Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea patients using oral appliances: Our experiences

Background/Aim. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders. It is recognized as a serious risk factor for car and workplace accidents due to daytime sleepiness, and factor for coronary heart diseases and stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of oral appliances for mandibular advance in treating mild to moderate OSA. Methods. A total of 15 patients were included in this study, all diagnosed with mild or moderate OSA. Oral appliances were custom made for each patient in protrusive position at 50% of maximum mandibular advancement. The patients were given instructions not to sleep on their backs and avoid alcohol consumption during the study as these are the factors that can contribute to symptoms progression. Results. Complete and partial treatment success was achieve in 14 of the patients. Apnea-hypopnea index values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) at the end of a 6-month observation period compared to those at the treatment beginning. A great improvement in symptoms was observed, with daytime sleepiness index values significantly reduced already within the first month of the treatment. Conclusion. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliances has proven successful. Patients were comfortable using oral appliances and were ready to wear them for prolonged period of time. Use of oral appliances is very common in the world and should not be discarded. They are also very comfortable, practical and affordable comparing to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) apparatus, not to mention surgery. Use of oral appliances is safe and very well tolerated, and ought to be offered to patients with OSA

A Framework for Assessing Nature-Based Urban Stormwater Management Solutions: A Preliminary Spatial Analysis Approach Applied to Southeast Serbia

The development of the stormwater management strategies, e.g., low-impact development (LID), water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), and sustainable drainage solutions (SUDS), was initiated in the mid-1980s as a set of engineering approaches and technologies to reduce the harmful effects of stormwater. Over time, all of them evolved in the holistic, multidisciplinary approaches and, today, they are increasingly viewed and implemented under the umbrella term “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS). The technical elements and measures of these NbS represent various technical solutions, implemented i.a., according to the suitability of the site to achieve their maximum efficiency. Currently, there are no standards or procedures for the application of NbS technologies in Serbia. To overpass this and encourage implementation, we carried out preliminary assessment of NbS elements suitability for application in eight urban settlements in the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia. The assessment is based on publicly available data and performed according to the existing recommendations in the field of spatial planning and rainwater management for WSUD. The analyses were conducted by GIS tools that involved spatial analyses of various terrain characteristics and provided an insight into the criteria, i.e., constraints that are key to the placement of various technical elements, including bioretention, rain garden, and permeable pavement. Research findings point out that creation of the thematic maps with area suitability ratings for individual NbS stormwater elements might represent a good starting point for further investigation, planning, and design. The proposed framework for preliminary assessment is potentially useful for the countries and regions without regulations in the field of NbS for stormwater management.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sadržaji o zaštiti životne sredine u udžbenicima geografije za osnovnu i srednju školu

The paper analysis the contents of Geography textbooks which refer to the problems of the protection of the environment. The last publications of Geography textbooks for primary and secondary schools of the Zavod za udžbenike i nastavna sredstva (Belgrade) were used as a sample. With this study we wanted to check at what extent the contents of the environmental protection are present in the contemporary Geography textbooks and how much they contribute to the formation of the system of ecologic knowledge and ecologic conscience of students with their structure. The analysis has showed that the problems of the environmental protection in the analyzed textbooks are not present enough, that they are mostly covered in integrative way, sporadically and declaratively. Undefined ecologic concepts are twice as much presented as defined. The explanations of notions are more often supported by examples than by factographic data, although the number of examples is insufficient. Especially, the examples from close surroundings are missing. With their structure, the present contents do not provide knowledge on numerous problems on the protection of the environment and they do not influence the development of ecologic attitudes, emotions and habits in students. Practical implications of the study are shown in the way that the results and conclusions can stimulate the authors of textbooks to change the approach in planning the contents of the future Geography textbooks.Rad se bavi analizom sadržaja udžbenika geografije koji se odnose na probleme zaštite životne sredine. Uzorak su činili poslednja izdanja udžbenika geografije za osnovnu i srednju školu Zavoda za udžbenike i nastavna sredstva iz Beograda. Istraživanjem smo želeli da proverimo koliko su sadržaji o zaštiti životne sredine prisutni u savremenim udžbenicima geografije i koliko oni svojom strukturom doprinose formiranju sistema ekoloških znanja i ekološke svesti učenika. Analiza je pokazala da problemi zaštite životne sredine u analiziranim udžbenicima nisu zastupljeni u dovoljnoj meri, da se najčešće obrađuju na integrativnom nivou, sporadično i deklarativno. Nedefinisani ekološki pojmovi su dvostruko više prisutni od definisanih. Objašnjenje pojmova je češće potkrepljeno primerima nego faktografskim podacima, mada je i broj primera nedovoljan. Naročito nedostaju primeri iz neposrednog okruženja. Svojom strukturom prisutni sadržaji ne pružaju znanja o mnogim problemima zaštite životne sredine i ne utiču na razvoj ekoloških stavova, emocija i navika kod učenika. Praktične implikacije istraživanja ogledaju se u tome što izneti rezultati i zaključci mogu da podstaknu autore udžbenika na promenu pristupa prilikom koncipiranja sadržaja budućih udžbenika geografije

