Comparative analysis of methods for assessing intake of minerals and macronutrients in collective diet of preschool children

Za pravilan fizički rast, intelektualni razvoj i sazrijevanje, u dječijem uzrastu, značajno je da hrana sadrži optimalno izbalansiran odnos makro i mikronutrimenata. Istraživanja u okviru ove disertacije obuhvatila su ispitivanje specifičnosti i osnovnih karakteristika ishrane djece predškolskog uzrasta, procjenu adekvatnosti sadržaja makronutrimenata, energetske vrijednosti i pojedinih mineralnih materija u kolektivnoj ishrani predškolske djece u Republici Srpskoj, utvrđivanje osnovnih parametara stanja uhranjenosti na odabranom, reprezentatovnom uzorku djece obuhvaćene kolektivnom ishranom i izbor optimalne metode za praćenje kvaliteta kolektivne ishrane predškolske djece. U istraživanju je učestvovalo 60 djece, uzrasta od 5 do 6 godina, koja su pohađala predškolsku ustanovu, vrtić „Radost” u Prijedoru. Antropometrijska mjerenja obuhvatila su mjerenje visine i težine. Utvrđeno je da nema statistički značajne razlike u visini i težini među polovima. U ispitivanoj populaciji nije bilo djece koja zaostaju u rastu, dok je 7% imalo prekomjerni rast. Procjena uhranjenosti izvršena je na osnovu indeksa tjelesne mase (BMI). Najviše ispitanika, 57% djevojčica i 63% dječaka imalo je normalnu tjelesnu težinu. Prekomjernu težinu imala je jedna šestina ispitanika, pri čemu su dječaci bili brojniji, ali nisu pronađene statistički značajne razlike među polovima. Dok je zastupljenost prekomjerne tjelesne mase slična, u kategoriji gojaznosti bilo je 14% devojčica i 19% dečaka. Ukupno 10% ispitanika bilo je neuhranjeno pri čemu su djevojčice zastupljenije. Anketa ishrane ukazala je na loše navike u ishrani djece. Svi ispitanici konzumiraju slatkiše, grickalice i zaslađene napitke, najviše njih bar jednom dnevno (65%), a od ovog broja čak polovina ispitanika konzumira ove proizvode više puta na dan, pri čemu nema statistički značajne razlike između dječaka i djevojčica. Ishranu pothranjenih karakteriše nedovoljan unos mesa...Food containing an optimal balance of macro and micro nutrients is of great significance for a child’s development, physical and intellectual growth. This study includes: examining specific and basic characteristics of nutrition for preschoolers, assessing the content adequacy of macro nutrients, energy value and individual minerals in collective nutrition for preschoolers in the Republic of Srpska, determining the basic parameters of nutritional status on a representative sample of children included in the collective nutritional programme and selecting an optimal method for monitoring the quality of collective nutrition for preschoolers. Sixty (60) children aged 5 to 6 from the preschool institution “Radost” in Prijedor are included in this dissertation. Anthropometric measurements such as weight and height are included. It is determined that there isn’t a statistically significant difference in height and weight between the sexes. Among the examined children, none of them had growth delay, but 7% of children had an excessive growth. Nutritional assessment was based on body mass index (BMI). The highest number of respondents, actually 57% of girls and 63% of boys had normal body mass. One-sixth of the respondents were overweight, particularly boys; however there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes. Overweight body mass was similar, although 14% of girls and 19% of boys were classified as obese. The total of 10% of respondents were undernourished, girls in particular. The questionnaire about nutrition indicates bad habits related to children’s nutrition. All respondents consume sweets, snacks and sweetened drinks at least once a day (65%) and half of the respondents consume these products several times a day; there is no statistically significant difference between boys and girls. The undernourished do not take enough meat. The assessment of adequate intake of nutrients is based on samples of daily meals gathered in 20 working days in the preschool by taking the meal portion of respondents using the “random” method. The average weight of a daily meal is 662 grams..

