Background: The First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery (FDMA) Flap or Foucher’s flap is an island pedicle flap proximally based on the first dorsal metacarpal artery and veins. A branch of radial sensory nerve is incorporated in the flap to make it a sensate flap. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the seven FDMA flaps done over a period of four years for reconstruction of the distal thumb soft tissue defects and one defect over proximal phalanx of the index finger. Methods: This prospective study was performed between 2018 and 2022 at the Clinic of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery. We present a series of six cases of distal thumb soft tissue defects and one patient with defect over the dorsal aspect of the index finger that were reconstructed with the FDMA flap. Results: In six patient donor site was grafted by full-thickness skin graft harvested from the groin and in one case was closed primary. All flaps survived and one case that was closed primary had donor site complication that was related to primary closure of the skin. All the patients had good fine touch and average two-point discrimination of 8.7 mm. Conclusion: FDMA flap is a useful and reliable flap to cover the defects of the dorsal aspect and to a certain extent the volar aspect of the thumb. We showed that can be used to cover the defects over proximal phalanx of the index finger. The flap provides adequate soft tissue coverage and good aesthetic results.

Corrugated cardboard finds extensive use in the packaging industry due to its performance characteristics. It is a lightweight material with excellent mechanical properties, easy recyclability, and environmental friendliness, making it the preferred choice. While numerous studies have investigated the effects of external factors on corrugated cardboard and its mechanical properties using simulation modeling, there is a lack of research focusing on simulating and predicting the construction of corrugated cardboard itself. The shape and size of the corrugated medium significantly impact the performance of corrugated cardboard. However, strict standards for the parameters of the medium's size and shape to achieve optimal elasticity and strength are lacking. Therefore, this study aims to explore the modification of the design of one component of corrugated cardboard to enhance its performance

Properties of concrete containing the ground calcined low-kaolinite clay was experimentally studied. Clay, calcined at 900 and 1000°C, was used as a partial replacement of cement at dosage of 20 % by the weight of cement. Tests performed on concrete samples include the consistency, air content, compressive strength and flexural strength. The experimental results show a moderate decrease in slump, as well as in compressive and flexural strength comparing to concrete containing only cement CEM I as a binder. Better results were obtained with concrete containing clay calcined at 1000°C. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage of calcined clay in concrete, as well as the optimal temperature of clay calcination.

Background: MitoWizz is an advanced bioinformatics tool designed for the analysis of the human mitochondrial genome, offering precise and efficient data interpretation. It enables comparisons of sequencing results obtained from various instrumental methods with the reference Andersen genome (rCRS), aiding in the identification of alterations. This capability is particularly valuable in forensic and clinical mitochondrial DNA analysis. Objective: The primary goal of developing MitoWizz is to automate and streamline mitochondrial DNA analysis, providing researchers and forensic experts with a fast, reliable, and comprehensive tool for sequence comparison, variation detection, and data validation. Methods: MitoWizz compares query sequences in opposed to the reference genome and allows direct comparison of two sequences to identify genetic variations. To ensure accuracy, the results are validated through the Clustal Omega W by aligning sequences with the human mitochondrial DNA reference from GenBank (NC_012920.1). Results: The software detected genetic variations and generated a visual report, as demonstrated in an analysis where 11 mutations were identified in various genes, with an 88% sequence identity to the reference genome. The accuracy of the detected alterations was further validated using the Omega Clustal W program. Conslusion: MitoWizz significantly reduces analysis time and enhances result reliability by integrating multiple analytical steps into a single platform. By automating mtDNA comparisons and validation, it provides forensic and research laboratories with a high-throughput, efficient solution for precise mitochondrial genome analysis.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an import fee levied by a region, i.e., the European Union (EU), that taxes carbon on goods produced in countries that do not tax carbon. This EU climate neutrality support mechanism, which should be implemented by 2050, has caused some concerns. For example, it could reduce the export of the EU’s trading partners, especially those countries largely dependent on exporting energy-intensive goods and materials to the EU. Least developed countries, due to their high risk of vulnerability and high exposure, could face particularly pronounced adverse effects from the CBAM’s introduction. Therefore, this article aims to analyze how the introduction of the CBAM will affect the EU’s external trade partners, with particular attention to its potential consequences for selected economies. Most of the literature related to the introduction of the CBAM focuses on the consequences for EU countries. However, this mechanism, which aims to decrease CO2 emissions and encourage a low-carbon transition, could disproportionately affect some countries outside the EU. That is why the article uses data on the exposure of selected non-EU countries to the CBAM, utilizing data on the export of the CBAM-affected products to the EU and CO2 emission intensity. The analysis encompasses five regions and 59 countries, using data from the year 2019. The rationale for using 2019 data is to avoid the effects of global shocks in recent years, such as the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The analysis results reveal that the exposure of regions and countries varies based on the strength on their trade relations with the EU, leading to different trade impacts from the CBAM. The lowest exposure is observed in the regions of the Americas and Australia. This article provides valuable insights to policymakers and entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and opportunities arising from the interlinkage of environmental policies and global trade dynamism. It can help facilitate decision-making related to participation in foreign trade involving products with a higher carbon emissions.

