Methods: This retrospective–prospective study included 90 patients with BT. Based on the type of BT, the participants were divided into three groups of 30 patients each: patients with gliomas, with meningiomas and with brain metastasis. Demographic data such as age, sex, alcohol and cigarette consumption were collected. In all three study groups, the time of onset of the first ES, type, characteristics, and frequency were analyzed as well as abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG). EEG was reviewed for any abnormal background or interictal epileptic discharges. Results: Brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) was present in 46.7% of patients. The incidence of epilepsy secondary to brain tumors was 66.7% in patients with gliomas, 46.6% in those with meningiomas, and 26.7% in those with metastasis. The tumors associated with BTRE were most commonly located in the frontal (40%) and temporal (32.2%) lobes, followed by the parietal (25.6%) and occipital (2.2%) lobes. Focal to bilateral tonic–clonic ES represented the most common seizure type among the studied patients. Abnormalities on the initial EEG recordings were observed in 33 patients with BTRE. Focal EEG abnormalities were identified in 54.7% of patients, while diffuse changes were present in 23.8% of patients (p < 0.005). Conclusions: The highest incidence of BTRE was observed in patients with gliomas, followed by those with meningiomas, while the lowest incidence was recorded in the group with metastases. Smaller and slower growing tumors were associated with higher incidence of seizures than larger, more rapidly growing lesions. Focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures were the most common seizure type among patients with BTRE.

BACKGROUND The C-MIC II trial demonstrated benefits of 6 months of cardiac microcurrent (C-MIC) therapy in patients with non-ischemic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The prospective C-MIC II Follow-Up Study evaluates safety and efficacy outcomes post-device deactivation. METHODS Primary safety-related endpoints included all-cause, cardiovascular and device-related mortality and hospitalizations and adverse events (AEs). Secondary efficacy-related endpoints included changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score (KCCQ-OSS), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and device reactivation rate. Here, we report 12-month results comparing the 6-month time-point (at the end of active therapy) with the 18-month time-point (12 months post-deactivation). RESULTS Of 32 eligible patients, 31 (97%) were enrolled. At 12 months post-device deactivation, 3 patients (10%) were hospitalized and 1 died (3%); none were device-related. One device-related AE occurred and resolved completely. Improvements in LVEF (vs pre-implantation: +6%; 95% CI 5-8; p<0.0001) and KCCQ-OSS (vs pre-implantation: +43 points; 95% CI 36-49; p<0.0001) were sustained and unchanged from 6 months (LVEF: -0.1%; 95% CI -2-2; p=0.87; KCCQ-OSS:-2; 95% CI -8-4; p=0.49). The 6MWD remained improved (vs pre-implantation: +150 m; 95% CI 109-191; p<0.0001), with a modest decrease (-31 m; 95% CI -56- -7; p=0.013) from 6 months. Improvements in NYHA class (≥1-class improvement in 77% patients) were sustained. Three (10%) patients required device reactivation. CONCLUSION Among patients previously treated with C-MIC device, improvements in LVEF, 6MWD, NYHA class and KCCQ-OSS were sustained, with a favorable safety profile 12 months post-deactivation.

