Search

Medicinski otpad je otpad koji nastaje prilikom pružanja njege, zaštite i očuvanja zdravlja ljudi te prilikom pružanja različitih usluga tijekom kojih se dolazi u dodir s krvlju i izlučevinama ljudi. Postupci pravilnog prikupljanja i zbrinjavanja otpada pa tako i medicinskog važan su segment u očuvanju javnog zdravlja jer se tim postupcima sprječava izravno ili neizravno prenošenje zaraze. Razvojem sustava za gospodarenje otpadom razvija se i sustav za gospodarenje s medicinskim otpadom i to od mjesta nastanka do konačne dispozicije. Gospodarenje medicinskim otpadom podrazumijeva sakupljanje i prijevoz te postupke obrade i zbrinjavanja medicinskog otpada. Uslijed pandemije COVID-19 došlo je do znatnog porasta količine medicinskog i farmaceutskog otpada te je tijekom 2020. nastalo četiri puta više medicinskog otpada u odnosu na 2019. Prema podatcima iz Registra onečišćavanja okoliša (baza ROO) najveći dio, 96 % od prijavljenih količina medicinskog otpada, odnosio se na k.b. 18 01 03* – otpad čije je sakupljanje i odlaganje podvrgnuto specijalnim zahtjevima radi prevencije infekcije. Cilj rada je ukazati na razlike u količini medicinskog i farmaceutskog otpada u razdoblju prije i tijekom pandemije COVID-19 u Splitsko-dalmatinskoj županiji te na postupke zbrinjavanja medicinskog odnosno farmaceutskog otpada.

This article examines the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the entrepreneurial ventures of young entrepreneurs in the Republic of Croatia. Through surveys and interviews with young entrepreneurs from various economic sectors, the study identifies the most frequently used AI tools and assesses their impact on business success. The findings indicate that while AI has the potential to revolutionize business processes, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency, its adoption among young entrepreneurs is still inconsistent. Many entrepreneurs hesitate to fully integrate AI due to challenges such as high costs, lack of technical expertise, and ethical concerns. Despite these barriers, those who do use AI often apply it to tasks like content creation, social media management, and financial reporting, highlighting AI’s ability to streamline operations. However, the current level of AI adoption among young entrepreneurs remains insufficient to drive a major shift toward digital entrepreneurship. To fully unlock AI’s potential, the article suggests that targeted educational initiatives and resources tailored to young entrepreneurs are crucial. These efforts could bridge the knowledge gap and reduce perceived risks associated with AI. The article concludes by emphasizing that while AI offers significant opportunities for enhancing business capabilities, overcoming existing obstacles is essential. By addressing these challenges and fostering a supportive environment, there is substantial potential to drive innovation and success in the entrepreneurial sector. Future research should continue to explore AI adoption dynamics and broader implications, ensuring that young entrepreneurs are prepared to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

This article addresses a sustainable approach to urban regeneration in post-communist residential neighbourhoods in Sarajevo. The area explored is located in the municipality of Novo Sarajevo (literally, New Sarajevo), featuring well-known but somewhat controversial apartment buildings built after the Second World War, from the 1950s to the 1970s. At the time, this area epitomized the social and economic progress and expansion of the city from east to west, and it expressed the ideals of socialist modernist urban planning and architecture. More than seventy years later, following social, economic, and cultural transition after the war in the 1990s and new urban developments, this area and the city face multiple challenges, from decay to social bias. One key challenge is to adapt the residential architecture from socialist modernism to meet contemporary requirements of functionality and sustainability. This research proposes the “new urban protocol” as a collaborative model combining tools and procedures for sustainable urban regeneration while focusing on reevaluating, retrofitting, and reprograming the architectural legacy of socialist modernism.

V članku je obravnavan trajnostni pristop k mestni prenovi postsocialističnih stanovanjskih sosesk v Sarajevu. Avtorji so proučili območje s stanovanjskimi bloki, zgrajenimi med letoma 1959 in 1976 v občini Novo Sarajevo. V tem obdobju je to območje, na katerem se je mesto širilo od vzhoda proti zahodu, simboliziralo družbeni in gospodarski razvoj ter ponazarjalo ideal socialističnomodernističnega urbanizma in arhitekture. Po družbenem, gospodarskem in kulturnem prehodu, ki je v novem tisočletju sledil vojni v devetdesetih letih 20. stoletja, in novogradnjah se več kot sedemdeset let pozneje proučevano območje in mesto spopadata z več izzivi, od propadanja stavbnega fonda do družbenih predsodkov. Eden ključnih izzivov je prilagajanje socialističnomodernistične stanovanjske arhitekture sodobnim zahtevam, povezanim s funkcionalnostjo in trajnostjo stavb. Avtorji v članku predlagajo uvedbo novega urbanega protokola kot sodelovalnega modela, ki združuje orodja in postopke trajnostne mestne prenove ter se hkrati osredotoča na ponovno ovrednotenje, energetsko prenovo in reprogramiranje arhitekturne zapuščine socialističnega modernizma.

Prognoziranje proizvodnje električne energije iz obnovljivih izvora predstavlja veliki izazov proizvođačima, Operatorima sistema za distribuciju i prenos električne energije i trgovcima odnosno otkupljivačima te energije. Operatori sistema se u cilju održavanja sigurnog rada elektroenergetskog sistema u velikoj meri oslanjaju na operativne prognoze proizvodnje samih proizvođača. Većim učešćem obnovljivih izvora energije u ukupnoj proizvodnji, raste interes i važnost što tačnije prognoze proizvodnje iz ovih izvora i sve većeg oslanjanja Operatora sistema na prognoze koje im dostavljaju proizvođači. Poseban izazov u prognozi proizvodnje iz obnovljivih izvora energije čini energija dobijena iz solarnih, vetro i malih protočnih hidroelektrana. Obzirom da izlaskom proizvođača na slobodno tržište ova tema postaje sve aktuelnija, preispituju se, unapređuju i razvijaju različite metode za prognozu proizvodnje i razna sledstvena softverska rešenja. Uporedna analiza i izbor za primenu odgovarajuće metode za (pr)ocenu greške uspešnosti prognoze, upravo je tema ovog rada. Nakon uvodnih razmatranja o značaju adekvatne prognoze proizvodnje iz obnovljivih izvora električne energije, prikazan je način određivanja preciznosti različitih rešenja i dat predlog načina izbora odgovarajućeg merila odnosno vrste grešaka za različite tipove obnovljivih izvora energije. Uz njihove matematičke formulacije, dati su praktični primeri izračunatih različitih merila greške kao što su: standardna devijacija, pristrasnost, srednja apsolutna greška, srednja kvadratna greška, itd., kao i njihove normalizovane procentualne vrednosti. Opisani su uzorci, tok i rezultati obračuna za merenje uspešnosti prognoziranja proizvodnje iz solarnih, vetroelektrana i malih hidroelektrana. Na samom kraju rada su ukratko date napomene o mogućim i potrebnim unapređenjima u cilju bolje što bolje prognoze proizvodnje a i sveobuhvatnije analize različitih vrsti grešaka prognoze.

