This study investigates the use of deep learning algorithms to predict the discharge coefficient (Cd) of contaminated multi-hole orifice flow meters with circular opening. Datasets (MHO1 and MHO2) were obtained from computational fluid dynamic simulations for two circular multi-hole orifice flow meters of different geometries. To evaluate the performance and generalization capabilities of different models, three distinct scenarios, each involving different dataset configurations and normalization techniques were designed. For each scenario, three deep learning models (feedforward neural networks, convolutional neural network, and recurrent neural network) were implemented and evaluated based on their performance metrics, including mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R2). For all three scenarios eight models for each neural network model were developed (FFNN – four models, CNN – two models, RNN – two models). The same structure of models was used across all scenarios to ensure consistency in the evaluation process. Key input parameters include geometrical and flow variables such as β – parameter, contamination thickness, radial distance, Reynolds number, and orifice diameters. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of deep learning in accurately predicting discharge coefficient for different contamination conditions and different geometries. This study showed that deep learning models can be used for prediction of discharge coefficients for multi-hole orifice flow meters of similar geometry, based on data obtained from one orifice flow meter for different contamination parameters.

Background and Objectives: Depression is a common mental problem in the older population and has a significant impact on recovery and general well-being. A comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their effects on functional outcomes is essential for improving care strategies. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in older patients undergoing geriatric rehabilitation and to assess their specific impact on their functional abilities. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital in Wolhusen, Switzerland, spanning from 2015 to 2020 and including 1159 individuals aged 65 years and older. The presence of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Short Form, while functional abilities were evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Tinetti test. Data analysis was performed using TIBCO Statistica 13.3, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the participants, 22.9% (N = 266) exhibited depressive symptoms, with no notable differences between genders. Although all patients showed functional improvements, the duration of rehabilitation was prolonged by two days (p = 0.012, d = 0.34) in those with depressive symptoms. Alarmingly, 76% of participants were classified as at risk of falling based on the Tinetti score. However, no significant correlation was found between the GDS and Tinetti scores at admission (p = 0.835, r = 0.211) or discharge (p = 0.336, r = 0.184). The results from the non-parametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs test provide compelling evidence of significant changes in FIM scores when comparing admission scores to those at discharge across all FIM categories. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are particularly common in geriatric rehabilitation patients, leading to prolonged recovery time and increased healthcare costs. While depressive symptoms showed no correlation with mobility impairments, improvements in functional status were directly associated with reduced GDS scores. Considering mental health during admission and planning is critical in optimizing rehabilitation outcomes.

The aim of this study was to examine the gender-specific criterion validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) in a sample of urban Croatian early school-age children. The participants were 80 children (aged 9-11 years; 36 girls, 44 boys) from southern Croatia. The PAQ-C was used to indirectly measure physical activity (PA), whereas the GENEActiv accelerometers were used to obtain data on PA directly. Spearman’s correlations between variables, and forward multiple regressions were calculated separately for boys and girls. The differences in the studied variables between genders were established via a t-test for independent samples. Boys reported higher PAQ-C scores (t test = 3.6, p<0.05), had more vigorous PA (t test =3.87, p<0.05), and performed more steps than girls did (t test =3.44, p<0.05). The correlations between the PAQ-C and accelerometer-derived data were similar in magnitude across genders. Vigorous PA was determinant of the PAQ-C in boys (Beta =0.44, p<0.05), and moderate PA was found to be a determinant of the PAQ-C in girls (Beta =0.51, p<0.05). While the criterion validity of the PAQ-C is similar for both boys and girls, by acknowledging and addressing potential gender differences in activity patterns associated with questionnaire-based scores, we can develop more effective strategies to encourage PA in children.

Background: Acute intracranial stenting for the treatment of patients with large vessel occlusion in case of failed reperfusion or severe stenosis is a growing practice. Our aim was to explore the clinical and radiological outcome in a large multicenter and international registry. Methods: The RESISTANT registry is a multicenter and international retrospective registry of patients with large vessel occlusion stroke that underwent intracranial stenting due an acute stroke from 2016 to 2023. Primary endpoints was clinical outcome at 90 days. Secondary efficacy endpoints were final reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3), and stent patency at 24 hours. Safety outcomes included procedural complications, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 890 patients enrolled, 862 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median age was 67.0 years (IQR 59.0-77.0), 558 (64.7%) were males and median NIHSS was 12 (IQR 7.0-19.0). Occlusion location was proximal in 758 (87.9%) patients and anterior circulation was affected in 613 (71.1%) patients (390 M1-MCA, 142 terminal ICA). The indication for intracranial stenting was failed reperfusion (mTICI 0-2a) in 456 patients (52.9%). After intracranial stenting, successful recanalization was achieved in 764 (88.6%) with a reocclusion rate during admission of 11.9% and missing controls of 17.7%. The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 8.1%. At 90 days, the median mRS was 3 (IQR 1-6). Successful recanalization and regular flow after stenting were predictors of functional outcome at 90 days. No variables were independently associated with early reocclusion or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusion: Acute intracranial stenting was an effective therapy for patients with failed reperfusion or severe stenosis. Successful reperfusion and regular flow after stenting predicted functional outcome. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm efficacy and safety.

