Prevalence of Risk Factors in Patients with Postprocedural Ischemic Lesions after Coiling of Very Small Intracranial Aneurysms.

Background: Very small intracranial aneurysms, generally considered to be those 3 mm in diameter or smaller, pose particular technical challenges for endovascular surgeons. For this reason, very small aneurysms have been excluded from many relevant studies. The aim of our research was to establish the risk factors for the occurrence of stroke complications after endovascular embolization of ruptured and unruptured small intracranial aneurysms. Methods: During the period of 2009-2023, our team performed endovascular embolizations of intracranial aneurysms in 1567 patients across four different centers within the territory of Serbia and Montenegro. Within the total number of patients mentioned, aneurysms of less than 4 mm were treated 185 times, with 119 ruptured and 66 unruptured. Results: In the group of 119 patients with ruptured small intracranial aneurysms, 19 (16%) patients had ischemia after the endovascular treatment, 6 (5%) patients had minor neurological deficits, while 13 (10.9%) patients had major neurological deficits, of which 6 (5%) patients died. In the group of 66 patients with unruptured small intracranial aneurysms, 7 (10.6%) patients had ischemia after the endovascular treatment, 5 (7.6%) patients had minor neurological deficits, and 2 (3.03%) had major neurological deficits. Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that the risk factors for the occurrence of ischemia were the patient's age, smoking and alcohol consumption. The type of endovascular treatment used also had a statistically significant effect on the development of ischemia. Conclusions: Understanding the influence of possible risk factors for the occurrence of ischemic insult after embolization of small intracranial aneurysms is of great importance. By recognizing them, periprocedural complications can be reduced to a minimum.

Efficient ultra-broadband low-resolution astrophotonic spectrographs.

Broadband low-resolution near-infrared spectrographs in a compact form are crucial for ground- and space-based astronomy and other fields of sensing. Astronomical spectroscopy poses stringent requirements including high efficiency, broad band operation (> 300 nm), and in some cases, polarization insensitivity. We present and compare experimental results from the design, fabrication, and characterization of broadband (1200 - 1650 nm) arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) spectrographs built using the two most promising low-loss platforms - Si3N4 (rectangular waveguides) and doped-SiO2 (square waveguides). These AWGs have a resolving power (λ/Δλ) of ∼200, free spectral range of ∼ 200-350 nm, and a small footprint of ∼ 50-100 mm2. The peak overall (fiber-chip-fiber) efficiency of the doped-SiO2 AWG was ∼ 79% (1 dB), and it exhibited a negligible polarization-dependent shift compared to the channel spacing. For Si3N4 AWGs, the peak overall efficiency in TE mode was ∼ 50% (3 dB), and the main loss component was found to be fiber-to-chip coupling losses. These broadband AWGs are key to enabling compact integrations such as multi-object spectrographs or dispersion back-ends for other astrophotonic devices such as photonic lanterns or nulling interferometers.

Gastrointestinal Parasites in Owned Dogs in Serbia: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Dogs are the most popular pets worldwide. Close contact between dogs and people increases the risk of transmission of various zoonotic parasitic infections. Given the importance of veterinary medicine in preserving the One Health concept, the aim of this research was to identify intestinal parasites that may have zoonotic potential and to evaluate risk factors (individual and environmental). The research was conducted in Serbia in 2022 and 2023 on 382 owned dogs, using qualitative methods of coprological examination with a concentration on parasitic elements. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 62.6%, with the following detected: protozoa: Cystoisospora spp. (9.2%), Sarcocystis spp. (4.5%), Neospora caninum/Hammondia spp. (3.7%), Giardia intestinalis (11.8%); nematoda: Toxocara canis (11.5%), Toxascaris leonina (4.2%), family Ancylostomatidae (38.0%), Trichuris vulpis (21.5%), Capillaria spp. (10.5%); trematoda: Alaria alata (1.6%) and cestodes from the Taeniidae family (1.3%). Factors like age, size and coat length, as well as the way of living, attitude and diet were linked to a significantly higher (p < 0.05) prevalence of intestinal parasites. Based on the results of coprological diagnostics, this research indicates the importance of educating dog owners, conducting routine parasitological tests on their pets and regular deworming strategies.

