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Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Issue 64

Publication date: June 2025

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Table of contents

Evaluation of Nicotine Transdermal Patches Available on the Domestic Market Original Scientific Article

Uzunović, A., Mlivo, E., Pilipović, S., Šljivić Husejnović, M., Šapčanin, A., Pilipović, B.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2025.64.01

UDK: 543:613.84

Abstract: The use of transdermal patches with nicotine is a better way to quit smoking because it ensures a similar concentration of nicotine in the blood as when smoking and reduces the morning desire for a cigarette. The aim of this work was to analyze the behavior of the matrix with the active substance under conditions that are close to skin conditions. A total of 3 samples were collected from local market. The analysis was performed after 0.5, 1, 4, 10, 16 and 24 hours for each sample. The concentration of released nicotine for samples at 50 RPM ranged in the following range: sample 1 43.87 %-115.23 %; sample 2 40.56 %-114.70 %; sample 3 43.53 %-117.13 %. The concentration of released nicotine for the samples at 100 RPM ranged in the following range: sample 1 45.14 %-120.82 %; sample 2 49.05 %-120.79 %; sample 3 44.73 %-118.51 %. It was determined that most of the nicotine is released already after 4 hours. The samples also show very similar concentration results after 10 hours, and for all three samples the result was 0.096 mg/ml.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 64, 01-05

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Bioeconomy and the Modern Challenge of Sustainable Production and Consumption of Biomass and Biofuels Original Scientific Article

Papuga, S., Djurdjevic, M., Kotur, M.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2025.64.02

UDK: 577.1:550.47

Abstract: The bioeconomy encompasses the whole economy’s reliance on biological and renewable resources, appears as a response to the global challenges confronting the present civilization. This paper explains the genesis of this concept, focusing particularly on its fundamental components, i.e. the sustainable utilization of biomass and the production of biofuels. It offers an overview of global policies and strategies in this domain, alongside the potential applications of biomass. A large number of studies highlight the great potential of biomass, surpassing the current human needs. However, its application has to be examined through three aspects: supply, demand and sustainability. The increase in biofuel production also imposes challenges such as the competitive use of land for biomass and food production, which is a particular problem, and in this regard, various technologies have been developed that use inedible biomass in the production of biofuels and valuable chemicals. Recognizing the importance of the bioeconomy, as an inevitable element in achieving sustainable development, the European Union adopted a strategy and action plan for the bioeconomy in 2012. Also, many countries that are important players in the global economy, such as the United States, Germany, Canada, Japan, etc. have adopted their national strategies that promote the bioeconomy. It is clear that there is a global interest in research and investment in supply chains for biomass and biofuels, which gives an optimistic picture of the future use of biomass as the basis of a future global bioeconomy.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 64, 07-22

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New insight into the geochemical behavior of alkali and alkaline earth metals in a frequently subsampled clay pit sample with and without Al-normalization Original Scientific Article

Jurković, J.*, Sijahović, E., Bašić, F.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2025.64.03

UDK: 552.23[543:546]

Abstract: Clays are fine-particle-size materials (less than 2 μm) comprised mainly of clay minerals, which are hydrated aluminum silicates with associated alkali and alkaline earth elements. The small particle size and complex porous structure result in a high specific surface area, which allows strong physical and chemical interactions with dissolved species. Metals can also be incorporated within the clay structure, which can be made of octahedral and/or tetrahedral sheets. Depending on the composition of the tetrahedral and octahedral sheets, the layer will have no charge or will have a net negative charge. If the layers are charged, this charge is balanced by interlayer cations. The recent research of metals in clays mainly focused on heavy metals, while investigations of light metals are rather rare. For the investigation of the behavior of alkali and alkaline earth metals in clay samples, 110 subsamples of cored samples were taken. The total contents of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Descriptive statistics were conducted using maximum, minimum, average, and median values. Correlation and PCA analysiswith and without Al-normalization were calculated to determine the different behavior of metals, The contents of metals lie in the following sequence: K>Mg>Ca>Na>Ba>Sr. The highest correlation between metals was found between Mg and K (r=0.87) and Ba and Sr (r=0.65). PCA analysis revealed two subgroups: 1) K, Mg, Na. 2) Ba, Sr. After the Al normalization was applied, Ba and Sr showed the highest correlation (r=0.81). Ca did not significantly contribute to any of the PCA subgroups, suggesting a possible different source and behavior.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 64, 23-31

