Cytokines are polypeptides or glycopeptides involved in intercellular communication, functioning as key mediators alongside hormones and neurotransmitters. Acting through specific receptors, cytokines regulate gene activation, influencing cellular function and phenotype. Their activity is modulated by inhibitors that control biological effects and cellular responses. Classified based on function, cytokines include growth factors, proinflammatory cytokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 play a crucial role in inflammation, mediating immune responses, fever, and metabolic changes. They induce leukocyte activation, protein catabolism, and alterations in endocrine function, contributing to immune regulation and systemic effects. Additionally, cytokines influence metabolism by modulating nutrient absorption, energy balance, and acute-phase protein synthesis. This review highlights the fundamental properties, classification, and biological effects of cytokines, emphasizing their central role in immune function, metabolism, and inflammation. Understanding cytokine interactions is essential for developing therapeutic strategies targeting immune and inflammatory disorders.

In addition to the already well-known application in metal production, electroplating, electrochemical energy sources, electrochemistry is also applied in other branches of industry. Today, electrochemical technologies for the treatment of wastewater and drinking water are increasingly present. In recent years, new advanced oxidation processes based on electrochemical technology - Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs), have been developed for the treatment of persistent pollutants, which cannot be removed by conventional water treatments. EAOPs are based on “in situ” electrolytic formation of strong oxidants in an electrochemical reactor, able to degrade almost all organic pollutants. Despite their effectiveness in degrading different types of pollutants, the biggest challenge for EAOPs is high electricity demand to power these systems, which can have serious consequences from both an ecological and an economic point of view. The use of electricity from the distribution network to power electrochemical reactors is the biggest barrier to achieving commercial success of this technology. A possible solution to this challenge is the application of direct solar UV radiation to produce electric energy by use of a solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays for power supply of EAOPs. The aim of the research was to demonstrate the feasibility of using EAOPs directly powered by PV systems, as a sustainable system for efficient water treatment.

This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: diatom alga Achnanthidium rosenstockii, bryoparasitic fungi Arrhenia retiruga and Arrhenia spathulata, saprotrophic fungi Coccomyces dentatus and Hysterobrevium mori, liverworts Lunularia cruciata and Pallavicinia lyellii, fern Salvinia natans, monocots Eleocharis carniolica and Pseudorchis albida and dicots Biscutella laevigata, Fumana arabica, Hieracium ferdinandi-coburgii, Impatiens balfourii, and Onosma pseudoarenaria subsp. fallax

Background: Whatever is done should be systematic, meaning to have an established system of steps from the beginning to the end of the action. Systematicity is especially important in writing a scientific research paper, because the more complex is the topic, the easier it is to make an error. In order to minimize the possibility of errors, many have proposed various mechanisms of systematicity in the form of steps. Objective: The aim and topic of this article is to describe the system of steps in writing a scientific research paper from the birth of an idea, to the publication and presentation of a scientific paper, and to present a scientific research paper as accessible, suitable for work and perhaps even as enjoyment for scientists. Methods: The author used appropriate and relevant sources - books, monographs, published articles, proceedings from the scientific conferences about preparing, publishing, and printing scientific papers which are deposited in the most influential indexed databases in the fields of science editing. Results and Discussion: Scientific research work is of great importance in the development of science, and is one of the key links in the education system, it is part of the culture of the individual and the nation, it contributes to the development of the individual and the community, and it is one of the sources of knowledge. The systematicity of writing a scientific research paper can be broken down into several parts: the scientist preparation, the preparation of the material, the performance of the action, the statistical analysis and interpretation of the data obtained from the research and their final analysis and interpretation for the purposes of publication in scientific and professional journals. The scientist preparation includes the scientist's intention, with which everything begins and which is ultimately an important measure of the quality of the work. At this stage, the scientist should not be affected by the „publish or parish“ syndrome, vanity or the desire for fame, because in these cases he may resort to means of intellectual dishonesty in research and lose honor and reputation. With the view that the works are evaluated and toward the end, we must not neglect the rest of the steps in the creation of scientific research work. Through the preparation of the material, online databases are described, which are a source of important information for anyone who wants to be involved in scientific research. Conclusion: In the step of performing the action, the very act of writing a scientific research paper, its structuring and the rules to be followed when writing the paper are described. The method of publishing the work is also described, as well as guides on how to present the work so that the message sent reaches the audience. By knowing all the steps of creating a scientific research paper, it becomes tempting and accessible to write and publish quality and practically applicable papers.

