Uvod: Konusno-snopna kompjuterizirana tomografija (CBCT) predstavlja radiološku dijagnostičku metodu koja omogućava trodimenzionalni prikaz anatomskih struktura maksilofacijalne regije uz visoku prostornu rezoluciju i manju dozu zračenja u odnosu na klasični CT. Poseban značaj CBCT-a ogleda se u analizi mandibule i sitnih anatomskih struktura koje često nisu jasno vidljive na konvencionalnim radiografskim snimcima. Cilj: Prikazati dijagnostički značaj CBCT-a u analizi mandibule i sitnih anatomskih struktura kroz pregled dostupne literature. Materijal i metode: Pregledni rad zasnovan je na analizi dostupne stručne i naučne literature u elektronskim bazama podataka (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar). Korištene su ključne riječi: CBCT, mandible, mandibular canal, mental foramen, lingual foramina. Rezultati: Analiza dostupne literature pokazuje da CBCT omogućava visoko preciznu identifikaciju anatomskih struktura mandibule i njihovih međusobnih odnosa. U poređenju sa panoramskim i intraoralnim radiografskim snimcima, metoda se odlikuje značajno većom dijagnostičkom tačnošću i superiornom vizualizacijom anatomskih varijacija. Posebna vrijednost CBCT-a ogleda se u unapređenju preoperativnog planiranja implantoloških i oralnohirurških zahvata, kao i u smanjenju rizika od neurovaskularnih komplikacija. Zaključak: CBCT predstavlja superiornu i visoko pouzdanu dijagnostičku metodu u analizi mandibule i njenih anatomskih struktura, uključujući mandibularni kanal, mentalni foramen i lingvalne otvore, jer omogućava preciznu trodimenzionalnu vizualizaciju bez superpozicije i distorzije. Njegova primjena značajno unapređuje preoperativno planiranje implantoloških i oralnohirurških zahvata, uz smanjenje rizika od neurovaskularnih i hemoragijskih komplikacija. Zbog visoke dijagnostičke tačnosti i mogućnosti detaljne anatomske evaluacije, CBCT ima ključnu ulogu u savremenoj stomatološkoj dijagnostici mandibularne regije.

Cilj: Cilj istraživanja je procijeniti srednju žljezdanu dozu (engl. Mean Glandular Dose - MGD) u kategorijama gustoće dojki, te utvrditi njenu povezanost sa parametrima snimanja u digitalnoj mamografiji. Metode: Retrospektivna opservaciona studija je provedena u Zavodu za zdravstvenu zaštitu žena i materinstva Kantona Sarajevo, u periodu od januara do maja 2024. godine, a obuhvatila je asimptomatske ispitanice starosti od 40 do 65 godina koje su podvrgnute rutinskoj digitalnoj mamografiji. Kraniokaudalne (engl. craniocaudal - CC) i mediolateralno-kose (engl. mediolateral oblique - MLO) projekcije su urađene pomoću Mammography Fusion sistema (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). Iz Sectra PACS sistema, prikupljeni su podaci o debljini kompresije dojke, MGD-u, naponu rendgenske cijevi (kV) i proizvodu jačine struje i vremena ekspozicije (mAs) (Sectra AB, Linköping, Sweden). Gustoća dojki je provedena prema smjernicama sistema za izvještavanje i klasifikaciju nalaza snimanja dojke. Statistička analiza je uključivala t-test za zavisne uzorke i Pearsonovu korelaciju, uz nivo statističke značajnosti p<0,05 i interval pouzdanosti od 95%. Rezultati: U studiju su uključene 103 ispitanice, prosječne dobi 50,73±5,06 godina. MGD je pokazala postepeni porast sa povećanjem gustoće dojki, krećući se od 1,23±0,20 mGy u kategoriji A (masne dojke) do 1,46±0,39 mGy u kategoriji C (heterogeno guste dojke). MLO projekcije su imale značajno veću debljinu kompresije, kV, MGD i mAs vrijednosti u odnosu na CC projekcije (p<0,001). Korelacijska analiza je pokazala umjereno pozitivnu povezanost između debljine kompresije i MGD-a, te mAs-a (r=0,50–0,61), dok je između MGD-a i mAs-a u svim projekcijama, utvrđena izrazito jaka korelacija (r=0,979–0,988; p<0,001). Zaključak: Gustoća dojki i ekspozicioni parametri snimanja utiču na vrijednosti srednje žljezdane doze u digitalnoj mamografiji, te ih je potrebno uzeti u obzir pri optimizaciji protokola snimanja, kako bi se osigurala optimalna ravnoteža između doze zračenja i dijagnostičke kvalitete slike.

