Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center in Kosovo.

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that can increase susceptibility to viral infections. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with MS on DMTs admitted with symptoms of COVID-19 to a single center in Prishtina, Kosovo between March 2020 and April 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this observational, single-center study, we included 282 patients with MS (mean age 37.8±11, 64.9% females), of whom 272 (96.4%) had confirmed COVID-19 infection, either through the presence of antibodies in the serum or a positive PCR test. RESULTS Most patients with COVID-19 infection were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, while 11 patients were hospitalized due to moderate to severe symptoms. Among those with severe infection, 2 patients have died. Patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 had more advanced MS disease (P=0.001) and higher disability scales (P<0.001). In a logistic regression analysis, advanced MS remained significantly associated with worse symptoms, even after adjusting for other risk factors, with a relative risk (RR) of 2.8 (95% CI=1.1-6.6, P=0.018). MS patients on anti-CD20 DMTs more frequently experienced moderate and severe symptoms (RR=2.1, 95% CI=1.1-4.0, P=0.012). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was also lower in patients treated with anti-CD20. Notably, patients receiving vitamin D supplementation experienced a lower frequency of moderate to severe symptoms (P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS Patients with advanced MS exhibiting higher disability scales and those on anti-CD20 therapy faced an increased risk of experiencing more pronounced symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Patients on vitamin D supplementation had better clinical outcomes.

Health policy developments in the Western Balkan Countries 2000-19: towards European Health and Health Care Policies.

BACKGROUND: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia have committed to becoming European Union (EU) member states. This, among others, implies that candidate/potential candidate states adopt legally authorized EU policies, including health. The study aims to identify the main country-specific health policy areas critical to the EU accession health policy dimension and present the change in associated selected health indicators from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: The study draws on published reports and analyses of official statistics over time and cross-country. Health care policy adherence to the European Commission's recommended country-specific health actions was classified into five health policy areas: financing, payment, organization, regulation and persuasion. Key health policy areas for Western Balkan countries (WBCs) were identified. Health progress or lack thereof in catching up to the EU15 population health, health expenditure and the number of health professionals are measured. RESULTS: The European Commission prioritized financing and regulation for all WBCs in the five policy areas. Nine of the 18 analyzed selected health indicators showed divergence, and the other nine converged towards the EU15 averages. WBCs continue to face diverse public health challenges in improving life expectancy at birth, death rates caused by circulatory system diseases, malignant neoplasms, traffic accidents, psychoactive substance use, tuberculosis incidence, tobacco smoking prevalence and public-sector health expenditure. CONCLUSIONS: By 2019, there is limited evidence of WBCs catching up to the average EU15 health levels and health care policies. Closer attention towards EU health and health care policies would be favourable.

Contact tracing in Austria, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Kosovo† during the COVID-19 pandemic: response review and good practices.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, effective contact tracing was recognized as a crucial public health response to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and reduce COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality, particularly before widespread vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended implementing active surveillance strategies to trace and quarantine contacts of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. METHODS: A detailed review and analysis of the COVID-19 contact tracing responses was conducted in five European countries and territories, between March 2021 and August 2022. The countries and territories were selected to ensure geographical representation across the WHO European Region and applied a mixed-methods approach of in-depth interviews with various stakeholders across different administrative levels to identify good practices in COVID-19 contact tracing. The interviews covered 12 themes, including methods and procedures for COVID-19 contact tracing, information technology, quality assurance and key performance indicators. RESULTS: The findings demonstrate that the policy approach, digitalization capabilities and implementation approach varied in the countries and territories and were dynamic throughout the pandemic. The analysis revealed that some practices were applicable across all countries and territories, while others were context-specific, catering to each country's and territory's unique needs. The study highlighted a need for all countries to institutionalize contact tracing as an essential function of existing health systems, to digitalize contact tracing practices and processes, and to build and retain contact tracing capacities for better pandemic preparedness. CONCLUSION: The lessons related to COVID-19 contact tracing should be utilized to strengthen future outbreak response operations as part of epidemic and pandemic preparedness.

Family Therapy for Kosovar Mothers Who Experienced Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Their Children in Postwar Times: A Pilot Randomised Waitlist-Controlled Trial.

