Polyploidy is a powerful mechanism driving genetic, physiological, and phenotypic changes among cytotypes of the same species across both large and small geographic scales. These changes can significantly shape population structure and increase the evolutionary and adaptation potential of cytotypes. Alyssum moellendorfianum, an edaphic steno-endemic species with a narrow distribution in the Balkan Peninsula, serves as an intriguing case study. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity and population structure across the species’ range, employing an array of genetic techniques (nuclear microsatellites, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, and plastid DNA sequences), flow cytometry (FCM), morphometry, and pollen analysis. The study reveals two genetic lineages: spatially distributed diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Clear divergence between diploids and tetraploids was shown by AFLP, while plastid DNA sequences confirmed private haplotypes in each of the studied populations. Higher genetic diversity and allelic richness following the north-south pattern were documented in tetraploids compared to diploids, as indicated by nuclear microsatellites. Morphometric analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) did not reveal any divergence between diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Nonetheless, a distinction in pollen size was clearly observed. The results suggest an autopolyploid origin of tetraploids from diploid ancestors. Despite the population fragmentation in a very small geographic range, these populations harbour high genetic diversity, which would allow them to remain stable if natural processes remain undisturbed.

Background: CPAP has been shown to be particularly beneficial in the management of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema by reducing both preload and afterload, thus decreasing the work of breathing and improving oxygenation. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study, conducted in the period from 2022 to 2024, assessing the effectiveness and safety of prehospital CPAP therapy use in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, administered alongside standard care. Results: In this study, 50 patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema were treated by physician-led emergency teams in the Canton of Sarajevo. CPAP significantly improved clinical parameters across all time points. Systolic blood pressure decreased from 151.0 ± 41.0 mmHg at initial contact to 138.4 ± 32.0 mmHg before transportation and further to 130.2 ± 28.5 mmHg upon hospital admission (p < 0.001). Diastolic pressure dropped from 85.6 ± 17.2 mmHg to 81.1 ± 15.2 mmHg before transportation (p = 0.018), with a slight further decrease to 80.2 ± 13.9 mmHg (p = 0.083). Heart rate fell from 114 ± 26.4 bpm to 111.3 ± 24.9 bpm before transportation (p = 0.003) and finally to 99.5 ± 18.2 bpm before hospital admission (p < 0.001). Respiratory rate decreased from 31.0 ± 10.2 to 28.0 ± 10.5 breaths/min (p = 0.002) and further to 22.6 ± 7.3 breaths/min (p < 0.001). End-tidal CO2 levels increased from 28.0 mmHg (23.5; 33.5) to 30.0 mmHg before transportation (p < 0.001), and to 35.0 mmHg (32.0; 37.5) before hospital admission (p < 0.001). Oxygen saturation improved from 79.0% (72.0; 81.0) to 84.0% before transportation (p < 0.001) and reached 94.0% (91.0; 98.2) before hospital admission (p < 0.001). VAS scores for dyspnea significantly dropped from 8.0 (6.0; 8.2) at initial contact to 6.0 (4.0; 8.0) before transportation (p < 0.001) and further to 4.0 (3.0; 5.0) before hospital admission (p < 0.001), indicating substantial symptom relief. ECG findings remained stable throughout the intervention. Conclusions: Prehospital CPAP therapy significantly improved clinical outcomes in cardiogenic pulmonary edema, including reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and enhanced oxygenation and symptom relief. These findings support its broader use in emergency care, even during short transport times.

Trigonometry is an important part of secondary school mathematics, but it is usually challenging for students to understand and learn. Since trigonometry is learned and used at a university level in many fields, like physics or geodesy, it is important to have an insight into students’ trigonometry knowledge before the beginning of the university courses. This research aimed to develop a test in triangle and circle trigonometry, which can be used to test students’ prior knowledge of basic trigonometric concepts. A test with multiple-choice questions was developed based on content and learning outcomes from the secondary school curriculum. After a group of three experts evaluated the content validity of the test, the corrected version was given to 58 first-year students at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. After the test and item analysis, a final version of the test was made which can be used as a short initial test to measure students’ prior knowledge of trigonometry at the beginning of a university course.

