<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of several types of vaccines, among which messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines have represented a significant breakthrough. This study aimed to evaluate attitudes towards COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination among the general population and individuals with a medical background. A questionnaire was developed to collect sociodemographic data, personal health information, vaccination status, and information on participants&rsquo; attitudes towards and knowledge of vaccines. The profile of the typical participant was an employed woman with tertiary education, living with another person in an urban area and reporting generally good health. The typical participant had received at least two doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. Participants generally expressed favourable attitudes towards regular COVID-19 vaccination. The results showed no apparent differences between participants with and without a medical background regarding vaccine choice, the decision to receive a third dose, or seasonal influenza vaccination. Similarly, no apparent differences were observed in attitudes towards the AstraZeneca vaccine or mandatory COVID-19 vaccination between respondents with and without a medical background.</span></p>

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">Halogenated boroxine is an important enzyme inhibitor with potential applications in cancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate its effects on hematological parameters in rats</span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none"> <em>in vivo</em></span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none"><em> </em>and creatine kinase activity </span><em><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">in vitro</span></em><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">. Halogenated boroxine, administered either intraperitoneally (IP) or orally, induced route-dependent changes in hematological parameters compared with controls. IP administration significantly increased neutrophils, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), while decreasing hematocrit (HCT). In contrast, oral administration significantly decreased lymphocytes and increased basophils, while other hematological parameters remained unchanged. These effects were more pronounced following IP administration. </span><em><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">In vitro</span></em><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">, halogenated boroxine exhibited competitive inhibition of creatine kinase without pre-incubation, whereas after a 30-minute pre-incubation, the inhibition pattern indicated a non-competitive mechanism. Further analysis showed a time-dependent shift in creatine kinase inhibition mechanism following pre-incubation, characterized by a decrease in maximum reaction velocity (V</span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none font-size-modifier vertical-align">max</span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">), while the Michaelis constant (K</span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none font-size-modifier vertical-align">m</span><span class="a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none">) remained unaltered. These findings show that halogenated boroxine modulates specific hematological parameters and inhibits creatine kinase activity, with effects depending on the route of administration and experimental conditions.</span></p>

Coal remains an important component of the electricity system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the country is simultaneously undergoing a gradual energy transition toward lower-carbon technologies. This study evaluates the quality of coal from major mining areas in Tuzla Canton using laboratory results for composite samples from Kreka, Đurđevik and Banovići. The principal indicators were total moisture, ash, combustible matter and lower heating value (LHV). Eight mining areas were compared using five analytical samples per area, giving 40 observations for the primary statistical analysis. An additional 15 observations from five Banovići separation products were evaluated separately. Marked differences were identified among mining areas. Mean LHV ranged from 7,836 kJ/kg at PK Dubrave to 19,794 kJ/kg at Jama Omazići. Lignite from the Kreka area had substantially higher mean total moisture than the analysed brown coals, while several brown-coal areas were constrained by high ash content. Across the 40 primary observations, LHV showed a moderate negative correlation with total moisture (r = -0.43) and with ash (r = -0.37). A multiple linear model using moisture and ash explained approximately 98.4% of the observed LHV variation, although the small number of samples and the compositional nature of the variables require cautious interpretation. The findings demonstrate that coal reserves alone are insufficient for evaluating the future role of coal: fuel quality, preparation efficiency, plant efficiency, emissions intensity, economic performance and regulatory conditions must be considered together. The results support a transition strategy that combines improved coal characterisation and combustion efficiency in the medium term with accelerated deployment of renewable generation, storage, grid modernisation and just-transition measures.

