Human Cytomegalovirus Oncoprotection across Diverse Populations, Tumor Histologies, and Age Groups: The Relevance for Prospective Vaccinal Therapy.

The oncogenicity of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is currently being widely debated. Most recently, mounting clinical evidence suggests an anti-cancer effect via CMV-induced T cell-mediated tumor destruction. However, the data were mostly obtained from single-center studies and in vitro experiments. Broad geographic coverage is required to offer a global perspective. Our study examined the correlation between country-specific CMV seroprevalence (across 73 countries) and the age-standardized incidence rate (of 34 invasive tumors). The populations studied were stratified according to decadal age periods as the immunologic effects of CMV seropositivity may depend upon age at initial infection. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (IARC WHO) database was used. The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a worldwide inverse correlation between CMV seroprevalence and the incidences of 62.8% tumors. Notably, this inverse link persists for all cancers combined (Spearman's ρ = -0.732, p < 0.001; ß = -0.482, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.737). An antithetical and significant correlation was also observed in particular age groups for the vast majority of tumors. Our results corroborate the conclusions of previous studies and indicate that this oncopreventive phenomenon holds true on a global scale. It applies to a wide spectrum of cancer histologies, additionally supporting the idea of a common underlying mechanism-CMV-stimulated T cell tumor targeting. Although these results further advance the notion of CMV-based therapies, in-depth investigation of host-virus interactions is still warranted.

Understanding the Benefits of CO2 Laser Treatment for Vulvovaginal Atrophy.

Background and Objectives: Postmenopausal vaginal discomfort is often attributed to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Women with VVA experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, and dyspareunia. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted to assess the effects of a micro-ablative fractional CO2 laser on the clinical symptoms of VVA, as well as concordant sexual function. The severity of VVA symptoms was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS), while the condition of the vaginal mucosa was evaluated using the Vaginal Health Index Score (VHSI). Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire. Results: Our cohort included 84 sexually active postmenopausal women with bothersome VVA, leading to sexual health complaints. The mean age of the participants in our study was 55.2 ± 5.4 years, with an average postmenopausal period of 6 ± 4.8 years. The age of our patients and the length of their postmenopausal period exhibited a significant negative correlation with VHSI scores, while a longer postmenopausal period was associated with increased severity of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Baseline VHSI values showed that 65% of patients had atrophic vaginitis with pronounced VVA symptoms (70.2% experienced vaginal itching, 73.8% reported vaginal burning, 95.3% had vaginal dryness, and 86.1% suffered from dyspareunia). Lower VHSI values significantly correlated with lower FSFI scores, while more severe VVA symptoms scores correlated with lower FSFI scores. VVA symptoms were significantly less severe after treatment. VHIS regained high non-atrophic values in 98.8% of patients post-treatment (p < 0.001). FSFI total and domain scores were significantly higher after treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that fractional CO2 laser is a useful treatment option to alleviate VVA symptoms and improve vaginal health and sexual functioning in postmenopausal women.

Isolated Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis of the Sciatic Nerve: A Case Report and Overview of the Literature.

Isolated deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of sacral nerve roots or major pelvic nerves, including the sciatic nerve, is considered to be extremely rare. Due to the overlap with sciatica symptoms, the diagnosis of sciatica DIE is difficult yet crucial, as it results in permanent neural damage if left untreated. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who experienced a three-year-long and recently exacerbating pain in her right leg, accompanied by a tingling sensation and weakness in her right leg and foot, with difficulty walking. In between regular menstrual bleedings, when her aforementioned symptoms worsened, she had been experiencing mild 10-day extra-cyclical bleeding. Her neurologist's, orthopedist's, and gynecological examinations were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an infiltrative lesion on the right sciatic nerve that was immunohistochemically confirmed to be endometriosis. The patient was treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), which led to a significantly diminished size of the lesion on the control MRI, and endometriosis remission was obtained. For persistent mild, but cyclical, pain and muscle weakness, continuous progestagnes were administered, with advice for physical therapy provided for her neuro-muscle rehabilitation and a scheduled check-up in 6 months.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) leaf extracts.

