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Introduction. In addition to good biological properties, biomaterials should also possess appropriate physical properties in order to provide stability and longevity at the place of application. The aim of this work was to evaluate physical properties of an experimental nanostructured material based on calcium aluminate (CAL) and calcium silicate (CS). Material and method. The research used nanostructured calcium aluminate synthesized by the hydrothermal solgel method from the individual components of calcium aluminate (CaO?Al2O3), calcite (CaCO3) and barium sulfate (BaSO4) as an X-ray contrast agent and calcium silicate (CS). The prepared material was placed in plastic molds with a diameter of 5 ? 0.1 mm and a height of 2 ? 0.1 mm. After setting time, the materials were left in an incubator at 37?C for 24 hours, and then they were removed from the mold and absorption and solubility of the materials was calculated. MTA (Angelus Londrina, Brazil) was used as a control material. Results. The lowest material solubility was recorded with MTA (0.255 mg/mm3), followed by calcium silicate (0.267 mg/mm3), and the highest with calcium aluminate (0.725 mg/mm3). The difference was statistically significant between calcium aluminate and MTA (p = 0.001901) and between calcium aluminate and calcium silicate (p = 0.002550). After 28 days in deionized water, the lowest water sorption was recorded with MTA (0.347 mg/mm3), followed by calcium silicate (0.357 mg/mm3), and the highest water sorption was measured with calcium aluminate (0.474 mg/mm3). Statistically significant differences were observed between calcium aluminate and MTA (p = 0.000283) and between calcium aluminate and calcium silicate (p = 0.001576). Conclusion. Material solubility and water absorption of calcium aluminate-based nanostructured material was significantly higher compared to calcium silicate (CS) and MTA.

Background/Aim. The fundamental objective of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in myocardial infarction is to provide early, complete, and sustained flow in the occluded artery that has led to myocardial ischemia or necrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive power of a combination of GRACE, SYNTAX I, and SYNTAX II scores in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and one-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) after primary PCI. Methods. The study included 400 patients who had their first acute myocardial infarction and underwent PCI. The patients were treated and followed for one year at the Clinical Hospital Center Zvezdara at the Department of Interventional Cardiology. By monitoring the defined clinical parameters, a comparative analysis of risk scores GRACE, SYNTAX I, and SYNTAX II was performed. Their sensitivity, specificity as well as predictive possibilities in predicting adverse outcomes were determined. Results. The incidence of MACE in our sample was 12.8%. Patients with STEMI entity had significantly higher values of GRACE, SYNTAX I, and SYNTAX II scores. The highest value for predicting the occurrence of MACE was shown by the SYNTAX II score (score value 29.3), with a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 76.8%. The GRACE score was a significant predictor of SYNTAX I and SYNTAX II scores. A two-way correlation was observed between the high score values of all three scores. Conclusion. The presented scores for the assessment of clinical and angiographic indicators showed good predictive power in assessing the outcome of adverse cardiovascular events in both clinical entities of acute myocardial infarction during one-year follow-up. By using the proposed scores to assess MACE, we can single out high-risk patients in order to prevent adverse events and reduce mortality. This suggests its suitability for clinical use in this patient population.

Background/Aim. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disorder. The effect of asthma drugs on oral health is still the subject of debate among researchers in dentistry. The aim of this study was t o e valuate dental status in asthmatic children and evaluate the possible effect of drugs treating asthma on dental health. Methods. Study participants were divided into two groups: the asthma (AG) and the non-asthma (NAG) group. Based on the symptoms of asthma and the possibility for effective control of the disease, the AG group was divided into two subgroups. The oral examination of the teeth was per-formed using a probe and mouth mirror under artificial light in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Saliva analysis was carried out by the GC Saliva-Check Buffer, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results. The study included 136 children aged 6 to 16 years (10.5 ? 3.3). The mean of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) of the children in the AG group (6.0 ? 4.0/3.3 ? 4.4) was higher than in the NAG group (4.8 ? 4.4/2.5 ? 3.4), but significant differences were not observed between the groups. Salivary pH values were found to be similar in both groups, but the quantity and buffering capacity of the stimulated saliva were found to be significantly lower in the AG group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion. Although the prevalence of dental caries in the AG group was similar to that of the NAG group in this study, decreased quantity and buffering capacity of the stimulated saliva in the A G group may contribute to higher values of dental caries in asthmatic children in the future.