Industrija hrane i pića je značajna industrijska grana u pogledu potrošnje energije. Ona učestvuje sa oko 30% u ukupnoj potrošnji finalne energije u sektoru industrije. Od ukupne količine energije koja se potroši u ovoj industrijskoj grani najviše se troši na konverziju u toplotnu energiju i na procese hlađenja. Prema istraživanjima čak 30% toplotnih tokova u prehrambenoj industriji gubi se na kraju procesa u vidu otpadne toplote, koja je najčešće relativno niske temperature. Utvrđivanjem postojanja izvora otpadne toplote adekvatnog energetskog potencijala i primenom toplotnih pumpi moguće je podići temperaturni nivo na vrednost koja zadovoljava zahteve procesa. Mapiranje izvora otpadne toplote, utvrđivanje energetskog potencijala tih izvora i izbor optimalne snage toplotne pumpe moguće je izvršiti samo sistematskim pristupom i detaljnom analizom postrojenja. U radu je predložena metodologija za mapiranje izvora otpadne toplote u prehrambenoj industriji i utvrđivanje mogućnosti za implementaciju kompresorske mehaničke toplotne pumpe za iskorišćenje otpadne toplote. Predložena metodologija je testirana na studiji slučaja, mlekari, u kojoj se prosečno prerađuje 100 tona/dan mleka, na 7 proizvodnih linija. Primenom razvijene metodologije mapirano je ukupno šest lokacija (izvora) otpadne toplote od kojih su dve pogodne za primenu toplotne pumpe. Nakon izvršene tehno-ekonomske analize utvrđeno je da se ukupna investicija u sistem za prikupljanje i akumuliranje otpadne toplote i nabavku toplotne pumpe isplati za oko 17 meseci. Ukupno smanjenje emisije CO2 je 680 tona godišnje

The Total Quality Management (TQM) paradigm encompasses adapted and developed management techniques, emphasizing process management, leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, supply management, human resources management, and quality indicators. This research focuses on applying a TQM-based model to analyze relationships among TQM criteria in university student associations. Specifically, it explores students' perceptions of process approach-based thinking as a catalyst for organizational and quality indicators in these associations. The study, involving 700 respondents, utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), incorporating confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis. Key findings reveal that process management positively influences all TQM elements, while only leadership and human resources management directly impact quality indicators. The study's outcomes have the potential to enhance decision-making processes in universities and student associations, thereby improving academic and future business life quality.

Numerous bacterial species can both suppress plant pathogens and promote plant growth. By combining these bacteria with stabilizing substances, we can develop biological products with an extended shelf life, contributing to sustainable agriculture. Bacillus subtilis is one such bacterial species, possessing traits that enhance plant growth and offer effective protection, making it suitable for various applications. In this study, we successfully incorporated B. subtilis into hybrid materials composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) fibers coated with chitosan film. The polymer carrier not only supports the normal growth of the bioagent but also preserves its viability during long-term storage. For that reason, the impact of chitosan molecular weight on the dynamic viscosity of the solutions used for film formation, as well as the resulting film’s morphology, mechanical properties, and quantity of incorporated B. subtilis, along with their growth dynamics was investigated. SEM was used to examine the morphology of B. subtilis, electrospun PHB, and PHB mats coated with chitosan/B. subtilis. The results from mechanical tests demonstrate that chitosan film formation enhanced the tensile strength of the tested materials. Microbiological tests confirmed that the bacteria incorporated into the hybrid materials grow normally. The conducted viability tests demonstrate that the bacteria incorporated within the electrospun materials remained viable both after incorporation and following 90 days of storage. Moreover, the prepared biohybrid materials effectively inhibited the growth of the plant pathogenic strain Alternaria. Thus, the study provides more efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions by reducing reliance on synthetic materials and enhancing environmental compatibility through the development of advanced biomaterials capable of delivering active biocontrol agents.

In order to succeed to feed the global population in upcoming period, additionally pressed by climate change, or economic shocks and environmental issues, agriculture is forced to be based on innovation and improved technologies. Furthermore, although it mainly works with living organisms and complex chemical processes, it rapidly becomes a part of a digital world. So, current agrifood production ensures food safety and security by the wider use of various drones, robots, sensors, software packages, IoT, etc., enabling business optimization, sustainability and profitability. On other side, in some segments, operating with advanced mechanization, equipment and technology requires specific skills and knowledges form farmers, exposing the user-friendly approach as certain challenge for contemporary science and practice.

The study investigated, amongst other variables, the relationship between renewable energy, its role in expanding access to electricity, and economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1960–2023. The ordinary least squares (OLS) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models were used to estimate the short- and long run dynamics of the relationship. The study shows that the overall model is statistically significant, meaning that the independent variables, taken together, significantly predict the dependent variable (GDP growth rates). The findings underline the intricate dynamics between renewable energy, electricity access, and economic growth in Nigeria. While the positive coefficient for renewable energy suggests that increasing renewable electricity generation could theoretically enhance GDP growth, the lack of statistical significance implies that this impact is not immediate. Finally, based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers should continue to prioritize investments in renewable energy infrastructure. Efforts should be made to enhance the reliability and quality of the electricity supply. A more robust and cohesive policy framework is needed to support renewable energy and electricity development and integration.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications of colorectal cancer surgery contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in patients. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the role of biochemical markers in serum and peritoneal fluid in the development of postoperative complications in patients with enteral anastomosis. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: University hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The studied population consisted of patients who underwent surgical treatment with created anastomosis or Hartmann's resection from April 2022 to April 2024, conducted at the Clinical-Hospital Center Kosovska Mitrovica and the University Clinical Center Kragujevac. Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs) was used to test associations between categorical variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lactate, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, and IgA antibodies were monitored as predictors of anastomotic dehiscence and general postoperative complications. SAMPLE SIZE: 52 RESULTS: The concentration of lactate in the drain fluid on the third postoperative day was statistically significantly higher in patients who did not develop anastomotic dehiscence (P=.006). The concentration of IgA antibodies in the drain fluid on the third and fifth days post-surgery showed a moderate negative correlation with lactate concentration (rs=-.670, P=.012; rs=-.577, P=.039), repectively. There was a significantly higher concentration of albumin in the drain fluid on the third day post-surgery in patients who developed dehiscence (P=.040), and on the seventh day post-surgery in those who did not develop dehiscence (P=.001). The concentration of LDH on the third day in the drain fluid after surgery was statistically significantly higher in patients who did not develop dehiscence (P=.020). There was a statistically significant difference in lactate concentration in the drain fluid on the third (P

This case is about a 20-year-old woman with tuberous sclerosis complex and psychosis admitted to the psychiatry clinic of UMHAT Aleksandrovska and treated with zuclopenthixol. She experienced paranoid delusions and verbal and physical aggression towards her mother. Because of side effects, the treatment with risperidone was changed to zuclopenthixol. We evaluated her condition with BPRS24. The score of BPRS24 in admission to the hospital was 97 points. At discharge, the score of BPRS24 was 54 points. After a month, the BPRS24 score was reduced to 39 points; two months later, it was 37.