As simulations play a crucial role for the development of modern electrical machines, it is very important to have good material models used in these simulations. Material models are dependent on certain material parameters which often cannot be measured directly and usually require a lot of computational resources to be determined. This paper investigates the application of neural networks and Gaussian processes for the identification of the magnetic permeability in electrical steel sheets. Through the manufacturing process of such steel sheets, different cutting techniques produce different material behaviour in the vicinity of the cutting edge. Therefore, the method requires the generation of datasets dependent on the degradation profile of the cut steel sheets. This is achieved through simulation and the constructed models can be reused without further simulation runs. This paper also uses an ensemble method to mitigate the issue of measurement noise. For the whole training and testing only simulation data is used as actual measurement data is not yet available.

Numerous sectors, including science, business, social sciences, humanities, and finance, heavily rely on data-driven methodologies. Organizations place a high priority on extracting pertinent insights and patterns from massive datasets produced by sensor data, financial transactions, and human behavior. Big data is the term for large, intricate databases that are too big for standard techniques to manage. Through the application of big data analytics technology, these databases may yield insightful information that improves decision-making and fosters innovation and operational efficiency. It is essential to compare technologies like as Hadoop, Spark, and Flink to ascertain which one best suit certain data characteristics and processing needs. A thorough comparison of big data analytics technologies is included in this paper. It showcases the most recent developments in big data analytics, such as cloud-based solutions, machine learning integration, real-time processing, and the capacity to handle a wider range of data types. To fully utilize their data, businesses must comprehend these technologies and how they are developing. Additionally, this paper offers suggestions to consider when selecting the most effective big data analytics tools. Keywords: Big Data, Big data Analytics, Big Data Analytics Technologies, Hadoop, Spark, Flink.

The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, after five waves of COVID‐19 and 1 year after introduction of vaccination to better understand the true extent of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the population of the Republika Srpska and role of vaccination in achieving herd immunity.

Introduction Alcoholic liver disease represents a growing global pandemic, particularly among younger men, and is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. Observing complications during the decompensation stage and monitoring disease progression dynamics using scoring systems are particularly important. Materials and methods This retrospective-prospective, descriptive, and analytical study included 123 male patients with a confirmed diagnosis of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, hospitalized at the Internal Medicine Clinic, University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska in Banja Luka, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The study period spanned from January 2023 to January 2025, with the note that patient selection and monitoring began much earlier, in June 2021. After hospitalization, patients were followed monthly through a program of outpatient control examinations, with disease outcomes recorded. The study included all male patients over 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of alcoholic liver cirrhosis and signed informed consent. Female patients and those with cirrhosis or other etiologies were excluded. For statistical data analysis, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used. The statistical analyses performed included median, standard deviation, analysis of variance, Student's t-test, chi-square test, and survival analysis. Results The mean age of the patients was 59.09±9.316 years. Most of them had anemia: 113 patients (91.86%) with decreased erythrocytes and 109 patients (88.62%) with decreased hemoglobin. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 104 patients (84.55%), while an increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was recorded in 68 patients (55.28%). Among biochemical parameters, the most common findings were increased bilirubin in 98 patients (79.67%), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in 111 patients (90.24%), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in 109 patients (88.61%), and D-dimer in 110 patients (89.44%), while albumin levels were decreased in 107 patients (87.00%). Hyponatremia (decreased sodium) was observed in 63 patients (51.21%), and hypercalcemia (increased calcium) in 116 patients (94.30%). Jaundice was the most common external sign, present in 98 patients (79.67%), while ascites were noted in 86 patients (69.91%). Death during the first decompensation occurred in 31 patients (25.20%), of whom 17 (54.83%) died in the hospital. The leading cause of mortality is bleeding from esophageal varices. Conclusion Although a healthy liver performs over 200 distinct functions in the human body, a cirrhotic liver leads, one might say, to an even greater number of dysfunctions. This pathology is extremely complex, characterized by numerous complications and high treatment costs, which, despite all applied measures, do not ensure a favorable long-term prognosis without liver transplantation.

