U prvom dijelu teksta ukratko je skrenuta pozornost na fenomen pasa kao kućnih ljubimaca s jedne, te pasa lutalica s druge strane. Osim toga, navedeni su određeni primjeri intenzivnog suodnosa čovjeka i psa, kako kroz historiju, jednako tako i u epohi postkulture. Posebno je razviđan bioetički problem odnosa ljudi prema psima lutalicama u Bosni i Hercegovini pri čemu je podcrtana etičko-moralna (ne)odgovornost nekadašnjih vlasnika pasa. Tijekom reflektiranja navedenih sadržaja, osim u bioetičkom rakursu, ova tematika je promišljana i iz rakursa muslimanske Tradicije, odnosno teologije morala. Tom prigodom pojam psa je sagledavan dominantno iz muslimanske teološko-moralne perspektive, ali u dijalogu sa bioetikom, tj. kroz prizmu integrativne bioetike.

Postmortem biochemistry is a valuable tool in forensic investigations, providing insights into the tissue damage and organ dysfunction associated with death. This study aimed to identify biochemical markers that distinguish primary and secondary hypothermia. Twenty-one Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: the Control group (n = 7), which was exposed only to hypothermic conditions, the Alcohol + Hypothermia group (n = 7), and the Benzodiazepines + Hypothermia group (n = 7). The temperature metrics assessed included the normal core temperature, the post-ketamine (0.3 ml injection) core temperature, the immersion temperature, temperature at the onset of hypothermia, and temperature at death. Blood samples were collected from the thoracic aorta in EDTA vacuum tubes for biochemical analysis. The key biochemical parameters measured included the Total Protein (g/L), Albumin (g/L), Globulin (g/L), Albumin to Globulin Ratio, Alanine Aminotransferase (U/L), Alkaline Phosphatase (U/L), Cholesterol (mmol/L), Amylase (U/L), and Lipase (U/L), using an automated IDEXX (Netherlands) cell counter. Significant between-group differences were found for the total protein and globulin levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively), with post-hoc tests confirming differences between the alcohol and control, and benzodiazepine and control groups. The cholesterol levels were found to be significantly different through an omnibus test (p = 0.03), but post hoc tests did not confirm these differences on a statistically significant level. The amylase levels varied significantly across all groups (p < 0.001), with post hoc tests confirming significant differences among all pairs: alcohol vs. benzodiazepine (p = 0.002), alcohol vs. control (p = 0.003), and benzodiazepine vs. control (p < 0.001). The lipase levels showed significant differences in the omnibus test (p = 0.030), but there was no significance in the post hoc tests. Amylase emerged as the most significant parameter in our study, with reduced levels strongly associated with secondary hypothermia. These findings highlight the potential use of total protein, globulin, and amylase levels as biomarkers to differentiate between primary and secondary hypothermia in forensic contexts.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is associated with systemic complications, including the development of pulmonary injury, characterized mainly by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components and inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue. This process is driven by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, both caused and exacerbated by hyperglycemia. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glycine, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, offer potential therapeutic benefits in mitigating diabetes-induced lung injury. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation by either NAC or glycine or their combination on reducing lung injury in rats with type 1 diabetes Materials and methods: The study used 30 adult Wistar albino rats (10 weeks old, weighing between 180 g and 380 g). Six of them were used as controls, while 24 adult rats (10 weeks old, 180-380 g) with type 1 diabetes, induced through a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 55 mg/kg, were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: control (CTL), diabetic (Db), NAC treatment (diabetic+NAC), glycine treatment (diabetic+glycine), and combined NAC and glycine treatment (diabetic+NAC+glycine). NAC (100 mg/kg) and glycine (250 mg/kg) were administered orally for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, lung tissues were collected for histopathological examination. Qualitative, semi-quantitative, and stereological histological analysis was used to analyze structural changes in the lung tissue. Semi-quantitative scoring was carried out to evaluate the extent of inflammation, while stereological analysis was performed to determine the volume density of alveolar spaces and septal connective tissue. The semi-quantitative scoring included scores ranging from 0 (absent), 1 (minimal), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), to 4 (severe). Results: Qualitative histological analysis revealed pronounced inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs of untreated diabetic rats, characterized by thickened alveolar septa and immune cell infiltration. Both treatments with NAC and glycine individually reduced inflammation and fibrosis compared to untreated diabetic rats. The greatest improvement was observed in the NAC+glycine group, where the alveolar structure appeared almost normal, with minimal inflammation. Semiquantitative analysis showed statistically significant differences in peribronchial and peribrochiolar infiltrates between the diabetic group (2.16±0.47) and the control group (0.33±0.21, p=0.026). The combination of NAC and glycine significantly reduced peribronchial and peribronchiolar infiltrates (0.33±0.33, p=0.026) compared to the diabetic group. Similarly, septal inflammatory infiltrates were significantly lower in the NAC+glycine group (1±0.36) compared to diabetic rats (3.33±0.33, p=0.004). Total airway inflammatory infiltration was also significantly reduced in the NAC+glycine group (1.33±0.33, p=0.002) compared to the diabetic group (5.5±0.5). Conclusion: As the combination of NAC and glycine demonstrated protective effects against lung inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic rats, a synergistic effect of NAC and glycine in mitigating pulmonary complications associated with type 1 diabetes may be suggested. These findings warrant further exploration of the combination for managing diabetic lung disease and potentially other fibrotic conditions.

