Editor-in-Chief: Husref Tahirović EDITORIAL CONTACT INFORMATION Acta Medica Academica Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bistrik 7, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel.: + 387 33 560 718; Fax.: + 387 33 560 703 Contact Person: Nerma Tanović; E-mail: amabih@anubih.ba This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.
Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Gastrocolic Trunk: Anatomical Variations and Surgical Significance
Objective. This review aims to summarize the Henle trunk configurations and tributary patterns presented in cadaveric, intraoperative, and imaging studies. Background. The Henle gastrocolic trunk is a highly variable venous structure formed by the confluence of the gastric, colic, and pancreatic veins. It has notable surgical importance, particularly during laparoscopic procedures, such as right colectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. Discussion. Twenty-one publications comprising 2,454 cases were analyzed to classify Henle trunk configurations and tributary patterns. The trunk was iden- tified in 92.5% of the cases, with the gastropancreatocolic (GPC) type being the most prevalent (73.1%). A total of 38 unique venous confluences were recorded, highlighting the considerable anatomical complexity and variability of the trunk. The Henle gastrocolic trunk is a common anatomical structure with significant heterogeneity in its venous configurations. The GPC type, most frequently formed by the confluence of the right gastroepiploic vein, the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein, and either the right colic vein or the superior right colic vein, predominates across cadaveric, intraoperative, and imaging studies. Understanding this variability is crucial for ensuring safe dissection during pancreatic and colorectal resections. Conclusion. Comprehensive knowledge of the Henle trunk anatomy and its variations enhances operative planning, minimizes the risk of vascular injury, and supports safer and more efficient minimally invasive abdominal surgery.
Copyright (c) 2026 Grigorios Stefanou, Dimosthenis Chrysikos, Dimitrios Filippou, George Tsakotos, Theodore Troupis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
A Rare Cadaveric Case Report of the Median Nerve Passing Through the Brachialis Muscle
Objective. To describe a rare cadaveric topographical variation of the median nerve (MN) involving an atypical relationship with the brachialis muscle (BM). Such variations, although uncommon, may complicate surgical procedures, regional anesthesia, and imaging interpretation. This report documents a variation in which the MN traverses the BM without providing motor innervation. Case Report. During the routine dissection of the right upper limb of a 75-year-old male donated cadaver, a unilateral (right-sided) topographical variation of the MN was identified. The MN diverged from its usual close association with the brachial artery (BA) and followed a medial and posterior course toward the BM. Within the middle third of the arm, the nerve penetrated a macroscopically distinct bundle of BM fibers, traversed the muscle belly, and exited in its distal third. Distally, the MN resumed a superficial course, re-approached the BA, and continued normally through the cubital fossa. No motor or accessory branches from the MN to the BM were identified during its intramuscular course. The surrounding muscle fibers closely encircled the nerve along its intramuscular segment, indicating a restricted anatomical corridor. The musculocutaneous nerve, BA, and the remaining neurovascular structures followed their typical anatomical pathways. Conclusion. This anatomical configuration may represent a potential anatomical substrate for proximal MN irritation or compression and may clinically resemble pronator teres syndrome. Awareness of such variants is important for clinicians evaluating MN neuropathies and for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists working in the anterior compartment of the arm.
Copyright (c) 2026 Georgios Paraskevas, Christos Lyrtzis, Georgios Trikoilis, Alexia Maistrellis, Maria Piagkou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Developmental Trajectories and Outcomes of Online Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies
Background. OCSA includes adult grooming or solicitation and peer electronic sexual coercion. Due to its negative conse- quences, it has become a public mental health concern. While prevalence is well established, the developmental timing of onset, predictors, and outcomes can only be clarified through longitudinal studies. Objective. This review synthesizes longitudinal evidence on online child sexual abuse (OCSA) in minors, with an emphasis on developmental timing, prospective risk and pro- tective factors, and downstream outcomes. Methods. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guide- lines. Eligible studies enrolled participants under 18 years of age at baseline, used a longitudinal design, and examined OCSA. Twelve studies were identified through database searches (2000-2025) and citation chasing, all of which were published from 2013 onwards. Discussion. The narrative synthesis identified that the risk for OCSA was concentrated in mid-adolescence. Peer electronic coercion rose through early-mid adolescence and plateaued around the age of 16-17. The cumulative onset reached approximately one in three by age 18. The predictors included depressive symptoms, maltreatment, adverse childhood experi- ences, and risky digital behaviors. Protective parental monitoring buffered escalation, especially in early adolescence. In terms of consequences, adult solicitation predicted poorer quality of life and emotional distress, whereas peer coercion increased depres- sion and delinquency. Bidirectional feedback loops emerged between adolescent sexting and adult solicitation. A school-based trial demonstrated that even brief prevention efforts can reduce the risk of OCSA. Conclusion. Longitudinal evidence suggests that OCSA follows an age-graded developmental pattern and is associated with potentially modifiable risk and protective fac- tors. Prevention should focus on mid-adolescent hazard windows, minority-sensitive support, family-based monitoring, and digital safety education. The proposed Developmental-Online-Trajectories of Sexual abuse (DOTS) framework integrates these findings to guide future research, practice, and prevention.
