Medical Sciences

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The Medical Sciences community showcases scholarly publications and research outputs authored by faculty and researchers in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This collection includes journal articles, working papers, conference proceedings, and other academic works that contribute to the understanding of theory, policy, and practice. It aims to promote open access to high-quality economic research conducted within the institution.

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A decade of civilian vascular trauma in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Jaha, Luan
Purpose: We sought to analyze the results of arterial injury management in a busy metropolitan vascular unit and risk factors associated with mortality and morbidity. Patients and methods: We analyzed 120 patient with arterial injury treated between year 2000 and 2010 at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. Seven of these years were prospective and three retrospective study. Results: The mechanism of arterial injury was stabbing 46.66%, gunshot wounds in 31.66%, blunt in 13.33%, and landmine in 8.33%. The most frequently injured vessel was the superficial femoral artery (25%), followed by the brachial artery (20.9%), crural arteries (13.1%), forearm arteries (14.3%), iliac arteries (7.5%), abdominal aorta (3.3%), common femoral artery (3.3%) and popliteal artery (3.3%). Associated injuries including bone, nerve and remote injury (affecting the head, chest, or abdomen) were present in 24.2% of patients. The decision to operate was made based on the presence of “hard signs” of vascular trauma. Arterial reconstruction was performed in 90.8% of patients, 5.8% of patients underwent primary amputation and 3.2% died on the operation table. Overall survival rate was 95.8%. Conclusion: Injuries to the arteries are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Mechanism of injury (blunt, gunshot, landmine or stub), hemodynamic stability at the admission, localization of injury, time from injury to flow restitution, associated injuries to the structures in the region and remote organs are critical factors influencing outcome.
A Self-Reported Study Toward Melanoma Knowledge, Protective Behavior and Personal Risk Among Nursing Faculty Students at AAB University of Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, Idriz
Introduction: In nowadays, melanoma is one of the major problems of public health all over the world. In Kosovo, the incidence of melanoma has shown irregular tendency with significant increases and decreases in the last five years. Aim: The aim of this paper was to detect the knowledge level of nursing students in Kosovo’s University (AAB University) regarding melanoma and its risk factors; to evaluate their knowledge about the protection and prevention methods of melanoma as one of the main topics of dermatology and major problems of public health worldwide nowadays. Of a great importance, it was to evaluate the necessity of establishing a dermatology course in nursing curricula in Kosovo universities, as nurses have a key role in educating and promoting health in the population. Methods: The training was conducted through slides, photos, videos and a questionnaire was used to collect the data before and after training. Data analysis was run through SPSS program version 20.0. Data were expressed through mean values and standard deviations. T-test, Anova and regression analysis were performed to test the relationship between the protective behaviors, knowledge, personal risk and level of concern. Results: Results indicated a low level of knowledge and a fairly poor protective behavior among the participants. Conclusion: On-going training and enrichment of school curricula emerged as an intervention to increase the awareness of the students toward potential risks of melanoma and ultimate change in the protective behavior.
Administration of Chemotherapy in University Clinical Center of Kosova by Nurses
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Tahiri, Shqipe; Sopjani, Idriz
Policy development on chemotherapy management has increased the demand for deeper knowledge in this field. In this way, there was a need to identify, recognize the consumption trends of chemotherapeutic and prioritize the interest of regulatory bodies, as well as to design programs for health education. In 1978 for the first time in Kosovo, a Hematology Department was established within the Internal Diseases Clinic by Dr. Shaban Geci. In 2013 it became a Clinic of Hematology. The Department of Clinical Hematology deals with the diagnosis of hematologic and hematopoietic diseases including erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets as well as malignant diseases. Within the department is also the location for puncture and biopsy of the bone marrow as well as for ultrasonography. Methods: The study was prospective and was conducted at University Clinical Center of Kosova (UCCK) and is based on an anonymous survey designed specifically for this purpose. The subject of the analysis was the available space for hospitalization and administration of chemotherapeutic at UCCK, the existence or not of written protocols, and available technical equipment. Results: Respondents were asked how many nurses handle the administration of cytostatic at the clinic where they work. 48% of respondents state that 1 - 5 nurses deal with cytostatic administration, 52% of respondents say 1 - 15 nurses deal with cytostatic administration, while alternatives 6 - 10 nurses and 16 and more nurses were not selected by no respondents.
