbia was evaluated using complementary in silico and in vivo approaches. Major constituents reported for P. nigra bark (catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin, caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic, and syringic acids) were docked against selected metabolic targets (LXRα, LXRβ, PTP1B, and SUR1) as hypothesis-generating screening due to the frequent PAINS behaviour of small polyphenols. For in vivo assessment, normoglycaemic and alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats received a 7-day oral treatment with ethanol bark extract (100 mg/kg) alone or combined with metformin (100 mg/kg) or gliclazide (10 mg/kg), and fasting glycaemia, oral glucose tolerance, lipid profile, and body weight were assessed. The ethanol extract reduced glycaemia, improved glucose tolerance, and favourably modulated dyslipidaemia, with additive effects observed in combinations with metformin or gliclazide. These findings suggest activity relevant to hypoglycaemic-relevant activity of P. nigra bark extract in vivo; however, comprehensive chemical profiling, mechanistic confirmation, and safety evaluation are required before translational consideration.

Obesity is a chronic disorder resulting from a prolonged energy imbalance, with a significant contribution of genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors, and is recognized as one of the leading global public health challenges. It is associated with the development of numerous chronic non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation represents a key pathophysiological link between obesity and its comorbidities, and SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, providing a biological rationale for investigating their therapeutic potential in obesity management. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce glycemia via an insulin-independent mechanism and contribute to body weight loss through increased glucosuria. Although their beneficial metabolic effects are well documented in patients with T2DM, evidence regarding their efficacy in reducing body weight in patients without T2DM remains limited, and their therapeutic positioning relative to GLP-1 receptor agonists has not been comprehensively evaluated. This systematized narrative review aims to address this gap by synthesizing available preclinical and clinical evidence on the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on body weight and metabolic parameters in obese patients with and without T2DM. Preclinical studies demonstrate reductions in visceral adipose tissue, increased fatty acid oxidation, and activation of the browning of white adipose tissue. Clinical trials confirm modest but consistent reductions in body weight, generally ranging from 2 to 4 kg, in obese patients with and without T2DM, along with improvements in glycemic control and metabolic parameters. The long-term effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in body weight management is limited by compensatory hyperphagia and plateau effects. Current evidence is insufficient to support their routine use as primary anti-obesity agents. Compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin therapies, the magnitude of weight loss achieved with SGLT2 inhibitors remains substantially lower. Therefore, SGLT2 inhibitors are best positioned as adjunctive components of a comprehensive metabolic therapeutic strategy.

Background/Objectives: The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and prescribing patterns of off-label and unlicensed medication use in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Serbia and to evaluate differences according to gestational age. Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 257 neonates hospitalized in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit between January and December 2023. Medication prescriptions were classified as off-label or unlicensed according to the approved Summary of Product Characteristics in Serbia. Clinical and prescribing data were analyzed descriptively, with predefined patient-level outcomes compared across gestational-age groups using non-parametric analyses. Results: A total of 1919 distinct medication prescription records were identified, of which 1642/1919 (85.6%) were classified as off-label and 27/1919 (1.4%) as unlicensed. At the patient level, 252/257 neonates (98.1%) were exposed to at least one off-label medication, whereas 26/257 (10.1%) were exposed to at least one unlicensed medication. Anti-infectives for systemic use accounted for the largest therapeutic-class prescription count. Off-label prescribing was primarily related to age and dosing recommendations. Medication utilization varied across gestational age groups; however, extremely preterm neonates also had substantially longer hospitalizations, and the observed differences should therefore be interpreted as unadjusted prescribing patterns rather than an independent effect of gestational age. Conclusions: Off-label prescribing was highly prevalent in this Serbian tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, whereas patient exposure to unlicensed medications was relatively uncommon. The observed differences across gestational age groups should be interpreted in the context of differences in hospitalization duration and clinical complexity. These findings characterize prescribing patterns and regulatory gaps in neonatal pharmacotherapy and identify areas requiring further neonatal-specific clinical research.

