Using the RadSawSim simulator for radial sawing, a simulation of the radial sawing technique was used to saw Pedunculata oak (Quercus robur L.) logs. Simulation was implemented with a view to producing as many radially sawn boards as possible and took into account the influences of increasing volume yield, lumber value yield, and log-value yield. The methods that were analyzed were live sawing and radial sawing of third sections, fourth sections, fifth sections, and sixth sections of the log. Live sawing achieved the best results of volume yield during simulation, which was followed by radial sawing into the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sections. The difference in volume yield with live sawing compared to the radial-sawing method is very large for logs up to a diameter of 45 cm. It becomes smaller when the log diameter is greater than 45 cm. A comparison of the radial method shows that the share of radially sawn boards and lumber value yield increased when the number of log sections during sawing simulation increased. If log-value yield is assumed to be the main criterion, and given the conditions used in this simulation, there is no justified reason to saw logs using the radial technique when the diameter is less than 45 cm. The live sawing technique is more efficient for these diameters of logs, and, therefore, the radial sawing technique is more efficient for logs with a diameter greater than 45 cm.

Uvod: Poremećaji temporomandibularnog zgloba (TMP) obuhvaćaju niz stanja koja utječu na anatomske i funkcionalne karakteristike temporomandibularnog zgloba (TMZ). Najčešće se manifestiraju hipermobilnošću zgloba, miofascijalnom boli u žvačnim i vratnim mišićima, poremećajima zglobnog diska poput klikanja te poremećajima koordinacije mandibularnih pokreta. Liječenje TMP-a započinje konzervativnim pristupom, dok se operativno liječenje razmatra samo u određenim slučajevima.Materijali i metode: Studija je provedena u privatnoj praksi u Münchenu, Njemačka. Ispitanici su prije i nakon terapije ispunili standardizirani upitnik o poremećajima temporomandibularnog zgloba (TMJ/TMD Questionnaire). Program fizioterapije uključivao je medicinsku masažu i kineziterapiju u trajanju od 3 tjedna, s ukupno 6 tretmana.Rezultati: U istraživanju je sudjelovao 31 ispitanik stariji od 18 godina. Potpuno i snažno otvaranje usta bilo je moguće kod 87,1% ispitanika, dok je djelomično bilo moguće kod 12,9%. Promjene u zagrizu i učestalost tegoba značajno su se smanjile nakon fizioterapije, dok je amplituda pokreta kod manjeg broja ispitanika ostala nepromijenjena.Zaključci: Program fizioterapije pokazao se učinkovitim u smanjenju učestalosti problema i poboljšanju promjena zagriza kod osoba s poremećajima temporomandibularnog zgloba. Za dodatno poboljšanje opsega pokreta preporučuje se produženje terapije i uključivanje dodatnih terapijskih modaliteta.

The neuroanatomy course consistently presents significant challenges, primarily due to the short lifespan of formalin-preserved brain specimens and their restricted availability. Numerous studies have evaluated the strengths and limitations of alternative resources for neuroanatomy education, with a particular focus on technology-based learning methods. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of integrating 3D printed models into the neuroanatomy curriculum and to evaluate student satisfaction with their use. The experimental group consisted of the first-year students enrolled in the integrated study program at the University of Sarajevo-Veterinary Faculty during the summer semester of the academic year 2022/2023. The course was organized using 3DP models for 15 h, while during the remaining three hours formalin-preserved specimens were utilized. Data obtained from this cohort were compared with the results of the previous two cohorts (2021–2022 and 2020–2021), who studied veterinary anatomy exclusively using formalin-preserved specimens. The neuroanatomy test scores improved in the experimental group compared to the two control groups. The students exhibit positive attitudes and report high satisfaction with using 3DP models. They support innovative teaching methods and find that the colored segments of the models enhance recognizability of different anatomical structures, highlighting the didactical value of 3DP models. Overall, study demonstrated that 3DP models were highly beneficial for neuroanatomy learning, pedagogically useful and well-received by students.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an appreciable threat to public health, especially among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exacerbated by high levels of inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics in these countries. There have been variable levels of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription among community pharmacies in South Africa. Given the importance of community pharmacies, especially in rural South Africa, there is a need to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics, AMR, and antibiotic stewardship. This was the aim of this study.A previously piloted questionnaire was administered to pharmacy personnel currently operating community pharmacies in a rural province in South Africa, where dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription is likely to be greatest. The questionnaire included key knowledge questions regarding antibiotics and AMR, as well as ways to reduce AMR. Community pharmacies were divided into three categories: Independent, chain, and franchise pharmacies.A total of 128 pharmacies participated (75.7%), with independent pharmacies representing the majority (60.9%). A total of 313 completed questionnaires were returned (78.3% response rate), including responses from 106 pharmacists (33.9%) and 207 pharmacist assistants (66.1%). Overall, there was very good knowledge among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants concerning antibiotics and AMR. However, there was a significant misconception regarding the potential role of antibiotics in relieving pain. Encouragingly, attitudes regarding the risks associated with obtaining antibiotics without a prescription among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants were high. There was also strong agreement among both community pharmacists and pharmacist assistants for potential solutions to AMR.Overall, the findings showed that most pharmacists and pharmacist assistants in this rural province demonstrated a strong understanding of the effectiveness of antibiotics in bacterial infections and their lack of effectiveness to treat viral infections. They also demonstrated considerable knowledge regarding the risks associated with the inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription, as well as ways to address rising AMR rates.