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Antioxidant Properties of Alien Plant Species: Assessing Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant, Oxidant Capacities, and Antimicrobial Activity Proceedings

Burović, S., Pašić, L., Madacki-Todorović, K. Sarajlić, N., Galijašević, S.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2025.64.04

UDK: 542.943'78:634-1/-2

Abstract: Alien plant species pose significant threats to natural ecosystems due to their adaptability and invasive potential. In this study, the antioxidant activity of 13 alien and invasive plant species was investigated, regarding their total phenolic content, flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity. Plant tissues were macerated, evaporated to dryness, and the extracts were dissolved in water. Total phenolic content ranged from 6.55 mg GAE/g extract to 30.82 mg GAE/g extract. Flavonoid content spanned from 3.04 mg Quercetin/g extract to 40.81 mg Quercetin/g extract. The total antioxidant capacity ranged between 662 CEAC µM and 1540 CEAC µM. Total oxidative capacity can be correlated to the abiotic stress. Rhus typhina L. and Impatiens balfourii Hooker f., exhibited positive total oxidant capacity values of 122.56 ± 7.85 µM H₂O₂ Equiv./L and 141.38 ± 4.33 µM H₂O₂ Equiv./L, respectively. These two species also showed the highest total antioxidant capacity that were 1190,06 ± 137,36 CEAC µM for Rhus typhina L and 1540,34 ± 270,84 for CEAC Impatiens balfourii Hooker f. The results suggest that the extraction solvent significantly affects the antioxidant capacity, with ethanol generally providing higher extraction efficiency for many species. The antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Rhus typhina L was active against E. coli and P. mirabilis.

This data indicates that plants increased antioxidant defense systems against abiotic stresses. Clearly, the correlation between total oxidant capacity and total antioxidant capacity values in plants is a valuable factor indicating the mechanism of the plant defense.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 64, 33-42

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Content of Total Phenolics, Total Flavonoids and Vitamin C, and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Raspberry Varieties Proceedings

Topčagić, A., Muftić-Brdar, D., Klepo, L., Mujezin, A., Toromanović, J., Tahirović, I.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2025.64.05

UDK:582.711.712:577.164.2(497.6 Cazin)

Abstract: This paper presents the study of total phenolics (TPs), total flavonoids (TFs), vitamin C and antioxidant activity (AA) of fruits and juices of raspberry varieties from the area of the municipality of Cazin. Five raspberry varieties (Fertodi, Meeker, Polka, Tulameen, and Willamette) grown according to the integral concept, as well as one sample of the Willamette variety grown as a hobby within the homestead - semi-intensive concept (W-sc) were analyzed. The TPs (before and after precipitation with formaldehyde) were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method with gallic acid (GA) as a standard. The TFs were calculated from the difference between the TPs before and after precipitation. To determine the content of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid (AsA) was utilized as a standard. In addition, the AA of the raspberry samples was tested using the ABTS radical scavenging method, using trolox (T) as a standard. The highest TPs content in fresh raspberry fruits (f.f.) was shown by the Tulameen variety (1608.77 mg GAE/100 g), while the W-sc sample showed the highest TPs content (1417.65 mg GAE/100 mL) among fresh raspberry juices (f.j.). The Tulameen variety had the highest TFs in f.f. (1513.81 mg GAE/100 g) and the Willamette variety in f.j. (789.99 mg GAE/100 mL). The highest content of vitamin C was shown by the variety Meekerin both tested raspberry fractions (45.87 mg AsAE/100 g in f.f., and 37.42 mg AsAE/100 mL in f.j.). All samples exhibited AA, whereby the best AA was shown by the Fertodi variety (7.60 mM TE/g) for f.f. samples, while the Meeker variety had the highest value of AA (6.26mM TE/mL) among f.j. samples.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 64, 43-48

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Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Special Issue 2022

Publication date: June-July 2022

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Catalysis and environment: the good, the bad and the ugly Plenary lecture

Suljo Linić

Abstract: It has become increasingly clear that human-induced CO2 emissions are having potentially irreversible impact on the environment. In this presentation, I will share my views on the current state of the CO2 pollution problem and discuss potential mitigation strategies. I will focus on the solutions that involve catalysts and discuss how achievable these solutions are, and which of the solutions gives us the highest probability to make positive impact. Most of these solutions will require abundant and economically viable generation of renewable hydrogen. I will discuss our work on solar splitting of water to form hydrogen on hybrid semiconductor/electro-catalysts systems. I will also discuss our recent efforts aimed at pairing the CO2 capture with in-situ electrochemical reduction of the captured CO2 molecules.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 3.

