ACTA SCIENTIFICA BALCANICA

BODY ROUNDNESS INDEX AMONG ADULTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN BANJA LUKA

2025-04-23T10:30:44+02:00

The body roundness index is a novel anthropometric indicator used to assess body composition and predict the risk of various metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes, as a chronic metabolic condition, poses significant health risks, and both traditional and novel anthropometric indices are essential for evaluating its risk and progression. The aim of this study was to analyze body roundness index values among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Banja Luka and to examine sex differences. The results showed significant sex-based differences in body roundness index, with women having significantly higher values (6.03 ± 1.66) compared to men (5.26 ± 1.45; p = 0.002). Quartile analysis indicated a broader interquartile range for women (4.76–7.11) than for men (4.34–5.81), suggesting greater variability in body roundness index values among women. Additionally, a progressive increase in body roundness index was observed across body mass index categories, with significantly higher values among individuals with higher levels of obesity (p < 0.05). This study provides the first preliminary data on body roundness index among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this region, highlighting its potential utility in assessing body composition and metabolic risk in diverse populations.

FREQUENCY OF V600E MUTATION IN BRAF GENE AMONG PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC MELANOMA

2025-04-23T10:33:53+02:00

This paper presents an overview of the frequency of V600E mutation in BRAF gene among patients with metastatic melanoma during the period from 2014 to 2018 at the University Clinical Centre in Banja Luka. Detection of mutations in BRAF gene was performed on 393 FFPET (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) skin tissue samples using the BRAF test through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) a standardized method for clinical analyses. Histopathological and molecular analyses of all samples were conducted at the Laboratory for Immunohistochemical and Molecular Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Pathology, University Clinical Centre in Banja Luka. Study results clearly indicate that more than half of patients with metastatic melanoma carry V600E mutation in BRAF gene. Analysis confirms that high-quality quantity of DNA was successfully isolated from a large number of FFPET skin samples for mutation testing. Over the five-year study period, a statistically significant higher number of men than women were diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. Regarding the presence of mutations in the BRAF gene in relation to gender, frequency of BRAF+ and BRAF- samples was equal among men, while women had more BRAF+ samples compared to BRAF-. The average age of all patients with metastatic melanoma from the University Clinical Centre in Banja Luka was relatively low, only 58.62 years. The age group with the highest frequency of metastatic melanoma patients was between 55 and 65 years. BRAF V600E oncogenic mutations are among the most commonly identified molecular alterations in genomes of patients with metastatic melanoma and serve as the basis for selecting the best therapy. Detection of BRAF V600E mutations is an extremely applicable and widely used method that provides excellent results in clinical practice for selecting the optimal combination of cytostatic and treating metastatic melanoma today.

GROUP AND FRONTAL FORMS OF TEACHING PHYSICS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

2025-04-23T10:28:04+02:00

This paper presents research results based on different methods of teaching physics to middle school students, with a specific focus on comparing frontal instruction with group work organization. The research was conducted among second-year students attending the “Gimnazija Banja Luka” grammar school located in Banja Luka, during the 2023–2024 academic year, as part of lectures on the detection and effects of ionizing radiation. The goal of this research was to compare the results of students who attended classes taught through frontal instruction with those of students who participated in organized group work. The research results indicate that students who attended classes taught through frontal instruction were more successful and demonstrated greater knowledge on final tests related to the subject. It is concluded that frontal instruction is more efficient and successful in achieving the expected learning outcomes, while recommending different teaching approaches based on students' prior knowledge of the subject and individual characteristics in order to achieve better results. Further research is recommended to improve course materials and enhance knowledge acquisition among students.