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How the selection of organisms, approaches, and assays in biomonitoring affects the evaluation of genotoxic potential in aquatic environments
No full textAccording to our historical data and extensive experience in the field of aquatic
eco/genotoxicology, the design of experimental setups in environmental studies is crucial for
accurately interpreting field conditions and their effects on biota. The choice of organisms,
approaches, and assays significantly impacts the evaluation of genotoxic potential in aquatic
environments. Where possible, in situ and ex situ studies should be conducted in parallel,
utilizing both prokaryotic and eukaryotic models. This includes relevant cell lines, laboratory
animals, and animals collected from natural habitats, while adhering to the 3Rs principle
(Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). Water samples analyzed under in vitro conditions
show significant effects at highly polluted sites or in concentrated samples. For example, the
prokaryotic SOS/umuC test on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 demonstrates lower
sensitivity compared to eukaryotic cell models. Among animal models, zebrafish embryos have
shown high sensitivity when testing concentrated water samples, while animals collected from
the field exhibited greater sensitivity. When using animals from the field, it is essential to
consider their ecological preferences, lifestyle (sedentary or mobile), feeding habits (filterfeeding,
herbivorous, or predatory), and whether they are bottom dwellers or live in the middle
or upper parts of the water column. Our studies indicate that comet and micronucleus assays
are sensitive enough to distinguish polluted sites and have high potential for early warning
monitoring, as DNA damage is an early response to environmental pollution. Thus, careful
selection of organisms, approaches, and assays is essential for accurately evaluating genotoxic
potential in aquatic environments
The genetic characterization of grapevines prospected in old Serbian vineyards reveals multiple relationships between traditional varieties of the Balkans
No full textSerbia preserves a high number of local grape varieties, which have been cultivated across the country for centuries. Now, these ancient varieties are in the spotlight, and there is a global trend towards their recovery and characterization because they can revitalize regional, national and international grape and wine sectors. In addition, their genetic study can be useful to find new pedigree relationships to reveal how local varietal assortment evolved over time. Here, the genetic characterization of 138 grapevines from old Serbian vineyards revealed 59 different genetic profiles, 49 of which were identified as grapevine varieties whose origin in the country could be linked to some major Serbian historical periods. Most of the genetic profiles found in this work arranged in a complex pedigree network that integrates numerous grapevine varieties from diverse Balkan countries, agreeing with an intense exchange of plant material among Balkan regions for centuries. This analysis identified some varieties as important founders of Balkan genetic resources, like ‘Alba Imputotato’, ‘Braghina Rosie’, ‘Coarna Alba’, and ‘Vulpea’. After deepening into their genealogy, these major direct founders might have ultimately derived from ‘Visparola’, an ancient variety of likely Balkan origin with a major founding role in some European regions. Our results also indicated the genetic singularity of the grapevine resources from the Balkans when compared to those from other relevant winemaking regions, supporting the interest of their detailed study to evaluate their oenological potential and for the eventual identification of useful traits to counteract current viticulture challenges
Strawberry cultivar 'Aprika' increases insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet obesity mice model
