Studies dealing with injury occurrence in basketball refereeing are scarce. The aim of this preliminary investigation was to retrospectively observe injury occurrence and analyze some specific predictors of injury in high-level basketball referees. The participants were basketball referees from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (all males, n=39, 25–45 years of age, with more than 5 years of experience in basketball refereeing). Data were collected via structured, previously validated questionnaire, and the variables included specific sociodemographic factors, basketball refereeing factors, and medical (injury-related) factors. Differences between injured and noninjured referees were calculated via t tests and chi-square tests, whereas associations between predictors and injury occurrence (criterion) were evaluated via logistic regression for binarized criterion. Injury occurrence was relatively low, with only 15% of referees reporting an injury during the previous competitive season. A higher level of basketball refereeing (more advanced competitive level) was associated with a greater likelihood of being injured (OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.02–1.98). Additionally, referees who used dietary supplements were more likely to be injured during the previous competitive season (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.01–2.05). Although preliminary, the results emphasize the need for structured prevention strategies and support systems tailored specifically to the challenges of high-level officiating.

Background/Objectives: Ivy leaf extract has been shown to alleviate bronchial infection symptoms through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, its impact on adaptive immunity, particularly dendritic cell (DC)/T-cell interactions, remains unexplored. This study investigated the immunomodulatory potential of ivy leaf extract (EA 575®) using human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs). Methods: Immature MoDCs (imMoDCs) were differentiated with IL-4/GM-CSF and matured with LPS/IFN-γ (mMoDCs). MoDCs, treated with EA 575® during differentiation, were co-cultured with purified T cells. Results: EA 575® (non-cytotoxic up to 100 µg/mL) inhibited MoDC differentiation and maturation by reducing the expression of CD1a, CD83, CD40, CD86, HLA-DR, Dectin-1, CD206, CD209, HIF-1α, and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). EA 575®-treated mMoDCs suppressed allogeneic T-cell proliferation and reduced Th1 (IFN-γ), Th17 (IL-17A, IL-22), Th9 (IL-9), Th21 (IL-21), TNF-α, and IL-6 responses. Effects were dose-dependent, with higher concentrations (100 µg/mL) showing stronger inhibition. At lower concentrations (20 µg/mL), EA 575® increased Th2 (IL-4, IL-5) and IL-10 responses, and the frequencies of CD4+ T cells with Treg properties, such as CD25hiFoxp3+, Tr1 (IL-10+Foxp3−), and IL-35+ Foxp3+ cells. Immunoregulatory mechanisms mediated by EA 575®-treated mMoDCs correlated with the upregulation of tolerogenic markers (PD-L1, ILT3, ILT4, IDO1) on mMoDCs and the increased frequency of exhausted CD4+ T cells (PD-1+CD69+) and cytotoxic T cells (Granzyme B+PD-1+). Conclusions: EA 575® induces tolerogenic DCs with significant anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, a previously undescribed phenomenon. Lower concentrations primarily enhance immunoregulatory responses, while higher concentrations exert more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects.

Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are characterized by enlarged nuclei, association with tumors, and resistance to treatment, contributing significantly to cellular heterogeneity. These cells arise from endoreplication and cell fusion, often triggered by stressors such as radiation and chemotherapy. PGCCs exhibit chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, leading to poor prognosis in various cancers. Key features include the ability to produce progeny cells via amitotic division and the expression of cancer stem cell markers. PGCC formation and function involve signaling pathways like cell fusion (GCM1/syncytin-1), cell cycle control, stress response, and EMT. Understanding these pathways is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets. Current therapeutic strategies targeting PGCCs involve drugs like azacitidine, decitabine, and zoledronic acid, as well as DNMT inhibitors in combination therapies. These approaches aim to reverse drug resistance and enhance antitumor efficacy. Furthermore, microRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal in regulating gene expression and influencing the cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis. Cataloging miRNAs and understanding their function is critical for developing potential cancer treatments. Researchers are exploring miRNA-based modulation of signaling pathways to block tumor growth. This review highlights the complex biology of PGCCs and emphasizes the need for targeted therapies to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Abstract The present study explores linkages between the relational driver (brand involvement) and relationship outcomes (affective brand commitment and brand community identification) of consumer brand engagement among luxury and neo-luxury brands. The sample consisted of 616 consumers, compromising 311 owners of the Hugo Boss brand and 305 owners of the Massimo Dutti brand. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-group analysis were used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings suggest that brand involvement positively influences the three facets of consumer brand engagement - cognitive, affective, and behavioural, in the context of luxury and neo-luxury consumption. Moreover, the affective component of consumer brand engagement strongly predicts affective brand commitment for luxury and neo-luxury brands. Our findings indicate that the brand community identification with luxury and neo-luxury brands is only driven by affective consumer engagement.

