Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a biomarker of neuroaxonal loss in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The objective was to assess the relative role of OCT, next to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serum markers of disability in MS. Methods: A total of 100 patients and 52 controls underwent OCT to determine peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers (GCIPL). Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), total lesion volume (TLV), and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) were also assessed. The associations of OCT with disability were examined in linear regression models with correction for age, vision, and education. Results: In patients, pRNFL was associated with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT; p = 0.030). In the multivariate analysis including sNfL and MRI measures, pRNFL (β = 0.19, p = 0.044) and TLV (β = −0.24, p = 0.023) were the only markers associated with the SDMT. pRNFL (p < 0.001) and GCIPL (p < 0.001) showed associations with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). In the multivariate analysis, GCIPL showed the strongest association with the EDSS (β = −0.32, p < 0.001) followed by sNfL (β = 0.18, p = 0.024). Conclusion: The associations of OCT measures with cognitive and physical disability were independent of serum and brain MRI markers of neuroaxonal loss. OCT can be an important tool for stratification in MS, while longitudinal studies using combinations of biomarkers are warranted.

Background Plant-beneficial bacterial inoculants are of great interest in agriculture as they have the potential to promote plant growth and health. However, the inoculation of the rhizosphere microbiome often results in a suboptimal or transient colonization, which is due to a variety of factors that influence the fate of the inoculant. To better understand the fate of plant-beneficial inoculants in complex rhizosphere microbiomes, composed by hundreds of genotypes and multifactorial selection mechanisms, controlled studies with high-complexity soil microbiomes are needed. Results We analysed early compositional changes in a taxa-rich natural soil bacterial community under both exponential nutrient-rich and stationary nutrient-limited growth conditions (i.e. growing and stable communities, respectively) following inoculation with the plant-beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas protegens in a bulk soil or a wheat rhizosphere environment. P. protegens successfully established under all conditions tested and was more abundant in the rhizosphere of the stable community. Nutrient availability was a major factor driving microbiome composition and structure as well as the underlying assembly processes. While access to nutrients resulted in communities assembled mainly by homogeneous selection, stochastic processes dominated under the nutrient-deprived conditions. We also observed an increased rhizosphere selection effect under nutrient-limited conditions, resulting in a higher number of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) whose relative abundance was enriched. The inoculation with P. protegens produced discrete changes, some of which involved other Pseudomonas . Direct competition between Pseudomonas strains partially failed to replicate the observed differences in the microbiome and pointed to a more complex interaction network. Conclusions The results of this study show that nutrient availability is a major driving force of microbiome composition, structure and diversity in both the bulk soil and the wheat rhizosphere and determines the assembly processes that govern early microbiome development. The successful establishment of the inoculant was facilitated by the wheat rhizosphere and produced discrete changes among other members of the microbiome. Direct competition between Pseudomonas strains only partially explained the microbiome changes, indicating that indirect interactions or spatial distribution in the rhizosphere or soil interface may be crucial for the survival of certain bacteria. Video Abstract