Hospitals can gain valuable insights into their current level of organizational health literacy (OHL) by using self-assessment tools. OHL self-assessment tools can serve as useful instruments for supporting the planning and implementation of OHL interventions aimed at promoting health equity and improving patient outcomes. This explorative study aimed to pilot the International Self-Assessment Tool for Organizational Health Literacy (Responsiveness) of Hospitals (OHL-Hos) among hospitals across six countries. The OHL-Hos, grounded in a comprehensive theoretical framework consisting of eight standards, 21 sub-standards and 141 indicators, was piloted in seven hospitals: one in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Norway and Serbia, and two in Italy. In each hospital, the feasibility of using the OHL-Hos was investigated regarding acceptability, implementation, practicality, and integration, identifying strengths and areas for improvement using descriptive analyses. The self-assessment process included individual rating of an interdisciplinary and inter-hierarchical assessment team regarding OHL-Hos indicators from their personal perspectives, followed by a joint assessment to reach a consensus on different ratings. The process and experiences were documented in semi-structured forms, while the ratings on the indicators were documented numerically. All hospitals successfully self-assessed their OHL, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. The self-assessment process varied slightly among countries. While the tool was considered important but lengthy and complex, introductory workshops facilitated successful implementation. The self-assessment process raised awareness and stimulated discussions on improving OHL, highlighting the tool’s potential for organizational development. The OHL-Hos can serve as a useful tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement in OHL in hospitals. The overall experience with the tool was positive and the joint assessment with the tool was found to foster consensus and enable reflection on OHL, but its comprehensive nature poses challenges to its implementation, leading to recommendations for developing a shortened version of the tool with simple language. Certain indicators require specific knowledge, suggesting different professional groups should address relevant parts.

Current standard treatments for osteosarcoma have not been changed for decades and have limited and variable success. The advancement of precision medicine technologies, along with the drug-repurposing and fast drug-screening methodologies available, has opened new avenues for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of halogenated boroxine (HB) and dextran-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles—DexCeNPs (SD2)—in an in vitro osteosarcoma model. Both agents were tested individually and in combination. The research encompassed assessments of treatment-related cytotoxicity and cell viability, oxidative stress, and apoptotic and necrotic responses, as well as the effects on 3D spheroid models. The results demonstrated that the effects of HB and SD2 were strongly influenced by the dose, exposure time, and cell type. Both exhibited distinguished antitumor activity through cytotoxicity and specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. The combined treatment produced modulated responses that were dependent on the treatment ratio and cell line, suggesting potential synergistic or selective interactions. Notably, the outcomes of the analysis conducted in 3D models revealed reduced toxicity toward non-tumor cells. These findings suggest the improved efficacy of HB and SD2 used in combination as a selective and novel antitumor strategy and underscore the need for further mechanistic studies at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels to elucidate the underlying pathways and clarify the mechanisms of action.