Introduction. Hyperdontia or supernumerary teeth are excess number of teeth in comparison to normal dentition. The aim of this study was to present different variants of permanent supernumerary teeth, as well as their observation or elimination in order to prevent possible complications Case report. Six different cases of hyperdontia are presented in this paper. All hyperdontia cases were multidisciplinary evaluated and individual treatment protocols were applied. Already erupted supernumerary teeth were extracted without surgical intervention. Unerupted teeth were surgically removed or left for observation. Conclusion. Early and frequent dental check-ups are very important for children in order to detect possible dentition irregularities and thus timely start with appropriate therapy.

Introduction/Objective. The objective was to present the results and technical considerations from high-volume center when performing late open surgical conversion (LOSC) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) patients. Methods. This was a single center retrospective study. LOSC was performed whenever eventual endovascular reintervention failed, was not feasible due to hostile anatomy and unavailability of specific endograft materials, or when patient was hemodynamically unstable necessitating emergent surgery. Results. All previously implanted EVARs had bimodular configuration with suprarenal fixation. Total endograft explantation was performed in 40% of patients. Hospital mortality was 20%. Both patients who died had total endograft explantation with supraceliac clamp lasting more than 30 minutes. 30-day mortality was 30%, with one more patient who died from pulmonary embolism after hospital discharge and two hospital deaths were due to myocardial infarction. Conclusion. LOSC due to RAAA after previous EVAR carries greater mortality for the patient, suggesting multifactorial impacts on the outcome. The appropriate choice of surgical method and technical success are of ultimate importance, with total graft explantation having negative impact on patient?s survival.

Introduction. Due to its simplicity, sliding mechanism is very often used in clinical practice for post-extraction space closure, however, the efficiency of this method may be reduced due to friction and changes in the properties of the materials used in this method. The most commonly used methods of sliding mechanics are nickel titanium (NiTi) closed coil spring and elastic chain. The aim of this study was to analyze force degradation in the application of nickel titanium closed coil springs and elastic chains during post-extraction space closure within treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Material and Methods. The total sample in this study consisted of 78 post-extraction spaces in patients who were indicated for extraction of first premolars and treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Nickel titanium closed coil springs and elastic chains were used to close the post-extraction spaces. Post-extraction spaces were monitored for 6 months with follow up examinations every 4 weeks. Measurements of initial force, at the beginning of mechanism activation and residual force in the observation period were performed during control examinations. Results. Results of this research showed that with both methods of sliding mechanism there was a significant decrease in the observation period. When using NiTi closed coil springs, the value of average initial force at control examination was between 189.00-210.25 g, while residual was in the range of 117.56-133.50 g that NiTi closed coil springs kept an average 61.57% of initial force. The average initial force on the control examinations for elastic chains was between 184.5-205.38 g, while residual force was in range of 100.39-113.00 g, that elastic chains retained an average 53.41% of initial force. Conclusion. There was a significant force degradation between inspections, when sliding mechanics were applied. The loss of force between activation phases of NiTi closed coil springs was smaller compared to the forces produced by elastic chains.

Introduction/Objective. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of glaucoma and its subtypes in the population of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia, and provide the demographic and clinical analysis of glaucoma patients involved. Methods. Our study was designed as an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, monocentric, including all the patients with the address of residence within the city of Novi Sad, with clinically diagnosed glaucoma, at least in one eye, treated at the University Eye Clinic, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad. We analyzed the five-year prevalence of different types of glaucoma, together with the characteristics of visual field and risk factors in the form of coexisting diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. Results. Almost half of 3254 included patients (48.28%) were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and its prevalence in the total population of Novi Sad was estimated to be 0.46%. The prevalence of other glaucoma types was as follows: primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) 0.17%, secondary glaucoma 0.09%, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma 0.09%, normal-tension glaucoma 0.13%, pigmentary glaucoma 0.01%, and juvenile glaucoma 0.01%. In the population above 40 years of age, the prevalence of all glaucoma cases was 1.9%, while the prevalence of POAG was 0.93%, and the prevalence of PACG was 0.35%. Conclusion. Our study represents the first attempt to address the epidemiological problems of glaucoma in our region in a comprehensive, evidence-based way. The prevalence of various glaucoma types and observed age-specific prevalence trends were lower than those published by other authors involving comparable populations, and we offered several potential explanations for this in our paper.

