ACCEpTED: December 18, 2020 Aim: To present a therapeutic modality of rhabdomyolysis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Case report: A 45-year-old patient was admitted to Urgent Care Center due to chest pain. Due to repeated attacks of ventricular fibrillation (11 direct-current cardioversion defibrillation was done), and after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) he was intubated. Computed tomography (CT) of the head was without pathological findings. At admission laboratory findings were as follows: urea 17.5 mmol/L, creatinine 143 μmol/L, AST 584 IU/L, ALT 162 IU/L, creatine kinase 6220 IU/L, C-reactive protein 249.5 mg/L, troponin I 0.12 ug/L (in two days increased to 6.31 ug/L). In the resuscitation procedure, gastric contents were aspirated, and shadowing of the right lung was radiographically verified. Patient from admission was febrile up to 40° Celsius despite received therapy (positive finding on Haemophilus influenzae B was received subsequently). Ejection fraction of left ventricle was reduced (estimated about 30-35%) along with anteroseptal medioapical akinesia, while stroke volume was 46 mL. Hypokinesia of right ventricular free wall was verified. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was 15mm, along with moderate tricuspid regurgitation. On the fourth day deep vein thrombosis of the left leg was verified. On the ninth day of hospitalization, a high increase in creatine kinase was verified (up to 127.100 IU/L) with consecutive renal failure (urea 38.1 mmol/L, creatinine 620 μmol/L) and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure was diagnosed. The patient was included in the acute hemodialysis program (six hemodialysis were performed, diuresis was up to a maximum of 250 mL/day). The patient’s condition gradually stabilized, and the patient was taken of mechanical ventilation after 16 days. During next twenty days, kidney function was improving, and the patient was discharged home. Follow-up examination after two months verified anteroseptal and medioapical akinesia of left ventricle, with satisfactory renal function. Percutaneous coronary intervention was indicated.

ACCEPTED: December 18, 2020 Aim: To present a therapeutic modality of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Case report: A 24-year-old female patient, with no prior known diagnosis, was admitted to the Department of Cardiology with signs of acute heart failure. A 45 days prior to admission she delivered a healthy baby (first pregnancy) via cesarean section, while 20 days before hospitalization she developed symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, fatigue, weakness and extremely low tolerance to effort. Upon admission on X-ray, heart shadow was enlarged and, while on electrocardiogram (ECG) there was a sinus tachycardia with negative T waves from V1-V5. Echocardiography on admission showed initial dilatation of cardiac chambers, reduced ejection fraction of left ventricle (EFLV; estimated about 25%) with global hypokinesia, signs of moderate to severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation with mild pulmonary hypertension, along with hemodynamically nonsignificant circumferential pericardial effusion (diastolic separation of 8mm). Laboratory findings were as follows: NT-pro BNP 1810.0 pg/mL; signs of anemia, while inflammatory parameters, cardiac necrosis markers, urea, creatinine, D-dimer and thyroid hormones values remained in reference values. Testing for known cardiotropic viruses was not positive and PPCM was diagnosed. The patient was treated with cardio selective beta blocker (metoprolol), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (ramipril), diuretics (furosemide), spironolactone, and digoxin along with supportive therapy. After twelve days of hospital treatment, there was significant improvement of the clinical status of our patient. Her symptoms were notably ameliorated. EFLV before discharge improved to 40%, heart chambers dimensions were in referral values, while mitral and tricuspid regurgitation were significantly reduced into a mild grade, while pericardial effusion was also in regression. Follow-up examination after two and six months showed further improvement of patients’ conditions while after six months only beta-blocker and acetylsalicylic acid were prescribed in therapy.