Background: There is no specified diagnostic procedure that can help in determining the cause of death and the diagnosis of drowning because the pathohistological signs are almost identical and non-specified. Aim: Our study aims to recognize and prove diatom appearance in organs from a forensic aspect in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to examine which is the more specific method in the diagnosis of drowning, the diatom test or the pathohistological finding. Methods: Rats of the recommended body weight were divided into four groups: G1 (n = 8; mechanism of death—asphyxia; cause of death—suffocation, submerged 1 hour after death); G2 (n = 8: mechanism of death-asphyxia; cause of death-suffocation, immersed 72 hours after death); G3 (n = 8: mechanism of death-asphyxia; cause of death-drowning, autopsy immediately after death), and G4 (n = 8: mechanism of death-asphyxia; cause of death-drowning, post mortem 24 hours after death). Results: During the diatom analysis, four species of diatoms, Diatoma vulgaris, Melosira varians, Epithemia adnata, and Cymbella sp, were successfully recovered from the stomach. Microscopic analysis did not detect diatoms in the kidneys and brains of rats, while the pathohistological changes were relatively uniform. Conclusion: Our results propose that the diatom test is a sustainable tool for supporting the diagnosis of drowning in the forensic pathology analysis of the cause of death. This experimental study is a starting point toward the optimization of tests and sampling in cases of unexplained etiology.

Commensal rats are highly adaptable to coexisting with human populations, often relying on human dwellings and immediate access to food, water, shelter and space. We present the case of an adult commensal brown rat, Rattus norvegicus, that was found in an urban area of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Histopathological examination revealed numerous eggs of Calodium hepaticum in the liver parenchyma and coprological examination identified species of the class Cestoda (Rodentolepis spp., Hymenolepis diminuta) and the class Nematoda (Trichuris muris, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Strongyloides ratti). Haematological parameter analysis was conducted using the “Idexx ProCyte Dx” cell counter and biochemical parameters of the rat's serum were tested. Haematocrit, haemoglobin content and erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH) were decreased and moderate quantities of spherocytes were present (4.95 %). The total number of leukocytes was within the physiological range, with minimally increased values of monocytes and neutrophils and decreased values of eosinophils. The results of the morphometric examinations were in the expected range for adult rats. This case report highlights the public health risk posed by commensal rats if systematic rodent control measures are not fully implemented. It should serve as a guide for future research on the population of commensal rats in the cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, aimed at a detailed identification of parasitic zoonotic pathogens.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the possible impact of the total daily amount of skim milk on the level of bilirubin and liver enzymes through regression analysis. Materials and Methods: The study included 63 Holstein-Friesian cows. They were formed in 3 groups, based on the amount of daily milk production. Peripheral blood was punctured, through which the activities of total bilirubin were analyzed (μmol/L), as well as liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase – ALT (U/L), aspartate aminotransferase – AST (U/L), lactate dehydrogenase – LDH (U/L) and alkaline phosphatase – ALP (U/L). Results: The lowest concentration of total bilirubin in blood plasma was recorded in the group of cows that have the lowest daily milk production (1.295 ± 0.255 µmol/L), and highest concentration is in cows that produce the most milk (1.855 ± 0.159 µmol/L), but intergroup differences are not significant. Regression analysis found a statistically significant relationship between the amount of produced daily milk and the concentration of total bilirubin (R2=0.132, p=0.0050.05). Conclusion: The activities of bilirubin and liver enzymes in the examined cows were in physiological balance. This indicates that the cows on the farm are raised in modern and good zootechnical and feeding conditions. In such conditions, dairy cows are able to maintain blood composition and homeostatic integrity within physiological limits and adequate reproductive and productive capacity.

