Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the entire personality and is most often diagnosed during school age. The Tomatis Method involves neurosensory brain stimulation through unique listening programs. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the Tomatis Method on the attention of a child with ADHD. The listening program was tailored to the child's specific needs and was administered by a certified Tomatis practitioner. Each treatment cycle lasted 14 days. The assessment was conducted at four time points: before and after the first cycle, and before and after the second cycle of the Tomatis treatment. A software-based assessment tool specifically designed to evaluate components of executive functions was used to measure attention. The collected data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software for statistical analysis. Basic statistical parameters were calculated. The results showed improvements in attention-related abilities, including increased response accuracy and faster reaction times. Key words:Tomatis Method, ADHD, attention.
Menopause represents an inevitable transition in a woman’s life, presenting with vasomotor symptoms, mood disorders, sleep difficulties, and prolonged risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Hormone replacement therapy emerged as the cornerstone of menopausal management, particularly for alleviating symptoms and preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002 highlighted increased risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke associated with hormonal replacement treatment, leading to a significant global decline in its usage. Consequently, numerous women were deprived of essential therapy, endangering their health and quality of life. This review presents the findings of the WHI study, discusses its methodological errors, and evaluates its benefits and harms. We explore landmark studies that have reestablished the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy over the past two decades. Guidelines supported by these findings are presented in this review. Despite advancements, public perception of hormone replacement treatment remains influenced by outdated findings, limiting its utilization in many regions, especially in developing countries. Our objective is to provide evidence that misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy significantly impact women’s general health and quality of life, as well as to clarify the short-term and long-term impacts of hormone replacement therapy. We conclude that hormonal replacement treatment is effective and safe when administered according to established guidelines. Access to information, coupled with knowledgeable physicians who consistently interact with women, is as vital as the contributions of menopause healthcare specialists. Conflicting information from outdated professionals can likely lead to treatment failure in patients. Keywords: menopause, women’s health, estrogens, progestins, quality of life
Narrative review synthesizes the most current literature on the SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant, focusing on its genomic evolution, immune evasion characteristics, epidemiological dynamics, and public health implications. To achieve this, we conducted a structured search of the literature of peer-reviewed articles, preprints, and official surveillance data from 2023 to early 2025, prioritizing virological, clinical, and immunological reports related to XEC and its parent lineages. Defined by the distinctive spike protein mutations, T22N and Q493E, XEC exhibits modest reductions in neutralization in vitro, although current evidence suggests that mRNA booster vaccines, including those targeting JN.1 and KP.2, retain cross-protective efficacy against symptomatic and severe disease. The XEC strain of SARS-CoV-2 has drawn particular attention due to its increasing prevalence in multiple regions and its potential to displace other Omicron subvariants, although direct evidence of enhanced replicative fitness is currently lacking. Preliminary analyses also indicated that glycosylation changes at the N-terminal domain enhance infectivity and immunological evasion, which is expected to underpin the increasing prevalence of XEC. The XEC variant, while still emerging, is marked by a unique recombination pattern and a set of spike protein mutations (T22N and Q493E) that collectively demonstrate increased immune evasion potential and epidemiological expansion across Europe and North America. Current evidence does not conclusively associate XEC with greater disease severity, although additional research is required to determine its clinical relevance. Key knowledge gaps include the precise role of recombination events in XEC evolution and the duration of cross-protective T-cell responses. New research priorities include genomic surveillance in undersampled regions, updated vaccine formulations against novel spike epitopes, and long-term longitudinal studies to monitor post-acute sequelae. These efforts can be augmented by computational modeling and the One Health approach, which combines human and veterinary sciences. Recent computational findings (GISAID, 2024) point to the potential of XEC for further mutations in under-surveilled reservoirs, enhancing containment challenges and risks. Addressing the potential risks associated with the XEC variant is expected to benefit from interdisciplinary coordination, particularly in regions where genomic surveillance indicates a measurable increase in prevalence.
This study investigated the potential of high-voltage electrical discharge (HVED), as a green, non-thermal extraction technology, for recovering polyphenols from winter savory (Satureja montana L.). Key process parameters, including frequency (40, 70, 100 Hz) and extraction time (1, 5, 15, 30, 45 min), were optimized, using water as a solvent and maintaining a constant solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:100 g/mL. The extracts were characterized for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), while individual phenolics were quantified via HPLC-DAD. Multivariate chemometric analyses, including Pearson correlation, heatmap clustering, and principal component analysis (PCA), were employed to reveal relationships between extraction conditions, polyphenolic profiles, and antioxidant activities. The results showed strong correlations between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity, with compounds such as quercetin-3-D-galactoside, procyanidin A2, and rutin identified as key contributors. Among the tested conditions, extraction at 70 Hz for 45 min provided the highest polyphenol yield and bioactivity. The application of HVED demonstrated its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly technique for obtaining phenolic-rich extracts. In addition, the use of chemometric tools provided useful insights for optimizing extraction conditions and understanding the contributions of specific compounds to bioactivity. These results support future applications in clean-label product development and contribute to broader efforts in sustainable ingredient production for the food, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors.
