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Background and Objectives: The pineal gland is a neuroendocrine structure whose function can be disrupted in patients with malignancies. This study examines the differences in pineal gland volume between oncology patients and healthy controls, as well as the relationship between volume and the duration of chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study included 400 participants, divided into two groups: 200 oncology patients and 200 healthy controls. The pineal gland volume was measured using MRI scans, utilizing T1-sagittal, T2-coronal/axial sections, and post-contrast 3D T1W MPRAGE tomograms. The volume was calculated based on the ellipse approximation formula: V = (L × H × W)/2. The study analyzed the relationships between pineal gland volume and factors such as age, sex, primary tumor origin, and the duration of chemotherapy. Results: The pineal gland volume was significantly smaller in oncology patients in comparison with the healthy controls (p < 0.001). The average volume in oncology patients was 32.41 ± 16.79 mm3, whereas in healthy controls, it was 59.26 ± 29.99 mm3. A significantly smaller pineal gland volume was observed in patients with malignancies, regardless of sex, with no notable differences between groups. Age also did not significantly influence gland volume (p > 0.05). The primary tumor site did not significantly influence gland volume (p > 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the duration of chemotherapy and pineal gland volume (ρ = 0.322; p = 0.007). Conclusions: The pineal gland showed reduced volume in oncology patients compared to controls. The observed positive correlation with chemotherapy duration should be interpreted cautiously and may reflect survivorship bias rather than direct treatment effects.

Multiple sclerosis has a complex pathophysiology, and numerous risk factors can contribute to its development, like exposure to sunlight that is associated with serum levels of melatonin. The aim of this study was to determine whether the volume of the pineal gland, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), correlated with the presence of multiple sclerosis. This retrospective study included a total of 394 patients. Subjects were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of 188 patients with a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (based on revised McDonald criteria) and the second group consisted of 206 healthy controls. To examine the influence of age on pineal gland volume, we stratified the whole sample into three age groups: first involved patients under 20 years, second patients between 20 and 40 years, and third group included patients over 40 years. The maximum length (L) and height (H) of the pineal gland were measured on the T1-weighted sagittal images, and the width (W) was measured on the T2-weighted coronal or axial images. The volume of the gland was calculated as an approximation to an ellipse, according to the formula = ( × × )/2. Pineal gland volume of female multiple sclerosis (MS) patients ( = 129) was significantly lower than in healthy females ( = 123) ( = 0.013; < 0.05), unlike in males where there is not such difference. Also, pineal gland volume is not age-dependent, and the observed smaller pineal gland in MS patients can reliably be attributed to the disease itself. Additionally, large pineal gland size, especially over 62.83 mm when compared to pineal gland volume below 31.85 mm is associated with more than double reduced risk of multiple sclerosis (OR 0.42; = 0.003). Our results suggest that women with multiple sclerosis have smaller pineal glands that can theoretically be explained by a lack of input stimuli and the resultant decrease in gland volume. Additionally, the risk of multiple sclerosis is reduced in larger pineal gland volumes.

Background and Objectives: Obesity-related chronic inflammation may lead to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the neurometabolic profile of obese patients using cerebral multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (mvMRS) and assess correlations between brain metabolites and obesity markers, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and indicators of metabolic syndrome (e.g., triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR)). Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved 100 participants, stratified into two groups: 50 obese individuals (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 50 controls (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2). Anthropometric measurements, body fat percentage, and biochemical markers were evaluated. All subjects underwent long- and short-echo mvMRS analysis of the frontal and parietal supracallosal subcortical and deep white matter, as well as the cingulate gyrus, analyzing NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr ratios, along with absolute concentrations of NAA and Cho. Results: Obese participants exhibited significantly decreased NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios in the deep white matter of the right cerebral hemisphere (p < 0.001), while absolute concentrations of NAA and Cho did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). NAA levels showed negative correlations with more reliable obesity parameters (waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio) but not with BMI, particularly in the deep frontal white matter and dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus of the left cerebral hemisphere. Notably, insulin demonstrated a significant negative impact on NAA (ρ = −0.409 and ρ = −0.410; p < 0.01) and Cho levels (ρ = −0.403 and ρ = −0.392; p < 0.01) at these locations in obese individuals. Conclusions: Central obesity and hyperinsulinemia negatively affect specific brain regions associated with cognitive and emotional processing, while BMI is not a reliable parameter for assessing brain metabolism.

