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Ecogenotoxicology in the Joint Danube Surveys (JDSs) – summary of activities in the past surveys and plans for the upcoming JDS5
No full textThe Joint Danube Surveys (JDSs) are expeditions organised by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River each 6 years starting from 2001. The key purpose of JDSs is to gather vital data on carefully selected elements of water quality across the entire length of the Danube River and its major tributaries. These expeditions harmonise water monitoring
practices across the Danube countries, following the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) committing Member States to achieve good water quality. Additionally, surveys provide an opportunity as a platform for testing new and advanced methodologies and approaches. Our group participated in JDS3 and JDS4 with an ecogenotoxicological program customised for each survey. In JDS3 (2013), we applied a passive monitoring program using comet assay in the haemolymph of freshwater mussels (Unio sp. and Sinonodonta woodiana) and the blood of freshwater fish (Alburnus alburnus) as sentinel organisms. We have processed 34 sites along
the river and the results indicated the presence of genotoxic potential in the stretch of the river affected by untreated wastewater. In JDS4 (2019), we tested the efficacy of genotoxicological endpoints as one of the lines of evidence (LoEs) in the in situ assessment of pollution effects in freshwater ecosystems using A. alburnus as a bioindicator species. Additional LoEs used in the study were: component-based methods relying on water quality data, effect-based methods employing in vitro genotoxicological analyses of water extracts and field-derived species inventories to assess and indicate ecological status/potential based on national and JDS4
data. For the JDS5, scheduled for summer 2024, we have developed a program combining active and passive biomonitoring approaches to provide additional insight into the efficiency of the methodologies used
Influence of alkylthio and arylthio derivatives of tert-butylquinone on the induction of DNA damage in a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2)
No full textThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tert-butylquinone (TBQ) and its alkylthio and arylthio derivatives on DNA in vitro, using acellular and cellular test systems. Direct interaction with DNA was studied using the plasmid pUC19. Cytotoxic (MTS assay) and genotoxic (comet assay and γH2AX focus assays) effects, and their influence on the cell cycle were studied in the HepG2 cell line. Our results show that TBQ and its derivatives did not directly interact with DNA. The strongest cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cells was observed for the derivative 2-tert-butyl-5,6-(ethylenedithio)-1,4-benzoquinone (IC50 64.68 and 55.64 μM at 24-h and 48-h treatment, respectively). The tested derivatives did not significantly influence the cell cycle distribution in the exposed cellular populations. However, all derivatives showed a genotoxic activity stronger than that of TBQ in the comet assay, with 2-tert-butyl-5,6-(ethylenedithio)-1,4-benzoquinone producing the strongest effect. The same derivative also induced DNA double-strand breaks in the γH2AX focus assay
SERBIAN TOMATO PRODUCTION GROSS MARGIN ANALYSIS: ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF OPEN-FIELD VS. GREENHOUSE
No full textThe tomato production sector in Serbia is increasingly shifting towards greenhouse
cultivation. This study evaluates the economic viability and sustainability of both open-field
and greenhouse tomato production through a comprehensive gross margin analysis, while also
considering environmental and food safety implications. Data from 211 tomato farms over
four years (2020-2023) showed that greenhouse production achieved significantly higher
gross margins (32,227 €/ha) compared to open-field cultivation (24,098 €/ha). In 2023,
greenhouse production's gross margin was 44,749 €/ha, while open-field was 15,231 €/ha.
However, the economic advantage of greenhouse production is partially offset by
environmental concerns, particularly microplastic pollution from greenhouse materials, with
mitigation costs ranging from 430 to 850 €/ha annually. Additionally, food safety issues arise
from pest and disease management, requiring improved pest management strategies to prevent
pest outbreaks and ensure compliance with maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides.
This research provides a holistic assessment of tomato production systems in Serbia,
integrating economic, environmental, and food safety considerations. The findings suggest
that while greenhouse production offers superior economic returns, its long-term
sustainability hinges on addressing environmental concerns and optimizing pest management.
