Effects of curcumin and luteolin on viability and cell death induction in NFS-60 cell line

Inducing cell death in tumor cells has been recognized as a promising strategy in curing tumors. Parallely, natural products, especially those with long-known usage in folk medicine, are gaining demanding and extensive clinical interests. Aiming to contribute to overall knowledge of curcumin and luteolin antitumour potentials, we analyzed their effects on cell death induction in NFS-60 cell line, using Trypan blue exclusion assay and TransDetect® Anenexin V-EGFP/PI assay. Results show that both tested agents induce cell death, especially in higher applied concentrations, but further investigations are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind it

Phylogenetic pattern of SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19 patients from Bosnia and Herzegovina: lessons learned to optimize future molecular and epidemiological approaches

This is the first report of molecular and epidemiology findings from Bosnia and Herzegovina related to ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 epidemic. Whole genome sequence of four samples from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks was done in two laboratories in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Veterinary Faculty Sarajevo and Alea Genetic Center). All four BiH sequences cluster mainly with European ones (Italy, Austria, France, Sweden, Cyprus, and England). The constructed phylogenetic tree indicates possible multiple independent introduction events. The data presented contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 in the current reemergence of the disease

First evidence of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever virus circulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Background Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick‐borne zoonosis with reported detection of virus and/or virus‐specific antibodies from over 57 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and is endemic in the Balkans. Detection of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) antibodies in domestic ruminants has been important in providing initial evidence of virus circulation and in localising CCHFV high‐risk spots for human infection. Objectives The present study investigated the possible exposure of sheep to CCHFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Methods To investigate the presence of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep, all sera (n = 176) were tested using multi‐species double antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive sera were further complementary tested by adapted commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using FITC‐conjugated protein G instead of anti‐human immunoglobulins. Results CCHFV specific antibodies were detected in 17 (9.66%) animals using ELISA test. All negative sera were determined as negative by both tests, while 13 out of 17 ELISA‐positive reactors were also determined as unambiguously positive by IFA test. The age group with the highest proportion of seropositive rectors were the oldest animals. Conclusions This is the first report of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep from B&H providing the evidence of CCHFV circulation in the country's sheep population. So far, these findings indicate the circulation of the virus in the westernmost region of the Balkans and point to the potential CCHFV spread further out of this endemic area