The main goal of this study was to establish the chemical profile of Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) leaf extracts, obtained by conventional maceration technique, and to examine its antimicrobial activity. The identification and quantification of the extract compounds were done using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, with a diode array detector coupled with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. Thirty-one polyphenolic compounds were detected and identified in the ethanolic extracts, whereby 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was found to be the dominant compound. Among other compounds, pentacosane and palmitic acid were the most abundant compounds in the dichloromethane extract. The preliminary antimicrobial activity screening shows that Gram-positive bacteria tend to be more sensitive to the investigated extracts. The highest antimicrobial activity was determined against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 35152. From these results, Osage orange leaves can be considered as plant material with significant antimicrobial properties.

Contribution of bacterial cells as nucleation centers in microbiologically induced CaCO3 precipitation-A mathematical modeling approach.

The microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has been extensively studied for geotechnical engineering through simultaneous action of natural phenomena and engineering processes. The focus of bacterial contribution to the MICP has been directed to calcium carbonate productivity, while the additional bacterial role as a crystal nucleation center was not explained especially from a mathematical prediction modeling point of view. Therefore, this study provides explanations and a mathematical modeling approach of bacterial influence on the MICP induced by newly-isolated ureolytic Bacillus strains and Sporosarcina pasteurii DSM 33. Using the obtained results of low-cost, rapid, and simple assays, artificial neural network modeling was applied for cell surface predispositions, pH changes as well as calcium-involved function in biofilm formation during the MICP, for the first time. Based on the obtained contribution of the alkalophilic/alkaloresistant bacteria, calcite precipitation can be significantly directed by the presence, of ureolytic bacterial cells as nucleation centers during CaCO3 precipitation as well as their morphology, surface characteristics, potential to form a biofilm, and/or generate pH changes.

Temperature and pH growth profile prediction of newly isolated bacterial strains from alkaline soils.

BACKGROUND: Soil microorganisms can form complex and varied communities which interact with each other in many different ways depending on environmental conditions. These microbial diversities are accompanied by different metabolic paths and adaptability reflected even in extreme environments. In recent decades, the biodiversity of microbes in extreme environments has been in scientific focus because such specifically adapted bacteria can improve bioremediation processes in industrial and agricultural applications. Instead of the time-consuming process of identification of new bacterial strains from habitats rich in microbiota, artificial neural networks have been proposed as a mapping model for resolving the problem of prediction of microbial behaviour. RESULTS: The occurrence and diversity of alkaliphilic sporogenic bacteria in alkaline soils were investigated. For this purpose, soil samples were collected from various locations: leached soil from the Danube river, cement factory wastewater accumulation, deposit of limestone near the Besenovo lake and the Beli Majdan cave in the Fruska gora mountain. According to the obtained results, two empirical models were developed that gave a good fit to experimental data and were able to predict successfully the pH and temperature growth profiles of the natural isolates. The artificial neural network models showed a reasonably good predictive capability (overall R2 for temperature growth profile was 0.727, while the overall R2 for pH growth profile was 0.906). CONCLUSIONS: The developed mathematical models provided adequate precision for practical study in the microbiology laboratory and scale-up processes for a wide range of laboratory and industrial applications, where specifically adapted microbial communities are needed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Friend or Foe? Exploring the Role of Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Infection in Head and Neck Tumors.

Although not regarded as an oncogenic pathogen, the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been associated with a wide array of malignancies. Conversely, a number of studies report on possible anti-tumor properties of the virus, apparently mediated via HCMV-galvanized T-cell tumor killing; these were recently being investigated in clinical trials for the purposes of anti-cancer treatment by means of dendritic cell vaccines and HCMV-specific cytotoxic T cells. In the present study, we have analyzed the relation between a complement of head-and-neck tumors and HCMV infection across 73 countries worldwide using Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Intriguingly, HCMV was found to be pro-oncogenic in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma; contrarywise, the virus manifested an inverse (i.e., anti-tumor) association with the tumors of the lip/oral region and the salivary glands. Although this putative protective effect was noted initially for thyroid neoplasia and hypopharyngeal tumors as well, after multivariate regression analysis the connection did not hold. There was no association between laryngeal cancer and HCMV infection. It would appear that, depending on the tissue, HCMV may exert both protective and oncogenic effects. The globally observed protective feature of the virus could potentially be utilized in future therapeutic approaches for salivary tumors and neoplasia in the lip/oral region. As correlation does not necessarily imply causation, more in-depth molecular analyses from comprehensive clinical studies are warranted to substantiate our findings.

