The most effective way to ensure drinking water quality and protect public health is the implementation of a preventive, risk-based approach to water supply management. This approach encompasses all stages, from the water source to the consumer, and can be applied across all water supply systems, regardless of their size. The EU Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184) emphasizes the importance of this concept. This study assesses and analyzes the risk of groundwater contamination at the water supply sources using a commonly applied risk assessment methodology, which quantifies risk based on the likelihood and potential consequences of hazard occurrence. The methodology for defining risks involved assessing the probability and consequences of certain hazards for the water supply. Based on this, a total of 19 risks were defined, which were prioritized into 4 levels.

Pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often persists despite effective control of inflammation, suggesting distinct mechanisms driving nociception. In both patients and animal models, pain severity does not strongly correlate with the degree of inflammation1,2. Sensory neurons, with cell bodies located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), innervate peripheral tissues, including joints, and transmit pain signals to the central nervous system. Crosstalk between sensory neurons and immune cells occurs at all of these sites. While sensory neurons can be directly activated by immune mediators, it remains unclear whether pain-like behaviour in antibody-induced arthritis models arises independently of immune cell activity, or which immune cell populations and mediators are required to activate pronociceptive mechanisms. Through temporal profiling of the CAIA joint–DRG transcriptomic axis, we identified SEMA4D and OSM signalling as candidate molecular mediators of neutrophil–neuron communication and neuronal sprouting. The joint–DRG atlas also revealed persistent changes in the fibroblast-immune cellular composition of the joint, along with molecular changes in DRG neurons. We showed that mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, as well as sprouting of CGRP+ nociceptive fibers in synovial tissue of mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA), require neutrophils but not macrophages. Analysis of publicly available datasets showed that neutrophils from the synovium of RA patients express high levels of SEMA4D and OSM, and corresponding expression of their receptors, PLEXINB1 and OSMR, in human DRG neurons, underscoring the translational relevance of this axis. Both murine and human-derived DRG neurons sprout in response to OSM. Our findings demonstrate that neutrophils produce molecules that act as cues for nociceptor sensitization and structural remodelling. Targeting these molecules could improve the efficacy of RA treatments by reducing pain while simultaneously preventing disease progression.

In this editorial, we comment on the article published by Qiu et al. Pyogenic liver abscess is a serious clinical condition requiring timely and effective intervention. Ultrasound (US)-guided techniques - whether needle aspiration (NA) or catheter drainage - are key minimally invasive treatments, especially in patients with multiple or deep-seated abscesses where conventional surgery is often impractical. The timing and choice of evacuation method significantly influence clinical outcomes. Although catheter drainage may be necessary for larger or refractory collections, NA represents a less invasive alternative that is often sufficient for smaller abscesses - particularly multiloculated ones - and can avoid multiple catheter placements. This consideration is especially important in the early phase of the disease, when the abscess collection is poorly demarcated from surrounding tissue and more prone to bleeding during or after intervention. Traditional practice delays intervention until liquefaction occurs; however, emerging evidence supports early US-guided evacuation - even in partially liquefied or non-liquefied abscesses - as both safe and effective. Early intervention, particularly via NA when feasible, is associated with faster symptom resolution, shorter hospitalization, and fewer complications. This editorial explores the role of US-guided interventions in pyogenic liver abscess manaement, emphasizing the importance of individualized, timely approaches that optimize disease outcomes while minimizing procedural risk.

This study investigated the influence of biological maturity status on anthropometric, body composition, and physical performance characteristics in elite youth male basketball players. A total of 140 players (15.12 ± 0.78 years) competing in national elite programs were categorized as early, on-time, or late maturers according to years from peak height velocity (PHV). Each participant completed a standardized testing battery including anthropometric assessments, body composition analysis (InBody 720), countermovement jump (CMJ) with and without arm swing, drop jump from 40 cm (DJ40), linear sprints over 5–20 m, and agility tests (t-test and Lane Agility). Between-group differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests, while partial eta squared (ηp2) and magnitude-based inference (MBI) were applied to assess effect size and practical significance. Significant differences were observed across maturity groups (p < 0.05), with early maturers being taller, heavier, and more muscular than their on-time and late-maturing peers. Large effects were found for height (ηp2 = 0.667) and body mass (ηp2 = 0.455), and moderate-to-large effects for jump, sprint, and agility performance (ηp2 = 0.051–0.166). MBI results indicated that most differences between early and late maturers were “very likely” or “almost certain,” highlighting their practical relevance. These findings confirm that biological maturity substantially affects physical and performance profiles in adolescent basketball players and underscore the importance of maturity-informed approaches such as bio-banding and individualized training to ensure fair evaluation and equitable talent development in youth sport.

