The objective of this study was to evaluate whether global longitudinal strain (GLS), early systolic lengthening (ESL), and postsystolic shortening (PSS), individually and combined, predict anatomical disease severity and significant coronary artery stenosis in non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We prospectively enrolled 112 NSTE-ACS patients with preserved LVEF and no regional wall motion abnormalities. GLS, ESL, and PSS were measured using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Significant coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as ≥90% stenosis in at least one major epicardial artery, and anatomical burden was quantified using the SYNTAX score. Linear and logistic regression, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, DeLong comparison, and internal validation were performed. GLS and PSS were significant predictors of SYNTAX score in univariate linear regression. In the multivariable model, only GLS remained independently associated with SYNTAX ( P < 0.001), explaining 26.2% of variance (adjusted R ² =0.24; variance inflation factor <5). Significant stenosis was present in 70 patients (62%). ESL ( P = 0.028) and PSS ( P = 0.001) predicted ≥ 90% stenosis in univariate analysis, whereas GLS reached significance only in multivariable analysis (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.51, P = 0.003). The multimarker model (GLS + ESL + PSS) had the highest ROC area under the curve (AUC) (0.726) but did not significantly outperform GLS alone (AUC 0.707; P = 0.390). Model-predicted probabilities correlated with SYNTAX (ρ =0.480, P < 0.001). GLS is the strongest strain-derived predictor of both significant stenosis and anatomical CAD burden in NSTE-ACS with preserved LVEF. Strain-based analysis may aid early, noninvasive risk stratification in this population.

This research was undertaken to investigate the criteria that motivate individuals to progress in their careers. To accomplish this, research was conducted with employees from the University of Zadar. The study aimed to identify the criteria that affect career advancement within the context of a higher education institution. A total of 15 employees participated, evaluating 15 specific factors to determine the primary elements that promote career progression, using a rating scale from 1 to 10. The significance of these factors was assessed through the SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method. The findings of this study indicated that motivation and persistence are crucial elements in networking and professional relationships, while expertise and skills also contribute significantly. Nevertheless, a unique aspect of advancement in higher education is that work experience does not significantly enhance employee motivation. The research advances the thesis that motivation and professional networking are the dominant factors in academic career progression. This research offers insights into the factors that affect career development for employees within higher education institutions.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate perineal length and thickness during labor and to assess their association with any spontaneous perineal tear. STUDY DESIGN This prospective study included 221 women with term singleton pregnancies and cephalic presentation. Perineal length and thickness were measured in early labor (≤4 cm cervical dilatation) and reassessed in the second stage (full dilatation). The primary outcome was any spontaneous perineal tear, including grades I-IV. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess these associations, adjusting for parity, body mass index and birth weight. RESULTS Spontaneous perineal tears occurred in 31 women (14.0%). In multivariable analysis, shorter perineal length in the first stage of labor was independently associated with higher odds of spontaneous tear (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.20-0.86; p = 0.018). In the second-stage model, greater perineal thickness was independently associated with higher odds of spontaneous tear (OR 2.34; 95% CI 1.08-5.05; p = 0.031). BMI, parity, and neonatal birth weight were not independently associated with the outcome. In sensitivity analyses with additional adjustment for episiotomy, perineal morphometric characteristics were no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSION Shorter perineal length in early labor and greater perineal thickness at full dilatation were associated with any spontaneous perineal tear in primary multivariable analyses. However, after additional adjustment for episiotomy in sensitivity analyses, these associations were no longer statistically significant. These findings suggest an association between perineal morphometry and spontaneous perineal tears, but do not support using perineal measurements as standalone markers.

Clinical research continually shows a considerable decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) levels when phytosterols are consumed. This study aimed to show the phytosterols' presence in blackthorn extracts through various techniques. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) extracts from three regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Borije, Trnovo, and Vareš) obtained by Soxhlet extraction were evaluated using thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. By comparing the Furrier Transformed Infrared spectra of the extract samples with the standards of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol the corresponding peaks were found. In accordance with the traditional use of blackthorn in the treatment of prostate diseases, the antiproliferative activity of two human prostate cancer cells, PC-3 and Du145, was established. The obtained results showed that the tested blackthorn extracts exhibit dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against the tested malignant cells in vitro. The dichloromethane extract from Trnovo showed the best cytotoxic activity against PC-3 cells, while the n-hexane extract from the same locality showed the best activity against Du145 cells. This study indicates the possibility of using blackthorn fruit extracts as a supplementary remedy as well as an addition to some pharmaceutical formulations in order to achieve a more efficient antiproliferative activity.

