Iodine is a rapidly acting antiseptic with bactericidal, fungicidal, sporicidal properties (McDonnell and Russell, 1999). Iodine-based teat dips are widely used in dairy farms for teat disinfection (Ruegg, 2017). Fungi have been associated with subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle (Mahendra Pal, 2022). Therefore, evaluation of iodine-based teat disinfectants against fungal species isolated from teat skin is important for improving udder hygiene and mastitis prevention.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of different iodine concentrations against Aspergillus species isolated from dairy cow teat skin.

Aspergillus spp. were isolated from teat skin samples using direct plating and washing–dilution methods on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol. Pure cultures were identified according to cultural and morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. 1 mL fungal suspension (3 × 10^8 CFU mL) was inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Iodine concentrations of 0.15%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% (w/w iodine) were tested. Plates were incubated at 25 ± 1°C for 72–96 h, and antifungal activity was assessed by measuring fungal growth inhibition zones (mm).

Antifungal activity varied depending on iodine concentration and fungal species susceptibility. The strongest antifungal effect was observed at 0.50% iodine concentration. The highest susceptibility was detected in Aspergillus candidus (19.58 mm), followed by A. oryzae (11.0 mm), A. flavus (10.42 mm), and A. ochraceus (9.17 mm). A. niger showed the lowest sensitivity (5.58 mm). Lower iodine concentrations demonstrated weaker and species-dependent activity, while increasing iodine concentration to 0.75% did not improve antifungal efficacy.The results indicate that iodine-based teat disinfectants possess antifungal activity against environmental Aspergillus species isolated from teat skin. The 0.50% iodine concentration showed the highest inhibitory effect and may contribute to improved teat hygiene and reduced fungal contamination in dairy farms.

Testicular metastasis from prostate cancer is extremely rare, and on conventional radiological imaging, features can be non-specific, making diagnosis challenging. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with locally advanced prostate adenocarcinoma initially treated with radiotherapy and a 3-year course of androgen deprivation therapy. During follow-up, a rising PSA level prompted further evaluation. Conventional imaging revealed a heterogeneous lesion in the left testis. The patient underwent a left radical orchiectomy. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a high-grade metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Postoperatively, the PSA level decreased to 0.04 ng/ml and remained stable for at least 2 years under active surveillance with PSA monitoring. This case demonstrates the potential of radical orchiectomy as a metastasis-directed approach for isolated testicular metastasis from castration-sensitive prostate cancer, delaying the need for systemic treatment. Further studies are needed to clarify its place in clinical practice.

Introduction: Physiological response and the role of the incretins are well-characterized in healthy individuals. However, there is limited data regarding the incretin-insulin axis in patients with monogenic diabetes (MD). Objectives: Evaluate the timing between GLP-1 and C-peptide peaks during a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT). By comparing GCK, HNF1A, HNF4A patients vs. healthy controls, we aim to assess β-cell responsiveness and incretin sensitivity across different MD types. Methods: 17 subjects with GCK diabetes (median age 15.3 yrs (IQR 13.6 – 17.8 yrs); 6 - HNF1A, with a median age 20.0 yrs (IQR 15.2 – 23.8 yrs); and two - HNF4A diabetes, aged 24.5 and 25.9 yrs. Control group consisted of 19 subjects (median age 23.2 yrs (IQR 22.6 – 24.6 yrs). C-peptide and GLP-1 levels were measured at 9 time points during a standard MMTT. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using the trapezoidal method. An incretin responsiveness index was defined as AUCC-peptide divided AUCGLP-1. GLP-1 – to – C-peptide lag analysis: lag=Tmax (C-peptide) – Tmax (GLP-1). Mann–Whitney U test was used for group comparisons. Results: The incretin responsiveness index was significantly reduced across all MD subtypes. Compared to controls 78.6 [62.4– 96.8], the index was lower in GCK 32.1 [24.7–41.3], p< 0.00001; in HNF1A 27.4 [21.9–33.8, p=0.0004; and in HNF4A 1.08 [0.89–1.27, p=0.0002. GLP-1–to–C-peptide lag differed across groups. Controls demonstrated a median lag of 0 min. (IQR 0–45), while GCK showed marked variability with a wide range including negative values (median 0, IQR −60 to 30). In contrast, HNF1A and HNF4A exhibited a more consistent positive lag (median 30 min.), indicating delayed but preserved temporal coupling. Conclusions: The incretin responsiveness index demonstrated a stepwise impairment in incretin-mediated β-cell responsiveness: Controls->GCK->HNF1A->HNF4A, suggesting the failure of β-cells to respond appropriately in time.