Mobile machines, especially excavators, still consume considerable amounts of fuel during their operating lifetimes. This is not only undesirable in economic terms but also adversely affects our environment. The following paper discusses methods to lower fuel consumption by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the components comprising a hydraulic excavator and the cycles these machines perform. One of the main aims is to emphasise that a design centred on the standard definitions of efficiency, especially hydraulic efficiency, can be rather misleading. A new approach using a novel fuel consumption model, based on the Willans approximation, coupled with the concepts of fixed and variable fuel consumption is introduced and validated using real test data obtained from an 18 t excavator. The new methodology can be used to help uncover simpler methods to improve today’s machines.

Mass vaccination is the key element in controlling current COVID-19 pandemic. Studies comparing immunogenicity of different COVID-19 vaccines are largely lacking. We aimed at measuring anti-S antibody (Ab) levels in individuals fully vaccinated with BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV and Gam-COVID-Vac, as well as in COVID-19 convalescents. In this cross-sectional study, serum was collected from 400 age- and sex-matched participants, 100 fully vaccinated with BNT162b2, 100 with BBIBP-CorV and 100 with Gam-COVID-Vac on the 28th day after the second vaccine dose, and 100 recovered from COVID-19 at least 28 days after symptom(s) resolution. Sera were analyzed using the LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay (DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy). Wilcoxon rank-sum or Kruskal-Wallis tests was used for comparison of Ab levels. Highest mean value (210.11, SD = 100.42) was measured in the BNT162b2 group, followed by Gam-COVID-Vac (171.11, SD = 120.69) and BBIBP-CorV (68.50, SD = 72.78) AU/mL (p<0.001). Significant differences in antibody levels were found between BNT162b2 and BBIBP-CorV (p<0.001), BNT162b2 and Gam-COVID-Vac (p = 0.001), as well as BBIBP-CorV and Gam-COVID-Vac groups (p<0.001). Percentage of seropositive was 81% in the convalescent group, 83% in BBIBP-CorV vaccinated and 100% in BNT162b2 and Gam-COVID-Vac. When comparing measured antibody levels in vaccinated to those in COVID-19 recovered, significantly higher antibody levels were found for vaccinated with BNT162b2 (p<0.001), and with Gam-COVID-Vac (p<0.001), while for BBIBP-CorV there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.641). All three investigated vaccines, BNT162b2, BBIBP-CorV and Gam-COVID-Vac, provide robust immune response 28 days after the second dose of vaccine, in the majority of participants. All individuals vaccinated with BNT162b2 and Gam-COVID-Vac seroconverted, while in vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV and COVID-19 recovered seroconversion rates were lower. Although less potent compared to other two vaccines, immune response after BBIBP-CorV was similar to response measured in convalescents. Challenge still remains to examine dynamics and durability of immunoprotection.

Taking advantage of the flexibility of the apatite structure, nano- and micro-particles of hydroxyapatite (HAp) were doped with different combinations of rare earth ions (RE 3+  = Gd, Eu, Yb, Tm) to achieve a synergy among their magnetic and optical properties and to enable their application in preventive medicine, particularly diagnostics based on multimodal imaging. All powders were synthesized through hydrothermal processing at T ≤ 200 °C. An X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that all powders crystallized in P 6 3 / m space group of the hexagonal crystal structure. The refined unit-cell parameters reflected a decrease in the unit cell volume as a result of the partial substitution of Ca 2+ with smaller RE 3+ ions at both cation positions. The FTIR analysis additionally suggested that a synergy may exist solely in the triply doped system, where the lattice symmetry and vibration modes become more coherent than in the singly or doubly doped systems. HAp:RE 3+ optical characterization revealed a change in the energy band gap and the appearance of a weak blue luminescence (λ ex  = 370 nm) due to an increased concentration of defects. The “up”- and the “down”-conversion spectra of HAp:Gd/Yb/Tm and HAp:Gd/Eu powders showed characteristic transitions of Tm 3+ and Eu 3+ , respectively. Furthermore, in contrast to diamagnetic HAp, all HAp:RE 3+ powders exhibited paramagnetic behavior. Cell viability tests of HAp:Gd/Yb/Tm and HAp:Gd/Eu powders in human dental pulp stem cell cultures indicated their good biocompatibility.