This study investigates the neural encoding of speech features in hearing aid users using electroencephalography (EEG) during a simulated cocktail party scenario. The objective was to investigate neural tracking of various acoustic and linguistic features and how hearing aid noise reduction influenced this tracking. The features analyzed included the acoustic envelope, phonetic features, word onset, and word surprisal, the latter derived from GPT-2. Temporal Response Functions (TRFs) were used to correlate these features with EEG signals, revealing how the brain tracks attended (target) versus unattended (masker) speech. TRFs were estimated using a boosting algorithm, with speech features as predictors and EEG signals as responses. Results revealed a significant distinction between target and masker speech. The acoustic envelope showed the strongest correlation with EEG responses. Distinct tracking patterns were observed: the acoustic envelope and phonetic features correlated with early processing stages, while word onset and word suprisal were linked to later stages. Noise reduction further influenced the tracking of these features. These findings improve our understanding of how hearing aid users process speech and provide insight for developing hearing aids that adapt to individual neural responses.
U radu su razmatrana trenutna i konsolidacijska slijeganja kvadratnog temelja za dvije različite geomehaničke sredine. Prvi slučaj je pjeskovito tlo ispod kojeg se nalazi sloj gline, a druga geomehanička sredina je pjeskovito tlo u mješavini sa šljunkom te ojačano cementnim prahom (30%) i staklenim vlaknima (1%) ispod kojeg se nalazi glina. Dobiveni rezultati slijeganja pokazuju dobru stabilizaciju tla i povoljne geomehaničke karakteristike ojačanog tla koji se ogledaju u manjoj vrijednosti ukupnog slijeganja temelja koja zadovoljava maksimalnu dopuštenu vrijednost definiranu Eurocode-om. U radu su prikazana slijeganja kroz vremensko razdoblje od 120 dana, prikazano je konačno, dugoročno slijeganje ispod temelja kao i diferencijalni omjer (δ/L) slijeganja temelja. Proračun trenutnog slijeganja vršen je prema teoriji elastičnosti odnosno konsolidacijsko slijeganje prema Terzaghi-ju.
Evaluation of the performance of teleoperation systems plays an important role in assessing the efficacy and reliability of such systems. The evaluation is usually performed based on factors such as stability, transparency, and user satisfaction. However, very few studies have addressed the numerical evaluation of transparency in teleoperation systems so far. This letter presents a novel method to numerically assess the transparency of teleoperation systems based on representing recorded experimental data algebraically by fitting parametric curves using Elliptic Fourier Descriptors (EFD). The EFD coefficients are used to compute the Hybrid Matrix of the teleoperation system, which provides a metric for judging how transparent a teleoperation system is. This letter validates the proposed method using real experimental position and force data for teleoperation systems with and without time delay, as well as providing an analysis of the effect of the number of harmonics on the calculation of the Hybrid Matrix.
Introduction. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has significantly advanced axillary staging in clinically node-negative breast cancer, offering lower morbidity compared to traditional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Nonetheless, precise prediction of non-sentinel lymph node (non-SLN) involvement remains essential for optimizing surgical decisions and preventing unnecessary ALND. Methods. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 176 patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer who underwent SLNB. Clinicopathological data were reviewed to evaluate associations between various predictive factors and non-SLN involvement. Variables analyzed included tumor size, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), Ki-67 proliferation index, and sentinel lymph node characteristics. Results. Multivariable logistic regression identified the type of SLN metastasis (OR=21.4; 95% CI 1.7–43.6; p=0.01), the number of positive SLNs (OR=5.66; 95% CI 1.18–36.6; p=0.03), and the number of negative SLNs (OR=0.04; 95% CI 0.006–0.27; p=0.001) as independent predictors of non-SLN metastases. The predictive model demonstrated excellent discriminatory power, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.91. Conclusion. Specific clinical and histopathological variables reliably predict non-SLN involvement in SLN-positive breast cancer patients. Incorporation of these predictors into clinical practice may enhance individualized axillary management and reduce unnecessary ALND procedures. Further validation through larger prospective studies is warranted. Key words: Breast Neoplasms, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Axillary Lymph Nodes, Lymph Node Dissection, Neoplasm Staging.