Otvoreni obrazovni sadržaji su značajan i opravdan predmet interesovanja visokoškolskih biblioteka, a posebno nakon pojave globalne pandemije COVID-19, koja je prouzrokovala brojne promjene u sistemu visokoškolskog obrazovanja, kojima su se visokoškolske biblioteke morale prilagoditi, kako bi nastavile davati potrebnu značajnu podršku naučnoistraživačkom i obrazovnom procesu na visokoškolskim institucijama. S tim u vezi, cilj ovoga istraživanja je utvrditi u kojoj mjeri visokoškolske biblioteke Univerziteta u Sarajevu pružaju usluge povezane sa otvorenim obrazovnim sadržajima, koje su, prema mišljenju bibliotekara, prednosti uvođenja takvih usluga i kako se iste mogu dodatno unaprijediti u postpandemijskom okruženju. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da anketirane biblioteke nude određene usluge povezane sa otvorenim obrazovnim sadržajima, ali i da u uvođenju takvih oblika usluga bibliotekari nailaze na izvjesne prepreke, u vezi s kojima se posebno izdvajaju sigurna i dugoročna pohrana otvorenih obrazovnih sadržaja, te neprepoznavanje značajne uloge visokoškolskih bibliotekara u inicijativama otvorenih obrazovnih sadržaja.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the rapidly evolving RNA virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic, has spawned numerous variants since its 2019 emergence. The multifunctional NSP14 enzyme, possessing exonuclease and mRNA capping capabilities, serves as a key player. Notably, single and co-occurring mutations within NSP14 significantly influence replication fidelity and drive variant diversification. This study comprehensively examines 120 co-mutations, 68 unique mutations, and 160 conserved residues across NSP14 homologs, shedding light on their implications for phylogenetic patterns, pathogenicity, and residue interactions. Quantitative physicochemical analysis categorizes 3953 NSP14 variants into three clusters, revealing genetic diversity. This research underscores the dynamic nature of SARS-CoV-2 evolution, primarily governed by NSP14 mutations. Understanding these genetic dynamics provides valuable insights for therapeutic and vaccine development.

Heavy metals as environmental pollutants can have natural or anthropogenic origin. To determine the river sediment pollution status, it is crucial to have appropriate reference samples, free of anthropogenic impact, and natural reference samples should be used wherever and whenever possible. The collection of reference samples should be performed in the vicinity of the research area in a place that belongs to the same geological environment and is undisturbed by human activity. The main purpose of this study was to compare concentrations of heavy metals from different rivers with background values to show that the usage of natural background values is the best option when assessing pollution status, but also to underline that the natural background values have to correspond to the analyzed sediments. In this study, 5 river sediments from Sava, 17 from Great War Island (GWI), 11 from Danube, 24 from Tisa, 47 from Tamiš, and 11 from Timok were evaluated relative to reference samples from the Sava and Tisa Rivers. The results indicate that geological origin has a strong influence on the content of heavy metals in river sediments, primarily regarding concentrations of Ni and Co. Furthermore, Tamiš, Tisa, Sava, and Danube sediments are under strong anthropogenic influence.

New 1,2,3-triazolo(thieno)stilbenes were synthesized as mixtures of isomers and efficiently photochemically transformed to their corresponding substituted thienobenzo/naphtho-triazoles in high isolated yields. The resulting photoproducts were studied as acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors without or with interconnected inhibition potential of TNF-α cytokine production. The most promising anti-inflammatory activity was shown again by naphtho-triazoles, with a derivative featuring 4-pentenyl substituents exhibiting notable potential as a cholinesterase inhibitor. To identify interactions between ligands and the active site of cholinesterases, molecular docking was performed for the best potential inhibitors. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to assess and validate the stability and flexibility of the protein–ligand complexes generated through docking.

Background and aim Paraneoplastic coagulopathy can present as stroke and is associated with specific biomarker changes. Identifying paraneoplastic coagulopathy can help guide secondary prevention in stroke patients, and early cancer detection might improve outcomes. However, unlike ischemic stroke, it remains unclear whether paraneoplastic coagulopathy is associated with transient ischemic attacks (TIA). This study assessed the presence of cancer-related biomarkers in TIA patients and evaluated long-term mortality rates in patients with and without active cancer. Methods Active cancer was retrospectively identified in consecutive TIA patients treated at a comprehensive stroke center between 2015 and 2019. An association between the presence of cancer and cancer-related biomarkers was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Long-term mortality after TIA was analyzed using multivariable Cox regression. Results Among 1436 TIA patients, 72 had active cancer (5%), of which 17 were occult (1.2%). Cancer-related TIA was associated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.29, 95% CI 1.12–4.68), history of smoking (aOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.34–5.7), elevated D-dimer (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.26–2.49), lactate dehydrogenase (aOR 1.003, 95% CI 1.00–1.005), lower leukocyte count (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.38), and lower hemoglobin (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04). Long-term mortality was associated with both active cancer (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] 2.47, 95% CI 1.58–3.88) and occult cancer (aHR 3.08, 95% CI 1.30–7.32). Conclusion Cancer-related TIA is not uncommon. Biomarkers known to be associated with cancer-related stroke also seem to be present in TIA patients. Early identification would enable targeted treatment strategies and could improve outcomes in this patient population.

