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Effects of eccentric- and concentric-based plyometric programmes on strength, speed and tensiomyography parameters of female athletes
No full textThe aim of the study was to examine the effects of eccentric- and concentric-based plyometric
programmes on the strength, speed, and tensiomyography (TMG) parameters of female athletes. The study included
twenty junior female participants from three different sports equally divided into two experimental groups of n =
10. Two plyometric programmes with contrasting designs were conducted for a period of six weeks, with sessions
held twice per week. The first plyometric programme (ECC-CON-G) was based on exercises with eccentric, and
the second (CONC-CON-G) with concentric contractions. TMG was used to evaluate neuromuscular performances
of six muscles of both legs – vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (SM),
gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM)) – and two strength and speed tests: countermovement
jump (CMJ), and sprint test at 10 m and 20 m. The results show that both groups had significant effects between
pre-post measurements in CMJ (Diff, ECC-CON-G = 9.02%, and CONC-CON-G = 5.59%, p < 0.05), at 10 m (Diff,
ECC-CON-G = 9.23%, and CONC-CON-G = 9.35%, p < 0.001), and 20 m (Diff, ECC-CON-G = 6.16%, and
CONC-CON-G = 5.35%, p < 0.001), and TMG parameters in ECC-CON-G (all 6 left leg muscles, and right leg-VL,
BF, GL, GM, p < 0.05), in CONC-CON-G (left leg-BF, SM, GL, GM, and right leg-VL, BF, GL, GM, p < 0.05). There
were significantly better effects in ECC-CON-G compared to CONC-CON-G for CMJ height and time, for only time
in 20 m sprint, and TMG parameters for left leg VL and VM, and right leg BF and GM. A plyometric programme
based on exercises with eccentric contractions proved more beneficial for strength, speed, and TMG parameters
in young female athletes compared to a programme based on concentric contraction
Thromboinflammatory Biomarkers in Lymphomas: Linking Inflammation to Thrombosis Risk
No full textThrombosis is a critical complication in lymphomas, driven by chronic inflammation. To observe this systemic mechanism, we evaluated inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil and monocyte activation, and platelet function in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), with and without thrombosis using ELISA and flow cytometry according to laboratory and clinical data. Interleukin-1β was elevated across lymphomas and inversely correlated with the Khorana score for venous thromboembolism, while increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was inversely associated with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) in thrombosis-associated lymphomas. Neutrophil activation was increased in DLBCL, while elevated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) biomarkers were inversely consistent with thrombosis and the ThroLy score. NETs were elevated in HL. Classical monocytes were increased in all lymphoma subtypes, with intermediate and tissue factor (TF)-carrying monocytes elevated in DLBCL and HL. Platelet activation was pronounced, with platelet–monocyte aggregates and platelet-associated TF elevated in DLBCL and FL but not HL. P-selectin was increased in lymphomas with thrombosis, aligned with Khorana and ThroLy scores, and reflected clinical stage while inversely correlating with IPI in non-thrombotic lymphomas. These findings highlight distinct thromboinflammatory mechanisms across lymphoma subtypes, providing insights into biomarkers for thrombosis risk and therapeutic targets in lymphoma management
Non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in Western Balkan
No full textIxodid ticks are present throughout the Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, with many species serving as vectors for pathogens of both veterinary and medical importance. We have conducted a thorough examination of existing literature, encompassing historical documents, to collect information on all documented non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens found in ticks, pets, farm animals and wild animals across the Western Balkan region. A comprehensive review was necessary due to the scarcity and scattered nature of available data from this area. The tick fauna in the Western Balkans consists of 32 species across five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. Various pathogens responsible for diseases in animals, including bacteria and parasites, have also been documented, many of which can cause important diseases and significant reductions in animal productivity. Initial efforts were directed towards pathogen surveillance and the characterisation of non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens, resulting in the identification of Theileria orientalis, Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma marginale in cattle, although significant gaps remain in the current research. Studies on small ruminants have been sparse, with confirmed cases of Anaplasma ovis and Babesia ovis in sheep, but no comprehensive and systematic research on pathogens in goats. In contrast, research on canine piroplasms has identified several species, including Babesia canis and Babesia vulpes. Studies on wild animals, however, have predominantly focused on wild canines and carnivores, with limited attention given to non-zoonotic pathogens. Notably, only one study has reported non-zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in artiodactyl species and wild felids. This review is a much needed overview of existing research on non-zoonotic tick-borne diseases in the Western Balkans, including the historical context, current data and research gaps. Given the significant impact of these diseases on animal health and productivity, as well as their potential biodiversity, further comprehensive studies and the establishment of national surveillance systems for tick-borne diseases are essential for a better understanding and mitigation of their impact
Diversification of Primary Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Populations at the Single-Cell Level Using Raman Spectroscopy
No full textAbstract. As a promising optical technique for application in biomedicine, Raman spectroscopy
has been used for stem cell analysis, whereby the largest number of studies was based on the
examination of the differentiation status of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) [1,2].
