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From the aerial parts of Atriplex littoralis, three new flavonoid glycosides named atriplexins I-III (1-3), a known flavonoid glycoside, spinacetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), arbutin (5), and 4-hydroxybenzyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (6) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, NOESY, TOCSY, HSQC, HMBC) and HRESITOF MS data. The compounds were tested for in vitro protective effects on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes using a cytochalasin-B-blocked micronucleus (MN) assay in a concentration range of 0.8-7.4 μM of final culture solution. Chromosomal damage was induced by 2 Gy of γ-radiation on binucleated human lymphocytes, and the effects of the compounds were tested 2 to 19 h after irradiation. The frequency of micronuclei (MNi) was scored in binucleated cells, and the nuclear proliferation index was calculated. The highest prevention of in vitro biochemical and cytogenetic damage of human lymphocytes induced by γ-radiation was exhibited by 3 (reduction of MN frequency by 31%), followed by 4 and 6.

Medicinal plants are recognized from ancient times as a source of diverse therapeutic agents and many of them are used as dietary supplements. Comprehensive approaches are needed that would identify bioactive components with evident activity against specific indications and provide a better link between science (ethno-botany, chemistry, biology and pharmacology) and market. Recently, the bark of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) appeared at market in the form of food supplement for treatment of different skin conditions. This study aimed to evaluate protective effects of two diarylheptanoids isolated from the bark of black alder: platyphylloside, 5(S)-1,7-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-heptanone-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and its newly discovered analog 5(S)-1,7-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-O-β-D-[6-(E-p-coumaroylglucopyranosyl)]heptane-3-one (2) towards doxorubicin damaging activity. To that end, we employed HaCaT cells, non-cancerous human keratinocytes commonly used for skin regenerative studies. Diarylheptanoids significantly antagonized the effects of doxorubicin by lowering the sensitivity of HaCaT cells to this drug. Compound 2 prevented doxorubicin-induced cell death by activating autophagy. Both 1 and 2 protected HaCaT cells against doxorubicin-induced DNA damage. They significantly promoted migration and affected F-actin distribution. These results indicate that chemo-protective effects of diarylheptanoids may occur at multiple subcellular levels. Therefore, diarylheptanoids 1 and 2 could be considered as protective agents for non-cancerous dividing cells during chemotherapy., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Delirium is an urgent condition in psychiatry and it occurs after long-lasting alcohol abuse, in surgical procedures and other organic mental syndromes with deprivation of interpersonal and social stimulations. The aim was to evaluate of sociodemographical and psychopathological differences in delirium patients with alcoholand surgical genesis, studied in period from January 1(st) 2003 to December 31(st) 2012 in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H)., Subjects and Methods: Subjects were divided into two groups: alcoholics (N=75) and surgical patients (N=75) and multicentric, prospective study was performed in B&H. The following instruments have been used: list of general data (according to MCD-10 criteria), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Becks test of anxiety (BAI), Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale (HDRS) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Descriptive and analytical statistical processing of patients has been performed (alpha level: 0.001)., Results: Patients from alcohol group showed, with statistical significance p=0.001, the following: unemployment (OR=0.657, CI 0.540-670), ruined marriage (OR=0.570, CI 0.650-710), alcohol abuse (OR=0.179, CI 0.860-0.990), on represented expressed psychoticism, (OR=0.635, CI 0.550-0.715) in EPQ test, HDRS total was more frequent (OR=0.925, CI 0.870-1.120) and on MMSE test, total score was more frequent (OR=0.560, CI 0.570-810). Postoperative patients were older p=0.001 (OR=1.120, CI 1.082-1.159) with acutestress: (OR=0.735, CI 0.650-0.910) and showed neuroticism (OR=-0.660, CI 0.575-0.715). Discriminative function confirms the differences between alcohol and surgical groups of delirium patients: Canonical Fcn: r=0.771; Wilkin's lambda (λnj)=0.773 Student's test=57.551 and significance p=0.001; OR=0.760, CI 0.550-0.870., Conclusion: Delirium lasts longer in alcohol group with higher disalienation, depression of cognitive functions with organic lesions of cerebral functions. In surgical patients, delirium is the consequence of older age, acute stress, multi-morbidity, with neuroticism, vegetative disorders (HDRS) and temporary lesion on MMSE test. Delirium state in both groups requires intensive care and multidisciplinary work.

Diarylheptanoids belong to polyphenols, a group of plant secondary metabolites with multiple biological properties. Many of them display antioxidative, cytotoxic, or anticancer actions and are increasingly recognized as potential therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant and cytoprotective activity of two diarylheptanoids: platyphylloside 5(S)-1,7-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-heptanone-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and its newly discovered analog 5(S)-1,7-di(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-O-β-D-[6-(E-p-coumaroylglucopyranosyl)]heptane-3-one (2), both isolated from the bark of black alder (Alnus glutinosa). To that end, we have employed a cancer cell line (NCI-H460), normal human keratinocytes (HaCaT), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The effects on cell growth were assessed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. Cell death was examined by annexin V/propidium iodide staining on a flow cytometer. Reactive oxygen species production was examined by dihydroethidium staining. Mitochondrial structure and doxorubicin localization were visualized by fluorescent microscopy. Gene expression of manganese superoxide dismutase and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Diarylheptanoids antagonized the effects of either doxorubicin or cisplatin, significantly increasing their IC50 values in normal cells. Diarylheptanoid 1 induced the retention of doxorubicin in cytoplasm and reduced mitochondrial fragmentation associated with doxorubicin application. Diarylheptanoid 2 reduced the reactive oxygen species production induced by cisplatin. Both compounds increased the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species elimination (manganese superoxide dismutase and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α). These results indicate that neutralization of reactive oxygen species is an important mechanism of diarylheptanoid action, although these compounds exert a considerable anticancer effect. Therefore, these compounds may serve as protectors of normal cells during chemotherapy without significantly diminishing the effect of the applied chemotherapeutic., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Nine diarylheptanoids, 1-9, catechin (11), and a phenolic glucoside, 10, were isolated from the bark of green alder (Alnus viridis). Four of the isolated compounds, i.e., 2, 5, 8, 10, are new. The structures of 1-11 were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro protective effects on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes using cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Almost all of them exerted a pronounced effect of decreasing DNA damage of human lymphocytes, acting stronger than the known synthetic protector amifostine., (Copyright © 2014 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.)

