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.

Abstract Background Endocardial atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations using thermal energy sources modulate ganglionated plexi (GP). Contrarily, endocardial pulsed field ablation (PFA) has minimal effect on GP located within the epicardial fat-pads. Purpose To determine structural and antiarrhythmic effects of direct epicardial PFA-delivery to atrial GP-sites. Methods Group-1: Epicardial PFA-delivery to GP sites (n=6 pigs). Group-2: Sham-operated (n=2 pigs). Thoracotomy was performed and five epicardial GP-sites were identified and targeted by saline-irrigated bipolar PFA (1,000V, 100μs, 120-pulses, ECG-synchronised). Local atrial electrogram (EGM) amplitude, atrial effective refractory period (aERP) and AF (inducibility and duration) were investigated. Histology was performed on samples from treatment-adjacent structures. Results In Group-1, 120 PFA-pulses were successfully delivered epicardially to each GP-site. Local EGM-amplitudes did not change after PFA-delivery. GPs showed lower intensity of S100-protein expression within the cytoplasm and membrane with preservation of adjacent atrial myocardium. The aERP at the higher and lower lateral right atrium increased from 123±34ms to 173±47ms (p=0.0358) and from 122±32ms to 221±16ms (p=0.0063) after PFA-treatment, respectively. Total AF-inducibility decreased from 100% to 33%, inducible AF-duration decreased from 4.4±0.6min (including 2 cardioversions) at baseline to 1.3±2.1min (including 1 cardioversion) after PFA-delivery (decrease: -3.2±2min, p=0.007). In one pig, the feasibility of thoracoscopic epicardial PFA delivery at all anatomical GP-sites was shown. Conclusion Epicardial PFA-delivery to anatomical GP-sites is feasible in open-chest or thoracoscopic approach, and acutely decreases GP S100-protein intensity, prolongs aERP and reduces AF-inducibility and duration.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and nanoplastics frequently co-occur in environmental matrices, yet the effects of co-exposure on cellular responses upon ingestion are poorly understood. Here, we exposed human intestinal Caco-2 cells to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, nanoplastics, and their combination. Cell painting-based phenomics was used to map phenotypic alterations across subcellular structures, and untargeted metabolomics using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed to assess metabolic changes. Results show that perfluorooctanesulfonic acid predominantly affected the actin cytoskeleton, Golgi apparatus, and plasma membrane, while nanoplastics primarily targeted mitochondria. Combined exposure disrupted the endoplasmic reticulum, RNA, and mitochondria. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid reduced levels of carnitines, free fatty acids, nucleotides, and sugars, whereas nanoplastics inhibited ceramides, triglycerides, sphingomyelins, and additional free fatty acids. Combined exposure produced a metabolic profile resembling that of nanoplastics, with specific differences attributed to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. Overall, nanoplastics appear as the main drivers of the co-exposure effects.

Introduction: Carcinomas of the right and left sides of the colon are considered different types of cancer due to their different carcinogenesis, epidemiology, pathology and prognosis. Although several studies have described the prevalence and incidence of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in the different colonic segments, more epidemiologic data are still needed to better understand the implications and relationship to sociodemographic and clinical variables. The aim of this study is to determine the anatomic location and histologic grade of CRC, to investigate the differences in patient gender and age, and to determine the correlation of gender and age with the anatomic location and histologic grading of CRC. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted covering the period from January 2013 to December 2022. Demographic data (gender and age), histological type and anatomical location of the tumor were observed. The study included all patients in the observed period with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) at different anatomical locations and with different grades of histological staging. All patients had adenocarcinoma. Patients were divided into four age groups based on their gender (20-40 years, 41-55 years, 56-65 years and over 65 years old). Tumors of the colon ascending to the splenic flexure are defined as tumors of the right side, and distal to the splenic flexure as tumors of the left side of the colon. Results: A total of 183 patients were included in the study. Patients were between 38 and 82 years old, with a mean age of 64.3 ± 8.9 years. No statistically significant difference was found in the proportion of anatomical localization of CRC (p > 0.05). The most common anatomical location of CRC over the 10-year period was found to be the rectum 42.1% and the ascending colon 14.2% and transverse colon 13.1%, with no statistically significant difference in cancer incidence between the right and left sides of the colon. Histologic grade II was predominant in 57.4% of patients. A moderate negative correlation was found between age and histologic grade of CRC (r = −0.067), with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was found in the anatomical localization of CRC between the right and left side of the colon. Histologic grade II CRC was the most prevalent. A moderate negative correlation was found between age and histologic grade of CRC.

