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Multilevel toxicity assessment of polypropylene microplastics and pyrene on mussels: DNA damage, oxidative stress, and physiological effects
No full textDespite extensive research on microplastic pollution, combined biological effects of microplastics and associated pollutants on marine invertebrates remain unclear. We present an integrative assessment of polypropylene (PP) and pyrene, individually and in co-exposure, in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to 1 mg L−1 PP (~40 μm) and 50 μg L−1 of pyrene for 7 and 14 days, representing a scenario relevant to highly polluted coastal areas. DNA damage increased significantly in mussels exposed to pyrene or PP alone, but remained at control levels under combined exposure, suggesting an interaction that may reduce genotoxic potential. Lipid peroxidation remained stable across treatments, despite significant changes in antioxidant enzymes. Catalase activity increased in pyrene and pyrene + PP treatments, with tissue-specific trends, indicating enhanced antioxidant protection. Glutathione S-transferase activity was stable in digestive glands but significantly inhibited in gills after seven days under PP exposure. ETS activity increased in pyrene-containing treatments after 14 days, reflecting elevated metabolic demand after prolonged exposure. Respiration rate declined under PP exposure. Heart rate recovery time after the hyposalinity test was the slowest in the pyrene + PP group, indicating compromised physiological resilience. These findings reveal interactive, tissue- and biomarker-specific effects of PP and pyrene. Their combination suggested attenuation of genotoxicity but enhanced physiological stress responses, highlighting the complexity of pollutant interactions and importance of evaluating multiple biomarkers, tissues and pollutants. Presented data provide the first ever biomarker-based evaluation of PP and pyrene co-exposure, offering novel insights into microplastic-pollutant interactions and potential ecological consequences for marine invertebrates
The Application of Recycled Jute Non-woven Material Loaded with Zinc Ions as Substrates for Plant Growth
No full textThe challenges posed by polluted effluents containing heavy metal ions and the increasing amounts of textile waste necessitate prompt action. In response to these environmental concerns, a non-woven sorbent made from jute fibers, recycled from the carpet industry, has been developed. To enhance the sorption capacity for Zn2+ ions, the jute fibers were modified with the biopolymer alginate. The successful application of the alginate coating on the jute fibers was proved through FTIR and FESEM analyses. The presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in alginate led to a 68% increase in sorption capacity. An increase in the initial concentration of ions, pH, and temperature was found to facilitate larger uptake of Zn2+ ions. To mitigate environmental risks associated with metal-saturated sorbents and accumulating textile waste, while addressing zinc deficiency in plants, the developed sorbents were evaluated as growth substrates for Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Setaria viridis (green bristlegrass), two economically important plant species. Jute waste-growth substrates coated with alginate and enriched with Zn can provide mechanical support, humidity, and a source of this essential micronutrient to plants during early growth stages. Optimization of Zn concentration in the growth substrate can lead to the elevated levels of Zn in plant tissues, but also to the increased content of valuable bioactive compounds. Thus, recycling highly biodegradable natural jute waste and reusing it as plant growth substrates can have profound effects on environmental protection and can also be beneficial to human nutrition and health
Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rats of both sexes
No full textMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, causing neuroinflammation, demyelination and subsequent neurodegeneration. It is predominantly diagnosed during the reproductive period, and it features certain sex differences that have been described in disease risk, symptom progression and overall severity of MS. For instance, women are at a higher risk of developing the disease, but men experience faster progression and a more neurodegenerative phenotype. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most commonly used animal model of MS. Similar to MS, this model displays some sex specificities, as well as changes in the function of neuroendocrine and endocrine systems. In this context, the EAE-related disruptions to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in Dark Agouti rats of both sexes have been studied in detail [1, 2, 3]. The current study investigates the effects of EAE on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in rats of both sexes.
