Autonomic imbalance is one of the major pathological disturbances in chronic heart failure (CHF). Additionally, enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be the main contributors to the disease progression. A growing body of evidence suggests cholinergic stimulation as a potential therapeutic approach in CHF, since it corrects the autonomic imbalance and alters the inflammatory response via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Although previous research has provided some insights into the potential mechanisms behind these effects, there is a gap in knowledge regarding different cholinergic stimulation methods and their specific mechanisms of action. In the present study, an isoprenaline model (5 mg/kg/day s.c. for 7 days, followed by 4 weeks of CHF development) was used. Afterwards, rats received pyridostigmine (22 mg/kg/day in tap water for 14 days) or no treatment. Pyridostigmine treatment prevented the progression of CHF, decreasing chamber wall thinning (↑ PWDd, ↑ PWDs) and left ventricle dilatation (↓ LVIDd, ↓ LVIDs), thus improving cardiac contractile function (↑ EF). Additionally, pyridostigmine improved antioxidative status (↓ TBARS, ↓ NO2−; ↑ CAT, ↑ GSH) and significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis development, confirmed by pathohistological findings and biochemical marker reduction (↓ MMP2, ↓ MMP9). However, further investigations are needed to fully understand the exact cellular mechanisms involved in the CHF attenuation via pyridostigmine.

PEComa (Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors) are a rare type of tumor composed of cells exhibiting characteristics of smooth muscle cells and melanocytes. They most commonly occur in the female genital system. This study is a narrative review based on the differential diagnosis of tumors in the female genital system, focusing on PEComa. The aim of the research is to analyze the immunohistochemical markers characteristic of PEComa in the female genital system and compare them with markers of tumors that may appear in the differential diagnosis. Specifically, the study examines epithelioid smooth muscle tumor (STUMP), malignant melanoma, alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), poorly differentiated endometrial carcinoma (EC) and trophoblastic tumors of the placenta (PSTT). Comparison of immunohistochemical markers of PEComa with markers of other tumors revealed that: PEComas show overlap in positive staining with STUMP, but are distinguished by markers such as HMB45, PNL2, MiTF, and MelanA/MART1; PEComas share some melanocytic markers with malignant melanoma, but differ in the expression of myogenic markers and hormone receptors; compared to ASPS, PEComas share some positive staining but differ in marker expression and negative staining; they differ from EC by the expression of specific markers such as MiTF and PAX8; PSTT show specificity for markers of trophoblastic differentiation and implantation, while PEComas emphasize melanocytic and myogenic differentiation. The general conclusion is that an accurate diagnosis of PEComa in the female genital system can only be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Immunohistochemical evaluation serves as a helpful tool, but standard morphological staining remains the gold standard. Also, the advanced diagnostic techniques, particularly next-generation sequencing, hold promise for enhancing the understanding and management of mPEComas. By uncovering the genomic landscape and facilitating targeted therapies, these methodologies may lead to more effective treatment and improved outcomes. Keywords: female genital system, epithelioid smooth muscle tumor, malignant melanoma, endometrial carcinoma, trophoblastic tumor.

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the third most common congenital anomaly and a significant public health concern. It is the predominant cause of chronic renal disease in pediatric populations and the principal reason for kidney replacement therapy in individuals under 20, as well as the fourth leading cause in adults. Five candidate genes, including EDA2R, PCDH9, and TRAF7 were identified as potential contributors to CAKUT. These genes had not been previously prioritized in CAKUT research, and our prior studies have demonstrated that the proteins encoded by these candidate genes display dysregulated expression across various CAKUT subgroups. Our research examined the expression patterns of EDA2R, PCDH9, and TRAF7 in yotari (Dab1−/−) mice at two embryonic stages (E13.5 and E15.5) and two postnatal stages (P4 and P14) to ascertain the potential correlation between Reelin–Dab1 signaling, previously linked to CAKUT phenotypes, and the aforementioned proteins through molecular and morphological analyses. All three observed proteins exhibited the highest area percentage at E13.5, with a trend of decline into postnatal stages, during which specific changes in protein expression were noted between the cortex and medulla of yotari mice compared to wild-type mice. For TRAF7, a statistically significant difference in area percentage at E13.5 was observed, indicating a link with Reelin–Dab1 signaling and a potentially critical role in the pathophysiology of CAKUT, also marked by our prior study.

Bedding begonias ( Begonia cucullata Hort.) are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal. Boasting beautiful leaves and lively, colourful flowers, these plants can significantly enhance any garden space. They also have the capacity to produce a large biomass, suggesting their suitability for phytoextraction purposes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bedding begonia in removing Cr, Pb, and Cd from artificially polluted substrates, with concentrations varying from 100 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg for Cr and Pb, and from 20 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg for Cd. The phytoextraction potential was estimated using bioaccumulation (BAF) and translocation (TF) factors analysis. The current study demonstrated that bedding begonia can successfully grow in substrates enriched with Cr, Pb, and Cd. BAF values < 1 for both Cr and Pb were detected regardless of contamination levels, indicating that this species has limited capacity to restore soils contaminated with these metals. On the other hand, BAF and TF values for Cd were greater than 1 at all contamination levels, implying their potential to remove Cd from polluted soils.

