The excessive use of vaccines, antibiotics, and other preventive therapeutic agents in conventional broiler production has resulted in the frequent occurrence of antibiotic residues in edible tissues, posing risks to both animal and human health. These residues contribute to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to poultry disease prevention. This study aimed to evaluate whether a comprehensive preventive programme encompassing biosecurity, hygiene, and an antibiotic-free prophylaxis regimen could eliminate the need for prophylactic antibiotic therapy, thereby enabling the production of broiler meat free of antibiotic residues. This approach was contrasted with the conventional production system, in which less rigorous preventive practices necessitate the prophylactic use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, ultimately resulting in detectable residues within the muscle and liver tissues of conventionally reared chickens. Ross 308 broilers were reared under field conditions. in. The control group was reared using conventional prophylactic protocols, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, vitamins, bio-stimulants, mineral supplements, and acidifiers via drinking water. The experimental group received no antibiotics; and instead were treated with hydro-soluble probiotic preparations containing vitamin C, lactose, fructose, and baker’s yeast, combined with continuous water disinfection throughout the fattening period. Microbiological analyses showed the presence of antibiotic residues in the soft tissues of conventionally reared broilers, while no residues were detected in the experimental group. Production performance indicators—mortality rate, vitality, final body weight, and overall cost—were similar to or superior to those in the antibiotic-free group, confirming that broiler meat production without antibiotics is both feasible and economically viable.

The paper examines how geometric design parameters affect crankshaft fracture due to fatigue using the finite element method. It explores the influence of the fillet radius on the crankpin journal, the shape of the grooves on the splined shaft, and their interaction on the crankshaft’s fatigue behavior. Using established material traits and operating load magnitudes, a finite element analysis (FEA) computational model of the crankshaft was created, and stress simulation was performed. Following the obtained results, critical points on the crankshaft were identified, followed by fatigue analysis and lifespan evaluation. Numerical simulations showed that increasing the fillet radius on the crankpin journal significantly reduces stress concentration and boosts the crankshaft’s fatigue life. Altering the geometry of the grooves on the splined shaft redistributes stress and moderately extends its lifespan. The best results came from combining both geometric changes, demonstrating the synergistic effect of optimizing design parameters. The findings provide numerical insight into the relationship between geometric features and fatigue behaviour of crankshafts and may support further research on geometry-based design optimization.

Industrijski željeznički sustavi u čeličanama djeluju u izrazito opasnim uvjetima, gdje se mehanički, hemijski i ljudski faktori rizika međusobno preklapaju i djeluju visokim intenzitetom. Ovaj rad predstavlja sveobuhvatnu analizu sigurnosti željezničkog prometa i upravljanja logistikom u željezari ArcelorMittal Zenica, jednom od najznačajnijih metalurških postrojenja na zapadnom Balkanu. Na temelju interne operativne dokumentacije, relevantne znanstvene literature o procjeni rizika te strukturiranog pregleda sigurnosnih protokola, rad analizira internu mrežu pruga dužine 58 km, vozni park specijaliziranih željezničkih vozila, kao i višestanični dispečerski sustav. Ključni rizici identificirani su u četiri područja: sudari tijekom međupogonskog transporta, nepravilnosti pri utovaru vagona, mehanizmi iskliznuća iz tračnica te izloženost radnika profesionalnim štetnostima. Metode procjene rizika, uključujući Fuzzy Analitički hijerarhijski proces (FAHP), Analizu stabla grešaka (FTA) i dinamičke hibridne Bayesove modele, analizirane su s aspekta njihove primjenjivosti u industrijskom okruženju. Rad dodatno razmatra sustave osiguranja vagona, primjenu iskliznica, upravljanje pružnim prijelazima te tehnologije održavanja pruga, uključujući ultrazvučna ispitivanja i mjerenje geometrije kolosijeka. Identificirani su ključni nedostaci u automatizaciji sigurnosnih sustava, te su predložene mjere za digitalizaciju, modernizaciju infrastrukture i implementaciju integriranih sustava upravljanja sigurnošću (SMS). Rezultati rada doprinose širem području istraživanja sigurnosti rada u teškoj industriji i nude primjenjiv analitički okvir za slična metalurška postrojenja.

