We present a new approach to high intraabdominal testis (IAT) for elongation of the testicular vessels without division. The technique entails fixation of the testis to a point one inch above and medial to the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine for 12 weeks. Subdartos orchiopexy is then done as the second stage. Both stages are laparoscopically assisted. The a new approach to high intraabdominal testis, two-stage laparoscopic traction-orchiopexy, is useful and resulted in significant elongation of the testicular vessels without atrophy. It is a safe and valid alternative to the two-stage laparoscopic Fowler–Stephens technique, which entails division of the main testicular vessels.

ABSTRACT Background This paper compares the most recent data on the incidence and prevalence of kidney replacement therapy (KRT), kidney transplantation rates, and mortality on KRT from Europe to those from the United States (US), including comparisons of treatment modalities (haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and kidney transplantation (KTx)). Methods Data were derived from the annual reports of the European Renal Association (ERA) Registry and the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). The European data include information from national and regional renal registries providing the ERA Registry with individual patient data. Additional analyses were performed to present results for all participating European countries together. Results In 2021, the KRT incidence in the US (409.7 per million population (pmp)) was almost 3-fold higher than in Europe (144.4 pmp). Despite the substantial difference in KRT incidence, approximately the same proportion of patients initiated HD (Europe: 82%, US: 84%), PD (14%; 13%, respectively), or underwent pre-emptive KTx (4%; 3%, respectively). The KRT prevalence in the US (2436.1 pmp) was 2-fold higher than in Europe (1187.8 pmp). Within Europe, approximately half of all prevalent patients were living with a functioning graft (47%), while in the US, this was one third (32%). The number of kidney transplantations performed was almost twice as high in the US (77.0 pmp) compared to Europe (41.6 pmp). The mortality of patients receiving KRT was 1.6-fold higher in the US (157.3 per 1000 patient years) compared to Europe (98.7 per 1000 patient years). Conclusions The US had a much higher KRT incidence, prevalence, and mortality compared to Europe, and despite a higher kidney transplantation rate, a lower proportion of prevalent patients with a functioning graft.

Abstract The study aimed to analyse the potential of Lamiaceae essential oils, extracts, and hydrolats against bacterial biofilms. Bacterial cells Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus were exposed to Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme), Salvia officinalis L. (sage), Mentha × piperita L. (mint) essential oils, extracts, and hydrolats. The result of the minimal inhibitory concentration assessment shows the highest antibacterial potential for essential oils, followed by extracts and hydrolats respectively. The anti-biofouling capacity revealed that thyme essential oil has the highest potential for biofilm prevention for all tested bacteria, reducing up to 91% of biofilm, followed by mint (88%) and sage (87%) essential oil. While the thyme extract (84%), sage extract (83%) and hydrolat (77%) we less effective. The chemical composition of thyme essential oil showed a high percentage of monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, among which p-cymene and thymol were the most predominant. The bacterial cell membrane integrity assessment shows a significant increase in dead cells by increasing the concentration of thyme essential oil. The findings of our research indicate that the choice of herbal preparation significantly affects the active components, thereby influencing both antibacterial and anti-biofouling capabilities. Lamiaceae essential oils show great potential for biofilm management and represent a good candidate for antibacterial application in pharmacy, medicine, and industry.

With the increasing need for efficient traffic surveillance systems, computer vision emerges as a promising technology to address various challenges in this domain. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent advancements in the application of computer vision in traffic surveillance. It commences by discussing fundamental concepts of computer vision and its role in traffic monitoring, followed by an exploration of various techniques and algorithms used in computer vision systems, including object detection, tracking, and classification. Furthermore, it investigates the integration of computer vision with other technologies such as machine learning and deep learning, emphasizing their impact on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of traffic surveillance systems. The review explores specific applications of computer vision in traffic surveillance, such as traffic flow monitoring, anomaly detection, and license plate recognition. Additionally, it addresses challenges and limitations associated with the implementation of computer vision in real-world traffic scenarios. Synthesizing existing literature, case studies, and research findings, this review offers a comprehensive insight into the current state-of-the-art in the application of computer vision for traffic surveillance systems. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions and potential research opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.

Recent investigations have reported the benefits of using a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, dasatinib (DA), as well as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in the management of several solid tumors, including breast cancer. Nevertheless, the outcome of the combination of these inhibitors on HER2-positive breast cancer is not explored yet. Herein, we investigated the impact of DA and PD-L1 inhibitor (BMS-202) combination on HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines, SKBR3 and ZR75. Our data reveal that the combination significantly inhibits cell viability of both cancer cell lines as compared to monotreatment. Moreover, the combination inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and reduces cancer cell invasion by restoring E-cadherin and β-catenin expressions and loss of vimentin, major biomarkers of EMT. Additionally, the combination reduces the colony formation of both cell lines in comparison with their matched control. Also, the combination considerably inhibits the angiogenesis of the chorioallantoic membrane model compared with monotreatment. Molecular pathway analysis of treated cells shows that this combination blocks HER2, AKT, β-catenin, and JNK1/2/3 activities. Our findings implicate that a combination of DA and BMS-202 could have a significant impact on the management of HER2-positive breast cancer.