This study evaluated the biochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of 3 newly introduced Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Sweet Valina, Sweet Stephany, and Sweet Gabriel) grown under the agroecological conditions of Herzegovina (Mostar and Trebinje). The analysis included total soluble solids, total acidity, sweetness index, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity in fruit skin and flesh. Significant differences were observed among cultivars, locations, and their interactions for most analyzed parameters. Fruits from Trebinje generally exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolic contents in the skin, soluble solids contents, and sweetness index values. Sweet Valina, particularly at the Trebinje location, showed the highest total soluble solids (20.5%) and sweetness index value (51.25), indicating superior fruit quality. Sweet Stephany was distinguished by elevated total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in the fruit skin. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two components explained nearly 80% of total variability, with sweetness index and antioxidant-related traits contributing most strongly to cultivar differentiation. The results demonstrate good adaptability of the tested cultivars to the conditions of Herzegovina, with Sweet Valina standing out as the most promising cultivar in terms of fruit quality and bioactive potential.

This quasi-experimental study assessed the influence of introductory nutrition courses on dietary habits, nutrition knowledge, food security, attention, and wellness among international and Canadian domestic students. Participants were students from a mid-sized public college in Ontario, Canada, enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The main outcome measures included dietary behaviour, nutrition literacy, food security, attention, and wellness. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to test the difference in mean outcome measures at the different points in time (week 1 and 14) and between groups (student category). Correlations between these measures and final academic grades were determined. Post nutrition courses, there was a significant rise in nutrition literacy (p < .05) and attention (p < .05). However, these gains did not correspond to measurable changes in dietary behaviour (p > .05). Wellness scores did not significantly increase over time (p > .05); however, international students reported significantly higher wellness scores than domestic students at both measurement points (p < .05). A negative correlation (p < .05) was observed between food insecurity and academic performance. Participation in introductory nutrition courses was associated with improvements in nutrition literacy and attention among both international and domestic students. These findings support the inclusion of nutrition education within post-secondary curricula while underscoring the importance of institutional strategies that address student food insecurity.

The podocyte is a terminally differentiated cell whose foot processes and slit diaphragm form the final layer of the glomerular filtration barrier. Because podocytes are not effectively replaced after birth, and nephron number is fixed before it, their cumulative loss converts congenital and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and Alport syndrome into a shared trajectory towards chronic kidney disease. This narrative review, based on a structured search of three databases with the cited evidence classified as pediatric, adult, mixed or preclinical, connects podocyte biology with pediatric nephrology. We follow maturation and the modules whose disruption produces disease, a genetic architecture in which diagnostic yield falls steeply with age at onset, and the convergence of genetic, mechanical, metabolic and immune insults on podocyte depletion. Single-cell and spatial atlases, organoids, glomerulus-on-a-chip systems and human tissue are compared as partly discordant platforms. A molecular result currently changes a small, defined set of clinical decisions. No podocyte-derived urinary marker has been shown in children to add information beyond proteinuria and filtration rate, anti-nephrin antibody assays are not yet standardized, and kidney biopsy remains the reference standard. We set out an integrated diagnostic pathway, state the limitations of the evidence and define research priorities.

Diagnosing fatal hypothermia remains a forensic challenge due to the lack of specific postmortem markers. This study investigates the potential of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) as biochemical indicators in hypothermia-related deaths, particularly under the influence of ethanol and diazepam. A randomized experimental study was conducted in rats approximately 3.5 months old and weighing 200–240 grams, which were randomized into the control group (n=7), the ethanol-treated group (n=7), and the diazepam-treated group (n=7). Survival time was measured from the point of immersion in 7°C water until the animals’ death. Hypothermia was induced, and serum and muscle levels of ERK1 and ANP were measured using ELISA. Serum ERK1 levels differed significantly across groups (p = 0.039), with a similar changes in Control and Ethanol groups, while Diazepam decreased. ANP levels showed no significant changes across groups or time points. Muscle concentrations of both markers remained stable. The observed alterations in ERK1 levels may indicate a possible association with stress responses during hypothermia, although the findings should be considered exploratory due to limited statistical significance after multiple-comparison correction. ANP showed limited diagnostic utility under the study conditions. Further research incorporating histological validation and larger cohorts is needed to confirm these findings and improve forensic applications.