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC)-based carriers offer a promising strategy to improve the oral delivery of anti-inflammatory agents with limited bioavailability or variable pharmacodynamic profiles. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of previously optimized formulations of chitosan/xanthan gum PEC microparticles loaded with either ibuprofen or escin, using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, histopathological and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) immunohistochemical analyses, and the hot plate test. Ibuprofen-loaded microparticles significantly reduced paw swelling during the peak inflammatory phase (5–6 h after treatment administration), although no significant differences in overall edema response or antinociceptive activity were observed compared with free ibuprofen. In contrast, escin-loaded microparticles at 10 mg/kg produced the most pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, significantly reducing paw swelling, edema area under the curve (AUC), histopathological lesion scores, and COX-2 expression compared with both the negative control and the corresponding free escin formulation. Escin-loaded microparticles also showed stronger and more sustained antinociceptive activity than free escin. However, the 20 mg/kg formulation did not provide additional anti-inflammatory or antinociceptive benefits. These findings demonstrate that chitosan/xanthan gum PEC microparticles can enhance the pharmacodynamic performance of orally administered anti-inflammatory agents. The magnitude of this effect depended on the incorporated drug and was particularly notable for escin, for which microencapsulation improved both anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive efficacy.

BackgroundAnalgesics are commonly used during pregnancy, and their safe use depends on the type of drug, timing of exposure, and appropriateness of use. This study assessed patterns of analgesic use before and during pregnancy and evaluated women’s knowledge and perceptions regarding analgesic safety during pregnancy in Serbia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronically distributed, self-administered questionnaire adapted from a previously published instrument. The survey included socio-demographic and reproductive characteristics, patterns of analgesic use, and a 19-item knowledge inventory. Knowledge scores were categorized as low (<10 points) or high (≥10 points). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for analysis.ResultsA total of 538 women participated. Overall, 51.7% reported analgesic use during pregnancy, and among these, 50.7% reported use during the first trimester. Paracetamol was the most commonly used analgesic during pregnancy (93.9%). Analgesic use without prior consultation was reported by 32.0% of women who used analgesics during pregnancy. Before pregnancy, 83.1% reported analgesic use. Although 69.3% reported having received information about adverse effects, important uncertainty remained regarding NSAID classification and safety. Overall, 65.1% of respondents had a low level of knowledge. Health-professional background was strongly associated with a high level of knowledge (adjusted OR 12.468, 95% CI 7.502–20.724; p < 0.001).ConclusionAnalgesic use during pregnancy was common, including use without prior consultation. Despite recognizing paracetamol as the preferred analgesic, many women had limited knowledge regarding analgesic safety, particularly NSAIDs, in pregnancy. These findings support the need for improved counselling and targeted education on medication safety during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION:Trigger tool methodologies have become important approaches for detecting adverse events in hospital care because they identify more harm than conventional incident reporting systems. Their role is particularly relevant for medication-related harm, which is often under-recognized or insufficiently documented in routine clinical practice. AREAS COVERED:This structured narrative review examines the development, methodological foundations, performance, and clinical applications of trigger tools in hospital settings, with emphasis on their use in detecting adverse drug events. It also discusses population-specific adaptations, methodological variability, and recent advances in electronic health record-based, automated, and artificial intelligence-assisted trigger approaches. The literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with additional studies identified through manual screening of reference lists. EXPERT OPINION:Trigger tools should be viewed not only as methods for retrospective harm detection, but also as potential links between hospital patient safety monitoring and pharmacovigilance. Their future value will likely depend on greater standardization and on the development of hybrid, clinically validated systems that combine relevant triggers, electronic health record data, and clinician review. Importantly, trigger tool findings should be incorporated into closed-loop workflows that support pharmacovigilance reporting, clinician feedback, quality improvement, and measurable reduction of preventable medication-related harm.