Abstract Zeaxanthin, a vital dietary carotenoid, is naturally synthesized by plants, microalgae, and certain microorganisms. Large-scale zeaxanthin production can be achieved through plant extraction, chemical synthesis, or microbial fermentation. The environmental and health implications of the first two methods have made microbial fermentation an appealing alternative for natural zeaxanthin production despite the challenges in scaling up the bioprocess. An intermediate between β-carotene and zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, is found only in specific fruits and vegetables and has several important functions for human health. The low concentration of β-cryptoxanthin in these sources results in low extraction yields, making biotechnological production a promising alternative for achieving higher yields. Currently, there is no industrially relevant microbial fermentation process for β-cryptoxanthin production, primarily due to the lack of identified enzymes that specifically convert β-carotene to β-cryptoxanthin without further conversion to zeaxanthin. In this study, we used genetic engineering to leverage the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica as a bio-factory for zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin production. We screened 22 β-carotene hydroxylases and identified eight novel enzymes with β-carotene hydroxylating activity: six producing zeaxanthin and two producing only β-cryptoxanthin. By introducing the β-carotene hydroxylase from the bacterium Chondromyces crocatus (CcBCH), a β-cryptoxanthin titer of 24 ± 6 mg/L was achieved, representing the highest reported titer of sole β-cryptoxanthin in Y. lipolytica to date. By targeting zeaxanthin-producing β-carotene hydroxylase to the endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisomes, we increased the production of zeaxanthin by 54% and 66%, respectively, compared to untargeted enzyme. The highest zeaxanthin titer of 412 ± 34 mg/L was achieved by targeting β-carotene hydroxylases to peroxisomes. In addition, by constructing multienzyme scaffold-free complexes with short peptide tags RIDD and RIAD, we observed a 39% increase in the zeaxanthin titer and a 28% increase in the conversion rate compared to the strain expressing unmodified enzyme. The zeaxanthin titers obtained in this study are not the highest reported; however, our goal was to demonstrate that specific approaches can enhance both titer and conversion rate, rather than to achieve the maximum titer. These findings underscore the potential of Y. lipolytica as a promising platform for carotenoid production and provide a foundation for future research, where further optimization is required to maximize production.

Introduction/purpose: Intralogistics involves the organization, control, realization, and optimization of material and information flows within a technologically integrated system. The selection and application of appropriate material handling equipment (MHE) play a crucial role in shaping intralogistics systems. This paper aims to define guidelines for selecting MHE based on scientific research. The methodology implemented to achieve this goal comprises several fundamental steps. Methods: The initial step involves analyzing three typical groups of tasks in (intra)logistics systems: transshipment, internal transport, and production activities. The analysis focuses on identifying and describing key task parameters, such as the type of unit load, quantity, flow intensity, and the location and timing of task initiation and completion. Next, there is a step devoted to the analysis of relevant scientific research. The literature is searched according to specific criteria, such as publication year, keywords, and citation count, to form a database of relevant papers. The analysis focuses on identifying and linking the parameters of practical tasks with those described in the literature and on the characteristics of the MHE used to facilitate the selection of appropriate MHE for these tasks. Results: Following this, in the third step, the observed task is classified according to standard task types found in the literature. Conclusion: Finally, in the last/fourth step, regression analysis is applied to define the guidelines for MHE selection based on the frequency of use of specific MHE groups for certain task groups as described in the literature.

An advanced flexible programming methodology for CNC woodworking machines was developed. As the research starting base, a three-axis CNC woodworking machine was used. The developed methodology is proposed for programming, simulation, postprocessing, and machining by woodworking machine. This flexible programming method integrates the standard programming based on CAD, CAD/CAM systems, and STEP-NC protocol through different output files, enabling data interoperability during the realization of the machining tasks. The control system for the machine is configured based on the open-architecture software LinuxCNC to verify the flexible programming method and the results obtained. Programming verification was realized by simulation on a configured virtual machine in different programming environments and finally on a virtual machine integrated with the control system. The results obtained from the study were evaluated comparatively.

Aim: This study aimed at identifying factors that worsen the prognosis of diabetic foot, one of the most common complications seen in patients with diabetes. Materials and patients: The sample included 230 patients treated in the Department of Surgery at Kaspela University Hospital in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, between January 2016 and May 2022. Of them, 55.65% were men, and 44.35% were women. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 77 years, with a mean age of 44.4±14.7 years. Results: Diabetic foot patients of grade ≥4 were 1.8 times more likely to be amputated than the rest of the patients (AOR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.504, 4.683). The utilization of inappropriate antibiotics was associated with a 9.47-fold increased risk of amputation (p

Intenzivan porast svetske populacije u 20. i 21. veku i širenje gradova ukazuju na značaj koji oni sada imaju na društveno-ekonomski razvoj. Samim tim, gradovi postaju segment društva čija je održivost nužna za postizanje šire održivosti planete. U tim naporima, poseban naglasak se stavlja na pametne gradove (one koji aktivno prihvataju nove tehnologije) kao potencijalno rešenje urbane održivosti. Zbog više razloga, nedostatka znanja kako da lokalne samouprave primene ideju pametnog grada, kao i zbog nedostatka evaluacije rezultata održivosti koje su postigli pametni gradovi još uvek nije jasno da li prakse pametnih gradova vode ka ekološkoj, ekonomskoj i socijalnoj održivosti. Ovaj rad ima za cilj da osvetli pitanje da li gradovi mogu postati pametni, a da u tom procesu zadrže svoju neodrživost. Kroz sistematski pregled literature o pametnim i održivim gradovima, analizirano je postojeće stanje u razvijenom svetu i identifikovane su mogućnosti, pretnje, prednosti i slabosti u smislu implementacije koncepta održivog razvoja kroz pametne gradove.

In this paper, the effect of radiation hazards on the environment while using the non-destructive radiography method was investigated. The research was carried out by measuring the radiation amounts at 0.5 and 2 m distance from the exposure container with radioactive iridium-192 isotope used for tests with the radiography method. The tests were carried out in different positions in relation to the protective bunkers used in the company STSI Ltd. (Zagreb, Croatia) to reduce the radiation emission of the used radioactive isotope. The effectiveness of the protective bunkers in terms of reducing radiation in the environment is determined. In addition to examining the effects and hazards of radiation, the procedure for proper disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated by the non-destructive radiography method is described. Research has shown that the storage of exposure containers with radioactive iridium-192 isotope in the large protective bunker and the mini-bunker contributes to the improvement of environmental and personnel protection. The disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste after testing with the non-destructive radiography method has also proven to be of enormous importance for environmental protection.

