bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of drought on the occurrence of aflatoxins in maize
Authors: Kos Jovana , Janic-Hajnal Elizabet , Mastilovic Jasna , Milovanovic Ivan , Kokic Bojana
Published: May 2013

In this study, a total of 78 maize samples harvested during September and
October 2012 in Vojvodina were analyzed. Presence of aflatoxins (AFs) was
deter?mined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Among the 78
analyzed maize samples, even 44 (56.4%) samples were contaminated with AFs.
Concentration interval between 1-10 ?g/kg, 10-50 ?g/kg and 50-80 ?g/kg were
found in 23.1%, 17.9% and 15.4% of analyzed maize samples, respectively. It
was supposed that prolonged drought during spring and summer of 2012 had a
great influence on high contamination frequency and concentration of AFs.
Reducing the level of mycotoxins in corn by removal of fines
Authors: Colovic Radmilo , Bursic Vojislava , Vukovic Gorica , Vukmirovic Djuro , Lazic Sanja , Levic Jovanka , Bagi Ferenc
Published: May 2013

Mycotoxins are highly toxic compounds produced by molds that commonly occur
in cereal grains. These toxins can have adverse effects on human and animal
health. Mycotoxin decontamination procedures can be divided into three
different groups: chemical, biological and physical. Procedures from the
first two groups are often regarded as unacceptable for lowering the
mycotoxin level. A laboratory brush was developed for the purpose of physical
cleaning of corn kernel. Three samples of commercially available corn kernels
were subjected to the brushing procedure in order for the experimental study
to be conducted. The mass of 100g of corn kernels was placed on motionless
screen of the brush. A rotating part of the experimental device, the
polypropylene bristle brush was set to high?er speed (higher than 800 rpm).
During the corn brushing, dust and broken kernels were brushed out through
the motionless screen. Corn samples were taken before and after the brushing
procedure and they were analyzed for aflatoxin concentration by HPLC-UV RED.
By comparing the control and brushed samples, it can be noticed that removal
of fines caused the reduction in the level of mycotoxins in all three brushed
samples.
Interlaboratory comparison for determination of ochratoxin A by ELISA in maize (running title: Determination of ochratoxin A in maize)
Authors: Jaksic Sandra , Jajic Igor , Nesic Ksenija , Stojanov Igor , Zivkov-Balos Milica , Mihaljev Zeljko , Abramovic Biljana
Published: May 2013

Participation in interlaboratory comparison and proficiency testing schemes
is important for laboratories to control the work quality. In this study, a
sample of naturally contaminated maize was analyzed for the content of
ochratoxin A (OTA) in three laboratories in Serbia. Participating
laboratories used enzymatic immunoaffinity method (ELISA) for the
determination of OTA and selection of the ELISA kit was free.
Between-laboratory precision was acceptable as evidenced by Cochran?s C test.
Moreover, z-scores for all three laboratories were z < ? 2, which is
considered acceptable. Used OTA confirmation methods were thin-layer
chromatography (TLC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), with
fluorescence detector. The results of different methods were comparable.
Level of seed infection of cultivated sorghum with fungi from genus Fusarium
Authors: Bodoci Karolina , Bagi Ferenc , Berenji Janos , Stojsin Vera , Budakov Dragana , Nadj Livia
Published: May 2013