Wood is one of the most important materials that has been used for several millennia. It is therefore not surprising that wood plays an important role in the cultural and technical heritage of several European countries and beyond. An excellent example of cultural and technical heritage is a wooden mill, almost 100-year-old, near Cazin in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These mills played an important role, especially in times of Bosnian war (1992- 95), when this region was cut off from electricity. The microscopic analysis of the wood materials used in the mills revealed that the mills were made of chestnut (Castanea sativa) and oak (Quercus sp.) wood. Sufficient durability of these wood species resulted in good structural integrity of the mills. The surface of the wood materials in the mills showed partial degradation patterns caused by weathering over the years. However, the interior parts of the wood materials were intact probably due to smoke deposits from the open fireplace. It is suggested that the roofing in the mills should be maintained regularly to prevent possible leaks to protect this heritage for future generations.

The sharpnose sevengill shark (Heptranchias perlo) is a rare and poorly understood deep‐sea species, with only a few records in the Adriatic Sea over the last two centuries and a significant gap in sightings. Throughout 2023, three new records are documented in the southernmost Adriatic Sea, found at depths ranging from 391 to 452 m off Vlorë. This study marks the first comprehensive health examination of a deep‐sea shark, investigating potential trauma and injuries resulting from trawling. It encompasses pathological and histopathological examinations, supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The research highlights alarming post‐capture mortality rates in this data deficient species, discusses further conservation implications, and proposes protective measures for the species. Beyond addressing critical knowledge gaps, this study advocates for collaborative efforts with local fishermen to establish long‐term monitoring and obtain data on the frequency and abundance of elusive species.

SMAD4 is a tumour suppressor gene that is mutated in up to 60% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumours. Activins are members of the TGF-b signalling superfamily which signal through SMAD4 and are generally associated with an oncogenic process, with differing effects on tumour and stromal cells, such as cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We sought to further elucidate the role of activin within PDAC and perturb activin signalling in vitro and in vivo. Analysis was performed of publicly available human datasets alongside human and murine single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets to study the effect of activin expression on survival and tumourigenesis. We developed anti-activin monoclonal antibodies to perturb activin signalling in PDAC mice, with deep analysis of tumour composition including immune cells and CAFs via a multitude of basic science techniques. We demonstrated that circulating activin levels are higher in PDAC patients than in healthy volunteers, whilst activin overexpression is associated with reduced overall survival in PDAC patients. Activin was shown to be predominantly expressed by contractile (collagen-depositing) CAFs, as opposed to inflammatory CAFs. Activin expression co-localises with fibroblasts, and anti-activin antibodies can reduce the collagen content of dense PDAC tumours. Additionally, anti-activin antibodies led to a statistically significant increase in CD4 and CD8 T-cell infiltration into murine PDAC tumours. We have shown that activin is overexpressed in PDAC, and high expression is associated with a more aggressive disease process. Anti-activin antibodies can alter the composition of desmoplastic PDAC tumours and increase the immune infiltrate of these typically “immune cold” tumours.

