Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluates the impact of health conditions on personal functioning. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children and adolescents can significantly affect HRQoL due to the demands of daily disease management, psychological burden, and potential complications. The use of validated tools like Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) questionnaires is essential in assessing HRQoL. Combining generic and disease-specific scales offers a comprehensive evaluation. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which the PedsQL 4.0 and PedsQL 3.0 questionnaires explain the overall quality of life of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes when used separately and in combination. Additionally, the study aims to identify which specific domains within these questionnaires are most significant in explaining the variability in overall quality of life scores. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted from October 2021 to February 2022. The study assessed the quality of life of 50 children and adolescents (aged five to 18 years) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, residing in Sarajevo Canton. Of these, 47 children/adolescents provided self-reports, while three children aged five to seven years were excluded from self-report analyses due to developmental limitations. However, parent proxy-reports were obtained for all 50 participants, including the three younger children. Accordingly, the final analysis included 47 child/adolescent self-reports and 50 parent proxy-reports. The study included children with a disease duration of >6 months and parental consent. The PedsQL™ 4.0 and PedsQL™ 3.0 Diabetes Module were used. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York), including reliability testing, descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression. Linear regression was selected to quantify the contribution of each questionnaire domain to overall HRQoL, offering an interpretable and robust method for assessing additive domain effects. Results: The combined use of generic and diabetes-specific measures provided the most accurate assessment of HRQoL, capturing both general well-being and disease-specific challenges. Diabetes symptoms and physical functioning were key explainors. Conclusion: The combined use of generic and diabetes-specific tools enables a more nuanced and comprehensive assessment of HRQoL in children and adolescents with T1DM. This study demonstrates that neither tool alone offers sufficient coverage, reinforcing the necessity of integrated assessment.

Background: Hepatobiliary tumors are uncommon in dogs, and metastatic liver tumors are diagnosed more frequently than primary liver tumors. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most prevalent primary liver malignant tumor. Case Description: An 11-year-old spayed female Tibetan Terrier was referred to the University of Sarajevo Veterinary Teaching Hospital due to recurrent painful urination attempts, straining urination, hematuria, and decreased appetite. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a moderately distended bladder containing urolith, bladder wall thickening, and sediment. Incidentally, a hyperechoic hepatic mass on the left medial liver lobe and hepatomegaly were detected along with gallbladder sludge. Surgical cystolithotomy and partial liver lobectomy were performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the hepatic mass as clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma (CCHCC). Conclusion: Although this rare histological subtype has been documented, its biological behavior and clinical features remain poorly understood due to the scarcity of cases. A recent publication by Jung et al. (2021). described the first cytological, histological, and clinical case presentation of CCHCC in dogs, suggesting that obesity and hyperlipidemia may be potential risk factors. However, these proposed risk factors were not detected in the present case, implying that CCHCC in dogs is a rare and poorly understood condition that warrants further attention in veterinary research.

Objective: Obesity and overweight represent a global public health crisis, due to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases consequent to many factors such as metabolic dysregulation and chronic inflammation. This study aimed to compare the Heart Rate variability (HRV) between obese and non-obese hypertensive patients. Design and method: A cross-sectional study included 76 hypertensive patients, referred to the Functional Explorations department. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected. All patients underwent 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure (BP) Monitoring. HRVs were measured (standard deviation in percentage) during 24-hour, diurnal and nocturnal periods. Patients were divided into two groups, according to their body mass index (BMI, whether < 30 kg/m 2 or = 30 30 kg/m 2 and more): G1 (obese, n=39) and G2 (non-obese, n=37). Results: Mean age was 55±10 vs. 52±15 years and mean BMI was 34±4 vs. 26±2 kg/m 2 in G1 and G2, respectively. Both groups were matched for sex (66.7% of females in G1 vs. 48.6% of females in G2) and comorbidities (mainly diabetes and dyslipidemia), but G1 included a higher proportion of metabolic syndrome (p<0.05). Mean values of 24-hour Systolic and Diastolic BPs were 136±10 mmHg vs. 130±11 mmHg (p=0.022), and 84±9 mmHg vs. 80±9 mmHg (p=0.066), respectively in G1 and in G2. Mean values of 24-hour, diurnal and nocturnal HRVs were 14±3% vs. 16±3%; 14±3% vs. 16±3%; 7±3% vs. 9±6%, respectively in G1 and in G2. Diurnal and 24-hour HRVs were statistically lower in G1 (p=0.010 and 0.035, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed in nocturnal HRV (p=0.279) between the two groups. Conclusions: This study revealed lower HRVs among obese patients which highlights a clear association between obesity and reduced autonomic nervous system function, particularly with diminished parasympathetic activity. This HRV reduction, resulting in an imbalance in autonomic regulation, increases cardiovascular risk. Managing weight seems to be the key to minimize these negative impacts.

