Aim To assess morphological characteristics of carotid blood vessels in uremic patients before to the initiation of the dialysis treatment, and corelate data with various dialysis therapy modules. Methods The study included 30 patients with end-stage renal disease (ERDS) prior to commencing dialysis, 30 patients treated with haemodialysis and 30 patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The control group consisted of 15 subjects with normal kidney function (eGFR>60ml/min). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), as well as lipid status values (cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B) were evaluated. Results The significant difference in CIMT was detected between the control and haemodialysis groups (p<0.001), and between the control and the peritoneal dialysis group (p=0.004). In patients in the predialysis group, CIMT was influenced by cholesterol (p=0.013), HDL (p=0.044), LDL (p=0.001) and ApoB (p=0.042) values. A significant difference in CIMT was proved between the haemodialysis and predialysis group of patients (p<0.001). The only variable from the patient's lipometabolic profile significantly associated with the change in IMT in uremic patients was HDL. A significant difference was found in the average value for systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.018) in patients before starting the dialysis treatment compared to patients treated with other dialysis methods. Conclusion Patients on haemodialysis treatment had a significantly greater CIMT, which is in relation with a higher cardiovascular risk.

Aim To investigate the frequency of consumption of sweet and salty snacks among children aged 2-18 years in relation to their mothers' education level. Methods A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in five dental practices at the School of Medicine of the University of Mostar from May to October 2022. The data were collected from medical records. Results: Out of a total of 477 children, 172 (36.1%) had mothers with a high school education, while 305 (63.9%) had mothers with a university degree. In the group of preschool children (aged 2-6 years), there were 42 mothers with high school education and 105 with university degree. In the group of school children (age 7-18 years) there were 130 mothers with high school education and 200 with university degree. The difference in the consumption of sweetened beverages among children of mothers with high school and university was not statistically significant. Similar results were found for the consumption of salty snacks, lollipops, caramels and candies. The frequency of the consumption of biscuits, chocolate and cakes (several times a day) was statistically significantly higher among the children of mothers with high school education (p=0.04), especially among school children. Eating habits of children, regardless of the level of education of their mothers, differed significantly only in the consumption of lollipops, caramels, and candies (p=0.03), which were consumed once a day by 79 (63.7%) schoolchildren and 45 (36.3%) of pre-schoolers. Conclusion A higher level of education among mothers does not necessarily equate to proper nutritional knowledge.

Extended hospitalization due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is associated with residual musculoskeletal and functional deficits lasting even 6 months after discharge; therefore, it is crucial that post‐hospitalized patients are promptly assessed. The aim of this study was to identify post‐COVID‐19 patients' functional status and quality of life, as well as to investigate their inter‐relatedness 2–3 weeks after hospital discharge.

Abstract In breast cancer therapy, as the leading cause of death in women, besides chemo-radiotherapy, immunotherapy has been increasingly used. PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade primarily acts on T lymphocytes, the main effectors of acquired immune response. NK cells, which are part of the innate immune response, also play a role in the anti-tumor response through the blockade of this signaling pathway. The study was conducted to examine the effects of anti-PD-1 therapy on NK and T cells in mouse breast cancer. Female BALB/c mice were used, divided into two groups, one with induced breast cancer and one treated with anti-PD-1 antibody. Breast cancer cell line was used to induce the cancer, and the anti-PD-1 antibody was applied intraperitoneally. Cell populations in spleen and tumor microenvironment were examined using flow cytometry. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. The percentage of NK cells expressing FasL, NKG2D, and IFN-γ is significantly higher in spleen and tumor-infiltrating NK cells upon anti-PD-1 therapy, while the expression of inhibitory markers Foxp3 and IL-10 in regulatory NK cells is significantly lower. The percentage of T lymphocytes expressing CD107a and IL-17 is significantly higher in the spleen, while a higher number of T lymphocytes expressing CD69 is present in the tumor microenvironment. The study suggests that anti-PD-1 therapy can activate NK and T cells, and improve anti-tumor immune response in breast cancer. Further research is needed to understand the interplay between these cells during PD-1 blockage.

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are widespread health conditions characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), an immunomodulatory peptide mainly secreted from adipose tissue, could potentially play a crucial role in mitigating these conditions. This cross-sectional study explores the involvement of Gal-1 in MetS and UC within a cohort of 75 patients, newly diagnosed with UC. The MetS subgroup displayed increased fecal Gal-1 levels compared to those without MetS. Furthermore, Gal-1 showed predominance over pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17, in these subjects. These findings emphasize the potential involvement of Gal-1 in the pathophysiology of UC and MetS, presenting it as a promising diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for these conditions.