The induction of EAE was performed in male and female 9-12-week-old Dark Agouti rats by active immunization, via an injection of spinal cord homogenate mixed with complete Freund’s adjuvant. The animals were monitored for 30 days for disease symptoms and were sacrificed at three stages of EAE: at the onset of symptoms (Onset), at the peak of the disease (Peak), and after recovery (End). Non-immunized, age-matched rats of both sexes served as Control animals. Female rats were sacrificed in the diestrus phase of the estrous cycle. Blood, hypothalamic tissue, the pituitary gland and adrenal glands were collected at sacrifice and processed for further analysis.
Active immunization resulted in a monophasic disease course in rats of both sexes. The first signs of EAE were registered earlier in females, while males exhibited a significantly higher maximal severity score. However, these sex-specificities did not affect the cumulative disease severity, which was similar between the sexes. The weight of the adrenal glands was significantly increased during EAE in both males and females, but adrenal volume was elevated only in males, which was also shown through the increase in the volume of the adrenal cortex at the peak of EAE. This was supported by an elevated number of Ki-67+ cells in the zona glomerulosa of the male adrenal cortex at the peak of EAE, which was more pronounced compared to females, suggesting a higher level of proliferation in this cortical region in males. Hypothalamic Crh was downregulated at the onset of the disease in rats of both sexes, while circulating levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone were significantly decreased only in males. In contrast, male rats exhibited elevated levels of serum and adrenal corticosterone during the symptomatic phase of the disease. Circulating and adrenal levels of progesterone, a precursor of corticosterone, were also elevated in males, while testicular levels of this hormone were decreased during EAE, confirming that the increase in circulating progesterone in male rats stems from the adrenal glands. The observed increase in adrenal activity was also characterized by elevated levels of StAR protein in the adrenal glands of both males and females; however, protein levels of the 3β-HSD enzyme, responsible for progesterone synthesis, were increased only in the male adrenals, corroborating the increased adrenal and serum progesterone levels in males. These results suggest that the HPA axis is affected by the course of EAE in Dark Agouti rats of both sexes, but a sex-specific response can be observed at the level of the adrenal glands, with male rats exhibiting a more pronounced induction during the symptomatic phase of the disease. This study builds upon our previous work on the disruption of HPG axis functions at all levels during EAE in both sexes [1, 2, 3], thereby strengthening the perception of the complex interactions between the HPG and HPA axes and emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach in the research of sex differences.Gotti S, editor. Abstracts of invited lectures and free contributions : 13th International Meeting - Steroids and Nervous System; 2026 Febr 21-25; Torino, Italy. Torino: Fondazione Cavalieri Ottolenghi; 2026. p. 210-1
Biologically active beads of cellulose acetate and thymol, process for their production, their use and application process
No full textThe invention relates to cellulose acetate beads impregnated with thymol (CAB-T) with the property of long-term (prolonged) and controlled release of thymol (at least 40 days and even longer than 3.5 months) in air, the process of obtaining the same, as well as their use as biologically active preparations with antimicrobial, insecticidal, repellent properties, as well as a biostimulating effect on seed vitality and germination
Comparative LC–MS Analysis and In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Ultrasound-Assisted and Soxhlet Extracts of Cachrys cristata DC
No full textThis study evaluated the extraction efficiency, phenolic composition, and bioactivity of Cachrys cristata using different methods. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (US) yielded higher extract amounts and phenolic contents, including flavonoids and flavonols, compared to Soxhlet extraction (S). While US 70% ethanol gave the highest extract yield, the US methanol (MeOH) extract contained the highest total phenolic content (105.47 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract) and was selected for LC–MS profiling. Seventeen compounds were identified, with gentisic acid (39.03/50.73 mg/L), ferulic acid (27.00/25.68 mg/L), and rutin (13.28/11.91 mg/L) as dominant in Soxhlet and US extracts, respectively. The US MeOH extract showed strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays and eightfold higher anti-tyrosinase activity than kojic acid, while no acetylcholinesterase inhibition was observed. The hexane extract exhibited potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes, inhibited biofilm formation and pyocyanin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and had limited antifungal activity. It also strongly inhibited bovine serum albumin denaturation (88.88% vs. 95.60% for diclofenac). For antidiabetic potential, the US methylene chloride extract inhibited α-amylase better than acarbose (IC50 0.267 vs. 0.832 mg/mL) and moderately reduced α-glucosidase activity. These results provide novel insights into the phenolic profile and multifunctional bioactivity of C. cristata extracts.This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Mileski KS, Ćirić AD, Žarković LD, Gašić UM, Marin PD, Džamić AM. Comparative LC-MS Analysis and In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Ultrasound-Assisted and Soxhlet Extracts of Cachrys cristata DC. Chem Biodivers. 