Potential of Wormwood and Oak Bark-Based Supplement in Health Improvement of Nosema ceranae-Infected Honey Bees.

Nosema ceranae, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and reproductive capacity of honey bee colonies. There are several different strategies for Nosema infection control, including natural-based and antibiotic-based products. In this study, we tested wormwood and oak bark-based supplement "Medenko forte" on survival, Nosema infection, oxidative stress, and expression of immune-related genes in artificially N. ceranae-infected bees. The results revealed a positive influence on the survival of Nosema-infected bees, irrespectively of the moment of supplement application (day 1, day 3, or day 6 after bee emergence), as well as reduction of Nosema loads and, consequently, Nosema-induced oxidative stress. Supplementation had no negative effects on bee immunity, but better anti-Nosema than immune-stimulating effects were affirmed based on expression levels of abaecin, defensin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin genes. In conclusion, the tested supplement "Medenko forte" has great potential in the health protection of Nosema-infected bees. However, further investigations need to be performed to elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Effects of Plant-Based Supplement on Oxidative Stress of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Infected with Nosema ceranae.

One of the most important approaches in the prevention and treatment of nosemosis is the use of herbal preparations as food supplements for bees. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a plant-based supplement branded as "B+" on honeybees in a laboratory experiment. Four experimental groups were established: treated group (T), N. ceranae-infected and treated group (IT), N. ceranae-infected group (I) and non-infected group (NI). Survival, N. ceranae spore load and oxidative stress parameters together with expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes and vitellogenin gene were monitored. The mortality in the T, IT and NI groups was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than in than in the I group. Within Nosema-infected groups, the IT group had a significantly lower (p < 0.001) number of N. ceranae spores than the I group. In addition, expression levels of genes for antioxidant enzymes were lower (p < 0.001) in the IT group compared to the I group. The concentration of malondialdehyde and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase) were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the IT group compared to the I group. No negative effects of the tested supplement were observed. All these findings indicate that the tested supplement exerted beneficial effects manifested in better bee survival, reduced N. ceranae spore number and reduced oxidative stress of bees (lower expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters).

Direct imaging and astrometric detection of a gas giant planet orbiting an accelerating star.

Direct imaging of gas giant exoplanets provides information on their atmospheres and the architectures of planetary systems. However, few planets have been detected in blind surveys with direct imaging. Using astrometry from the Gaia and Hipparcos spacecraft, we identified dynamical evidence for a gas giant planet around the nearby star HIP 99770. We confirmed the detection of this planet with direct imaging using the Subaru Coronagraphic Extreme Adaptive Optics instrument. The planet, HIP 99770 b, orbits 17 astronomical units from its host star, receiving an amount of light similar to that reaching Jupiter. Its dynamical mass is 13.9 to 16.1 Jupiter masses. The planet-to-star mass ratio [(7 to 8) × 10-3] is similar to that of other directly imaged planets. The planet's atmospheric spectrum indicates an older, less cloudy analog of the previously imaged exoplanets around HR 8799.

The presence of malignant ovine babesiosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina indicates a possible emerging risk for Balkan region.