Introduction/Objective. The objective of the study was to determine the difference in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in comparison to the healthy population and according to the progression of the disease. Methods. Four groups were formed among 120 patients: group without glaucoma, early, moderate POAG, and preperimetric glaucoma group. Visual field and optical coherent tomography were performed. Results. RNFL thickness value was found to be the highest in the inferior quadrant, the second highest in the superior one, the third highest in the nasal one, and the lowest value was found to be in the temporal quadrant. The highest average value of RNFL thickness was in the superior quadrant of the healthy group (124.3 ? 17.8 ?m), and the lowest one was in the temporal quadrant of the moderate group (46.5 ? 10.8 ?m). Other RNFL thickness values per quadrants among groups were distributed between these two endpoints. Mean value of peripapillary RNFL thickness (AvgThic) in patients with moderate POAG was lesser than in patients with early POAG, which, in turn, was lesser than that in the healthy subjects (59.6 ? 10.6 ?m vs. 73.4 ? 12.1 ?m vs. 105.5 ? 11.3 ?m). AvgThic in the preperimetric glaucoma group was 83.6 ? 9.2 ?m. Pearson correlation showed a high positive correlation between mean deviation values and the following parameters: AvgThic, S, I, Smax, Imax, Savg, Iavg. Receiver operating characteristic curves found that the parameter with the best diagnostic ability was AvgThic, with the area of 0.803 (< 0.0005), sensitivity of 67%, and specificity of 83.3%. Conclusion. Peripapillary RNFL thickness parameters AvgThic, S, I, Smax, Savg, Iavg, Imax have an excellent ability to discriminate between healthy eyes and eyes with POAG. The parameter with the highest specificity and sensitivity is AvgThic, which makes it the best for early detection and monitoring of POAG.

The paper first presents the calculation of the punching shear capacity of concentrically loaded reinforced concrete column footings according to the current Eurocode 2, which can be carried out in two ways: by conducting an iterative procedure and by a simplified procedure applying the diagrams. By using these procedures, the punching shear capacity calculation was performed for the footings examined within the experimental research of the authors of this study, as well as for the footings that were considered by experiments conducted by other authors. Based on the conducted analysis of the calculation results and experimentally recorded results, a modification of the expression of the current Eurocode 2 with regard to the calculation of the punching shear capacity of concentrically loaded RC column footings is proposed. The proposed modification more realistically takes into account the influence of compressive strength of concrete and the reinforcement ratio in the footing, so that its application provides the results of punching failure forces that are closer to the results recorded by experimental tests.

Introduction. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by pathologic microorganisms/periopathogens from oral biofilm. Standard periodontal therapy consists of scaling and root planing (SRP). Probiotics can be used as an adjunctive to standard periodontal therapy, since it is known that probiotics can modify pathogenic potential of biofilm by suppressing the colonization of periopathogens. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effect of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotic lozenges, probiotic mouthwash, as an adjuvant to SRP in the treatment of initial to moderate chronic periodontitis. Material and methods. Thirty patients with initial to moderate chronic periodontitis were recruited and monitored clinically at baseline (before SRP) and 60 days following SRP. All patients were randomly assigned to experimental group: SRP + probiotic (n = 15) and control group: SRP only (n = 15). The probiotic mouthwash was used twice a day for 60 days. Clinical parameters: the probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured at baseline and 60th day following SRP. Data were statistically analyzed using the one-way Anova test and SPSS 19 software (IMB Company, New York, U.S.). The Friedman and Mann Whitney tests were used as a post hoc test for intergroup analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. After 60 days of treatment, the clinical parameters PPD, CAL and BOP were significantly lower in both groups compared to the baseline. In the experimental group, the clinical parameters PPD, CAL and BOP were significantly reduced after 60 days of treatment compared to the initial measurements (p < 0.05). In the control group, statistically significant decrease after 60 days of treatment was recorded only for BOP parameter, while there was no statistically significant decrease of PPD and CAL values (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The results of the present study demonstrated clinical benefits of adjunctive use of probiotics to SRP in terms of pocket depth reduction in initial to moderate periodontal disease.

