Background: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder and involves multiple organs, intellectual disability and epilepsy. Mutations in TSC1 and TSC2 genes are responsible for the molecular disease mechanism. Objective: The aim is to determine molecular background of a patient with a suspicion of TSC. Case presentation: In this case report, we describe a seven year old patient with the clinical manifestation of TSC that includes supratentorial changes, subependymal hamartomas and angifibromas in the facial area. Besides the brain and skin changes, no other TSC characteristics were observed. The patient was referred to molecular genetic testing using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Results: Clinical exome sequencing revealed intronic TSC2 c.4849+2T>G variant. The variant was confirmed using Sanger sequencing on the subject. However, the variant was not detected in the parents, which indicated that it arose de-novo. The RegSNP-intron, Mutation Taster and Human Splicing Finder were used as a bioinformatic tools to predict the possible effect on protein. Using bioinformatic tools, it was determined that the variant is possibly damaging to protein. Conclusion: This data suggest that observed splicing intronic variant could be the cause of TSC in this pediatric patient.

The research assessed the level of physical activity (PA) of boys and girls aged 11-14, as well as trends in PA levels. The sample included a total of 433 children aged 11-14, comprising 238 boys and 195 girls. PA was assessed using the FELS questionnaire, which included questions about the frequency of PA in sports, PA during leisure time, PA at home, and overall PA. To determine the trend in PA levels across specific domains and overall, trend analysis was applied, followed by comparisons using the LSD Post Hoc Test. Data were processed using the SPSS statistical package (p < .05). The results showed that boys had significantly higher levels of PA across all periods compared to girls. Significant changes in PA levels among boys were observed in the domain of PA in sports (Sig. = < .001) and overall PA (Sig. = .008). A significant decline in PA in sports among boys was noted between the ages of 11 and 13, as well as between 11 and 14 years, while the decline in overall PA was observed between the ages of 11 and 13. Among girls, a decline in PA in the domain of household chores was identified between the ages of 11 and 14. In the domain of overall PA, significant decreases were observed between the ages of 11 and 13, 11 and 14, 12 and 13, and 12 and 14. It was found that PA among children aged 11-14 significantly decreases around the ages of 12 and 13. Efforts should focus on promoting PA within this population group and identifying appropriate strategies to increase or at least maintain PA levels during this critical period.

Background: The scientific researchers have the role of interacting through published articles in scientific journals or presentations at scientific and professional conferences where they can affect the practices that can make achievements to society and country. or worldwide. Objective: The aim of this article was to describe bibliometric indexes and explained its importance for its evaluation and measuring quality assessment of published papers in scientific journals and advantages and disadvantages of current bibliometric portals for creating the list of universities and its academic staff by counts of deposited articles in databases and number of its citations. Methods: The author searched the most influential online databases and analyzed deposited papers by bibliometric indexes, and used a descriptive method to review important facts about bibliometrics experiences in scientific and academic practice. The author used facts deposited on the main international portals for analyzing number of citations of deposited scientific papers on Scopus and Google Scholar platform–h–Index and i10-Index and number of citations as basic data for created top list of most citated scientists in almost of all countries in the world. Results and Discussion: Bibliometric methods are used for quantitative analysis of written materials. Citation is influenced by: article quality, understanding of the article, language in which the article is written, loyalty to a group of researchers, article type, etc. Some indicators used in evaluating scientific work are Impact factor (IF); Citation of the article; Journal citations; Number and order of authors, etc. The index factor of influence depends on the quality of the journal, the language in which it was printed, the area it covers, and the journal distribution system. The portals and its platforms: Webometrics, “AD Scientific Index” and Stanford Bibliometric List are not fully relevant for measuring quality assessment of universities and its academic staff. Conclusion: Current academies and academicians can propose criteria how improve indexing scientific papers with the consultation of scientific bodies and experts at universities in one country, selected regions, or worldwide. These criteria should be necessary for quality assessment of the scientific curriculum of scientists and their published papers in scientific journals.

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One of the most often used welding processes for unalloyed structural steels is MAG, which is relatively simple, yet achieving high deposition rates. On the other side, there are standards describing weld quality based on weld geometry. This paper describes influence of heat input on weld geometry for MAG fillet welds of unalloyed steel with thicknesses of 8 mm, in horizontal and overhead position. Independently varied parameters were welding current and speed. Influence is described through models based on linear regression analysis. Comparison is made between models developed for different positions, as well as with those available in literature.

This paper aims to compare the mechanical and structural properties of butt-welded properties of dissimilar aluminum alloys 2024-T351 and AA 6082-T6 obtained by MIG and TIG welding processes. Alloy AA 6082 T6 is well weldable by classic fusion welding processes (MIG and TIG), while alloy 2024-T351 is almost non-weldable. For the welding of these two different Al alloys, MIG and TIG welding procedures were used on 8 mm thick sheet metal using additional material 4043A (AlSi5) and a mixture of argon and helium as a protective gas for the MIG welding process, or pure argon for the TIG welding process. The paper compares the mechanical properties of welded joints obtained by MIG and TIG welding. The microstructural evolution of the welded joint of dissimilar aluminum alloys AA6082-T6 and AA2024-T351 is compared. The mechanical properties of welded joints of dissimilar aluminum alloys are compared based on the results of Vickers hardness tests, tensile and bending tests of welded samples.