Case report : Severe mitral regurgitation due to rupture of the chordae tendineae and mitral valve pro-lapse (Barlow’s disease), with a left atrial volume of 37.6 mL/m 2 was verified in 43-year old patient. He was admitted for an examination due to frequent palpitations and fast and irregular heartbeats. In the anamnestic data, thrombosis of the veins of the right leg was verified (thrombosis of popliteal, posterior tibial and great saphenous vein during previous years). He carries mutations: heterozygote of factor V Leiden, with MTHFR C677T heterozygote (CT), PAI- 1 heterozygote (4G⁄5G) and MTHFR A1298C heterozygote. The surgical treatment was done, and mechanical valve was implanted. In the follow-ing months, the patient complained on frequent dizziness, with crises of consciousness, and a short-ness of breath. He was not suitable for beta-blocker therapy, as well as propafenone and amiodarone, which had been prescribed in therapy in the meantime. The 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring described various arrhythmias, most of the time AV block of the first degree with PQ interval up to 320 msec, oc-casionally second-degree atrioventricular block Mobitz II, polymorphic ventricular extrasystoles and one attack of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (6 ventricular extrasystoles in row), with intermit-tent nodal rhythm, junctional tachycardia and atrial flutter with AV ratio 2:1. An electrophysiological study was performed, and the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter was verified, and radiofrequent ablation was done. After the procedure patient was in sinus rhythm. During the next follow up visits, the patient was in sinus rhythm, on therapy with a low dose of nebivolol (inability to tolerate beta blockers) and ivabradine, along with vitamin K antagonists. Conclusion

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CCS) or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare condition, which is a challenge for both diagnosis and treatment in clinical work. Occurrences of cardiac complications represent a negative predictor of treatment outcome for these patients. The aim of this article is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic modality of a 33-year-old male diagnosed with? CCS. Treatment of these patients should be multidisciplinary, with a comprehensive therapeutic modality, while early diagnosis is imperative.

Patients and Methods: Patients were hospitalized under a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, which was confirmed on the basis of the following criteria: clinical picture, changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG), serum D-dimer values and computed tomography (CT) angiography with contrast. The PAOI score was determined according to CT findings. On admission, systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure were measured.

In this paper we will present the Julia set and the global behavior of a polynomial second-order difference equation of type xn+1 = axmn xx-1 + axm+1 n-1 + bxn-1 where m ? N, a > 0 and b ? 0 with non-negative initial conditions.

U ovom radu ponudit će se rodna analiza potreba i mogućih pravaca reforme izbornog zakonodavstva Bosne i Hercegovine. Fokus rada će biti na tri centralna istraživačka pitanja. Prvo, analizirat će se u kojoj mjeri i na koji način konsocijacijski politički sistemi o(ne)mogućavaju predstavljanje žena u politici. Pri tome će se u obzir uzeti različite dimenzije predstavljanja (formalno, deskriptivno, sadržajno i simbolično predstavljanje). Drugo, analizirat će se da li je Izborni zakon Bosne i Hercegovine usklađen sa Zakonom o ravnopravnosti spolova Bosne i Hercegovine. I treće, ispitivat će se u kojem pravcu se trebaju i mogu odvijati reforme izbornog zakonodavstva BiH. U tom kontekstu biće predstavljene i preporuke CEDAW komiteta i različite rodno odgovorne inicijative za reforme izbornog zakonodavstva koje dolaze kako od institucija nadležnih za rodnu ravnopravnost, tako i iz sfere civilnog društva.

This research presents the first findings on thrombopoiesis for Wistar rats. Haemopoietic cells from the femur and the sternum were analysed by light microscopy in combination with infrared and near-ultraviolet light for fine cytoplasmic structure analysis. Five main types of thrombocyte precursor cells were identified in the bone marrow samples: megakaryoblast, promegakaryocyte and megakaryocyte (basophilic, acidophilic and thrombocytogenic). More intensive thrombopoiesis and morphologically differentiated cells were found in sternum samples.

Background/Aim: Organophosphorus compounds (OP) bind to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) causing an irreversible inhibition of the enzyme. When doing in vivo studies of OP intoxication, to precisely measure AChE activity in the brain tissue it is necessary to remove as much blood from the brain as possible. By doing so, interference of the OPs present in the blood is avoided. Usually this demands expensive equipment, therefore, the aim of this study was to find a simple and economical method to eliminate the blood from brain blood vessels. Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups named Control (C), Control washout (CW), Paraoxon (Pox) and Paraoxon washout (PoxW) group. Rats in Pox and PoxW were treated with 0.25 mg/kg paraoxon subcutaneously (sc), while C and CW received 1 mL/kg sc saline instead. The "Marinković-Maksimović" ("MM") method was performed in rats from PoxW and CW groups. Activity of AChE was measured both in erythrocyte lysate and in brain tissue using spectrophotometry. Results: Macroscopic examination revealed that the elimination of blood was achieved in CW and PoxW groups. Activity of AChE in homogenised brain tissue was expectedly lower in the Pox and PoxW group, when compared to C and CW group, respectively. The CW group had a lower value of AChE activity in the brain tissue compared to C group, while activity of AChE in the PoxW group was statistically higher than in the Pox group (p = 0.044). Conclusion: The MM method provides good elimination of blood from the brain. Together with blood, present confounding factors that interfere with analysis in homogenised brain tissue, were also eliminated.

