Purpose of review Recent literature focused on prescription opioids has neglected sex differences in use. Here, we evaluated the recent literature (since 2015) examining sex differences in prescription opioid use. Recent findings Between 2015 and 2016, our review found only eight articles addressing sex differences in prescription opioid use mostly opioid misuse in North America among individuals with chronic pain. Risk factors included depression, pain, and polydrug use. In addition to that review, we had the opportunity to further address sex differences in, and risk factors for, prescription opioid use through a community engagement program, HealthStreet. Among the sample (n = 8525, M age = 43.7 years, 58.6% women), approximately half reported use of prescription opioids. Women were significantly more likely to report lifetime use (54.9 vs. 42.2%; P < 0.0001) and report cancer compared with men, yet, women with cancer had a significantly reduced risk of using opioids compared with men with cancer (odds ratio: 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.59). Summary Only a few recently published studies analyzed sex differences related to prescription opioid use. Findings from the literature and our data suggest women are more likely to use prescription opioids compared with men. There is limited information on sex differences in opioid use risk factors and outcomes and more research in this area is warranted.

This article presents architecture of integrated intelligent computer-aided design system for designing mechanical power-transmitting mechanisms (IICADkmps). The system has been developed in C# program environment with the aim of automatising the design process. This article presents a modern, automated approach to design. Developed kmps modules for calculation of geometrical and design characteristics of mechanical power-transmitting mechanisms are described. Three-dimensional geometrical parameter modelling of mechanical power-transmitting mechanisms was performed in the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing/computer-aided engineering system CATIA V5. The connection between kmps calculation modules and CATIA V5 modelling system was established through initial three-dimensional models – templates. The outputs from the developed IICADkmps system generated final three-dimensional virtual models of mechanical power-transmitting mechanisms. Testing of the developed IICADkmps system was performed on friction, belt, cogged (spur and bevel gears) and chain transmitting mechanisms. Also, connection of the developed IICADkmps system with a device for rapid prototyping and computer numerical control machines was made for the purpose of additional testing and verification of practical use. Physical prototypes of designed characteristic elements of mechanical power-transmitting mechanisms were manufactured. The selected test three-dimensional virtual prototypes, obtained as an output from the developed IICADkmps system, were manufactured on the device for rapid prototyping (three-dimensional colour printer Spectrum Z510) and computer numerical control machines. Finally, at the end of the article, conclusions and suggested possible directions of further research, based on theoretical and practical research results, are presented.

In this study, boroxine derivative (K2[B3O3F4OH]) was tested as an inhibitor of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by spectrophotometric and electrochemical methods. The activity of horseradish peroxidase was first studied under steady-state kinetic conditions by a spectrophotometric method which required the use of guaiacol as a second substrate to measure guaiacol peroxidation. The results of this method have shown that, by changing the concentration of guaiacol as the literature suggests, a different type of inhibition is observed than when changing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide as the substrate. This suggests that guaiacol interferes with the reaction in some way. The electrochemical method involves direct electron transfer of HRP immobilized in Nafion nanocomposite films on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode, creating a sensor with an electro-catalytic response to the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The electrochemical method simplifies kinetic assays by removing the requirement of reducing substrates.

Horizontal air temperature is defined by the value of the mean air temperature for a certain surface area unit.  It is defined by the value of horizontal thermal gradient, i.e. the value of average change of horizontal temperature per unit area. In order to define the horizontal change of air temperature in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a GRID thermal model was constructed whose spatial resolution is 20 m. Based on obtained thermal model geo-database it was determined that the mean annual air temperature for the whole area of Bosnia and Herzegovina is about 10.9 °C, keeping in mind that there are significant thermal differences with respect to the two existing climate zones. More specifically, on the territory of the northern temperate climate zone the average annual temperature is about 9.7 °C, while in the Mediterranean climate zone the said value is 12.1 °C. In this work, it was also found that thermal contrasts are very pronounced as well, due to the fact that average annual temperature in the highest mountain peak zones in southeastern  Bosnian highlands is negative and is found to be -1.4 °C (Maglić peak), while at the  Neum coastal zone it is measured at 15.9 °C. The above stated pronounced thermal contrasts are determined on a small horizontal distance, as a consequence of climactic position of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as highly pronounced terrain dynamics.