Copyright (c) 2026 Krešimir Prijatelj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cervical Cytology and Age in HPV-Infected Women in North Macedonia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Objective. HPV infection is a key etiological factor in cervical epithelial alterations and neoplasia. Its prevalence and cytological impact vary with age, co-infections, and screening practices. This study investigated the association between HPV infection, age, and cervical cytological findings in women from North Macedonia. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study included 300 women aged 26–66 years, who were screened over a 13-month period (June 2023–July 2024). The participants were divided into two age groups (26–36 and 37–66 years). All participants underwent Pap testing, HPV screening, and micro- biological evaluation. Ordinal regression analysis was used to examine the associations between age, microbial factors, and HPV positivity. Results. HPV prevalence was higher in the 37–66 group (12.33%) than in the 26–36 group (6.0%). However, younger age showed a stronger statistical association with HPV positivity (OR=2.10; P<0.1). Cytological abnormalities, particularly LSIL/CIN I, were more prevalent in HPV-positive participants. The use of conventional Pap smears was associated with lower HPV detection (OR=0.16; P<0.05). Co-infection with Candida spp. and atrophic inflammation were inversely associated with HPV positivity. Conclusion. This study confirmed the association between HPV infection and cytological changes, particularly in younger age groups. These results highlight the importance of age-tailored screening approaches and support the continued use of conventional Pap smears as cost-effective tools. Integrating virological and microbiological assessments may further re- fine cervical cancer prevention strategies, particularly in transitional healthcare systems across the Western Balkans.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vjollca Shabani, Mije Reçi, Veselievska Stojkovska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sociodemographic Characteristics of Patients with Schizophrenia: A ComparativeStudy with Healthy Controls
Objective. This study aimed to assess selected sociodemographic characteristics of patients with schizophrenia and compare them with those of a healthy control group, as well as within the group of patients with schizophrenia. Patients and Methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 400 patients with schizophrenia and 200 healthy controls from the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was made according to ICD-10 criteria, and sociodemographic data were obtained through structured interviews. Results. Individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to be older, less edu- cated, unemployed, single, and smokers compared to healthy controls. Among patients with schizophrenia, analyses controlling for age showed that gender was significantly associated with both age of onset and duration of illness, with significant gender- by-age interactions. Marital status was significantly related to age at onset and demonstrated a significant interaction with age in relation to illness duration. Education level was associated with age at onset but not with illness duration. No significant differences in illness onset were found across employment groups. Conclusion. Sociodemographic characteristics are closely associated with key clinical features of schizophrenia, including age at onset and illness duration. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender, marital status, and educational background when interpreting illness trajectories. The results further underscore the need for early intervention strategies, psychoeducation, and integrated social and healthcare support aimed at improving functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pejana Rastović, Marko Pavlović, Josip Kvesić, Ana Džidić Bevanda, Maja Pandža Topić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Treatment Stability of Warfarin and Acenocoumarol in Patients With MechanicalHeart Valves and Atrial Fibrillation: A One-Year Cohort Study
This study aimed to investigate which of the two vitamin K antagonists, warfarin or acenocoumarol, provides more stable anticoagulation control in patients with mechanical heart valves and atrial fibrillation. Patients and Methods. This was a prospective, one-year clinical cohort study. In total, 73 outpatients with mechanical heart valves and atrial fibrillation who were already treated with warfarin or acenocoumarol were recruited from the Blood Transfusion Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The prothrombin time target values, expressed as the international normalized ratio (INR), were 2.0–3.0/4.0. Numerical data between the treatment groups were summarized descriptively. Results. Patients in the warfarin (N=35) and acenocoumarol (N=38) treatment groups were similar in terms of sex, age, body mass index, body surface area, and number of concomitant drugs known to interact with