Namely, MSCs represent a diverse population of multipotent precursors that reside in many
tissues. They have been isolated from various tissues and organs including bone marrow,
adipose tissue, teeth, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, tendon, etc., and due to simple and non
invasive isolation procedures MSCs are considered a valuable alternative source for cell
replacement therapies. The main features of these cells are the ability to self-renew and the
differentiation into several types of mature cells such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes
under in vitro conditions. However, there is no precise marker that can be used to isolate and
characterize this cell population, which significantly hinders further progress in potential
application of these cells for therapeutic purposes. Therefore, our goal was to investigate the use
of Raman spectroscopy to characterize biochemical profile of MSCs at single-cell level. In this
study primary human MSCs derived from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) of five healthy pediatric
donors collected during allogenic transplantation were analyzed. By using standard biological
tests related to the MSCs features such as adherence, phenotype, clonogenicity, proliferation
rate, pluripotency and multilineage differentiation potential variations between these donors
were not detected. Raman spectroscopy analysis of MSCs at the single-cell level revealed a
similar biochemical background of the tested samples. However, following the extensive
principal component analysis (PCA), a clustering of MSCs populations was detected,
particularly when the samples were analyzed in pairs. Obtained results indicate that Raman
spectroscopy technique could provide valuable information for MSCs diversification and
contribute to MSCs characterization, consequently accelerating their application in cell therap
Znatno prisustvo parazita Toxoplasma gondii kod dnevnih ptica grabljivica u Srbiji
No full textToxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution, transmitted by
contaminated food or water. Infection, occasionally with lethal consequences, has been confirmed
in European wildlife. The principal transmission route or infection source attribution differs
depending on feeding and dwelling habits of the particular species, and it can either be from the
environment (by ingesting oocysts in water and soil), or via meat containing Toxoplasma gondii
tissue cysts. To examine the presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild birds, hearts of 30
individuals, comprising white storks (Ciconia ciconia, n=10), four owl species (Asio otus, n=8;
Athene noctua, n=1; Otus scops, n=3; Tyto alba, n=1), and four species of diurnal raptors (Accipiter
gentilis, n=1; Accipiter nissus, n=1; Buteo buteo, n=4; Falco tinnunculus, n=1) were analyzed.
Toxoplasma gondii DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) was detected in one white stork, in the only barn
owl (Tyto alba) sampled, in two common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and in the single common kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus). Overall, it was detected in 16.7% of samples: in 10% of white storks, 7.7%
owls, and 42.9% diurnal raptors. There is a clear dichotomy - low level of detection in the mainly
piscivorous storks and nocturnal raptors (owls) vs. a very high presence in diurnal birds of prey.