An elevated temperature in the environment increases the core body temperature which stimulates thermoregulatory mechanisms. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of elevated temperature on number and shape of leukocytes using descriptive statistics and geometric morphometrics. The study included 32 Wistar rats divided into two groups according to exposed temperature (41°C and 44°C) and more two subgroups in groups associated with death (antemortem and postmortem). Peripheral blood smears were performed before exposure to temperature and after exposure to temperature. The number of leukocytes was determined. Images of peripheral blood smears were taken, on which eight landmarks on the outside of leukocytes were marked in tpsDig program. In the MorphoJ program, we analyzed shape of leukocytes. The results showed significant differences in the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes in subgroup antemortem and in subgroup postmortem exposed to a temperature of 41°C. In group exposed to a temperature of 44°C, a significant difference was found in the number of all leukocytes, except monocytes in the antemortem subgroup, and except basophils and eosinophils in the postmortem subgroup. The results of geometric morphometrics shape analysis showed significant differences in the shape of lymphocytes between subgroups antemortem and postmortem.Exposure to elevated temperature resulted with number and shape changes of leukocytes.

The aim of the research was to determine possible changes in the morphology of cells of the leukocyte order of peripheral blood, using geometric morphometric tests, after the application of calcium-aluminate and calcium-silicate cements to the dental pulp in rats. The study included 27 Wistar rats, divided into an experimental group (n=18) and a control group (n=9). Trepanation of the tip of the pulp cavity was performed, and placement of calcium-aluminate and calcium-silicate dental cements directly on the pulp. Peripheral blood samples were collected by vena caudalis puncture, with the aim of making blood smears. In the tpsUtil program, two-dimensional models of the examined leukocytes were created and they were converted into tps files, on which sixteen specific points were marked in the tpsDig program. We analyzed their shape in the MorphoJ program. The results of discriminant functional analysis determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the shape of the lymphocytes between the experimental animals, to which dental cements were applied, compared to the lymphocytes from the control group. Morphological differences were determined between the lymphocytes to which calcium aluminate and calcium silicate were applied. The results indicate that there were statistically significant morphological differences between these two groups of lymphocytes (P=0.02). The results obtained indicate the possibly unfavorable influence of the tested dental cements, especially calcium silicate, on leukocytic cells.

