We propose a novel strategy to construct optimal controllers for continuous-time nonlinear systems by means of linear-like techniques, provided that the optimal value function is differentiable and quadratic-like. This assumption covers a wide range of cases and holds locally in general. The proposed strategy avoids solving the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation, that is a nonlinear partial differential equation, which is known to be hard or impossible to solve. Instead, the HJB equation is replaced with an easy-solvable state- dependent Lyapunov matrix equation without introducing any approximation. We achieve this exploiting a linear-factorization of the underlying nonlinear system and a policy-iteration algorithm (PI) to yield a linear-like PI for nonlinear systems. The proposed control strategy solves optimal nonlinear control problems in an exact, yet still linear-like manner. We prove optimality of the resulting solution and illustrate the results via two examples.

Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with 5-year overall survival less than 15%. Therefore, it is essential to find biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. Aberrant DNA methylation is a common feature of human cancers and its utility is already recognized in cancer management. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of the promoter methylation status of the ASC/TMS1/PYCARD and MyD88 genes, key adaptor molecules in the activation of the innate immune response and apoptosis pathways. Methods A total of 50 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were enrolled in the study. Methylation of bisulphite converted DNA was quantified by pyrosequencing in fresh frozen malignant tissues and adjacent non-malignant tissues. Associations between methylation and lung function, tumor grade and overall survival were evaluated using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and statistical tests of hypothesis. Results Methylation level of tested genes is generally low but significantly decreased in tumor tissues (ASC/TMS1/PYCARD, P<0.0001; MyD88, P<0.0002), which correlates with increased protein expression. Three CpG sites were identified as promising diagnostic marker candidates; CpG11 (-63 position) in ASC/TMS1/PYCARD and CpG1 (-253 position) and 2 (-265 position) in MyD88. The association study showed that the methylation status of the ASC/TMS1 CpG4 site (-34 position) in malignant and non-malignant tissues is associated with the overall survival (P=0.019) and the methylation status of CpG8 site (-92 position) is associated with TNM-stage (P=0.011). Conclusions The methylation status of the ASC/TMS1/PYCARD and MyD88 promoters are promising prognostic biomarker candidates. However, presented results should be considered as a preliminary and should be confirmed on the larger number of the samples.

Abstract Background: Many destructive and immunotherapeutic modalities have been used for the management of plantar warts; however, an optimal treatment with high efficacy and absent or low recurrence has not been explored to date. Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) shown promising results for treatment of viral warts without ablation. Aim of Study: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional (IL) PPD in the treatment of plantar warts. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients with plantar warts were included in this study and divided into two equal groups; group I was treated using IL tuberculin PPD every 2 weeks, group II was treated with IL saline every 2 weeks, till complete clearance or for a maximum of 3 sessions. The patients were followed-up for a period of 6 months. Results: There was a statistically highly significant im-provement in the therapeutic group compared with control group. This modality was well tolerated, with no remarkable side effects and no recurrence in cured patients during follow up period. A significant positive correlation existed between the number of sessions and treatment response. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of lesions and response to treatment. Conclusion: Intralesional PPD is safe and effective treat-ment alternative for the treatment of plantar warts even if they are recalcitrant or multiple, with no post-procedural downtime and better results and patient satisfaction.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the male and female population. Surgical treatment of colorectal cancer is based on tumor resection and removal of associated lymph glands. Aim: The aim of the paper is to present data from a five-year retrospective study of the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer at the Clinic for General and Abdominal Surgery at the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo. Methods: This is a retrospective five-year clinical trial (2014-2018) of patients with and surgically treated for colorectal cancer at the Clinic for General and Abdominal Surgery at the Clinical Center of Sarajevo University. Results: In the 2014-2018 period, n = 11 172 patients were hospitalized at the Clinic, of which n = 732 were surgically treated for colorectal cancer. 69.80% were operated in an elective program. 30.20% were made as emergencies. 51.09% were male patients and 48.36% were female patients. 97.20% were made by open technique. 2.10% operated by minimally invasive procedure. the most common type of colon tumor is Adenocarcinomas are the most common with 79%. Conclusions: Better prevention and early detection are required to reduce the incidence of patients, which ultimately leads to more effective treatment and longer survival of colon cancer patients. Operative surgical principles must be adapted to modern trends, minimally invasive procedures (laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery).