Background Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is frequently associated with systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Indices derived from routine laboratory tests that reflect systemic inflammatory and lipid-inflammatory status may offer better prognostic insight. This study aimed to evaluate the association between selected indices and short-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in patients with NSTEMI treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and statin. The selected indices reflect key mechanisms involved in NSTEMI pathophysiology, including insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Materials and methods This prospective observational study included 171 patients with NSTEMI admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Clinic for Internal Medicine at the University Clinical Centre Tuzla between February 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023. Blood samples were collected upon admission and 24 hours subsequently. The following indices were calculated: triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (TG/HDL), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV). Outcomes were tracked during hospitalization and up to three months post-discharge. MACE was defined as cardiovascular death, reinfarction, stroke, or unplanned revascularization. All patients underwent coronary angiography; revascularization was performed when clinically indicated. Exclusion criteria included active malignancy, infection, or inflammatory disease. Logistic regression was adjusted for age, diabetes, and other clinical variables. Missing data were handled using the pairwise deletion method. Results High levels of TyG at admission were independently associated with MACE (odds ratio (OR) 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-2.8; p = 0.037). All-cause mortality occurred in 14.6% of patients (n = 25), while MACE occurred in 60 patients. Independent predictors of mortality included elevated TyG at admission (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.4; p = 0.034), TG/HDL at 24 hours (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.7; p = 0.007), AIP at 24 hours (OR 5.7; 95% CI 1.1-28.9; p = 0.035), and NLR at 24 hours (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2; p = 0.002). PLR and PIV at 24 hours were also significantly associated with mortality. Optimal cut-off values were TyG ≥ 8.9, AIP ≥ 0.35, and NLR ≥ 4.5. NLR had the highest estimated area under the curve (AUC ≈ 0.78). Conclusion In NSTEMI patients treated with DAPT and statin, several inflammatory and lipid-inflammatory indices were independently associated with short-term mortality. Indices measured at 24 hours had a stronger prognostic value than baseline values. Serial monitoring may aid early risk stratification. Outcomes were assessed during hospitalization and via structured follow-up up to three months post-discharge.
This work proposes a motion planning algorithm for robotic manipulators that combines sampling-based and search-based planning methods. The core contribution of the proposed approach is the usage of burs of free configuration space ($\mathcal{C}$-space) as adaptive motion primitives within the graph search algorithm. Due to their feature to adaptively expand in free $\mathcal{C}$-space, burs enable more efficient exploration of the configuration space compared to fixed-sized motion primitives, significantly reducing the time to find a valid path and the number of required expansions. The algorithm is implemented within the existing SMPL (Search-Based Motion Planning Library) library and evaluated through a series of different scenarios involving manipulators with varying number of degrees-of-freedom (DoF) and environment complexity. Results demonstrate that the bur-based approach outperforms fixed-primitive planning in complex scenarios, particularly for high DoF manipulators, while achieving comparable performance in simpler scenarios.
Recent technological advances have expanded the use of 3D-printed polymer components across industries, including a growing interest in military applications. The effective defensive use of such materials depends on a thorough understanding of polymer properties, printing techniques, structural design, and influencing parameters. This paper analyzes the ballistic resistance of 3D-printed polymer structures against 9 × 19 mm projectiles. Cuboid targets with different infill patterns—cubic, grid, honeycomb, and gyroid—were fabricated and tested experimentally using live ammunition. Post-impact, CT scans were used to non-destructively measure projectile penetration depths. The honeycomb infill demonstrated superior bullet-stopping performance. Additionally, mechanical properties were experimentally determined and applied in FEM simulations, confirming the ability of commercial software to predict projectile–target interaction in complex geometries. A simplified analytical model also produced satisfactory agreement with experimental observations. The results contribute to a better understanding of impact behavior in 3D-printed polymer structures, supporting their potential application in defense systems.