AN OVERVIEW OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN KOSOVO
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, Sehad
The current situation in Kosovo with regard to radioactive waste management, a waste inventory, classification and interim storage based on IAEA recommendations is reported. There are more than 80 sealed radioactive sources out of use in the country, including radioactive lighting, other than radioactive waste generated in nuclear medicine departments. With the absence of essential information different methods were applied to identify the type of radionuclide and its activity. Methods for the safe management of different groups of waste, including interim storage, were determined using the IAEA’s waste classification scheme.
Assessment of Beam Quality in Some Radio Diagnostic Centers
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Kadiri, Sehad
In general, ionizing radiation and in particular X-rays plays a very important role in medical examinations for diagnostic purposes. The rapid growth of the number of procedures for diagnostic reason in medicine as a result led to increase the number of equipment for X ray generation, which consequently has increased the patients dose and in the same time is increased the risk of malignant diseases. Measurement parameters of quality assessment for X radiation generators are done at nine different diagnostic centers of public sector in Kosovo during the period 2014-2015. Measurements consist on accuracy of tube voltage, reproducibility of output voltage, total filtration of the x-ray tube and delivered radiation dose. Measurements were performed using Multimeter PTW NOMEX and DAP (Dose Area Product) Meter PTW Diamentor CM.
ASSESSMENT OF BURNOUT IN NURSING CLINICAL MENTORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SHKODRA DURING CLINICAL PRACTICE
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhija, Edona
Introduction: Burnout is a significant issue in healthcare, particularly among nursing professionals. Clinical mentors and nursing students are at heightened risk due to the dual pressures of clinical practice and teaching responsibilities. Aim: This study aims to evaluate burnout levels among clinical mentors at the University of Shkodra and identify contributing factors within the context of clinical practice. Objectives: The study assesses the impact of burnout on mentor performance. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. We used a standardized, structured, anonymous online questionnaire self-administered by clinical mentors and students. The inclusion criteria were the clinical mentors of the Faculty of Nursing of the University of Shkodra. The questionnaire was created with Microsoft Forms Office software and distributed via WhatsApp. The data were calculated through the Microsoft Office Excel 2010. The study period is November-December 2024. Results: Most participants were female (72%), and 56% held a bachelor’s degree. Nearly half (45%) of the clinical mentors reported needing more support and resources to manage the stress of mentoring. A significant proportion (65%) viewed mentoring as an additional burden rather than an engaging experience, while 31% felt pressured to balance their mentoring responsibilities with providing adequate support to students. Conclusions: Clinical mentors face considerable challenges, with many requiring additional resources and support to manage stress. The perception of mentoring as a burden rather than a rewarding experience may hinder their effectiveness. Addressing these issues is essential to improve mentor well-being and enhance the quality of mentoring in clinical practice.
Assessment of COVID-19 Fear in Five European Countries before Mass Vaccination and Key Predictors among Nurses and Nursing Students
(AAB College, 2025-07-15) Pulomemoj, Velide; Sopjani, Idriz
Background: Levels of fear have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The absence of a safe and effective vaccine for mass-vaccination deteriorates this situation, which has a significant impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess the feelings of fear among nurses and nursing students in five European countries. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five European countries (Greece, Albania, Cyprus, Spain, and Kosovo) before the start of mass vaccination in Europe. Data collection was conducted in December 2020–January 2021 using an online questionnaire for nursing students and professional nurses. Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) was used for measuring levels of fear. IBM SPSS version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study population included 1135 nurses and 1920 nursing students from Kosovo (n = 1085), Spain (n = 663), Greece (n = 534), Albania (n = 529), and Cyprus (n = 244). According to multivariable analysis, females (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.89–3.15), married (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.24–1.48), nurses (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.28–1.45) and those with a chronic disease (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.11–1.62) were more fearful of COVID-19. Conclusions: It is important to decrease fear in the population of nurses who are at the frontlines of the pandemic. The provision of appropriate education and training activities for nurses and students to manage their stress levels is of high importance. Future studies should focus on levels of fear after the administration of several safe and effective vaccines worldwide.