vitamin K antagonists. The number of INR measurements per patient, number of INR measurements within the therapeutic range per patient, mean time interval between successive INR measurements, and mean INR values across consecutive measurements were similar in both groups. However, compared to acenocoumarol, warfarin treatment seemed to be associated with more stable anticoagulation, i.e., with a higher mean time in the therapeutic range (TTR) (76.1±24.2 vs. 69.1±21.5%) and a smaller proportion of patients below all predefined TTR thresholds (<60%, <65%, and <70%). Conclusion. Our unadjusted descriptive results suggested that warfarin, compared to acenocoumarol, may provide more stable and therefore safer anticoagulation control in patients with mechanical heart valves and atrial fibrillation. To confirm this, larger prospective clinical studies are needed in patients with mechanical heart valves with or without atrial fibrillation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Šahza Hajdari Toskić, Asija Mević, Aida Kulo Ćesić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Subpopulations of B- And T-Lymphocytes and NK (Natural Killer) Cells (LGL – Large Granular Lymlphocytes) in Patients With Infectious Mononucleosis
In a group of 54 patients with verified diagnoses of infectious mononucleosis values of leukocytes, lymphocytes and atypical mononuclear cells (AMNC) in the peripheral blood were measured and the number of B-lymphocytes, T11 T4, T8-lymphocytes and large granular lymphocytes (LGL) and NK (natural killer) cells respectively identified and determined by appropriate immunological tests. Maximal leukocyte values in the peripheral blood did not exceed 14 x 109/1 and were recorded in the first three weeks of the disease. Lymphocytes and AMNC were predominating cells in the differential leukocyte formula. Their maximal values amounted up to 88 percent and were largest in the first three weeks of the disease. The values of antibodies to VCA (viral capsid antigen) and of antibodies to EBNA (Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen) were in accord with data reported in the literature. In direct immunofluorescence tests (polyvalent and monovalent anti-immunoglobulin antibodies) we found increased values of B-lymphocytes, which culminated in the first week of the disease. In most cases we recorded elevated values of B-lymphocytes which carried on their membranes IgG 4 + IgM + IgA or IgG + IgM. The rise B-lymphocyte values was most likely due to the action of EB virus as polyclonal activator of B-cells resulting in their proliferation and differentiation. In indirect immunofluorescence tests with use of anti-TH, anti-T4 and anti-T8 monoclonal antibodies we found increased Tll-lymphocytes values and marked rise in the values of suppressor-cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (T8) throughout the entire duration of the disease. There was also a mild upward trend in the values of T-helper lymphocytes (T4). Infection of B-lymphocytes with EB virus was accompanied by intensive immune stimulation and the activation of, and increase in the values of, T-lymphocytes, in the first place of those with a cytotoxic and suppressor function (T8), which also seemed to have been primarily activated. The tendency of a light increase in T-helper lymphocytes (T4) values might have been the result of the activation of this subspecies of T-lymphocytes in acute infectious mononucleosis. In the smears of whole blood and in the smears of separated lymphocytes, and with the use of monoclonal NKH’ antibodies, we found increased values of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) and NK (natural killer) cells, respectively, which tallies with the results reported by other researchers. The increase in the mean values of NK cells was greatest between the fifteenth and thirtieth days of the disease. An intact function of NK cells is a precondition for normal protection against herpes simplex virus, so that these cells would behave in a similar way also against Epstein-Barr (EB) virus. NK cells alone could directly act on EB virus-infected B-cells, thus immediately taking part in defence processes, and could together with activated cytotoxic T-cells act on the plasma cells whose appearance is the result of virus-induced transformation of B-lymphocytes and could eliminate them. T-suppressor lymphocytes would restrict the growth of EB virus-infected B-cells by acting antiproliferously.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nijaz Softić, Tatjana Jeren https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Alprenolol Metabolites Structure Study by Using the Method of Gass Chromatography — Mass Spectrometry
Alprenolole is subject to a fast-metabolic transformation like other beta blocking agents. Until now 4-hidroxy alprenolol and N-dcsizopropyl alprenolol are identified as products of such metabolic transformations. In the paper Identification of methoxy-hydroxy alprenolol, a new metabolite of alprenolol, performed by selective derivatization and GC-MS structure examination. is described.