Sarajevo Canton in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has recorded several waves of high SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission and has struggled to reach adequate vaccination coverage. We describe the evolution of infection‐ and vaccine‐induced SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response and persistence.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to gain insights into patient characteristics, outcomes and treatment strategies in CS patients. Patients with CS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2017 and 2021 were identified in a nationwide registry. Data on medical history, laboratory values, angiographic features and outcomes were retrospectively assessed. A total of 2328 patients with a mean age of 66 years and of whom 73% were male, were included. Mortality at 30 days was 39% for the entire cohort. Non-survivors presented with a lower mean blood pressure and increased heart rate, blood lactate and blood glucose levels (p-value for all <0.001). Also, an increased prevalence of diabetes, multivessel coronary artery disease and a prior coronary event were found. Of all patients, 24% received mechanical circulatory support, of which the majority was via intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs). Furthermore, 79% of patients were treated with at least one vasoactive agent, and multivessel PCI was performed in 28%. In conclusion, a large set of hemodynamic, biochemical and patient-related characteristics was identified to be associated with mortality. Interestingly, multivessel PCI and IABPs were frequently applied despite a lack of evidence.

Lung cancer incidence in Bosnia and Hercegovina is high. The implementation of evidence-based lung cancer screening based on low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) may detect lung cancer early and decrease mortality specific to lung cancer. However, LDCT receipt may be unsatisfactory in Europe due to a low distribution of scanners and radiologists or poor access to care. In this paper, we propose a framework for the implementation of lung cancer screening in primary healthcare of Bosnia and Herzegovina based on the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommendation from 2021 and the American College of Radiology Lung CT Screening Reporting & Data System from 2022.

SUMMARY The aim of the study was to analyze the values of Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) after kinesitherapy in subjects with bimalleolar or trimalleolar fracture of the ankle after surgery treatment and the obtained values of manual muscle test (MMT) and range of motion (ROM) after rehabilitation, compared with the obtained values of FADI index and on that basis evaluate its possibility in assessing the functionality of the respondents after surgery for bimalleolar or trimalleolar fracture of the ankle. The sample included 60 subjects over the age of 18 who underwent surgery for osteosynthesis due to bimalleolar or trimalleolar fracture of the ankle. All subjects were treated with kinesitherapy as part of the postoperative rehabilitation program. The research was conducted from 2013 to 2018 at the Department of Orthopedics of Dr. Safet MujiÊ Cantonal Hospital in Mostar and Mostar University Clinical Hospital. A statistically significant correlation was found between FADI index values per group and average percentage recovery per MMT (p<0.05), as well as a statistically significant correlation between FADI score values per group and mean percentage ROM value (p<0.05). A statistically significant association was found between mean percentage recovery per ROM and MMT (p<0.05). The conducted research confirmed the working hypothesis of the conducted study. The effects of kinesitherapy after ankle surgery can be evaluated using the FADI index, as well as by manual muscle test and ROM measurement.

The goal of this prospective longitudinal study was to explore whether co-occurrent internalizing difficulties and aggression in early childhood convey increased risk for later mental health problems in middle childhood. Participants were mothers from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), who provided assessments of child internalizing difficulties and aggression at ages 3 years (n = 54,644; 26,750 girls) and 5 years (n = 38,177; 18,794 girls), as measures of child depressive, anxiety, conduct-related, and oppositional defiant (OD) symptoms at age 8 years. Using latent profile analyses (LPA) of internalizing difficulties and aggression, four profiles were identified: low-symptom/normative; primarily internalizing; primarily aggressive; and co-occurrent. Among the other results, the co-occurrent group exhibited the highest levels of depressive, anxiety, and oppositional defiant symptoms at 8 years. Most children (78%) remained stable in their profile between ages 3 and 5 years. Among the transition patterns that emerged, transitions were observed both from the normative to a risk profile and vice versa. Children who remained stable within the co-occurrent profile or who transitioned from the co-occurrent profile to one of the other two risk profiles also exhibited more depressive, anxiety, and OD symptoms at 8 years of age, when compared with children who transitioned from the co-occurrent to the normative profile. The heterogeneity between early manifestation of internalizing difficulties and aggression, and specific type of later mental health symptoms not only supports a shared etiology between internalizing and externalizing difficulties but also points toward the need for person-centered monitoring in early childhood with further implications for early identification of difficulties and preventive measures.

Many heavy metals (HMs) are essential micronutrients for the growth and development of plants. However, human activities such as mining, smelting, waste disposal, and industrial processes have led to toxic levels of HMs in soil. Fortunately, many plant species have developed incredible adaptive mechanisms to survive and thrive in such harsh environments. As a widespread and ruderal species, Geranium robertianum L. inhabits versatile soil types, both polluted and unpolluted. Considering the ubiquity of G . robertianum , the study aimed to determine whether geographically distant populations can tolerate HMs. We collected soil and plant samples from serpentine, an anthropogenic heavy metal contaminated, and a non-metalliferous site to study the physiological state of G. robertianum . HMs in soil and plants were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Spectrophotometric methods were used to measure the total content of chlorophylls a and b, total phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and proline. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the potential correlation between HMs concentrations gathered from various soil types and plant samples and biochemical data acquired for plant material. A statistically significant difference was observed for all localities regarding secondary metabolite parameters. A positive correlation between Ni and Zn in soil and Ni and Zn in plant matter was observed ( p <0.0005) indicating higher absorption. Regardless of high concentrations of heavy metals in investigated soils, G. robertianum displayed resilience and was capable of thriving. These results may be ascribed to several protective mechanisms that allow G. robertianum to express normal growth and development and act as a pioneer species.