Carnosine is widely recognized for its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties and is being increasingly used in dietary supplements. However, its effects in drug-induced liver injury remain insufficiently studied. This study aimed to investigate and compare the hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects of pure carnosine and an antioxidant-enriched commercial carnosine supplement in a murine model of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Adult male Swiss Webster mice were pretreated orally for seven days with carnosine or a commercial carnosine supplement prior to a single hepatotoxic dose of paracetamol. The serum biochemical parameters, hepatic oxidative stress markers, histopathology, and immunohistochemical expression of CYP2E1, COX-2, and Iba1 were evaluated 24 h after paracetamol administration. Paracetamol increased serum aminotransferases, lipid peroxidation, CYP2E1 expression, and histological liver injury. Pure carnosine pretreatment tended to exacerbate biochemical liver injury, whereas the commercial supplement attenuated lipid peroxidation, preserved bilirubin levels, and reduced histological damage. Both formulations decreased CYP2E1 expression and were associated with less necrosis and COX-2 immunoreactivity compared with paracetamol alone. Antioxidant enzyme activities and macrophage markers showed no consistent intergroup differences. These findings indicate that carnosine may not consistently exert hepatoprotective effects in acute drug-induced liver injury and that accompanying antioxidants may critically modify its biological actions.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents one of the most significant metabolic challenges of the modern era, with more than 828 million people worldwide living with diabetes. Obesity and insulin resistance are major modifiable contributors to T2DM risk and progression, although the disease is heterogeneous and arises from complex interactions among β-cell dysfunction, hepatic glucose dysregulation, adipose-tissue dysfunction, altered incretin biology, chronic low-grade inflammation, and genetic susceptibility. In individuals with obesity and insulin resistance, progression through prediabetes to overt hyperglycaemia represents an important, although not universal, disease trajectory and provides a clinically relevant window for preventive intervention. This review examines pharmacological strategies relevant to T2DM prevention in individuals without established diabetes who have prediabetes and/or obesity associated with a high risk of progression to T2DM, with particular emphasis on incretin-based obesity pharmacotherapy. Metformin remains the glucose-lowering agent with the most established long-term evidence for diabetes prevention in selected high-risk individuals with prediabetes, acting through multiple hepatic and intestinal mechanisms involving both AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent pathways. Other established antihyperglycaemic drug classes are discussed primarily to distinguish therapies with evidence for delaying progression to diabetes from agents whose principal role remains the treatment of established T2DM. SGLT2 inhibitors provide substantial cardiovascular and renal protection, although current evidence is insufficient to support their routine use solely for T2DM prevention. GLP-1 receptor agonists and the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide have substantially advanced obesity pharmacotherapy, producing clinically meaningful weight loss and broader cardiometabolic benefits that may reduce progression to T2DM in high-risk individuals.Next-generation incretin-based therapies, including triple receptor agonists, may further expand therapeutic options but remain an evolving area of investigation. Lifestyle intervention and sustained weight management remain the foundation of T2DM prevention, with pharmacological strategies selected according to individual metabolic risk, obesity-related treatment indications, comorbidities, and the strength of evidence supporting diabetes prevention.

Sexual dysfunction is a common and clinically significant problem in patients treated with antidepressants and antipsychotics, yet it remains under-recognized in routine psychiatric practice. Its relevance extends beyond tolerability, as it may adversely affect quality of life, intimate relationships, self-esteem, and long-term adherence. A major clinical and methodological challenge is that sexual dysfunction frequently precedes pharmacotherapy, particularly in depressive and psychotic disorders, making it essential to distinguish illness-related impairment from treatment-emergent dysfunction. This narrative review provides an integrated overview of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants and antipsychotics, with emphasis on mechanisms, clinical assessment, and management. We summarize current evidence on the comparative risk across major drug classes and selected individual agents, highlighting the generally higher burden associated with strongly serotonergic antidepressants and prolactin-elevating antipsychotics, as well as the relatively more favorable profiles of selected newer or prolactin-sparing compounds. We further examine the principal serotonergic, dopaminergic, endocrine, autonomic, and vascular mechanisms involved, and discuss their relevance to the different domains of sexual functioning. Finally, we review practical strategies for routine care, including baseline evaluation, direct questioning, validated rating instruments, prevention through drug selection, dose adjustment, switching, and adjunctive interventions. Sexual dysfunction should be regarded as a meaningful clinical outcome in psychopharmacology, and its systematic assessment should be incorporated into routine treatment planning and follow-up.

Background/Objectives: Olive leaf (Olea europaea L.), a by-product of olive oil production, is rich in bioactive phenolics but limited in application due to poor solubility and stability. To improve their bioavailability, this study presents a comparative encapsulation strategy using three phospholipid-based liposomal systems (AL, PG90, and PH90) loaded with ethanolic olive leaf extract. Methods: Liposomes were characterized by physicochemical parameters, encapsulation efficiency (EE), antioxidant activity, morphology, release kinetics under simulated physiological conditions, and 60-day stability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first direct comparison of AL, PG90, and PH90 matrices for olive leaf extract encapsulation. Results: HPLC and GC-MS confirmed successful encapsulation, with oleuropein showing the highest EE (up to 76.18%). PH90 favored retention of non-polar triterpenes, while AL and PG90 preferentially encapsulated polar flavonoid glycosides. FT-IR analysis verified extract integration into phospholipid bilayers. Antioxidant activity remained high in all loaded formulations, with negligible activity in empty liposomes. Extract-loaded systems exhibited reduced particle size, higher viscosity, and more negative electrophoretic mobility, enhancing colloidal stability. PG90 liposomes displayed the most stable mobility profile over 60 days. Transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed formulation-dependent vesicle morphology and concentration profiles. Release studies demonstrated significantly prolonged polyphenol diffusion from PG90 liposomes compared to the free extract. Conclusions: Phospholipid composition critically governs encapsulation selectivity, stability, and release behavior. Tailored liposomal systems offer a promising strategy to enhance the stability and delivery of olive leaf polyphenols, supporting their application in bioactive delivery platforms.