Further phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Achillea clavennae has resulted in the isolation of three new sesquiterpene lactones: two highly oxygenated germacranolides (1, 2) and the iso-seco-guaianolide 9(R)-acetoxy-3-O-methyl-iso-seco-tanapartholide (3). Eight known compounds were also found, of which 9α-acetoxycanin (5), sintenin (6), and oleanolic acid (7) were detected for the first time. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by combined spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, CIMS, and FTIR). While the predominant metabolite germacranolide sintenin (6) was not cytotoxic, the new iso-seco-guaianolide (3) displayed cytotoxicity comparable to that of cisplatin and the lactone apressin (4), inducing partly apoptotic death in human U251 and rat C6 glioma cell lines., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

An extended study of minor diarylheptanoids from the bark of black alder has resulted in the isolation of twenty diarylheptanoids, ten of which have not previously been reported (14-18, 20-24). The structures and configurations of all compounds were elucidated by NMR, HRESIMS, UV, IR, and CD. The anti-cancer potency of twenty diarylheptanoids and four previously isolated compounds (7, 10, 12, 13) was investigated in human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell lines (sensitive and multi-drug resistant variants) as well as in normal human keratinocytes. Diarylheptanoids with a p-coumaroyl group, 14 and 18, platyphylloside (1), platyphyllonol-5-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (2), alnuside B (4) and hirsutenone (9) exhibited strong anti-cancer activity, considerably higher than diarylheptanoid curcumin, which served as a positive control. Compounds 4, 9, 14, and 18 displayed significant selectivity towards the cancer cells. Structure/activity analysis of twenty-four closely related diarylheptanoids revealed a high dependence of cytotoxic action on the presence of a carbonyl group at C-3. Substitution of a heptane chain on C-5 and a number of hydroxyl groups in the aromatic rings also emerged as a significant structural feature that influenced their cytotoxic potential., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: The detailed knowledge of the architecture of the upper eyelid is very important in numerous upper eyelid corrective surgeries. The article deals with the detailed anatomy of the major components of the upper lid, which are commonly seen in surgical practice., Methods: This study was conducted on 19 human cadavers (12 adults and 7 infants) without pathologic changes in the orbital region and eyelids. Anatomic microdissection of the contents of the orbita was performed bilaterally on 12 orbits from 6 unfixed cadavers (3 male and 3 female). Micromorphologic investigations of the orbital tissue were performed on 8 en bloc excised and formalin-fixed orbits of infant cadavers. Specimens were fixed according to the Duvernoy method. An intra-arterial injection of 5% mixture of melt formalin and black ink was administered into the carotid arterial system. Using routine fixation, decalcination, dehydration, illumination, impregnation and molding procedures in paraplast, specimens were prepared for cross-sections., Results: The measurement of the muscle length and diameter in situ in 6 nonfixed cadavers (12 orbits) showed an average length of the levator palpbrae superioris (LPS) muscle body of the 42.0 +/- 1.41 mm on the right, and 40.3 +/- 1.63 mm on the left side. In all the cases, the LPS had blood supply from 4 different arterial systems: the lacrimal, supratrochlear, and supraorbital artery and muscle branches of the ophthalmic artery. The LPS muscle in all the specimens was supplied by the superior medial branch of the oculomotor nerve. The connective tissue associated with the LPS muscle contains two transverse ligaments: the superior (Whitnall's) and intermuscular transverse ligaments (ITL). The orbital septum in all the specimens originated from the arcus marginalis of the frontal bone, and consisted of two layers--the superficial and the inner layer. In addition, a detailed histological analysis revealed that the upper eyelid's crease was formed by the conjoined fascia including the fascia of the orbicularis muscle, the superficial layer of the orbital septum, and the aponeurosis of the LPS muscle, as well as the pretarsal fascia., Conclusion: The conducted study provided a valuable morphological basis for biomechanical and clinical considerations regarding blepharoptosis surgery.