Association Analysis of Maoa and Slc6a4 Gene Variation in South East European War Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhibeqiri, Shpend
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the association of gene variations of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and the serotonin transporter solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) gene with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity and coping strategies in patients with war related PTSD. Subjects and methods: The study included 747 individuals who had experienced war trauma in the South Eastern Europe conflicts between 1991 and 1999. Genotyping of the MAOA VNTR and SLC6A4 tandem repeat polymorphism in combination with rs25531 was done in 719 participants: 232 females and 487 males. Among them, 369 have had current or lifetime PTSD and 350 have had no PTSD symptoms. For psychometric approach we used the Clinician Administrated PTSD Scale (CAPS), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the adapted Hoffman-Lazarus Coping scale and a basic socio-demographic data questionnaire. Results: There were no significant intergroup (PTSD versus non PTSD) differences in the genotype distribution of MAOA and SLC6A4 gene polymorphisms. The primary finding of our study was that the MAOA short allele (MAOA-S) was nominally significantly associated with the severity of PTSD symptoms in the total subgroup of participants with lifetime PTSD; males for symptoms of hyperarrousal and females with symptoms of re-experience and hyperarousal. In our research the male subsample with current PTSD and MAOA-S genotype had nominally significantly higher scores for some positive coping strategies compared to those carrying the long allele genotype (MAOA-L). There was no significant association between the severity of PTSD symptoms, BSI phenotype, coping scores and the SLC6A4 genotype. Conclusion: The present results support the notion that MAOA VNTR gene variation modulates development and recovery of posttraumatic stress disorder in a war traumatised population, but did not support a connection between SLC6A4 gene variations and war related PTSD
ASSOCIATION OF NEUROPEPTIDE S RECEPTOR 1 AND GLUTAMATE DECARBOXYLASE 1 GENE POLYMORPHISMS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhibeqiri, Shpend
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by highly traumatic experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) and the glutamate decarboxylase 1(GAD1) gene on PTSD and its psychopathological aspects among individuals affected by the Balkan wars during the 90s. Subjects and methods: This study was conducted as part of the South Eastern Europe (SEE) study on molecular mechanisms of PTSD. It comprised 719 participants (539 males), including those with current PTSD, remitted PTSD and healthy volunteers. Psychometric evaluation was performed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), the Clinician Administrated PTSD Scale (CAPS) andthe Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). We examined NPSR1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs324981 and GAD1 variant rs3749034 genotypes. Case-control analyses were carried out using logistical regression to determine genotype differences between all patients that had either current or remitted PTSD and control individuals. To analyse the influence of the analysed SNPs on PTSD severity, we performed linear regression analyses with CAPS and BSI within each of the two patient groups separately. All of the calculations were performed for additive allelic, recessive, dominant and genotypic models. Results: We observed a nominally significant association for the major allele (G) of GAD1 rs3749034 with an increased risk to develop PTSD in a case control analysis in the recessive model (P=0.0315, odds ratio=0.47, SE=0.35). In contrast, a nominally significant association of the minor allele (A) with higher CAPS scores was identified within the patient group with lifetime PTSD in the dominant model (P=0.0372, 􀈕=6.29, SE=2.99). None of these results did withstand correction for multiple tests. No nominal significant results of GAD1 rs3749034 were found with regard to the intensity of psychological BSI symptoms. Case-control analyses of NPSR1 rs324981 revealed a nominally significant higher risk for homozygous T allele carriers to develop PTSD (P=0.0452) in the recessive model. On the other hand, the T allele showed a nominally significant association with higher BSI scores in patients suffering from lifetime PTSD in the recessive model (P=0.0434). Again, these results were not significant anymore after correction for multiple tests. No associations of NPSR1 rs324981 and CAPS score was identified. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide some evidence that the NPSR1 and GAD1 polymorphisms might play a role in the development of war-related PTSD and its related psychological expressions. Further research is needed to elucidate the interactions of specific gene variants and environmental factors in the development of PTSD.
