Introduction: Doping which includes veterinary drugs as irrational human medicine after the infection with COVID 19 still leaves the field open from the aspect of vascular surgery and angiology of the iliac segment. Reflection of the effect of the COVID 19 virus on the sports performance of athletes in various sports after the corona virus is still present. Some athletes have had a hard time individually coping with the clinical consequences after a long illness of the COVID 19 virus. Even though covert doping is part of the everyday life of an elite athlete, it still remains an unresolved topic in the form of a solution for post-COVID 19 symptoms or switching to or taking some other masked substances that are impossible to detect in the blood, as well as a potential reflection on the morphological changes of the arteries. Although consequences of the corona virus for the cardiorespiratory system have been reported, a question arises as to the connection between the development of iliac syndrome and pathomorphological arterial iliac changes in athletes with suspicion of potential correlation with underground doping substances of pharmacologically untested origin in the Balkan population. Widespread global COVID 19 pandemic and the isolation factor have forced numerous athletes to switch their normal training routine and protocols to alternatives such as cycling with or without abusing illegal substance. Increased intima-media thickness, the first structural change detected in atherosclerosis, is an important surrogate marker in atherosclerosis can be connected with high intensity endurance cyclists, running and triathlon competitive athletes affecting their poor performance status and professional doping levels. In some cases, amateur and recreational athletes are also affected especially if they were exposed to COVID 19 infection and doping. Goals: The primary focus of the present study is to determine the initial progression of the disease during and after the COVID 19 pandemic, starting from morphological changes and obstructive arteriopathy of the external iliac artery on account of measuring intima media thickness and the possibility of outset of kinking and obstructive arterial disease of the external iliac artery after 3 years. The secondary focus of the study is to examine the influence of doping on the pathomorphological changes of the external iliac artery during 3 years of research. Subjects and Methods: two groups of were observed (recreational and amateur cyclist). In total 63 selected subjects in the demographic area of ​​former Yugoslavia without cardiovascular disease were observed during the January 2021 and January 2024 period (3 years). Results: Changes in intima-media thickness of iliac artery from baseline 3 years were observed between the standard exercise amateur group and recreational control group. However, intensity exercise under 9000km per year were no significant developing progression of intima-media thickness of iliac artery during 3 years in recreational control group, but minimal progression of intima-media thickness of iliac artery were significant in amateur cycling group due to the potential effect of doping. Conclusion: The application of doping itself is indisputable, but the missing link that would confirm this claim is scientifically limited. We cannot confirm with certainty what is the trigger for the progression of pathomorphological changes and whether the consequences of overcoming the COVID 19 infection or doping. But there are many scientific facts and studies that confirm the connection between progressive atherosclerosis and illegal underground doping substances of pharmacologically untested origin. The consequences may result with a tendency for a futuristic vascular invasive patch or bypass surgical treatment.

Background. The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus initiated one of humanity’s biggest pandemics, swiftly spreading worldwide and inducing significant health issues. This virus prompted widespread changes, with initial inadequate immune response and a lack of effective drug therapies. Consequently, every organ, particularly the respiratory and nervous systems, was susceptible to infection. The Covid-19 pandemic ended in 2023, but ongoing symptoms led to the term Long Covid and chronic manifestations. Objective: The aim of this article was to describe the important role of health professionals, especially family physicians and their teams when and how to identify common neurological symptoms and clinical conditions during pandemic and post-pandemic period. Methods. A systematic review gathered data on neurological symptoms and complications in Covid-19 patients, ranging from mild, like headache, to severe, such as encephalitis and stroke. Results and Discussion. Analysis revealed a significant proportion of Covid-19 patients experiencing neurological manifestations, with about one-third exhibiting symptoms. Epidemiological data showed ongoing Long Covid symptoms alongside acute manifestations. Many of cases with Long Covid related neurological complications were presented. Common neurological manifestations included chronic fatigue, changes in smell and taste, brain fog, headaches, fibromyalgia, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. Severe Covid-19 cases were more likely to exhibit neurological complications, such as ischemic brain vasculitis and thromboembolic events, associated with higher mortality rates. Neurological complications of Covid-19 are frequent and diverse, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and treatment, coordinated by primary care physicians. In practice, it is necessary to monitor the patient’s immune status over a longer period, and coagulation disorders (D-dimer) for adequate therapy and rehabilitation. Very important is to recognize the immune response after an acute infection. Due to the epidemic occurrence of Long Covid, it is necessary to introduce the above-mentioned procedures also in case of clinical signs of Long Covid. There are several hypotheses for the causes of Long COVID symptoms, including immune disorders, persistence of the virus in various organs, and microvascular coagulation changes. Within primary healthcare as the first line of defense it is necessary to address stress caused by COVID-19, try to recognize the affected other organ systems. Conclusion: The family doctor with his communication skills can make connection with the secondary and tertiary levels and the consulting services of immunologists, microbiologists, nutritionists, pharmacist, physiatrist and infectiologist. The family medicine team plays a key role in prevention, random detection and adequate medical procedures. The main interventions at the primary level should include education, emotional support, specific nutrition interventions and lifestyle modifications.

