IntroductionIt is distinctive for Kosovo population that before the war of 1999 Kosovo has had the lowest rate of suicides in Europe. Now, after the war the data and findings tell us for a considerate increase of number of suicides.ObjectivesPresentation of suicide cases in Kosovo in period from 2008–2012 analyzed from aspect of social reasons that has influenced an increasing number.AimsIdentification of social factors and their possible direct/indirect impact in phenomena of suicides and as well the reflection in their prevention.MethodsData on cases were collected retroactively, by the Internal Affairs of Kosovo and Psychiatry Clinic. Analysis of data was done with Excel and SPSS 14.ResultsIn the period 2008–2012, 270 persons were found to have committed suicide. This is an increase compared to before the war. In over 80% of cases come to the expression of social factors: unemployment level (44.9%), low income per capita, the population on average 26 years old, enormous growth of drug users and alcohol (20.000), low budget for mental health, dominance in rural settlements, debt, domestic violence, inability to buy drugs, the inability of the education of the children, war trauma/PTSD, large number of people who are missing or dead after the recent war in Kosovo (8 cases).ConclusionThe number of suicide cases has increased. Social factors play a major role in this.

BackgroundDuring acute myocardial infarction, phosphorylated TnI levels, Ca2+ sensitivity and ATPase activity are decreased in the myocardium, and the subsequent elevation in Ca2+ levels activates protease I (caplain I), leading to the proteolytic degradation of troponins. Concurrently, the levels of apelin and APJ expression are increased by limiting myocardial injury.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, 100 consecutive patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction were included. Patients meeting the following criteria were included in our study: (1) continuous chest pain lasting for >30 min, (2) observation of ST-segment elevation of more than 2 mm in two adjacent leads by electrocardiography (ECG), (3) increased cardiac troponin I levels, and (4) patients who underwent reperfusion therapy. We evaluated the levels of apelin-12 and troponin I on the first and seventh days after reperfusion therapy in all patients.ResultsApelin-12 was inversely correlated with troponin I levels (Spearman’s correlation = −0.40) with a p value <0.001. There was variability in the apelin values on the seventh day (Kruskal-Wallis test) based on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (p = 0.012). Using ROC curve analyses, a cut-off value of >2.2 for the association of apelin with MACE was determined, and the AUC was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.58–0.84). Survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method showed a lower rate of MACE among patients with apelin levels >2.2 (p = 0.002), and the ROC curve analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the area under the curve (p = 0.004).ConclusionThe influence of apelin levels on troponin levels in the acute phase of STEMI is inversely correlated, whereas in the non-acute phase, low apelin values were associated with a high rate of MACE.

BackgroundSingle ventricle, bicuspid aortic valve and interatrial wall aneurysm in adulthood are a rare and unique case in medical literature. This presented case with congenital heart disease has never been treated surgically and clinical consequences seriously presented in adulthood.Case presentationA 27 year old man with complex congenital heart disease presented. At the age of six, the single ventricle was ultrasonographly diagnosed, but at age 27 clinical consequences started to be seriously present. We explored his history, clinical course, physical examination, laboratory findings, medical treatments and actual patient condition.ConclusionThe possibilities for surgical evaluation are presented.

B ackground. During acute myocardial infarction left ventricular systolic function is an important prognostic factor whose worsening is still frequent despite the therapeutic approach. We aimed to estimate the incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction among patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction. Methods. The study involved 154 consecutive patients admitted at Coronary Care Unit. The study design was based upon the collection of patient histories, clinical examination and other complementary tests. Results. In overall study population, predominantly with male gender, the incidence of left ventricle systolic dysfunction was 42.3%, which correlated with myocardial damage, electrocardiography changes, myocardial enzymes, and myocardial wall motion. Conclusions. Transthoracic Echocardiography represents a valuable tool and left ventricular ejection fraction should be evaluated in all patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction since the incidence of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction remains relatively high.

We report a case of a 49-year-old patient who developed poststaphylococcal coagulase negative reactive arthritis. The woman presented with constitutional symptoms, arthritis, urinary infection and conjunctivitis. The blood culture was positive for the staphylococcal coagulase negative infection. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were elevated, whereas the rheumatoid factor was negative. Radiographic findings confirmed diagnosis of pleuropneumonia, and one year later of chronic asymmetric sacroileitis. Physicians should be aware of possible reactive arthritis after staphylococcal coagulase negative bacteremia.