The low-temperature adsorption of N(2) on Rh/SiO(2) samples of various particle-size distributions was followed by FTIR. The addition of O(2) pulses on Rh(0) surfaces saturated with chemisorbed N(2) allowed us to reassign stretching frequencies attributed originally to N(2)-Rh(0) to N(2)-Rh(delta+). The formation of the latter oxidized Rh species is assumed to be induced by an electron withdrawal from adsorbed oxygen species on Rh surface centers neighboring those onto which N(2) species are chemisorbed. The present work, thus, enables us to delimit ranges of frequencies for which the adsorption of N(2) can be considered to occur on either Rh(0) or Rh(delta+) centers for nu(N2) lower or higher than 2243 cm(-1), respectively. The N(2)-FTIR experiments performed on the studied catalysts also suggest a lattice plane selectivity for N(2) adsorption on metallic Rh planes of different natures which, to our knowledge, has not been reported yet for Rh.

The time in which we live is defined by the significant influence of the information technologies on our lives, changes and development of society and the efficacy of all the organization systems. Increase and development of distance learning (DL) technologies over the past decade has exposed the potential and the efficiency of new technologies. Number of events has organized by teaching staff from Cathedrae for Medical Informatics in order to promote distance learning and web based education are very extensive: professional-scientific events, workshops and congresses, first tele-exam at the Medical Faculty, Introducing of Distance learning in curriculum at biomedical faculties, etc. At the University in Sarajevo in year 2003 was opened the e-learning center for the support to the faculties the distance studies by use of the information technology. At Medical Faculty of University of Sarajevo at Cathedrae for Medical Informatics since 2002 is in progress realization of the project named: "Possibilities of introducing distance learning in medical curriculum", approved by the Federal and the Cantonal ministry of science and education. Pilot project was realized during three past school years, theoretical and practical education of subject Medical informatics are adapted to the new concepts of education using world trends of education from the distance. One group of students was included in the project finalized by electronic exam registration and electronic exam on 20 June 2005, publicly, in the Physiology amphitheatre of the Medical Faculty in Sarajevo.

Standard molecular techniques, with only a slight modification, are very useful in obtaining and interpreting the final results in the field of forensic genetic. Data obtained through such analysis are highly reliable and can be used as a very powerful tool that produces valuable results. However, success and swiftness of DNA typing of biological evidence either that found at a crime scene or used in disputed paternity testing, depends on the optimization of numerous factors. One of the most important and critical phases that ensures reliability of the whole procedure is the choice of the most suitable volume for the amplification protocol. Buccal swabs were collected from volunteers. DNA was extracted by Qiagen Dnaeasy Tissue Kit. PowerPlex 16 kit was used to simultaneously amplify 15 STR loci by PCR. Amplification was carried out as described previously. The tested total working reaction volumes were 5, 10 and 25 microl. The PCR amplification was carried out in PE Gene Amp PCR System Thermal Cycler (ABI, Foster City, CA). Amplification products were analyzed on an ABI PRISM 377 instrument (ABI, Foster City, CA) in 5% bis-acrilamide gel. Amplification was generally successful for all the tested reaction volumes. Lower partial to complete DNA profiles ratio, the quality of obtained STR profiles, significantly reduced amount of reaction's components give advantage to 5 microl reaction volume over other two tested volumes in this case.

Growth hormone exerts several metabolic effects, including effects on proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Among the many metabolic activities of GH, two contradictory actions were described: acute and early insulin-like activity and chronic and late anti-insulin like activity also called diabetogenic activity. A dramatic increase in plasma concentration of GH was found during endurance exercise, but its role during exercise is not well known. According to its metabolic effects a possible role of growth hormone may be in maintenance of glucose level during exercise. The aim of this study was to analyze dynamics of changes in GH and glucose levels during acute workload and in the recovery period, in a group of well trained athletes. All the subjects exercised for 30 minutes on cycle ergometer in sitting position (work intensity 50% of VO2 max, RPM 60/min). Serum GH concentrations were measured by IRMA (immunoradiometric assays) method in blood samples obtained at rest and 6-min intervals during exercise, and 15-min intervals during recovery period. Serum glucose levels were determined by standard enzymatic method glucose oxidase (GOD PAP) at the same intervals. There were no correlations between serum GH and glucose levels either during exercise or in the recovery period. There were no differences between glucose levels during exercise, so we can not exclude possible role of GH in glucose concentration maintenance.