2026 Jan;23(1):e01910, which has been published in final form at [http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202501910]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited
Effects of hibernation temperature and duration on oxidative status in the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis)
No full textGlobal warming is expected to alter phenology in temperate ectotherms by advancing spring arousal and delaying autumn entry into hibernation. However, the physiological consequences of such shifts remain poorly understood in reptiles, particularly with respect to oxidative balance. We investigated the effects of hibernation temperature and duration on oxidative status in the common wall lizard ( Podarcis muralis ). Oxidative markers were measured in the liver and tail during the pre-hibernation period and after exposure to laboratory-simulated winter regimes differing in temperature (∼2.5 °C vs. 5.5 °C) and duration (three vs. four months), representing short-cold, short-mild, long-cold, and long-mild winter scenarios. Hibernation duration exerted generally inconsistent effects on antioxidant defenses, with changes detected in liver superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, as well as in tail superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Temperature effects were modest, manifesting as upward trends in liver glutathione content and tail catalase activity, without significant interactions with hibernation duration. Cold-winter regimes were associated with increased lipid oxidative damage in the liver, although this response was not consistent across all treatments. Importantly, most oxidative parameters remained comparable to pre-hibernation values, with a significant reduction in glutathione levels observed only under short-cold conditions. Overall, the maintenance of redox homeostasis across contrasting thermal and temporal winter regimes indicates substantial physiological plasticity and resilience of P. muralis to altered thermal environments during hibernation, highlighting the capacity of reptiles to buffer oxidative challenges imposed by climate-driven changes in winter conditions.This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Gavrić-Čampar JP, Anđelković M, Gavrilović BR, Radovanović TB, Milićević M, Petrović TG, Prokić MD, Despotović SG. Effects of hibernation temperature and duration on oxidative status in the common wall lizard (Podarcismuralis). J Therm Biol. 2026 Feb 12;136:104416. [https::/doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104416
Seed Quality and Seedling Growth After Applying Ecological Treatments to Crimson Clover Seeds
No full textThe effect of different treatments on the seed quality of crimson clover (Tri
folium incarnatum L.) from six localities in eastern Serbia was investigated. The aim of this
studywastoimproveseedqualityandseedlinggrowthofT.incarnatumusingeco‑friendly
treatments. Tests were carried out under laboratory and field conditions, using hot water
and air‑drying temperatures. Seed quality parameters included germinated seeds, dor
mant seeds, dead seeds, seedling growth, and abnormal seedlings, all expressed as per
centages. The water absorption test confirmed the presence of physical seed dormancy
in crimson clover. The best results were achieved with a 30‑min hot water treatment,
which increased water absorption and reduced the percentage of dormant seeds. Longer
exposure times increased the percentage of dead seeds and abnormal seedlings, whereas
shorter exposure times increased the percentage of dormant seeds and reduced germina
tion. There was strong agreement between the germination results obtained under labo
ratory and field conditions. These findings illustrate new biotechnological approaches to
enhancing seed quality
AKR1B1 Expression in the Colorectal Tumor Microenvironment Contributes Towards Its Prognostic Significance
No full textABSTRACT
Background
AKR1B1, a member of the aldo-keto reductase enzyme family involved in the polyol pathway of aldehyde metabolism, is aberrantly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our previous studies demonstrated that AKR1B1 knockdown reduced the motility and proliferation of CRC cell lines, and its elevated expression was correlated with increased mesenchymal marker expression, inflammation, and poor prognosis in CRC patient cohorts. However, whether stromal cells also express AKR1B1 and whether stromal expression can affect clinical outcomes has not been examined.