Association of polygenic risk scores, traumatic life events and coping strategies with war‑related PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity in the South Eastern Europe (SEE)‑PTSD cohort.
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhibeqiri, Shpend
Abstract Objectives Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is triggered by extremely stressful environmental events and characterized by high emotional distress, re-experiencing of trauma, avoidance and hypervigilance. The present study uses polygenic risk scores (PRS) derived from the UK Biobank (UKBB) mega-cohort analysis as part of the PGC PTSD GWAS effort to determine the heritable basis of PTSD in the South Eastern Europe (SEE)-PTSD cohort. We further analyzed the relation between PRS and additional disease-related variables, such as number and intensity of life events, coping, sex and age at war on PTSD and CAPS as outcome variables. Methods Association of PRS, number and intensity of life events, coping, sex and age on PTSD were calculated using logistic regression in a total of 321 subjects with current and remitted PTSD and 337 controls previously subjected to traumatic events but not having PTSD. In addition, PRS and other disease-related variables were tested for association with PTSD symptom severity, measured by the Clinician Administrated PTSD Scale (CAPS) by liner regression. To assess the relationship between the main outcomes PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity, each of the examined variables was adjusted for all other PTSD related variables. Results The categorical analysis showed significant polygenic risk in patients with remitted PTSD and the total sample, whereas no effects were found on symptom severity. Intensity of life events as well as the individual coping style were significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis in both current and remitted cases. The dimensional analyses showed as association of war-related frequency of trauma with symptom severity, whereas the intensity of trauma yielded significant results independently of trauma timing in current PTSD. Conclusions The present PRS application in the SEE-PTSD cohort confirms modest but significant polygenic risk for PTSD diagnosis. Environmental factors, mainly the intensity of traumatic life events and negative coping strategies, yielded associations with PTSD both categorically and dimensionally with more significant p-values. This suggests that, at least in the present cohort of war-related trauma, the association of environmental factors and current individual coping strategies with PTSD psychopathology was stronger than the polygenic risk.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN POLYMORPHISMS IN THE SOLUTE CARRIER FAMILY 6 MEMBER 3 AND THE MYELIN BASIC PROTEIN GENE AND POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhibeqiri, Shpend
Background: Previous research showed inconsistent results concerning a possible association between solute carrier family 6 member 3 (SLC6A3) gene polymorphisms and dopamine symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Several studies also indicate that the myelin basic protein (MBP) gene is of importance in the etiology of several psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation of distinct SLC6A3 and MBP gene polymorphisms with PTSD and whether SLC6A3 and MBP genotypes contribute to PTSD symptom severity. Subjects and methods: The study included 719 individuals who had experienced war trauma in the South Eastern Europe (SEE). Genotypes of variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism within the SLC6A3 gene were assessed in 696 participants, and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12458282 located within the MBP gene region was genotyped in a total of 703 subjects. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Clinical Administrated PTSD Scale (CAPS) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), were used for data collection. Results: No significant differences concerning the investigated SLC6A3 and MBP polymorphisms was identifiable between PTSD and non PTSD participants. Also we could not detect significant influence of these distinct SLC6A3 and MBP alleles on the severity of PTSD symptoms (CAPS) or BSI scores. However, the results of MBP rs12458282 within the patients with lifetime PTSD may point to a possible correlation of the major allele (T) with elevated CAPS scores. Conclusions: Our results do not support an association of the analysed SLC6A3 and MBP gene polymorphisms with PTSD in war traumatized individuals. We found that there is a possibility for a correlation of the T allele rs12458282 within the MBP gene with higher CAPS scores in lifetime PTSD patients which would need to be tested in a sample providing more statistical power.