Introduction: Disordered eating behaviors in T1D may influence metabolic outcomes, yet their relationships with clinical parameters remain insufficiently characterized. Objectives: To analyze correlations between eating disorders (ED) symptoms and metabolic as well as clinical parameters in youth with T1D. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 57 individuals aged 14–25 years with T1D was performed. ED symptoms were assessed using the EDE-Q 6.0 questionnaire. Correlations between EDE-Q scores and BMI, HbA1c, time in range, insulin dose, disease duration, and age at diagnosis were analyzed using correlation coefficients. Results: Higher BMI was significantly associated with increased ED psychopathology, including restraint (r=0.382, p=0.004), eating concern (r=0.314, p=0.018), shape concern (r=0.354, p=0.007), weight concern (r=0.364, p=0.006), total score (r=0.383, p=0.004), binge eating with loss of control (r=0.326, p=0.017), and binge eating days (r=0.389, p=0.004). Compulsive exercise also correlated with BMI (r=0.351, p=0.009). Higher HbA1c was negatively associated with compulsive exercise (r=- 0.363, p=0.032). Time in range was negatively correlated with shape concern (r=-0.350, p=0.029), weight concern (r=-0.327, p=0.042), and binge eating frequency (r=-0.372, p=0.021). Conclusions: ED symptoms in youth with T1D are significantly associated with BMI and glycemic metrics. Higher ED severity correlates with higher BMI and poorer glycemic profiles, highlighting the importance of integrated metabolic and psychological assessment.

Introduction: Eating disorders (ED) and disordered eating behaviors are common in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and may impact metabolic control and quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate differences in ED symptoms based on subjective health perception in adolescents and young adults with T1D. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 57 individuals aged 14–25 years with T1D. Participants were divided into two groups based on self-rated health (good vs poor). ED symptoms were assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0), which evaluates behavioral frequency and attitudinal subscales over the past 28 days, a higher score reflects either greater severity or frequency. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Participants with poor self-rated health had significantly higher ED psychopathology. Eating concern (0.5±0.72 vs.1±2.1, p<0.001), shape concern (1.1±1.2 vs 2.8±1.5, p<0.001), weight concern (1.1±1.2 vs 2.6±1.7, p<0.001), and total EDE-Q score (1.1±1.1 vs 2.4±1.5, p<0.001) were all significantly higher. They also reported more binge eating episodes (3.9±6.6 vs 6.5±6.4, p=0.013), episodes with loss of eating control (1.1±3.5 vs 6.3±8.7, p<0.001), and more binge eating days (0.7±0.9 vs 5.4±7.0, p<0.001). Importantly, no significant differences were observed between groups in objective disease-related parameters, including diabetes duration, age at diagnosis, BMI, HbA1c, and time in range. Conclusions: Poor subjective health perception in youth with T1D is strongly associated with increased ED symptomatology, independent of metabolic parameters. Screening for ED should include patient-reported health perception as a potential risk indicator.

Introduction: WAGR syndrome is a rare contiguous gene deletion disorder characterized by the classical tetrad: Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and a spectrum of developmental delays. It is caused by a deletion on chromosome 11p13, typically involving critical genes such as WT1 and PAX6. Objectives: To present a rare clinical case of WAGR syndrome with multisystem involvement, including endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Methods: A 4-year-old girl was referred to a pediatric endocrinologist due to rapid weight gain and metabolic disturbances. Her anthropometric measurements were: height 100.2 cm (10th–25th percentile), weight 19 kg (75th–90th percentile), and BMI 18.92 kg/m² (approaching the 97th percentile). Laboratory evaluation revealed fasting hyperglycemia (up to 5.84 mmol/L) with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR 3.63), and central hypothyroidism (low TSH and low FT4). Previous medical history: she was the first child in the family. Aniridia was diagnosed shortly after birth. At the age of 1.5 years, she was diagnosed with nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) of the right kidney. Given the suspicion of a rare syndromic condition, the patient was referred for genetic evaluation. Results: Genetic testing identified a pathogenic heterozygous deletion >7 Mb on chromosome 11p13, encompassing multiple genes including PAX6, WT1, BDNF, FSHB, DCDC1, ELP4, RCN1, HIPK3, and CD44. Haploinsufficiency of WT1, PAX6, and BDNF is considered central to the patient’s phenotype, contributing to tumor predisposition, ocular abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental and metabolic features. Conclusions: This case highlights the critical role of genetic testing in patients with congenital anomalies and multisystem involvement. WAGR syndrome may also present with endocrine and metabolic disturbances, including obesity, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism. Early diagnosis and coordinated multidisciplinary management are essential to optimize clinical outcomes.