INTRODUCTION Diatom tests are rarely used during autopsy to confirm drowning as the cause of death (COD) because of limitations of the current literature involving these techniques. Instead, experts rely on physical examination by the pathologist. Due to interpretive concerns regarding Diatom tests, they are often insufficient in establishing a diagnosis, but offer the potential to be an extremely useful diagnostic tool with further understanding. The aim of study is to optimize "Diatom Tests" for use in forensic medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS A randomized prospective experimental study was conducted, using albino Wistar rat models (Rattus norvegicus), at the Veterinary Facility, University of Sarajevo. Thirty-two adult albino rats, were used and distributed into groups as follows: Group A (6 deceased rats with COD other than drowning, but due to mechanical asphyxia, which were then submerged for 1 h after death); Group B (6 deceased rats with COD other than drowning, but due to mechanical asphyxia, which were then submerged for 72 h after death); Group C (6 rats that were immediately autopsied after drowning, with COD determined as drowning); Group D (6 rats that underwent a 48-hour postmortem period after drowning); Group E (COD: drowning, post-mortem 72hrs after death, remained submerged in water until PM). Live algological material was collected for the research of the systematics of algae from the Bosna river, Sarajevo, and transported to the University of Sarajevo (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science). Periphyllon, epiphyllon and epipelon were used to collect phytobenthos. The material was fixed with 4% formalin solution. Laboratory processing of diatoms was performed using the methods described by Hustedt (16). In the process of obtaining pure diatom valves, part of the material is digested with potassium permanganate (KMnO4), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and oxalic acid (C2H2O4). In the next step, the cleaned diatom valves were mounted in Canadian balsam. A light microscope under 1000x magnification (Best Scope 2020) was used to evaluate and analyze the species. The identification of diatoms was performed using the reference of Cantonati et al (17). The nomenclature of diatom species was performed according to Guiry & Guiry's worldwide electronic internet database. RESULTS No diatoms were found in Groups A and B. However, Navicula sp. and Sellaphora sp. cf., were discovered during bone analysis of Group C where rats were immediately autopsied after drowning. Hantzschia amphioxus taxon was present in Group D, which underwent a 48-hour postmortem period after drowning and before samples were taken. In Groups C and D, where drowning was the COD, Diatoma vulgaris i Pinnularia major, Achnanthidium minutissimum i Melosira varians were present in the tooth samples. CONCLUSION Optimization of the "Diatom Test" method could potentially lead to its future use as a routine method within experimental settings. This experimental study is a starting point that guides forenscic medicine pracitioners towards the optimization of tests and sampling in cases of unexplained etiology, where preserved soft tissue structures is not available. In these cases, teeth and bones serve as accessible materials for diagnosing COD, alongside standardized nonspecific findings in the absence of organs for micro- and macroanalysis.

Attacks by dogs, primarily stray dogs, are a very common problem faced by both underdeveloped and developed local goverments. The damage caused by attacks from stray dogs has multiple, and often long-lasting, harmful consequences for their victims, which are also reflected on members of their families. This manuscript provides a veterinary-epidemiological definition of the concept of dogs, as well as their legal definition in the context of „dangerous things“, and the psychological aspect that is regularly manifested in victims. Analyzing the legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a comparative presentation of the regulations of the EU member states, systematic overviews and answers are given, which are important for the improvement of existing regulations and harmonization of law and jurisprudence.

Simple Summary The aim of the study was to determine the morphological and morphometrical features of the auditory ossicles in the red fox. Moreover, for the first time, shape analysis was performed on all the middle ear bones by geometric morphometry. The auditory ossicles play a vital role in transmitting sound waves through the middle ear. The malleus was considered to be the largest bone, with three distinctive processes. The overall shape of the incus was found to be similar to that in other mammals. The presence of a prominent muscular process was noted on the head of the stapes and the convex base which closes the window of the inner ear. Abstract The use of carnivores as experimental models in auditory biology has led to a significant improvement regarding our understanding of the structure and function of the ear. Considering that data regarding the anatomy of the middle ear in the red fox are rare, this study aimed to describe the morphological and morphometrical features of the auditory ossicles in the red fox, as well as to provide their shape characteristics by geometric analysis. Nine adult red foxes were used in the study. The malleus, incus and stapes were extracted from the middle ear, prepared, photographed and measured using the software. For the geometric analysis, 19 landmarks were used. Following Principal Component Analysis (PCA), PC1 was found to explain approximately half of all variance (incus: 49.97%; malleus: 49.93%; stapes: 58.49%). The study demonstrated the similar anatomical organization of the auditory ossicles in line with important morphometric and basic geometric data, which can contribute to this field and add a useful perspective to the literature.