We analyze the high-order above-threshold ionization (HATI) process of a small polyatomic molecule with C3 symmetry, which is induced by a bicircular strong laser field. This field consists of two coplanar, counter-rotating, circularly polarized components with frequencies rω and sω where r and s are integers. In our study, we use an improved molecular strong-field approximation to obtain electron energy-angle-resolved and momentum spectra of the BF3 molecule. We analyze the contributions of individual atoms as well as the impact of molecular symmetries on these spectra. We find that these spectra are significantly affected by the characteristics of the molecule and the laser-field parameters. Furthermore, we observe pronounced interference minima in the HATI spectra. We demonstrate that these minima result from the destructive interference of rescattered wave packets from different atomic centers, and we determine the conditions under which they occur, including two-, three-, and four-center interference.

Izvještaj sa Naučnog projekta “HISTORIJSKI POGLEDI 2024”, Centar za istraživanje moderne i savremene historije Tuzla, Tuzla, 15. i 16. novembar 2024. godine // Conference Report from Scientific project “HISTORICAL VIEWS 2024”, Center for Research of Modern and Contemporary History Tuzla, Tuzla, November 15 and 16, 2024

<p>This study presents the results of applied phytoextraction as a soil phytoremediation method, based on the analysis of selected heavy metal content in soil and plant material. The selected locations where phytoextraction was applied as a phytoremediation method (Gradi&scaron;će, Podbrežje, and Tetovo) are situated in the city of Zenica, in proximity to the ArcelorMittal d.o.o. Zenica plant, identified as a potential major source of soil contamination in the surrounding area. The plant species used as potential phytoremediators were maize, Swiss chard, and alfalfa. The study analyzed the heavy metal content (Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu) in soil samples after plant material extraction, as well as in the root samples of the plant material. Additionally, the study presents the pH values of the soil before sowing (initial state) and after plant extraction. The primary objective of this research was to determine whether soil complexation with an aqueous EDTA solution contributed to the increased uptake of selected heavy metals from soil into the selected plants under real environmental conditions. To assess this, one portion of the land plots was treated with a 0.1 M EDTA solution (from sowing until the late growth stage), while the other portion was left untreated. The results presented in this study indicate that soil complexation with the EDTA solution did not significantly enhance the phytoremediation potential of plants in the majority of analyzed samples. One of the key reasons for the reduced mobility of heavy metals from soil into plant material may be the alkaline nature of the soil at all three study locations, with a pH &gt; 8. The mobility of heavy metals is significantly higher in acidic soils compared to alkaline soils.</p>

The objective of this research was to (1) gain insight into the online and offline video gaming activities participants engaged in over the previous 12 months related to IGD, and (2) examine differences in internet gaming disorder scores between eSports players and gamers. The research was conducted on 62 participants (N=62), 26 of whom are eSports players participating in state-level and regional-level competitions, while the remaining 36 are classified as gamers. Regression analysis and t-test statistical procedures were used to test the hypotheses regarding internet gaming disorder, utilizing the IGD-20 (Internet Gaming Disorder-20) psychological scale. It was hypothesized that age, age of initiation into gaming, weekly hours played, and gamer/eSports player status are statistically significant predictors of internet gaming disorder, while also assuming that eSports players score lower on mood modification, withdrawal symptoms, and conflict subscales of internet gaming disorder. Results indicate that the first hypothesis was partially confirmed, where age (ß=-.275, p<.05) and gamer/eSports player status (ß=.459, p<.001) are statistically significant predictors of internet gaming disorder, while other variables showed no statistical significance. Testing differences between eSports players and gamers, all three hypotheses were confirmed, with eSports players scoring significantly lower on mood modification (t(60)=3.37, p<.01), withdrawal symptoms (t(60)=2.98, p<.01), and conflict (t(60)=2.86, p<.01) subscales. Conclusively, the results imply better mental health, control, and resilience in comparison to gamers, likely due to the organizational aspects of eSports organizations and the professional elements of their roles, which together seemingly serve as protective factors against mental health disorders. This research aimed to raise new questions and briefly introduce important details related to eSports and gaming.

