Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disorder that typically affects young adults and is primarily characterized by demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). According to the Revised McDonald Criteria, the clinical diagnosis of MS can be established based on a combination of clinical observations, the presence of focal lesions in at least two distinct CNS areas on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the detection of specific oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid. Conventional MRI remains a cornerstone of MS diagnosis and disease monitoring, providing high-resolution assessments of lesion burden and brain atrophy. In addition, advanced MRI methods are increasingly applied in research settings to probe myelin integrity, iron deposition, and biochemical changes, with the potential to complement established diagnostic workflows in the future. Despite remarkable advances in the management of MS over the past two decades, complex differential diagnoses and the lack of effective imaging tools for therapy monitoring remain major obstacles, thus channeling the development of innovative molecular imaging probes that can be harnessed in clinical practice. Indeed, positron emission tomography (PET) has a significant potential to advance the contemporary diagnosis and management of MS. Given the solid body of evidence implicating myelin dysfunction in the pathophysiology of MS, myelin-targeted imaging probes have been developed, and are currently under clinical evaluation for MS diagnosis and therapy monitoring. In parallel, ligands for the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) and the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) have been employed to capture neuroinflammatory processes by visualizing microglial activation, while other tracers allow the assessment of synaptic integrity across various disease stages of MS. Further, PET probes have been employed to delineate the role of activated microglia and facilitate the assessment of synaptic dysfunction across all disease stages of MS. This review discusses the challenges and opportunities of translational molecular imaging by highlighting key molecular concepts that are currently leveraged for diagnostic imaging, patient stratification, therapy monitoring and drug development in MS. Moreover, we shed light on potential future developments that hold promise to advance our understanding of MS pathophysiology, with the ultimate goal to provide the best possible patient care for every individual MS patient.

Mountain lakes are sensitive ecosystems that serve as natural indicators of ecological change and conservation needs. This study presents the first ecological assessment of Lake Šator (Bosansko Grahovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina), a glacial lake situated at 1,488 m a.s.l. Field research in July and November 2021 included measurements of physicochemical parameters, water sampling, and analysis of littoral and sublittoral macrozoobenthos. The lake showed oligotrophic conditions with high oxygen saturation (101–134%), low organic load, and stable conductivity (208 µS/cm). Nitrate concentrations increased in November, reflecting seasonal dynamics. The macrozoobenthic community comprised 10 taxa in July (26 individuals) and 11 taxa in November (19 individuals). Characteristic taxa included Sympetrum flaveolum, Asellus aquaticus, Erpobdella octoculata, Limnephilus rhombicus,  Limnephilus flavicornis, Tubificidae, and water mites (Hydracarina). Functional Feeding Groups analysis revealed dominance of predators (42–46%), followed by collectors, shredders, and scrapers, indicating a balanced trophic structure. Saprobic Index values (2.24 in July; 2.14 in November) correspond to β-mesosaprobic conditions, while Shannon–Weaver Index indicated stable but seasonally variable diversity. These findings confirm the good ecological status of Lake Šator with preserved littoral dynamics. Given its sensitivity and limited prior research, the lake should be considered a priority for long-term monitoring and conservation in the Dinaric karst.

The study examined the sources of volume loss in spruce and fir roundwood resulting from the prescribed Huber’s formula, the prescribed method of diameter measurement, the prescribed method of length measurement, and the deduction of double bark thickness. The Riecke’s formula was assumed to provide the most accurate determination of log volume and was therefore used to calculate the gross volume of roundwood, serving as the reference value for quantifying the observed losses. For all analyzed sources of volume loss except when applying Huber’s formula, a dependence on diameter class was observed, with losses decreasing as diameter increased. The highest percentage of volume loss for both spruce and fir logs was found when deducting double bark thickness (ranging from 9.1% to 6.4% for spruce and from 10.7% to 7.7% for fir), followed by the prescribed method of diameter measurement (from 7.3% to 1.7%). Additional losses were associated with the prescribed volume calculation formula (from 5.3% to 1.5% for spruce and from 3.7% to 1.1% for fir) and the prescribed method of length measurement (from 3.1% to 2.1%).

As part of the research, 100 samples of different types of honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina were collected and analyzed. Melisopalynological preparations were prepared in accordance with the Rulebook on methods for the control of honey and other bee products of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in accordance with ICBB propositions. Plant species identification was performed based on micromorphological elements of pollen grains, and qualitative-quantitative analysis of honey samples was conducted. Melisopalynological analysis identified 47 distinct pollen types among a total of 30,000 pollen grains counted. In botanical terms, pollen from 24 plant families was recognized, among which the Fabaceae family had the greatest melissopalynological significance, whose pollen grains were found in as many as 86% of the analyzed profiles. Pollen grains of the Fabaceae family were identified as dominant in 22%, as accessory in 40%, as important in 21% and as minor in 3% of the palynological profiles. Based on micromorphological characters in melissopalynological spectra, species/genera from the Fabaceae family were identified: Robinia pseudoacacia L., Lotus corniculatus L., Trifolium pratense L., Trifolium repens L., Amorpha fruticosa L., Lathyrus sp., Medicago sativa L. and Onobrychis sp.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of cartilage, as well as by extra-articular manifestations. Rheumatoid nephropathy is a common complication of RA and its principal target is the renal corpuscle. Vitamin D and its analogs exert immunomodulatory actions throughout the body due to the widespread of their receptors. Our study aimed to compare the effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and alfacalcidol on renal corpuscle changes in pristane-induced RA model following a 28-day treatment, using geometric morphometrics. Forty female Wistar rats (190–210 g; 12–13 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four groups: the control (Cont) group (n = 10) received saline i.c., the PIA group (n = 10) was administered pristane i.c., PIA-ALF group (n = 10) was administered pristane i.c. and alfacalcidol orally, and the PIA-CH group (n = 10) was injected i.c. with pristane and received cholecalciferol orally. Pristane administration was used for RA induction. At the end of the experiment, the left kidneys were removed and processed by standard histological procedures for geometric morphometric analysis. Geometric morphometric analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the architecture of the renal corpuscles was altered in the PIA (p < 0.0001) and PIA-CH (p = 0.0065) groups. In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed in the PIA-ALF group (p = 0.3011). Geometric morphometric analysis demonstrated that alfacalcidol, but not cholecalciferol, exertedaprotective effect on the renal corpuscle architecture in pristane-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

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.

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.

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.