bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tests of high-strength concrete deep beams
Authors: Lu Wen-Yao , Chu Chia-Hung
Published: January 2018

This study reports the test results of 16 high-strength concrete deep beams. Loads on the deep beams were transferred downwards between the columns to simulate real structures. The main variables studied were the shear span-to-depth ratios, and the parameter of horizontal and vertical stirrups. The test results indicate that the shear strengths of deep beams increase with decreasing shear span-to-depth ratio. The shear strengths can be significantly enhanced for deep beams with both horizontal and vertical stirrups. The shear strengths of deep beams with horizontal stirrups are higher than those of deep beams without horizontal stirrups. The normalised shear strengths of deep beams are not affected by the effective depth; the size effect on the normalised shear strength is not pronounced. A method for determining the shear strengths of deep beams is proposed.
Effects of Basal Insulin Analog and Metformin on Glycaemia Control and Weight as Risk Factors for Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Aščić – Buturović Belma , Kacila Mirsad
Published: January 2018

Obese patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance are at increased risk of development of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction may be a reason for development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle modification, increased physical activity, weight reduction, energy restricted diet and good glycaemia control can be useful for the endothelial function improvement and may decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of basal insulin analog and metformin on glycaemia control and weight as risk factors of endothelial dysfunction. Total of 15 patients (9 male and 6 female) with type 2 diabetes were studied. The patients were monitored over six months period. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and body mass index (BMI) were observed. Mean age of the subjects was 53,4 ± 6,27 years. Mean diabetes duration was 3,71 ± 1,89 years. At the end of the study mean body mass index decreased from 27,5 ± 1,45 kg/m2 to 25,7 ±1,22 kg/m2. In this study we included diabetic patients with fasting glycaemia over 7 mmol/ dm3, postmeal glycaemia over 7,8 mmol/dm3 and glycated hemoglobin over 7%. Prior to the study, the patients were treated with premix insulin divided in two daily doses and metformin after the lunch, which did not result in sufficient regulation of glycaemia. We started treatment with one daily insulin basal analog and three daily doses of metformin and monitored the above mentioned parameters. We advised patients to change their lifestyle, to practice energy restricted diet and to increase their daily physical activity. Insulin doses were titrated separately for each patient (0,7-1 IU/kg). Weight reduction was recorded after the study. Mean fasting glycaemia decreased from 8,6±0,49 mmol/dm3 to 7,04±0,19 mmol/dm3 (p < 0,05). Mean postmeal glycaemia decreased from 9,74 ± 0,79 mmol/dm3 to 7,6 ± 0,43 mmol/dm3 (p<0,05). Mean HbA1c decreased from 8,80 ± 0,59 % to 7,11 ± 0,22 % (p<0,05).Treatment with one daily doses of basal insulin analog and three daily doses of metformin with lifestyle modification and weight reduction, in obese patients with type 2 diabetes can be useful for the endothelial function improvement and may decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Alcohol Sclerotherapy in the Treatment of Symptomatic Simple Renal Cysts
Authors: Omerović Safet , Zerem Enver
Published: January 2018

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.
Correlation Between Refraction Level and Retinal Breaks in Myopic Eye
Authors: Alimanović-Halilović Emina
Published: January 2018

In this study we analyzed 180 myopic eyes in order to determine the refraction that is “critical” for the occurrence of retinal breaks as a main cause of retinal detachment. Detachment of retina involves separation of the neurosensory retina from the pigmented epithelium with the severe impairment of vision. After the focused ophthalmological assessment, determination of objective refraction, indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy, we compared the diagnosed retinal breaks according to the shape with the refraction. All the examined eyes were divided into six groups according to the axis length. Mean age of our patients was between 48,43 and 51,60 years with SD ranging from 13,88 to 18,45. The age differences among the groups were not statistically significant. This study included 102 (56,7%) male and 78 (43,3%) female patients and no statistically significant differences between genders was found regarding the occurrence of retinal breaks compared to refraction. The most dominant ruptures were the round ones (28,2%), followed by oval (25%), the category of multiple small holes (19,2%), horseshoe shaped (15,3%), and finally holes with operculum. In cases with myopic refraction ranging between 3,50 and 7,49 dsph, the frequency of retinal breaks statistically significantly differs from all other analyzed refractions. Also, there is positive correlation between the above mentioned myopic refraction and the frequency of retinal breaks.In order to prevent retinal detachment in a myopic eye, we suggest further thorough examinations of the eye fundus in patients with the above mentioned myopia. Diagnosing retinal breaks involves the application of adequate therapy: laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, sclera buckling and pneumatic retinopexy.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treated in Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis “Podhrastovi“ in Ten-Year Period (from 1998 to 2007)
Authors: Čukić Vesna , Ustamujić Aida , Lovre Vladimir , Žutić Hasan , Genjac Sadika , Mašić -Zečević Mina
Published: January 2018