Women who have experienced conflict-related sexual violence report significant long-term effects, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and relationship difficulties. Research has demonstrated that maternal trauma is associated with children's behavioural difficulties and challenges in family functioning, such as impaired communication and harsh parenting. This pilot study is aimed at evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of family therapy for Kosovar mothers who experienced conflict-related sexual violence in 1998-1999 and later developed PTSD and their children in improving family functioning and reducing behavioural difficulties in postwar times. Sixty-four mothers were randomised to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Data was collected during a screening phase, at baseline before intervention initiation, after the intervention group completed family therapy and once the waitlist control group received the intervention. Generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse group differences in family functioning and children's behaviours over time. At follow-up, mothers in the intervention group reported improved family functioning. However, mothers in the waitlist control group reported significantly fewer behavioural difficulties than mothers in the intervention group before the control group had started family therapy. There was no significant interaction between group condition and time for child-rated family functioning. Overall, this pilot study suggests that family therapy could be effective in reducing the effects of intergenerational trauma related to PTSD and conflict-related sexual violence. Future research should evaluate the long-term effects of family therapy to assess if immediate effects were maintained.

Mercury distribution and contamination in the soils of the Mitrovica region, Republic of Kosovo.

The study was carried out to define the distribution of mercury in surface soils in the Mitrovica region, Republic of Kosovo and to assess the level and extent of contamination. A total of 156 soil samples were collected from a depth of 5 cm at each grid point of 1.4 × 1.4 km in an area of 301.5 km2. The mercury content was found to be between 0.02 mg/kg and 11.16 mg/kg. The average Hg content (0.49 mg/kg) exceeded the mean content in European (0.037 mg/kg) and world (0.06 mg/kg) soils by 13.2 and 8.2 times, respectively. From the calculated enrichment factors (EF) and the geo-accumulation index (I-geo), as well as from the distribution map of Hg content, it is evident that the soils of the study area are highly contaminated with mercury, with extremely high enrichment of Hg in the soils of Zone I, which was classified as the most contaminated zone with Hg and other potentially toxic elements in the study area as well as in the towns of Zveçan and Mitrovica. The higher Hg content is of anthropogenic origin, mainly due to lead and zinc mining and metallurgical activities in the study area. The mercury levels were also found to exceed the New Dutch List target value (0.3 mg/kg) in 90 km2 of the study area.

Quality Coordinators' Perspectives on Quality Improvement in Primary Healthcare in Kosovo: A Qualitative Study.

AIMS: This qualitative descriptive study provides insights into the experiences of quality coordinators (QCs) in primary healthcare to inform policy and practice actions and empower QCs to enhance healthcare quality. METHODS: We conducted focus group discussions with purposefully selected QCs to understand their motivations, job experiences, factors influencing healthcare quality, and suggestions for quality improvement. Content analysis and deductive coding were used to scrutinize the responses and answer the research questions. RESULTS: The QCs thought highly about their job performance and were motivated by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Clinical audits, collegial reviews, and managerial support positively affected QCs' performance. In contrast, a lack of managerial support, limited working hours, and changes in organizing work caused the opposite. Empowerment and external support positively influenced healthcare quality, whereas lack of resources, managerial support, or training had a negative influence. Suggestions to improve quality include the role of QCs, external supervision, and centralization of the QCs' network. CONCLUSION: Appointing QCs alone does not guarantee quality improvement. It is essential to ensure that QCs have the appropriate skills, tools, management support, and open communication channels. Further research is required to evaluate the effects of sex and age on QCs' performance.

Distinguishing host responses, extensive viral dissemination and long-term viral RNA persistence in domestic sheep experimentally infected with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus Kosovo Hoti.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne, risk group 4 pathogen that often causes a severe haemorrhagic disease in humans (CCHF) with high case fatality rates. The virus is believed to be maintained in a tick-vertebrate-tick ecological cycle involving numerous wild and domestic animal species; however the biology of CCHFV infection in these animals remains poorly understood. Here, we experimentally infect domestic sheep with CCHFV Kosovo Hoti, a clinical isolate representing high pathogenicity to humans and increasingly utilized in current research. In the absence of prominent clinical signs, the infection leads to an acute viremia and coinciding viral shedding, fever and markers for potential impairment in liver and kidney functions. A number of host responses distinguish the subclinical infection in sheep versus fatal infection in humans. These include an early reduction of neutrophil recruitment and its chemoattractant, IL-8, in the blood stream of infected sheep, whereas neutrophil infiltration and elevated IL-8 are features of fatal CCHFV infections reported in immunodeficient mice and humans. Several inflammatory cytokines that correlate with poor disease outcomes in humans and have potential to cause vascular dysfunction, a primary hallmark of severe CCHF, are down-regulated or restricted from increasing in sheep. Of particular interest, the detection of CCHFV RNA (including full-length genome) in a variety of sheep tissues long after the acute phase of infection indicates a widespread viral dissemination in the host and suggests a potentially long-term persisting impact of CCHFV infection. These findings reveal previously unrecognized aspects of CCHFV biology in animals.

