The Balkan Peninsula is one of Europe?s major hotspots for plant biodiversity. Although the rich flora of the Balkans has been exten?sively studied from many points of view, genome size studies have received comparatively little attention. This paper contributes to the online available Genome Size Database of Balkan Flora (GeSDaBaF; http://www.pmf.unsa.ba/gesdabaf) and updates this database with new bibliographic data on the C-values for plants in the Balkan region. Additionally, 2C DNA values determined by flow cytometry are reported for 87 accessions, encompassing 82 taxa (70 species, 11 subspecies, and one hybrid taxon, 14 of which are endemic to the Balkans and two with amphi-adriatic distribution) across 63 genera and 31 families. The newly obtained genome size values include the first data for one genus, 25 species, eight subspecies, and one hybrid taxon. These new data represent 9.99% of the 821 taxa for which nuclear DNA content has been assessed in the Balkans to date, highlighting existing knowledge gaps for future research.

Background: Coeliotomy in chelonian species is performed to gain access to the abdominal cavity and requires general anesthesia. In reptile medicine, alfaxalone and propofol are often preferred, although the usage of these drugs is limited by cost and/or vascular access. Furthermore, according to a recent study, propofol produces significant oxidative stress in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), and in such cases, a ketamine and medetomidine combination may provide a better choice. Case description: Three owned red-eared sliders were separately presented with a history of recent lethargy, inappetence, dyspnea, and restlessness. Findings/treatment and outcome: In these three cases of chronic dystocia, a ketamine and medetomidine combination was used to achieve anesthesia induction for surgical treatment. Additionally, intrathecal administration of lidocaine was performed to achieve a potential analgesic effect in deeper intracoelomic reproductive organs. Preoperative changes in blood parameters were observed in one animal, suggesting abnormal kidney function. The same animal showed signs of resedation postoperatively, prolonged recovery, and had a fatal outcome 48 h after the surgery with signs of kidney damage in histopathological evaluation. In the recovery period, none of the surviving animals (n=2) showed neurological or respiratory complications that could be associated with subcarapacial sinus anesthesia administration or intrathecal local anesthesia. Conclusion: According to our observations, intrathecal lidocaine administration provided sufficient analgesia during prefemoral coeliotomy and reproductive organ manipulation. These modes of anesthesia in chelonians require further investigation.

Introduction: Syncope is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention in the pediatric population. The underlying etiology ranges from benign causes to potentially life-threatening conditions. Objective: This cross-sectional retrospective study aimed to cardiologically evaluate children presenting with syncope and identify potential predictive parameters for cardiogenic syncope, the most dangerous type of syncope. Patients and Methods: Data from 100 children aged 6 to 18 years who presented with syncope were retrospectively collected from medical records at the Pediatric Clinic of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the predictive significance of the studied parameters. Results: Of the 100 children with documented syncope, 71.0% were girls, with the peak incidence of syncope episodes occurring at age 15. There were no statistically significant differences in height, weight, or BMI between boys and girls. The most common cardiac diagnosis was sinus arrhythmia, while headache was the most frequent non-cardiac symptom. Seventy-three percent of patients experienced more than one syncope episode, with the highest percentage occurring at school. Prodromal symptoms were present in 87% of cases, whereas palpitations and chest pain prior to syncope were reported in 10% and 12% of cases, respectively. Among the 49 patients with abnormal ECG findings, 29% had sinus arrhythmia and 25% had incomplete right bundle branch block. The most common echocardiographic finding was mild pulmonary valve regurgitation, which is considered a physiological variant. Of all studied parameters, only EEG demonstrated significant predictive value for cardiogenic syncope (p = 0.035, EXP(B) = 2.99). Conclusion: EEG findings have predictive significance for cardiogenic syncope in children. A borderline EEG increases the odds of cardiogenic syncope by approximately threefold.

Background: Lyme Borreliosis is a multisystem zoonosis caused by the spirochete Borrelia Burgdorferi and is widespread throughout the world. Borrelia is called the greatest imitator, because it can imitate any disease. The frequent presence of Borrelia in some neurological, dermatological, ophthalmological, cardiology and other patients points to a dilemma: is Borrelia burgdorferii really an imitator or is it the main actor of these diseases. Objective: The aim of this paper is to answer the question: is Borrelia burgdorferi the initiator and main cause of most diseases that are etiologically unexplained. Methods: The paper presents unusual clinical pictures of chronic borreliosis in 10 patients, who recovered on antibiotic therapy, and which are the most striking examples from a group of similarly ill patients. Case study presentation: A total of 10 interesting cases of borreliosis patients were presented. These are the cases: Scleroderma in a 29-year-old patient, generalized lymphadenitis with extreme leukocytosis in a 52-year-old woman, paraparesis in a 24-year-old professional soldier after mild serous meningitis, ALS in a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a case of bilateral migrating optic neuritis in a 13-year-old schoolgirl, retinal ablation in a 32-year-old patient, secondary sterility due to cystic ovaries in a 32-year-old shopkeeper with chronic urticaria, MS in a 20-year-old student, nightmares and moonwalking in a 7.5-year-old pupil complicated with left-sided bartonellosis lymphadenitis of the neck, recurrent syncope with attacks of tachypnea in a 19-year-old patient. All of these patients had normal routine findings, except for the patient with leukocytosis. Infectious disease diagnosis in all patients was made clinically, based on anamnestic data, clinical picture and verified white and/or pink borreliosis striae, and serological confirmation of the presence of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi using ELISA, WB and Immunoblot techniques. Conclusion: Based on the presented cases and 12 years of continuous experience with patients with Lyme disease, we conclude that Borrelia burgdorferi is in most cases the cause of the disease of “unknown cause” in neurology, dermatovenerology, ophthalmology, gynecology, internal medicine. The diagnosis of Borrelia is made primarily clinically (extensive anamnesis by organs + finding of new clinical markers on the skin). Serological confirmation of the presence of Borrelia in the body can be done in a small number of cases using the ELISA + WB technique, because these antibodies last for a short time. In older children and adults, it is necessary to use the advanced Immunoblot technique that searches for antibodies to B.B. protein sequences. and additionally search for Borrelia by light microscopy in a native serum preparation.

