Abstract Objectives Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with complex etiopathogenesis, treated with antiepileptics. In addition to their ability to regulate the activation threshold of neurons, antiepileptics have demonstrated a potential in shaping inflammation and the immune response. The main objective of our study was to analyze the effects of valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine (commonly used antiepileptics) on viability, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods PBMCs were treated with different concentrations of antiepileptics, with or without phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Cytotoxicity, assessed by viability and apoptosis/necrosis assay, was determined by flow cytometry using the Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) staining method. Proliferation was determined using the MTT assay, whereas cytokine levels were assessed by the ELISA assay. A selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) antagonist (SR-202) was used to evaluate the involvement of PPAR-γ. Results Nontoxic concentrations of valproate and carbamazepine reduced the levels of three major proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) and impaired Th1 and Treg responses, without affecting the Th2 response. Lamotrigine did not exhibit immunomodulatory properties in this model. The effect of valproate on the production of proinflammatory and Th1 cytokines was significantly reversed by inhibiting PPAR-γ. In contrast, the blockade did not modify the effects of carbamazepine. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that valproate and carbamazepine, although similarly modulating the immune response in vitro, utilize different signaling mechanisms, in contrast to lamotrigine, which did not exhibit immunomodulatory effects.

The synthesis of oxide nanopowders through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) represents a sustainable method for producing high-purity, spherical particles tailored for advanced material applications. Recent developments in USP synthesis leverage the continuous transport of aerosols from an ultrasonic generator to a high-temperature furnace, with nanopowders collected efficiently using an electrostatic precipitator. This study explored the use of USP for titanium oxysulfate and aluminum nitrate solutions derived from the aluminum industry, focusing on resource recovery and waste reduction. Titanium oxysulfate was synthesized by leaching slag, generated during the reduction of red mud, with sulfuric acid under oxidizing, high-pressure conditions. After purification, the titanium oxysulfate solution was processed using USP in a hydrogen reduction atmosphere to yield spherical titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanopowders. The hydrogen atmosphere enabled precise control over the nanoparticles’ morphology and crystallinity, enhancing their suitability for use in applications such as photocatalysis, pigments, and advanced coatings. In parallel, both synthetic and laboratory solutions of aluminum nitrate [Al(NO3)3] were prepared. The laboratory solution was prepared by leaching aluminum hydroxide oxide (AlOOH) with hydrochloric acid to form aluminum chloride (AlCl3), followed by a conversion to aluminum nitrate through the addition of nitric acid. The resulting aluminum nitrate solution was subjected to USP, producing highly uniform, spherical alumina (Al2O3) nanopowders with a narrow size distribution. The resulting nanopowders, characterized by their controlled properties and potential applicability, represent an advancement in oxide powder synthesis and resource-efficient manufacturing techniques.

Motivated by previous investigations that analyzed the boundedness of positive solutions, global stability, and the occurrence of Neimark–Sacker bifurcation in specific parameter cases, this paper comprehensively investigates the dynamics of certain second-order rational difference equation with four positive parameters and positive initial conditions. We provide a complete topological classification of fixed (equilibrium) points and examine the local behavior of orbits in the neighborhood of these points, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously studied in the entire admissible parameter space. Our research has discovered highly complex and rich dynamic behavior, ranging from the occurrence of supercritical and sub-critical Neimark–Sacker bifurcations in different parameter spaces to the appearance of codimension-2 bifurcations in the case of 1:1 strong resonance. A very interesting situation appears when one of the equilibria is nonhyperbolic in a specific parameter space; direct calculations have shown that both the first and second Lyapunov coefficients are equal to zero, implying that this equilibrium is a Hopf point of codimension at least 3. This strongly suggests the complex behavior of the studied equation, which the numerical simulations have also confirmed.

We aim to compare the incidence and risk factors for biliary anastomotic stricture (BAS) in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) with and without transcystic externalised trans‐anastomotic biliary stenting.

Drawing on the stereotype content model (SCM), this study aims to explore the types and content of different brand-related stereotypes depicted in marketing communications and their influence on consumers’ brand attitudes. It offers empirically-based insights into (a) the types of brand-related stereotypes portrayed in print advertisements of brands, (b) the deployment of warmth and competence in the communicated stereotypes, and (c) the responses of consumers in terms of brand attitudes. A two-phase, mixed-method research approach is used, involving (a) content analysis of published print ads, (b) multilevel modeling and (c) qualitative interviews with consumers. Firms rely heavily on brand stereotypes and, to a lesser extent, on brand buyer/user stereotypes; brand origin stereotypes are used rather sparingly by firms. The findings further show that while both brand competence and warmth positively impact consumer attitudes, both dimensions of the brand buyer stereotype have a negative effect on consumer attitudes. Firms can benefit from the positive influence of brand competence, brand warmth and brand origin competence on consumer attitudes. Emphasizing stereotypical dimensions of brand buyers/users is likely to be counterproductive. This is the first study using the SCM that simultaneously investigates brand-related stereotypes from a company (i.e. supply-side) and a consumer (i.e. demand-side) perspective. The findings offer insights into how communicated stereotypes (in terms of warmth and competence) of the brand origin, the brand itself and the buyer/user of the brand differentially influence consumer attitudes toward the focal brand.

