Tablets are one of the most popular and preferred solid dosage forms because they can be accurately dosed, easily manufactured and packaged on a large scale, have good physical and chemical stability, and can contribute to good patient compliance given their ease of administration. The ability to match doses to patients depends on the availability of multiple dose sizes and adequate dose-response information. These are not always provided, so splitting of the tablets is sometimes necessary. Tablet splitting is an accepted practice in dispensing medication. It has been used when a dosage form of the required strength is not available commercially. The aim of our study was to compare some physical parameters of whole and scored lisinopril and lisinopril/hydrochlorthiazide tablets and to accept or exclude their influence on the obtaining of required dosage. According to the results obtained, we may conclude that tablets from batch "I", "II", "III" and "IV" satisfied pharmacopeial requirements concerning crushing strength, friability, disintegration time and mass uniformity. The hardness testing showed acceptable reproducibility and indicate that the data variation was primarily from the irreversible changes in the structure of tablet samples. The act of compacting powders stores energy within the tablets, by shifting or compressing the intermolecular bonds within the particles. The tablets have a natural tendency to relax once pressure is removed, and this tendency works against the interparticle bonding formed during compression. Hardness testing procedure causes irreversible changes in this structure.

Head and neck neoplasia can affect certain fundamental functions, including eating, drinking, speaking and respiration. One overriding factor in deciding on treatment policy is the tendency for head and neck malignancy to be limited to the primary site and regional lymph nodes with surgery and chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of the study was to analyze the occurrence of Head and Neck tumours operated at ENT clinic Tuzla, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Medical records of patients with histopathologically confirmed head and neck malignancies over a 5 year period (2003-2007) were analyzed. Eight hundred and eight one (881) cases, made up of 519 (58,8%) males and 362 (41,1%) females were found. The most common sites for head and neck malignancies were found to be in the larynx (26,1%), oral cavity (21,7%), the thyroid gland (14,64 %) and the neck (8,51%). A total of 230 patients were diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma (M:173; F:57), showing the increasing number of female patients. The histopathological tumour types found in this work were mostly squamous cell carcinoma (72,09%), papillary carcinoma (12,2%), while many other minor histopathological variants accounted for 13%. The most patients were presented with stage I and stage III of disease (27% and 28,3%), and 19,9% with stage IV. About 40% of patients did not have data about smoking habit and alcohol drinking. The incidence of head and neck tumours seems to be relatively high, but without significant increase during investigated period. More investigation concerning risk factors, diagnostic procedures, and management strategies should be done in future.

There is still debate whether sintethic graft (polytetrafluoroethylene or Dacron) is equivalent to vein as bypass graft material for the above-knee femoropopliteal bypass. Therefore, we performed prospective randomized trial to compare vein with polytetrafluoroethylene/dacron for femoropopliteal bypasses with the distal anastomosis above the knee. Between January 2000 and June 2003, 121 femoropopliteal bypasses were performed. The indications for operation were severe claudication in 96 cases, rest pain in 16 cases, and ulceration in 9 cases. After randomization, 60 reversed saphenous venous bypasses and 61 polytetrafluoroethylene/dacron bypasses were performed. No perioperative mortality was seen, and 5% of the patients had minor infections of the wound, not resulting in loss of the bypass, the limb, or life. After 5 years, 37% of the patients had died and 7% were lost to follow-up. Only once saphenous vein was necessary for coronary artery bypass grafting. Primary patency rates after 5 years were 76,6% for venous bypass grafts and 59,1% for polytetrafluoroethylene/dacron grafts (p=0,035). Secondary patency rates were 83,3% for vein and 69,2% for polytetrafluoroethylene/dacron bypasses (p = 0,036). In the venous group, 10 bypasses failed, leading to four new bypasses. In the polytetrafluoroethylene group, 22 bypasses failed, leading to 12 reinterventions. After 5 years of follow-up, we conclude that a bypass with saphenous vein has better patency rates at all intervals and needs fewer reoperations. Saphenous vein should be the graft material of choice for above-knee femoropopliteal bypasses and should not be preserved for reinterventions. Polytetrafluoroethylene/dacron is an acceptable alternative if the saphenous vein is not available.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of percutaneous drainage with single-session alcohol sclerotherapy in the treatment of symptomatic simple renal cysts. Thirty patients (16 men and 14 women, average age 54,7+/-11,3 years) with simple renal cysts were treated by ultrasound guided percutaneous aspiration and single-session alcohol sclerotherapy. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment outcome and complications were analyzed. Average reduction of cyst volume was 91,2%. Complete and partial resolution occurred in 10 (33%) and 14 (47%) cysts, respectively. Six cases were defined as failure with reduction of cyst volume <80%. Flank pain improved in all patients, regardless of complete or partial resolution. Minor complications occurred in 8 patients. The hospital stay was one day for all patients. Treatment of simple renal cysts is indicated when the cysts are sufficiently large and cause complaints or when associated with complications. Percutaneous treatment with alcohol sclerotherapy of benign renal cysts can be performed safely and effectively.

