The Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region differs in access to HIV and co-infections care and treatment. The aim of the study was to analyze the relation between the severity of the COVID-19 disease and HIV specific factors in the European Union (EU) Countries and in non-European Union (non-EU) Countries.The study was conducted between November 2020 and May 2021. Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) Network Group was collecting observational data on HIV-positive patients diagnosed with COVID-19. In total, 16 countries from CEE (Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Croatia, Turkey, Romania, Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Greece, Georgia, Albania, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bulgaria) submitted data on HIV-positive patients using an electronic case report form (eCRF). Chi-Square test was used for group comparisons.In total 557 patients were included into the analyses: 361 from EU and 196 from non-EU countries. Access to remdesivir was 1.5% in non-EU countries vs 3.9% in EU-countries (p= 0.1952) . Symptoms of COVID-19 occurred more often in non-EU countries (93.3%) vs non-EU countries (83.6%) [p=0.0009], as well as hospitalization 32.8% vs. 20.8% respectively [0.0027]. Death/ICU was 4.8% in non-EU countries vs 3.4% in EU-countries (p=0.4877). In total 18 (3.23%) patients found out about HIV diagnosis during COVID-19, which was comparable in two groups (11 [3.0%] in UE countries vs. 7 [3.6%] in non-UE countries; p=0.8029).Patients from non- EU countries were more likely to be COVID-19 symptomatic and hospitalized. Access to antiviral therapy for SARS-CoV-2 was very low for all CEE countries.

Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) has various clinical presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed. This multicenter study examines the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients across five academic pediatric surgery centers in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia. We retrospectively included all pediatric patients (< 18 years) who were surgically and histopathologically confirmed to have symptomatic MD between 2011 and 2020. Demographics, clinical and radiological features, surgical treatment approaches, histopathologic findings, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Among 151 patients (80.1% male), the median age was 6.7 years (IQR 1.5–10.8). Presentations included intestinal obstruction (38.4%), GI bleeding (37.8%), and peritonitis (23.8%); 63.6% had multiple symptoms. A technetium-99 m scan was positive in 80.7% of bleeding cases. Laparotomy was performed in 72.2%, laparoscopy in 23.2%, and conversion in 4.6%. Partial small bowel resection was required in 80.8%, versus diverticulectomy in 19.2% (p < 0.001). Ectopic mucosa was found in 55.6% (gastric 48.3%, pancreatic 2.6%, both 4.6%; p = 0.05), significantly more common in males (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications occurred in 3.2%, with no mortality. Symptomatic MD displays highly variable clinical presentations. It is often underdiagnosed preoperatively, particularly without GI bleeding, emphasizing the need for high clinical suspicion and tailored surgical approaches.

This paper explores the role and status of the family within the legal framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina, analyzing how international norms and national laws affect the rights and protection of families. The paper specifically examines the alignment between national legislation and international legal standards, with a particular focus on the challenges of implementing these norms. The study focuses on the definition of family in a legal sense, fundamental principles regulating the status of families in international law, and the significance of families in society. Key issues related to domestic violence, economic instability, and institutional weaknesses are highlighted as central obstacles to effective family protection. It also examines how international obligations are implemented in the national law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, identifying key challenges that families face, including social, economic, and legal aspects. The objectives of this paper are to analyze the legal frameworks applied to families, identify challenges in the everyday lives of families, and propose solutions to improve their status and protection. The recommendations aim at improving institutional capacities, enhancing legal enforcement mechanisms, and providing stronger support for vulnerable families, especially in post-conflict settings. The methodology includes comparative analysis of international conventions and national laws, literature review, case studies, and analysis of statistical data. The expected outcomes of this paper include a deeper understanding of the legal and social context affecting families in Bosnia and Herzegovina, identification of key barriers hindering the full protection and realization of family rights, and proposals for specific solutions to improve their position in society. The paper provides concrete recommendations for strengthening the legal framework and suggests policy improvements to support families, focusing on compliance with international standards, and aims to contribute to strengthening social cohesion and economic stability through a better understanding and protection of the family as a fundamental social unit.