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Introduction. Olfactory groove meningiomas cause progressive compression of the frontal lobes with posterior projection towards the sella turcica. If large enough, these tumors may cause optic nerve compression and optic chiasm. The aim of this study was to determine whether optical coherence tomography, as a method that objectively measures the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer and retinal ganglion cell complex thickness, provides a realistic assessment of the postoperative visual outcome in chronic chiasmal compression caused by olfactory groove meningioma. Case Report. A 55-year-old woman presented with an eight month history of malaise, weakness, frontal headaches, anosmia, and blurred vision in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the endocranium revealed a large olfactory groove meningioma extending into the prechiasmal portion of the optic nerves and optic chiasm with a marked compressive effect. The mean preoperative retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was 65 ?m in the right eye and 63 ?m in the left eye. Ten months after surgery, the mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was 67 ?m in the right eye and 63 ?m in the left eye. The mean preoperative ganglion cell complex thickness was 57 ?m in the right eye, while it could not be measured in the left eye due to loss of fixation. Ten months after surgery, the mean ganglion cell complex thickness was 56 ?m in the right eye and 48 ?m in the left eye. The obtained values were significantly lower than the physiologic thickness values. Conclusion. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and ganglion cell complex thickness measured by optical coherence tomography represent a valid prognostic indicator of visual outcome and recovery after surgical decompression of the optic chiasm.

Introduction. When planning orthodontic treatment, it is sometimes necessary to apply the extraction of individual teeth, in order to achieve proper occlusion and an acceptable aesthetic appearance. Clinicians give the greatest advantage to elastic chains as a method for post-extraction space closure during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. When closing post-extraction spaces, it is necessary to measure them in order to adjust the treatment plan. One of the most acceptable methods is photogrammetry. The aim of this study was to analyze, using a photogrammetric method, the efficacy of post-extraction space closure with elastic chains during orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Material and Methods. The total sample in study consisted of 38 post-extraction spaces in 19 patients who were indicated for first premolars extraction and use of fixed orthodontic appliances in order to achieve treatment goal. Elastic chains were used to close post-extraction spaces. Post-extraction sites were monitored for 6 months with follow-up examinations every 4 weeks. Mechanisms were activated at controlled examinations, and measurements of the width of post-extraction spaces were performed by photogrammetry and digital caliper. Results. The results showed that average reduction of post-extraction space width was 1.00 mm per month by photogrammetric measurement, while the average values of measurements with a digital caliper were 1.02 mm. The average values were measured in six time intervals and a statistically significant change in average intervals of post-extraction spaces during 6 months was determined. Conclusion. The elastic chain has proven to be a very effective mechanism for closing post-extraction space, and photogrammetry as a simple and precise method for monitoring results of treatment. Since the difference in relation to measurements with a digital caliper is minimal, photogrammetry can be routinely applied in everyday practice.

The aim of the study was to analyse relationship between PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, traffic density and meteorological factors during the week with regular traffic regime and first week of COVID-19 lockdown in Novi Sad, Serbia. During the study period, which included working days and weekends, traffic emission contributions to PMs were also determined. Obtained results have shown higher PM, pressure and emission contribution values, lower temperature, relative humidity values, and lower traffic counts for all vehicle categories during the COVID-19 week. A positive correlation was detected only during the first week, between PM2.5 and passenger vehicles and lightweight trucks, as well as between PM10 and all categories of vehicles. Background PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were moderately correlated to total traffic during the first week as well. Very strong and moderate positive correlation was detected between PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and temperature during COVID-19 week. PM concentrations increased during COVID-19 week, but total traffic decreased by 68% on workdays and 22% on weekends, proving the impact of lockdown measures on traffic regime and intensity. Since relationship between PM2.5 and PM10 with different vehicle categories was confirmed only during first week, and PM and emission contribution concentrations were higher during COVID- 19 week, a secondary emission source of PM was strongly indicated. Very strong and strong positive correlations of PM2.5 and PM10 with temperature during COVID-19 week have confirmed lower temperature impact on PM concentrations and, consequently, increased impact of heating, as an emission source, due to lockdown measures and people staying at their homes.

