Farmakoekonomska evaluacija fakoemulzifikacije i ekstrakapsularne ekstrakcije u operaciji katarakte

Background/Aim. Cataract surgery is one of the most often performed surgical interventions. The predominant method in Western countries is phacoemulsification, while in developing countries, the extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) method remains popular. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cost- effectiveness of these two cataract surgery techniques from the provider’s perspective if operation complications were the out- come of the interest. Methods. The data were obtained from the Department of Ophthalmology of the General Hospital Kruševac during a one-year period. A total of 1,179 surgeries by five surgeons were performed. The cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the decision tree. All probabilities were calcu- lated based on the likelihood of the occurrence during the study period. Only direct costs were considered, and values were taken from the documentation at the hospital and the of- ficial price list of health services. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. Results. The total cost per patient in the phacoemulsification group was 71,008.70 Serbian dinars (RSD), while the total cost in the ECCE group was 74,340.36 RSD. At the same time, phacoemulsification shows higher ef- fectiveness than the ECCE method, with 87% and 57% of pa- tients without complications, respectively. With these results, phacoemulsification was the dominant strategy compared to ECCE. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the results are sen- sitive to the number of performed operations per year. Con- clusion. The phacoemulsification technique seems to be the preferred technique for cataract surgery. All the investment in phacoemulsification equipment and consumables is justified if the number of surgeries per year exceeds 350.Uvod/Cilj. Operacija katarakte predstavlja jednu od najčešće primenjivanih hirurških intervencija. U zapadnim zemljama, dominantna tehnika je fakoemulzifikacija, dok je u zemljama u razvoju najzastupljenija tehnika ekstrakapsularne ekstrakcije (ECCE). Cilj rada bio je da se proceni ekonomska isplativost te dve tehnike operacije katarakte iz perspektive pružaoca usluge, ukoliko se kao ishod posmatraju komplikacije. Metode. Podaci su dobijeni sa Očnog odeljenja Opšte bolnice Kruševac tokom jednogodišnjeg perioda. Ukupno je izvedeno 1 179 operacija od strane pet hirurga. Ekonomska isplativost je procenjena primenom „drveta odlučivanja“. Verovatnoće za događaje su izračunate na osnovu verovatnoće pojavljivanja tokom navedenog perioda. U analizi su razmatrani samo direktni troškovi, a vrednosti su preuzete iz prateće dokumentacije i zvaničnog cenovnika zdravstvenih usluga. Sprovedena je jednosmerna i dvosmerna analiza osetljivosti. Rezultati.Ukupni troškovi u grupi koja je bila podvrgnuta fakoemulzifikaciji iznosili su 71 008.70 srpskih dinara (RSD), dok su u ECC E grupi oni iznosili 74 340.36 RSD. Istovremeno, fakoemulzifikacija je pokazala višu efikasnost u odnosu na ECCE, 87% i 57% bolesnika bez komplikacija, redom. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata, fakoemulzifikacija je bila dominantna strategija u poređenju sa ECCE. Analiza osetljivosti pokazala je da su rezultati osetljivi na broj izvršenih intervencija na godišnjem nivou. Zaključak. Fakoemulzifikacija je ekonomski isplativija tehnika operacije katarakte u odnosu na ECCE. Sva ulaganje u opremu i potrošni materijal za fakoemulzifikaciju opravdani su ukoliko je broj izvedenih operacija na godišnjem nivou preko 350

Physicochemical Changes of the Gluten-Free Rice-Buckwheat Cookies during Storage – Artificial Neural Network Model

The influence of storage time, temperature, and packaging on some physicochemical characteristics of gluten-free rice-buckwheat cookies was studied. Shelf life markers, such as water activity (aw), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), firmness, and color parameters were modelled in relation to different storage conditions. Principal component analysis was applied to study the similarity among samples according to the observed parameters. The mathematical model in the form of an artificial neural network was developed to predict the physicochemical parameters of cookies during 6-month storage. The most evident differentiation among samples was observed for color coordinate a*, aw , and HMF. Regarding the methods for determination of the parameters, priority should be given to the instrumental determination of color as the most convenient method. The processing of experimental data allowed the creation of useful mathematical model to be used in predicting the behavior of physicochemical changes of cookies by different factor combinations during storage

Microglial- and Astrocyte-Specific Expression of Purinergic Signaling Components and Inflammatory Mediators in the Rat Hippocampus During Trimethyltin-Induced Neurodegeneration