Using the RadSawSim simulator for radial sawing, a simulation of the radial sawing technique was used to saw Pedunculata oak (Quercus robur L.) logs. Simulation was implemented with a view to producing as many radially sawn boards as possible and took into account the influences of increasing volume yield, lumber value yield, and log-value yield. The methods that were analyzed were live sawing and radial sawing of third sections, fourth sections, fifth sections, and sixth sections of the log. Live sawing achieved the best results of volume yield during simulation, which was followed by radial sawing into the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections. The difference in volume yield with live sawing compared to the radial-sawing method is very large for logs up to a diameter of 45 cm. It becomes smaller when the log diameter is greater than 45 cm. A comparison of the radial method shows that the share of radially sawn boards and lumber value yield increased when the number of log sections during sawing simulation increased. If log-value yield is assumed to be the main criterion, and given the conditions used in this simulation, there is no justified reason to saw logs using the radial technique when the diameter is less than 45 cm. The live sawing technique is more efficient for these diameters of logs, and, therefore, the radial sawing technique is more efficient for logs with a diameter greater than 45 cm.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an appreciable threat to public health, especially among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by high levels of inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics in these countries. There have been variable levels of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription among community pharmacies in South Africa. Given the importance of community pharmacies, especially in rural South Africa, there is a need to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics, AMR, and antibiotic stewardship. This was the aim of this study.A previously piloted questionnaire was administered to pharmacy personnel currently operating community pharmacies in a rural province in South Africa, where dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription is likely to be greatest. The questionnaire included key knowledge questions regarding antibiotics and AMR, as well as ways to reduce AMR. Community pharmacies were divided into three categories: Independent, chain, and franchise pharmacies.A total of 128 pharmacies participated (75.7%), with independent pharmacies representing the majority (60.9%). A total of 313 completed questionnaires were returned (78.3% response rate), including responses from 106 pharmacists (33.9%) and 207 pharmacist assistants (66.1%). Overall, there was very good knowledge among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants concerning antibiotics and AMR. However, there was a significant misconception regarding the potential role of antibiotics in relieving pain. Encouragingly, attitudes regarding the risks associated with obtaining antibiotics without a prescription among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants were high. There was also strong agreement among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants for potential solutions to AMR.Overall, the findings showed that most pharmacists and pharmacist assistants in this rural province demonstrated a strong understanding of the effectiveness of antibiotics in bacterial infections and their lack of effectiveness to treat viral infections. They also demonstrated considerable knowledge regarding the risks associated with the inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription, as well as ways to address rising AMR rates.

The neuroanatomy course consistently presents significant challenges, primarily due to the short lifespan of formalin-preserved brain specimens and their restricted availability. Numerous studies have evaluated the strengths and limitations of alternative resources for neuroanatomy education, with a particular focus on technology-based learning methods. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of integrating 3D printed models into the neuroanatomy curriculum and to evaluate student satisfaction with their use. The experimental group consisted of the first-year students enrolled in the integrated study program at the University of Sarajevo-Veterinary Faculty during the summer semester of the academic year 2022/2023. The course was organized using 3DP models for 15 h, while during the remaining three hours formalin-preserved specimens were utilized. Data obtained from this cohort were compared with the results of the previous two cohorts (2021–2022 and 2020–2021), who studied veterinary anatomy exclusively using formalin-preserved specimens. The neuroanatomy test scores improved in the experimental group compared to the two control groups. The students exhibit positive attitudes and report high satisfaction with using 3DP models. They support innovative teaching methods and find that the colored segments of the models enhance recognizability of different anatomical structures, highlighting the didactical value of 3DP models. Overall, study demonstrated that 3DP models were highly beneficial for neuroanatomy learning, pedagogically useful and well-received by students.