No full textThe main culprits in the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide are considered to be the frequent consumption of energy-dense, processed food, in combination with a sedentary lifestyle. Energy misbalance in the obese state disrupts lipid and glucose metabolism, leading to insulin resistance. Obesity is further associated with health problems, causing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The new approach to the prevention and management of obesity and associated diseases is the use of functional foods and their bioactive components. Polyphenols as naturally-occurring phytochemicals, can modulate physiological and molecular pathways involved in energy metabolism, by reducing oxidative stress, increasing β-oxidation, etc. 'Aprika' is a new cultivar with relatively high phenolic content compared to other strawberry varieties (Fragaria x ananassa, Duch.). Here, we investigated the effect of lyophilized 'Aprika' 5-days-a-week supplementation on pathology induced by the high-fat diet. Male mice C57BL/6J were on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks; by the end of the experiment, the HFD mice developed obesity (30% increase in body mass relative to control), followed by insulin resistance and increased liver fat accumulation. The food intake in energy (kcal) did not significantly differ among HFD groups, w/wo strawberries. However, relative to the HFD group, mice on HFD simultaneously supplemented with 'Aprika' had lower body mass. Importantly, strawberry supplementation resulted in increased insulin sensitivity, assessed by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin level in serum, as well as a lower liver lipid accumulation, investigated with histological stains Oil Red O and hematoxylin&eosin. The exact mechanisms by which these physiological phenomena occurred are under investigation. Previously, we showed 'Aprika' methanol extract causes activation of the AMPK-dependent mechanism of GLUT4 trafficking in vitro, and presumed increased glucose uptake. The in vivo model presented here further supports the hypothesis that introducing 'Aprika' strawberry cultivar into everyday diet can significantly reduce the HFD-obesity-induced pathological changes
Characterization of the antioxidant activity of Helichrysum arenarium leaf extract using EPR spectroscopy
No full textHelichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench, commonly known as dwarf everlast or immortelle, is a fascinating plant that has been cherished for centuries due to its various medicinal and aromatic properties. One of the most notable features of Helichrysum arenarium is its ability to thrive in harsh, rocky environments with poor soil quality and intense sunlight. The leaves of Helichrysum arenarium exhibit remarkable antioxidative activity, making them valuable in various therapeutic applications and as a potential source of natural antioxidants. This antioxidative activity is primarily attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other polyphenols found within the leaves [1]. However, there's no information available regarding the utilization of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in examinations of the antioxidant activity of H. arenarium.
In this study, we utilized supercritical CO2 extraction to obtain a polyphenol-rich extract from H. arenarium leaves. Supercritical CO2 extraction, recognized as a green technology, replaces traditional solvent-based methods, allowing for the isolation of plant compounds in their purest form without sample degradation [2]. To assess the extract's ability to scavenge free radical species (DPPH and hydroxyl radicals), EPR spectroscopy was employed due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, the spin-trapping technique was utilized to detect activity against short-lived hydroxyl radicals.
The results indicate that the extract obtained from H. arenarium leaves is an effective scavenger of free radicals. It demonstrated impressive specificity in neutralizing hydroxyl radicals (72.1%, compared to 26.6% for DPPH). This is particularly significant since hydroxyl radicals are known as the most reactive oxygen species with biological relevance and involvement in numerous pathologies. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic value of pomegranate peel in addressing oxidative stress-related medical conditions. Moreover, they prompt further exploration into its mechanism of action and potential use in pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products. Incorporating these leaves or their extracts into dietary supplements, skincare products, or functional foods may help bolster antioxidant defenses, promote health, and mitigate the effects of oxidative stress-related disorders
Transforming invasive non-native fish species into a valuable food resource