Determinants of late presentation of HIV positive individuals: a study in Kosovo.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the global response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic has encountered significant challenges, impeding the collective aim of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. A major concern undermining this goal is the delayed presentation (late presentation - LP) of individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. METHODOLOGY: This study includes 85 HIV positive individuals with available CD4 count and viral load (VL) data at the time of HIV diagnosis, out of 169 registered people living with HIV in Kosovo. Employing descriptive and frequency statistics, Chi-square tests, non-parametric Mann-Whitney tests, and logistic regression analyses using SPSS Version 29, we generated statistical results with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of LP in HIV positive individuals included in the study was 50.59%, with 30.59% classified as very late presenters (VLP). Determinants associated with LP included male gender, young adulthood, MSM mode of transmission, and a high viral load (log10 4.1-5.0 copies/mL). Comparative analysis with studies on this subject indicated similar patterns of LP in adults, males, and viral load, but different transmission mode patterns. CONCLUSION: This research illuminates the specific determinants of LP in Kosovo, offering valuable insights for tailoring interventions to enhance timely diagnosis and access to care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Presence of Inmates with Mental Health Problems in Detention and Correctional Centers in the Republic of Kosovo.

BACKGROUND: Conventions adopted by the United Nations and Council of Europe pay special importance to the treatment of prisoners with mental health problems. Their treatment is close-ly related to respect for human dignity, and the prohibition of torture, cruel and degrading treatment or punishment. The Eu-ropean Court of Human Rights, in many cases, has ruled that the detention of a mentally-ill person can raise issues under Ar-ticle 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights and that the lack of adequate medical care can result in treatment in con-travention of this article. The Republic of Kosovo is not a mem-ber of the United Nations and Council of Europe. However, it has incorporated in its Constitution a number of Conven-tions adopted by the United Nations and Council of Europe. Also, Kosovo has adopted a legal framework which prohibits torture, cruel and degrading treatment or punishment in ac-cordance with the international human rights standards. The Constitution also provides that human rights and fundamen-tal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution shall be interpret-ed in accordance with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. METHODS: Review of Ombudsperson's, Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Prison Health Department of Kosovo Ministry of Health reports, as well as reports of the NGOs in Kosovo.

Estimation of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against infections and severe outcomes using routine surveillance data in Kosovo, July-September 2021.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective against severe outcomes in many settings, yet vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates remain lacking for Kosovo. We aimed to estimate VE against COVID-19 infections, hospitalisations, and deaths for one and two vaccine doses during the fourth pandemic wave in July-September 2021, the period when vaccination initially became widely available. METHODS: We analysed routine surveillance data to define cases and vaccination status as partially (one dose) or completely (two doses) vaccinated. We used the screening method to calculate the proportion of cases with the outcomes vaccinated (PCV). The proportion of the population vaccinated (PPV) was based on numbers vaccinated and the Kosovo population estimate on 30/09/2021. RESULTS: Between July-September 2021, 51,804 COVID-19 cases were reported in Kosovo with 9.3% of cases partially and 3.4% completely vaccinated. Estimated vaccine effectiveness for one dose was 93.1% (95%CI:92.9-93.2%) for infections, 90.3% (95%CI:88.8-91.7%) for hospitalisations, and 90.3% (95%CI:88.4-92.1%) for deaths. Estimated vaccine effectiveness for two doses was 97.8% (95%CI:97.6-97.9%) for infections, 94.5% (95%CI:93.3-95.6%) for hospitalisations, and 94.2% (95%CI: 93.7-96.5%) for deaths. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides real-world evidence for COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in Kosovo using routine administrative data sources and the screening method. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against infections and severe outcomes in Kosovo was higher with two vaccine doses than one dose, which is in accordance with findings from other study designs and settings. Using the screening method in our study reflects an important initial methodology for estimating vaccine effectiveness with routine surveillance that may be particularly important for low- and middle-income settings with less robust surveillance systems or fewer opportunities to conduct more robust vaccine effectiveness study designs.

