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Phytoremediation potential of metallophytes in Europe: progress, enhancement strategies, and biomass utilisation
No full textPhytoremediation is a plant-driven process, widely regarded as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly in situ approach for remediating contaminated soil and water by taking up contaminants including potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In the last two decades, substantial research has focused on elucidating the mechanisms of phytoremediation and enhancing its efficiency, primarily through the identification of optimal plant species and the use of various amendments. Nevertheless, real-scale application of phytoremediation remains rare, and several critical questions need to be addressed, including selection of most effective species, improved effectiveness of phytoremediation process, and managing the safe utilisation of contaminated biomass. This review specifically focuses on phytoremediation of potentially toxic metals and metalloids in major metallophyte groups (wild herbaceous species, trees, and agricultural crops) recognizing the most efficient species for the anthropogenically influenced soils in Europe. It summarises the current state of knowledge regarding the use of respective plant species, highlighting the phytoremediation efficiency, critically examining existing and novel phytoremediation enhancement strategies and biomass utilisation pathways for each particular group. Future perspectives and research needed to refine the efficiency and economic viability of the phytoremediation process in Europe lay in better recognition of underlying physiological mechanism for metal stress tolerance, particularly
among the most effective species and genera, application of synergistic enhancing techniques for delineated group of metallophytes and development of sustainable and cost-effective biomass utilisation routes
Tolerance and Distribution of Thallium and Arsenic in Violets from Allchar
No full textThe abandoned Allchar mine in North Macedonia represents one of the largest thallium (Tl) deposits in the
world and is also characterized by extremely high arsenic (As) concentrations in the soil. Despite these highly
toxic conditions, the area supports a diverse flora, including several Viola species that are highly tolerant of the
harsh environment [1]. Viola arsenica, an endemic species of the Allchar area, and the widespread metallophyte,
V. tricolor subsp. macedonica, both of which have been shown to co-accumulate As and Tl, were studied to
understand the distribution of these elements in plant tissues using synchrotron μXRF analysis. To assess their
tolerance, seeds of both Viola species were grown and exposed to varying As and Tl concentrations for 30 days
(with concentrations up to 20 µM As and 50 µM Tl). After harvest, the plants were analyzed for elemental
composition, and hydrated specimens were examined with synchrotron μXRF to assess the distribution of As
and Tl at both the tissue and cellular levels. The results revealed that the leaves of both species were the primary
sites of As and Tl deposition, with particularly high concentrations near the stomata. Elevated Tl levels were
also detected in the epidermis and palisade tissue, whereas this pattern was not observed for As. In the roots,
the epidermal tissue played a key role in the localization of As and Tl in V. arsenica and of As in V. tricolor
subsp. macedonica, while the highest root Tl concentrations were found in the cortex. Synchrotron elemental
distribution maps of the experimentally grown plants not only revealed potential contamination in fieldcollected samples but also provided insight into the localization patterns of As and Tl, especially as their
concentrations increased during the experimental treatments.11th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology: ICSE2025; 2025 Jun 13-17; Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives; 2025. p. 152
Development and evaluation approach of soil quality in agricultural soils: Integrated system for a more reliable delineation of homogeneous management zones
