Alien species Trichopoda (Galactomyia) pictipennis Bigot, 1876 was found in southeasternBosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia in June and August 2024. This is the first recordof this species for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the southeastern part of Croatia.Additionally, this report includes the records from Montenegro and Bulgaria obtainedfrom the online data platform iNaturalist representing the first observations of T.pictipennis for Montenegro and the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria.

Background and objectives: Melanocytic nevi are among the most common skin lesions, yet their relationship with the peripheral nervous system has remained understudied. Given the neural crest origin of melanocytes and Schwann cells, and the neurotrophic signaling capabilities of pigment cells, this study aimed to investigate the density of nerve fibers within nevi and assess how it varies with respect to histological subtype and anatomical location. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 nevi were analyzed, including junctional, compound, and intradermal types, distributed across the head, trunk, and limbs. Immunofluorescence staining for the pan-neuronal marker PGP 9.5 and for CGRP were performed and nerve fiber density was quantified. Statistical evaluation using two-way ANOVA revealed that both nevus type and anatomical site significantly influenced the degree of total innervation. Results: Junctional nevi demonstrated the highest total nerve fiber density, significantly exceeding that of compound and intradermal nevi. Likewise, nevi located on the head exhibited a significantly greater density of PGP 9.5-positive nerve fibers compared to those on the trunk and limbs. No significant correlation was observed between nevus type and location, suggesting that both factors contribute independently to the differences in innervation. CGRP-positive innervation was uniform regardless of the histological type of nevus and anatomical location. Conclusions: These findings likely reflect the facts that junctional nevi reside at the dermo-epidermal junction, where nerve fibers are most abundant, while the skin of the head and neck is well known to be more richly innervated than other regions. In contrast, analysis of CGRP-positive fibers suggests that the heterogeneity detected with PGP 9.5 is primarily driven by other neuronal populations. The results support the hypothesis of a dynamic relationship between nevi and the peripheral nervous system, potentially mediated by neurotrophic factors. Understanding this interaction may provide insight into nevus biology, sensory symptoms reported in some lesions, and the evolving role of nerves in the tumor microenvironment.

BACKGROUND Community pharmacists' roles are expanding beyond traditional tasks to include digital health interventions. Despite the growing integration of digital health technologies, gaps remain in understanding pharmacists' digital health technology literacy (DHTL). Adequate DHTL is essential for supporting patients and ensuring the effective implementation of digital tools in pharmacy practice. OBJECTIVES To assess general digital literacy (gDL) and identify specific levels of DHTL among community pharmacists. METHODS A version of the DHTL Assessment Questionnaire (DHTL-AQ), specifically validated for use by community pharmacists, was distributed via online and paper-based formats. In addition to the DHTL-AQ, the questionnaire also included supplementary items assessing gDL. The sample size was calculated on the basis of the targeted pharmacist population. The data were analysed via SPSS. ROC curves were used to determine cut-off scores, whereas chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess group differences and associations. RESULTS A total of 368 valid responses were collected. Among the respondents, 15.2% had low, 68.8% had medium, and 16.0% had high gDL. On the basis of these findings, DHTL cut-off scores were defined as low (35.9%), medium (19.6%), and high (44.5%). Significant differences in DHTL levels were associated with years of working experience. While 41.3% did not use social media professionally, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Viber were the most commonly used platforms among pharmacists. CONCLUSION This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of DHTL among Serbian community pharmacists, revealing high general digital literacy but highlighting the need for targeted DHTL training. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size and addressing specific DHTL gaps. The approach used in this study offers a practical framework for assessing DHTL that can be applied internationally to inform the development of relevant, tailored training programs and support the expansion of pharmacist-led services in an increasingly digital health environment.

Considering that two-layer parquet is composed of two lamellas—most commonly 10 mm birch plywood and 4 mm solid oak—bonded together with adhesive, and that profiling is required to create a joint that serves a mechanical function, the process becomes complex and imposes significant demands on the cutting tool. This paper presents an experimental analysis of how the type of cutting tool affects the surface quality, profile stability, and edge wear of the tool after a certain machining length. Two different technological solutions were analyzed: a tool with replaceable tungsten carbide (TC) inserts and a tool with an integrated polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutting edge. A particular focus of the analysis is the wear of the TC tool in the area of the oak and plywood joint profile, where selective wear of the TC edge occurs, potentially causing profile deformation and a weaker joint. The obtained results show that using PCD tools in two-layer parquet profiling achieves better surface finish, longer tool life, more consistent geometry of the cutting edge, and thus a more stable parquet profile.

