Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the short-term consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on pulmonary diffusion in patients with severe (but not critical) and moderately severe COVID-19 pneumonia during three months after COVID-19 infection. Methods: A prospective study included 81 patients with an RT-PCR-test confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection treated in the COVID Department of Lung Diseases of University Clinical Hospital Mostar. Inclusion criteria were ≥18-year-old patients, COVID-19 infection confirmed using real-time RT-PCR, radiologically confirmed bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia, and diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) one and three months after COVID-19 infection. The pulmonary function was tested using the MasterScreen Body Jaeger (Jaeger Corporation, Omaha, USA) and MasterScreen PFT Jaeger (Jaeger Corporation, Omaha, USA) according to American Thoracic Society guidelines one and three months after COVID-19 infection. Results: Forced vital capacity significantly increased three months after COVID-19 infection compared to the first-month control (p<0.0005). Also, a statistically significant increase in the FEV1 value (p<0.0005), FEV1%FVC ratio (p<0.005), DLCO/SB (p<0.0005), DLCO/VA value (p<0.0005), and total lung capacity (TLC) (p<0.0005) was observed in all patients. Conclusion: Our study showed that recovery of DLCO/VA and spirometry parameters was complete after three months, while DLCO/SB was below normal values even after three months. Therefore, one month after the COVID-19 infection patients had partial recovery of lung function, while a significant recovery of lung function was observed three months after the COVID-19 infection.

This paper presents a multi-criteria decision-making model based on the application of two methods, DIBR II and MABAC. The DIBR II method was used to define weight coefficients. The MABAC method was used to rank alternatives, and it was applied in a rough environment. Four experts were engaged in defining the criteria and alternatives as well as in the relation of criteria. The model was applied for ranking the methods and techniques of Lean organization systems management in the maintenance of technical systems of special purposes. At the end of the application was conducted a sensitivity analysis which proved the stability of the obtained results.

One of the main causes of the dismal prognosis in patients who survive the initial bleeding after aneurysmal subarachnoidal hemorrhage is the delayed cerebral ischaemia caused by vasospasm. Studies suggest that cerebral magnesium and pH may potentially play a role in the pathophysiology of this adverse event. Using phosphorous magnetic resonance spectrocopy (31P-MRS), we calculated the cerebral magnesium (Mg) and pH levels in 13 patients who suffered from aSAH. The values between the group that developed clinically significant vasospasm (n = 7) and the group that did not (n = 6) were compared. The results of this study show significantly lower cerebral Mg levels (p = 0.019) and higher pH levels (p < 0.001) in the cumulative group (all brain voxels together) in patients who developed clinically significant vasospasm. Further clinical studies on a larger group of carefully selected patients are needed in order to predict clinically significant vasospasm.

Livestock production is a potential environmental pollutan because of the high concentartions of animals on the small area. Production of biogas with anaerobic degradation from organic waste is one of the pledge alternative energetic solutions, especially from organic manure made from animal farming and other residuals of agricultural production.The aim of this paper was to determine posibillity of using manure different origin from extensive animal breeding for production of biogas in labaratory conditions. The results obtained will be based on posibillity of use waste streams from extensive animal husbandry as basic substrate for anaerobic digestion.In this regard, cosubstrates were formed as mixture 1 chicken excrement; mixture 2 sheep manure; mixture 3 cow manure; all three basic substrates were in mixture with the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant. The results showed production of 71,5 ml CH4/gVS for mixture 1, 68,65 ml CH4/gVS for mixture 2 and 48,68 ml CH4/gVS for mixture 3. KEYWORDS:extensive breeding, manure, anaerobic digestion, biogas, biomethane potentional

Bryophytes are a group of plants vital to many ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles and are well known bioindicators and biomonitoring tools. However, they have been deemed industrially less important than vascular plants and their potential for applications other than as biomonitoring tools has been overlooked. In recent years, however, bryophytes, and in particular mosses, are starting to gain attention as viable phytoremediation agents. Studies indicate that some moss species have the ability to uptake heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, As, and Cr from contaminated water. Tested mosses could both adsorb and absorb significant amounts of specific heavy metals without adverse effects on the plant. Results suggest that moss biomass, either dry or wet, could be used as a bio-sorbent in filtration of heavy metals. The review of available literature shows a promising prospect of moss to be used in phytofiltration of heavy metals. Existing knowledge on this topic could be the basis for further research which isneeded. KEYWORDS:moss; heavy metal; phytofiltration; bio-sorbent

Nowadays, bottled water has become part of the lifestyle, replacing tap water, and water from freestanding dispensers is increasingly being used. The main goal of this research was to determine the health suitability of bottled water in freestanding dispensers. The research included the microbiological analysis of a total of 100 samples of bottled water from freestanding dispensers. The samples were mostly taken in the wider area of the city of Doboj (doctor's offices, shops, public buildings), and one dispenser in the city of Tuzla. Water samples were taken twice, in the period from April to June 2022. Water samples from 6 different manufacturers (Vivia, Kristal, Nevra, Gora, Aqua doria, Aqua team) were analyzed. 9% of water samples (9/100) were microbiologically correct. Microbiologically defective samples contained a higher total number of bacteria at 22°C and 37°C, as well as a higher number of coliform bacteria than the maximum allowed values. No significant differences in microbiological quality were found between older and/or recently installed water dispensers, as well as in terms of environmental conditions, while visible differences were observed between dispensers that were regularly hygienically maintained.KEYWORDS:dispensers; bottled water; coliform bacteria; biofilms; total bacteria count

