Epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Infections in the Zenica – Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina – A Laboratory Based Surveillance in the 1999–2001 Period

Previous studies in the Zenica – Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicated some different epidemiological features of Campylobacter infections and high degree of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, it was important to investigate epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli infections by demographic features and antimicrobial resistance in the 1999–2001 period. A total number of 40 (75.5%) C. jejuni and 13 (24.5%) C. coli non-repeated clinical isolates were analyzed. More than half of isolates, 30 (56.6%) were from urban dwellers. Campylobacter isolates mainly obtained from children under 6 years of age, 42 (79.2%), resulting in far off highest incidence rate of 41.4/100,000/year in this age group. There was noted high degree of resistance to ciprofloxacin in children less than 6 years of age (14.3%), and extremely high overall erythromycin-resistance rate (30%). Campylobacteriosis in this region is a public health concern not in the term of the number reported cases, but of distinctive epidemiologic features

THE ABILITY OF THE BOTTLED WATER SECTOR TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Bottled water sector in B&H becomes more significant economically with media pressure and expectations. This paper aims to determine factors important for the consumers while choosing bottled water products and in that way try to, by comparing the results to the sectors abilities, determine sector’s ability to meet the consumer’s needs. Small research among (97) respondents was carried out, and the results indicate that the sector is unable to meet the needs of the customers, since the trade balance is negative and domestic market share low. Customer profile suggests almost only young consumers, which indicates that for the stronger results further research is needed

Antibiotic resistance in Enterobacter cloacae strains with derepressed/partly derepressed/inducible AmpC and extended spectrum beta-lactamases in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of derepressed/partly derepressed/inducible and ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacter cloacae isolates and treatment options for infections associated with those isolates. ----- METHODS: Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion and broth microdilution according to CLSI guidelines. Doubledisk synergy test (DDST) was performed in order to screen for ESBLs and combined disk test with phenylboronic acid to detect AmpC β -lactamases. PCR was used to detect blaESBL/blacarb genes. Genetic relatedness of the strains was determined by pulsed-fieldgel-electrophoresis (PFGE). ----- RESULTS: Among 14 isolates with the ESBL positive E. cloaceae producing isolates, four (28.6%), nine (64.3%) and one (7.1%) isolates were derepressed/partly derepressed and inducible AmpC producers. Eleven (out of 14) isolates were resistant to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. All isolates were susceptible to imipenem and meropenem, 79% to cefepime. Five (out of 14; 35.7%) isolates (four derepressed and one inducible AmpC carrying E. cloaceae) were negative in phenotypic test for ESBLs, but positive for broad spectrum TEM-1 β-lactamase. One (out of four derepressed) also produced CMY-2 β-lactamase. Four (out of nine) partly derepressed isolates were positive with the DDST, but did not yield PCR products with primers targeting TEM, SHV and CTX-M beta-lactamases. Four positive partly derepressed isolates carried a blaCTX-M-1 gene, two blaOXA-1 one blaCTX-M-15, OXA-1 and one blaCTX-M-28, OXA-1 (n=1). ----- CONCLUSION: Microbiology laboratories must be able to detect and recognize AmpC-carrying isolates in a timely manner, especially those that are falsely susceptible in vitro to drugs that may be consideredfor therapy of infected patients

Prevalence of co-existence genes and clonal spread of ESBL-producing isolates causing hospital and community-acquired infections in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction: Co-existence type of ESBL-producing isolates are serious problem in the public health world. Methods Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion and broth microdilution according to CLSI guidelines. Double-disk synergy test was performed in order to screen for ESBLs/pAmpC beta-lactamases. PCR was used to detect blaESBL/blaampC/blacarb genes. Genetic relatedness of the strains was determined by pulsed-field-gel-electrophoresis (PFGE). Results In this study 88 of the inpatient isolates (n=126; 10.0%) and 62 of the outpatient (n=184; 6.4%) Beta-lactamase-producing isolates were taken for the study. They included 50.0/29.0% K. pneumoniae, 12.5/30.6% E. coli, 11.4/4.8% A. baumannii, 8.0/14.5% K. oxytoca, 8.0/4.8% E. cloacae, 5.7/8.1% Proteus spp., and less than 3.5% of other isolates. Co-existence of more than two type of beta-lactamases was detected in 77.3% of inpatient and 45.2% of outpatient isolates. Among inpatient isolates, Klebsiella spp. and E. coli were the most frequent isolates which produce more than two type of genes; in ≈ 65% and ≈12% cases. Separately, combination of four: TEM+SHV+CTX-M+OXA-1 beta-lactamases in inpatient K. pneumoniae isolates were detected in 63.6% cases respectively. Differents in antimicrobial resistance were higher to cephalosporins agents in Klebsiella spp., and E. coli at inpatient and outpatient isolates which produce more than two types of beta-lactamases than in isolates which produce one type of beta-lactamases. Conclusion: This work demonstrates a progressively increasing prevalence of co-existence type of beta-lactamases expecially in inpatient isolates. Continous monitoring and surveillance and proper infection control and prevention practice will limit the further spread of these isolates

THE LATEST IMPROVEMENTS IN I-BEAMS PRODUCTION IN THE WORLD

Some specific aspects in the state of art regarding the improvements related to I-beams and parallel flanged I-beams production are presented in this paper. One practical solution in the variety of the conversions of the classical to the universal rolling stands is described in some more detail, as well as an overview of the latest improvements in I-beams and parallel flanged I-beams production in the world. So-called INP I-beams have tapered flanges v.s. parallel flanges concerned with parallel flanged I-beams, which are very difficult to be produced on classical rolling mills stands, but much easier and better to be produced on so-called universal rolling stands. Since the universal stands are expensive and are very difficult to fix at the existing rolling mills with classical rolling stands, then a conversion of classical to the universal rolling mills stands is the cheapest satisfactory solution. In a short overview are as well presented state of art technological improvements in parallel flanged I-beams production.&nbsp