The present study examined the involvement of purinergic signaling components in the rat model of hippocampal degeneration induced by trimethyltin (TMT) intoxication (8 mg/kg, single intraperitoneal injection), which results in behavioral and neurological dysfunction similar to neurodegenerative disorders. We investigated spatial and temporal patterns of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (NTPDase1/CD39) and ecto-5′ nucleotidase (eN/CD73) activity, their cell-specific localization, and analyzed gene expression pattern and/or cellular localization of purinoreceptors and proinflammatory mediators associated with reactive glial cells. Our study demonstrated that all Iba1+ cells at the injured area, irrespective of their morphology, upregulated NTPDase1/CD39, while induction of eN/CD73 has been observed at amoeboid Iba1+ cells localized within the hippocampal neuronal layers with pronounced cell death. Marked induction of P2Y12R, P2Y6R, and P2X4-messenger RNA at the early stage of TMT-induced neurodegeneration might reflect the functional properties, migration, and chemotaxis of microglia, while induction of P2X7R at amoeboid cells probably modulates their phagocytic role. Reactive astrocytes expressed adenosine A1, A2A, and P2Y1 receptors, revealed induction of complement component C3, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor-kB, and proinflammatory cytokines at the late stage of TMT-induced neurodegeneration. An increased set of purinergic system components on activated microglia (NTPDase1/CD39, eN/CD73, and P2X7) and astrocytes (A1R, A2AR, and P2Y1), and loss of homeostatic glial and neuronal purinergic pathways (P2Y12 and A1R) may shift purinergic signaling balance toward excitotoxicity and inflammation, thus favoring progression of pathological events. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the involvement of purinergic signaling components in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders that could be target molecules for the development of novel therapies

Salmonella in pig lairage and in stunning box

Salmonella is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens and the consumption of pork meat is a major source of human infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Salmonella on different surfaces in the pig lairage and stunning box as potential sources of cross contamination of animals and carcasses. Sampling was conducted in two abattoirs (slaughterhouse A and slaughterhouse B). Samples were taken from slaughterhouse A in two instances (sampling I and II, a total of 60 samples) and in slaughterhouse B once (sampling III, a total of 30 samples), from each of the following sites: floor of ramp at unloading area, race between unloading area and holding pens area, walls of holding pens, floor of holding pens, water troughs in pens, drainage for fluids/feces, race between holding pen and main race, race before stunning box, gates between race and stunning box, stunning box floor. Of the total number of examined samples, the percentage of positive samples for Salmonella in the lairage was 12.50% (72 / 9), and samples from the surface of the stunning box was 61.11%. (18 / 11). Surfaces in a lairage and stunning box are regularly contaminated with salmonella, and can pose potential sources of cross contamination of animals and carcasses

Eggs from different housing systems and production programs on the market of the city of Belgrade

In the year when the already extended deadline for egg producers in Serbia to shift from cage farming to hen housing systems expires, the aim of the study was to analyse the egg market in Belgrade, as the largest market in Serbia. The representation of eggs from different housing systems and production programs in 11 supermarkets, covering the majority of retail chains in Serbia, was examined. In addition, the survey of 247 consumers was conducted in order to determine their views on the housing system and the price of eggs. Results showed the presence of 9 egg producers on Belgrade market, 8 of which provided eggs from the cage system, 5 from the floor system, while 4 offered free-range eggs. Cage eggs were represented in all supermarkets (11), floor eggs in 9 supermarkets, free-range eggs in 6, eggs from the functional food program (ꞷ-3 enriched) in 7, and organic eggs in one supermarket. The analysis of the prices of eggs in different supermarkets, showed that the price per egg from the cage system, for a package of 10 eggs, varied between 0.13 and 0.21 EUR for Grade M, and between 0.14 and 0.25 EUR for Grade L eggs. The price for floor eggs (Grade M) ranged between 0.17 and 0.25, free-range eggs 0.20 and 0.28, ꞷ-3 eggs 0.26 and 0.32 EUR, while it was 0.55 EUR for organic eggs. By comparing the average price of Grade M cage eggs (0.18 EUR), with eggs from other housing systems and production programs, it was found that the price of floor eggs was 25% higher, free-range eggs 41% higher, ꞷ-3 eggs 56% higher and eggs from organic production 206% higher, respectively. Housing system and the price of eggs, as factors affecting decision when purchasing eggs, were not important for 35.19%, and 34.07% of respondents in the survey, respectively. It can be concluded that eggs from the cage system are still the most represented in Belgrade supermarket, but, compared to the similar research from 2017, the supply of eggs from the floor and free-range housing systems has increased. This indicates that the changes in the regulation influenced the transition of egg producers to permitted housing systems. Supply of ꞷ-3 eggs is satisfactory, while other types of designer eggs are lacking. The supply of organic eggs in supermarkets is insufficient