Summary Introduction Tooth and other oral tissue damage can occur at any time of life. Traumatic extraction is a complex traumatic injury characterized by complete dislodgement of the tooth from its alveolus. The diagnosis of traumatically injured teeth includes X-rays and a detailed clinical examination. Case report A twelve-year-old boy reported at the dental clinic of the Faculty of Medicine due to the injury in the anterior maxillary region. It was a sport injury. The time elapsed since the accident was 2 hours and 20 minutes. According to the clinical examination and X-rays the diagnosis was: The teeth 11 and 21 – Complete traumatic dental avulsion and fracture; 22-Hypodontia and chin contusion and laceration. The teeth were brought in physiological solution. After applying local anesthetic, soft tissue was cleaned, the teeth positioned back in their alveoli and an immobilizing splint of fiberglass fibers placed. The patient was administered antibiotics and recommended tetanus prophylaxis. Seven days after the injury, teeth were treated endodontically. After one month, the immobilizing splint was removed. The tooth 21 was definitely obturated and composite buildups were done on both teeth. Calcium hydroxide dressing was left in the canal of the tooth 11. One month and 3 weeks after the injury, a fistula appeared above the tooth 11, and the treatment was finally completed after seven months. Conclusion Traumatic tooth injuries, of any kind, require urgent treatment as time loss usually reduces chances for successful treatment. One year after the injury, the patient had no symptoms and the result was functional and aesthetically acceptable.

Introduction/Objective. Since tibial shaft is a common location of opened and closed tibial fractures, it is very important to determine the best method of treating these fractures. Our objective was to assess whether the Ilizarov technique is appropriate in terms of complications, outcomes, and pain reduction in treatment of patients with tibial shaft fracture. Methods. Retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients with tibial shaft fracture treated with the Ilizarov technique in the period from January 2013 to June 2017 at the Banjica Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery, Belgrade, Serbia. Demographic and clinical data on patients were collected. Pain was assessed using visual analogue scale of pain. Two models of uni- and multi-variate linear regression analysis were performed. Results. The study showed that the overall rate of complications was low, and that hypertension, administration of antibiotics, and reoperation prolonged fixation. Also, severe fractures and longer procedure time delay mobilization. Significant reduction of pain was observed. Conclusion. The Ilizarov technique is a safe and reliable method in the treatment of patients with tibial shaft fractures and is followed by pain reduction, overall improvement of functioning, good outcomes, and is not commonly associated with complications.

Many of medicaments used historically in root canal treatment have been shown to be cytotoxic. Paraformaldehid agents (such as Toxavit and Depulpin) are used to devitalize inflamed pulp when local anesthesia is ineffective. The misuse of pulp devitalizing agents may cause damage to gingiva and alveolar bone. This case report demonstrates complications arising after application of paraformaldehyde containing paste, necrosis of the gingiva and alveolar cortical bone, which resulted in great loss of supporting bone. Surgical intervention was required wherein necrotic bone was removed and bone defect was filled with xenograft of bovine origin. After three months endodontic treatment was performed. After the treatment, the patient?s complaints were resolved. The use of paraformaldehyde-based agents during endodontic therapy requires special caution.

Summary Introduction Oral diseases during pregnancy are an important reason for enhanced dental care of this vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of oral health awareness among pregnant women and examine their oral hygiene habits, attitudes and behaviors in relation to the professional qualification. Material and methods The study was conducted in Foča, East Sarajevo, Bijeljina and Pale (Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). A total of 198 respondents voluntarily filled an anonymous survey, specially created for this research. Results In addition to toothbrush and toothpaste, 39.8% of pregnant women did not use any additional oral hygiene resources. When brushing their teeth, 60.1% of pregnant women had bleeding gums. Also, 54.1% of pregnant women visited dentist, while 34.3% did not. Obstetrician did not advise 69.7% of respondents that the should visit dentist during pregnancy. Furthermore, 80.8% of pregnant women thought that they were more susceptible to pregnancy caries, and 29.6% of them thought that caries is disease that cannot be prevented. Respondents with university education understood that minerals from the mother’s teeth were not lost during pregnancy, which was statistically significant compared to pregnant women with secondary education. Conclusion The level of oral health awareness of pregnant women is low. It is important that all women perform regular dental examination during pregnancy, as they will receive useful information from their dentist how to prevent oral diseases.

