Buerger’s disease (BD) is a relatively rare thrombotic, occlusive and non-atherosclerotic clinical syndrome of unknown etiology. In recent years, numerous epidemiological studies confirmed the strong association between chronic anaerobic periodontal infection and development of cardiovascular diseases, including BD. Therefore, the aim of this study is to clarify association between periodontal pathogens and Buerger’s disease. Confirmation of presence and identification of periopathogens in patients with BD can be considered crucial in developing novel therapies for BD. Further, periodontal therapy will lead to eventual improvement of BD patients’ condition.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The cervical syndrome refers to a set of disorders caused by the changes in the cervical spine and the soft-tissue surrounding it, with pain as the predominant symptom. Sore neck has been a common problem among a large section of today`s population. The factors contributing to this issue include the modern lifestyle, prolonged sitting and incorrect, fixed or constrained working postures. The root of these difficulties is found in the mechanical disorders of the cervical spine structures, poor body posture and jerky body movements. In the Scandinavian countries neck pain is considered to be a public health problem. Methods: The study evaluated 25 patients with an established diagnosis of cervical syndrome. The research was conducted at the PI Institute of Occupational and Sports Medicine of Zenica–Doboj Canton. Each patient received twenty physical therapy treatment sessions. Results and conclusions: The study included 25 patients suffering from the cervical syndrome. The statistical analysis of gender distribution indicated that 36% of the patients were male, while 64% were female. The mean age of study participants was 46.76±4,23. The patients ranged in age from 39 to 54 years, with no statistically significant difference in the mean age of male and female patients, p=0.691. Analysing the types of occupational activities performed by the patients, the study found a positive relation between neck pain and prolonged sitting at work. The patients who performed office work made up 76% of the total number. Each method of physical therapy applied in the treatment of neck pain patients proved useful. However, the combination of electrotherapy, kinesiotherapy and manual massage proved to be most effective. Conclusion: The cervical syndrome is a common medical condition primarily affecting adult population, with prevalence being higher among women and office workers. The condition places a considerable socioeconomic burden on the afflicted. Cervical pain ranges greatly in severity – from moderate to unbearable, thus leading to high levels of work absence as well as to a decrease in the quality of life. Proper physical therapy program can help the patients with neck pain return to their normal everyday activities, improve their quality of life, as well as reduce the absence from work.

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate a frequency and clinical presentation of hypertension crises due to age, gender, duration and seriousness at Emergency Medical Service Department of the “Dr Mustafa Šehovic” Health Care Center Tuzla. Methods: The research was conducted in the period between November 2009 and April 2010 and involved 180 examinees of both genders, aging between 30 and 80 years of age with the diagnosis of arterial hypertension. The examinees were divided into two groups: control group consisting of examinees without hypertension crisis (95 examinees) and experimental group consisting of examinees with hypertensive crisis (85 examinees). Descriptive statistical methods were used in the statistical data processing. Results: The research results showed that there had been significantly more female examinees than the male ones (60% vs. 40%; p=0.007). The average age of male examinees was 55.83±11.06 years of age, and the average age of female examinees was 59.41±11.97 years of age. The hypertension crisis frequency was 47.22%, where the hypertensive urgencies were statistically significantly more present than the hypertensive emergencies (16.47%vs.83.53%; p<0.0001). The largest number of experimental group examinees (28.23%) belonged to the age group of 60 to 69 years of age; urgency 26.76% and emergency 35.71%. The largest number of examinees with hypertensive crisis (49.41%) appeared in the period between 6.00 p.m. and 11.59 p.m. The largest number of emergency group examinees (69.01%) had been treated for arterial hypertension for ten years, and the examinees from the emergency group (42.86%) had been treated for 10, 11 and 20 years. The average blood pressure value at the hypertensive crisis examinees was 204.82/126.58 mmHg. Conclusions: The frequency of hypertensive crises in the Emergency Medical Service Department is high and it reaches 47.22%. Hypertensive urgencies were significantly more present in terms of statistics than the hypertensive emergencies (83.53% vs. 16.47%; p<0.0001).

