Background and Objectives: Titanium DS clips are made to secure the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. The assumption is that they behave like stapler clips in the body, being made from titanium. However, the construction and weight of DS clips differs from staplers. Their biocompatibility may have implications for their clinical use. Methods: One hundred and twenty rats were randomized into four experimental groups: in the first group the appendiceal stump was secured by Vicryl® ligature, in the second by linear staplers, in the third by Hem-o-lok® plastic clips, and in the fourth by DS titanium clips. Ten animals from each group were sacrificed 7, 28, and 60 days post-surgery. Histopathological data and adhesion formation were assessed. Results: On postoperative day 7, a statistically significant difference was found in the occurrence of inflammation between the Hem-o-lok® and stapler groups. The adhesion score was significantly higher in the Vycril® and Hem-o-lok® in comparison to the DS and stapler groups. On postoperative day 28, a statistically significant difference was found in the occurrence of inflammation between the Vycril® and stapler groups. The adhesion score was significantly higher in the Vycril® than in the DS and stapler groups. On postoperative day 60, there were no statistical differences between any of the groups. The adhesion score was significantly higher in the Hem-o-lok® group in comparison to the DS and stapler groups. Conclusion: Staplers and DS clips have advantages over other methods of securing the appendiceal stump, because of their high biocompatibility and lower adhesion score.

Introduction: The technique of closing the appendiceal stump using linear titanium stapler clips is being used more and more frequently in laparoscopic surgery, despite the good practice in the use of resorbable single endoloop vicryl ligatures and/or the non-resorbable plastic hem-o-lok clips. No light has been shed on potential undesirable effects on the haemathological profile of the use of titanium stapler clips. This experimental study aimed at establishing any possible undesirable effect of linear titanium stapler clips and single resorbable vicryl endoloop ligatures on the blood cells in rats following appendectomy. Methods: A total of 70 adult rats were used, divided into a control group (n = 10), and two experimental groups (n = 30 + 30). The appendices were removed from the rats in the first experimental group using titanium stapler clips and in the second experimental group the appendiceal stump using resorbable endoloop vicryl ligatures was closed. In both experimental groups three sub-groups with ten animals each were formed, from which peripheral blood from a tail vein on days 7, 28 and 60 was removed postoperatively, in order to assess the usual haematological parameters. Stained blood smears were also analysed in order to establish any poikilocytotic erythrocytes present. Results: In the first experimental group, with the titanium stapler clips, more than 25 % neutrophils were found on day 7, which is a significantly different result (p < 0.05) to the control group. In the second experimental group, there were more neutrophils than in the titanium stapler clips group, especially on days 7 and 60 and the results of these two sub-groups differ statistically significantly, p < 0.05. Hypochromia was found in the endoloop vicryl ligatures group, as well as in the titanium stapler clips sub-group on day 28, due to lower haemoglobin values which were significantly different to the control group, p < 0.05. Moderate levels of annulocytes, spherocytes and stomatocytes were found in most experimental groups. Conclusion: The results of this study favour the use of linear titanium stapler clips over resorbable single endoloop vicryl ligatures, because a less unfavourable effect was established on the blood cells of the experimental rats with their use.

A 11-years old female with growth problem and chronic renal failure was admitted for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation for long-term haemodialysis in the pediatric ward. During her hospital stay, continue to have a cuffed central venous catheter (CVC) as the first choice for vascular access. AVF the cubital artery vena cephalica was performed with a standard end-to-side anastomosis with a continuous running 8-0 prolene monofilament suture. The patient was discharged on the second post operative day, subsequent to a normal AVF primary patency. We recommend that vascular and pediatric Hemodialysis centers establish a strategy supporting AVF creation in small children when peritoneal dialysis is contraindicated and pre-emptive kidney transplantation is not feasible. *Correspondence to: Dragan Piljic, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Tel: +38735303202; E-mail: dragan.piljic@dr.com

It is very important to make the smallest possible surgical paraumbilical transperitoneal incision, the so-called minilaparotomy 8-10 cm long, which is generally sufficient to perform surgery, and significantly reduces pain after surgery, significantly accelerates wound healing, and reduces the risk of postoperative hernia to a minimum [1]. If necessary, the surgical incision can always be further expanded.