<jats:p/>

<jats:p/>

According to the WHO, health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, which is why the main goals of health are aimed at improving physical, mental and spiritual health. Health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being, a precondition for prosperity and quality of life indicator for measuring progress and the basis of steady economic growth. Today, many professions are committed to modernizing the culture of relations with the public, i.e. citizens. This is also essential in healthcare, with the aim of placing the patient’s well-being and rights at the center of attention, i.e. a culture of patient-centeredness. In order to ensure that the rights of every patient are respected, a more efficient system of protecting patients’ rights is needed at all levels, and above all in hospitals, and, patient representatives should be appointed in all hospitals. The health status of our population depends on a rapid changes, such as number of demographic, social, cultural, ethnical, and other characteristics which are for several decades in a very intensive changes, The Jakarta Declaration identified five priorities: a) Promoting social responsibility for the state of health; b) Increasing investments for development of health; c) Development of partnerships for work on health promotion; d) Increasing the capacity of society and training the individual; e) Provision of infrastructure for health promotion. Analyzes of the effectiveness of preventive activities represent a systematic assessment of the impact of public health policies, programs and practices on health outcomes. Based on them, it is possible to create basic recommendations related to public health programs, guidelines for prevention and control, and making decisions about the allocation of available funds.

Background: Depressive disorder is characterized by a persistent low mood (sadness, irritability, or emptiness) or a loss of pleasure, accompanied by other cognitive, behavioral, or neurovegetative symptoms that significantly impair a person's ability to function. Anxiety and fear-related disorders are marked by excessive anxiety and fear, which lead to behavioral disturbances and cause significant distress or impair personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other key areas of functioning. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze whether there are differences in the development of depressive symptoms between COVID-19 patients and patients with symptoms of the flu or common cold. Methods: This is a prospective study that included sixty participants: thirty with COVID-19 and thirty without COVID-19. Data were collected from the ambulatory observational records of participants, documenting their symptoms. We analyzed the relationship between variables such as age, sex, education, and the level of potential depression. The participants were divided into two groups: one consisting of individuals with COVID-19 and the other of individuals without COVID-19. All participants were male and female, aged between 40 and 65 years, and had no previous history of depressive disorder. The first group consisted of patients with COVID-19 who were treated at home but were examined at our outpatient clinic and subsequently sent home. Results: Statistical data processing was performed using the Excel program and the R statistical data processing program. Percentages are calculated in relation to 30 respondents in each group.There was no statistically significant correlation between the level of education in Group 1 and the development of depression(Spearman ro=0.007, P=0.972). In Group 1 (Covid ) there is a statistically significant correlation between the age of the subjects and the development of depression (Spearman ro=0.44, P=0.015). A positive value of the Spearman correlation coefficient means that the score increases with the age of the respondent. Three questions with the highest score in group 1 were: Question 2=71, Questions 15 and 16=66, Question 14=65; three questions with the highest score in group 2 were: Question 2=74, Question 1 =50, Question 18=46. Conclusion: COVID-19 can contribute to the development of depression. In our study, 16.7% of patients with COVID-19 showed signs of depression, with 10% experiencing mild depression and 6.7% experiencing moderate depression. Patients in the first group, particularly those of older age, were more likely to develop mild or moderate depression associated with COVID-19. Additionally, no statistically significant correlation was found between the level of education in Group 1 and the development of depression.

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical course and outcome of the disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were hospitalized at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of the University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska (UCCRS), in the period from November 30, 2024 to April 1, 2025, due to confirmed influenza. The study included 125 hospitalized patients with microbiologically confirmed influenza. Among them, 20.8% had COPD, of which 48% were male and 52% female, with an average age of 68.6 years and the majority had influenza A (76%), while 24% had influenza B. The mortality rate among patients with COPD was 8%, compared to 32% in patients without COPD. Laboratory findings showed higher levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in patients with COPD, indicating a more pronounced inflammatory response. Additionally, COPD patients had higher levels of D-dimer, suggesting an increased tendency toward thrombosis. Radiological analyses revealed various forms of pneumonia, with 48% of COPD patients showing negative radiological findings despite elevated CRP levels. Oxygen therapy and de-obstructive treatments were more frequently administered in COPD patients, while antibiotics were included in the treatment of all COPD patients. The results suggest the need for a specific therapeutic approach in this group of patients patient group. Also, vaccination against influenza is a key preventive measure that can prevent influenza, reduce the severity of the disease if it occurs, and improve the outcome, especially in patients with COPD, who are more susceptible to more serious complications.

Background: Seasonal flu represents a significant public health challenge and cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations. The aim of our study is to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized for laboratory of confirmed influenza during the 2024/2025. season.Methods: The data of patients hospitalized in the Clinic for infectious diseas of the University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska from December 2024 to March 2025 were restrospectively analyzed. The diagnosis of influenza was confirmed by PCR testing from a nasopharyngeal swab. Data were collected on age, sex, comorbidities, laboratory findings, therapy, the need for oxygen support and mechanical ventilation, the outcome of treatment.Results: A total of 175 patients, average age 63, were hospitalized. Influenza A was confirmed by PCR test in 78 (44.6%), and Influenza B in 20 patients (11.4%). The most common symptoms on admission were fever, cough and muscle pain. Chronic diseases were present in 155 patients (88.6%), while only 12 patients (6.9%) were vaccinated against influenza. Pneumonia was radiographically diagnosed in 102 patients (58%). Antiviral therapy was used in 160 patients (91.4%). 54 patients (30.9%) required oxygen support, while 7 patients (4%) were on mechanical ventilation. A fatal outcome was recorded in 8 patients (4.6%).Conclusion: Low vaccination rate and high proportion of chronic diseases among the hospitalized indicates to patients the need for stronger vaccination promotion and early intervention in risk groups. Timely diagnosis and adequate therapy remain key factors in prevention of severe forms of disease and reduction of mortality.

The primary objective of this study was to develop a predictive model for the supply of live livestock in the Republic of Croatia for the period 2024-2029, based on the analysis of historical data. Livestock production has long been a strategically important sector in Croatia, supported by a strong tradition and a notable presence of indigenous breeds. Nevertheless, despite these advantages, the supply of live livestock per production unit has demonstrated persistent negative trends. The study applies the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to analyze time series data from 2019 to 2023 in order to identify structural patterns and forecast future supply dynamics. Supplementary statistical and econometric methods are employed to examine variation, autocorrelation, and the significance of fluctuations within the series. The analysis also highlights that the cost of production, as a key non-price determinant, plays a decisive role in shaping livestock supply trends. Findings indicate a regressive trend across most livestock sectors, emphasizing the need for targeted policy measures to stabilize and enhance future production.

Background: SARS-CoV-2, though primarily a respiratory pathogen, exhibits multi-organ tropism, with the liver among the commonly affected organs. Elevations in liver enzymes are frequent in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, yet acute and pronounced hepatocellular injury in young, clinically stable individuals is uncommon. The underlying mechanisms may include direct viral cytopathic effects mediated by ACE2 receptors, immune-mediated injury, systemic inflammation, and metabolic stress. Notably, hepatic involvement can develop independently of respiratory compromise. Objective: The aim of this case report was to describe three adult patients with serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild respiratory symptoms who presented with acute liver injury in the absence of other identifiable causes. Case report: During a confirmed COVID-19 wave in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a targeted outpatient study was performed in a family medicine setting. Routine liver testing was conducted for all suspected COVID-19 cases. Laboratory evaluation included liver enzymes, hepatitis serology, autoimmune markers, and inflammatory parameters, with imaging (ultrasound or MRI) to exclude structural pathology. Three previously healthy male patients (aged 25–45) developed acute liver injury during mild febrile illness, all with serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive IgM and IgG). Retrospective assessment revealed unrecognized metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in all cases. Initial symptoms were fatigue and myalgia without respiratory distress. Laboratory findings demonstrated marked elevations of AST and ALT (>1000 U/L), GGT (>900 U/L), and raised ferritin and D-dimer, while bilirubin remained normal. This biochemical profile - disproportionately elevated transaminases and GGT with preserved bilirubin - was consistent across cases, suggesting SARS-CoV-2–related hepatocellular injury. All patients recovered rapidly with supportive outpatient care, without progression to liver failure. Conclusion: Clinically stable COVID-19 patients may experience acute hepatocellular injury, particularly those with underlying metabolic dysfunction such as MASLD. The recurring biochemical pattern of significantly elevated AST, ALT, GGT, and ferritin with normal bilirubin suggests a distinctive SARS-CoV-2–associated liver injury phenotype. Recognition of this presentation is essential for appropriate evaluation and management. Routine liver function monitoring should be considered in COVID-19 patients, regardless of respiratory symptom severity, especially in those with metabolic risk factors.