Serologic and Genomic Investigation of West Nile Virus in Kosovo.

The prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) is increasing across Europe, with cases emerging in previously unaffected countries. Kosovo is situated in a WNV-endemic region where the seroepidemiological data on WNV in humans remains absent. To address this issue, we have conducted a seroepidemiological investigation of 453 randomly selected sera from a hospital in Kosovo, revealing a 1.55% anti-WNV IgG seroprevalence. Comparative and phylogeographic analyses of the WNV genomes obtained by sequencing archived samples from patients with West Nile fever indicate at least two recent and distinct introductions of WNV lineage 2 into Kosovo from neighboring countries. These findings confirm the eco-epidemiological status of WNV in southeast Europe, where long- and short-range dispersion of lineage 2 strains contributes to a wider circulation via central Europe. Our results suggest an increasing risk for WNV spreading in Kosovo, underscoring the need for an integrated national surveillance program targeting vectors and avian populations for early epidemic detection, as well as the screening of blood donors to gauge the impact of virus circulation on the human population.

Changes in Height and Body Weight Within a Time Period of 35 Years in Males of the Same Age / Cambios en la Altura y el Peso Corporal en un Período de 35 Años en Hombres de la Misma Edad

SUMMARY: Height and body weight measurements are among the most important anthropometric variables when assessing a population's growth, development and body composition. This study aimed to evaluate the height and body weight variability of male entities aged 17-18 years within 35 years. This goal was realized by comparing the height and body weight of the population of the same gender and age in three different time studies. The descriptive statistical parameters and T-test for independent groups show systematic and significant differences in measured variables between three measurements in different timelines. Both in body height and body weight, from measurement to measurement, significant systematic and statistically significant differences (p<0.01) have been identified (1985: BH= 172.8cm, BW= 61.7kg; 2004: BH=176.8 cm, BW=66.9 kg; 2019: BH=178.5 cm, BW=72 kg). The results of this study prove that the change in the socio-economic status of a population over a period time of 35 years can significantly affect the growth and development of children/adolescents.

Las medidas de altura y peso corporal se encuentran entre las variables antropométricas más importantes a la hora de evaluar el crecimiento, el desarrollo y la composición corporal de una población. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la variabilidad de la altura y el peso corporal de entidades masculinas de 17 a 18 años dentro de 35 años. Este objetivo se logró comparando la altura y el peso corporal de la población del mismo sexo y edad en tres estudios temporales diferentes. Los parámetros estadísticos descriptivos y la prueba T para grupos independientes muestran diferencias sistemáticas y significativas en las variables medidas entre tres mediciones en diferentes líneas de tiempo. Tanto en la altura como en el peso corporal, de medición en medición, se han identificado diferencias significativas sistemáticas y estadísticamente significativas (p<0,01) (1985: BH= 172,8 cm, BW= 61,7 kg; 2004: BH=176,8 cm, BW=66,9 kg; 2019: BH=178,5 cm, BW=72 kg). Los resultados de este estudio demuestran que el cambio en el estatus socioeconómico de una población durante un período de 35 años puede afectar significativamente el crecimiento y desarrollo de niños/ adolescentes.

Evaluation of Kosovo pharmacists’ knowledge of tamoxifen-induced psychiatric disorders in comparison with reported side effects in the WHO pharmacovigilance database