Future research should focus on developing sustainable greenhouse materials, improving pest
management strategies, and conducting long-term profitability analyses that account for fixed
costs and environmental impacts. These insights are valuable for policymakers, farmers, and
researchers in the agricultural sector
The Structural and Microstructural Properties of Indium Doped Barium Stannate Ceramics
No full textMaterials with proton-type conductivity have proven to be suitable candidates for making electrolytes in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) since the activation energy for the conduction of protons is significantly lower than the activation energy for the conduction of oxygen ions [1-3]. Many studies show that a wide range of ceramic compounds with a predominant protonic conductivity are perovskite-type materials with the general formula ABO3 [1-3]. The most used proton-conducting electrolytes in the IT-SOFCs are pure or doped barium cerate (BaCeO3) and barium zirconate (BaZrO3) [1-3].
Recently, barium stannate (BaSnO3, BSO) has attracted special attention because of its unique properties, such as an ideal cubic crystal lattice, stable phase composition up to 1000 °C, good thermal and chemical stability in different atmospheres, high proton conductivity, easy preparation methods, and non-toxicity. Owing to these properties, BSO could be a good candidate for the electrolyte material in IT-SOFC [2, 3]. Its proton conductivity can be improved by doping with indium [3]. On the other hand, it is possible to obtain dense BSO-based ceramic samples by conventional sintering at temperatures in the range of 1500 ºC to 1600 ºC with the addition of sintering aids (CuO, ZnO, NiO) [3] or using an innovative low-temperature sintering technique such as cold sintering, which enables full densification of the sample at temperatures lower than 300 ºC for short sintering time [4].
In this work, we investigated the synthesis and preparation of the BaSn1-xInxO3, BSIO, (xIn = 0.00; 0.05; 0.10, and 0.125) ceramic samples using two different sintering techniques: conventional sintering and cold sintering. Having in mind that structural and microstructural properties directly affect the electrical properties of the final material and thus determine its application, the main part of this research is focused on examining the influence of sintering parameters on the structural and microstructural properties of BSIO-based ceramic samples. The sol-gel synthesis method was used to prepare the BSIO powders which were then calcined at 900 ºC for 4 h in air. After calcination, BSIO powders were sintered by: conventional sintering technique at 1500 ºC for 3 h using a sintering aid, 0.5 wt % CuO; and cold sintering technique at 300 ºC for 2 h using different types and amounts of the liquid phase.
The XRD analysis of BSIO calcined powders revealed the existence of single phase material, cubic BaSnO3 in the case of undoped and samples with 5 % In and 10 % In, while in the sample with 12.5 % was observed the presence of secondary phases, Ba4In2O7, SnO2, and BaCO3. FESEM and TEM analyses showed that the particles of all BSIO powders have a tendency to agglomerate and that doping with In decreased the particle size. The addition of CuO enabled the full-densification of the BSIO-based ceramic samples without incorporating them in the materials’ structure, while doping with In enabled better homogeneity in grain size distribution and significantly decreased grain siz
Germline-restricted chromosomes in three species of leaf warblers (genus Phylloscopus)
No full textThe discovery of extra chromosomes limited only to the germline was an unexpected and significant discovery in the genetics ofpasserine birds. Thus, a programmed deletion of DNA, in fact a small part of the genome, from all somatic cells was discovered. Consequently, at present, the study of meiosis, and especially meiotic karyotypes, is becoming an important part of the study of the genetics of any species. Our study presents karyotyping based on total preparation of spread preparation of synaptonemal complexes (SC-karyotyping) of males of three closely related species of warblers of the genus Phylloscopus: Ph. collybita menzbieri, Ph. sindianus lorenzii, Ph. nitidus. Our study presents karyotyping based on the total preparation of synaptonemal complexes, (spreaded nuclei of spermatocytes I, SC-karyotyping) from males of three closely related leaf warbler species: Phylloscopus collybita menzbieri, Ph. sindianus lorenzii, Ph. nitidus. Immunostaining with antibodies to SC associated proteins was carried out: SYCP3 - axial elements of