Health

A Serbian Cup semifinal basketball game between Partizan Belgrade and Mega Basket was marred by disruptive fan behavior and ended in a decisive 80-58 victory for Mega, securing their place in the final against Crvena Zvezda. The match, held on February 20, 2026, was suspended in the fourth quarter after Partizan fans directed offensive chants towards Nebojsa Čović, the president of the Serbian Basketball Federation and former president of Crvena Zvezda, and subsequently threw objects, including flares, at the referees.

The incident, which halted play for 50 minutes, underscores growing concerns about fan conduct in Serbian basketball. Mega’s dominant performance, coupled with the chaotic scenes, has overshadowed Partizan’s hopes for a cup title and raised questions about security measures at future games. This marks the sixth consecutive year Partizan will miss the opportunity to win the Radivoj Korać Cup, a trophy with significant historical weight for the club.

Game Interrupted by Fan Protest

The disruption began early in the fourth quarter with Partizan trailing 47-61. Frustrated fans began chanting insults directed at Nebojsa Čović, prompting officials to initially suspend the game. As the referees attempted to leave the court, they were pelted with flares and other objects, forcing a prolonged stoppage while authorities addressed the situation and removed the most vocal section of Partizan supporters. BasketNews reported on the suspension and the objects thrown at the officials.

Mega Dominates on the Court

Following the lengthy delay, play resumed, but the momentum remained firmly with Mega. Partizan struggled to score, managing only two points in the first eight minutes of the fourth quarter, allowing Mega to extend their lead and secure a commanding 80-58 victory. Bogoljub Marković led Mega with 17 points, while Luigi Suigo contributed 14 points. Sportal detailed the final score and the game’s disruption.

Partizan Struggles, Mega Advances

Despite 12 points each from Duane Washington and Bruno Fernando for Partizan, the team’s overall performance was lackluster. Fernando, in particular, had a significant negative impact on the game, with opponents scoring 35 more points while he was on the court. Mega’s victory sets up a final showdown against Crvena Zvezda, who previously defeated Spartak Subotica 86-66 in the other semifinal. Sportklub reported on Crvena Zvezda’s win and the upcoming final.

Roster Restrictions and Final Matchup

The Serbian Cup regulations limit teams to registering only four foreign players. Notably, Donatas Motiejūnas, who plays for Crvena Zvezda, was not among the four foreign players selected by head coach Saša Obradović for the final. This decision highlights the strategic considerations teams face when navigating the league’s roster rules.

The final between Mega and Crvena Zvezda is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2026, promising a competitive clash between the young, upstart Mega team and the more established Crvena Zvezda. The outcome will determine the winner of the Mozzart Cup Radivoja Koraća. The events surrounding the Partizan-Mega semifinal have undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue to the tournament’s conclusion.

This incident raises important questions about fan behavior and security protocols within Serbian basketball. Further investigation and potential sanctions are likely to follow, as authorities seek to prevent similar disruptions in the future. The focus now shifts to the final match and whether Mega can capitalize on their momentum to upset Crvena Zvezda and claim the championship.

What are your thoughts on the incident? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or professional advice.

For millions grappling with the debilitating pain of osteoarthritis, a surprising potential treatment avenue is emerging: medications like Ozempic, initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes. Recent research suggests that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may not only aid in weight loss but also directly impact cartilage health and alleviate symptoms of this common joint disease. This discovery offers a glimmer of hope for a condition affecting over 500 million people worldwide, for which there is currently no cure.

Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis, involves the breakdown of cartilage – the protective tissue cushioning the ends of bones. This deterioration leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, significantly impacting quality of life. While weight management is often recommended to reduce stress on joints, new studies indicate semaglutide’s benefits extend beyond simply promoting weight loss. The potential for cartilage repair represents a significant shift in how osteoarthritis might be treated.

Studies conducted in both mice and humans have demonstrated promising results. Researchers at Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology in China found that semaglutide can thicken cartilage in both animal models and people with osteoarthritis. “Thicker cartilage suggests the tissue is being rebuilt,” explains Di Chen, a physician and biologist leading the research. “That’s a excellent thing. That’s the key thing.” This cartilage restoration could translate to reduced bone-on-bone friction and, less pain.

The mechanism behind this effect appears to be independent of weight loss. Researchers meticulously designed studies to isolate the impact of semaglutide, controlling for appetite suppression and weight reduction. Their findings, published February 9 in Cell Metabolism, reveal that semaglutide reprograms chondrocyte metabolism – the cells responsible for cartilage maintenance – shifting it from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. This metabolic shift, regulated through the “GLP-1R-AMPK-PFKFB3” axis, appears to be crucial for cartilage restoration. A related study published in PubMed further supports the link between metabolic disorders and osteoarthritis progression, highlighting semaglutide’s potential to address both simultaneously.