Associations of gene variations in Neuropeptide Y and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor genes with posttraumatic stress disorder
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhibeqiri, Shpend
SUMMARY Background: Individuals who are exposed to traumatic events are at an increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition during which an individual's ability to function is impaired by emotional responses to memories of those events. The gene coding for neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the gene coding for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are among the number of candidate gene variants that have been identified as potential contributors to PTSD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between NPY and BDNF and PTSD in individuals who experienced war-related trauma in the South Eastern Europe (SEE) conflicts (1991-1999). Subjects and methods: This study included participants with current and remitted PTSD and healthy volunteers (N=719, 232 females, 487 males), who were recruited between 2013 and 2015 within the framework of the South Eastern Europe (SEE) - PTSD Study. Psychometric methods comprised the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). DNA was isolated from whole blood and genotyped for NPY rs5574 via PCR - RFLP and NPY rs16147 and BDNF rs6265 using the KASP assay. Results: Tests for deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed no significant results. Analyses at the categorical level yielded no associations between the affected individuals and all three SNPs when compared to controls. Within lifetime PTSD patients, the major alleles of both NPY variants showed a nominally significant association with higher CAPS scores (p=0.007 and p=0.02, respectively). Also, the major allele of rs5574C>T was associated with higher BSI scores with a nominal significance among current PTSD patients (p=0.047). The results did not withstand a Bonferroni adjustment (􀄮=0.002). Conclusion: Nominally significant associations between NPY polymorphisms and PTSD susceptibility were found that did not withstand Bonferroni correction.
Attitude of “AAB College” Nursing Students Towards Scientific Research
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhija, Edona
Aims: AAB College is a non-public institution that dates back to 2017, and during its internal evaluation, the involvement of nursing students in scientific research has appeared problematic, so the purpose of this study is to first identify the attitude of nursing students towards scientific research only in this college later in the near future we will compare with a public institution. Background: Since higher education institutions are subject to accreditation, and one of the key points is scientific research and the involvement of students in this process, we thought of investigating this issue. It is necessary for nursing students to have a culture of scientific research because this affects the increase of their performance in school, at work and also in the improvement of the quality of service to patients. Nursing students should be initiated into the research culture and adopt positive attitudes toward scientific research during their undergraduate education to improve the nursing profession, contribute to the professionalization of this profession, and maintain quality of care, nurse autonomy, and power. This research should transmit, promote, and protect knowledge in the improvement of teaching, scientific research, and community services. Objective: Cross-sectional descriptive statistics were used to summarize the importance of research to nursing students, the time students spend on research, student attitudes toward science, how collaborative research professors were with students, and the motivation provided to students by faculty or professors. Methodology: Data collection was carried out during January - June 2022. The sample was randomly selected. In this study, 300 students of “AAB College” were included. Students were given a questionnaire administered by us. To perform the statistical analysis, we used the SPSS program 19 version and Microsoft Office 2010. Results: The minimum age of the students who were interviewed is 18 years. 64% of these students are female (n=192), and 36% are male (n=108). Conclusions: The largest percentage of students state that scientific research is “Very important” for them. The lectures related to research in nursing have “a lot of influence” on their formation. Students spend “Enough” time or energy on scientific research. The faculty/college where they study does not offer them support for studies or scientific activities. The majority of students have not participated in any scientific activity, but students who have been active or passive participants in scientific activities are referred to being provided with training certificates. Students feel “enough” motivated to carry out scientific work in the nursing field.
Bullet embolization to the external iliac artery after gunshot injury to the abdominal aorta: a case report
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Jaha, Luan
Introduction: Abdominal vascular trauma is fairly common in modern civilian life and is a highly lethal injury. However, if the projectile is small enough, if its energy is diminished when passing through the tissue and if the arterial system is elastic enough, the entry wound into the artery may close without exsanguination and therefore may not be fatal. A projectile captured may even travel downstream until it is arrested by the smaller distal vasculature. The occurrence of this phenomenon is rare and was first described by Trimble in 1968. Case presentation: Here we present a case of a 29-year-old Albanian man who, due to a gunshot injury to the back, suffered fracture of his twelfth thoracic and first lumbar vertebra, injury to the posterior wall of his abdominal aorta and then bullet embolism to his left external iliac artery. It is interesting that the signs of distal ischemia developed several hours after the exploratory surgery, raising the possibility that the bullet migrated in the interim or that there was a failure to recognize it during the exploratory surgery. Conclusion: In all cases where there is a gunshot injury to the abdomen or chest without an exit wound and with no projectile in the area, there should be a high index of suspicion for possible bullet embolism, particularly in the presence of the distal ischemia.