No full textThis study explores the potential of utilizing black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) removed from freshwater ecosystems for aquaculture fry production. Two rearing systems—cages and RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems)—were assessed, along with four different feed types. Chemical and fatty acid analyses, alongside growth performance and survival assessments of black bullhead meat were conducted. Mass removals occurred in two periods, 2018-2019 and 2020-2021, within Ponjavica Nature Park. During the first period, 20145 individuals were removed, of which 546 were reared. In the second period, 15921 individuals were removed, with 722 used for rearing. Results indicated adaptability to intensive fish production, with successful growth, high-protein diet acceptance, and resilience to high densities and stress. The cage system generally outperformed RAS in growth metrics, while RAS showed superior survival rates. Black bullhead demonstrated favorable
growth parameters and feed conversion efficiency and its meat had an optimal ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), advantageous for cardiovascular health, with higher PUFA levels observed in RAS and cage settings compared to controls. This research provides insights into yield efficiency for both rearing systems and highlights breeding challenges and the need for technological advancements. If viable, black bullhead production could enhance fish consumption while mitigating pest populations in native ecosystems. This study offers practical approaches for leveraging an invasive species as a food resource, presenting both ecological and economic benefits
Investigation of the spatial distribution of sodium in bread microstructure using X-ray, light and electron microscopy
No full textcardiovascular
diseases, stroke and premature death. Inhomogeneous sodium distribution using layering is a viable
way to reduce sodium in bread that normally contains a lot of sodium. Prevention of sodium migration during
production and storage is important for the function of this approach. Furthermore, the distribution of sodium
between starch and gluten influences their properties. The spatial distribution of sodium was investigated at high
resolution using combinations of X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM), scanning transmission X-ray microscopy
(STXM), light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEMEDX)
and image analysis. Reference breads and layered bread samples were baked with one salt-free layer and
one layer containing 3.6 wt% sodium chloride salt. The obtained results showed that the concentration of sodium
is higher in the starch phase than in the gluten phase and that sodium migrates across the layer interface from the
salt-containing to the salt-free layer. The ratios between the sodium concentration in the starch and gluten phases
were dependent on the sodium concentration across the interfaces. Furthermore, magnesium and phosphor
signals in bread yeast cells were observed using XFM
Properties of high-temperature proton conductors based on barium cerium indium oxide
Get PDFU okviru ove doktorske disertacije je ispitan uticaj koncentracije dopanta na svojstva BaCe1−xInxO3–δ (BCI, x = 0,05; 0,10; 0,15; 0,20; 0,25; 0,30; 0,35 i 0,40) kao protonskog provodnika. Struktura i fazni sastav sintetisanih prahova dobijenih metodom samosagorevanja su utvrđeni rendgenskom difrakcionom analizom, pri čemu je pokazano da prahovi sa ≥ 25 % (mol.) indijuma sadrže In2O3 kao sekundarnu fazu. Optimizacijom postupka sinterovanja je utvrđeno da je termički tretman na 1300 °C tokom 5 h optimalan za dobijanje guste neporozne keramike (98 % teorijske vrednosti). Mikrostruktura je analizirana skanirajućom elektronskom mikroskopijom (SEM). Povećanje temperature sinterovanja dovodi do nastanka većih zrna, dok povećanje koncentracije indijuma do 25 % (mol.) dovodi do porasta zrna, a iznad te koncentracije nema daljeg uticaja na veličinu zrna. Izlaganjem sinterovanog uzorka atmosferi CO2 tokom 5 h na 700 °C je pokazano da indijum u potpunosti suzbija degradaciju BaCeO3 već u koncentraciji od 15 % (mol.). Električnim merenjima u atmosferi vlažnog vodonika je utvrđeno da maksimalna ukupna provodljivost iznosi 5 × 10−3 S cm–1 na 700 °C za uzorak BaCe0,75In0,25O3–δ (BCI25), zbog čega je ovaj materijal odabran kao najbolji kandidat za elektrolit gorivne ćelije na bazi oksida u čvrstom stanju. Dobijena gorivna ćelija Ni-BaCe0,75In0,25O3−δ║BaCe0,75In0,25O3−δ║LSCF-BaCe0,75In0,25O3−δ (LSCF = lantan-stroncijum-kobalt-gvožđe-oksid, La0,8Sr0,2Co0,8Fe0,2O3) je pokazala maksimalnu gustinu izlazne snage od 264 mW cm–2 na 700 °C, koristeći vlažan vodonik kao gorivo. Ovakav rezultat ukazuje na stabilnost i funkcionalnost BCI25 kao elektrolita za gorivne ćelije.
