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ZINGEL Zingel zingel (Linnaeus, 1766)
No full textVELIKI VRETENAR
Zingel zingel (Linnaeus, 1766)
ZINGEL
Zingel zingel (Linnaeus, 1766)Telo velikog vretenara je izduženo i vretenasto (Slika 133). Ima
širok trup, dugu pljosnatu glavu i usko repno stablo. Usta su mala,
subterminalna. Na obrazima nema krljušti. Telo je žuto-zelene do
zelene boje, sa nepravilnim vertikalno izduženim crnim mrljama
koje telu daju mramorast izgled. Trbuh je žućkast. Po ivici škržnog
pretpoklopca nalaze se sitne bodlje, a škržni poklopac na ivici ima
jednu veću bodlju. Osnova drugog leđnog peraja duža je od prvog.
Trbušna peraja su do 1,5 puta duža od grudnih. Trbušna i grudna
peraja blisko su postavljena. Repno stablo je umereno tanko i kraće
je od osnove drugog leđnog peraja. Peraja: D1 XII–XV; D2 II +
16–20 A I–II + 11–13. Broj krljušti u bočnoj liniji je 82–95. Može da
naraste do 49 cm standardne dužine tela (SL) (Kottelat & Freyhof,
2007).
The body of the zingel is elongated and spindle-shaped (Figure
133). It has a wide trunk, a long flat head and a slender caudal peduncle.
The mouth is small and subterminal. There are no scales on the
cheeks. The body is yellow-green to green, with irregular, vertically
elongated black spots that give the body a marbled appearance. The
belly is yellowish. There are small spines on the edge of the preoperculum,
while the operculum has one large spine on its edge. The base
of the second dorsal fin is longer than that of the first. The ventral
fins are up to 1.5 times longer than the pectoral fins. The ventral and
pectoral fins are close together. The caudal peduncle is moderately
slender and shorter than the base of the second dorsal fin. Fins: D1
XII–XV; D2 II + 16–20 A I–II + 11–13. The number of scales in the
lateral line is 82–95. It can reach up to 49 cm standard body length
(SL) (Kottelat & Freyhof, 2007)
Searching for the best fruit: Visualization of the spatial distribution of biomarker molecules in strawberry fruit (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.)
No full textThe fruit quality combines sensory (color, sweetness, acidity, aroma) and nutritional (antioxidants, vitamins, proteins) attributes. Certain bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, significantly contribute to the health and sensory properties of strawberries together with sugars and organic acids. Strawberry fruit, as a complex multicomponent matrix, is highly demanding from an analytical standpoint, thus sensitive and selective high-resolution method such as MS imaging is the method of choice for the investigation of different compounds and classes of compounds in various concentration ranges. The primary and secondary metabolites, as well as the biopolymer compounds, are considered basic biomarker categories in strawberry fruit. Using MS imaging, longitudinal and cross-sectional images of the strawberry fruit of cultivar 'Sandra', showed that a higher concentration of biomarkers is present primarily in the skin, than in the cortical and the pith tissue. Therefore, it seems that the outer part of the fruit body is particularly rich in various biomarkers. This state-of-the-art analytical technique allows the visualization of the local distribution of different biomarkers using a thin section of an intact fruit sample. The imaging results can help to distinguish high-quality strawberry cultivars, which could be particularly useful for the producers, but also essential for the consumers in the context of a healthier diet
Dietary supplementation with lyophilised strawberry fruit effectively mitigated metabolic disturbances associated with high-fat diet
No full textUnhealthy dietary habits, as a characteristic of a modern way of living, have been associated
with increased risks of developing metabolic diseases. Fruit consumption has been recognized as
an important dietary factor that could improve human health. Berry fruit consumption was shown
to mitigate the progression of metabolic diseases including obesity and insulin-resistance-related
disorders, due to the high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Strawberry (Fragaria ×
ananassa Duch.) fruits contain a high level of nutritional components including vitamins, miner
als, and small essential molecules such as choline, betaine, folate, fatty acids, and dietary fiber. In
addition, strawberries represent a valuable source of different bioactive polyphenolic compounds
(anthocyanins and flavonoids), with significant health and sensory properties. In this study, we
evaluated the effect of the newly introduced strawberry cultivar ‘Aprika’ supplemented in the form
of lyophilized powder, on obesity-related metabolic alterations in a mouse model of diet-induced
obesity. Study shows that high-fat diet induced hypertrophy of the visceral adipose tissue and
exacerbated adipose tissue inflammation. Morphometric analysis showed increased diameter and
area of the adipocytes, while strawberry consumption mitigated hypertrophy and reduced forma
tion of crown-like structures. High-fat diet reduced systemic insulin sensitivity, and disturbed insu
lin signalling in the liver and skeletal muscle while strawberry consumption ameliorated disturbed
insulin sensitivity associated with obesity. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with lyophilised
strawberries shows beneficial effects on visceral adipose tissue and improves insulin sensitivity in
a mouse model of diet-induced obesity
Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii (Chromista: Apicomplexa) in the blood of passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) in south-eastern Armenia
