bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in the Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Serbia, in the period 2008 to 2012
Authors: Stefan-Mikic Sandra , Petric Vedrana , Sevic S. , Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic Ivana , Milosevic Vesna , Jelesic Zora
Published: April 2014

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been recognized as the
leading cause of diarrhea worldwide. In the last five years, it has become
the leading cause of diarrhea in the Clinical Center of Vojvodina (CCV) as
well. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology and total cost
of treatment for all patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
hospitalized at the Infectious Disease Clinic of the CCV; to analyze the
costs of treatment with regard to therapeutic approach; to compare the costs
of treatment in each year of the investigated period related to the number of
patients, and to analyze the outcome of treatment. The study was
retrospective, and the data were collected from the medical records of 472
patients with Clostridium difficile diarrhea treated from 2008 to 2012 and
analyzed. Of the total 472 patients with CDAD, 54.23% were female and the
average age was 65.84. A statistically significant majority of them had been
previously treated in other hospitals and a minority in ambulatory settings
(395 inpatients vs. 77 outpatients, p=0.000, p<0.05). Of the 395 previously
hospitalized patients, most were from the Clinic of Urology of the CCV (58,
14.68%). When comparing therapeutic options, oral vancomycin was
significantly more frequently used than other protocols. The average
mortality rate during the study period was 6.51%. In this period, total
hospital costs related to Clostridium difficile diarrhea in the Infectious
Disease Clinic were $636,679.92. Implementation of infection-control measures
and a restricted use of antibiotics would result in a great reduction in
material costs.
Properties of low-fat ultra-filtered cheeses produced with probiotic bacteria
Authors: Miocinovic Jelena , Radulovic Zorica , Paunovic Dusanka , Miloradovic Zorana , Trpkovic G. , Radovanovic Mira , Pudja P.
Published: April 2014

Probiotics are live microorganisms that in certain numbers may confer a
health benefit on the host. Nowadays, there are many dairy products on the
market, especially fermented milks, with probiotics, and their popularity is
rising. The aim of this article was to investigate the viability of
commercial probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus LAFTI?L10 i
Bifidobacterium lactis LAFTI?B94, DSM, Netherland) as well as their influence
on the changes of composition, pH, proteolysis, microbiological status and
sensory properties of low-fat ultra-filtered (UF) cheeses within 2 months of
ripening. Low-fat cast ultra-filtered (UF) cheeses were produced according to
the defined production procedure by mixing UF milk protein powder, skim milk
and cream, without (control cheese A) and with adjunct probiotic culture
(cheese B). The compositional parameters (milk fat, proteins and dry-matter
content), pH, proteolysis parameters (water soluble nitrogen, nitrogen
soluble in 5% PTA, urea and SDS PAG electrophoresis), as well as the numbers
of starters and probiotic bacteria, were determined during ripening. In
addition, sensory evaluations of cheeses were performed throughout the
ripening time. A significant influence of probiotic strains on the
composition, pH and primary proteolysis of cheese during ripening was not
found. The counts of commercial probiotic bacteria were maintained at high
levels (>107 cfug-1) during the overall ripening period, as a prerequisite of
their therapeutic effects. The adjunct probiotic cultures enhanced the rate
of secondary proteolysis, which was shown by the significantly higher levels
of PTAN/TN of experimental compared to the control cheeses. The sensory
evaluation showed that the overall aroma of low-fat cheeses was remarkably
improved by the addition of the probiotic cultures used. Based on the results
it can be concluded that the low-fat UF cheeses differ in good dietetic and
functional properties as well as very acceptable sensory properties, and can
be used as carriers of probiotics.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal cariage among hospitalized patients and healthcare workers in the Clinical center of Serbia
Authors: Cirkovic Ivana , Djukic Slobodanka , Carevic Biljana , Mazic Natasa , Mioljevic Vesna , Stepanovic S.
Published: April 2014

The aim of the present study was to provide the first comprehensive analysis
of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage among patients
and healthcare workers (HCWs) in the largest healthcare facility in Serbia.
Specimens from anterior nares obtained from 195 hospitalized patients and 105
HCWs were inoculated after broth enrichment onto chromogenic MRSA-ID medium.
In total, 21 of 300 specimens yielded MRSA. Among hospitalized patients, 7.7%
were colonized with MRSA, and 5.7% HCWs were colonized with MRSA. Five out of
21 (23.8%) tested MRSA strains were classified as community-associated MRSA
(CA-MRSA), and four of them were isolated from HCWs. The remaining 16 MRSA
strains had characteristics of healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA), and two
of them were isolated from HCWs. The HA-MRSA strains isolated from HCWs were
indistinguishable from HA-MRSA of the same cluster isolated from patients.
This finding reveals the circulation of HA-MRSA strains between patients and
HCWs in the Clinical Center of Serbia.
Distribution of macrolide-resistant genes among isolates of macrolideresistant Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae in Serbia
Authors: Gajic Ina , Mijac Vera , Opavski Natasa , Stanojevic Maja , Lazarevic Ivana , Smitran Aleksandra , Hadnadjev Mirjana , Ranin L.
Published: April 2014

Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae and in group A streptococci
(GAS) is a significant problem worldwide. In Serbia, data on the mechanisms
of resistance and the corresponding resistance genes in streptococci are
largely lacking. Therefore, we analyzed the distribution of macrolide
resistance phenotypes and genotypes in 44 macrolideresistant GAS (MRGAS) and
50 macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae (MRSP) isolates collected in the same
period. The double disk diffusion test and PCR were used to analyze
resistance phenotypes and resistance genes, respectively. Among MRSP, the
MLSB phenotype dominated, whereas the M phenotype was the most prevalent
among MRGAS isolates. Consequently, in MRSP, the ermB gene was the most
common (n=40, 80%), followed by the mefA gene (n=7,14%). In MRGAS strains,
mefA dominated (n=27,61%), followed by ermA (n=15, 33%) and ermB (n=3, 7%).
In 3 MRSP isolates no resistance genes were detected, while one MRGAS strain
with iMLSB phenotype harbored both ermA and mefA genes.
Changes in genetic diversity of the Bordetella pertussis population in Serbia between 1953 and 2011
Authors: Pljesa Tatjana , He Qiushui , Dakic Gordana , Vignjevic-Krastavcevic Mirjana , Mikovic Nevenka , Cirkovic Ivana
Published: April 2014

Mass vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of pertussis,
however, the disease is re-emerging, even in some countries with high
vaccination coverage. In Serbia, whole cell pertussis vaccine was introduced
in 1957. To monitor changes in bacterial population, 77 isolates collected
from 1953 to 2011 were studied. The methods included serotyping of fimbriae
(Fim), genotyping of pertactin (prn) and pertussis toxin S1 subunit (ptxA).
A shift from ptxA2 to ptxA1 has been observed in isolates since the late of
1960s. In the period 1961-1979, the genotype ptxA1 became as common as
genotype ptxA2. After that, during the period 1980-1989, the predominant ptx
genotype was ptxA1. The reappearance of the ptxA2 allele followed an
addition of the two strains harboring ptxA1 in the vaccine in 1985. The
allele prn1 was predominant among the Serbian isolates, though prn3 and
prn11 have been detected since 1981. The prn2 allele was only found in one
strain isolated in 1984, two of the four strains isolated in 2000 and in
three isolated strains from 2011. Serotype Fim2.3 disappeared before 1980
and serotype Fim2 became predominant thereafter. The results of this study
indicate that the B. pertussis population in Serbia is different from other
vaccinated populations and that this difference may be related to the
vaccine used.
An examination of potential differences in biofilm production among different genotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Vasiljevic Zorica , Jovcic B. , Cirkovic Ivana , Djukic Slobodanka
Published: April 2014

In the present study, we have examined if there is any difference in biofilm
production among different genotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study
investigated 526 non-duplicate P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical specimens
and from a hospital environment. Isolates were grouped into thirty-five
genotypes based on an identical ERIC2-band pattern. Biofilm formation was
quantified by the microtiter plate test and all strains were classified into
the following categories: no biofilm producers (0), weak (+), moderate (+),
or strong (+++) biofilm producers. Only 2.45% of examined strains were not
biofilm producers. Among biofilm producers, 39.26% were strong biofilm
producers, 34.36% were moderate biofilm producers, while 23.93% were weak
biofilm producers. Although the majority of strong biofilm producers were in
genotype groups 2 and 3, the degree of in vitro biofilm formation in our
study was not significantly affected by the genotype of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. In this study, we demonstrated that the degree of in vitro
biofilm formation is not significantly affected by the genotype of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Zeolites as possible biofortifiers in Maitake cultivation
Authors: Vunduk Jovana , Klaus Anita , Kozarski Maja , Djordjevic R. , Jovanovic Lj. , Niksic M.
Published: April 2014

The levels of Ni, Cu and Mg in Grifola frondosa (also known as Maitake
mushroom) fruit body produced on zeolite Minazel Plus (MG)-supplemented
substrate were measured with inductively coupled plasma optical emission
spectrometry (ICP-OES). Two different concentrations of MG were added to the
substrate for mushroom cultivation. Levels of selected metals were measured
in cultivated dry carpophores. The content of Ni increased in fruit bodies
produced on supplemented substrate, while in case of Cu, a pronounced
decrease was observed. When two different concentrations of MG were
implemented, the Mg level showed both positive and negative trend, depending
on the applied concentration of zeolite. MG in a concentration of 1% showed
the strongest influence on the observed elements in the cultivated fruiting
body of Maitake mushroom.
Toxoplasmosis in children of the South Backa region, Serbia: A new light in the public health perspective
Authors: Jovanovic-Galovic Aleksandra , Milosevic Vesna , Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic Ivana , Kovacevic Gordana , Radovanov Jelena , Elez Ivana , Patic Aleksandra
Published: April 2014

In this study the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies in sera
of 245 children, aged 1 to 18 years, was determined. In the eldest group
(15-18), 29.2% of the sera were positive for the IgG antibody. Toxoplasma
gondii infection in pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients produces
severe consequences, while in immunocompetent individuals it is considered
asymptomatic and latent. Recent emerging links to mental disorders has shed a
completely new light on the public health view of this common infection. It
calls for a new approach in the prevention and screening of a population,
children being the target group.
The effects of estradiol and human chorionic gonadotropin on ACHT cells in peripubertal female rats: A histological and stereological study
Authors: Milosevic Verica , Todorovic Danijela , Sosic-Jurjevic Branka , Medigovic Ivana , Pantelic Jasmina , Uscebrka Gordana , Ajdzanovic V.
Published: April 2014

