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
Background: All generations of living beings have been and will be exposed to ionizing radiation. Until the discovery of radioactivity, man was not aware that ionizing radiation was a part of him and his environment. Humans are mainly exposed to gamma and beta radiation from terrestrial radionuclides, which represent the main source of irradiation of the human body. Materials and Methods: This paper presents the research overview of the dose rates of gamma and beta radiation, measured outdoors in the research locations by the Gamma–Scout device. The measurements were performed at fifteen locations in the area of Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Gamma–Scout device was mounted outside on the table, at a height of 50 cm above ground in the vicinity of residential buildings in periods of 30 minutes. Results: The results presented include gamma, gamma+beta, and beta dose rate measurements. Based on these results, the annual effective doses originating from gamma and beta radiation were estimated. Results of measurements taken by this method showed that the values of the annual effective dose of gamma and gamma+beta radiation were in the interval of (0.21 - 0.32) mSv and (0.22 - 0.33) mSv, respectively. The estimated annual effective dose received by beta radiation was in the interval of (0 - 0.04) mSv. Conclusion: For all investigated locations, excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was below the recommended risk value.
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.
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.
The properties of spin fluctuations in antiferromagnets are largely unexplored, in particular at ultrafast timescales. Here, we employ femtosecond noise correlation spectroscopy (FemNoC) to experimentally study magnetization fluctuations in the canted antiferromagnet Sm$_{0.7}$Er$_{0.3}$FeO$_{3}$ across its spin reorientation transition and under external magnetic fields. By comparing our measurements to atomistic spin noise and Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the amplitude of the spin noise is governed by the free energy, with stronger fluctuations in regions where the potential landscape softens. We furthermore demonstrate that external magnetic fields suppress spin fluctuations and enhance the quasi-ferromagnetic magnon frequency by effectively stiffening the potential. These results highlight an effective route for tuning ultrafast magnetization fluctuations via external parameters.
The paper presents an overview of usage of the analog and hybrid computers in education and research in the field of electrical engineering in the period of 1964–1988 at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering University of Sarajevo. A brief description of the analog RAS and PACE 231R computers, and hybrid system HRS-100 is provided. Development of teaching is documented and illustrated, and line of research is presented with the detailed bibliography.
<p>A healthy and stable financial system is very important for the development and growth of a country, and its key role is to provide conditions that will enable the unhindered flow of financial resources. Given that the stability of the banking system represents, both nationally and internationally, a matter of general public interest, banks in all countries are subject to supervision by supervisory authorities. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision plays a key role in shaping international standards with the aim of preserving the stability of the financial system. This paper explores the impact of the implementation of Basel III standards on the operations of banks in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), with an emphasis on capital adequacy, liquidity and risk management. The research was conducted using a quantitative method, using a structured questionnaire, and SPSS software was used for statistical analysis of the research results. The analysis was conducted using a one-sample t-test to assess the deviation of respondents' attitudes from the neutral value. The results indicate a significant perception of the impact of Basel III standards on capital and risk management in the banking sector of the FBiH and provide a basis for improving the regulatory framework and bank supervision.</p>
<p><i>This paper aimed to examine whether the level of knowledge of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants</i><i> </i><i>influences the readiness of accountants to act in accordance with its guidelines, even under pressure that can adversely affect their professional status. The survey was conducted among medium and large companies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) in 2023, with a sample of 71 respondents. The results have shown a positive connection between the level of knowledge of the Code and the willingness to take ethical action, including situations with potentially negative consequences, such as paying salaries or losing jobs, for respondents. Additionally, professional accountants who are more familiar with the Code are more likely to report the unethical behavior of management, either to relevant institutions or to the public. However, in the FBiH business practice so far, such treatment is a rarity, which indicates a gap between theoretical knowledge and actual behaviour.</i></p>
Background and purpose: Three genera and eleven species of Glossosomatidae family have been confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, there is limited research on the biodiversity of this family in the region, especially on molecular data. With this paper, we contribute to the knowledge on the Glossosomatidae family with the first molecular records for two species for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Materials and methods: Larval samples of caddisflies were collected in April 2019 and 2021 at the area of the Natural Monument the Spring of Bosna River followed by morphological identification. Molecular confirmation of species was done using DNA barcoding, targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region using Folmer’s primers and degenerated primers LCO1490-JJ and HCO2198-JJ. All obtained PCR products were bidirectionally sequenced using the same primers as in PCR. Results: Out of 52 specimens, 18 were morphologically determined to species level. A DNA barcode was successfully generated for 16 specimens. Eight sequences were generated for Synagapetus krawanyi, revealing three haplotypes previously absent from the BOLD database. Four sequences were obtained for S. iridipennis, with one new haplotype for BOLD database. Conclusions: We present new data on species distribution and genetic diversity of S. krawanyi and S. iridipennis from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study contributes to the knowledge of caddisfly biodiversity and the Global Trichoptera Barcode Initiative by adding new records from two underrepresented species in the BOLD database.
Introduction: The main purpose of root canal filling materials is to provide an apical sealing that prevents the movement of bacteria and the diffusion of their metabolic products from the root canal system to periapical tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate’s (MTA), epoxy resin, and zinc oxide eugenol- based sealer with single cone obturation techniques using the dye extraction leakage method. Methods: Seventy-five extracted human single-rooted teeth were instrumented using the crown-down technique with the Mtwo rotary file system to file 25/6. The teeth were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 15); Group 1 obturated with AH plus, Group 2 obturated with MTA BIOSEAL, Group 3 obturated with Endoseal, Group 4 positive control (POS CTRL) root canals are processed but not obturated, and negative control- apex of teeth completely covered with nail varnish, canals are not treated or obturated. In the first three groups, the single cone obturation technique with gutta-percha 25/6 was used. Apical microleakage was assessed with the dye extraction method, where the absorbance of 2% methylene blue was measured using a spectrophotometer. Results: The mean dye concentration values were MTA 22.79, AH plus 31.16, Endoseal 36.67, POS CTRL 280.15, negative control 9.01. Analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons indicated a significant difference in apical microleakage between the investigated groups (F = 3448, p < 0.001). The MTA BIOSEAL showed significantly less apical microleakage than the AH plus and Endoseal. The AH plus showed less apical microleakage than the Endoseal, although there was no significant difference between these two sealers. Conclusion: With the limitation of the study, it was concluded that MTA sealers show statistically less apical leakage than AH Plus and Endoseal.
Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare heart defect present at birth. In this condition, the left coronary artery, which normally comes from the aorta, instead starts from the pulmonary artery. This abnormal connection can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, causing damage like heart attacks and increasing the risk of serious heart rhythm problems or sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Diagnosis is made through imaging studies, and treatment often involves surgical correction to restore normal coronary circulation. The prognosis of ALCAPA largely depends on the age at which it is diagnosed and the timing of treatment. Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes. This case report presents a 11-year-old girl, who is an athlete, with late presentation of ALCAPA syndrome in the form of ventricular fibrillation leading to SCA. She had no previous symptoms, the electrocardiogram showed no abnormalities except for left axis deviation and the several echocardiograms showed no enlargement of the left ventricle, with possible big right coronary artery. ALCAPA has been confirmed by computed tomography coronary angiographyscan. Child was surgically treated by coronary artery transfer for ALCAPA with satisfactory outcome. The implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is still under consideration.
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