Background: Tamoxifen is a widely prescribed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used for the treatment and prevention of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. While tamoxifen has proven effective in lowering the chance of cancer recurrence, current data point to a possible link between tamoxifen treatment and unfavorable psychological consequences. Objective: In this study, the World Health Organization (WHO) pharmacovigilance database will be analyzed to determine the frequency and kind of psychiatric disorders linked to the use of the tamoxifen as well as Kosovo pharmacists’ awareness of these reported adverse effects. Methods: The WHO pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase, was queried for adverse drug reaction reports related to tamoxifen use between 1978 and 2022. A cross-sectional survey of 70 community pharmacies operating in Kosovo was conducted as part of the data collection between January 1 and March 1, 2023, with the goal of comparison. Results: The search of VigiBase yielded a total of 1746 reported cases of psychiatric disorders. The data were further classified based on the type of psychiatric adverse effect, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, cognitive impairment, and other psychiatric symptoms. Depressive disorders were the most frequently reported adverse event, accounting for 30% of the cases. Anxiety disorders and sleeps disorders were also prevalent, comprising 11% and 7% of the reported cases, respectively. Other psychiatric symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, and confusion were observed in 32% of the cases. In Kosovo, 30% of pharmacist’s linked tamoxifen with depression, 25% with anxiety, 56% with sleep disorders, 53% insomnia, and 18% confusion. Conclusions: Based on the WHO pharmacovigilance database and knowledge of Kosovo pharmacists for these documented adverse effects, this study analyzes tamoxifen-induced psychiatric disorders... (AU)

The role of Human Development Index in the epidemiology of asthma in adolescents in Kosovo: A cross-sectional multicentre Global Asthma Network (GAN) study

Background: Very limited information is available on the prevalence and risk factors of asthma in adolescents in Kosovo, and no study has previously addressed the role of Human Development Index (HDI) on asthma in the region. The present study addresses these two issues. Methods: Following the Global Asthma Network (GAN) methodology, a cross-sectional survey, through standardised self-completed questionnaires, was conducted in the following six centres of Kosovo: Ferizaj, Gjakova, Gjilan, Peja, Prishtina and Prizren. Current asthma symptoms (CAS) and severe current asthma symptoms (sCAS) were defined according to the GAN standards. Environmental questionnaire inquired about gender, exercise, screening time, siblings, truck traffic, use of paracetamol, pet ownership, and smoking habits. Height and weight were also measured. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in each centre along with meta-analyses to summarise the overall effects of each factor in the centres as a whole. Meta-regression of the prevalence rates was calculated using HDI as a moderator. Results: Participation rate was high (80.0–99.9%). Prevalence of CAS ranged from 4.6% to 11.3%, and sCAS from 1.7% to 4.5%. Factors associated with CAS were exercise, computer time, paracetamol use and dog ownership. sCAS was associated with paracetamol use and physical exercise. HDI explained 46% and 80% of prevalence variability of CAS and sCAS between centres, respectively. Conclusions: Prevalence of CAS and sCAS in Kosovo varies highly between centres. This variability is explained partly by HDI. Individual risk factors are common, with some determined in other studies conducted in other regions (AU)

Caries Experience and Knowledge About Oral Health Importance Among Children with Congenital Heart Diseases in Kosovo

Abstract Objective: To determine the dental health of children with Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) and to evaluate the parents' knowledge of the importance of oral health and the risk of Bacterial Endocarditis. Material and Methods: This research included 140 children divided into the study group (80 children with CHD) and the control group (60 healthy children). The children were from different parts of Kosova, aged between 3-15. The parents were asked to complete a questionnaire containing demographic data (age and gender), general and special medical history (CHD types), knowledge about oral health importance and risk of bacterial endocarditis, and data about the daily oral hygiene child. The caries experience was reported using the DMFT/dmft index. Results: The average value of the dmft index was 6.7 for the study group and 5.62 for the control group, while the average value of DMFT index for the study group was 4.1, and for the control group was 3.47 (p>0.05). About 68.7% of parents of children with CHD were informed about their risk during dental interventions. However, knowledge was insufficient about the importance of oral health and dental prophylactic measures once only 32.7% of them were aware of those measures. Conclusion: No difference was observed between healthy and CHD children in caries experience and frequency of daily tooth brushing. Our findings provide evidence of a lack of knowledge about the importance of oral health and dental prophylactic measures among parents with CHD children (AU).