Comparison of the Properties of Pullulan-Based Active Edible Coatings Implemented for Improving Sliced Cheese Shelf Life.

The development of active edible coatings with improved mechanical and barrier properties is a huge challenge. In this study, active edible coatings for sliced cheese have been developed using pullulan (Pull) in combination with two different biopolymers, chitosan (CS) and gelatine (Gel), and a combination of hydrolats as a source of active compounds with antimicrobial effects. In comparison to the monolayer coating, the bilayer coating system demonstrates improved barrier and mechanical properties. A preliminary assessment of the antimicrobial effect of lemongrass and curry plant hydrolats has revealed that both hydrolats exhibited antimicrobial activity against the targeted bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, albeit at different levels. The obtained results suggest that a mixture of 1.56% lemongrass and 12.5% curry plant hydrolats yielded a lower fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) value. Bilayer coating systems (Pull/CS and Pull/Gel) with an incorporated mixture of hydrolats have demonstrated effectiveness in both cases: artificial contamination before application of the coating system and after application of the coating system. In both contamination scenarios, the coating systems consistently effectively limited bacterial proliferation, indicating the antimicrobial effect of the hydrolat mixture in the coating layers. In the case of artificial contamination before applying the coating system, both coatings demonstrated antimicrobial effectiveness, but the formulation with chitosan had a biocide effect, while the other, with gelatine, had only a bacteriostatic effect in a long-term setting. In the second case, both Pull/CS and Pull/Gel coatings demonstrated effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth regardless of the moment of contamination of the sample; the Pull/CS coating showed slightly better antimicrobial activity, achieving complete elimination of bacteria earlier compared with the Pull/Gel coating system.

Multifaceted Impact of CO2 Laser Therapy on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, Vulvovaginal Atrophy and Sexual Function.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) encompasses a range of distressing symptoms in the vulvovaginal and/or bladder-urethral regions related to menopause changes, negatively influencing woman's quality of life and sexual activity. Fractional micro-ablative CO2 laser therapy has shown the potential to reinstate the vaginal epithelium to a condition akin to the premenopausal state, thereby ameliorating the subjective symptoms associated with GSM. We conducted a prospective, pilot study in 73 sexually active postmenopausal women treated with CO2 laser for their GSM symptoms, while assessing Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS) and sexual function through the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire. The laser treatment resulted in a decrease in VHIS and patient-reported vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) symptoms, with a significantly lower prevalence of vaginal itching, dryness, and burning (p < 0.001), as well as dyspareunia (p = 0.002). The occurrence of urinary incontinence, urgency, and vaginal heaviness significantly reduced, with an improvement in the staging of cystocele, either to Stage 1 or complete resolution (p < 0.001). FSFI total and domain scores were significantly higher after the treatment, indicating better sexual function, with a post-treatment score median of 25 (p < 0.001). Therefore, using a three-cycle fractional CO2 laser was an effective choice for reducing urogenital discomfort related to GSM in postmenopausal women.

Preparation and characterization of carboxymethylated pullulan/butyric acid-modified chitosan active sustainable bi-layer coatings intended for packaging of cheese slices.

Dependence of the food industry on conventional plastic and the generation of enormous amounts of food waste caused by microbiological spoilage have been imposed as inspiration for this work, to develop active sustainable packaging for sliced cheese using the bi-layer design. Pullulan was modified using a green approach to obtain a polyanionic character in the coating formulation. Chitosan, which has a cationic character in an acidic environment, has been modified using a butyric acid to obtain an amphiphilic character. The formed active bi-layer has demonstrated an improved barrier (decreased permeability for moisture vapor 72.2 and 77.7 times) and mechanical properties (increased tensile strength value up to 3.9 and 9.4 times) compared to the monolayer films. A novel approach to microbiological control of sliced cheese has been established, which implies a synergistic effect of Helichrysum italicum essential oil (EO) and corresponding hydrolate (HY) incorporated in separated layers. This design has ensured avoiding surfactants and preserving cheese's sensory properties, prolonging its shelf-life by 50 % at least. Improvements in cheese storage conditions using this packaging lie in the improved barrier, mechanical and antimicrobial properties, the order of lamination, and a good covering of the cheese surface by spraying.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Potential of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don Essential Oil.