No full textToxoplasma gondii (Nicolle & Manceaux, 1908) is a highly prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite found globally in various bird and mammal species, including humans. Migratory birds play an important epidemiological role by facilitating the spread of pathogens, including T. gondii, to new regions. Armenia is particularly significant in this context being located at the crossroads of three global migration flyways; however, research on T. gondii infection in wild birds in this region has not been previously conducted. This study marks the first molecular detection of active T. gondii infection in the blood of wild birds, assessing the prevalence associated with the risk factors such as age, sex, migratory status, and feeding habits of birds. Research was carried out in the Megri Region of Syunik Province in 2013, 2014, and 2018 in the breeding season. The presence of parasite in 116 Passerines was determined using PCR with specific primers derived from the RE gene with mean prevalence of T. gondii in 12%. The highest infection rates were observed in Upcher’s Warbler, Hippolais languida (Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1833), at 36% (4 out of 11), Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Oenanthe melanoleuca (Guldenstadt, 1775), at 33% (2 out of 6), and Eastern Orphean Warbler, Curruca crassirostris (Bates, 1936), at 19% (5 out of 27). Long-distance migrants exhibited a higher frequency of T. gondii occurrence compared to resident birds (χ2 = 7.11, DF = 2, p = 0.029). The infection rates did not show a dependence on the sex or age of the birds. The relationship between infection and feeding behavior in local toxoplasmosis distribution remains unclear, necessitating further research with new methodologies, additional animal species, broader geographic coverage, and larger sample sizes
The origin of toxic elements, environmental risk and new methods on prediction of weathering processes: Case study of roadside soils (Highway E75, Vojvodina, Serbia)
No full textThis composite study presents detailed instructions on the applicability of the results of a sequential extraction method (SE), coupled with statistical analyses, a Secondary Phase Enrichment Factor (Kspef), risk assessment indices, and, for the first time, the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA). The study gives important data on the current risk of mobility of the elements and the methodology of appropriate measures before establishing an effective mitigation strategy and predicting the risk of mobility after changing environmental conditions, such as the harmful effects of ongoing climate change. The combination of techniques is used to assess the origin and contamination level of potentially toxic elements in the roadside agricultural soil impacted by traffic at Highway E75 (Serbia). The results show that B, Ni, Co, V, Ba, Cr, As, and Mo at most localities are of natural origin, sourced by a protracted decomposition of the geological matrix. Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, Sb, and Cd have natural and anthropogenic origins (traffic and agricultural activities). Ba has the highest bio/geoavailability and belongs to the group of elements with a higher environmental risk. Groups with a moderate environmental risk include the elements As, Cd, Co, Ni, and V. A moderate to high-risk level of contamination of the soils with Pb, Cu, Zn, Sb, and Hg is documented exclusively at particular localities. The results of SE, coupled with the CIA coefficient, are applicable to predict the processes of chemical alteration of the mineral components of soils, including evaluating a degree of natural soil contamination
Drought-disturbed nutrient cycling as a key limitation for spontaneous restoration: Study on metalliferous post-mining sites in Serbia
No full textSpontaneous restoration as an effective and cheap alternative might work on nontoxic post-mining substrates, while far less is known on its possibilities and bottlenecks on derelict land degraded by metal ore exploitation. Spontaneous establishment of vegetation on such land might last for centuries, with an outcome difficult to predict. Ecological engineering approaches nowadays focus on fostering pedogenic processes and modifying plant-soil interactions to initiate nutrient cycling, what is a pre-condition for ecosystem recovery. Revegetation is a crucial step on metalliferous post-mining land to increase content of soil organic carbon (SOC) and phytostabilize residual metals. This process is multiply constrained by several abiotic factors such as metal toxicity, nutrient deficiencies and imbalances, altered pH, and drought; the hierarchy of these constraints is not well understood. We shall present cases of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) post-mining land undergoing spontaneous recovery on a time- scale from decades to centuries. Joint analyses of soil and vegetation characteristics have shown that elimination of drought factor facilitates spontaneous regreening and the coupled nutrient cycling, despite the remaining high metal availability and low nutrient content
Characterization of Chestnut Tannins: Bioactive Compounds and Their Impact on Lamb Health
