Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cause of cancer-related mortality, of which peritoneal metastases (PMs) have the worse outcome. Metastasis-specific markers may help predict the spread of tumor cells and select patients for preventive strategies. This exploratory pilot study aimed to gain more insight into genetic alterations in primary CRC tumors, which might be a predictive factor for the development of PM. Forty patients with T3 stage CRC were retrospectively divided in three groups: without metachronous metastases during 5-year follow-up (M0, n = 20), with metachronous liver metastases (LM, n = 10) and with metachronous PM (PM, n = 10). Patients with synchronous metastases were excluded. Primary formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples were analyzed via comprehensive genome sequencing (TSO500 analysis) to identify DNA alterations and RNA fusion transcripts in 523 genes and 55 genes, respectively. Thirty-eight samples were included for final analysis. Four M0 tumors and one PM tumor were microsatellite instable. BRAF mutations were uniquely identified in three microsatellite-stable (MSS) PM tumors (37.5%, p = 0.010). RNA analysis showed an additional FAM198A-RAF1 fusion in one PM sample. BRAF p.V600E mutations were only present in PM patients with MSS tumors. Greater attention should be paid to BRAF-mutated tumors in relation to the development of metachronous PM.

Objective. This study aimed to analyze the crown and root morphology of maxillary and mandibular third molars, and assess their position in relation to adjacent anatomical structures using clinical examination and radiographic images. Materials and Methods. A total of 176 extracted impacted or partially impacted third molars were included in this study. Orthopantomogram images (OPG) were used to evaluate the number of roots, position, depth of impaction relative to the occlusal plane of the second molar, and angulation of maxillary and mandibular third molars. The extracted teeth were examined to determine the actual number of roots. The root morphology was classified using the Alavi classification system for maxillary third molars and the Machado classification for mandibular third molars. Additionally, the number of cusps, crown dimensions, and morphology were analyzed using digital and dental calipers. Results. The extracted samples exhibited a significantly higher number of roots compared to the number assessed on OPG images (P<0.001). The majority of mandibular third molars had two fused roots (37.39%) and a five-cuspid crown (48.70%), while maxillary third molars had three fused roots (26.23%) and four cusps (42.62%). Both maxillary (60.66%) and mandibular third molars (61.74%) were predominantly vertically positioned. Regarding the depth of impaction, maxillary third molars were primarily classified as Class C (65.57%), while mandibular third molars were classified as Class B (47.83%). Differences in crown shape were observed, with maxillary crowns being mostly triangular (36.07%) and mandibular crowns being oval (38.26%). Maxillary third molars had shorter crowns compared to mandibular third molars (P<0.05). Conclusion. The root morphology of maxillary and mandibular third molars in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina displays variability. Orthopantomogram imaging was found to be inadequate for accurate determination of the number of roots in third molars. The number of cusps on third molars cannot be relied upon as a predictor of the number of roots. The study’s findings will have implications for dental practice, particularly for oral surgeons and restorative dentists.

