Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a rare lymphoid neoplasm in which Hodgkin/Reed–Stenberg (HRS) cells are admixed with a population of non-neoplastic inflammatory cells and fibrosis. Dysregulated expressions of cell cycle regulators and transcription factors have been proven as one of the hallmarks of HL. In that context, SATB1 and p16 have been reported as potential regulators of HL progression and survival. However, to date, no studies have assessed the expression levels of SATB1 and p16 in HL in Croatian patients or their prognostic values. Therefore, we investigated the expression pattern of SATB1 and p16 in paraffin-embedded lymph node biopsies using standard immunohistochemistry. We found that 21% of the patients stained positive for SATB1, while 15% of the patients displayed positive staining for p16. Furthermore, we aimed to understand the prognostic value of each protein through the analysis of the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). SATB1 showed a significantly positive correlation with better OS and PFS, while p16 expression had no impact. Interestingly, when patients were stratified by a combination of the two studied markers, we found that patients in the SATB1+/p16- group tended to have the best prognosis in HL, according to statistical significance. In conclusion, SATB1 and p16 might be potentially useful as diagnostic and prognostic markers for HL.
This study investigates the impact of infill density on the mechanical properties of fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA reinforced with carbon fiber (PLA+CF) specimens, which hold industrial significance due to their applications in industries where mechanical robustness and durability are critical. Exposure to cooling lubricants is particularly relevant for environments where these materials are frequently subjected to cooling fluids, such as manufacturing plants and machine shops. This research aims to explore insights into the mechanical robustness and durability of these materials under realistic operating conditions, including prolonged exposure to cooling lubricants. Tensile tests were performed on PLA and PLA+CF specimens printed with varying infill densities (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). The specimens underwent tensile testing before and after exposure to cooling lubricants for 7 and 30 days, respectively. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, maximum force, strain, and Young’s modulus were measured to evaluate the effects of infill density and lubricant exposure. Higher infill densities significantly increased tensile strength and maximum force for both PLA and PLA+CF specimens. PLA specimens showed an increase in tensile strength from 22.49 MPa at 40% infill density to 45.00 MPa at 100% infill density, representing a 100.09% enhancement. PLA+CF specimens exhibited an increase from 23.09 MPa to 42.54 MPa, marking an 84.27% improvement. After 30 days of lubricant exposure, the tensile strength of PLA specimens decreased by 15.56%, while PLA+CF specimens experienced an 18.60% reduction. Strain values exhibited minor fluctuations, indicating stable elasticity, and Young’s modulus improved significantly with higher infill densities, suggesting enhanced material stiffness. Increasing the infill density of FDM 3D-printed PLA and PLA+CF specimens significantly enhance their mechanical properties, even under prolonged exposure to cooling lubricants. These findings have significant implications for industrial applications, indicating that optimizing infill density can enhance the durability and performance of 3D-printed components. This study offers a robust foundation for further research and practical applications, highlighting the critical role of infill density in enhancing structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Previously, we showed that restrictive diets, including ketogenic diet (KD), have an anti-inflammatory impact on the healthy gastrointestinal tract of mice. Afterward, we found that energy-restricting diets mitigate inflammation in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis mouse model. The current study aimed to verify the impact of KD on DSS colitis and assess if the diet's fat composition influences the outcomes of the intervention. Mice with mild chronic colitis were fed control chow, KD composed of long-chain triglycerides (KD LCT) or a KD containing a mix of LCT and medium-chain triglycerides (KD LCT/MCT). KDs did not reverse DSS-enhanced gut permeability and shortening of the colon. Both KDs had a similar impact on liver, cecum, and spleen weight, villi and colon length, the thickness of muscularis externa, and expression of ZO-1 and occludin. On the contrary, body weight, glutathione (GSH) and taurine-GSH levels, GSH-S transferase (GST), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as an abundance of several fecal bacteria, all were differentially affected by the two types of KDs. When compared to the DSS control diet, reduction in colon mucosa cytokines expression was stronger in KD LCT than in the KD LCT/MCT group. We conclude that the outcomes of the KD interventions in terms of potential therapeutical applications depend on lipid composition. KD LCT showed a strong positive impact on gut inflammation. A potential contribution of GSH to KD outcomes and a correlation between MPO activity and microbiota composition was identified.