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are rare and their management is controversial. Their incidence varies from 1,5% to 5% of the coronary angiographies, with predilection of the right coronary artery. Unruptured coronary aneurysms are often silent and may remain undiagnosed. The etiology can be either congenital or acquired. We describe a case of a left anterior descending artery (LAD) aneurysm treated with an off-pump surgical revascularization with a LIMA to LAD without exclusion or ligature of the aneurysm.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the renoprotective antioxidant effect of Spirulina platensis on gentamicin-induced acute tubular necrosis in rats. Albino-Wistar rats, (9male and 9 female), weighing approximately 250 g, were used for this study. Rats were randomly assigned to three equal groups. Control group received 0,9 % sodium chloride intraperitoneally for 7 days at the same volume as gentamicin group. Gentamicin group was treated intraperitoneally with gentamicin, 80 mg/kg daily for 7 days. Gentamicin+spirulina group received Spirulina platensis 1000 mg/kg orally 2 days before and 7 days concurrently with gentamicin (80 mg/kg i.p.). Nephrotoxicity was assessed by measuring plasma nitrite concentration, stabile metabolic product of nitric oxide with oxygen. Plasma nitrite concentration was determined by colorimetric method using Griess reaction. For histological analysis kidney specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. Plasma nitrite concentration and the level of kidney damage were significantly higher in gentamicin group in comparison both to the control and gentamicin+spirulina group. Spirulina platensis significantly lowered the plasma nitrite level and attenuated histomorphological changes related to renal injury caused by gentamicin. Thus, the results from present study suggest that Spirulina platensis has renoprotective potential in gentamicin-induced acute tubular necrosis possibly due to its antioxidant properties.

The lithium ions concentration in human serum and saliva was determined using dry-slide technology Vitros 250 Analyser (Ortho Clinical Diagnostic) and atomic absorption spectrometry Perkin Elmer 403 (AAS). We analyzed lithium ions in 100 serum and saliva specimens of patients after oral administration of lithium carbonate (3 x 300 mg) Jadran, Galen Laboratory Rijeka. Saliva and blood were taken 2 and 12 hours after the last dose. At the same time lithium ions at samples of blood and saliva were determined with both methods which showed high level of correlation. The mean difference of lithium ions between saliva and serum was statistically significant for p<0.05 using t student test. At saliva we got constant of elimination Kel = 0.02(-1)h and elimination half life (t(1/2)) was t(1/2)=34.6 h. For serum was t(1/2)= 24 h what means that lithium ions elimination is slower from saliva then from serum. That is the reason why probably concentration at saliva is higher then at serum. Lithium elimination is two compartment pharmacokinetic model where important part of compartment are saliva and salivary glands. At a certain point in medical treatment it could be expected to use controlled determination of lithium ions in saliva with serum as control.

Cervical dysplasia, a premalignant lesion that can progress to cervical cancer, is caused primarily by a sexually transmitted infection with an oncogenic strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV infections are treated through destroying the clinical lesions: laser, cryotherapy, podophyllin... The hope is that by causing local tissue inflammation that the body will be stimulated to mount an antibody response and thereby prevent recurrence. In contrast to other prevention approaches, vaccines can reduce susceptibility in uninfected partners by stimulating the immune system. Aloe vera has also been reported to retard tumour growth and stimulate the immune response to viruses. A list of possible actions of propolis includes: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antithrombotic and immunomodulatory. Research on the possible role of some B vitamins in preventing cancer began in the last few decades, but however this complex have an influence on immune status. The aim of our study is to try to treat the HPV infection as confirmed cause of neoplastic transformation with some herbal therapy and interferon and to try define the guidelines in the management of the HPV positive patients. Goal of this paper is to search for evidence of efficacy of any treatment for HPV infection of the cervix mostly in woman with no concomitant CIN. Fifty five woman affected by HPV genital infection were enrolled in the study from September 2005 to April 2006. Patients were classified according to the results of the HPV testing prior and after the therapy. Patients were randomized into two groups: the first group was HPV positive woman treated with other than recommended therapy (n=20), (control group); the second group was pharmacologically treated with intravaginal administration of an interferon and aloe vera-propolis in recommended scheme (n=35) with treatment of the possible fungal or bacterial genital infection prior to the specific therapy. The almost same therapy was recommended to the male partner. Patients from the second group used B complex during the therapy. Patients were retested for the HPV presence after three or six month from therapy depend of the presence bacterial or fungal genital coinfection. Three months after applied therapy HPV infection was still present in more than 90% of the patients in the first group. In the second group treated according to the recommended therapy scheme HPV infection disappeared in 71.42% of the patients after three months and in 100% of patients after six months. Samples of the cervical smear for the HPV analysis were being taken during routine gynecological examinations, by using sticks with cotton, taken from the Digene Specimen Collection Kit, from the whole surface of a portion, and by mild rotating moves from the outer cervical entrance. Our results suggest that the combination of interferon and herbal therapy with B complex is effective, atraumatic and simple non-surgical treatment of HPV infection. Since prospective efficacy trials will take several years to complete, considering alternative approaches is also worthwhile.

