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Green Extraction of Bioactives from Curcuma longa Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents: Unlocking Antioxidative, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, and Skin Depigmentation Potentials
No full textThis study evaluates the efficiency of 20 Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) formulations for extracting curcuminoids and other bioactive compounds from turmeric and emphasize their ability to preserve and enhance antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and skin depigmentation effects. The NADES formulations, prepared using choline chloride (ChCl) combined with sugars, carboxylic acids, glycerol, amino acids, urea, polyols, and betaine, were assessed for their extraction efficiency based on the total phenolic content and curcumin concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to characterize the synthesized NADES and confirm their chemical composition. Bioactivity evaluations included antioxidant assays (ABTS and DPPH), antidiabetic tests (α-amylase inhibition), antimicrobial assays, and skin depigmentation (tyrosinase inhibition). The results demonstrated that NADES significantly enhanced the extraction efficiency and bioactive properties of turmeric extracts compared to water as a conventional green solvent. NADES 18 (ChCl/1,2-propanediol/water 1:1:1) and NADES 19 (glycerol/betaine/water 1:1:3) exhibited the highest extraction yields, with curcumin concentrations of 30.73 ± 1.96 mg/g and 31.70 ± 2.02 mg/g, respectively, outperforming water (26.91 ± 1.72 mg/g), while NADES 17 (ChCl/1,2-propanediol/water 0.5:3:0.5:5) and NADES 20 (glycerol/lysine/water 1:1:3) exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity. Furthermore, NADES 14 (ChCl/lactic acid/water 1:2:5) demonstrated the strongest tyrosinase inhibition (98.7%), supporting its potential for skin-brightening applications, including notable α-amylase inhibition exceeding 90%. This study aligns with the principles of green chemistry, as NADES are effective and sustainable solvents for natural product extraction. The presenting benefits of improved extraction efficiency and enhanced bioactivities position NADES as a promising and eco-friendly approach for developing efficient bioactive compound extraction methodologies
Filling the gaps in the genetic diversity of Austropotamobius torrentium (Astacidae, Decapoda) from one of the few unexplored hot spots
No full textRecent molecular analyses of the stone crayfish have revealed a high degree of genetic
diversity. The greatest diversity is found in the western Balkans (Dinarides), where more than half of the
known phylogroups exist in a relatively small geographical area, some of them having smaller distribution
range than the others. While the Croatian and Slovenian parts of the Austropotamobius torrentium areal are
well described, data from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA) are lacking. Here we provide data from 13 different
localities in the northwestern parts of BA. We analysed two mtDNA markers and the results revealed high
genetic diversity with a total of 12 MT-COI and nine MT-16SrRNA haplotypes, with the majority of novel
haplotypes. Both genes confirmed the presence of two known phylogroups and the discovery of a new group
named VOJ. The CSE phylogroup was the most widespread and restricted to the Vrbas basin. The first
detection of the BAN phylogroup in BA indicates its wider distribution and connects previously isolated
findings from Croatia. The discovery of 18 unique haplotypes as well as a new phylogroup is of particular
interest, but further studies are needed to clarify their exact relationship to other lineages
Structure and Functional Characteristics of Novel Polyurethane/Ferrite Nanocomposites with Antioxidant Properties and Improved Biocompatibility for Vascular Graft Development
No full textNovel ferrite/polyurethane nanocomposites were synthesized using the in situ polymerization method after the addition of different spinel nanoferrite particles (copper, zinc, and copper-zinc) and examined as potential coatings for medical devices and implants in vascular tissue engineering. The influence of the nanoferrite type on the structure and functional characteristics of the polyurethane composites was investigated by FTIR, SWAXS, AFM, TGA, DSC, nanoindentation, swelling behavior, water contact angle, and water absorption measurements. Biocompatibility was evaluated by examining the cytotoxicity and adhesion of human endothelial cells and fibroblasts onto prepared composites and performing a protein adsorption test. The antioxidant activity was detected by UV-VIS spectroscopy using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Embedding the different types of nanoparticles in the polyurethane matrix increased phase mixing, swelling ability, and DPPH scavenging, decreased surface roughness, and differently affected the stiffness of the prepared materials. The composite with zinc ferrite showed improved mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, cell adhesion, and antioxidant activity with similar thermal stability, but lower surface roughness and crosslinking density compared to the pristine polyurethane matrix. The in vitro biocompatibility evaluation demonstrates that all nanocomposites are non-toxic, exhibit good hemocompatibility, and promote cell adhesion, and recommends their use as biocompatible materials for the development of coatings for vascular implants
