381. PET/CT and MR improve interobserver agreement in primary tumor determination for radiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell cancerAjra Šečerov Ermenc, Primož Peterlin, Vaneja Velenik, Ana Jeromen, Jasna But-Hadžić, Franc Anderluh, Barbara Šegedin, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate interobserver variability in the determination of the primary tumor for radiotherapy treatment planning in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Sixteen patients with locally advanced ESCC were included in the analysis. In all patients positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PETC/CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scans for radiotherapy planning were performed. Five experienced radiation oncologists delineated the primary tumor based on CT alone, MR alone, PET/CT, CT with fused MR and PET/CT with fused MR. Mean tumor volumes were calculated for each patient and imaging modality. The generalized conformity index (CIgen) was calculated to assess agreement in tumor determination. Results: The mean tumor volumes and CIgen for CT alone, MR alone, PET/CT, CT with fused MR and PET/CT with fused MR were 33.1 cm3, 30.2 cm3, 38.1 cm3, 31.9 cm3, 36.2 cm3 and 0.59, 0.64, 0.66, 0.63, 0.71, respectively. CIgen was significantly higher using PET/CT with fused MR compared to CT (p < 0.001) and PET/CT (p = 0.002) and using PET/CT compared to CT (alone) (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Our study showed higher agreement in primary tumor determination in ESCC using PET/CT compared to CT alone. Higher agreement was also found using PET/CT with fused MR compared to CT alone and PET/CT.
Keywords: magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, squamous cell carcinoma, primary tumor
Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 117; Downloads: 47
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382. Are there clinically relevant prognostic factors in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma beyond International Prognostic IndexMilica Miljković, Vita Šetrajčič Dragoš, Gorana Gašljević, Srdjan Novaković, Lučka Boltežar, Barbara Jezeršek Novaković, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has variable prognosis, with only 50 to 60% of patients cured by standard first line treatment. Identifying patients unlikely to benefit from standard first line therapy is therefore crucial. Schmitz’s study identified four molecular subtypes of DLBCL with differing prognoses: MCD, BN2, N1, and EZB, with BN2 and EZB showing more favorable outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Archer FusionPlex Lymphoma Assay in identifying the newly defined genetic subtypes of DLBCL, while also exploring the association between immunohistochemical (IHC) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for classifying the cell of origin (COO) and assessing their predictive value for patient survival. Materials and methods. We classified 131 DLBCL patients using Hans algorithm into GCB (germinal center B-celllike) and ABC (activated B-cell-like) subtypes, and with NGS applying Archer FusionPlex lymphoma assay into ABC, GCB, unclassified, and into Schmitz’s novel genetic subtypes. A mutational analysis of just 7 genes (MYD88L265P, CD79B, EZH2, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, BCL2, and BCL6) was used for genetic classification. Various statistical models were applied to assess survival differences between subtypes. Finally, STRATOS analysis was conducted to validate our preliminary statistical findings. Results. 35.9% of patients were successfully classified into new genetic subtypes, with acceptable consistency between IHC and NGS method for COO determination. However, the new genetic subtype classification by NGS did not correlate with overall survival, nor did the COO classifications by IHC or NGS. The inclusion of these classifications also did not improve the predictive value of models compared to the basic model based on the International Prognostic Index (IPI) only. Conclusions. The Archer FusionPlex Lymphoma assay showed a somewhat lower detection rate of novel genetic subtypes compared to reports based on exome sequencing, yet identified novel genetic subtypes in over one-third of patients. However, an in-depth STRATOS statistical analysis did not confirm its predictive value for DLBCL prognosis, likely due to factors like patient selection and sample size limitations.
Keywords: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, new genetic types, prognostic factors
Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 164; Downloads: 46
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384. Divergent trends in insect disturbance across Europe's temperate and boreal forestsTomáš Hlásny, Roman Modlinger, Jostein Gohli, Rupert Seidl, Paal Krokene, Iris Bernardinelli, Simon Blaser, Gediminas Brazaitis, Gailenė Brazaitytė, Eckehard Brockerhoff, Maarten De Groot, Marija Kolšek, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Ongoing shifts in climate and land use have altered interactions between trees and insect herbivores, changing biotic disturbance regimes. However, as these changes are complex and vary across host species, insect taxa, and feeding guilds, they remain poorly understood. We compiled annual records of forest insect disturbance from 15 countries in temperate and boreal Europe, spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. The dataset comprises 1361 time series characterizing the dynamics of 50 herbivorous insects. We used this dataset to test whether insect disturbance has systematically changed during the 23-year period across host trees and feeding guilds, whether it varies along latitudinal and climatic gradients, and whether synchrony exists among species in the same guild or among species sharing the same host. Since 2000, borer disturbance was predominantly concentrated on gymnosperms, while defoliators impacted gymnosperms and angiosperms more evenly. While 85.8% of gymnosperm disturbance was inflicted by a single species, Ips typographus, the majority of disturbances to angiosperms were caused by six different species. Borer impact on gymnosperms has increased in the 21st century, while defoliator impact has decreased across both clades. In contrast to diverging temporal trends, disturbance was consistently greater in warmer and drier conditions across feeding guilds and host types. We identified significant synchrony in insect disturbance within host types and feeding guilds but not between these groups, suggesting shared drivers within guilds and host types. Increasing insect disturbance to gymnosperms may catalyze adaptive transformations in Europe's forests, promoting a shift from historical conifer-dominated management to broadleaved trees, which are less affected by insect herbivores. Our findings reveal a diversity of trends in insect herbivory, underscoring the need to strengthen monitoring and research in order to better understand underlying mechanisms and identify emerging threats that may not be apparent in currently available data.