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don is a typical Mediterranean plant, with limited distribution on the islands of Sardinia, Corsica, and the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the islands of the Adriatic Sea and the Balkan Peninsula. In these regions, H. italicum is mainly collected from spontaneous nature, while in recent years, there has been a pronounced cultivation trend due to increased demand and market requirements for constant quality of raw materials. Bearing in mind that biological activity is linked with chemical composition, this review aimed to collect data from different scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) on the antimicrobial activity of essential oil and its chemical composition. A total of 20 papers investigating the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal activities of H. italicum essential oil were found. Furthermore, in these samples, several compounds occurred as dominant: neryl acetate, α-pinene, and γ-curcumene. These compounds are known for their antimicrobial properties, which likely contribute to the essential oil's efficacy against various microbial strains.

Difficult Airway Prediction in Infants with Apparently Normal Face and Neck Features.

Background/Objectives: Prediction of a difficult airway during pre-anesthetic evaluation is of great importance because it enables an adequate anesthetic approach and airway management. As there is a scarcity of prospective studies evaluating the role of anthropometric measures of the face and neck in predicting difficult airways in infants with an apparently normal airway, we aimed to identify the aforementioned predictors of difficult facemask ventilation and intubation in infants. Methods: A prospective, observational study that included 97 infants requiring general endotracheal anesthesia was conducted. Anthropometric and specific facial measurements were obtained before ventilation and intubation. Results: The incidence of difficult facemask ventilation was 15.5% and 38.1% for difficult intubation. SMD (sternomental distance), TMA (tragus-to-mouth angle distance), NL (neck length) and mouth opening were significantly lower in the difficult facemask ventilation group. HMDn (hyomental distance in neutral head position), HMDe (hyomental distance in neck extension), TMD (thyromental distance), SMD, mandibular development and mouth opening were significantly different in the intubation difficulty group compared to the non-difficult group. HMDn and HMDe showed significantly greater specificities for difficult intubation (83.8% and 76.7%, respectively), while higher sensitivities were observed in TMD, SMD and RHSMD (ratio of height to SMD) (89.2%, 75.7%, and 70.3%, respectively). Regarding difficult facemask ventilation, TMA showed greater sensitivity (86.7%) and SMD showed greater specificity (80%) compared to other anthropometric parameters. In a multivariate model, BMI (body mass index), COPUR (Colorado Pediatric Airway Score), BOV (best oropharyngeal view) and TMA were found to be independent predictors of difficult intubation, while BMI, ASA (The American Society Physical Status Classification System), CL (Cormack-Lehane Score), TMA and SMD predicted difficult facemask ventilation. Conclusions: Preoperative airway assessment is of great importance for ventilation and intubation. Patient's overall condition and facial measurements can be used as predictors of difficult intubation and ventilation.

Translation and Validation of the Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Surgery Survey in Serbian.

Objective: The aim of this study was to translate the Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Surgery Survey into the Serbian language to evaluate the test-retest reliability and validity. Study Design: The study included 49 consecutive patients between 12 and 18 years old with rhinologic symptoms. Patients were given a paper survey to complete along with a link to complete the online survey within the same day. Setting: The study was conducted at the University Children's Hospital Clinic for Pulmonology and Allergology between January 2023 and March 2023. Methods: Responses between the paper and online survey were compared and regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship. Internal reliability and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's α coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient. All data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 29.0. Results: Pearson correlation coefficient between the paper and online survey was very high and statistically significant (r = 0.999; P < .001). Each item had a high correlation (0.993-1.000), where the lowest correlation coefficient was obtained from question 2 (0.993). Average scores in each item differed slightly for only item 2 (mean difference = -0.041), but not to the level of statistical significance. Bland-Altman plot indicated no proportional bias between the 2 versions. Linear regression analysis suggested a high level of agreement between the 2 versions (slope = 1.00, R 2 = 0.999). Conclusion: The survey is a useful questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life in patients with rhinologic symptoms. The high correlation between the paper and online survey shows the reliability of the questionnaire regardless of administration modality.

Significance of Cytomegalovirus gB Genotypes in Adult Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Insights from a Single-Centre Investigation.