Background: During the last ten years, there has been a dysplosis in the development of digital libraries, which have taken precedence over classical libraries. Objective: With this article, we want to make a kind of comparison of classic and digital libraries, with a description of the pros and cons of both, so we can easily see their advantages and disadvantages. Methods: Authors used as source published papers deposited in indexed databases like PMC, MEDLINE, HINARI, etc. regardsing to appropriate facts about classic and digital libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and wordwide. Results and Discussion: Libraries, even a scientific one, must have professionally trained staff and an appropriate technological infrastructure, the main component of which is the Library Information System (BIS). It is a phrase that refers to an integrated library system, which consists of online databases, digital libraries, electronic books, magazines and various multimedia formats on which information sources are stored (hard disks, CDs, USB sticks, DVDs, etc.). In the past, libraries tended to develop means or instruments that would enable access to documentary resources on the spot, i.e. in the library itself - through the catalog. Later, a lot of effort was invested in the development of an automatic version of these local tools - by creating an online catalog for accessing data about library resources from a distance, such as, for example, (www.cobiss.ba) maintained by the National and University Library in Sarajevo (www.nub.ba) with members of the Virtual Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ViBBIH) consortium. Thanks to information technology, libraries were able to automate their many functions such as: acquisition, loan, material processing and other work procedures that were previously performed manually. The publishing production of databases has enabled libraries to offer users, through free access or licensing, access to the most diverse contents, Conclusion: Thus, digital libraries have numerous advantages, they are organizations that offer resources for use, include professional staff that select, organize, provide intellectual access, explain, distribute, preserve the integrity and ensure the durability of collections of digital works in such a way that they are ready and economically available for use by one or more communities. However, time steps on us every day, and so does technology, and new inventions, computers, cell phones, so I believe that we should not ignore the beauty when we pick up a book and read it. The historical value of books should not be neglected, both for our sake and for the sake of future generations.

Background: Medical deontology rests on two of its pillars. One is medical ethics, and the other is medical law, i.e. legal regulations that regulate work on health protection and improvement. Ethics is of exceptional importance for medicine, due to the specificity of its calling. Objective: The aim of this article was to explaine the role of medical ethics and medical right in the healthcare professional praxis. Methods: The author used important scientific and professional literature regarding medical deontology, medical ethics and medical low published in the books, monographs and papers deposited in the scientific indexed databases PubMed Central, HINARI, Embase, etc. Results and Discussion: The specificity stems, first of all, from the fact that medicine deals with human life and health, which, in itself, carries a great responsibility. The relationships established between medical professionals and patients are also specific. In this relationship, the patient is in a subordinate and dependent position, which creates preconditions for his abuse. Due to the nature of the work, it is difficult to establish external supervision or control in order to prevent these abuses. This in turn emphasizes the importance of internal supervision and control with the help of medical ethics. Medical ethics sensitizes medical professionals to problems of an ethical nature and helps them recognize and solve them. Medical ethics is, in fact, a set of principles or rules of conduct that a medical professional must follow when making decisions about what is right and wrong, what is permitted and prohibited, what is good and bad for the patient, but also for the community. Making these decisions is often not easy. Conclusion: There are ethical principles that can conflict, which leads to ethical dilemmas, which are sometimes difficult to resolve. Take, for example, the obligation of a doctor to take into account the interests of the patient and to maintain his medical confidentiality. At the same time, however, he must also take care of the interests of the community or other persons. There are cases when the health, and even the lives of those other persons, could be endangered without revealing the medical confidentiality. Medical ethics helps resolve such and similar dilemmas.

