Table of contents

Determination of Sulfites in Fruit Juices and Meals for Infants and Toddlers Original Scientific Article

Marjanović, A., Đeđibegović, J., Lugušić, A., Šober, M.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2021.56.01

UDK: 615.9:663.81-053.3

Abstract: Plants possess various intrinsic mechanisms necessary to accumulate and either sequester or detoxify soil contaminants, including radionuclides. The aim of this study was to determine the bioconcentration factor of two fast growing plants Salvia offlicinalis L. (sage) and Ocimum basillicum L. (basil) that were cultivated in pH neutral soils artificially contaminated with three different concentrations of uranium (211, 352 and 470 mg/kg). The efficiency of citric acid was evaluated with respect to the enhancement of the phytoextraction process. The results showed that the bioconcentration factor did not differ significantly between the selected species (0.01 - 0.03). Citric acid was added in doses (50 mL, 30 mM) until the first effects of uranium phytotoxicity appeared. After four doses of citric acid, the bioconcentration factor reached 0.05 for both plants. The increase of uranium content taken up by the respective plants was more pronounced. Thus, the uranium content of sage grown in contaminated soil (470 mg/kg) increased from 6.03 to 21.28 mg/kg in citric acid-treated soil. The data obtained confirmed the efficiency of citric acid in enhancing phytoextraction of uranium and further suggest that even plants of a rather small biomass can be useful in phytoremediation given the appropriate treatment through induced phytoextraction with appropriate chemical agents.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 56, 1-6.

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The Determination of Total Serum Bilirubin Concentration in Type 2 Diabetes patients Original Scientific Article

Mandal Šaćira

Abstract: Bilirubin represent a natural end-product of heme metabolism and is used as as a marker in diagnosis off hepatobiliary diseases. Recent studies demonstrated that serum bilirubin levels are related to the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) development and subsequent complications. The aim of this study was to analyzed serum total bilirubin concentrations and its relationship with biochemical and clinical characteristics in T2D patients. Total of 109 participants were included in this study, 54 controls and 55 diabetic patients, both gender, while ages ranged from 35 to 70 years. Biochemical parameters were analyzed by standard IFCC methods while serum total bilirubin concentrations was determined by the method of Jendrassik/Gróf. All analyses and measurements were provided by using the chemical analyzer VITROS 350. Results showed a significant difference in concentrations of glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol) and bilirubin between T2D patients and controls (p<0.05). Also, significant association was found between bilirubin and glucose concentrations in two investigated populations (p<0.05). It appears that elevated concentration of bilirubin and biochemical characteristics are associated with the progression development of Type 2 diabetes and its related vascular complications. Therefore, total serum bilirubin concentrations could be used as potential T2D biomarker and therefore, as new therapeutic target.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 56, 7-12.

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The Content of Essential and Toxic Metals in the Hair of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders Original Scientific Article

Pilić, S.,^a Kalić, E.,^a Selović, A.^b

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2021.56.03

UDK: 615.9:612.799-056.34(497.6)

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the possible relationship between the content of essential and toxic metals in the hair samples with the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Taking into account the age and gender of the child, in the study and control group, the samples were divided into three subgroups (1-5 years; 6-9 years; 10-14 years). Altered profiles of the values of the Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb in the study group were observed in comparison with the control group children with typical neuromotor development. Higher values of toxic metal concentrations (Co, Ni, Cd, Pb) were found in boys, compared to the girls in the study group. The content of Pb in the study group was higher in all three ages compared to their controls, with the difference being especially pronounced in the age group 1-5 years (6.64 mg/kg; 1.89 mg/kg). A strong correlation between the content of Pb and Cd (0.93) was confirmed. Lower values of Cr concentration and higher of Ni, Cu and Fe were recorded in the study group. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found in Zn concentrations (6-9 years; 10 -14 years) between the control and study groups. The findings help highlight the role of heavy metals as environmental factors in the etiology of ASD.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 56, 13-20.

