Ana Vukovic

Evaluation of different methods for determining growing degree-day thresholds in apricot cultivars

The aim of this study was to examine different methods for determining growing degree-day (GDD) threshold temperatures for two phenological stages (full bloom and harvest) and select the optimal thresholds for a greater number of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars grown in the Belgrade region. A 10-year data series were used to conduct the study. Several commonly used methods to determine the threshold temperatures from field observation were evaluated: (1) the least standard deviation in GDD; (2) the least standard deviation in days; (3) the least coefficient of variation in GDD; (4) regression coefficient; (5) the least standard deviation in days with a mean temperature above the threshold; (6) the least coefficient of variation in days with a mean temperature above the threshold; and (7) the smallest root mean square error between the observed and predicted number of days. In addition, two methods for calculating daily GDD, and two methods for calculating daily mean air temperatures were tested to emphasize the differences that can arise by different interpretations of basic GDD equation. The best agreement with observations was attained by method (7). The lower threshold temperature obtained by this method differed among cultivars from −5.6 to −1.7°C for full bloom, and from −0.5 to 6.6°C for harvest. However, the “Null” method (lower threshold set to 0°C) and “Fixed Value” method (lower threshold set to −2°C for full bloom and to 3°C for harvest) gave very good results. The limitations of the widely used method (1) and methods (5) and (6), which generally performed worst, are discussed in the paper.

Oxytocinase (CAP) activity in serum during normal pregnancy

Reference values for the activity of oxytocinase were determined in the sera of 371 women during normal pregnancy. An exponential relationship between enzyme activities and gestational age was found. The activity of oxytocinase (CAP) increased progressively from the beginning to the end of pregnancy. Statistical evaluation showed a significant difference between the 5th and 2nd months, as well as after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents in Serbia: prevalence and risk factors.

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in obese children and adolescents in Serbia. Subjects and methods: The study group consisted of 254 subjects (148 female and 106 male), aged 4.6–18.9 years with diet-induced obesity (body mass index ≥95th percentile). Presence of MS using the International Diabetes Federation definition was assessed in all subjects, as well as oral glucose tolerance test and insulin resistance indices. Results: Overall prevalence of MS in all subjects aged ≥10 years was 31.2%, namely, 28.7% in children aged 10 to <16 years and 40.5% in adolescents ≥16 years. When adjusted for age, gender and pubertal development, higher degree of obesity was a strong predictor of MS. Multivariate analysis showed that taller subjects and those with higher degree of insulin resistance were at significantly higher risk of MS, independent of the degree of obesity. Conclusions: High prevalence of MS emphasizes the need for prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

Activity of arylamidase in serum during normal pregnancy

SummaryReference values for the activity of arylamidase have been determined in sera of 371 women during normal pregnancy. An exponential relationship was found between enzyme activity and gestational age.

History of pharmacy in Jagodina district in Serbia

Sažetak: Cilj istraživanja je analiza i isticanje početka razvoja modernog apotekarstva koje je uticalo na razvoj zdravstvene svesti u Jagodini. Materijal i metod: istraživanje je po tipu opisno, korišćene su metode dokumentacione analize, desk analiza sekundarnih podataka i sinteza istorijskih činjenica. Posmatrani istorijski period je od XII veka do savremenog doba. Rezultati: Vlasnik prve apoteke u Srbiji u 19. veku (1813) bio je Anton Delini. Apotekar Đorđe Krstić je 22. avgusta 1852. godine otvorio prvu apoteku u Jagodini. Zaključak: Otvaranje prvih apoteka predstavljao je važan korak u oblasti razvoja zdravstvene kulture u Pomoravskom okrugu. Na taj način je omogućen razvoj farmacije i savremene medicine. Pioniri apotekarstva su ostavili veliki trag na socijalno-ekonomski i kulturološki razvoj sredine u kojoj su živeli i radili. Ključne reči: istorija, razvoj, fizikusi, apotekarstvo

Pediatric siMS score: A new, simple and accurate continuous metabolic syndrome score for everyday use in pediatrics