The choice of steel depends on environmental factors like temperature, pressure, and chemical exposure. Steel components in machinery often face varying conditions that can lead to damage, such as cavitation erosion. In this study, steel 42CrMo4 samples were chosen to represent a common and widely used steel. Application of this type of steel is often related to the statically and dynamically stressed components for vehicles, engines, and machines, where corrosion or cavitation can occur. The behavior of steel samples under conditions of cavitation erosion in distilled water was the focus of this paper. Testing was performed using a standard cavitation vibratory setup using a stationary specimen, according to the ASTM G-32 procedure. Image and morphological analyses were implemented to quantify the level of sample degradation caused by cavitation. The observed changes in the monitored parameters during testing are linked to the degradation mechanism of cavitation erosion. The results showed that pits began forming within 60 minutes, and afterward, the growth and merging of these pits significantly impacted the degradation process.

Engineering materials are often exposed to various extremely harsh surroundings such as high temperatures and/or pressure, thermal shocks, aggressive solutions, or cavitation erosion. The phenomenon of cavitation erosion might be expected in conditions of fluid-flowing where the parts of equipment include turbine blades, high-speed propellers, or pump parts. Such conditions usually cause surface degradation with defects in the form of pits and fractures, resulting in strength deterioration with a potential risk of failure, as well as a reduction in the materials' lifespan that requires additional expenses for failure analysis, repair, and/or replacement of parts. This paper will present the main results regarding the study on cavitation erosion resistance of two different engineering materials, austenitic stainless steel 316L and CuAlNi shape memory alloy (SMA). Cavitation erosion testing was carried out using an ultrasonic vibratory method with a stationary sample. The comparison of the behavior between these two materials in cavitation erosion conditions will be shown based on the results of mass loss and analysis of the pits formed over time. Using image analysis tools, the surface damage levels were quantified. Detailed analyses revealed that CuAlNi shape memory alloy (SMA) exhibited superior in terms of resistance and behavior compared to stainless steel.

Many steels are used in specific environments, while one of these is maritime applications. High-strength 42CrMo4 steel finds numerous applications in the marine industry, including shaft parts, crankshafts, connecting rods, drilling joints, pump parts, steam turbines, and salvage equipment. In order to provide performance reliability in the marine environment, it is essential to study the corrosion resistance of surfaces of 42CrMo4 steel components and parts. The steel's behavior is typically evaluated in a synthetic NaCl solution, which is prepared as a standard substitute for seawater. This paper is focused on the behavior of the steel samples under corrosion conditions in NaCl solution. The level of sample surface degradation which is caused by the corrosion over a 4-month exposure period was evaluated using SEM/EDS analysis. The mass loss increased during the testing period, following an almost linear model in all time periods.

Numerous industrial equipment are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions that among others include cavitation erosion. This study examined the cavitation erosion behavior of mullite, a common material used in furnace linings and casting processes such as Lost Foam which is a novel way to produce castings offering both high quality and reasonably priced. The ultrasonic vibratory method with a stationary sample was employed to achieve cavitation erosion, while image analysis was used to measure the degree of surface deterioration. This study aimed to assess the lifetime of mullite under cavitation exposure by quantifying the morphological parameters of the defects through image analysis and by monitoring material behavior. The obtained results were discussed and analyzed in order to understand degradation mechanisms and sample resistance to cavitation erosion. The results demonstrate that mullite is highly resistant to cavitation, as the volume loss is minimal and the surface degradation is below 6% after 180 minutes of exposure.

This publication has always been a cornerstone of our community, providing valuable insights, updates, and a platform for sharing the incredible work of our members. It was initiated during the EFMI presidency of Catherine Chronaki (Belgium, Greece), with our enthusiastic colleague, Izet Masic (Bosnia Herzegovina), serving as the first Editor-in-Chief. The past year has been a period of reflection and rejuvenation for our team. We took this time to evaluate how best to serve you, our esteemed members, and ensure that our newsletter remains a vital resource in our professional journey together. We continue the traditional general content of previous editions, introducing a structural organization by sections, each coordinated by a guest editor. Additionally, we have expanded the range of topics, introducing articles on opinions as well as including some highlights from our previous meetings. This edition features three special sections.

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

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.

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Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, fast-paced lifestyle, as well as genetic predispositions lead to the appearance of diabetes mellitus, and with it many other complications, of which diabetic foot syndrome is very common. In order to avoid complications with the diabetic foot, one of the forms of prevention is wearing specially designed footwear that protects and reduces the pressure on the foot and thus the risk of ulcers. Insoles also play a big role in preventing complications. The paper will present a conceptual solution of a model of footwear for patients with diabetes mellitus and a prototype of an insole made of knitwear, which was previously printed with medical clay, honey and extracts of the plants Rosmarinus officinalis and Zingiber officinale. Samples of knitwear that were printed with a paste containing Rosmarinus officinalis extract showed exceptional antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Replaceable insoles for footwear are intended for the prevention of complications from Diabetes mellitus.