Sažetak ( sa ključnim riječima): Sažetak: Radni sporovi su pogodni za rješavanje alternativnim načinima rješavanja, pa i mirenjem propisanim Zakona o mirnom rješavanju radnih sporova iz 2021. godine. U radu se obrađuju specifičnosti radnih sporova kao posebnog parničnog postupka. Glavni fokus rada je na analizi postupku mirnog rješavanja kolektivnih radnih sporova, mirovno vijeće, način određivanja miritelja i arbitara te druga pitanja od značaja za mirno rješavanje radnih sporova za teritoriju Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine ako drugim zakonom nije drugačije određeno. Autorica naglašava važnost obveznog mirenja kod rješavanja kolektivnog radnog spora uz analizu sudske prakse te utjecaj mirenja na ishod parnice i značaj jer postignuti sporazum ima pravnu snagu ovršne isprave. Autorica analizira odnos parničnog zakonodavstva te instituta obveznog mirenja kao predstadija prije pokretanja parničnog postupka za kolektivne radne sporove u kontekstu i konvencijskih prava - prava na pristup sudu te prava na udruživanje i prava na štrajk. Poseban naglasak se stavlja na specifičnosti i značaj mirenja u kolektivnim radnim sporovima. Ključne riječi: kolektivni radni spor, Zakon o mirnom rješavanju radnih sporova, mirenje, arbitraža Summary: Labor disputes are suitable for resolution by alternative means of resolution, including mediation prescribed by the Law on the Peaceful Settlement of Labor Disputes from 2021. The paper addresses the specifics of labor disputes as a special civil procedure. The main focus of the paper is on the analysis of the procedure for the peaceful resolution of collective labor disputes, the peace council, the method of appointing conciliators and arbitrators, and other issues of importance for the peaceful resolution of labor disputes for the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, unless otherwise provided for by other law. The authors emphasize the importance of mandatory mediation in resolving collective labor disputes, along with an analysis of case law and the impact of mediation on the outcome of litigation and its significance because the agreement reached has the legal force of an enforceable document. The authors analyze the relationship between civil proceeding law and the institute of mandatory mediation as a preliminary stage before initiating civil proceedings for collective labor disputes in the context of both convention rights - the right to access to court and the right to associate and the right to strike. Special emphasis is placed on the specifics and importance of mediation in collective labor disputes. Keywords: collective labor dispute, Law on Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes, mediation, arbitratio
Dementia is a growing public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as a post-conflict LMIC with a complex administrative structure, currently lacks national guidelines, epidemiological data, and systematic approaches for dementia care. This study investigates healthcare workers’ attitudes toward dementia care and identifies both obstacles and practical opportunities for improving practice within BiH’s unique healthcare system. A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare settings across Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 25 participants, including family medicine doctors (n = 10), nurses (n = 10), and psychologists (n = 5). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Dementia care in BiH is predominantly reactive, with healthcare professionals typically responding only after families have expressed concerns. Participants reported inconsistent use of cognitive screening tools (e.g. MMSE, MoCA), largely due to insufficient training, lack of clear national guidelines, and varying institutional practices. Many clinicians felt unprepared and unsupported in managing dementia cases. Cultural stigma and widespread misperceptions of dementia as a normal part of aging contribute to delays in diagnosis and reduce the likelihood that families will seek help early. These barriers are exacerbated by a lack of national prevalence data and fragmented care pathways. The findings of this study indicate the need to change the approach to dementia care in BiH through concrete and realistic measures within the existing systemic frameworks. Practice-based guidelines, culturally adapted tools for early detection, reactivation of community-based care, accessible education, a pragmatic approach to prevention, and local initiatives for awareness-raising and multidisciplinary care are recommended.
Abstract Background Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is often linked with reproductive disorders in humans and animals. Despite this, its presence in animals in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H) remains undocumented. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among domestic pigs in FB&H, assess associated risk factors for parasite transmission and provide insights into optimal management and biosafety practices for the pig industry. Methods A two‐phase random sampling approach was employed to select 87 pig farms across 10 administrative regions in FB&H. A total of 437 pigs were sampled and tested for anti‐T. gondii antibodies using an indirect ELISA kit. Epidemiological data on potential risk factors were collected through a standardised questionnaire and analysed using logistic regression models. Results The animal‐level seroprevalence was found to be 13.3% (95% CI = 10.4–16.8), with 44.8% of farms testing positive for T. gondii (95% CI: 34.8–55.3). Identified risk factors included exposure to cats, repeated occurrences of abortions within a single breeding season, swill feeding, type of housing, and type of operation. The robust association observed between recurrent abortions and Toxoplasma seropositivity indicates a significantly greater potential involvement of T. gondii in reproductive disorders among pigs in FB&H than previously acknowledged. Conclusions This study provides the first report on T. gondii infection in animals in FB&H, highlighting the need for further research to explore its presence in other meat animals and meat products consumed in the region. The findings underscore the importance of biosafety measures in mitigating T. gondii transmission and call for enhanced surveillance and management strategies in FB&H's pig industry.
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