Introduction: Noise is the leading cause of hearing loss worldwide. In recent years, reduced hearing ability among young people has been observed, along with an increased frequency of headphone use for sound transmission. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency and patterns of headphone use for sound reproduction among students and to analyze their impact on the occurrence of symptoms associated with hearing loss. Methods: The cross-sectional study included students from two public universities from three public faculties in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to process the results. To test the statistical significance of the findings, the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test was applied, with the level of statistical significance set at 0.01. Results: The study sample included 246 participants and it was found that 77.6% of surveyed students use headphones for sound transmission. The longest duration of use was reported by 44.6% of participants, who had been using headphones for more than 5 years. The most common maximum daily use was up to 2 h (28.7%), while 67.5% of respondents reported using headphones every day, most often in the evening (46.4%). The Chi-square test showed statistically significant differences in the frequency of symptom occurrence following headphone use (χ2(6) = 55.466, p < 0.001). The most frequently reported symptoms were tinnitus (28.3%), a sensation of fullness and ear pressure (17.8%), and ear pain (16.2%). Conclusion: The results indicate a high prevalence of headphone use among students, with many reporting daily use over several years. The analysis showed a statistically significant association between headphone use and the occurrence of hearing-related symptoms, suggesting a potential threat to the auditory health of young people. These findings highlight the need to educate youth on the safe use of headphones.

Background/Objectives: Beyond respiratory problems, COVID-19 can cause a variety of symptoms, such as neurological disorders caused by biological and psychological factors. Brain fog (BF), a post-illness cognitive impairment that many patients report, can be evaluated with reaction time (RT) testing. Response latency is measured by RT, which can be either simple (sRT) or complex (cRT). This study focuses on how COVID-19 affects cognitive function, with particular attention on RT changes, BF prevalence, and implications for daily life. Methods: The study included 599 participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. RT was measured using PsyToolkit and participants completed a COVID-19-associated BF questionnaire. Participants who experienced BF after their latest COVID-19 infection rated its severity using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additional clinical data were obtained from medical records. Results: BF was reported by 40% of participants post-COVID-19. Men reported it less frequently but found it more disruptive. RT progressively declined post-infection, reaching peak impairment at 15 weeks, following recovery, with RT normalizing by six months. Conclusions: COVID-19 is linked to temporary RT impairment, peaking at 15 weeks post-infection and resolving by six months, independent of BF presence. This study emphasizes the need for a biopsychosocial approach to BF management. Easily available RT assessments should be incorporated into routine clinical practice.

From October 2022 to October 2024, a series of mycological field studies were conducted in peatlands in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on two bogs – Đilda’s bog and Bijambare bog. As a result, several interesting and characteristic fungal species were recorded. This paper presents Phaeonematoloma myosotis, Arrhenia leucotricha, Arrhenia philonotis, Cortinarius flexipes, Geoglossum sphagnophilum, Monilinia baccarum, Elliottinia kerneri, and Sarcoleotia cinnamomea.

The Tracking Cancer Evolution Through Therapy (TRACERx) program represents the most comprehensive effort to characterize tumor evolution in real time. Through longitudinal, multiregion, and multiomic profiling of tumors—and particularly of non-small-cell lung cancer and clear cell renal cell carcinoma—TRACERx has illuminated the dynamic interplay between genetic, nongenetic, and (micro)environmental factors that drive cancer progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. A central insight from TRACERx has been that not all tumor evolution is genomic: Transcriptomic diversity, epigenetic alterations, RNA editing, and changes in cell–cell interactions also drive adaptation. Methodological innovations—including tumor-informed and ultrasensitive circulating tumor DNA assays, representative sequencing, and integrative immune–genomic analyses—have yielded biomarkers resistant to sampling bias and/or predictive of recurrence, metastasis, and treatment response. By demonstrating that intratumor heterogeneity is a key determinant of clinical outcome and revealing its molecular, transcriptional, and ecosystem-level drivers, TRACERx has established a framework for linking evolutionary dynamics to patient care. As both a scientific framework and a clinical paradigm, TRACERx demonstrates how adaptive, iterative research can refine evolutionary models, improve patient risk stratification, and inspire next-generation cancer evolution studies across malignancies.

