Introduction: The need for this study on the prevalence of hypodontia in a sample of orthodontic patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina arises from the fact that in the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a lack of data on the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia as a previously defined, growing global problem and that it could emphasize the importance of its early diagnosis, as this is still the best standard for preventing the occurrence of complications due to a lack of teeth. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in orthodontic patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: The study was conducted in the Orthodontic Department of the University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Dentistry, with the Center for Clinical Dentistry. The study included all patients who presented to the Orthodontic Department in the period from January 2020 to March 2023 and whose diagnostic protocol included panoramic radiographs, which were analyzed for the purposes of this study. The sample consisted of the orthopantomography radiographs of 5084 patients (2031 males and 3053 females). Results: Hypodontia was found in 6.77% of orthodontic patients, of which 38.4% were male patients and 61.6% were female. The teeth most frequently affected by hypodontia were the second premolars (68.15%). After stratifying the sample by jaw, the most common hypodontic tooth was the second premolar in the mandible and the lateral incisor in the maxilla. Conclusion: We can conclude that the prevalence of hypodontia in orthodontic patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its distribution are very similar to the general population. The results of this study may help to improve the early diagnosis of hypodontia as a growing problem, which may reduce the complications that may arise from missing a tooth.

Introduction: Insulin resistance (IR) is a complex pathophysiological condition multifactorial etiology characterized by diminished responsiveness of insulin target tissues. Today, various diagnostic approaches involving different laboratory parameters are available, but simple and non-invasive indices based on mathematical models are increasingly used in practice. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of various clinical surrogate indices in predicting IR across a population with varying body weights. Methods: The matched case-control study was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022. Secondary data extracted from the medical records of 129 subjects was analyzed, including demographic characteristics (age and gender), anthropometric measures (height and weight), and biochemical laboratory test results. y further divided into two subgroups based on body mass index (BMI): overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher). Using laboratory data values for six widely used clinical surrogate markers were calculated: Homeostatic model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Mcauley index (MCAi), metabolic score for IR (METS-IR), Triglyceride to Glucose Index (TyG), and TyG to BMI (TyG-BMI). Results: Significant differences in HOMA-IR levels were observed between the groups (p < 0.001). A similar pattern was found for the TyG-BMI, with notable differences (p < 0.001). The obese participants had the highest mean levels for METS-IR and the TyG index while the control group had the highest mean values for the QUICKI and MCAi indices (p < 0.001). According to the analysis, three indices showed statistical significance in predicting IR independent of BMI (p < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity were higher in the obese group (0.704 and 0.891) than in the overweight group (0.631 and 0.721). Conclusion: Given that IR is a multifactorial disease, using derived indices based on a combination of biochemical parameters and anthropometric indicators can significantly aid in predicting and mitigating numerous complications.

Introduction: Aging is a natural, irreversible physiological process that depends on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Many physiological, biological, psychological, and other factors play a major role. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the world and represent a major global public health problem. Falls are most commonly caused by intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. A comprehensive assessment of fall risk is critical to the development of effective fall prevention programs. The screening protocol is brief, easy to use, and multifactorial and allows the identification of risk factors for falls. The aim of this study is to investigate the importance of the presence of risk factors in the home environment and the impact on increasing the risk of falls in people in the third age. Methods: The study was conducted in the municipality of Podgorica. 109 elderly people from urban and rural areas were included in the study using the snowball method. The instruments used in our study are a standardized checklist for assessing risk factors in the home environment, inside and outside the home (HASSAT), and a self-assessment scale of one’s own concern about a possible falls efficacy scale international. The survey was conducted from the end of October to the end of November 2023. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in social and physical activities of daily living in the area of concern about falling. When analyzing the overall result of the fear of falling scale in relation to gender, a significant statistical difference is found. The analysis of the individual rooms in relation to the age of the respondents shows that there is a significant statistical difference. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the high risk of falling is present in all rooms of the home environment for people in their 3rd year of life and that fear of falling increases with age.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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