Understanding transport and mixing in stratified saline systems is critical for predicting the behavior of brines in natural aquifers, industrial reservoirs, and engineered disposal sites. These multi-ion solutions often exhibit complex instabilities driven by differential diffusion and compositional gradients. The onset and morphology of such convective mixing remain poorly predicted. We investigated double-diffusive (DD) and diffusion-layer convection (DLC) in superimposed aqueous solutions of the salts typical of saline aquifers, sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium sulphate (Na 2 SO 4 ). The study combines thermodynamic modeling, optical interferometry experiments, and nonlinear numerical simulations to explore convective instabilities in a ternary system. Our findings reveal a rich variety of convective scenarios depending on salt configuration and concentration ratios. When the faster-diffusing NaCl was placed above Na 2 SO 4 , diffusion-layer convection occurred with a delayed and asymmetric onset of instability, an experimentally demonstrated feature not reported previously. In contrast, when the positions were reversed, the system developed double-diffusive fingers that grew slowly due to the small density ratio. These fingers exhibited an unusual morphology, consisting of extremely fine, vertically textured structures that gradually merged away from the interface. This formed a large area of diffuse mixing and suppression of coherent convective structures. In all cases, classical stability criteria failed to fully predict the onset and nature of convection. Instead, we identified the initial position of the system on the stability map, as determined by the full diffusion matrix, as a critical factor.

Recent excavations at Pompeii’s Regio IX have uncovered an intact ancient construction site, offering insights into Roman building techniques at the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Microstructural and chemical analysis of materials collected from previously constructed walls, walls under construction, and adjacent dry, raw material piles show unequivocally how quicklime was pre-mixed with dry pozzolan before adding water in the creation of Roman concrete. This construction method, also known as hot mixing, results in an exothermic reaction within the mortar and the formation of lime clasts, key contributors to the self-healing and post-pozzolanic reactivity of hydraulic mortars. The analysis of reaction rims around volcanic aggregates demonstrate aggregate/matrix interfacial remodeling, where calcium ions originating from the dissolution of lime clasts diffuse and remineralize, producing amorphous phases and various polymorphs of calcium carbonate (including calcite and aragonite). Furthermore, the parallel discovery of masonry materials and tools permits elucidation of the entire construction workflow, including the steps required to process binding mortars and larger aggregates (caementa). These findings advance our understanding of ancient Roman construction and long-term material evolution, providing a scientific basis for developing more durable and sustainable concretes and restoration materials inspired by ancient practices. Here the authors combine microstructural and chemical analysis of building materials collected from an active construction site in Pompeii prior to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Through these analyses, they identify the key raw materials and processes used in the production of Roman concrete.

Urinary tract infections, as one of the most common infectious diseases, contribute substantially to the global healthcare burden, particularly due to the rising prevalence of resistant bacterial strains such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Background/Objectives: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of urinary tract infection pathogens among hospitalized patients at Saint Apostol Luka Hospital in Doboj during the period 2021–2023. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Saint Apostol Luka Hospital, Doboj, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data from the Department of Microbiology were analyzed for the period 2021–2023, including patients with positive urine cultures (≥103 CFU/mL) of a single uropathogen. Bacterial identification and susceptibility testing were performed according to EUCAST standards, and statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v24. Results: Escherichia coli was the most frequent isolate (29.2%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (24.2%) and Enterococcus spp. (19.8%). A significant rise in K. pneumoniae prevalence and resistance to multiple antibiotics—including β-lactams, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and colistin—was observed during the study period. Conclusions: This study revealed that E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were the leading uropathogens, with notable differences in distribution by sex, age, and hospital department. A marked rise in multidrug resistance, particularly among K. pneumoniae, was observed across the study period. These findings underscore the urgent need for continuous surveillance and stronger antimicrobial stewardship to curb resistance trends.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) offer significant ecological and cosmetic potential. The conversion of SCG into safe and efficient cosmetic products promotes all aspects of sustainability and circular practices within the cosmetic industry.

The lifetime risk of stroke for adults of 25 years of age or older is approximately 25%, while stroke constitutes the second most common cause of mortality and the second most common cause of disability worldwide. In addition to the clinically manifest acute ischaemic stroke, the presence of cerebral infarction in patients without apparent clinical symptoms and signs attributed to ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack was first described by Fisher in a series of autopsies. Over the years, the term ‘silent brain infarction’ has been replaced by the term ‘covert cerebrovascular disease’ (CCD). Despite the well-established evidence surrounding the associated sequelae of CCD, the current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms in this particular group of patients are not well defined. With this case series, we showcase potential aetiologies and the value of individualised work-up and treatment strategies.