Objective. Proper nutrition means satisfying organism's needs for daily intake of energy and adequate amount of nutritional and protective substances which are essential for maintenance of physiological functions of organism and health. The aim of this study was to determine eating habits and nutritional status of school children. Methods. The research was designed as a cross-section study. It was carried out in primary school "Sveti Sava'' in Foča and primary school "Sveti Sava'' in Gacko, branch in Avtovac. The study included 110 pupils aged from 10 to 14 years. As a measuring instrument, anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were used as well as a questionnaire. Results. The questionnaire included primary school pupils of different gender and age. Among the respondents, there were 66 (60%) boys and 44 (40%) girls. Most of the pupils (80,9%) had normal body weight, 48 (43,6%) boys and 41 (37,3%) girls. Among overweight pupils, there was statistically significant larger number of male pupils who were overweight in comparison with female pupils (=8,490; p=0,037). Also, there was statistically significant larger number of overweight pupils from urban environment in comparison with pupils from the rural one (ch2=8,614; p=0,035). Most of the pupils regularly have breakfast (50,9%). There is statistical significance in that larger number of children from urban environment consume fast food daily in comparison with children from rural environments (ch2=10,187; p=0,006). Conclusion. Eating habits of the elementary school children are not satisfying, being reflected in frequent skipping of breakfast, overconsumption of sandwiches, snacks and candies, while healthy foods, such as fish and vegetables are deficient in nutrition.

In this work, the absorption spectra of cobalt(II) nitrate and bromide complexes in the composition 0.3Ca(NO3)2 – 0.7NH4NO3 – H2O have been investigated in the 400-800 nm range of wavelength at T = 328.15 K and atmospheric pressure P = 101.3 kPa. Spectra were recorded in solutions with variable water content (R = H2O/salt mole ratio; R = 1.0, 1.2 and 1.6). The blue shift of the absorption maximum with the water content increase (R) suggest simultaneous coordination by water molecules and nitrate ions. From an analysis of the spectra, it can be concluded that the following: [Co(NO3)4(H2O)2]2−, [Co(NO3)2Br2]2− and [CoBr4]2− complexes were formed. The overall stability constants of these complexes species spectra were calculated at T = 328.15 K.

The main objective of this quantitative study is to examine the relationship between the following independent variables: capital adequacy ratio (CAR), liquid assets to total assets (LATA) and bank size (BS) and dependent variables: return on assets (ROA), credit worthiness indicator (Zscore) and return on equity (ROE) for selected Western Balkan bank countries. This model was estimated using a panel data methodology based on the assumption of a fixed and a random effect as decided in the Hausman test. The results showed that the variable size of the bank (BS) has a positive effect on the return on assets of banks in the Western Balkans, while the variable liquid assets to total assets (LATA) and capital adequacy ratio (CAR) have a negative impact. The results also showed that the variable share of liquid assets in total assets has a positive impact on the creditworthiness indicator of banks in the Western Balkans (ZScore). The third result is the variable return on equity (ROE) and it had the strongest positive impact with the independent variable size of the bank.

Bancassurance is a term used to describe a partnership or relationship between a bank and an insurance company, where the insurance company uses a banking sales channel to sell insurance products. The implementation of banking insurance activities in the financial system contributes to the strengthening of the competitive environment, the development of new insurance products, and greater satisfaction of customer needs. The main goal of this research is to point out the importance and significance of the application of bank insurance for both financial institutions, through the analysis of financial performance indicators of both banks and insurance companies, through the aspect of income and expenses. Also, this research presents an econometric analysis that tests the impact of other income, profit/loss growth rate, as well as the cost-income ratio as independent variables and their impact on the dependent variable, i.e., return on assets of banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results of the econometric analysis showed that other revenues have the greatest impact on the profitability of banks in B&H. The weakest impact on bank profitability has a cost-to-earnings ratio.

The intent to humiliate, hurt or cause harm through the use of digital technology, that is through the use of smartphones and internet is called cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can take a number of different ways and forms. Most common ways of cyberbullying are blackmailing, threats, harassment, sexual harassment, creating and using fake profiles impersonating the victim as well using their photos without permission. Within the program "Skola bez nasilja" (School without violence), in which 50 elementary (primary) schools participated, showed that 28% of students in Serbia have been involved in cyberbullying either as the victim or the bully, whilst 64% of the students stated that they have been a victim of cyberbullying in the last three months. A survey done by UNICEF showed that 1 in 3 young people have been a victim of cyberbullying. The survey was done across 30 different countries. The goal of the review paper is firstly to point out the importance of the protection of privacy and prevention of cyberbullying among minors, as well as the people that interact with kids and help in their education. To keep ourselves and our kids as safe as possible, it is necessary to inform all internet and social media users on how to protect their privacy and how to safely use digital devices in today's age. Idea behind this work is to raise awareness among young people about the possible dangers of social media which could lead to negative consequences such as anxiety, depression, isolation, suicidal thoughts and even suicide.