The comet assay is widely used in human biomonitoring studies of environmental and occupational exposures. However, it is clear from multiple studies that various types of confounding factors might affect the direct relationship between exposure and DNA damage in the comet assay. In addition to common confounders such as age, sex, and smoking, other factors considered to be important determinants for background levels of DNA damage in the comet assay include exhaustive physical exercise, chronic diseases, medical treatment, and diet. These are typically controlled in biomonitoring studies by restriction or matching of subjects. Period effects (or seasonal variation) have been observed in a relatively large number of studies. There are various putative factors, which may cause period effects, including temporal variation in solar radiation, temperature, and air pollution. The present review describes the effects of these confounding factors in measurements of DNA strand breaks by the comet assay. In general, the literature does not indicate that any confounding factor is consistently associated with an increased level of DNA damage, measured by the comet assay. In this respect, it is important to balance the need to control for confounding with the risk of introducing in the statistical analysis a variable, which is influenced by exposure and outcome (i.e. collider bias). In addition, it is important that investigators describe procedures for controlling the effect of confounding factors in the selection of subjects and statistical analysis. Care should be taken in study design and statistical analysis to avoid unwanted effects of confounding factors.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening condition with no cure, making research into its underlying mechanisms critical. The platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in vascular remodeling, a key factor in PAH progression. Anti‐PDGF receptor therapies, such as imatinib, show promise but are associated with significant side effects. Recent research identified PDGF‐D as a new risk gene in idiopathic PAH, highlighting the need for further investigation into the PDGF pathway in the disease. In this study, we investigated PDGF‐D, a specific PDGFRβ ligand, as a potential therapeutic target. RNA‐Seq data from healthy lungs indicated that PDGF‐D is predominantly expressed in inflammatory cells, whereas in vascular lesions of idiopathic PAH patients, PDGF‐D was produced by various cell types. In vitro, PDGF‐D induced mitogenic effects on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. However, genetic deletion of PDGF‐D in the chronic hypoxia mouse model of pulmonary hypertension showed no significant impact on vascular muscularization, hemodynamic parameters, or right ventricular hypertrophy. But, the absence of hypoxia‐induced Pdgfrb upregulation and the lack of increased expression of PAH‐regulated genes, Fgf2 and Notch3, in PDGF‐D‐deficient mice, suggests activation of alternative mechanisms. MicroRNA analyses revealed PDGF‐d‐related alterations in the expression of miR‐21 and miR‐451, both important regulators in PAH, further supporting the notion that PDGF‐D plays a unique role in PAH development. Taken together, our data suggest that PDGF‐D may target a distinct population of PDGFRβ‐expressing cells, separate from those stimulated by PDGF‐B, positioning PDGF‐D as a potentially unique and compelling therapeutic target for PAH.

Mosquitoes are important vectors of human and animal pathogens, yet data on their diversity and vector potential remain scarce for the central Balkan country Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study aimed to assess mosquito species composition, associated pathogens, and the potential public health risks in BIH. Adult mosquitoes were collected with light traps, identified morphologically and by barcoding, and screened molecularly for various pathogens, including West Nile virus (WNV), Dirofilaria spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Plasmodium spp. A total of 2691 mosquitoes of 17 species were identified, with Culex pipiens/torrentium being most abundant and new records of Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus japonicus. The first detection of WNV (lineage 2) RNA in mosquitoes in BIH highlights the potential risk of circulation in the region, aligning with findings from neighboring countries. In addition, DNA of filarioid nematodes (Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, and Setaria tundra) were detected, underscoring their role as potential vectors of zoonotic dirofilariasis. Also, Trypanosoma and Plasmodium DNA was detected, warranting further investigation into the possible involvement of mosquitoes in their transmission. The detection of invasive Aedes species and mosquito-borne pathogens emphasize the need for strengthened vector surveillance in southeastern Europe, particularly in BIH. This study provides the first barcode inventory of 17 mosquito species and novel molecular evidence of mosquito-borne pathogens in BIH, offering valuable baseline data for future epidemiological assessments and sustained entomological surveillance.

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.

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.

Plywood is a wood-based material that, due to its good properties, has found applications in many areas of the wood industry, transport, and construction. Plywood is fabricated from multiple layers of veneer glued together with the grain direction of each layer of veneer perpendicular to that of the adjacent layers. In order to improve primarily mechanical properties, plywood is reinforced with various fibers, both natural and synthetic. Basalt is used in various forms as a material for reinforcing composite materials. Basalt mesh is primarily used in construction to improve the properties of wall and road structures. In order to determine the possibility of using basalt mesh in the production of wood-based composite materials, plywood reinforced with basalt mesh was produced in laboratory conditions. One, or two, or three basalt meshes were placed in different positions in the panel construction. The manufactured plywood reinforced with basal mesh was tested in accordance with EN 310. The paper presents the results of the bending strength test depending on the quantity and position of the basal mesh in the plywood construction.