This study investigated the ability of pavement mushrooms (Agaricus bitorquis (Quél.) Sacc.) to uptake heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni) from the soil in Sarajevo’s urban area and the potential health hazards related to their consumption. The levels of tested heavy metals in soil and mushroom samples were determined using the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. The phytoextraction potential was estimated using bioaccumulation factor (BAF) analysis, while the evaluation of the non-carcinogenic, long-term risk to human health through the consumption of the studied mushrooms was performed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) value. The study revealed that particular soils within the urban zone of Sarajevo are contaminated with Cu and Pb. The average content of tested heavy metals in the fruiting bodies of pavement mushrooms decreased in the order of Cu > Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd, regardless of the soils from which the mushrooms were collected. The BAF values obtained in this study indicated that pavement mushrooms have a high ability to accumulate Cd and Cu, while showing a limited ability to absorb Pb and Ni. The THQ values for all heavy metals analysed in pavement mushrooms were considerably lower than one for both adults and children, suggesting that consuming pavement mushrooms gathered from experimental sites poses no non-carcinogenic health risks related to the heavy metals studied.

AIM To determine if heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco products are a safe alternative to cigarette smoking by inducing decreased decline of cardiorespiratory function. METHODS A clinical observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in the period between February and June 2025. It analysed and identified the effects of HNB tobacco products on cardiorespiratory symptoms in 60 adults below 55 years of age with confirmed arterial hypertension, 30 in the HNB users group (≥ 6 months of HNB use and no history of conventional cigarette use (CCU)), and 30 in the non-HNB user group (no history of HNB or CCU). RESULTS The gender distribution among the groups was similar. HNB tobacco product users reported significantly more respiratory (daily and nighttime shortness of breath, coughing) and cardiologic symptoms (choking, shortness of breath during physical activity). The following parameters were significantly reduced in the HNB tobacco product users: forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow at 75% (FEF75) (p = 0.01), SO2 (p < 0.001), pO2 (p = 0.001), HCO3- (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.001), and basophils (p < 0.001), while the following parameters were significantly increased in the same group: right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (p = 0.002), hsCRP (p < 0.001), monocytes (p < 0.001), eosinophils (p < 0.001), D-dimer (p < 0.001), and platelet count (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION HNB tobacco product use in adults with arterial hypertension was associated with worse cardiorespiratory symptoms, impaired pulmonary function, signs of early right ventricular dysfunction, and systemic inflammation.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effects of topically applied diclofenac, ketoprofen, and piroxicam on key inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-17 (IL-17), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups: three experimental groups receiving topical diclofenac, ketoprofen, or piroxicam, respectively, a positive control group receiving a placebo patch, and a negative control group without collagen injection. CIA was induced using bovine type II collagen and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant, with arthritis severity assessed through macroscopic scoring. NSAID patches were applied to the right hind paw for 6 hours daily over 5 days. Immunological parameters were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and mixed-effects models to evaluate drug effects over time. Results: A significant difference was observed in tissue PGE₂ levels (F(4,25)=4.235; p=0.009; η²=0.404), with diclofenac showing significantly lower values compared to the negative control and ketoprofen groups, while no significant differences were found for IL-17 or STAT3. Conclusion: Topical NSAIDs demonstrated selective anti-inflammatory effects, primarily through significant suppression of tissue PGE₂, confirming effective local COX pathway inhibition. The absence of significant changes in IL-17 and STAT3 suggests that short-term topical therapy mainly targets prostaglandin-mediated inflammation rather than upstream cytokine or transcriptional pathways involved in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis, warranting further investigation into their long-term therapeutic benefits.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-related symptoms and associated factors among medical students in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey included 176 medical students from the universities of Sarajevo and Zenica between November 2022 and December 2023. IBS-related symptoms were assessed using the Serbian-language Rome III questionnaire, and test anxiety using the Westside Test Anxiety Scale. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson’s χ² test. Results: Eighty-four students (47.7%) met the symptom-based Rome III criteria. The IBS-related symptoms group included 75 females (89.3%) compared with 54 (58.7%) in the comparison group (p<0.001). Sweets consumption at least four times weekly was reported by 53 (63.1%) and 45 (48.9%) students, respectively (p = 0.021). Test-anxiety distributions differed between groups (p < 0.001); extremely high anxiety was reported by 12 (14.3%) students with IBS-related symptoms and one (1.1%) without symptoms. Other sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were not associated with IBS-related symptoms. Conclusion: IBS-related symptoms were frequent in this medical-student sample and were associated with female sex, frequent sweets consumption, and test anxiety. The cross-sectional, self-reported design precludes causal interpretation and clinical confirmation of IBS.