Heat-related biomarkers: Focus on the correlation of troponin I and 70 kDa heat shock protein Abstract Introduction: There is intensive research related to the forensic importance of biomarkers that would be the standard for postmortem damage to cardiomyocytes and the mechanism of the resulting damage. The aim of the research was to examinate the forensic-medical significance of serum levels of biomarkers as detectors of terminal hyperthermic damage to the myocardium. MATERIAL AND METHOD 40 laboratory animals were divided into groups: the first group was the control (n = 8) exposed to a physiological temperature of 37 °C, the second group was divided into two subgroups: antemortem (n = 8) and postmortem (n = 8), which included a exposure temperature of 41 °C and the third group was divided into two subgroups: antemortem (n = 8) and postmortem (n = 8), which included a exposure temperature of 44 °C. The concentration of cardiac TnI and Hsp70 was resoluted in serum by immunochemical enzyme-labeled immunoabsorption method. RESULTS A positive correlation was found between the temperature measured at the time of death and the serum values of cTnI (p = 0.02), in G41, and Hsp70 values did not significantly correlate with the core temperature in this group, p > 0.005. A positive correlation was significant between the concentration of Hsp 70 and the body temperature of rats in the group of rats with a fatal outcome was determined, p = 0.03. CONCLUSION Changes in the concentration of cTnI and Hsp70 in rat serum may indicate hyperthermic damage to the myocardium in the Wistar rat model of heat stroke.

Aim Clips in neurosurgery are made of titanium alloys, which reduce artifacts on computed tomography (CT). The radiological advantage of plastic clips on the CT image was demonstrated when they were placed in an inter-hemispherical position at an angle of 90º. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour of the clip placed at different angles. Methods Sixty heads of domestic pigs were divided into two groups, in group 1 a titanium clip was placed to the interhemispheric position at an angle of 90º, 45º, 0º, ten heads for each angle. In group 2 a plastic clip was placed in the same way. CT scan of the brain was performed for each angle. The size of the density and possible artifact were measured on CT. Results The size of the titanium clip ranged from 17.05 mm at an angle of 0º in the axial plane to 91.47 mm at an angle of 0º in the sagittal plane. The average size of the plastic clip ranged from 6.4 mm at an angle of 0º in the axial plane to 23.22 mm in an angle of 90º in the sagittal plane. Artifacts were observed only in the titanium clip. Conclusion Plastic clips have shown radiological advantages over titanium clips in the CT image. The average density size of the plastic clip in all planes and all angles was smaller than the titanium clip.

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus represent a global problem in public health, and the incidence of diabetic foot is constantly increasing Patients with diabetes have a tendency to infections, due to previously present neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, as well as neutrophil dysfunction. The most important risk factor is the existence of peripheral neuropathy, and it is present in 30% to 50% of patients with diabetes. The foot becomes sensitive to trauma as a result of sensory, motor and autonomic dysfunction, and there is excessive pressure in the deformed foot, also the development of ischemia. Case  report. A 59-year-ol male patient sought medical help at the Clinic of Emergency Medicine of the Clinical Center in Sarajevo. He had edematous ulcers on the foot of his right leg. On the first day of therapy, the antibiotic amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, 875/125 mf film-coated tablets were included. Ulcerative formation on the injured finger healed relatively slowly in the first five days of therapy, so from the sixth day of therapy, another broad-spectrum antibiotic per os was included, for synergistic effects: metronidazole 500 mg tablets. On the tenth day of the therapy, visible progress was observed in the healing of the injured finger. Ultimately, the treatment of the injured finger was completed routinely and successfully. Conclusion. Identification of risk factors as well as patients’ education is an important prerequisite for the prevention of complications arising from the chronic course of diabetes. Early initiation of treatment, with an adequate multidisciplinary approach, can cure ulcerative, inflammatory diabetic foot, which in our case corresponded to the Wagner-Meggitt classification, superficial ulcer, with a corresponding gradation 1.