In this study, a mixture of magnesium oxide and titanium dioxide was mechanically activated in order to investigate the possibility of mechanochemical synthesis of magnesium titanate. Mechanical activation was performed for 1000 min in a high-energy vibro mill (type MH954/3, KHD Humboldt Wedag AG, Germany). The mill is equipped with housing having a horizontally placed shutter. The cylindrical stainless steel working vessel, with inner dimensions of 40 mm in height and 170 mm in diameter, has working elements consisting of two free concentric stainless steel rings with a total weight of 3 kg. The engine power is 0.8 kW. Respecting the optimal amount of powder to be activated of 50-150 g and the stoichiometric ratio of the reactants in the equation presenting the chemical reaction of magnesium titanate synthesis, the starting amounts were 20.2 g (0.5 mol) of MgO and 39.9 g (0.5 mol) TiO2. During the experiments, X-ray diffraction analysis of the samples taken from the reaction system after 60, 180, 330, and 1000 min of mechanical activation was performed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for chemical composition analysis of samples taken at different activation times. Based on the X-ray diffraction analysis results, it can be concluded that the greatest changes in the system took place at the very beginning of the mechanical activation due to the disturbance of the crystal structure of the initial components. X-ray diffraction analysis of the sample after 1000 min of activation showed complete amorphization of the mixture, but diffraction maxima characteristic for magnesium titanate were not identified. Therefore, the mechanical activation experiments were stopped. Evidently, the energy input was not sufficient to overcome the energy barrier to form a new chemical compound - magnesium titanate. The failure to synthesize magnesium titanate is explained by the low negative Gibbs energy value of -25.8 kJ/mol (despite the theoretical possibility that the reaction will happen), as well as by the amount of mechanical energy entered into the system during activation which was insufficient to obtain the reaction product. Although the synthesis of MgTiO3 was not achieved, significant results were obtained which identify models for further investigations of the possibility of mechanochemical reactions of alkaline earth metals and titanium dioxide.

Transformation processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are characterized by continuous social conflicts between the working class and the ruling class of (ethno-)political and economic elites who have appropriated once socially owned enterprises through the nationalization processes, to be partially sold out through the privatization and bankruptcy procedures. The results of these processes, combined with the war atrocities and the break-up of the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, have brought about the fragmentation, disempowerment and pauperization of the working class. Workers' strife during and after the privatization and transformation processes shows the still present combativeness of the working class. This paper covers three cases of workers' struggles, as examples of social conflicts in labour relations within transformation processes in BiH. Cases taken from different periods within the three-decades of post-socialist transformation of BiH, show the similarities and differences in mechanisms used by the workers of the taken examples of Rudi Čajavec, Dita and Elektroprivreda BiH mines, during the organizing of workers' strives for realization of workers' interests. The key difference between the first and the two latter cases is in the contribution of the social media networks for popularizing the wider public support to the workers' demands.

Cardiovascular diseases rank first on the mortality list globally or 31%. The basic measure of prevention in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization is a change in risk lifestyle in terms of diet, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Vitamin D was previously recognized as a regulator of calcium and phosphorus ratio, bone remodeling or the main controller of skeletal pathophysiology. However, vitamin D enjoys great interest in clinical and epidemiological research in terms of its possible impact on reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Among other things, vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of endothelial dysfunction. Although the deficiency has been identified as a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases, the mechanism of action of vitamin D on the path from endothelial dysfunction to cardiovascular diseases has not been fully revealed. The findings in this segment of activity of vitamin D would be significant in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases.

Background/Aim: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is considered to be a drop in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (> 20 mmHg; > 10 mmHg) 3 minutes from postural changes. The objective of this study was to analyse the correlation of body mass index (BMI) and OH during the treatment with trandolapril, as a single-drug treatment of hypertension. Methods: The study involved 255 patients (average age 54.3 ± 11.7; 54.1 % men) with poorly regulated hypertension, who were given trandolapril as a single-drug treatment. The patients were divided into two groups regarding stage of hypertension: first-degree arterial hypertension (140-149 mmHg for systolic and 90-109 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure) and second-degree arterial hypertension (> 150 for systolic and > 110 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure). Incidence of OH occurrence was then analysed regarding hypertension stage and BMI during 6 months of follow-up, on 4 control examinations. Results: During 24-week period after trandolapril introduction into the treatment of hypertension, a statistically significant difference in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure values was observed. No statistically significant difference was observed in incidence of OH between the first and second as well as between third and fourth examination during the study. Regarding the incidence of OH in normal body weight and obese patients, there was also no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: As shown in this study, trandolapril, along with some other ACE inhibitors, has shown good balance in hypertension control and OH occurrence.