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common primary malign tumour of pleura. The aim of this study was to evaluate cases of MPM diagnosed and treated in Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis “Podhrastovi” during ten-year period (1998-2007). Study is retrospective. The patients were analysed according to age, sex, histopathologic type of the tumour, cantonal distribution in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and regimen of treatment.MPM presented 0,72% (0-1,56% per year) of all hospitalised malignant patients, and the greatest number of registered cases was in the year of 2007. The series included 16 male (57,14%) and 12 female (42,86%). Cases over 64 years old were the most frequent (14-50%) than 45-54 years (7--25%). Histopathology types of hospitalised cases of MPM: epitheloid form (8- 28,57%); sarcomatoid form (2- 7,14 %); other forms (18-64,29%). The most patients came from Canton Sarajevo (12-42,86%); ZE-DO canton (8-28,57%) and the UNA-SANA canton (5-17,86%). The therapy applied: chemotherapy (11-39,29%); radiotherapy (3-10,71%); chemotherapy + radiotherapy (4-14,29%); symptomatic therapy (10-35,71 %).
Invasive Mole - Case Report of Massive Uterine Destruction
Authors: Nikolić Branka , Lazić Jelena , Rakić Snežana , Dragojević-Dikić Svetlana , Ćurković Aleksandar , Lacković Vesna
Published: January 2018

Patient with malignant Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasm (GTN) was treated by mean of MTX-FA, MAC, EMA-CO and EMA-EP. Changes in serum human chorionic gonadotropine (beta hCG) levels and changes in ultrasonographic findings were checked weekly. Finally transabdominal hysterectomy with ovaries conservation was done and polychemotherapy administrated after the operation until three consecutive serum chorionic gonadotropine values were negative. This is a case report of Invasive mole in 32 years old patient without possibility to preserve reproductive health. GTN developed two months after spontaneous abortion in 13th week gestation. No changes in uterine structure were found during the first ultrasonographic examination. Three months after abortion and one month after GTN confirmed, massive destruction of lateral uterine wall was detected during transvaginal Doppler ultrasound examination. Resistance index of 0,366 was significantly lower than normal, with hypervascularisation in affected tissue. Serum beta hCG confirmed poor effect of polychemotherapy treatment and decision for operative treatment was made. Hystological findings after the operation confirmed malignant GTN- invasive mole. Specific changes in ultrasonographic picture could have an impact in therapy making decision and could not be refereed without the most relevant parameter such is serum human chorionic gonadotropine.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis Mimicking Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Pojskić Belma , Schmidinger Herwig , Macić-Džanković Amra
Published: January 2018

An unusual case of cardiac sarcoidosis is described. A woman with biopsy proven lung sarcoidosis was presented on admission in hospital as ventricular tachycardia and non Q myocardial infarction. Ultrasound of the heart and coronarography examination presented Takotsubo syndrome, “ballooning heart” and normal blood vessels. Cardiac sarcoidosis and Takotsubo syndrome are diseases where definitive etiological factor was not found. This case report suggests the existence of their similar pathogenesis. As far as we know, this is the first described connection between Takotsubo syndrome and cardiac sarcoidosis.
The Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some 4-Hydroxycoumarin Derivatives
Authors: Završnik Davorka , Muratović Samija , Špirtović Selma , Softić Dženita , Medić-Šarić Marica
Published: January 2018

Due to exceptional reactivity of 4-hydroxycoumarin, the synthesis of new coumarin derivatives of dimer and tetramer type has been carried out. The synthesis was carried out from 4-hydroxycoumarin and various aromatic aldehydes. In this way, compounds of the dimer 3,3’-(benzilidene)bis (4-hydroxycoumarin) type, as well as of the tetramer 3,3,’3’,’3’’’-(1,4-dim- ethylenphenyl)tetra (4-hydroxycoumarin) type were prepared.The newly synthesized derivatives contain different functional groups, and as such they could exhibit microbiological activity. Therefore, we tested the microbiological activity of these derivatives on various species of bacteria and fungi. The tested compounds have shown different activity in terms of growth inhibition of microorganisms. Newly synthesized derivatives exhibit antibacterial activities, manifested as growth inhibition on Grampositive bacteria types (Bacillus, Staphylococcus), while the activity against Candida was much weaker. The same compound did not show any antimicrobial activity against two Gram-negative bacteria types (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The compound 1 showed the best microbiological activity. The obtained results confirmed its good antibacterial and antimycotic activities against different microorganisms.
Comparative Study of Operative Tretmant of Varicose Veins According to The Klapp and Smetana Method Versus Myers Method
Authors: Solaković Emir , Totić Dragan , Solaković Sid
Published: January 2018

Venous abnormalities in lower extremities are among the most frequent disorders that affects general population with significant morbidity and mortality. Usually, the problem consists of a mild form of varicose veins and teleangiectasis. Treatment in this stage of disease is highly recommended since progression can lead to chronic venous insufficiency and chronic disability with very few effective treatment options. The most effective and popular treatment of varicose veins is operative treatment; specifically two different operative procedures: method according to Myers and method according to Klapp and Smetana. We designed this study in order to determine which method is superior based on clinical parameters and patients satisfaction. Our evidence strongly support clinical superiority, as well as patient satisfaction, of Klapp and Smetana method.
Comparison of Complications and Dialysis Adequacy Between Temporary and Permanent Tunnelled Catheter for Haemodialysis
Authors: Kukavica Nihad , Resić Halima , Šahović Vahidin
Published: January 2018

