Evaluacija koronarnih arterija i imunološkog statusa kod post-COVID-19 djece u Sarajevu

Introduction: Although evidence has demonstrated that SARS-COV-2 primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, other systems are also involved such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system. At present, there is insufficient data on cardiovascular and immunologic involvement in COVID-19 paediatric patients. Patients and Methods: This study evaluated 70 children previously healthy or with no pre-existing heart disease from Sarajevo with positive post-COVID history. Detailed cardiovascular examination was performed, with parameters of body weight, height, oxygen saturation, pulse, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), 24hrs Holter ECG, echocardiography. Laboratory tests included values of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and SARS-COV-2 immunoglobulin G /IgG/ and immunoglobulin M /IgM/, CBC /complete blood count/, creatinine phosphokinase myofibrilae /CPKMB/, creatinine phosphokinase/CPK/, lactate dehydrogenase /LDH/, liver enzymes, D dimer, C reactive protein/CRP/ and urine. Results: Majority of children (64.3%) were asymptomatic. ECG was normal in relation to patients’ age, except in eight patients (intermittent palpitations on exertion): short PR interval, so in 24hrs ECG Holter there was no significant arrhythmias except incomplete right branch block / IRBB/ in 12%, monofocal ventricular ectopicextrasystole /VES/ in 15%. Echocardiogram was normal in all patients with normal ejection fraction of the left ventricle, no pericardial effusion, vegetations or thrombus was detected. Mean diameter of coronary arteries right /RCA/ and left /LCA/ ranged from 1.98 mm to LCA 2.09 mm except in one symptomatic patient a diameter of left coronary artery /LCA/ was enlarged up to 3.8 mm. The concentration levels of COVID-19 IgG showed a statistical significance when compared between younger and older age groups in examined children (p < 0.05; p = 0.043). Conclusion: Cardiovascular evaluation should always be an option in post-COVID patients. Immunological assessment is necessary in post-COVID patients in order to gain a further understanding of patient’s statusUvod: Iako su rezultati studija pokazali da SARS-COV-2 prvenstveno utiče na gornje respiratorne puteve, uključeni su i gastrointestinalni i kardio vaskularni sistem. Trenutno,nema dovoljno podataka o kardiovaskularnoj i imunološkoj zahvaćenosti kod COVID19 pedijatrijskih pacijenata. Pacijenti i metode: U studiji je učestvovalo 70 djece iz Sarajeva, koja su prethodno bila zdrava ili nisu imala srčane bolesti, s pozitivnom anamnezom nakon COVID-a. Urađen je detaljan kardiovaskularni pregled, uz parametre tjelesne težine, visine, mjerenja saturacije kiseonika, pulsa, krvnog pritiska, elektrokardiogram (EKG), 24 satni Holter EKG, ehokardiografija i laboratorijski testovi koji su uključivali vrijednosti lančane reakcije polimeraze (PCR) i SARS-COV-2 imunoglobulina G /IgG/ i imunoglobulin M /IgM/, KKS /kompletna krvna slika/, kreatinin fosfo kinaza miofibrila /CPKMB/, kreatinin fosfokinaza /CPK/, laktat dehidrogenaza /LDH/, enzimi jetre, D-dimer, C reaktivni protein /CRP/ i urin. Rezultati: Većina djece (64.3%) bila je asimptomatska. EKG je bio uredan u odnosu na dob pacijenata osim kod osam pacijenata /intermitentne palpitacije na napor/sa skraćenim PR intervalom, a u 24h Holter EKG nije bilo signifikantne aritmije osim u 12% inkompletan blok desne grane i kod 15% monofokalne ventrikularne ektopične ekstrasistole. Ehokardiogram je bio uredan kod svih pacijenata sa normalnom ejekcionom frakcijom lijeve komore, bez perikardne efuzije, vegetacije ili tromba. Prosječan dijametar koronarnih arterija desne i lijeve je iznosio od 1.98 mm do 2.09 mm osim kod jednog simptomatskog pacijenta: uvećan dijametar lijeve koronarne arterije / LKA/ do 3.8 mm. Nivoi koncentracije COVID-19 IgG pokazali su statističku značajnost u poređenju između mlađe i starije starosne grupe kod ispitivane djece (p<0,05;p=0,043). Zaključak: Kardiovaskularna evaluacija bi uvijek trebala biti opcija kod pacijenata nakon COVID-a. Imunološka procjena je neophodna kod pacijenata nakon COVID-a kako bi se steklo dalje razumijevanje statusa pacijenta

