Determination of Six Sigma Metric in Control of Enzymes Determination in Human Serum.

BACKGROUND: Clinical Chemistry is the backbone of medical treatment, diagnostics, and prevention. The laborato-ries are trying to improve the quality and to reduce diagnostic errors and processing time and safeguard trace-ability of all laboratory procedures to ensure patient safety. Six sigma belongs to statistical quality control and provides a new methodology for measuring and improving process performance in laboratory. METHODS: Activities of AST, ALT, CK, LDH, Amy, and γ-GT were determined by standard kinetic methods on a Vitros 5600 biochemistry analyzer. Two daily quality controls (Verifier I and Verifier II) were run over 60 days. Total percent CV was calculated from routine daily QC. Between-instrument bias was also calculated from daily QC. RESULTS: The calculated sigma metrics for AST were 6.9 and 3.8; for ALT 9.3 and 5.6; for CK 6.6 and 5.3; LDH 5.2 and 5.2; for γ-GT 4.9 and 2.7; and for amylase 8.7 and 7.1. Analytical performance for AST, ALT, CK, LDH, and Amylase is world class. On the other hand, γ-GT analytical performance is poor. CONCLUSIONS: Six Sigma benefits from earlier quality management approaches that creates new challenges for medical laboratories.

Analysis of the Blood Consumption for Surgical Programs.

INTRODUCTION: Transfusion is an activity that assures sufficient supply of blood and blood components to treat the sick and injured. In transfusion departments is necessary to timely provide adequate amounts of blood and blood products for various surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To determine the total amount of preoperative requirements (BT/AB and BT/AB/MT) for blood and blood products in surgical departments of General Hospital "Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakas" in the period from June 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 and analyze the requirements for blood in relation to surgical procedures, surgical discipline, period, age and gender of patients. To determine the maximum consumption levels surgeries. RESULTS: The total amount of preoperative requirements for blood and blood products in surgical departments amounted to 927. Almost the same number of requests with a slightly higher percentage was in December and October and the lowest in June. The average age of patients was 52.2±20.1 years with the youngest patient aged 9 and the oldest at the age of 97 years. Women were more prevalent with 686 or 74% of the time compared to men. The largest number of requests for surgery elective cesarean section 208 (22.5%) with delivery wards, then for surgery or hip replacement 98 (10.6%). Maximum consumption for surgical operations Hysterectomy totalis abdominals 15 doses of blood. CONCLUSION: The largest number of requests were for elective cesarean section 208 (22.5%) with delivery wards, then for surgery or hip replacement with 98 (10.6%). Maximum consumed doses had gynecology surgery at Hysterectomy totalis abdominals 15 doses of blood, then orthopedics surgery at Primary hip prosthesis 11 doses.

Immunophenotype lymphocyte of peripheral blood in patients with psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a central role in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. Immunoregulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in important homeostatic mechanism for maintaining tolerance and preventing autoimmunity, and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the role of Tregs cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and determine the range value for Treg cells (CD4+ CD25+) in the peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis compared to the severity of disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 51 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 25 healthy individuals. Phenotype profile of peripheral blood lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry, and assessment of severity of disease was determined on the basis of PASI score (e.g. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). RESULTS: Proportion of CD4+CD25+T cells in the control group was significantly higher than in the patients with psoriasis [6,4% ±(5,4-7,6) vs. 4,1% (3,1 -5,8)-Mann-Whitney U test, p <0.001]. In the present study we did not find a statistically significant correlation between the levels of CD4+CD25+cells, in patients with psoriasis, compared to the severity of disease-PASI. (i.e. Pearson correlation, r = 0.197, p = 0.194). CONCLUSION: The stratification of patients, according to the severity of the clinical course was not possible on the basis of Treg cells' level. ROC curve analysis of the optimal cutoff (PASI=10) and the CD4+CD25+, which distinguishes between patients and healthy individuals was 5% of CD4+CD25+ of the total number of CD4+ lymphocytes with specificity of 69% and sensitivity of 84%.

The effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of antihyperglycemic drugs that block degradation ofincretin hormones. GOAL: To assess the effects oftreatment with DPP-4 inhibitors on glucoregulation and body weight in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 9 females and 9 males with type 2 diabetes (n=18), BMI=31.24 +/- 2,26 kg/m2, mean age 58 +/- 6,8 years. The patients have been thoroughly evaluated before treatment, and 6 months after treatment with DPP-4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) in combination with metformin. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors in combination with metformin HbAlc (-1,49%)., FBG (-3.75 mmol/L) and PBG (-5.79 mmol/L) significantly reduced (p=0.000). Mean body weight also significantly reduced (-12.5%; p=0.000). Reduction of mean fasting insulin was 5.46 mIU/L or 27% (p=0.000). Mean HOMA-IR change was -1.64 (p=0.000). Also there was significant decreasing of systolic blood pressure (p=0.001), cholesterol (p=0.004), triglycerides (p=0.001), LDL (p=0.002) and increasing of HDL (p=0.002). Hypoglycaemia was not registered in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: These results show that in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, DPP-4 inhibitors treatment in combination with metformin was associated with improvements in glycaemic control, and a reduction in body weight.

Detection methods of immunoglobulin IgG in CSF and serum.

INTRODUCTION: This study represents a new approach to the extended analysis of correlation of findings of oligoclonal bands on gels and the level of intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulin G in the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that there is no correlation at this level as well as the number of tape or finding does not correlate with the forecast effect of therapy or patient outcome. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To determine the correlation of level of immunoglobulins IgG in CSF with the number of oligoclonal bands on the gel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study based on data processed in Clinical Immunology Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Patients were assumed of multiple sclerosis according to clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging. All CSF and serum samples were processed by nephelometry, isoelectric focusing on the gel. Statistical analysis of results was also performed by using SPSS statistical analysis program. RESULTS: Analyses were performed on 254 samples of cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients from neurological clinic, suspected of multiple sclerosis. We concluded that there is no correlation between the level of intrathecal synthesis obtained by Reibergram with the number of oligoclonal bands on gels. We think that the reason could be a small sample of patients analyzed and it leaves room for future analysis on a larger sample. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: For most patients with established MS we found intrathecal humoral response, type two, and the number and arrangement of IgG bands generally does not change during the disease, because they reflect long-term non-specific immune stimulation rather than a specific immune response that during infectious disease changes (quantitatively and qualitatively).

Reibergram and oligoclonal bands in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: In this study authors have analyzed the correlation between the IgG immunoglobulins in cerebrospinal fluid and the findings of oligoclonal bands on gel. Immunoglobulin IgG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be detected in neurological diseasses (infections and inflammatory neurological diseases and in demyelinating diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS)). Quantitative IgG in CSF can be expressed by different formulae Reiber (Reiber and Felgenhauer 1987), Tourtellotte (Tourtellotte 1970), Schuller (Schuller and Sagar 1983) and IgG Index (Link and Tibbling 1977). In this study we used Reibergram. Qualitative CSF IgG can be measured by electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing (IEF). We used IEF for analysig CSF and seum because of its higher sensitivity. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To determine the correlation of immunoglobulins IgG positivity in CSF with the finding of oligoclonal bands on the gel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study based on data processed in OJ Clinical Immunology KCUS. Patients were suspicious of multiple sclerosis according to clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging. All CSF and serum samples were processed by nephelometry, isoelectric focusing on the gel. Statistical analysis of intrathecal synthesis was also performed according to Reibergram. RESULTS: Analyses were performed on 76 samples of cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients from neurological clinic, suspected of multiple sclerosis. We received following results: 42 samples tested had type 1.25 samples tested showed type 2.3 samples had type 3.5 samples had type 4.1 sample had a fifth type. When we compare these results with values obtained by intrathecal synthesis of which is determined by Reibergram we obtained the following values: 16 samples had intrathecal synthesis of 20%-60%, 9 samples had a negative value of intrathecal synthesis of 10% or less. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: For most patients with established MS we found intrathecal humoral response, type two, and the number and arrangement of IgG bands generally does not change during the disease, because they reflect long-term non-specific immune stimulation rather than a specific immune response that during infectious disease changes (quantitatively and qualitatively).