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major clinical issue after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The CMV envelope glycoproteins are key in viral pathogenesis; the glycoprotein B (gB) encoded by the UL55 gene might be an important determinant of viral virulence and disease severity marker in patients treated with allogeneic HSCT. Our aim was to investigate the molecular diversity of CMV gB and inquire into the associations between UL55 gene variations and clinical manifestations in adult patients treated with allogeneic HSCT. RESULTS: The most prevalent genotypes were gB1 and gB4 (11/27, 40.7%). Patients with genotype gB1 infection had earlier platelet engraftment (p < 0.033) and less frequent minimal/measurable residual disease post HSCT than those without this genotype. Patients with gB4 glycoprotein infection had a significantly lower CD4+/CD8+ ratio at D90 (p < 0.026). Interestingly, patients with gB5 glycoprotein infection had shorter overall survival from base condition diagnosis (p < 0.042), as well as shorter overall survival after HSCT (p < 0.036). Acute GvHD was noted more frequently in those with mixed-genotype infection (p = 0.047). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included fifty-nine adult patients treated with allogeneic HSCT. Peripheral venous blood was sampled typically per week, with detection of CMV performed by quantitative real-time PCR. Multiplex nested PCR was used to determine specific gB genotypes, which were then statistically compared vis-à-vis specific clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our study points to variations in the viral UL55 locus imparting both beneficial (earlier platelet engraftment, less frequent MRD post HSCT) and adverse effects (shorter overall survival, more frequent acute GvHD, less frequent 100% chimerism at day 90) to the transplanted host. Comprehensive molecular investigations are necessary to validate this apparent duality, as the potential benefits of CMV could perhaps be utilized for the benefit of the patient in the future.

Insight on Incorporation of Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Substances in Biopolymer-Based Active Packaging.

The increasing interest in microbiological food safety requires the development of sensitive and reliable analyses and technologies for preserving food products' freshness and quality. Different types of packaging systems are one of the solutions for controlling microbiological activity in foods. During the last decades, the development of biopolymer-based active packaging with essential oil incorporation systems has resulted in technologies with exceptional application potential, primarily in the food industry. There is no doubt that this principle can facilitate food status monitoring, reduce food waste, extend the shelf life, improve the overall quality of food, or indicate a larger problem during the storage, production, and distribution of foodstuffs. On the other hand, most antimicrobial packaging systems are in the development phase, while the sensitivity, selectivity, complexity, and, above all, safety of these materials are just some of the essential questions that need to be answered before they can be widely used. The incorporation of essential oils as antimicrobial substances in biopolymer-based active packaging holds significant promise for enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, and offering more sustainable packaging solutions. While challenges exist, ongoing research and innovation in this field are likely to lead to the development of effective and environmentally friendly packaging systems with enhanced antimicrobial properties.

Augmenting Functional and Sensorial Quality Attributes of Kefir through Fortification with Encapsulated Blackberry Juice.

Kefir is a fermented dairy product claimed to confer many health-promoting effects, but its acidic taste is not appealing to some consumers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to enhance the functional and sensorial quality attributes of kefir through fortification with encapsulated blackberry juice (EBJ). The blackberry juice was successfully encapsulated via freeze-drying using lentil protein isolate (LPI) as the carrier. The encapsulated blackberry juice showed good physicochemical, functional, and morphological properties, as well as microbiological safety for use as a food additive. The kefir was fortified with EBJ in concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, and 7.5% (w/w), stored for up to 28 days under refrigeration, and periodically evaluated. Parameters such as the viscosity, titrable acidity, and pH indicate that the kefir fortification did not affect its stability during storage. EBJ significantly increased the antioxidant properties of the kefir, depending on the fortification level. Additionally, all the fortified samples provided more anthocyanins than the daily recommended intake. Microbiological profiling demonstrated that good laboratory practice and hygiene were implemented during the experiments. Finally, the panelists showed that higher EBJ concentrations in the kefir resulted in greater overall acceptability, indicating that this encapsulate has the potential to be a substitute synthetic color additive in the dairy industry.

Synergistic Strategies of Heat and Peroxyacetic Acid Disinfection Treatments for Salmonella Control.