Previous research, including a 2024 clinical trial, had already suggested a link between semaglutide and improved joint pain and function in individuals with obesity. However, these benefits were initially attributed to weight loss alone. Chen’s team’s function challenges that assumption, suggesting a more direct impact on joint tissue. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in October 2024 also showed positive results among participants with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.

While these findings are encouraging, experts caution that further research is needed. Larger, more comprehensive clinical trials are essential to confirm these results and fully understand the long-term effects of semaglutide on osteoarthritis. The cost-effectiveness of using semaglutide and similar drugs, such as tirzepatide, for this purpose is also being investigated, with preliminary models suggesting potential benefits, as reported by 2 Minute Medicine in September 2025.

The potential for a disease-modifying osteoarthritis treatment is a significant development. Currently, management focuses on symptom relief. If semaglutide proves effective in slowing or reversing cartilage degradation, it could fundamentally change the approach to treating this debilitating condition. Researchers are now focused on identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from this therapy and optimizing treatment protocols.

What comes next involves larger-scale clinical trials to validate these initial findings and explore the optimal dosage and duration of semaglutide treatment for osteoarthritis. The focus will also be on understanding the specific mechanisms by which semaglutide impacts cartilage metabolism and identifying potential biomarkers to predict treatment response. The ongoing research promises to refine our understanding of osteoarthritis and pave the way for more effective interventions.

Have you or someone you know been affected by osteoarthritis? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Please also share this article with anyone who might identify this information helpful.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

The increasing accessibility of weight-loss injections through online pharmacies is raising serious concerns among medical professionals, with fears that inadequate checks are being carried out on patients before these powerful medications are dispensed. The ease with which these jabs can be obtained online, often without a thorough medical evaluation, is prompting calls for greater regulation and oversight to protect public health.

The core of the issue lies in the lack of communication between online providers and general practitioners (GPs). This breakdown in information sharing creates a dangerous blind spot, hindering doctors’ ability to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. The growing trend of weight-loss injections, even as potentially beneficial for some, requires careful medical supervision to ensure patient safety, and efficacy.

Two-Way Communication Breakdown

Dr. Frances O’Hagan, chair of the Northern Ireland General Practitioners Committee (NIGPC), highlighted two key problems with the current system. “If GPs are told [about the prescription], then we have to ‘double-check their (online pharmacies’) homework’,” she explained, emphasizing the burden placed on family doctors to verify the appropriateness of prescriptions issued elsewhere. However, a far more troubling scenario arises when GPs are not informed at all. In these cases, Dr. O’Hagan stated, “we have no idea unless that patient actually tells us.” This lack of transparency leaves doctors in the dark regarding potentially harmful or inappropriate medication use by their patients.

The implications of this lack of communication are significant. Without knowing a patient is using these injections, GPs cannot adequately monitor for side effects, assess potential drug interactions, or ensure the treatment aligns with the patient’s overall health profile. This is particularly concerning given that these medications often have contraindications and require careful consideration of a patient’s medical history.

Growing Concerns Over Patient Safety

The rise in popularity of weight-loss injections, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes, has been fueled by social media trends and celebrity endorsements. While these medications can be effective in promoting weight loss, they are not without risks. Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, more serious complications like pancreatitis. General practice in Northern Ireland is already under significant pressure, and the added burden of managing complications arising from unregulated online prescriptions could further strain the system.

Dr. O’Hagan’s concerns echo a broader trend of patients seeking medical interventions outside of traditional healthcare settings. The convenience and perceived anonymity of online pharmacies can be appealing, but they often come at the cost of comprehensive medical oversight. This raises questions about the responsibility of online providers to ensure patient safety and the need for stricter regulations to govern the online sale of prescription medications.

The Need for Increased Regulation

Currently, the regulation of online pharmacies varies significantly across jurisdictions. While some countries have implemented robust licensing and monitoring systems, others lag behind, creating loopholes that allow unscrupulous operators to thrive. There is a growing call for international cooperation to harmonize regulations and crack down on illegal online pharmacies. Dr. O’Hagan, the first woman to hold the role of GP committee chair in Northern Ireland, has also expressed a desire to bring more women onto the committee and into leadership roles within the BMA.

there is a need for greater public awareness about the risks associated with purchasing prescription medications online. Patients should be educated about the importance of consulting with their GP before starting any new treatment, including weight-loss injections, and encouraged to report any adverse effects to their doctor.

Looking ahead, the focus must be on strengthening the communication channels between online pharmacies and GPs, enhancing regulatory oversight, and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. Without these measures, the potential for harm from unregulated online prescriptions will continue to grow, jeopardizing the health and well-being of individuals and placing an unsustainable burden on already stretched healthcare systems.

What are your thoughts on the regulation of online pharmacies? Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.