Aim To investigate the relationship between postoperative serum thyroglobulin level ​​and outcome of therapy with I-131 of follicular thyroid cancer. Methods A total of 106 patients with follicular thyroid cancer who were being treated and monitored at the Clinic for Nuclear Medicine at Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo were included. The inclusion criteria were: surgery of total thyroidectomy, histopathological diagnosis of follicular thyroid cancer, and applied therapy with radioactive iodine. Exclusion criteria were patients with incomplete data, who were not treated with radioidine treatment, or had a different histopathological diagnosis. Postoperative serum thyroglobulin levels were correlated with results of whole body scintigraphies after 12 months (first diagnostic scintigraphy) and whole body scintigraphies after 24 months (second diagnostic scintigraphy). Results The higher frequency of recurrent disease in patients with elevated level of thyroglobulin was found compared to patients with lower postoperative thyroglobulin level. Elevated level ​​of postoperative thyroglobulin correlated with positive scintigraphy findings, i.e., with the occurrence of recurrence and/or metastases in patients with follicular cancer. The cut-off level of postoperative thyroglobulin for recurrence and/or metastasis, i.e. for failure of ablative therapy with I-131, was >12.6 ng/mL. Conclusion  Our study showed that level of postoperative thyroglobulin is an important prognostic factor for the outcome of radiodine therapy of follicular thyroid cancer and should be taken into account in deciding on therapy in this type of cancer in everyday practice Keywords: prognosis, radioiodine, thyroid neoplasm, recurrence.

Spondylosis deformans (SD) is a common form of degenerative spinal disease in dogs, characterized byosseous bridging between vertebral bodies. This study focused on the lumbar and lumbosacral regions ofthe spine and analyzed radiographic records of 35 dogs of various breeds and age groups over a 12-monthperiod. Computed tomography (CT) was selectively employed in cases where radiographic interpretationwas inconclusive. The objective was to determine lesion localization and assess associations with breed, age,and gender. Findings showed that German Shepherds were most frequently diagnosed with SD, followedby Labrador Retrievers and mixed-breed dogs. Age distribution indicated that no cases were observed indogs aged 1-2 years, while the highest prevalence occurred in the 7-10-year age group. Lesion localizationdata revealed that the L4-L6 region was most commonly affected. These results highlight the age-relatedprogression of SD and its predilection for the lumbar spine, offering valuable insights for clinical assessmentand management in veterinary practice.

BACKGROUND It has long been hypothesized that increasing heritability with age of cognitive and educational performance is partly attributable to evocative gene-environment correlation. However, this hypothesis has not been widely tested. METHODS We addressed this gap by examining whether children's education polygenic scores (PGSedu) were associated with maternal self-reported positive and literacy-focused parenting when children were 5 years old, and if evoked parenting differences mediated genetic effects on children's educational outcomes (mother-reported at 6-8 years of age), while controlling for parental PGSedu. We also investigated whether maternal reports of children's language at 5 years old were associated with parenting and mediated genetic effects on educational performance. These questions were addressed in a sample of 83,627 parent-offspring trios from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study, a longitudinal population-based pregnancy cohort. RESULTS Children's PGSedu were significantly associated with maternal literacy-focused (β = .03, 95% CI [0.01, 0.05], p = .021) but not positive parenting (β = 0.01, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.05], p = .410), and literacy-focused parenting significantly mediated the effects of children's PGSedu on their educational performance (β = 0.01, 95% CI [1 × 10-3, 0.01], p = .023). Children's language was associated with maternal parenting and mediated the effects of children's PGSedu on their educational performance (β = 0.01, 95% CI [3 × 10-3, 0.02], p = .002). CONCLUSIONS These findings support our hypotheses and suggest early language and parenting may be mechanisms implicated in the pathways from children's genetics to their educational outcomes.