Fenotipska i genetička obilježja osjetljivih i višestruko otpornih izolata Pseudomonas aeruginosa u južnoj Srbiji

Drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading problem in hospital infections. The aim of this study was to determine the best molecular genetic discrimination method for Pseudomonas spp. isolates among 94 outpatients and inpatients and see their grouping by phenotype characteristics (biofilm formation, frequency of serotypes, pigmentation, production of different class of beta-lactamases, and susceptibility to different antibiotic classes) and genotype. The most common serotypes were P1, P6, and P11, while co-productions of pyoverdine and pyocyanin were observed in 70 % of isolates. A total of 77.66 % isolates were mostly weak and moderate biofilm producers. Isolates were susceptible to colistin (100 %), aztreonam (97.87 %), imipenem (91.49 %), doripenem (90.43 %), and meropenem (84.04 %). MICs values confirmed susceptibility to ceftazidime and cefepime and singled out meripenem as the most effective inhibitor. Most isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Only two isolates produced ESBL, eight were carbapenemase producers, and five isolates produced MBLs. Twenty-nine isolates were multidrug-resistant; 82.8 % of which produced both pigments, 58.3 % were non-typeable, while the P6 and P11 serotypes were equally distributed (16.7 %). Thirteen MDR isolates were strong enzyme producers. RAPD PCR analysis using primer 272 proved the best at discriminatory fingerprinting for Pseudomonas isolates, as it allocated 12 clusters. A correlation between DNA patterns and antibiotic resistance, production of pigments, serotypes distribution, and biofilm formation was not observed, and only confirmed higher genetic heterogeneity among P. aeruginosa isolates, which suggests that other molecular methods are needed to reveal potential relations between genotypic patterns and phenotypic characteristics.Antibiotska rezistencija Pseudomonas aeruginosa vodeći je problem u bolničkim infekcijama. Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je utvrditi najbolju diskriminatorno molekularno-genetičku metodu među 94 ambulantna i bolnička Pseudomonas spp. izolata kako bi se uvidjelo njihovo grupiranje u smislu različitih fenotipskih obilježja (stvaranje biofilma, učestalost serotipova, pigmentacija, proizvodnja različitih klasa beta-laktamaza i osjetljivost na različite skupine antibiotika) u skladu s genotipom. Najčešći serotipovi bili su P1, P6 i P11, a proizvodnja i pioverdina i piocijanina primijećena je kod 70 % izolata. Ukupno 77,66 % izolata uglavnom je iskazalo slabu i umjerenu proizvodnju biofilma. Izolati su bili osjetljivi na kolistin (100 %), aztreonam (97,87 %), imipenem (91,49 %), doripenem (90,43 %) i meropenem (84,04 %). Vrijednosti MIC-ova potvrdile su podložnost izolata ceftazidimu i cefepimu, a izdvojile su meropenem kao najučinkovitiji inhibitor. Većina izolata bila je otporna na aminoglikozid i fluorokinolon. Samo dva izolata proizvela su ESBL, osam izolata sintetiziralo je karbapenemaze, a pet izolata imalo je sposobnost proizvodnje MBL-a. Dvadeset devet izolata bilo je višestruko rezistentno na antibiotike, od kojih je 82,8 % proizvodilo oba pigmenta, 58,3 % bili su netipabilni, a serotipovi P6 i P11 bili su podjednako zastupljeni među njima (16,7 %). Trinaest MDR izolata bili su snažni proizvođači enzima. RAPD PCR analiza korištenjem 272 početnica pokazala se kao najbolja diskriminatorna metoda otiskom prsta (fingerprinting) za Pseudomonas izolate, izdvajajući čak 12 različitih klastera. U ovom istraživanju nije zabilježena povezanost između DNA obrazaca i otpornosti na antibiotike, proizvodnje pigmenata, distribucije serotipova i stvaranja biofilma, što potvrđuje puno veću genetičku heterogenost unutar samih izolata P. aeruginosa, pod čim se podrazumijeva uključivanje drugih molekularnih metoda u otkrivanju potencijalnih odnosa između genetičkih obrazaca i fenotipskih obilježja