The current study applies the key components of GST to explore the relationship between stress and misconduct during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed the answers provided by a sample of 480 police officers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and discovered that the relationship between strain and willingness to engage in police misconduct during the pandemic is complex; not all types of stressors were related to all forms of police misconduct included in our study. The two strongest organizational stressors were perceptions that the police agency was ineffective in dealing with the pandemic and that there was a lack of personal protective equipment for police officers. Fear for their own personal health, fear of COVID-19, and concerns that COVID-19 is much more dangerous than the flu were significant personal stressors related to their willingness to engage in police misconduct. Police's own willingness not to wear a mask and to visit friends and family with whom they do not live decreased the perception that the community is not adhering to the COVID-19 rules and regulations. Living with a partner was also negatively associated with the respondents’ willingness to engage in misconduct.
Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a condition with various etiological factors, marked by the sudden onset of inflammation in the pancreatic tissue. Predicting the severity and potential mortality of AP involves analyzing clinical data alongside laboratory tests and imaging. Among several grading methods with strong predictive capabilities for illness severity and mortality, the Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score is notable. This study aims to explore the potential role of laboratory markers, specifically red cell distribution width (RDW), RDW/platelet (PLT) ratio, and mean platelet volume (MPV), in predicting disease severity, with patients being stratified according to the BISAP scoring system. Materials and methods This research included 161 patients hospitalized at Cantonal Hospital Zenica in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a diagnosis of AP. The BISAP score was determined based on laboratory and radiological analyses. This score was used to evaluate potential correlations between laboratory findings such as RDW, RDW/PLT ratio, and MPV. Results The age range was significantly higher in patients with BISAP scores ≥3 (68 years, 64-76) compared to those with BISAP scores <3 (59.5 years, 42.75-69) (p = 0.000). RDW values were also significantly higher in patients with BISAP scores ≥3 (15.6%, 14-16.9) compared to those with BISAP scores <3 (13.5%, 13-14.1) (p = 0.000). Hospital stay duration was significantly longer for patients with BISAP scores ≥3 (9 days, 6-11) compared to those with BISAP scores <3 (5 days, 5-7) (p = 0.000). Additionally, the RDW/PLT ratio was significantly lower in patients with BISAP scores <3 (0.063 ± 0.02) compared to those with BISAP scores ≥3 (0.09 ± 0.059) (p = 0.012). Conclusion Our results indicate a significant difference in RDW/PLT ratios between patient severity groups based on BISAP scores (scores <3 vs. ≥3). This suggests that the RDW/PLT ratio may serve as a useful predictor for assessing the severity of AP. However, further research is needed to explore the full potential of the RDW/PLT ratio in evaluating AP patients.
The association between movement screening and physical fitness testing in athletes is conflicting, and therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) performance and physical performance in elite female youth football players. Twenty-two players from the national U16 team of Bosnia and Herzegovina underwent FMS and physical performance tests, including speed, agility, and jump assessments. Jump and speed performance score correlated well with ASLR, while the overall FMS score was not associated with any of the performance variables. These findings suggest that while certain movement patterns may impact athletic performance, the relationship between movement screening and physical performance is delicate. Coaches and practitioners should consider individual variations and sport-specific demands when interpreting FMS results in order to optimize and maximize athlete performance and reduce injury risks.
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which led to the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly impacted global public health. The proper diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential for the effective control and management of the disease. This study investigated the SARS-CoV-2 infection using RT-qPCR tests from laboratories in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We performed a retrospective study of demographic data and Ct values from 170,828 RT-qPCR tests from April 2020 to April 2023, representing 9.3% of total national testing. Samples were collected from 83,413 individuals across different age groups. Of all tests, 33.4% were positive for SARS-CoV-2, with Ct values and positivity rates varying across demographics and epidemic waves. The distribution was skewed towards older age groups, although lower positivity rates were observed in younger age groups. Ct values, indicative of viral load, ranged from 12.5 to 38. Lower Ct values correlated with higher positive case numbers, while higher Ct values signaled outbreak resolution. Additionally, Ct values decreased during epidemic waves but increased with the dominance of certain variants. Ct value-distribution has changed over time, particularly after the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest/concern. Established Ct value trends might, therefore, be used as an early indicator and additional tool for informed decisions by public health authorities in SARS-CoV-2 and future prospective pandemics. Moreover, they should not be overlooked in future epidemiological events.
