Prevalence of scoliosis in school-children from Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the school-year 2002/2003 a prospective epidemiological study was performed with the aim of evaluating the prevalence and distribution of scoliosis in the population of schoolchildren from Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The general check-up of primary-school children covered a total of 2,517 children aged 7-14. The children in which at least one positive symptom of scoliosis was found were directed to undergo orthopedic examination and--if indicated--radiography. Incorrect posture was noted in 33.4% of children, and 11.8% of children were sent to orthopedic specialist examination. The prevalence of structural scoliosis amounted to 3.1%, with the spine curvature threshold being 10 degrees. In eight children (0.32%; 1 boy and 7 girls) a curvature of 20 degrees or more was diagnosed. The most common type of curvature was the thoracal (39%) and the thoraco-lumbar (39%) while 14 children had a double curvature (17.8%). A scoliosis was detected due to here performed check-up in 83.5% of children with scoliosis. No case of serious spine deformity (45 degree or more) was recorded, due to regular general check-ups taking place biannually in this population.     

Two new freshwater fish species of the genus Telestes (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from karst poljes in Eastern Herzegovina and Dubrovnik littoral (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia)

Two new species, Telestes dabar and Telestes miloradi, are described on the basis of morphological comparisons of isolated geographical populations of fishes identified earlier as Telestes metohiensis. A lectotype is designated for Telestes metohiensis, whose range is shown to include waters of Gatačko, Cerničko, and Nevesinjsko poljes in Eastern Herzegovina. Telestes dabar from Dabarsko Polje (Eastern Herzegovina) and Telestes miloradi from Konavosko Polje (south Croatia) share with Telestes metohiensis the following combination of characters that distinguish them from the rest of the genus Telestes: pharyngeal teeth in one row, usually 5–4; preoperculo-mandibular canal not communicating with the infraorbital canal; mouth subterminal, the tip of the mouth cleft on or below the level of the ventral margin of the eye; postcleithrum minute or absent; ventral portion of the trunk with a dark stripe on a pale background; and dorsal portion of trunk uniformly dark and bordered ventrally by a dark midlateral stripe. Telestes dabar and Telestes miloradi are distinguishable from Telestes metohiensis in usually having 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. usually 7½), 9 or 10 gill rakers (vs. 7–10, usually 8), and the dark stripe on the ventral portion of the trunk below the main pigmented area of the back narrow and usually not reaching posteriorly to the caudal peduncle (vs. dark stripe wide and extending posteriorly to the caudal peduncle). Telestes dabar is distinguished from Telestes miloradi by having scales on most of the body situated close to one another and overlapping in a region behind the pectoral girdle and usually on the caudal peduncle (vs. overlapping scales on most of the body); the lateral line usually incomplete and interrupted, with 24–69, usually 54–65, total scales (vs. lateral line usually complete, with 55–67 total scales); scales above and below the lateral line slightly smaller than lateral-line scales (vs. of about equal size); head width 43–52% HL (vs. 48–58% HL); and lower jaw length 10–12% SL or 36–41% HL (vs. 8–10% SL or 33–38% HL). Telestes miloradi, a very local endemic species,is known only by historical samples. Telestes dabar is an abundant fish in Dabarsko Polje, but its range is critically restricted during the dry season by a few permanent sources. Nothing is known about its occurrence in underground karst waters.     

Mother's age effect on the boys' anthropometric properties in the Region of Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Our objective was to establish if mother's age affects the anthropometric properties their 11 and 16 years old sons, and if the boys' BMI is satisfactory. Cross-sections, questionnaires, and statistics were used for data processing BMI (kg/m2) was presented according to the scale Quetelet's index nutritional status. Twelve anthropometric properties were researched. It was established that mother's age affects anthropometric properties in adolescent boys. The younger mothers' boys come to puberty with significantly higher mean values for most anthropometric parameters. In the course of adolescent jump, older mothers' boys have significantly higher anthropometric measures in comparison to their age boys delivered by younger mothers. After the completion of their intensive growth and development anthropometric measures in both category boys are equal or insignificantly higher in younger mothers' sons. Mother's age affects their sons' anthropometric properties of growth and development, particularly in prepuberty and puberty. After puberty that effect is not significant. According to BMI, the boys coming from the researched region make the group of underfed children. That is probably the outcome of bad living conditions, irregular and insufficient diet, stress, etc. in the course of four year aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina.     