Background/Aim. Open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (ThAAAs) repair is a challenging mission. Total endovascular approach is performed at selected institutions in developing countries, however these are not generalizable. Hybrid procedures offer an alternative approach. The aim of this study was to present our results of the ThAAA hybrid treatment and a literature review. Methods. This is a retrospective study of all patients that underwent the hybrid ThAAA repair at our institution between January 2011 and January 2018. Hybrid ThAAA repair was done as a twostaged procedure – open visceral debranching followed by stent-graft placement (TEVAR). The following data from eligible studies were extracted and analyzed: first author, publication year, patient sample, 30-day/in-hospital mortality, permanent paraplegia rate, presence of endoleaks and graft patency after the follow-up period, overall survival and mean follow-up period. Results. Seven patients underwent the hybrid ThAAA repair at our institution. Neither intraoperative death nor technical failure due to TEVAR was observed. Mean follow-up rate after discharge was 51.71 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 14.67–88.74 months]. At the time of the follow-up, all bypasses were patent and no prosthesis migration was documented. After one year, a case of type Ib endoleak was identified and treated successfully. Twenty-five studies were eligible for the literature review. Primary technical success was 91.69% (95% CI: 85.34–97.24%). Mean percentage of permanent paraplegia was 5.27% (95% CI: 3.55–7.01%). Visceral graft patency during the mean follow-up of 27.54 months (95% CI: 17.41–37.66 months) was 94.5% (95% CI: 92.5–96.5%). Mean pooled percentage rate of overall endoleaks during the follow-up period was 16.72% (95% CI: 11.15–22.29%). Analysis revealed 15.32% (95% CI: 11.04–19.61%) of 30- day/in-hospital mortality and 65.98% (95% CI: 58.15– 73.81%) of overall survival after the follow-up period. Conclusion. Although thought as less invasive, the hybrid ThAAA repair is still associated with a considerable morbidity and mortality. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 175008]

Lateralization is one of the central questions in neurology, neuropsychology, and other related scientific disciplines. There has been very little change in the proportion of left-handers since the Upper Paleolithic Age about 10,000 years ago and it is estimated to be around 10%. As the history of human thinking has developed from superstition to science, the explanation of left-handedness transformed from “devil’s work” to neurological specificity. This paper presents this very interesting historical change by analyzing the data on left-handedness and the attitudes towards it in human societies from prehistory to today. Even in a relatively open-minded society, parents and teachers may encourage a left-handed child to switch to right-handedness to make their lives easier in a largely right-handed world. On the other hand, left-handedness is increasingly seen as a special gift, and left-handed people have started to favor themselves as more competent in relation to the right-handed people. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 41020, Grant no. 175078 and Grant no. 175067]

Introduction. The anterior and middle superior alveolar (AMSA) nerve block is an alternative technique of local anesthesia in the maxilla, unpredictably efficient for pulpal anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of the AMSA injection for pulpal anesthesia, using computer-controlled injection system or conventional syringe, and two local anesthetic solutions with or without adrenaline. Methods. The authors administered two AMSA injections during two separate appointments, utilizing the computer-controlled system and conventional syringe to 40 subjects, divided into two groups of 20 subjects each depending on the local anesthetic used. A pulp tester was used to test the achieved anesthesia of the central and lateral incisors, canine, first and second premolars, and the first molar in 10-minute cycles over a period of 60 minutes. Duration of anesthesia for all the mentioned teeth was also determined for both the anesthetic solutions and ways of application. Results. The AMSA injection with both types of equipment was successful, showing slow onset, satisfying intensity, and declining duration of pulpal anesthesia at the last two measurements. Local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor exhibited a significantly longer pulpal anesthesia. Conclusion. The AMSA nerve block could be recommended for achieving pulpal anesthesia of maxillary teeth from the region of the first incisor to the second premolar.