Introduction: Destructiveness in aggressive behavior is interpreted as having many causes, the psychiatric ones being of biological, social and psychopathological nature. This study was aimed at examining the differences among the perpetrators who have committed crimes and misdemeanors in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from January 1st, 2003 to December 31st, 2012., Material and Methods: This prospective, multicentric study used the following measuring instruments: list of general data. Hamilton Rating Scale, the Emotional Profile Index with descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis., Results: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the following variables were significantly associated with violence P=0.001: long treatments OR= 810 (95), CI 0.770 -1.110], migrations [OR=0.830 (95%), CI = 0.825 -1.125,], depression [OR=1.150 (95%); CI=0.790-0.990] and the destructiveness revealed by the Emotional Profile Index test. Misdemeanors were significantly related with the following variables: P =0.001: father's education [OR=0.910 (95%), CI=0.620-1.100]; living in a suburb [OR=0.850 (95%), CI = 0.930 -1.25, P<0.001], destructiveness [OR= 0.670 (95%), CI= 990-1.210, P<0.001]; incorporation and bias on Emotional Profile Index test., Conclusion: This study has confirmed the increase of destructiveness in aggressive behavior in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is of great medical and legal significance. The study points to the social and psychopathological characteristics of aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Antioxidant (AO) activity of extracts of hop cones (Serbian domestic varieties) and commercial hop products (Saaz, Spalter, Spalter select, and Magnum pellets) was determined by parallel application of recently developed direct current (DC) polarographic and widely used DPPH assay. Correlations between 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging and total phenolics (TPC) determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay (FC) (0.99), and between H2O2 scavenging (HPS) and humulone content (H) determined by conductometric method (0.94), total resins (TR) (0.85), and hop storage index (HIS) (-0.90), were found statistically significant at p < 0.05 level while complete lack of HPS correlation with TPC and DPPH was observed. To obtain an insight into differences between results of AO assays applied, activity of individual compounds, prevalent hop phenolics, and bitter acids was determined. By far superior HPS activity of humulone was followed by catechin, quercetin, xanthohumol, lupulone, and rutin. In contrast, DPPH scavenging activity of phenolics (quercetin > catechin > rutin > xantohumol) was found substantially higher than activity of bitter acids. According to ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and scavenging of 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), higher AO activity was ascribed to phenolics, while almost neglecting humulone. Besides reliability, low cost, and an easy-to-handle procedure, an ability to recognize humulone as the major contributor of hop AO activity could allow DC polarographic assay to be applied in analysis of various hop-derived products.

A study of secondary metabolites from the bark of Alnus glutinosa led to the isolation of fourteen diarylheptanoids: oregonin (1), platyphylloside (2), rubranoside A (3), rubranoside B (4), hirsutanonol (5), hirsutenone (6), hirsutanonol-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), platyphyllonol-5-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (8), aceroside VII (9), alnuside A (10), alnuside B (11), 1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydoxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-heptane-3-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (12), (5S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-heptan-3-one (13), and (5S)-1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-O-β-D-[6-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoylglucopyranosyl)]-heptan-3-one (14). All of the diarylheptanoids, except 1 and 5, were found in A. glutinosa for the first time, while 13 and 14 were new compounds. The structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques: 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, FTIR, UV, and CD. All isolated compounds were analyzed for an in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. The majority of them, including the new compounds 13 and 14, exerted a pronounced effect in decreasing DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Diarylheptanoids 1, 2, 5, 13, and 14 at a concentration of 1 µg/mL decreased the frequency of micronuclei by 52.8 %, 43.8 %, 63.6 %, 44.4 %, and 56.0 %, respectively, exerting a much stronger effect than the synthetic protector amifostine (17.2 %, c = 1 µg/mL)., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Melanoma in South-East Europe shows varying incidence from 1.7 per 100,000 in Albania to 14.5 per 100,000 in Slovenia, but more detailed data from this region are scarce. In this study, we report epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of melanoma in central Serbia., Materials and Methods: Epidemiological data were retrieved from the Cancer Registry of Central Serbia and clinicopathological data from the hospital-based registry., Results: The ASR(W) incidence rate of melanoma was 4.2/100,000 (males) and 3.9/100,000 (females), and ASR(W) mortality rates were 1.9/100,000 (males) and 1.4/100,000 (females), with recorded rising trends in both of them. Data from the hospital-based registry revealed a total of 266 patients treated from 2005 to 2010, with the median age at diagnosis of 57 (13-86) years. The most frequent histopathological subtype was superficial spreading melanoma (SSM; 63.53%), and ulceration was present in 40.6% of primary tumors. Median Breslow thickness was 3 mm (0.1-25 mm). Primary tumors with thickness of more than 4 mm were found in 31.95% of patients, and in this group statistically significant difference was found for younger age in patients with SSM (55 years vs. 61 years, P = 0.04)., Conclusion: Low incidence rates in central Serbia and probably other countries of South-East Europe are accompanied by a large percentage of thick tumors and a significant proportion of younger patients with thick tumors. This points to the urgent need for more effective primary and secondary prevention of melanoma in these countries., (© 2012 The International Society of Dermatology.)

The chemical composition and free radical scavenging properties of the MeOH extract of Hypericum richeri and its subsequent CHCl(3), n-BuOH, EtOAc and aqueous extracts were investigated. Four quercetin-3-O-glycosides, three myricetin-3-O-glycosides, 3-O- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin, I3,II8-biapigenin, pseudohypericin and hypericin were identified. The constituents of the extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector). Isolation of the compounds from n-BuOH and EtOAc extracts was conducted by column chromatography. Antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by superoxide radical and ABTS√(+) scavenging assays and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The EtOAc extract of H. richeri was the most potent antioxidant in all experiments. Free radical scavenging compounds were identified by HPLC-DPPH√ (high-performance liquid chromatography-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) post-column derivatisation method, where all phenolic compounds except I3,II8-biapigenin exhibited radical scavenging properties. This is the first report of the presence of myricetin-3-O-rutinoside, myricetin-3-O-galactoside, myricetin-3-O-glucoside, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and I3,II8-biapigenin in H. richeri.