Background/Aim: Osteosarcoma (OS) treatment consists of chemotherapy with methotrexate, adriamycin (doxorubicin) and platinol (MAP) combined with intercalated surgery, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of 50–60%. We recently demonstrated that local delivery of doxorubicin via a microparticulate hydroxyapatite-based biomaterial (DASH) could efficiently impede tumor growth in subcutaneous OS; however, its effect in an orthotopic intraosseous OS remains unknown, particularly in conjunction with systemic MAP treatment. In this study, we performed two separate mouse model studies with the aim of (1) evaluating the effect of DASH in an orthotopic osteosarcoma model and (2) evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of DASH in conjunction with systemically administered MAP in a subcutaneous osteosarcoma model. Methods: In the first study, 56 mice were inoculated with human OS cells (i.e., h143B cells) in the proximal tibia. After 10 days, the mice were divided into seven treatment groups, of which group G2 (systemic DOX) was compared with groups G5–G7, which were treated with increasing doses of DOX delivered via DASH. The tumor-impeding response was evaluated via micro-CT (day 14), PET-CT (day 21) and tumor measurements (post-mortem). In the second study, 45 mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 143B cells and, 10 days later, groups G2–G5 were treated locally with increasing DASH doses, followed by two cycles of systemic MAP for all groups. On day 31, the animals underwent PET-CT examination followed by euthanasia and tumor measurements. Results: In both experiments, DASH treatment resulted in significantly lower tumor activity, tumor volume and weight. Micro-CT examination in the orthotopic model demonstrated that DASH treatment protected the bone from osteolysis. The subcutaneous study revealed that the mice were able to tolerate DASH, even in conjunction with systemically administered MAP. Conclusions: Intratumoral administration of DASH impeded OS growth in both animal models and protected bone against tumor-induced osteolysis. Furthermore, DASH was well-tolerated when administered in conjunction with systemic MAP therapy, indicating its potential therapeutic neo-adjuvant value in poor responders.

The aim of this study was to analyse students' knowledge and adherence to nutrition as a risk factor for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Methodology. A quantitative study was employed to collect data from 107 students enrolled at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to students in the Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy study programmes. The survey comprised questions from two prior established questionnaires: The Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level (CARRIFKL) and the Mediterranean Diet Knowledge/Adherence Questionnaire. Written permission for the use of both questionnaires was obtained from the original authors via e-mail. Participants were asked to provide demographic information, including gender, age, and educational level. The collected data were subsequently analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: A high level of knowledge was observed regarding cardiovascular risk factors, while an average level of knowledge was noted regarding the Mediterranean diet. However, the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was found to be low. Furthermore, a weak, insignificant correlation with a positive, direct linear relationship was identified between knowledge and adherence. Conclusions: Although participants demonstrated adequate knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and the Mediterranean diet, a discrepancy between knowledge and actual dietary adherence was observed. This risk factor should be addressed to promote healthier behavioural practices and improve cardiovascular disease prevention.

Mityba ankstyvojoje vaikystėje formuoja žarnyno mikrobiota, svarbią imuninės sistemos brendimui ir medžiagų apykaitai. Straipsnyje aptariamos labai perdirbto maisto sąsajos su vaikų mikrobiota ir sveikata. Skaidulų stoka ir kai kurie maisto priedai gali veikti mikrobiotos sudėtį bei žarnyno barjerą, tačiau dalis duomenų gauta tiriant gyvūnus ar suaugusiuosius. Vaikų tyrimuose nustatomi Bifidobacterium ir Blautia gausumo skirtumai, kurių reikšmė priklauso nuo amžiaus, žindymo ir mitybos etapo. Didesnis labai perdirbto maisto vartojimas siejamas su antsvoriu ir nepalankiais metaboliniais rodikliais, tačiau mikrobiotos tarpininkavimo vaidmuo neįrodytas. Rekomenduojama gerinti bendrą mitybos kokybę ir rinktis mažai perdirbtus produktus. Priežastiniams ryšiams patikslinti reikalingi ilgalaikiai ir intervenciniai tyrimai.

African swine fever (ASF) has persisted in Ukraine's wild boar population since its detection in 2014, particularly in regions bordering Belarus, Poland, Hungary, and Moldova. The long-term circulation of ASF virus (ASFV), combined with low numbers of hunted wild boars, raises concerns about the effectiveness of surveillance and control measures. This study assessed how the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine has affected hunting ground operations and evaluated hunters' awareness, practices, and perceptions related to ASF surveillance and biosecurity in wild boar management. We conducted 74 telephone surveys with hunters across 19 regions between December 2022 and January 2023. All respondents were male; most were aged 31-60, had formal education in hunting management, and over 10 years of experience. Respondents reported major war-related disruptions, including staff shortages due to mobilization, damaged infrastructure, restricted access to areas affected by occupation, active hostilities, or landmines and reduced expenditure on habitat maintenance. Most respondents reported that wild boar carcass monitoring was not conducted regularly, and that found carcasses were often not tested for ASFV in a laboratory. Some respondents also indicated that suspected ASF cases may not always be reported. Practices related to carcass handling, storage pending laboratory results, and the biosecurity standard of dressing facilities were inconsistent. These findings indicate that the war has substantially disrupted hunting operations and likely constrained ASF surveillance and control. Targeted hunter education, improved infrastructure, practical biosecurity guidance, and enhanced operational support are needed to mitigate ASF risks under wartime conditions.