Background/Objectives: The correlation of handgrip strength (HGS) and morphological characteristics with Big Five personality traits is well documented. However, it is unclear whether these relationships also exist in highly trained and specialized populations, such as tactical athletes, and whether there are specific differences compared to the general population. This study aimed to explore the interplay of handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 205 participants. A standardized method, procedure, and equipment (Sports Medical solutions) were used to measure the isometric neuromuscular characteristics of the handgrip. Basic morphological characteristics of body height, body mass, and body mass index were measured with a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Psychological characteristics were assessed with the Mental Toughness Index and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen questionnaires. Results: Numerous significant correlations were obtained, as well as differences between tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. The most prominent correlations were between the excitation index with Psychopathy and the Dark Triad (ρ = −0.41, −0.39) in female tactical athletes, as well as Neuroticism with body height, maximal force, and the maximum rate of force development in the male general population (ρ = 0.49, 0.43, 0.41). The obtained results also revealed gender and occupational specific patterns of researched relationships. Conclusions: Although the results of this study indicated the possibility of the existence of correlations between handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes of both genders, nevertheless, at the moment, there is not enough solid evidence for that. That is why new research is needed. An analysis of muscle contractile and time parameters as neuromuscular indicators in the HGS task proved to be a possible promising method, which brought numerous new insights about the researched relationships. For practical application in the field, we propose including Mental Toughness and the Dark Triad traits in the selection process for future police officers and national security personnel based on the obtained results.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease and is closely associated with metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risks. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut microbiota, has the potential to enhance liver health by modulating inflammation and supporting gut barrier integrity. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of sodium butyrate and calcium butyrate in patients with MASLD. In this single-center, randomized clinical trial, 181 patients with MASLD were enrolled and assigned to receive either sodium butyrate (n = 121) or calcium butyrate (n = 60) supplementation at a daily dose of 1000 mg. The primary endpoint was the change in liver steatosis, measured using the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) via FibroScan®. Secondary endpoints included liver stiffness, biochemical parameters, hepatic steatosis and fatty liver indices, fecal calprotectin levels, stool short-chain fatty acid levels, and microbiome composition. A subgroup analysis compared responders (a ≥ 5% reduction in CAP) to non-responders. There were no significant changes in CAP values for either group (ΔCAP: sodium butyrate, 0.84; calcium butyrate, −0.23; p = 0.70). Sodium butyrate significantly reduced serum trimethylamine N-oxide and fatty liver index, while calcium butyrate led to a decrease in fecal calprotectin levels. Responders demonstrated a lower body mass index, higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and HbA1c, and distinct microbiome profiles, characterized by lower abundance of Subdoligranulum and higher abundance of Catenibacterium. Although butyrate supplementation did not significantly improve liver steatosis as measured by CAP, the differing effects on metabolic and inflammatory markers suggest that there may be potential benefits for specific subgroups of patients with MASLD.

Background Oesophageal cancer (OC) is a significant public health issue, despite the decreasing trends in OC mortality rates observed globally in the past decades. The objective of our study is to analyze the pattern of OC mortality in Montenegro between 1990 and 2018 and contribute to the development of a national long-term strategy for the prevention and control of this malignancy. Methods The data on OC death cases in Montenegro between 1990 and 2018 were collected. The mortality rates were standardized according to the World Standard Population. The Joinpoint, Linear and Poisson regressions were applied to analyze the OC mortality trend. Results Joinpoint regression analysis showed an increase in death rates for men and the overall level which were not statistically significant. However, the number of cases increases significantly with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) increase of 2.6% for the overall level [AAPC (95% CI)=2.6 (1.0–4.2); P = 0.002] at the expense of the increase in men, which on average was 2.6% annually [AAPC (95%CI) = 2.6 (1.2–4.1); P = 0.001]. The age groups 55–64 and 65–74 have the highest percentage of deaths cases from OC with 30.6% and 31.4%, respectively. Conclusion Montenegro has witnessed a recent increase in the number of deaths from OC, although the mortality rates remain stable. National strategies to further reduce mortality rates for OC are necessary. Individuals aged 55–64 and 65–74 need specific attention during the ongoing monitoring of this cancer.