No full textSoil quality (SQ) is of fundamental importance for sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and food security. This study presents an integrative methodological framework for the assessment of SQ by combining indicators of soil properties with environmental variables. In a case study in Mali Zvornik, Serbia, agricultural SQ was assessed using total data set (TDS) and minimum data set (MDS) methods, incorporating additive and weighted Soil Quality Indices (SQIa and SQIw). Spatial variations in SQ were analysed using Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) and Boosted Regression Trees (BRT), while Homogeneous Management Zones (HMZ) were identified using fuzzy c-means clustering. The study analysed 18 soil indicators and selected nine key indicators for the MDS through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Modeling was performed with 12 environmental variables, and the BRT model showed high predictive accuracy by achieving robust R2 values and low prediction errors (MAE and RMSE). Topographic and vegetation factors, especially elevation and NDVI, were identified as the most influential variables affecting spatial SQI patterns. Three distinct HMZs were delineated: a high quality zone suitable for intensive agriculture, a moderately productive zone requiring targeted interventions, and a low quality zone affected by erosion and nutrient deficiency. This research highlights the effectiveness of integrating advanced modeling techniques with environmental data for accurate SQ assessment. The results provide valuable insights for agroecological planning that supports sustainable land management and rural development
Structure and hormonal output of the adrenal gland after experimental estrogenization of male rats
No full textOrchidectomy and estrogenization of the male represent a procedure that is applicable in sex reassignment or in prostate cancer therapy. This approach has an influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and thus affects cardiovascular function and metabolism. We utilized orchidectomized rats to evaluate the effects of estradiol on the structure and hormonal output of the adrenal gland. Adult Wistar rats were divided into sham-operated (SO; n=7), orchidectomized (Orx; n=7), and estradiol-treated orchidectomized (Orx+E; n=7) groups. Estradiol-dipropionate (0.625 mg/kg b.m.) was administered subcutaneously for three weeks, while the SO and Orx groups received vehicle alone. Set objectives were achieved using histochemistry/immunohistochemistry, stereology, and immunoassays. In Orx+E rats, the hormonal milieu was characterized by decreased testosterone and increased ACTH, compared with the Orx group. Also, orchidectomy and estradiol treatment provoked a significant increase in adrenal cortex volume and volume of ZF per se, with increased cell and nuclei volumes in all three adrenocortical zones (ZG, ZF, and ZR), in comparison with Orx rats. Concentrations of aldosterone in blood, as well as corticosterone in blood and adrenal tissue were increased, while circulating DHEA was decreased (with increased immunoexpression of adrenocortical CYP 17 enzyme), all in Orx+E compared with Orx animals. The wide zonal distribution of VEGF and the pronounced blood supply within the ZF of Orx+E animals acted to support the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids. These results seem cautionary in the context of young male estrogenization, given the negative impact of high mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids on cardiovascular function and metabolism
Alterations in non-REM sleep and EEG spectra precede REM-sleep deficits in a model of synucleinopathy
No full textBackground
Sleep disturbances often precede motor symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Neuroinflammation is implicated in PD pathophysiology and may contribute to non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances. The Thy1-αSyn mouse model, overexpressing human alpha-synuclein (αSyn), mimics key aspects of PD and DLB, making it valuable for studying related sleep disturbances and neuroinflammatory changes.
Objective
To investigate early-stage alterations in sleep architecture, electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns, and neuroinflammation in Thy1-αSyn mice.
Methods
We used telemetric EEG/electromyography (EMG) with video surveillance to compare sleep patterns and EEG spectral power between 2.5- and 4.5-month-old male Thy1-αSyn transgenic mice and wild-type littermates. Neuroinflammation was assessed by examining microglial (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) activation in key sleep-regulating brain regions.
Results
Thy1-αSyn mice showed decreased resting wake time and increased non-REM sleep, with altered sleep bout frequency and length, indicating significant sleep architecture changes. Spectral analysis revealed a shift from higher to lower frequency bands, suggesting early neural circuitry disruptions due to αSyn overexpression. Significant microglial activation was observed at 3 months, with astrogliosis progressing by 5 months in key sleep-regulating regions, indicating that neuroinflammation may contribute to the observed sleep disturbances.
