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.

Continuous exploration of innovative and sustainable solutions within green chemistry is imperative to tackle challenges inherent in traditional production processes. This study examined three novel methods for obtaining polyphenolic extracts from dill seeds: nonthermal high voltage electric discharge (HVED), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). SWE was conducted at temperatures ranging from 100 to 200°C under 30 bar pressure, while MAE utilized a hydroethanolic solvent at temperatures from 40 to 120°C. HVED extraction was performed at varying frequencies (40-100 Hz) and durations (5-15 min) in water. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts was quantified, and antioxidant activity was evaluated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging capacity varied across techniques, with MAE at 40°C yielding the highest values. Increasing MAE temperature caused a steep decline in total phenol and flavonoid contents and a rise in DPPH IC50 values. Conversely, SWE significantly increased phenolic recovery at temperatures between 150-200°C. HVED extraction revealed frequency as the most critical parameter for phenolic recovery. Catechin (224.88 µg/mL), epicatechin (120.62 µg/mL), epigallocatechin (107.56 µg/mL), and procyanidin B1 (116.36 µg/mL) emerged as the primary phenolics. SWE demonstrated superior suitability for individual phenolic recovery compared with the other two techniques. Multivariate data analysis reveals relationships between extraction parameters and polyphenol recovery, underscoring the potential for eco-friendly and efficient extraction processes. This study highlights the transition toward sustainable extraction methods in modern industrial processing. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study provides insights into innovative extraction techniques for obtaining polyphenols from dill seeds, which could be applied in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The findings suggest that these eco-friendly methods can improve the efficiency of extracting antioxidants, offering manufacturers a greener and more effective approach to producing health-promoting ingredients.

Background/Objectives: Post-infectious syndromes, including Post-COVID syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and late-stage Lyme disease, are associated with overlapping clinical features and autonomic dysfunction. Despite shared symptoms such as fatigue and orthostatic intolerance, the underlying pathophysiology and specific patterns of autonomic dysfunction may differ. This study aimed to evaluate and compare autonomic nervous system function in these syndromes using multiple diagnostic modalities to identify unique characteristics and improve differentiation between these conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 758 patients, which were divided into four groups: Post-COVID syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome following Post-COVID syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome unrelated to COVID-19, and late-stage Lyme disease. Autonomic nervous system function was assessed using cardiovascular reflex tests, the Head-Up Tilt Test, beat-to-beat analysis, five-minute electrocardiogram recordings, 24 h Holter electrocardiogram monitoring, and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Statistical analyses compared parameters across the groups, focusing on patterns of sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction. Results: The patients with Lyme disease showed distinct autonomic patterns, including a higher prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (53.4%) and changes in heart rate variability during the Head-Up Tilt Test suggestive of adrenergic failure. Compared to the other groups, patients with Lyme disease exhibited reduced baroreceptor sensitivity and diminished changes in frequency domain heart rate variability parameters during orthostatic stress. Parasympathetic dysfunction was less prevalent in the Lyme disease group, while the Post-COVID syndrome and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome groups showed more pronounced autonomic imbalances. Conclusions: The patients with Post-COVID syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and late-stage Lyme disease exhibited varying degrees and types of autonomic dysfunction. Late-stage Lyme disease is characterized by adrenergic failure and distinct hemodynamic responses, differentiating it from other syndromes. The functional assessment of autonomic nervous system function could aid in understanding and managing these conditions, offering insights for targeted therapeutic interventions.