Aims: Since its description in 1980, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has become the modality of choice for providing enteral access to patients who require long-term enteral nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate current indications and complications associated with PEG feeding. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who referred to our endoscopic unit of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Medical Center University of Sarajevo for PEG tube placement over a period of 7 years. Medical records of 359 patients dealing with PEG tube placement were reviewed to assess indications, technical success, complications and the need for repeat procedures. Results: The indications for enteral feeding tube placement were malignancy in 44% (n=158), of which 61% (n=97) patients were suffering of head and neck cancer and 39% (n=61) of other malignancy. Central nervous disease was the indication in 48.7 % (n=175) of patients. Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) accounted for 20% (n=73), head injury for 16% (n=59) and cerebral palsy for 11% (n=38). In 6.13% (n=22) of patients minor complications occur which included wound infection (0.8%), inadvertent PEG removal (2.5%) and tube blockage (1.1%). 11 patients experienced major complications including hemorrhage, tube migration and perforation. There were no deaths related to PEG procedure placement and the overall 30-day mortality rate due to primary disease was 15.8%. Oral feeding was resumed in 23% of the patients and the tube was removed subsequently after 6 -12 months. Conclusions: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a save and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure associated with a low morbidity (9.2%) rate, easy to follow-up and to replace when blockage occurs. Over a seven-year period we noticed an increase of 63% in PEG placement at our department.

UDK 630*68(497.6)          630*9(497.6) In order to define functional model of governing of forest resources in F B-H, as well as efficient and effective organizational model of the forest enterprises, qualitative research has been conducted for the purposes of this paper. Through direct interviewing of all key forest policy decision makers in F B-H, opinions and attitudes about these questions were collected. Based on analysis of interest groups importance as well as influence and involvement in the process of creation of the functional forest governing model in F B-H - functional governing model has been proposed with clear emphasis of advantages concerning present model. Principles of sustainable governing and management of forest resources, assurance of participative approach in the process of decision making and transparency were basis for definition of functional governing model for management of forest resources. For provision of optimal model of organization of forest sector in F B-H, it has been crucial to define ecological, sociological, economical and other criteria, that user of forest resources should respect. The optimal number of organizational units, which manage forest resource on the territory of F B-H, depends from the achievement of the established criteria and real capacities for establishment of the enterprise. This would lead to further decentralization in management of forest resources in F B-H; that would have its positive effects.

This study sets out comparative indicators of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst. populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on an evaluation of the attack power of bark beetles Ips typographus L. and Pityogenes chalcographus L. and the decline of spruce within the populations sampled for genetic analysis. Twelve natural forest stands and one plantation were analyzed. The average numbers of desiccated Norway spruces per stand and isoenzyme gene markers were used for comparison purposes. The results indicate that the Norway spruce population from Mt Vlasic deviates markedly from the other sampled populations, both in genetic structure and in the recorded numbers of insects, as well as in the number of desiccated trees. These results suggest the importance of using only indigenous Norway spruce reproductive material in artificial forest regeneration to ensure its higher adaptability potential. It is also necessary to develop a dynamic management system for Norway spruce in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will ensure the systemic stability of forest structures. Further development of the systematic monitoring system of Norway spruce bark beetles, early detection, and the introduction of effective integral protective measures are badly needed.

The current JMRI reviewer pool includes approximately 2000 names. Evaluation of the 992 manuscripts submitted in 2011 was accomplished through the efforts of 1174 reviewers representing 33 countries. By listing their names here, we attempt to express our sincere appreciation to the 1174 individuals who were willing to give their time and expertise to evaluating and improving JMRI manuscript submissions.

This study represents Mycoplasma species isolated from the respiratory tract of cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 2002 and 2010. A total of 328 nasal swabs and 59 lung samples were submitted for isolation of mycoplasmas. Mycoplasmas were isolated from 27 samples (6.9%). M. bovis was recovered from eight nasal swabs and two lungs, while M. bovirhinis (n=4) and Acholeplasma sp. (n=1) were detected only in nasal swabs. Twelve mycoplasma isolates were unidentified (44.4%).

Aim To describe characteristics and outcome of mechanically ventilated patients admitted to three newly established intensive care units (ICU) in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia for 2009 H1N1 influenza infection. Methods The retrospective observational study included all mechanically ventilated adult patients of three university-affiliated hospitals between November 1, 2009 and March 1 2010 who had 2009 H1N1 influenza infection confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) from nasopharyngeal swab specimens and respiratory secretions. Results The study included 50 patients, 31 male (62%), aged 43 ± 13 years. Median time from hospital to ICU admission was 1 day (range 1-2). Sixteen patients (30%) presented with one or more chronic medical condition: 8 (16%) with chronic lung disease, 5 (10%) with chronic heart failure, and 3 (6%) with diabetes mellitus. Thirty-two (64%) were obese. Forty-eight patients (96%) experienced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 28 (56%) septic shock, and 27 (54%) multiorgan failure. Forty-five patients (90%) were intubated and mechanically ventilated, 5 received non-invasive mechanical ventilation, 7 (14%) high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and 7 (14%) renal replacement therapy. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 7 (4-14) days. Hospital mortality was 52%.