Introduction: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), early myocardial injury and stress may contribute to left ventricular dysfunction. The optimal timing of biomarker assessment after STEMI remains uncertain. Objective: To characterize the early kinetics of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2), galectin-3 (Gal-3), mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) during the first 96 h after STEMI and identify potentially informative sampling time points for future prognostic assessment. Secondary, exploratory objectives were to evaluate differences in biomarker concentrations according to symptom duration, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and infarct-related artery. Methods: In this prospective, single-center, exploratory pilot study, patients aged 18–75 years with first STEMI treated with pPCI within 6 h of symptom onset were enrolled between September 2024 and November 2025. Blood samples were collected at admission and 12 ± 4, 24 ± 4, 48 ± 8, and 96 ± 8 h after pPCI. Biomarkers were measured by ELISA, with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) as a reference marker of myocardial injury. Results: Of 46 enrolled patients, 16 were excluded, mostly due to early discharge, and 30 patients with complete samples at all five time points were included in the analysis (mean age 57.9 ± 11.1 years; 66.7% male). sST2, MR-proADM, and hs-cTnI showed significant temporal variation (all p < 0.001), with the highest measured concentrations of sST2 at 12 h and of MR-proADM at 24 h. No significant change over time was found for Gal-3 and GDF-15. In exploratory analyses, sST2 and MR-proADM concentrations were higher in patients with LVEF < 40%, and sST2 concentrations were higher in patients with left anterior descending artery (LAD) infarction. Symptom duration was not associated with biomarker concentrations. Conclusions: sST2 and MR-proADM show distinct early post-STEMI kinetics, suggesting potentially informative sampling windows for future prognostic studies. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these kinetics and the exploratory differences according to left ventricular function and infarct location, and to evaluate the prognostic value of these sampling windows with echocardiographic and clinical follow-up.

Reduplication of linguistic units is an exceptionally widespread phenomenon in Arabic occurring at various levels, from individual phonemes to the sentence and text. Therefore, it received considerable attention in literature throughout the time span from the era of Classical Arabic until the present day. However, most studies have focused on forms of reduplication occurring as means of word formation, text organization and cohesion, as well as figures of speech generation. In contrast, the syntactic description of forms of reduplication built into the linguistic system of Arabic, resulting in new lexical or grammatical meaning, shows significant inconsistency. Thus, the structure of Arabic cognate accusative is well described, whereas the other forms of the syntactic-level system-intrinsic root reduplication, just like most forms of the syntactic-level system-intrinsic word reduplication, are mentioned only sporadically, lacking a systematic analysis. The main goal of this paper is the analysis of various forms of the syntactic-level system-intrinsic root reduplication and their functions, that is lexical and grammatical meanings generated by root reduplication alone. The analysis is based on the analytical-descriptive method and the typological-functional approach. It demonstrates that root reduplication resulting in meanings of intensity, quality and single or repeated occurrence of verbal action in Arabic cognate accusative involves the same type of system-intrinsic reduplication mechanism producing a new meaning as those found in root reduplication structures expressing indefiniteness of the agent and equivalents of the superlative structure. In addition to defining the scope of the syntactic-level system-intrinsic root reduplication in Arabic, the paper provides a systematic description of its forms, contributing therein to expanding of the description of their diverse structure, as well as testing their stylistic potential, and relating them to the syntactic-level system-intrinsic word reduplication.

Objectives: Adult posterior cervical spinal dysraphism, including meningocele (MC), myelomeningocele (MMC), and myelocystocele (MyCC) is exceptionally rare and remains insufficiently characterised. This study aimed to conduct the first systematic review of the literature on adult cases and report an additional illustrative case. Methods: A PRISMA 2020 systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted (PROSPERO CRD420261426944). Data were extracted at case level, grouped by the lesion label used by the original authors, and synthesised narratively. Results: Nineteen studies (18 case reports and one case series) described 23 adults (median age 24 years; 19 male): 16 MC, one MyCC and six MMC. An objective neurological abnormality was documented in 14 of 21 examined patients. Nineteen patients were operated on; among 17 with a classified outcome, ten improved, five were intact and two were stable, and none were reported worse (median follow-up 12 months). The additional case was a 62-year-old man with a radiologically diagnosed C4–C5 lesion most consistent with MMC and no objective neurological deficit, managed by observation (3 months of follow-up). Conclusions: The evidence is sparse, heterogeneous and prone to publication bias, and it is insufficient to establish natural history, optimal management or the relative merits of surgery and observation. Standardised terminology, multicentre registries and long-term follow-up are needed.

