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Effect of Heat-Assisted and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Methods on the Phenolic Profile and Biological Activity of Thymus vulgaris L. Extracts
No full textThis study compares the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained using heat-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), both optimized through response surface methodology (RSM), with the primary goal of maximizing the extraction of bioactive compounds from Thymus vulgaris L. Eight phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant. Depending on the selected conditions in each optimization, the concentration of this compound varied from 2.04 to 72.6 mg/g of extract for HAE and 0.73 to 73.5 mg/g of extract for UAE. The optimal conditions for each method that yielded the highest rosmarinic acid levels were as follows: for HAE, 27% ethanol at 91 °C for 121 min; and for UAE, 60 min at 500 W using 50% ethanol. The UAE-produced extract demonstrated superior antioxidant performance, particularly in inhibiting the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and oxidative haemolysis. Additionally, the extracts obtained using both optimized methodologies exhibited cytotoxic activity against five tumor cell lines and showed significant bactericidal and fungicidal effects against six bacterial and fungal strains. Overall, UAE proved more efficient as it enables the production of rosmarinic-acid-enriched extracts in less time, making them suitable as natural ingredients for industrial applications
Changes in lipid metabolism in the visceral rather than the subcutaneous adipose tissue depot attenuate metabolic disturbances in obesity-resistant mice fed a high-fat diet
No full textObesity is characterized by an enlargement of white adipose tissue caused by caloric excess. The depot-specific adaptation of white adipose tissue in individuals resistant to obesity despite a high-calorie diet is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Our aim was to characterize the metabolic and morphological state of obesity resistance and to investigate depot-specific changes in signaling pathways in epididymal visceral (eVAT) and inguinal subcutaneous (iSAT) white adipose tissue of C57BL/6J male mice on a high-fat diet (60 kcal% fats). After 14 weeks, the mice were categorized as obese (at least 30% higher body mass compared to the control group) or obesity-resistant (weight gain below 30%). Biochemical and morphological parameters, as well as histology, and signaling pathways involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity were investigated in eVAT and iSAT. The results showed unaltered body, total VAT and iSAT mass in obesity-resistant mice despite increased caloric intake. Leptin levels and glucose homeostasis were improved in these animals compared to the obese mice. In both eVAT and iSAT of the obesity-resistant mice, adipocyte size and lipolytic capacity were retained at control levels, while compared to the obese mice, preserved capacity for adipogenesis, improved local insulin sensitivity and the absence of inflammation were observed only in the eVAT. In conclusion, metabolic adaptation of eVAT rather than iSAT may have a substantial impact on the maintenance of the obesity-resistant phenotype with fewer metabolic complications, which could contribute to the improvement of existing obesity therapies
Chironomids in waterbody typology
No full textAnalizirali smo 75 lokaliteta sa 49 vodotoka kako bismo utvrdili da li postoje indikatorski taksoni za različite nadmorske visine i tipove vodnih tela. Identifikovano je ukupno 110 taksona hironomida iz pet potporodica, pri čemu su Prodiamesa olivacea, Rheocricotopus fuscipes i Cricotopus bicinctus najčešće prisutne vrste. Najmanji broj taksona zabeležen je u zajednicama prikupljenim iz vodotoka na nadmorskim visinama do 500 m, dok su najveće vrednosti primećene u malim planinskim rekama i potocima. Koristeći IndVal analizu identifikovali smo indikatorske taksone za različite nadmorske visine, kao i grupe taksona koje su tipične za različite tipove vodnih tela.We analysed 75 study sites from 49 watercourses to find out whether there are indicator taxa for different altitudes and waterbody type. A total of 110 chironomid taxa from five subfamilies were identified, with Prodiamesa olivacea, Rheocricotopus fuscipes and Cricotopus bicinctus being the most frequent species. The lowest number of taxa was found in communities collected in watercourses at altitudes up to 500 metres above sea level, while the highest values were observed in small mountain rivers and streams. Using IndVal analysis, we identified indicator taxa for different altitudes and groups of taxa typical of different waterbody types.Đukić A, editor. Conference proceedings: 54th Annual Conference of the Serbian Water Pollution Control Society: Water 2025 ; 2025 Jun 16-18; Kopaonik, Serbia. Belgrade: Serbian Water Pollution Control Society; 2025. p. 29-34
Environmental drivers of the diversity and distribution of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Balkan Peninsula