Significant increase in mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) has been seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past decade. Little is known about current secondary preventive practices and treatments among patients with CHD in primary health care. The aims of this study were to evaluate the components of secondary prevention for CHD and to detect possible gender differences. This trial included 70 patients, aged 40-70 years, with established CHD from Family Medicine Teaching Center Tuzla. We evaluated components of secondary prevention (serum total cholesterol and blood pressure levels, smoking habits, body mass index, using aspirin, ACE inhibitors and lipid lowering drugs) in all participants. Results showed that significantly more men than women had diagnosis of CHD. 26/70 (37.14%) patients had myocardial infarction, with significantly higher number of men than women, but more women had angina only. Mean systolic blood pressure was 148.09+/-20.22 and diastolic 91.62+/-10.17 mmHg; mean total cholesterol level was 6.23+/-1.33 mmol/l; mean BMI was 27.9+/-3.32 kg/m(2). Blood pressure was managed according to guidelines in 19 (27.14%), and lipid concentrations in 11 (15.71%) patients. 55/70 (78.71%) patients took aspirin, only 18/70 (25.71%) patients took lipid lowering therapy, and 20/23 (86.96%) patients with heart failure took ACE inhibitors. 16/70 (22.86%) patients were current smokers, only 19/70 (27.14%) patients had healthy body mass index, while 21/70 (30%) patients were obese. Results of this study show a suboptimal secondary prevention in primary health care, which indicate more effective public health messages and changes in the healthcare system that promotes preventive strategies.

Strict therapy protocol, which would be used universally for certain morphological forms of primary nephrotic syndrome, does not exist. The aim of the study was to show the effects of used therapy protocol in treatment of primary nephrotic syndrome at the Institute of Nephrology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo in period of 2000-2005. The retrospective analysis covered 48 patients (17 women and 31 men) with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, where pathomorphological changes were proved by kidney biopsy. Minimal change disease was confirmed with 6 (12.5%) patients. All patients were initially treated with corticosteroids with dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight. Five patients were in the group of primary responders (83.3%) with long term total remission, and 1 patient (16.6%) was a primary responder with 3 relapses in 8 months with a therapy of corticosteroids and bolus of cyclophosphamide. Diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was shown in 13 patients (27.1%). Seven patients from this group were treated with corticosteroid therapy (1 mg/kg of body weight for 4 weeks, followed by 0.5 mg/ kg of body weight until therapeutical response was achieved, and finally gradual exclusion of therapy after eight weeks in responsive patients). Six patients were treated with corticosteroids and one-month of bolus cyclophosphamide during half of year (10-5 mg/kg of body weight). Total remission was achieved in 37,9% of the patients. The IgA nephropathy presented with the nephrotic syndrome was shown in 10.4% (5) of the patients. Three patients from this group were treated with corticosteroid therapy (1 mg/kg of body weight for 4 weeks, followed by 0,5 mg/ kg of body weight until therapeutical response was achieved, and finally gradual exclusion of therapy after eight weeks in responsive patients) and.2 patients with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide (1.5 mg/kg of body weight) during 6 months. Complete remission of nephrotic syndrome from this pathomorphological category was achieved in 2 patients. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was shown in 6 patients (12.5%). All were treated with corticosteroids plus bolus of cyclophosphamide. Partial remission was achieved in one patient. Membranous glomerulonephritis was confirmed in 18 patients (37.5 %). Combined therapy of corticosteroids and bolus of cyclophosphamide was used in 7/18 patients, in 2/18 patients therapy of corticosteroids and per os cyclophosphamide (2 mg/kg of body weight) and in 9/18 patients cyclosporine therapy (3 mg/kg of body weight). Complete remission was achieved in 38.8% of the patients. A high percentage of achieved remissions of primary nephrotic syndrome in adults shows the efficiency of immunomodulating therapy used. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis still remains a therapy problem.

Combination of insulin and metformin has been shown to improve glycaemic control in clinical trials, particularly in obese patients with diabetes type 2. Insulin therapy can improve function of pancreatic beta cells and periphery insulin activity in target cells in order to enhance glycaemic homeostasis (1, 2, 3). In our study we included obese patients with diabetes type 2 in the early stage of the disease. The study is partially retrospective and partially prospective. The study encompassed 40 patients split in two groups. The first group of 20 patients received insulin therapy combined with metformin, while the patients of the second group were treated with oral antidiabetic drugs, sulfonylureas and metformin. Three months later, the group treated with insulin and metformin showed improvement in the monitored parameters, namely significant reduction in HbA1c (p = 0.003), MFBG (p = 0.0009), PPG (p = 0.028). Insulin therapy administered together with metformin, in obese patients with diabetes type 2, in the early stage of the disease, resulted in well regulated fasting blood glycaemia, as well as post challenge glycaemia and HbA1c.

The lithium ions concentration in human serum was determined using Dry-slide technology Vitros 250 Analyser (Ortho Clinical Diagnostic), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method Perkin Elmer 403 and ion-selective electrode (ISE) potentiometry AVL 9181. We compared lithium ions results in sample sera between these methods. Our reference method was AAS. We analyzed lithium ions concentration in 23 sera samples of patients after oral administration of lithium carbonate (3x 300mg) Jadran, Galen Laboratory Rijeka, by dry-slide technology, AAS and ISE methods. The quality control, precision, reproducibility and accuracy for Vitros dry slide technology were assessed. We established that the main difference between AAS method and dry slide technology was not statistically significant at p< 0.05 according to Student t-test. Therefore, the dry slide technology may be a useful alternative or it may even replace other methods, such as AAS. The main difference between dry slide technology and ISE methods was statistically significant at p<0.05 using Student t-test. By ISE method, we obtained considerably higher results, which may be explained by the presence of electrolytes or medicaments interfering with lithium ions.