Background: Hemoplasmas represent the type of bacteria that infect red blood cells, potentially leading to various health impacts, including changes in blood parameters. The close interaction between hemoplasma and red blood cells results in cell damage through immune-related and other unspecified mechanisms. Even with a strong immune response and antibiotic treatment, affected animals are likely to remain chronic carriers once clinical symptoms have subsided. These microorganisms were previously documented in sheep and other small ruminants worldwide. Aim: Since there is a lack of research on the link between Mycoplasma infection and blood parameters, our aim was to investigate how Mycoplasma infection affects these blood parameters. In addition, the study conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents the first documented research of hemoplasma infection in goats within this region. Methods: In this research, 20 Alpine goats were sampled to investigate the presence of hemoplasma using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Sequences of the 16S rRNA gene fragments were identified subsequently. The effect of Mycoplasma ovis (M. ovis) infection was observed on the following hematological parameters: Red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, Reticulocyte count, and white blood cell (WBC). Effect on white blood cell differentiation, absolute white blood cell counts, platelet count, and mean platelet volume were also investigated. Results: PCR analysis confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in 7 out of the 20 blood samples. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene fragments revealed that all positive samples were identified as M. ovis. The research findings highlighted potential effects on blood parameters in infected goats. Goats infected with M. ovis exhibited higher mean levels of HGB and HCT compared to uninfected goats. However, there were no statistically significant differences in RBC counts between infected and uninfected groups. The study also noted significantly higher WBC counts in goats without M. ovis infection. Conclusion: 35% of animals tested positive for M. ovis. Our study’s findings showed notable differences in hematological parameters between goats infected with M. ovis and those that were not infected.

AIM To analyse the impact of age and body mass index (BMI) on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results in postmenopausal women. METHODS The study included 100 postmenopausal women who underwent the DXA procedure, out of which 50 had a normal BMI and 50 were overweight/obese. Data that were examined included age, BMI, T-score of the lumbar region and the femoral neck, as well as bone mineral density (BMD). Correlation results were presented as Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS The T2-score and BMD2 were significantly lower in older patients compared to younger ones (p=0.008 and p=0.007, respectively). Post hoc test results showed that the T2-score and BMD2 were significantly lower in patients ≥71 years of age compared to patients ≤59 years of age (p=0.006 and p=0.005, respectively). Also, T1- and T2-scores, as well as BMD1 and BMD2, were significantly higher in overweight/obese patients (p< 0.001 and p=0.003; p< 0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). The correlation between BMI and the T1-score was moderate (r=0.429), between BMI and the T2-score weak (r=0.348), between BMI and BMD1 moderate (r=0.431), and between BMI and BMD2 weak (r=0.344). CONCLUSION Our study showed that both age and BMI are important factors affecting DXA procedures and should be taken into account with each postmenopausal woman individually in everyday practice.

We introduce the concept of Diophantine spherical vague set approach to multiple-attribute decision-making. The Spherical vague set is a novel expansion of the vague set and interval valued spherical fuzzy set. Three new concepts have been introduce such as Diophantine spherical vague weighted averaging operator, Diophantine spherical vague weighted geometric operator, generalized Diophantine spherical vague weighted averaging operator and generalized Diophantine spherical vague weighted geometric operator. We provide a numerical example to show how Euclidean distance and Hamming distance interact. Applications of the Diophantine spherical vague number include idempotency, boundedness, commutativity and monotonicity in algebraic operations. They can determine the optimal option and are more well-known and reasonable. Our goal was to identify the optimal choice by comparing expert opinions with the criteria. As a result, the model’s output was more accurate as well as in the range of the natural number . The weighted averaging distance and weighted geometric distance operators are distance measure that is based on aggregating model. By comparing the models under discussion with those suggested in the literature, we hoped to show their worth and reliability. It is possible to find a better solution more quickly, simply, and practically. Our objective was to compare the expert evaluations with the criteria and determine which option was the most suitable. Because they yield more precise solutions, these models are more accurate and more related to models with . To show the superiority and the validity of the proposed aggregation operations, we compared it with the existing method and concluded from the comparison and sensitivity analysis that our proposed technique is more effective and reliable. This investigation yielded some intriguing results.