Pharmacy practice architecture challenges in handling COVID-19 pandemic - sharing experience from a Kosovo pharmacy practice

Background: Community pharmacies deliver an essential healthcare service, which is broadly established, encompassing the favored and primary contact for community members. The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to shift the pharmacy roles and services in order to meet the needs of customers. The important value of community pharmacies was more underlined during the pandemic crisis when they were supposed to undertake abundant precautions to avoid cross-infection among users of the space. Their responsibility is also to create a compatible, efficient, and safe environment inside their premises during this outbreak. The built environment is an important share of pandemic solutions and emergency planning preparations. Objectives: The aim of this paper was to explore the preparedness of community pharmacies in Kosovo for the COVID-19 outbreak in regards to pharmacy design modifications while ensuring adequate medicine management, information, and public health. Consequently, at what stage can the pandemic affect the physical and built environment of pharmacies. Methods: The methods for this study include a cross‐sectional survey of 104 community pharmacies operating in seven municipalities in Kosovo during the pandemic. Data collection was conducted from October 1 to October 14, 2021, using self-administered online questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of a combination of closed and open-ended questions, optional statements, and multiple answers. Data were analyzed in SPSS for Windows version 20 using descriptive statistics. Results: The results show that communities should be prepared ahead in regard to the emergency situations and some of these preparations might be also part of the legislation requirements. Although the pandemic exposed many errors in the Kosovo community pharmacy system, it has also discovered a unique possibility for collaboration and novelty (AU)

Body composition differences between football players of the three top football clubs / Diferencias de composición corporal entre los jugadores de fútbol de los tres mejores clubes de fútbol

The aim of this research was to determine the differences among the football players of three the most successful football clubs in Kosovo, FC Trepca ´89, FC Prishtina and FC Besa Peje in a terms of morphological characteristics and body composition. A sample of 53 subjects was divided into three sub-samples. Fifteen (15) players of FC Trepca ´89 of the average age 21.80±3.57, the champions of Kosovo, twenty (20) players of FC Prishtina of the average age of 24.30±4.99, the vice champions of the Kosovo Championship, and eighteen (18) players of FC Besa Peje of the average age 21.83±3.17, the champions of the Cup of Kosovo. Football players were tested immediately after the end of the competition season. Morphological characteristics in the body composition were evaluated by a battery of 10 variables: body height, body weight, waist circumference, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, skinfold of the back, abdominal skinfold, body mass index, fat percentage and muscle mass. The significance of the differences between the players of the three the most successful football clubs in the morphological characteristics and variables for assessing body composition were determined by ANOVA and LSD post hoc test. ANOVA test found that the football players of the three mentioned clubs have statistically significant differences in one variable that estimate the waist circumference. The LSD Post Hoc test showed that football players of FC Besa Peje had significantly less value of waist circumference compared to the football players of FC Prishtina and FC Trepca ´89. The values of the waist circumference of all football players show that they belong to professional trained players, although their differences in this variable are statistically significant.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar las diferencias entre los jugadores de fútbol de los tres clubes de mayor éxito en Kosovo, FC Trepca ´89, FC Prishtina y FC Besa Peje, en términos de características morfológicas y composición corporal. En el estudio se dividieron los 53 sujetos en tres grupos, quince (15) jugadores del FC Trepca ´89 con una edad promedio de 21,80 ± 3,57, los campeones de Kosovo, veinte (20) jugadores del FC Prishtina con una edad promedio de 24,30 ± 4,99, los vicecampeones del Campeonato de Kosovo, y dieciocho (18) jugadores del FC Besa Peje con una edad promedio de 21,83 ± 3,17, los campeones de la Copa de Kosovo. Los jugadores de fútbol fueron evaluados inmediatamente después del final de la temporada de competencias. Las características morfológicas en la composición corporal se evaluaron mediante una batería de 10 variables: altura corporal, peso corporal, circunferencia de la cintura, pliegue de tríceps, pliegue de bíceps, pliegue de la espalda, pliegue abdominal, índice de masa corporal, porcentaje de grasa y masa muscular. El ANOVA y el LSD post hoc determinaron la importancia de las diferencias entre los jugadores de los tres clubes de fútbol más exitosos en las características morfológicas y las variables para evaluar la composición corporal. La prueba de ANOVA encontró que los jugadores de fútbol de los tres clubes mencionados tienen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en una variable que estima la circunferencia de la cintura. La prueba LSD post hoc indicó que los jugadores de fútbol del FC Besa Peje tenían un valor significativamente menor de la circunferencia de la cintura en comparación con los jugadores de fútbol del FC Prishtina y el FC Trepca ´89. Los valores de circunferencia de la cintura de todos los jugadores de fútbol muestran que pertenecen a jugadores entrenados profesionalmente; las diferencias en esta variable son estadísticamente significativas.