Sadržaji o zaštiti životne sredine u udžbenicima geografije za osnovnu i srednju školu

The paper analysis the contents of Geography textbooks which refer to the problems of the protection of the environment. The last publications of Geography textbooks for primary and secondary schools of the Zavod za udžbenike i nastavna sredstva (Belgrade) were used as a sample. With this study we wanted to check at what extent the contents of the environmental protection are present in the contemporary Geography textbooks and how much they contribute to the formation of the system of ecologic knowledge and ecologic conscience of students with their structure. The analysis has showed that the problems of the environmental protection in the analyzed textbooks are not present enough, that they are mostly covered in integrative way, sporadically and declaratively. Undefined ecologic concepts are twice as much presented as defined. The explanations of notions are more often supported by examples than by factographic data, although the number of examples is insufficient. Especially, the examples from close surroundings are missing. With their structure, the present contents do not provide knowledge on numerous problems on the protection of the environment and they do not influence the development of ecologic attitudes, emotions and habits in students. Practical implications of the study are shown in the way that the results and conclusions can stimulate the authors of textbooks to change the approach in planning the contents of the future Geography textbooks.Rad se bavi analizom sadržaja udžbenika geografije koji se odnose na probleme zaštite životne sredine. Uzorak su činili poslednja izdanja udžbenika geografije za osnovnu i srednju školu Zavoda za udžbenike i nastavna sredstva iz Beograda. Istraživanjem smo želeli da proverimo koliko su sadržaji o zaštiti životne sredine prisutni u savremenim udžbenicima geografije i koliko oni svojom strukturom doprinose formiranju sistema ekoloških znanja i ekološke svesti učenika. Analiza je pokazala da problemi zaštite životne sredine u analiziranim udžbenicima nisu zastupljeni u dovoljnoj meri, da se najčešće obrađuju na integrativnom nivou, sporadično i deklarativno. Nedefinisani ekološki pojmovi su dvostruko više prisutni od definisanih. Objašnjenje pojmova je češće potkrepljeno primerima nego faktografskim podacima, mada je i broj primera nedovoljan. Naročito nedostaju primeri iz neposrednog okruženja. Svojom strukturom prisutni sadržaji ne pružaju znanja o mnogim problemima zaštite životne sredine i ne utiču na razvoj ekoloških stavova, emocija i navika kod učenika. Praktične implikacije istraživanja ogledaju se u tome što izneti rezultati i zaključci mogu da podstaknu autore udžbenika na promenu pristupa prilikom koncipiranja sadržaja budućih udžbenika geografije

Morphological integration of the kinetic skull in Natrix snakes

Morphological integration, the covariation among phenotypic traits generated by common development and function, has been in the scope of evolutionary research for decades. As a morphological structure with complex development and various functions, the cranial skeleton represents a particularly interesting model for studies on morphological integration. However, most of the empirical investigations were done on akinetic and compact cranial skeletons of mammals. Here, we explore the pattern of integration in the extremely kinetic cranial skeleton of two closely related snake species, Natrix natrix and N. tessellata (Natricinae, Colubridae). In snakes, elements of jaws and palates on the left and right side are not spatially connected or firmly fused, allowing independent motion. Spatial independence of skeletal elements on the left and right side and their functional interconnections with extreme kinetic abilities, provide unique feeding performance in this group of tetrapods. By comparing patterns of symmetric and asymmetric components of variation we analysed cavariation patterns between kinetic and akinetic cranial elements. We tested whether the functionally and spatially connected bones are more integrated than disconnected ones and we examine impact of development and function on the morphological integration. We also explored whether and how allometry affects morphological integration in the snake's skull. Using micro-CT scanning 3D geometric morphometrics we showed strong covariation between the braincase and elements of the feeding apparatus, and that spatially disconnected elements are not more integrated than the connected ones. We also showed that function is the main factor that generates the pattern of morphological integration, because the signal of developmental integration is very weak and probably masked by strong functional integration of skeletal elements. Allometry has a significant impact on the morphological integration, by increasing integration of the skull, particularly integration of the lower jaw bones (compound and dentary), prefrontal, palatine and quadrate with the other skeletal elements. © 2017 The Zoological Society of London.Journal of Zoology (2017)Pre-prin

