The aim of this pioneering study was to examine the knowledge and attitudes regarding prevention, diagnostic methods, treatment, and recovery aspects related to Helicobacter pylori infection within the general population of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Study was conducted using the previously designed questionnaire, adapted for the B&H population. The research enrolled 1,031 participants, of whom 58.49% answered predominantly correctly to questions regarding Helicobacter pylori infectivity. Of all participants, 36.18% underwent screening, with 65.95% testing positive, and of those, 93.90% received treatment, mainly antibiotics (92.64%). Of those treated, 74.46% were re-tested and 30.23% of them had relapsed infection. Furthermore, the study identified lower infection rate in younger participants and, contraversaly, in participants with the history of long-term (lasting for more than a year) alcohol consumption, who were also shown to report symptoms' improvement post-treatment. Overall, B&H population demonstrated good knowledge toward Helicobacter pylori infection, with higher levels of knowledge in women, highly educated, or screened for H. pylori. Notably, participants expressed strong support for national Helicobacter pylori screening and thus underscored the importance of planning it in the public health initiatives in B&H. Also, due to the high relapsed infection rate, further effort needs to be directed toward education of risk groups i.e., older age groups, and community on effective measures for Helicobacter pylori prevention and treatment.

Abstract Background Phenotypic plasticity and inflammation, 2 well-established hallmarks of cancer, play key roles in local invasion and distant metastasis by enabling the rapid adaptation of tumor cells to dynamic micro-environmental changes. Results Here, we show that in oral squamous carcinoma cell carcinoma (OSCC), the competition between the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) and SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes plays a pivotal role in regulating both epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and inflammation. By perturbing these complexes, we demonstrated their opposing downstream effects on the inflammatory pathways and EMP regulation. In particular, downregulation of the BRG1-specific SWI/SNF complex deregulates key inflammatory genes, such as TNF-α and IL6, in opposite ways when compared with the loss of CDK2AP1, a key member of the NuRD complex. We showed that CDK2AP1 genetic ablation triggers a pro-inflammatory secretome encompassing several chemokines and cytokines, thus promoting the recruitment of monocytes into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, CDK2AP1 deletion stimulates their differentiation into M2-like macrophages, as validated on tumor microarrays from OSCC patient-derived tumor samples. Further analysis of the inverse correlation between CDK2AP1 expression and TME immune infiltration revealed specific downstream effects on the abundance and localization of CD68+ macrophages. Conclusions Our study sheds light on the role of chromatin remodeling complexes in OSCC locoregional invasion and highlights the potential of CDK2AP1 and other members of NuRD and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

According to estimates by the United Nations' International Organization for Migration, in 2020 the global count of international migrants reached 281 million, nearly doubling the estimate from 1990. While a significant portion of emigration can be attributed to wars and conflicts, less developed countries have witnessed a surge in outward migration over the past few decades, extending beyond forced emigration. Among these migrants there is a considerable number of young, skilled, and educated individuals, whose departure has unfortunate effects on their countries of origin, impacting economic progress and demographics. The level of country development significantly influences migration, as migrants often move from less developed to more developed countries in search of better living conditions and more opportunities.This paper aims to identify the primary determinants of global migration movement between years 1990 and 2022, with a focus on evaluating the impact of country development level disparities on these flows. According to our static and dynamic estimation results the level of development is a significant driver of emigration while higher GDP per capita is associated with lower net emigration. These results imply that policies aimed at reducing migration pressures should focus on fostering economic development and increasing GDP per capita in low-income countries.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, severity, and risk factors associated with Hickman catheterrelated complications in pediatric patients with acute leukemia at a tertiary pediatric care center in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was conducted with 88 pediatric patients (54 males, 34 females; mean age: 5.9±4.6 years; range, 0 to 18 years) diagnosed with acute leukemia who had Hickman catheters inserted between January 2019 and July 2024. Data on complication rates, types, and outcomes were collected. Results: A total of 91 Hickman central venous catheters were inserted in 88 children. The cohort included 60 (68%) children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 28 (32%) children with acute myeloid leukemia 14 (AML). The median follow-up was 190 days (95% confidence interval, 160-212), spanning 12,644 catheter days. Complications occurred in 24 (27.3%) patients. Twelve (13.1%) of these were mechanical, seven (7.7%) were infectious, and five (5.5%) were thrombotic; the incidence rates were 0.8, 0.48, and 0.08 per 1,000 catheter days, respectively. Notably, AML patients had a higher complication rate (1.59 per 1,000 catheter days) compared to ALL patients (1.22 per 1,000 catheter days). Conclusion: Hickman catheter-related complications in pediatric leukemia patients are relatively common, with AML patients facing a higher risk. Understanding these complications can help improve patient management and outcomes.

