Sonja Ilić

The chemical composition and antinociceptive potential of a lyophilized decoction of the oregano flowers (Origanum vulgare L.) and the aerial parts of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in the flowering phase (LCOD—lyophilized decoction of the oregano and chicory) was investigated by HPLC-DAD and the acetic-acid-induced writhing method. HPLC-DAD analysis of the LCOD revealed the presence of 20 phenolic compounds, where the dominant phenolic components were ferulic acid (205.19 mg/g LCOD), rosmarinic acid (81.55 mg/g) and hyperoside (79.42 mg/g). The results of the antinociceptive activity showed a strong analgesic effect of the LCOD (15 and 30 mg/kg), which significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the number of writhings (98.40 and 99.23%, respectively) induced by acetic acid. These encouraging results indicate the analgesic potential of LCOD and suggest validation through clinical trials.

About a third of adults have sleep problems, while in the student population this number is much higher due to a specific lifestyle. It has been shown that the use of devices with light-emitting diode screens before sleep adversely affects sleep, sleeping and circadian rhythm in respondents. The aim of this study was to assess subjective sleep quality and level of daytime sleepiness among medical students, as well as the correlation of these parameters with the smartphone usage time. Smartphone usage time was determined using the Android Application Quality Time. A statistically significant and strong positive (r = 0.613) correlation between subjective sleep quality and the use of mobile phones has been determined. By correlation analysis of daytime sleepiness and the use of mobile phones, it was found that there was a medium strong negative (r = -0.23) correlation between these parameters, which was not statistically significant. The results of this study have shown that the subjective quality of sleep is significantly impaired and of poor quality; and a significant correlation between the use of mobile phones and the quality of sleep has been demonstrated.

Methotrexate is an antimetabolic drug with a myriad of serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, which presumably occurs due to oxidative tissue damage. Here, we evaluated the potential protective effect of lycopene, a potent antioxidant carotenoid, given in two different pharmaceutical forms in methotrexate‐induced kidney damage in rats. Serum biochemical (urea and creatinine) and tissue oxidative damage markers and histopathological kidney changes were evaluated after systemic administration of both lycopene dissolved in corn oil and lycopene encapsulated in nanoliposomes. Similar to previous studies, single dose of methotrexate induced severe functional and morphological alterations of kidneys with cell desquamation, tubular vacuolation, and focal necrosis, which were followed by serum urea and creatinine increase and disturbances of tissue antioxidant status. Application of both forms of lycopene concomitantly with methotrexate ameliorated changes in serum urea and creatinine and oxidative damage markers and markedly reversed structural changes of kidney tissue. Moreover, animals that received lycopene in nanoliposome‐encapsulated form showed higher degree of recovery than those treated with free lycopene form. The findings of this study indicate that treatment with nanoliposome‐encapsulated lycopene comparing to lycopene in standard vehicle has an advantage as it more efficiently reduces methotrexate‐induced kidney dysfunction.