Abstract We analyzed data from positively tested COVID-19 outpatients to describe self-medication with OTC drugs and use of other remedies against symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We specifically considered their type and frequency, as well as associations with patient characteristics, and reasons for use. Data were collected between May 1, 2020 and February 22, 2021 with two questionnaires in an observational cohort study with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive adult outpatients in the district of Western Pomerania in Germany. 523 out of 710 outpatients (74%; 340 women and 183 men) reported using drugs and other remedies to relieve COVID-19-symptoms. Overall, participants reported utilization of 1282 finished dosage products or remedies, including 213 different ingredients. In the population of 710 outpatients, utilization of ibuprofen (26%), acetaminophen (21%), metamizole (14%), and acetylsalicylic acid (10%) was most commonly reported. Phytopharmaceuticals, herbal and animal products as well as vitamins and minerals were also frequently reported. Among the 523 participants who used drugs and other remedies, most commonly mentioned reasons for use were headache (40%), other kinds of pain (e.g. myalgia; 37%), fever (24%) and cough (16%). Our analysis showed that a majority of the participants tried to alleviate COVID-19-symptoms using drugs and other remedies. Especially analgesic and antipyretic agents, followed by herbal medicines, were used very frequently. Trial registration: German Register for Clinical Studies DRKS00021672, first registration on December 1st, 2020.

AIM: To invastigate intra- and interobserver reliability of interferometry, tear meniscus height (TMH) measurement and meibography (MBG) of an ocular surface analyzer, LacryDiag (Quantel Medical, France). METHODS: Five consecutive measurements and subsequent analysis of interferometry, TMH, and MBG were recorded by two examiners using the LacryDiag. To assess intra- and interobserver reliability, we used Cohen's kappa for categorical variables (interferometry), or intraclass correlation coefficient for continuous variables (TMH, MBG). RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 30 examinees were included. For both observers, there was excellent intraobserver reliability for MBG (0.955 and 0.970 for observer 1 and 2, respectively). Intraobserver reliability for observer 1 was substantial for interferometry (0.799), and excellent for TMH (0.863). Reliability for observer 2 was moderate for interferometry (0.535) and fair to good for TMH (0.431). Interobserver reliability was poor for interferometry (0.074) and fair to good for TMH (0.680) and MBG (0.414). CONCLUSION: LacryDiag ocular surface analyzer in our study proves to be a reliable noninvasive tool for the evaluation of TMH and MBG. As for interferometry, poor interobserver reliability, fair to good intraobserver reliability for observer 1, and moderate for observer 2, leave room for improvement.

European grayling, Thymallus thymallus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Actinopterygii: Salmoniformes: Salmonidae), represents one of the highly attractive riverine fishing species in Europe. Its populations have declined in the Czech Republic due to various adverse factors. Current approaches for strengthening these populations based on restocking with artificially reared 1+ or 2+ old individuals have proven to be ineffective. This study focuses on the possibilities of supporting or restoring these populations by reintroducing two-month-old, fast-growing fry reared in ponds. In June 2021, 5400 advanced fry marked with Alizarin Red (ARS) were introduced into three free-flowing South Bohemian streams. The recapture rates and biometric data (length and weight) of stocked grayling were assessed at the release sites as well as further downstream. The first electrofishing monitoring was conducted at the end of the growing season (October) and after their first winter (March). Water temperature and flow rate at the stocking sites were monitored throughout the growing season. The substantial number of recaptured individuals across all monitored sites suggests that the fry successfully adapted to their new habitat and significantly contributed to the composition of local fish communities. Downstream movement of stocked fry correlated with lower water temperatures and higher flows. Our findings demonstrate that some introduced individuals successfully overwintered at all three reintroduction sites. Marking with ARS has proven to be a very effective non-invasive method of group marking juvenile fish and is suitable for monitoring stocking programs. The production and stocking of fast-growing advanced fry of European grayling is thus a promising strategy for revitalizing and strengthening the populations of this threatened fish in running waters.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder associated with pain and functional impairment. Curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in osteoarthritis management. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the correlations between curcumin use, patient characteristics, medication use, and changes in health outcomes among osteoarthritis patients. The primary hypothesis was that curcumin use would correlate with positive changes in health metrics. Materials and methods: A cohort of 60 osteoarthritis patients was enrolled in this observational study and divided into 4 groups according to the type of osteoarthritis. Patient selection criteria included a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and consent for curcumin supplementation. The primary outcome variable was changes in health metrics measured across three visits. Body mass index, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol use were also recorded. Correlation analysis and paired t-tests were employed to examine the relationships between variables and changes in health metrics. Results: Correlation analyses revealed a weak negative correlation between BMI and changes between ‘Visit 1’ and ‘Visit 2’ (r=−0.09). NSAIDs use exhibited a weak positive correlation with changes during this period (r=0.17), while paracetamol use displayed weak correlations (r=−0.05) with changes. Statistically significant changes were observed between ‘Visit 1’ and ‘Visit 2’ (mean change =−5.93, p

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We aimed to identify predictors and develop models for the prediction of depression and PTSD symptoms at 6 months post-TBI.Methods We analysed data from the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury study. We used linear regression to model the relationship between predictors and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders Fifth Edition). Predictors were selected based on Akaike’s Information Criterion. Additionally, we fitted logistic models for the endpoints ‘probable MDD’ and ‘probable PTSD’. We also examined the incremental prognostic value of 2–3 weeks of symptoms.Results We included 2163 adults (76% Glasgow Coma Scale=13–15). Depending on the scoring criteria, 7–18% screened positive for probable MDD and about 10% for probable PTSD. For both outcomes, the selected models included psychiatric history, employment status, sex, injury cause, alcohol intoxication and total injury severity; and for depression symptoms also preinjury health and education. The performance of the models was modest (proportion of explained variance=R2 8% and 7% for depression and PTSD, respectively). Symptoms assessed at 2–3 weeks had a large incremental prognostic value (delta R2=0.25, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.26 for depression symptoms; delta R2=0.30, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.31 for PTSD).Conclusion Preinjury characteristics, such as psychiatric history and unemployment, and injury characteristics, such as violent injury cause, can increase the risk of mental health problems after TBI. The identification of patients at risk should be guided by early screening of mental health.

The purpose of the present study was to compare game-related statistics between men's and women's under-17 (U-17) basketball teams and to identify game-related statistics that discriminate between winning and losing teams for both sexes. Games with a final score difference greater than 30 points were excluded from the analysis, so the final sample consisted of 196 games (109 men's and 87 women's games) from the 2022/2023 season of the Triglav Cadet League of Serbia. The following game-related statistics were gathered from the official box scores of the Basketball Federation of Serbia: 2- and 3-point field-goals (successful and unsuccessful), free throws (successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, assists, steals, turnovers, blocks (committed and received), and fouls (committed and received). Men's teams had significantly better values than women's teams in successful and unsuccessful 2-point field-goals, successful 3-point field-goals, successful and unsuccessful free throws, assists, and turnovers. Women's teams had statistically better values than men's teams in unsuccessful 3-point field-goals, offensive rebounds, steals, and committed fouls. The discriminant factors between winning and losing teams in close games, were successful 2-point field-goals, defensive rebounds and assists for both sexes, and offensive rebounds for men's teams. In balanced games, discriminant factors were assists for both sexes and successful 2-point field-goals for women's teams. In unbalanced games, discriminant factors were assists for both sexes, defensive rebounds for men's teams, and successful 2-point field-goals for women's teams. These findings suggest that there are notable differences in game-related statistics for U-17 men's and women's basketball teams.