Evaluation of tumor marker HE4 assay on the Elecsys 2010 analyzer

Introduction: Whey-acidic protein human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a new promising biomarker for epithelial ovarian cancer. The measured HE4 values may depend on the testing procedure used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Methods: We evaluated a HE4 method on Elecsys 2010 analyzer. The method for quantitative determination of HE4 is direct, competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. For quality control we use Elecsys PreciControl HE4 1 and 2. HE4 was measure on sera obtained from 56 women ( 20 healthy and 36 with epithelial ovarian cancer). Results: The Roche HE4 assays showed a good linearity (r=0.99) and precision (intrassayed total CV<5%). The median HE4 serum concentrations was significantly higher among EOC patients than healthy females (p<0,05). Elevated levels HE4 were found in 78 % patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Conclusions: The presented results of the analytical evaluation methods for the determination of HE4 on the Elecsys 2010 analyzer showed an acceptable accuracy and precision

Helminth-derived product(s): Source for potential therapeutic

Helminth parasites that inhabit mammalian body surfaces have a highly evolved relationship with the immune system. Many of these resident helminths carry out functions to ensure their survival in the hosts. To attain this objective helminth parasites adopt immunoregulatory mechanisms to counter host’s hostile immune response. Indeed, immunomodulatory molecules have been discovered in the worm’s extracts and in their excretion/secretion. In this review, we discuss the state of our understanding of the interplay between helminths and immune pathways. We also highlight the key challenges that must be confronted in identification of the helminth-derived molecules involved in immune modulation.  We consider whether helminth-derived signaling hold promise for the design of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of inflammatory disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and autoimmune diseases)

Impact of COVID-19 vaccine on clinical characteristics and outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the fourth wave of the pandemic in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Aim To evaluate clinical and epidemiological characteristics and outcome of patients with COVID-19, and impact of vaccine against COVID-19 on them. Methods This retrospective study included 225 patients treated from COVID-19 in the period from 1 to 30 September 2021 at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Centre Tuzla (UCC Tuzla). For the diagnosis confirmation of Covid-19, RTPCR was used. Patients were divided in two groups: fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine, and non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated. Results Of 225 patients, 120 (53.3%) were females, and 105 (46.7%) males. Mean age was 65.6 years. There were 26 (11.6%) fully vaccinated patients. Most common symptoms in unvaccinated patients were fatigue (70.9%), cough (70.4%) and fever (69.8%), and in vaccinated fever (76.9%), fatigue (69.2%) and cough (46.2%). Cough was more common in unvaccinated patients (p=0.013). Fatal outcome happened in 84 (37.3%) patients. Transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and older age had a higher risk of death (p<0.001). Older age patients were more likely to have comorbidities like atrial fibrillation (p=0.017), hypertension (p<001) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.002). Atrial fibrillation (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (p=0.009) and history of stroke (p=0.026), were related to fatal outcome in unvaccinated patients, also did a shorter duration of illness prior to hospitalization (p<0.001) and shorter length of hospitalization (p=0.002). Conclusion Older patients with comorbidities, as well as those who were not vaccinated against COVID-19, were at higher risk for severe form of the disease and poor outcome