The aim of this study was to assess the possible adverse effects of different dietary regimens—namely diets based onbakery products and meat products—on erythrocytes, their morphology, erythrocyte indices, platelets, leukocytes, andthe leukogram in rats during late puerperium. A monotonous diet may affect the hematological profile and potentiallycause pathophysiological disorders. The study included 18 clinically healthy rats in the late puerperal period, divided intothree groups of six animals each: a group fed meat products (Group M), a group fed bakery products (Group H), and acontrol group (Group K) that consumed standard pelleted rodent feed. All groups of rats were fed their respective dietsseparately for a period of 49 days. At the end of the experimental period, hematological blood analyses were performed.Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the groups for the parameters MCV, MCH, and PLT. It wasalso established that HCT, HGB, MCV, and MCH values in the experimental bakery-product group (H) were lower than boththe physiological reference intervals and the corresponding values in the control group (K). Moderate anulocytosis wasobserved, accompanied by hypochromic erythrocytes of reduced volume. Regarding the experimental group that consumedprocessed meat products, the results indicated the presence of hypochromic anemia, as evidenced by decreasedHGB, MCV, and MCH values. Examination of peripheral blood smears revealed the presence of poikilocytotic erythrocyteforms, namely echinocytes, with a notable percentage occurrence (14.05%) within microscopic fields of view. A diet basedon bakery products led to changes in hematological parameters, resulting in the development of iron-deficiency anemia.Furthermore, prolonged consumption of meat products contributed to the development of hypochromic anemia and suggestedpossible impairment of kidney function. This study demonstrated that rats during the late puerperal period are notimmune to the adverse effects of a monotonous meat-based diet nor to a monotonous diet consisting of bakery products.

The increasing complexity of Internet of Things (IoT) environments requires adaptive mechanisms for efficient service allocation across distributed infrastructures. Existing approaches are often focused on specific optimization algorithms or isolated Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, lacking a unified framework for decision-making across IoT, Fog/Edge, and Cloud layers. This paper proposes a modular QoS-aware decision-making framework that integrates QoS profiles, key performance indicators (KPIs), utility functions, and multi-criteria decision-making mechanisms to support both static and dynamic service allocation. The framework considers service execution latency, energy consumption, network throughput, and network coverage as decision criteria and enables adaptive balancing of conflicting QoS requirements. Its applicability is demonstrated through a smart transportation use case involving multiple service allocation scenarios across CRU, Fog, and Cloud infrastructures. The results confirm that different allocation strategies exhibit distinct QoS trade-offs and demonstrate the suitability of the proposed framework for adaptive and resource-efficient service allocation in layered IoT architectures.

Geometric morphometrics has created a significant field in the study of skeletal variation in veterinary osteology by providing a robust framework for investigating shape variation. This technique allows for the analysis of anatomical structures in a variety of biological contexts. This review examines the extant literature, demonstrating how dietary consistency and biomechanical structure significantly shape and often lead to intergenerational morphological changes. The investigation further explores the function of locomotion strategies, including habitat preference and diversity, in the context of the skeletal system. The merits of geometric morphometric analysis are evident in its capacity to facilitate species identification and close relative discrimination in scenarios where conventional methods encounter constraints. The utilisation of geometric morphometric analysis offers distinct advantages in ontogenetic studies, allometric scaling in morphology, and the consideration of developmental constraints. Additionally, it provides a framework for investigating sexual dimorphism and variations in shape across varied species and anatomical regions. From a clinical and welfare perspective, geometric morphometrics provides a powerful framework for orthopaedic surgical planning, detection of pathological changes, phenotyping in animal models, and translational research. Finally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automation and high-resolution imaging is also being reviewed in studies. These developments position geometric morphometrics as an indispensable method for integrating form, function, and health in veterinary research.

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are aggressive malignancies associated with a poor prognosis. Although molecular profiling is recommended to guide therapeutic decision-making, real-practice data on the prevalence and prognostic significance of genomic alterations in European BTC cohorts remain limited. This retrospective cohort study characterized the molecular landscape of BTCs in a Belgian real-practice setting and evaluated its prognostic relevance. Patients with BTC who underwent informative molecular testing as part of routine diagnostics at Antwerp University Hospital between 2016 and 2024 were included. Demographic, clinical, and molecular data were extracted from electronic health records. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression. Among 224 included patients, genomic alterations were identified in 59.4% of tumors, with clear subtype-specific patterns. IDH1 mutations (17.3%) and FGFR2 fusions (13.9%) were exclusively observed in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, KRAS mutations were most prevalent in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (42.9%), and ERBB2 amplification was enriched in gallbladder cancer (16.7%). Co-occurring alterations were present in 7.8% of cases. KRAS mutation was the most frequent alteration overall (20.4%) and remained significantly associated with worse overall survival in multivariate analysis adjusted for tumor subtype and tumor stage (HR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.03-2.31, p = 0.04). Although 32.6% of tumors harbored a potentially actionable alteration, only 31.6% of eligible patients received matched targeted therapy. These findings underscore the clinical value of routine molecular profiling in BTC and highlight its importance for identifying therapeutic opportunities in clinical practice.