Determination of α-solanine content in two varieties of potatoes by the densitometric method

Solanine is a glycoalkaloid found in the Solanaceae family, such as the potato. It is very poisonous even in small quantities because it has pesticide and fungicide effects and represents a natural plant defense mechanism. Its concentration increases when the plant is exposed to the agents that can cause plant stress (fertilization, insecticide use, etc.). This paper aims to examine the influence of three cultivation systems (conventionally, organically and naturally) on the biosynthesis of α-solanine (αS) through his quantification in young potatoes using densitometry. Two varieties of potatoes were analyzed: Aladdin (Ala) and Mona Lisa (MoL). For statistical analysis, the Student\u27s t-test was used. The results showed that the use of artificial insecticides caused a very intense biosynthesis of αS in the conven-tionally grown Ala variety (1.19 mg/100 g of fresh tubers (f.t.)) in comparison to the average α-solanine content (AαSC) by the organically grown Ala (0.62 mg/100 gf.t.) (it is close to the statistical significance, (p=0.08)). It is difficult to explain the very high AαSC of natural Ala cultivation (1.62 mg/100 gf.t.). Analysis of potatoes of the MoL variety showed that the AαSC of conventionally grown potatoes (1.35 mg/100 gf.t.) was statistically higher than the AαSC of naturally grown potatoes (0.59 mg/100 g of f.t.) (p*0.05). Concentrations of αS founded in the case of conventionally, organically and naturally grown potatoes are considered safe and such potatoes are suitable for consumption. However, because of a slight reduction in toxic αS, it is recommended to consume organically grown potatoes (Ala variety), and naturally grown potatoes (MoL variety)

The correlation between anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities in seven year old girls

The aim of this research was to determine whether there is a connection between anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities in normal and overweight seven year old girls. The sample consisted of 75 first grade girl students of elementary schools in the town of Niš, which were classified based on their BMI values in normal weight group (N = 47) and overweight group (N = 28).Anthropometric characteristics were determined by measuring 16 parameters of longitudinal, transversal, circular dimensionality and body mass, and subcutaneous fatty tissue by measuring skin fold thickness. For the assessment of motor abilities (explosive strength, coordination and speed), a battery of nine tests was applied. Relations between anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities were assessed by canonical correlation analysis. The results indicate that the correlations were statistically significant only in the group of overweight children (p = 0.00), and defined by three pairs of canonical factors. Factors of canonical correlation between anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities in a group of overweight girls indicate that body voluminosity and subcutaneous fatty tissue hinder the realization of motor tasks that require lifting or transferring body mass, while higher parameter values of longitudinal dimensionality contribute to a better performance in explosive strength of arms and legs, but impair coordinatio

Utjecaj procesnih parametara na silu kidanja dijelova proizvedenih procesom selektivnog laserskog sinteriranja

Insufficient knowledge about essence of the Selective Laser Sintering - SLS process and influence of process parameters on properties of produced parts constraints widely usage of SLS process in production systems. One of the most significant process failures is impossibility of full-real load of the produced parts-prototypes. Influence on process parameters is analysed in this paper (laser power and scan velocity), as well as post processing influence on value of axial breaking force of the parts produced by SLS process using material DM50-V2, on machine EOSIMT M250, producer EOS Münich, Germany.Nedovoljno poznavanje suštine procesa selektivnog laserskog sinteriranja - SLS, te utjecaja procesnih parametara na osobine proizvodenih dijelova u značajnoj mjeri ograničava širu primjenu SLS procesa u proizvodnim sustavima. Jedan od zanačajnijih nedostataka ovoga procesa je nemogućnost vršenja potpunog - realnog opterećenja proizvedenih dijelova - prototipova. U radu je izvršena analiziran utjecaja procesnih parametara (snage lasera i brzine skeniranja), te procesa postprocesuiranja na vrijednost aksijalne sile kidanja dijelova proizvedenih SLS procesom od materijala DM50-V2, na stroju EOSIMT M250, proizvođača EOS Münich, Njemačka

THE IMPACT OF THE EXPERIMENTAL DANCE PROGRAM ON THE MOTOR COORDINATION OF CHILDREN

This research was conducted with the purpose of determining to what extent and how the dance program affects  the pre-school children coordination. The sample comprised 65 children of pre-school age (the control group consisted of 31 children, experimental of 34 children), aged 6 years ± 6 months. The experimental group performed dance activities over a period of 8 weeks (2X35 minutes each week). The control group performed regular activities in the kindergarten. The level of coordination in children was determined applying BOT-2 test battery (the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of Motor Proficiency). By analyzing the obtained research results, it was found a statistically significant difference between the dance and the control group in three variables: Jumping Jacks (0.000), Jumping in place-same sides synchronized (0.012) and Tapping feet and fingers- opposite sides synchronized (0.011), respectively. Statistically significant differences between the groups indicate the positive effect of the applied dance program on the development of motor coordination in pre-school children using an experimental dance program for twelve weeks. Dance program influences the coordination of the pre-school age children. The results showed that children participating in the dance program achieved better results in investigated bilateral coordination in three variables, thus recommending its application in the regular preschool children curriculum.