The machinability of wood is an insufficiently researched problem that is mainly related to the machinability of metals. The machinability of a material is a technological property that expresses the ability to remove the maximum amount of crisps from the machined surface in the shortest possible time with satisfactory machining quality and the lowest possible cutting forces and tool wear. The quality and efficiency of the production process when milling solid wood is influenced by the following factors: type of wood, density and moisture content of the wood, temperatures and dimensions of the workpiece as well as the hardness and strength of the wood. The parameters of the milling mode, such as the main and auxiliary motion, the cutting force and power and the power of the drive unit, have a direct effect on the milling process and are related to the milling tool, i.e. the type and quality of the material from which it is made, the number of cutting edges, the geometry of the cutting edge and the sharpness of the tool. In this work, the influence of significant input parameters on the machinability of solid wood in flat peripheral milling is analysed as a function of the cutting force as an output parameter by planning an experiment. The experimental results are mathematically modelled with the aim of obtaining a mathematical model of the process of large-scale milling of solid wood, i.e. its parameters as a function of the cutting force. The results of the experimental part and the results of the models are analysed and compared in order to draw appropriate conclusions and

INTRODUCTION Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains the gold-standard treatment for high-grade carotid artery stenosis. While patch angioplasty reduces perioperative complications and restenosis risk compared to primary closure, the optimal patch material remains debated. This study evaluates the long-term safety and effectiveness of CEA with Dacron patch closure regarding overall survival, stroke prevention, and restenosis rates. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 200 patients who met inclusion criteria of either symptomatic carotid stenosis of any degree according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) criteria, or asymptomatic stenosis with a NASCET grade ≥70%. All patients underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with standardized Dacron patch closure. Symptomatic stenosis was defined as ipsilateral transient ischemic attack or stroke within six months preoperatively. Perioperative data, survival, stroke-free survival, and freedom from restenosis (≥70% restenosis) were assessed through structured clinical follow-up and serial duplex ultrasound over 5 years. Kaplan-Meier estimates and subgroup analyses were performed according to symptomatic status, baseline stenosis severity, and sex. Log-Rank and / or Wilcoxon Tests were applied to analyze differences between the subgroups. RESULTS Among 200 patients, 26 adverse events (12.9%) were observed, with bleeding events exclusively associated with significantly prolonged clamping times (p = 0.0221 and twice p < 0.0001). Most complications (8.0%) occurred during follow-up, and no deaths were linked to stroke or restenosis At 5 years, overall survival was 93.7%, freedom from stroke was 97.6%, and freedom from restenosis was 97.5%. Symptomatic patients showed slightly lower survival (91.8% vs. 95.7%) and stroke-free survival (96.2% vs. 99.0%) compared to asymptomatic patients, reflecting higher baseline vascular risk. No significant differences in outcome were observed across different NASCET stenosis subgroups. However, a significant sex difference was found in restenosis rates: 5-year freedom from restenosis was lower in women (88.4%) than in men (98.0%; p = 0.017). Stroke rates remained low and similar between sexes. CONCLUSION CEA with Dacron patch closure provides durable long-term stroke protection and patency, with perioperative and late complication rates at the lower end of reported ranges. All bleeding events linked to significantly prolonged clamping times, suggesting intraoperative clamping duration may serve as an early indicator for postoperative bleeding risk. Our data advocate for a potentially increased risk of restenosis in females, which may warrant heightened vigilance and closer duplex ultrasound surveillance during follow-up. These results of this study support the continued use of Dacron patches as a safe and effective option for carotid reconstruction.