This study focuses on evaluating the antioxidant activity of pomegranate (lat. Punica granatum L.) peel extracts obtained through various extraction methods, including ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), Soxhlet extraction, and maceration, using methanol and 96% ethanol as solvents. These techniques were chosen for their differing effects on the preservation of thermosensitive phytochemicals. Antioxidant potential was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with absorbance measured at 517 nm using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results demonstrated that the efficiency of antioxidant activity largely depended on the extraction method and solvent used. A lower IC50 value indicates higher antioxidant activity, as it reflects a greater efficiency in neutralizing free radicals at a lower concentration. Extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction exhibited the highest radical scavenging capacity with an IC50 value of 19.049 μg/mL, while those obtained by Soxhlet extraction with ethanol showed comparatively weaker activity with an IC50 value of 34.210 μg/mL, likely due to the thermal degradation of sensitive bioactive compounds. The maceration method, although mild and solvent-efficient, yielded moderate antioxidant activity, highlighting the balance between extraction intensity and preservation of functional constituents. The study emphasizes the importance of optimizing extraction conditions to maximize the recovery of bioactive compounds from plant materials. Given the phytochemical richness and biological potential of pomegranate peel, the findings support its application as a natural source of antioxidants in the development of dermocosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations aimed at combating oxidative stress and disorders related to hyperpigmentation and skin aging.

Plant species with strong antioxidant activity used in traditional medicine of B&H-Sambucus nigra, Filipendula vulgaris, Helichrysum italicum, Epilobium angustifolium, Crataegus rhipidophylla, Thymus serpyllum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Symphytum officinale, Corylus avellana, and Rubus fruticosus-were analysed for their phenolic profiles and cholinesterase inhibitory activity. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the highest concentration of phenolic acids in S. officinale extract. Catechin, rutin, and quercetin were identified in the majority of extracts. Rutin was most abundant, especially in S. nigra flowers (9.39 mg/g DW). AChE and BChE inhibition was determined spectrophotometrically. All extracts showed activity, with AChE IC50 ranging from 0.08 mg/mL (V. myrtillus) to 8.31 mg/mL (H. italicum), and BChE from 5.35 mg/mL (T. serpyllum) to 13.26 mg/mL (C. rhipidophylla). These findings highlight the neuroprotective potential of B&H medicinal plants, with molecular docking showing phenolics like rosmarinic acid and rutin inhibit cholinesterases. Merging traditional medicinal knowledge and molecular insights offers a novel path for discovery.

This study aims to investigate individual and joint effects of digitalization and inbound open innovation (OI) on technological (product and process) innovations in German firms. In particular, two specific forms of digitalization are considered – artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics (BDA), as well as the search breadth as a measure of inbound OI. To answer this research question, an econometric analysis is conducted on a sample of Germany firms using the Mannheim Innovation Panel dataset from the wave conducted in 2019 and covering the period 2016–2018. Moreover, the study reports results for the manufacturing and service sectors separately. This sectoral analysis sheds light on any potential differences in the innovation effects of digitalization and OI practices. Our empirical findings are heterogeneous and show that, overall, AI positively impacts product innovation, while BDA increases the likelihood of process innovation. Moreover, AI and the breadth of knowledge search do not yield synergistic innovation effects, while BDA weakens the positive impact of search breadth on process innovation. Based on empirical findings, we discuss theoretical, managerial and policy implications. This study contributes to the literature by examining the influence of digitalization and inbound OI on technological, product and process innovations. In addition, this study examines the mediating effect that digitalization and inbound OI can exert on technological innovation in German firms. The full sample is divided into manufacturing and service sectors to disentangle potentially heterogeneous effects of inbound OI and digitalization on innovation performance.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of B7-H3 expression in differentiating low-grade gliomas (LGGs) from high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and to examine its association with clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included 99 patients with histopathologically confirmed gliomas (42 LGGs and 57 HGGs). B7-H3 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry and scored by immunoreactive score (IRS). Results: B7-H3 expression was significantly higher in HGG compared to LGG (p < 0.001). The total IRS (B7-H3 A × B) demonstrated strong discriminative power (AUC = 0.816). High B7-H3 expression independently predicted disease progression (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 2.4–10.1; p < 0.001) and was associated with IDH wild-type status and elevated Ki-67 index. Patients with high B7-H3 had significantly shorter overall survival (median 6 months vs. 42 months) and progression-free survival (median 3 months vs. 25 months) (both p < 0.001). Cox regression confirmed high B7-H3 as an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.7–4.7; p < 0.001) and progression (HR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6–4.2; p < 0.001). Conclusions: B7-H3 expression is a reliable biomarker for distinguishing HGG from LGG and is independently associated with worse survival outcomes. Its assessment may aid in glioma classification and prognostication.

Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of estimating the speech reception threshold (SRT) based on electroencephalography (EEG), termed SRTneuro, in younger normal-hearing (YNH) participants. This method may support speech perception in hearing-aid users through continuous adaptation of noise-reduction algorithms. The prevalence of hearing impairment and thereby hearing-aid use increases with age. The SRTneuro estimation is based on envelope reconstruction accuracy, which has also been shown to increase with age, possibly due to excitatory/inhibitory imbalance or recruitment of additional cortical regions. This could affect the estimated SRTneuro. This study investigated the age-related changes in the temporal response function (TRF) and the feasibility of SRTneuro estimation across age. Twenty YNH and 22 older normal-hearing (ONH) participants listened to audiobook excerpts at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) while EEG was recorded using 66 scalp electrodes and 12 in-ear-EEG electrodes. A linear decoder reconstructed the speech envelope, and the Pearson's correlation was calculated between the reconstructed and speech-stimulus envelopes. A sigmoid function was fitted to the reconstruction-accuracy-versus-SNR data points, and the midpoint was used as the estimated SRTneuro. The results show that the SRTneuro can be estimated with similar precision in both age groups, whether using all scalp electrodes or only those in and around the ear. This consistency across age groups was observed despite physiological differences, with the ONH participants showing higher reconstruction accuracies and greater TRF amplitudes. Overall, these findings demonstrate the robustness of the SRTneuro method in older individuals and highlight its potential for applications in age-related hearing loss and hearing-aid technology.

Introduction: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) carries a substantial risk of early major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) despite advances in therapy. Easily obtainable biochemical and echocardiographic markers may improve early risk stratification, particularly in patients managed without revascularization. This prospective study assessed the prognostic significance of inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, serum uric acid, homocysteine, and selected hematological indices in predicting 90-day MACE in NSTEMI patients treated with conservative medical therapy. Unlike prior studies that examined these biomarkers individually, our study integrates biochemical (uric acid, homocysteine), echocardiographic (IVC diameter), and hemogram-derived indices into a combined model for early risk stratification in conservatively treated NSTEMI patients. Methods: A total of 170 consecutive NSTEMI patients admitted to the University Clinical Center Tuzla between February 2022 and January 2023 were included. All patients received guideline-directed medical therapy. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory data were obtained within 24 hours of admission. The primary endpoint was MACE (cardiac death, reinfarction, or urgent coronary revascularization) within 90 days. Logistic regression identified independent predictors; discriminatory ability was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and Kaplan-Meier curves evaluated event-free survival. Results: MACE occurred in 87 patients (51.2%). Compared to event-free patients, those with MACE had larger IVC diameters (20.25 ± 2.52 mm vs. 18.36 ± 2.16 mm; p < 0.001), higher uric acid (432.8 ± 47.3 μmol/L vs. 358.9 ± 44.6 μmol/L; p < 0.001), and elevated homocysteine levels (18.42 ± 4.13 μmol/L vs. 13.39 ± 2.88 μmol/L; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, uric acid (OR per 10 μmol/L = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.05-1.65; p = 0.015) and homocysteine (OR per 1 μmol/L = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06-1.42; p = 0.005) remained independent predictors. ROC analysis showed excellent discrimination for homocysteine (AUC: 0.844) and uric acid (AUC: 0.830). IVC diameter was associated with lower MACE-free survival (log-rank p = 0.036) but lost significance after adjustment. Conclusion: Elevated homocysteine and uric acid independently predicted 90-day MACE in NSTEMI patients managed without revascularization. While IVC diameter was not independently predictive, its combination with biochemical markers may enhance risk stratification and guide early post-discharge management. These findings warrant validation in larger multicenter studies.