The food industry has recognized a pressing need for highly effective disinfection protocols to decrease the risk of pathogen emergence and proliferation in food products. The integration of antimicrobial treatments in food production has occurred as a potential strategy to attain food items of superior quality with respect to microbiological safety and sensory attributes. This study aims to investigate the individual and synergistic effects of heat and peroxyacetic acid on the inactivation of bacterial cells, considering various contact times and environmental conditions. Four Salmonella serotypes, isolated from industrial meat production surfaces, were employed as model organisms. By systematically assessing the impacts of individual factors and synergistic outcomes, the effectiveness of bacterial cell inactivation and the efficiency of heat and peroxyacetic acid could be predicted. To better approximate real-world food processing conditions, this study also incorporated a bovine albumin-rich condition as a simulation of the presence of organic loads in processing steps. The findings revealed the essential need for a synergistic interplay of investigated parameters with the following optimized values: 1.5% concentration of peroxyacetic acid, temperature range of 60-65 °C, and contact time of 3 min for the complete effect regardless of the degree of contamination.

A comprehensive approach to chitosan-gelatine edible coating with ß-cyclodextrin/lemongrass essential oil inclusion complex - Characterization and food application.

Biopolymer-based films present an ideal matrix for the incorporation of active substances such as antimicrobial agents, giving active packaging a framework of green chemistry and a step forward in food packaging technology. The chitosan-gelatine active coating has been prepared using lemongrass oil as an antimicrobial compound applying a different approach. Instead of surfactants, to achieve compatibilization of compounds, ß-cyclodextrin was used to encapsulate lemongrass oil. The antimicrobial effect was assessed using the dip-coating method on freshly harvested cherry tomatoes artificially contaminated by Penicillium aurantiogriseum during 20 days of cold storage. According to the evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of coating formulation on cherry tomato samples, which was mathematically assessed by predictive kinetic models and digital imaging, the applied coating formulation was found to be very effective since the development of fungal contamination for active-coated samples was observed for 20 days.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Serbian version of Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Treatment Satisfaction-Patient Satisfaction (FACIT-TS-PS) questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: Transcultural adaptation and validation of FACIT-TS-PS questionnaire to Serbian language. METHODS: Standard forward and backward translation from English to Serbian language was performed. Pilot testing of FACIT-TS-PS was conducted on 12 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of malignant tumor. The study included 154 patients with malignant disease. The Questionnaire of Patient Satisfaction was used as a validated tool to evaluate concurrent validity of FACIT-TS-PS questionnaire. Reproducibility was tested on 30 subjects who answered the questionnaire for the second time two weeks later. RESULTS: Three FACIT-TS-PS subscales (Physician Communication, Treatment Staff Communication and Nurse Communication) demonstrated satisfactory construct validity using Cronbach's alpha, the remaining two subscales (Technical Competence and Confidence & Trust) showed high ceiling effect. Treatment Staff Communication subscale showed large floor effect. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by correlation with the two dimensions of the Questionnaire of Patient Satisfaction. Satisfactory reproducibility was demonstrated on 30 patients who filled the questionnaire for the second time two weeks after initial interview. CONCLUSION: The Serbian version of FACIT-TS-PS with the omission of Treatment Staff Communication subscale could be used as a valid instrument to assess patient and treatment satisfaction in chronically ill patients in the Serbian population. Omission of Treatment Staff Communication subscale is necessary because it contains questions not relevant for patients in Serbian healthcare system.

Bio-Stimulated Surface Healing of Historical and Compatible Conservation Mortars.

The main focus of this research was the bio-stimulated healing of cracks in lime mortar samples (historical and newly designed). The investigation started from comprehensive characterisation of historical mortars, while in the next stage a compatible conservation mortar was designed and characterised, with special attention given to the contact zone formation between original and conservation mortars. The next step was the design of a bio-stimulating crack-sealing agent, a two-component liquid system: bacteria culture Sporosarcina pasteurii DSM 33 and nutrients. Both historical and conservation mortar samples were used in order to study their potentials for bio-stimulated surface-crack repair. The experiment lasted for 150 days, allowing the ureolytic bacteria Sporosarcina pasteurii DSM 33 to induce the precipitation of calcium carbonate into cracks and heal the damaged surface of the tested materials. The healing phenomenon was continuously monitored during a period of 150 days. Special attention was given to the evaluation of the morphology, chemical and structural characteristics of the deposits created in/on the surface cracks, monitored by optical microscopy, SEM, XRF and XRD analyses. The obtained results present valuable input for the application of the developed system in real environmental conditions as a solution for the future sustainable architectural conservation of traditionally prepared mortars.