Biomass oxy-fuel combustion technology as carbon neutral renewable source of energy to replace fossil fuels Plenary lecture

Farooq Sher

Abstract: Due to growing concerns about climate change, the heat and power sector is continuously facing challenges to reduce CO2 emissions. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of the short-medium term measures that can mitigate CO2 emissions emitted from fossil fuels utilisation. Oxy-fuel combustion is a promising technology for CSS that can be integrated into the new and the current fleet of power plants. Biomass is a carbon-neutral renewable source of energy that can replace fossil fuels. If the biomass is utilised as a fuel in oxy-fuel combustion it could lead even to negative CO2 emissions. However, oxy-fuel combustion technology in fluidised beds is in the early stages of development and still needs a lot of research for improvement before its application on full-scale power plants. The basic combustion fundamentals of different biomass fuels in terms of energy production were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under air, N2, CO2 and selected oxy-fuel (30%O2/70%CO2) reaction environments. Then a 20 kWth bubbling fluidised bed combustor (BFBC) was designed, manufactured and successfully tested for a range of biomass fuels under air and oxy-fuel combustion environments. The agglomeration and sintering behaviour of these biomass fuels during combustion under air was also investigated using different analytical techniques such as SEM-EDX, XRD and XRF. The biomass fuels investigated include domestic wood, industrial wood, miscanthus, wheat straw and peanut shell pellets. The BFBC testing of these biomass fuels focused on the influence of operating conditions, the effect of excess air level and fuel feed rate on the hydrodynamics, temperature profiles and emissions, NOx, CO2 and CO within the BFBC.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 4.

Chemical characterization of surfaces and thin films for the development of new materials and quality control Plenary lecture

Janez Kovač

Abstract: Surfaces and thin films of solid materials play an important role in many technological fields like corrosion, catalysis, polymers, plasma surface engineering, coatings, tribology, implants, sensors, microelectronics, etc. Application of analytical methods with high surface and chemical sensitivity is important for a complete understanding of surface reactions, functional properties, and degradation of materials in such applications. Scanning electron microscopy - SEM in combination with EDXS is very often applied to analyze the morphology and elemental chemical composition with high lateral resolution. In this presentation, another two methods with high surface sensitivity will be presented, i.e., X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy – XPS and Secondary ion mass spectrometry - SIMS. These methods have surface sensitivity in the range of 1-5 nm, making them unique surface probes. The XPS analyses can give information on chemical composition, oxidation states (identification of Cu(0)/Cu(1+)/Cu(2+), Ti(0)/Ti(3+)/Ti(4+)) and bonding of elements (C-C/C-O/O=C-O) at surfaces and thin films. The SIMS method allows the identification of a type of molecules and molecular structure at surfaces, which is particularly important for analyses of organic materials. The XPS and SIMS methods can be combined with ion etching to remove the surface layers and analyze subsurface chemical composition up to one micron. In such a way, a depth distribution in thin films and multilayer structures can be obtained. In this presentation, we will show typical applications of surface analytical methods XPS and SIMS in our laboratory for the development of new catalytic materials based on doped TiO2, a study of corrosion inhibitors, the application of the graphene-based materials, and the degradation of perovskite solar cells. Also, examples of surface analyses for quality control as support for industrial partners in Slovenia will be presented. SIMS. These methods have surface sensitivity in the range of 1-5 nm, making them unique surface probes. The XPS analyses can give information on chemical composition, oxidation states (identification of Cu(0)/Cu(1+)/Cu(2+), Ti(0)/Ti(3+)/Ti(4+)) and bonding of elements (C-C/C-O/O=C-O) at surfaces and thin films. The SIMS method allows the identification of a type of molecules and molecular structure at surfaces, which is particularly important for analyses of organic materials. The XPS and SIMS methods can be combined with ion etching to remove the surface layers and analyze subsurface chemical composition up to one micron. In such a way, a depth distribution in thin films and multilayer structures can be obtained. In this presentation, we will show typical applications of surface analytical methods XPS and SIMS in our laboratory for the development of new catalytic materials based on doped TiO2, a study of corrosion inhibitors, the application of the graphene-based materials, and the degradation of perovskite solar cells. Also, examples of surface analyses for quality control as support for industrial partners in Slovenia will be presented.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 5.