Beyond sexual maturity: Importance of dietary changes in venom variation in Vipera ammodytes
No full textIdentifying individual age and size is crucial in venom research to understand potential phenotypic changes. When studying venom ontogeny, juveniles and adults are often determined by size at sexual maturity. However, in gape-limited predators such as snakes, venom shifts may occur earlier, coinciding with an increase in jaw size that allows the intake of larger prey. This study explored venom variation in Vipera ammodytes along the snout-vent length (SVL), linking these changes to dietary shifts and reproductive status. A total of 57 venom samples from two populations were analysed using chip electrophoresis (CE) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Individuals were categorised into three groups: immature individuals feeding on lizards (440 mm). Significant venom composition changes around 300 mm SVL were observed, aligning with a dietary shift marked by increased mammalian prey intake and preceding sexual maturity. This finding highlights the need to use SVL as a metric for accurate venom analysis along ontogeny. Our results indicate that when pooling venom samples is necessary, allocating individuals to age categories should be based on dietary shifts rather than sexual maturity. Additionally, CE and MALDI-TOF MS proved effective in detecting ontogenetic venom changes, offering a fast and affordable approach to venom profiling. This study emphasises the importance of integrating natural history data in venom studies to better understand the ecological and evolutionary drivers of venom adaptation
Morpho-Physiological Traits and Flammability of Bark in a Post-Fire Black Pine Population
No full textPinus nigra Arnold, which is naturally widespread in mountainous and Mediterranean ecosystems, is a key species for reforestation due to its ecological and economic value. As climate change and changing fire regimes increase the wildfire risk, understanding its fire resilience has become critical. In this study, the morpho-physiological traits (thickness, roughness, moisture content) and flammability characteristics (ignition, heat release, mass loss, as determined in laboratory flammability tests) of the bark of P. nigra were investigated. The trees were selected based on their age (young vs. old) and fire exposure (burned vs. unburned). The bark thickness was significantly greater in older trees, while the bark moisture content was significantly lower in previously burned trees (p ≤ 0.05). The bark thickness correlated strongly with the ignition time, heat release, and mass loss. These results indicate that the age of the tree primarily affects the bark thickness and time to cambium death, while fire exposure primarily affects the bark moisture content, regardless of age. Understanding that the bark thickness and flammability play a key role in tree survival may aid in the selection of individuals or stand structures better suited to survive in fire-prone conditions and in the strategic planning of burns to reduce fuel loads without exceeding the mortality risk of younger or thinner-barked individuals
Diversity and composition of ichthyofauna in the Južna Morava river basin (Serbia)
No full textThe Južna Morava is a typical meandering barbel river with a fast current and stony bottom. The
fish community of the region was historically native, but some non-native species have been
recorded recently. In September 2024, ichthyological research was conducted at 15 sites in the
Južna Morava catchment (10 on the main river, 5 on tributaries). Fish were sampled along 100–
200 m transects using electrofishing, covering different habitats to record all species present. The
catchment was divided into three geomorphological sections: upstream valley, gorge and
downstream valley. Simpson’s diversity index was high in all sections of the Južna Morava (0.83
in first and third, 0.74 in second section), while tributaries showed wider variation, from 0.07
(Džepska river) to 0.83 (Veternica river). Abundance–biomass comparison (ABC) curves
indicated predominantly stable fish communities, with moderate stress at the Dobrotin, Mrtvica,
and Bujanovac sites, and a highly stressed community in the Džepska River. In total, 2,822
individuals from 24 species and 11 families were recorded, indicating a high richness and
abundance of the community. Sixteen species are nationally protected, including seven strictly