Fire safety in high-rise buildings represents a critical challenge in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where intensive urbanization, extreme climatic conditions, and multilayered regulatory frameworks impose unique competency demands on architects and Fire Safety Engineering (FSE) consultants. Despite this, no empirically validated competency framework exists that simultaneously addresses both professional groups and is tailored to the specificities of the UAE context. This study aimed to construct and empirically validate such a framework. A three-phase sequential exploratory mixed-method design was employed. In the first phase, a systematic literature review yielded a preliminary set of 69 competency indicators organized within a Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) structure. In the second phase, a three-round Delphi technique with an expert panel of 18 specialists validated the set to 62 final indicators. In the third phase, importance–performance analysis (IPA) was conducted on a sample of 250 professionals actively engaged in fire safety projects across four UAE. IPA identified 16 priority competency gaps, most pronounced in digital transformation (BIM, CFD, AI; gap = 1.23), proactive client advisory competencies (gap = 1.21), and regulatory navigation and Civil Defence coordination (gap = 1.00). A counterintuitive finding emerged whereby architects systematically rated competencies higher than FSE consultants across all dimensions (all p < 0.05). Psychometric validation confirmed excellent instrument reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha > 0.95) and a theoretically consistent three-factor KSA structure explaining 70.06% of variance. The developed framework of 62 empirically validated indicators represents the first competency model of its kind for architects and FSE consultants in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Its findings provide a direct empirical basis for curriculum reform, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, and professional licencing standards in the UAE and across the GCC region. The study makes three original contributions: the first empirically validated UAE-specific competency framework for these professional groups; a methodological combination of Delphi, IPA, EFA, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis not previously applied in fire safety competency research; and empirical confirmation that 74% of indicators required original development or adaptation, demonstrating the limitations of generic international competency models in the UAE context.

The primary objective of this study was to analyze the frequency of alleles and genotypes of the G894T polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and the insertion-deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene in relation to body mass index (BMI) and biochemical parameters. The study included 64 subjects. Analysis of genotype distribution of the eNOS G894T polymorphism in relation to BMI showed that the GT+TT genotype was present in 11 subjects with BMI ≤ 24.9 and in 25 subjects with BMI ≥ 25. For the ACE I/D polymorphism, the ID+DD genotype was detected in 10 subjects with BMI ≤ 24.9 and in 36 subjects with BMI ≥ 25. No statistically significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies were observed between BMI groups (p > 0.05). Regarding biochemical parameters, although the differences lacked statistical significance (p > 0.05), GT+TT genotypes (eNOS G894T) were more frequent in subjects with elevated glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared to the GG genotype. Similarly, the analysis revealed no statistically significant association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the examined biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). A major limitation of the present study is the relatively small sample size; therefore, these findings should be considered preliminary. Nevertheless, the specific trends observed in genotype distribution represent an important indicator in investigating the potential role of these polymorphisms in the genetic background of the metabolic profile. Thus, further research on larger and more homogeneous cohorts is necessary to elucidate this potential significance.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune, demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations include optic neuritis, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) involving three or more vertebral segments, and, in most cases, seropositivity for anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibodies (AQP4‐IgG). Although longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is a hallmark feature of NMOSD, it is not pathognomonic and may occur in a variety of infectious, metabolic, neoplastic, and autoimmune conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we report the case of a female patient who presented with severe tetraparesis, secondary to transverse myelitis. Serological evaluation revealed positivity for anti‐AQP4 antibodies, anti‐dsDNA antibodies, and ENA antibodies, leading to the simultaneous diagnosis of NMOSD and SLE. Nevertheless, it remained uncertain whether the transverse myelitis represented a manifestation of NMOSD or neurological involvement of SLE.

Value iteration (VI) is a cornerstone of dynamic programming that allows computing near-optimal feedback laws for general plant dynamics and cost functions. In practice, however, it must be stopped after finitely many iterations. This raises the question of when to stop the algorithm so that the resulting policies and value functions achieve desirable properties, like given near-optimality bounds and stability. In this context, we study deterministic, discrete-time systems with infinite-horizon (possibly discounted) costs whose inputs are generated by VI. We equip VI with a generalized stopping criterion that encompasses existing choices while allowing new ones. Our aim is to analyze the properties of the policies and value functions at the final iteration. Under mild assumptions, we first show that VI indeed terminates in a finite number of iterations. We then establish that the final policies are stabilizing by properly designing the stopping criterion, and derive explicit near-optimality bounds characterized by this choice. These results offer a design framework for the stopping criteria that balances computational effort with stability and performance guarantees.

