This study aims to estimate the number of AMY2B gene copies and measure serum amylase activity in several Balkan dog breeds. Additionally, it explores the relationship between these genetic and biochemical parameters. Blood samples from 85 dogs representing eight breeds were collected, DNA was extracted, and AMY2B copy numbers were determined using droplet digital PCR. AMY2B gene copies ranged from 7.7 to 18.4, with a mean of 12.4 ± 2.2. Significant breed-related differences were observed (p = 0.025), with Istrian Wire-Haired Hounds showing the highest mean copy number (13.9 ± 1.5) and Posavatz Hounds the lowest (10.8 ± 1.5). Serum amylase activity ranged from 3.3 to 17.8 µkat/L, with a mean of 8.7 ± 2.6, and showed significant interbreed differences (p = 0.004), with Barak breed displaying the highest activity. Serum glucose levels varied widely, but no significant interbreed differences were detected (p = 0.340). No significant correlation was found between AMY2B copy numbers and serum amylase activity or glucose levels. The study concludes that Balkan dogs have AMY2B copy numbers similar to other European breeds, likely reflecting historical agricultural practices in the region, thereby facilitating better starch digestion. While significant variations exist among breeds, the lack of correlation between gene copy number and amylase activity suggests that other factors influence enzyme levels.

Comparative analysis of red mud reduction techniques was performed using both carbothermal and hydrogen-based reduction methods, combining thermochemical modeling and experimental validation. The reduction process is mostly important because of the high contamination risk assessment of soil with disposed red mud. Therefore, the minimization of red mud during the reduction process can be a novel strategy for the production of metallic iron and solid residue for hydrometallurgical treatment. Different strategies of hydrogen and carbon reduction in static and dynamic conditions were studied between 700 °C and 1700 °C. The separation of solid residue and formed iron was analyzed using magnetic separation. The main aim was to study the advantages and disadvantages of using decarbonizing technologies for the treatment of red mud, aiming to develop an environmentally friendly process. Thermochemical analysis of the reduction offered new data about mass losses during our process through the evaporation, thermal decomposition, and formation of metallic carbide.

Biodentine, a tricalcium silicate cement, has emerged as a retrograde root-end filling material to promote periapical lesion (PL) healing after apicoectomy. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that Biodentine stimulates the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from PLs. The Biodentine extract (B-Ex) was prepared by incubating polymerized Biodentine in RPMI medium (0.2 g/mL) for three days at 37 °C. B-Ex, containing both released microparticles and soluble components, was incubated with PL-MSCs cultured in either a basal MSC medium or suboptimal osteogenic medium. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin Red staining and the expression of 20 osteoblastogenesis-related genes. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of B-Ex stimulated the proliferation of PL-MSCs and induced their osteogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, with a significantly enhanced effect in suboptimal osteogenic medium. B-Ex upregulated most early and late osteoblastic genes. However, the differentiation process was prolonged, as indicated by the delayed expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2 (WNT2), bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein (BGLAP), bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and FOS-like 2, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOSL2), compared with their expression under optimal osteogenic conditions. The stimulatory effect of B-Ex was primarily calcium dependent, as it was reduced by 85% when B-Ex was treated with the calcium-chelating agent EGTA. In conclusion, Biodentine promotes the osteogenic differentiation of PL-MSCs in a calcium-dependent manner, supporting its stimulatory role in periapical healing.

Origanum compactum, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Cinnamomum camphora essential oils are recognized for their therapeutic potential, including their selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. Our research focused on examining the cytotoxic effects of these essential oils on three human carcinoma cell lines: lung carcinoma (H460), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), and colorectal carcinoma (HCT116). The MTT-based cell viability assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of essential oils. The results demonstrated that all three essential oils exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic potential, with varying levels of growth inhibition across the cell lines. Notably, the highest sensitivity was observed in H460 cells, and the lowest sensitivity was found in HCT116 cells. Origanum compactum demonstrated the strongest cytotoxicity across all cell lines (GI50 73 - 154 nL/mL), making it the most promising candidate for further investigation, particularly for lung and cervical cancer treatment.