The effects of estradiol (EDP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on
histological and stereological features of adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) cells
in peripubertal female rats were examined. The first group of females
received five injections of EDP (0.25 mg/kg b.w.), every second day from the
4th to 14th day after birth, and was killed at the peripubertal stage. The
second group of females was given two injections of pregnyl-gonadotrophinum
chorionicum (HCG; 50 IU/kg body weight) on the 36th and 37th days after
birth, and it was killed 24 h after the last treatment. The controls were
injected with an equivalent volume of the corresponding vehicle. ACTH cells
were immunohistochemically labeled and stereologically evaluated.
Stereological analysis showed that the volume of ACTH cells and their volume
density in peripubertal females treated with EDP, were decreased by 15.6% and
53.8% (p<0.05), respectively, compared to the controls. In HCG-treated
animals, the observed parameters were increased by 39.2% and 15.4% (p<0.05),
respectively, in comparison with the control females. These findings suggest
that the application of EDP or HCG exerted opposite effects on the
stereological features of pituitary ACTH cells.
Expression of major ectonucleotidases after cortical stab brain injury in rats: A real-time PCR study
Authors: Parabucki Ana , Savic Danijela , Laketa Danijela , Pekovic Sanja , Stojiljkovic Mirjana , Nedeljkovic Nadezda , Bjelobaba Ivana
Published: April 2014

Ectonucleotidases are cell surface-located enzymes responsible for the
extracellular degradation of nucleotides. They are comprised of several
protein families: ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases
(E-NTPDase), ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases (E-NPPases)
and ecto-5?-nucleotidase. Previously we showed that cortical stab injury
alters ectonucleotidase activities in the rat brain, but that the specific
enzymes responsible for these changes were not identified. In this study we
investigated the gene expression of the specific ectonucleotidase enzymes,
NTPDase1- 3, NPP1-3 and ecto-5?-nucleotidase, two and seven days after
cortical stab injury in rats, using real-time PCR. Two days after the injury
we observed only one significant change: the downregulation in NTPDase2 mRNA
expression. Our results indicate that traumatic brain injury induces
significant upregulation of NTPDase1, NTPDase2 and ecto-5?-nucleotidase
transcripts, and the downregulation of NPP1, seven days after the injury.
Thus, traumatic brain injury has diverse impacts on ectonucleotidases gene
expression, which may be reflected in the enzyme activities and extracellular
nucleotide concentrations in the perilesional tissue.
Cografts of artificial dermis matrix and autogenetic split-thickness of repaired skin in severe hand wounds in patients with deep burns
Authors: Liu Hongqi , Li Yan , Sha Deqian
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of using artificial dermis
matrix plus autologous split-thickness skin (ADM and ASTS) in the treatment
of deep-burns in hands of severely burned patients?We recruited a total of 58
patients with large area burns greater than 80% that were eschar-excised.
Twenty-eight of them were treated with ADM and ASTS (test group); 30 were
treated with autologous medium-thickness skin (AMTS) (control group). The
healing time of the hand wound was noted, clinical and photographic
evaluations were performed, and a Jebsen-Taylor hand function test was
compared and analyzed in the two groups. The wound healing time in the test
group (24.22?3.34 days) were longer than that of the control group
(13.42?3.36 days) and statistically significant. The healing time of skin
graft donor sites was shorter than that of the control group (7.14?1.63 vs.
14.28?2.37 days) and statistically significant (P<0.05). The 3rd and 6th
month follow-up with clinical and functional evaluations revealed no
differences between the two groups. In addition, there was no obvious scar
formation and less pigmentation in either group. The repair of deeply burned
hands with artificial dermis matrix was beneficial to both wound healing and
the donor site, and was beneficial to the whole body rehabilitation of
severely burned patients.
Identification and characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal white brined Golija cows’ milk cheeses
Authors: Terzic-Vidojevic Amarela , Mihajlovic Sanja , Uzelac Gordana , Golic Natasa , Fira Dj. , Kojic M. , Topisirovic Lj.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the lactic acid
bacteria (LAB) of artisanal Golija raw and cooked cows? milk cheeses
traditionally manufactured without the addition of starter culture. A total
of 188 Gram-positive and catalase-negative isolates of Golija cheeses were
obtained from seven samples of different ripening time. Phenotypebased assays
as well as rep-PCR and 16S rDNA sequence analysis were undertaken for all 188
Lstrains. The most diverse species were isolated from 20-day-old BGGO8
cheese (Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus
casei/paracasei, Lactobacillus sucicola, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis,
Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis, Enterococcus faecium,
Enterococcus durans and Leuconostoc mesenteroides). In other Golija cheeses
Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus,
Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus garvieae, Streptococcus
thermophilus and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides were found. Pronounced
antimicrobial properties showed enterococci (13/42) and lactococci (12/31),
while the good proteolytic activity demonstrated lactococci (13/31) and
lactobacilli (10/29).
MDCT angiography of anatomical variations of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Ognjanovic Neda , Jeremic D. , Zivanovic-Macuzic Ivana , Sazdanovic Maja , Sazdanovic P. , Tanaskovic Irena , Jovanovic J. , Popovic R. , Vojinovic R. , Milosevic B. , Milosavljevic M. , Stojadinovic D. , Tosevski J. , Vulovic Maja
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to detect and describe the existence and incidence
of anatomical variations of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery.
The study was conducted on 150 persons, who underwent abdominal Multi-
Detector Computer Tomography (MDCT) angiography, from April 2010 until
November 2012. CT images were obtained with a 64-row MDCT scanner in order to
analyze the vascular anatomy and anatomical variations of the celiac trunk
and superior mesenteric artery. In our study, we found that 78% of patients
have a classic anatomy of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery.
The most frequent variation was the origin of the common hepatic artery from
the superior mesenteric artery (10%). The next variation, according to
frequency, was the origin of the left gastric artery direct from the
abdominal aorta (4%). The arc of Buhler as an anastomosis between the celiac
trunk and superior mesenteric artery, was detected in 3% of cases, as was the
presence of a common trunk of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery
(in 3% of cases). Separate origin of the splenic artery and the common
hepatic artery was present in 2% of patients. The MDCT scanner gives us an
insight into normal anatomy and variations of the abdominal blood vessels,
which is very important in the planning of surgical interventions, especially
transplantation, as well as in the prevention of complications due to
ischemia.
A simple method of endotracheal intubation in mice
Authors: Papastefanou Anastasia , Balafas E. , Djurasevic S. , Kostomitsopoulos N.
Published: April 2014

