Although, the studies on correlation between saliva cortisol concentrations and free levels of this hormone in blood samples are lacking, salivary cortisol offer a novel approach in research of stress biomarkers with its ease of collection and potentially wide scope for application.

IntroductionThe purpose of the present study was to examine self-perceived stress of health professions students at the Faculty of Medicine Foča, and to explore its association with anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life.MethodsThe cross-sectional study enrolled 451 students at the Faculty of Medicine (medicine, dentistry, nursing and speech therapy). Survey instruments were distributed at the conclusion of the spring semester during the last required lecture for each year and study programme class. Perceived stress was assessed using the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. The students were evaluated for symptoms of depression and anxiety, using Zung’s self-assessment inventory for depression and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). European Quality of Life-5 dimensions were used for describing and evaluating health. Multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression to examine the relationship between the outcome variable and selected determinant factors.ResultsA high degree of stress was reported by 1.6% of students, while the majority of students had either moderate (70.6%) or low degree (27.5%) of stress. The significant independent factors associated with perceived stress were anxiety score (OR, 0.339; CI 95%, 0.276-0.403) and EQ-5D score (OR, 0.044; CI 95%, 0.033-0.085). A high degree of perceived stress (OR, 0.624; CI 95%, 0.507-0.704), the presence of depression (OR, 0.800; CI 95%, 0.513-1.087), and low quality of life were associated with anxiety (OR, 0.073; CI 95%, 0.018-0.128).ConclusionHigher levels of perceived stress predispose health professions students for anxiety and lower quality of life. The study programme was not a significant determinant of perceived stress sore.

Introduction As non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) may compromise aesthetics and function, knowledge of their aetiological covariables enhances management of clinical complaints and success of restorative treatments. Aims The primary aim of this study was to assess the presence of NCCLs among the general population of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the potential association with patient‐related risk factors. Methods A prevalence study of NCCLs included 738 respondents from eight towns/municipalities. Two dental practitioners examined all respondents. NCCLs were diagnosed according to the Smith and Knight tooth wear index, measured using a Williams periodontal probe. Data regarding risk factors were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the association of risk factors and the occurrence of NCCLs. Results Non‐carious cervical lesions were diagnosed in 384 (52%) respondents. Multivariate regression analysis showed that several variables were independently associated with the risk of developing NCCLs, including frequent consumption of acid food (P = 0.001), frequent consumption of acid drinks (P = 0.001), retaining drink in the mouth (P = 0.001), alcohol consumption (P = 0.030), bruxism (P = 0.018) and gastro‐oesophageal reflux (P = 0.023). First mandibular premolars were the most affected teeth (left: 46.0%; right: 44.0%), followed by the second right maxillary premolars (37.3%), second left maxillary premolars (33.6%) and finally by the first right maxillary premolars (34.0%). Conclusion The results of the current study suggest that NCCLs occur frequently and have a multifactorial aetiology. The lowest prevalence was recorded among individuals younger than 20 years of age. As the majority of risk factors are modifiable, regular dental care could lead to the early detection of NCCLs.

AA genotype of rs165774 could be a significant risk factor for the development of TMD and TMD pain, while AA genotype of rs6269 presents less postoperative chronic TMD pain and acute pain at a dental extraction site.

TMD-related chronic pain grade, masticatory dysfunction, and depressive symptoms and somatization are the highest when the estrogen level is the lowest.

Stress is defined as a state in which homeostasis, as a dynamic balance of internal conditions necessary for the proper functioning of cells or the living organism as a whole, is affected by the action of various stressors. Stress reaction occurs as a result of stress system activities, which is located in the central and peripheral nervous system. Stress evaluation involves a qualitative and quantitative analyses and valuation of certain biologically active substances (biomarkers of stress) in body fluids that are so often associated with stress. Saliva as a diagnostic medium is being increasingly used for purposes of clinical and basic research because of its composition and content as well as the advantages of the process of sampling, as compared to traditional methods of collecting blood samples and urine samples. Cortisol, as a biomarker of stress, is the most often studied salivary biomarker, which is associated with the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis. Since stress leads to the suppression of the immune system, values of salivary secretory IgA and salivary lysozyme, as biomarkers of stress, can be analyzed. In saliva, it is difficult to monitor acute stress parameters, catecholamines, due to their low concentrations, rapid degradation and instability in the samples. Chromogranin A (CgA) and α-amylase enzyme can be used as alternative indices of adrenergic activity during stress reactions, due to their stability in saliva and reliability of the obtained values.Stress reaction and the diseases in whose pathogenesis it participates are yet another proof of the constant interaction of physical, psychological and social factors in health / disease.

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Summary Introduction Numerous challenges and barriers have emerged since changing the minimum requirement for those interested in pursuing employment as a nurse in Europe to a baccalaureate degree. To analyze the perceptions of baccalaureate nurses regarding the current status of their profession and the issues involved in implementing the prerequisite of earning a baccalaureate degree in order to practice as nurses in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods A series of six focus groups were undertaken with 49 baccalaureate nurses employed in primary health care centers and regional hospitals. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collected were analyzed using conventional content analysis approach. Results Baccalaureate nurses report dissatisfaction with their level of autonomy and anxiety over their limited career opportunities. They expressed concern over difficult working conditions, inadequate financial compensation, and ongoing resistance by physicians as the primary barriers to implementing advanced nursing education and professional reform. The global image of the nursing profession is negative. Conclusion The perception is that revising the legal framework regarding nursing qualifications, duties, and standards will result in reform necessary to positively affect the during profession. Progress toward implementing reform of the nursing profession is negligible. Addressing barriers such as work environment, lack of job classification, fair payment, autonomy, and interdisciplinary collaboration toward the competences of baccalaureate nurse is essential if successful reform is to occur.