Nalaz i preživljavanje Listeria monocytogenes u pogonima za proizvodnju hladno dimljene pastrmke

The presence of Listeria monocytogenes on the surfaces of equipment and worker's hands during different production stages, as well as on fish skin and meat during processing and storage of cold-smoked trout, was investigated. Listeria monocytogenes was recovered from 10 (6.06%) of a total 165 cotton-swabbed samples collected from the surfaces of equipment and worker's hands at two separate processing facilities. Of 105 samples collected from fish skin and meat during various production steps in both processing plants, 14 (13.33%) were confirmed culture-positive for L. monocytogenes, with recovery being most frequently in samples collected in the area before vacuum packaging. Recovery rates at two different Serbian processing plants did not differ (p lt 0.05), but suggested that different L. monocytogenes serotypes appeared to be resident within each processing plant and may have contributed to the final product contamination. From all smoked trout samples collected during 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of storage at 4ºC only two were culture-positive for L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a and both of these were collected on the 7th day of storage. Conversely, 4, 3 and 1 sample(s) were contaminated with L. monocytogenes serotypes 1/2a and 1/2b after 7, 14 and 21 days storage at 10ºC. Listeria monocytogenes was not recovered from smoked trout stored 28 days at 10ºC. Results emphasize the importance of adhering to strict hygienic and quality control standards throughout the processing environment.U ovom radu je ispitivan nalaz Listeria monocytogenes na površini opreme, rukama radnika, kao i koži i mesu ribe tokom različitih faza proizvodnje hladno dimljene pastrmke. Listeria monocytogenes je utvrđena kod 10 (6,06%) od ukupno 165 briseva sa površine opreme i ruku radnika iz dva proizvodna pogona. Od 105 uzoraka mesa ribe sa kožom, uzetih tokom proizvodnje u oba proizvodna pogona, 14 (13,33%) je bilo pozitivno na L. monocytogenes, pri čemu je nalaz i preživljavanje ove bakterije bio najčešći u uzorcima uzetih tokom proizvodnih procesa pre vakuum pakovanja. Stepen preživljavanja bakterije se nije značajno razlikovao u dva proizvodna pogona (P>0.05), ali se može zaključiti da su pojedini serotipovi L. monocytogenes otporniji unutar pogona i mogu dovesti do kontaminacije finalnog proizvoda. Od svih uzoraka iz oba proizvodna pogona, skladištenih tokom 7, 14, 21 i 28 dana pri temperaturi od 4ºC, dva su uzorka, sedmog dana skladištenja, bila kontaminirana L. monocytogenes serotipom 1/2a. Nasuprot tome, pri temperaturi od 10ºC, nalaz L. monocytogenes serotipa 1/2a i 1/2b ustanovljen je kod 4 uzorka sedmog dana skladištenja, 3 uzorka četrnaestog dana i jednog uzorka tokom dvadesetprvog dana skladištenja. Listeria monocytogenes nije preživela u uzorcima nakon skladištenja tokom 28 dana. Rezultati ukazuju na značaj primene strogih higijenskih mera, kao i standarda kontrole kvaliteta tokom proizvodnje hladno dimljene ribe

CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF IR, 1 H- AND 13 C-NMR SPECTRAL DATA OF N-ALKYL AND N-CYCLOALKYL CYANOACETAMIDES

Linear free energy relationships (LFER) were applied to the IR, 1H- and 13C--NMR spectral data in N-alkyl and N-cycloalkyl cyanoacetamides. N-alkyl and N-cycloalkyl cyanocetamides were synthesized from corresponding amine and ethyl cyanoacetate. A number of substituents were employed for alkyl substitution, and fairly good correlations were obtained, using simple Hammett equation. In N-alkyl and N-cycloalkyl cyanoacetamides substituent cause SCS of N-H hydrogen primarily by steric interaction, polar subtituent effect influences SCS shift of C=O carbon, while steric effect of N-alkyl substituent causes IR stretching frequencies of N-H, C=O and CN group. The conformations of investigated compounds have been studied by the use of semiempirical PM6 method, and together with LFER analysis, give a better insight into the influence of such a structure on the transmission of electronic substituent effects. Negative ρ values for several correlations (reverse substituent effect) were found

