Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed. This multicenter study examines the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients across five academic pediatric surgery centers in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia. We retrospectively included all pediatric patients (< 18 years) who were surgically and histopathologically confirmed to have symptomatic MD between 2011 and 2020. Demographics, clinical and radiological features, surgical treatment approaches, histopathologic findings, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Among 151 patients (80.1% male), the median age was 6.7 years (IQR 1.5–10.8). Presentations included intestinal obstruction (38.4%), GI bleeding (37.8%), and peritonitis (23.8%); 63.6% had multiple symptoms. A technetium-99 m scan was positive in 80.7% of bleeding cases. Laparotomy was performed in 72.2%, laparoscopy in 23.2%, and conversion in 4.6%. Partial small bowel resection was required in 80.8%, versus diverticulectomy in 19.2% (p < 0.001). Ectopic mucosa was found in 55.6% (gastric 48.3%, pancreatic 2.6%, both 4.6%; p = 0.05), significantly more common in males (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications occurred in 3.2%, with no mortality. Symptomatic MD displays highly variable clinical presentations. It is often underdiagnosed preoperatively, particularly without GI bleeding, emphasizing the need for high clinical suspicion and tailored surgical approaches.

This paper explores the role and status of the family within the legal framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina, analyzing how international norms and national laws affect the rights and protection of families. The paper specifically examines the alignment between national legislation and international legal standards, with a particular focus on the challenges of implementing these norms. The study focuses on the definition of family in a legal sense, fundamental principles regulating the status of families in international law, and the significance of families in society. Key issues related to domestic violence, economic instability, and institutional weaknesses are highlighted as central obstacles to effective family protection. It also examines how international obligations are implemented in the national law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, identifying key challenges that families face, including social, economic, and legal aspects. The objectives of this paper are to analyze the legal frameworks applied to families, identify challenges in the everyday lives of families, and propose solutions to improve their status and protection. The recommendations aim at improving institutional capacities, enhancing legal enforcement mechanisms, and providing stronger support for vulnerable families, especially in post-conflict settings. The methodology includes comparative analysis of international conventions and national laws, literature review, case studies, and analysis of statistical data. The expected outcomes of this paper include a deeper understanding of the legal and social context affecting families in Bosnia and Herzegovina, identification of key barriers hindering the full protection and realization of family rights, and proposals for specific solutions to improve their position in society. The paper provides concrete recommendations for strengthening the legal framework and suggests policy improvements to support families, focusing on compliance with international standards, and aims to contribute to strengthening social cohesion and economic stability through a better understanding and protection of the family as a fundamental social unit.

Using the RadSawSim simulator for radial sawing, a simulation of the radial sawing technique was used to saw Pedunculata oak (Quercus robur L.) logs. Simulation was implemented with a view to producing as many radially sawn boards as possible and took into account the influences of increasing volume yield, lumber value yield, and log-value yield. The methods that were analyzed were live sawing and radial sawing of third sections, fourth sections, fifth sections, and sixth sections of the log. Live sawing achieved the best results of volume yield during simulation, which was followed by radial sawing into the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections. The difference in volume yield with live sawing compared to the radial-sawing method is very large for logs up to a diameter of 45 cm. It becomes smaller when the log diameter is greater than 45 cm. A comparison of the radial method shows that the share of radially sawn boards and lumber value yield increased when the number of log sections during sawing simulation increased. If log-value yield is assumed to be the main criterion, and given the conditions used in this simulation, there is no justified reason to saw logs using the radial technique when the diameter is less than 45 cm. The live sawing technique is more efficient for these diameters of logs, and, therefore, the radial sawing technique is more efficient for logs with a diameter greater than 45 cm.