Introduction: This study encompassed the total number of homicides in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) in the period from 1st January 1997 to 31st December 2006 and then analysed homicidal behaviour. The aim is to assess the differences between the people who committed violent and those who committed accidental homicide in Bosnia and Herzegovina., Material and Methods: In a multicentric, retrospective study of comparing the groups with equal number of respondents we analysed the individuals who had committed violent (n=135) and accidental homicides (n=135). The homicides were tested by using sociodemographic and psychosocial items. Measurement instruments were: General data list, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Emotions Profile Index (EPI). The descriptive and multivariable logistic analysis was done statistically., Results: In the descriptive analysis the socio-demographically violent murderers were: male gender (chi 2=3.340, P=0.009), more workers than officials (chi 2=7.340, P=0.011), fathers were more often workers/farmers (chi 2=1.430, P=0.046), gambling (chi 2=13.100, P=0.001) and possible recidivism (chi 2=6.770, a P=0.001). The accidental murderers were family people (chi 2=4.100, P=0.041), with more frequent drug abuse (chi 2=3.190, P=0.012) and they would not repeat the delict. In the multivariate analysis the violent murderers were highly discriminated (P=0.001) from accidental ones by: war involvement r=0.1148, OR=2.971 (95%), CI=1.040-7.890; age, father's education, psychoticism (EPQ) r =-0.1085, OR=0.291 (95%), CI=0.110-0870, HDRS-total r=-0.1797, OR=0.830 (95%), CI=0.710-0.930, destructiveness r=0.1270, OR=1.560 (95%), (CI=1.197-2.032, and deprivation in the P. I. E. tests., Conclusion: By the violence of their acts murderers confirm micro-social model of transferring the violence, and transition and heredity confirm the ecological-developmental trans-generation model of violence. Accidental murderers commit homicide in anomy, with intoxications and prolonged psycho-traumatism.

Introduction: Testament is a solemn, authentic instrument in writing, by which a person declares his or her will as to disposal of his or her estate, and it has a psychopathological, lawful and ethical importance to a person, family and society. The aim of the study was to assess if the ability to make a testament was more damaged in patients with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) than in patients with other diseases that resulted in Chronic Renal Failure in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from the 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2006., Material and Methods: The 753 respondents were divided into two groups in the study: BEN group (n=150) and control group made of patients with other diseases resulting in CRF (n=150). In a multicentric longitudinal study we used: adapted questionnaire from the Renal Register of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination. Descriptive analysis, discriminative function and regression model have been done statistically., Results: In BEN group, heirs are mostly mentioned - 84.0% (t=14.391; P=0.001), and in control group: heirs - 66.6%, relatives - 43.3% (t=7.751; P=0.003), carers - 44.0% (t= 6.678 P=0.032), and institutions 10.0% (t=5.147, P=0.061). The discriminative function shows differences between BEN and control group: canonical correlation (rc) =0.827, Wilkinson lambda (lambda nj) =0.871, Chi-square test =141.575 and significance (P=0.001). The regression course of the analysis can be used for prediction of the ability to make testament for the patients on dialysis. [y=-0.95x + 15.715, and OR = 0.785, (95%) for CI = -0.997 - -0.375); Can Fanc r2=0.861: Significance is P=0.002]., Conclusion: The ability to make a testament is more damaged in patients from the nephropathy group than in the patients from the control group who are on dialysis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This has been confirmed by socio-demographic and psychological parameters, and it is very important for preservation of the ethic norms of the patients on dialysis, responsibility of the expert teams and persons who are benefitiaries of the testament.

This study deals with frequency and form of euthanasia in dialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) within the period from 2000 to 2006. Of total number of 2700 patients on dialysis we examined n = 753 of them. Examinees with the Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) (n = 348) were in the first group, and the Control group was formed of patients with other diseases (n = 405). In this study the following methods were used: adapted Questionnaire from the Renal Registry of B&H, Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton's Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Mini-Mental Scale of Estimation (MMSE). Age of the BEN group of patients ranged: 64.77 +/- 8.86 and the control one 53.85 +/- 3.60. Multivariate analysis for the BEN group with passive euthanasia was: 0.760 (95%, CI = 0.590-0.710) (p = 0.001) and for the active one was 0.450 (95%, CI = 0.125-0.510 (p = 0.001). Euthanasia is associated with the rural life and renal heredity, and psychological BAI scale-total, HDRS-total and MMSE-total. For the BEN group passive euthanasia is 3.75% as well as active 0.86%. The findings stressed that euthanasia of dialysis patients requires better nephrological-psychiatric control and social care in B&H as well as complete program for the CRF samples protection too.

Nano-sized powders of iron oxides have been synthesized electrochemically at temperatures in the range of 295-361 K, and current densities in the range of 200-1000 mA dm(-2). The structure and morphology of the powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Their infrared absorption spectra, specific heat C(p)(T) and magnetic susceptibility chi(T) temperature dependences are also determined. The obtained powders consist of two phases, each possessing distinguished characteristics: the one formed of large plates and the other of whiskers. By appropriate adjustment of the synthesis conditions, it is possible to change features and relative abundances of the two phases, and that way to control morphology and other powder properties. Relaxation and transformation of the phases under external influences was also investigated, and the optimal procedure for preparation and stabilization of iron oxide nano-sized powders with desired characteristics was established.