Book of Abstract - Special Issue 2022 (full version)

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Special Issue 2024

Publication date: June 2024

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Tumor Selective Ru(III) Schiff Bases Complexes, Discrimination of Ru(III)/Ru(II) Complexes in Solution: A DFT Study Opening Ceremony Lecture

Emira Kahrović

Abstract: We recently reported a new Ru(III) complex (C1) with two Schiff bases and two chlorides that showed higher efficacy and improved cytotoxicity toward the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 compared to traditional antineoplastic drugs in use. In order to investigate hydrolysis as a possible activation step DFT method of electronic structure calculation was used to obtain a preliminary insight for C1 under the conditions of the predicted atomic/ionic/molecular environment. The presence of both Na(+) and Mg(2+) counterions and reducing agents in every cell plasma, give rise to several scenarios of C1 complexes interaction with living cell media. The DFT calculations showed the following: (i) the absolute energies of the complexes depend on the ruthenium oxidation state and the nature and type of association with the counter ion(s) (ii) the pairing of the C1-complex with the metal ion lowers the energy for solvated Mg(2+) compared to Na(+) (iii) the C1-Ru(II)/EtOH is more stable than the C1-Ru(III)/EtOH, and (iv) overall, the substitution of a chloride ligand by a water molecule is a thermodynamically unfavorable process. The proton from all Ru(III)Cl-OH2 species is more acidic compared to free water, consequently, under physiological conditions Ru(III)-ClOH2 does not exist. For Ru(II)-ClOH2 associated with Mg(2+) proton loss is a slightly favored process. Simulated substitution of Ru(III)-ClCl to Ru(III)-ClOH2 and the corresponding Ru(II) species suggest the following trend: from the a prori thermodynamic point of view hydrolysis of the C1 complex ranges from unfavorable to significantly prohibitive. Based on these calculations, hydrolysis does not appear to be a significant activation step of C1 as a potential drug.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 3.

Reticular Nanoscience: Bottom-Up Assembly Nanotechnology Plenary lecture

Stefan Wuttke

Abstract: The chemistry of metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs) is perhaps the most diverse and inclusive among the chemical sciences, and yet it can be radically expanded by blending it with nanotechnology. The result is reticular nanoscience, an area of reticular chemistry that has an immense potential in virtually any technological field. In this talk, we explore the extension of such an interdisciplinary reach by surveying the explored and unexplored possibilities that framework nanoparticles can offer. We localize these unique nanosized reticular materials at the juncture between the molecular and the macroscopic worlds, and describe the resulting synthetic and analytical chemistry, which is fundamentally different from conventional frameworks. Such differences are mirrored in the properties that reticular nanoparticles exhibit, which we described while referring to the present state-of-the-art and future promising applications in medicine, catalysis, energy- related applications, and sensors. Finally, the bottom-up approach of reticular nanoscience, inspired by nature, is brought to its full extension by introducing the concept of augmented reticular chemistry. Its approach departs from a single-particle scale to reach higher mesoscopic and even macroscopic dimensions, where framework nanoparticles become building units themselves and the resulting super-materials approach new levels of sophistication of structures and properties.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 7.

Element Accumulation in Mushrooms Plenary lecture

Walter Goessler

Abstract: Mushrooms are important in ecosystems as symbionts, saprotrophs, and parasites. The roles of fungi involve element cycling, rock and mineral transformations, bioweathering, fungal-clay interactions, and metal-fungal interactions. Therefore, fungi can also liberate elements from soil, effectively transform halogens, metals, metalloids, and organometallic compounds by reduction, methylation, and dealkylation. These processes are very important for our ecosystems since transformations of metal(loid)s modify their mobility and toxicity.