Summary Background Although meningitis is largely preventable, it still causes hundreds of thousands of deaths globally each year. WHO set ambitious goals to reduce meningitis cases by 2030, and assessing trends in the global meningitis burden can help track progress and identify gaps in achieving these goals. Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we aimed to assess incident cases and deaths due to acute infectious meningitis by aetiology and age from 1990 to 2019, for 204 countries and territories. Methods We modelled meningitis mortality using vital registration, verbal autopsy, sample-based vital registration, and mortality surveillance data. Meningitis morbidity was modelled with a Bayesian compartmental model, using data from the published literature identified by a systematic review, as well as surveillance data, inpatient hospital admissions, health insurance claims, and cause-specific meningitis mortality estimates. For aetiology estimation, data from multiple causes of death, vital registration, hospital discharge, microbial laboratory, and literature studies were analysed by use of a network analysis model to estimate the proportion of meningitis deaths and cases attributable to the following aetiologies: Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and a residual other pathogen category. Findings In 2019, there were an estimated 236 000 deaths (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 204 000–277 000) and 2·51 million (2·11–2·99) incident cases due to meningitis globally. The burden was greatest in children younger than 5 years, with 112 000 deaths (87 400–145 000) and 1·28 million incident cases (0·947–1·71) in 2019. Age-standardised mortality rates decreased from 7·5 (6·6–8·4) per 100 000 population in 1990 to 3·3 (2·8–3·9) per 100 000 population in 2019. The highest proportion of total all-age meningitis deaths in 2019 was attributable to S pneumoniae (18·1% [17·1–19·2]), followed by N meningitidis (13·6% [12·7–14·4]) and K pneumoniae (12·2% [10·2–14·3]). Between 1990 and 2019, H influenzae showed the largest reduction in the number of deaths among children younger than 5 years (76·5% [69·5–81·8]), followed by N meningitidis (72·3% [64·4–78·5]) and viruses (58·2% [47·1–67·3]). Interpretation Substantial progress has been made in reducing meningitis mortality over the past three decades. However, more meningitis-related deaths might be prevented by quickly scaling up immunisation and expanding access to health services. Further reduction in the global meningitis burden should be possible through low-cost multivalent vaccines, increased access to accurate and rapid diagnostic assays, enhanced surveillance, and early treatment. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Aim To investigate the serum value of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proteins S-100, NSE, IL-6 in normal pressure patients (NPH) compared to control (healthy) group and also a possible correlation with radiological findings in NPH patients. Methods Study patients were included during the period of 2020- 2022. All NPH patients met the diagnostic criteria for probability of NPH. Control patients group included patients without known brain disorder, without clinical symptoms of NPH. Blood samples were taken before planned surgery for NPH. BDNF serum concentrations were assessed by a sensitive ELISA kit, and serum concentrations of S-100, NSE and IL-6 were assessed by using ECLIA technology for immunoassay detection. Results Among 15 patients who were included, seven NPH patients were compared to eight control patients. Non-significant decrease in BDNF serum concentrations, an increase of protein S-100 serum concentrations, a decrease of NSE serum concentrations, as well as an increase of IL-6 serum concentrations in NPH patients compared to healthy controls was found. Strong positive correlation between BNDF and Evans index was observed (p=0.0295). Conclusion We did not find a significant difference of BDNF, protein S-100, IL-6 and NSE between serum concentration in NPH and healthy patients. More future research is needed to find the role of BDNF in NPH patients.

Percolation properties of an adsorbed polydisperse mixture of extended objects on a triangular lattice are studied by Monte Carlo simulations. The depositing objects of various shapes are formed by self-avoiding walks on the lattice. We study polydisperse mixtures in which the size ℓ of the shape making the mixture increases gradually with the number of components. This study examines the influence of the shape of the primary object defining a polydisperse mixture on its percolation and jamming properties. The dependence of the jamming density and percolation threshold on the number of components n making the mixture is analyzed. Determining the contribution of the individual components in the lattice covering allowed a better insight into the deposit structure of the n-component mixture at the percolation threshold. In addition, we studied mixtures of objects of various shapes but the same size.

Aim The two most commonly used implants for treatment of trochanteric fractures are the dynamic hip screw (DHS) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). The aim of this study was to evaluate blood loss in patients with trochanteric fracture treated with DHS or PFNA. Methods This retrospective comparative study included 61 patients with trochanteric fracture, who were divided according to a surgical method into DHS and PFNA groups. In the PFNA group, a short third generation gamma-nail was used for osteosynthesis (Supernail GT, Lima Corporate, Italy), and in the DHS group a dynamic hip screw was used (Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland). Complete blood count with haemoglobin and haematocrit values was taken preoperatively and on the first day postoperatively and a number of red blood cell transfusions (RBC) were evaluated. Electronic medical records from 2022 were used to collect patient data. Results There were no significant differences in terms of gender and age between the groups (p=0.510 and p=0.087, respectively), as well as in the fracture type distribution (p=0.886). The duration of postoperative hospitalisation was similar between the groups (p=0.643). There was no statistically significant association between the number of RBC transfusions and fixation method (p=0.091), as well as in postoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels between the groups (p=0.180 and p=0.225, respectively). Conclusion Both DHS and PFNA implants are safe surgical techniques for the treatment of trochanteric fractures, with similar blood loss, number of blood transfusions and hospital stay.