Sewage sludge, a biosolid product of wastewater processing, is an often-overlooked source of rich organic waste. Hydrothermal processing has shown promise in converting sewage sludge into valorized materials with potential application in biofuels, asphalt binders, and bioplastics. Here we characterize the physicochemical properties of hydrochar, the carbonaceous solid phase product of hydrothermal processing, and investigate its use as bio-based filler in additive manufacturing. We find that the presence of metallic and metalloid dopants in sewage sludge, which are not typically found in biomass wastes, yields unusual results in organic material processing such as decreased graphitic ordering after thermal activation. We further find that addition of hydrochar generally decreases mechanical performance of additive manufacturing composites, however, some properties such as toughness can be recovered with nature-inspired architecting into gyroid microstructures. These findings demonstrate that more investigation is required to optimally valorize sewage sludge and similarly disordered waste streams. Sabrina Shen, Markus Buehler, and colleagues valorize hydrothermally processed sewage sludge as fillers for 3D printing. They study physicochemical and mechanical properties, finding that hydrochar-filled composites reduce consumption for more sustainable waste management

We initiate the study of simple games from the point of view of combinatorial topology. The starting premise is that the losing coalitions of a simple game can be identified with a simplicial complex. Various topological constructions and results from the theory of simplicial complexes then carry over to the setting of simple games. Examples are cone, join, and the Alexander dual, each of which have interpretations as familiar game-theoretic objects. We also provide some new topological results about simple games, most notably in applications of homology of simplicial complexes to weighted simple games. The exposition is introductory and largely self-contained, intended to inspire further work and point to what appears to be a wealth of potentially fruitful directions of investigation bridging game theory and topology.

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Benign schwannomas are slow-growing, painless tumours originating from Schwann cells, which form the sheaths of peripheral nerves. These tumours are relatively rare, with an incidence of 1-3 cases per 100,000 individuals annually. While they are most commonly found in the head, neck, and spine, schwannomas can also occur in the extremities, particularly in the upper limbs. Tumours in the pelvis and gluteal region are less frequent but are clinically significant due to their potential to compress adjacent structures. We present a case of a 74-year-old male patient who underwent surgery for a large schwannoma in the gluteal region, extending into the pelvis at the level of the piriformis muscle and sciatic foramen. Initially misdiagnosed and treated as sciatica, this case highlights the importance of considering schwannomas in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with neurological symptoms in unusual locations. Sciatic symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatment should be further investigated, and a thorough palpation of tender and painful points should always be performed to aid in the potential diagnosis of a local soft tissue tumour.

Introduction Immunotherapy has made a significant improvement in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has a role in boosting the immune system, so it can fight cancer cells. Sometimes, this mechanism can lead to an overstimulation or misdirection of immune response, so it can act against the body itself. One of the organs most affected by this reaction is the thyroid gland, and there is no definitive explanation of the causes of this adverse event. Material and methods In this retrospective observational study, we enrolled 103 patients with NSCLC and high PD-L1 expression (>= 50%) who were treated in our Clinic for pulmonology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, using Pembrolizumab as the first-line therapy. Results Data analysis showed that 41 (39.81%) of 103 patients in our study had an adverse event of immunotherapy, and 21 of them had autoimmune thyroiditis (20.39%). Of all the patients, 19 of them were treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) before the onset of Pembrolizumab. During treatment, eight of these patients developed thyroid dysfunction. Patients with COPD were at increased risk of developing autoimmune thyroiditis compared to non-COPD patients (OR 3.9 95% CI 1.135–13.260, p = 0.0227). Conclusion Our study showed that patients dealing with COPD have a 3.9 times greater risk of developing autoimmune thyroiditis as an adverse event during Pembrolizumab treatment compared with patients without COPD.