Keywords: climate change, ecosystem adaptation, forest disturbance, forest insect herbivores, host tree types, insect feeding guilds
Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 150; Downloads: 71
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385. Targeting cystatin F activation enhances NK cell cytotoxicity in glioblastoma modelsEmanuela Senjor, Anamarija Habič, Urban Švajger, Ana Mitrović, Matic Proj, Andrej Porčnik, Borut Prestor, Miha Jerala, Matic Bošnjak, Stanislav Gobec, Barbara Breznik, Janko Kos, Milica Perišić, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly invasive brain tumor with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Natural killer (NK) cells are key effectors of antitumor immunity, capable of eliminating cancer stem-like cells. However, GBM creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment that limits NK cell function. Here, we identify cystatin F as an immunosuppressive factor involved in regulating NK cell granule-mediated cytotoxicity. Methods: We analyzed cystatin F expression in GBM and its correlation with immune exhaustion markers. NK cell activity was compared between GBM patients and healthy donors. In vitro co-cultures of cystatin F-expressing microglial cells and glioblastoma stem-like cells were used to assess NK cell function. To block cystatin F activation from dimeric to active monomeric form, a small-molecule inhibitor of cathepsin V, the activating protease, was applied. Results: Cystatin F expression correlated with immune exhaustion and suppression markers in GBM. NK cells from patients showed reduced cytotoxicity compared to healthy donors. Co-cultures confirmed that cystatin F-expressing microglia impaired NK cell cytotoxicity, while inhibition of cathepsin V restored NK cell function in standard cytotoxicity assays, 3D spheroids, and microfluidic perfused models. Discussion: These results indicate that cystatin F mediates NK cell suppression in GBM. Targeting its activation enhances NK cell cytotoxicity, offering a potential strategy to improve NK-based immunotherapy for glioblastoma.
Keywords: glioblastoma, cystatin F, 3D models
Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 119; Downloads: 108
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386. Content of trans-fatty acid isomers in bakery products on the Slovenian marketMarjeta Mencin, Helena Abramovič, Emil Zlatić, Lea Demšar, Saša Piskernik, Matthias Schreiner, Katja Žmitek, Anita Kušar, Igor Pravst, Rajko Vidrih, 2021, original scientific article Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 160; Downloads: 82
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389. Sampling and identification of microplastics in groundwaterManca Kovač Viršek, Tine Bizjak, Nejc Bizjak, Nina Mali, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Microplastics pollution in groundwater remains significantly underreported within scientific literature. This paper presents a comprehensive protocol outlining the methodology for the sampling of groundwater from boreholes, as well as the steps of microplastics separation and analysis. It provides an extensive description of a filtration sampling system designed specifically for this purpose, along with the detailed sampling procedure. In addition, it presents the laboratory analysis of microplastic particles, including their characterization based on size, shape, color, transparency, and chemical structure using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and micro-FTIR spectroscopy. Factors that can influence results are discussed, and special attention is paid to preventing contamination of samples. The methodology described also considers the requirements of the Annex of Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2024/1441 of 11 March 2024, supplementing Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council. This comprehensive written protocol, accompanied by video guidance, is intended to support the development of a synchronized methodology for monitoring microplastics in groundwater or drinking water. This resource will be of interest to researchers in the field of microplastics worldwide.
Keywords: microplastics, groundwater, spectroscopic methods, pollution
Published in DiRROS: 26.11.2025; Views: 139; Downloads: 108
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390. Free and bioavailable vitamin D are correlated with disease severity in acute pancreatitis : a single-center, prospective studyDarko Siuka, Matej Rakuša, Aleš Vodenik, Lana Vodnik Klun, Borut Štabuc, David Štubljar, David Drobne, Helena Matelič, Joško Osredkar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is primarily caused by inflammation and immunological responses, both of which are regulated by vitamin D. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the severity of AP and vitamin D levels, including its total, free, and bioavailable forms. Eighty individuals with AP were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of free 25(OH)D3, bioavailable 25(OH)D3, and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D3 were assessed. The severity of the disease course was assessed by scoring systems (Revised Atlanta classification, Ranson score, CTSI). Vitamin D deficiency was common in AP patients, with 31.3% being categorized as deficient (<50 nmol/L) and 27.5% having a severe deficiency (<30 nmol/L). Compared to patients with adequate vitamin D status, those with lower vitamin D levels had a significantly higher risk of developing moderate-to-severe AP (44.7% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.029). Patients with severe vitamin D insufficiency were the only ones who experienced severe AP. Clinical outcomes showed similar correlations: patients with significant vitamin D deficiency had longer hospital stays (mean of 12.1 ± 5.3 days vs. 7.8 ± 3.4 days, p = 0.018) and higher rates of ICU admission (31.8% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.007). Low levels of total, free, and bioavailable vitamin D were significantly associated with the severity of AP and ICU admission. Free, bioavailable, and total vitamin D were correlated with the severity of acute pancreatitis. All severe cases occurred in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency. Given the observational design, these associations require confirmation in interventional or mechanistic studies.
Keywords: vitamin D deficiency, acute pancreatitis severity, free and bioavailable vitamin D, inflammation and immune response, clinical outcomes
Published in DiRROS: 25.11.2025; Views: 156; Downloads: 74
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