Aim: To identify clinical and inflammatory factors associated with adequate haemoglobin control among patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 100 adults receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Among 80 patients receiving ESA therapy, adequate haemoglobin control was defined as haemoglobin ≥ 100 g/L and inadequate control as haemoglobin < 100 g/L at the cross-sectional assessment; 20 patients not receiving ESA therapy were described separately. Clinical characteristics and laboratory measurements, including C-reactive protein (CRP), were recorded. The erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) was calculated from weekly ESA dose, body weight, and haemoglobin concentration. Results: Eighty patients (80.0%) received ESA therapy, while 20 (20.0%) did not. Among ESA-treated patients, longer haemodialysis vintage was associated with higher odds of adequate haemoglobin control (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04), whereas higher CRP was associated with lower odds (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.83–0.99). ERI was inversely associated with adequate control (OR = 0.004, 95% CI 0.001–0.066), although this finding is mathematically coupled to the haemoglobin-based outcome. The exploratory model was statistically significant (χ² = 45.4; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Longer haemodialysis vintage and lower CRP were associated with adequate haemoglobin control during ESA therapy. ERI findings require cautious interpretation because haemoglobin is included in the ERI denominator and was also used to define the outcome.

The excessive use of vaccines, antibiotics, and other preventive therapeutic agents in conventional broiler production has resulted in the frequent occurrence of antibiotic residues in edible tissues, posing risks to both animal and human health. These residues contribute to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to poultry disease prevention. This study aimed to evaluate whether a comprehensive preventive programme encompassing biosecurity, hygiene, and an antibiotic-free prophylaxis regimen could eliminate the need for prophylactic antibiotic therapy, thereby enabling the production of broiler meat free of antibiotic residues. This approach was contrasted with the conventional production system, in which less rigorous preventive practices necessitate the prophylactic use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, ultimately resulting in detectable residues within the muscle and liver tissues of conventionally reared chickens. Ross 308 broilers were reared under field conditions. in. The control group was reared using conventional prophylactic protocols, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, vitamins, bio-stimulants, mineral supplements, and acidifiers via drinking water. The experimental group received no antibiotics; and instead were treated with hydro-soluble probiotic preparations containing vitamin C, lactose, fructose, and baker’s yeast, combined with continuous water disinfection throughout the fattening period. Microbiological analyses showed the presence of antibiotic residues in the soft tissues of conventionally reared broilers, while no residues were detected in the experimental group. Production performance indicators—mortality rate, vitality, final body weight, and overall cost—were similar to or superior to those in the antibiotic-free group, confirming that broiler meat production without antibiotics is both feasible and economically viable.

Rats are opportunistic omnivores, consuming both plant- and animal-derived foods, and therefore represent a suitable animal model for investigating the potential adverse effects of heterogeneous diets on hematological and biochemical blood profiles. The study included 18 Wistar rats of both sexes, aged 1–2 months, randomly allocated into three groups of six animals each. For a period of seven weeks, Group H was fed bakery products, Group M received meat and meat products, while the control Group K was fed a conventional pelleted diet. Biochemical parameters were analyzed from peripheral blood samples collected from the experimental animals. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified among the groups for CREA, UREA, PHOS, Ca, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALB/GLOB, CHOL, and LIPA. No significant differences were observed for the remaining parameters. The biochemical findings indicate impaired renal function in rats from the meat-fed group, as evidenced by elevated creatinine, urea, phosphorus, and lipase levels. In addition, reduced concentrations of serum proteins, particularly albumin, were observed across all experimental groups, suggesting inadequate protein synthesis resulting from insufficient intake of essential amino acids and micronutrients required for normal liver function.

Industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) shows strong potential for phytoremediation due to its deep root system and high biomass; however, its ability to accumulate heavy metals raises concerns regarding its medicinal use. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the presence of five metals (Cd, As, Pb, Zn, and Fe) in three different plant organs/tissues and in inflorescence extracts in order to assess their suitability for food or medicinal use. Zinc was included as an essential micronutrient for comparison with toxic metal accumulation. The results demonstrate that hemp grown on contaminated soils accumulates elevated levels of cadmium and lead, primarily in the roots, while metal transfer to inflorescences and extracts remains limited. Genetic differences among breeding lines had little effect on metal uptake, indicating that cultivation for food, dietary supplement, or medicinal purposes should be restricted to uncontaminated soils in order to minimise health risks to patients and consumers.