CD4/CD8 Ratio as a Predictor for the Occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome in HIV / AIDS Patients During 6 Months of cART Therapy.

BACKGROUND: HIV infection is characterized by progressive depletion of CD4+ T cells due to their reduced synthesis and increased destruction followed by marked activation and expansion of CD8+ T lymphocytes. CD4/CD8 ratio was traditionally described as a marker of immune system ageing in the general population, but it increasingly appears as a marker of different outcomes in the HIV-infected population. The main objective of this study is to examine the power of CD4/CD8 ratio in predicting the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in HIV-positive patients receiving cART therapy. METHODS: 80 HIV/AIDS subjects were included in a retrospective case-control study. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in peripheral blood of these patients. The values of biochemical parameters (triglycerides, HDL, blood sugar, blood counts), immunological parameters (CD4/CD8, PCR), anthropometric measurements and type of cART therapy were evaluated in this study. RESULTS: After six months of cART therapy 19 (23.8%) subjects had all the elements necessary for making the diagnosis of MetS. Using multivariate analysis CD4/CD8 ratio was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and had the largest effect on development of MetS (Wald = 9.01; OR = 0.45), followed by cART (Wald = 7.87; OR = 0.10) and triglycerides (Wald = 5.27; OR = 1.7). On the other hand, body weight and waist circumference showed no statistically significant effect on the development of MetS after six months of cART, p > 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: CD4/CD8 ratio proved to be a significant marker for prediction of metabolic syndrome in HIV/AIDS patients.

Potential Immune Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Clinical Management for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: There is still no reliable, specific biomarker for precision diagnosis and clinical monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the determination of immunofenotypic profiles (T, B lymphocytes and NK cells) and serum cytokine concentrations (IL-17 and IFN-alpha) as potential biomarkers for this disease. METHODS: The study included 55 patients with SLE and 25 healthy controls. The proportion of T, B, NK cells were assessed in peripheral blood using flow cytometric assays while the serum cytokine concentration (IL-17 and IFNalpha) was determined by ELISA test. RESULTS: ROC curve analysis showed good accuracy to distinguish between patients and healthy individuals for activated T cells (AUC=0.798; p<0.001), Treg (AUC= 0.651; p=0.036), and memory B cells (AUC=0.285; p=0.002). We found statistically significant difference (p=0.036) in the levels of serum IL-17 between patients with SLE (IL-17=49.27 pg/mL) and controls (IL-17= 28.64 pg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Significant increase in the relative number of Treg lymphocytes, and decrease in memory B cells, as well as decrease level of IL-17, in SLE patients may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. These parameters, as biomarkers, could distinguish SLE patients and no-SLE patients. Monitoring subpopulations of immune cells in peripheral blood using flow cytometry provides insight into abnormal T and B cell function in SLE. Progress in understanding the immunity at SLE, results in concrete benefits for the SLE patients, which include new clinical management and therapeutic strategies.

The Predictive Significance of Metastasis-Associated in Colon Cancer-1 (MACC1) in Primary Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis-Associated in Colon Cancer-1(MACC1) was first identified as a transcriptional activator of the HGF/MET pathway. Deregulation of HGF/MET signaling is reported as a prognostic marker for tumorigenesis, early stage invasion, and metastasis which is associated with poor clinical outcome in breast cancer patients. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the prognostic or predictive value of MACC1 expression in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the MACC1 expression in 105 primary breast cancer samples by Western-Blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A significant correlation of high MACC1 expression with shorter disease-free survival was found within the group of lymph-node-negative patients. Additionally, an association of high MACC1 expression and shorter disease-free survival was observed within estrogen receptor positive tumors and patients without adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our results support a biologic role and potentially open the perspective for the use of MACC1 as a prognostic marker for treatment decision in breast cancer patients.