As it is really difficult to remove soil or rotted wood from the mycelium fruit bodies are mainly investigated for the transformed elements from soil. Moreover fruit-bodies serve as important nutrient source for parasites, wild animals, and also humans. It is not commonly known that fruit bodies may accumulate remarkable concentrations of (trace) elements. The well-known King Bolete (Boletus edulis) is known to accumulate the essential trace element selenium but on the other hand this fungus also accumulates significant amounts of mercury. This heavy metal is well known for its toxic properties. The Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) is a selective vanadium accumulator. Several 100s of mg V/kg dry mass have been determined during our studies. Thelephora penicillatawas found to be a cadmium accumulating mushroom (more than 1000 mg Cd/kg). Additionally, this mushroom accumulated high concentrations of arsenic. The Violet Crown Cup (Sarcosphaera coronaria), a mushroom considered edible in previous days, has been reported as an arsenic accumulator. We have determined close to 1 % of arsenic on a dry mass basis. Such concentrations are hardly ever reported for any natural living organism. The edible Ink Stain Bolete (Cyanoboletus pulverulentus) is also capable to accumulate up to 1300 mg As/kg. The False Chantarelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca) was discovered to be an iron accumulating mushroom. Up to 5000 mg Fe/kg were found frequently in this species.As not all arsenic compounds have the same toxic properties it is necessary to determine the arsenic speciation. Our research provided new results with respect to the arsenic speciation in mushrooms. During our research we discovered several new arsenicals for the first time in living organisms. The presentation covers analytical aspects as well as the results for the total element determinations and the elemental speciation in different mushroom species.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 8.

Ruthenium Complexes as Antitumor Agents – Current Status and Perspective Plenary lecture

Sanja Grgurić Šipka

Abstract: The unique characteristics of metal-based compounds make them attractive as therapeutic and imaging agents. In the treatment of cancer, metal complexes have occupied an important place, helping to cure or prolong millions of lives. The most famous complex, cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II)), used alone or in combination therapy, is one of the most successful therapeutic metallodrugs discovered so far. Its limitations, such as drug resistance, limited spectrum of activity, and worsening side effects, have initiated efforts to critically consider other metal-based complexes with cytotoxic properties. Anticancer Ru complexes gained significant interest after two iconic Ru(III) complexes ̵-NAMI-A ((ImH)[trans-RuCl4(dmso-S)(Im)], Im = imidazole) and KP1339 (later renamed as IT-139 and BOLD-100, Na[trans-RuCl4(Ind)2], Ind = indazole) - entered their first human clinical trials at the beginning of the 21st century. The successful completion of phase I and entry into phase II clinical trials of the phototherapeutic TLD1433 has further enhanced the role of Ru as a metal of choice for the design of new anticancer agents. Besides, the ruthenium(II)-arene motif, modifiable through mono- or bidentate ligands, and halide coordination also provide complexes with excellent antiproliferative activity. For instance, a variety of ruthenium(II)-arene complexes with dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2’,3’-c]phenazine-based ligands) also provides a promising strategy for developing potent antitumor agents. To conclude, ruthenium compounds hold significant promise due to their diverse structures, mechanism of action, and potential to overcome limitations associated with traditional anticancer agents. Top of Form

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 9.

A Chemical Biology Toolkit to Understand and Target Biomolecular Condensates Keynote lecture

Anita Đonlić

Abstract: Cells organize functional processes into compartments to survive. Biomolecular condensates are unique compartments in that they can locally concentrate components to execute specific functions while lacking a surrounding membrane. As such, condensates dynamically respond to changes caused by stress, disease states, cell cycle stages, and drug treatments. These responses are reflected in microscopically-visible changes in condensate morphology; however, the link between a condensate’s (dys)function and its morphology change is not well understood.

The aim of this work was to understand the structure-function relationship of the nucleolus, the cell’s largest condensate and center of ribosome biogenesis. Specifically, we used a set of small molecule drugs to selectively inhibit different steps of ribosome assembly and observed distinct changes in nucleolar architecture by fluorescence microscopy. We then utilized this data as a training set to build a first-in-class deep neural network that accurately classifies drug-induced nucleolar morphology changes. Importantly, we demonstrated that the extent of nucleolar morphology disruption caused by these drugs can be quantified and used to predict the degree to which they perturb specific nucleolar processes. Next, we conducted a pilot drug screen to identify novel nucleolar phenotypes and nucleolar interaction networks. Given that nucleolar morphology and ribosome production are dysregulated in disease, current efforts are focused on clinically relevant applications of this technology. Together, this work demonstrates that automated imaging and deep learning-assisted analysis of condensate perturbations by small molecules can be used as a powerful discovery platform for new biology as well as for novel diagnostic and therapeutic development.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 12.