This paper explores how generative AI (GAI) may complement, extend or selectively assume information-based functions traditionally associated with human tour guiding in self-guided tourism experiences (SGE). It presents a new framework for GAI-driven SGE, highlighting three central aspects: personalization, real-time support and contextual relevance. To map the relationship between GAI, on-site information-seeking behavior and SGE, we adapted a structured approach based on MacInnis' (2011) framework for explicating (descriptive) conceptual contributions. By utilizing GAI's features, the study shows how GAI may improve tourist independence and convenience. The paper also evaluates the limitations of GAI, particularly its difficulty in replicating the emotional connections, cultural understanding and narrative immersion that human guides provide. Through a comparison with traditional guided tours, the research discusses the consequences of adopting GAI for tourists, service providers and destination management organizations (DMOs). Ethical issues, including data privacy concerns and the potential for cultural inaccuracies, are also explored, along with proposed strategies for responsible implementation. This work lays the groundwork for future studies and real-world applications, offering insights into how GAI may make tourism more adaptable, inclusive and sustainable. While the paper focuses on how GAI may support or selectively assume specific information-based functions of guiding, we recognize that tour guiding is also a form of embodied, relational, and regulated labor that extends beyond the scope of this conceptual framework.

Background and purpose Anthropometric characteristics such as body height, limb length, and segmental proportions influence sprint performance by affecting stride length, stride frequency, and mechanical efficiency. However, sprint training is often organized according to unified models with limited individualization based on morphology. This study evaluated the effectiveness of anthropometry-specific (differentiated) training programs for sprinters relative to a unified training model of comparable volume and intensity. Material and methods Forty-eight male competitive sprinters (18–25 years, 100–200 m, 4–8 years experience) were assigned to three anthropometric types based on height and leg length index: Type A (tall, long-legged), Type B (medium, balanced), Type C (short, compact). Within each type, athletes were randomized into an experimental subgroup (anthropometry-specific program, EXP) and a control subgroup (unified program, CON) (n=8 per subgroup). All groups trained for 10 weeks (5 sessions/week) with matched volume and intensity. Sprint performance (60 m, 30 m flying, 150 m) and kinematic variables on the 30–50 m segment (stride length, stride frequency, ground contact time) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results Baseline sprint performance did not differ significantly between EXP and CON within each type (p>0.5). All groups improved over 10 weeks (p<0.01), but EXP subgroups of Types A and C showed greater gains than their respective CON subgroups. Tall sprinters in A-EXP improved more than A-CON in 60 m, 30 m flying, and 150 m times, while compact sprinters in C-EXP improved more in 60 m time than C-CON. Kinematically, A-EXP showed larger increases in stride length and greater reductions in ground contact time than A-CON, whereas C-EXP showed greater increases in stride frequency and greater reductions in ground contact time than C-CON. For Type B, no significant EXP–CON differences were observed. Conclusions Under matched training volume and intensity, anthropometry-specific programs were more effective than a unified program for tall, long-legged and short, compact sprinters, particularly for maximal speed, speed endurance, and acceleration. For medium-height sprinters, the unified program was not clearly inferior. These findings support the practical value of incorporating anthropometric criteria as one dimension of individualized sprint training design.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite significant advances in diagnostics and pharmacotherapy. This persistent burden has shifted attention toward adjunct therapeutic strategies targeting key mechanisms of myocardial and vascular injury, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic dysregulation. A particular interest of contemporary research is focused on bile acid (BA) signaling through nuclear and membrane receptors, primarily the Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), as central regulators of metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular responses. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a hydrophilic BA widely used to treat hepatobiliary disorders, has emerged as a potential modulator of cardiometabolic processes. UDCA exerts direct effects through low-affinity but functionally relevant activation of the TGR5 receptor, as well as indirect effects through alterations in BA pool composition, thereby influencing FXR/TGR5 signaling pathways. Experimental studies suggest that UDCA reduces oxidative stress, stabilizes mitochondrial function, alleviates ER stress, suppresses apoptosis and inflammation, and improves endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Despite promising mechanistic evidence, currently available clinical data remain limited and are largely based on small studies and surrogate biomarkers, without confirmation of benefits in terms of major cardiovascular outcomes. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of UDCA in the modulation of BA receptor signaling and its potential relevance for cardiovascular protection.