Eight-year study of antibiotic utilisation in the Republic of Srpska (2010-2017 years); findings and implications

Background: There have been multiple initiatives to improve antibiotic utilisation in the Republic of Srpska in recent years including educational activities with all key stakeholder groups, greater scrutiny over self-purchasing of antibiotics and reimbursement restrictions. This study aimed to analyse total antibiotic utilisation following these initiatives including the quality of use and assess whether additional measures are needed. Methods: Analysis of total outpatient antibiotic utilisation from 2010 to 2017 in DIDs based on data obtained from the Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska. Quality indicators based on ESAC, ECDC and WHO recommendations and compared with neighbouring countries in the WHO AMC network. Results: Antibiotic utilisation ranged from 15.6 DIDs to 23.1 DIDs, which is encouraging versus other similar neighbouring countries. Penicillins were the most used antibiotics, accounting for approximately 50-55% of total antibiotic utilisation, with amoxicillin the most used (29 – 41% of total utilisation) versus low use of co-amoxiclav (7 - 11% of total utilisation). This compares favourably with other countries. Cephalosporins were the second most used antibiotic class (13-14%) followed by macrolides (8-9 %) and quinolones (8-9 %). Low use of third and fourth generation cephalosporins (10-20% of total cephalosporins) versus first and second generation. However, rising utilisation of co-amoxiclav and azithromycin (5-10% per years), and higher rates of quinolone utilisation in recent years are noted and are now being addressed through additional interventions. Conclusion: Multiple interventions in the Republic of Srpska have helped enhance the appropriate use of antibiotics. Identified concerns are being addressed

Сесквитерпенски лактони и монотерпенски глукозиди биљне врсте Picris echoides L.

Investigation of the constituents of the aerial parts of domestic plant species Picris echoides afforded the sesquiterpene lactones, i.e., guaianolides jacquilenin (1), 11-epi-jacquilenin(2), achillin(3) and eudesmanolide telekin(4). The chemical indenti- fication of the two monoterpene glucosides (—)-cix-chrysanthenol-§-D-g1ucopyranoside (5) and its 6’-acetate 6 is also repoted. The guaianolide achillin (3) and the two monoterpene glucosides 5 and 6 were isolated for the first time from this plant species. Isolation was achieved by column chromatography and the structures were established mainly by the interpretation of their physical and spectral data, which were in agreement with those in the literatureИз надзменог дела домаће биљне врсте Piscris echoides (фамилија Asteraceae), корова познатог под именом Гргуша, изолована су и идентификована четири сесквитерпенска лактона, као и два монотерпенска глукозида. Идентификовани лактони су гвајанолиди јаквиленин (1), 11-epi-јаквиленин (2) ехилин (3) као и еудесманолид телекин (4). Монотерпенски глукозиди ()- cis- кризантенол-b-D-глукопиранозид (5) и његов 6'-ацетат, 6 су такође изоловани из истог екстракта. Гвајанолид ахилин (3) и монотерпенски глукозиди (5,6) су по први пут изоловани из ове биљне врсте, док су преостала три лактона изолована више пута из европске биљне врсте.The authors are grateful to the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Rеpublic of Serbia for financial support

Recent initiatives in the Republic of Srpska to enhance appropriate use of antibiotics in ambulatory care : their influence and implications

Introduction:There are increasing concerns world-wide with growing rates of antibiotic resistance necessitating urgent action. There have been a number of initiatives in the Republic of Srpska in recent years to address this and improve rational antibiotic prescribing and dispensing despite limited resources to fund multiple initiatives. Objective: Analyse antibiotic utilization patterns in the Republic of Srpska following these multiple initiatives as a basis for developing future programmes in the Republic if needed. Methods: Observational retrospective study of total outpatient antibiotic utilization from 2010 to 2015, based on data obtained from the Public Health Institute, alongside documentation of ongoing initiatives to influence utilization. The quality of antibiotic utilisation principally assessed according to ESAC, ECDC and WHO quality indicators and DU 90% (the drug utilization 90%) profile as well as versus neighbouring countries. Results: Following multiple initiatives, antibiotic utilization remained relatively stable in the Republic at 15.6 DIDs to 18.4 DIDs, with a decreasing trend in recent years, with rates comparable or lower than neighbouring countries. Amoxicillin and the penicillins accounted for 29%-40% and 50% of total utilization, respectively. Overall, limited utilization of co-amoxiclav (7% - 11%), cephalosporins, macrolides and quinolones, as well as low use of third and fourth generation cephalosporins versus first and second cephalosporins. However, increasing utilization of co-amoxiclav and azithromycin, as well as higher rates of quinolone utilization compared to some countries, was seen. Conclusions: Multiple interventions in the Republic of Srpska in recent years have resulted in one of the lowest utilisation of antibiotics when compared with similar countries, acting as an exemplar to others. However, there are some concerns with current utilisation of co-amoxiclav and azithromycin which are being addressed. This will be the subject of future research activities

Recent initiatives in the Republic of Srpska to enhance appropriate use of antibiotics in ambulatory care : their influence and implications

