The Role of Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), RDW/Platelet Ratio, and Mean Platelet Volume as Prognostic Markers in Acute Pancreatitis Severity and Complications Based on the Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis Score.

Background Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a condition with various etiological factors, marked by the sudden onset of inflammation in the pancreatic tissue. Predicting the severity and potential mortality of AP involves analyzing clinical data alongside laboratory tests and imaging. Among several grading methods with strong predictive capabilities for illness severity and mortality, the Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score is notable.

Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) as a Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) Development in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: Despite ongoing findings on the relationship between liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), this association in diabetic patients remains unclear. Early diagnosis of liver fibrosis is important due to the easily available diagnostic tools, such as noninvasive indices that combine clinical and laboratory variables, and the possibility of preventing its complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with MetS.

Objective: This study examines the potential predictive values of non-invasive liver fibrosis indices for MetS in T2DM patients.

Comparison between extraperitoneal and transperitoneal cesarean section: Retrospective case-control study.

Introduction:   The main advantage of extraperitoneal cesarean section (EXPCS) is not only less pain, faster recovery, and less potential for infection but also a possible lack of intraperitoneal adhesions.

Methods:   In a 3-year period from 2019 to 2022, 88 EXPCSs were performed. A comparison was made with 90 patients who underwent a standard transperitoneal cesarean section (TPCS).

A brief history of neurosurgery in Bosnia and Herzegovina: historical vignette.

The modern period of neurosurgery in Bosnia and Herzegovina began with the first neurosurgical procedure performed by Dr. Karl Bayer in 1891 on 3 patients with depressed skull fractures and epilepsy. In 1956 the Department of Surgery in Sarajevo designated several beds specifically for a neurosurgical unit.

Prejudice and Fear as Influences in Relation to a Successful Organ Donation - Experiences of Immigrants Living in Sweden.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether fear and prejudice in relation to organ donation and the transplantation of organs may influence the decision to become an organ donor.

Materials And Methods: Data were collected through four group interviews using open-ended questions and qualitative content analysis. Forty participants, 16 males and 24 females from seven countries, participated in the focus group interviews.

Postoperative recovery after suspension suture placement at the site of esophagojejunal anastomosis after total gastrectomy: Comparison of two surgical techniques.

Background: Despite improvements, survival rates for gastric cancer remain low, even in developed countries, confirming the role of primary and secondary prevention.

Objective: This study aims to demonstrate the role of additional suspension sutures on the esophagojejunal anastomosis (EJA) to strengthen the anastomosis, i.e.

Cytokine expression profiles in children and adolescents with tic disorders.

The etiology of tic disorders (TDs) is not precisely known, although several lines of evidence suggest involvement of the immune system in pathogenesis. Here, we aimed to determine the expression levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in children with TD and compare them with those of healthy controls. Furthermore, we also evaluated their association with clinical variables in the TD group.

Patch angioplasty carotid endarterectomy versus eversion carotid endarterectomy.

Objectives: To compare carotid endarterectomy patch angioplasty (p-CEA) with eversion carotid endarterectomy (e-CEA) and associated risks of early cardio-cerebrovascular complications.

Methods: The study was a prospective randomized single-blind trial, monocentric, clinically applicable, descriptive analytical and comparative. From June 2021 to June 2023, 62 consecutive patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery, admitted to our department and randomized into two groups: carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty and eversion carotid endarterectomy.

When time does not heal all wounds: three decades' experience of immigrants living in Sweden.

Aim: To investigate how immigrants from the Balkan region experienced their current life situation after living in Sweden for 30 years or more.

Materials: The study was designed as a qualitative study using data from interviews with informants from five Balkan countries. The inclusion criteria were informants who were immigrants to Sweden and had lived in Sweden for more than 30 years.

Glycosylated nanoplatforms: From glycosylation strategies to implications and opportunities for cancer theranostics.

Glycosylated nanoplatforms have emerged as promising tools in the field of cancer theranostics, integrating both therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities. These nanoscale platforms are composed of different materials such as lipids, polymers, carbons, and metals that can be modified with glycosyl moieties to enhance their targeting capabilities towards cancer cells. This review provides an overview of different modification strategies employed to introduce glycosylation onto nanoplatforms, including chemical conjugation, enzymatic methods, and bio-orthogonal reactions.

Rehabilitation of Rare Neurological Complications of COVID-19 Infection in Health Resort Settings.