chromosomes, ACA - centromere proteins, MLH1 - crossing-over sites. As a result of a detailed analysis of spread nuclei at the pachytene stage for three species, we determined the morphology of germline-restricted chromosomes (GRC). In two species Ph. collybita menzbieri and Ph. sindianus lorenzii GRCs are represented as very short univalents and ACA-stained chromatin territories. In Ph. nitidus, GRCs were manifested as long univalents with chromatin completely stained with ACA. We were able to visualize stage-specific changes in GRC morphology in this species. Thus, the three closely related studied species have significant differences in the size and morphological appearance of GRCs during meiotic prophase I. This species group may be a convenient model for studying GRC evolution and the problems of programmed DNA elimination
Dietary supplementation with liophilised strawberry improves insulin sensitivity and redox status in mouse model of diet induced obesity
Get PDFHealthy dietary habits with abundant fruit consumption may reduce prevalence and positively affect development and progression of various chronic diseases including obesity and insulin-resistance related diseases. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) represent a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, dietary fiber, and various bioactive polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study we evaluated the effect of newly introduced strawberry cultivar „Aprika” supplemented in the form of lyophilized powder, on obesity-related metabolic alterations in high-fat-diet fed mice. We hypothesized that chronic (8 weeks) supplementation of lyophilized strawberries in the amount comparable to two servings per day in humans, would ameliorate insulin resistance associated with obesity in C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, we hypothesized that strawberry meal consumed at 7PM i.e. before active feeding period of mice (which corresponds to early breakfast in humans) would induce more pronounced beneficial effects compared to meal consumed at 7AM i.e. at the end of the active feeding period (which corresponds to late dinner in humans). High fat diet induced hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance and obesity; and disturbed hepatic insulin signaling. Lyophilized strawberries, only when consumed before feeding period, reduced body weight gain and improved insulin sensitivity induced by high-fat diet (evidenced by lower area under the curve after an intraperitoneal GTT, reduced serum insulin levels and an insulin resistance index (IR-HOMA). Strawberry meals consumed after active feeding period had no such effect. However, strawberries, regardless of the time of consumption, restored protein level of Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) in the liver and increased hepatic antioxidant enzymes level. In conclusion, strawberries improve insulin sensitivity and raise hepatic antioxidant capacity in mouse model of diet induced obesity. Nevertheless, more beneficial effects were achieved when strawberries were consumed before active feeding period, as an early breakfas
In-Depth Characterization of Crown Gall Disease of Tobacco in Serbia
Get PDFIn August 2020, the unusual appearance of crown gall symptoms was observed on the
tobacco plants (hybrid PVH2310) grown in fields in the Golubinci (Srem district, Serbia) locality. The causal agent isolated from galls located on tobacco roots formed circular, convex, and glistening light blue colonies, and then dark to olive-green-colored bacterial colonies on a semi-selective D1 medium. Molecular analysis based on multiplex PCR and multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) using concatenated sequences of the atpD, dnaK, glnA, and rpoB genes as well as 16S rRNA identified Serbian tobacco isolates such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens (biovar 1). Two duplex PCR methods confirmed the presence of the virD2 and virC genes in tobacco isolates. Pathogenicity tests performed on carrot discs and squash fruits resulted in tumor/gall formation after 12 to 16 days post inoculation, respectively. Pathogenicity was also confirmed on tobacco plants, where isolates caused tumor development 21−25 days after inoculation. API 50 CH generated results regarding the biochemical features of the Serbian tobacco isolates. As A. tumefaciens (biovar 1) as a cause of tobacco crown gall has previously been documented solely in Japan, there is presently no data on its wider occurrence. Therefore, this first detailed investigation of A. tumefaciens isolated from naturally infected tobacco in Serbia will contribute to a better understanding of it at the global level