Lactate is a key biomarker of tissue metabolism and oxygenation, yet clinical assessment still relies on intermittent blood tests that overlook rapid metabolic dynamics and disrupt clinical workflows. Continuous transdermal monitoring of lactate in interstitial fluid (ISF) offers a minimally invasive approach for real-time monitoring of metabolic status, particularly in conditions associated with metabolic syndrome such as obesity and diabetes. Here we report a proof-of-concept transdermal lactate biosensor based on a fenestrated microneedle array (F-MNA), consisting of a polymeric MNA enclosed within a fenestrated polymeric shell that protects the biosensing layer while retaining access to ISF. Under controlled anesthetized conditions, the biosensor differentiated ISF lactate profiles between healthy and diabetic-obese (db/db) mice, with the db/db group exhibiting higher baseline lactate concentrations. In fasted healthy mice subjected to subcutaneous glucose challenge, the biosensor captured transient increases in ISF lactate followed by partial recovery over the 2 h monitoring period. Biosensor-derived ISF lactate showed strong temporal association with paired blood lactate measurements while exhibiting a systematic positive ISF-to-blood concentration offset. These findings establish proof-of-concept continuous transdermal ISF lactate monitoring under controlled in vivo conditions.

We study the potential of very high-energy lepton colliders to probe effective operators affecting the loop-induced Higgs boson decays $h\to \gamma\gamma$ and $h\to Z\gamma$, providing constraints complementary to Higgs coupling measurements at the Large Hadron Collider. In particular, we consider processes with two and three bosons in the final state and analyze their individual and combined impact on the effective field theory parameter space. We demonstrate that these processes at a multi-TeV lepton collider can improve the bounds from rare Higgs decays and electroweak precision observables, surpassing the projections for High-Luminosity LHC and FCC-ee. This is especially true for triboson processes, whose sensitivity is enhanced by the growth with energy of the new physics cross-sections, making them the dominant constraint at very high energies, potentially competitive with FCC-hh.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is associated with Kaposi sarcoma (KS), multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), important causes of morbidity among people living with HIV. Data on these diseases remain limited from Central and Eastern Europe compared with Western Europe. We conducted a multicentre cross-sectional survey, using an online questionnaire distributed to HIV physicians within the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group, comprising epidemiology, diagnostic capacity, and management of HHV-8-related diseases. Twenty-six HIV treatment centres from 22 countries participated, providing care for 36,845 people living with HIV. A total of 55 cases of KS (1.49 per 1000 PLWH) were reported, of which 35 (63.6%) had visceral involvement. MCD and PEL were uncommon, with 7 and 4 cases, respectively. Diagnostic capacity varied between centres: computed tomography was available in 80.8%, bronchoscopy in 30.8%, and gastroscopy in 23.1%. Antiretroviral therapy alone was the most common first-line treatment for limited KS, while pegylated liposomal doxorubicin was accessible as first-line and/or second-line treatment in 46.2% of centres. HHV-8-related diseases remain uncommon but clinically relevant complications of HIV infection in Central and Eastern Europe. Regional variability in diagnostic resources and treatment availability highlights the need for strengthened referral pathways and guideline-adherent care.

The aim of this paper was to numerically study the reinforced concrete external beam-column joints using DIANA FEA, on which experimental tests were conducted. The validation of results was conducted using experimental data, as the numerical model fully reproduced the geometry of the reinforced concrete external beam-column joints, material characteristics, boundary, and loading conditions. A total strain crack model employing a smeared crack approach with fracture energy considerations was utilized for concrete nonlinear behavior, while a Von Mises plasticity model incorporating isotropic strain hardening to simulate yielding and post-yield behavior was considered for reinforcing steel. The simulations accurately reproduce joint shear strength, crack patterns, and load-displacement responses, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of DIANA FEA for predicting the behavior of external beam-column joints.