Aim To examine a correlation of demographic characteristics of patients, preoperative modality of conservative therapy and timing on the postoperative outcome of patients six months after the operation. Methods A retrospective, non-randomized, clinical study involved 48 patients of different age and gender with a verified diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES). The inclusion criteria were patients with CES caused by discus hernia. Observed research variables were age, gender, affected vertebral level, conservative modalities of perioperative therapy (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs and physiotherapy), duration of symptoms, and outcome parameters (motor and sensory function, sphincter function of the urinary bladder and bowel). Results A statistically significant negative correlation was found between age and postoperative outcome (p<0.05). The affected vertebral level was positively correlated with the motor and sensory outcome (p<0.05). A positive correlation between the use of NSAIDs and the outcome was found (R=0.570; p<0.001), as well as a negative correlation with perioperative physiotherapy (R=-0.201; p= 0.001). Postponement of surgery was negatively correlated with outcome variables (p<0.001). Conclusion The results of the study bring new conclusions that were not previously observed. Possible new characteristics associated with the outcome of cauda equina syndrome were determined.

Aim To investigate the influence of the inclination and insertion of the cerebellar tentorium on the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) volume. Methods A retrospective, non-randomized study including 174 patients (117 females and 57 males) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging in the period from 31 December 2020 to 1 June 2021 under the indication (mostly headache) set by a competent ordinary. Acute or chronic intracranial events were not verified in the patients. Results The average value of the PCF volume was 138.93 cm3 and the slope of the tentorium was 44.15°. Comparing the volume of the PCF and the slope of the tentorium in males and females no significant difference was found. A correlation was found in the females age groups 18-24 and 45-54 years. Conclusion Understanding dimensions of the posterior cranial fossa morphometry has clear implications for reducing morbidity and mortality in surgery, especially in the case of applying lateral approaches and their variations.

<p>In this paper, the influence of process parameters on the morphological properties of fine precipitated hydrate was examined. The research was conducted with the aim of synthesizing fine precipitated aluminum hydroxide from the aluminate solution obtained by the Bayer process. Fine precipitated hydrates obtained in this way are mostly used in the non-metallurgical industry. The synthesized fine precipitated hydrate should comply with certain quality requirements such as granulometry (average particle diameter), purity, specific surface area, whiteness, etc. This paper shows the influence of certain technological parameters, namely the initial precipitation temperature, the amount and specific surface area of the seed, the influence of the NaOH/Al(OH)3 molar ratio on the characteristics of the synthesized fine precipitated hydrate in terms of the specific surface area, mean diameter and morphology of the obtained particles.</p>

Significance The extent and pace of the transition from our current fossil fuel-based economy to one based on renewable energy will strongly depend on the availability of bulk energy storage solutions. Herein, we investigate one such candidate technology, using chemical precursors which are inexpensive, abundant, and widely available, specifically cement, water, and carbon black. The energy storage capacity of these carbon-cement supercapacitors is shown to be an intensive quantity, and their high rate capability exhibits self-similarity. These properties point to the opportunity for employing these structural concrete-like supercapacitors for bulk energy storage in both residential and industrial applications ranging from energy autarkic shelters and self-charging roads for electric vehicles, to intermittent energy storage for wind turbines.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) has difficulty integrating and moving closer to the goal of becoming a member of the European Union (EU). From the legal perspective, the main issue is the need to fulfil the accession criteria. The article aims to examine the relationship between the obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and Basic Freedoms (ECHR) and the obligations related to the European Union (EU) accession process, with emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) as an EU membership candidate country. At first sight, those two obligations are separate. However, upon close examination, a strong link between those two obligations can be established using normative research with a historical approach, statute and case-based approach. On the other hand, the constitutional system of B&H has been described as discriminatory by numerous judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and, most prominently, by the Sejdic-Finci case. B&H has difficulties implementing those judgments. Implementing those judgments is also set as one of the requirements of EU accession. Even if the two obligations seem separate at first sight, the ECHR has a special position within the law of the EU and is especially important in the accession of new Member States, including B&H. The research results show a special position of the ECHR in EU law and a link between the obligations under the ECHR and EU accession.

<p style="text-align: justify;">There are many ways to accomplish optimization of machining process. In the experimental part of this paper, the optimization of machining process is accomplished from the aspect of cutting conditions, which are independent variables (speed, feed, and cutting depth), whereas the dependent variables refer to the surface roughness, more precisely, arithmetic average of surface heights and resultant cutting force, including<br />main cutting force, feed force and thrust force. Once the matrix of the experimental plan has been created, on the basis of a complete multifactor plan with eight points, with previously determined upper, middle and lower levels of cutting parameters for turning, the experiment followed. Once the results of surface roughness were measured by perthometer, as well as results of cutting forces by dynamometer, the optimization of<br />machining process was treated by means of predetermined methodologies,<br />described in this paper.</p>