Uvod: Poremećaji temporomandibularnog zgloba (TMP) obuhvaćaju niz stanja koja utječu na anatomske i funkcionalne karakteristike temporomandibularnog zgloba (TMZ). Najčešće se manifestiraju hipermobilnošću zgloba, miofascijalnom boli u žvačnim i vratnim mišićima, poremećajima zglobnog diska poput klikanja te poremećajima koordinacije mandibularnih pokreta. Liječenje TMP-a započinje konzervativnim pristupom, dok se operativno liječenje razmatra samo u određenim slučajevima.Materijali i metode: Studija je provedena u privatnoj praksi u Münchenu, Njemačka. Ispitanici su prije i nakon terapije ispunili standardizirani upitnik o poremećajima temporomandibularnog zgloba (TMJ/TMD Questionnaire). Program fizioterapije uključivao je medicinsku masažu i kineziterapiju u trajanju od 3 tjedna, s ukupno 6 tretmana.Rezultati: U istraživanju je sudjelovao 31 ispitanik stariji od 18 godina. Potpuno i snažno otvaranje usta bilo je moguće kod 87,1% ispitanika, dok je djelomično bilo moguće kod 12,9%. Promjene u zagrizu i učestalost tegoba značajno su se smanjile nakon fizioterapije, dok je amplituda pokreta kod manjeg broja ispitanika ostala nepromijenjena.Zaključci: Program fizioterapije pokazao se učinkovitim u smanjenju učestalosti problema i poboljšanju promjena zagriza kod osoba s poremećajima temporomandibularnog zgloba. Za dodatno poboljšanje opsega pokreta preporučuje se produženje terapije i uključivanje dodatnih terapijskih modaliteta.

The neuroanatomy course consistently presents significant challenges, primarily due to the short lifespan of formalin-preserved brain specimens and their restricted availability. Numerous studies have evaluated the strengths and limitations of alternative resources for neuroanatomy education, with a particular focus on technology-based learning methods. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of integrating 3D printed models into the neuroanatomy curriculum and to evaluate student satisfaction with their use. The experimental group consisted of the first-year students enrolled in the integrated study program at the University of Sarajevo-Veterinary Faculty during the summer semester of the academic year 2022/2023. The course was organized using 3DP models for 15 h, while during the remaining three hours formalin-preserved specimens were utilized. Data obtained from this cohort were compared with the results of the previous two cohorts (2021–2022 and 2020–2021), who studied veterinary anatomy exclusively using formalin-preserved specimens. The neuroanatomy test scores improved in the experimental group compared to the two control groups. The students exhibit positive attitudes and report high satisfaction with using 3DP models. They support innovative teaching methods and find that the colored segments of the models enhance recognizability of different anatomical structures, highlighting the didactical value of 3DP models. Overall, study demonstrated that 3DP models were highly beneficial for neuroanatomy learning, pedagogically useful and well-received by students.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an appreciable threat to public health, especially among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by high levels of inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics in these countries. There have been variable levels of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription among community pharmacies in South Africa. Given the importance of community pharmacies, especially in rural South Africa, there is a need to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics, AMR, and antibiotic stewardship. This was the aim of this study.A previously piloted questionnaire was administered to pharmacy personnel currently operating community pharmacies in a rural province in South Africa, where dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription is likely to be greatest. The questionnaire included key knowledge questions regarding antibiotics and AMR, as well as ways to reduce AMR. Community pharmacies were divided into three categories: Independent, chain, and franchise pharmacies.A total of 128 pharmacies participated (75.7%), with independent pharmacies representing the majority (60.9%). A total of 313 completed questionnaires were returned (78.3% response rate), including responses from 106 pharmacists (33.9%) and 207 pharmacist assistants (66.1%). Overall, there was very good knowledge among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants concerning antibiotics and AMR. However, there was a significant misconception regarding the potential role of antibiotics in relieving pain. Encouragingly, attitudes regarding the risks associated with obtaining antibiotics without a prescription among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants were high. There was also strong agreement among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants for potential solutions to AMR.Overall, the findings showed that most pharmacists and pharmacist assistants in this rural province demonstrated a strong understanding of the effectiveness of antibiotics in bacterial infections and their lack of effectiveness to treat viral infections. They also demonstrated considerable knowledge regarding the risks associated with the inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription, as well as ways to address rising AMR rates.