Aims: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer presentation, surgical management, and lymph node involvement in a small, understudied population in Brčko District, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: A retrospective cohort study conducted at the General Hospital of Brčko District, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from March 2018 to March 2022. We included 113 patients with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer. We divided the patients into two groups: the before-COVID group (65 patients, including one male) treated from March 2018 to March 2020, and the during-COVID group (47 patients) treated from March 2020 to March 2022. We analyzed patient data (age, gender, menopausal status) along with tumor and lymph node histopathological characteristics. Results: The number of surgeries performed decreased by 16.9% during the COVID period. Patients in the pre-COVID group mostly had grade II tumors, while those in the post-COVID group had predominantly grade III tumors. The average number of lymph nodes sampled was similar between groups (10.70 ± 4.12 before COVID vs. 10.39 ± 4.66 during COVID). Still, the average number of positive lymph nodes was higher in the COVID group (2.5±3.82) compared to the pre-COVID group (1.64±2.90). For patients without neoadjuvant therapy, the average time to surgery increased from 1.04 months (±0.66) before the COVID-19 pandemic to 2.59 months (±2.88) during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those receiving neoadjuvant therapy, time to surgery increased from 5.45 months (±2.97) to 7.29 months (±5.15). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed breast cancer management, higher tumor grade, and increased lymph node involvement in a small, resource-limited healthcare setting. Findings highlight the need for resilient oncology services in smaller districts during public health crises.

Background/Objectives: Chronic synovitis is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA) progression, driving cartilage degradation via inflammatory mediators. While the MAPK signaling pathway is implicated in OA pathogenesis its activation patterns in hip synovium remain poorly characterized, and regional differences within the synovial membrane have not been systematically examined. This research aims to determine the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in the MAPK signaling pathway in the synovial membrane of osteoarthritic hips. Methods: We compared synovial immunofluorescence expression of the aforementioned proteins in a control (CTRL) group of subjects with femoral neck fractures and a group with hip OA. Results: Higher ERK1/2 immunoexpression was detected in the intima compared with the subintima in the CTRL group (p < 0.05), and a similar distribution was observed in the OA group (p < 0.0001). The intima of the OA group exhibited a considerably greater area percentage of positive signal than the intima of the CTRL group (p < 0.01). In all groups examined, we observed that p38 MAPK expression was markedly more positive in the intima than in the subintima (p < 0.0001), but without statistically significant differences between groups. JNK and EGFR immunoexpression were higher in the intima than in the subintima across all analyzed groups, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). No differences in the expression of these two markers were detected between the CTRL and OA groups (p > 0.05). Differential analysis of the GEO dataset revealed no significant differences in expression between the OA and CTRL groups in the expression of MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK8, MAPK9, MAPK10, and MAPK11. EGFR was significantly elevated in OA compared to CTRLs in the differential analysis of the GEO dataset. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of MAPK pathway activation in hip OA synovium, revealing ERK1/2 as a key player with region-specific upregulation in the synovial intima. Combined with elevated EGFR expression, these findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for hip OA synovitis. The discordance between protein and mRNA levels for ERK1/2 indicates post-transcriptional regulation, warranting further investigation into phosphorylation status and functional activation. Our results support the development of targeted interventions for hip OA, a condition with limited treatment options beyond joint replacement.

Background/Objectives: The meninges, the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, undergo complex developmental processes that are critical for CNS integrity and function. Connexin 37 (Cx37) and 40 (Cx40), members of the connexin family of gap junction proteins, have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. They play a critical role in cell–cell communication. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of connexins Cx37, Cx40, and Panx1 in the meninges of both human and murine models (yotari and wild type) at the 6th week/E13.5 and 8th week/E15.5 of developmental stages. Methods: Human embryonic tissues (6th–8th week, n = 4 for the 6th week and n = 4 for the 8th week) and mouse embryos (yotari Dab1−/− and wild type, E13.5–E15.5) were collected and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Paraffin sections were stained for Cx37, Cx40, and Panx1 using immunofluorescence. Images were analyzed in ImageJ, and statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Cx37 was consistently expressed across all developmental stages, with the highest threshold area percentage observed at E13.5 and E15.5 in murine leptomeninges, demonstrating statistically significant differences compared to controls (p < 0.05) and notably from corresponding human stages (p < 0.001). Strong Cx37 staining intensity at E13.5 was noted in both wild-type and yot mice, while human leptomeninges displayed mild staining at the 6th week of development. In contrast, both human and murine pachymeninges exhibited moderate Cx37 expression. Additionally, the expression of Cx37 in wild-type mice surpassed that of human samples at both E13.5 and E15.5 stages (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). For the developing dura mater, Cx37 expression peaked at E15.5 in yot mice, significantly different from both wild-type and human dura mater (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Cx40 expression was highest in the leptomeninges at E15.5. Panx1 was similarly expressed across stages, with the highest threshold area percent observed in wild-type leptomeninges and pachymeninges at E15.5, showing significant differences compared to yot mice and human samples (p < 0.05). Both leptomeninges and pachymeninges exhibited mild Panx1 staining at E13.5, while stronger staining was observed at E15.5 in murine samples, contrasting with mild intensity in human counterparts. Conclusions: These findings highlight the implications of Dab1 deficiency for the expression of gap junction proteins during meninges development, implicating their importance in intercellular communication that is essential for normal meningeal and neurodevelopmental processes.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a critical issue in South Africa, enhanced by considerable inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. There is currently variable dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription. Where this occurs, it is principally for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Consequently, there is a need to comprehensively evaluate antibiotic dispensing patterns and factors influencing this to reduce AMR. Methods: A previously piloted questionnaire was administered to patients exiting three different categories of community pharmacies in a rural province. The questionnaire included data on the prevalence of antibiotics dispensed, whether without a prescription, and the rationale for this. Results: A total of 465 patients leaving community pharmacies with a medicine were interviewed. 54.4% of interviewed patients were dispensed at least one antibiotic, with 78.7% dispensed these without a prescription from either independent or franchise pharmacies. Metronidazole (36.1%) and azithromycin (32.7%) were the most dispensed antibiotics. STIs were the most common infectious disease for which an antibiotic was dispensed (60.1%), with 99.6% dispensed without a prescription. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) were the most common infection where antibiotics were dispensed with a prescription (60.0%), with little dispensing without a prescription (7.1%). The most frequently cited reasons for obtaining antibiotics without a prescription were prior use (56.8%), long waiting times at PHC clinics (15.6%), and financial constraints (6.0%). Conclusions: There is an urgent need to review community pharmacists’ scope of practice, including allowing them to prescribe antibiotics for infectious diseases such as UTIs, similar to other countries. Concomitantly, utilise trained community pharmacists to engage with prescribers to improve future antibiotic use, especially for URTIs.