People with intellectual disability experience inequalities across the cancer care continuum, including lower screening participation, later-stage diagnosis, and higher cancer related mortality. Whether European cancer prevention and screening policies explicitly address this population has not been systematically mapped. This review aimed to identify and synthesise European national and international policy frameworks, guidelines, and recommendations for cancer prevention and screening that address this population. A systematic search of policy, recommendation and guideline documents across academic databases, grey literature portals, and organisational sources, to August 2025 was under taken. The Population, Concept, Context (PCC) framework guided eligibility. Two reviewers per country screened, extracted, and appraised documents indepen dently using the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance (AACODS) checklist. Synthesis was narrative, stratified by cancer site and cancer control focus. Sixteen documents met the inclusion criteria, originating from five jurisdictions: the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and the European Union more broadly. Fifteen of the sixteen addressed cancer screen ing, one also addressed prevention, and two addressed clinical monitoring. Adjustments for people with intellectual disability were concentrated on breast, cervical, and bowel screening and grouped into accessible information, appoint ment adaptations, carer involvement, consent and capacity support, and work force training. Most documents originated from higher expenditure healthcare systems, and no eligible documents were retrieved from the majority of European Union member states. Policy guidance for cancer prevention and screening for people with intellectual disability is unevenly distributed across Europe and con centrated in a small group of countries. Existing guidance should be extended beyond screening to encompass prevention, treatment, and survivorship, and EU coordination may help address this gap.

Highly pathogenic RNA viruses, such as Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, cause severe disease in humans. High mutation rates, which enable RNA viruses to evade immunity and escape antivirals, and their ability to spread from animals to humans and cause pandemics and outbreaks, make RNA viruses significant threats to public health. Diseases caused by Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza are prevented and treated with only a limited number of approved antiviral drugs, the effectiveness of which is limited by mutations in the viral targets. It is crucial to understand the structural determinants, molecular mechanisms, and host interactions of pathogenic RNA viruses to develop effective antiviral strategies. In this review, we discuss selected RNA viruses, focusing on the structure of their RNA polymerases and interactions with host factors during the different stages of the viral lifecycle, as well as the traditional antivirals targeting these structures and pathways. Furthermore, emerging concepts such as liquid-liquid phase separation and biomolecular condensates, and novel promising antiviral strategies are discussed. Understanding shared and distinct structures, molecular mechanisms, and host interactions across highly pathogenic RNA viruses enables the discovery of new and more effective antiviral strategies, ultimately improving clinical outcomes against evolving RNA viruses.

The aim of this study was to analyse physiological and anthropometric characteristics of Croatian national football team players, with particular focus on blood lactate concentration, relative oxygen consumption, body height, body mass, body fat percentage, and playing position. The sample consisted of 17 elite football players. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all analysed variables. The average blood lactate concentration was 10.46 ± 1.12 mmol/L, while the average relative oxygen consumption was 60.91 ± 3.15 mL/kg/min. The players demonstrated highly developed aerobic and anaerobic capacities characteristic of elite football populations. Anthropometric and physiological profiles differed according to playing position, reflecting specific tactical and physical demands in modern football.