Influence of some socio-economic factors on growth and development of the boys in the Tuzla region (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The impact of certain exogenous factor (socio-economic, ecological) has been investigated with special attention paid to the parents' living standard, and number of family members on some anthropometric parameters like: body height, body mass, chest circumference, upper leg circumference, upper arm circumference, sitting height, arm length, leg length, pelvis width, shoulders width, lenght of head and with of head on the sample of 698 boys aged 11 to 16 (17) years in the Tuzla region (the northeastern Bosnia, Western Balkan peninsula). Anthropometric measurements have been carried out using methodology proposed by the International Biological program (IBP). The results of these investigations have shown that there is a certain impact of the socio-economic conditions on the growth and development of boys. Children from families that have better living standard are, as a rule, taller, which is indicated by the statistical significant differences (P > 0.01). This trend indicates also value of Body Mass Index (BMI), which is in younger children from the families with lower living standard 16, while in the same category in the children from the families with better living standard it has value 18.5. The real impact of living conditions on the dynamics of development could be the best seen in the period of puberty. The number of children in the family has negative relationship with anthropometric features. Statistically significant differences (P > 0.001) have been detected in numerous analysed features in families with one or two children in comparison with families with three, four, or five children. Therefore, BMI has been significantly lower (16) in children from families with several children, while in the families with one child in the same growth class (11 years) it was significantly higher (17.4). Similar value of BMI (17.9) have children from the families with five children and which are 17 years old. Besides socio-economic conditions, high level of environmental pollution which is typical for Tuzla region for a long time, has also significant impact on the growth and development of children.     

Ecological characteristics of plant species and associations along two Dinaric karstic rivers (Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Balkans)

This paper describes the plant communities of two oligotrophic karstic rivers with a slight anthropogenic influence — the Trebi?at and the Li?tica — in South Bosnia and Herzegovina, their sinecology, and the relationship between vegetation and plant species and environmental parameters. According to 87 relevés, a total of 26 plant associations, using Braun-Blanquet methods, were found in the rivers and nearby surveyed area. Only nine associations were common to both rivers. Eight associations were recorded for the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. Associations from both rivers differed according to following parameters measured at the sampling site: water temperature, distance from the mouth (river kilometers), river width, water depth, flow, pH and slope. There were no differences in nutrient concentrations among the associations. According to Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), three environmental variables out of the 11 initially considered were retained as being related to plant distribution. The first two axes explained 56.8% and 35.2% of variance of species-environment relationship in the Trebi?at and Li?tica rivers, respectively. Water depth in the Trebi?at River, and pH and river kilometers in the Li?tica River were found to be the most influential, while nutrients and other physico-chemical parameters were not significant in either river. Water depth vector was identified as an underlying environmental factor determining distribution of Potamogeton lucens and Myriophyllum verticillatum (Potamion), and Nymphaea alba (Nymphaeion albae). According to in situ measurements of light intensity, the highest coefficients of light attenuation, radiance and reflection were found at a station with dense populations of Potamogeton lucens and Nuphar luteum (Potametum lucentis). The vegetation and floristic value of the rivers is discussed as a basis for biodiversity conservation programmes and evaluating the state of these ecosystems in the future.     

Validity and reliability of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) scale in the elderly population of Bosnia and Herzegovina

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00584.x Validity and reliability of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) scale in the elderly population of Bosnia and Herzegovina Objectives: To adapt the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) index for elderly people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and test its validity, reliability and responsiveness to change. Background: Clinical measures alone may not be adequate for assessing the oral health of individuals. Subjective oral health indicators tested within a particular cultural context may not be relevant across cultures. Materials and methods: The study population comprised 231 free‐living adults aged 65 years or older. The OIDP was cross‐culturally adapted from English into the Serbian language and its psychometric properties were tested. Data were collected using a clinical examination and a questionnaire containing the OIDP. Results: In terms of reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.82 and the intraclass correlation coefficient 0.88. The very high correlation of OIDP with self‐rated oral health (r = 0.78) verified criterion validity, while construct validity was demonstrated through its significant and graded associations with other subjective health measures. OIDP change scores on a treated subsample showed moderate effect size (0.59) and were associated with perceptions of oral health change, providing evidence for its responsiveness to change. Conclusion: The Bosnian version of the OIDP showed satisfactory validity, reliability and responsiveness to change confirming its appropriateness for use among older populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.     

Validation of the name Edraianthus sutjeskae (Campanulaceae), a narrow endemic of southeastern Dinaric Alps (eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Edraianthus sutjeskae R. Laku?i?, originaly described in 1974, was an invalidly published name because in its type citation the collector's name and collection date were omitted. Hereby we validate the name by indicating the holotype kept at the Natural Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SARA).     

Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha,Pallas) Larvae in the Modrac Reservoir,Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the Modrac Reservoir, loaded with coal separation suspended material, rapid development of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) took place from at least 1987. It is probably the first distinguished “infection” for this part of Balkan Peninsula, caused by this organism. Horizontal and vertical distribution of this mussel, at 15 different reservoir profiles, had been investigated.     