Endotracheal intubation in mice is commonly used when airway management is
necessary. The procedure is difficult because of the small size of the animal
and its oropharynx. Various methods for endotracheally intubating mice have
been described in the scientific literature, and most of these methods
require the use of expensive devices and/or special training. In this report,
we describe our experience of an easy, reliable, and inexpensive method for
endotracheally intubating mice through the mouth, developed in our Center,
using low-cost materials, which can be found in almost all surgical
laboratories.
Antioxidative defense mechanisms in the aging brain
Authors: Jovanovic Zorica
Published: April 2014

Aging is an extremely complex, multifactorial process that is characterized
by a gradual and continuous loss of physiological functions and responses,
particularly marked in the brain. A common hallmark in aging and age-related
diseases is an increase in oxidative stress and the failure of antioxidant
defense systems. Current knowledge indicates that the level of glutathione
progressively declines during aging. Because nerve cells are the
longest-living cells that exhibit a high consumption rate of oxygen
throughout an individual?s lifetime, the brain may be especially vulnerable
to oxidative damage and this vulnerability increases during aging. In
addition, the brain contains high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty
acids and transition metals and low antioxidative defense mechanisms.
Although aging is an inevitable event, a growing volume of data confirms that
antioxidant supplementation in combination with symptomatic drug treatments
reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive function in aging and
age-related diseases. The present review discusses the neuroprotective
effects of antioxidants in the aging brain.
The influence of cadmium and lead on Ulmus pumila L. seed germination and early seedling growth
Authors: Djukic Matilda , Djunisijevic-Bojovic Danijela , Samuilov Sladjana
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper was to examine how the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and
lead (Pb) influence the germination and early growth of seedlings of the
fast-growing tree species Ulmus pumila L. Seeds were germinated and seedlings
were hydroponically grown in a solution with Cd-nitrate and Pb-nitrate at
concentrations of 20 ?M, 50 ?M and 90 ?M. Our results show that seeds can
germinate in the presence of these two heavy metals at all of the applied
concentrations with no significant reduction in qualitative (germination
capacity, germination energy) or quantitative (germination intensity, mean
germination period) germination parameters as compared to the controls. Early
seedling development was also possible at higher concentrations of both heavy
metals. Cd reduced hypocotyl length, but not significantly the length of
radicles. Pb did not influence hypocotyl length and stimulated radicle length
significantly (95%). These results could mark a step forward in defining the
tolerance of U. pumila to the presence of Cd and Pb, and to the possibility
of using this fast-growing tree which is resistant to different abiotic and
biotic stresses, for phytoremediation or soil reclamation purposes.
A robust and cost-effective method for DNA isolation from Satureja species (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Dodos Tanja , Aleksic Jelena , Rajcevic N. , Marin P.D.
Published: April 2014

Aromatic species of the genus Satureja are rich in secondary metabolites that
interfere with DNA isolation procedures. Four protocols based on the standard
CTDNA extraction protocol of Doyle and Doyle (1987) were tested in six
savory taxa. The polyphenol adsorbents activated charcoal and/or
polyvinylpyrrolidone 10 were employed in three procedures (B, C and D); for
the elimination of polysaccharides, 4M NaCl was applied in the latter two.
The highest DNA yield was obtained with Protocol D and averaged 1420.7?398.3
?g DNA/g of dry leaf tissue. Optimal values of the absorbance ratio 260/280
of all DNA solutions revealed the absence or only negligible contamination by
proteins. Contamination by polysaccharides inferred from the absorbance ratio
260/230 showed that Protocol C provided the least contaminated material
(average of 1.7?0.4). Enzymatic reactions of DNA solutions obtained by
Protocol D showed amplification of both loci in all individuals. In
conclusion, Protocol D is suitable for the isolation of high quantities of
pure DNA from Satureja spp.
Soils of the mycological reserve on Lisina Mountain in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Eremija S. , Knezevic M. , Kapovic Marijana
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the results of soil research in a mycological reserve
that is defined as a special nature reserve according to the IUCN
categorization. Ecologically, fungi are the most valuable element in the
biological diversity of protected reserves. Favorable climate and the
complexity of geology, soils and vegetation of Lisina Mountain caused the
development of extraordinarily rich mycoflora. The soil cover here is
characterized mainly by soils on acid siliceous parent rocks. Carbonate
sediments as a part of volcanic sediment formation, present with laminated
black limestone, complicate the structure of the soil cover. The protected
area is defined by five basic soil types: rendzina, ranker, dystric
cambisols, luvisol and podzol. Soil properties depend on pedogenetic
processes and the nature of the parent rock. Rendzina is the most common soil
type on limestone-dolomite substrate, where it creates elementary and complex
soil combinations, mainly because of its strong relief. The most common soil
type on acid silicate rocks is dystric cambisols.
Antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Salvia amplexicaulis Lam. extracts
Authors: Alimpic Ana , Oaldje Mariana , Matevski V. , Marin P.D. , Duletic-Lausevic Sonja
Published: April 2014