Understanding the Activity and Stability of Electrocatalytic Materials Keynote lecture

Milutin Smiljanić

Abstract: Climate change and environmental degradation, which are among the greatest concerns of the modern world, are directly linked to the ever-increasing use of fossil fuels. Electrochemistry and electrocatalysis have proven to be key factors in the transition to sustainable energy and clean chemical production. For example, the implementation of the hydrogen economy concept largely depends on the efficiency of water electrolyzers and fuel cells, which are used to produce green hydrogen and convert it into electricity without carbon emissions. In addition, electrochemical conversion processes offer promising opportunities to extract value-added chemicals from abundant CO₂and to produce ammonia through the electro-reduction of nitrogen. The efficiency of these electrochemical devices depends on the performance of the catalytic materials used to carry out the reactions.

This talk will focus on investigating the stability and activity of electrocatalytic composites as two key factors for their applicability. I will present the approaches developed in our group for the in-depth investigation of the degradation processes of electrocatalytic materials based on the coupling of electrochemistry with advanced techniques such as electron microscopy and ICP-MS. The necessity of using these methods to evaluate the stability of some practical materials will be illustrated. The second part of my presentation will focus on metal-support interaction (MSI) as an effective tool for tailoring advanced electrocatalytic composites. In contrast to carbon, advanced support materials (such as in-house developed titanium oxynitride) can induce MSI, which can enhance the activity and also the stability of supported metal nanoparticles for water-splitting reactions.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 13.

The “Pure Water” Model, a New/Old Approach for the Medium and Ionic Strength Dependence of Formation Constants Keynote lecture

Demetrio M. MIiea

Abstract: Several models and theories exist for the medium, ionic strength and temperature dependence of stability constants and activity coefficients, all with their pros and cons. Between the ‘80s and ‘90s, the group of Prof. Silvio Sammartano from the University of Messina proposed, with the precious support of other colleagues, a model for the ionic strength (and temperature) dependence of formation constants, based on three assumptions:

[H1]: It is possible to express the dependence on ionic strength of formation constants by a simple equation, independently of the type of reactants and products, and only dependent on the type of reaction.

[H2]: All the deviations from the predicted behavior are ascribed to weak complex formation between components and/or species under study and the background ions (e.g., the ionic medium). This implies that “pure water” is considered as reference state, and some ions as non-interacting with the reactants and/or products involved in the studied equilibrium.

[H3]: Perchlorate does not interact with cationic species, tetraethylammonium cations (and higher tetraalkylammonium analogues) do not with O-donor ligands, and Na⁺ and K⁺ do not with N-donor ligands.

Evidences collected during more than half a century demonstrated the validity of this “pure water model”, showing its potential to model the speciation of several multicomponent complex systems in a simple way. This contribution describes the main features of the model through some examples, highlighting the theoretical and practical aspects of this approach in the speciation modeling of systems of different complexity, including real systems.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 14.

Characterization of Silver(I) Complexes with Halo-Substituted Pyridine Derivatives in Solution and in the Solid State Keynote lecture

Sunčica Roca

Abstract: The coordination chemistry of silver(I) complexes has attracted significant attention due to theirantimicrobial and antitumor properties. The flexibility of the silver(I) coordination sphere along with the versatilerole of the nitrate ion (bridging, monodentate, bidentate ligand) offers the possibility to createstructurally diverse compounds. Moreover, halogen (Cl, Br, I) substitution of the pyridine ring further modulates the properties and behavior of such compounds through halogen and hydrogen bonds.