Background/Aim: In surgery, and especially in the neurosurgical operations, maintenance of cardiovascular stability during and in the phase of the immediate postoperative recovery is of vital importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of continuous esmolol infusion on the values of cardiovascular parameters and quality of the emergence from anaesthesia in neurosurgical patients. Methods: A total of 40 patients of both sexes scheduled for elective supratentorial surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Esmolol group received intravenous (iv) infusion of esmolol dissolved in 5 % glucose solution (during the first 5 min at a rate of 0.3 mg/kg/min and thereafter at a rate of 0.1 mg/kg/min), while the ones from the control group received a 5 % glucose solution without esmolol at the same volume and rate. Cardiovascular parameters were registered at critical phases of anaesthesia and operation (induction, intubation, placement of Mayfield frame, craniotomy, skull closure, extubation). Recovery after anaesthesia was assessed based on times of eye opening on command, spontaneous eye opening and regaining of full orientation. Results: Values of systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the esmolol than in the control group of patients. Although the durations of anaesthesia did not differ, patients from the esmolol group required significantly less opioids and isoflurane and recovered after the anaesthesia significantly faster than the patients in the control group. Conclusion: Ultrashort-acting beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist esmolol, administered as a continuous iv infusion, assures better cardiovascular stability and smoother emergence from the balanced inhalation general anaesthesia than the control glucose infusion in elective neurosurgical patients.

Introduction: Oganophosphorus compounds (OP) bind to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and inactivate it. In the synaptic cleft, undestroyed and accumulated acetylcholine produce the acute cholinergic effects. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, speed of onset and intensity of certain signs of paraoxon poisoning depending on dose and outcome of poisoning. Methods: The study was conducted in adult Wistar rats. The median lethal dose (LD50) of paraoxon as well as protective ratio (PR) of atropine (10 mg/kg intramuscularly) was determined. Clinical signs of poisoning were observed: fasciculations, tremor, seizures, ataxia, piloerection, lacrimation, exophthalmos, bizzare/stereotypic behaviour and dyspnoea. The time from paraoxon injection to the first appearance of the sign of poisoning was recorded as well as the intensity of poisoning with evaluation at 10 time intervals throughout the 4 h observational period. Results: The LD50 of paraoxon was 0.33 mg/kg (subcutaneously) and PR of atropine was 2.73. Dose-dependent, piloerection occurred more often (p = 0.009) and at higher intensity (p = 0.016) at higher doses. Fasciculations, tremor, seizures and ataxia occurred significantly earlier at higher doses of paraoxon (p = 0.015, 0.002, 0.021 and 0.016, respectively), as well as the intensity of seizure, tremor and fasciculation. Piloerection (p = 0.002) and seizures occurred more frequently (p = 0.009) in non-survivors. Fasciculations, tremor, seizures and ataxia occurred significantly earlier and at higher intensity in non-survivors (p < 0.001, for all parameters), as well as dyspnoea (p = 0.009 and p = 0.048). In atropine-protected rats, nicotinic effects persevered, so they were the prognostic parameter of the severity of the poisoning. Conclusion: Seizures and fasciculations followed by tremor were strong prognostic parameters of the probability of lethal outcome of paraoxon poisoning. Also, the mentioned poisoning signs were with their intensity and speed of occurrence in a clear positive correlation with the administered dose of paraoxon. Even at high doses of paraoxon, atropine blocked the muscarinic (but not nicotinic) effects and somewhat mitigated the CNS toxic effects.