Background The dichotomous nature of the current definition of metabolic syndrome (MS) in youth results in loss of information. On the other hand, the calculation of continuous MS scores using standardized residuals in linear regression (Z scores) or factor scores of principal component analysis (PCA) is highly impractical for clinical use. Recently, a novel, easily calculated continuous MS score called siMS score was developed based on the IDF MS criteria for the adult population. Objective To develop a Pediatric siMS score (PsiMS), a modified continuous MS score for use in the obese youth, based on the original siMS score, while keeping the score as simple as possible and retaining high correlation with more complex scores. Subjects and methods The database consisted of clinical data on 153 obese (BMI ≥95th percentile) children and adolescents. Continuous MS scores were calculated using Z scores and PCA, as well as the original siMS score. Four variants of PsiMS score were developed in accordance with IDF criteria for MS in youth and correlation of these scores with PCA and Z score derived MS continuous scores was assessed. Results PsiMS score calculated using formula: (2xWaist/Height) + (Glucose(mmol/l)/5.6) + (triglycerides(mmol/l)/1.7) + (Systolic BP/130)—(HDL(mmol/l)/1.02) showed the highest correlation with most of the complex continuous scores (0.792–0.901). The original siMS score also showed high correlation with continuous MS scores. Conclusion PsiMS score represents a practical and accurate score for the evaluation of MS in the obese youth. The original siMS score should be used when evaluating large cohorts consisting of both adults and children.

Nanosynthesized calcium-silicate-based biomaterials in endodontic treatment of young permanent teeth

Calcium-silicate-based materials are used in many endodontic and oral-surgical procedures. The advantages of calcium-silicate-based materials are good apical sealing, setting in the presence of moisture, and acquiring high pH after mixing. However, these materials also have some disadvantages: low flowability, dry consistency, and long setting time. By applying nanotechnology during synthesis, very active calcium silicate, such as nanostructured mineral polyoxide carbonate aggregate, may be used to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and further enhance physical properties of the reaction mixture consisting of calcite and monoclinic bismuth oxide. Application of the sol–gel method for calcite production and combination of such a method with high-temperature, self-propagating synthesis of calcium silicates makes the strategy completely innovative. Materials based on nanostructured calcium silicates may represent effective therapeutic agents for root canal obturation, especially in the case of immature roots. The application of calcium-silicate-based materials may significantly decrease the duration of therapy, reduce the risk of tooth fractures, and overcome incomplete calcification problem.

After-Hours Versus Office-Hours Dental Injuries in Children Does Timing Influence Outcome?

Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes and factors associated with after-hours dental trauma. Methods. Study sample consisted of 1762 permanent teeth injuries in children, gender and age matched with office-hours injuries. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected from 4 university dental trauma centers. Results. During median follow-up time of 4.3 years, complications have occurred in 14.5% of injured teeth. Age, type, and degree of tissue injury and after-hours time of injury were significantly associated with complications. Unfavorable outcomes were 34% more likely in the after-hours group compared with office-hours. Urgent treatment was significantly delayed in after-hours group with a delay of more than 3 hours in 90.5% versus 38.9% in the office-hours group. Multivariate regression model showed that after-hours time of injury was significant predictor of complications. Conclusion. Delayed urgent treatment was one of the main factors associated with unfavorable outcome of after-hours injuries.

History of Dentistry in Central Serbia

Summary History of dentistry in the Central Serbian District of Jagodina has been influenced by traditional medicine for centuries. Development of dentistry in the region of Jagodina was slow, the level of oral and general hygiene was low and the sanitary prevention was absent. Trained physicians started to practice medicine and dentistry in the first half of the nineteenth century and they were educated in abroad universities. However, common people used to address to these physicians only when the traditional medicine were unable to help. Until the end of the World War II, common, mostly rural people, with the urgent dental treatment need were usually referred to the barbers, healers or empirics in the nearby villages rather than the dentists. Medications used for the urgent dental treatment were balsams and solutions made of herbs. After the World War II, the dental technicians who finished special courses started to practice dentistry. In 1947 the Regional Dental Office in Jagodina was opened and in 1955 the first Doctor of Dental Medicine who graduated from the School of Dental Medicine of University of Belgrade was employed. Nowadays, the Department of Dentistry represents is an important and independent part of the Health Care Centre in Jagodina.