Phylogenetic Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Bosnian-Herzegovinian Population Over the Period of Two Years.

Background: All viral genomes, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, mutate over time, and some of these mutations can affect the characteristics of the virus, such as the ease of spread, the severity of the patient's clinical picture, or the effect of vaccines, therapeutic drugs, diagnostic tools or other measures of public health and social protection. Because of all the above, it is imperative to carry out continuous sequencing of this pathogen. Objective: The main goal of this research was to obtain the highest quality genomic sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, to compare the obtained sequences with the reference Wuhan-Hu-1 sequence and to obtain a high-quality genomic alignment in order to reconstruct the appropriate phylogenetic tree. Methods: For the purposes of this research, a next-generation semiconductor sequencing method was chosen. In this research, a total of 47 samples of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs from patients from the human population of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 were collected. Results: In the processed 47 samples, there are several monophyletic groups on the constructed phylogenetic tree, of which one sample belongs to the same monophyletic group as the Wuhan-Hu-1 reference sequence. Conclusion: The greater number of samples is needed for a more comprehensive approach. Therefore, the results of this research can act as a guideline for the design of effective measures and strategies in order to solve problems regarding future pandemics as efficiently as possible.

Haplogroup Prediction Using Y-Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeats in the General Population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Human Y-chromosomal haplogroups are an important tool used in population genetics and forensic genetics. A conventional method used for Y haplogroup assignment is based on a set of Y-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers deployed, which exploits the low mutation rate nature of these markers. Y chromosome haplogroups can be successfully predicted from Y-short tandem repeat (STR) markers using different software packages, and this method gained much attention recently due to its labor-, time-, and cost-effectiveness. The present study was based on the analysis of a total of 480 adult male buccal swab samples collected from different regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Y haplogroup prediction was performed using Whit Athey's Haplogroup Predictor, based on haplotype data on 23 Y-STR markers contained within the PowerPlex® Y23 kit. The results revealed the existence of 14 different haplogroups, with I2a, R1a, and E1b1b being the most prevalent with frequencies of 43.13, 14.79, and 14.58%, respectively. Compared to the previously published studies on Bosnian-Herzegovinian population based on Y-SNP and Y-STR data, this study represents an upgrade of molecular genetic data with a significantly larger number of samples, thus offering more accurate results and higher probability of detecting rare haplogroups.

Molecular diversity of 23 Y-chromosome short tandem repeat loci in the population of Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND: Tuzla Canton is the most populated region in the ethnically mixed territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose genetic analysis could provide an insight into past demographic events. AIM: Analysis of 23 Y-chromosome STR markers in the population of Tuzla Canton and investigation of the genetic relationship of the male population of the Tuzla Canton and that of the larger Bosnian and Herzegovinian population as well as neighbouring and other European populations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 100 unrelated healthy adult males from Tuzla Canton that have been genotyped using 23 Y-STR loci included in the PowerPlex Y23 kit. Statistical parameters such as haplotype diversity and allele frequencies were calculated, as well as the Rst-based genetic distances between the new dataset and those from Bosnia and Herzegovina and elsewhere, which were then visualised through multi-dimensional scaling plot and neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree analyses. RESULTS: The PowerPlex Y23 kit has shown high discrimination capacity, as all 100 individuals have unique haplotypes. The newly incorporated loci seem to be highly informative. Population comparison reveals no statistically significant differences between the study population and the general Bosnian-Herzegovinian population, and between the study population and neighbouring populations. CONCLUSION: These results could be used as an additional investigation of the genetic relationship between the regional populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighbouring human populations, as well as for further human population and forensic genetics studies.

Frequency of main western-Euroasian mtDNA haplogroups and paleolithic and neolithic lineages in the genetic structure of population of northeastern Bosnia.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations were analyzed in a sample of 245 individuals of Bosnian-Herzegovinian population from the area of Northeastern Bosnia (also known as Tuzla region). Haplogroup affiliation was determined using RFLP method (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analyzing haplogroup-specific markers of mtDNA coding region, characteristic for the main Western-Eurasian haplogroups. Additional analyses of two sequenced hypervariable segments (HVSI and HVSII) of mtDNA control region were performed in order to identify U subhaplogroups. The study revealed that 95.51% of the analyzed individuals belonged to the typical Western-Eurasian haplogroups: H, I, J, K, T U, V, W or X. The most frequent haplogroup in the analyzed population was the haplogroup H (52.65%) which, due to its increased frequency, represents a marking haplogroup of the population of Northeastern Bosnia. The results of intergroup genetic analysis showed that Bosnian-Herzegovinian population is genetically closer to previously studied populations of Herzegovinians (part of Bosnia and Herzegovina), Slovenians and Croats in relation to other neighboring populations located in Southeastern Europe. Our study also suggests that population genetic structure of Tuzla region is dominated by mutations that are classified as "Paleolithic". These mutations were probably brought to the area of northeastern Bosnia through waves of prehistoric and historic migrations, but the impact of any pre-Neolithic, Neolithic or some "later" migrations, with a slightly lower contribution to the genetic structure of this population, also cannot be neglected.