Background and aim: The most important multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp (VRE). We evaluated the MDR bacteria in surgical ICUs in the tertiary hospital in Croatia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disk-diffusion and broth dilution method. Double disk synergy test and inhibitor based test with clavulanic acid were applied to screen for ESBLs. Transferability of resistance traits was determined by conjugation. The nature of ESBL, carbapenemases, and fluoroquinolone resistance determinants was investigated by PCR. RESULTS: 119 MDR isolates were analysed: 41 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 38 Acinetobacter bambini, five Pseudomonas aeruginosa, four Proteus. mirabilis, three Escherichia coli, two Enterobacter cloacae, and thirteen MRSA and VRE, respectively.Phenotypic tests were positive in 37 K. pneumoniae and all E. cloacae and E. coli isolates indicating production of an ESBL. Hodge test and CIM were positive in all but one strain, consistent with the carbapenemase production. Ertapenem resistance was transferable from 12 isolates positive for OXA-48 carbapenemase. PCR detected OXA-48 carbapenemase carried by IncL plasmid, in 34 K. pneumoniae, and one E. cloacae and E. coli isolate respectively, and NDM in three K. pneumoniae isolates. OXA-48 positive isolates coharboured ESBLs belonging to CTX-M family. All A. baumannii isolates tested positive for OXA-23 carbapenemase, whereas four P. aeruginosa produced VIM-2. CONCLUSIONS: OXA-48 was the dominant resistance trait among K. pneumoniae isolates, while OXA-23 was the only carbapenemase among A. baumannii isolates.

AIM: We report the characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (p-AmpC), encountered among hospital and community isolates of [P. mirabilis]. BACKGROUND: We observed increased rate of multidrug-resistant [P. mirabilis] isolates. It develops resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) due to production of ESBLs or p-AmpC. METHODS: Inhibitor based tests were applied to screen for ESBLs and p-AmpC. The resistance genes were investigated by PCR. RESULTS: 39 isolates were analysed. Twenty-two isolates phenotypically tested positive for p-AmpC and seventeen for ESBLs. AmpC producing organisms exhibited uniform resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanate, ESC, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole and susceptibility to carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam and harboured (bla)CMY-16 genes. All ESBL positive isolates demonstrated resistance to amoxycillin-clavulanate, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone but variable susceptibility phenotype to aminoglycosides and possessed blaCTX-M genes belonging to cluster 1 or 9. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of the study is the diffusion of CTX-M ESBL and CMY-16 p-AmpC among hospital and community-acquired isolates. AmpC-producing isolates showed uniform resistance patterns, whereas ESBL positive strains had variable degree of susceptibility/resistance to non-β-lactam antibiotics, resulting in more diverse susceptibility patterns.

Zeolite 13X is one of the best adsorbents among zeolites and one of the most commercially available zeolites. This paper investigates the influence of several process parameters on the properties of 13X zeolite, including crystallization temperature, crystallization duration and Si/Al molar ratio in the starting reaction mixture. The quality of the obtained powders was examined in detail through a series of analytical and instrumental methods, presented in the paper. Water and CO2 adsorption capacities were determined as key quality parameters of 13X zeolite, and additional characterization was performed by determining material granulometry, specific surface area (BET analysis), crystallinity (X-ray diffraction method) as well and SEM analysis. The obtained results indicate a clear dependence between the examined process parameters of the system and the characteristics of the synthesized materials, thus enabling the selection of optimal conditions for the synthesis of 13X zeolite.

Abstract In this article, densities (and their derivatives) of subordinators and inverse subordinators are considered. Under minor restrictions, generally milder than the existing in the literature, employing a useful modification of the saddle point method, we obtain the large asymptotic behaviour of these densities (and their derivatives) for a specific region of space and time and quantify how the ratio between time and space affects the explicit speed of convergence. The asymptotics is governed by an exponential term depending on the Laplace exponent of the subordinator and the region represents the behaviour of the subordinator when it is atypically small (the inverse one is larger than usual). As a result, a route to the derivation of novel general or particular fine estimates for densities with explicit constants in the speed of convergence in the region of the lower envelope/the law of iterated logarithm is available. Furthermore, under mild conditions, we provide a power series representation for densities (and their derivatives) of subordinators and inverse subordinators. This representation is explicit and based on the derivatives of the convolution of the tails of the corresponding Lévy measure, whose smoothness is also investigated. In this context, the methods adopted are based on Laplace inversion and strongly rely on the theory of Bernstein functions extended to the cut complex plane. As a result, smoothness properties of densities (and their derivatives) and their behaviour near zero immediately follow.

Summary: Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but their biological drivers are uncertain. We therefore explored whether polygenic risk scores (PRS) derived for PTSD and major depressive disorder (MDD) are associated with the development of cognate TBI-related phenotypes. Methods: Meta-analyses were conducted using data from two multicenter, prospective observational cohort studies of patients with mTBI: the CENTER-TBI study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02210221) in Europe (December 2014–December 2017) and the TRACK-TBI study in the US (March 2014–July 2018). In both cohorts, the most common causes of injury were road traffic accidents and falls. Primary outcomes, specifically probable PTSD and depression, were defined at 6 months post-injury using scores ≥33 on the PTSD Checklist-5 and ≥15 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. We calculated PTSD-PRS and MDD-PRS for patients aged ≥17 years who had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13–15 upon hospital arrival and assessed their association with PTSD and depression following TBI. We also evaluated the transferability of the findings in a cohort of African Americans. Findings: Overall, 11.8% (219/1869) and 6.7% (124/1869) patients were classified as having probable PTSD and depression, respectively. The PTSD-PRS was significantly associated with higher adjusted odds of PTSD in both cohorts, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30–1.84, p

This anthropological analysis focuses on the Croatian feature film Night Boats (2012), directed by Igor Mirković. The subject of the movie is a partnership that develops between two residents of a nursing home in Zagreb, highlighting, among other things, numerous problems and difficulties that the elderly face while trying to pursue a new romantic relationship at the very end of their lives, in specific nursing home conditions. The couple’s escape from the nursing home serves as an act of resistance, leaving room for the analysis of visual depictions of the various deprivations encountered by the elderly. Depictions of physical, emotional and economic dependency which result in an inability to make independent decisions, are in accordance with the results attained during several years of field research conducted in nursing homes in the Republic of Serbia. This research, which explores new partnerships as strategies of action among nursing home residents, will be compared with the film’s visual interpretations. Interpreting the visual depiction of deprivation and infirmity, which society associates the elderly with, will also include a semiotic interpretation of the symbolic expression that is used in the movie.

Community engagement is essential for creating social value and fostering high-quality development in megaprojects. However, organizing such engagement within public-private partnerships is particularly complex in weak institutional contexts, such as those found in sub-Saharan Africa. Existing research often depoliticizes community engagement, overlooking the critical role of government. Additionally, empirical studies on this phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce. In this study, we adopt a governmentality lens and a design science research method to identify meta-organizing and responsibilization as governmental strategies for organizing community engagement in weak institutional contexts, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa. Through an embedded case study of a megaproject in Nigeria, we develop two sets of design principles that form a transformational community engagement framework. Our findings have implications for community engagement practices in megaprojects within weak institutional contexts and contribute to mainstream external stakeholder engagement research.