Biomonitoring of human populations exposed to chemical substances that can act as potential mutagens or carcinogens, may enable the detection of damage and early disease prevention. In recent years, the comet assay has become an important tool for assessing DNA damage, both in environmental and occupational exposure contexts. To evidence the role of the comet assay in human biomonitoring, we have analysed original research studies of environmental or occupational exposure that used the comet assay in their assessments, following the PRISMA-ScR method (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews). Groups of chemicals were designated according to a broad classification, and the results obtained from over 300 original studies (n = 123 on air pollutants, n = 14 on anaesthetics, n = 18 on antineoplastic drugs, n = 57 on heavy metals, n = 59 on pesticides, and n = 49 on solvents) showed overall higher values of DNA strand breaks in the exposed subjects in comparison with the unexposed. In summary, our systematic scoping review strengthens the relevance of the use of the comet assay in assessing DNA damage in human biomonitoring studies.

Aim This study aimed to assess the impact of forced repeated swimming stress on serum adiponectin and endothelin-1 levels in Wistar rats, comparing the effects between those fed a standard diet and those on a high-fat diet. Methods Twenty adult male Wistar rats were divided into two dietary groups: a standard food diet group (NFD, n=10) and a high-fat diet group (HFD, n=10). Both groups underwent daily forced swimming stress for six days, with durations increasing from 5 to 30 minutes. The protocol finished in an acute bout of swimming exercise on the seventh day with a duration of 40 minutes. Adherence to ethical guidelines was strictly maintained, and serum adiponectin and endothelin-1 levels were measured pre- and post-exercise using the ELISA method. Results Before swimming, the mean adiponectin levels were 4.30±1.50 ng/mL in the NFD group and 3.53±0.70 ng/mL in the HFD group. Post-exercise, these levels significantly decreased to 2.4±0.84 ng/mL (p=0.003) and 1.58±0.23 ng/mL (p=0.001), respectively. Endothelin-1 levels also showed significant decreases from 0.86 pg/mL (0.74-0.87) to 0.49 pg/mL (0.43-0.62) (p=0.003) in the NFD group, and from 0.89 pg/mL (0.86-0.93) to 0.69 pg/mL (0.60-0.75) (p=0.027) in the HFD group after swimming. Conclusion The study highlighted the significant effects of forced swimming stress on lowering serum adiponectin and endothelin-1 levels in Wistar rats, with more pronounced decreases observed in rats on a high-fat diet. The results of the study suggest the potential of exercise as a crucial component of strategies aimed at managing obesity and improving cardiovascular health, emphasizing the interaction between physical stress and dietary factors on metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers.

In addition to their undeniable importance for industry, natural plant products are widely used in the production of functional food, which, in addition to satisfying nutritional properties, also exhibits certain pharmacological and physiological effects on human health. Chokeberryfruit and products are considered to be excellent sources of polyphenoliccompounds. A large part of polyphenolic compounds from aronia berriesis found in the juice, but the flesh of the berry that remains behind in the juice production process is also richin these bioactive compounds. The aim of the conducted research was to examine the antioxidant potentialof thechokeberry juices from Bosnia and Herzegovina.The antioxidant potentialof chokeberryjuicesin this study wastestedbythe ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP)andtotal phenol content (FC). Tests were carried out in other juices for the same parameters in order to compare the obtained values.The research results show that the values of FRAP and total phenols in chokeberry juices vary (20-63 mmol Fe II/L; 850-4930 mgGAE/L), but are significantly higher than in other analyzed juices (7-25 mmol FeII/L; 220–1265 mgGAE/L). By comparing the content of total phenols and FRAP values in pasteurized and unpasteurized chokeberry juice samples, it can be concluded that they are higher in the sample prepared by the pasteurization process. Statistical parameters showthat thelinearcorrelation between thetotal phenols and the FRAP valuesof chokeberry juices (r=0,964; p ˂0,001) and other analysedjuices (r=0,960;p ˂0,001 ) isstatisticallysignificant. KEYWORDS:chokeberry(Aronia melanocarpaL.)juice,antioxidant potential, FC, FRAP

