Bedding begonias ( Begonia cucullata Hort.) are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal. Boasting beautiful leaves and lively, colourful flowers, these plants can significantly enhance any garden space. They also have the capacity to produce a large biomass, suggesting their suitability for phytoextraction purposes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bedding begonia in removing Cr, Pb, and Cd from artificially polluted substrates, with concentrations varying from 100 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg for Cr and Pb, and from 20 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg for Cd. The phytoextraction potential was estimated using bioaccumulation (BAF) and translocation (TF) factors analysis. The current study demonstrated that bedding begonia can successfully grow in substrates enriched with Cr, Pb, and Cd. BAF values < 1 for both Cr and Pb were detected regardless of contamination levels, indicating that this species has limited capacity to restore soils contaminated with these metals. On the other hand, BAF and TF values for Cd were greater than 1 at all contamination levels, implying their potential to remove Cd from polluted soils.

In this study, a greenhouse experiment was carried out from April to July 2024 to assess the effectiveness of four ornamental plants in removing heavy metals from the polluted soil surrounding the Zenica steel mill in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The selected ornamental plants - blue mink (Ageratum houstonianum Mill.), marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Hook. f.), and begonia (Begonia semperflorens - Cultorum Group) - demonstrated potential for addressing soil contamination. These plants were cultivated in grow bags filled with soil collected from different areas surrounding the Zenica steel mill. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Fe) in both soil and plant samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The findings of this study reveal that soils adjacent to the Zenica steel mill are heavilycontaminated with Zn, Cd, and Pb and also contain notable levels of Mn and Fe. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated to determine the potential of the selected ornamental plants to uptake and transport heavy metals from the soil to its aboveground parts. The BAF values for all heavy metals in all studied plant species were consistently below 1, indicating a limited capacity to remove heavy metals from the soil. This limited effectiveness can be attributed, among other factors, to the high pH levels of the tested soils. Despite the limitation, the findings revealed a significant difference in the plants’ capacity to uptake and accumulate heavy metal ions from the examined soils. Among the tested plants, blue mink demonstrated the highest ability to absorb Cu, Pb, Cr and Fe, while the highest concentrations of Zn and Cd were found in begonia

This study aimed to determine the levels of Cd, Cr and Pb in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivated on artificially contaminated substrates and to assess their potential harmful effects on human health via the calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ). A pot experiment was performed in a completely randomized design for each tested heavy metal. It included four contamination treatments (0, 20, 50 and 100 mg kg-1 for Cd, and 0, 100, 250 and 500 mg kg-1 for Cr and Pb). Concentrations of Cd, Cr and Pb in plants samples were  determined by atomic absorbtion spectroscopy. The results of this study showed that the concentrations of Cd, Cr and Pb were several times higher in roots than in the aboveground parts  of basil plants regardless of contamination levels. These are desirable results because only aboveground parts of basil  are used for medicinal purposes or consumption. The THQ values for Cd, Cr and Pb observed in this study were lower than 1 regardless of contamination levels, indicating that the consumption of basil from the study site (up to 10 g per day) does not pose a risk to human health from the point of view of heavy metal investigated.

Abstract The photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant properties, and heavy metal content in Reseda lutea, Epilobium dodonaei, and Gentianella ciliata were examined in response to stress in the open pit of an abandoned iron mine. The soils were shallow, alkaline, and severely deficient in phosphorus, potassium, and humus. Heavy metal concentrations in the rhizospheres followed the order Fe > Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd for all three species, with Cu, Zn, and Pb exceeding the limits established by Bosnian legislation. The results indicated that the bioelements Cu, Zn, and Mn were within permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. Epilobium dodonaei acted as a Cd accumulator. The highest content of photosynthetic pigments was observed in this species. Positive correlations were detected between Cr and total phenolics, Cr and total flavonoids in E. dodonaei, Pb and total phenolic acids in G. ciliata. Negative correlations were noted between Zn and total phenolic acids in R. lutea, and Fe and total phenolics in E. dodonaei. Increased total proline and DPPH concentrations were associated with heightened Fe levels in E. dodonaei. These findings suggest that the species analyzed employ distinct defense mechanisms, enabling them to effectively adapt to stress. NOVELTY STATEMENT Three abundant plant species with different responses to the stress conditions of the abandoned iron mine were the focus. The analyzed biochemical-physiological parameters for all studied species on alkaline soils and, in general, for Gentianella ciliata are presented for the first time.