Fatty-acid-hydroxylase-associated neurodegeneration (FAHN) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the FA2H gene, leading to impaired enzymatic activity and resulting in myelin sheath instability, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. In this study, we established a human in vitro model using neurons and oligodendrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) of a FAHN patient. This coculture system enabled the investigation of myelination processes and myelin integrity in a disease-relevant context. Analyses using immunofluorescence and Western blot revealed impaired expression and localisation of key myelin proteins in oligodendrocytes and cocultures. FA2H-deficient cells showed reduced myelination, shortened internodes, and disrupted formation of the nodes of Ranvier. Additionally, we identified autophagy defects—a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases—including reduced p62 expression, elevated LC3B levels, and impaired fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. This study presents a robust hiPSC-based model to study FAHN, offering new insights into the molecular pathology of the disease. Our findings suggest that FA2H mutations compromise both the structural integrity of myelin and the efficiency of the autophagic machinery, highlighting potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.

In this pilot study, a subset of CALERIE Phase 2 (No. NCT00427193, registered 25th Jan 2007) participants (n = 26) were evaluated for the effects of 2 years of 25% calorie restriction (CR) on N-glycosylation of IgG, plasma, and complement C3, as well as IgG-based biological age (GlycAge). Plasma samples were collected at baseline (BL), 12 (12mo), and 24 months (24mo). IgG galactosylation was higher at 24mo compared to BL (p = 0.051) and increased from 12mo to 24mo (p = 0.016); GlycAge decreased over the same period (p = 0.027). GlycAge was positively associated with TNF-α (p = 0.030) and ICAM-1 (p = 0.017). Between BL and 24mo, plasma high-branched glycans declined (p = 0.013), bisecting GlcNAcs increased in both plasma (p < 0.001) and IgG (p = 0.01), complement C3 protein (p < 0.001), C3-Man9 (p < 0.001), and C3-Man9Glc1C3 (p = 0.046) were reduced. The absence of a control group warrants cautious interpretation.

Visceral disseminated varicella-zoster virus infection (VD-VZV) involves the hematogenous spread of VZV from the skin to the internal organs. Though rare, it is potentially life-threatening, predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals. Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms mimicking other viral illnesses. While the vesicular rash is a hallmark sign, it is absent in approximately 5% of cases. Visceral involvement may precede cutaneous lesions, complicate early recognition, and increase the risk of severe complications. This scoping review screened 594 articles of which 153 met the inclusion criteria, yielding 156 individual cases. Patients were predominantly male (53.8%), with a mean age of 42.3 years. The overall mortality rate was 25.0%. Multiple organs were involved in 46.1% of cases. The most frequently affected were the lungs (56%), liver (44%), heart (16%), kidneys (11%), pancreas (11%), stomach (10%), and esophagus (6%). Antivirals were administered in 89.1% of cases, while corticosteroids were used in 22.4%, with no significant impact on outcomes. Early diagnosis, achieved in 65.4% of patients, was significantly associated with survival (p = 0.043). Mortality was significantly associated with underlying comorbidities (p = 0.004), especially autoimmune diseases requiring immunosuppression (p = 0.048). Septic shock or multi-organ dysfunction (MODS), hepatitis, acute kidney injury, and acute liver failure were linked to higher mortality in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified comorbidities (p < 0.001), septic shock/MODS (p = 0.008), and acute liver failure (p = 0.039) as independent predictors of mortality. Patients with septic shock/MODS had over twice the risk of death (OR = 2.24; p = 0.008). This review underscores the diagnostic challenges and high mortality of VD-VZV. Early recognition and timely administration of antiviral treatment appear critical for survival. Greater clinical awareness and further research are needed to guide management.