AbstractEducation plays a key role in the development of human civilisation. Learning and teaching methods are still evolving and undergoing numerous changes as a result of scientific knowledge and revolutionary ideas of stakeholders in the education system, and the development of advanced technologies. We are all familiar with traditional ways of learning wherein educational process is conducted in such a way that the focus is primarily on content. Jan Amos Komensky, the alpha and omega of education science, laid out the class-subject-lesson traditional education system and designed, as early as the 17th century, the school as an institution capable of meeting the mass educational demands of the time. Because these traditional methods use repetition and memorisation of information as the principal means of acquiring knowledge, students are unable to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills. In the 21st century, teaching should be focused on the effective cooperation between teachers and students who are actively participating in the teaching process, because such an approach ensures the training of innovative individuals who go on to become qualified professionals and responsible citizens, thus creating a more affluent and safer society in general. This paper provides an overview of the important characteristics of modern schools, as well as some modern teaching strategies. Keywords: modern teaching strategies, quality of teaching, teaching--- SažetakObrazovanje ima ključnu ulogu u razvoju ljudske civilizacije. Metode učenja i poučavanja još uvijek se neprestano razvijaju i prolaze kroz brojne promjene zahvaljujući znanstvenim spoznajama, revolucionarnim idejama osoba uključenih u obrazovni sustav kao i razvoju naprednih tehnologija. Svi smo dobro upoznati s tradicionalnim načinima učenja u kojima se obrazovanje provodi tako da je fokus usmjeren na sadržaj. Jan Amos Komensky, alfa i omega pedagoške znanosti, tvorac razredno-predmetno-satnoga tradicionalnog sustava obrazovanja, već je u 17. stoljeću osmislio školu kao instituciju primjerenu zahtjevima tadašnjega vremena za masovnim obrazovanjem. Budući da te tradicionalne metode koriste ponavljanje i pamćenje informacija kao temeljni način stjecanja znanja, učenici ne razvijaju svoje kritičko razmišljanje, vještine rješavanja problema i donošenja odluka. Nastava u 21. stoljeću treba biti usmjerena na učinkovitu suradnju nastavnika i učenika koji su aktivno uključeni u nastavni proces jer takav pristup osigurava osposobljavanje inovativnih pojedinaca koji postaju kvalitetni stručnjaci i odgovorni građani te na takav način stvaraju bogatije i sigurnije društvo u cjelini. U ovom radu dan je pregled bitnih obilježja suvremene škole, kao i nekih suvremenih nastavnih strategija.Ključne riječi: kvaliteta nastave, nastava, suvremene nastavne strategije 

Abstract Unfounded—conspiracy and health—beliefs about COVID-19 have accompanied the pandemic worldwide. Here, we examined cross-nationally the structure and correlates of these beliefs with an 8-item scale, using a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. We obtained a two-factor model of unfounded (conspiracy and health) beliefs with good internal structure (average CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.04), but a high correlation between the two factors (average latent factor correlation = 0.57). This model was replicable across 50 countries (total N = 13,579), as evidenced by metric invariance between countries (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMS = 0.07) as well as scalar invariance across genders (CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.04, SRMS = 0.03) and educational levels (CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.04, SRMS = 0.03). Also, lower levels of education, more fear of COVID-19, and more cynicism were weakly associated with stronger conspiracy and health beliefs. The study contributes to knowledge about the structure of unfounded beliefs, and reveals the potential relevance of affective (i.e., fear of COVID-19) and cognitive (i.e., cynicism) factors along with demographics, in endorsing such beliefs. In summary, we obtained cross-cultural evidence for the distinctiveness of unfounded conspiracy and health beliefs about COVID-19 in terms of their structure and correlates.