During the year of 2011, the level of fungi infection with the genus Fusarium
was examined in seven genotypes of grain sorghum (Gold F1, A 28, B 28, Alba
F1, A 73, B 73, Re 236) grown in six localities: Srbobran, Futog and four
localities nearby Backi Petrovac (Backi Petrovac 1, 2, 3 and 4). The rate of
seed infection with fungus Fusarium in the investigated period ranged from 0
to 8.5%. The infection did not occur in the genotype B73 (Backi Petrovac 1),
while a low rate of infection of 0-3% was detected in the genotype B 28
(Srbobran). Medium rate of infection was recorded for the genotype A 28
(Srbobran) and A 28 (Futog) with 4.25% and for Gold F1 (Backi Petrovac 2)
with 5.5%. High rate of infection was recorded for the genotype A 73 (Futog),
A 73 (Backi Petrovac 2) (6.25%), Alba F1 (Backi Petrovac 2) (8%) and Re 236
(Futog) (8.5%). One isolate from each F. solani, F. graminearum, F.
subglutinans and F. verticilliodes was selected for the pathogenicity
investigation. Thirty plants were inoculated from each genotype of grain
sorghum (varieties Alba F1 and Gold F1) and broomcorn (var. Reform and
Prima). The spraying inoculation with the suspension of mycelium and conidia
was performed when sorghum was at the end of blooming on June 19, 2012. The
intensity of the infection on the sorghum panicles was reached in the
phenophase of milky-wax maturity on July 8, 2012 and the scale of S h a r m a
et al., (2010) was used. The symptoms of the artificial inoculation appeared
only in the broomcorn. Among all isolates, the isolate of the species F.
graminearum manifested the highest pathogenicity on the variety Reform with
average score of 4.43 and on variety Prima with 4.17.
Prevention, control and detection of Fusarial toxins
Authors: Nesic Ksenija , Jaksic Sandra , Kapetanov Milos
Published: May 2013

The past couple of decades have provided considerable details on fungi and
the toxins that they produce, as well on the mechanism of toxin action,
toxicity and effects on animal and human health. But, since they are natural
contaminants, their presence is often inevitable. Fusaria are widespread in
all cereal-growing territories of the world, but they are especially common
in our geographic area. Therefore, special attention is paid to the
prevention and control, and also to the improvement of methods for their
detection. Although all collected data were critical for understanding this
worldwide problem, managing the impact of these toxins on the feed and food
safety is still great practical challenge. There are a number of approaches
that can be taken to minimize mycotoxin contamination in this chain:
prevention of fungal growth and thus mycotoxin formation, strategies to
reduce or eliminate mycotoxins from contaminated feedstuffs or diverting the
contaminated products to low risk uses. A control program for mycotoxins from
field to table should in?volve the criteria of an HACCP (Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Points) approach. It requires an understanding of the
important aspects of the interactions of the toxigenic fungi with crop
plants, the on-farm production and harvest methods for crops, the production
of livestock using grains and processed feeds, including diagnostic
capabilities for mycotoxicoses, and all the way to the development of
processed foods for human consumption, as well as understanding the marketing
and trade channels including storage and delivery of foods to the consumer?s
table. A good testing protocol for mycotoxins is necessary to manage all of
the control points and in order to be able to ensure a food supply free of
toxic levels of mycotoxins for the consumer.
Presence of zearalenone in the most commonly grown wheat cultivars in Serbia
Authors: Jajic Igor , Krstovic Sasa , Perisic Biljana , Jaksic Sandra , Bursic Vojislava , Jevtic Radivoje , Abramovic Biljana
Published: May 2013

A total of 45 samples of wheat from three different locations in Vojvodina
were analyzed for the presence of zearalenone. Analytical methods based on
clean-up by solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns and detection by liquid
chromatography were used after validation. Limit of detection for ZEA in
wheat was 18.6 ?g/kg and the limit of quantification was 56.5 ?g/kg. Recovery
values ranged between 86% and 97%. The occurrence of ZEA in wheat was rather
high with 53.3% of positive samples with the average value of 330 ?g/kg.
Incidences were found from 68 ?g/kg to 1079 ?g/kg. Contamination levels were
above the established maximum limit for unprocessed cereals, other than
maize, in as many as seventeen samples. These results were compared to the
results of investigation of deoxynivalenol and fumonisin content, established
in our previous work on the same samples. The results obtained were also
compared to those of the neighboring countries where the relevant data
existed and to the data of previous studies in our country.
Molds and mycotoxins in freshly harvested maize
Authors: Krnjaja Vesna , Levic Jelena , Stankovic Slavica , Petrovic Tanja , Lukic Milos
Published: May 2013