Cornelian cherry ( Cornus mas L . ), known for its strong antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins

Safety, profitability, as well as energy and resource efficiency of hydropower plants require, among others, appropriate operation of hydraulic turbines, which involves reliable estimation and monitoring of water flow rate. In this work, computer simulation is used for investigation of water flow through the spiral casing of a hydraulic turbine under real operating conditions. The wall pressure at the pre-defined monitoring points in a radial plane, such as used in the Winter–Kennedy measurement method, is calculated for a range of water flow rates. The choice of the boundary-condition type downstream of the stay vanes and sensitivity to adopted turbulent-flow approach are also investigated. The numerical results agree well with the reference measurements. A relation is established between the computed monitoring pressure difference and the corresponding incoming flow rate. Having measured the static pressure at the given points, it can be used for continuous estimation of the water flow rate in the turbine under actual operating conditions.

ABSTRACT Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are increasingly reported worldwide, emphasizing the need for rapid diagnostic tools to limit their spread and prevent outbreaks. Although CTX-M enzymes remain predominant, less common ESBLs such as GES, PER, and VEB are emerging and gaining clinical relevance. We developed simplex and multiplex lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) for the rapid detection of these ESBLs. Monoclonal antibodies were produced and incorporated into dedicated LFIA strips. The assays were evaluated using 116 WGS-characterized gram-negative bacteria (GNB) isolates expressing diverse β-lactamases and grown on various media. For testing, three colonies were suspended in 150 µL of extraction buffer, applied to the strips, and results were visually interpreted after 15 min. Both simplex and multiplex LFIAs achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity for detecting GES-, PER-, and VEB-producing isolates, irrespective of bacterial species, β-lactamase content, or growth conditions. The panel included prevalent variants of PER (n = 5, including PER-2), VEB (n = 9), and GES (n = 9, including ESBLs and carbapenemases). Detection limits for recombinant PER-1, VEB-1, and GES-1 were 5, 50, and 100 pg/mL, respectively, and 105, 106, and 106 CFU/mL for corresponding Acinetobacter baumannii producers grown in tryptic soy broth. Overall, these simplex and multiplex GES-, PER-, and VEB-targeting LFIAs provide a rapid, accurate, and user-friendly approach suitable for routine use in clinical microbiology laboratories. When combined with the NG-Test CTX-M MULTI assay, which detects the five major CTX-M groups, they may further enhance the overall detection of the most common ESBLs, particularly among non-fermenting GNB. IMPORTANCE Although less prevalent globally than CTX-M-type ESBLs, GES-, PER-, and VEB-type β-lactamases represent an important and often underrecognized mechanism of resistance, particularly in non-fermenting gram-negative pathogens. These enzymes are frequently associated with multidrug-resistant organisms and may significantly compromise available therapeutic options. The detection of the genes encoding these enzymes is often based on homemade PCR. Rapid diagnostic tests based on lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) have been successfully used to detect CTX-M-like ESBLs and the five main carbapenemases. Here, we demonstrated that GES, PER, and VEB enzymes can be readily detected by simplex or multiplex LFIAs from Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii colonies. These assays are rapid (≤15 min), highly sensitive (105–106 CFU/mL), requiring no specialized equipment, thus offering a user-friendly alternative to molecular assays in clinical laboratories. These features align well with the World Health Organization ASSURED criteria (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid, Equipment-free, and Deliverable). Although less prevalent globally than CTX-M-type ESBLs, GES-, PER-, and VEB-type β-lactamases represent an important and often underrecognized mechanism of resistance, particularly in non-fermenting gram-negative pathogens. These enzymes are frequently associated with multidrug-resistant organisms and may significantly compromise available therapeutic options. The detection of the genes encoding these enzymes is often based on homemade PCR. Rapid diagnostic tests based on lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) have been successfully used to detect CTX-M-like ESBLs and the five main carbapenemases. Here, we demonstrated that GES, PER, and VEB enzymes can be readily detected by simplex or multiplex LFIAs from Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii colonies. These assays are rapid (≤15 min), highly sensitive (105–106 CFU/mL), requiring no specialized equipment, thus offering a user-friendly alternative to molecular assays in clinical laboratories. These features align well with the World Health Organization ASSURED criteria (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid, Equipment-free, and Deliverable).