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Serum levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants in female dementia patients with respect to the degree of cognitive impairment Original Scientific Article

Lepara, O.^a, Ibragić, S.^b*, Rebić, D.^c, Zukić, E.^d, Krupić, F.^e, Džubur, A.^f, Fajkić, A.^g, Pepić, E.^g, Novaković, A.^d, Gojak R.^h

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2021.56.04

UDK: 612.015:616.894-052

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the severity of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) and the serum antioxidant status of uric acid (UA), albumin (ALB) and bilirubin (BIL) in female patients. The cross-sectional study included 90 subjects, aged ≥65, divided into three groups: 30 patients with AD, 30 patients with VD and 30 control subjects. For cognitive assessment, all participants underwent the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Serum concentrations of ALB, UA and BIL were determined spectrophotometrically. The AD patients had a significant decrease of UA and increase of serum BIL. Upon stratification according to the degree of cognitive impairment, lower UA concentrations were found in patients with severe cognitive impairment, whereas increased BIL was found in patients with moderate cognitive impairment. Patients with VD were characterized by hypoalbuminemia and upon stratification this finding was evident among patients with severe cognitive impairment. The MoCA score correlated positively with BIL in AD patients. The obtained data supports the protective role of serum antioxidants in the pathogenesis of dementia. Further on, we suggest further longitudinal research to confirm the combined use of these parameters as potential biomarkers in AD and VD.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 56, 21-28.

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Relationship between platelet indices and lipid status in chronic hookah consumption Original Scientific Article

Kurtović A.^a, Fajkić A.^b, Pepić E.^b, Pleho-Kapić A.^b, Lepara O.^c, Lazzari D.^d, Milaimi A.^d, Milaimi A.^d, Meštrovac A.^d, Dervišević A.^c, Mačkić-Đurović M.^e, Mušanović J.^f

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2021.56.05

UDK: 688.932-056.83 : [616.155 + 611.1]

Abstract: Hookah smoking is a growing trend, both in the world and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this study was to determine the value of platelet indices in hookah smokers and find out associations with lipid profile. Cross-sectional study included 60 students (30 chronic hookah smokers and 30 non-smokers). The complete blood count (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte and platelet indices), lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C) were determined.  The platelet count, mean platelet volume and MPV/Platelets ratio were statistically significantly higher in chronic hookah consumers in the student population than in the control group (p <0.001). In addition, platelet count was in significant positive correlation with values of total cholesterol, LDL-C and negative correlation with value of HDL-C, while there was a significant negative correlation between mean platelets volume, and MPV/Platelets ratio with  HDL cholesterol levels in chronic hookah smokers (p <0.05). These findings suggest that chronic hookah consumption could be associated with the development of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels, which could lead to the development of long-term consequences on the cardiovascular system's function.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 56, 29-34.

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Seeking the right balance between three teaching approaches: a quasi-experimental study in the context of learning about thermal phenomena Original Scientific Article

Kolenda, D., Vidak, A.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2021.57.01

UDK: 542-053.5:37.018.2

Abstract: In this study, we investigated which teaching approach may be optimal to facilitate learning about thermal phenomena in primary school. Concretely, we conducted a pretest-posttest quasi-experiment that included 45 eighth-grade students divided into three groups. In the first group (a non-interactive teacher-centered approach), the teacher gave an experiment-based lecture on converting thermal energy into mechanical work. In the second group (a teacher-centered interactive approach), the teacher gave the same experiments-based lecture, but interacted much more with the students and encouraged them to think about the demonstrations. Finally, in the third group, the student-centered interactive approach was applied. The results of the ANCOVA showed that the three teaching approaches were equally effective in developing students’ understanding of thermal phenomena. However, closer analyses showed that students who learned from the teacher-centered interactive approach significantly outperformed their peers when it came to understanding basic thermal concepts approach, students worked in small groups to conduct the same experiments and “discover” the same relationships that the teacher had introduced in the previous one.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 57, 1-8.

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Occurrence of the heavy metals and PCBs in Accumulation Lake Modrac Original Scientific Article

Marjanovic, A., Djedjibegovic, J., Omeragić, E., Sober, M.