Background / Aim: More people die each year due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than from any other cause. The most common cause of ischaemic heart diseases (IHD) is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) can be preventable and non-preventable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of individual risk factors in patients with CHD. Methods: Retrospective analysis included patients with diagnoses of stable angina pectoris (AP), unstable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction - acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and ischaemic cardiomyopathy (iCMP). The prevalence of the following risk factors for IHD was analysed: hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cholesterol, smoking, family history, age and sex. Data were taken from the Register of Patients with Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors and electronic patient records. Results: Of the total number of respondents older than 18, 4.95 % had CHD. Of the 178 patients with IHD, 70 (39.3 %) patients had AP, 60 (33.7 %) patients had ACS and 48 (27.0 %) patients had iCMP. Positive family history had 63.5 % of patients, 72 % were older than 66, 24.1 % were smokers and 74.2 % of patients had elevated blood cholesterol levels. Diabetes mellitus affected 29.2 % of patients, hypertension 88.8 %, and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had 70.8 % of patients. Of the total number of patients with ACS, 68.3 % were men, while higher percentage of women suffered from AP (62.9 %) (p = 0.002). In the age below 65, CHD was more common in men (p = 0.007). Cholesterol was elevated more often in patients with AP than iCMP (p = 0.001). Patients with ACS were more likely to have diabetes mellitus compared to patients with AP and iCMP (p = 0.010). Conclusion: The prevalence of preventable risk factors is alarmingly high. Of particular importance is the timely detection and treatment of risk factors by family physicians and strengthening the personal responsibility of each individual in choosing their lifestyle and active involvement in the therapeutic process.

The vascular approach is a prerequisite for performing hemodialysis, but their "weak points" are different and frequent complications. Modern guidelines recommend native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as the first choice of vascular approach because it is characterized by the longest survival and the least complications compared to other vascular approaches. All complications of AVF can be divided into intraoperative, early, and late postoperative. This paper presents the late postoperative complications of AVF, their frequency, causes, diagnosis and treatment. The most important late postoperative complications are: stenosis, thrombosis, aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm formation, infection, hand edema, hematoma, ischemic steal syndrome, ischemic neuropathy, congestive heart failure. Large differences in the frequency of each complication in earlier studies can be explained by differences in surgical technique, localization of AVF, diagnostic methods, but, above all, differences between the presented groups of patients. It is described that the age of patients, sex, underlying disease, the presence of comorbid conditions and various metabolic and immune disorders characteristic of chronic renal failure, as well as the way of using and caring for AVF significantly affect the occurrence of AVF complications. One of the main predictors of AVF success and survival is the quality of the patients' blood vessels, and therefore careful examination of blood vessels before approaching AVF creation is of particular importance. The creation, use and care of AVF is the task of the team of health professionals who take part in the treatment of these patients, and successful treatment requires their good cooperation, as well as cooperation with patients.

Introduction/Objective. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a primary lung disease. Today, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the basis of non-pharmacological treatment of these patients, with numerous confirmed effects on the most significant symptoms of the disease and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between certain risk factors and the outcome of PR, as well as to determine the percentage of respondents who had a positive outcome of PR. Methods. The study included 500 patients with COPD, determined according to the guidelines of the GOLD, all stages I-IV, in the stable phase of the disease, who completed the outpatient PR program. Disease stage, comorbidities, forced expiratory volume in the first second, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, BODE index, were measured before and after the program. The last four parameters have been observed as risk factors that affect the outcome of PR, but also as parameters by which we monitor the outcome of PR. Results. A successful outcome of PR was achieved by as many as 452 (90.4%) patients. As independent predictors of a positive outcome of PR were determined: lower number of comorbidities, absence of heart failure, higher BMI and CAT ? 10. Conclusions. PR in our group of patients leads to statistically significant improvements in most of the examined subjective and objective parameters, in patients at all stages of the disease.

Introduction/Objective. The presence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations is the best predictor of response for therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In this study, we investigate association between EGFR mutations and clinicopathological characteristics and thyroid transcription factor (TTF-1) expression in lung adenocarcinomas (AD). Methods. We analyzed 142 surgical samples from patients with histologically confirmed lung AD from January 2010 to December 2015. All tumor tissues were reclassified according to the World Health Organization criteria and EGFR mutations detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. TTF-1 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 83 out of 142 cases. The association between EGFR and TTF-1 expression was analyzed using the ?2 test or Fisher?s exact test with SPSS software version 20.0. Results. This study included 78 male and 64 women with a median age of 61.6 (range, 42?82) years. Acinar (ACN) and solid (SOL) were the most common histological types (47.9% and 38.7%, respectively). TTF-1 expression was present in 69 of 83 (83%) ADs. The EGFR mutation was found in 7%, more frequently in women, and patients with smoking history, and acinar type of AD, whereas it had no association with age and pathological stage and TTF-1 expression. Conclusion. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that the presence of EGFR mutations is associated with some clinical characteristics and histologic type of ADs, but not with TTF-1 expression.