Conclusions
Early-stage Thy1-αSyn mice exhibit significant sleep architecture changes, EEG spectral shifts, and neuroinflammatory alterations. These findings suggest that neuroinflammation may play a role in the initial pathophysiological changes in PD and related synucleinopathies. Sleep, EEG, and neuroinflammatory changes could serve as early biomarkers for these diseases
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly of Nepeta rtanjensis Diklić & MIlojević Leaf Tissue
No full textAssembled transcriptome from paired-end RNA sequencing of Nepeta rtanjensis Diklić & MIlojević leaf tissue using Illumina HiSeq 2500, in FASTA format. The assembled transcripts have a mean GC content of 41.3%, an average contig length of 1114 bp, a median contig length of 670 bp, and an N50 of 1908 bp. Nepeta rtanjensis transcriptome data are a part of phyloNEPETOME data platform
Zinc hyperaccumulation in Cardamine waldsteinii from the Western Balkans: a field and synchrotron investigation
No full textBackground and aims
Zinc hyperaccumulation is a very rare phenomenon on nature known from only 20 taxa around the World, especially in the genus Noccaea (Brassicaceae). Cardamine waldsteinii is a recently discovered (hyper)accumulator of zinc from central Europe and the Balkans. This study aimed to determine the ability of zinc hyperaccumulation in wild populations of C. waldsteinii and to elucidate its internal distribution in plant organs and tissues.
Methods
Plant and associated soils samples from the native habitat of C. waldsteinii in the Western Balkans were collected and analysed to determine Zn accumulation. This was coupled with synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence elemental imaging, to elucidate the distribution of zinc in the plant organs.
Results
The results confirm that C. waldsteinii is a genuine zinc hyperaccumulator meeting all established criteria for hyperaccumulation. The endodermis and vascular bundles were the main sites of zinc localisation in the roots and in the stem, whereas in the leaves the marginal areas were the most zinc enriched.
Conclusions
We confirm the hyperaccumulation properties of C. waldsteinii in wild populations, whilst synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence elemental imaging reveal the zinc localisation patterns in organs and tissues. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive study of the genus Cardamine with the aim of discovering new metal/metalloid hyperaccumulator species
Phytochemical composition and antifungal activity of extracts from plum distillation waste against human pathogenic fungi
No full textFungal infections pose a significant risk to one's health. Due to a variety of infections and
illnesses, the growing and non-selective use of commercial therapies leads to an increase in
pathogenic microorganisms' resistance to synthetic antimicrobial medications. Creating novel,
eco-friendly techniques to extract bioactive substances from natural sources is crucial. Extracts
from plum distillation waste (PDW) following brandy distillation were assessed for their
antifungal and phytochemical qualities. The yield and phenolic quality of lyophilized PFW
examined in two distinct extraction techniques: heat-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasoundassisted extraction (UAE). UHPLC-QToF-MS analysis used to ascertain the phytochemical
makeup of two hydro-ethanolic extracts. The compounds p-hydroxybenzoic acid,
dihydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, naringenin, 4-OCoumaroylquinic acid, feruloylquinic acid, quercetin 3-O-hexoside, 1-O-caffeoylquinic acid,
and others were identified through chemical profiling of the extracts. The HAE method
produces coumaric acid hexoside, whereas the UAE extract solely contains luteolin. According
to the data, HAE extraction produced extracts with considerably greater yields than the UAE
approach (89.49 and 75.70%, respectively). Using a microdilution assay, the antifungal activity
assessed against three dermatomycetes and five Candida species. With minimal inhibitory
concentrations (MIC) between 0.50 and 2.00 mg/mL and minimal fungicidal concentrations
(MFC) between 1.00 and 8.00 mg/mL, both extracts demonstrated strong antifungal activity.
