Introduction: Treatment of cancer has been subject of great interest. Researchers are continuously searching for new medicines. In this sense, ruthenium complexes have big potential. Some evidences suggest that ruthenium compounds possess anticancer activities. We synthesized two recently published ruthenium(III) complexes with bidentate O,N and tridentate O,O,N Schiff bases derived from 5-substituted salicylaldehyde and aminophenol or anilineare. These compounds showed affinity for binding to the DNA molecule, however, insufficient data are available regarding their possible toxic effects on biological systems.Methods: In the present study we evaluated genotoxic, cytotoxic, and cytostatic effects of Na[RuCl2(L1)2] and Na[Ru(L2)2], using the Allium cepa assay.Results: Different toxic effects were observed depending on the substance, tested concentration, and endpoint measured. In general, the tested compounds significantly lowered the root growth and mitotic index values as compared to the control group. Additionally, a wide range of abnormal mitotic stages, both clastogenic and non-clastogenic were observed in the treated cells. Na[RuCl2(L1)2] significantly increased the frequency of sticky metaphases, chromosome bridges, micronuclei, impaired chromosome segregation, as well as number of apoptotic and necrotic cells over the controls. In contrast, Na[Ru(L2)2] did not show significant evidence of genotoxicity with regard to chromosome aberrations and micronuclei, however, significant differences were detected in the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells when the highest concentration was applied.Conclusions: In this study we demonstrated antiproliferative effects of Na[RuCl2(L1)2] and Na[Ru(L2)2]. At clinical level, these results could be interesting for further studies on anticancer potential of the ruthenium(III) complexes using animal models.

Introduction: Plasmapheresis also known as a therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is extracorporeal procedure by which individual components of plasma that are harmful or blood cells can be removed from organism by using a blood separation technology. Aim: To present the results of the implementation of plasmapheresis in children in the Department of Pediatric Intensive Care of Pediatric Clinic, Clinical center of Sarajevo University, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Patients and methods: Research (period from December 2011 to June 2016) analyzed 66 plasmapheresis (11 patients–6 plasmapheresis per patient). Results: Out of 11 patients, 7 (63.6%) were girls and 4 (36.4%) were boys. The average age of patients was 11.6 ± 3.9 years (the youngest patient had 4 years and 7 months, while the oldest had 16 years and 10 months). Plasmapheresis were significantly more often done in the winter and summer. Underlying disease was in 54.5% of cases of neurological origin. The treatment was in form of receiving IVIG in 7 patients, or the application of mechanical ventilation in 6 patients. The most common complication was hypotension, which occurred in 45.5% of patients, followed by bleeding in 36.3%, hypercoagulability in 27.2% of patients and hematoma in 27.2% of patients. Lethal outcome occurred in 3 (27.2%) patients. Conclusion: Plasmapheresis represents an invasive method due to need for placement of centralized venous catheter that provides adequate blood flow during the procedure. Although complications can be serious, they are rare and are mainly related to the presence of central venous catheter, hemostasis disorders due to use of anticoagulant therapy, and hypotension of the cardiovascular system. It should be noted that for success of plasmapheresis in children multidisciplinary approach is necessary (children’s nephrologist, neuropediatrician, intensive care doctor) as well as well-trained team of doctors and nurses with the acquired knowledge and skills.

1 Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina 2 University of Belgrade Faculty of Physical Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia 3 Laboratory for Micro and Nanotechnology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland. 4 Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihajlova 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia * E-mail: slavko@ffh.bg.ac.rs

UDK 631.4:633.88(497.6) Invasive plant species which also include Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.), are plants which come from other floral-geographical areas and in process of competition they suppress autochthonous gene by conquering available ecological systems. The spread of foreign species is becoming serious threat to the conservation of natural and semi-natural biotopes. Jerusalem artichoke belongs to the family Asteraceae and it originates from America. İt is perennial plant with highly developed root in form of irregular tubers from which emerges each year more perennial stalks. İt grows up to 3 m height. İn our conditions it does not produce seed, it is reproducing vegetative by tubers. İt is used for production of alcohol, in the pharmaceutical and food industry, as fodder and medicinal plant for more than 100 years. İn the second half of 20th century it has become serious invasive species in all parts of Europe. On the EPPO list Jerusalem artichoke belongs to 34 dangerous invasive species. İt is considered as weed of natural areas but it can occur on the agricultural soils and ruderal lands. The aim of this paper is to examine the prevalence of Jerusalem artichoke in the area of Sarajevo Canton. The obtained data can be used for its adequate and more successful suppression.