Abstract: The accumulation Lake Modrac is a particularly important source of drinking water for inhabitants of the Tuzla region and few local settlements.The most significant point sources of organic contaminants in the accumulation Lake Modrac are waste water from households and industry. In this area, most of the settlements have neither sewage systems nor facilities for waste water treatment. Other potential point sources of pollutants are industrial plants. The most prominent are coal mines (Banovići and Đurđevik), metal and wood industry, plant for plastic production, and  oil and oil derivatives warehouse.Few previously conducted surveys in the region showed the presence of the persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in large extent. The objective of this study was to conduct a water quality survey targeting selected inorganic (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and As) and organic pollutants in the accumulation Lake Modrac in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The content of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) determined with ELISA test, ranging from  3.23 to 6.19 µg/L (sum of 7PCBs).The most abundant metals (analyzed by graphite furnace AAS and mercury analyzer) at all five sampling locations were Pb (6.79-36.58 µg/L); Ni (5.81-10.43 µg/L) and Hg (1.08-6.10 µg/L).

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 56, 9-16.

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Smoking effect on the cadmium and zinc concentration in smokers and nonsmokers Original Scientific Article

Pepić, E., Šečić, D., Lepara, O., Kapić-Pleho, A., Kurtagić-Pepić, E., Mušanović, J., Metović, A., Džubur, A., Naser, N., Panjeta, M., Alić-Džubur, A., Voljevica, A.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2021.57.03

UDK: 613.84 [546.48:546.17]

Abstract: Studies have shown that cigarette smoking affects the accumulation of some heavy metals in certain tissues and metabolism of essential elements. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the concentrations of cadmium in the blood and urine and zinc in the urine of smokers and ex-smokers in relation to non-smokers, and to determine the possible influence of cadmium concentration on zinc excretion as an essential element. The study included 106 subjects. Subjects were regular smokers (n=51), ex-smokers (n=38) and non-smokers (n=17).  Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) with an electrothermal atomizer was used to determine cadmium. Zinc was determined by AAS with a flame atomizer. There was a significant difference in the values of cadmium in the blood between the groups: smokers and non-smokers (p<0.001), smokers and ex-smokers (p <0.001), and between ex-smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.045). There is a significant positive and strong correlation in the level of zinc and cadmium in urine per gram of creatinine, and as the level of cadmium increases, the level of zinc also increases (rho=0.781; p=0.001). The data indicate that cigarette smoking has been shown to be a factor that can increase cadmium levels to an extent that will significantly increase zinc excretion, or its increased loss.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 56, 17-26.

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Phenolic content and bioactivity of two sour cherry cultivars and their products  Original Scientific Article

Kazazic, M., Mehic, E., Djapo-Lavic, M.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2022.58.01

UDK: 547.56:634.233.002.2

Abstract: Bioactive compounds are produced as secondary metabolites in plants. Positive correlation between presence of bioactive compounds and health benefits of plants have been reported in many studies. Sour cherry contains high content of bioactive compounds, mostly polyphenols and anthocyanins. They are mostly consumed in fresh state, but are also used to produce jam, jelly, marmalade, juice, and syrup. Aim of this study was to evaluate total phenolic content, anthocyanins, as well as the antioxidant activity in two sour cherry cultivars and their products, jams and juice, prepared using traditional recipes. Total phenolic content was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity was assessed using ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. pH-Differential method was used to determine anthocyanin content. Marasca cultivar had higher content of phenols, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity than Oblačinska cultivar. Processing of sour cherries had a greater impact on the reduction of anthocyanin content but did not have significant effect on antioxidant activity.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 58, 1-6.

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Extractability of sodium ions from soil Original Scientific Article

Sulejmanović J., Jurković J., Ajanović T., Selović A., Nuhanović M., Ajanović A., Kovo K., Durić L., Botonjić M.

Abstract:  In this study, soil samples from two selected locations: “A” (alluvial soil) and “B” (clay loam) were analyzed. Chemical analysis of soil samples included determination of soil pH and soil suspension conductivity. Two different extraction methods were applied: shaking and ultrasound method for extraction of sodium ions from soil with three solvents (aqua regia, 5% CH₃COOH and distilled water). The values of pseudo-total (extracted with aqua regia) and bioavailable Na content (extracted with 5% CH₃COOH and distilled water) in the soil sample “A” were in the range of 46.35-66.55 mg Na/kg; 14.77-18.59 mg Na/kg and 12.58-15.20 mg Na/kg of soil, respectively, by applying shaking method. By the same method, in the case of soil sample “B” the ranges were 17.15-75.66 mg Na/kg; 20.87-32.80 mg Na/kg and 4.62-20.33 mg Na/kg of soil, for the extraction by aqua regia, 5% CH₃COOH and distilled water, respectively. Ultrasonic extraction in all cases gained higher results compared to the shaking method. In general, the application of ultrasound shows a positive effect on the extractability of Na⁺ ions from soil samples.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 58, 7-18.