Bullet embolization to the external iliac artery after gunshot injury to the abdominal aorta: a case report
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Jaha, Luan
Introduction: Abdominal vascular trauma is fairly common in modern civilian life and is a highly lethal injury. However, if the projectile is small enough, if its energy is diminished when passing through the tissue and if the arterial system is elastic enough, the entry wound into the artery may close without exsanguination and therefore may not be fatal. A projectile captured may even travel downstream until it is arrested by the smaller distal vasculature. The occurrence of this phenomenon is rare and was first described by Trimble in 1968. Case presentation: Here we present a case of a 29-year-old Albanian man who, due to a gunshot injury to the back, suffered fracture of his twelfth thoracic and first lumbar vertebra, injury to the posterior wall of his abdominal aorta and then bullet embolism to his left external iliac artery. It is interesting that the signs of distal ischemia developed several hours after the exploratory surgery, raising the possibility that the bullet migrated in the interim or that there was a failure to recognize it during the exploratory surgery. Conclusion: In all cases where there is a gunshot injury to the abdomen or chest without an exit wound and with no projectile in the area, there should be a high index of suspicion for possible bullet embolism, particularly in the presence of the distal ischemia.
Characteristics of Rotavirus Diarrhea in Hospitalized Children in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Jaha, Luan
Background: Diarrhea is a leading cause of child mortality worldwide. Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhea and dehydration in children. Authors reviewed epidemiological and clinical data of the rotavirus diarrhea in Kosovo. Methods: This is a prospective study carried between January 1st and December 31st 2011. All data, comprising demographics, nutrition, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, management and outcome of the rotavirus diarrhea are collected on the specially designed form. Results: 116 children with rotavirus diarrhea are included in the study. The majority boys (74.4%) and children aged 0 – 12 months (82.75%). Mean age of children in the study was 16.38 months. Almost every third child in the study was hypotrophic (29.2%). More than half of the infants (55.2%) were on mixed food, somewhat more than every third was breast feeding (36.45%), and every twelfth (8.33%) was on artificial milk (animal or formula). Apart from diarrhea, present in all patients, vomiting (97.41%) and fever (43.96%) were characteristics of the clinical presentation of the diarrhea. Two thirds of the children had mild grade dehydration (70.7%). All patients recovered with no sequels. Conclusion: Rotavirus continues to be responsible for a significant portion of acute diarrhea in Kosovo. Clinical features, epidemiological data and the agglutination test are safe enough to establish the diagnosis. Treated correctly rotavirus diarrhea has a favorable outcome.
Characteristics of Tularemia in Kosovo during the period 2006-2011
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sadiku, Izet
Aim: First cases of tularemia in Kosovo were confirmed in 2000. During the 2000-2002 epidemic outbreak over 600 cases occurred whereas in 2010 over 320 tularemia caseswere reported. Our aim was to present the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic characteristics and treatment of patients with tularemia treated in the Clinic for Infectious Disease at University Clinical Center of Kosovo, during 2006-2011. Methods: A total of 100 patients were examined. Medical records data including anamnesis, clinical examinations, laboratory tests and treatment were analyzed. Results: Mean age of patients was 23.7 years. The average hospital stay was 15.7 days/patient. All patients were from rural areas and 66% of them had access only to well water. The predominant manifestation of the disease was the glandular form whereas 19%and 17%of cases presented pharyngeal and pulmonary forms too, respectively. High Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate was recorded in 95% of pat ients. 51% of cases had slight anemia and 47% had leukocytosis. Agglutination test in all cases was positive. The Polymerase Chain Reaction test was positive in all taken samples and Francisella tularensis subspecies holartica was isolated as putative agent. Besides Gentamycin (88%) and Streptomycin (12%), incision and drainage of lymph nodes as accessory therapy was applied in 51%of patients. Conclusion: Tularemia still represents a public health problem in Kosovo. The glandular form of the disease predominates. Incision and drainage of inflamed glands as accessory therapy has shown to be a good method of treatment for severe forms of disease in combination with antimicrobial therapy.