Herein we highlight the importance of structure-property relationships in the development of bioactive compounds. The new silver complexes wereprepared by the reaction of AgNO₃ and the corresponding pyridine derivative, yielding compounds with the general formula [Ag(NO₃)(X_npy)₂], X = Cl, Br, I; n = 1-2. The isolated products were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁰⁹Ag), mass spectrometry and single crystal X‑ray diffraction data. The bioactivity of the compounds was also tested.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 15.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Onion Bulb Extract in the Murine DSS-Colitis Model Keynote lecture

Maitham Abbas Ali Khajah

Abstract: The research is conducted asa contribution to existing literature to determine if onion bulb extract (OBE) reduces colitis severity in mice using treatment, prophylactic, and preventative approaches and the mechanism(s) responsible for these effects. Colitis was induced in mice by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) daily administration in drinking water. For the treatment approach, mice received DSS for 4 days followed by daily i.p injections of OBE/vehicle administration for 3 days (without DSS administration). For the prophylactic approach, mice received daily i.p injections of OBE/vehicle along with DSS administration for 5 days. For the preventative approach, mice initially received daily i.p injections of OBE/vehicle for 7 days, followed by DSS administration for 5 days (without OBE/vehicle treatment). Colitis severity was determined at the gross and histological levels. The colonic level/activity of various cytokines and chemokines were measured using proteome profiling-based assays, western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques. In vitro neutrophil superoxide release and survival were assessed by chemiluminescence and Annexin-V/7AAD assays, respectively. DSS-induced colitis was significantly reduced by OBE treatment using the three approaches at both gross and histological levels. OBE was also shown to reduce the colonic expression and activity of several pro-inflammatory molecules and signaling pathways, various cytokines and chemokines, and molecules involved in the apoptotic machinery. In addition, OBE inhibited superoxide release and increased the spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils. OBE showed anti-inflammatory actions, which are attributed, in part, to the modulation of the expression and activity of important pro-inflammatory molecules and signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina Special Issues, 16.

Book of Abstract - Special Issue 2024 (full version)

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Reviewers should identify any relevant published work that the author may have not cited. A citation should accompany any statement, observation or deviation of an argument in previous publications. If there is any overlap between the manuscript under submission and any other data published a reviewer may have personal knowledge on.

Disclosure and conflict of interest

Reviewers should notify the editorial board or the editor-in chief in the case of conflict of interest as they should not consider evaluating such manuscripts. Reviewers should do this as promptly as possible so other reviewers can be contacted and notified.

Any ideas or private information obtained through peer review must be kept confidential and cannot be used for the personal gain or personal use.

Reporting Standards

Authors should present their work in an accurate manner as the manuscript should contain sufficient detail composed objectively and comprehensively. Inaccurate and fraudulent statements are unacceptable.

Data access and retention

It may be asked of the authors to provide the raw data of their study with the manuscript for editorial review. Authors should ensure that such data is accessible by other professionals.

Originality and plagiarism

Authors should write and submit only entirely original works. Any work used by others should be properly cited. Any type of plagiarism is unethical and not acceptable. Plagiarism may constitute pretending someone else’s paper is one’s own, or reproducing by substantial amount and paraphrasing others work without citation

Multiple, duplicate, redundant or concurrent submission or publication

Manuscripts that describe the same research should not be published in more than one journal. Authors should not submit any work that has been published in other journals. Submitting to more than one journal concurrently is considered unethical and is unacceptable as well.

In some cases, authors and editors of the journals may agree to secondary publications if certain conditions are met. In this case, the secondary publication must have the same data of the primary document and the primary reference must be cited in the primary reference.

Authorship of the manuscript

Authors must be able to take public responsibility for the content and only persons who meet authorship criteria should be listed. Authors are those who have made significant contribution to the overall study, revised the submission for important intellectual and data content and seen and approved a final draft of the manuscript and have approved of it for publication. All who made substantial contributions such as technical support; writing and general assistance can be mentioned in the “acknowledgment” section.

Disclosure of conflicts of interest

Authors should disclose any conflicts of interest as soon as possible, preferably upon the point of submission with a disclosure form. This applies for conflicts of interest that can influence the interpretation and publication of the submission.

Acknowledgment of sources

Authors should properly acknowledge and cite all sources from the works of others and should also cite any publications that have assisted the author in determining the nature of the reported manuscript. Third party, conversation must not be cited without explicit permission from the source.

Hazards and human or animal subjects

The author must clearly identify any chemicals or procedures that have unusual hazards inherent in their use. The manuscript should contain a statement that all procedures involving human or animal participants have been done so in guidance with the relevant laws, institutional guidelines and the appropriate institutional committees. Authors should also include a statement in regards to informed consent for the experimentation of human participants as the privacy of human participants has to be observed.

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