Number of hemodialysis patients each day is increasing. The quality of their lives is largely determined by the quality of hemodialysis treatment. One of the most important factors is the type of applied blood approach. The type of blood approach in the most case is artery venous fistula, permanent, temporary catheters, grafts. Any complications of blood strand approach inevitably leads to lower quality of hemodialysis treatment which is connected with not adequate dialysis and poorer general state of patients. Our research was carried out as a prospective study, for the period of 36 months. In the study were included 31 patients, which are on chronic haemodialysis treatment. During this study, we are followed all complications, which occurred at temporary, and permanent tunneled haemodialysis catheters. Complications have occurred in terms of thrombotic problems, low blood flow, occurrence of infection. All patients are divided in two groups, 16 patients with permanent and 15 patients with temporary catheters. In the course of the study was analyzed blood flow and dialysis adequacy (Kt/Vdp) as well as complications and results was compared with randomly selected 16 patients who haemodialysis treatment performed by artery venous fistula (AVF). Two patients were lost to further follow-up to the end of the study. 26 patients at the end of the study had functional catheters, while in the case of 3 patients the catheter was removed. Infection was found in 10 patients while thrombotic complications were observed in 27 cases regardless of catheter type. Mean blood flow in patients with permanent catheter was significantly higher (296,9+/-28,45 cm3/min) compared to patients with temporary catheter (226,3+/-39,8 cm3/min) (p<0,001). Kt/Vdp delivered was 1,22+/-0,15 on patients with permanent catheter and 1,30+/-0,18 for artery venous fistula (AVF) access respectively. The loss of dialysis efficacy using catheters was estimated at 6%. However, in all cases Kt/Vdp values remained above the recommended values (Kt/Vdp > or = 1,2).
Transfusion-Transmitted Infections in Haemophilia Patients
Authors: Zhubi Bukurije , Mekaj Ymer , Baruti Zana , Bunjaku Ilirijane , Belegu Mazllum
Published: January 2018

One of the largest therapeutic problem during the continuous treatment of the patients with Hemophilia A and B, are viral infections as Hepatitis B and C, and HIV, and the other infective diseases, which can be transmitted by the transfusion of blood products.The aim of this study is to analyze the complications of the hemophiliacs in Kosovo which have been treated with fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and concentrated products of FVIII and FIX. We have tested 75 patients with hemophilia A or B and there were used enzyme immunoassay test-Elisa method for the following: anti-HCV HBsAg, HIV and TPHA.The serological data showed that HCV infection was positive in 29 cases or 38,7%, whereas infection with HBV and HIV were present in a smaller percentage of the patients (2,7% HBV and 1,4% for HIV). HCV infection was present only in 9,5% of the cases of the age group under 18 years. Infected hemophiliacs with one or two infective agents were found in 34,7%, respectively 4%. Infection with T. pallidum was present at none of the examined patients with hemophilia. HCV infection was higher in severe forms of hemophilia B (44,4%), compared with severe form of hemophilia A (30%).Based on our results, despite the infrequent application of FVIII and FIX concentrates, and other anti hemophilic preparations used in treating hemophilia patients, the number of infected hemophiliacs with blood-transmittable infectious agents was substantially high, especially with hepatitis C virus.
Pulpal blood flow changes in abutment teeth of removable partial dentures
Authors: Ergün Kunt Göknil , Kökçü Deniz , Ceylan Gözlem , Yılmaz Nergiz , Umut Güler Ahmet
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tooth supported (TSD) and toothtissue supported (TTSD) removable partial denture wearing on pulpal blood flow (PBF) of the abutment teeth by using Laser Doppler Flowmeter (LDF).Measurements were carried out on 60 teeth of 28 patients (28 teeth and 12 patients of TTSD group, 32 teeth and 16 patients of TSD group) who had not worn any type of removable partial dentures before, had no systemic problems and were non smokers. PBF values were recorded by LDF before insertion (day 0) and after insertion of dentures at day 1, day 7 and day 30. Statistical analysis was performed by student t test and covariance analyses of repeated measurements.In the group TTSD, the mean values of PBF decreased statistically significantly at day 1 after insertion when compared with PBF values before insertion (p<0,01). There was no statistically significant difference among PBF mean values on 1st, 7th and 30th day. However, in the group TSD, there was no statistically significant difference among PBF mean values before insertion and on 1st, 7th and 30th day. In other words, PBF mean values in group TSD continued without changing statistically significant on 1st, 7th and 30th day.TTSD wearing may show negative effect on the abutment teeth due to decreasing basal PBF.
Evaluation of Risk Markers Fluctuation During an Initial Therapy with Rosiglitazon in Patients Suffering from Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Macić-Džanković Amra , Džanković Fuad , Pojskić Belma , Velija- Ašimi Zelija
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hypoglycaemic drug-agonists of PPAR-gama recep- tors-rosiglitazone (Avandia,4 mg - Glaxo Smith Kline) on values of wide-spread risk-markers: fibrinogen, C-reactive protein and uric acid and glicolysated haemoglobin HbA1C as parameter of metabolic control. We examined forty patients who satisfied criteria for metabolic syndrome and distributed them into groups of diabetic and prediabetic patients according to criteria of IDF (International Diabetic Federation).These risk markers and glicolysated haemoglobin HbA1C were observed at the beginning of therapy, then four, eight and twelve weeks into therapy and results were compared and statistically processed.Three months initial therapy with rosiglitazone significantly reduced values of HbA1C, fibrinogen and CRP but not uric acid in prediabetic patients.Rosiglitazone initial three months therapy significantly reduced HbA1C, fibrinogen and uric acid, but not CRP in diabetic patients.
Prevalence of Resistence to Activated Protein C (Apc-Resistance) in Blood Donors in Kosovo
Authors: Mekaj Ymer , Zhubi Bukurije , Hoxha Hakif , Belegu Remzije , Miftari Ermira , Belegu Mazllum
Published: January 2018