Interpretation of Erythropoietin and Haemoglobin Levels in Patients with Various Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: The production of erythrocytes is regulated by the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which maintains the blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels constant under normal conditions. Human EPO is a glycoprotein hormone and its synthesis is controlled by the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor. The aim of this study was to establish EPO and Hb levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as in control subjects, and to investigate the relationship between these parameters. METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study included 356 subjects with CKD divided into 4 subgroups according to their glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The control group consisted of 206 age and sex matched healthy subjects with GFR rate ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2. EPO, Hb and serum creatinine levels were determined by using immunochemical and spectrophotometric methods. GFR was determined using the MDRD formula. RESULTS: The CKD patients had significantly lower levels of haemoglobin (p<0.0005) and hematocrit (p<0.0005) compared to control group. Our results showed that Hb levels decreased, whereas serum creatinine increased with the increasing renal failure. The CKD patients in all four groups had significantly lower (p<0.0005) Hb levels, and significantly higher (p<0.0005) creatinine levels compared to the control group. The median EPO in group I and II were significantly higher (p=0.002; p=0.018), while median EPO in group III and IV were significantly lower (p=0.03; p=0.011) compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CKD, GFR positively correlated with Hb and EPO, while the correlation between GFR and serum creatinine was negative.

THE MANAGEMENT OF TRANSFUSION SERVICES, ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT.

INTRODUCTION: The hospital blood bank (HBB) need to timely provide adequate amounts of blood and blood products for surgeries. For various surgical programs are performed assessments of the average number of blood doses needed for surgery. By using two types of requisitions BT/AB (blood type/antibody) and BT/AB/MT (blood type/antibody/match test) for pretransfusion immunohaematological testing in General Hospital "Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakas" is achieved more rational consumption of blood and blood derivatives and financial savings through reduced number of matching tests (MT). GOAL: To determine the total amount of pre-operative requisitions (BT/AB and BT/AB/MT) for blood and blood products at surgical departments of the General Hospital "Prim. Dr. Abdulah Nakas" in the period from June 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014 and analyze the consumption/return of blood in reserve in relation to the surgical disciplines, the total number of savings in MT. Conduct assessments MSBOS (Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule). RESULTS: The total amount of preoperative requisitions for blood and blood products in surgical wards was 927 requests from which 623 demands or 67.2% is tested by BT/MT, while 304 or 32.8% was tested by BT/AB/MT. Transfused in total was 617 units of blood and blood products, 275 units were not transfused. Probability of transfusions for surgery was 51.3, the highest in the case of surgical intensive care 70.4 and the lowest for the department of general surgery 37.2%. Assessment of indicators of efficient resource management indicates they are the best at the delivery ward 0.89, while a total for surgical wards is 0.69. In total for surgery on the average were required 2.1 units of blood. By using two types of requisitions for pretransfusion immunohaematological testing (BT/AB and CG/AB/MT) is achieved more rational use of MT. In 623 requests for BT/AB only 61 MT were performed. Average of blood units issued in accordance with these requirements is 0.08 and the savings in the number of MT amounts to 562.

ELISA Test for Analyzing of Incidence of Type 1 Diabetes Autoantibodies (GAD and IA2) in Children and Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Anti GAD (antibodies on glutamic acid decarboxylase) and anti-IA2 antibodies (against tyrosine phosphatase), today, have their place and importance in diagnosis and prognosis of Type 1 diabetes. Huge number of patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 have these antibodies. Insulin antibodies are of critical importance in diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 1 for pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2014, the samples of 80 patients from Clinical Center University Sarajevo (CCUS) Pediatrics clinic's, Endocrinology department were analyzed on anti-GAD and IA2 antibodies. The samples of serums of all patients were analyzed with ELISA tests using Anti GAD ELISA (IgG) kites from EUROIMMUN company. These are quantitative in vitro tests for human antibodies against decarboxylase of glutamine acid (GAD) and IA2, in serum or EDTA plasm. RESULTS: During the period of one year, in CCUS's Organizational unit, Institute for Clinical Immunology, 80 samples of patients with anti GAD and IA2 antibodies were analyzed. Out of total number of samples, 41 were male patients, or 51% and 39 female, or 49%. The youngest patient was born in 2012, and the oldest in 1993. Age average was represented by the patients born in 2001. Share of positive results for IA2 antibodies and GAD antibodies was 37% for IA2 antibodies, and 63% for GAD antibodies. DISCUSSION: During an autoimmune - mediated Diabetes mellitus type 1 leads to T-cell mediated destruction of beta cells of pancreatic islets, reduced production of insulin and glucose metabolism. Studies have shown that these bodies are the most intense single marker for identifying persons with increased risk for diabetes development.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Prostate Volume: Better Predictor of Prostate Cancer for Bosnian and Herzegovina Men.