: Variants of proportional navigation (PN) are perhaps mostly used guidance laws for tactical homing missiles. PN aims to generate commanding missile lateral acceleration proportional to line of sight (LOS) angular rate, so that missile velocity vector rotates in such a way to assure interception of a target. In order to generate commanding lateral accelerations, the guidance system needs measurements of LOS angular rate and the closing velocity between the missile and the target, or the missile velocity. A device which provides guidance information is referred to as the missile seeker. In the case of imaging based seekers (visible light (EO), infrared light (IIR)), LOS rate is estimated using imaging sensor, while closing or missile velocity is measured using appropriate sensors or guess estimated. In this paper, we present the design and simulation of a missile homing system which includes: true PN guidance law, linear multiloop acceleration autopilot, and gimbaled imaging based missile seeker. Target seeker uses advanced deep machine learning object detection YOLO (You only look once) model, for target detection and tracking as well as LOS rate estimation. Comprehensive simulation model, consisting of full 6DOF missile and controls dynamics, 3D world and camera model, is developed. Intensive simulation results show performances of the proposed missile homing system.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the frequency, severity, and risk factors associated with Hickman catheter-related complications in children with hemato-oncological malignancies at the largest pediatric tertiary care unit in Bosnia and Herzegovina. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of pediatric cancer patients who underwent Hickman central venous catheters (CVCs) between January 2019 and December 2022. Mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic Hickman catheter-related complications were evaluated and analyzed. We also investigated possible risk factors associated with these complications. RESULTS Seventy-one Hickman CVCs were inserted in 68 children (44 boys and 24 girls) at a mean age of 6.9 ± 4.6. Forty (58.8%) children had hematological malignancies and 28 (41.2%) solid cancers. The median follow-up after Hickman CVC insertion was 190 days (95% CI [160-212]) for 12 644 catheter days. During follow-up, 10 (14.1%) mechanical, 7 (9.9%) infectious, and 1 (1.4%) thrombotic complications were recorded (0.8, 0.48, and 0.08 for mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications per 1000 catheter days, respectively). A slightly higher incidence of complications was recorded in children with hematological malignancies (1.59 per 1000 catheter days) compared with children with solid cancers (1.22 complications per 1000 catheter days). CONCLUSION Using Hickman CVCs for long-term venous access in infusional chemotherapy for pediatric cancer patients is safe but is associated with significant morbidity.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common chronic liver condition. Due to pathophysiological processes, MASLD's relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still unclear, especially when the role of adipocytokines is taken into consideration. Objective: This study aims to examine the potential predictive value of adiponectin and resistin for MASLD in T2DM. Patients and methods: In a two-year study, 71 T2DM patients were categorized into MASLD-T2DM and non-MASLD-T2DM groups according to MASLD development. Serum samples were tested for resistin, adiponectin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, and triglycerides. An appropriate equation is used to calculate the adiponectin/resistin (A/R) index. The optimal cut-off values for differentiating MASLD patients from non-MASLD patients were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the corresponding areas under the curve (AUC). To predict the onset of MASLD in patients with T2DM, a logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: There were significant differences in adiponectin (p<0.001), resistin (p<0.001), and A/R index (p<0.001) between T2DM individuals with and without MASLD. The ROC curve for resistin produced an AUC of 0.997 (p<0.001) with a sensitivity of 96.1% and a specificity of 100% for the cut-off point of 253.15. Adiponectin (OR, 0.054; 95% CI, 0.011-0.268; p<0.001) and resistin (OR, 1.745; 95% CI, 1.195-2,548; p=0.004) were found to be independent predictors for MASLD by logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: This study confirms the potential of adiponectin and resistin as predictors of MASLD development in T2DM.

Abstract Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly infectious viral disease that affects birds, including wild water birds and poultry. The emergence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains, such as H5N1, have raised concerns due to their potential to cause severe outbreaks and cross the species barrier, leading to human infections and global public health emergencies. In this study, we report the first case of HPAI H5N1 detection in Montenegro. Twenty-six carcasses of dalmatian pelicans were found in Skadar Lake, Montenegro, and the H5N1 subtype was confirmed through molecular testing in the samples from pelicans. The whole influenza genome was sequenced and belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b was determined.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) accumulates challenges in the areas of research and innovation (R&I), agricultural water management (AWM) and their intersection. In the decade 2012–2022, the BiH gross domestic product per capita in current US$ increased by 6.2% annually. However, improvements are slowly arriving in R&I and AWM. In this period, relevant challenges to AWM have materialized, such as climate change effects or the need to implement an interconnected vision of ecosystem services. In the R&I arena, the societal demand for knowledge goods remains low, while the reforms of higher education and R&I funding systems have become urgent. This paper set out to elaborate a realistic and feasible policy roadmap to consolidate R&I in AWM in BiH. The methodology included an assessment of policies and sector performance, the analysis of stakeholder perceptions, the development of strategic directions and the design of a strategy. Desk research and stakeholder consultations (33 interviews, six workshops, 179 persons in total) were used to take stock of the current situation and expectations for the future. Stakeholders were divided into knowledge supply and knowledge demand, with five and six subcategories, respectively. Relations were established among the key enabling factors, the needs and the capacities of the involved stakeholders. The TOWS (Threats, Opportunities, Weaknesses and Strengths) matrix permitted to identify policy strategies. A Weaknesses – Opportunities, conservative or mini-maxi strategy was selected, owing to the relevance of system weaknesses (such as low investments, poor return of R&I to society or low R&I for AWM adaptation) and opportunities (such as the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, Smart Specialization or regional partnerships). The policy roadmap was structured along three policy goals: strengthen R&I, strengthen AWM and identify / fund local R&I priorities for AWM. Policy goals included policy instruments promoting eco-efficient use of resources and sustainable development of rural areas.

This paper explores the possibility of using recycled seashells from marine coasts of the Mali Ston Bay in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia, to create a novel bio material derived from waste seashells. In this research, two types of waste seashells, mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oyster (Ostrea edulis), combined with natural, non-toxic binders (bone glue) were investigated experimentally. The goal is to develop a sustainable material, suitable for the production of furniture and decorative objects. The parameters studied, included physical and mechanical properties of this material. The results showed that this bio composite material, derived from recycled seashells, is hygroscopic and has low compression strength. It should be used for making furniture components that don't bear heavy loads and it is suitable only for interior applications. This study presents an eco-friendly and sustainable material option, while optimizing the recycling of food waste materials.