Candida dubliniensis has a MIC of 0.5 mg/mL and MFC of 1.00 mg/mL, making it the most
susceptible strain. This extracts represent a promising source of natural chemicals that have the
potential to inhibit the growth of some significant pathogenic fungus.Golub D, editor. Book of asbtracts: V Symposium of biologists and ecologists of Republic of Srpska SBERS2025; 2025 Nov 13-25; Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Banja Luka: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Banja Luka; 2025. p. 118
New achievements in tissue culture of the vegetable and medicinal brassica Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC: Axillary shoot proliferation, somatic embryogenesis and histological analysis, and polyphenolic compounds profile of in vitro and acclimatized plants
No full textWild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC) is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, but also for its value as an oil, pasture and beekeeping crop. Biotechnological approaches are essential to respond to the new challenges in breeding, as conventional breeding methods have proven insufficient for further improvements. The aim of this study was to develop a shoot regeneration and propagation protocol for D. tenuifolia and to investigate its metabolic profile. Optimal shoot multiplication was achieved using Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 0.2 mg l-1 6-BA, yielding 3.04 shoots per explant. IBA 0.5 mg l-1 promoted shoot rooting and acclimatization (80 %) in the greenhouse. Somatic embryogenesis was developed for the first time using immature zygotic embryos (IZE) cultured on MS medium without plant growth regulators (PGR-free) with an embryo-forming capacity of 3.3. Histological observation revealed that the somatic embryos (SEs) have unicellular or multicellular origin and passed through the globular, heart, torpedo and cotyledon stages. PGR-free and MS media supplemented with low doses of cytokinins 6-BA or KIN were satisfactory for both SE germination into plants and secondary SE regeneration. SE-derived plants survived efficiently when transplanted into the soil. The entire SE process from IZE isolation to flowering of the acclimatized plants took a total of 24 weeks. LC/MS analysis revealed that in vitro cultured shoots contained a broader spectrum and higher amount of bioactive polyphenols, especially the selected clone SR1 obtained from the super-regenerative IZE. These results can shorten the breeding process through targeted selection, large-scale propagation and maintenance of desirable clones, but also form the basis for breeding through advanced biotechnological strategies
Polyphenol profile and antioxidant activity of Salvia pratensis L. aqueous extracts: A rich source of rosmarinic acid and its derivatives for medicinal and dietary use
No full textThis study presents a comparative phenolic profiling and antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts of the
aerial parts (SPA) and root (SPR) of Salvia pratensis L. (meadow sage), collected in central Serbia. The
leaves and flowers of meadow sage as aromatic ingredients have traditionally been used in cooking and
as a tea to treat abdominal pains or skin diseases [1]. Both extracts were rich in phenolic compounds,
but SPA possessed higher total phenolic content (239.66 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (87.68 mg
QUE/g) compared to SPR (195.06 mg GAE/g and 26.65 mg QUE/g, respectively). Using UHPLC–MS
Orbitrap analysis, a total of 51 phenolic acids and 27 flavonoids were identified in the extracts.
Hydroxycinnamic acids, particularly rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acids K, A, C1, and lithospermic acid,
are dominant compounds in both extracts. Although most hydroxycinnamic acids were more abundant
in SPR, SPA contained a higher amount of rosmarinic acid. Moreover, SPA exhibited greater diversity
and abundance of flavonoid glycosides, especially derivatives of luteolin and apigenin, with 18
glycosides identified compared with only six flavonoid compounds in SPR. Antioxidant activity was
assessed using DPPH•
and ABTS•
Ά radical scavenging assays. SPA demonstrated stronger antioxidant
potential [1], with ICΐ values of 101.18 μg/mL (DPPH) and 42.62 μg/mL (ABTS), compared to SPR
with ICΐ values of 130.19 μg/mL and 192.44 μg/mL, respectively. The lower antioxidant activity of SPR
correlates with its lower total phenolic and flavonoid content. This is the first comprehensive study on
aqueous extracts of S. pratensis using UHPLC–MS. The results highlight that S. pratensis aqueous
extracts, corresponding to herbal infusions, the most consumed form of herbal preparations in humans,
may represent a significant source of rosmarinic acid, its derivatives, and antioxidants. Furthermore, the
aerial parts appear to be a more promising source of bioactive compounds and antioxidants than the
root.Popović-Đorđević J, Kostić A, editors. Book of Abstracts: 3rd European Symposium on Phytochemicals in Medicine and Food (3-EuSPMF); 2025 Jul 1-4; Belgrade, Serbia. Belgrade: University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture; 2025. p. 97