BACKGROUND: The serum prostate specific antigen for the early detection and screening for prostate cancer are very common used among physicians as the best screening tool for prostate cancer. The result of prostate specific antigen levels discriminates whether or not a prostate biopsy should be performed. The lack of specificity is a limitation of PSA as tumor marker, increased PSA concentrations are found not only in patients with prostate cancer but also in patients with benign prostatic disease. The object of this study was to improve the specificity and sensitivity of prostatic cancer detection. We evaluated total PSA levels, free PSA levels and the prostate volume in asymptomatic patients which came for routine check without medical history of prostate cancer. METHODS: We received medical record of 90 patients between 50-60 years. Total and free PSA in serum was measured with the analyzer Architeckt i2000 SR. Prostate volume was determined by transrectal ultrasound. RESULTS: The ratio of total and free PSA levels to prostate volume was significantly (p < 0.001) between all three groups. It was observed that increased prostate volume correlates with increased level of total and free PSA in serum. CONCLUSION: Early studies have demonstrated the advantage of measuring prostate volume with PSA total and free levels in serum as a useful tool for early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Data from this study on 90 patients with total PSA in the range from 0,22-7,0 ng/ml confirmed the well known correlation. All three parameters total PSA, free PSA and prostate volume showed significant correlation and a useful tool in prediction of prostate cancer for Bosnia and Herzegovina men.

The Relation of Erythropoietin Towards Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in Varying Degrees of Renal Insufficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxia is a basic stimulant in production of erythropoietin (EPO). The primary function of erythrocytes is the transport of oxygen to tissues. Erythropoietin stimulates erythropoiesis which leads to increased production of erythrocytes- their total mass. This increases the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen, reduces the hypoxic stimulus and provides a negative feedback of stopping EPO production. The aim of this study was to establish a quantitative relationship between the concentration of erythropoietin, hemoglobin and hematocrit in different values of renal insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was conducted on 562 subjects divided into two groups: with and without renal insufficiency. EPO, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum creatinine and additional parameters iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid were determined by using immunochemical and spectrophotometric methods and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated as well. RESULTS: EPO values (median) grow to the first degree of renal insufficiency, as compared to EPO values of healthy subjects, this increase is statistically significant, p=0.002. With further deterioration of renal function the values of EPO between all pathological groups are decreasing, and this decrease is statistically significant between first and second degree of renal insufficiency (RI) p<0.001. In the group of healthy subjects EPO is correlated rho = -0.532, p <0.0005 with hematocrit. The correlations are negative and strong and can be predicted by regression line (EP0 = 41.375- Hct * .649; EPO = 61.41-Hb * 0.355). In the group of subjects with the first degree of renal insufficiency EPO is in correlation with hematocrit rho=-0.574, p<0, 0005. It is also correlated with hemoglobin rho=-0.580, p< 0.0005. The correlation is negative (EP0= 42.168- Hct * 0.678). In the group of subjects with the third degree of renal insufficiency EPO is in correlation with hemoglobin rho=0.257, p=0.028. The correlation is medium strong and positive. In the group of subjects with third and fourth degree of renal insufficiency EPO is not in correlation with hemoglobin and hematocrit p>0.05. CONCLUSION: Renal dysfunction, depending on the level of RI effects differently on the biosynthesis of EPO in a diseased kidney, and consequently it also has a different effect on biosynthesis of HB in bone marrow and its content in the blood.

The Pleiotropic Effects of Atorvastatin on Stable Angina Patients: Evidence by Analysis of High-Density Lipoprotein Size and Subclasses, and Plasma mRNA.

