The neuroanatomy course consistently presents significant challenges, primarily due to the short lifespan of formalin-preserved brain specimens and their restricted availability. Numerous studies have evaluated the strengths and limitations of alternative resources for neuroanatomy education, with a particular focus on technology-based learning methods. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of integrating 3D printed models into the neuroanatomy curriculum and to evaluate student satisfaction with their use. The experimental group consisted of the first-year students enrolled in the integrated study program at the University of Sarajevo-Veterinary Faculty during the summer semester of the academic year 2022/2023. The course was organized using 3DP models for 15 h, while during the remaining three hours formalin-preserved specimens were utilized. Data obtained from this cohort were compared with the results of the previous two cohorts (2021–2022 and 2020–2021), who studied veterinary anatomy exclusively using formalin-preserved specimens. The neuroanatomy test scores improved in the experimental group compared to the two control groups. The students exhibit positive attitudes and report high satisfaction with using 3DP models. They support innovative teaching methods and find that the colored segments of the models enhance recognizability of different anatomical structures, highlighting the didactical value of 3DP models. Overall, study demonstrated that 3DP models were highly beneficial for neuroanatomy learning, pedagogically useful and well-received by students.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an appreciable threat to public health, especially among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by high levels of inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics in these countries. There have been variable levels of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription among community pharmacies in South Africa. Given the importance of community pharmacies, especially in rural South Africa, there is a need to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics, AMR, and antibiotic stewardship. This was the aim of this study.A previously piloted questionnaire was administered to pharmacy personnel currently operating community pharmacies in a rural province in South Africa, where dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription is likely to be greatest. The questionnaire included key knowledge questions regarding antibiotics and AMR, as well as ways to reduce AMR. Community pharmacies were divided into three categories: Independent, chain, and franchise pharmacies.A total of 128 pharmacies participated (75.7%), with independent pharmacies representing the majority (60.9%). A total of 313 completed questionnaires were returned (78.3% response rate), including responses from 106 pharmacists (33.9%) and 207 pharmacist assistants (66.1%). Overall, there was very good knowledge among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants concerning antibiotics and AMR. However, there was a significant misconception regarding the potential role of antibiotics in relieving pain. Encouragingly, attitudes regarding the risks associated with obtaining antibiotics without a prescription among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants were high. There was also strong agreement among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants for potential solutions to AMR.Overall, the findings showed that most pharmacists and pharmacist assistants in this rural province demonstrated a strong understanding of the effectiveness of antibiotics in bacterial infections and their lack of effectiveness to treat viral infections. They also demonstrated considerable knowledge regarding the risks associated with the inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription, as well as ways to address rising AMR rates.

Hospitals can gain valuable insights into their current level of organizational health literacy (OHL) by using self-assessment tools. OHL self-assessment tools can serve as useful instruments for supporting the planning and implementation of OHL interventions aimed at promoting health equity and improving patient outcomes. This explorative study aimed to pilot the International Self-Assessment Tool for Organizational Health Literacy (Responsiveness) of Hospitals (OHL-Hos) among hospitals across six countries. The OHL-Hos, grounded in a comprehensive theoretical framework consisting of eight standards, 21 sub-standards and 141 indicators, was piloted in seven hospitals: one in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Norway and Serbia, and two in Italy. In each hospital, the feasibility of using the OHL-Hos was investigated regarding acceptability, implementation, practicality, and integration, identifying strengths and areas for improvement using descriptive analyses. The self-assessment process included individual rating of an interdisciplinary and inter-hierarchical assessment team regarding OHL-Hos indicators from their personal perspectives, followed by a joint assessment to reach a consensus on different ratings. The process and experiences were documented in semi-structured forms, while the ratings on the indicators were documented numerically. All hospitals successfully self-assessed their OHL, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The self-assessment process varied slightly among countries. While the tool was considered important but lengthy and complex, introductory workshops facilitated successful implementation. The self-assessment process raised awareness and stimulated discussions on improving OHL, highlighting the tool’s potential for organizational development. The OHL-Hos can serve as a useful tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement in OHL in hospitals. The overall experience with the tool was positive and the joint assessment with the tool was found to foster consensus and enable reflection on OHL, but its comprehensive nature poses challenges to its implementation, leading to recommendations for developing a shortened version of the tool with simple language. Certain indicators require specific knowledge, suggesting different professional groups should address relevant parts.