Incidence of toxigenic fungi (molds) and concentration of mycotoxin aflatoxin
B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZON) and fumonisin (FB1) were
studied in the maize grains collected immediately after harvesting in 2012. A
total of 29 maize samples were analyzed and the highest incidence was
determined for fungal species of Rhizopus (56.41%), Aspergillus (43.66%) and
Fusarium (14.97%) genera. Significantly lower incidence was obtained for
species of genus Penicillium (3.31%), and especially for species of genera
Acremonium (1.38%), Alternaria (0.75%) and Cladosporium (0.14%). Among
toxigenic fungi Aspergillus flavus (36.69%) was the most common species of
As?pergillus genus, whereas the Fusarium verticillioides with 14.69% of
incidence was the predominant species of Fusarium genus. In all studied maize
samples, the presence of AFB1, ZON and FB1 mycotoxins was established, except
for DON which was established in 75.86% samples. AFB1 was detected in average
concentration of 13.95 ?g kg-1 for 44.83% of samples, and average
concentration higher than 40 ?g kg-1 for 55.17% of samples. The average
concentrations of DON which was detected was 235 ?g kg-1, while it was 98.38
?g kg-1 and 3590 ?g kg-1 for the presence of ZON and FB1, respectively.
Moderate positive correla?tion was obtained between concentrations of AFB1
and FB1 (r=0.35), while weak positive correlation was established between
concentrations ZON and DON (r=0.02).
Antimicrobial activities of laboratory produced essential oil solutions against five selected fungal strains
Authors: Ivanova Emilija , Atanasova-Pancevska Natalija , Kungulovski Dzoko
Published: May 2013

It is well known that essential oils possess significant antimicrobial
activity. This study was conducted to estimate the antimicrobial activity of
various types of Biokill, a laboratory produced solution composed of several
essential oils (Biokill dissolved in 96% ethanol; Biokill 96% further
dissolved in DMSO; Biokill dissolved in 70% ethanol and Biokill 70% further
dissolved in DMSO). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against five
selected fungal strains, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Saccharomyces
cerevisiae ATCC 9763, Aspergillus niger I.N. 1110, Aspergillus sojae CCF and
Penicillium spp. FNS FCC 266. A variation of the microtiter plate-based
antimicrobial assay was used in order to assess the antimicrobial activity of
the solutions. By applying this assay minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC)
of the Biokill solutions were determined for each strain of the selected test
microorganisms. The results demonstrated that all variations of Biokill
showed antimicrobial activity at concentrations lower than 2.5?g/mL. Biokill
70% further dissolved in DMSO showed the best antimicrobial properties
against all the selected strains with MICs less than 1.25?g/mL. These results
indicated that Biokill could find application in the pharmaceutical industry,
in food preservation and conservation, in the prevention and treat?ment of
plants infected by certain phytopathogens, etc.
Antifungal activity of Oleoresins used in meat industry on some toxigenic Aspergillus spp.
Authors: Soso Vladislava , Skrinjar Marija , Blagojev Nevena , Cabarkapa Ivana , Lukic Dragan
Published: May 2013

Different spice oleoresins are widely used in meat industry. They contribute
to the specific aroma and flavor of the end products, but they have also been
reported to have strong antimicrobial activity. These properties open a
plenty of possibilities to be used for defining the specific sensory profile
of the product but also as natural food preservatives. This paper focuses on
the antifungal activity of four oleoresins against different foodborne
toxigenic Aspergillus species. Oleoresins used in the experiments were
cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic and rosemary oleoresins, and they were
tested against following Aspergillus species: A. clavatus, A. flavus, A.
fumigatus, A. niger, A. ochraceus and A. versicolor. Antifungal activity was
tested using microtitre-plate-based assay incorporating resazurin as an
indicator of cell growth and broth microdilution-method.
Antifungal properties of Foeniculum vulgare, Carum carvi and Eucalyptus sp. essential oils against Candida albicans strains
Authors: Skrobonja Jelica , Delic Dafina , Karaman Maja , Matavulj Milan , Bogavac Mirjana
Published: May 2013