Summary The apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) possesses a number of health-promoting properties. The main beneficial effects of apple fruits on human health are associated with the antioxidant properties of components synthesising in apple fruits during their growth and development. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are such components that contribute significantly to the antioxidant capacity of fruits, thus enhancing their health properties. The purpose of this study is to compare the antioxidant properties (namely antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, total phenolic and flavonoid contents) of the ‘Idared’ and ‘Braeburn’ apple cultivars, grown under optimal growing conditions in the Goražde area. Ascorbic acid contents were estimated using the 2.6-dichlorophenolindophenol titration method, whereas total phenolics were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Furthermore, total flavonoids were determined using the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay, whereas the ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay was used to determine the total antioxidant capacity of the apple fruits examined. The average values of the ascorbic acid, the total phenolic and flavonoids contents, and the total antioxidant capacity of the ‘Idared’ apples under consideration were 8.09 mg 100 g−1, 34.56 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1, 12.62 mg catechin equivalents 100 g−1 and 323.28 μmol Fe2+ 100 g−1of fresh weight, respectively. The average values of the total phenolic and flavonoids contents, as well as the antioxidant capacity of the ‘Braeburn’ apples examined were as follows: 8.89 mg 100 g−1, 33.4 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1, 13.56 mg catechin equivalents 100 g−1 and 367.01 μmol Fe2+ 100 g−1 of fresh weight, respectively. The analyses performed indicate that the differences recorded in the parameter values between the apple cultivars ‘Idared’ and ‘Braeburn’ were statistically non-significant. A correlation data analysis confirmed that phenolic compounds are the carriers of the antioxidant activity of apples.

The aberrant DNA methylation plays a critical role in a number of different malignancies, including melanoma. DNA methylation is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), involved in methylation maintenance (DNMT1) and de novo DNA methylation (DNMT3A and DNMT3B). The current study investigated the association of genetic variants in the DNMT1 and DNMT3B with the clinicopathologic features and the clinical course of melanoma patients. In the present study, DNMT1 (rs2228612, rs2228611, and rs2114724) and DNMT3B (rs406193 and rs2424932) polymorphisms were examined in 123 melanoma patients. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were assessed using TaqMan SNPs Genotyping Assays according to the manufacturer's protocols. The carriers of the variant genotype of DNMT1 rs2228612 had poorer overall survival and recurrence-free survival, (P=0.000 and 0.000, respectively), and an increased risk for adverse outcome [hazard ratio (HR)=6.620, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.214-19.791, P=0.001]. DNMT1 rs2228612 was also associated with ulceration (P=0.045), nodal status (P=0.030), progression (P=0. 007), and stage of disease (P=0.003). Univariate analysis indicated that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes could be a marker of good prognosis in melanoma patients (HR=0.323, 95% CI: 0.127-0.855, P=0.025), whereas the genotype distribution of the DNMT3B rs406193 polymorphism correlated significantly with the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (P=0.012). The multivariate analysis showed that the DNMT1 rs2228612 polymorphism (HR=12.126, 95% CI: 2.345-62.715, P=0.003) is an independent predictor of poor overall survival in melanoma patients. As expected, disease progression was also found to be an independent prognostic factor in melanoma patients (HR=37.888, 95% CI: 3.615-397.062, P=0.002). DNMT1 rs2228612 was found to be an independent predictor of poor overall survival in melanoma patients. DNMTs polymorphisms could serve as a potential target for novel therapeutic approaches.

BACKGROUND The attitude of health care professionals towards job is determined by the degree of their ability to work with addicts, educational and cultural factors, as well as the psychological profile of their personality, on which depend their emotional response in work with addicts. AIM To explore the therapist's relationship to job, whether that relationship has an effect on their affective status, and to what extent that relationship can lead to the development of tension (anxiety) during the treatment of opiate addicts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The sample consists of members of the multidisciplinary teams of the Institute for Addiction Disorders of Canton Sarajevo (45 in total), of which 11 are physicians, 26 nurses/medical technicians, 4 psychologists and 4 social workers. Employee Attitude Questionnaire (16 questions examining level of information, feelings of insecurity, fatigue, teamwork and job satisfaction) and EMAS-S which has two subscales (for measuring cognitive worry factor and autonomic-emotional anxiety state factor) were used. RESULTS From baseline, 32 (71%) of respondents have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills at workplace, which is proportional to their job satisfaction, reduction of anxiety and uncertainty. A large proportion of respondents 36 (80%) stated that they felt more responsible in their work compared to the beginning of career, which was followed by a decrease in the score on EMAS cognition and emotion subscale, what reflected positively on work efficiency. The degree of satisfaction at the end of the work day, often and almost always, has 60% of respondents. CONCLUSION Employees who feel satisfaction at work, who improve their knowledge and work in a team, have a better attitude towards work and less anxiety, and achieve better results when working with addicts.