The chemical composition of Pulicaria dysenterica(L.) Bernh. aerial parts essential oil (EO), growing wildin Bosnia and Herzegovina, was presented in the study. In addition to the EO composition, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities were also tested. The aerial parts of P. dysentericacontained 0.3% of yellow, liquid, fragrant EO. The 51 components identified accounted for 81.09% of the oil. The EO was characterized by the presence of a high concentration of oxygenated sesquiterpenes 51.83% while oxygenated monoterpenes constituted 15.57%, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons 9.32% and non-terpene compounds presented 4.37% of the EO. The dominant compounds were the sesquiterpenes caryophyllene oxide, (E)-nerolidol, β-caryophyllene and monoterpene nerol. The antimicrobial activity of EO was tested against selected ATCC strains of microorganisms, the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosaand Escherichia coli, and the fungus Candida albicans. The results showed that the investigated EO inhibited the growth of all selected ATCC strains of microorganisms. The best result was obtained against Escherichia colibacteria with MIC value of 1 mgmL-1. The cytotoxicity of EO was measured against the HeLa cell line using the MTT method with IC50of 188.52 μgmL-1.This study has provided scientific baseline data on the therapeutic properties of P. dysenterica. KEYWORDS:Pulicaria dysenterica, essential oil,antimicrobial activity,citotoxicity

Toxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) can lead to serious liver injury. The aim of the study is to investigate the protective effects of oregano oil (Origanum minutiflorum extract oil) against CCl4‐induced liver injury. Two doses of oregano oil were used in the experiment: a low dose (LD; 20 mg/kg) and a high dose (HD; 60 mg/kg) during 2 weeks. CCl4 caused severe liver damage, nucleolus destruction in hepatocytes and cytogenetic changes in the nucleus. Indirectly, CCl4 causes decreased protein synthesis and significantly high creatinine and urea values. Hematological disorders have been recorded, such as decreased RBC and hemoglobin concentration, increased WBC and deformability of the erythrocyte membrane. Both doses of oregano oil had protective effects. Improved protein synthesis and high globulins level, creatinine and urea were found in both groups. Cytogenetic changes in the nucleus of hepatocytes were reduced. A high dose of oregano oil had maximal protective effects for RBC, but a very weak effect on hemoglobin synthesis. Also, WBC and lymphocyte values were low. Origanum stimulates protein synthesis and recovery of hepatocytes after liver injury, reduces the deformability of the erythrocyte membrane. High doses of oregano oil decreased WBC and lymphocytes which may lead to a weakening of the immune response. However, high doses are more effective against severe platelet aggregation than low doses, suggesting an effective treatment against thrombocytosis.

This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic activity of decidual lymphocytes and the mRNA/protein expression of cytotoxic proteins in various cell types in the context of preeclampsia (PE) compared to those of healthy pregnancies. We analyzed fresh decidua basalis tissue and tissue embedded in paraffin (FFPE) from PE pregnancies (n = 15) and compared them with those of healthy pregnancies (n = 15) of the corresponding gestational age. Using double immunofluorescence staining, we observed differences in the intensity and distribution of staining for granzyme K (GZMK) and FasL in extravillous trophoblasts. RT-qPCR analysis of FFPE placental tissue showed that GZMK mRNA expression was statistically higher (p < 0.0001) in PE compared to that of healthy controls. On the contrary, there was a low expression (p < 0.001) of FasL mRNA in PE compared to controls, while there was no statistically significant difference for IFN-γ mRNA between PE and controls. Although the level of cytotoxic activity changed depending on the ratio of effector and target cells, there was no significant difference observed between PE and controls in this in vitro study. In conclusion, in PE, extravillous trophoblasts exhibited increased expression of GZMK and decreased expression of FasL. These changes may contribute to impaired trophoblast invasion. However, these alterations did not appear to affect the cytotoxic properties of decidual lymphocytes. Additionally, the possibility of cell sorter separation of decidual lymphocytes would greatly contribute to a better understanding of single cells’ genetic profiles.

Introduction: There are concerns with rising rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across countries with appreciable impact on morbidity, mortality and costs. Amongst low- and middle-income countries, a key driver of AMR is the excessive use of antibiotics in ambulatory care, with a critical area being the appreciable selling of antibiotics without a prescription often driven by patient demand and limited knowledge. There is currently conflicting evidence in South Africa regarding this practice. Consequently, there is a need to explore these critical issues amongst patients, especially in more rural areas of South Africa. A pilot study was undertaken to address this. Methods: A two-step descriptive approach was undertaken. This involved two questionnaires amongst patients exiting chain and independent community pharmacies followed by cognitive interviews. Results: Overall, 21 patients were approached for an interview, including 11 for Part 1 of the questionnaire with 3 declining, and 10 for Part 2, with 2 declining. Subsequently 8 patients completed each part of the questionnaire.. On average, it took 2 min 13 s to complete both parts. 3 of the 5 patients being dispensed an antibiotic were dispensed one without a prescription, with all 3 patients exiting from independent pharmacies. Key reasons for self-purchasing included money and convenience. There was mixed knowledge regarding antibiotics and AMR amongst the 8 patients interviewed with Part 2. Overall, there was a satisfactory understanding of the Part 1 questions, although some modifications were suggested. Some participants had difficulty with fully understanding the questions in Part 2, with a number of suggestions made to improve this for the main study. Conclusion: There were concerns with the extent of purchasing antibiotics without a prescription in this pilot study as well as the knowledge of patients regarding antibiotics and AMR. Both areas need addressing and will be explored further in the main study.