AIM The most common type of kidney transplantation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is from living donors, but there is a lack of published data on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values and kidney outcomes in living kidney donors. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of living kidney donation at our centre. METHODS One hundred and seventy living kidney donors at the University Clinical Centre Tuzla were analysed. Initially, there were 170 participants; however, only 31 provided all the required medical data and completed the study. GFR was estimated (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI and MDRD formulas, and a web-based calculator was used to predict GFR > 90 ml/min/1.73 m², along with measurement of creatinine clearance (CrCl). Measured GFR (mGFR) was assessed through technetium-99m diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) renogram, with follow-up visits to estimate post-donation GFR. RESULTS The CKD-EPI, MDRD, and web-based application showed similar diagnostic performances, with MDRD and CKD-EPI systematically underestimating mGFR. CrCl demonstrated strong diagnostic performance. Follow-up visits showed that most donors had post-donation eGFR values between 45 and 89 mL/min/1.73 m², with none progressing to pre-dialysis or the dialysis stage after kidney donation. CONCLUSION CrCl demonstrated strong diagnostic performance in our study population, and the DTPA renogram reliably assessed kidney function. Post-donation eGFR levels were satisfactory, indicating that our diagnostic workup for potential living kidney donors in our centre is safe and effective.

AIM To investigate the relationship between coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) in patients with arterial hypertension who had a negative treadmill exercise stress test but mild to intermediate coronary stenosis on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). METHODS A total of 53 hypertensive patients (mean age 54.8 ± 4.8 years; 50.9% male) with 30-50% coronary stenosis on CCTA were included. Patients with diabetes, malignancy, or established coronary/peripheral artery disease were excluded. CAC score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, Simpson's method), and LV GLS (speckle-tracking echocardiography) were measured. Groups were stratified by GLS (< 18.5% vs. ≥ 18.5%) and LVEF (< 60% vs. ≥ 60%), and CAC score differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The median CAC score was 27 (IQR 16-44.5), median LVEF 60% (IQR 58-63%), and mean GLS 19.37 ± 0.89%. No overall association was found between CAC score and LV function by LVEF or GLS. In patients with left anterior descending (LAD) stenosis (30-50%), reduced LV function was linked to significantly higher CAC score. Median CAC score was higher in patients with GLS ≤ 18.5% (157 vs. 44.5; p = 0.019) and LVEF <60% (157 vs. 44.5; p = 0.019). No significant associations were found in right coronary artery (RCA), circumflex artery (Cx), or three-vessel stenosis subgroups. CONCLUSION Higher CAC score in hypertensive patients with mild LAD stenosis and negative stress testing identify those at risk of subclinical LV dysfunction.

AIM To compare outcomes of elective open inguinal hernia repair under local anaesthesia (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA). METHODS This retrospective cohort included 833 adults treated in Tuzla during 2017-2025. The primary outcome was any early adverse outcome within 30 days. Secondary outcomes included analgesic requirement, chronic groin pain, discomfort, dissatisfaction, and recurrence. Logistic regression adjusted for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, hernia characteristics, and technique. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported; Benjamini-Hochberg correction was applied to secondary outcomes. RESULTS The LA group included 425 patients and the GA group 408. Postoperative analgesia was required in 338 (79.5%) and 110 (27.0%) patients, respectively (p<0.001). An early adverse outcome occurred in 79 (18.6%) and 35 (8.6%) patients (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.31-3.30; p = 0.002), mainly because of more haematomas with LA, 54 (12.7%) versus 20 (4.9%) (p < 0.001). Chronic groin pain did not differ after adjustment (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 0.81-1.96; p = 0.310). Dissatisfaction was higher with LA, 85 (20.8%) versus 40 (10.1%) (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.27-2.99; p = 0.002). Eight recurrences were recorded. Median follow-up was 14 months (interquartile range 12-18 months). CONCLUSION LA was associated with more early adverse outcomes and dissatisfaction than GA. Chronic pain did not differ after adjustment, and recurrence was similar. Selection bias and residual confounding should be considered.