Aromatic plants are among the most important sources of biologically active
secondary metabolites, with high antimicrobal potential. This study was
carried out to examine in vitro antifungal activity of Foeniculum vulgare
(Apiaceae), Carum carvi (Apiaceae) and Eucalyptus sp.(Myrtaceae) essential
oils against three Candida albicans strains of different origin
(laboratory-CAL, human pulmonary-CAH and ATCC10231-CAR). The essential oils
were screened on C. albicans using disc and well-diffusion and microdilution
method, and compared to Nystatine and Fluconazole as standard anti-mycotics.
The activity of tested oils was expressed by inhibition zone diameter (mm),
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration
(MFC) (mg/ml). The results indicated that studied essential oils show
antifungal activity against all three isolates of C. albicans. It was
observed that each oil exhibits different degree of antifungal activity
depending on the oil concentration applied as well as on analyzed strain of
C. albicans. Carum carvi demonstrated the strongest antifungal effect to all
tested strains, showing the lowest MIC values (0.03mg/ml for CAL, 0.06mg/ml
for CAH, and 0.11mg/ml for CAR, respectively). Eucalyptus sp. exhibited the
lowest antifungal activity, with MIC values ranging from 0.11 mg/ml for CAL
to 0.45 mg/ml for both CAH and CAR.
Antifungal activity of essential oils of Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis against three Candida albicans strains
Authors: Delic Dafina , Skrobonja Jelica , Karaman Maja , Matavulj Milan , Bogavac Mirjana
Published: May 2013

Due to general growing resistance and side effects to common antifungal drugs
nowadays, there have been many studies reported on the use of herbal
essential oils as antifungal agents in recent years. In this study, essential
oils of Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae) were examined
for their in vitro antifungal activity against three Candida albicans strains
(laboratory - CAL, human pulmonary - CAH, and reference ATCC10231-CAR) in
comparison to Nystatin (0.30 mg/ml) and Fluconazole (2 mg/ml) as standard
antifungal agents. The antifungal activity was evaluated by comparing
inhibition zone diameters obtained both by disc-and well-diffusion assays, as
well as by comparing MIC and MBC values detected by microdilution assay.
Diffusion test results revealed stronger antifungal effect of O. vulgare
against all analyzed C. albicans strains identifying CAL strain as the most
susceptible one. Inhibition zones ranged from 12.65 to 25.10 mm depending on
the concentrations applied. The highest concentrations of Rosemary essential
oil (5.00 mg/ml) demonstrated activity against two strains: CAL and CAR ATCC
10231 in both diffusion assays applied, while no antifungal activity was
recorded against CAH isolate. Microdilution assay showed that both oils
demonstrated the same MIC values for all tested strains (0.11 mg/ml), except
MIC value against ATCC strain (0.23 mg/ml) obtained for Rosemary essential
oil. The obtained results indicated that oregano and rosemary essential oils
might be highly effective in the natural prevention treatment of candidiasis,
although toxicity assays should be previously preformed.
Development of forecasting elements for minimization of fungicide treatment in potato protection against early blight in Moscow region
Authors: Penjkin Roman , Doroskina Ljudmila , Smirnov Aleksej
Published: May 2013