Odgovor korovskih populacija i gajenih useva na prisustvo glifosata

Measuring amount of shikimate and chlorophyll content of hybrids of maize, line of soybean, C. canadensis and L. rigidum populations were examined after application of 1 kg a.e. ha-1 of the herbicide product TOUCHDOWN® [active ingredient: glyphosate trimesium salt (syn. sulfosate), 500 g L-1]. Samples collected 2, 4 and 6 day after treatment. Changes in amount of shikimate in treated plants vs control were significant for S plants and nosignificant for R plants. Content of chlorophyll in tretaed plants were statisticaly lower vs nontreated plant in every tested poulations/lines/hybrids, except in hybrids of maize (differences were not significant).Merenje sadržaja šikiminske kiseline i hlorofila kod hibrida kukuruza, linija soje, populacija C. canadensis and L. rigidum je obavljeno nakon primene 2 kg a.m. ha-1 herbicida TOU­CHDOWN® [aktivna materija: glifosat trimezijum so (sin. sulfosat), 500 g L-1]. Uzorkovanje je urađeno 2, 4 i 6 dana posle primene. Promene sadržaja šikiminske kiseline kod tretiranih biljaka u odnosu na ne tretirane su bile značajne kod svih S biljaka i nisu imale značaja kod R biljaka. Sadržaj hlorofila kod tretiranih biljaka je statistički bio niži u odnosu na sadržaj kod ne teretiranih biljaka kod svih testiranih populacija/linija osim kod hibrida kukuruza (razlike nisu bile statistički značajne)

The effect of different acute concentrations of cadmium chloride on the frequency of micronuclei in AO rats

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic heavy metal which may cause severe biological effects in vivo and in vitro. In this study, an evaluation of the acute Cd ability to trigger micronuclei (MNi) formation was carried out on 3-monthold male and female Albino Oxford (AO) rats using micronucleus (MN) test. Experimental animals were treated intraperitoneally with three different concentrations of cadmium chloride (CdCl2): 0.5, 1, and 2 mg CdCl2 per kg of body weight. Control animals received equal volume of sterile phosphate buffered saline. The results showed that 2 mg CdCl2 per kg b.w. concentration caused a highly statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in MNi formation in the bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), exerting a clear-cut concentration-dependent effect. Lower concentrations of CdCl2 used (0.5 and 1 mg/kg b.w.) also caused MNi formation, but with lower statistical significance. Sex differences in MNi production in bone marrow PCEs after acute exposure to different experimental concentrations of CdCl2 were not observed in our study. Our results indicate the ability of CdCl2 to exerts genotoxic effects in bone marrow of AO rats, and complement previous data on the genotoxicity of this important environmental contaminant, burdening the body from different sources - major being industrial exposure, food and cigarette smoking. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III46002

Extreme Precipitation Events in Serbia: Defining the Threshold Criteria for Emergency Preparedness

Considering recent weather events in Serbia (especially the floods in 2014), a need has arisen for research that would help in identifying extreme weather phenomena. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine the thresholds above which intense precipitation can be considered as extreme precipitation events in Serbia. In this study, we determined the frequency of precipitation occurring at an intensity above the threshold of an extreme phenomenon (1961-2015), as well as the frequency of precipitation occurring at or above the absolute daily maximum in the reference period (1961-1990). The study sample included daily rainfall observations from 28 stations from the national meteorological network in Serbia. Applying a decile method, all the stations recording precipitation above the threshold of dangerous phenomena on the same day are classified into the corresponding decile. The threshold value was determined as the average value of the extreme annual precipitation in the analyzed period. The cases that are due to the high prevalence listed in the last decile are considered extreme. The results showed that the critical number of observation points above which an event is considered extreme precipitation event is 6.21, and a warning of the danger could be ensured only in the case of neighboring stations in the network. The threshold of extreme precipitation events for the individual stations ranges up to 130 mm. The obtained results might be used to mitigate the effects of extreme precipitation events in Serbia in the future