This study investigated the effects of encapsulating the model drugs ibuprofen and escin in chitosan/xanthan gum polyelectrolyte complex-based microparticles after oral administration to Wistar rats on their pharmacokinetics and safety profiles. Microencapsulation of ibuprofen led to a threefold increase in serum concentration 30 min after oral administration. Microencapsulation improved the bioavailability of escin by 1.3-fold, shortened the Tmax by half and increased the maximum serum concentration by 2.5-fold, addressing its low oral bioavailability. Biochemical assessments of the microparticles showed no significant adverse effects on liver or kidney function after 14 days of administration. Histological analysis confirmed the absence of pathological changes in other organs, including the heart, spleen, pancreas, stomach and small intestine. Microencapsulation mitigated the hepatic and renal toxicity of ibuprofen while maintaining its high bioavailability. The safety of escin was also maintained both in solution and in microparticle form. These findings emphasize the potential of chitosan/xanthan gum polyelectrolyte complex-based microparticles to overcome the respective challenges of oral administration of ibuprofen and escin.

The prevention of nutrition-related diseases holds paramount significance for human well-being. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L., Lamiaceae) emerges as a noteworthy candidate due to its robust antioxidant properties attributed to a high concentration of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, promising potential health benefits for humans. Notably, bile acids and their derivatives exert influence on the metabolic effects of both conventional and herbal drugs. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of administering an aqueous basil extract for seven days on glycemia and in vivo antioxidant activity in both healthy and diabetic animals, either alone or in combination with a bile acid derivative. The experimental design involved normoglycemic and diabetic Wistar rats subjected to a seven-day regimen of saline and basil water extract. Hyperglycemia was induced using alloxan. Following the treatment period, animals were euthanized by cardiopuncture, and serum analyses were conducted to assess fasting blood glucose levels and biochemical parameters. Additional assessments included oral glucose tolerance tests and antioxidative stress enzyme assays. The findings showed a significant hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous basil extract in both normoglycemic and diabetic animals. The extract also decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Basil extract treatment displayed protective effects on glycemia in both normoglycemic and diabetic animals, indicating considerable antioxidant potential. These effects were evident through increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased lipid peroxidation, affirming the beneficial impact of aqueous basil extract on health parameters.

The edible mushroom Coprinus comatus has a long history of use in metabolic diseases, which is increasingly documented by modern research. Due to its favorable nutritional composition, it was assumed that this mushroom could accelerate tissue recovery after acutely induced damage with subsequent disturbance of primarily carbohydrate metabolism. To test this hypothesis, the alloxan diabetes model was used, where experimental animals’ change in body weight and biochemical and histological indicators of recovery were monitored. Before performing the in vivo part, HPLC analysis of the C. comatus extract was carried out with subsequent in silico and in vitro tests. Comparing the animals treated with the mushroom in three different doses, no significant change in body weight was observed. Still, the change was also noticed in the lipid status and glycemia, with a dose-dependent beneficial effect. Morphometric analysis of pancreatic tissue stained by immuno-histochemical methods showed that long-term treatment with C. comatus leads to increased numerical density, nuclear volume, and absolute number of beta cells of the islets of Langerhans, which suffered severe damage after alloxan administration. Overall, C. comatus may contribute to faster tissue recovery after acute diabetic-relevant damage with chronic consequences.

The thymus is a key organ for the development of T cells. T cell precursors first migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus. During maturation, these precursors require interactions with various types of cells that form the thymic microenvironment, such as epithelial, mesenchymal, and other immune cells not belonging to the T lineage. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the number and diameter of Hassall’s corpuscles, as well as the density and distribution of epithelial cells (p63+) and macrophages (CD68+). Twenty-five fetal thymus samples were examined, divided into five groups according to gestational age. The samples were processed using standard histological methods and immunohistochemical staining. The study showed that the number and diameter of Hassall’s corpuscles gradually increased during fetal development, with a significant increase from the 14th to the 38th gestational week. The average diameter of Hassall’s corpuscles was largest in the age group of 34–38 weeks. The density of p63 + epithelial cells decreased in correlation with gestational week, while the density of CD68 + macrophages significantly increased, particularly in the thymic medulla, towards the end of the fetal period. An increase in the number and size of Hassall’s corpuscles during fetal development was recorded, while the density of epithelial cells decreased and the density of macrophages increased.