Antigenic and genetic characterization of serogroup C meningococci isolated from invasive meningococcal disease cases in Canada from 1999 to 2003

Four hundred and forty-two serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis isolates from individual invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) patients in Canada during the period 1999 to 2003 were analyzed. The majority (84%) of the serogroup C meningococci were characterized by the serotype antigen 2a and belonged to the clonal complex of electrophoretic type ET-15. However, after more than a decade of endemic disease as well as a number of outbreaks and many vaccination campaigns, both genetic and antigenic variants of the serogroup C serotype 2a meningococci were noted. Such variants include strains characterized as C:2a:P1.5 and C:2a:P1.7,1 as well as a non-serotypeable phenotype due to a mutational hot spot on the serotype 2a PorB outer-membrane protein. Meningococci characterized by the antigen formula B:2a:P1.5,2 and B:2a:P1.7,1 have also been found, which suggests capsule switching. Besides the clonal group of ET-15/ET-37, small numbers of serogroup C isolates were found to belong to the clonal complexes of ST-8 (Cluster A4), ST-41/44 (Lineage 3), ST-35, and ST-269.     

Insertion/deletion polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene--risk factor for coronary artery disease in the Tuzla region population (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Angiotensin II is the major effector molecule of renin-angiotensin system; its production can be conveniently interrupted by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Typical plasma levels of ACE accompany the I/D polymorphism; however, a controversy exists as to whether the DD genotype of the ACE polymorphism affects the risk for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to what extent the ACE polymorphism is associated with CAD in different populations. We compared the I/D polymorphism in 212 CAD patients younger than 50 years with 165 healthy control individuals. They were all from the Tuzla region in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Patients with CAD had a higher prevalence of the DD genotype (36.3%) than controls (25.6%). The odds ratio for the ACE DD genotype in CAD patients was 1.7 (95% confidence interval 1.0-2.7; p < 0.05). We may conclude that the D/D genotype of the ACE gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk for CAD in the Bosnian population.     

Towards a better understanding of polyploid Sorbus (Rosaceae) from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Balkan Peninsula), including description of a novel,tetraploid apomictic species

Sorbus subgenus Soraria encompasses taxa originating from spontaneous hybridization between members of subgenera Aria and Sorbus disjunctly distributed across Europe and Asia. Using molecular data (amplified fragment length polymorphisms, plastid DNA sequences and nuclear microsatellites), flow cytometry (allowing for the determination of ploidy and mode of reproduction) and morphology, we disentangled the relationships among polyploid cytotypes and explored their relationships with their diploid ancestors. Among others, we focused on a large, geographically isolated hybrid population in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Molecular and morphological analyses confirmed the distinct position of this population in relation to its parental (S. aria and S. aucuparia) and other hybridogenous taxa originating independently from the same parents in different parts of Europe. After establishing its genetic and morphological divergence, we describe the isolated Bosnian population as a new tetraploid apomictic species, S orbus bosniaca , discuss its taxonomic status and propose conservation measures to protect the locus classicus of this new Balkan endemic. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 178 , 670–685.     

Some biological characteristics of the endemic Neretvan nase, Chondrostoma knerii Heckel, 1843, in the Hutovo Blato wetlands (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The paper presents for the first time important information regarding population structure, growth rate, length‐weight relationships and reproductive aspects of the Neretvan nase, Chondrostoma knerii, a fish species endemic to the Neretva River. Chondrostoma knerii is mainly distributed in the lower parts and delta of the Neretva River wetlands and its tributaries (Krupa River, Hutovo Blato wetlands) shared between Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina. Samples were collected between 2000 and 2001 during the reproduction period of the species in the Hutovo Blato wetlands area. Population structure analysis indicates that all ages appear, from 0 to 7+. Longevity was estimated at 7.5 years. Main age classes were 3, 4 and 5 years, totalling 91.00% of all individuals. Males ranged between 2 and 5+ years of age, and females between 1 and 7+ years of age. Maximum length was 28.04 cm and maximum weight, estimated from the length‐weight relationship, as 206.8 g. Found scattered in streams of high water velocity, eggs were attached to the substrate (aquatic plants or solid objects). Correlation between egg number and length and weight was extremely low. The gonad‐somatic index distribution showed an inverse proportionality with total length. Main length classes for reproduction ranged from 20 to 24 cm, while fecundity ranged between 2000 and 16 000 eggs per female.     