This study was designed to examine the in vitro antioxidant DPPH free
radical-scavenging activity, and the total phenolic and flavonoid content of
ethanol and methanol extracts of Salvia amplexicaulis Lam. in the whole plant
and different parts, leaves, stems and flowers. The largest amounts of
extract yield were obtained from the flowers, 14.14% and 12.00 % (w/w) in the
ethanol of methanol extracts, respectively. The ethanol extract of leaves
(16.07 ?g/ml) and methanol extract of the whole plant (21.28 ?g/ml) showed
the highest activity against the DPPH radical. The ethanol extract of the
leaves was the richest in phenols (222.40 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (49.81 mg
QE/g), whereas the methanol extract of the whole plant contained the highest
amount of phenolics (180.89 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (38.15 mg QE/g). A very
strong linear correlation between antioxidant activity and the phenolic
content of the extracts was established. The obtained results suggest that S.
amplexicaulis could be regarded as an important source of natural
antioxidants.
Effects of thermal treatments on the stability of trans-resveratrol and yeast inactivation in trans-resveratrol-amplified grape juice
Authors: Lee Dong-Un , Kim Hye , Lee Gu , Jeon Seong-Ho , Lee Jung-Jong , Lee Sanghyun
Published: April 2014

For the production of trans-resveratrol-amplified grape juice, both
trans-resveratrol quantity and microbial quality are important for the
functionality and shelf life of the juice. Therefore, the thermal stability
of trans-resveratrol and thermal inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
within the grape juice was investigated at 60?C, 80?C and 100?C. Inactivation
of S. cerevisiae was fitted to first-order kinetics, and the inactivation
rate (k1) and decimal reduction time (D-value) at each treatment temperature
were estimated. The control grape juice had an inactivation rate of 0.0014
(s-1) and a D-value of 11.90 min at 60?C, whereas the
trans-resveratrol-amplified grape juice had an inactivation rate of 0.0016
(s-1) and a Dvalue of 10.42 min at the same temperature. Similar inactivation
kinetics of the control and trans-resveratrol-amplified grape juice were
observed at 80?C and 100?C, which indicates that increased trans-resveratrol
content does not affect the thermal inactivation of inoculated S. cerevisiae.
Lead and nickel accumulation in Iris pumila: Consideration of its usefulness as a potential bioindicator in the natural protected area of Deliblato Sands, Serbia
Authors: Miljkovic Danijela , Avramov S. , Vujic Vukica , Rubinjoni L. , Klisaric Barisic , Zivkovic U. , Tarasjev A.
Published: April 2014

In this work, we investigated the suitability of the threatened species, Iris
pumila L., as a possible bioindicator of traffic pollution in its natural
habitats (mostly protected areas and natural reserves). We examined its
potential to accumulate lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) in polluted habitats, and
the genetic variability for this capability, since it is an important facet
of bioindicator suitability. We estimated the concentrations of Pb and Ni in
the leaves of 17 I. pumila clones (genotypes) grown in one of their natural
habitats, the unpolluted semi-arid habitat of the protected Deliblato Sands
Special Natural Reserve, and in the leaves of 18 Iris pumila full-sib
families grown in an experimental plot in a heavily polluted urban location
in Belgrade, Serbia. Comparison of the contrasting habitats by one-way ANOVA
analysis showed that both Pb and Ni concentrations were significantly higher
(six-fold) in the I. pumila leaves collected from plants grown in the
polluted urban habitat. Two-way ANOVA (randomized block design) analysis
performed on the full-sib families grown in the urban location failed to
detect significant genetic variation for metal accumulation in I. pumila
leaves. A significant block effect on the concentration of Ni in leaves was
detected, indicating responsiveness to microenvironmental variability. These
results suggest that I. pumila can serve as a good indicator of traffic
pollution in protected areas. The response is stable since genetic
variability of I. pumila populations does not appear to influence its role as
an indicator greatly.
Effect of acute exercise on serum growth hormone and fatty acid levels in elite male water polo players
Authors: Djelic Marina , Mazic Sanja , Tepsic Jasna , Nesic D. , Lazovic Biljana , Radovanovic D. , Sumarac-Dumanovic Mirjana , Micic D.
Published: April 2014

