Background: The objective of this investigation was to assess the oral health (OH) of Bosnia and Herzegovinian adolescents in relation to differences and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 306 school children from high schools located in the Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The sample consisted of 183 females and 123 males between 15 and 18 years old (mean of 16.82 years old). The study was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020, via an Annex 8 questionnaire from the World Health Organization (WHO), which collected information on OH behaviours, self-perceptions of oral health and dietary factors responsible for the OH of each subject. SES was categorized using five variables (occupation, education, income, place of residence and number of family members). Cross-tabulations were evaluated according to sex and socioeconomic status (SES) via the chi-square test. Results: Over 40% of the participants consumed sweets, cakes and biscuits on daily basis, whereas 41.5% of the participants visited a dentist only in the case of pain. The consumption of sweets (p = 0.024) and cakes and biscuits (p = 0.011) on a daily basis was significantly greater in female adolescents than in male adolescents. Compared with male adolescents, female adolescents reported occasional toothaches more frequently (p = 0.001) and were more dissatisfied with their dental appearance (p = 0.008) but presented a greater frequency of flossing (p = 0.001) and toothbrushing (3–5 times a day) (p = 0.0001). There was no association between the different levels (below average, average, above average) of SES and factors affecting OH status of adolescents. Conclusions: The study revealed significant sex differences in several factors affecting OH status and revealed no relationship between SES and OH behaviours or between perceptions and risk factors affecting OH in 15–18-year-old adolescents. Data obtained from this study might help in the creation of new OH prevention programs aimed at improving the OH status of adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Abstract The aim of this paper is the histopathological assessment of the effects of a newly synthesized nanomaterial based on calcium aluminate ALBO-CA on the pulp of rat teeth. In 18 Wistar rats, 54 Class I cavities and exposed pulp of maxillary molars were treated with the tested materials: two experimental materials ALBO-CA (18 teeth), ALBO-CS (18 teeth), and MTA control (18 teeth), and cavities were restored with glass ionomer. The histopathological analysis included the following parameters: presence of pulp inflammation, degree of dentin bridge formation, and presence of bacteria in the pulp. Complete absence of pulp inflammation was noted in 12 (66.67 %) teeth with ALBO-CA, 10 (55.56 %) teeth with ALBO-CS, and 11 (60.95 %) teeth with MTA cement. A statistically significant difference in the results of pulp inflammatory response was found only when comparing the presence of a small number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes between ALBO-CS and MTA cement (Kruskal Wallis H test p=7.8255). A fully formed dentine bridge was recorded only after the application of ALBO-CA with a statistically significant difference compared to ALBO-CS and MTA (F test p=0.519, S-test p=0.656, Man-Whitney test p=2.802, Chi-square test p=4.747). Thirty days after the direct pulp capping with ALBO-CA, ALBO-CS, and MTA cements, bacteria were absent in rat teeth and surrounding tissue. Newly synthesized calcium aluminate ALBOCA showed good reparative abilities and possible use in direct pulp capping therapy.

OBJECTIVES To analyze the effect of aging on hearing outcomes following treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study reviewed records of 106 SSNHL patients categorized into younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years). Hearing outcomes and related factors including sex, absolute gain, treatment timing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), audiogram type, and contralateral ear thresholds were examined. RESULTS Treatment outcomes between age groups showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.053), though younger age was consistently linked to better recovery. A significant negative correlation between age and absolute hearing gain was observed (r = -0.296, p < 0.05). Younger females showed superior outcomes compared to younger males (p < 0.05). Early treatment predicted better recovery (χ² = 9.04, p < 0.01). A normal contralateral ear threshold was associated with better recovery (p < 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression model was developed (AUC = 0.781). Symptom duration (p < 0.05) and intratympanic therapy (p < 0.05) were significant predictors of hearing outcomes. Age was not a significant independent predictor (p = 0.054), but it improved model fit, supporting its clinical relevance. CONCLUSIONS The timing of treatment initiation is important for SSNHL prognosis. Although age did not reach statistical significance in the multivariate model, its consistent association with better outcomes and contribution to model fit highlight its continued clinical relevance. Early intervention is the key predictor of recovery, reinforcing the value of age-informed, personalized treatment strategies in managing SSNHL.