Malignant ovine babesiosis or ovine babesiosis caused by Babesia ovis is an important hemoprotozoan tick-borne disease of sheep. After 70 years, a study was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the geographical areas of Podrinje and Eastern Herzegovina, aiming to molecularly identify and determine the presence of B. ovis infection in the sheep population. From 2019-2021, a clinical and molecular study was conducted in 53 flocks, and 192 sheep were examined, divided into two groups: clinically suspected and asymptomatic sheep. The presence of B. ovis was confirmed by PCR in blood samples of 75 % and 11.21 % of clinically affected and asymptomatic sheep, respectively. The majority of clinical cases of malignant ovine babesiosis were confirmed in the Rudo epidemiological unit (78.78 %) within the Podrinje region indicating typical seasonal pattern of disease occurrence and endemic focus. Rhipicephalus bursa was only tick species identified in Podrinje and Eastern Herzegovina. Acute form of disease was observed with dominant clinical signs of depression, fever, loss of appetite and respiratory distress. Fatal outcome was recorded in 12.28 % of cases. This study describes the molecular detection of B. ovis in sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. To the authors knowledge, this survey represents a report of the highest number of clinical cases of malignant ovine babesiosis in Europe. Since the disease has been recorded in the south-eastern border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a high risk of disease transmission to a wider area of the Balkan region.

Flattening laser frequency comb spectra with a high dynamic range, broadband spectral shaper on-a-chip.

Spectral shaping is critical to many fields of science. In astronomy for example, the detection of exoplanets via the Doppler effect hinges on the ability to calibrate a high resolution spectrograph. Laser frequency combs can be used for this, but the wildly varying intensity across the spectrum can make it impossible to optimally utilize the entire comb, leading to a reduced overall precision of calibration. To circumvent this, astronomical applications of laser frequency combs rely on a bulk optic setup which can flatten the output spectrum before sending it to the spectrograph. Such flatteners require complex and expensive optical elements like spatial light modulators and have non-negligible bench top footprints. Here we present an alternative in the form of an all-photonic spectral shaper that can be used to flatten the spectrum of a laser frequency comb. The device consists of a circuit etched into a silicon nitride wafer that supports an arrayed-waveguide grating to disperse the light over hundreds of nanometers in wavelength, followed by Mach-Zehnder interferometers to control the amplitude of each channel, thermo-optic phase modulators to phase the channels and a second arrayed-waveguide grating to recombine the spectrum. The demonstrator device operates from 1400 to 1800 nm (covering the astronomical H band), with twenty 20 nm wide channels. The device allows for nearly 40 dBs of dynamic modulation of the spectrum via the Mach-Zehnders , which is greater than that offered by most spatial light modulators. With a smooth spectrum light source (superluminescent diode), we reduced the static spectral variation to ∼3 dB, limited by the properties of the components used in the circuit. On a laser frequency comb which had strong spectral modulations, and some at high spatial frequencies, we nevertheless managed to reduce the modulation to ∼5 dBs, sufficient for astronomical applications. The size of the device is of the order of a US quarter, significantly cheaper than their bulk optic counter parts and will be beneficial to any area of science that requires spectral shaping over a broad range, with high dynamic range, including exoplanet detection.

Contact varroacidal efficacy of lithium citrate and its influence on viral loads, immune parameters and oxidative stress of honey bees in a field experiment.

With an almost global distribution, Varroa destuctor is the leading cause of weakening and loss of honey bee colonies. New substances are constantly being tested in order to find those that will exhibit high anti-Varroa efficacy at low doses/concentrations, without unwanted effects on bees. Lithium (Li) salts stood out as candidates based on previous research. The aims of this study were to evaluate Li citrate hydrate (Li-cit) for its contact efficacy against Varroa, but also the effect of Li-cit on honey bees by estimating loads of honey bee viruses, expression levels of immune-related genes and genes for antioxidative enzymes and oxidative stress parameters on two sampling occasions, before the treatment and after the treatment. Our experiment was performed on four groups, each consisting of seven colonies. Two groups were treated with the test compound, one receiving 5 mM and the other 10 mM of Li-cit; the third received oxalic acid treatment (OA group) and served as positive control, and the fourth was negative control (C group), treated with 50% w/v pure sucrose-water syrup. Single trickling treatment was applied in all groups. Both tested concentrations of Li-cit, 5 and 10 mM, expressed high varroacidal efficacy, 96.85% and 96.80%, respectively. Load of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after the treatment in group treated with 5 mM of Li-cit. In OA group, loads of Acute Bee Paralysis Virus and Deformed Wing Virus significantly (p < 0.05) increased, and in C group, loads of all viruses significantly (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) increased. Transcript levels of genes for abaecin, apidaecin, defensin and vitellogenin were significantly higher (p < 0.05-p < 0.001), while all oxidative stress parameters were significantly lower (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) after the treatment in both groups treated with Li-cit. All presented results along with easy application indicate benefits of topical Li-cit treatment and complete the mosaic of evidence on the advantages of this salt in the control of Varroa.

