Molecular analyses of zebrafish V0v spinal interneurons and identification of transcriptional regulators downstream of Evx1 and Evx2 in these cells.

Background: V0v spinal interneurons are highly conserved, glutamatergic, commissural neurons that function in locomotor circuits. We have previously shown that Evx1 and Evx2 are required to specify the neurotransmitter phenotype of these cells. However, we still know very little about the gene regulatory networks that act downstream of these transcription factors in V0v cells.

Pericentriolar matrix (PCM) integrity relies on cenexin and polo-like kinase (PLK)1.

Polo-like-kinase (PLK) 1 activity is associated with maintaining the functional and physical properties of the centrosome's pericentriolar matrix (PCM). In this study, we use a multimodal approach of human cells (HeLa), zebrafish embryos, and phylogenic analysis to test the role of a PLK1 binding protein, cenexin, in regulating the PCM. Our studies identify that cenexin is required for tempering microtubule nucleation by maintaining PCM cohesion in a PLK1-dependent manner.

Imaging the early zebrafish embryo centrosomes following injection of small-molecule inhibitors to understand spindle formation.

During the earliest division stages, zebrafish embryos have large cells that divide rapidly and synchronously to create a cellular layer on top of the yolk. Here, we describe a protocol for monitoring spindle dynamics during these early embryonic divisions. We outline techniques for injecting zebrafish embryos with small-molecule inhibitors toward polo-like kinases, preparing and mounting embryos for three-dimensional imaging using confocal microscopy.

Factors associated with overweight and obesity in preschool children.

Aim To determine factors associated with overweight/obesity in preschool children. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in paediatric outpatient departments of the Public Institution Primary Health Care Centre of Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 300 preschool children who were divided into two groups: normal weight (n=150) and overweight/obese (n=150).

Preventive health services utilization in patients treated by family physicians.

Aim To explore preventive health service utilization in patients treated by family physicians and the factors associated with their use. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in family medicine outpatient departments of the Primary Health Care Canter of Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 300 patients (150 males and 150 females).

The relationship between education and self-reported mental and physical health.

Aim To investigate the relationship between educational level and self-reported physical and mental health in the population of Sarajevo Canton. Methods This cross-sectional study was carriedout in family medicine outpatient departments of the Primary Health Care Centre of Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 300 respondents who were divided into lower- and higher-education groups (≤12 years and >12 years of education, respectively).