Integrating service robots into contemporary healthcare systems has significantly advanced the scope and complexity of robotic design, especially regarding the materials used in direct interaction with patients and sterile medical environments. This article investigates the pivotal role of biomaterials in shaping both the structural integrity and functional performance of service robots. A key focus was placed on the selection criteria, biocompatibility, sterilization potential, and adaptability of advanced biomaterials used in components that demand mechanical efficiency and safety. A key focus was also placed on the quantitative selection criteria for these materials, including mechanical strength (e.g., tensile strength of more than 50 MPa for polymeric joints), elasticity (Young’s modulus ranging from 10–1000 MPa depending on the application), and biocompatibility ratings based on the ISO 10993 standard.Particular attention was paid to integrating biocompatible polymers and composites that should withstand repeated sterilization cycles (up to 100 autoclave exposures without structural degradation) while maintaining antimicrobial surfaces and hypoallergenic properties. Additionally, the study explored the application of smart materials (e.g., stimuli-responsive hydrogels and shape-memory alloys), which showed response times under 5 s and deformation recovery rates above 90 %, enabling adaptive robotic behavior in dynamic contexts. The study also outlines current research trends, i.e., using responsive polymers, bioinspired composites, and additive manufacturing techniques that enable personalized robotic solutions. Additive manufacturing techniques were analyzed as enablers of rapid prototyping and patient-specific customization, with the article referencing case studies where 3D-printed biopolymer components reduced development time by 40 % and improved fitting precision in assistive robotic devices by 30 %.Emerging research trends were finally examined through bibliometric data, indicating 3.5 times increase in publications related to “biomaterials in medical robotics” from 2015 to 2024 in Scopus. Overall, the research critically examined the challenges associated with material certification processes, emphasizing that the average duration required to obtain regulatory approval typically spans between 18 and 24 months, posing a significant barrier to the timely deployment of advanced robotic systems in actual environments. By adopting an interdisciplinary perspective that combines materials science and robotics engineering, this study underscores the transformative impact of biomaterials in redefining the capabilities, safety, and personalization of medical service robots. The findings highlight technological advancements and future directions in robotic systems’ sustainable and intelligent deployment.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. The number of cases has been on the rise for many years, reaching a pandemic scale. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors relevant for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted at the Dorćol Primary Healthcare Facility within the Medigroup Healthcare system, with persons who had come in for preventive medical examinations over a period of six months. The study included 150 participants. Data on sex, age, arterial hypertension and pharmacotherapy were collected, and weight, height and glycaemia were measured. The Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire was used as the research instrument, in line with the recommendations of the National Guide for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes for primary care physicians (FINDRISC). The data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) software package. A higher risk for developing diabetes was observed in participants reporting irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables (38.0%), physical inactivity (34.0%), and in those with abdominal obesity (32.0%) and a positive family history of diabetes (17.3%). A timely intervention aimed at modifiable risk factors, primarily lifestyle interventions, can prevent type 2 diabetes and mitigate complications.