No full text1. Black flies (simuliids) are an ecologically and medically important group of cosmopolitan insects whose distribution is influenced by climate and landscape changes.This study aimed to analyse diversity, distribution and frequency of simuliid speciesin the Balkan Peninsula, investigating how their ecological patterns relate to bothregional geographic factors and local habitat characteristics. 2. Total of n = 40,733 larvae and pupae (45 taxa) were collected from 256 sites from 2010 to 2021. Localities were categorised by catchment basin, hydro-ecoregion and predefined watercourse types. Distribution, land use and diversity measures were analysed. Altitude and 19 bioclimatic variableswere included as continuous environmental predictors. 3. Simulium ornatum, S. reptans, S. variegatum and S. balcanicum were the most frequent. Overall species richness ranged from 1 to 8 taxa, influenced by bioclimatic factors and land use, with peak richness observed under moderate anthropogenic disturbance. Species replacement was a significant component of beta diversity. Altitude significantlyinfluenced assemblage composition. The key bioclimatic drivers included precipitationduring driest/warmest periods and mean temperature of the wettest quarter.4. Hierarchical clustering identified nine distinct simuliid assemblage groups, confirmingaltitudinal niche differentiation consistent with Rapoport’s elevational rule. Higher altitudesare dominated by the S. variegatum group and the genus Prosimulium, while subg.Wilhelmia was characteristic of lowland sites. Diversity distances between simuliidassemblageswere also correlatedwith geographic distances between sampling sites.5. This study provides a valuable baseline for understanding the complex spatial andenvironmental drivers of simuliid diversity in the Balkans, crucial for future ecologicaland conservation research.This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Đuknić J, Jovanović V, Marinković N, Raković M, Atanacković A, Paunović M, Popović N. Environmental drivers of the diversity and distribution of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Balkan Peninsula. in Insect Conservation and Diversity. 2025, which has been published in final form at [https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.70021]
A bridging thiocarbyne ligand in diiron(I) complexes enables unconventional isomerization pathways and structural diversity leading to potent cytotoxicity
No full textEight diiron(I) bis-cyclopentadienyl complexes with a bridging methylthiocarbyne ligand were prepared from the tris-carbonyl precursor [Fe2Cp2(CO)2(μ-CO)(μ-CSMe)]CF3SO3 (Cp = η5-C5H5) through the substitution of one or two terminal carbonyls with a variety of monodentate ligands including phosphanes/phosphite, alkyl/aryl isocyanides or iodide. All compounds were isolated in 57–84% yield and characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction in five representative cases. Their bonding, stereochemistry and isomerization processes were investigated by NMR and DFT techniques. The water solubility and octanol–water partition coefficient heavily depend on the different monodentate ligands. All cationic complexes displayed substantial inertness in aqueous and cell culture medium solutions at 37 °C over 24–48 h. Their cytotoxicity was assessed on a panel of human cancer cell lines (HCT 116, MCF-7 and A2780). Four compounds showed IC50 values down to the nanomolar range in colorectal, breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. The most potent compound, [Fe2Cp2(CO)(PPh3)(μ-CO)(μ-CSMe)]CF3SO3, revealed enhanced Fe accumulation and significant disruption of cell redox homeostasis in A2780 cells that resulted in caspase-independent apoptotic cell death. The six times higher sensitivity of A2780 cells in comparison to healthy fibroblasts (MRC-5) underlines the potential of this compound to preferably target cancer cells. Overall, the variation of monodentate ligands on a diiron(I) bis-cyclopentadienyl μ-thiocarbyne core represents a simple strategy to obtain robust compounds with tuneable physico-chemical properties and possibly also a remarkable anticancer activity
Data set of Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in soil and plant material, and photosynthetic efficiency (FV/Fm) of Tilia tomentosa Moench. in natural and urban sites
No full textLime trees are among the most commonly planted tree species in European countries, including Serbia, where they are frequently planted in green areas (parks and avenues) in Belgrade. In order to increase knowledge and assess the potential of silver lime (Tilia tomentosa Moench.), as a suitable tree for urban planting and for the phytoremediation of polluted urban soils, research was conducted at two locations in Belgrade, Bulevar Nikola Tesla (BNT) and Park Ušće (PU), as well as at Fruška Gora Mountain (FG), which served as the control site. At each location, we measured the photosynthetic efficiency (FV/Fm), and analyzed the concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the roots and leaves of silver lime trees, as well as associated soil at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–30 cm)
Valorization of Waste from Bell Pepper: Chemical Composition and Bioactive Potential
No full textAgri-food waste, especially in the fruit and vegetable sector, presents environmental and economic challenges. The bell pepper industry generates significant waste, offering potential for resource recovery within a circular economy. This study analyzed the nutritional and biochemical composition of waste from green, orange, and red bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) and evaluated the bioactive potential of hydroethanolic extracts from fruits, stalks, and seeds. Carbohydrates were the main macronutrients, followed by proteins and ashes. Fructose was dominant in orange and red peppers, while glucose prevailed in green peppers. Waste samples contained organic acids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, including oxalic and malic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, 22 bioactive phenolics, and 34 volatile compounds. Hydroethanolic extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with green bell pepper waste showing the highest levels. The extracts also exhibited antibacterial effects against Yersinia enterocolitica and Bacillus cereus and antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis. These findings highlight the potential of bell pepper waste as a rich source of bioactive compounds with applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Utilizing these by-products promotes sustainability, supports the circular economy, and addresses global waste challenges.This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12649-025-03395-w