Early blight of potato (the agent is imperfect fungus Alternaria alternata
(Fr.) Keissl.) is a serious disease of potatoes under hot conditions. This
disease is important in the regions of Eastern and Southern Europe, Asia and
Africa. It is controlled with intensive application of fungicides commonly
used against late blight. However, currently fungicides cause undesirable
damage to humans and the environment. Elements of forecasting the early
blight have been developed in order to minimize the dosage of fungicides.
Primary symptoms (chloroses and necroses) and the potential of pathogen
natural inoculum (determination of disease severity, indexes of formation of
conidia and aggressiveness; as well as the current weather conditions) were
registered and determined in the potato signal plots (no treatments or
artificial inoculation) near main potato cropping. Seed tubers of main potato
cropping were preliminary treated with plant growth regulator Circon and
micro-fertilizer Siliplant produced by the Russian Company NEST-M. These
preparations proved to be effective in acceleration process of potato growth
and in delaying the early blight onset by 5-10 days. The same potato cultivar
must be planted both in signaling plots and in the fields. Well-timed
determination of primary symptoms and potential of pathogen in?oculum allowed
us to understand the damage that early blight can cause to potato natural
inoculation, and hence to provide well-timed application of fungicides with
optimum dosages in mixture with Circon or Silipant. This forecasting method
can be helpful for the adequate management of early blight and decrease of
the environmental damages.
Fungal diseases of tree stands under urbanized conditions of Moscow
Authors: Smirnova Oksana , Smirnov Aleksej
Published: May 2013

Phytosanitary and ecological estimation of tree-stands has been con?ducted at
the Forest Experimental Station of Moscow Agricultural Academy and parks of
Northeast of Moscow in 2007-2011. Fomes fomentarius was proved to be a very
serious pathogen of trees under conditions of Moscow, Piptoporus betulinus,
Phellinus igniarius, and Fomitopsis pinicola also occurred and caused damage
to trees. This rather bad phytosanitary situation depends on alarming
ecological situation in Moscow. At the Forest Experimental Station of Moscow
Agricultural Academy a number and cover of lichens decreased. In general, all
trees in Moscow are in dynamic equilibrium with the urbanized environment. In
connection with this, the following classification of tree-stands was
proposed for the urbanized environment: 1 - healthy trees, 2 - affected trees
which can be managed, 3 - dry woods, 3a - very diseased. Many tree-stands in
investigated regions of Moscow are found to belong to the groups 2 and 3c.
All tree-stands must be carefully monitored and managed in order to provide a
well-timed decision on the support system for preservation of trees as ?lungs
of city? and avoid unpredictable tree falling which put people and traffic at
risk.
Micromorphological changes on the embryonic membranes of turkey eggs infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and their importance for embryonic survival
Authors: Jezdimirovic Nemanja , Kureljusic Branislav , Kureljusic Jasna , Jakic-Dimic Dobrila , Ilic Zivka , Miljkovic Biljana , Radanovic Oliver , Cvetojevic Djordje , Ivetic Vojin , Jezdimirovic Milanka
Published: May 2013

Aspergillosis is a frequent fungal disease of young and adult poultry in our
commercial flocks. Infection can occur after hatching by inhalation of
Aspergillus conidia which can be present in contaminated hatcheries, or
later, by spores from moldy litter, dust, faeces or feed. Spores from the
surface of egg shell can penetrate inside of an egg. The main characteristic
of aspergillosis is granulomatous inflammation of respiratory system,
although generalized form is possible as well. Multiple yellow nodules can be
seen as major patomorphological changes and they are usually localized in
lungs, air sacs, and can also be found in spleen, brain, subcutis and eyes.
Egg embryos are quite susceptible to infection by Aspergillus fumigatus
during incubation. In this study, the history of a case on one local farm
with mortality rate of 7.2% in the turkey flock is presented. At the same
time, 28 day old 30 incubated hatching turkey eggs were sampled, that were
unable to hatch. The aim of the present work was to determine the cause and
to identify the agent of embryonic mortality. Total of the 30 eggs were
opened, and 16 of them had thickened egg membranes in the area of air sac.
Membrane thickening was visible and circumscript or diffuse presence of
black-grey or grey-green fungal growth was observed. Only 3 samples air sacs
were filled with developed stages of fungi. To evaluate histopathological
lesions, changed egg membranes were processed by standard histological
technique. Dominant microscopic finding was thickening of egg membranes as a
consequence of fungal growth and many of them penetrated deep towards embryo.
Most of the hyphae were growing vertically through membranes. On the outside
surface of the membranes, the elements of fungi (conidial heads with phialids
and spores on them), could be clearly observed. These changes were
responsible for embryonic death, which on the basis of the size of dead
embryos occurred between 7th and 10th day of incubation. Aspergillus
fumigatus was isolated and identified from the content of air sacs.
The impact of Trichoderma harzianum on sprouting and early development of pepper until thinning
Authors: Galonja-Coghill Tamara , Djokovic Jasmina , Dozet Gordana , Kostadinovic Ljiljana , Boskovic Jelena
Published: May 2013