The toxicity of platinum(II) ion could be significantly modified by coordination with some organic compounds. In our study, the cytotoxicity and the influence of platinum(II) complexes, such as cisplatin, cis-[PtCl(2)(NH(3))(2)], [PtCl(2)(SMC)] and [PtCl(2)(DMSO)(2)] (where SMC is S-methyl-l-cysteine and DMSO is dimethyl sulphoxide) on spontaneous motility of isolated human fallopian tubes were investigated. Cisplatin showed potent pro-apoptotic effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). However, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were substantially less sensitive to [PtCl(2)(SMC)] and [PtCl(2)(DMSO)], and these compounds showed no toxic effect on PBMC in all concentrations examined. Cisplatin showed concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous contractions of the isolated ampulla. (EC(50)=1.14+/-0.03 x 10(-6)M/l, r=0.714, p<0.05) while [PtCl(2)(SMC)] and [PtCl(2)(DMSO)(2)] did not affect spontaneous contractions of isolated fallopian tube ampulla.

The aim of this article is to compare the incidence of thanatophobia in dialysed patients having Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) with a control group (N18) members where some of them have chronic renal failure (CRF), but not (BEN). We examined thanatophobia on a sample of 753 dialysed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) during the period from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2006. The first group is a cohort consisted of 348 patients with Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), and the control group consisted of 405 randomly selected patients with different diagnoses of CRF (N18). The measurement instruments used were: General data list, Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton's Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Univariante and multivariante statistical analyses were carried out. From the multivariante analysis, the highest correlations with thanatophobia were found in these variables: avoidance of dialysis in BEN group: R=0.985, OR=0.358, CI=0.483-0.728 (95%), and in control group: R=0.550, OR=0.935, CI=0.615-0.830 (95%), age, years on dialysis, education, pervasive fear with statistical significance P=0.001. BEN group differentiates from control group: BAI-total (R=1.110, OR=0.578 (95%), CI=0.770-0.890, P=0.001), HDRS-total (R=0.995, OR=1.290 (95%), CI=1.180-1.920 P=0.001. BEN group have lower scores than the control group in MMSE-total: (R=0.430, OR=0.023 (95%), CI=0.034-2.850, P=0.001) which represents the organic part of anxiety. Thanatophobia is present in both groups, but it is more frequent in the BEN (11.70%) than in control group (7.50%). We found that thanatophobia occurs before dialysis, and that it is structured as a pervasive fear of death and is associated with endemia, years spent on dialysis, and avoidance of dialysis.

Introduction: Anxiety, as a primary symptom, includes all conditions of indefinite fear and psychic disorders dominated by fear. All dialysis patients suffer from anxiety as an independent phenomenon, or as part of another disease., Material and Methods: This study included 753 patients on chronic hemodialysis in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) in the period 1999-2004. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group included 348 patients with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN), and the control group included 405 patients with other diagnoses causing renal insufficiency (N18). The study was designed as a comparative cross sectional study, and patients were tested using questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression and general mental health status. Statistical analysis was done using standard descriptive and analytical methods., Results: Socio-demographic data showed highly significant differences between BEN and N18 in relation to place of residence (urban/rural) (chi2 = 23.970) p < 0.01: in the incidence of renal comorbidity (chi2 = 23.970) p < 0.01, familial renal comorbidity (chi2 = 23.970) p < 0.01 and mnigrations (chi2 = 4.874) p < 0.01. Beck Anxiety Inventory Scores were highly significantly different between the two groups p < 0.001, in regard to the incidence and variables. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale demonstrated a group significance p < 0.001, and variables pointed to somatization, general anxiety and depression. This was confirmed by mini-mental state examnination pointing to general mental weakness., Conclusion: Anxiety appeared in all tested dialysis patients. It may be independent, somatized as part of another mental disorder or reinforced by a cognitive damage. Structured anxiety and depression result in pre-suicidal risk.

Introduction: Behavior of rape victims is an enigma associated with the following phenomena: poverty, transition, legal weaknesses, and unintegrated mental health network. The aim of the study was to investigate rape victimization in relation to anomie, stress and postwar transition-related weaknesses in B&H in the period 1996-2005; and perform a personal analysis of rape victims., Material and Methods: The experimental group consisted of rape victims receiving psychiatric treatment: non-violent victimization (n=125). It included random female victims with mental diseases: victimization by abuse of power and unclear victimization. The control group consisted of violent victimization victims (n=125, females). This was a multicentric, longitudinal, prospective study. Intercorrelation, univariate and canonical discrimination analyses were performed., Results: Rape offenders were of male gender (chi2 = 29.970) statistical significance p < 0.001), from broken families was (chi2 = 0.830), migration (chi2 = 0.064), and heredity (chi2 = 0.406). Victimization was classified as non-violent, social, unclear and violent. Non-violent victimization occurred in 19.03% (2001) to 24.46% (2004). Abuse of mental patients was recorded in 16.08% (2002) and 22.61% (2000), and abuse of power in 2.12% (2000) and 3.55% (2000), whereas unclear rape occurred in 0.88% (2004) and 1.74% (2002). We have found that patients from the primary group are significantly more anxious and depressed in total score and in individual items., Conclusion: Non-violent victimization was committed by persons with impaired intelligence, acute psychotic crisis, and substance abuse. Social victimization and criminally unclear rapes were of transitional character. Victimization was caused by (post) war anomy, poverty, stress and violence. It is given insufficient significance because of high prevalence and "dark number" of victims. The study emphasizes the role of psychiatry as well as weakness of the system in the deinstitutionalization.