No full textThe objective of the present study was to characterize the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) tannin product, Farmatan Plus® (Tanin Sevnica d.d., Sevnica, Slovenia), and to subsequently examine its effects on the blood metabolic parameters of fattening lambs, particularly in relation to their health status. Thirty lambs were randomly divided into three treatment groups: a control group without added tannin and two groups that received 9.46 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet dry matter (DM) and 18.87 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet DM. Metabolic parameters such as contents of total protein, globulin, urea, and liver enzymes (AST and GGT) were measured over a trial period of 60 days to evaluate the effects of tannin supplementation. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of Farmatan Plus®, demonstrating its richness in bioactive compounds such as vescalin and castalagin. The results showed no significant adverse effects on lamb health, with all parameters remaining within normal physiological ranges (p > 0.05). These results support the safe inclusion of chestnut tannins in the diet of lambs and underline their potential as a functional feed additive that can positively influence the health and growth performance of ruminants
Spontaneous vegetation restoration on an abandoned ancient metal mine: Research in progress
No full textMining has been closely interwoven with human civilization, fostering both the economic
development and environmental degradation. Metal mining in particular has left a dire legacy of
destroyed vegetation and soils, with barren land severely constrained by metal toxicities, pH change and nutrient deficiencies. The residual metal availability might be high even two millennia after mine closure. Spontaneous restoration of such land occurs on a very long time-scale, with the outcome difficult to predict. Due to the strict legislation in the EU, such suitable research localities have become rather rare. To contribute to better understanding of the potentials and constraints of
spontaneous restoration, we have initiated a detailed survey of soil and vegetation on an exceptional model locality - an abandoned lead (Pb) mining complex dating back to the Roman period (ancient Kosmaj metal mines, Serbia). This complex was the pivotal center of Pb extraction and smelting of the Roman province of Upper Moesia in the period I-IV century AD, and has, according to the available geoarchaeological evidence, remained mostly untouched upon closure. The deposits of the Pb-rich smelting waste (a hill with a base of about 5 km2) are among the largest of a kind in Europe, with soil concentrations of DTPA-extractable Pb often over 1,000 mg kg-1, but no restoration undertaken so far. The research locality includes different vegetation physiognomies, from sparse pioneer stands to spontaneously developed Quercus cerris-Q. frainetto forests, but also tracts of still barren land
First evidence of silicon transport via phloem in plants: A germanium tracer study in cucumber
No full textOver the past two decades, significant progress has been made in understanding xylem silicon
(Si) transport, including the discovery of Lsi2 and Lsi3 transporters localized in the xylem parenchyma.
However, the possibility of Si transport via the phloem remains a subject of controversial
debate. Our previous study demonstrated that plants cannot distinguish between Si and their
chemical analog germanium (Ge). Therefore, in the present study, Ge was used as a tracer for possible
phloem transport of Si. Cucumber plants were grown hydroponically to the three-leaf stage
when 1 mM Ge(OH)₄ was applied to the second leaf. After 5 days of treatment, the plants were
divided into roots and leaves collected from seven positions (from the base to the youngest leaf
with apex). The samples were digested in a mixture of HNO₃, H₂O₂, and NaOH, and the Ge concentration
was determined by ICP-MS. The Ge concentrations in foliarly treated (+Ge) and untreated
(-Ge) plants were as follows: 575 and 45 ng g-1 in the roots, 1995 and 45 ng g-1 in the first leaf, 3139
and 29 ng g-1 in the fourth leaf, and 2955 and 30 ng g-1 in the seventh leaf with apex, respectively.
Considering that the transport of mineral elements from the shoot to the root (downward) and
from the developed leaves to the youngest developing leaf and apex (upward) is only possible via
the phloem, the significantly increased Ge concentrations in the roots and youngest developing
tissues provide clear evidence of Ge (and thus Si) phloem transport
Variability of morpho-anatomical traits of one-year-old Quercus sp. container seedlings
No full textIn the paper was investigated the variability of the morphological and anatomical traits of one-year-old seedlings of different species from the genus Quercus (Quercus robur L., Quercus petraea Matt. Liebl. and Quercus frainetto Ten.) cultivated in a plastic container Bosnaplast 18. The acorn was sown in November 2022, while the measurements of the studied elements were performed at the end of the growing season next year. In terms of morphological characteristics, the highest mean values of both researched parameters (root collar diameter and height) were recorded in Q. robur, followed by Q. frainetto, while the lowest mean values were found in Q. petraea. As for anatomical parameters, the following were analyzed: vessels width, the proportion of bark, pith and wood, as well as the participation of early- and latewood zones. Vessels width shows the least average values in Q. petraea, while no significant differences were recorded between Q. robur and Q. frainetto. The highest presence of wood, as well as the early zone within it, was found in Q. robur. The proportion of bark is a little bit higher in Q. frainetto compared to the other two species, while the pith proportion is significantly lower in Q. robur than in the other two species. Based on the obtained results, we can conclude that Q. robur seedlings show the best performance, before all from morphological point of view