Copyright (c) 2026 Meliha Lekić, Ljiljana Kudra, Miroslav Šober, Branko Nikolin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Influence of Pharmaceutical Dosage Form on Quality of Therapy
Some biopharmaceutical factors related to drug dosage form were presented. These factors might influence the rate and extent of absorption, changing thus time of onset, intensity and duration of pharmacodynamic effect.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sabira Hadžović, Jela Milić-Aškrabić, Aida Mehmedagić, Ljiljana Savković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Deterioration of pharmaceutical products, especially those containing water, may result from Chemical changes, oxygen, light, moisture and microorganism contamination. Those changes can be prevented or minimised by addition of a suitable antioxidant or an antimicrobial preservative. Their properties, potential side effects and interactions are discussed in this paper. Many pharmaceutical products ought to be coloured for psychological and practical reasons, which is very important both for the patient and industrial pharmacist. Colouring agents, used as colours for pharmaceutical preparations have been reviewed in this paper.
Copyright (c) 2026 Biljana Ivković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Quality Assurance for Drugs — Yugoslav Pharmaceutical Industry Situation in Relation to WHO Requirements
Analysis of situation in Yugoslav pharmaceutical industry is described from the point of view of quality assurance introducing. A critical review to legal regulations in the area of drug manufacturing in relation to EEC, FDA and WHO requirements is given and quality assurance system and WHO requirements for manufacture certification are presented. A support is given to the trend of activities taken by other European countries, which are preparing themselves carefully to resist the challenge of requirements regarding EUROPA 92 supported by harmonized standards and rules.
Copyright (c) 2026 Slavko Marković, Dženana tatarević https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Good Laboratory Practice a Process to Assure Reliable Data in the Testing of Chemicals
Good laboratory practice is an expression of a need for harmonization of the work in laboratory Services to ensure adequate product quality. The system of laboratory work should be accompanied by an inspection and study audit. The document Principles of Good Laboratory Practice in Chemicals investigation, adopted by the OECD Council in 1981, represents a basis for international exchange of information of toxicological and other data. The GLP includes responsibilities in management, quality of work, facilities, documentation, study plan, objectives of the study, equipment, personnel etc. The inspection and study audit on GLP performance should be realized through relevant authority (government).
Copyright (c) 2026 Milan Škrlj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Specific Properties of the Drugs Produced by Dna Recombinant Biotechnology
Products produced by DNA recombinant biotechnology processes may be considered a new possibility in the field of therapy. In the period from 1985 to 1989 the following recombinant DNA drugs were approved: human insulin, human growth hormones, interferon alpha 2a and 2b, interleukin 2, alteplase, muromanab CD 3, erythropoietin and hepatitis B vaccine. Many new products are being developed. Since a number of peptides and proteins are rapidly destroyed in the body, new formulations and systems have been developed in order to increase the steady drug concentration in blood circulation or locally at the site of application, further, to increase the efficacy of drugs and to minimize the incidence and severity of adverse side effects. The proteins and peptides are unable to reach secluded organs or sites where the therapeutic effect is desirable, therefore more selective routes of administration than the venous one is being introduced. The cost of some biological drugs may result in their limited use, thus guidelines for a proper administration have been issued.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anton Štalc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Quantitative Determination of Tannins in Plants of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The quality of medicinal herbs containing tannin as an active component depends on the kind and content of tannin. Tannin is determined by using various methods which are usually mentioned in pharmacopoeias. In our paper we examined the content of tannin in plant material using the following methods: a method according to Ph. Yug. II, Ph. Yug III, Ph. Yug IV, a method with casein, a method of precipitation with brucine, and a method of relative astringency (RA) determination (tbl. 1 and 2). Our results showed that the obtained values of the content of tannin depended on the method which was used. Therefore, it is necessary to specify the method with the obtained value for the content of tannin. In spite of numerous examinations of the content of tannin in the plant material which were performed by the authors, it was difficult to determine the best method since, beside tannin, there were other phenolic and also non-phenolic substances in the plant material more or less influencing the content of tannin. The results obtained in this paper contribute to a better knowledge of the analytics and quality of tannin and the plant material which contains tannin as an active component.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jela Grujić-Vasić, Tamara Bosnić, Salko Ramić, Sejfudin Tokić, Sulejman Redžić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Autobioassay in the Quality Control of Drugs