Introduction:There are increasing concerns world-wide with growing rates of antibiotic resistance necessitating urgent action. There have been a number of initiatives in the Republic of Srpska in recent years to address this and improve rational antibiotic prescribing and dispensing despite limited resources to fund multiple initiatives. Objective: Analyse antibiotic utilization patterns in the Republic of Srpska following these multiple initiatives as a basis for developing future programmes in the Republic if needed. Methods: Observational retrospective study of total outpatient antibiotic utilization from 2010 to 2015, based on data obtained from the Public Health Institute, alongside documentation of ongoing initiatives to influence utilization. The quality of antibiotic utilisation principally assessed according to ESAC, ECDC and WHO quality indicators and DU 90% (the drug utilization 90%) profile as well as versus neighbouring countries. Results: Following multiple initiatives, antibiotic utilization remained relatively stable in the Republic at 15.6 DIDs to 18.4 DIDs, with a decreasing trend in recent years, with rates comparable or lower than neighbouring countries. Amoxicillin and the penicillins accounted for 29%-40% and 50% of total utilization, respectively. Overall, limited utilization of co-amoxiclav (7% - 11%), cephalosporins, macrolides and quinolones, as well as low use of third and fourth generation cephalosporins versus first and second cephalosporins. However, increasing utilization of co-amoxiclav and azithromycin, as well as higher rates of quinolone utilization compared to some countries, was seen. Conclusions: Multiple interventions in the Republic of Srpska in recent years have resulted in one of the lowest utilisation of antibiotics when compared with similar countries, acting as an exemplar to others. However, there are some concerns with current utilisation of co-amoxiclav and azithromycin which are being addressed. This will be the subject of future research activities

Comparative analysis of methods for assessing intake of minerals and macronutrients in collective diet of preschool children

Za pravilan fizički rast, intelektualni razvoj i sazrijevanje, u dječijem uzrastu, značajno je da hrana sadrži optimalno izbalansiran odnos makro i mikronutrimenata. Istraživanja u okviru ove disertacije obuhvatila su ispitivanje specifičnosti i osnovnih karakteristika ishrane djece predškolskog uzrasta, procjenu adekvatnosti sadržaja makronutrimenata, energetske vrijednosti i pojedinih mineralnih materija u kolektivnoj ishrani predškolske djece u Republici Srpskoj, utvrđivanje osnovnih parametara stanja uhranjenosti na odabranom, reprezentatovnom uzorku djece obuhvaćene kolektivnom ishranom i izbor optimalne metode za praćenje kvaliteta kolektivne ishrane predškolske djece. U istraživanju je učestvovalo 60 djece, uzrasta od 5 do 6 godina, koja su pohađala predškolsku ustanovu, vrtić „Radost” u Prijedoru. Antropometrijska mjerenja obuhvatila su mjerenje visine i težine. Utvrđeno je da nema statistički značajne razlike u visini i težini među polovima. U ispitivanoj populaciji nije bilo djece koja zaostaju u rastu, dok je 7% imalo prekomjerni rast. Procjena uhranjenosti izvršena je na osnovu indeksa tjelesne mase (BMI). Najviše ispitanika, 57% djevojčica i 63% dječaka imalo je normalnu tjelesnu težinu. Prekomjernu težinu imala je jedna šestina ispitanika, pri čemu su dječaci bili brojniji, ali nisu pronađene statistički značajne razlike među polovima. Dok je zastupljenost prekomjerne tjelesne mase slična, u kategoriji gojaznosti bilo je 14% devojčica i 19% dečaka. Ukupno 10% ispitanika bilo je neuhranjeno pri čemu su djevojčice zastupljenije. Anketa ishrane ukazala je na loše navike u ishrani djece. Svi ispitanici konzumiraju slatkiše, grickalice i zaslađene napitke, najviše njih bar jednom dnevno (65%), a od ovog broja čak polovina ispitanika konzumira ove proizvode više puta na dan, pri čemu nema statistički značajne razlike između dječaka i djevojčica. Ishranu pothranjenih karakteriše nedovoljan unos mesa...Food containing an optimal balance of macro and micro nutrients is of great significance for a child’s development, physical and intellectual growth. This study includes: examining specific and basic characteristics of nutrition for preschoolers, assessing the content adequacy of macro nutrients, energy value and individual minerals in collective nutrition for preschoolers in the Republic of Srpska, determining the basic parameters of nutritional status on a representative sample of children included in the collective nutritional programme and selecting an optimal method for monitoring the quality of collective nutrition for preschoolers. Sixty (60) children aged 5 to 6 from the preschool institution “Radost” in Prijedor are included in this dissertation. Anthropometric measurements such as weight and height are included. It is determined that there isn’t a statistically significant difference in height and weight between the sexes. Among the examined children, none of them had growth delay, but 7% of children had an excessive growth. Nutritional assessment was based on body mass index (BMI). The highest number of respondents, actually 57% of girls and 63% of boys had normal body mass. One-sixth of the respondents were overweight, particularly boys; however there was no statistically significant difference between the sexes. Overweight body mass was similar, although 14% of girls and 19% of boys were classified as obese. The total of 10% of respondents were undernourished, girls in particular. The questionnaire about nutrition indicates bad habits related to children’s nutrition. All respondents consume sweets, snacks and sweetened drinks at least once a day (65%) and half of the respondents consume these products several times a day; there is no statistically significant difference between boys and girls. The undernourished do not take enough meat. The assessment of adequate intake of nutrients is based on samples of daily meals gathered in 20 working days in the preschool by taking the meal portion of respondents using the “random” method. The average weight of a daily meal is 662 grams..