AbstractOne of the most frequent hereditary causes of thrombophilia is, without a doubt, resistance to Activated Protein C (APC-resistance), which is a consequence of point mutation in gene coding for coagulation Factor V (Factor V Leiden) in 90-95% of cases.The aim of this paper was to determine prevalence of APC-resistance in a group of healthy blood donors. The size of the group is quite representative of Kosovo Albanians.A total of 944 blood donors were examined (537 males and 407 females), for whom APC-resistance was determined by functional methods of coagulation using the kit ACTICLOT® Protein C Resistance. Method is based on the test of APTT determined twice: first in the presence and second in the absence of activated Protein C (APC). The ratio of these two values constitutes is called Activated Protein C - Sensitivity Ratio (APC-SR).From 944 examined donors, pathologic values of APC-SR (1,3-1,9) were found in 32 persons (3,4% of the total number). The distribution among sexes was 3,35% (18/537) in male and 3,43% (14/407) in female subjects. The mean values of APC-SR (1,64 in male and 1,71 in female subjects) were not significantly different (P = 0,22).Based on these results, we conclude that the prevalence of APC resistance in Albanian population of Kosovo is within the lower limit of prevalence in general population in different countries of European countries, which, according to some authors ranges is from 3 to 7%.
Anemia Identified One Month after Renal Transplantation is Predictive of Anemia Identified After Twelve Months
Authors: Imamović Goran , Zerem Enver , Omerović Safet
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to evalúate whether anemia identified earlier than 3 months postengraftment in modern era could be predictive of anemia at 12 months. Cross-sectional and cohort studies based on retrospective analysis of existing clinical records were performed. Data on recipient’s age at transplantation, follow-up serum creatinine (SCR) and hemoglobin (Hb) on day 7 (D7), at month 1 (M1) and at month 3 (M3) postengraftment were collected. Outcome was anemia identified at 12 months (M12) postengraftment. There were 75 patients on D7, 74 at M1 and 61 at M3. Multiple linear regression model that included recipient’s age at transplantation, Hb and creatinine on D7 and tested the risk for anemia at M12 retained only the age in the model, with the coefficient of 0,84 (P=0,001). The same model at M1 retained Hb and age, with the coefficients of 0,26 (P=0,03) and 0,81 (P=0,0002), respectively and at M3 it retained Hb and age, with the coefficients of 0,41 (P=0,004) and 0,70 (P=0,003), respectively. Anemia identified at M1 after renal transplantation is predictive of anemia at M12.
Insulin Resistance and C-reactive Protein in Preeclampsia
Authors: Stefanović Milan , Vukomanović Predrag , Milosavljević Mileva , Kutlešić Ranko , Popović Jasmina , Tubić-Pavlović Aleksandra
Published: January 2018

Preeclampsia is referred to as the “disease of the theories” because of the multiple hypotheses proposed to explain is occurrence. Despite considerable research, the causes of preeclampsia remain unclear. Preeclampsia is likely to be multifactorial in origin, and recent research has focused on endothelial dysfunction as a central abnormality in preeclampsia. Insulin resistance and inflammation may contribute to the onset of preeclampsia. They could also be correlated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence and relationship between insulin resistance and its markers and C-reactive protein as a marker of inflammation. During their third trimester, 17 preeclamptic women and 20 normotensive controls underwent oral glucose tolerance test, basic biochemical analyses and SHBG. Preeclamptic women were more insulin resistant (p=0,004), and they had higher triglycerides levels (p=0,006), uric acid (p=0,002). However, the study groups did not differ in C-reactive protein (CRP), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), high and low-density lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol). In multiple regression analysis only SHBG (p=0,014) and triglycer-ides (p=0,003) were associated with insulin sensitivity independently of the body mass index (BMI), weight gain, HDL and LDL, and CRP. Preeclampsia is a state of increased insulin re- sistance, and CRP as the marker of inflammation was not increased in our research, and not associated with established preeclampsia.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (Timp-1) in Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Kuskunović Suada , Radović Svjetlana , Dorić Mirsad , Hukić Ajna , Babić Mirsad , Tomić Ivana , Selak Ivan
Published: January 2018