Autobioassay can be used in analyses of drug effects in two ways. It can be used as an instrument or as a place of drug activity. In the first case it can replace a lacking apparatus and in the second case it can show the effect of drugs that could not otherwise be recorded. By autobioassay on isolated organs an analysis of exogenously added drugs is meant with a simultaneous stimulation of pertaining motor nerves. By applying autobioassay with isolated tissues vivisection can be avoided, especially the one done by repetition, to satisfy certain standards. The described IIO can be used in analyses of neurotransmission and cotransmission. Autobioassay can be used in the quality control of drug effects.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seid Huković, Nedžad Mulabegović, Elvedina Kapić, Iris Rajman, Biljana Ivković, Nedim Huković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
In the year of the quality of health care quality of drug research was stressed. One of the first steps in the pharmacological evaluation of substances is in vitro investigation. The isolated organs with extrinsic and intrinsic nerve electrical stimulation could be used to get the results for the first decision about the quality of future drugs. Using the isolated organs with a simultaneous stimulation of their motor nerve, the danger of false-positive or false-negative results could be decreased. It is a danger to accept substance for further investigation or to abandon the substance which could be a useful future drug. The isolated and innervated organs as model-systems could help to make adequate decisions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seid Huković, Dubravka Potkonjak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Copyright (c) 2026 Jela Grujić-Vasić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Application of the Method of Chromatographic Identification of Lipid Compoments of Tissue in Ecotoxicology
In the work we tried to describe the method of detection and quantitative chromatogram analysis of neutral lipids extracted from different tissue extracts obtained from 6 types of fishes. This technique can be applied for the identification and characterization of lipid tissue components in the species exposed to exotoxin. The method of detection and chromatogram analysis involves detection on photo-material, densitometry. The results of quantitative analysis of neutral lipids which are presented in 6 tables show a high degree of reproducibility and are compatible with those obtained with classical analytical and quantitative methods. Qualitative analysis of phospholipids showed that phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidyl ethanolamine represent the types of lipids which dominate in all the types of tissues. This corelates well with Smirnov’s (1970) and Femagalli’s (1976) results that also detected same tissue types in the fishes of different sorts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Koviljka Stojkov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Organic Substances Identification in the Atmosphere of the City of Zenica Using the Method of Chromatography — Mass Spectrometry
The location of metallurgic complex, together with power plants and coke production in an urban centre, results in an appropriate atmospheric pollution part of which are organic compounds in a significant amount. A long-term exposit ion to some organic compounds may result in chronic toxic or genotoxic effects, so identification of such compounds means a necessity in planning of permanent monitoring. It was the aim of this paper. Concerning Lite nature of air pollution in this case, various classes of organic compounds were expected in atmosphere which caused a different sampling procedure to be applied. Samples were collected on glass fibre filters, activated charcoal, silica-gel Layers, on filters made of specially prepared coal tissue and in impinges filled with toluene. The identification was performed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography — mass spectrometry. Alkyl substituted phenols, alkyl derivatives of benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their alkyl derivatives, normal, branched and cyclic alkanes and alkenes, aminonaphthalenes, aliphatic alcohols and ketones and heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen and sulphur were identified.
Copyright (c) 2026 Branko Nikolin, Miroslav Šobe, Milan Tomljenović, Meliha Lekić, Igor Davor Gaon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Effects of the Toxins on the Isolated Innervated Human Ureter
Ureteral motility was studied in isolated innervated human ureter preparations after adding various toxins. Ureters were removed during surgery. Contractions were monitored and recorded isometrically after an electric stimulation. Investigated organic solvents were benzene, xylene and trichlorethylene. Preliminary results indicate that benzene and trichlorethylene decreased the height of the induced contractions in a dose dependent way. Xylene increased the height of the induced contractions without affecting the base line tone. Such a preparation has not been used in toxicological investigations so far. The results of preliminary investigations with isolated innervated human ureter are presented in this paper. This preparation seems to be useful in further toxicological investigations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Iris Rajman, Boris Vujović, Seid Huković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Pharmacological Methods in Toxicology on the Isolated Innervated Organs From the Mouth
Isolated and innervated organs from the mouth were prepared. They were striated muscles from the tongue and from the farinx. They were prepared with the motor nerve and set up in an isolated organ bath. The induced contractions were recorded and the xenobiotics-ecotoxins were injected. The toxins were benzene and derivatives, trichlorethylene, mercury and lead. It was found that they increase the effect of nerve stimulation, they increased the height of induced contractions, depending on concentration. The explanation of the effect was that they inhibit enzymes and they free the neurotransmitters.