Abstract Global trends in food fortification, particularly in milk, and the increasing availability of fermented milk products have raised awareness of the link between nutrition and health, leading to higher consumption of these products. Consumers’ decisions to purchase fermented milk products are influenced by economic, psychological, cultural, and socio-demographic factors, along with preferences related to brand, price, taste, and nutritional value. This study aims to examine the impact of socio-demographic characteristics on production and marketing factors when purchasing fermented milk products, as well as on the choice of specific brands. The research was conducted using a survey method, with a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. A total of 326 consumers participated in the survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, analysis of variance, and the chi-square test. The results indicate that socio-demographic characteristics significantly influence production and marketing considerations, as well as brand choice when it comes to fermented milk products. However, the chi-square test showed no statistically significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and consumer attitudes toward fermented milk products. These findings can help producers and marketers better understand consumer behavior and tailor their strategies accordingly.
INTRODUCTION Adult hemangioblastomas are rare WHO central nervous system (CNS) Grade 1 tumors particularly affecting the posterior cranial fossa. They exhibit a gender bias, impacting men in their fifth and sixth decades of life and manifesting sporadically or as part of von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease. Understanding the intricacies of CNS hemangioblastomas is crucial for clinical decision-making. METHODS A systematic review of 576 articles was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria included 3189 adult cases of CNS hemangioblastomas. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, symptoms, treatment modalities, complications, and outcomes were systematically extracted and synthesized. RESULTS The review revealed a heterogeneous demographic distribution, with a male predominance. Median age at diagnosis was 44.7 years. Cranial hemangioblastomas were more commonly located in the infratentorial (73 %) than supratentorial (27%) compartments. Spinal hemangioblastomas were mostly located in the cervical spine (44.3 %), followed by thoracic (36.7 %) and lumbar spine (12 %). Clinical symptoms varied by location, emphasizing the importance of anatomical considerations. Surgical intervention-total resection (82% of cases)-was the preferred treatment modality, while radiotherapy was less common. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry aided in accurate diagnosis. Complications were location-specific, with intracranial complications more common in infratentorial tumors. Overall, favorable outcomes were prevalent (78% of cases), with low mortality rates. CONCLUSION Adult CNS hemangioblastomas present with diverse characteristics and clinical manifestations. Surgical intervention remains the mainstay treatment; ongoing research into genetic and molecular mechanisms may enhance our understanding of tumor pathology and lead to improved management strategies in the future.
Battery power is crucial for wearable devices as it ensures continuous operation, which is critical for real-time health monitoring and emergency alerts. One solution for long-lasting monitoring is energy harvesting systems. Ensuring a consistent energy supply from variable sources for reliable device performance is a major challenge. Additionally, integrating energy harvesting components without compromising the wearability, comfort, and esthetic design of healthcare devices presents a significant bottleneck. Here, we show that with a meticulous design using small and highly efficient photovoltaic (PV) panels, compact thermoelectric (TEG) modules, and two ultra-low-power BQ25504 DC-DC boost converters, the battery life can increase from 9.31 h to over 18 h. The parallel connection of boost converters at two points of the output allows both energy sources to individually achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) during battery charging. We found that under specific conditions such as facing the sun for more than two hours, the device became self-powered. Our results demonstrate the long-term and stable performance of the sensor node with an efficiency of 96%. Given the high-power density of solar cells outdoors, a combination of PV and TEG energy can harvest energy quickly and sufficiently from sunlight and body heat. The small form factor of the harvesting system and the environmental conditions of particular occupations such as the oil and gas industry make it suitable for health monitoring wearables worn on the head, face, or wrist region, targeting outdoor workers.
This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of Golden Section Search (GSS), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), alongside well-known Perturb and Observe and Incremental Conductance (INC) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms for Photovoltaic (PV) system. The methodology involves theoretical development, simulation, and real-time experimentation using Matlab/Simulink and the Humusoft MF 634 data-acquisition card. Real-time experiments validate algorithm effectiveness under real-world conditions, facilitated by precise control mechanisms using Taraz's power electronics converter modules. The results contribute to ongoing efforts in optimizing MPPT technology and advancing the efficiency of PV systems for renewable energy generation.
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