Objectives
To evaluate the expression of AKR1B1 within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CRC, with a paticular focus on stromal cells, and to assess its association with clinical outcomes.
Methods
We assessed AKR1B1 expression in colorectal tumors utilizing publicly available transcriptomic data from CRC tumors. Single-cell RNA-sequencing data from CRC samples were analyzed to determine cell type-specific expression. Immunohistochemistry based assessment of AKR1B1 expression was performed in Turkish and Serbian cohorts. Co-localization of AKR1B1 and CD163 (M2 macrophage marker) was evaluated by immunoflourescence.
Results
AKR1B1 was expressed in both the epithelial and stromal components of colorectal tumors, with higher expression observed in the stroma. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed AKR1B1 expression in myeloid cells, T and NK cells, B cells, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. Notably, AKR1B1-expressing macrophages were predominantly of the M2 phenotype, and AKR1B1 expression and M2 marker expression showed strong positive correlation in bulk transcriptomic data. Immunofluorescence confirmed the colocalization of CD163 and AKR1B1 in stromal macrophages. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis of AKR1B1 expression in tumor stroma from a cohort of Turkish patients revealed that its expression was associated with favorable overall survival, particularly in tumors with higher stromal infiltration.
Conclusions
Overall, our findings underscore the significant influence of the TME composition on the relationship between AKR1B1 expression and clinical outcomes
Democratizing dementia research through global online conferences
No full textFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift
from traditional in-person conferences to
virtual and hybrid formats was welcomed
for its accessible, cost-effective approach to
sharing scientific knowledge and connecting
people. Here, we discuss an effective hybrid
format that combines in-person and online
elements to foster inclusivity by providing a
flexible, cost-effective alternative to in-person
meetings
Cryopreservation of embryogenic cell suspensions of Aesculus flava
No full textIn woody plants, obtaining highly regenerative embryogenic cell lines is a difficult and time-consuming process and the lines can be lost through constant subcultivation. Cryopreservation is the recommended method for long–term storage until they are needed for use. In this work, different methods for cryopreservation of Aesculus flava embryogenic cell suspensions were investigated. The efficacy of three cryopreservation methods was evaluated, which included slow-freezing, encapsulation slow-freezing and encapsulation-vitrification method. Cell suspensions were pretreated with 7.5% DMSO prior to slow-freezing with the MrFrosty system prior to immersion in liquid nitrogen. Immobilised cell suspensions were pre-cultured in liquid medium for three days and in 0.9 M sorbitol for two days before pretreating with 5% DMSO and slow freezing and immersion in liquid nitrogen. In the encapsulation-vitrification method, the immobilised cell suspension beads were pretreated with PVS2 solution for 30, 60 and 90 minutes before being directly immersed in liquid nitrogen. The best results were obtained with the slow-freezing method and not with the direct immersion method after vitrification. According to our results, slow cooling is the most efficient method for cryopreservation of embryogenic cell cultures of A. flava. Treatment with DMSO prior to immersion in liquid nitrogen enabled 75-100% regrowth of suspension and subsequent reconstitution of A. flava embryogenic suspensions.Book of Abstracts: 3rd Conference of COST Action CA21157: Trees for the future: Cloning and beyond; 2025 May 12-14; Coimbra, Portugal. Coimbra, Portugal: Center for Plant Ecology of the Department of Life Sciences of the University; 2025. p. 33