Molecular analysis: microsatellity instability and loss of heterozygosity of tumor suppressor gene in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers (HNPCC).

HNPCC (Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers) development is caused by mutation of genes included in system of mismatch repair genes. The mutation exists at 60% of patients in hMSH2 gene, 30% in hMLH1 and 10% both in hPMS1and hPMS2 genes. RER+ exists in about 90% in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and about 15-28% in sporadic cancers. The purpose of the study was to determine highly sensitive microsatellite markers which can be fast and efficient way of microsatellite screening for detection of HNPCC patients. Moreover, we have analysed the loss of heterozygosity of tumour suppressor genes which could have the diagnostic value in detection of HPNCC patients.

Familial adenomatous polyposis: analysis of genetic instability of microsatellites Loci and genetic alternations of tumor suppressor genes.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant illness with the highest risk for appearance of colorectal cancer's disease. In our study, we have used Bethesda criteria that define colorectal cancers which can be tested on microsatellite instability. The aim of our study is make an analysis of microsatellite instability (MSI), appearance of RER+ phenotype, genetic alteration of tumor suppressor genes as like as one of responsible factor for genesis of adenomatous polyposis. The base for this study were shown families with clinical diagnosed FAP. In this study two families with clinical diagnosed adenomatous polyposis were involved. Our study of both families showed that three tumor tissues belonged to RER negative phenotype, but only one belonged to RER positive phenotype. Microsatellite analysis showed instability of mononucleotide marker Bat 40 at 4 samples and Bat 26 at 2 samples, but Bat 25 and in 1 sample. Dinucleotide marker TP 53 did no show any microsatellite alterations. Genetic alteration of tumor suppressor gene APC appeared at 4 samples, p53 at 3 samples, RB1 at 2 samples and NM23 only at 1 sample, but tumor suppressor genes DCC1 and DCC2 were homozygote. Our results are agree with results of earlier studies and also the got results confirm the fact that loss of heterozygosity of tumor suppressor gene APC and p53 are responsible for genesis of adenomatous polypose and it also represents the characteristic of genetic changes FAP's patients in our region.

Microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity of tumor suppressor genes in Bosnian patients with sporadic colorectal cancer.

Considering its frequency, high mortality rate as well as many etiological mysteries colorectal cancer is a challenge to contemporary science. In our study we analyzed RER + and RER--phenotypes and their relations with clinical-pathological characteristics of sporadic colorectal cancers. We also analyzed genetic alterations of tumor suppressor genes as well as their relation with microsatellite instability. The study was based on 54 tumor samples and 54 samples of the surrounding healthy tissue of patients with colorectal cancer. According to Amsterdam Criteria and Bethesda Criteria 35/54 or 64,81% belonged in the group of sporadic colorectal cancer. Mononucleotide marker Bat 25 showed instability in 48,57%; Bat 26 in 45,71% and Bat 40 in 29/35 82,86% of tumor samples. Considering dinucleotide markers, TP 53 showed instability in 54,29% and DS123 in 37,14% of tumor samples. Genetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes were found in tumor tissue: NM 23 in 54,29% samples, p53 in 51,43%, APC in 51,43%, DCC2 in 34,29%, RB1 in 22, 86% and DCC 1 in 28,57%. Our studies confirmed that genetic instability had an important role in the development of tumor type. Our results showed that mononucleotide marker Bat 40 might be used for an easy and fast screening procedure in Bosnian population, because it exhibited high percent of microsatellite instability and was in relation with RER+ phenotype. This investigation showed that different genetic alterations may occur during cancer development in each individual patient's tumor. These changes result in MMR inactivation, which causes RER+ phenotype. Our results suggest a connection between alteration in some tumor suppressor genes and MSI phenotype of sporadic colorectal cancer in Bosnian population.

[Indicators of growth and development of boys from the community of Tuzla]. / Neki pokazatelji rasta i razvoja djecaka s podrucja opcine Tuzla.

Properties of growth and development of male children and youth were analyzed by the appropriate sample analysis, which involved total of 1.321 domiciles and refugees, on the researched region. This study included 9 successive school "generations", which were presented by chronologically ordered growths ranged from 10.5 to 19.5 years of age. They were analyzed concerning 6 standard and anthrophometrical properties. The analysis of the data gained its primarily based on the scientific elaboration of the noticed situation in the researched part of population in broader sense after one unnatural and extremely unfavourable period in growth and developing process for large majority of mentioned population. The aims of this study were: the analysis and definition of the principle indicators of growth and development of male children and youths in the Tuzla municipality, then 16 years accelerational trend in course of this period of the ontogenesis as well as the differences between domiciles and refugees. Though bad (war) living conditions had negative effects on ontogenesis of tested children and youths, it was established that growth and development of male children and youth in the region tested was going harmoniously and in limits of average European standards. It still seems that bad living conditions caused a temporary lagging behind in the growth and development, so in some growth categories (from 11 to 15 years) mean value increase could be noticed (for one number of tasted parameters) compared to the sample from 1980 year. Refugees presence caused something less mean values for most indicators. Sixteen year's acceleration trend for the most parameters was established in puberty when it was very clearly visible.