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is a natural inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinas-es (MMPs). Aim of this study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of TIMP-1 in invasive breast carcinomas, and to examine its association with classical clinico-pathological parameters, oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and Her-2/neu protein expression. Immuno-histochemistry was used to determine the expression of TIMP-1 on 38 paraffin-embedded breast tissue specimens - 18 with invasive ductal carcinoma, 10 with invasive lobular carcinoma, and 10 specimens from patients with fibrocystic breast disease. TIMP-1 protein was immunodetected in the carcinoma cells, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells of the stroma in 92,9%, 65,8%, and 65,8% of cases, respectively. TIMP-1 protein expression in carcinoma cells showed positive correlation with TIMP-1 protein expression in peritumoural fibroblasts (p=0,010). Positive peritumoural fibroblast TIMP-1 expression was associated with histological tumour type with higher frequency in ductal carcinomas (p=0,023). Negative association was found between TIMP-1 protein expression in carcinoma cells and HER-2/neu nuclear staining (p=0,005). TIMP-1 may be particularly useful as a predictive marker in breast carcinoma when evaluated along with HER-2/neu protein being a promising indicator of favourable prognosis in breast carcinoma.
Catheter-Related Urinary Tract Infection in Patients Suffering from Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Dedeić-Ljubović Amela , Hukić Mirsada
Published: January 2018

Urinary tract infection is commoner in patients with spinal cord injuries because of incomplete bladder emptying and the use of catheters that can result in the introduction of bacteria into the bladder. 145 patients suffering from spinal cord injuries, admitted to the Institute for physical medicine and rehabilitation, Centre for paraplegia of the Clinical Centre of the University of Sarajevo, were included. The patients were divided in three groups according to the method of bladder drainage: Group A (n=61) consisted of patients on clean intermittent catheterization; Group B (n=54) consisted of patients with indwelling catheters; Group C (n=30) consisted of patients who had performed self-catheterization. From a total of 4539 urine samples, 3963 (87,3%) were positive and 576 (12,7%) were sterile. More than 90% of the infected patients were asymptomatic.The overall rate of urinary infection amounted to about 2,1 episodes, and bacteriuria to 8,1 episodes per patient. 77% of infections (113/145) were acquired within seven days from catheterization.Infection was usually polymicrobial; the greatest number of urine samples 1770/3943 (44,9%) included more than one bacterium.The vast majority of cases of urinary tract infection and bacteriuria are caused by Gram-negative bacilli and enterococci, commensal organisms of the bowel and perineum, representative of those from the hospital environment. Providencia stuarti (18,9%) being the most common, followed by Proteus mirabilis (16,3%), Escherichia coli (11,8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10,2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8,1%), Morganella morgani (5,4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (4,6%), Providencia rettgeri (3,5%). 15,7% of isolates were Gram-positive with Enterococcus faecalis (8,6%) as the most common. 55,3% of isolates were multidrug-resistant, and the highest rates of resistance were found among Acinetobacter baumannii (87,8%), Providencia rettgeri (86,7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (85,4%), Providencia stuarti (84,3%) and Morganella morgani (81,0%). Lower rates of resistance were found in Group C, i.e. patients on intermittent self- catheterisation. Eradication of organisms was achieved in only 53 (10,05%) of patients; hence, antibiotic therapy had no or very low effect.Significant correlations were found between the method of catheterization and the frequency of bacteriuria and urinary tract infections. The analysis of Group C showed a rate of lower urinary tract infection and bacteriuria than the other two Groups of patients. The objective of this study is the update of etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility in urinary tract infections in this group of patients. In addition, possible correlations between UTI and the type of bladder management were examined.
Colorectal Cancer: Prognostic Values
Authors: Manxhuka-Kerliu Suzana , Telaku Skender , Ahmetaj Halil , Baruti Arijeta , Loxha Sadushe , Kerliu Agron
Published: January 2018

After lung cancer colorectal cancer (Cc) is ranked the second, as a cause of cancer-related death. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Cc cases in our material with respect to all prognostic values including histological type and grade, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, and tumor border features. There were investigated 149 cases of resection specimen with colorectal cancer, which were fixed in buffered neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin. Tissue sections (4(µm thick) were cut and stained with H&E. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type found in 85,90% of cases, in 60,94% of males and 39,06% of females; squamous cell carcinoma in 7,38%, in 63,63% of males and 36,36% of females; mucinous carcinoma in 4,68%, in 57,15% of males and 42,85% of females; while adenosquamous carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma and carcinoma in situ in 0,71% of cases each. Dukes' classification was used in order to define the depth of invasion. Dukes B was found in 68,45% of cases, whereas in 31,54% of cases Dukes C was found. As far as histological grading is concerned, Cc was mostly with moderate differentiation (75,16%) with neither vascular nor perineural invasion. Resection margins were in all cases free of tumor. Our data indicate that the pathologic features of the resection specimen constitute the most powerful predictors of postoperative outcome in Cc. Dukes' stage and degree of differentiation provide independent prognostic information in Cc. However, differentiation should be assessed by the worst pattern.
Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Rehabilitation with Hemiparesis Patients
Authors: Tanović Edina
Published: January 2018