INFLUENCE OF POLICY INSTRUMENTS ON NON-WOOD FOREST PRODUCTS COMMERCIALIZATION IN CROATIA, MACEDONIA AND SERBIA

Na području jugoistočne Europe povećava se broj istraživanja koja se bave problematikom nedrvnih šumskih proizvoda (NDŠP). Međutim, regulatorni politički instrumenti, koji se odnose na to područje, još su uvijek slabo istraženi. Osnovni cilj ovog istraživanja je razmatranje utjecaja određenih političkih instrumenata na poslovanje s NDŠP u odabranim državama jugoistočne Europe te analiza stavova predstavnika malih i srednjih poduzeća (MSP) za otkup, preradu i plasman NDŠP, vezanih za proceduralne elemente poslovanja s NDŠP te suradnje s nadležnim institucijama. U radu su predstavljeni rezultati istraživanja provedenog u okviru FOPER II projekta "Poduzetništvo, tržišta i marketing nedrvnih šumskih proizvoda na području jugoistočne Europe". Primijenjene su komparativna i statistička metoda, kao i metoda analize sadržaja. Sekundarni podaci koji se odnose na zakonodavne i strateške dokumente analizirani su komparativnom analizom sadržaja, dok je analiza primarnih podataka koji su prikupljeni upitnikom, obavljena statističkom metodom. Kao istraživačka tehnika, za prikupljanje stavova predstavnika MSP za otkup, preradu i plasman NDŠP, korištena je anketa. Rezultati pokazuju da su analizirani dokumenti usvojeni tijekom razdoblja tranzicije, odnosno u posljednja dva desetljeća. To ukazuje na činjenicu da je ostvaren iskorak u prepoznavanju njihovog značenja nakon političkih i društvenih promjena koje su nastupile na ovim prostorima. U Hrvatskoj, Makedoniji i Srbiji pri gospodarenju s NDŠP prisutno je preklapanje nadležnosti institucija iz sektora šumarstva te zaštite prirode i okoliša. Suradnju sa ministarstvima nadležnim za šumarstvu ima oko polovice ispitanika u Hrvatskoj i Srbiji. Nasuprot tomu, većina ispitanika u Hrvatskoj i Makedoniji i svi ispitanici u Srbiji surađuju s ministarstvima nadležnim za poslove zaštite prirode i okoliša. Primjenom klaster analize utvrđeno je grupiranje ispitanika u tri klastera u Hrvatskoj, dva u Makedoniji i četiri u Srbiji. Ipak, u Hrvatskoj i Makedoniji se jasno izdvajaju dvije grupe ispitanika, gdje prvi klaster čine predstavnici MSP koji smatraju da im prikupljanje dokumentacije predstavlja problem u poslovanju, dok članovi drugog klastera navode da ih ova procedura ne ometa u poslovanju. U Srbiji se nije izdvojila druga grupa ispitanika koji smatraju da ih proces dobivanja dozvola za sakupljanje NDŠP ne ometa u poslovanju, već su klasteri formirani na osnovi problema uzrokovanih različitim čimbenicima, a koji imaju utjecaja na ovaj proces.In accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management, non-wood forest products (NWFPs) are increasingly gaining in importance when it comes to forest policy and nature and environmental protection policy. In addition to the global level, the interest in NWFP, in recent decades, increases at the regional level, as well. In the region of Southeast Europe has been an increase in the number of studies that deal with the issue of NWFP. However, policy instruments, which are related to this area, are still poorly understood. In this connection, the main goal of this research is to discuss the impact of specific policy instruments on NWFPs-based business in selected countries of Southeast Europe (Croatia, Macedonia and Serbia), as well as the analysis of the attitudes of representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for purchase, processing and placement of NWFPs in terms of procedures related to the NWFP-based business and cooperation with relevant institutions. The purpose of the research is to find opportunities for improvement of policy instruments and administrative procedures of the NWFP, in selected countries, in order to improve development of the sector. The subject of the research are strategic, legal and institutional frameworks related to NWFP, and the attitudes of SME representatives towards the documentation required for the entire process of purchase, processing and placement of NWFPs and cooperation with relevant institutions. This paper presents the results of research conducted within FOPER II project "Entrepreneurship, markets and marketing of non-timber forest products in the SEE region". In the research are applied descriptive, comparative, content analysis and statistical methods. As a research technique is used door to door survey. The questionnaire consisted of 51 questions, grouped into 6 topics. In this paper are analysed 7 questions, related to the subject of research. The sample consisted of 27 representatives of NWFP-based enterprises in Croatia, 36 in Macedonia and 91 in Serbia. Analysed legal documents were adopted in the last two decades, which indicates that the governments in all analysed countries made some step forward in the recognition of NWFPs importance, after the political and social changes that have occurred in the region during the transition period. Strategic documents (Table 1) in all 3 countries emphasize, as priorities, implementation of the national inventory and control of trade in protected species. However, only a strategic document in Macedonia point out the need for the support to development of entrepreneurial activities in this part of the forest sector. However, although the importance of NWFPs has been recognized, in these countries is still present a problem in terminology. In most legal documents (Table 2), these products are, still, named as "minor" (Croatia), "secondary" (Macedonia) or "other" (Serbia) forest products. Legal documents in analyzed countries prescribe the inclusion of NWFP in forest management planning process. In analysed is present an overlapping of responsibilities of institutions (Table 3) in the sectors of forestry, nature and environmental protection, in terms of NWFP. However, what is very important for forestry sector is that the ministries in charge of forestry are only partially responsible for NWFPs. Regarding respondents’ attitudes towards the documentation needed for the entire process of purchase, processing and placement of NWFPs, only the majority of representatives of SMEs in Serbia believe that it is too large (Table 4). Cooperation with the ministry responsible for forestry has the majority of respondents only in Croatia, but it is mostly related to agriculture and the use of subsidies. Majority of respondents in Croatia and Macedonia, and all of them in Serbia cooperate with the ministry in charge of environmental protection and it mainly related to obtaining permits for collecting, import, export and transit of NWFPs (Table 5). Cluster analysis showed clustering of respondents in 3 groups in Croatia, 2 in Macedonia and 4 in Serbia, based on 3 categorical variables (largeness, time and costs related to documentation), as shown in Table 6. However, in Croatia and Macedonia are clearly distinguished 2 groups, the first cluster is composed of representatives of SMEs who believe that collection of documentation is a problem in their business, while the other cluster members indicate that this procedure does not interfere them in their business activities. In Serbia, there is not second cluster. These 4 clusters are formed on the basis of the problems caused by different factors, which influence the process of collection of necessary documentation. In order to improve the situation in the future, it is necessary to: – Adopt a single policy document, which will clearly define the directions of policy relating to NWFPs; – Include representatives of regional and local authorities, NWFPs-based enterprises, and local residents, to ensure the presence of all stakeholders during the preparation of planning documents, rules and regulations, as well as possible strategies for sustainable use of NWFPs; – Clearly outline the responsibilities for the implementation and control of laws and by-laws; – Develop and improve collaboration with ministries of forestry and environmental protection; – Establishment of a monitoring system, which would follow and document collection and use of NWFPs; – Simplify the procedure required to obtain permission for commercial NWFP collection in Croatia and Serbia, as it was done in Macedonia (on-line application and gathering a license for 1 to 2 days). It is important to emphasize that, in formulating policies related to the NWFPs, the results presented here should be taken carefully, since they relate only to the surveyed representatives of SMEs and not to the all SMEs in the region. Similarly, the conclusions and recommendations presented in this paper refer only to the NWFPs policy and legislation and the institution responsible for these products and, therefore, can not be directly applied to other aspects of forest policy in the analyzed countries