Introduction: Metacognition, which refers to the ability to oversee and regulate one's cognitive activities, plays a crucial role in medical education. Evaluating metacognitive awareness is particularly important for university students, as it impacts their learning strategies and academic performance. The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Serbian adaptation of the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI), with an emphasis on its construct validity and internal consistency. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, on third-year medical students during October 2024. The psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the MAI were evaluated by assessing its factorial structure and internal consistency. The MAI consists of 52 items, comprising two primary components: 'Knowledge of Cognition' and 'Regulation of Cognition'. The subcomponent of "knowledge of cognition" were categorized into declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge, and conditional knowledge, whereas "regulation of cognition" subcomponent were classified into planning, information management strategies, comprehension monitoring, debugging, and evaluation. Results: A total of 426 medical students were included in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 21.3 ± 1.4 years, and the majority were females (68.5%). The mean score of the scale was 199.0. The internal consistency analysis of the Serbian version of the MAI questionnaire yielded a Cronbach's a of 0.94, and a McDonald's o of 0.95 for the entire scale, which indicates excellent scale reliability. The Serbian version of the MAI questionnaire was validated using confirmatory factor analysis, supporting both the hypothesized eight-factor and two-factor structures. The eight-factor model showed good fit indices (IFI = 0.908, CFI = 0.905, RMSEA = 0.042), with statistically significant factor loadings (p < 0.05). Similarly, the two-factor model demonstrated adequate fit (IFI = 0.921, CFI = 0.918, RMSEA = 0.039), with all loadings also significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study revealed the Serbian version of MAI as reliable and valid tool for identifying medical students' metaconginive awareness.

Red mud, byproduct of the aluminum industry, poses a significant environmental problem due to its chemical composition and the large quantities generated. This study explores the potential for its valorization through a multi-step process that includes reduction, leaching with acid solution, purification, and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP). In the first step, red mud undergoes carbothermal reduction, during which metal oxides are transformed into metal phase and slag. In the second step, the slag is subjected to leaching under various conditions, including changes in pressure, temperature, and acid concentration, which allows the recovery of titanium in the form of titanium oxysulfate and other metals. Finally, after purifying the solution using precipitation or solvent extraction, ultrasonic spray pyrolysis is used to synthesize titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanopowders from titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO₄). This integrated approach not only reduces waste but also produces high-value materials with broad industrial applications.

Introduction: Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) is a frequent phenomenon, for which no complete solution has yet been found. More than 5% of patients treated for hypertension do not achieve blood pressure control with three first-generation antihypertensive drugs. Objective: The aim of this new cohort investigation, which is an extension of the TRYCORT study, is to re-examine the efficacy and safety of additional antihypertensive therapy in a group of adult patients with TRH. Methods: The study was designed as multi-national, multi-centre, prospective cohort study, which compared effectiveness and safety of add-on treatmentsof resistant hypertension. The patients were followed-up for 6 months, and primary outcome was treatment response. Results: In total139 patients completed the study(66women and 73 men), with average age of 63.6 years. Initial add-on therapy was changed at study visits if response to treatment was inadequate. The blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg was achieved in 75% of patients with add-on spironolactone, while effectively all patients achieved drop in systolic blood pressure ≥ 10 mmHg, and drop in diastolic blood pressure ≥ 5 mmHg. Only one treatment-related adverse effect was observed (pretibial oedema in patient taking amlodipine), while serum levels of potassium remaind within the reference limits. Quality of life increased and paralleled the treatment response. Conclusion: In conclusion, spironolactone proved to be the most effective and safe add-on therapy of resistant hypertension, but it needs several months of regular intake to achieve full effect and improve quality of life. Conclusion Spironolactone proved to be the most effective and safe add-on therapy of resistant hypertension, but it needs several months of regular intake to achieve the full effect and improve quality of life.

The UV-VIS method is an effective, non-destructive method that enables a better understanding of the electrolyte during corrosion. The aim of the study presented in this paper is to determine the existence of an organometallic complex in a 0.5 M NaCl solution with the addition of Rubus fruticosus L. leaf extract (RFLE). The experiments were conducted in a 0.5 M NaCl solution with the addition of RFLE (5 g/L and 10 g/L) with and without the immersion of a copper coupon. The results show that after the copper coupon standing in the electrolyte, there is a change in the absorbance maximum in the solution with 5 g/L RFLE, while no change is observed in the solution with 10 g/L RFLE. Such a change indicates the existence of a copper-RFLE complex in the solution with lower inhibitor concentration. In the case of RFLE, forming a copper complex with caffeic acid, isoquercetin and astragalin is possible. The absence of the complex at a concentration of 10 g/L RFLE can be attributed to a change in the mechanism and the lack of copper ions in the solution due to adequate corrosion protection.

This study investigates the kinetic models of Cu²⁺ ion adsorption onto clinoptilolite-rich zeolite. The study highlights the importance of diffusion kinetic models in understanding the adsorption process. The initial phases are significantly influenced by the ion diffusion through the film to the particle surface, particularly within the first 30 minutes, which is crucial for the heterogeneous surfaces like zeolites. Following this, the surface adsorption (intraparticle diffusion) is described by the Weber-Morris model, effective primarily during the initial stage. As the process progresses beyond 20-30 minutes, the ion removal rates decrease sharply, and diffusion within the particle core becomes the dominant factor, influencing the overall reaction rate.