Cerebrovascular accident is a focal neurological deficiency occurring suddenly and lasting for more than 24 hours. The purpose of our work is to determine the role of the functional electrical simulation (FES) in the rehabilitation of patients with hemiparesis, which occurred as a consequence of a cerebrovascular accident. This study includes the analysis of two groups of 40 patients with hemiparesis (20 patients with deep hemiparesis and 20 patients with light hemi- paresis), a control group which was only treated with kinesiotherapy and a tested group which was treated with kinesiotherapy and functional electrical stimulation. Both groups of patients were analyzed in respect to their sex and age. Additional analysis of the walking function was completed in accordance with the BI and RAP index. The analysis of the basic demographical data demonstrated that there is no significant difference between the control and tested group. The patients of both groups are equal in respect of age and sex. After 4 weeks of rehabilitation of patients with deep and light hemiparesis there were no statistically significant differences between the groups after evaluation by the BI index. However, a statistically significant difference was noted between the groups by the RAP index among patients with deep hemiparesis. After 8 weeks of rehabilitation the group of patients who were treated with kinesiotherapy and functional electrical stimulation showed better statistically significant results of rehabilitation in respect to the control group with both the BI index and the RAP index (p<0,001).In conclusion, we can state that the patients in rehabilitation after a cerebrovascular accident require rehabilitation longer than 4 weeks. Walking rehabilitation after stroke is faster and more successful if we used functional electrical stimulation, in combination with kinesiotherapy, in patients with disabled extremities.
Surveillance of Intrahospital Infections at the Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Authors: Čustović Amer , Zulčić-Nakić Vesna , Aščerić Mensura , Hadžić Sadeta
Published: January 2018

Intrahospital infections (IHI) and antibiotics resistance are the problems which exist in virtually all hospitals in the world.The main aim of the present research is establishing of epidemiological surveillance over occurrence of IHI at the Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University Clinical Center Tuzla and thus identifies: types of bacteria which cause IHI, types of infection according to anatomical localization and research resistance organisms causing of IHI on antimicrobial drugs. A study was implemented on all patients admitted to Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics during the period of one year and who subsequently developed infection. Determination of intrahospital infections was done according to criteria defined by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention from the United States.The results of our work have shown that both urinary tract infections and surgical site infections are the most frequent. As IHI causers the most found are gram-negative organisms (73,7%), such as Escherichia coli (29,8%), right after that Klebsiella pneumoniae (24,6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%) and Proteus mirabilis (5,3%) (p<0,05). Gram-positive organisms as causers of IHI are registered in 26,3% cases. Out of that Streptococcus species are isolated in 10,5% cases, Staphylococcus aureus (8,8%) and coagulasa negative staphylococci (7%) (p>0,05). High percent resistance of bacteria was evident to beta-lactams, aminoglycosids and cephalosporin’s of third generation. Gram-positive organisms were 100% sensitive to vancomycin, while gram-negative organisms manifested the high percent of sensibility to imipenem and cefepime.
The Statins in Prevention of Coronary Heart Diseases in Type 2 Diabetics
Authors: Heljić Bećir , Velija-Ašimi Zelija , Kulić Mehmed
Published: January 2018

We aimed to determine whether the administration of statins to type 2 diabetics without pre-existing CHD reduced the incidence of CHD and their effects on cholesterol and CRP levels. All the participants were carefully interviewed, clinically examined, and laboratory tested to exclude conditions likely to provoke an inflammatory response that was an exclusion criterion. Exclusion criteria: Serious heart, liver or kidney problems, history of renal transplant, recent history of drug or alcohol abuse, HbA1c>10%, blood pressure >140/90mmHg, BMI >35 kg/m2, triglycerides >3,0mmol/dm3. 95 obese diabetics (mean age 60,9 years and BMI=31,59 kg/m2, diabetes duration more than 10 years) without pre-existing CHD, were included in the analysis and were randomized to simvastatin (25 female and 20 male used 40 mg simvastatin daily) or placebo (30 female and 20 male) group. After six months, simvastatin significantly lowered CRP levels by 19%, (p<0,01), cholesterol levels by 18%, TG levels by 8%, LDL levels by 20% and VLDL levels by 17%, whereas there was no change with placebo. After one year the difference sustained between groups. Coronary events were rarely in the simvastatin group (6,6%) than in the placebo group (14%). Coronary revascularizations were 4 in the placebo group and 1 in the simvastatin group. Rate of stroke was more often in the placebo group (18%) than in the simvastatin group (8,8%). So, reduction of acute CHD events is for 7,4% in the simvastatin group. Positive correlation was between CRP and CVD (r=0,29). Statin therapy reduced the risk of coronary hearth disease in diabetics without CHD.
Influence of Type and Neutralisation Capacity of Antacids on Dissolution Rate of Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin from Tablets
Authors: Uzunović Alija , Vranić Edina
Published: January 2018

Dissolution rate of two fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin) was analysed in presence/absence of three antacid formulations. Disintegration time and neutralisation capacity of antacid tablets were also checked. Variation in disintegration time indicated the importance of this parameter, and allowed evaluation of the influence of postponed antacid-fluoroquinolone contact. The results obtained in this study showed decreased dissolution rate of fluoroquinolone antibiotics from tablets in simultaneous presence of antacids, regardless of their type and neutralisation capacity.
Giardia Secretome Highlights Secreted Tenascins as a Key Component of Pathogenesis v1
Authors: Dubourg Audrey , Xia Dong , P Winpenny John , Al Naimi Suha , Bouzid Maha , W Sexton Darren , M Wastling Jonathan , R Hunter Paul , M Tyler Kevin
Published: January 2018