Thrombosis is a common complication in cancer patients, with a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other aggressive lymphomas carry a high venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained attention in recent research as a new potential biomarker for VTE development. To determine the profile and association of EVs with VTE in patients with DLBCL, we conducted a prospective cohort study on 62 patients diagnosed with DLBCL. A total of 11 patients (17.7%) developed VTE. The concentrations of platelet-derived EVs (PEVs), E-selectin+ EVs, P-selectin+ EVs, tissue factor (TF)-positive/CD20+ EVs, TF−/CD19+ EVs, TF−/CD45+ EVs, and TF−/CD20+ EVs were significantly higher in DLBCL patients compared to healthy controls. In contrast, the concentration of TF− PEVs was significantly lower in DLBCL patients compared to healthy controls. No statistically significant differences were observed in the concentrations of the EV profiles among the DLBCL patients with and without VTE. Using Cox regression analysis, we found that none of the observed EV populations demonstrated an association with overall survival (OS). In conclusion, patients with DLBCL have elevated concentrations of distinct EV populations—in particular, PEVs, E-selectin EVs, P-selectin EVs, TF+/CD20+ EVs, and TF− DLBCL/B-cell EVs (CD19, CD20, CD45)—compared to healthy controls. DLBCL patients exhibit a specific EV profile, which is not significantly related to the risk of VTE and OS outcomes. Our data provide an intriguing insight into EV profiles in patients with DLBCL. Additional research is needed to elucidate these findings further.

Objectives To examine the association between cigarette price increase and youth smoking initiation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), and to assess additional factors—including parental smoking, peer influence, pocket money, anti-tobacco media exposure and smoking in school environments—that potentially affect smoking initiation among adolescents. Design A pseudopanel study using WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data from two compatible surveys conducted in 2018 (Republic of Srpska) and 2019 (Federation of B&H). A split-population duration model was employed to estimate the hazard of youth smoking initiation. Setting Primary and secondary schools across two entities in B&H, covering both urban and rural areas. Participants A total of 9702 students aged 13–15 years completed the surveys. Inclusion criteria involved being enrolled in grades 7–9 of primary school or the first year of secondary school. No additional exclusion criteria were applied beyond incomplete or invalid survey responses. Interventions None. Primary outcome measure Self-reported smoking initiation, defined as having tried or experimented with cigarette smoking, even one or two puffs. Results A 10% increase in cigarette prices was associated with a 4.9% reduction in the probability of youth smoking initiation (price elasticity of −0.491, p<0.001). Exposure to antitobacco media messages was linked to a lower likelihood of smoking initiation. Conversely, parental smoking, peer influence, observing smoking within school premises and having greater disposable pocket money all showed significant positive associations with youth smoking initiation. Conclusions Raising cigarette prices constitutes an effective measure to discourage smoking initiation among youth in B&H, operating both directly and indirectly through reductions in parental and peer smoking. Nonetheless, non-price factors play a substantial role, highlighting the complexity of adolescent smoking behaviour and the necessity for a comprehensive, multifaceted tobacco control strategy. Trial registration Not applicable (observational study).

Abstract Green innovations are applied in various industries to promote corporate sustainability by adopting sustainable development practices. However, very little is known about how the knowledge management process influences corporate green innovation. To contribute to the development of this issue, this study explores the relationships between knowledge management, corporate sustainable development and green innovation. Data was collected from 210 respondents from private companies in a developing country context and analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. The findings provide several conclusions. First, the components of knowledge management (application, acquisition and sharing of knowledge) significantly improve the dimensions of corporate sustainable development (environmental, economic and social dimensions). Second, sustainable environmental practices have no effect on the adoption and application of green innovations by companies, however, sustainable social practices have a positive effect on green innovations. The results of this research also show that investing in knowledge management is of great importance for achieving sustainable development, as well as investing in the application of sustainable social practices.

Abstract Although a significant number of studies analyzing the impact of transformational leadership on job performance has been recognized, there is a lack of research considering this construct in the context of managerial performance, and along with interpersonal characteristics. To fill this gap, this paper has been built on Mintzberg’s (1973) premise according to which interpersonal skills play an important role in achieving not only managerial performance but also their leadership styles. In other words, it has been argued that transformational leadership behaves as a mediator in the relationship between social skills and managerial performance. Given the main findings, the paper contributes to practical thinking by indicating the importance of including social skills training focused on building social flexibility and presentation skills, so that managers could have a greater positive impact on managerial performance. As a consequence, it is well known that their better performance increases overall organizational success, which is a valuable lesson for a developing country setting in which this research has been conducted. Contributions to theory and practice are offered after which direction for further research follows.