Choledochal Cyst – Presentation and Treatment in an Adult
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Zatriqi, Skender
Choledochal cyst is a congenital cystic dilation of a part of bile duct that occurs most commonly in the main part of common bile duct. Diagnosis of choledochal cyst is concluded upon disproportionate expansion of extrahepatic bile duct. Symptom trias are: abdominal pain, jaundice and abdominal mass represent clinical guideline signs of diagnosis. Furthermore, hepato-biliary diseases in adults can conceal the primary condition. In addition to this, ultrasound, CT, MRI, cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), transhepatic percutane cholangiography (PTC) guide us for a detailed examination in order to verify the diagnosis. Active endoscopic cholangiography represents an important technique that provides needed anatomic solution and details in diagnosis of choledochal cyst.
CLINICAL DILEMMAS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PENOSCROTAL, SCROTAL AND PERINEAL HYPOSPADIAS
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Jaha, Luan
Hypospadia is the most common congenital malformation of the urinary tract. It is a malformation with the opening of the urethra proximally from the usual site. Th e meatal opening can be anywhere alone the shaft of the penis, or in more severe forms, within the scrotum, or in the perineum. Consequently the hypospadias can be distal, medial and proximal. Th e proximal ones can be penoscrotal (PS), scrotal (SC) and perineal (PE). Th e cause of hypospadias is largely unknown; however, current epidemiology and laboratory studies have shed new light into the etiology of hypospadias. With recent advancements in molecular biology, microarray technology, it appears that hypospadias is potentially related to disrupted gene expression. Currently, the only available treatment is surgery. Th e aim of this study was to present our results of the surgical correction of hypospadias and methods used to answer the clinical dilemmas about the gender. Authors have used two methods for a surgical resolution of the hypospadia – one-step operation suggested by Snodgrass and two-step operation, employing free graft suggested by Bracka. Clinical dilemmas regarding the gender were answered using cytogenetic assessment through lymphocyte cultivation method, suggested by Seabright. Th e cytogenetic assessment was carried in  patients with proximal hypospadia (penoscrotal, scrotal and perineal). Characteristic male cariotype (, XY) was found in  patients. In one patient, with scrotal hypospadia, we found the characteristic female cariotype. Th is patient had testicles. Th e patient with female cariotype had a TDG gene that determines the diff erentiation of the testicles. Although surgery remains the only therapy for the treatment of the hypospadias, better understanding of the molecular and hormonal mechanisms behind the diseases may contribute to the prevention and the decrease in the incidence of the malformation. Cytogenetic testing in patients with unclear gender is important in planning further treatment.
Creating a platform to enable collaborative learning in One Health: The Joint Initiative for Teaching and Learning on Global Health Challenges and One Health experience
(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Arenliu Qosaj, Fatime
The “Joint Initiative for Teaching and Learning on Global Health Challenges and One Health” targets education and training in Global Health Challenges and One Health, focusing on surpassing issues that affect One Health training programs. The present work describes the planning, implementation, and challenges to develop an international educational initiative among six partner institutions from four different countries, to build a collaborative teaching and learning environment. The course applies collaborative online international learning principles and is addressed to graduate students of universities from Brazil, Germany, Mozambique, and Kosovo. A pilot curriculum was developed with modules on intercultural competence, interprofessional and collaborative practice in One Health; One Health; healthcare, surveillance, and One Health; bioethics in One Health and careers in Global Health. The course combines synchronous and asynchronous activities developed in groups by mixing students from different institutions and countries. Forty-four experts from 22 institutions of the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia collaborated with the course content. Some challenges to implementing the course were the different criteria to assign credits across institutions, the lack of bibliographic material across all partners, limited overlap hours and periods for synchronous activities, and short semester overlap across institutions. Despite the challenges for implementation, the entire process of planning and delivering the course involves intense international collaboration, contributing to the curriculum internationalization, benefiting all institutions involved, promoting exchange even in the challenging scenario of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).