A cutting experiment was conducted to analyze the changes in the crude protein (CP) fraction content and in the estimated ruminal protein degradability of forage, obtained in conditions of simulated rotational spring grazing on permanent grassland. The field trial was conducted on permanent pasture during 2015 and included three cuttings as a simulated rotational spring grazing. For determination of protein degradability of pasture forage, the fractionation of the CP according to Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS v6.5) and the Streptomyces griseus protease assay were used. Relative to CP, no significant differences were found among cuts for ammonia N content (A1 fraction) and for protein fraction C which is completely unavailable to the animals. Values for soluble true protein (A2 fraction) and cell wall-associated protein, which is acid detergent soluble (B2), were significantly increased (p lt 0.05) while a significant reduction (p lt 0.05) of the moderately degradable protein (B1) content was determined during the growing season. The lower rumen degradable protein (RDP) content of grassland herbage was obtained in the second cut which was significant (p lt 0.05) according to the CNCPS procedure. Obtained high solubility and degradability of CP in pasture require adequate content of readily available carbohydrates in rations for grazing ruminants to provide efficient utilization of consumed protein. Istraživanje je obavljeno u cilju utvrđivanja promena u sadržaju frakcija sirovog proteina (SP) i ruminalne razgradivosti proteina zelene mase dobijene košenjem prirodnog travnjaka u uslovima koji su odgovarali rotacijskoj pregonskoj ispaši tokom prolećne sezone. Poljski ogled je izveden na permanentnom pašnjaku tokom proleća 2015. godine i uključivao je tri otkosa koji su odgovarali ciklusima ispaše. Za determinisanje razgradivosti proteina zelene mase, frakcionisanje sirovog proteina je obavljeno prema proceduri Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS v6.5), kao i primenom in vitro metode korišćenjem Streptomyces griseus proteaze. U odnosu na SP, nisu utvrđene značajne razlike između otkosa - ciklusa ispaše u pogledu sadržaja amonijačnog N (frakcija A1), kao i u pogledu sadržaja proteinske frakcije C, koja je potpuno nedostupna životinjama. Sadržaj rastvorljivog pravog proteina (frakcija A2) i proteina vezanog za ćelijski zid, koji je rastvorljiv u kiselom deterdžentu (frakcija B2) se značajno povećavao (p lt 0,05), dok se sadržaj umereno razgradive frakcije proteina (B1) značajno smanjivao (p lt 0,05) tokom prolećne sezone vegetacije. Najmanja vrednost za ruminalnu razgradivost i učešće RDP (protein razgradiv u rumenu) u SP zelene mase sa pašnjaka utvrđena je u drugom otkosu, a ova razlika je bila značajna (p lt 0,05) kada je ruminalna razgradivost proteina determinisana korišćenjem procedure CNCPS. Utvrđeno visoko učešće rastvorljive frakcije SP i visoka ruminalna razgradivost SP zelene mase sa pašnjaka ukazuju na potrebu podrobnijeg balansiranja obroka za preživare na paši u pogledu sadržaja lako razgradivih ugljenih hidrata, a u cilju obezbeđenja efikasnog iskorišćavanja konzumiranog proteina.

Particulate matter (PM) in air has been proven to be hazardous to human health. Here we focused on analysis of PM data we obtained from the same campaign which was presented in our previous study. Multivariate linear and random forest models were used for the calibration and analysis. In our linear regression model the inputs were PMs, temperature and humidity measured with low-cost sensors, and the target was the reference PM measurements obtained from SEPA in the same timeframe.

Background/Aim. Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is the most common peripheral artery aneurysm and second most common aneurysm following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Still, its incidence is rare and treatment non-standardized. Collection of data in multicenter registry could improve diagnosis and treatment. SerbVasc is newly established data collection collaboration among Serbian Vascular centers. The aim of this study was to assess common surgical practice in diagnosis and treatment of patients with PAA in Serbian hospitals. Methods. Serbian vascular centers that accepted invitation collected retrospectively data about operated patients for PAA in the period 2012-2018. Data regarding symptoms, preoperative diagnostics, vascular and endovascular techniques and postoperative results were collected. This data set was submitted to the VASCUNET international project of PAA for data analysis between the countries. The same data set was used for detailed analysis of contemporary treatment of PAA in six Serbian hospitals: Serbian Clinical Centre (SCC), Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute (CVID), Military Medical Academy (MMA), Clinical Center Novi Sad (CCNS), Clinical Centre Nis (CCN) and County Hospital Uzice (CHU). Results. In the period 2012-2018 in six Serbian hospitals data for 342 procedures due to PAA were collected in 329 (96.2%) men and only 13 (3.8%) women. Incidence of PAA repair was 6.8 operations/million inhabitants /year. Mean age of patients was 64.34 years (ranging from 29 to 87). Total of 223 (65.8%) elective procedures were performed. Amputation and hospital survival were considered as the main outcomes. Thrombosis was recorded in 110 (32.4%) of patients, as a cause for surgery and rupture in 5 patients. Mean diameter of aneurysm was 35.28 mm being larger for ruptured aneurysms (43.8 mm) in average. Both synthetic and vein grafts were used in elective and urgent procedures equally. Endovascular procedures were performed in 6 (1.8 %) cases. Conclusion. This study confirms importance of registry-based collection of data and their analysis. It showed that national incidence of PAA in Serbia is low and that well organized, even per institution based, screening algorithm should improve recognition of such patients and increase number of electively treated PAA. Education of vascular surgeons to use posterior approach could improve vascular healthcare.