The present study evaluated the impact of the angiographically documented collaterals on regional myocardial perfusion measured by 201thallium scintigraphy in patients with a chronic total occlusion. The study included 60 patients with chronic total occlusion who underwent rest-stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and coronary angiography. All patients had angiographic evidence of coronary collaterals. Patients were divided into two groups: group one had well-developed coronary collateral vessels (n=35) and group II had poor coronary collateral development (n=25). Patients with chronic total occlusion had severe and extensive stress-induced myocardial perfusion defects regardless of the grade of angiographic coronary collaterals. The perfusion defects in the group with good collaterals were predominantly reversible, suggesting that coronary collaterals preserved myocardial viability in the regions subtended by a total coronary occlusion. A significant correlation between good collaterals with complete protection and poor collaterals with no protection was noted. Our results demonstrate a protective effect of collaterals on myocardial perfusion during coronary occlusion. The effective angiographic collaterals may prevent resting regional wall motion abnormalities but do not appear to protect against stress-induced perfusion defect.

In 15 years period (1989 - 2004) we have treated at our Clinic a total of 101 patients diagnosed with erythema nodosum which makes 2.9% of the total number of patients treated in this period. In order to explore correlation between dermatological and lung diseases we applied statistical analysis with respect to number, sex, age and irregularities occurring on the skin surface. Female patients dominated with 96 of them (95.6%) in the group, while only five patients were male (4.3%). This makes 22 : 1 scale in favor of female patients, as opposed to usual 5:1 ratio. Similar predominance (86%) was found in the study conducted by Mert and Gurkan (1.2). Average age of the patients was 41.6 years, which is slightly higher than the average of 18 and 34. The youngest patient was 17 and oldest 77.

The development of neuron cells in vagal nerve nuclei in medulla oblongata was studied in vitro in live newborns and stillborns from different cases. Morphological changes were studied in respiratory nuclei of dorsal motor centre (DMNV) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in medulla oblongata. The material from medulla oblongata was fixated in 10 micro buffered formalin solution. Fixated material was cut in series of 10mu thickness, with starting point from obex in +/- 4 mm thickness. Special histochemical and histoenzymatic methods for central nervous system were used: cresyl echt violet coloring, tolyidin blue, Sevier-Munger modification and Grimelius coloring. In immature newborns (abortions and immature) in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) population stages S1, S2, S3 are dominant. In neuron population in vagal sensory nuclei (NTS) stages S1, S2 are dominant. In more advanced stages of development of newborns (premature), in DMNV stages S3 and S4 are seen and in NTS stages S2 and S3 are dominant. In mature phase of newborns (maturity) in vagal nucleus DMNV stages S5 and S6 are dominant, while in sensory nucleus NTS stages S4 and S5 are dominant. These data suggest that neuron population in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) are more advanced in neuronal maturity in comparison with sensory neuron population of vagal sensory nucleus NTS. This occurrence shows that phylogenetic development of motor complex is more advanced than the sensory one, which is expected to take new information's from the extra uterine life after birth (extra uterine vagal phenotype).

In this study we investigated by means of density functional theory calculations the adsorption geometry and bonding mechanism of a single thymine (C$_5$H$_6$N$_2$O$_2$) molecule on Cu(110) surface. In the most stable energetic configuration, the molecular plane is oriented perpendicular to substrate along the $[1\bar{1}0]$ direction. For this adsorption geometry, the thymine molecule interacts with the surface via a deprotonated nitrogen atom and two oxygen ones such that the bonding mechanism involves a strong hybridization between the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and the d-states of the substrate. In the case of a parallel adsorption geometry, the long-range van der Waals interactions play an important role on both the molecule-surface geometry and adsorption energy. Their specific role was analyzed by means of a semi-empirical and the seamless methods. In particular, for a planar configuration, the inclusion of the dispersion effects dramatically changes the character of the adsorption process from physisorption to chemisorption. Finally, we predict the real-space topography of the molecule-surface interface by simulating scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images. From these simulations we anticipate that only certain adsorption geometries can be imaged in STM experiments.

We perform first-principles calculations aimed at investigating the role of a heteroatom such as N in the chemical and long-range van der Waals (vdW) interactions for a flat adsorption of several pi-conjugated molecules on the Cu(110) surface. Our study reveals that the alignment of the molecular orbitals at the adsorbate-substrate interface depends on the number of heteroatoms. As a direct consequence, the molecule-surface vdW interactions involve not only pi-like orbitals which are perpendicular to the molecular plane but also sigma-like orbitals delocalized in the molecular plane.