Copyright (c) 2026 Elvedina Kapić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ecotoxicological Risc Investigation of Inhaled Light and Heavy Benzine Vapours as Well as Trichloroethylene in the Course of Gestation
Organic dissolvers from the group of petroleum hydrocarbons (light and heavy benzines) were investigated as well as trichloroethylene, and their influence on the process of embryogenesis and neuromuscular transmission in rats. 16 female rats of the Wistar species (160 experimental and 56 controlling) were used. During the first and the second gestation period the experimental females were treated with organic dissolvers in an inhalator dose of 0.5/4500 ml. Clinical signs of intoxication and haematologic changes were observed in the course of the experiment. Two to three days before delivery half of the experimental females were killed, and their foetuses investigated and taken out. The stomach and the urinary bladder were isolated from females, their young’s and foetuses, and the neuromuscular transmission was investigated. The results of the investigation showed that all the examined organic dissolvers caused clinical signs of intoxication in the gravid females with changes of haematologic parameters. Trichloroethylene only influenced the process of development causing the birth of the young of a reduced weight and deaths. Ali the examined organic dissolvers manifested an inhibitory effect on the neuromuscular synapsis function of the foetuses, young and grown females.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jasna Đuričić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Risk Assessment of Exposition to Heavy Metals on Cells of Chicken Embryo and Tissue Cultures in Ecotoxicology
The effects of metal ions — Ag+, Fe++, Sb++ on the hen embryo and tissue culture in final concentrations of 10-1 — 10-5 M was studied. Each concentration, soluted in 0,2 ml, was inoculated in the tissue of hen embryo, in amnion and in yolk sac as well as in tissue culture in vitro cells HeLa and GMK lines. Fe++, the essential element in the animal and in the human body and Ag+ and Sb++, which normally are not present as essential biological elements, manifested considerable differences in their toxical effects on the cell hen embryo as well as on the continual cell lines HeLa and GMK. It was observed stronger and faster toxicological effects of Ag+ and Sb++ than Fe++, which manifested their toxicological effects already first day after application regardless of the method of metal application. The death of embryo was evident very quickly after inoculation of metal ions into amnion and into the yolk sac. The toxically effects of Ag+ and Sb++ were faster manifested in the cell culture, where Ag+ and Sb++ caused the death of cells in the solution of 10-1 — 10-2 and 10-3 M, but Fe++ showed the same effects only in concentration of IO-1 M. It was observed that inoculation of those metal ions in amnion of the hen embryo caused a faster death of cells than the inoculation of the same metals in yolk sac.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marija Keser-Stanković, Danica Hlača, Dragan Stanković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ecotoxicologic Investigation of Interaction of Lead and Antidots on Neuromuscular Transmission
Ali tested antidots used in our experiment manifested modification effects on neuromuscular transmission. In interaction with Pb++ the effects of antidots were different. AET first caused an increase of tonus and then decreased it with a significant decreasing effects on the height of muscular contraction. In interaction with Pb++ spastic action of AET failed. Cistamin decreased tonus and height of contraction of isolated ileum. In interaction with Pb++ cistamin caused neither change in tonus nor in height of contraction of isolated ileum. EDTA caused an increase of tonus of isolated ileum, but the height of contraction was not significantly changed. In interaction with Pb ions the reaction of isolated ileum was changed. Tonus showed a decrease to the control value (base line), but relative height of contraction left unchanged. D-penicilamid caused an increased tonus and a decreased relative height of contraction of isolated ileum. In interaction with Pb++ tonus was decreased up to the base line, but the height of contraction showed gradual decrease to the control line.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marija Keser-Stanković, Dragan Stanković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Estimation of Effects of Heavy Metals on Membrane and Action Potential