Matija Murko is one of the most significant foreign researchers of Bosnian folk music. In 1909, he conducted the first field research in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since he was unable to obtain adequate recording equipment, Murko took notes in the field and kept detailed records of his observations. He received a grant from the Balkan Commission of the Royal Academy of Sciences in Vienna to study epic poetry in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina during the summers of 1912 and 1913. In 1912, he made the first phonograph recordings in northwestern Bosnia. The following year, in 1913, he continued his research in Sarajevo and western Herzegovina. He had planned to extend his work into the summer of 1914, but the outbreak of World War I prevented him from doing so. Murko later returned to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1930 and 1931. During a well-organized three-month research period, he traveled to eastern Bosnia and Sarajevo. Murko’s recordings provide valuable insights into the performance of epic songs accompanied by the gusle and the two-stringed tambura, as well as sevdalinka songs performed with violin and saz accompaniment. This paper examines the significance of Murko’s research in Bosnia and Herzegovina, his methodological approach, and the field materials he collected.

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of public administration as a scientific discipline, tracing the key phases of its evolution – from the theoretical distinction between politics and administration at the end of the 19th century, through the period of affirmation of universal administrative principles, to contemporary trends marked by digitalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Through seven developmental stages, the authors analyze the theoretical contributions of key public administration theorists and the institutional changes that have shaped the discipline. Special emphasis is placed on the transformation of paradigms in public administration – from traditional hierarchical models to participatory, digitally oriented, and transparent governance systems. The paper also highlights current trends in the development of public administration, such as the advancement of digital services, application of artificial intelligence, citizen participation, operational transparency, and the professionalization of administrative personnel. In conclusion, the authors stress the need for continuous research, education, and innovation in order for public administration to successfully adapt to the challenges of the 21st century and remain a reliable service to citizens in a democratic society.

Abstract Dietary acrylamide exposure potentially poses health risks, including increased cancer risk and neurotoxic effects. There is no official data on acrylamide levels in food products on the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) market, making it challenging to assess the associated health risks. As a non-EU country, B&H lacks national regulations aligned with Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2158, which establishes benchmark levels and mitigation measures for acrylamide. This study used GC-MS to assess acrylamide content in fifteen food products from the B&H market, categorised as potato crisps/sticks, biscuits/wafers, and coffee. Acrylamide levels in some potato crisps and sticks, tea rings, and plain biscuits exceeded benchmark values, while levels in butter biscuits, biscuits with inclusions, filling or coating, wafers, and instant coffee, remained within acceptable limits. The highest acrylamide level was in potato sticks (1048.3 μg/kg), and the lowest in butter biscuits (23.8 μg/kg). Potato crisps/sticks had the highest average acrylamide levels (677.5 μg/kg), followed by tea rings and plain biscuits (444.5 μg/kg). Potato-based snacks accounted for the highest estimated dietary acrylamide intake. Most products exceeding benchmark levels originated from B&H, suggesting local producers might not fully apply mitigation strategies. These findings emphasise the need for regulatory reform, regular market monitoring, and targeted mitigation efforts.

BACKGROUND Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) poses significant challenges in clinical management due to its diverse outcomes. Understanding the prognostic role of hematological parameters and derived ratios in NSTEMI patients could aid in risk stratification and improve patient care. AIM To evaluate the predictive value of hemogram-derived ratios for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in NSTEMI patients, potentially improving clinical outcomes. METHODS A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted in 2021 at the Internal Medicine Clinic of the University Hospital in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 170 patients with NSTEMI, who were divided into a group with MACE and a control group without MACE. Furthermore, the MACE group was subdivided into lethal and non-lethal groups for prognostic analysis. Alongside hematological parameters, an additional 13 hematological-derived ratios (HDRs) were monitored, and their prognostic role was investigated. RESULTS Hematological parameters did not significantly differ between non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients with MACE and a control group at T1 and T2. However, significant disparities emerged in HDRs among NSTEMI patients with lethal and non-lethal outcomes post-MACE. Notably, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were elevated in lethal outcomes. Furthermore, C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CRP/Ly) at T1 (> 4.737) demonstrated predictive value [odds ratio (OR): 3.690, P = 0.024]. Both NLR at T1 (> 4.076) and T2 (> 4.667) emerged as significant predictors, with NLR at T2 exhibiting the highest diagnostic performance, as indicated by an area under the curve of 0.811 (95%CI: 0.727-0.859) and OR of 4.915 (95%CI: 1.917-12.602, P = 0.001), emphasizing its important role as a prognostic marker. CONCLUSION This study highlights the significant prognostic value of hemogram-derived indexes in predicting MACE among NSTEMI patients. During follow-up, NLR, PLR, and CRP/Ly offer important insights into the inflammatory processes underlying cardiovascular events.

The aim of this study was to determine the level of nutritional and morphological status among female students aged 19 to 21 at the University of Tuzla. A total of 752 participants were tested for the purposes of this research. The variable sample included fifteen variables used to assess nutritional and morphological characteristics. The selection of variables was based on the research problems posed and enabled the determination of the degree of nutritional and morphological characteristics.

This study analyzes the differences between groups within the domain of variables used to assess functional abilities in male students aged 20 to 22 at the University of Tuzla. For the purposes of this research, a total of 156 male students were tested. The sample of variables in this study includes two indicators for the assessment of functional abilities. The selection of variables was based on the research problem, aiming to identify relevant differences between groups within the domain of functional abilities. Data analysis was conducted using MANOVA, Multivariate Analysis of Variance.