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are a major cause of pediatric renal failure, but the molecular mechanisms driving these conditions are not yet fully understood. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) and its co-receptor α-KLOTHO play crucial roles in regulating calcium and phosphate homeostasis in adult kidneys, but their roles in kidney development and the pathogenesis of CAKUT remain unclear. Because of that, we analyzed the spatial and temporal expression of FGF23 and α-KLOTHO in normal fetal kidney development and CAKUT using an immunofluorescence technique. Our results demonstrate a dynamic pattern of FGF23 and α-KLOTHO expression in healthy kidney development, with FGF23 levels decreasing and α-KLOTHO levels increasing with gestational age. Also, we showed that FGF23 expression was significantly reduced in horseshoe (HKs) and duplex kidneys (DKs), while α-KLOTHO expression remained unchanged across all CAKUT conditions. Based on our results, we suggest that altered FGF23 expression in CAKUT contributes to disease pathogenesis and may represent a potential therapeutic target.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurological disorder can result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors such as air pollution and exposure to chemical pollutants. This study tested the hypothesis that living in areas near petrochemical industries and exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) may adversely affect maternal and fetal health and increase the risk of autism. We conducted a prospective cohort study from 2019 to 2024, following 110 pregnant women divided into exposure and control groups, along with 145 children born during the study [exposure group (n=80) and control group (n=65)]. Prenatal urinary BTEX concentrations were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The MCHAT-R/F screening tool was used to track the child's behavior in terms of the occurrence of autism spectrum symptoms. The results showed that the mean concentration of prenatal BTEX urine concentration in the exposed group (557 ng/l) was significantly higher than that in the control group (258 ng/l). The M-CHAT-R/F screening indicated moderate ASD risk in six exposure group children and three control group children; and high ASD risk for four exposure group children and one control group child. The findings in the exposure group revealed a higher incidence of ASD among boys compared to girls (4:2 in medium risk and 3:1 in high risk). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of autism in the exposed group was significantly associated with exposure to benzene (OR, 2.10; 95%CI, 1.93-2.17; Pvalue<0.05) and toluene (OR, 1.7; 95%CI, 1.62-1.81; Pvalue<0.05). Living in industrial areas and perinatal exposure to BTEX compounds may increase the risk of ASD. Therefore, health impact assessment studies focusing on the health of vulnerable groups before the construction of petrochemical industries, as well as the monitoring of relevant health indices during the operational phase, should be prioritized.

Stray dogs may be highly exposed to vector-borne pathogens (VBP), including zoonotic agents, and therefore may pose a high risk of spreading infection to other animals and humans. Our study is the first large-scale prevalence study of VBP in stray dogs in Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the period 2016–2018, a total of 3720 blood samples of stray dogs were screened by the SNAP 4Dx plus test for antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., B. burgdorferi s.l., and D. immitis. The 910 dogs (910/3720, 24.46%) were seropositive for one or more CVBPs. The proportion of seropositive dogs against one, two, or three pathogens was 864 (23.23%), 43 (1.15%), and 3 (0.08%), respectively. The most prevalent canine VBP was Anaplasma spp. (21.59%), followed by B. burgdorferi s.l. (2.47%) and Ehrlichia spp. (1.13%). The lowest prevalence was recorded for D. immitis (0.5%). The number of seropositive dogs older than 1 year was 704 (704/2497, 28.19%), while the number of dogs younger than 1 year was 206 (206/1223, 16.84%). The most common dual coinfection detected was with Anaplasma spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. (26/3720, 0.7%). The results show that stray dogs are exposed to at least one of these four CVBD pathogens. Since some of these pathogens cause zoonoses, controlling these infections is crucial for both veterinary and public health. These findings highlight the need for continuous serological monitoring of CVBD pathogens in stray dogs due to their risks to animal and human health.