Background: Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp flour is primarily used in the food industry. As a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, it holds promise for pharmaceutical formulation research and development. Objectives: This study focused on developing liposomal particles loaded with carob pulp extract using the proliposome method, followed by modifications through UV irradiation and sonication. Methods: The resulting liposomes were analyzed for encapsulation efficiency, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), mobility, zeta potential, viscosity, surface tension, density, antioxidant activity, FT-IR spectra, and release kinetics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. In addition, nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for liposomal characterization. Results: The findings revealed a high encapsulation efficiency across all samples (>70%). The particle size and PDI measurements confirmed the presence of a multilamellar and uniform liposomal system before post-processing modifications. The medium value of zeta potential suggested a moderately electrostatically stabilized liposomal suspension. The sonicated liposomes demonstrated a higher concentration of vesicles in comparison to non-treated and UV-irradiated samples. TEM analysis revealed purified liposomal vesicles with preserved structural integrity. Encapsulation, as well as UV irradiation and sonication of liposomes, did not diminish the extract’s anti-DPPH activity. However, the ABTS radical scavenging potential of the pure extract was significantly lower compared to its encapsulated counterparts. UV irradiation and sonication notably reduced the anti-ABTS capacity of the extract-liposome system. Monitoring the release of bioactive compounds demonstrated controlled delivery from liposomal particles under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Conclusions: Overall, liposomal formulations of carob pulp extract exhibit significant potential for further development as a functional food ingredient or for use in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Background It is estimated that more than 80% of people are infected with human papilloma virus (HPV) at some point in their lives. Knowledge about HPV infection and methods of its prevention is important for society as a whole. Medical students as future healthcare workers must be thoroughly informed about HPV infection in order to properly participate in the promotion of its prevention. The aim was to examine the knowledge and attitudes in relation to previous education about HPV infection and prevention methods. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students at the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad (MFNS). The study covered all study programs and was conducted in the period from 1 to 30 November 2023, using a specially created survey questionnaire for the purposes of this research. Results 1760 surveys were collected, representing 70.4% of the total number of MFNS students. In the past year, only 26% of respondents attended some kind of education about HPV infection/vaccine. Statistical significance was observed in the difference between the responses of students who attended education in comparison to those who did not attend education in the past year (75.5% versus 63.3%, p < 0.001). Students who stated that they plan to get vaccinated in the following period answered the questions correctly in a higher percentage (87.5% versus 80.1%, p = 0.01). Conclusions Students of the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad, as future healthcare workers, demonstrated certain knowledge and demonstrated right attitudes. Students who attended education about HPV infection and methods of prevention had more correct answers, as did students who plan to get vaccinated in the future.

Objectives: Acute drug poisoning represents a significant public health issue among the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of drug poisoning in children and adolescents in the Vojvodina region from 2018 to 2023. Methods: In a retrospective observational study, 82 patients with confirmed drug poisoning were included, and data was collected regarding demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, types of drugs involved, and the therapeutic interventions administered. The severity of poisonings was evaluated using the Poisoning Severity Score, and toxicological analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The results indicated that poisonings were most prevalent in adolescent girls (72%), with 78% of cases resulting from intentional poisoning, while unintentional poisoning was more common in children. Benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and analgesics were the primary drugs causing these poisoning incidents. The majority of patients (78%) experienced mild clinical symptoms, whereas 9% of pediatric patients suffered from severe poisoning, related to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and acute renal failure. Addressing pediatric drug poisoning in Vojvodina requires an increased focus on preventive strategies, including parental education and appropriate psychosocial support for the youth. Conclusions: Through collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers, prevention, treatment, and support mechanisms can be enhanced to combat this pressing public health challenge.

Carob pulp extract contains bioactive phenolic compounds, making it a suitable functional food ingredient. This study aimed to investigate the radical scavenging potential of pure carob extract and different types of carob extract-loaded liposomes (multilamellar, UV-irradiated, and sonicated unilamellar vesicles). Their antioxidant capacity was measured by employing DPPH and ABTS assays. The encapsulation of carob extract within liposomes as well as UV irradiation and sonication did not cause a decrease in the anti-DPPH activity, however, the ABTS radical scavenging potential of pure extract was significantly lower compared to encapsulated counterparts. UV irradiation and sonication significantly decreased the anti-ABTS effect of the liposome with the extract. Carob pulp extract and its liposomal formulations displayed significant in vitro antioxidant potential that can be of interest for further development as a functional food ingredient or in the prevention/treatment of various diseases.