Viral infections can lead to platelet activation and hemostatic complications. However, the extent to which platelet reactivity remains altered after convalescence, contributing to long-term health impairments as observed after COVID-19 is not yet fully understood. Therefore, we conducted a cohort study (DRKS00025217) to determine platelet function in individuals convalesced from mild COVID-19. Assays were performed ex vivo with blood from convalescents at 2–15 weeks and 6–10 months after convalescence, focusing on platelet aggregation, activation markers, and thrombin formation. In addition, two other potentially relevant factors for platelet function were examined: the immunomodulatory mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and the platelet expression of the transporter MRP4 (ABCC4). Our findings indicate that robust platelet functions, including platelet aggregation determined by light transmission aggregometry, and thrombin formation, were not altered in convalescents compared to matched control individuals. However, an elevation in subtle platelet activation markers, such as P-selectin surface expression and activation of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, was observed 2–15 weeks after convalescence. This was accompanied by an increased expression of MRP4 in platelets and significantly elevated levels of S1P in platelet-poor plasma. Our findings suggest increased platelet sensitization and a pro-inflammatory state even after convalescence from mild COVID-19, pointing toward MRP4 and S1P as associated factors.

This paper approaches the connection between musical constructs and visuo-haptic experience through the lens of the cognitive-linguistic notion of the “image schema.” The proposal is that the subconscious inference of spatial and haptic schematic constructs in music, such as vertical movement, will motivate their equally common occurrence in the language about that music, irrespective of the fact that this language never describes the musical structure in a one-to-one fashion. We have looked for five schemas in the scores for the first ten piano sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven and three famous analytical and pedagogical texts about them: force, indicating changes in musical dynamics and referential invocation of power-related terms in the books; path, identifying vertical movement in the music and suggestions of upward- or downward motion in the texts; link, suggesting the presence or absence of musical slurs and references to attachment or detachment in the language; balance, indicating the loss and regain of consonance in the harmony and invocation of lost and recovered stability in the verbal semantics; and containment, allocating the nonharmonic tones that “belong” to their resolving notes in the scores and referring to physical or metaphorical enclosed areas in the texts. Results of the corpus analysis suggest the following conclusions: musical schemas outnumber linguistic ones sevenfold; moderate schema strengths are typical of both language and music; predominant valences are shared by language and music in three schemas out of five; hierarchies of five schemas by strength differ, though the strongest schemas are mostly shared. Yet the central finding is that the correlations between each schema pair for music and language, by scalarity and valence, are total. This implies that (1) schemas operate as semantic building blocks irrespective of the external “symbolical form” in which they are realized and (2) scalarized image schema complexes perceived in one cognitive mode may motivate the emergence of a corresponding number of the same complexes in another.

Obravnavamo slovenske količinske zgradbe z ločilnim števnikom dvoj(e) in samostalnikom. Predstavljene in pokomentirane so dosedanje obravnave tega števnika v še aktualnih slovenskih slovnicah, v slovarju slovenskega knjižnega jezika in slovenskem pravopisu. Analizirana je raba zgradb z dvoj(e) s samostalnikom v besedilnem korpusu Gigafida 2.0, predstavljena in pokomentirana je družljivost števnika dvoje z različnimi tipi samostalnikov.

BackgroundHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) in school settings has been much less studied in adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of HIIT on health-related fitness in adolescents.MethodsThe total sample consisted of 60 adolescents (age 16.33 ± 0.62 years) from secondary Grammar school, randomly divided into two groups: the experimental (EG) (30) and the control group (CG) (30). The experimental program (12-weeks; 2 times per week) involved two Tabata sessions during one physical education class lasting 4 min each. Participants were tested for health-related fitness components-cardiorespiratory fitness (The Shuttle Run Test (SRT) and strength, hand grip test, standing long jump (SLJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ).ResultsBoth the EG and the CG experienced significant positive changes in SRT (meters) and VO2max values compared to baseline value (p < 0.05), however, the increase in the EG was significantly higher than that in the CG (SRT - ηp2 = 0.111; VO2max - ηp2 = 0.111, p < 0.01). The EG showed significant improvement in SRT (meters) and VO2max values compared to the CG (p < 0.01). Regarding the hand grip test results, a significant time × group interaction was found only for right hand (p < 0.01). Moreover, the improvements in SLJ and CMJ values was greater in EG than that in the CG group (SLJ- ηp2 = 0.182; CMJ- ηp2 = 0.112, p < 0.01).ConclusionFindings indicate that HIIT implemented into physical education classes can result in significant improvements in selected health related fitness components in adolescents.

Abstract Background Limonene has a variety of applications in the foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and biofuels industries. In order to meet the growing demand for sustainable production of limonene at industry scale, it is essential to find an alternative production system to traditional plant extraction. A promising and eco-friendly alternative is the use of microbes as cell factories for the synthesis of limonene. Results In this study, the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has been engineered to produce d- and l-limonene. Four target genes, l- or d-LS (limonene synthase), HMG (HMG-CoA reductase), ERG20 (geranyl diphosphate synthase), and NDPS1 (neryl diphosphate) were expressed individually or fused together to find the optimal combination for higher limonene production. The strain expressing HMGR and the fusion protein ERG20-LS was the best limonene producer and, therefore, selected for further improvement. By increasing the expression of target genes and optimizing initial OD, 29.4 mg/L of l-limonene and 24.8 mg/L of d-limonene were obtained. We also studied whether peroxisomal compartmentalization of the synthesis pathway was beneficial for limonene production. The introduction of d-LS and ERG20 within the peroxisome improved limonene titers over cytosolic expression. Then, the entire MVA pathway was targeted to the peroxisome to improve precursor supply, which increased d-limonene production to 47.8 mg/L. Finally, through the optimization of fermentation conditions, d-limonene production titer reached 69.3 mg/L. Conclusions In this work, Y. lipolytica was successfully engineered to produce limonene. Our results showed that higher production of limonene was achieved when the synthesis pathway was targeted to the peroxisome, which indicates that this organelle can favor the bioproduction of terpenes in yeasts. This study opens new avenues for the efficient synthesis of valuable monoterpenes in Y. lipolytica.

Abstract A theoretical perspective on grandiose narcissism suggests four forms of it (sanctity, admiration, heroism, rivalry) and states that these forms conduce to different ways of thinking and acting. Guided by this perspective, we examined in a multinational and multicultural study (61 countries; N = 15,039) how narcissism forms are linked to cognitions and behaviors prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As expected, differences in cognitions and behaviors across narcissism forms emerged. For example, higher narcissistic rivalry predicted lower likelihood of enactment of COVID-19 prevention behaviors, but higher narcissistic sanctity predicted higher likelihood of enactment of COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Further, whereas the heroism, admiration, and rivalry narcissism forms acted in a typically antisocial manner, with high narcissism predicting greater endorsement of unfounded health beliefs, the sanctity form acted in a prosocial manner, with higher narcissism being linked to lower endorsement of unfounded COVID-19 health beliefs. Thus, the findings (a) support the idea of four narcissism forms acting differently, and (b) show that these differences reflect a double-edged sword, sometimes linking to an anti-social orientation, and sometimes linking to a pro-social orientation.