Abstract This study examines the incorporation of soft skills, digital competencies, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools in higher education to improve student employability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with broader relevance for the South East Europe region, where similar transition economies face parallel challenges in aligning education with the demands of digitally transformed labor markets. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative survey data from University of Sarajevo students with qualitative insights from industry professionals. Research indicates that the concurrent enhancement of soft skills (such as communication and critical thinking) and digital competencies, in conjunction with the utilization of AI tools, markedly enhances students’ preparedness for the contemporary labor market. The study emphasizes the essential role of autonomy in converting AI tool utilization into academic achievement and provides practical recommendations for educators, policymakers, and employers to address the skills gap in the digital economy.

Background: Vascular calcification is a frequent consequence of ageing and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare two rapid scoring systems for quantifying calcification of the distal abdominal aorta and iliac arteries and to investigate correlations with increasing age. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years who sustained pelvic trauma between 2003 and 2023 and underwent computed tomography (CT) were included in this retrospective study. Patients were categorised into three age groups (65–74, 75–84, ≥85). The abdominal aorta calcification score (AACS) and the common, external, and total iliac artery calcification scores (CIACS, EIACS, TIACS) were assessed on cross-sectional images and classified into three severity grades (mild, moderate, severe). Results: A total of 224 patients (mean age 78.8 ± 8.5 years; 62% female) were included. Significant differences between age groups were identified for hypertension (p < 0.001), osteoporosis (p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.015), chronic heart failure (p = 0.004), chronic kidney disease (p < 0.001), neurocognitive disorders (p < 0.001), and anticoagulant therapy (p = 0.002). Calcification severity increased with age across all vascular territories (EIACS p = 0.006; others p < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression, age remained the strongest adjusted predictor of calcification across all vascular regions (β = 0.323–0.376, all p < 0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between aortic and iliac calcifications (all p < 0.001), strongest between AACS and CIACS (ρ = 0.78, CI 0.719–0.835) and TIACS (ρ = 0.745, CI 0.676–0.807). Corresponding categorical associations were most pronounced between AACS and CIACS. Conclusions: The evaluated calcification scores were strongly correlated and demonstrated clear age-dependent trends. Given their simplicity and applicability to routine CT imaging, these methods may provide practical tools for assessing vascular ageing.

Medical image registration is crucial for various clinical and research applications including disease diagnosis or treatment planning which require alignment of images from different modalities, time points, or subjects. Traditional registration techniques often struggle with challenges such as contrast differences, spatial distortions, and modality-specific variations. To address these limitations, we propose a method that integrates learnable edge kernels with learning-based rigid and non-rigid registration techniques. Unlike conventional layers that learn all features without specific bias, our approach begins with a predefined edge detection kernel, which is then perturbed with random noise. These kernels are learned during training to extract optimal edge features tailored to the task. This adaptive edge detection enhances the registration process by capturing diverse structural features critical in medical imaging. To provide clearer insight into the contribution of each component in our design, we introduce four variant models for rigid registration and four variant models for non-rigid registration. We evaluated our approach using a dataset provided by the Medical University across three setups: rigid registration without skull removal, with skull removal, and non-rigid registration. Additionally, we assessed performance on two publicly available datasets. Across all experiments, our method consistently outperformed state-of-the-art techniques, demonstrating its potential to improve multi-modal image alignment and anatomical structure analysis.