Background: T Measles is a viral, highly contagious disease from the group of rash fevers, which mainly affects children. Persons suffering from measles are considered contagious four days before and four days during the period of the appearance of measles, which favors its faster spread. Clinical observation and laboratory diagnostics are essential for monitoring the course of the disease in order to prevent complications. Objective: Our study aimed to analyze the significance and usefulness of laboratory tests on admission to hospital in pediatric patients with measles. Methods: This prospective study included children with confirmed measles infection who came accompanied by parents to the Infectious Disease Clinic of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo during nine months. Data on age, sex, symptoms and results of laboratory analyzes (biochemical, hematological and coagulation) were recorded. Results: The study included a total of 302 subjects, including 122 healthy controls and 180 measles patients. Significantly lower values observed for aPTT, absolute number of eosinophils and basophils, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC in measles patients. Significantly higher values were observed for fibrinogen, D-dimer, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, RDW and MPV in measles patients in contrast to controls. Significantly higher values were also observed for serum chloride, glucose, CRP, AST, ALT and LDH values. AST/ALT, NLR, PLR, NPR, LMR, LCR, SII and AISI also showed significant differences in measles patients compared to controls. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that laboratory tests have great significance and potential in measles in pediatric patients admitted to the hospital. Lymphocyte/C-reactive protein ratio also showed good diagnostic potential.

Bijeli vimenjak je rijetka vrsta naših šuma. Tokom dvogodišnjih terenskih istraživanja (2021-2023) flore okoline Sarajeva, na lokalitetu Donjih Miševića konstatovan je niz populacija ove vrste. Vrsta je nađena u nekadašnjoj hrastovo grabovoj šumi na kojoj je zasađen bijeli bor. Dati su svi dostupni geološki, pedološki i ekološki parametri. Nadmorska visina je izmjerena pomoću GPS uređaja „Magelan eXplorist 500“. Nagib terena je utvrđen sa klinometrom iz kompasa „Recta DP 6 GLOBAL“. Takođe, utvrđeno je da u "Herbarijumu Zemaljskog muzeja BiH (SARA)" ne postoji nijedan herbarizovan primjerak pa će se dio materijala herbarizovati i pohraniti u isti.

The present study was designed to evealuate the influence of different substrates on the yield and antioxidant properties of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostrestus) cultivated in 'bag-logs'. The substrates used in this study were: (1) maize straw, (2) beech sawdust mixed with wheat bran, and (3 and 4) maize straw mixed with spent coffee grounds mixed in a different ratio. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and total antioxidant acitivity of oyster mushroom were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, Aluminium chloride method and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay, respectively. The highest fruiting bodies yield of oyster mushroom was obtained from substrate 4 (maize straw mixed with spent coffee grounds in a ratio of 50:50), while the least was from substrate 1 (maize straw). Total phenolic contents ranged from 3.80 mg in oyster mushroom grown on substrate 4 (maize straw mixed with spent coffee grounds in a ratio of 50:50) to 4.85 mg of gallic acid equivalents g-1 dry mass in oyster mushroom form substrate 2 (beech sawdust mixed with wheat bran). Total flavonoid contents were very low in all analysed mushroom extracts. There was no significant difference between total antioxidant activities of oyster mushroom grown on different substrates. 

Abstract Serpentine soils are characterized as a unique environment with low nutrient availability and high heavy metal concentrations, often hostile to many plant species. Even though these unfavorable conditions hinder the growth of various plants, particular vegetation with different adaptive mechanisms thrives undisturbed. One of the main contributors to serpentine adaptation represents serpentine bacteria with plant growth-promoting properties that assemble delicate interactions with serpentine plants. Robinia pseudoacacia L. is an invasive but adaptive species with phytoremediation potential and demonstrates extraordinary success in this environment. To explore more in-depth the role of plant growth-promoting serpentine bacteria, we isolated them and tested their various plant growth-promoting traits both from the rhizosphere and roots of R. pseudoacacia. Based on the demonstrated plant growth-promoting traits such as siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole-3-acetic acid production, and ACC deaminase production, we sequenced overall 25 isolates, 14 from the rhizosphere and 11 from the roots. Although more efficient in exhibiting plant growthpromoting traits, rhizospheric bacteria showed a low rate of diversity in comparison to endophytic bacteria. The majority of the isolates from the rhizosphere belong to Pseudomonas, while isolates from the roots exhibited higher diversity with genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Lysinibacillus and Brevibacterium/Peribacillus/Bacillus. The capacity of the described bacteria to produce siderophores, solubilize phosphate, and fix nitrogen highlights their central role in enhancing nutrient availability and facilitating R. pseudoacacia adaptation to serpentine soils. The findings highlight the potential significance of serpentine bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas, in contributing to the resilience and growth of R. pseudoacacia in serpentine environments.