There is increasing evidence of neurological involvement in patients with coronavirus disease. Reports of neurological manifestations include altered mental status, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and its forms, encephalopathy, psychosis, neurocognitive (dementia) syndrome, ischemic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhage, and acute transverse myelitis. We present three patients with rare neurological manifestations of the COVID-19 disease, with a special focus on rehabilitation in a health resort setting.

Changes in management of head and neck malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: Despite multiple studies from high-income countries, reports from low- and middle-income countries on the impact of COVID-19 on head and neck cancer care remain sparse. This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer patients at a tertiary reference centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Methods: We included 228 patients with malignant head and neck tumours evaluated and treated between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021.

Application of 3D, 4D, 5D, and 6D bioprinting in cancer research: what does the future look like?

The application of three- and four-dimensional (3D/4D) printing in cancer research represents a significant advancement in understanding and addressing the complexities of cancer biology. 3D/4D materials provide more physiologically relevant environments compared to traditional two-dimensional models, allowing for a more accurate representation of the tumor microenvironment that enables researchers to study tumor progression, drug responses, and interactions with surrounding tissues under conditions similar to conditions. The dynamic nature of 4D materials introduces the element of time, allowing for the observation of temporal changes in cancer behavior and response to therapeutic interventions.

Short-term efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in real-life settings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), necessitates effective management strategies. This study aims to evaluate the real-world efficacy of vedolizumab, a newer biological therapy, in treating IBD in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A retrospective observational study was conducted across six medical centers, involving 139 IBD patients, 76 with UC and 63 with CD.

JC Virus in Kidney Transplant Population: Are We Cautious Enough?

The John Cunningham virus (JCV) is a polyomavirus that usually infects people at a young age and does not cause any symptoms in immunocompetent individuals. However, in immunocompromised individuals, such as kidney transplant recipients, JCV can cause severe and potentially fatal disease. Unfortunately, JCV has not been researched as extensively as the BK virus and is not mentioned in relevant kidney transplant guidelines.

Capacity for the management of kidney failure in the International Society of Nephrology Eastern and Central Europe region: report from the 2023 ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA).

Delivery of care for kidney failure (KF) globally has a significant disparity; even in some countries, it means end of life for the person. The International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) tries to address gaps in KF care and standardize global nephrology care. From the third iteration of the ISN-GKHA, we present data for countries in the ISN Eastern and Central Europe region.

Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Compliance in Turkey: Data from the Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Survey Including 7,978 Surgical Patients.

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is the peri-operative administration of antimicrobial agents. Compliance rates vary worldwide from 15% to 84.3%, with studies in Turkey not exceeding 35%.

Could near focus endoscopy, narrow-band imaging, and acetic acid improve the visualization of microscopic features of stomach mucosa?

Background: Conventional magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (NBI) observation of the gastric body mucosa shows dominant patterns in relation to the regular arrangement of collecting venules, subepithelial capillary network, and gastric pits.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new one-dual (near) focus, NBI mode in the assessment of the microscopic features of gastric body mucosa compared to conventional magnification.

Methods: During 2021 and 2022, 68 patients underwent proximal gastrointestinal endoscopy using magnification endoscopic modalities subsequently applying acetic acid (AA).

Changes in Dickkopf-1, but Not Sclerostin, in Gingival Crevicular Fluid Are Associated with Peroral Statin Treatment in Patients with Periodontitis.

: Periodontitis is marked by the destruction of alveolar bone. Sclerostin (SOST) and dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) act as inhibitors of the Wingless-type (Wnt) signaling pathway, a key regulator of bone metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that statins play a role in bone resorption and formation by influencing Wnt signaling.

Local Diagnostic Reference Levels for Adult Computed Tomography Urography Exams.

A Computed Tomography Urography (CTU) scan is a medical imaging test that examines the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, and ureters. It helps diagnose various urinary tract diseases with precision. However, patients undergoing CTU imaging receive a relatively high dose of radiation, which can be a concern.

Chordoma of the Oropharynx.

Background: Chordoma is a rare malignant neoplasm that predominantly arises from the axial skeleton, but can also develop in unusual locations. However, there are also rare cases of "NOS" chordoma involving the oropharyx and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland in the same patient. According to contemporary research, chordoma is a rare malignant neoplasm that arises from the embryonic remnants of the notochord.