MicroRNA-based medicines have drawn attention as a promising tool for the treatment of various diseases. Due to the poor biomembrane permeation, cellular uptake, and enzymatic instability of naked microRNA, the clinical success of gene therapy is mostly dependent on formulating efficient and safe transfection vectors [1]. Therefore, we aimed to develop cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for gene therapy purposes. SLN containing 0.15% of stearylamine, 4.85% of Precirol ATO 5 (solid lipid), 1% of Tween 80, and 1% of Poloxamer 188, as non-ionic surfactants, were produced using a high-pressure homogenization process (800 bar and three cycles). microRNA 27-a was further complexed with SLN in the following SLN/microRNA ratios: 1:5, 1:2.5, 1:1, 2.5:1, 5:1, 10:1, 25:1 and characterized using dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic light scattering, and gel retardation assay. The SLN had a mean diameter of 112 ± 0.5 nm (PDI of 0.202 ± 0.011) and a zeta potential (ZP) value of +30.6 ± 1.25 mV. Complexation of SLNs with microRNA decreased a particle size from 244.8 ± 2.7 to 120.4 ± 0.4 nm with an increasing weight ratio of SLNs, while the biggest particle size was observed in 1:1 ratio (1146 ± 110.2 nm) due to low ZP values (3.45 ± 0.2 mV). Further, ZP increased from -14.3 ± 0.4 mV to + 39.7 ± 0.5 mV. Both ELS data and gel retardation assay results revealed that complete complexation could be attained above the weight ratio of 5:1. Our investigations suggest that SLN poses a high potential to be non-viral gene carriers in miRNA replacement therapy.

In this paper we will present the Julia set and the global behavior of a polynomial second-order difference equation of type xn+1 = axmn xx-1 + axm+1 n-1 + bxn-1 where m ? N, a > 0 and b ? 0 with non-negative initial conditions.

This research presents the first findings on thrombopoiesis for Wistar rats. Haemopoietic cells from the femur and the sternum were analysed by light microscopy in combination with infrared and near-ultraviolet light for fine cytoplasmic structure analysis. Five main types of thrombocyte precursor cells were identified in the bone marrow samples: megakaryoblast, promegakaryocyte and megakaryocyte (basophilic, acidophilic and thrombocytogenic). More intensive thrombopoiesis and morphologically differentiated cells were found in sternum samples.

U ovom radu ponudit će se rodna analiza potreba i mogućih pravaca reforme izbornog zakonodavstva Bosne i Hercegovine. Fokus rada će biti na tri centralna istraživačka pitanja. Prvo, analizirat će se u kojoj mjeri i na koji način konsocijacijski politički sistemi o(ne)mogućavaju predstavljanje žena u politici. Pri tome će se u obzir uzeti različite dimenzije predstavljanja (formalno, deskriptivno, sadržajno i simbolično predstavljanje). Drugo, analizirat će se da li je Izborni zakon Bosne i Hercegovine usklađen sa Zakonom o ravnopravnosti spolova Bosne i Hercegovine. I treće, ispitivat će se u kojem pravcu se trebaju i mogu odvijati reforme izbornog zakonodavstva BiH. U tom kontekstu biće predstavljene i preporuke CEDAW komiteta i različite rodno odgovorne inicijative za reforme izbornog zakonodavstva koje dolaze kako od institucija nadležnih za rodnu ravnopravnost, tako i iz sfere civilnog društva.

In order to ensure that risky assets are covered by the bank's capital, the regulator has prescribed a minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR). The prescribed CAR, which in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is 12%, represents the ability of banks to absorb losses caused by bad placements, expressed as the ratio of capital and risk assets of the bank. The sample of this research was performed at the level of the whole banking system of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary goal of this paper is to try to identify exogenous and endogenous factors that affect the capital sensitivity of banks operating in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research is focused on the period from 2014-2020, every quarter, and the research will explain descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The research estimated two regression models, assumptions were checked and the obtained results were interpreted. The results of the first model showed that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between the leverage rate and the capital adequacy ratio, and a statistically significant negative correlation between the GDP growth rate and the capital adequacy ratio. The second model confirmed that there is a negative statistically significant correlation between the variables return on average assets (ROAA), total income / average assets (UPPA), net interest income / average assets (NIM) with the capital adequacy ratio.

L2 MOTIVATION: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PAST ATTRIBUTIONS, THE L2MSS, AND INTENDED EFFORT Globalization has led to the spread of English, which has become the world’s international language. As a result of its importance in social, economic, and political spheres, many countries have introduced English language learning in their school curricula. However, despite its importance many learners still seem to struggle with English second language (L2) motivation, which is an Anna Martinović, Irena Burić: L2 MOTIVATION: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PAST ATTRIBUTIONS... 426 VESTNIK ZA TUJE JEZIKE/JOURNAL FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGES important element of L2 learning success. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between several phases of learners’ motivation, including learners’ attributions of past English L2 learning success, current motivational characteristics, and motivation to learn English in the future. Using the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) as a framework, it was found that past learning experiences did not have a significant effect on current learner motivational dispositions. However, elements of the L2MSS had an effect on learners’ intentions to exert effort into future English language learning. In other words, Croatian university students’ L2 motivation was based on their visions for the future rather than on past learning experiences. Moreover, it appears that the ideal L2 self plays a much stronger role in learners’ motivation compared to the ought-to L2 self, and this motivation is tied to utilitarian motives for learning English. In addition, the results showed that other motivational components, such as interest, as well as L2 anxiety, are important elements of learners’ motivation, suggesting cognitive as well as affective aspects in this motivational profile. The complexity of motivation as shown in this study suggests the need for further investigations in various contexts.

Mushroom production has become more popular in our environment. The most common cultivated mushroom is Agaricus bisporus. After mushrooms are harvested a large amount of used compost remains. This compost is a good material and producers used it as alternative substrate in plant production. The benefits of this compost are numerous like high content of organic matter and the rich mineral composition. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the use of spent mushroom compost (as alternative substrate) on growth and development of roots and above-ground parts of sage transplants (Salvia officinalis L.). Measurements of morphological parameters of plants (plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and plant diameter) were performed, as well as determination of fresh and dry weight of roots and above-ground parts of transplants. Application of spent mushroom substrate in the production of sage Salvia officinalis L. positively influenced growth and development as well as fresh and dry weight of roots and above-ground parts of treated plants compared to nontreated plants during transplanting growing stage. Plant height (+104%), number of leaves (+65%), number of branches (+143%), plant diameter (89%), were significantly increased by the spent mushroom compost application compared to the control - commercial substrate.