The sustainable development of mountain tourism is crucial for preserving the delicate ecosystems and resources found in these unique landscapes. This research paper investigates the sustainability of mountain lodges, which serve as essential facilities for delivering mountain tourism services. To assess sustainability, expert decision making involving eight selected experts was employed. A hybrid approach combining the IMF SWARA (IMproved Fuzzy Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method with Fuzzy Dombi Aggregation Operators was utilized to determine the weights of various sustainability criteria. The IMF SWARA method assigned initial weights based on expert input, which were subsequently adjusted using Fuzzy Dombi Aggregation Operators. The findings highlight the significance of two key criteria as per expert evaluations: the quality of the services offered (C21) and the preservation of natural resources (C15). To rank and evaluate the mountain lodges, the fuzzy CRADIS (Compromise Ranking of Alternatives from Distance to Ideal Solution) method was employed, ultimately identifying Zabrana (ML6) as the top-ranked mountain lodge. The validity of these results was confirmed through result validation and sensitivity analysis. This research contributes by providing insights into the current state of mountain tourism and offering guidelines for enhancing the overall mountain tourism experience through the integration of fuzzy methods.

Topoelectrical circuits are meta-material realizations of topological features of condensed matter systems. In this work, we discuss experimental methods that allow a fast and straightforward detection of the spectral features of these systems from the two-point impedance of the circuit. This allows to deduce the full spectrum of a topoelectrical circuit consisting of N sites from a single two-point measurement of the frequency resolved impedance. In contrast, the standard methods rely on $N^2$ measurements of admittance matrix elements with a subsequent diagonalization on a computer. We experimentally test our approach by constructing a Fibonacci topoelectrical circuit. Although the spectrum of this chain is fractal, i.e., more complex than the spectra of periodic systems, our approach is successful in recovering its eigenvalues. Our work promotes the topoelectrical circuits as an ideal platform to measure spectral properties of various (quasi)crystalline systems.

Human life and body represent social values that have always been and remain the subject of criminal law protection. Precisely, the authors in the first part of the work point to the incrimination of the crime of murder throughout the historical era of Serbia and the neighboring countries, and also that the life and body of members of certain social classes were not subject to criminal law protection, and in certain eras the criminal law protection of life and body was not provided equally to every person. The continuous development of society and changes in all spheres led to the need for more and more contact between people, and their relationships led to various conflicts and the desire to be resolved at their own discretion. The second part of the work deals with conflict situations that led to mutual attacks in order to resolve the situations that ended with an attack and endangering the physical integrity of people. Thus, when studying the criminal offense of murder, which is one of the classics, perhaps even the oldest criminal offense which has already been discussed so much from a theoretical point of view and, at first glance, it seems that everything has already been said, there are still a lot of disputed questions that need to be discussed, in a theoretical, criminological sense, as well as to clarify the problems that arise in judicial practice. Some research indicates that a high percentage (even over 80 percent) of perpetrators of criminal acts would not have started committing criminal acts if they had known for sure that they would be discovered as perpetrators of the same. Research data indicate that violence in Serbia has increased by 74%. The third part of the work deals with the incrimination of the most serious criminal offense from the aspect of modern and international criminal law, as well as their recommendations for the purpose of prevention and repression.

Attacks by dogs, primarily stray dogs, are a very common problem faced by both underdeveloped and developed local goverments. The damage caused by attacks from stray dogs has multiple, and often long-lasting, harmful consequences for their victims, which are also reflected on members of their families. This manuscript provides a veterinary-epidemiological definition of the concept of dogs, as well as their legal definition in the context of „dangerous things“, and the psychological aspect that is regularly manifested in victims. Analyzing the legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a comparative presentation of the regulations of the EU member states, systematic overviews and answers are given, which are important for the improvement of existing regulations and harmonization of law and jurisprudence.