Background: Rescue stenting (RS) is a bailout strategy for failed thrombectomy. Optimal platelet inhibition strategy after RS remains unclear. Objectives: We aimed to describe and compare different platelet inhibition strategies during/after RS. Design: Retrospective cohort study across 34 international centers. Methods: Patients with large vessel occlusion and RS after failed thrombectomy (2019–2023) were included. Periprocedural and postprocedural platelet inhibition strategies were described and compared, focusing on glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) inhibitors, single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT), and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We assessed the effects of platelet inhibition strategy and potentially covariates on the primary outcome of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) using ordinal shift analysis with proportional odds models. Results: RS was performed in 589 patients (mean age 67.9 years, 60.8% male). Numerous combinations of platelet inhibitors were administered. Periprocedural GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors were used in 61.5% of patients. Postprocedural DAPT was administered to 80.5% and SAPT to 13.3%. Functional independence (mRS 0–2) was achieved in 40.7%, while 26.3% died within 90 days. Stent occlusion occurred in 20.5%, with 67.6% of these occlusions within 24 h. Postprocedural stent-occlusion was independently associated with worse functional outcome at 90 days (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.3–7.2, p < 0.001). No significant association between periprocedural GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors, and 90-day mRS or stent occlusion was found. Postprocedural SAPT was associated with worse functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.0, p = 0.02), higher mortality (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.05–4.0, p = 0.03), and increased stent occlusion rates (aOR 4.8, 95% CI 2.3–9.7, p < 0.001) compared to postprocedural DAPT. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 6.8% of patients, with no significant difference between antiplatelet regimens. Conclusion: Extensive heterogeneity exists in platelet inhibition strategies following RS. Stent occlusion is associated with worse clinical outcomes, and the first 24 h post-RS are critical for stent patency. Compared to SAPT, DAPT was associated with better functional outcome, lower mortality, and lower stent occlusion rates. Plain language summary When clot removal for stroke fails and a stent is placed, different blood thinner treatments affect risk of stent blockage and outcomes When doctors try to remove a blood clot during a stroke but are unsuccessful, they sometimes place a stent to reopen the blocked artery—a procedure called “rescue stenting.” After placing a stent, patients need blood-thinning medications to prevent the stent from becoming blocked again. However, the best way to manage these medications is unclear. In this study, we looked at 589 patients from 34 hospitals around the world who had rescue stenting between 2019 and 2023. We compared different strategies for using blood thinners, including strong drugs given during the procedure and either one (“single”) or two (“dual”) blood thinners given afterward. We found a lot of variation in how doctors used these medications. Using a strong blood thinner during the procedure didn’t seem to change long-term recovery or the risk of the stent blocking. However, after the procedure, patients who were treated with two blood thinners did better than those who got only one. Patients on dual therapy were more likely to recover well, less likely to die, and less likely to have their stent block again. Importantly, most stent blockages happened within the first 24 hours after the procedure, and patients with stent blockages did worse, highlighting the 24h period as critical for blood thinner treatment.

As the volume of plastic waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) continues to rise, a significant portion is disposed of in the environment, with only a small fraction being recycled. Both disposal and recycling pose unknown health risks that require immediate attention. Existing knowledge of WEEE plastic toxicity is limited and mostly relies on epidemiological data and association studies, with few insights into the underlying toxicity mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to perform comprehensive chemical screening and mechanistic toxicological assessment of WEEE plastic-associated chemicals. Chemical analysis, utilizing suspect screening based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, along with quantitative target chemical analysis, unveiled numerous hazardous compounds including polyaromatic compounds, organophosphate flame retardants, phthalates, benzotriazoles, etc. Toxicity endpoints included perturbation of morphological phenotypes using the Cell Painting approach, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption. Results demonstrated that WEEE plastic chemicals altered the phenotypes of the cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, WEEE chemicals induced inflammatory responses in resting macrophages and altered inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-primed macrophages. Furthermore, WEEE chemicals activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, indicating oxidative stress, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Endocrine disruption was also observed through the activation of estrogenic receptor-α (ER-α) and the induction of anti-androgenic activity. The findings show that WEEE plastic-associated chemicals exert effects in multiple subcellular sites, via different receptors and mechanisms. Thus, an integrated approach employing both chemical and toxicological methods is essential for comprehensive assessment of the toxicity mechanisms and cumulative chemical burden of WEEE plastic-associated chemicals.