Unlabelled: Aim of the study was to confirm depersonalization/derealization in patients with Balkan endemic nephropathy in comparison with other patients on dialysis in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the period 01.01.2000 -31-12-2006. years., Method: Examined were 753 out of 2770 dialyzed patients and they were divided into two groups: those with Balkan endemic nephropathy--BEN group (N+348) and the control group of other diseases N18. Patients were followed-up form 01.01.2000 to 31.12. 2006. when the study was made. It is comparative, cross-sectional study and Questionnaire from the renal Registry of B&H adapted to the mental health and psychological tests--Eizenck's personality characteristics test, Hamilton Depression Rating scale (HDRS) and Mini Mental State evaluation were used., Results: Depersonalization was in BEN group present in 3.50% of cases (chi2 = 70.880, df = 2 p < 0.001), a derealization in 3.75% (chi2 = 117.678, df = 2, p < 0.002) and depersonalization/ derealization in 1.19% of them (chi2 = 218.457, df = 2, p < 0.002). Regression analysis was: y = -0.93x + 14.818, a CI = 95% for Fisher's (Z = -0.995462 to -0.26481). CanFanc r2 = 0.86, P = 0.002 za 87.5% for depersonalization prediction in HRF., Conclusion: In patients on dialyzed treatment in BaH depersonalization sui generis was found in group BEN 3.50% of cases, derealization in 3.57% of them and in group N18 depersonalization in 3.32% of them and possibility to predict depersonalization is 87.50%.

Introduction: Rape is a sexual act of violence in which physical strength is used. Criminal law imposes strict punishments for such crimes as rape. Psycho-pathologically, rape is among the gravest of crimes, often associated with extremely deviated behavior. This article deals with the forensic aspects of sexual violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period from 2000 - 2004. We report about sexual assaults, personality of delinquents, motives and consequences of rape., Material and Methods: Two groups of violent offenders were compared in the study: perpetrators of rape (NA = 90), and perpetrators of other criminal offences (N = 90 - recidivists). The control group included young males (N = 90)., Results: The results of the study show a high level of violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The rape rate equals the level of homicide in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rape offenders are mostly people with personal disorders (70%), but they also present with other illnesses and behavior disorders., Conclusion: The significance of rape as a violent crime has not been sufficiently studied. High incidence of violence and rape in Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely disturbing. The most disturbing aspect is the increase of violence and failure to take certain measures. The role of psychiatry is to provide penal education, treatment and programs for elimination of consequences of rape.

Objective: This study is an investigation of parasuicidal presentations in young people in Bosnia during the period from 1992 to 2004. The other aims were: an analysis of the stress as well as the personal and emotional traits of suicidal subjects., Methods: Two groups of young people were investigated: 90 with parasuicidal caracteristics and 90 controls who had experienced emotional and behavioral crises during adolescence. The study is longitudinal and stratified according to the qualities of the parasuicidal behaviour. The tests used in this study (LOP, Ci, CMI, EPQ-98 and P.I.E.) are statistically elaborated by standard descriptive and analytical methods., Results: The results show the following factors to be highly significant: destruction and violence inside the families (p < 0.001) as well as migration and heredity (p < 0.05). Discriminative analysis (rc) confirmed group difference in neuroticism = 0.95541, F=38.321 with significance factor of p < 0.001. EPQ test in parasuicidal subjects shows high level of neuroticism and psychoticism while controls show extroversion and conformism. Canonical Fcn = 0.6634, rc = 0.771, df = 4 chi(2) = 85.73, p < 0.001. P.I.E. clearly differentiated parasuicidal group from adolescent, control group: Hi quadrant test chi(2) = 101.361 and statistical significance p < 0.001. Results show: 1. suicide: n = 7 (7.7%), parasuicide: n = 84 (43.6%) and maturation: n = 89 (48.9%)., Conclusion: Representation of parasuicidal behaviour was found in both groups of examinees, but the forms are more represented in parasuicide. Sociodemographic difference between the examined groups was proved, and stress, personal and emotional structures of parasuicide were confirmed by discrimination analysis. Auto-destructivity shows even quicker forms of destruction and longer forms of self-destruction.

Unlabelled: Subject of the study is suicidal and parasuicidal behaviour in B&H in the period 1992-2004 in relation to transition, anomie and structures of suicidal personalities., Method: Two self-destructive groups (in 2001 and in 2005) were tested in B&H. The test group consists of n = 125 subjects who had suicide, and control group consists of n = 125 persons with parasuicidal behaviour. WE USED: GDL, EPQ, HAMD and Pluchic's test in a longitudinal study stratified by the seriousness of suicide and quality of parasuicide., Results: Self-destructivity has been increasing in B&H. Socio-demographic data of the suicide are: gender = 73.3 +/- 2.5 (m) 26.7 +/- 2.7 (f), broken family = 34.4 +/- 4.8, migration = 52.2 +/- 3.2, heredity = 46.7 +/- 2.0 and parasuicide: gender = 47.8% +/- 5.2(m), 26.7 +/- 2.7(f), broken family = 41.1% +/- 5.2, migration = 54.4% +/- 4.6, heredity = 41.3 +/- 2.8. EPQ in suicide is: M +/- SD--neuroticism = 16,73 +/- 7.03, psychosis = 18,21 +/- 6.64, and in parasuicide extroversion = 15,37 +/- 4.21 and Lay-scale = 13,95 +/- 3.37, and significance p<0.01. HAMD is increased in suicide: H +/- SD: depression: 2.99 +/- 1.21, emotion of guilt = 2.19 +/- 1.14, suicide = 3.91 +/- 1.19, early insomnia = 2.11 +/- 1.21, anxiety = 1.93 +/- 1.21 with p<0.01, and in parasuicide: hypochondria = 1.77 +/- 0.95, depersonalization = 1.71 +/- 0.65, and O-K-signs = 1.59 +/- 0.79 with p<0.01. Pluchic's test separates basic emotions, and all is gathered by matrix of discriminative function., Conclusion: High level of self-destruction in suicidal and parasuicidal behaviour is proven in the study. Suicide shows faster self-destruction and a way of suicidal end, and parasuicide slower destruction with postponing the suicidal crash. Sign of suicide and parasuicide can be found in both groups of respondents and the ways of expression are different, but definite in suicide.