This paper presents the results of the study on the analysis of the
stimulative and biopesticide effects of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum T-22
on germination, sprouting and early development of two pepper varieties
(Amfora and Buketna 1) in organic production. The results show the
significant effect of the applied T-22 strain on ger?mination, sprouting,
growth and early development of both aboveground and underground parts of
plants, either used as soil or seed inoculum, in comparison to controls. It
was concluded that T. harzianum T-22 proved its efficiency in promoting
growth and development of pepper, and preventing the development of mycoses.
The occurrence of Trichophytosis among people and cattle on a farm in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Potkonjak Aleksandar , Lako Branislav , Vracar Vuk , Jovanovic Marina , Canak Grozdana , Suvajdzic Ljiljana , Milanov Dubravka
Published: May 2013

Dermatophytoses are frequent contagious fungal skin diseases that affect the
skin of people and animals. Zoophile dermatophytes pose a significant problem
for both human and veterinary medicine, and they are especially present among
bovines. In this paper we showed a simultaneous occurrence of trichophytosis
among professionally exposed people and bovines on a farm in Vojvodina,
Serbia. The tested samples (skin scrapings and hair) originating from people
and animals, were positive for Trichophyton verrucosum dermatophyte which was
determined by applying a direct microscopic examination of the smears, as
well as the isolation and identification of the agents.
In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of peach stones as mycotoxin binders
Authors: Lopicic Zorica , Bocarov-Stancic Aleksandra , Stojanovic Mirjana , Milojkovic Jelena , Pantic Vladimir , Adamovic Milan
Published: May 2013

The paper describes in vitro model for the evaluation of ability of peach
shell (unmodified and modified), prepared at the Institute for Technology of
Nuclear and Other Mineral Raw Materials, Belgrade, to adsorb different
mycotoxins. Peach stones were obtained from ?Vino Zupa? Company from
Aleksandrovac, where they have been disposed of as by-products from their
Juice Factory. After proper preparation, two sorts of peach shell particles
were used: one as unmodified peach shell particles (PS) and another one
obtained by acid modification, denoted as MPS. Adsorption of six mycotoxins:
aflatoxin B1 (AFL), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone
(ZON), diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and T-2 toxin by PS and MPS was tested in
vitro. Crude extracts of mycotoxins, produced at the Department of
Microbiology of Bio-ecological Center, Zrenjanin, were used for adsorption
experiments. The ability of binding mycotoxins was evaluated in the
electrolyte 0.1 M K2HPO4, which pH value was adjusted to 3.0 and 7.0,
respectively. Mass ratio of individual mycotoxin and peach shell samples was
1:5000. The experimental mixtures were incubated for 1 hour on a rotary
shaker (185 rpm) at room temperature (22-25?C). After incubation, the
extractions of non-adsorbed mycotoxins from the filtrates were performed with
organic solvents, and their quantification was done by thin-layer
chromatography (TLC).
Monitoring of fungal spores in the indoor air of preschool institution facilities in Novi Sad
Authors: Novakovic Milana , Karaman Maja , Radnovic Dragan , Radisic Predrag , Sikoparija Branko
Published: May 2013