BACKGROUND: High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have athero-protective biological properties: antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and they have the efflux capacity of cellular cholesterol. Plasma mRNA analysis can be used to investigate statin pleiotropy in vivo as a new analytical tool for non-invasive assessment of gene expression in vascular beds. The aim of this study was to assess the pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin in stable angina patients with high-risk values (group A) as compared with patients who had borderline and desirable HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) values (group B). METHODS: The atorvastatin therapy (20 mg/day) was given to forty-three patients with stable angina for 10 weeks. We investigated three statin pleiotropy-targeted genes: inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 and cathepsin S and assessed by gel electrophoresis gradient the effects of atorvastatin on HDL size and subclasses. RESULTS: In group A, after therapy, HDL-C concentration was significantly increased but not in group B. Atorvastatin lowered plasma chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA levels in both groups, but did not change the plasma cathepsin S mRNA levels. In group A only, baseline total bilirubin showed negative correlations with the genes of cathepsin S (r=-0.506; p=0.023) and significantly increased after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: HDL-C and bilirubin can be promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Analysis of cell-free mRNA in plasma might become a useful tool for estimating statin pleiotropy.

Evaluation of haematology analyzer CELL-DYN 3700 SL.

Research on the parameters of full blood count and differential white blood count is included in the program of all medical laboratories of primary, secondary and tertiary health care levels. Today, all haematological tests are exclusively performed on the haematology analyzers. Automation of haematology laboratories is a result of the huge requires for haematological test performing, timely issuing of the haematological findings, and possibility of the usage of modern techniques. This work is an evaluation of laser haematology analyzer Cell-Dyn 3700 SL. It investigates the reliability of test results throughout the following parameters: precision, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of determination methods. It also explores the influence of sample transferring and correlation with haematology analyzer MAXM Retti. Haematology parameters that have been investigated are: white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LXM), monocytes (MONO), eosinophils (EOS), basophils (BASO), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCHC) red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletocrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW). The results confirms that precision of analyzer fulfils the reproducibility of testing parameters: WBC, RBC, HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and PLT. Correlation coefficient values (r) gained throughout the statistical analysis, that is linear regression results obtained throughout the comparison of two analyzers are adequate except for MCHC (r = 0.64), what is in accordance with literature data. Accuracy is tested by haematology analyzer method and microscopic differentiating method. Correlation coefficient results for granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes point the accuracy of methods. Sensitivity and specificity parameters fulfil the analytical criteria. It is confirmed that haematology analyzer Cell-Dyn 3700 SL is reliable for the determination of full blood count in everyday work. Analyzer and its program for differential white blood count can be used for the research and separation of normal and pathological blood counts with addition of microscopic methods confirming distribution or morphologic changes of leukocytes.

Assessments of the socioeconomic status and diet on the prevalence of dental caries at school children in central bosnian canton.

AIM: The main aim of this research was to determine the influence of socioeconomic status and residence/living conditions on the status of oral health (e.g. health of mouth and teeth) in primary school students residing in Canton Central Bosnia. METHODS: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Our research included two-phased stratified random sample of 804 participants. The quantitative research method and newly designed survey instrument were utilized in order to provide data on the oral health of the examined children. The alternate hypothesis foresaw that "there were significant statistical differences between the levels of incidence of dental caries in comparison to the incidence in children of different socioeconomic status. RESULTS: The Chi square () of 22.814, degree of freedom (Df) = 8, coefficient of contingency of 0.163 and T-test (Stat) of-0.18334 showed that there were no significant statistical differences at p < 0.05 level between the primary school children from urban and rural areas. The obtained results showed that the caries indexes in elementary schools in Central Bosnia Canton were fairly uniform. Research showed that there were a difference in the attitudes towards a regular dental visits, which correlated with social-educational structure of the children's' families. CONCLUSION: According to the results, we can see that the socioeconomic status of patients had an effect on the occurrence of dental caries and oral hygiene in patients in relation to the rural and urban areas, because we can see that by the number of respondents, the greater unemployment of parents in both, rural and urban areas, caused a host of other factors, which were, either, directly or indirectly connected with the development of caries.

Financial aspects and the future of the pharmaceutical industry in the United States of america.