Relationship between sitting height measurements and standing height: a prospective regional study among adolescents in the southern region of Kosovo / Relación entre las medidas de la altura sentada y la altura de pie: un estudio regional prospectivo entre adolescentes de la región sur de Kosovo

SUMMARY: The purpose of this research is to determine a regression equation for the estimation of stature from sitting height measurements in the Southern Region of Kosovo. This research was carried out on 225 individuals (120 male and 105 female). The anthropometric measurements were taken according to the ISAK protocol. The relationships between standing height and sitting height measurements were determined using simple correlation coefficients at a 95 % confidence interval. A comparison of means of standing height and sitting height between genders was performed using a t-test. After that, a linear regression analysis was carried out to examine the extent to which sitting height can reliably predict standing height. The results revealed that Southern Kosovan males are 178.61±5.73 cm tall and have a sitting height of 94.05±3.09 cm, while Southern Kosovan females are 165.33±4.46 cm tall and have a sitting height of 89.34±2.50 cm. The results have shown that both genders made Southern-Kosovans a tall group, taller than the general Kosovan population. This research study confirmed that sitting height reliably predicts stature in both genders of adolescents in the Southern Region of Kosovo and revealed a very useful finding for physical anthropologists and experts from related fields.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar una ecuación de regresión para la estimación de la estatura a partir de mediciones de la altura sentada en la Región Sur de Kosovo. La investigación se realizó en 225 individuos (120 hombres y 105 mujeres). Las medidas antropométricas se tomaron según el protocolo ISAK. Se determinaron las relaciones entre la altura de pie y la altura sentada utilizando coeficientes de correlación simples con un intervalo de confianza del 95 %. Se realizó una comparación de las medias de la altura de pie y la altura sentada entre sexos mediante una prueba t. Además, se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión lineal para la estimar la confiabilidad de la medición de altura de pie, considerando la altura sentada. Los resultados indican que los varones del sur de Kosovo miden 178,61 ± 5,73 cm de altura y tienen una altura sentada de 94,05 ± 3,09 cm, mientras que las mujeres miden 165,33 ± 4,46 cm de altura y tienen una altura sentada de 89,34 ± 2,50 cm. Los resultados han demostrado que ambos sexos kosovares del sur son más altos que la población general de Kosovo. Este estudio confirmó que la altura sentada predice de manera confiable la estatura de ambos sexos en adolescentes de la región sur de Kosovo y reveló un hallazgo útil para los antropólogos físicos y los expertos de áreas relacionadas.

Latent cephalofacial structure of the albanian population of Kosovo / Estructura cefalofacial latente de la población albana de Kosovo

Anthropometric studies began as a methodology in biological anthropology for comparing of the anthropological features of the today's nations and previous nations too, as well as in screening and diagnosing of malnutrition. It is evident that a large number of studies have been performed on measures of body height, weight, trunk and limb dimensions, subcutaneous fatness and body composition, etc., but less attention has been paid to cephalofacial measurements. The purpose of this research was to study and explain the latent structure of the humans' cephalofacial variables.On 754 healthy entities (561 male entities and 193 female entities), aged 18-35 years, were measured 11 cephalofacial variables. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive parameters, Correlation analysis, and Factorial analyses. Correlation analysis confirms the existing of some variables' sets, which are characterized with the higher correlations between variables within the set. Through the principal component analysis of the Factor Analysis (rotation method direct obliging, Keiser criterion) were extracted four latent factors which explain 66.39 % of the total variance: Factor of intracranial capacity; Transversal factor of the face; Longitudinal factor of the face.Conclusion: The composition of the extracted factors was compatible with the scientific explanation of the anthropologists regarding the development of the head.

Los estudios antropométricos comenzaron como una metodología en antropología biológica para comparar las características antropológicas de las naciones modernas y también de las naciones en la antigüedad, así como para el cribado y diagnóstico de desnutrición. Se han realizado una gran cantidad de estudios sobre medidas de altura corporal, peso, dimensiones del tronco y las extremidades, grasa subcutánea y composición corporal, etc., pero se ha prestado menos atención a las medidas cefalofaciales. El propósito de esta investigación fue estudiar y explicar la estructura latente de las variables cefalofaciales de los humanos. Se midieron 11 variables cefalofaciales en 754 sujetos sanos (561 hombres y 193 mujeres), de 18 a 35 años. Los datos recolectados fueron analizados mediante parámetros descriptivos, análisis de correlación y análisis factoriales. El análisis de correlación confirma la existencia de algunos conjuntos de variables, que se caracterizan por tener las correlaciones más altas entre las variables dentro del conjunto. Mediante el análisis de componentes principales del Análisis Factorial se extrajeron cuatro factores latentes que explican el 66,39% de la varianza total: Factor de capacidad intracraneal; Factor transversal de la cara; Factor longitudinal del rostro. Conclusión: La composición de los factores extraídos fue compatible con la explicación científica de los antropólogos sobre el desarrollo de la cabeza.