The aim of study was to estimate the effect of acute exercise on serum growth
hormone (GH) and fatty acid (FFA) levels in elite water polo players. Twelve
male water polo players (20.50 ? 2.02 years) and eleven non-athletic male
subjects (20.55 ? 1.04 years) participated in this study. In order to
determine GH and FFA responses to acute exercise, a treadmill-running test
was performed following an incremental protocol. Pre-exercise blood samples
for both athletes and non-athletes were taken at 9 AM. Post-exercise samples
were taken immediately after and 30 min after the treadmill running test.
Water polo players had significantly lower baseline values of serum GH
concentration compared to controls, whereas serum FFA concentration was
significantly higher in water polo players compared to controls (p<0.01;
p<0.05, respectively). In both groups, concentration of GH was significantly
higher immediately after and after the 30-min of recovery compared to
baseline levels (p<0.05). In water polo players, the concentration of FFA was
significantly decreased immediately after and after the 30-min of recovery
compared to baseline levels (p<0.05). No significant response to maximal
exercise test was observed in the control group for serum FFA concentration.
Our research indicates that acute exercise resulted in a significant increase
in serum GH and reduction in fatty acid levels in elite water polo players.
Biodiversity of Roncus L. Koch in Montenegro - Roncus teutae n. sp. from Mt. Orjen (Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones)
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Tomic V.T. , Makarov S.E. , Curcic Nina , Curcic S.B.
Published: April 2014

A single species of Roncus L. Koch, 1873, which was collected in the Baretina
Lokva on Mt. Orjen, Montenegro, is new to science (R. teutae n. sp.) and
described herein. Its diagnostic characters are illustrated and their
distribution is provided. The possible establishment of this species of
Roncus is presented briefly in view of the importance and analysis of its
diagnostic characters.
Quinones and non-quinones from the defensive secretion of Unciger transsilvanicus (Verhoeff, 1899) (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae), from Serbia
Authors: Sekulic Tatjana , Vujisic Lj.V. , Curcic B.P.M. , Mandic B.M. , Antic D.Z. , Trifunovic Snezana , Godjevac D.M. , Vajs Vlatka , Tomic V.T. , Makarov S.E.
Published: April 2014

A complex mixture of compounds was identified from the secretion of specimens
of Unciger transsilvanicus. Phenol and p-cresol were detected for the first
time in the family Julidae, and for the second time in the order Julida.
Thirteen quinones were identified, with a great relative abundance of
toloquinone and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Hydroquinone was
detected for the first time in the order Julida. Besides these compounds,
isopentyl hexacosatetraenoate and isopentyl esters of saturated and
unsaturated fatty acids with chain lengths from C14 to C20were identified.
The most abundant non-quinone compound was isopentyl eicosenoate. The
relative abundance of quinone and non-quinone in the defensive fluid of U.
transsilvanicus was 77% and 23%, respectively. The phylogenetic importance of
the registered compounds is briefly discussed.
Radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity of essential oil and extracts of Echinophora sibthorpiana Guss. from Macedonia
Authors: Mileski Ksenija , Dzamic Ana , Ciric Ana , Grujic Slavica , Ristic M. , Matevski V. , Marin P.D.
Published: April 2014

This study was undertaken to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial
effect of essential oil and extracts of Echinophora sibthorpiana Guss. (fam.
Apiaceae) collected in Macedonia. The chemical composition of E. sibthorpiana
essential oil was characterized by the presence of methyl eugenol (60.40%),
p-cymene (11.18%) and ?-phellandrene (10.23%). The free radical scavenging
activity of extracts and essential oil was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays.
The aqueous extract of aerial parts exhibited the strongest scavenging
activity (IC50=1.67 mg/ml); results of the ABTS test showed that the most
effective was the ethanol extract of aerial parts (1.11 mg vit. C/g). The
essential oil showed stronger antioxidant activity compared to
hydroxyanisole, ascorbic acid and quercetin that were used in the DPPH and
ABTS tests, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations in
the extracts ranged between 38.65-60.72 mg GA/g, and 3.15-19.00 mg Qu/g,
respectively. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts and essential oil
were investigated using a micro-well dilution technique against human
pathogenic strains. The results were comparable with the effects of the
positive controls, streptomycin and fluconazole. These findings indicate that
E. sibthorpiana extracts and oil can be used in preventive treatments and as
an alternative for synthetic preservatives.
Three new cave-dwelling trechine ground beetles from eastern and southeastern Serbia (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)
Authors: Curcic S.B. , Vrbica Maja , Antic D.Z. , Markovic Dj. , Petkovic M. , Curcic B.P.M.
Published: April 2014

Three new troglobitic trechine ground beetle species are described from three
caves in eastern and southeastern Serbia: Duvalius (Paraduvalius) bogovinae
sp. n., from the Bogovinska Pecina Cave, village of Bogovina, Kucajske
Planine Mts., near Boljevac, eastern Serbia; D. (P.) milutini sp. n., from
the Samar cave system, village of Kopajkosara, Mt. Kalafat, near Svrljig,
southeastern Serbia, and D. (P.) beljanicae sp. n., from the Velika Atula
Cave, village of Strmosten, Mt. Beljanica, near Despotovac, eastern Serbia.
The new species are easily distinguished from relatives. All important
morphological features, along with the diagnoses and illustrations of the new
taxa are presented. The new species are relicts and endemics of eastern and
southeastern Serbia. They probably belong to old phyletic lineages of
Tertiary or even pre-Tertiary origin.
Estimation of (co)variance components and breeding values for test-day milk production traits of Holstein dairy cattle via Bayesian approach
Authors: Mosharraf R. , Shodja J. , Bohlouli M. , Alijani S. , Rafat S.A.
Published: April 2014