Unlabelled: Fecal incontinence is a serious psychological and social problem for the patient, frequently leading to social isolation, loss of working potential and depression. Different static and dynamic methods for the reconstruction of anal sphincter are used in the surgical treatment of the incontinence. At the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns, at the Military Medical Academy, we have been using the method of transposition of the gracilis muscle, previously described by Pickerill-Broadbent (1952) since 1970. The aim of this paper was to describe our results in the treatment of fecal incontinence with the gracilis muscle. We have operated on 14 patients: 5 with congenital absence of the anus, 2 with myelomeningocele, 2 with the teratoma in the sacral region, 2 with the injury after the surgical procedure in the anal region and 3 with war injuries in the perineal area. After the detailed clinical and neurological examinations and pre-surgical preparations, we have performed the operation using the already mentioned technique (Pickerill). The following postoperative complications were identified: one hematoma and two minor dehiscences of the perianal wounds that healed per secundam. The electrostimulations of the transposed gracilis muscle were performed postoperatively. All the operated patients have been followed up for three years after the operation. In 9 patients the result was estimated as the excellent, in 3 as affordable and in 2 as the poor (occasionally, they could not contain the liquid fecal incontinence)?, Conclusion: Due to its anatomical characteristics, the gracilis muscle is the most suitable for the reconstruction of the anal sphincter. If the correct indication is made, and if the surgery is well prepared and technically performed, with the maximal protection of neurovascular pedicle, an excellent postoperative result can be expected in over 60% cases.

The complications in the reconstruction of the diaphysed defects by the use of VFG or VOSKFG are not shown in the literature coherent so it is very difficult to compare and use showed results. For the compensation of the bone defects the specific complications could be differentiated according to the influence on the primary and overall efficiency of the reconstruction. The classification of the complications in the donors region and osteogenic and vascular complications in the recipients region was suggested in the analysis which encompassed all these divisions.

The most complications in patients after the reconstruction of the bone defect of the upper extremities are the fractures of the bone graft and pseudoarthrosis on one of the graft suture with defects of humerus. These complications influence on the primary efficiency of the reconstruction and prolong the recovery period. We registered five fractures, four pseudoarthrosis and two graft angulations in the prospective study on 25 patients where the defect of humerus, radius and ulna was compensated by the vascularized fibular graft. The analysis showed four fractures on the distal part of the reconstructed humerus graft and three pseudoarthrosis on the proximal part of reconstructed ulna. All osteogenic complications, apart from angulations which did not require additional interventions were solved by spongyoplasty according to Phemisters and more efficient postoperative immobilization.

The specificity of the lower leg is in sparse collateral blood flow of the skin cover in the middle and distal part, reduced subcutaneous tissue and the prominence of the front side of tibia immediately under the skin. These characteristics of the lower leg make the application of the standard plastic reconstructive principles, which have been applied in the other regions of the body to a certain degree impossible. The progress of anatomical knowledge in relation to vascularization of the tissue territories--angiosoma, and the anatomy of the vascular skin system of the lower leg, along with the technological progress represented by the application of the surgical microscope, new surgical instruments and suture materials, provides the reconstructive surgeon, not only with classic but also with the modern surgical methods in this region: microvascular transplantation of the tissue and the application of the fasciocutaneous reversible flaps. The aim of this study was to show the available reconstructive methods in the treatment of the lower leg soft tissue and to analyze its application in the management of war wounds in the injured from the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. On the basis of our experiences in the management of war wounds, especially of the lower leg with the tissue defects, we would like to point on the existence of the clear indications for the application of certain reconstructive methods depending on the size, localization and tissue defect structure, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the available reconstructive procedures.

The efficiency of the vascularized fibular graft application in the reconstruction of diaphyseal defects of the long bone of extremities caused by war injuries was prospectively investigated in the group of 33 patients in the period 1991-1996, during the war in the former Yugoslavia. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative procedures were systematized. Early and late complications in donor and recipient regions were shown. The primary success was 63.6% and the total one was 93.9%. The efficiency of the vascularized fibular graft in the treatment of bone defects caused by war injuries could be compared with bone defects caused by trauma or by resection of malignant tumors.