Korišćenje biomase, kao regionalno dostupnog obnovljivog izvora energije je jedan od ključnih koraka ka dekarbonizaciji i ostvarivanju održivog razvoja zemalja koje su u razvoju. Biomasa koja se koristi na održiv način smatra se ugljenično neutralnim gorivom. Zahvaljujući svojim svojstvima predstavlja energent koji može doprineti ostvarivanju cilja ugljenične neutralnosti. Iako, za razliku od foslinih goriva, emituje niske emisije zagađujućih materija, kada se govori o kontrolisanom procesu potpunog sagorevanja, sve su češći problemi koji se javljaju usled neadekvatnog korišćenja biomase. U mnogim zemljama u razvoju, biomasa, posebno drvna, se često koristi na tradicionalan i neefikasan način za kuvanje i zagrevanje prostora u ložištima sa minimalnom mogućnošću kontrole procesa sagorevanja. Takav neefikasan način korišćenja biomase može izazvati ozbiljne ekološke probleme. Nepotpuno sagorevanje drvne biomase može rezultirati emisijom štetnih supstanci, uključujući čestice (mešavina dima, čađi i kiselina) i ugljen-monoksid (CO). Ove supstance su opasne po zdravlje ljudi i imaju negativne efekte na kvalitet vazduha. Pored toga, sagorevanje biomase na visokim temperaturama može generisati azotne okside (NOx), čime se dodatno pogoršava ekološki uticaj. U Srbiji, prema popisu iz 2022. godine svega 20% stambenih jedinica povezano na sisteme daljinskog grejanja dok 77% čine individualni sistemi grejanja. Kod individualnih sistema grejanja 31% čine stanovi koji imaju instalacije grejanja. Od ukupnog broja nastanjenih stanova u gradskim sredinama koji nisu povezani na sistem daljinskog grejanja, drvo kao energent koristi 47,60 %, ugalj 2,07%, prirodni gas 17,40%, a električnu energiju 29,00%. U radu je analizirano 15 gradskih sredina u Srbiji kod kojih je vazduh kategorisan u III kategoriju kao posledica emisija PM2,5 i P10 čestica. Sistemi daljinskog grejanja analiziranih gradova se zasnivaju na korišćenju prirodnog gasa (11 gradova), dok je ugalj preovlađujuće gorivo u tri grada i mazut u jednom gradu. U većini analiziranih gradovima individualni sistemi grejanja imaju udele najčešće preko 70% i zasnovani su najvećim delom na korišćenju čvrste biomase, iznad 60%. Dnevna prekoračenja emisija PM čestica, koja su višestruko iznad dozvoljene granice, su u preko 95% u toku grejne sezone.

Background. It is of great importance that the training process of youth water polo players be tailored to didactic principles and developmental characteristics. However, despite this importance, there is a dearth of pertinent studies. Objectives. The study aimed to determine and explain the appropriate age for beginning of learning tactical elements in water polo, as stated by experts’ coaches’ opinion in this sport. Materials and methods. Accordingly, 27 expert water polo coaches completed a novel questionnaire, specifically designed for this study. Results. Test-retest reliability indicated satisfactory scores (r ranged from 0.85 to 1.00 with p

The ongoing growth of artificial intelligence (AI) involves virtually every aspect of oncologic care in medicine. Although AI is in its infancy, it has shown great promise in the diagnosis of oncologic urological conditions. This paper aims to explore the expanding role of artificial intelligence in the histopathological diagnosis in urological oncology. We conducted a focused review of the literature on AI in urological oncology, searching PubMed and Google Scholar for recent advancements in histopathological diagnosis using AI. Various keyword combinations were used to find relevant sources published before April 2nd, 2024. We approached this article by focusing on the impact of AI on common urological malignancies by incorporating the use of different AI algorithms. We targeted the capabilities of AI’s potential in aiding urologists and pathologists in histological cancer diagnosis. Promising results suggest AI can enhance diagnosis and personalized patient care, yet further refinements are needed before widespread hospital adoption. AI is transforming urological oncology by improving histopathological diagnosis and patient care. This review highlights AI’s advancements in diagnosing prostate, renal cell, and bladder cancer. It is anticipated that as AI becomes more integrated into clinical practice, it will have a greater influence on diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

Bouveret’s syndrome (BS) represents an exceedingly rare clinical entity characterized by gastric outlet obstruction induced by a gallstone passing through a cholecystoduodenal, cholecystogastric or choledochoduodenal fistula and impacting in the duodenum or pylorus. Endoscopy is the preferred first-line therapy. It has a favorable safety profile, but requires high level of expertise to achieve stone clearance. We report here the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian male who presented with vomiting and upper gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed with BS by upper endoscopy. A single session stone extraction utilizing mechanical lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy was executed. Complete clearance of the duodenum and gallbladder was achieved, extracting successfully all fragments larger than 5 mm. The rarity of BS and its non-specific presentation makes it largely overlooked leading commonly to delayed diagnosis, which results in a high mortality rate of 12-30%. Computer tomography is the diagnostic method of choice. Upper endoscopy can establish the presence of obstruction, but fails to visualize a stone in up to 1/3 of the cases. Management is either endoscopic or surgical. Endoscopic treatment has a good safety profile (mortality 1.6% vs. 17.5-25% for surgery) but poor success rate – 43% vs. 94.1%. To achieve higher success rate, more advanced techniques are required such as mechanical or laser lithotripsy. Laser lithotripsy is a feasible option for endoscopic treatment of BS, but the duration of the procedure might be an issue in frail patients.

Abstract Background Mosquitoes pose a risk to human health worldwide, and correct species identification and detection of cryptic species are the most important keys for surveillance and control of mosquito vectors. In addition to traditional identification based on morphology, DNA barcoding has recently been widely used as a complementary tool for reliable identification of mosquito species. The main objective of this study was to create a reference DNA barcode library for the Croatian mosquito fauna, which should contribute to more accurate and faster identification of species, including cryptic species, and recognition of relevant vector species. Methods Sampling was carried out in three biogeographical regions of Croatia over six years (2017–2022). The mosquitoes were morphologically identified; molecular identification was based on the standard barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene and the nuclear ITS2 region, the latter to identify species within the Anopheles maculipennis complex. The BIN-RESL algorithm assigned the COI sequences to the corresponding BINs (Barcode Index Number clusters) in BOLD, i.e. to putative MOTUs (Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units). The bPTP and ASAP species delimitation methods were applied to the genus datasets in order to verify/confirm the assignment of specimens to specific MOTUs. Results A total of 405 mosquito specimens belonging to six genera and 30 morphospecies were collected and processed. Species delimitation methods assigned the samples to 31 (BIN-RESL), 30 (bPTP) and 28 (ASAP) MOTUs, with most delimited MOTUs matching the morphological identification. Some species of the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles were assigned to the same MOTUs, especially species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically and/or represent species complexes. In total, COI barcode sequences for 34 mosquito species and ITS2 sequences for three species of the genus Anopheles were added to the mosquito sequence database for Croatia, including one individual from the Intrudens Group, which represents a new record for the Croatian mosquito fauna. Conclusion We present the results of the first comprehensive study combining morphological and molecular identification of most mosquito species present in Croatia, including several invasive and vector species. With the exception of some closely related species, this study confirmed that DNA barcoding based on COI provides a reliable basis for the identification of mosquito species in Croatia. Graphical Abstract