Giardia is a protozoan parasite of public health relevance that causes gastroenteritis in a wide range of hosts. Two genetically distinct lineages (assemblages A and B) are responsible for the human disease. Although it is clear that differences in virulence occur, pathogenesis and virulence of Giardiaremainspoorly understood. The genome of Giardia is believed to contain ORFs which could encode as many as 6,000 proteins. By successfully applying quantitative proteomic analyses to the whole parasite and to the supernatants derived from parasite culture of assemblages A and B, weconfirmexpression of ~1,600 proteins from each assemblage, the vast majority of which being common to both lineages. To look for signature enrichment of secreted proteins, we considered the ratio of proteins in the supernatant compared with the pellet which defined a small group of enriched proteins, putatively secreted at a steady state by cultured growing trophozoites of both assemblages. This secretome is enriched with proteins annotated to have N-terminal signal peptide. The most abundant secreted proteins include known virulence factors such as cathepsin B cysteine proteases and members of a Giardia superfamily ofcysteine richproteins which comprises VSPs, HCMPs and a new class of virulence factors, the Giardia tenascins. We demonstrate that physiological function of human enteric epithelial cells is disrupted by such soluble factors even in the absence of the trophozoites. We are able to propose a straightforward model of Giardia pathogenesis incorporating key roles for the major Giardia derived soluble mediators.
Ant Genera Identification Using an Ensemble of Convolutional Neural Networks v1
Authors: Caio R. Marques Alan , M. Raimundo Marcos , M. B. Cavalheiro Ellen , F. P. Salles Luis , Lyra Christiano , J. Von Zuben. Fernando
Published: January 2018

Works requiring taxonomic knowledge face several challenges, such as arduous identification of many taxa and an insufficient number of taxonomists to identify a great deal of collected organisms. Machine learning tools, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are then welcome to automatically generate high-performance classifiers from available data. We propose an ensemble of CNNs to identify ant genera directly from the head, profile and dorsal perspectives of ant images. Transfer learning is also considered to improve the individual performance of the CNN classifiers.
Giardia Electrophysiological Assays v1
Authors: Dubourg Audrey , Xia Dong , P Winpenny John , Al Naimi Suha , Bouzid Maha , W Sexton Darren , M Wastling Jonathan , R Hunter Paul , M Tyler Kevin
Published: January 2018

Methods for TransEpithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) and short circuit current measurement of the effects of soluble mediator on intestinal epithelial cells.
La Mirada Extranjera en el Proceso Creativo. El Lugar de los Migrantes desde la Arquitectura
Authors: Gallardo Frías Laura
Published: January 2018

Cada día existen más personas que viven en ciudades y países que no son las de su origen, con lo que se pone de manifiesto la relevancia del extranjero. “Extranjero”, además del ser humano, también del concepto ligado a la distancia, el asombro, la extrañeza y la mirada nueva, “mirada extranjera” que abre una gran posibilidad en los procesos creativos. Así, se propone una revisión del significado de “extranjero” desde distintos campos del conocimiento: literatura, filosofía, arte, entre otros, para poner de relevancia “la mirada extranjera” en el proceso creativo en general, y en particular a través de un ejemplo práctico desde el proyecto arquitectónico, a partir de ejercicios realizados en el taller, para abrir la discusión sobre cómo la arquitectura puede llegar a ofrecer un cobijo a las distintas culturas confluentes en un barrio, en específico en el sector sur-poniente de la comuna de Independencia de Santiago de Chile, para que puedan llegar a convertirlo en su lugar.
Metodología Crítica del Diseño y 'Empowerment' Identitario. Aprendiendo de una Perspectiva Feminista
Authors: Mallol Esquefa Miquel
Published: January 2018

El rigor de la investigación sobre el diseño y en su misma actividad proyectual no conlleva necesariamente el requerimiento para la obtención de un 'empowerment' de las teorías de diseño. También los titubeos, los debates indefinidos, la inconsistencia de las reflexiones en las propuestas proyectuales, lo otro que no acaba de definirse, poseen su dignidad intelectual y cultural; quizás representan mejor tanto eso que llamamos' diseño' como eso que llamamos 'investigación en el diseño'. El presente trabajo expone parte de una investigación sobre la teoría del diseño, especialmente en referencia a la participación privada de dos mujeres de la historia del diseño clásico; Friedl Dicker-Brandeis; Marianne Liebe Brandt. Su finalidad es la de establecer el escenario básico en el que reconstruir posteriormente el aprendizaje que el diseño podría obtener de la filosofía feminista.
Participación social a través de la creación contemporánea
Authors: Serra Navarro David
Published: January 2018

Ingràvid, festival de cultura contemporánea del Ampurdán, toma el espacio público de la ciudad de Figueres (Catalunya) como escenario y laboratorio de creación. Su carácter ecléctico y abierto se nutre de diferentes manifestaciones artísticas, dónde producción y difusión, se integran con las personas del territorio no vinculadas directamente con la cultura. Un espacio en el que creadores, pensadores, investigadores, artistas y agentes culturales se mezclan para generar un epicentro cultural y de transformación de la ciudad.
Ciudad como escenario del arte urbano. Imagen y palabra como espacio simbólico de reivindicación social contemporáneo
Authors: Ortuño Mengual Pedro , Corrales Rodriguez Sofía
Published: January 2018