Primena mezotriona u kombinaciji sa terbutilazinom, nikosulfuronom i S-metolahlorom u kukuruzu

The paper examines the efficacy and selectivity of mesotrione in combination with terbuthylazine, nicosulfuron and S-metolachlor in maize crops. The studies were conducted during 2014, in two localities, and the following herbicides were applied: Mezotrion 100 g/L OD (mesotrione) in quantities of 1.0 and 1.2 L/ha; Egnit OD (mesotrione + nicosulfuron) in quantities of 1.0 and 1.2 L/ha; CA0914MT (mesotrione + terbuthylazine) in quantities of 1.75, 2.0 and 2.3 L/ha; S metolahlor 375 g/L + Terbutilazin 125 g/L + Mezotrion 37.5 g/L (mesotrione + terbuthylazine + S-metolachlor) in quantity of 3.5 L/ha. The efficacy of the herbicides applied was assessed 3 weeks after the application. Mesotrione has shown high efficacy in the control of the following species: Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium hybridum, Cirsium arvense, Datura stramonium, Solanum nigrum, Sinapis arvensis and Xanthium strumarium. For Abutilon theophrasti, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Bilderdykia convolvulus, Lactuca serriola, Polygo­num aviculare and Polygonum lapathifolim high efficacy was confirmed only in higher quantities of application (1.2 L/ha). In combination with terbuthylazine and S-metolachlor the efficacy was significantly improved for Echinochloa crusgalli, Hibiscus trionum, Setaria glauca and Sorghum halepense (s), while in the combination with nicosufuron the efficacy was also increased for the Johnoson grass developed from rhizome. For the species like Convolvulus arvensis and Cynodon dactilon none of the applied herbicide combinations was efficient enough. At the same time, mesotrione alone, or in combination with terbuthylazine, nicosulfuron and S-metolachlor, has shown good selectivity towards maize.U radu je praćena efikasnost i selektivnost mezotriona u kombinaciji sa terbutilazinom, nikosulfuronom i S-metolahlorom u usevu kukuruza. Ispitivanja su obavljena tokom 2014. godine, na dva lokaliteta, a primenjeni su herbicidi Mezotrion 100 g/L OD (mezotrion) u količini 1,0 i 1,2 L/ha; Egnit OD (mezotrion+nikosulfuron) u količini 1,0 i 1,2 L/ha; CA0914MT (mezotrion + terbutilazin) u količini 1,75, 2,0 i 2,3 L/ha; S metolahlor 375 g/L + Terbutilazin 125 g/L + Mezotrion 37,5 g/L (mezotrion+terbutilazin+S metolahlor) u količini 3,5 L/ha. Efikasnost herbicida ocenjena je 3 nedelje nakon primene herbicida. Mezotrion je ispoljio visoku efikasnost u suzbijanju vrsta: Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium hybridum, Cirsium arvense, Datura stramonium, Solanum nigrum, Sinapis arvensis i Xanthium strumarium. Za vrste Abutilon theophrasti, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Bilderdykia convolvulus, Lactuca serriola, Polygonum aviculare i Polygonum lapathifolim visoka efikasnost utvrđena je samo kod veće količine primene (1,2 L/ha). U kombinaciji sa terbutilazinom i S metolahlorom značajno je povećana efikasnost za Echinochloa crusgalli, Hibiscus trionum, Setaria glauca i Sorghum halepense (s), dok se u kombinaciji sa nikosulfuronom efikasnost povećana i za rizomski sirak. Za vrste kao što su Convolvulus arvensis i Cynodon dactilon ni jedna od primenjenih kombinacija herbicida nije bila dovoljno efikasna. Istovremeno, mezotrion sam ili u kombinaciji sa terbutilazinom, nikosulfuronom i S metolahlorom, je pokazuo dobru selektivnost prema kukuruzu