Background: Tranexamic acid can prevent death from bleeding after trauma and postpartum hemorrhage. Objective: The aim of the paper was to assess whether tranexamic acid reduces hematoma expansion and improves outcome in adults with stroke caused by intracerebral hemorrhage. Case presentation: Administration of Tranexamic acid in a patient after a diagnosis of intracerebral hematoma, which occurred after coronary stent implantation. Intracerebral hematoma, or neurological deficit, occurs one day after cardiac surgery in the patient. The case report will present the radiological resolution of the intracerebral hematoma, as well as the improvement of the clinical picture, neurological deficit, in the patient during a one-month follow-up, after the administration of Tranexamic acid. Conclusion: Tranexemic acid is affordable, easy to administer, appears to be safe, and is widely available, so even a modest treatment effect can have an important global impact, and it is necessary to consider its more frequent use, as well as to initiate larger randomized trials.

The aim of the study is to assess the frequency of clinical manifestations of nutritional allergies. This research was designed as a cross-sectional study conducted in the preschool institution "Dr Sima Milosevic". A specially created questionnaire for parents was used for the research. The questionnaire collected data that may have a direct or indirect significance on the occurrence of nutritional allergies. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods were used in statistical data processing. Of the total number of children, 41 children, or 1% of children, have nutritional allergies. The most common symptoms are related to skin changes (53.7%), changes on the lips (22%) and diarrhea (17.1%). Most children, 92.7%, do not have an anaphylactic manifestation of allergy, while 7.3% have an anaphylactic manifestation of allergy. Two children are allergic to eggs and have an anaphylactic manifestation of allergy, and one child is allergic to peanuts. Most children (11) who are allergic to milk have skin changes, i.e. atopic dermatitis, four children have changes on the lips, and four children have problems with the digestive tract, i.e. diarrhea. Three children who are allergic to wheat flour only have digestive tract symptoms, i.e. diarrhea. Early detection of nutritional allergies and preventive measures that are applied to reduce exposure to allergens by implementing an elimination diet and avoiding allergens from the environment can mitigate the consequences of nutritional allergies.

Proper nutrition is important for the healthy growth and development of preschool children. During this period, they undergo rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, making it essential to provide both the necessary nutrients to support their overall development and hygienically safe foods. Maintaining high sanitary and hygienic standards in preschool food facilities requires a comprehensive approach that integrates regulatory compliance, facility design, staff training, and effective sanitation practices. By prioritizing these standards, preschools can provide a safe and healthy environment that supports the well-being and development of preschool children. Regulatory requirements form the backbone of sanitation standards in preschools. These guidelines are often established by public health authorities and childcare regulators, setting out minimum standards for cleanliness, food handling, and facility maintenance. Adherence to these regulations ensures that preschools provide a safe and healthy environment for children. Essential components include proper kitchen design, adequate ventilation, pest control measures, and accessible handwashing facilities. Assessing the effectiveness of hygiene practices in preschools involves a multi-pronged approach, including regular inspections, health monitoring, feedback collection, staff training assessments, and incident analysis. By continuously evaluating and improving hygiene practices, preschools can provide a safe and healthy environment for children.

This paper aimed to examine specific factors that influence and have prognostic power on the profitability of selected insurance companies in the Republic of Serbia. Panel data were used for four insurance companies operating in the Republic of Serbia from 2013 to 2022, to estimate a linear model between the determinants that are theoretically expected to affect the performance and profitability of insurance companies. The findings of the paper revealed that company size according to all three methods (method of least squares, method of fully modified least squares, and robust method of least squares) has a significantly positive influence on the profitability of insurance companies. Also, the growth rate of the premium according to the fully modified least squares method has a positive (significant) impact on the profitability indicator, i.e. ROA. Seen from the other side, the weakest i.e., negative (significant) impact on the profitability of insurance companies in the Republic of Serbia was achieved by the independent variable expense ratio.