Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of young people related to drinking and driving in Mostar region, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The traffic accidents became the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young population groups during the late 60s and early 70s. Among several European countries that are in transition, Bosnia and Herzegovina takes the leading place in fatal traffic accidents. In this study we have investigated knowledge, attitudes and behavior of young people related to alcohol impaired driving. Our aim was to investigate the patterns and behavior among young people that could be useful for public health intervention among them. This is of special interest as there is a lack of such information from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study was performed in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study included 189 examinees of both genders, aged between 18 and 24 years, who have been divided in two groups: students of the University of Mostar and those who did not go for further education after high school (nonstudents). Sampling was performed in July 2006 in Mostar and surrounding area. The Gallup organization questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistic test and chi-square were used in statistical analysis. Result of this study could be helpful in taking preventive measures for lowering number of traffic accidents among young people or they could be base in some protective programs for increasing traffic safety.

Treatment cost of patients with maxillofacial fractures at the University Hospital in Mostar 2002-2006.

The aim of this study was to establish the costs structure of medical treatment for the patients with maxillofacial fractures, to perform a treatment cost evaluation, describe the factors which considerably influence the costs and discover the ways of achieving financial savings in treated patients. The study group consisted of patients with maxillofacial fractures who were admitted and treated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Hospital Mostar in the period from January 2002 until December 2006. Data for the study were collected from the patients' databases, case histories and data obtained on the basis of individual payments for the treatment that was collected by Finance Department of the University Hospital of Mostar Most patients in this study were men (83%), of average age 34 +/- 19 years. Zygomatic bone fracture was the commonest injury. Open surgical procedure was performed in 84.7% of treated cases. The costs for the open procedure were considerably higher than conservative treatment. Medication cost made up a total of 37.9% and cost of hospital accommodation 27.3% out of total hospital charge. Cost reduction in treated patients with maxillofacial fractures should be achieved through protocols of urgent treatment of maxillofacial trauma patients immediately after sustaining an injury and with earlier discharge of the patients when postoperative complications are not expected.

Myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland.

Rare malignant tumor of the salivary gland, a myoepithelial carcinoma, arose de novo in the right parotid gland. The initial tumor was composed predominantly of myoepithelial cells. Subsequently the tumor recurred three times, with infiltration of the bones of the cranial base. Histological examination showed sarcomatoid neoplasm composed of malignant spindle cells with high mitotic rate and perineural invasion. There was no involvement of cervical lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated myoepithelial differentiation: tumor cells were positively stained with vimentin, alpha smooth muscle actin and S-100 protein antibodies, and focal positively was noticed with cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) antibody. Large number of tumor cells nuclei was reactive with the monoclonal anti-p63 antibody, clone 4A4. Myoepithelial carcinomas exhibit a wide spectrum of morphological heterogeneity and for that reason could be confused with many tumors. Cytoarchitectural patterns and immunohistochemical profile are crucial for identification. These tumors are malignant neoplasms with diverse clinical outcomes, sometimes very aggressive.

Chronic synovitis after synovial sarcoma resection: a case report.

We present a diagnostic course and treatment of synovial sarcoma in a young 16-year-old male patient. The clinical course with special emphasis on the imaging techniques is presented here, providing an overview of this subject and offering a useful educative material. The course of the follow-up is also described, largely relying on MRI in diagnosis course. Changes in the synovial tissue of the knee were recorded, later to be classified as the sarcoma. Post-operative course suggested the existence of chronic synovitis. Further studies are needed to fully understand the changes that may affect knee mechanics after surgery and/or inflammation factors secreted by tumor cells.

Evaluation of population variation at 17 autosomal STR and 16 Y-STR haplotype loci in Croatians.

Seventeen autosomal STR loci (D8S1179, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, D3S1358, TH01, D13S317, D16S539, D2S1338, D19S433, VWA, TPOX, D18S51, D5S818, FGA, Penta E and Penta D) and 16 Y-STR haplotype loci (DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I, DYS398II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS448, DYS456, DYS458, DYS635 and GATA H4.1) were analyzed in the sample of 200 unrelated Croatians. The agreement with HWE was confirmed for all autosomal STR loci. The combined power of discrimination (PD) and the combined power of exclusion (PE) for the 17 autosomal STR loci were 0.999999999999999999682299331476 and 0.99999995, respectively. Penta E proved to be the most informative autosomal STR locus. Among 200 Croatian males, 197 Y-STR haplotypes were identified and haplotype diversity was estimated at 0.9998+/-0.0005.

A case repot of Madelung's disease in a 69 years old man.

Madelung's disease is an extremely rare disorder of unknown etiology. It is characterized by the huge, bilateral, fatty deposits in regions of the neck, shoulders and the upper extremities. A 69-old patient with developed symptoms of Madelung's disease with a 12-years history is described in this study. The patient was initially considered to have a goiter and chronic heart insufficiency, for which he has been treated for three years. Although the Madelung's disease can be diagnosed right after detailed clinical examination, this study pointed out possible diagnostic and therapeutic mistakes when a physician in a differentiation of symmetrical neck and shoulder swellings doesn't consider the possibility of diagnosing a Madelung's disease.