Hospitals can gain valuable insights into their current level of organizational health literacy (OHL) by using self-assessment tools. OHL self-assessment tools can serve as useful instruments for supporting the planning and implementation of OHL interventions aimed at promoting health equity and improving patient outcomes. This explorative study aimed to pilot the International Self-Assessment Tool for Organizational Health Literacy (Responsiveness) of Hospitals (OHL-Hos) among hospitals across six countries. The OHL-Hos, grounded in a comprehensive theoretical framework consisting of eight standards, 21 sub-standards and 141 indicators, was piloted in seven hospitals: one in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Norway and Serbia, and two in Italy. In each hospital, the feasibility of using the OHL-Hos was investigated regarding acceptability, implementation, practicality, and integration, identifying strengths and areas for improvement using descriptive analyses. The self-assessment process included individual rating of an interdisciplinary and inter-hierarchical assessment team regarding OHL-Hos indicators from their personal perspectives, followed by a joint assessment to reach a consensus on different ratings. The process and experiences were documented in semi-structured forms, while the ratings on the indicators were documented numerically. All hospitals successfully self-assessed their OHL, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The self-assessment process varied slightly among countries. While the tool was considered important but lengthy and complex, introductory workshops facilitated successful implementation. The self-assessment process raised awareness and stimulated discussions on improving OHL, highlighting the tool’s potential for organizational development. The OHL-Hos can serve as a useful tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement in OHL in hospitals. The overall experience with the tool was positive and the joint assessment with the tool was found to foster consensus and enable reflection on OHL, but its comprehensive nature poses challenges to its implementation, leading to recommendations for developing a shortened version of the tool with simple language. Certain indicators require specific knowledge, suggesting different professional groups should address relevant parts.

Current standard treatments for osteosarcoma have not been changed for decades and have limited and variable success. The advancement of precision medicine technologies, along with the drug-repurposing and fast drug-screening methodologies available, has opened new avenues for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of halogenated boroxine (HB) and dextran-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles—DexCeNPs (SD2)—in an in vitro osteosarcoma model. Both agents were tested individually and in combination. The research encompassed assessments of treatment-related cytotoxicity and cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptotic and necrotic responses, as well as the effects on 3D spheroid models. The results demonstrated that the effects of HB and SD2 were strongly influenced by the dose, exposure time, and cell type. Both exhibited distinguished antitumor activity through cytotoxicity and specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. The combined treatment produced modulated responses that were dependent on the treatment ratio and cell line, suggesting potential synergistic or selective interactions. Notably, the outcomes of the analysis conducted in 3D models revealed reduced toxicity toward non-tumor cells. These findings suggest the improved efficacy of HB and SD2 used in combination as a selective and novel antitumor strategy and underscore the need for further mechanistic studies at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels to elucidate the underlying pathways and clarify the mechanisms of action.

In this paper, the drainage of storm water from traffic roads is analysed by analysing the traditional method of drainage using a separate sewage system, and also by analysing the integral approach to the drainage of rainwater in the urban area. The research objectives for the treatment of the topic in this paper are set and processed for the needs of planning and development of the sewage system for the drainage of rainwater from roads in urban areas, as well as for the evaluation and ranking of conceptual solutions and the elaboration of plans for the general solution for the collection and drainage of surface water from roads. For relevant rain episodes, i.e. rainfall of appropriate duration and intensity, runoff coefficients and flows were considered and analysed according to the rational method, all for the purpose of obtaining data on the amount of rainwater entering the sewage system. According to the set research program, it was necessary to work on defining and establishing the amount of precipitation for the area that was the research polygon, and based on exact measurement data, the optimal transverse and longitudinal drops of the level of the road were determined in order to drain rainwater from the roads as efficiently and quickly as possible, within the framework of the rules that define this area.

Introduction: Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has become a global epidemic in the past 2 decades. Cardiac troponin is a specific biomarker for detecting myocardial injury, particularly in the context of myocardial infarction (MI), where elevated levels are indicative of myocardial necrosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between VD levels and troponin values in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit under suspicion of acute coronary syndrome, including comparisons with patients ultimately not diagnosed with ACS. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a group of 69 patients who were hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital under suspicion of acute coronary syndrome. The control consisted of patients without ACS. The content of VD-(25[OH]D) in blood plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during June–August 2024. Blood samples were taken in tubes with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulant. The tubes without anticoagulant were used for collecting blood for VD, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and lipid parameter measurement. Results: A statistically significant difference in total cholesterol levels was observed between patients with angina pectoris and those with MI (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis also demonstrated a moderate negative correlation between VD levels and troponin values in patients diagnosed with MI (P < 0.05), indicating that lower VD concentrations may be associated with greater myocardial injury. Conclusions: Based on the data obtained, the medical community is inclined to believe that correction of VD deficiency has great prognostic significance. Further clinical and experimental studies are needed to study in more detail the mechanisms of the negative effects of VD deficiency on the cardiovascular system.