Current standard treatments for osteosarcoma have not been changed for decades and have limited and variable success. The advancement of precision medicine technologies, along with the drug-repurposing and fast drug-screening methodologies available, has opened new avenues for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of halogenated boroxine (HB) and dextran-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles—DexCeNPs (SD2)—in an in vitro osteosarcoma model. Both agents were tested individually and in combination. The research encompassed assessments of treatment-related cytotoxicity and cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptotic and necrotic responses, as well as the effects on 3D spheroid models. The results demonstrated that the effects of HB and SD2 were strongly influenced by the dose, exposure time, and cell type. Both exhibited distinguished antitumor activity through cytotoxicity and specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. The combined treatment produced modulated responses that were dependent on the treatment ratio and cell line, suggesting potential synergistic or selective interactions. Notably, the outcomes of the analysis conducted in 3D models revealed reduced toxicity toward non-tumor cells. These findings suggest the improved efficacy of HB and SD2 used in combination as a selective and novel antitumor strategy and underscore the need for further mechanistic studies at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels to elucidate the underlying pathways and clarify the mechanisms of action.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening condition with no cure, making research into its underlying mechanisms critical. The platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in vascular remodeling, a key factor in PAH progression. Anti‐PDGF receptor therapies, such as imatinib, show promise but are associated with significant side effects. Recent research identified PDGF‐D as a new risk gene in idiopathic PAH, highlighting the need for further investigation into the PDGF pathway in the disease. In this study, we investigated PDGF‐D, a specific PDGFRβ ligand, as a potential therapeutic target. RNA‐Seq data from healthy lungs indicated that PDGF‐D is predominantly expressed in inflammatory cells, whereas in vascular lesions of idiopathic PAH patients, PDGF‐D was produced by various cell types. In vitro, PDGF‐D induced mitogenic effects on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. However, genetic deletion of PDGF‐D in the chronic hypoxia mouse model of pulmonary hypertension showed no significant impact on vascular muscularization, hemodynamic parameters, or right ventricular hypertrophy. But, the absence of hypoxia‐induced Pdgfrb upregulation and the lack of increased expression of PAH‐regulated genes, Fgf2 and Notch3, in PDGF‐D‐deficient mice, suggests activation of alternative mechanisms. MicroRNA analyses revealed PDGF‐d‐related alterations in the expression of miR‐21 and miR‐451, both important regulators in PAH, further supporting the notion that PDGF‐D plays a unique role in PAH development. Taken together, our data suggest that PDGF‐D may target a distinct population of PDGFRβ‐expressing cells, separate from those stimulated by PDGF‐B, positioning PDGF‐D as a potentially unique and compelling therapeutic target for PAH.

Mosquitoes are important vectors of human and animal pathogens, yet data on their diversity and vector potential remain scarce for the central Balkan country Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study aimed to assess mosquito species composition, associated pathogens, and the potential public health risks in BIH. Adult mosquitoes were collected with light traps, identified morphologically and by barcoding, and screened molecularly for various pathogens, including West Nile virus (WNV), Dirofilaria spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Plasmodium spp. A total of 2691 mosquitoes of 17 species were identified, with Culex pipiens/torrentium being most abundant and new records of Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus japonicus. The first detection of WNV (lineage 2) RNA in mosquitoes in BIH highlights the potential risk of circulation in the region, aligning with findings from neighboring countries. In addition, DNA of filarioid nematodes (Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and Setaria tundra) were detected, underscoring their role as potential vectors of zoonotic dirofilariasis. Also, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium DNA was detected, warranting further investigation into the possible involvement of mosquitoes in their transmission. The detection of invasive Aedes species and mosquito-borne pathogens emphasize the need for strengthened vector surveillance in southeastern Europe, particularly in BIH. This study provides the first barcode inventory of 17 mosquito species and novel molecular evidence of mosquito-borne pathogens in BIH, offering valuable baseline data for future epidemiological assessments and sustained entomological surveillance.

This paper describes testing the solid particle erosion resistance of the composite based on A 356.0 aluminium alloy with the addition of 6 % fly ash (FA) as reinforcement. The composite samples were tested in the as-cast state and after being subjected to the multiple passes of the equal-channel angular extrusion (ECAE). The cast composite was obtained by compo-casting. This method implies the mixing of reinforcement into the semi-solid matrix. Extrusion was performed in 3 passes, with rotation around the longitudinal axis by 90° after each pass (route BC). Solid particle erosion resistance was determined based on volume loss ΔV. During the erosion test, the silicon carbide (SiC) particles were used as erodent. The impact angle of the particles was varied (30° and 90°). The results show that after each pass, the microstructure of the composite was improved and wear by solid particles was reduced.

The comet assay is widely used in human biomonitoring studies of environmental and occupational exposures. However, it is clear from multiple studies that various types of confounding factors might affect the direct relationship between exposure and DNA damage in the comet assay. In addition to common confounders such as age, sex, and smoking, other factors considered to be important determinants for background levels of DNA damage in the comet assay include exhaustive physical exercise, chronic diseases, medical treatment, and diet. These are typically controlled in biomonitoring studies by restriction or matching of subjects. Period effects (or seasonal variation) have been observed in a relatively large number of studies. There are various putative factors, which may cause period effects, including temporal variation in solar radiation, temperature, and air pollution. The present review describes the effects of these confounding factors in measurements of DNA strand breaks by the comet assay. In general, the literature does not indicate that any confounding factor is consistently associated with an increased level of DNA damage, measured by the comet assay. In this respect, it is important to balance the need to control for confounding with the risk of introducing in the statistical analysis a variable, which is influenced by exposure and outcome (i.e. collider bias). In addition, it is important that investigators describe procedures for controlling the effect of confounding factors in the selection of subjects and statistical analysis. Care should be taken in study design and statistical analysis to avoid unwanted effects of confounding factors.