Welfare of Native Goat Breeds in Serbia-Emphasis on Parasitological Infections.

Native goat breeds in Serbia has been recognized as an important element of regional agrobiodiversity and play an important role in the safeguarding of cultural and traditional heritage. The aim of this study was to identify the main welfare issues likely to be encountered in extensive goat farming systems with an emphasis on parasitological infections. The study was conducted during the winter season on four small farms of native Balkan and Serbian white goats. For welfare assessment, animal-based indicators from AWIN protocol for goats were used. All fecal samples for parasites were qualitatively and quantitatively examined. The main welfare issues identified were poor hair coat condition (62.79%), dirty and light soiling hindquarters (31.40%), thin body condition score (26.74%), abscesses (19.78%), and udder asymmetry (18.60%). In addition, an important and prevalent welfare problem identified across all farms was parasite infection and weak significant (p < 0.001) correlation between certain parasites (Strongylidae, Moniezia spp., Buxtonella sulcate, and Protostrongylidae) and welfare indicators such as poor hair coat condition and nasal discharge. The results of this study provided the first overview and valuable insight into the impact of extensive systems on the welfare of native goats in the Balcan region.

Potential of commercial SiN MPW platforms for developing mid/high-resolution integrated photonic spectrographs for astronomy.

Integrated photonic spectrographs offer an avenue to extreme miniaturization of astronomical instruments, which would greatly benefit extremely large telescopes and future space missions. These devices first require optimization for astronomical applications, which includes design, fabrication, and field testing. Given the high costs of photonic fabrication, multi-project wafer (MPW) silicon nitride (SiN) offerings, where a user purchases a portion of a wafer, provide a convenient and affordable avenue to develop this technology. In this work, we study the potential of two commonly used SiN waveguide geometries by MPW foundries, i.e., square and rectangular profiles, to determine how they affect the performance of mid/high-resolution arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) spectrometers around 1.5 µm. Specifically, we present results from detailed simulations on the mode sizes, shapes, and polarization properties, and on the impact of phase errors on the throughput and cross talk as well as some laboratory results of coupling and propagation losses. From the MPW run tolerances and our phase-error study, we estimate that an AWG with R ∼10,000 can be developed with the MPW runs, and even greater resolving power is achievable with more reliable, dedicated fabrication runs. Depending on the fabrication and design optimizations, it is possible to achieve throughputs ∼60% using the SiN platform. Thus, we show that SiN MPW offerings are highly promising and will play a key role in integrated photonic spectrograph developments for astronomy.

Building hybridized 28-baseline pupil-remapping photonic interferometers for future high-resolution imaging.

One key advantage of single-mode photonic technologies for interferometric use is their ability to easily scale to an ever-increasing number of inputs without a major increase in the overall device size, compared to traditional bulk optics. This is particularly important for the upcoming extremely large telescope (ELT) generation of telescopes currently under construction. We demonstrate the fabrication and characterization of a hybridized photonic interferometer, with eight simultaneous inputs, forming 28 baselines, which is the largest amount to date, to the best of our knowledge. Using different photonic fabrication technologies, we combine a 3D pupil remapper with a planar eight-port ABCD pairwise beam combiner, along with the injection optics necessary for telescope use, into a single integrated monolithic device. We successfully realized a combined device called Dragonfly, which demonstrates a raw instrumental closure-phase stability down to 0.9° over $8\pi$ phase piston error, relating to a detection contrast of ${\sim}6.5 \times {10^{- 4}}$ on an adaptive-optics-corrected 8 m telescope. This prototype successfully demonstrates advanced hybridization and packaging techniques necessary for on-sky use for high-contrast detection at small inner working angles, ideally complementing what can currently be achieved using coronagraphs.