Distribution of trace elements in forest soils in the area of Northern Serbia
No full textThe research was conducted in the area of Northern Serbia. The lowland hygrophilous forests of Gornji Srem where pedunculate oak is the dominant tree species were studied. In the paper was investigated the content of essential and non-essential heavy metals (Cu, Zn, As, Mn, Co, Pb, Ni, Cd) on two different soil types: hydromorphic (fluvisol) and automorphic (chernozem). Three experimental plots were analyzed on each soil type. Soil loading with heavy metals was studied by soil horizons. Based on the obtained results, it was established that the concentrations of all elements are within the allowed concentrations, except for nickel (Ni), whose values on some experimental plots and horizons exceed the maximum allowed concentrations. Content of all investigated elements are higher on fluvisol, except for As, whose amount is similar on both soil types. The obtained results indicate that the loading of heavy metals in both soil types is within the allowed limits and there is no significant negative impact on the development and production characteristics of the forest ecosystems located in researched area
STRYMON SPIRLIN Alburnoides strymonicus Chichkoff, 1940
No full textTelo je bočno spljošteno i na poprečnom preseku ovalno (Slika 61). Boja tela je zelenkasto-smeđa, na leđima tamnija, a na trbuhu žućkasto- bela. Tamnosiva linija pruža se sredinom tela, od operkuluma do osnove repnog stabla (Porcellotti, n.d.c). Usta su terminalna, a njuška blago zašiljena (Barbieri et al., 2017). Peraja: D III + 8–10; A III + 11–13. Ima 8–10 krljušti između bočne linije i osnove leđnog peraja i 3–4 krljušti između bočne linije i osnove trbušnih peraja. Broj krljušti u bočnoj liniji je 44–48. Maksimalna zabeležena standardna dužina tela (SL) iznosi 8,3 cm (ibid.).The body is laterally flattened and oval in cross-section (Figure 61).
The colour of the body is greenish-brown, darker on the back and yellowish-
white on the belly. A dark grey line runs down the middle of the body
from the operculum to the base of the caudal peduncle (Porcellotti, n.d.c).
The mouth is terminal and the snout is slightly pointed (Barbieri et al.,
2017). Fins: D III + 8–10; A III + 11–13. There are 8–10 scale rows between
the lateral line and the dorsal fin origin and 3–4 scale rows between the
lateral line and the ventral fin origin. The number of lateral line scales is
44–48. The maximum recorded standard body length (SL) is 8.3 cm (ibid.)
Uptake of vanadium and its intracellular metabolism by Coprinellus truncorum mycelial biomass
Get PDFBACKGROUND
Fungi absorb and solubilize a broad spectrum of heavy metals such as vanadium (V), which makes them a main route of its entry into the biosphere. V as vanadate (V5+) is a potential medical agent due to its many metabolic actions such as interaction with phosphates in the cell, and especially its insulin-mimetic activity. Antidiabetic activity of V-enriched fungi has been studied in recent years, but the biological and chemical bases of vanadium action and status in fungi in general are poorly understood, with almost no information on edible fungi.
METHODS
This manuscript gives a deeper insight into the interaction of V5+ with Coprinellus truncorum, an edible autochthonous species widely distributed in Europe and North America. Vanadium uptake and accumulation as V5+ was studied by 51V NMR, while the reducing abilities of the mycelium were determined by EPR. 31P NMR was used to determine its effects on the metabolism of phosphate compounds, with particular focus on phosphate sugars identified using HPLC.
RESULTS
Vanadate enters the mycelium in monomeric form and shows no immediate detrimental effects on intracellular pH or polyphosphate (PPc) levels, even when applied at physiologically high concentrations (20 mM Na3VO4). Once absorbed, it is partially reduced to less toxic vanadyl (V4+) with notable unreduced portion, which leads to a large increase in phosphorylated sugar levels, especially glucose-1-phosphate (G1P) and fructose-6-phosphate (F6P).
CONCLUSIONS
Preservation of pH and especially PPc reflects maintenance of the energy status of the mycelium, i.e., its tolerance to high V5+ concentrations. Rise in G1P and F6P levels implies that the main targets of V5+ are most likely phosphoglucomutase and phosphoglucokinase(s), enzymes involved in early stages of G6P transformation in glycolysis and glycogen metabolism. This study recommends C. truncorum for further investigation as a potential antidiabetic agent