Background: Intracranial stenting is increasingly performed after thrombectomy failure. Stent selection and procedural strategies are heterogenous between centers. Our aim is to evaluate the clinical and radiological impact of stent design among these patients. Methods: The RESISTANT registry is a multicenter, international, retrospective study of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent intracranial stenting from 2016 to 2023. This analysis compares outcomes based on stent type and evaluates the role of pre- and post-stenting angioplasty. The primary endpoint was 90-day good clinical outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2. Secondary outcomes included final reperfusion, and early stent patency (within 48 hours). Safety outcomes included procedural complications, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 859 patients in the RESISTANT registry, 176 underwent intracranial stenting with balloon-mounted stent (BMS) and 683 with self-expandable stent (SES). The Vertebrobasilar location was more frequent in patients who received BMS (46.6% vs 24.0%, p<0.001); other baseline variables were similar between groups. Angioplasty was performed more frequently before (SES: 54.0% vs BMS: 39.2%, p<0.001) and after SES (SES: 21.1% vs BMS: 9.2%, p<0.001). Successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) was similar between groups (BMS: 91.2% vs SES: 89.1%) and the rate of residual intracranial stenosis was higher in SES patients (57.1% vs 35.6%, p<0.001). Reocclusion, procedural complications and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were similar between groups. At 90 days, the rate of good clinical outcome was higher among those patients treated with SES (44.7% vs 29.5%, aOR 1.74 (95%ICI 1.07-2.82)). Conclusions: Among patients who underwent rescue intracranial stenting, patients treated with self-expandable stents had a better outcome than patients treated with balloon-mounted stent at 90 days despite similar rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, successful recanalization and early reocclusion.

Background: There are limited therapy options in case of failed reperfusion after stent-retriever and/or aspiration based endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke. Despite the absence of data supporting its use, rescue angioplasty (RA; with or without stent implantation) is often utilized in such cases. Studies are limited to large vessel occlusions, while the outcomes and complications after RA in medium/distal vessel occlusions (MDVOs) have not been reported. This study aims to report the outcomes of RA in MDVO stroke patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective sub-analysis of the “Blood pressure and Antiplatelet medication management after reScue angioplasty after failed Endovascular treatment in Large and distal vessel occlusions with probable IntraCranial Atherosclerotic Disease” (BASEL ICAD) registry. All MDVO stroke patients were included in the analysis. Results: Out of 718 patients, 92 (12.8%) presented with an MDVO. Sixty-one patients (65.9%) presented with an occlusion of the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery. Rescue stenting (RS) was performed in 83 patients (90.2%) and balloon angioplasty alone was performed in 9 patients (9.8%). Successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score ≥ 2b) before RA was achieved in 34 patients (36.9%) and after RA in 76 (82.6%) patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) occurred in 8 patients (9.1%) and post-treatment stent occlusion in 14 patients (16.7%). 90 days mortality was 24.1%. Twenty-nine patients (34.9%) achieved functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0 – 2). Conclusion: Rescue Angioplasty might be a viable treatment option in case of failed reperfusion after conventional EVT in selected MDVO patients. However, safety concerns remain.

Background: Three-dimensional printing is used in veterinary medicine to produce precise physical models for education, research, and training. As simulation-based approaches in veterinary education continually improve, we are exploring the applicability of three dimensional (3D) printing technology for this purpose. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of student satisfaction, motivation, and confidence with the introduction of 3D-printed models in veterinary clinical training. Methods: A total of 57 students from the University of Sarajevo–Veterinary Faculty were included in the study. The groups were created according to the previous clinical training: third-year students with dominant observational and little active participation, fourth-year students with modest active participation, and fifth-year students with high prominent active participation in the clinical work. The students attended the theoretical review and practical presentation prior to their work on 3D printing models. Upon completion of the activity, students were given a survey that included questions divided into four categories: general satisfaction, comparison with traditional teaching methods, interactivity and practical application, and technical characteristics. Results: Students exhibited a positive attitude toward the use of the three dimensional printing (3DP) models as clinical simulators. This innovative approach could reduce stress when transitioning to work with live animals while enhancing interest in clinical work. Conclusion: The significant benefits of the 3DP include enhanced durability, low production costs, and a significant reduction in the number of cadavers needed for educational purposes.