Though conventional coronary angiography (CCA) has been the standard of reference for diagnosing coronary artery disease in the past decades, computed tomography angiography (CTA) has rapidly emerged, and is nowadays widely used in clinical practice. Here, we introduce a standardized evaluation framework to reliably evaluate and compare the performance of the algorithms devised to detect and quantify the coronary artery stenoses, and to segment the coronary artery lumen in CTA data. The objective of this evaluation framework is to demonstrate the feasibility of dedicated algorithms to: (1) (semi-)automatically detect and quantify stenosis on CTA, in comparison with quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and CTA consensus reading, and (2) (semi-)automatically segment the coronary lumen on CTA, in comparison with expert's manual annotation. A database consisting of 48 multicenter multivendor cardiac CTA datasets with corresponding reference standards are described and made available. The algorithms from 11 research groups were quantitatively evaluated and compared. The results show that (1) some of the current stenosis detection/quantification algorithms may be used for triage or as a second-reader in clinical practice, and that (2) automatic lumen segmentation is possible with a precision similar to that obtained by experts. The framework is open for new submissions through the website, at http://coronary.bigr.nl/stenoses/.

Abstract Background: During the last four years, the banking sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been facing crisis which has caused the stagnation within the sector. Still, the results within the sector vary to a great extent from bank to bank. Objectives: The efficiency score is assessed for each bank and serves as a basis for further comparisons between banks in the period between 2008 and 2010. Methods: A modified model of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been used in order to combine several financial indicators simultaneously in a unique efficiency measure. The model provides a rounded judgement on a bank's relative efficiency. Results: Efficiency of individual banks varied throughout the observed period and not all of the banks were a part of the negative banking sector trend induced by the crisis. There is no significant difference between performance of banks in different entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and between smaller and larger banks. Conclusions: The results of the study can be used by bank managers to assess the performance of their banks, as observing financial ratios separately can result in a misleading conclusion. The most valuable practical implications of the findings are the provided feasible targets for the three observed years.

ABSTRACT Aim of the work: Examine clinical characteristics of aerobic vaginitis and mixed infection for the purpose of better diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. Materials and methods: Prospective research has been conducted at Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department for Microbiology and Pathology at Polyclinic for laboratory diagnostic and Gynecology and Obstetrics Department at Health Center Sapna. Examination included 100 examinees with the signs of vaginitis. Examination consisted of: anamnesis, clinical, gynecological and microbiological examination of vaginal smear. Results: The average age of the examinees was 32,62±2,6. Examining vaginal smears of the examinees with signs of vaginitis in 96% (N-96) different microorganisms have been isolated, while in 4% (N-4) findings were normal. AV has been found in 51% (N-51) of the examinees, Candida albicans in 17% (N-17), BV in 15% (N-15), Trichomonas vaginalis in 13% (N-13). In 21% (N-21) AV was diagnosed alone while associated with other agents in 30% (N-30). Most common causes of AV are E. coli (N-55) and E. faecalis (N-52). AV and Candida albicanis have been found in (13/30, 43%), Trichomonas vaginalis in (9/30, 30%) and BV (8/30, 26%). Vaginal secretion is in 70,05% (N-36) yellow coloured, red vagina wall is recorded in 31,13% (N-16) and pruritus in 72,54% (N-37). Increased pH value of vagina found in 94,10% (N-48). The average pH value of vaginal environment was 5,15±0,54 and in associated presence of AV and VVC, TV and BV was 5,29±0,56 which is higher value considering presence of AV alone but that is not statistically significant difference (p>0,05). Amino-odor test was positive in 29,94% (N-15) of associated infections. Lactobacilli are absent, while leukocytes are increased in 100% (N-51) of the examinees with AV. Conclusion: AV is vaginal infection similar to other vaginal infections. It is important to be careful while diagnosing because the treatment of AV differentiates from treatment of other vaginitis.

Introduction: Periodontal disease belongs to a group of diseases with more than one cause, it is a disease of a multifactorial etiology. Although bacteria are the main cause of the disease, immunoinflammatory reaction of the host is responsible for the majority of destructive changes in periodontal tissue. The main issue in the evaluation of the success of periodontal therapy is the pluralism of the bacteria and their dynamic changes during the duration, on the one hand, and the possible inaccuracy of classical microbiological analysis in determination of the dominant role of a microorganism, or the success of its reduction or elimination, on the other. Thanks to advances of microbiology and technological development, it is possible to make an assessment of specific microorganisms in a large number of samples of sub-gingival plaque with extreme precision, using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization and method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The development of laser technology and the discovery of its significant antimicrobial effects have introduced and presented this treatment modality as a possible auxiliary method of periodontitis treatment. Materials and Methods: The sample for the study estimating the efficiency of application of diode lasers in the reduction of periodontal pockets consisted of 1164 periodontal pockets in 24 subjects of both sexes. For laser irradiation of periodontal pockets a diode laser was used, a low-power laser (SmilePro 980, Biolitec, Germany), working in a mode precisely tuned for treatment of periodontal pockets. All subjects underwent: general anamnesis, periodontal status, and orthopantogram radiograph analysis. Following a standard periodontal preparation, a sample of subgingival plaque was collected for molecular-biological analysis (real-time PCR method) prior to laser irradiation of periodontal pockets, immediately following the irradiation, and during the control examination 3 months after irradiation. Results: The results of the molecular-biological analysis of target periodontal pathogens Actinobacillus (Aggregatibacter) actinomycetemcomitans (AA) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) isolated from periodontal pockets prior to laser irradiation, immediately after laser irradiation, and at the control examination after 3 months were processed statistically (using real-time PCR method). The results showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in CT values for the tested bacteria immediately after treatment and the control examination, compared with the level of CT values for the same bacteria before treatment. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, we concluded that diode laser irradiation reduces the number of active periodontal pathogens. We believe that the use of diode lasers, as a supplementary method in the treatment of periodontal disease, is extremely useful and efficient, and can be recommended as part of standard clinical practice.

ABSTRACT At the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo there is a trend of increasing number of cesarean deliveries in the last 15 years. Material and methods: During the 2012 percentage of Caesarean sections was 35 %, which represents a true pandemic in obstetrics profession and all scientific postulates are threatened by these practices. Of the total number of vaginal births only 48 deliveries were after previous cesarean section. Of the total number of subjects in which the delivery is completed vaginally after a previous cesarean delivery in 5 (10.42 %) was used vacuum extraction, forceps was not used, while manual exploration of the uterus in order to check the condition of the scar of a previous cesarean section was performed in 32 (66.67%) cases. Results and discussion: The largest number of respondents who were surveyed were at age from 31 – 35 years (n=25), followed by group between 26-30 years (39.58%). The analysis of complications of vaginal birth after Caesarean delivery revealed that 93.75 % of the patients did not have any complications, at 4.17 % occured postpartum hemorrhage and in one patient febrile condition. Birth after cesarean delivery can be successfully completed vaginally, with a careful application of prostaglandins, with a good estimate of an experienced obstetrician, and adequate conditions to complete delivery by caesarean section if a vaginal birth is not going in the right direction and as planned.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postmenopausal uterine bleeding is a „cancer until proven otherwise”. Endometrial cancer is a typical disease among postmenopause woman, because every bleeding in this age etiology associated with endometrial cancer (10-30%). The lifespan of women today has been extended and post menopause today last one third of a woman’s life. Early diagnosis of endometrial cancer has a very high cure rate. Screening for this cancer has limits in practice and is necessary given the definition of high-risk groups would be subject to primary and secondary prevention. Goal: Primary to evaluate the leading causes of postmenopausal uterine bleeding among patients at risk for endometrial cancer (diabetes, obesity, nulliparity, late menopause (after 55 years) and compared them with the causes of postmenopausal uterine bleeding patients without this risk. Material and methods: A retrospective, descriptive study with a targeted sample of 50 consecutive patients who had registered postmenopausal uterine bleeding in high-risk groups (cohorts) and the same number of patients with postmenopausal uterine bleeding that does not belong to the risk group (control group). Each patient underwent clinical examination, then fractionated curettements and its histopathological verification and assessment of treated clinical stage of disease with PH analysis of the resected specimens. Results: The patients of the studied risk group were significantly affected by endometrial cancer compared with the control group (RR=2.45, 95% CI 1.2 4.6, p=0.005). Endocervical pathology did not differ between groups. Clinical forms of bleeding: for those that are profuse bleeding cancer was present in 54.6% of cases. With intermittent bleeding cancer is verified in the 33.3% of patients. Risk patient groups with cancer frequently suffer from clinically more advanced stages of histologically aggressive endometrial cancer (serous adenocarcinoma–type II, low differentiated cancer).

Introduction: The aim of prenatal diagnosis is to detect fetal structural and genetic abnormalities. Used are different medical methods, procedures, processes and techniques. For this reason we can speak about the prevention and detection of hereditary diseases and congenital anomalies in the unborn fetus. Material and methods: The authors analyzed the results of early amniocentesis tests performed during 2009 in Institute for Gynecology, Infertility and Perinatology “Mehmedbasic” in Sarajevo. Performed is 299 analysis of amniotic fluid after amnion puncture done in the Institute or at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics (GAK) Sarajevo. Results and Discussion: Indications for the performance of early amniocentesis were: age greater over 35 (84.9%), positive ultrasound markers (1.6%), positive biochemical markers (5.6%) and positive family history for hereditary diseases (7.9%). Detected was 19 pathological cariograms or very high 7% of the total annual number of amniocentesis. An analysis of the distribution of pregnant women in relation to the indication of the result of cytogenetic analysis for each table made positive predictive value (PPV). For indicator age PPV was 0.11, 0.66 for ultrasound markers, for biochemical markers 0.13, for other indications–0.04. The logistic regression model (odds -ratio 11.234 ) indicate a positive ultrasound findings in relation to the year indicates that the risk to gain abnormal fetal karyotype 13 times higher when using only age as an indication for early amniocentesis. Of the 19 pathological cariogram largest number refers to M.Down (10), Sy. Edwards was detected in 2 patients, Sy. Klinefelter in 3, mosaicism in 3 and translocation gene in two of the fetus. Conclusion: The authors would like to acknowledge a very high percentage of pathological cariogram risk groups, the extension of indications for RAC indicate the value of ultrasound markers as a good screening methods and the need for social incentives to perform screening tests and early amniocentesis in B&H in order to prevent genetic abnormalities.

European Union regional policy has fundamental importance in elimination of existing disparities between regions, making conditions for increasing economic growth and achieving full potential of each region. Common policies have proved to be the most complex area of European integrations, particularly in funding and the allocation EU funds. Bosnia and Herzegovina has the same practice that, as pointed out by representatives of Directorate for European Integration (DEI) and Directorate for Economic Planning (DEP), has not developed regional policy or strategic approach to the funds allocation. Object and aim of this research will be identification of lessons that the EU led, leads or will lead for implementation of regional policy that BIH could use in its further development, especially for the period 2014–2020. The document could be used as development document for DEI and DEP, and as a document that would be used as the basis for further programming of funds (obtaining for period 2014–2020), aiming to regional involvement. The necessary methodology in completing this work encompasses using the historical method, method of analysis and synthesis, comparative method and the actual researches overview enriched with secondary data sources. Primary data sources will be collected through semi-structured interviews with representatives of DEI and DEP, and with other relevant institutions’ representatives. EU Regional Policy course is for the first time available course at Doctoral program within the Bologna concept of study at the School of Economics and Business Sarajevo in cooperation with University of Vienna and Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, which is of special significance for this research.