Abstract Disclosure: G. Oner: None. M. Praet: None. M. Morse: None. S. Altintas: None. S. Koljenovic: None. N. Canturk: None. P. van Dam: None. G.R. Devi: None. Background: Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) is widely used for ER⁺/HER2-negative breast cancer as it reduces tumor burden and modulates the tumor microenvironment. However, its effects on key immune cell populations remain unclear. Methods: In this retrospective study, pre- and post-treatment samples from 44 ER⁺/HER2-negative breast cancer patients treated at Antwerp University Hospital and Duke University(2006-2018) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. We quantified stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) along with markers for T cells, regulatory T cells (including the FOXP3/CD4 ratio), and macrophages (CD68), as well as immune checkpoint markers (PD-L1, PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG-3). Treatment response was evaluated by changes in tumor size, Ki-67, and the Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) index. Results: NET significantly reduced tumor size (median decrease: 4.5 mm; p < 0.001) and Ki-67 levels (median reduction: 9%; p < 0.001) while sTIL levels remained stable (median: 5%; p = 0.08). CD4⁺ T-cell infiltration increased significantly post-treatment (p = 0.03). CD8⁺ T cells exhibited a heterogeneous response with a significant negative correlation between CD8⁺ counts and tumor size (Spearman r = -0.45, p = 0.003) indicating that higher CD8⁺ infiltration is associated with smaller tumors. FOXP3⁺ T-cell counts decreased from a median of 22.5% to 15% (p = 0.14) and the FOXP3/CD4 ratio declined significantly from a median of 2.307 to 1 (p = 0.04) suggesting a shift toward a less immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Higher pre-treatment CD68 expression correlated significantly with improved tumor NET response (p = 0.03). Immune checkpoint analysis revealed non-significant trends toward increased expression of PD-L1 (9% to 25%; p = 0.088), PD-1 (18% to 34%; p = 0.16), and LAG-3 (43% to 66%; p = 0.22) while CTLA-4 (23% to 27%; p = 0.69) and TIM-3 (64% to 52%; p = 0.53) remained largely unchanged. Conclusion: NET elicits profound alterations in the tumor microenvironment of ER⁺/HER2-negative breast cancer. The therapy reduces tumor proliferation and reconfigures immune cell dynamics, as evidenced by increased CD4⁺ T-cell infiltration, a beneficial reduction in the FOXP3/CD4 ratio, and a heterogeneous response of CD8⁺ T cells where higher CD8⁺ levels are linked to smaller tumors. In addition, elevated pre-treatment macrophage levels are predictive of improved tumor NET response. These results underscore the potential of integrating immune parameters as predictive biomarkers for NET efficacy and support further exploration of combined treatment strategies, including the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, to optimize patient outcomes.Department of Defense Breast Cancer Breakthrough level 2 Award W81XWH2010153 (G.R.D.) Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Pathological response is a surrogate marker of efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy in various tumour types, but there is no consensus on reporting pathological response for renal cell carcinoma. We aimed to assess the status of pathological response reporting in renal cell carcinoma and develop a recommendation on tissue preparation and response reporting for neoadjuvant treatment. We conducted a systematic review of publications on the PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify manuscripts reporting response to pre-surgical therapy in renal cell carcinoma. 119 eligible papers were identified. Only five (4%) studies included details of how pathological response had been assessed. Qualitative statements on residual tumour were common (55 [46%] studies), but only eight (7%) studies used a quantitative assessment of pathological response. Guidelines for tissue preparation and pathological response reporting were reviewed at an international workshop held at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in October, 2024, and further developed through expert discussions. To assess neoadjuvant pathological response, nephrectomy specimens should be sampled with the use of a standardised baseline approach with consideration for more extensive sampling. Microscopic assessment should quantify the residual viable tumour in 10% intervals and greatest linear extent. Clinical details, including the neoadjuvant therapy received, should accompany the pathological assessment. In this systematic review, we describe a standardised method for assessment and reporting pathological response, initially intended for use in clinical trials or research settings. These guidelines will help investigators to assess whether the degree of pathological response is linked to survival outcomes and will inform future standard reporting practices.

Background: All generations of living beings have been and will be exposed to ionizing radiation. Until the discovery of radioactivity, man was not aware that ionizing radiation was a part of him and his environment. Humans are mainly exposed to gamma and beta radiation from terrestrial radionuclides, which represent the main source of irradiation of the human body. Materials and Methods: This paper presents the research overview of the dose rates of gamma and beta radiation, measured outdoors in the research locations by the Gamma–Scout device. The measurements were performed at fifteen locations in the area of Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Gamma–Scout device was mounted outside on the table, at a height of 50 cm above ground in the vicinity of residential buildings in periods of 30 minutes. Results: The results presented include gamma, gamma+beta, and beta dose rate measurements. Based on these results, the annual effective doses originating from gamma and beta radiation were estimated. Results of measurements taken by this method showed that the values of the annual effective dose of gamma and gamma+beta radiation were in the interval of (0.21 - 0.32) mSv and (0.22 - 0.33) mSv, respectively. The estimated annual effective dose received by beta radiation was in the interval of (0 - 0.04) mSv. Conclusion: For all investigated locations, excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was below the recommended risk value.

The properties of spin fluctuations in antiferromagnets are largely unexplored, in particular at ultrafast timescales. Here, we employ femtosecond noise correlation spectroscopy (FemNoC) to experimentally study magnetization fluctuations in the canted antiferromagnet Sm$_{0.7}$Er$_{0.3}$FeO$_{3}$ across its spin reorientation transition and under external magnetic fields. By comparing our measurements to atomistic spin noise and Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the amplitude of the spin noise is governed by the free energy, with stronger fluctuations in regions where the potential landscape softens. We furthermore demonstrate that external magnetic fields suppress spin fluctuations and enhance the quasi-ferromagnetic magnon frequency by effectively stiffening the potential. These results highlight an effective route for tuning ultrafast magnetization fluctuations via external parameters.