INTRODUCTION: The U.S. pharmaceutical industry is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as "companies engaged in researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing of medicines and biological for human or veterinary use". Besides its main role in improving human health, the US pharmaceutical industry represents one of the most critical, key decision makers' lobbying prone and competitive sectors in the economy. The cost in the environment of very limited government price regulation remains one of the major problems fuelling aggregate health care cost inflation. Pharmaceuticals have created huge benefits for public health and economic productivity by the means of saving lives, increasing life expectancy, reducing illness related suffering, preventing surgeries and decreasing hospital stays. PURPOSE: The goal of this review paper is to show the present conditions and future trends of the pharmaceutical industry in the U.S. METHODOLOGY: THIS PAPER REPRESENTS A THOROUGH LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE MULTIFACETED SOURCES INCLUDING: studies, books, peer reviewed journals, U.S. government sources (i.e. U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, etc.). DISCUSSION: In the thirty years pharmaceutical companies have consistently developed and launched new medicines, bringing hope to sick or - at risk patients. They also usually provide above the average financial returns for its shareholders. U.S. pharmaceutical companies had as their goal to discover blockbuster drugs. Blockbuster drugs are generally defined as drugs that solve medical problems common to hundreds of millions of people and, at the same time generate large sales increases and profits for the pharmaceutical companies. The main approach of these companies includes huge investments in research and development (R&D), innovation, marketing and sales. The trend analysis shows that for the most part the era of blockbuster drugs is nearing an end. CONCLUSION: Numerous blockbuster drugs will be coming off patent in the next few years, opening the way to generics and eliminating a major source of the industry's profits. Still, there is plenty of room for improvement in the medications people take while there is no shortage of human suffering to alleviate. It is doubtful whether big pharmaceutical firms will be able to pursue these goals within the old model of developing exclusive new drugs that can be sold further in the future. In the past, medicines for the ailments that were never before addressed, like anti-cholesterol or anti-depression drugs were developed. Currently, and in the future, it is expected that only blockbuster modifications will be developed. This phenomenon is expected to create market saturation, which will significantly reduce profits. The business model that drove the major drug makers' success is not working anymore. Pharmaceutical companies must create new ways and to bring new ideas. The survivors will be those that market strategies supported by innovative approaches and winning capabilities.

Blood iron stores reduction affects lipoprotein status--a potential benefit of blood donation.

AIM: To determine the lipoprotein profile of voluntary blood donors, and on the basis of parameters to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis. METHODS: The study included voluntary blood donors of both sexes. Participants were divided into two groups. The first group of subjects consisted of men and women in menopause (BD 1). The second group consisted of women in reproductive age (BD 2). Analysis of concentration of lipoproteins was performed by direct determination of total cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C. From the total serum cholesterol and concentration of lipoproteins ratios of total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C/HDL-C were calculated. RESULTS: Significantly higher concentration of LDL-C was obtained in the serum of BD 1, compared to LDL-C in the serum of BD 2, within the reference range. Mean concentration of HDL-C in the serum of BD 2 group was higher than the values measured in the BD group 1, without significant difference. The ratio of total cholesterol/HDL-C showed significantly higher values in the BD 1 group compared with results in the BD 2 group. Significantly higher values in the BD group 1 were observed for the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C. Obtained results showed that all voluntary blood donors had a concentration of individual lipoprotein fractions in a lower risk range for atherosclerosis development. CONCLUSION: Female voluntary blood donors in reproductive age have a more favorable lipid status in relation to the voluntary blood donors, men and women in menopause, indicating that this population of women is exposed to lower risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Serum lipids and lipoproteins among students of the University of Sarajevo.

INTRODUCTION: This study researched the distribution of desirable, borderline and high-risk values of certain lipid status parameters in healthy young individuals. AIM: The purpose of this study was to research the statistical distribution of desirable, borderline and high-risk values of certain lipid status parameters in healthy young individuals (i.e. medical university students). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this research we tested 112 students studying at the University of Sarajevo, of both genders and 20-30 years of age. RESULTS: Total serum cholesterol was minimally elevated in 7.1% of tested students, elevated with high risk in 2.7% and triglycerides were minimally elevated in 1.8%. Presence of elevated LDL cholesterol was found to be 2.7% minimally and 1.8% with high risk. HDL cholesterol was minimally decreased in 1 tested student. DISCUSSION: Standard biochemical methods were used to determine the values of total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. The level of LDL cholesterol was also calculated. CONCLUSION: Our results point to the need for performing gradual laboratory diagnostic procedures for routine check-ups of university students.