Using the technique of intracellular membrane potential registration membrane potential was measured, of the smooth muscle cells in standard Tyrode solution in the presence of Mn2+, Cd++ and Pb++ as well as in acalcic Tyrode solution without Ca++ but in the presence of Mn+ + and Cd"*. Mn+ + in final concentration of 10-5 — 10-3 M in standard Tyrode solution rt the beginning caused a mild decrease of rest potential and the decrease to reach 72°/o of the start value at the end of the first minute. However, from the second minute after application of Mn++ the rest potential was Progressive by regenerated and at the end of the eight minute it reached its start value. Ca++ added in concentration of 1,5 mM caused hyperpolarisation of 10% over the start value. If Mn++ were added in acalcic solution, during the first minute of acalcic State rest potential decreased to 65% of the start value. From the second minute of the application of Mn++ membrane potential was regenerating and during the fourth minute it reached the start value. In the course of this experiment gradual hyperpolarisation was observed which reached 36% over the start value. Ca++ added in Tyrode solution in concentration of 1.5 mM caused further hyperpolarisation to 57% over the start value. Pb++ added in the final concentration 10-5 — 10-1 M in the standard Tyrode solution caused irreversible decrease of the membrane potential to 64% of the start value, this partial depolarisation was maintained during the experiment without tendency to a regeneration of the rest potential. Cd++ in the standard Tyrode solution in concentration 10-5 — 10-3 M caused a mild initial hyperpolarisation. In acalcic solution the rest potential in the presence of Cd++ showed the Progressive decrease to 56% of the start value. No tendency of the regeneration of membrane potential was observed. Using the methods of electrostimulation and oscillography analysis of four essential parameters of the compound action potential, the effects of Hg++ on the excitable cell membranes of isolated frog sciatic nerves were studied. The results showed that Hg++ in concentration of 5 mM caused a strong depression of amplitude of action potential, an increase in threshold excitation and prolongation of latency. The changes of amplitude of the action potential and latency were reversible, but the effects of Hg++ on threshold excitation were prolonged.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marija Keser-Stanković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Methods of Investigation of Mycotoxicoses in Ecotoxicology
The author reviewed the mycotoxicosis in people and animals from the first suspected and/or diagnosed diseases to the newest ones through the description of evolution of the process and methods for the determination and diagnosis. Modern methods for determination of mycotoxins and the complete proceeding from the determination of moldiness of the substrate are cited, through the isolation of causal molds, toxinogenicity of isolates, determinations of their metabolites and their effects on various substrates, determination of LD 50 and other effects on various models in biological tests. Then an epicritical discussion on some diseases still suspected as mycotoxicosis is given, why mycotoxins are not chemically yet determined, neither biological effects proved.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ladislav Ožegović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Alternatives to Animal Experiments in Risk Assessment of Xenobiotics and Ecotoxins Using Isolated Organs
Xenobiotics and ecotoxins should be toxicologically defined in spite of their great number in environment, industry and laboratories. There are two obstacles for the toxicological examinations of xenobiotics and ecotoxins. The first one is expensiveness, animals and time consuming. The second obstacle is antiviosectionist movement. The use of isolated organs with their motor nerve stimulations could be alternative to the whole animal experiments >n ecotoxicological risk assessments. The isolated innervated organs described were with extrinsic and intrinsic motor nerve stimulation. It was recommended to use four preparations with extrinsic nerves, and they were: oesophagus, stomach, urinary bladder and duetus deferens taken out from the mice. If the guinea-pigs were used fourth organ could be ileum instead of stomach. More than 50 xenobiotics were analysed in order to improve the method for toxicological investigation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seid Huković, Nedim Huković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Metode toksikologije in vitro u procjeni rizika za čovjeka i njegovu okolinu u ekotoksikološkom monitoringu
Copyright (c) 2026 Dragomir Stanković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Elongacija donjih ekstremiteta metodom epifizarne distrakcije
Copyright (c) 2026 Zdravko Trolić, Nikola Milićević https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Thickening of the Tibia by Using the Ilizarov Method
The thickening technique and results of shin thickening and lengthening are presented in the paper. The deficiency of shin length varied from 1,5 to 4,5 Cm. The thickening was done with multiple osteotomies of fibula and lateralisation of it as well as separation of the tibia medial lamina and “pulling” it to the medial side successively. The results were: equalisation of shin lengths completely and enlargement of muscle circumference up to 14 Cm.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nikola Milićević, Safet Čibo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/