In addition to catching prey such as rodents, the latter group also feeds on carrion (common
buzzard – a known scavenger) and meat scraps if given the opportunity, which, along the study
results points to high availability of infected meat to birds of prey in Serbia
Exploring anthropometric, biochemistry and nutritional attributes in overweight and obese women: Insights from the Serbian cohort: A pilot study
No full textBackground: Anthropometric measurements (AMs), such as waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), are dominant indicators of overweight and obesity. Nevertheless, other AMs, such as waist-hip ratio, waist circumference and indices of visceral adiposity index (VAI), body mass fat index (BMFI), cardiometabolic index (CMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) are more significant and discriminatory than BMI in predicting cardiometabolic risk. Methods: This pilot study aimed to comprehensively investigate the anthropometric, biochemical and nutritional characteristics of a sample of overweight and obese women in Serbia, focusing on potential differences related to AM and its association with specific biochemical markers. Results: The final analytical sample consisted of 57 females (average age 37.16±7.27 years, range: 21-55 years). A strong positive correlation was observed between triglycerides (TG) and both the VAI (r=0.896, p<0.001) and the CMI (r=0.896, p<0.001), both with high statistical significance. Conversely, a strong negative correlation was found between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and both VAI (r=-0.601, p<0.001) and CMI (r=-0.566, p<0.001). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly positively correlated with both WtHR and BMFI: SBP and WtHR (r=0.343, p=0.009), SBP and BMFI (r=0.310, p=0.019), DBP and WtHR (r=0.368, p=0.005), and DBP and BMFI (r=0.377, p=0.004). The analysis of biochemical parameters indicated no significant differences between groups, except for TG levels, which were significantly higher in the obese group (p=0.045). Conclusions: Although the AMs of the subjects were significantly different, energy intake and macronutrient intake were not significantly different. We did not find significant differences in the intake of most vitamins or minerals between the groups. Additionally, there is inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as vitamin D, iron and selenium, which are critical for overall health. Both groups did not meet the recommended folate intake, which may increase the risk of fetal neural tube defects
Near-infrared Light-Driven Nanomotors: Toward Ballistic Transport of Medicaments Across the Cell Membrane
No full textThe influence of LED light on the development and antioxidant status of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) microgreens
No full textThe aim of the research was to examine the influence of different light treatments on the growth, phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of broccoli microgreens. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under LED (light-emitting diode) cold white, red and blue light and under fluorescent cold white light (control). The results showed that white and blue light treatments were the best for microgreen growth. Higher concentration of pigments was recorded in plants grown under LED light compared to those grown under FL (fluorescent lamp) light. The content of phenols and flavonoids had a positive and significant correlation with DPPH (2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidative capacity (r = 0.66 and r = 0.90, respectively). The first two principal components account for 97.92 % of the total variation of all observed traits in this trial. Based on the PCA (principal component analysis) results, it can be concluded that the traits total phenols content, carotenoid content, chlorophyll a and b content make up the largest share of variability in the obtained results and that the red light conditions were the most unfavourable for the content of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant potential
DNA Barcoding for Tracing Biodiversity in Mixed Crop Food Products: A Proof of Concept Within the BioValue Project
No full textIn a world of rapidly globalizing food markets, biodiversity, authenticity, and the safety of food products have become a universal concern. DNA barcoding is a widely used molecular-based method that can identify biological material and is used for the traceability of both raw materials and ingredients in processed food. In the present study, contacted within the framework of the BioValue Horizon Project, which promotes the role of agrobiodiversity in sustainable food systems, DNA barcoding using the ITS and rbcL markers was employed as a proof-of-concept approach to reveal the biodiversity and authenticity of ten commercial plant-based products. Following successful DNA amplification and sequencing using six products as a proof-of-concept, a diverse range of plant genera and species were identified, verifying biodiversity. A strong correlation between ITS and rbcL-based markers was demonstrated, supporting their combined use for reliable species-level biodiversity assessment. Finally, heat map analysis of label contents and sequencing-based genera identification confirmed high concordance between label claims and sequencing results in most cases, though undeclared species and absent labeled taxa were also detected, highlighting potential mislabeling or cross-contamination
Acute effects of half-marathon and aronia juice on lipid and hematological parameters, muscle function and oxidative status in male runners
No full textThe present cross-over study investigated whether a half-marathon race might impose changes in lipid profile, muscle function, haematological parameters, and oxidative status in 10 amateur male runners, and whether polyphenol-rich aronia juice may counteract these potential alterations. Subjects (age 30.8 ± 2.3 years) ran a simulated half-marathon race (21.1 km), after they had consumed breakfast with 200 mL of aronia juice/placebo at two occasions separated by one week. Blood samples were taken at baseline, 15 min, 1 h, and 24 h after the run. Results revealed significant increase in the levels of total, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides immediately after the run (by 6.97%, 9.23%, and 38.46%, respectively), which tended to return to the baseline values after 24 hours. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly after the race and started decreasing 24h after the race, still being 16.18% higher compared with the baseline. The run induced a marked increase in total number of leukocytes, and granulocytes, with eventual return to the baseline levels. The obtained results suggest that a half-marathon run is intense enough to cause lipid mobilization, muscle damage and compromise the immune response in recreational male runners. Acute aronia juice intake was not sufficient to attenuate the observed changes