Hospitals can gain valuable insights into their current level of organizational health literacy (OHL) by using self-assessment tools. OHL self-assessment tools can serve as useful instruments for supporting the planning and implementation of OHL interventions aimed at promoting health equity and improving patient outcomes. This explorative study aimed to pilot the International Self-Assessment Tool for Organizational Health Literacy (Responsiveness) of Hospitals (OHL-Hos) among hospitals across six countries. The OHL-Hos, grounded in a comprehensive theoretical framework consisting of eight standards, 21 sub-standards and 141 indicators, was piloted in seven hospitals: one in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Norway and Serbia, and two in Italy. In each hospital, the feasibility of using the OHL-Hos was investigated regarding acceptability, implementation, practicality, and integration, identifying strengths and areas for improvement using descriptive analyses. The self-assessment process included individual rating of an interdisciplinary and inter-hierarchical assessment team regarding OHL-Hos indicators from their personal perspectives, followed by a joint assessment to reach a consensus on different ratings. The process and experiences were documented in semi-structured forms, while the ratings on the indicators were documented numerically. All hospitals successfully self-assessed their OHL, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The self-assessment process varied slightly among countries. While the tool was considered important but lengthy and complex, introductory workshops facilitated successful implementation. The self-assessment process raised awareness and stimulated discussions on improving OHL, highlighting the tool’s potential for organizational development. The OHL-Hos can serve as a useful tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement in OHL in hospitals. The overall experience with the tool was positive and the joint assessment with the tool was found to foster consensus and enable reflection on OHL, but its comprehensive nature poses challenges to its implementation, leading to recommendations for developing a shortened version of the tool with simple language. Certain indicators require specific knowledge, suggesting different professional groups should address relevant parts.

Current standard treatments for osteosarcoma have not been changed for decades and have limited and variable success. The advancement of precision medicine technologies, along with the drug-repurposing and fast drug-screening methodologies available, has opened new avenues for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of halogenated boroxine (HB) and dextran-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles—DexCeNPs (SD2)—in an in vitro osteosarcoma model. Both agents were tested individually and in combination. The research encompassed assessments of treatment-related cytotoxicity and cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptotic and necrotic responses, as well as the effects on 3D spheroid models. The results demonstrated that the effects of HB and SD2 were strongly influenced by the dose, exposure time, and cell type. Both exhibited distinguished antitumor activity through cytotoxicity and specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. The combined treatment produced modulated responses that were dependent on the treatment ratio and cell line, suggesting potential synergistic or selective interactions. Notably, the outcomes of the analysis conducted in 3D models revealed reduced toxicity toward non-tumor cells. These findings suggest the improved efficacy of HB and SD2 used in combination as a selective and novel antitumor strategy and underscore the need for further mechanistic studies at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels to elucidate the underlying pathways and clarify the mechanisms of action.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening condition with no cure, making research into its underlying mechanisms critical. The platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in vascular remodeling, a key factor in PAH progression. Anti‐PDGF receptor therapies, such as imatinib, show promise but are associated with significant side effects. Recent research identified PDGF‐D as a new risk gene in idiopathic PAH, highlighting the need for further investigation into the PDGF pathway in the disease. In this study, we investigated PDGF‐D, a specific PDGFRβ ligand, as a potential therapeutic target. RNA‐Seq data from healthy lungs indicated that PDGF‐D is predominantly expressed in inflammatory cells, whereas in vascular lesions of idiopathic PAH patients, PDGF‐D was produced by various cell types. In vitro, PDGF‐D induced mitogenic effects on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. However, genetic deletion of PDGF‐D in the chronic hypoxia mouse model of pulmonary hypertension showed no significant impact on vascular muscularization, hemodynamic parameters, or right ventricular hypertrophy. But, the absence of hypoxia‐induced Pdgfrb upregulation and the lack of increased expression of PAH‐regulated genes, Fgf2 and Notch3, in PDGF‐D‐deficient mice, suggests activation of alternative mechanisms. MicroRNA analyses revealed PDGF‐d‐related alterations in the expression of miR‐21 and miR‐451, both important regulators in PAH, further supporting the notion that PDGF‐D plays a unique role in PAH development. Taken together, our data suggest that PDGF‐D may target a distinct population of PDGFRβ‐expressing cells, separate from those stimulated by PDGF‐B, positioning PDGF‐D as a potentially unique and compelling therapeutic target for PAH.