Effect of Modified Clinoptilolite to Counteract the Deleterious Effects of Ochratoxin A on Egg Production and Quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of modified clinoptilolite as mycotoxins adsorbent in preventing negative effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) on egg production and egg quality of laying hens exposed to this mycotoxin. Forty-eight (n=48) laying hens (27 weeks old) were used in this study. The hens were randomly divided into six equal groups and were fed for 7 weeks with a standard diet in addition to: E-I group - 1 mg/kg OTA; E-II group 0.25 mg/kg OTA; E-III group 1mg/kg OTA + 0.2% of MZ; E-IV group 0.25 mg/kg OTA + 0.2% of MZ. MZ group of hens was fed with standard diets containing 0.2% of the adsorbent (MZ). The control group of hens was fed with standard diet, without any addition of OTA or MZ. The present study showed that laying hens fed with 1 mg/kg of OTA (E-I), had a significant decrease (p<0.05) of all performance parameters during the trial, while group fed with 0.25 mg/kg OTA have shown no adverse effects on egg production and egg quality. Addition of modified clinoptilolite (0.2%) to the diet containing the OTA, minimized these effects bringing values not significantly different from the control diet for most of the parameters. These findings clearly indicate the protective potential of modified clinoptilolite against the toxic effects of OTA in laying hens