Background: The objective of this investigation was to assess the oral health (OH) of Bosnia and Herzegovinian adolescents in relation to differences and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 306 school children from high schools located in the Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The sample consisted of 183 females and 123 males between 15 and 18 years old (mean of 16.82 years old). The study was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020, via an Annex 8 questionnaire from the World Health Organization (WHO), which collected information on OH behaviours, self-perceptions of oral health and dietary factors responsible for the OH of each subject. SES was categorized using five variables (occupation, education, income, place of residence and number of family members). Cross-tabulations were evaluated according to sex and socioeconomic status (SES) via the chi-square test. Results: Over 40% of the participants consumed sweets, cakes and biscuits on daily basis, whereas 41.5% of the participants visited a dentist only in the case of pain. The consumption of sweets (p = 0.024) and cakes and biscuits (p = 0.011) on a daily basis was significantly greater in female adolescents than in male adolescents. Compared with male adolescents, female adolescents reported occasional toothaches more frequently (p = 0.001) and were more dissatisfied with their dental appearance (p = 0.008) but presented a greater frequency of flossing (p = 0.001) and toothbrushing (3–5 times a day) (p = 0.0001). There was no association between the different levels (below average, average, above average) of SES and factors affecting OH status of adolescents. Conclusions: The study revealed significant sex differences in several factors affecting OH status and revealed no relationship between SES and OH behaviours or between perceptions and risk factors affecting OH in 15–18-year-old adolescents. Data obtained from this study might help in the creation of new OH prevention programs aimed at improving the OH status of adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Abstract The aim of this paper is the histopathological assessment of the effects of a newly synthesized nanomaterial based on calcium aluminate ALBO-CA on the pulp of rat teeth. In 18 Wistar rats, 54 Class I cavities and exposed pulp of maxillary molars were treated with the tested materials: two experimental materials ALBO-CA (18 teeth), ALBO-CS (18 teeth), and MTA control (18 teeth), and cavities were restored with glass ionomer. The histopathological analysis included the following parameters: presence of pulp inflammation, degree of dentin bridge formation, and presence of bacteria in the pulp. Complete absence of pulp inflammation was noted in 12 (66.67 %) teeth with ALBO-CA, 10 (55.56 %) teeth with ALBO-CS, and 11 (60.95 %) teeth with MTA cement. A statistically significant difference in the results of pulp inflammatory response was found only when comparing the presence of a small number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes between ALBO-CS and MTA cement (Kruskal Wallis H test p=7.8255). A fully formed dentine bridge was recorded only after the application of ALBO-CA with a statistically significant difference compared to ALBO-CS and MTA (F test p=0.519, S-test p=0.656, Man-Whitney test p=2.802, Chi-square test p=4.747). Thirty days after the direct pulp capping with ALBO-CA, ALBO-CS, and MTA cements, bacteria were absent in rat teeth and surrounding tissue. Newly synthesized calcium aluminate ALBOCA showed good reparative abilities and possible use in direct pulp capping therapy.

OBJECTIVES To analyze the effect of aging on hearing outcomes following treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study reviewed records of 106 SSNHL patients categorized into younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years). Hearing outcomes and related factors including sex, absolute gain, treatment timing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), audiogram type, and contralateral ear thresholds were examined. RESULTS Treatment outcomes between age groups showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.053), though younger age was consistently linked to better recovery. A significant negative correlation between age and absolute hearing gain was observed (r = -0.296, p < 0.05). Younger females showed superior outcomes compared to younger males (p < 0.05). Early treatment predicted better recovery (χ² = 9.04, p < 0.01). A normal contralateral ear threshold was associated with better recovery (p < 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression model was developed (AUC = 0.781). Symptom duration (p < 0.05) and intratympanic therapy (p < 0.05) were significant predictors of hearing outcomes. Age was not a significant independent predictor (p = 0.054), but it improved model fit, supporting its clinical relevance. CONCLUSIONS The timing of treatment initiation is important for SSNHL prognosis. Although age did not reach statistical significance in the multivariate model, its consistent association with better outcomes and contribution to model fit highlight its continued clinical relevance. Early intervention is the key predictor of recovery, reinforcing the value of age-informed, personalized treatment strategies in managing SSNHL.

Thrombosis is a common complication in cancer patients, with a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other aggressive lymphomas carry a high venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained attention in recent research as a new potential biomarker for VTE development. To determine the profile and association of EVs with VTE in patients with DLBCL, we conducted a prospective cohort study on 62 patients diagnosed with DLBCL. A total of 11 patients (17.7%) developed VTE. The concentrations of platelet-derived EVs (PEVs), E-selectin+ EVs, P-selectin+ EVs, tissue factor (TF)-positive/CD20+ EVs, TF−/CD19+ EVs, TF−/CD45+ EVs, and TF−/CD20+ EVs were significantly higher in DLBCL patients compared to healthy controls. In contrast, the concentration of TF− PEVs was significantly lower in DLBCL patients compared to healthy controls. No statistically significant differences were observed in the concentrations of the EV profiles among the DLBCL patients with and without VTE. Using Cox regression analysis, we found that none of the observed EV populations demonstrated an association with overall survival (OS). In conclusion, patients with DLBCL have elevated concentrations of distinct EV populations—in particular, PEVs, E-selectin EVs, P-selectin EVs, TF+/CD20+ EVs, and TF− DLBCL/B-cell EVs (CD19, CD20, CD45)—compared to healthy controls. DLBCL patients exhibit a specific EV profile, which is not significantly related to the risk of VTE and OS outcomes. Our data provide an intriguing insight into EV profiles in patients with DLBCL. Additional research is needed to elucidate these findings further.