En este artículo se ha tratado de analizar la obra de dos autores como son: Martha Rosler y Rogelio López Cuenca desde el interés que ambos muestran en sus producciones acerca de cuestiones sobre la ciudadanía, la memoria colectiva, y el espacio urbano donde confluyen los anhelos e intereses de aquellos que lo habitan. En cuanto a la metodología empleada, se ha basado en el análisis cualitativo de las obras, del pensamiento y del tipo de lenguaje utilizado por ambos artistas. El símbolo, la imagen y la palabra por medio de la apropiación de recursos publicitarios son características inherentes a la obra de ambos. Se trata de visibilizar aquellas problemáticas sociales insertas en el espacio urbano, por medio de la poética del lenguaje. Por ello, apreciamos que la ciudad, la colectividad y el espacio público se convierten en una de las claves principales en las producciones de ambos artistas. Es decir, la búsqueda de una comunicación entre artista y ciudadanía basada en figuras retóricas (alegorías, metáforas, paradojas, ironías, etc.) donde el lenguaje es protagonista junto a la apropiación de imágenes como modo de hacer visibles las invisibilidades dentro de sus labores insertas en el arte urbano contemporáneo.
The Impact of Social Media on Consumer Buying Intention
Authors: Pütter Michael
Published: January 2018

Companies throughout the world are constantly seeking new ways to reach consumers. Just a few decades ago, television and print advertising were the fundamental components of marketing strategies. In the current era, these traditional marketing streams are just a small segment of the varied approaches used to market and brand products. The increasing focus on social media shaped state of the art advertising and shifted the way companies interact with their target groups. As a result, the effective use of social media has become an essential part of creating and maintaining a competitive advantage. Subsequently, companies now place considerable value on the way in which social media can be used to shape consumer brand perception and influence their buying intention. Companies integrating a strategic approach to the use of social media will have advantages over those that do not. In assessing the impacts of social media on branding and marketing approaches, an exploration of the existing literature on social media use and brand perception can help identify emerging and successful strategies for improving consumer engagement through social media.
Bacterias endófitas de la raíz en líneas de maíces tolerantes y susceptibles a sequía
Authors: Sánchez-Bautista Alma , De León-García de Alba Carlos , Aranda-Ocampo Sergio , Zavaleta-Mejía Emma , Nava-Díaz Cristian , Goodwin Paul H. , Leyva-Mir Santos G.
Published: January 2018

El maíz (Zea mays) ocupa el segundo lugar como alimento en el mundo y la sequía limita su productividad. Las plantas albergan bacterias endófitas que influyen en la sanidad y tolerancia a la sequía. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estimar la densidad y diversidad de las bacterias endófitas cultivables de la raíz en siete líneas homocigóticas de maíces tolerantes y siete susceptibles a sequía en tres localidades de México durante tres ciclos del cultivo. La densidad y diversidad de las poblaciones bacterianas se evaluó mediante conteo directo en placas y se identificaron por PCR. Los resultados identificaron tres grupos de bacterias endófitas: 1) altamente frecuentes (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium y Pseudomonas geniculata), 2) frecuentes (Bacillus firmus, Pseudomonas hibiscola y Sinorhizobium meliloti) y 3) baja frecuencia (Acinetobacter soli, Stenotrophomonas maltophila y Burkholderia gladioli.  El análisis de varianza (ANOVA) mostró diferencias significativas (p?0,05) en la densidad (Log10 UFC g-1 de raíz) de población por localidad, ciclo de cultivo, días después de siembra y líneas de maíz. La densidad de Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas hibiscola en la localidad de El Batán y Bacillus megaterium, Sinorhizobium meliloti en Tlaltizapán, fueron significativamente mayores en las líneas de maíz tolerantes que en las susceptibles a sequía. 
THE STRATEGY TO ENHANCE THE SHARIAH FINANCIAL LITERACY AND INCLUSION IN INDONESIA (Case Study at Financial Services Authority Office in The City of Malang)
Authors: Khotiawan Ma’rufa , Luthfiansyah Muhammad
Published: January 2018

The results of the survey of literacy and Financial Inclusion Shari'ah in Indonesia 2016 each show numbers 8.11 %  and 11.06 %. Whereas the inhabitants of the religion of Islam in Indonesia more than 85%. With this then needs to be formulated strategies that can increase the level of literacy and financial inclusion shari'ah in Indonesia. The importance of literacy improvement and Financial Inclusion Shari'ah to improve the behavior of the community in financial management and to improve the welfare of them. So that priorities are intended to know how the strategy applied to increasing literacy and Financial Inclusion Shari'ah. This research uses qualitative research method with the approach of the case study. The results of this research are some government policy that is contained in the form of National Strategy for Financial Literacy Indonesia (SNLKI) to improve financial literacy Shari'ah and inclusive Financial National Strategy (SNKI) to improve financial inclusion. But the next research needs to examined and monitored about various programs to increase shari'a literacy and financial inclusion is doing by the government.
Keywords: Sharia Financial Literacy, Sharia Financial Inclusion, the strategy.