Genetic parameters of milk, fat, and protein yields were estimated in the
first lactation of Holstein dairy cattle. The records were collected during
the period 2006 to 2011 and analyzed fitting the random regression model.
The data included 41178, 25397 and 18716 test-day records of milk, fat and
protein yields, respectively that produced by 4746, 3437 and 2525 cows
respectively. Fixed effects in model included herd-year-month of test day
and age-season of calving. The fixed and random regressions were modeled
with normalized Legendre polynomials and (co)variance components were
estimated by Bayesian method and Gibbs sampling was used to obtain posterior
distributions. Estimates of heritability for milk, fat and protein yields
ranged from 0.18 to 0.26; 0.06 to 0.11 and 0.09 to 0.22, respectively.
Heritabilities for 305-d milk, fat and protein yields were 0.36, 0.23 and
0.29, respectively. For milk and protein yields, heritabilities were lower
at the early of lactation due to the trends of lower additive genetic
variance, higher permanent environmental variance. Genetic correlations for
milk, fat and protein yields ranged from 0.14 to 1.00; 0.39 to 1.00 and 0.27
to 1.00, respectively. Ranges of estimated breeding values for 305-d yield
of milk, fat and protein yields were from -1194.48 to 1412.44; -210.57 to
271.22 and -194.08 to 203.25, respectively. According to the results of this
study, random regression model seems to be a flexible and reliable procedure
for the genetic evaluation of milk production traits and it can be useful in
the breeding programs for Iranian dairy cattle.
Methods for determining stress syndrome in beef cattle and its relevance to quality of meat
Authors: Delic N. , Aleksic S. , Petrovic M.M. , Pantelic V. , Ostojic D. , Petricevic M. , Niksic D.
Published: April 2014

Methods for determining stress syndrome in beef cattle is of great importance
to identify the physiological state of young cattle before slaughter in order
for such animals to be properly treated and restored to a normal
physiological state. As a consequence of the state of stress prior to
slaughter, meat is obtained which is different from normal. These are
non-typical post-mortem changes in meat: "PSE" (pale, soft, exudative) and
"DFD" (dark, firm, dry) meat, "watery" meat, usually pork, and "dark" mostly
meat of young bulls. Tests were performed on bulls originating from a farm
located 50 km from the slaughterhouse and another farm located 150 km from
the slaughterhouse. Young bulls were kept in a free system and loading and
unloading was done on unloading ramps and animals taken to the boxes using
the lane corridor. Also, attention was paid to avoid mixing with unfamiliar
animals during transport. The study included 20 males. The same vehicle was
used to transport cattle from the farm to the slaughterhouse. The rectal
temperature was taken from 20 young bulls, at the time of loading of cattle
into a vehicle during transport and immediately before slaughter. The results
of measurements of rectal temperature of investigated bulls suggest that
prolonging of transport increases the rectal temperature which can serve as
an indicator of stress syndrome in bulls. In addition to measuring of rectal
temperature as an indicator of bulls? stress syndrome, other methods are
still used, such as the measurement of cortisol in saliva and blood, or the
latest methods of measuring cortisol in hair. This is the latest method of
the 21st century, which can even determine the time of occurrence of stress.
This method is the future that will determine whether the stress occurred few
days, weeks or even months ago.
Effect of crossbreeding on linear udder scores and their phenotypic relationships in Iranian fat-tailed ewe’s
Authors: Sadeghi S. , Rafat A. , Bohlouli M.
Published: April 2014

Now, image processing is a better technique than the subjectively assessments
for linear scoring of morphologic traits, especially in fattailed ewe?s. The
objective of this study was to assess this application in animal
characterization on a case study in order to comparing of, udder
morphological characteristics in two Iranian crossbred sheep populations
including Ghezel-Arkhamerino (GH-MR; 25 ewes), Moghani-Arkharmerino (MG-MR;
25 ewes) and a pure one that was Ghezel ewes (20 ewes). Ten udder factors
and five milk traits were measured on seventy ewes during three stages of
lactation. Digital pictures were analyzed by Digimizer 3.6 software.
Statistical analysis of udder liner scores was performed by using the MIXED
procedure of SAS 9.1 software. Results showed that long udders were more
frequent in the Ghezel ewes than in crossbred?s ewes. Least variation was
observed for teat placement score in Ghezel purebred ewes. The means of
udder depth in the Ghezel ewes were larger than in the crossbreds (P<0.01).
A positive correlation between left and right teat length scores were found
in the all genetic groups (rp=0.47-0.65). Milking rate (rp= 0.81) and
milking time (rp= 0.37) showed significant correlations with milk yield (P
<0.001). The most useful udder scores for predicting daily milk yield
appears to be the left teat length, teat placement and attachment width in
Ghezel ewes. Phenotypic correlations variations within linear scores and
their relationships with daily milk showed the potential of improvement of
these traits in breeding programs of dairy sheep.
Variability in size and shape in muscovy duck with age: Principal component analysis
Authors: Ogah D.M. , Kabir M.
Published: April 2014