Interna revizija, kao nezavisna i objektivna funkcija, ima ključnu ulogu u unapređenju poslovanja organizacija kroz procenu i poboljšanje efektivnosti upravljanja rizicima, kontrolom i organizacionim procesima. Iako nije zakonski obavezna u svim zemljama, njeno uspostavljanje postaje sve važnije, posebno u javnom sektoru i finansijskim organizacijama i korporacijama, kako bi se unapredilo poslovanje, ostvarili ciljevi i smanjili rizici. Kvalitet interne revizije definiše se njenom sposobnošću da ispuni ciljeve organizacije pružajući korisne informacije menadžmentu, osiguravajući usklađenost s propisima, upravljajući rizicima i poboljšavajući sistem internih kontrola i organizacione procese. Njena važnost ogleda se u povećavanju kredibiliteta revizije, poverenja zainteresovanih strana i dugoročne održivosti organizacije. Ključni faktori kvaliteta uključuju profesionalne standarde, podršku menadžmenta, nezavisnost, objektivnost, kompetenciju revizora i efikasnu koordinaciju sa eksternim revizorima. Iako univerzalan model za ocenu kvaliteta interne revizije ne postoji, istraživanja naglašavaju značaj različitih metodoloških pristupa, uključujući SEM metodologiju, faktorsku analizu i regresione modele i strukturalni pregled literature radi preciznijeg razumevanja indikatora kvaliteta. U radu su prezentovana istraživanja koja se bave upravo istraživanjem kvaliteta interne revizije i identifikovanja ključnih faktora koji određuju kvalitet interne revizije.

Network emulators are essential in testing network systems, applications, and protocols. Emulators bridge the gap between simulation setups that lack realism in results and real-world trials that are accurate but often expensive, non-reproducible, and uncontrollable. This paper describes the simulations and emulations of the national Czech QKD network. Using emulation techniques, a unique ecosystem is formed that includes the processes of generating, processing, storing, and consuming cryptographic keys. The presented tool will undoubtedly spur future development, understanding, and teaching, and it is critical for testing novel applications and protocols applied to QKD networks.

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is a rare congenital coronary anomaly, with an uncertain prevalence and often diagnosed incidentally. This case report presents a 62-year-old male with ARCAPA diagnosed during an evaluation for chest surgery. The patient had a history of colon cancer and active tuberculosis, complicating the clinical management. He reported chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations, with atrial fibrillation observed on a 24 h Holter ECG. Coronary angiography revealed robust collateral circulation and a suspected anomalous origin of the right coronary artery, confirmed by CT imaging. The patient’s stress MRI showed mildly reduced left and right ventricular ejection fractions and perfusion deficits in the apical segments (2/17) of the septal and inferior walls. Given the patient’s comorbidities, including active tuberculosis, the Heart team decided on a non-operative management approach, focusing on careful monitoring and pharmacological management rather than immediate surgery. This case emphasizes the complexity of managing ARCAPA in the context of significant comorbidities, highlighting the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary treatment strategies. Early diagnosis using advanced imaging techniques is crucial, and a non-operative approach can be considered in patients with preserved left ventricular function and no significant ischemia, as demonstrated in this case.

Cardiotocography (CTG) is essential for monitoring high-risk pregnancies, yet perinatal asphyxia prediction accuracy remains limited to 50–55%. Regions of artifacts (missing valid signals)-including signal processing aberrations-possibly contribute to this limitation, highlighted by 40% of FDA reports on intrapartum stillbirths. This cohort study applied causal inference to two digitized CTG databases, analyzing 36,792 labor episodes (>36 weeks) at a tertiary Australian hospital (2010–2021) and externally validating on a Czech dataset (n = 552).High rates of missing valid signals (>30% fetal heart rate signal dropout or >1% maternal-fetal heart rate coincidence) was independently associated with asphyxia (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.19–1.81); dropout >30% showing stronger link (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.13–2.20 Australian dataset; aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.08–4.91 Czech dataset). Risk of asphyxia increased with higher dropout (>37.45%, aOR 2.21 Australian dataset; >34.01%, aOR 4.08 Czech dataset). Integrating measures of missing valid signals into fetal monitoring algorithms may improve decision-making and neonatal outcomes.