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm.) to absorb heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Pb) from different plant-based substrates and to determine the bioaccumulation factor of the aforementioned heavy metals from the substrate to the oyster mushroom basidiomes. The substrate used in this study were: maize straw, beech sawdust supplemented with wheat bran at a rate of 20%, a mixture of maize straw and spent coffee grounds in a ratio of 70:30, and a mixture of maize straw and spent coffee grounds in a ratio of 50:50. Heavy metal contents in substrate and mushroom samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy using the Shimadzu AA-7000 device, while the bioaccumulation factors of oyster mushroom for each investigated heavy metal were calculated from the heavy metal content in mushrooms divided by that found in substrates. The study showed that oyster mushrooms have a high capacity to absorb Zn and Cd from the growing medium and bioaccumulation factor values for Zn and Cd determined in this study strongly support this observation. On the other hand, bioaccumulation factor values for Ni, Fe, and Mn were less than 0.3 and ranged from 0.04 to 0.05, from 0.09 to 0.12, and from 0.10 to 0.25, respectively. In general, the results of this study lead to the conclusion that substrate chemical composition strongly affects the heavy metal accumulation in oyster mushroom basidiomes. The results of this study also showed that oyster mushrooms can be considered a promising species for Cd and Zn bioremediation.

During the 3-year field research in the Sarajevo Canton (from 2019 to 2022), numerous new sites for many alien species were noted. Three of them were covered by this paper. These are: Digitalis purpurea L., Symphyotrichum novi belgii (L.) G. L. Nelson and Armoracia rusticiana Gaertn., Mey et Scherb.. The aim of the research and the paper is to provide new data on these species. This is important for the lack of specific data for alien species about their distribution, environmental conditions in which they develop, which can be very important in fight against them or in their adequate control. For each locality, where the plants were found, number of other parameters were provided, such as: altitude, latitude and longitude, soil type and phytocenological affiliation. Altitude, latitude and longitude were determined by the "MagelaneXplorist 500" GPS. Maps were also done with help of the "ArcGis Pro 2.8.4." program with registered localities. The name of plants were aligned with the www.europlusmed.org. Numerous papers and material from the "Herbarium Collection of the National Museum of BiH – SARA" were reviewed, and yet it was found out that all the localities were new for the researched species. Here we provided all previously published and data on herbarized plants for the whole of BiH.

Ragweed is a neophyte which inhabits various crops and ruderal habitats. That is the reason why this paper is dedicated to phytocenology and ecological relations of ragweed in such a habitat. Research was carried out in the area of a former railway freight and customs terminal, in the period from 2021 to 2023. Phytocenological image was made and all the parameters were assessed: life form, phytocenological affiliation, floral elements, indicator values, and soil analysis. The aim of the paper is to present the places where ragweed may be found, as well as under what ecological conditions and with what other species it occurs. This research yielded new data on the phytocenology of ragweed, determined in the vegetation of the order Chenopodietalia. A total of 69 species from 23 families were identified. The most numerous is the Asteraceae family. Phytocenologically, the largest number of species belongs to the order Chenopodietalia, and as far as the indicator values are concerned, the most numerous are the representatives of tertiary vegetation. Hemicryptophytes predominate regarding life forms, and concerning the floral elements, 40 different elements from 9 groups were noted. The most numerous group are Eurasian species, and the most numerous individual floral elements are euras-smed and eurassubozean-smed.

During the three-year field research (2019-2022) in the area of the Canton of Sarajevo, we discovered many invasive plant species in localities where they had not been recorded before. Among them, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. and Reynoutria japonica Houtt. stand out in particular due to their abundance and coverage. This study aimed to provide data on the localities where these invasive plants were found, including altitude, longitude and latitude, soil type and their floristic and phytocoenological features. Data from these localities should contribute to the creation of a database that can be used for more a efficient fight against the aforementioned invasive species. In total, 42 new localities were recorded for Ailanthus altissima, 10 for Ambrosia artemisiifolia and 15 for Reynoutria japonica. Due to their abundance and appearance, Ailanthus altissima and Reynoutria japonica have already become a big problem for urban horiculture in Sarajevo, while Ambrosia artemisiifolia poses a health concern, and therefore, urgent measures and necessary to remove them.