3D-M3: high-spatial-resolution spectroscopy with extreme AO and 3D-printed micro-lenslets.

By combining integral field spectroscopy with extreme adaptive optics, we are now able to resolve objects close to the diffraction limit of large telescopes, exploring new science cases. We introduce an integral field unit designed to couple light with a minimal plate scale from the SCExAO facility at NIR wavelengths to a single-mode spectrograph. The integral field unit has a 3D-printed micro-lens array on top of a custom single-mode multi-core fiber, to optimize the coupling of light into the fiber cores. We demonstrate the potential of the instrument via initial results from the first on-sky runs at the 8.2 m Subaru Telescope with a spectrograph using off-the-shelf optics, allowing for rapid development with low cost.

Scalable photonic-based nulling interferometry with the dispersed multi-baseline GLINT instrument.

Characterisation of exoplanets is key to understanding their formation, composition and potential for life. Nulling interferometry, combined with extreme adaptive optics, is among the most promising techniques to advance this goal. We present an integrated-optic nuller whose design is directly scalable to future science-ready interferometric nullers: the Guided-Light Interferometric Nulling Technology, deployed at the Subaru Telescope. It combines four beams and delivers spatial and spectral information. We demonstrate the capability of the instrument, achieving a null depth better than 10-3 with a precision of 10-4 for all baselines, in laboratory conditions with simulated seeing applied. On sky, the instrument delivered angular diameter measurements of stars that were 2.5 times smaller than the diffraction limit of the telescope. These successes pave the way for future design enhancements: scaling to more baselines, improved photonic component and handling low-order atmospheric aberration within the instrument, all of which will contribute to enhance sensitivity and precision.

Plant-based supplement containing B-complex vitamins can improve bee health and increase colony performance.

It is common knowledge that nutritive stress resulting from decreased diversity and quality of food, pollution of food sources and beekeeping errors may lead to increased susceptibility of bees to pathogens and pesticides. The dearth of adequate food is frequently compensated with supplements. Thus, this research was aimed to study the effects of the plant-based supplement B + on colony strength (assessed according to open and sealed brood area, honey and pollen/bee bread reserves, and the number of adult bees). In addition, Nosema ceranae spores and viruses were quantified and the level of infestation with Varroa destructor assessed. The experiment was conducted in late summer and early spring. In colonies which were given B + in feed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the parameters of colony strength were noticed in comparison to the control (colonies fed on sugar syrup). Moreover, it was proven that the bees from these colonies had significantly lower (p < 0.05) N. ceranae spore counts, and acute bee paralysis, deformed wing and sacbrood virus loads. Our results suggest that the addition of B + supplement to the colonies provide them with nutrients, contribute to their strengthening, might prevent nutritive stress and increase the success of bees in combating pathogens.

Vortex fiber nulling for exoplanet observations. I. Experimental demonstration in monochromatic light.

Vortex fiber nulling is a method for spectroscopically characterizing exoplanets at small angular separations, ≲λ/D, from their host star. The starlight is suppressed by creating an optical vortex in the system point spread function, which prevents the stellar field from coupling into the fundamental mode of a single-mode optical fiber. Light from the planet, on the other hand, couples into the fiber and is routed to a spectrograph. Using a prototype vortex fiber nuller (VFN) designed for monochromatic light, we demonstrate coupling fractions of 6×10-5 and >0.1 for the star and planet, respectively.

Quantitative PCR assessment of Lotmaria passim in Apis mellifera colonies co-infected naturally with Nosema ceranae.