The transition from 5G to 6G networks will catalyze the development of advanced 6G Applications (6G Apps) with enhanced network programmability and intelligence, providing vertical industries and Communication Service Providers (CSPs) with new opportunities to optimize their operations. This article explores the future of the 6G Apps tailored to verticals in the 6G era, highlighting their role as middleware that abstracts network complexities and exposes Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable dynamic interaction and real-time adaptation. Key enablers such as network exposure, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and edge computing are studied in the context of optimizing operations across verticals, and improving Quality of Service (QoS) and fostering innovation. A case study on teleoperated vehicles exemplifies the real-world applicability of these technological enablers for 6G Apps. Furthermore, this article offers insights and explores new research opportunities for 6G Apps tailored to verticals to evolve in the 6G era while addressing key challenges in deploying these applications in real-world commercial networks as a service.

Iron deficiency (ID) is a major problem in heart failure (HF) patients. Iron deficiency is often pressent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can be a cause of fatigue and linked with reduced functional capacity. The relationship between ID and right ventricular (RV) systolic function in patients with RA is still not well understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between ID and RV systolic function. A forty six female patients with seropositive RA were included in our study. Primary goal was to determine association between iron deficiency and echocardiography parameters such as Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion TAPSE, RV fractional area change (RV FAC), TDI-Derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (RV TDI S’), Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP); RV free wall global longitudinal strain (RVfwGLS), RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) and Right ventriculoarterial coupling (RVAC). The RVAC was determined with the RVfwGLS/PASP ratio. RA was diagnosed according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria, without other significant comorbidity. ID was defined as ferritin levels lower than 100 ng/mL and iron levels lower than 10 µmol/L. The mean age of stady population was 57±8 years. Iron deficiency was found in 48% of analysed RA patients. On transthoracic echocardiography the median TAPSE was 18.3 mm, the mean FAC % 38.4±.6.3, the mean RV GLS %-17.2±7.5, the mean RVfwGLS % -20.6±3.8, the mean RV TDI S’ was 10.6±3.9 cm/s, the mean PASP was 29,2±8.7mmHg, the mean RVAC was 0.76. There was no notable difference in demographics or in TAPSE, RV FAC, RV TDI S’, and PASP between patients with iron deficiency and those without. The RVfwGLS (-16.7% vs -21.2%, p = 0.005) was lower in patients with ID. RV GLS (-14.3% vs -18.6%, p=0.005) was lower in patients with ID. Additionally, RVAC (0.65 vs 0.91, p=0.005) was lower in patients with ID. A significant correlation exists between iron deficiency and subclinical RV dysfunction, defined as reduced RV GLS, RVfwGLS and RVAC prior to the decline of parameters commonly used on echocardiography to measure right ventricle systolic function (TAPSE, RV FAC, PASP and RV TDI S'). Screening for iron deficiency in RA patients facilitates early detection and treatment of iron deficiency which may prevent RV dysfunction.

Abstract Background Extensive catheter ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation may acutely increase atrial tissue stiffness, however, this may differ between energy sources used. Objectives This study aimed to compare acute effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and pulsed field ablation (PFA) on atrial tissue stiffness in a porcine model using multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (MMRE). Methods In 17 pigs (∼50 kg and ∼16 weeks old) an intercaval line was ablated using only focal RFA (25 W, 30 sec, n=9), only focal monopolar biphasic PFA (CENTAURI PFA generator, 25 A, 10 pulse trains, n=5), or half of the ablation line with PFA and the other half with RFA (n=3) (Figure 1,A). Post-ablation, in vitro MMRE data were acquired with a tabletop MRE scanner (ttMRE) (n=8) (Figure 1,B). In vivo, a novel MMRE protocol utilizing electrocardiography-triggered spin-echo, echo-planar-imaging was established (n=11) (Figure 1,C). Shear wave speed (SWS) was reconstructed as a surrogate for tissue stiffness. Results In vitro ttMRE measurements revealed significantly higher SWS for the RFA ablation zone compared to both the PFA ablation zone (p=0.008) and PFA border zone (p=0.003). Consistently, a novel in vivo MMRE protocol showed 1.37-fold higher SWS of the RFA ablation zone than its border zone (p=0.016) and 1.16-fold higher SWS than the PFA ablation zone (p=0.033). Absolute in vivo SWS differences between ablation zones and border zones were significantly higher for RFA compared to PFA (p=0.019). Conclusions RFA produces stiffer acute atrial lesions compared to PFA in pigs. A novel MMRE scanning protocol allows RFA and PFA lesion evaluation in vivo with the potential to support the refinement of future catheter approaches by optimizing mechanical properties of ablation lesions and minimizing atrial stiffness.