Kupres, Privor and Stolac Pramenka are indigenous sheep breeds from Bosnia and Herzegovina whose milk is traditionally used for cheese production after the lambs are weaned. The main objective was to determine the udder morphology and the changes in milk production during lactation in Kupres (n=107), Privor (n=94) and Stolac (n=121) Pramenka sheep breeds kept on pasture. Milk production, udder morphology and ewe body weight were measured, samples of milk composition (milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids-not-fat content), somatic cells and total bacterial count were collected during early (day 80-100), mid (day 140-160) and late (day 200-220) lactation in Kupres, Privor and Stolac Pramenka sheep breeds. The results of this work confirm that all the breeds studied have low milk production. In addition, milk production decreases during lactation, while the proportion of milk fat, protein and non-fat components increases. The number of somatic cells in the milk increases slightly during lactation, and their concentration shows good udder health. Compared to the Privor and Stolac Pramenka breeds, the Kupres ewes had the highest milk production and the greatest udder height and width. To conclude, the udder and teat measurements in all breeds were acceptable for machine milking, which was reflected in a low teat angle and a cistern height below the teat orifice. Udder width and height show a high positive correlation with milk yield and can be used to predict milk production in all three Pramenka group sheep breeds.

: With the increasing complexity of hotel selection, traditional decision-making models often struggle to account for uncertainty and interrelated criteria. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, particularly those based on fuzzy logic, provide a robust framework for handling such challenges. This paper presents a novel approach to MCDM within the framework of Circular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (C-IFS) by combining three distinct methodologies: Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS), an Alternative Ranking Order Method Accounting for Two-Step Normalization (AROMAN), and the CRITIC method (Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation). To address the dynamic nature of traveler preferences in hotel selection, the study employs a comprehensive set of criteria encompassing aspects such as location proximity, amenities, pricing, customer reviews, environmental impact, safety, booking flexibility, and cultural experiences. The CRITIC method is used to determine the importance of each criterion by assessing intercriteria correlations. AROMAN is employed for the systematic evaluation of alternatives, considering their additive relationships and providing a weighted assessment. WASPAS further analyzes the results obtained from AROMAN, incorporating both positive and negative aspects for a comprehensive evaluation. The integration of C-IFS enhances the model’s ability to manage uncertainty and imprecision in the decision-making process. Through a case study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this integrated approach, offering decision-makers valuable insights for selecting the most suitable hotel option in alignment with the diverse preferences of contemporary travelers. This research contributes to the evolving field of decision science by showcasing the practical applicability of these methodologies within a C-IFS framework for complex decision scenarios.

The aim of this work was to rank and select the most favorable of six sweet cherry cultivars using the web-oriented FRUITrank application, which incorporates the MARCOS (the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution) multi-criteria decision-making algorithm. During the ranking, 10 criteria were taken into account, one of which relates to the harvest start time, three to the physical characteristics of the fruit (including the pedicel), four to the chemical properties of the fruit, and one to the organoleptic characteristics. Alternative A3 (Kordia cultivar) was ranked as the best, the Izabela cultivar (A4) as second place, while Summit (A5) was placed at the bottom of the ranking. Considering the fact that the complexity of algorithms of various MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making) methods often limits their application, based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the mentioned and similar digital solutions solve the mentioned problem, i.e., enable wider application of MCDM techniques both in fruit production and in agriculture in general.

Background: Malnutrition is a frequent yet often overlooked comorbidity in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. It is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, including increased complications, prolonged hospital stay, and elevated mortality. Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical impact of short-term preoperative enteral nutrition in malnourished patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 68 malnourished patients with histologically confirmed stage I–III colorectal cancer. Patients were divided into three groups: Group A (14-day enteral nutrition), Group B (7-day enteral nutrition), and Group C (no supplementation). Nutritional status, laboratory parameters, postoperative complications, transfusion needs, and hospitalization metrics were compared among groups. Results: Group A demonstrated the most favorable outcomes, including significantly fewer postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage (5.0% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.030), reduced transfusion and albumin requirements, and shorter ICU and hospital stays (1.6 ± 0.7 and 7.1 ± 2.4 days, respectively). Group C showed the highest complication and mortality rates. Improvements in biochemical markers were observed in both intervention groups, supporting the efficacy of enteral supplementation. Conclusion: Short-term preoperative enteral nutrition significantly improves clinical outcomes in malnourished colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery. These findings support the integration of nutritional screening and intervention as standard components of perioperative care in oncologic surgery.