Evaluation of tumor marker HE4 assay on the Elecsys 2010 analyzer

Introduction: Whey-acidic protein human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a new promising biomarker for epithelial ovarian cancer. The measured HE4 values may depend on the testing procedure used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Methods: We evaluated a HE4 method on Elecsys 2010 analyzer. The method for quantitative determination of HE4 is direct, competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. For quality control we use Elecsys PreciControl HE4 1 and 2. HE4 was measure on sera obtained from 56 women ( 20 healthy and 36 with epithelial ovarian cancer). Results: The Roche HE4 assays showed a good linearity (r=0.99) and precision (intrassayed total CV<5%). The median HE4 serum concentrations was significantly higher among EOC patients than healthy females (p<0,05). Elevated levels HE4 were found in 78 % patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Conclusions: The presented results of the analytical evaluation methods for the determination of HE4 on the Elecsys 2010 analyzer showed an acceptable accuracy and precision

Evaluation of high sensitivity C-reactive protein assay in cerebrospinal fluid on the Dimension RxL analyzer

<strong>Introduction</strong>: Low sensitivity and specificity in traditional laboratory tests became insufficient for accurate diagnostics and initiation of proper treatment of patients infected with bacterial meningitis. High sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) may be an appropriate supplement for rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. The subject of our investigation was the determination of C- reactive protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during<br />acute bacterial meningitis.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> HsCRP was analysed by a sensitive immunoturbidimetric assay using the Dimension RxL analyser (Siemens). Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of C-reactive protein have been measured in 20 patients<br />(age range,1 to 50 years) presenting with acute bacterial meningitis and also in a non-infected, non-inflamed control group (n=25).<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The accuracy and precision of the method proved to be satisfactory. Repeatability of serial sampling for hsCRP described by coefficient of variation were CV=2.1-4.5%. This assay hsCRP in cerebrospinal fluid demonstrates adequate performance characteristics for routine clinical use. Elevated levels of CRP were found in 95% patients with bacterial meningitis. The mean CRP value in 25 uninfected control group was 0.25 mg/L (range 0.10-0.55). The mean CRP for patients with bacterial meningitis was 21.4 mg/L (range 0.40-100).<br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> A sensitive assay for CRP in CSF would be an useful adjunct to conventional investigation of acute infective meningitis

Effects of poor eating habits on children's body weight

The primary objective of this research is to delve into the correlation between suboptimal dietary habits and the body weight of children residing in Mostar city, Bosnia and Herzegovina. By examining the dietary patterns prevalent among the youth in this specific urban setting, the study seeks to uncover how these habits may be linked to variations in body weight. Through a comprehensive investigation, the aim is to contribute valuable insights into the intricate relationship between eating behaviors and the physical well-being of children in Mostar, thereby informing potential interventions or strategies for promoting healthier lifestyles within this population. In conclusion this pattern of dietary habits not only influences physical health but also has implications for overall well-being and may pose challenges for the long-term health trajectory of school-age boys. It underscores the importance of promoting healthier dietary choices and lifestyle habits from an early age to mitigate the potential adverse effects on children's health

Antibody seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 within the Canton of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina—One year later

Background: Serostudies are important resources when following pandemics and predicting their further spread, as well as determining the length of protection against reinfection and vaccine development. The aim of this study was to update data on the prevalence of seropositive individuals in Canton Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) from September 2020 to May 2021. Methods: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were quantified using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Compared to the period April-July 2020, when anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 3.77% of samples, one year later (May 2021) the estimated percentage within the same population of the urban Canton Sarajevo was 29.9% (5,406/18,066). Of all anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ig-positive individuals, 53.27% were men, and 69.00% were of 50 years of age or younger. Also, the current update found the individuals 50 years of age or younger to be more frequently anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ig positive compared to older individuals. On the other hand, higher median anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ig levels were found in individuals > 50 years old than in younger individuals, as well as in men compared to women. Seropositivity gradually increased from September 2020 to May 2021, with the lowest frequency of positive cases (3.5%) observed in September 2020, and the highest frequency (77.7%) in January 2021. Conclusion: Our results provided important seroprevalence data that could help in planning restrictive local public health measures to protect the population of Sarajevo Canton, especially considering that at the time of the study the vaccines were virtually inaccessible to the general population not belonging to any of the high-priority groups for vaccination