Purpose: To emphasize the diagnostic role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome (FHCS) in an adolescent patient with a subtleclinical presentation. Methods: A 17-year-old female presented with acute onset right upper quadrant and right shoulder pain. The initial diagnostic workup, including ultrasound (US), computedtomography (CT), and laboratory testing was inconclusive. Due to persistent symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers, MRI of the abdomen and pelvis was subsequentlyperformed. Results: MRI demonstrated a bilateral pyosalpinx with restricted diffusion, free fluid in the pelvis and subhepatic region, and linear adhesions between the hepatic capsule and peritoneum, which was consistentwith pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) complicated by FHCS. Microbiologic analysis confirmed a Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The patient received targeted antibiotic therapy with clinical improvement. Conclusion: FHCS represents a rare but importantcomplication of PID that may present with non-specificor extra-pelvic symptoms. MRI is the modality of choicefor confirming PID-related complications and perihepatic inflammation, offering high sensitivity and the advantage of radiation-free imaging, which is especially relevant in the adolescent population.

Lemon essential oil is widely used in both commercial and domestic products. It consists of a mixture of volatile, liposoluble compounds responsible for its characteristic fragrance and bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The importance of lemon essential oil is even more significant when considering the increasing interest in natural products that promote human health. In this study, domestically grown lemons were used. The essential oil was extracted from the peel using the hydrodistillation method, an environmentally friendly process. The composition of the resulting essential oil was analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis revealed that d-limonene, β-pinene, and γ-terpinene are the predominant components found in lemon essential oil. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was tested and found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular docking analysis revealed that all three principal compounds were able to bind to the DNA gyrase enzyme, with d-limonene exhibiting the lowest binding energy. The essential oil also exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging activity, highlighting its antioxidant potential. The results indicate that both concentration and incubation time affect the antioxidant capacity of the essential oil.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the basic epidemiological characteristics of patients with stroke who were hospitalised at the General Hospital and the Hospital for Homeland War Veterans in Ogulin over a ten-year period.Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis ofdata from the hospital information system was conducted, encompassing all patients diagnosed with stroke at Ogulin General Hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023.Results: A total of 1521 patients were diagnosed witha stroke. Of these, 81.7% were diagnosed with an ischaemic stroke. No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of strokes between men andwomen (p = 0.233). The highest proportion of patients,39.7%, was in the 70- to 80-year age group. Most strokeswere recorded in January (147), while the fewest occurred in April (107). A total of 13.7% of patients diagnosed with a stroke were transferred to another hospital facility.Discussion: The study highlights stroke as a significantproblem in the rural region of Ogulin, primarily due tolimited resources. Early interventions, improved infrastructure, and standardised protocols are needed to reduce mortality and disability.

The development of advanced macromolecular systems with tailored structural and functional properties is a key objective in modern materials science, particularly for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery. In this study, hydrogel (HG), a polymer-based formulation, was investigated as a functional carrier for the enhanced intradermal and transdermal delivery of propranolol hydrochloride (PRO-HCl), a highly water-soluble model compound, and its potential was compared to other vehicles easily obtained by pharmacists: ointment (OM), liposomal cream (LCR), and microemulsion (ME). The formulations were characterized by their physicochemical and rheological characteristics, and evaluated in vitro and ex vivo using vertical diffusion cells equipped with synthetic membranes, intact porcine skin, and skin pretreated with solid microneedles (MNs). The HG formulation exhibited superior release performance (2396.85 ± 48.18 μg/cm2) and the highest intradermal drug deposition (19.87 ± 4.12 μg/cm2), while its combination with MNs significantly enhanced transdermal permeation (p = 0.0017). In contrast, the synergistic effect of MNs and ME led to a pronounced increase in drug accumulation within the skin (up to 60.3-fold). These findings highlight the crucial role of matrix composition and properties in modulating molecular transport through biological barriers. The study demonstrates that polymeric HGs represent versatile, functional materials with tunable structural and mechanical features, suitable for controlled release and potential systemic delivery applications.