AIM To evaluate the prognostic value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiovascular mortality in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and to assess its association with clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. METHODS This prospective, observational, cohort study included 311 NSTEMI patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Clinic at the University Clinical Centre Tuzla between January 2023 and April 2024. The patients were stratified into intermediate-risk (score < 4) and high-risk (score ≥ 4) groups based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score at admission. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were collected, including electrocardiography (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiography. All patients were followed for 3 months (90 days) to assess the occurrence of MACE and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS The patients in the high-risk group were older and had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fractions and larger left atrial diameters compared with the intermediate-risk group. During the 3-month follow-up, MACE occurred in 11.9% of high-risk and 3.9% of intermediate-risk patients; cardiovascular mortality was observed exclusively in the high-risk group (2.5%). A higher CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.003), but not with overall MACE (p = 0.393). Moderate predictive accuracy for mortality (AUC = 0.64) and shorter event-free survival in the high-risk group (log-rank p = 0.005) were observed. CONCLUSION The CHA2DS2-VASc score showed potential as a simple and accessible tool for early identification of NSTEMI patients at risk of cardiovascular death. Its significant association with mortality supports its role as a supplementary risk stratification tool, although these findings require validation in larger, multicentre studies.

AIM To determine whether immunohistochemical B7-H3 expression is associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived tumour volume, peritumoral brain oedema volume, and oedema index in adult gliomas. METHODS This retrospective radiopathological correlation study included 99 consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed intracranial gliomas surgically treated between 2013 and 2021. B7-H3 expression (clone RBT-B7H3, Bio SB, USA) was evaluated using staining intensity, percentage of positive tumour cells, and a composite immunoreactive score (IRS). Tumour volume (TV), peritumoral brain oedema volume (PTBE), and oedema index (EI) were calculated from orthogonal MRI measurements. Spearman correlation and crude and adjusted linear regression were used. Adjusted models included age, sex, tumour grade, and Ki-67. RESULTS Median TV was 29.31 cm3 (IQR 12.17-49.12), median PTBE was 84.51 cm3 (IQR 47.59-178.18), and median EI was 4.56 (IQR 3.83-5.00). B7-H3 IRS correlated strongly with TV (r = 0.921, p < 0.001) and PTBE (r = 0.920, p < 0.001), but not with EI (r = -0.105, p = 0.299). After adjustment, B7-H3 IRS remained associated with ln(TV) (beta = 0.228, 95% CI 0.190-0.265, p < 0.001) and ln(PTBE) (beta = 0.178, 95% CI 0.152-0.204, p < 0.001), but not with EI (beta = 0.001, 95% CI -0.083 to 0.084, p = 0.990). CONCLUSION B7-H3 expression is independently associated with MRI-derived tumour volume and peritumoral brain oedema volume in adult gliomas, but not with oedema index, supporting its relationship with absolute MRI-visible lesion burden.

Background/Objectives: Early risk stratification remains challenging in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The present study evaluated the prognostic value of 24 h high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-Troponin I) and assessed whether combining biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters improves short-term risk prediction. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included 170 consecutive adult patients with confirmed NSTEMI who were admitted to a Medical Intensive Care Unit and prospectively enrolled between February 2022 and January 2023. Clinical, routine biochemical, inflammatory, hematological, lipid, and echocardiographic data were collected during index hospitalization. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I was measured at admission and again 24 h after hospitalization, with the 24 h value used as the principal marker of myocardial injury in the prediction analyses. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, urgent coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for worsening heart failure, within 3 months. Multivariable logistic regression, Cox regression, sequential prediction modeling, and internal bootstrap validation were performed. Results: MACEs occurred in 88 patients (51.8%). Twenty-four-hour hs-Troponin I, but not admission hs-Troponin I, was independently associated with MACEs (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09–2.26; p = 0.015) and a shorter time to the first MACE event (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07–1.78; p = 0.012). Lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was also independently associated with adverse outcomes. The addition of 24 h hs-Troponin I, LVEF, and C-reactive protein improved discrimination from an AUC of 0.665 to 0.759 (optimism-corrected AUC, 0.717), with corresponding improvements in reclassification. A simplified multimarker score was independently associated with event-free survival (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.53–3.64; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit with NSTEMI, the integration of 24 h hs-Troponin I, LVEF, and C-reactive protein improved short-term risk prediction beyond that of clinical variables alone. A practical multimarker model based on routinely available parameters identified patients at increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes during early follow-up.