Ixodid ticks are present throughout the Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, with many species serving as vectors for pathogens of both veterinary and medical importance. We have conducted a thorough examination of existing literature, encompassing historical documents, to collect information on all documented non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens found in ticks, pets, farm animals and wild animals across the Western Balkan region. A comprehensive review was necessary due to the scarcity and scattered nature of available data from this area. The tick fauna in the Western Balkans consists of 32 species across five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. Various pathogens responsible for diseases in animals, including bacteria and parasites, have also been documented, many of which can cause important diseases and significant reductions in animal productivity. Initial efforts were directed towards pathogen surveillance and the characterisation of non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens, resulting in the identification of Theileria orientalis, Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma marginale in cattle, although significant gaps remain in the current research. Studies on small ruminants have been sparse, with confirmed cases of Anaplasma ovis and Babesia ovis in sheep, but no comprehensive and systematic research on pathogens in goats. In contrast, research on canine piroplasms has identified several species, including Babesia canis and Babesia vulpes. Studies on wild animals, however, have predominantly focused on wild canines and carnivores, with limited attention given to non-zoonotic pathogens. Notably, only one study has reported non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in artiodactyl species and wild felids. This review is a much needed overview of existing research on non-zoonotic tick-borne diseases in the Western Balkans, including the historical context, current data and research gaps. Given the significant impact of these diseases on animal health and productivity, as well as their potential biodiversity, further comprehensive studies and the establishment of national surveillance systems for tick-borne diseases are essential for a better understanding and mitigation of their impact.

Introduction The strategic utilization of plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizospheric bacteria is a sustainable approach to mitigating the negative effects of anthropogenic activities and excessive nickel (Ni) accumulation in plants. Given that the specific effects of symbiotic interactions depend on the direct relationship between the plant species, bacterial strain, and heavy metals (HMs), this study aimed to investigate the effects of Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN seed priming on Ni tolerance in adult Micro-Tom tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Methods Sterilized Micro-Tom seeds were bioprimed with P. phytofirmans PsJN for 24 hours and then sown into the soil. Non-primed, imbibed seeds were used as a control. After 10 days, the seedlings were transferred to a Hoagland nutrient solution. Chronic (10 μM Ni) and acute (50 μM Ni) stress conditions were induced by supplementing the Hoagland solution with Ni salt. The experiment lasted approximately 75 days, covering the complete life cycle of the plants. Various physiological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between non-primed and bioprimed tomato plants in terms of fruit yield. Bioprimed tomatoes exhibited higher resilience to Ni stress, particularly under acute stress conditions. Non-primed tomatoes treated with 50 μM Ni showed statistically lower concentrations of chlorophyll a and total chlorophylls compared to bioprimed tomatoes. Moreover, proline content was generally lower and more stable in bioprimed plants, indicating reduced oxidative stress.The activity of antioxidant enzymes exhibited distinct patterns between nonprimed and bioprimed tomatoes. Conclusion The findings suggest that biopriming with P. phytofirmans PsJN enhances Micro-Tom tomato resilience and growth under Ni stress. This technique appears to mitigate Ni-induced stress effects, particularly at higher Ni concentrations, making it a promising strategy for improving tomato performance in Ni-contaminated environments. Future studies should explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and field applications of this biopriming approach.

Machine learning (ML) is a crucial component of artificial intelligence that has recently attracted attention for its application in logistics. ML algorithms are used on large datasets. They create logic correlations among given data and provide predictions of specific values. This research paper aims to conduct a systematic literature review to showcase the potential applications of machine learning in urban logistics systems, specifically focusing on enhancing satisfaction for postal logistics operators and their customers. The authors used various research publication databases in this context (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar etc). The analysis of different models provides insights into diverse aspects, such as predicting product prices and types of cargo, evaluating user satisfaction, forecasting user departures, assessing optimal geographical locations for implementing postal centres, predicting purchase times before online orders, estimating delivery times in the last phase of the logistics chain and more. The significance of this research is highlighted through the identification of shortcomings in existing literature, offering guidelines for future research in developing new machine learning model for optimal operator selection. This model aims to achieve improvements in both customer and operator satisfaction simultaneously.