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Synthesis, IR characterization and antioxidant capacityof Cu(II) complexes with amino acids and melatonin Original Scientific Article

Ljubijankić, S., Galijaševic, S., Davidović-Plavšić, B., Balaban, M., Ljubijankić, N.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2022.58.06

UDK: 613.84 [546.48:546.17]

Abstract: Studies have shown that cigarette smoking affects the accumulation of some heavy metals in certain tissues and metabolism of essential elements. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in the concentrations of cadmium in the blood and urine and zinc in the urine of smokers and ex-smokers in relation to non-smokers, and to determine the possible influence of cadmium concentration on zinc excretion as an essential element. The study included 106 subjects. Subjects were regular smokers (n=51), ex-smokers (n=38) and non-smokers (n=17).  Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) with an electrothermal atomizer was used to determine cadmium. Zinc was determined by AAS with a flame atomizer. There was a significant difference in the values of cadmium in the blood between the groups: smokers and non-smokers (p<0.001), smokers and ex-smokers (p <0.001), and between ex-smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.045). There is a significant positive and strong correlation in the level of zinc and cadmium in urine per gram of creatinine, and as the level of cadmium increases, the level of zinc also increases (rho=0.781; p=0.001). The data indicate that cigarette smoking has been shown to be a factor that can increase cadmium levels to an extent that will significantly increase zinc excretion, or its increased loss.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 58, 19-32.

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Temporal evolution of electrical resistance through the granular packing of Ni beads  Original Scientific Article

Dujak, D., Đekić, M., Ćubela, D.

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2022.58.04

UDK: 538.9:537.311.6”71”

Abstract: In this paper we investigate the temporal evolution of the electrical resistance through different two-dimensional (2D) packings of Ni beads when 1 mA current is injected in them. In the first stages of measurements, resistance decreases towards a saturation value and it can be fitted with Mittag-Leffler function. Fitting parameters show that the relaxation dynamics does not depend on the type of the packing.  Different packings show differences in the initial values of the resistance which is attributed to the formation of new microcontacts during the formation of the new packing. Pauses in the flow of the current cause the resistance either to decrease, increase or remain the same, depending on the packing. Longer measurements show, that after the initial drop, the resistance starts to rise which can probably be attributed to the deterioration of microcontacts between the beads. Small variations in temperature do not affect the temporal evolution of the resistance.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 58, 33-38.

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Investigation of the effect of the addition H₂O₂ on the general corrosion of brass in hydrochloric acid Short Communication

Kasapović, D., Bikić, F. 

DOI: 10.35666/2232-7266.2022.58.05

UDK: 620.196[546.131:669.35'5]

Abstract: In this paper, the influence of hydrochloric acid and the addition of oxidizing agents on the rate of general corrosion of brass was investigated. For comparison, the corrosion rate of copper and zinc in hydrochloric acid and in hydrochloric acid with oxidizing agent was also tested. The Taffel extrapolation method was used to examine the general corrosion of brass, copper and zinc. The Taffel extrapolation method involves scanning potential of the working electrode of ±250 mV in relation to its open-circuit otential (EOCP), at a speed of 0.5 mVs-1. Investigation of corrosion was conducted in a corrosion cell according to the ASTM G5 (ASTM G5-94) standard, on a potentiostat/galvanostat instrument, Princeton Applied Research, model 263A-2, with PowerCORR® software, which is part of the Power Suite softwere package. The tests were performed at room temperature, 20±1°C. The results show that the corrosion rate of brass is higher in hydrochloric acid with oxidizing agent than the corrosion rate of brass in hydrochloric acid. Examining the effect of hydrochloric acid and the addition of oxidizing agent on the rate of general corrosion of brass, it was found that the corrosion of brass has caused the zinc contained in it. Corrosion of zinc is highest in 0.1 M HCl + 0.1 M H₂O₂ compared to corrosion of brass and copper in 0.1 M HCl + 0.1 M H₂O₂, where corrosion of copper is lowest in 0.1 M HCl + 0.1 M H₂O₂.

Bulletin of the Chemists and Technologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina 58, 39-42.

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