Within the last 50 years, the emergence and re-emergence of widespread severe viral infections have caused some of the deadliest global pandemics. Thus, development of novel technologies that effectively stabilize and deliver virus-based vaccines are of high priority to public health. This review serves as a primer for those interested in developing and testing novel formulations and methods for administration of vaccines against viral infection. It starts with a brief history of immunization practices and the role they played in the evolution of vaccines available today. A brief section summarizing virus infection and immunology is provided to assist in design of studies for in vivo testing of novel vaccines. Physical properties of viruses are summarized with known physico-chemical mechanisms of virus degradation outlined. General formulation strategies to prevent degradation are discussed. Traditional and novel dosage forms for vaccine and immunization methods and up and coming technologies are also described.

Dynamic analysis can be used to determine dynamic displacements, time history, and the frequency content of loads. One of the analytical techniques for calculating the linear response of structures to dynamic loading is modal analysis. In modal analysis, the structural response is decomposed into several modes of oscillation. A mode is defined by its frequency and shape. Engineers refer to the mode with the lowest frequency (longest period) as the fundamental mode of oscillation. This paper presents Holzer’s approximate method for determining the modes and periods of oscillation for frame structures. The proposed approximation method, based on the relative stiffness of floors and the ground level, is also analyzed. The results obtained using the proposed approximate procedure do not significantly deviate from those obtained through more precise calculations. Therefore, it is emphasized that the method can be used both in practice and for verifying computer analyses of complex systems.

In this paper, a comparison between serverless databases and conventional data storage models is discussed, with a focus placed on architectural differences, performance measures, cost-benefit analysis, and use case applicability. In cloud-native applications, the use of serverless databases, in which resources are dynamically allocated as needed, is increasingly observed. In contrast, traditional databases require manual operations for infrastructure provisioning and maintenance. Situations in which serverless databases are preferable, as well as those where traditional approaches remain suitable, are characterized in this work. A guide for selecting a database system in modern computing environments is provided, based on an evaluation of systems such as AWS Aurora Serverless, Firebase, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.

Plywood is a wood-based material that, due to its good properties, has found applications in many areas of the wood industry, transport, and construction. Plywood is fabricated from multiple layers of veneer glued together with the grain direction of each layer of veneer perpendicular to that of the adjacent layers. In order to improve primarily mechanical properties, plywood is reinforced with various fibers, both natural and synthetic. Basalt is used in various forms as a material for reinforcing composite materials. Basalt mesh is primarily used in construction to improve the properties of wall and road structures. In order to determine the possibility of using basalt mesh in the production of wood-based composite materials, plywood reinforced with basalt mesh was produced in laboratory conditions. One, or two, or three basalt meshes were placed in different positions in the panel construction. The manufactured plywood reinforced with basal mesh was tested in accordance with EN 310. The paper presents the results of the bending strength test depending on the quantity and position of the basal mesh in the plywood construction.

Fire resistance of wood materials is crucial for the safety and longevity of construction structures, with spruce wood (Picea abies spp.) being widely used due to its mechanical properties. However, its natural fire resistance is limited, which poses a challenge in the context of fire safety. This study investigates the effects of various treatments and additives on enhancing the fire resistance of spruce wood. The methodology includes testing fire resistance using the small flame test in accordance with relevant standards. The expected results could contribute to improving safety standards in the construction industry, enabling broader and safer application of spruce wood in fire-sensitive constructions. Surface roughness analysis revealed significantly smoother surfaces in treated samples (Sa = 9.03 μm) compared to untreated sawn samples (Sa = 84.54 μm), which contributed to reduced combustion intensity. In small flame tests, untreated samples exhibited visible flames with flame heights up to 13.5 cm, whereas Burn Block treated samples showed no flame development and minimal color changes. Interestingly, burning depth was greater on treated samples, reflecting surface carbonization and the formation of a protective intumescent layer that slowed heat transfer and prevented deeper structural damage.

The research aims to improve the durability and functionality of traditional wooden structures through innovative technologies, reducing the ecological footprint and enhancing the economic viability of local materials. The model benches are made from five different types of indigenous conifer wood: Norway spruce, scots pine, larch, thermally modified spruce, and spruce treated with a copper-ethanolamine based biocide. Sensors installed on the benches allow continuous monitoring of wood moisture, a key factor in determining material durability under specific climatic conditions. Collected data will enable the evaluation of optimal wood types for various climatic conditions, promoting the wider use of indigenous, environmentally renewable materials. The project also aims to connect the wood protection industry with end-users, fostering sustainable approaches to environmental preservation, cultural landscapes, and wooden heritage. The research results support the application of wood materials in sectors such as agriculture, maritime transport, and tourism, contributing to ecologically sustainable and economically efficient use of natural resources.