protected. The fauna was mostly autochthonous (83 %), with four allochthonous species: Lepomis
gibbosus, Carassius gibelio, Neogobius fluviatilis and Pseudorasbora parva. The most widespread
and abundant species were Barbus balcanicus and Squalius cephalus, present at all sites. Other
common species included Rhodeus amarus, Alburnoides bipunctatus, Gobio gobio, Alburnus
alburnus, Barbus barbus and Chondrostoma nasus. These results emphasise the ecological
importance of the Južna Morava catchment for the conservation of native fish diversity and
highlight the need for continuous monitoring and protection of both the river and its tributaries.Milošević Malidžan D, Mrdak D, editors. Book of abstracts : 3rd Southeast European Ichthyological Conference (SEEIC); 2025 Oct 8-11; Bar, Montenegro. Podgorica: Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Department of Biology; 2025. p, 31
Milestone for the ENLIGHT project: Dataset on physiological stress response in larvae
No full textThis data set is a milestone of the WP2 work package of the Development under artificial light at night. Biological impact of light pollution on amphibians (ENLIGHT) project number #11120 financed by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia. Data set contains measurements of physiological parameters in larvae of Triturus ivanbureschi, T. macedonicus and their hybrids exposed to LED artificial light at nigh
Assessment of Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Mayfly Assemblages Along the Course of a Large European River
No full textLarge rivers are complex freshwater systems with high habitat heterogeneity providing home and resources for numerous species. Even though they are considered biodiversity hotspots, our knowledge about the ecological requirements of inhabiting biota is still not sufficient. In this study, we investigated mayfly assemblages along the course of a large European river, Sava, with the main aim of identifying their taxonomic and functional diversity patterns along the river's course, as well as their relation
ship with environmental variables (water parameters and land use). A total of 29 mayfly species were recorded. We observed a downstream decreasing gradient in mayfly taxonomic assemblage metrics, influenced by habitat characteristics and anthropogenic pressures. Mayfly assemblages were highly determined by altitude, distance from the source and water parameters, such as temperature and conductivity. Higher taxa richness and abundance were recorded in colder upstream sections compared to
downstream ones, characterized by higher conductivity (and higher anthropogenic impact). However, functional diversity was comparable along the river's course, with distinct traits compensating for each other and maintaining overall functional complementarity. Despite the present human impacts, some rare and sensitive species, such as Ephoron virgo, were recorded in the lower section of the studied river, indicating its conservation value. Hence, our study highlights the need for conservation measures for
large rivers and the protection of the rare species they provide habitat for
Diagnostic Potential of CD44, CD133, and VDR in Epithelial Ovarian Tumors: Association with Histopathology Parameters
No full textCancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly contribute to heterogeneity, malignancy, and therapy resistance in ovarian cancer. Recent studies emphasize the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in regulating cell differentiation and stemness in various types of cancer. This study aims to determine the expression levels of CD44, CD133, and VDR in epithelial ovarian tumors (EOTs) and to compare these levels across different tumor types, including benign, atypical proliferative tumors, and five types of malignant phenotypes, in order to evaluate their potential as diagnostic tools for malignancy. Tissue samples from 218 patients diagnosed with EOT were analyzed. Clinical and histopathologic parameters were recorded. Quantitative immunohistochemical tissue microarray analysis was used to assess the expression levels of CD44, CD133, and VDR using two different scoring systems. Comparisons were made between benign tumors (n = 45), atypical proliferative tumors (n = 42), and ovarian carcinomas (n = 131), including high-grade serous (HGSC) and non-HGSC subtypes. Ovarian cancer, especially HGSC, showed a significantly higher expression of CD44 and VDR (p < 0.05) compared to atypical proliferative tumors and benign tumors. The expression of CD133 was highest in atypical proliferative tumors (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between CD44, CD133, and VDR in all groups, with significant correlations with tumor grade and FIGO stage in ovarian cancer (p < 0.05). The increased expression of CD44 and VDR in aggressive ovarian cancer, along with elevated CD133 levels in atypical proliferative tumors, highlights the complexity of tumor biology. These markers may serve as valuable targets for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer