Hypertension is chronic disease with high prevalence, which can successfully be treated with antihypertensive drugs. Previous researches have shown that existing hypertension treatment guidelines are not fully implemented in practice. We have analysed antihypertensive drug utilization in Canton Sarajevo during five-year period (2004-2008). Research findings are discussed in relation to expected drug utilization according to Canton Sarajevo treatment guidelines. Objective of this research is to examine prescription patterns of antihypertensive drugs in primary health care in Canton Sarajevo during five-year period. Based on study findings we did an estimation of adherence to local treatment guidelines, which are similar to those published globally. Drug utilization data were collected from the largest pharmacy (retail) chain, representing more than 80% of pharmacies in Canton Sarajevo. Following drug groups have been analyzed: diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium-channel-blockers, ACE-Inhibitors (plain and combinations), Angiotensin-II-antagonists and alpha-blockers. Drug utilization is expressed in number of defined daily dose (DDDs), defined daily dose per thousand inhabitants per day (DDD/TID), drug utilization 90% (DU90%) and value in euros. ACE-Inhibitors are most prescribed drug class; combination of ACE-Inhibitors and diuretics account 46% of total antihypertensive budget spending. ACEIs are followed by calcium-channel-blockers. Diuretics utilization is decreasing from 2006 and being replaced with beta-blockers. Diuretics, recommended as first line therapy, are ranked as third in total antihypertensive drug utilization. It is necessary to introduce follow-up and enforce adherence to developed treatment guideline. Drug utilization studies can be used as tool for assessment of treatment guidelines adherence in primary health care.

Endothelin 1 (ET-1) is vasoactive peptide that acts via ET-A receptors coupling inducing vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and contraction. ET-1 is involved in the development and maintenance of hypertension. Aim of this study was to determine the contribution of Ras farnesyl transferase, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) and cytochrome P¬450 (CYP450) metabolites to ET-1 induced hypertension. ET-1 (5 pmol/kg per minute) was chronically infused into to the jugular vein by use of mini-osmotic pump for 9 days in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in ET-1-treated rats was 154±2 mm Hg (hypertensive rats) compared with 98±3 mm Hg in control (normotensive) rats. Infusion of Ras farnesyl transferase inhibitor FPTIII (138 ng/min), MAP kinase inhibitor PD-98059 (694 ng/min) and CYP450 inhibitor 17-ODYA (189 ng/min) significantly attenuated MABP to 115±2.5 mm Hg, 109±3 mm Hg and 118±1.5 mm Hg, respectively. These results suggest that CYP-450 metabolites and Ras/MAP kinase pathway contribute to the development of ET-1 induced hypertension. Further investigation has to be done to confirm whether activation of RAS/MAP kinase pathway by arachidonic acid metabolites plays an important role in the development of ET-1 induced hypertension.

The nonlocal van der Waals density functional approach is applied to calculate the binding of graphene to Ir(111). The precise agreement of the calculated mean height h = 3.41  Å of the C atoms with their mean height h = (3.38±0.04)  Å as measured by the x-ray standing wave technique provides a benchmark for the applicability of the nonlocal functional. We find bonding of graphene to Ir(111) to be due to the van der Waals interaction with an antibonding average contribution from chemical interaction. Despite its globally repulsive character, in certain areas of the large graphene moiré unit cell charge accumulation between Ir substrate and graphene C atoms is observed, signaling a weak covalent bond formation.

Aim.Goal of the study was to assess the frequency of birth and mortality of low birth weight infants based on the level of neonatal institution where they were born and/or treated according to gestational age, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods. Through the prospective study over one-year period from 01.01. to 31.12.2009, the infants were analysed (stillborn and liveborn) of both genders, gestational age 24-42 weeks and birth weight below 2500 grams. Results. During the assessment period, 22897 infants were born, 669 with low birth weight, so that the incidence was 2.9 %. Gender breakdown is proportional. Most of the infants were born in two largest Cantons, Sarajevo and Tuzla. In the first level neonatal institutions 29 infants were born, 286 in the neonatal institutions of the second level, and 354 low birth weight infants were born in the neonatal institutions of third level. There is statistically significant discrepancy in frequency of low birth weight infants' births between neonatal institutions of first and second level (χ2=272.1; P<0.0001), as well as second and third level (χ2=13.4; P<0.0002). Of 29 low birth weight infants born in neonatal institutions of first level, 26 were referred to other institutions, while 3 died in the institution where they were born. Neonatal institution of second level kept 127 infants at treatment, 53 of whom died. There was no statistically significant discrepancy in mortality of low birth weight infants between the institutions of first and second level (χ2=0.71; P=0.398), with relative risk [ RR=0.507 (95% CI 0.148- 1.738) ]. In third level neonatal institutions, 513 infants were treated and 461 survived, while 52 died. Statistically significant discrepancy was found in the mortality rate of low birth weight infants between the institutions of second and third level ( χ2=71.8; P<0.0001), with high relative risk [ RR=6.349 (95% CI 4.030-10.003) ]. Conclusion: Survival of low birth weight infants born in the maternity hospitals with neonatal institutions of third level is statistically higher than the survival rate of infants born in the maternity hospital with neonatal institutions of first and second level.

Spontaneous regression of herniated nucleus pulposus occurs when intervertebral disc herniation loses its volume partly or totally without surgical interventions. Cases of spontaneous regression of large extruded lumbar disc are rare. We presented a patient with large lumbar disc extrusion documented by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, but not found intraoperatively four months after performing diagnostic. Postoperatively he felt well for two months when the pain reappeared. Control Magnetic Resonance of lumbar spine showed complete resolution of extruded disc fragment comparing with the initial Magnetic Resonance Imaging.