The study aims to monitor whether the implementation of investment projects in the 2014-2020 programming period is in line with the approved national strategic framework for economic integration of the regions in Bulgaria. The focus of the report is on financial instruments as an alternative form of financing. A method of deduction was used to describe the financial instruments. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of investments through them, an analysis of 10 selected municipal projects was made by tracking the progress of the financial resource absorption on a quarterly basis. From the official website of the Institute for Market Economics, data on the level of asymmetry of the different regions in terms of investments made and infrastructure are obtained. As a result of the study, it was found that despite the successful implementation of the Operational Programme "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020, the imbalance in the development of the different regions in Bulgaria remains significant. The lack of sufficient administrative capacity of municipalities and various procedural delays make municipal projects financed by the financial instrument unfeasible within the deadlines set for them. The findings of the study could be useful while new financial instruments in Bulgaria are implementing. The increased risk of non-compliance with municipal projects has be taken into consideration along with targeted action for the economic and social integration of Bulgaria's lagging regions

Introduction: To determine the very early functional as well as oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) at a single institution. Methods: We identified patients who underwent RARP or ORP at our institution between August 2021 and July 2023. The main criterion for surgical technique selection was patient preference. Primary endpoints included anastomosis leakage rate, very early continence rate reported by standardized pad-test, and positive surgical margin rate. Furthermore, we analyzed operation time, hospital stay, postoperative analgesia, and complication rates. Results: In this prospective study, we analyzed data from 222 radical prostatectomies (111 RARP and 111 ORP). There were no significant differences in preoperative age, prostate size, and risk stratification among the groups. Patients who underwent RARP had lower anastomosis leakage rates (8.1% vs. 18.9%) and slightly lower early continence rates (76.6% vs. 78.4%) when compared to patients who underwent ORP. Positive surgical margin rates were similar, and complication rates were also comparable. Operation time was similar for both techniques, but the hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RARP group (6.3 vs. 9.1 days, p=0.03). The ORP group experienced significantly higher opioid administration postoperatively (p

Summary: Background: The inflammatory response in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) offers opportunities for stratification and intervention. Previous unselected approaches to immunomodulation in patients with TBI have not improved patient outcomes. Methods: Serum and plasma samples from two prospective, multi-centre observational studies of patients with TBI were used to discover (Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research [CENTER-TBI], Europe) and validate (Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury [TRACK-TBI] Pilot, USA) individual variations in the immune response using a multiplex panel of 30 inflammatory mediators. Mediators that were associated with unfavourable outcomes (Glasgow outcome score-extended [GOS-E] ≤ 4) were used for hierarchical clustering to identify patients with similar signatures. Findings: Two clusters were identified in both the discovery and validation cohorts, termed early-inflammatory and pauci-inflammatory. The early-inflammatory phenotype had higher concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-15, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1). Patients with the early-inflammatory phenotype were older and more likely to have an unfavourable GOS-E at 6 months. There were no differences in the baseline injury severity scores between patients in each phenotype. A combined IL-15 and MCP1 signature identified patients with the early-inflammatory phenotype in both cohorts. Inflammatory processes mediated outcomes in older patients with moderate-severe TBI. Interpretation: Our findings offer a precision medicine approach for future clinical trials of immunomodulation in patients with TBI, by using inflammatory signatures to stratify patients. Funding: CENTER-TBI study was supported by the European Union 7th Framework Programme. TRACK-TBI is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

IntroductionCeliac disease is a common autoimmune-like enteropathy caused by an aberrant response to incompletely digested dietary gluten. Gluten immunogenic peptides including the immunodominant 33-mer are thought to be resistant to proteolytic digestion by human gastrointestinal peptidases. We developed a novel enzyme therapy approach to support gluten peptide digestion using a combination of two tandem-acting exopeptidases, AMYNOPEP, that complement the intrinsic enzymatic activity of intestinal brush border enterocytes.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of AMYNOPEP supplementation on 33-mer degradation in vitro and in vivo. In a cross-over clinical study, healthy volunteers with no gastrointestinal disorders were given stable isotope (SI) labelled 33-mer peptides in the presence of varying peptide substrates and caloric loads, with and without AMYNOPEP. 33-mer degradation products (SI-labelled single amino acids) were measured in the blood plasma using LC-MS/MS.ResultsAMYNOPEP achieved rapid, complete amino-to-carboxyl terminal degradation of the 33-mer in vitro, generating single amino acids and dipeptides. In healthy volunteers, AMYNOPEP supplementation significantly increased 33-mer degradation and absorption of SI-labelled amino acids even in the presence of competing substrates. Specifically, we observed a 2.8-fold increase in the Cmax of stable isotope-labelled amino acids in the presence of wheat gluten. The absorption kinetics of labelled amino acids derived from 33-mer digestion with AMYNOPEP closely resembled that of SI-labelled X-Proline dipeptides administered without enzyme supplementation, highlighting the rapid hydrolytic activity of AMYNOPEP on polypeptides.ConclusionsAMYNOPEP achieved complete degradation of the 33-mer into single amino acids and dipeptides in vitro and significantly improved 33-mer degradation kinetics in healthy volunteers, as measured by labelled amino acid detection, warranting further investigation into the potential therapeutic benefits of exopeptidase combinations for patients with gluten-related health disorders including celiac disease.

Since its commencement as part of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) V in 2012, patient-focused drug development (PFDD) has become an integral part of the drug development paradigm. FDA encourages the development and use of Patient-Experience Data (PED) as it provides important information on the patients’ needs and perspectives and inform regulatory decision-making. While the FDA is required to fill out a table which includes a list of various types of Patient Experience Data (PED) and if such data was reviewed by FDA as part of a drug application, there is still a need to understand how FDA uses PED in its regulatory decision-making. This article examines whether new policies are needed to ensure the full potential of PFDD.

Purpose: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common cervical postural fault in the sagittal plane that can cause various issues and conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of FHP among sports-involved children and to examine the differences in craniovertebral angle (CVA) with regard to gender, age, neck pain, and the sports in which they participate. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 sports-involved children (76 males and 78 females), aged 11–14, participating in various sports (basketball, football, volleyball, and athletics). After obtaining signed consent, photography of the sagittal view was performed in a standing position, which was then used to measure the CVA using the Web Plot Digitizer software. A questionnaire was used to gather data about gender, age, sports in which a participant is involved, presence of neck pain, and pain scale. Results: Among the 154 children, 37 (24.03%) exhibited FHP (15 males, 22 females). The mean CVA for the entire sample was 51.30° ± 6.20°. Female participants had a significantly lower CVA (p = .021) compared to male participants. No significant differences were found with regard to age, presence of neck pain, or engagement in a specific sport. Conclusion: FHP is present in sports-involved children, with a higher prevalence among females.