Mosquitoes are important vectors of human and animal pathogens, yet data on their diversity and vector potential remain scarce for the central Balkan country Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study aimed to assess mosquito species composition, associated pathogens, and the potential public health risks in BIH. Adult mosquitoes were collected with light traps, identified morphologically and by barcoding, and screened molecularly for various pathogens, including West Nile virus (WNV), Dirofilaria spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Plasmodium spp. A total of 2691 mosquitoes of 17 species were identified, with Culex pipiens/torrentium being most abundant and new records of Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus japonicus. The first detection of WNV (lineage 2) RNA in mosquitoes in BIH highlights the potential risk of circulation in the region, aligning with findings from neighboring countries. In addition, DNA of filarioid nematodes (Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and Setaria tundra) were detected, underscoring their role as potential vectors of zoonotic dirofilariasis. Also, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium DNA was detected, warranting further investigation into the possible involvement of mosquitoes in their transmission. The detection of invasive Aedes species and mosquito-borne pathogens emphasize the need for strengthened vector surveillance in southeastern Europe, particularly in BIH. This study provides the first barcode inventory of 17 mosquito species and novel molecular evidence of mosquito-borne pathogens in BIH, offering valuable baseline data for future epidemiological assessments and sustained entomological surveillance.

This paper describes testing the solid particle erosion resistance of the composite based on A 356.0 aluminium alloy with the addition of 6 % fly ash (FA) as reinforcement. The composite samples were tested in the as-cast state and after being subjected to the multiple passes of the equal-channel angular extrusion (ECAE). The cast composite was obtained by compo-casting. This method implies the mixing of reinforcement into the semi-solid matrix. Extrusion was performed in 3 passes, with rotation around the longitudinal axis by 90° after each pass (route BC). Solid particle erosion resistance was determined based on volume loss ΔV. During the erosion test, the silicon carbide (SiC) particles were used as erodent. The impact angle of the particles was varied (30° and 90°). The results show that after each pass, the microstructure of the composite was improved and wear by solid particles was reduced.

The comet assay is widely used in human biomonitoring studies of environmental and occupational exposures. However, it is clear from multiple studies that various types of confounding factors might affect the direct relationship between exposure and DNA damage in the comet assay. In addition to common confounders such as age, sex, and smoking, other factors considered to be important determinants for background levels of DNA damage in the comet assay include exhaustive physical exercise, chronic diseases, medical treatment, and diet. These are typically controlled in biomonitoring studies by restriction or matching of subjects. Period effects (or seasonal variation) have been observed in a relatively large number of studies. There are various putative factors, which may cause period effects, including temporal variation in solar radiation, temperature, and air pollution. The present review describes the effects of these confounding factors in measurements of DNA strand breaks by the comet assay. In general, the literature does not indicate that any confounding factor is consistently associated with an increased level of DNA damage, measured by the comet assay. In this respect, it is important to balance the need to control for confounding with the risk of introducing in the statistical analysis a variable, which is influenced by exposure and outcome (i.e. collider bias). In addition, it is important that investigators describe procedures for controlling the effect of confounding factors in the selection of subjects and statistical analysis. Care should be taken in study design and statistical analysis to avoid unwanted effects of confounding factors.

Within the last 50 years, the emergence and re-emergence of widespread severe viral infections have caused some of the deadliest global pandemics. Thus, development of novel technologies that effectively stabilize and deliver virus-based vaccines are of high priority to public health. This review serves as a primer for those interested in developing and testing novel formulations and methods for administration of vaccines against viral infection. It starts with a brief history of immunization practices and the role they played in the evolution of vaccines available today. A brief section summarizing virus infection and immunology is provided to assist in design of studies for in vivo testing of novel vaccines. Physical properties of viruses are summarized with known physico-chemical mechanisms of virus degradation outlined. General formulation strategies to prevent degradation are discussed. Traditional and novel dosage forms for vaccine and immunization methods and up and coming technologies are also described.