Differences in growth and development velocity between boys and girls from Kosovo, aged 6-18 years / Diferencias en la velocidad de crecimiento y desarrollo entre niños y niñas de Kosovo, de 6 a 18 años

Background: Human growth and development is a complex process of bio-psycho-social changes in children and adolescents. The evaluation of these two processes is of high importance in clinical and anthropological contexts. The present study aimed to find out and to evaluate the velocity of the biological growth and development during different ages of Kosovo children and adolescents of both genders.Materials and methods: Body Height, Body Weight, and Ideal Body Weight were measured in 68762 children and adolescents from Kosovo (66264 boys, 2498 girls). Age groups were classified into 13 categories, ages 6.0-18.9 years old. There have been analyzed the systematic differences between males and females in the annual changing of Body Height, Body Weight, and Ideal Body Weight.Results: Based on the results of the present study growth and development in boys can be divided into three stages that are distinct from one another, compared with the girls' growth and development that can be divided into four stages. Boys have reached the Peak Height Velocity (PHV=7.8cm), respectively the Peak Weight Velocity (PWV=6.6kg) at the age-group of 14 years old, while girls have reached the Peak Height Velocity (PHV=8.4cm) and the Peak Weight Velocity (PWV=12.6kg) at the age-group of 11 years old.Conclusion: The puberty stage occurs approximately three years earlier in girls (11yrs) compared with the boys (14yrs). Although the boys experience a later achievement of PHV, their growth, and development, with reduced intensity, it continues even after the age of 18th. The girls' body growth and development commence earlier in age, and it reaches the maximal values earlier. This fact suggests that males will grow more during the late stage of the adolescence compared with females; therefore, in general males' morphometric features tend to be larger.

Antecedentes: el crecimiento y desarrollo humano es un proceso complejo de cambios biopsicosociales en niños y adolescentes. La evaluación de estos dos procesos es de gran importancia en contextos clínicos y antropológicos. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo descubrir y evaluar la velocidad del crecimiento y desarrollo biológicos durante diferentes edades de niños y adolescentes de ambos sexos de Kosovo.Materiales y métodos: se midió la altura y el peso corporal y se estimó el peso corporal ideal en 68762 niños y adolescentes de Kosovo (66264 niños, 2498 niñas). Los grupos de edad se clasificaron en 13 categorías, con edades entre 6.0-18.9 años. Se analizaron las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en el cambio anual de altura y peso corporal y peso corporal ideal.Resultados: Según los resultados del presente estudio, el crecimiento y el desarrollo en los niños se pueden dividir en tres etapas que son distintas entre sí, en comparación con el crecimiento y el desarrollo de las niñas que se pueden dividir en cuatro etapas. Los niños han alcanzado la Velocidad de Altura Máxima (PHV = 7.8cm), respectivamente, la Velocidad de Peso Máximo (PWV = 6.6kg) en el grupo de edad de 14 años, mientras que las niñas han alcanzado la Velocidad de Altura Máxima (PHV = 8.4cm) y la velocidad máxima de peso (PWV = 12.6 kg) en el grupo de edad de 11 años.Conclusión: la etapa de la pubertad ocurrió aproximadamente tres años antes en las niñas (11 años) en comparación con los niños (14 años). Aunque los niños experimentan un incremento posterior de PHV, su crecimiento y desarrollo, con intensidad reducida, continúa incluso después de los 18 años. El crecimiento y el desarrollo corporal de las niñas comienzan más temprano en la edad y alcanzan los valores máximos antes. Este hecho sugiere que los hombres crecerán más durante la etapa tardía de la adolescencia en comparación con las mujeres; por lo tanto, en general, las características morfométricas de los hombres tienden a ser más grandes.