Modern lifestyles are often accompanied by increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms,which are particularly pronounced among the young adult population. Physical activity is increasinglyrecognized as an important factor in maintaining and improving mental health. The aim of this study was toexamine the effects of a structured recreational activity program on levels of depression and anxiety inyoung adult women. The study included 35 women aged 20 to 40 years. The experimental program lastedthree months, during which participants engaged in organized recreational activities twice a week, witheach session lasting one hour and conducted under professional supervision. Data were collected before thebeginning and after the completion of the experimental period using standardized measurementinstruments. Basic descriptive statistical parameters were used for data analysis. The results showed adecrease in the mean values of most variables related to depressive and anxiety symptoms in the finalmeasurement compared to the initial one. The overall depression score decreased from 5.94 to 4.86, whileanxiety scores decreased from 5.57 to 4.91. The findings indicate a positive effect of the three-monthrecreational activity program on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among participants. Basedon these results, it can be concluded that regular physical activity plays a significant role in maintainingmental health and can contribute to the reduction of depressive and anxiety symptoms in young adultwomen. The results emphasize the importance of incorporating organized recreational activities into dailylife as a potential means of improving psychological well-being.Keywords:young adult women, depression, anxiety, physical activity

Ensuring the quality, safety, and functional performance of stem cell cultures remains a critical challenge in biomedical research, drug development, and emerging cell-based therapies, as early metabolic disturbances can compromise outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. Glucose (Glu) consumption and L-lactate (LA) production serve as central indicators of cellular bioenergetic state, stress, and viability. However, conventional analytical approaches rely on discontinuous, labor-intensive assays that disrupt workflows and limit early intervention. Here, we report a miniaturized electrochemical biosensing platform for serial time-resolved analysis of Glu and LA in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture media using a micropillar array (MPA)-based microfluidic electrochemical device (MED). The device exhibits linear detection ranges of 0.5-35 mM for Glu and 0.5-40 mM for LA, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.18 ± 0.01 mM and 0.19 ± 0.01 mM, respectively. Using serially collected culture media, the MED quantifies dose-dependent metabolic responses to mitochondrial inhibition with oligomycin, revealing suppressed metabolic turnover and altered Glu-LA coupling prior to observable morphological changes. By enabling paired metabolic readouts from small-volume, undiluted culture-media samples, this platform provides a practical analytical route toward earlier recognition of culture-state deviations and more informed monitoring of stem-cell culture quality and drug-induced metabolic responses.

Abstract Basketball is one of the most popular and successful sports in the Balkans, especially in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and in the countries that emerged from its dissolution – Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. A chronological overview of the development of basketball in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (hereafter: the Kingdom of SCS), former Yugoslavia and its successor states, with special emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlights key figures, institutions and events that contributed to its establishment and development in the aforementioned territory.

This study examines the affective development of Lotus, the protagonist of Su Tong’s novella, through the dual lens of her interpersonal relationships and her emotional interiority. By adopting an actantial perspective, the analysis explores how Lotus’s subjectivity is progressively shaped, constrained, and ultimately fractured within the social order of the household. The narrative is divided into three distinct phases, each corresponding to a transformation in Lotus’s affective state and her position within the relational network that defines her existence. The First Part traces her initial integration into the household and the emergence of her expectations and strategies of adaptation; the Second Part examines the destabilization of these expectations during an anomalous winter marked by tension, rivalry, and psychological disintegration; and the Third Part follows the irreversible collapse of her emotional and existential coherence. By combining close textual analysis with attention to narrative structure, this study argues that Lotus’s trajectory constitutes not merely a personal tragedy but a systematic “failure of a life,” shaped by the interplay of desire, power, and confinement. The analysis is based primarily on Michael S. Duke’s English translation Raise the Red Lantern: Three Novellas (2000), with occasional reference to the original Chinese text.

Context: This paper explores the potential of transformative learning theory (TLT) to serve as a framework for career counsellor training. Currently, due to the lack of a study program in career guidance and counselling (CGC), lack of standard in this regard, as well as the underdevelopment of the profession in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), practitioners working in CGC have different professional backgrounds ranging from education sciences, psychology, social work or related disciplines who develop competencies in career counselling either through non-formal programs or self-directed learning. This diverse entry into the practice of CGC highlights the need for a well-founded training program developing relevant competencies and professional ethics. Approach: TLT is found to be particularly relevant in this context as it fosters personal development by encouraging individuals to revise their perspective and frames of reference. To empirically explore this assumption, the study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to examine the experiences of trainees coming from diverse professional backgrounds who participated in training programs for career counsellors. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten participants who completed the training capturing their subjective interpretations and meaning-making processes. Findings: Analysis revealed that trainees experienced transformative learning across three key processes. First, they expanded and revised their existing systems of knowledge related to CGC. Second, they engaged with new meaning schemes associated with CGC and attempted to internalize them. Finally, participants recognized the limitations of their previous frames of reference and reported a conscious effort to reorganize and transform them in the context of CGC. The findings suggest that the training programs created conditions that facilitated transformative learning, which participants described as both professionally and personally empowering. Conclusions: Data show that TLT provides a valuable theoretical and practical framework for training career counsellors, especially in such contexts where trainees come with already formed professional identities. By focusing on meaning-making and personal development, TLT encourages deep, reflective learning that enhances counsellors’ capacity to support others in career learning. This research offers a theoretically-relevant insight and practical implications for the design of a training program in CGC.