This paper presents a study of air pollution in the vertical profile of the atmosphere during periods with and without temperature inversion in the Zenica valley. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) equipped with sensors for measuring the concentration of suspended particles, atmospheric pressure and air temperature were used for the study. The measurements were carried out at three different locations in the Zenica valley in two different periods. The study shows that pollutants remain below the inversion layer during the inversion period and that concentrations drop sharply at heights above the floor of the inversion layer. The measurements were carried out in December 2024 and January 2025 at three locations (Institut, Kamberovi apolje and Banlozi) along the Zenica valley, which, in addition to industrial sources of pollution, also contains a large number of small house stows distributed on the slopes of the hills surrounding the Zenica valley on three sides.

The aim of the study was to determine the association between motor abilities and the performance of the Osoto Gari (OSOTOG) from the special physical education (SPE) program, as a narrower part of the Physical Education field. The sample consisted of 84 male first-year students from the Faculty of Security Sciences in Banja Luka. The variable sample consisted of sixteen tests for assessing motor skills, which served as independent variables, and the dependent variable, the Osoto Gari, represented the average grades of performing the throwing technique with a backward standing leg from the SFE program. This technique differs from the classic Osoto Gari by its training methodology and level of application in defense or attack situations. Based on the results of the regression analysis, it can be concluded that motor skills are significant for the effectiveness of the throwing technique with a backward standing leg, with 46.4% of the total variability of the dependent variable OSOTOG being determined by the independent variables assessing motor skills. The statistically significant individual contributions to explaining the criterion variable OSOTOG were made by the following variables: hand tapping, side steps, twisting, side lying, forward bend on a bench, and standing long jump, which suggests that these variables are predictive for performing the throwing technique with a backward standing leg from the SPE program. The obtained results could be used to develop certain motor skills to improve the quality of performing the throwing technique with a backward standing leg.

Voda je jedan od najvažnijih prirodnih resursa, ključan za ekosustav, ljudsko zdravlje i održivi razvoj. Izvorske vode predstavljaju značajan dio vodenih resursa, karakteristične po svojoj visokoj kvaliteti i stabilnom dotoku iz podzemnih rezervoara. Njihova čistoća i kemijski sastav ovise o geološkim i hidrološkim uvjetima, ali mogu biti pod utjecajem različitih zagađivača. U ovom istraživanju određeni su parametri kvaliteta vode s lokalnog izvorišta Klokot (Bihać, Bosna i Hercegovina) u zimskom periodu tijekom tri mjeseca, kako bi se ocijenila njena kvaliteta i identificirali potencijalni rizici po okoliš i zdravlje ljudi. Provedena je detaljna analiza fizičkih, kemijskih i mikrobioloških parametara. Dobiveni rezultati su analizirani i uspoređeni sa zakonskim regulativama kako bi se utvrdila ispravnost vode za različite namjene. Određeni parametri su pokazali odstupanja od optimalnih vrijednosti, što ukazuje na potencijalne antropogene utjecaje. Ovi nalazi naglašavaju potrebu za kontinuiranim praćenjem kvaliteta vode i primjenom adekvatnih mjera zaštite izvorišta kako bi se osigurala dugoročna održivost ovog važnog prirodnog resursa.

Active Open Thinking (AOM) is a disposition that manifests itself as a tendency to consciously and actively seek, consider and evaluate various arguments based on available evidence when thinking and making decisions with the aim of reaching objective conclusions. According to the study socialization hypothesis, during academic studies, people harmonize their existing system of values, attitudes and beliefs with those that rule in the academic group they attend. In this paper, we try to examine whether the experience of studying in a certain study group has a statistically significant effect on AOM. The research was conducted on a convenient sample of students of the study program of theology (n=82) and psychology (n=205). From each group, students who are at the beginning (first and second year) and at the end (fourth and fifth year) of their studies were tested. Disposition towards AOM was assessed with a Likert-type scale consisting of 20 statements. The hypothesis of the research is that during their studies, psychology students show a significant increase in the tendency towards AOM compared to theology students. The analysis of the results found that, when it comes to the development of AOM, there is no statistically significant interaction between the study group and the length of study. Therefore, it can be concluded that the hypothesis about the effects of study socialization on active open-mindedness was not confirmed, because psychology students already at the beginning of their studies achieve statistically significantly higher average AOM results compared to theology students, and during the course of the studies there is no significant change in the level of AOM in any group.

The aim of the paper is to provide an insight into morphosyntactic and lexical strategies employed to name aged care facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also necessary to compare their translation equivalents into English in order to reach general conclusions about the naming classification strategies employed and availability of the information in the English language on the internet. Furthermore, as protective euphemisms are frequently related to taboo words and concepts that vary across cultures, the paper also discusses how protective euphemisms may be related to politically correct language and linguistic policy creation. The paper proposes that the varying use of euphemistic strategies employed could be due to the lexical strategies available, cultural differences and differing levels of understanding regarding sensitive language use. The theoretical framework is grounded in research conducted by Burridge (2012), Benczes and Burridge (2015), Felton (1969), Halmari (2011), and Candrian (2015) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of euphemisms and their role in shaping contemporary language use.