Palaeoenvironmental evolution of Lake Gacko (Southern Bosnia and Herzegovina): Impact of the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum on the Dinaride Lake System

In the Early to Middle Miocene, a series of lakes, collectively termed the Dinaride Lake System (DLS), spread out across the north-western part of the Dinaride–Anatolian continental block. Its deposits, preserved in numerous intra-montane basins, allow a glimpse into the palaeoenvironmental, palaeobiogeographic and geodynamic evolution of the region. Lake Gacko, situated in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of the constituent lakes of the DLS, and its deposits are excellently exposed in the Gra?anica open-cast coal-mine. A detailed study of the sedimentary succession that addresses facies, sediment petrography, geophysical properties, and fossil mollusc palaeoecology reveals repetitive changes in lake level. These are interpreted to reflect changes in the regional water budget. First-order chronologic constraints arise from the integration of radio-isotopic and palaeomagnetic data. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar measurements on feldspar crystals from a tephra bed in the upper part of the sedimentary succession indicate a 15.31 ± 0.16 Ma age for this level. The reversed magnetic polarity signal that characterises the larger part of the investigated section correlates to chron C5Br of the Astronomically Tuned Neogene Timescale. Guided by these chronologic data and a detailed cyclostratigraphic analysis, the observed variations in lake-level, evident as two ~ 40-m and seven ~ 10-m scale transgression–regression cycles, are tuned to ~ 400-kyr and ~ 100-kyr eccentricity cycles. From the tuning, it can be inferred that the sediments in the Gacko Basin accumulated between ~ 15.8 and ~ 15.2 Ma. The economically valuable lignite accumulations in the lower part of the succession are interpreted to indicate the development of swamp forests in conjunction with lake-level falls corresponding to ~ 100-kyr eccentricity minima. Pedogenesis, rhizoliths and palustrine carbonate breccias in the upper part of the section reveal long-term aridity coinciding with a ~ 400-kyr eccentricity minimum. Eccentricity maxima are interpreted to trigger lake-level high-stands. These are accompanied by eutrophication events caused by enhanced denudation of the surrounding basement and increased detrital input into the basin. The presented age model proves that Lake Gacko arose during the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum and that the optimum climatic conditions triggered the formation of this long-lived lake.     

Microbiological contamination of laboratory mice and rats in Korea from 1999 to 2003.

To survey the microbiological contamination of laboratory mice and rats in Korea during a 5-year period, we monitored animals housed in mouse and rat facilities with either barrier or conventional systems. At barrier and conventional mouse facilities, the most important pathogen identified was mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), while Mycoplasma pulmonis was the most important pathogen at conventional rat facilities. Interestingly, hantavirus was recovered from both barrier and conventional mouse facilities. The most common protozoon identified was Tritrichomonas muris in mouse facilities and Entamoeba muris in rat facilities. In addition, we found that the microbiological contamination of mice and rats in conventional facilities was severe. These results suggest that conventional facilities should be renovated and monitored regularly to decrease microbiological contamination. We also propose that hantavirus should be monitored in Korea as an important mouse pathogen.     

Genetic and morphological variability of the European mudminnow Umbra krameri (Teleostei,Umbridae) in Serbia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina,a basis for future conservation activities

As a basis for future conservation activities, the genetic and external body morphology variability of the European mudminnow Umbra krameri, a highly endangered fish species in Serbia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was determined for existing populations with the use of molecular markers (mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA) and geometric morphometric methods. Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene analysis revealed two previously undescribed haplotypes: Da1 (the Lugomir population from the Danube River basin) and Sa1 (the Bakreni Batar and the Gromi?elj populations from the Sava River system), with a corresponding genetic distance of 0·7%. Paired values of F_ST and D_AS distances for microsatellite marker data show that the difference between the Danube and the Sava populations is seven to nine times higher than the difference between the populations within the Sava River system. Geometric morphometric analyses also support a clear separation of the Lugomir population from the Bakreni Batar and the Gromi?elj populations. The analysis of the body shape variation, however, indicates a significant difference between the two genetically indistinguishable Sava populations. The observed genetic and phenetic relationships of the analysed mudminnow populations most probably represent a consequence of historical, geographical and ecological factors. These results will offer guidelines for future protection, conservation and sustainable management of this species in the region.     

The genus Omphreus in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro,with two new subspecies of O. morio (Coleoptera,Carabidae, Omphreini)

Two new ground beetle subspecies, Omphreus (Omphreus) moriosandelissp. n. (from Mts. Zelengora and Maglić, eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Omphreus (Omphreus) moriodurmitorensisssp. n. (from Mt. Durmitor, northwestern Montenegro) are here described and diagnosed. The male and female genitalia and other taxonomically important characters are illustrated. The new taxa are distinctly different from the nearest relatives and represent both endemics and relicts inhabiting limited high-altitude Dinaric areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. A key to Omphreus taxa from Montenegro and a key to subspecies of Omphreus (Omphreus) morio Dejean, 1828 are presented.