Neuroinvasive arboviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and Toscana virus (TOSV) have (re-)emerged with increasing incidence and geographic range. We analyzed the epidemiology of arboviral infections in Croatia during the 2024 transmission season. A total of 154 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NID), 1596 horses, 69 dead birds, and 7726 mosquitoes were tested. Viral RNA was detected using RT-qPCR. IgM/IgG-specific antibodies were detected using commercial ELISA or IFA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by virus neutralization test. RT-qPCR-positive samples were Sanger sequenced. Arboviral etiology was confirmed in 33/21.42% of patients with NID. WNV was most frequently detected (17/11.03%), followed by TBEV (10/6.49%), USUV (5/3.24%), and TOSV (1/0.64%). WNV infections were reported in regions previously known as endemic, while in one continental county, WNV was recorded for the first time. USUV infections re-emerged after a six-year absence. In addition to human cases, acute WNV infections were recorded in 11/395 (2.78%) of horses and two dead crows. WNV IgG seropositivity was detected in 276/1168 (23.63%) and TBEV IgG seropositivity in 68/428 (15.88%) horses. None of the tested mosquito pools were positive for WNV and USUV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of WNV lineage 2 and Usutu Europe 2 lineage. Climate conditions in 2024 in Croatia were classified as extremely warm, which could, at least in part, impact the quite intense arboviral season. The spreading of flaviviruses in Croatia highlights the need for continuous surveillance in humans, animals, and vectors (“One Health”).

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a plant grown for its roots, which are used to obtain sugar, feed animals, and for human use. Beetroot skin, a by-product of food processing, is a significant source of bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber and antioxidants. The primary objective of this work was to utilize beetroot skin powder to produce value-added nougat. Analytical methods, like antioxidant activity tests, proximate analysis, and sensory assessments, are used to determine the impact of beetroot skin powder on the final product. The beetroot skin powder extract had a remarkable content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effect of the extract was tested on enzymes linked to metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The beetroot skin powder extract inhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, and lipoxygenase enzymes. The characterization of value-added nougat illustrates the multifunctionality of beetroot peel powder within its composition, serving as a significant source of natural compounds with antioxidant, coloring, and flavoring properties. This enhances sensory attributes, including color, aroma, and texture, augmenting product diversity and consumer appeal. This is evidenced by the increase in the total content of betalains (3.77 ± 0.09 mg/g DW.) and polyphenols (69.48 ± 2.88 mg GAE/100 g DW.), which lead to high antioxidant activity (73.89 ± 3.65 mM Trolox/100 g DW.) for the nougat sample with 6% added beetroot powder. Thus, beetroot skin powder replaced chemically synthesized additives with antioxidants and natural pigments, improving life quality and implicitly capitalizing on beetroot processing by-products, supporting circular economy principles at the global level.

The application of X-ray methods (using conventional sources or synchrotron radiation) for investigating degradation phenomena in paintings has significantly increased in the last two decades. This rise is due to their ability to provide spatially resolved elemental, molecular, and structural information from the macroscopic to the nanoscopic levels. This review will focus on the application of latest-generation X-ray techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), to study the alteration processes of pigments in paintings. The first part outlines the fundamentals of XRF, XAS, and XRD techniques and then describes the corresponding instrumental set-ups used for non-invasive macro-scale mapping of paintings and synchrotron radiation-based X-ray analysis of paint micro-samples. Subsequent sections will cover advancements in X-ray data analysis software, workflow management systems, Open Science and FAIR data initiatives, alongside practical aspects of sample preparation and issues concerning X-ray-induced damage to paints. The final section will review degradation phenomena resulting from chemical changes of selected classes of pigments. This will involve describing key findings obtained from paintings, related micro-samples, and artificially aged paint mock-ups. The outcomes discussed in this review highlight their crucial role in developing effective monitoring and preventive conservation strategies for artworks highly susceptible to degradation within heritage sites and museums.