Introduction: Although sense of security in mothers is not clearly specified in literature, most important factors that make it up in women that do not have issues in pregnancy are social support, prenatal health care and partner’s support. Psychological factors play a key role in recognizing fear of childbirth, distinguishing anxiety from clinical depression. Recognizing risk factors and adequate intervention support would significantly reduce fear. Aim: to analyze development of mother’s sense of security during the postnatal period and establish the differences between two study groups. Methods: The Cross section study was conducted in 2017 in the Public Institute for Health care Protection of Women and Maternity in Canton Sarajevo. Using random method in the study were included 395 mothers. The research instrument was PPSS-instrument and modified questionnaire. Results: Postnatal sense of security in n=395 of the mothers on average was 49, 61±7, 6. Mothers’ sense of security during the first week after their child’s birth differed significantly (p=0.004) between mothers whose husband actively participated in psychophysical preparation for childbirth. Development of parents sense of security is in direct connection with psycho-physical preparations of pregnant women for labor only when both partners took active part in preparations for labor. Conclusion: Postnatal sense of security in parents is a term that has not been researched enough and it requires further studies. Bachelor degree in health care/graduated nurse/midwife, especially in primary health care field, according to her competencies would be able to independently create and work on promoting prevention programs through holistic approach with individuals and families.

Objectives: To assess the prognostic value of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation. Methods: In this prospective study, PTX3, interleukin (IL-6), IL-10, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) plasma values were determined before and 24hours after BMS implantation in 97 consecutively enrolled patients with STEMI who were admitted to University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina between February 2016 and February 2017. Patients were followed for 24 months to assess major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Results: At 24 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), plasma values of PTX3, IL-6, hsCRP, and cTnI were significantly increased; and IL-10 levels were significantly decreased compared with the values determined before PCI. Patients with MACEs had significantly higher plasma PTX3 levels at 24 hours after BMS-PCI than in patients without MACEs. Patients with PTX3 plasma values ≥5042 ng/ml had a significantly higher risk of MACEs than patients with PTX3 levels <5.042 ng/mL. Pentraxin 3 levels exhibited strong and significant correlations with IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Pentraxin 3, cTnI, and IL-6, but not hsCRP levels have showed independent association with MACEs, according to the multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusion: Pentraxin 3 might be better serum prognostic marker than IL-6, IL-10 or high sensitivity CRP for MACEs after BMS-PCI. It might help to make better risk stratification of those patients who are undergoing BMS-PCI.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the anticholinergic therapy with oxybutynin and the effects of daily transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) on the quality of life of patients with an overactive bladder (OAB) and multiple sclerosis (MS). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The patients who suffer from MS underwent urodynamic tests which showed that they had an OAB. The tests used to assess symptoms and quality of life were Overactive Bladder Questionnaires (OAB-q) SF. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. The first group received a 5 mg oxybutynin tablet twice a day for 3 months and the second group had TTNS every day for 3 months. RESULTS The anticholinergic therapy showed a statistically significant improvement in all symptoms and quality of life (P<0.001). Side effects such as dry mouth were observed in about 35% of patients. The results of the study TTNS daily therapy showed good performance in the reduction all clin ical symptoms of the bladder and improved quality of life, with statistical significance (P<0.05) and with no side effects. It was found that the improved quality of life parameters and the reduced symptoms were more statistically significant in the treatment with oxybutynin tablets than TTNS therapy (P<0.001). CONLCUSION Our recommendation for the treatment of OAB is oxybutynin in doses of 2x5 mg. If a patient can not tolerate anticholinergic drugs, daily TTNS is recommended to reduce OAB symptoms and improve quality of life, without side effects.

Six Sigma is a version, a philosophy, a strategy and a set of tools for improvement of the quality services and processes. Till now, this method was mostly used in the world of manufacture. Telecommunication is the industry that is based on the service, where the customers are the main focus, and their needs very often seem unpredictable. In this work, a critical review had been given to the application of the Six Sigma methodology in the department of customers support of a telecom company. Through SWOT analysis, given is a review of the opportunities and challenges of this methodology, and also what is necessary to be changed for this methodology to have a purpose and application in one telecommunication company.

The action of forces in the back and abdomen under conditions of loading of different external forces at different bending angles is unexplored area. This paper presents a methodology that enables calculation of the magnitudes of forces in the back and abdominal muscles using the combined techniques of the CATIA software system, appropriate mathematical model and polynomial regression analysis. The person of 180cm in height and 85 kg in weight is loaded with 5 + 5 kg of cargo in both hands, and three cases of bending angles of 150, 300 and 600 relative to the vertical axis are analysed.

In this paper, an analytical calculation of load on bridge crane carts winch wheel loads was performed based on which FEM analysis and topological wheel optimization were performed. After the calculation, a standard wheel diameter was adopted. During FEM analysis in the CAD system, SolidWorks noted that certain surface areas had extremely low stress values, which was the main reason for the topological optimization of the wheel. The topological optimization of the geometric 3D model of the wheel is made in the CAESS ProTOp software, resulting in optimized 3D geometric wheel model. These models offer a number of advantages, such as saving materials to produce, reducing their own weight, balance stress conditions and easy customization model optimized technologies of additive manufacturing. This model of analysis and optimization was performed on the laboratory model of the bridge crane and it is applicable to all types of cranes.