Ispitivanjem električnih svojstava BCI25 u atmosferama različitog sastava je uočeno da dolazi do brze promene impedanse prilikom promene parcijalnog pritiska vodene pare, što čini ovaj materijal pogodnim za primenu kao visokotemperaturnog senzora vodene pare. Senzorska svojstva BCI25 u vidu poroznog filma i sinterovane keramike su ispitana u temperaturnom opsegu 250 °C – 700 °C. Film debljine 30 μm, napravljen od praha kalcinisanog na 1050 °C, je pokazao osetljivost uporedivu sa osetljivošću sinterovanog uzorka, ali sa značajno kraćim vremenom odziva i oporavka. Pokazalo se da je najbolja osetljivost senzora na temperaturi od 500 °C. Osetljivost filma se postepeno smanjivala sa smanjenjem parcijalnog pritiska vodene pare pH2O, ali je bila značajna i pri parcijalnom pritisku vodene pare od 200 Pa. Pad provodljivosti je zavisio logaritamski od parcijalnog pritiska vodene pare sa nagibom od 0,52 što je blisko tipičnoj vrednosti za protonski tip provođenja u tom temperaturnom opsegu. Posle nekoliko ciklusa, test ponovne upotrebe je pokazao skoro nepromenjen odnos između impedanse u suvoj i vlažnoj atmosferi (pH2O = 2,34 kPa), što je ukazalo na dobru stabilnost i osetljivost BCI25 kao potencijalnog visokotemperaturnog senzora vodene pare
In vivo femtosecond laser nanosurgery of the cell wall enabling patch-clamp measurements on filamentous fungi
Get PDFStudying the membrane physiology of filamentous fungi is key to understanding their interactions with the environment and crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for disease-causing pathogens. However, their plasma membrane has been inaccessible for a micron-sized patch-clamp pipette for pA current recordings due to the rigid chitinous cell wall. Here, we report the first femtosecond IR laser nanosurgery of the cell wall of the filamentous fungi, which enabled patch-clamp measurements on protoplasts released from hyphae. A reproducible and highly precise (diffraction-limited, submicron resolution) method for obtaining viable released protoplasts was developed. Protoplast release from the nanosurgery-generated incisions in the cell wall was achieved from different regions of the hyphae. The plasma membrane of the obtained protoplasts formed tight and high-resistance (GΩ) contacts with the recording pipette. The entire nanosurgical procedure followed by the patch-clamp technique could be completed in less than 1 hour. Compared to previous studies using heterologously expressed channels, this technique provides the opportunity to identify new ionic currents and to study the properties of the ion channels in the protoplasts of filamentous fungi in their native environment
CONCENTRATIONS OF PESTICIDES AND PCBs IN THREE CYPRINID FISH SPECIES FROM THE MEDJUVRSJE RESERVOIR
Get PDFTokom ihtioloških istraživanja na akumulaciji Međuvršje 2016. godine analiziran je sadržaj
4 vrste pesticida (aldrin, 4,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'-DDE) i 6 vrsta polihlorovanih
bifenila (PCB - 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180, kao i ukupni PCB) u mišićnom tkivu tri
ciprinidne vrste riba (klen, skobalj i bodorka) koje imaju ribolovni značaj i koriste se u
ljudskoj ishrani. Vrednosti svih analiziranih jedinjenja su bile ispod vresdnosti dozvoljenih
nacionalnom legislativom te se stoga može smatrati bezbedna konzumacija ovih vrsta riba.In 2016, during ichthyological research on the Medjuvršje reservoir, the content of 4 types
of pesticides (aldrin, 4,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'-DDE) and 6 types of polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB - 28, 52) were analyzed. , 101, 138, 153, 180, as well as total PCBs) in the
muscle tissue of three cyprinid fish species (chub, nase and roach) that have fishing
importance and are used in human nutrition. The values of all analyzed compounds were
below the values allowed by the national legislation, and therefore it can be considered safe
consumption of thesefish species
Small molecule, big impacts: Nano-nutrients for sustainable agriculture and food security
No full textHuman existence and the long-term viability of society depend on agriculture. Overuse of synthetic fertilizers results in increased contamination of the land, water, and atmosphere as well as financial constraints. In today’s modern agriculture, environmentally friendly technology is becoming more and more significant as a substitute for conventional fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Using nanotechnology, agricultural output can be improved in terms of quality, biological support, financial stability, and environmental safety. There is a lot of promise for the sustainable application of nano-fertilizers in crop productivity and soil fertility, with little or no negative environmental effects. In this context, the present review provided an overview of the benefits of using nano- fertilizers, its application and types. Mechanistic approach for increasing soil fertility and yield via nanofertilizers also described in detail. We concluded this article to compare the advantages of nanofertilizers over chemicals and nano-chemicals. Nonetheless, additional investigation is required to comprehend the effects and possible hazards of nanomaterials in the food production chai