The retrospective analysis of 1,514 cases treated at the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns of the Military Medical Academy in the period between 1991 and 1995, established that the percentage of the injuries caused by gunshots and those caused by explosives during the conflict in former Yugoslavia, was more or less the same. The injuries caused by gunshot more often occurred on the head, neck, arms and trunk. The injuries of the legs caused by the explosives were more frequent, and they occurred in 83% of the cases. All the plastic surgeons who took part in the treatment of patients and in preparing the surgeons of other specialties for the treatment applied the original classification of the war injuries according to the structure of the defects that had occurred, to standardize the approach to the planning of treatment and the treatment itself of the wounded. In the delayed primary or secondary treatment of the injuries with the tissue defects all known plastic and reconstructive methods were applied. In the cases requiring the covering of the the tissue defect with the full thickness skin, local skin, fasciocutaneous, fascioadipose or muscle flap was chosen. Distant pedicled direct flaps were used in cases when it was not possible to use a more suitable reconstructive method. Free skin, myocutaneous or complex microvascular flaps were applied in cases of more extensive defects or if a more suitable solution could not be found. Our experience in surgical treatment of war injuries with skin defects during the civil war in former Yugoslavia has shown that over 50% of all the injured patients required the treatment of a plastic surgeon in a definite surgical treatment of a war injury. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in the majority of the injured, and the surgical team is composed according to the affected area and the extent of the injury.

Sebaceous glands produce sebum that contains: triglycerides, esters of cholesterol, and sometimes even pure cholesterol, squalene and esters of wax. Microvascular transplantation exposed the tissue of free flaps to the temporary ischemia and anaerobic metabolism, inflammatory, denervative and reinnervative processes. The sebaceous glands of the free flaps were also exposed to the action of physiopathologic processes during the micro vascular transfer. Because of that, the function of the sebaceous glands of the transplanted free flaps was estimated compared to the function of the sebaceous glands of the recipients and donor's region environment. The investigation of the sebaceous glands of free flaps function has been performed in 32 wounded patients at the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns, and Institute for Medical Biochemistry of the Military Medical Academy. All the wounded have undergone the microvascular transplantation of the cutaneous, myocutaneous and osteocutaneous flaps. Dry residue in either of the soluble substances was measured in the period from six to thirty six months after the transplantation. The obtained results indicated that the function of the sebaceous glands of the transferred flaps 25.36 months after the transplantation was weaker than the function of the sebaceous glands of the recipients and donor's region's environment and amounted to 98% of the function of the sebaceous glands of the recipient is region's environment.

The application of microvascular transfer of tissues provides a single act transplantation of free flaps to any part of the body. Following the operation, free flaps are nerveless. By spreading out of nerves from the recipient region surrounding into the flap tissue, transplanted free flaps become reinervated. The sensitivity of the transferred free flaps is very important in feet, palms, breasts, genitals, face etc. The aim of our research was to use Bernard's diadynamic currents in establishing the time needed for recovery of the transferred flap's pain sensitivity in comparison with the recipient region's surrounding. At the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns and Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Military Medical Academy, we used Bernard's-diadynamic current to analyze the recovery of the pain sensitivity in 33 patients with transferred free flaps. The first tests were performed six moths after the free flap transfer and were repeated in the intervals of 6 to 36 months. The pain recovery was tested in 5 cutaneous, 18 myocutaneous and 10 osteocutaneous flaps transplanted to foot-10, lower leg-13 and head-10. Pain sensitivity in the transferred flaps was detected 6 months after the free flaps transfer and was definitely ascertained 12 months after the operation. Current of 10.11 mA was required to reach the pain sensitivity threshold after the first six months and 8.52 mA after 36 months. It is obvious that the pain sensitivity threshold is significantly higher in the transferred free flaps (p < 0.001) than in the donor or recipient regions' surroundings.

Transferred free flaps by their defined vascular net improve the perfusion of the recipient region. Skin temperature depends on the skin perfusion, temperature conduction of the visceral organs, muscles and blood vessels, as well as on the heat loss by the evaporation and air convection in the environment. At the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns and at the Institute of Hygiene of the Military Medical Academy, skin temperature of the transferred free flaps and the recipient region surrounding were analyzed and measured in controlled microclimate conditions. The analysis was performed in 31 subjects, 20.23 months after the free tissue transfer. The aim of the study was to determine the differences between the skin temperature of the transferred free flaps and the recipient region surrounding, as wall as of the donor's region surrounding. The results of the investigation revealed that skin temperature of the transferred free flaps was lower in 28 (90.3%) patients than the temperature of the donor's region surrounding. Skin temperature of the transferred free flaps was higher in 25 subjects (80.6%) than the temperature of the recipient region surrounding. Skin temperature of free flaps transferred to the foot and the lower leg was higher than the skin temperature of the recipient region surrounding but was also lower in the flaps transferred on the head. The temperature of the recipient region surrounding influenced the skin temperature of the transferred free flaps, besides the flap tissue perfusion.

In two prospective studies at the Clinic for Plastic Surgery and Burns and Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery of the Military Medical Academy in the period from 1991 to 1996 we performed 47 transplantations of the vascularized fibular graft in order to compensate bone defects of the long bones and mandibular inflicted by war wounding. The importance of the length of the vascular pedicle preparation for the total success was pointed out as well as the immobilization of the elbow region for the compensation of the defects of the upper arm and forearm and total healing of the mandibular for the later functional rehabilitation. The realized primary efficiency of 70.2% and total successfulness of 93.6% indicated that at the compensation on of bone defects the etiology of war wound could be compared to the etiology of malignant tumors resection and trauma.

The results of the use of the vascularized fibular graft for the reconstruction of posttraumatic defects of the mandible are presented. Different surgical procedures were applied in reconstruction of the mandibular defects in 120 wounded. In the last four years vascularized fibular graft was used in 11 mandibular reconstructions. Taking into account the survival rate of 100%, long vascular pedicle, strength, length and the possibilities of adaptation of the bone make this graft suitable for mandibular reconstruction. The functional and esthetic results obtained by the use of this graft were satisfactory, with minimal donor site morbidity.