The object of the study is the process of compressing noisy images in a lossy manner by better portable graphics (BPG) encoder. The subject of the study is the method for adaptive selection of the coder parameter Q depending on noise intensity and image complexity. The goal of the study is to consider the basic characteristics of lossy compression of remote sensing images contaminated by additive white Gaussian noise with giving recommendations of preferable Q setting. Methods used: numerical simulation, verification for test images. Results obtained: 1) the dependencies of compression ratio on Q are monotonically increasing functions; 2) their characteristics are strongly dependent on noise intensity and image complexity; 3) dependencies of logarithm of CR on Q contain information on possible existence and position of optimal operation point for compressed noisy images; 4) compression ratios for large Q contain information on image complexity with low sensitivity to noise presence and intensity; 5) it is possible to get useful information from dependences of compression ratio on Q. Conclusions: the results of this research allow: 1) estimating image complexity; 2) adapting Q to noise intensity and image complexity. 

Introduction: Various studies conducted in the past few years have shown a causal relationship between human papillomavirus(HPV) and benign and malignant lesions on the laryngeal mucosa. There are no other studies on the association between HPV and laryngeal lesions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of HPV infection on the development of benign and malignant lesions in the larynx. Methods: Samples for the recommended HPV analysis were taken using cotton swabs from Digene’s Specimen Collection Kit (Sample Collection Kit) from the surface of the affected area of the laryngeal mucosa with a gentle rotational movement through the directoscope. Detection of the presence of HPV in the endolaryngeal swab was performed using Digene’s HPV test-Hybrid Capture II, and results were obtained on a DML 2000 luminometer.Results: In this study, a total of 40 patients were enrolled. Among them, 17 cases (42.5%) presented with benign lesions of the larynx, whereas 23 cases (57.5%) had malignant lesions. Within the group of 17 cases with benign lesions, 5 tested positive for HPV: 2 for high-risk HPV (HR HPV), 2 for low-risk HPV (LR HPV), and 1 for both high-risk and LR HPV. Among the 23 cases with malignant lesions, 11 (47.83%) were HPV positive: 5 for HR HPV, 4 for LR HPV, and 2 for both high-risk and LR HPV. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the noteworthy influence of HPV infection on both benign and malignant changes in the laryngeal mucosa. However, future studies necessitate larger sample sizes and the identification of specific virus types.

Introduction: The impact of nutrition on human health has become a central topic in modern research. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of non-Mediterranean diets, particularly among students, remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine differences in the dietary habits of health sciences students in two cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar and Sarajevo) and Split, Croatia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between February and November 2024, including 473 students (Mostar: 125, Sarajevo: 230, Split: 118). Dietary habits were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Students from Split showed significantly higher adherence to Mediterranean dietary habits, including greater consumption of vegetables (p = 0.009), fish (p = 0.035), legumes (p = 0.036), and tomato sauce (p = 0.022). Students in Sarajevo reported the highest intake of sugary drinks (p < 0.01), while those in Split consumed the least margarine and cream-based fats (p = 0.003). No significant differences were found in fruit consumption. Conclusion: Given the importance of diet in preventing chronic diseases, targeted nutrition education programs are needed to promote healthier eating habits among students. Future research should explore the underlying causes of these dietary differences and their long-term health implications.

The etiology of transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) of broiler chickens has been discussed since its initial recognition 40 years ago. Regardless of its low direct impact on mortality rate, it leads to high economic losses in the broiler industry through reduction of food conversion, weakening of birds, and their increased susceptibility to pathogens. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential presence of TVP on the broiler chicken farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to characterize microscopic lesions, and to investigate the viruses implicated in etiology of TVP by PCR-based methods. In total, 143 diseased broiler chickens from 16 farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina were euthanized and subjected to necropsy and subsequent histopathology of proventriculi. A representative number of proventriculi samples (n = 50) that exhibited histopathologic changes were processed for molecular detection of chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV), girovirus (GyV3), chicken anemia virus (CAV), and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by PCR-based methods. In addition, samples of bursa of Fabricius (n = 39) and spleen (n = 50) were tested for IBDV. Histopathology revealed changes consistent with TVP in 39.8% (57/143) and LP (lymphocytic proventriculitis) in 2.1% (3/143) of samples. All 50 proventricular samples showed positivity to CPNV with Ct values ranging between 18 and 26. GyV3 was detected in eight samples (16%), with Ct values ranging from 11.1 to 27.5. The presence of CAV was more prominent (38%), with 19 positive broiler chickens (Ct ranging from 9.6 to 35.6). Pooled samples of spleen, bursa, and proventriculi from three farms were positive for IBDV. The obtained results represent the first documented data on TVP and the first record of CPNV and GyV3 presence in broiler farms from Bosnia and Herzegovina.