Body weight and six linear body measurements, body length (BL), breast
circumference (BCC), thigh length (TL), shank length (SL), total leg length
(TLL) and wing length were recorded on 150 male and female muscovy ducklings
and evaluated at 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 weeks of age. Principal component
analysis was used to study the dependence structure among the body
measurements and to quantify sex differences in morphometric size and shape
variations during growth. The first principal components at each of the five
ages in both sexes accounted between 71.54 to 92.95% of the variation in the
seven measurements and provided a linear function of size with nearly equal
emphasis on all traits. The second principal components in all cases also
accounted for between 6.7 to 16.17% of the variations in the dependence
structure of the system in the variables as shape, the coefficient for the
PCs at various ages were sex dependent with males showing higher variability
because of spontaneous increase in size and shape than females. Contribution
of the general size factor to the total variance increase with age in both
male and female ducklings, while shape factor tend to be stable in males and
inconsistent in females.
Evaluation of the variation of the contents of anti-nutrients and nutrients in the seeds of legumes
Authors: Księżak J. , Bojarszczuk J.
Published: April 2014

It is assumed that the content of anti-nutrients in legumes seeds and find
out the dependency among their content and the amount of important nutrients.
The influence of the agri-environmental conditions on concentration of
anti-nutrients was evaluated on the basis of the analysis of the material
collected from the experiments carried out in the years 2010-2011, located in
different regions of Poland. The analyses were performed in the Main Chemical
Laboratory of IUNG-PIB Pu?awy and in Laboratory of Research Centre for
Cultivar Testing (COBORU) in S?upia Wielka, near Pozna?. The obtained results
indicate that the region of cultivation did not have a significant impact on
the concentration of these substances in the seeds of faba bean. Seeds of
fodder pea of Muza and Marych cultivars contain significantly less tannins
than Roch and Wiato cultivars. In the case of faba bean, however, fewer of
these compounds were found at whiteflowering cultivars. The average content
of total alkaloids in lupine was definitely greater in blue lupine than in
yellow lupine. The location of cultivation of yellow lupine did not have an
influence on the level of total alkaloids and gramine. Blue lupine collected
much less alkaloids in the location of Central Poland and significantly more
in the North and West of Poland.
Presence of deoxynivalenol in winter wheat treated with fungicides
Authors: Krnjaja V. , Levic J. , Stankovic S. , Petrovic T. , Mandic V. , Tomic Z. , Obradovic A.
Published: April 2014

Natural occurrence of Fusarium spp. and concentrations of mycotoxin
deoxynivalenol (DON) in the grain of the winter wheat moderately susceptible
to Fusarium head blight (FHB) has been studied. Grain samples were collected
from wheat crops intended mainly for human consumption. All wheat crops were
treated with fungicides before (a.i. flutriafol - formulated as Fluoco,
applied in dose of 0.5 l ha-1) and during the flowering phase of growing
(a.i. thiophanate-methyl + epoxiconazole formulated as Eskorta plus and a.i.
thiophanate-methyl formulated as Funomil, applied in doses of 0.75 and 0.5 l
ha-1, respectivily). Among of Fusarium species only F. graminearum, as a well
known producer of DON, was identified. This fungus was identified in 15 of 19
samples (78.9%) with incidence in positive samples of 2 to 28% (average,
14.0%). Presence of DON was established in 13 of a total 19 investigated
wheat grain samples (68.4%). In positive samples DON was detected in
concentrations from 69 to 918 ?g kg-1 (average, 478 ?g kg-1). DON showed a
significant and positive correlation at P?0.05 with grain moisture content (r
= 0.52*). Between the frequency of F. graminearum and concentration of DON and
between the frequency of F. graminearum and grain moisture content, positive
correlation was determined, but without statistical significance (r = 0.44
and r = 0.29, respectively).
Modelling fluidized catalytic cracking unit stripper efficiency
Authors: García-Dopico M. , García A.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents our modelling of a FCCU stripper, following our earlier
research. This model can measure stripper efficiency against the most
important variables: pressure, temperature, residence time and steam flow.
Few models in the literature model the stripper and usually they do against
only one variable. Nevertheless, there is general agreement on the
importance of the stripper in the overall process, and the fact that there
are few models maybe it is due to the difficulty to obtain a comprehensive
model. On the other hand, the proposed model does use all the variables of
the stripper, calculating efficiency on the basis of steam flow, pressure,
residence time and temperature. The correctness of the model is then
analysed, and we examine several possible scenarios, like decreasing the
steam flow, which is achieved by increasing the temperature in the stripper.
Some remarks concerning semi-T1/2 spaces
Authors: Chatyrko Vitalij , Han Sang-Eon , Hattori Yasunao
Published: April 2014

In this paper we prove that each subspace of an Alexandroff T0-space is
semi-T1/2. In particular, any subspace of the folder Xn, where n is a
positive integer and X is either the Khalimsky line (Z, ?K), the Marcus-Wyse
plane (Z2, ?MW) or any partially ordered set with the upper topology is
semi-T1/2. Then we study the basic properties of spaces possessing the axiom
semi-T1/2 such as finite productiveness and monotonicity.
On locally 1-connectedness of quotient spaces and its applications to fundamental groups
Authors: Pakdaman Ali , Torabi Hamid , Mashayekhy Behrooz
Published: April 2014

Let X be a locally 1-connected metric space and A1,A2,...,An be connected,
locally path connected and compact pairwise disjoint subspaces of X. In this
paper, we show that the quotient space X/(A1,A2,..., An) obtained from X by
collapsing each of the sets Ai?s to a point, is also locally 1-connected.
Moreover, we prove that the induced continuous homomorphism of
quasitopological fundamental groups is surjective. Finally, we give some
applications to find out some properties of the fundamental group of the
quotient space X/(A1,A2,...,An).