A recently described trypanosomatid species Lotmaria passim and the microsporidium Nosema ceranae infect the honey bee (Apis mellifera), but the interspecific dynamic of these two common gut parasites is unknown. In this study, a real-time qPCR assay was developed to enable the specific detection and quantification of L. passim. The annual dynamics of N. ceranae and L. passim infections were evaluated in ten A. mellifera colonies naturally infected with both parasites at one apiary in Serbia from March 2016 to March 2017. Ten samples (60 bees abdomens) were taken from each colony on 8 sampling occasions. L. passim infection level was evaluated with qPCR, while N. ceranae infection was measured by spore counts. N. ceranae infection level was significantly higher in comparison with that of L. passim (spore or cell equivalents/bee, respectively). Significant positive correlation between infection levels of the parasite species indicates their similar annual dynamics, whilst the differences in the levels of infection between particular months point to a seasonal pattern in the incidence of both parasites. The assay which has been developed and validated creates opportunity for detailed study of L. passim infection kinetics and the improvement in the management practices in beekeeping related to these two parasites.

Recycling and Reinforcing Intimomedial Flap of the Infrarenal Aorta Using Anterior Longitudinal Ligament in Patients With Acute Trauma With Bowel Injuries.

We present a patient with blunt abdominal trauma with severe acute right limb ischemia and clinical signs of diffuse peritonitis. Computed tomography angiography showed circumferential dissection of the infrarenal aorta with occlusion of the right common iliac artery. We opted for simultaneous abdomen exploration and open repair of injured aorta. Critical weakening of the aortic wall with imminent rupture was identified intraoperatively. Aortotomy cranially from bifurcation showed circumferential intimomedial dissection. The fixation of fragile intimomedial flap of aortic dissection was achieved with reinforcement using an anterior longitudinal ligament. The long aortoiliac arteriotomy was repaired using a great saphenous vein patch. Patient had uneventful postoperative course and was discharged after 7 days. In patients with abdominal polytrauma with peritonitis, and no available endovascular tools, open surgery for circumferential aortic dissection is possible and successful. Described reinforcement of the posterior aortic wall to the anterior longitudinal ligament should be added to the armamentarium of aortic injury treatment.

Standard Lumbar Discectomy Versus Microdiscectomy - Differences in Clinical Outcome and Reoperation Rate.

Microdiscectomy (MD) is accepted nowadays as the operative method of choice for lumbar disc herniation, but it is not rare for neurosurgeons to opt for standard discectomy (SD), which does not entail the use of operating microscope. In our study, differences in disc herniation recurrence and clinical outcome of surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation with and without the use of operating microscope were assessed. Our study included 167 patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery during a three-year period (SD, n=111 and MD, n=56). Clinical outcome assessments were recorded by patients via questionnaire forms filled out by patients at three time points. Operation duration, length of hospital stay and revision surgeries were also recorded. According to study results, after one-year follow up there was no statistically significant difference between the SD and MD groups in functional outcome. However, we recorded a statistically significant difference in leg pain reduction in favor of the MD group. According to the frequency of reoperations with the mean follow up period of 33.4 months, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the MD group (SD 6.3% vs. MD 3.2%). There appears to be no particular advantage of either technique in terms of functional outcome since both result in good overall outcome. However, we choose MD over SD because it includes significantly lower recurrent disc herniation rate and higher reduction of leg pain.

Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma in Low-Grade Glioma After 14 Years of Follow-Up.

We are reporting the case of a 53-year old woman presenting to our hospital with a hemorrhagic low-grade glioma (LGG). She was admitted to a nearby general hospital where she had presented with aphasia, right hemiplegia and change of mental status. Computer tomography (CT) images showed a left temporo-parietal hemorrhage with mass effect. She was transferred to our hospital neuro-intensive care unit where emergency craniotomy was performed. A tumor with hematoma was removed and further histopathology analysis revealed tumor progression. We reviewed the literature reporting cases of central nervous system tumors hemorrhage and found that these types of events are exquisitely rare in adults with LGG. However these events are possible, suggesting that it should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient presenting with intracranial hemorrhage. This case raises questions regarding the benefit of early versus late intervention for patients known to have LGG.