Analysis of macronutrients intake and body mass index in preschool children in the western region of the Republic of Srpska

Introduction. Childhood obesity is currently considered to be one of the most prevailing and challenging public health issues in industrialized countries and some developing countries, including the Republic of Srpska. Objective. Our objective was to determine macronutrients intake in collective diet of preschool children and to estimate the rate of obesity in this population. Methods. Samples of food intended for preschool children diet were collected in a preschool facility in the western region of the Republic of Srpska. In daily portions, the content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water and mineral matter were determined using standard methods. The body mass index was determined on the basis of anthropometric measurements. Results. An average daily meal contained 17.5 g of fats, 19.1 g of proteins and 101.5 g of carbohydrates. The energy value was 676 Kcal. The analysis of the data from the menu showed that the number of consumed servings of fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk and dairy products was less than one portion per day. However, the amount of consumed meat and meat products exceeded one portion per day. Out of the total number of children, 10.0% were undernourished, 16.7% were overweight and 13.3% were obese. Conclusion. Daily portions in the preschool facility are not in accordance with the recommended dietary allowance for energy and carbohydrates intake, and the composition of meals is inadequate. Parents and caregivers should be encouraged to expose young children to a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and to balance food intake with the requirements

Total Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish in Market of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The mercury concentration was quantified in frozen and canned fish found in the market of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Using the method of amalgamation by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80), significant differences in mercury concentrations among the analyzed fish were found. Frozen pangasius and canned tuna had the highest mercury concentration (59.1 μg/kg and 54.1 μg/kg, respectively). Also, fish from Vietnam had the highest level of total mercury in comparison to fish from other countries. Determined levels of mercury in our samples were below the limit set by the European and Bosnian and Herzegovinian legislation (500 μg/kg wet weight). We have concluded that consumption of commercial fish in the market of the Republic of Srpska does not present any health risk for the average consumer. Nevertheless, a surveillance system of mercury content in fishery products, especially in certain species that concentrate mercury, is crucial for public health protection. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

Arsenic and Mercury Content Determination in Commercial Cosmetics Products by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Toxic elements are present everywhere in nature and even in raw materials and pigments used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Human bodies daily exposed to toxic elements that can be found in trace amounts in cosmetic products. These elements such as arsenic and mercury can cause local skin damage or possible, their absorption through the skin or swallowed. In this paper we determined the content of arsenic and mercury in ten lipstick samples and eight nail polishes samples by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Acid digestion with 0,1 M HCl or HNO3-HCl was performed. A very low concentration of Hg and As have been found in all samples in both extracts (ranged, 0.0001-0.0004 µg/g and 0.02 – 0.04 µg/g respectively)

Analysis of Contents of Calcium, Magnesium and Total Hardness in Water for Pharmaceutical Use

Water is one of the most frequently used raw materials in pharmaceutical industry. Water for pharmaceutical purposes includes the two primary water types: purified water and water for injection. Drinking water used for obtaining purified water is not official in pharmacopoeia. Depending on quality prescribed for a certain product preparation, various water types and procedures have been used to prepare pharmaceutical industry water. Possible ways to obtain water for pharmaceutical purposes are: reverse osmosis, demineralization, electrodeionization, ultrafiltration, distillation. Reasons for the widespread use of water lie in the facts that it is capable of dissolving a great number of therapeutic substances, compatible with a large number of substances, appropriate to be used from a physiological aspect given that it is an integral part of the cell and the major component of body fluids and whenever the drug is administered in the form of an aqueous solution, reabsorption is rapid and complete, it also has suitable physical-chemical properties. In this study, analysis results of 15 samples of water were obtained using pharmacopoeial methods for pharmaceutical purposes. Results showed that 86.6% of water samples were accurate and 13.3% did not have appropriate calcium content, magnesium content and total hardness values