Mitigating urban pollution: phytoremediation potential of Acer pseudoplatanus L. in Belgrade parks
No full textVegetation in urban environments plays a key role in mitigating the negative effects of
anthropogenic factors by regulating microclimate, reducing pollution and preserving
biodiversity. Urban ecosystems are exposed to various sources of pollution, soil compaction
and heat stress, highlighting the need for resilient plant species capable of retaining or removing
potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytoremediation
potential of Acer pseudoplatanus L. by determining the content and analysing the accumulation
and translocation B, Cu, Sr and Zn in leaves, roots and soil from three parks in Belgrade
(Zemunski Park, Blok 63, Topčiderski Park). The samples were wet-digested in closed vessels
and PTEs concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission
spectroscopy. The highest B content was found in the leaves of Blok 63 (252 mg kg-1), at
concentrations considered toxic to plant species. A. pseudoplatanus accumulated B efficiently
in the leaves (bioconcentration factor, BCF > 1), while the BCF values for Cu, Sr and Zn were
below 1, indicating a limited accumulation of these elements from the soil in the aerial organs.
The translocation factor (TF) was above 1 for all elements analysed, confirming efficient
transport from the roots to the leaves. These results suggest that this species has the potential
to phytoextract B while contributing to the stabilisation and internal redistribution of other
elements. Given its high adaptability to urban stressors and its ability to cope with PTEs, A.
pseudoplatanus is recommended for improving the ecological resilience of urban green spaces.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. 155
Synergistic Effect of Liraglutide and Strength–Endurance Exercise Training on Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism in Middle-Aged Male Rats
No full textGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and lifestyle interventions effectively treat overt obesity, but the benefits/risks of their combined early intervention during middle age remain unclear. This study investigated whether submaximal-dose liraglutide combined with strength–endurance training improves metabolic and liver health, focusing on hepatic oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Male Wistar rats (16 months old) received liraglutide (L; 0.186 mg/kg/day, s.c.), training (ladder climbing with weights, 3 times/week), both (L+E) or saline for control middle-aged (C) and young adults (CY; 3–4 months old) for 7 weeks (n = 8/group). Middle-aged rats exhibited age-related changes including higher body and visceral fat, increased hepatic and serum cholesterol, hepatic ALT and glutathione imbalance, and decreased soleus muscle (p < 0.05, vs. CY). Exercise increased hepatic glycogen and oxidative stress markers and downregulated lipogenic genes, consistent with liver adaptation to training. L+E synergistically reduced body and visceral fat, hepatic and serum triglycerides, and the triglyceride–glucose index, while reducing oxidative stress (p < 0.05 vs. E, C) and lipogenic gene expression (p < 0.05 vs. C), without affecting pancreas histopathology and function parameters, muscle mass or exercise load volume. In conclusion, submaximal liraglutide safely synergized with training to enhance metabolic health, improve hepatic redox balance and triglyceride metabolism in middle-aged rats, without mitigating cholesterol rise
Efficacy of fermented foods for the prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis
No full textVaginal function in healthy women is closely associated with a lactobacilli-dominated
microbiome. Among the most common conditions arising from dysbiosis are
bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). While the efficacy
of oral probiotics for the treatment of BV and VVC is well documented, the role
of consuming fermented foods remains underexplored. This systematic review
aims to present a systematic evaluation of the potential role of fermented foods
in the prevention and treatment of BV and VVC and establish the extant research
gap between the realm of the clinical sciences and the field of food science and
technology. For this purpose, under the guidance of COST Action CA20128—
Promoting Innovation of Fermented Foods (PIMENTO), a systematic literature
review was conducted in two phases. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases
were used for Phase I to analyze articles on human trials and observational studies
where the intervention/exposure involved oral consumption of fermented food. In
Phase II, a two-step search strategy was employed: (i) identifying microorganisms
with demonstrated clinical efficacy in managing BV and VVC, and (ii) reviewing food
science literature where these strains are utilized for fermentation. It was observed
that 87% of the food starter applications exploited only two of the 54 efficacious
strains identified through clinical studies, namely Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and
Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5. Findings underscore the potential of fermented
foods as carriers for beneficial microorganisms and their relevance in supporting
vaginal health. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay
between nutritional consumption of viable probiotic strains and their importance in immunomodulation, highlighting the need for more integrated research efforts across disciplines. Future research aimed at filling this gap will enable informed clinical decisions and dietary recommendations