Fungal spores can cause a range of health problems in humans such as
respiratory diseases and mycotoxicoses. Since children are the most
vulnerable, the presence of fungal spores in the facilities of preschool and
school institutions should be investigated readily. In order to estimate air
contamination by fungal spores, air sampling was conducted in eight
facilities of the preschool institution in Novi Sad during February and
March, 2007. Sedimentation plate method was used for the detection of viable
fungal spores, mostly being members of subdv. Deuteromycota (Fungi
imperfecti). In 32 samples a total of 148 colonies were developed, among
which five genera were identified: Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus,
Alternaria and Acremonium while non-sporulating fungal colonies were labeled
as sterile mycelia. Most frequently recorded genera were Penicillium with 46
colonies and Cladosporium with 44 colonies. The genera Aspergillus and
Alternaria were represented with 3 colonies each and Acremonium with only 1
colony. The greatest number of colonies emerged in the samples from the day
care facilities ?Vendi? (58 colonies) and ?Panda? (49 colonies). Most diverse
samples were obtained from the day care center ?Zvoncica?, with presence of
all identified genera. These results showed notable presence of fungal spores
in the indoor air of Preschool institution facilities and indicated the need
for further, more complete seasonal research. Obtained information is
considered useful for the evaluation of potential mycofactors that endanger
health of children.
Bioindicative values of microfungi in starch and possible deficiencies of the new Serbian regulation on food hygiene
Authors: Uzelac Ema , Radovic Sava , Karaman Maja , Matavulj Milan
Published: May 2013

The results of tests on the presence of yeasts and molds in cornstarch [AD
?IPOK? Zrenjanin, 2007-2008, made at the time when previous Regulations were
valid] were analyzed in terms of bioindicative values of microfungi as
indicators of quality and safety of raw material or final food products.
Microbiological analysis was used to detect the presence of a number of
microorganisms MMI-0001, and a questionnaire was designed at the Department
of Public Health in Zrenjanin town (Republic of Serbia), where the anal?yses
were done, regarding the microbiological tests on starch. In order to
rationalize the analyses and make them more economical, several areas of
product quality control (water, food, raw materials, space) were recommended
either to be excluded or regarded as optional. Thus, analysis of presence of
microfungi as indicators of product quality was categorized as optional. The
results obtained from this research suggest a different conclusion because
the bacteria in the samples indicated ?microbiologically?, namely
bacteriologically, safe samples of food, while, on the contrary, the presence
of some microfungi as distinct xerophilous or xerotolerant microorganisms,
indicated that the food was mycologically non-safe. The obtained data are
crucial for questioning the decision to exclude the earlier required
(mycological) analysis of the samples (in the production of starch, or end
products, etc.) and categorize such analyses in new Regulations as optional,
depending on the manufacturer?s preference. Bioindicative values of
microfungi as indicators of the quality of starch, clearly point to the
shortsightedness of the new Regulations on food hygiene and safety, where
tests on certain microorganisms (in this case, yeasts and molds) are not
legally defined as mandatory, but the Law leaves manufacturers a possibility
to choose (or not to choose) the testing and frequency of testing on the
presence (absence) of microorganisms, which can be risky, both in the
production and marketing of the finial products.
Mycotoxins and their effect on human health
Authors: Resanovic Radmila , Vucicevic Milos , Nedeljkovic-Trailovic Jelena , Maslic-Strizak Danka , Jacevic Vesna
Published: May 2013

Health risks associated with the consumption of products contaminated with
mycotoxins are worldwide recognized and depend on the extent to which they
are consumed in diversified diet. To some extent, the presence of small
amount of mycotoxins in cereals and related food products is unavoidable;
this requires risk assessments which are to be carried out by regulatory
bodies in several countries to help establish regulatory guidelines for the
protection of public health. By assessing the levels at which these
substances in food may pose a potential risk to human health, it is possible
to devise appropriate risk management strategies. However, several important
factors have to be taken into account in making a rational risk management
decision, such as adequate toxicological data and information concerning the
extent of exposure, availability of technically sound analytical procedures
(including sampling), socioeconomic factors, food intake patterns and levels
of mycotoxins in food commodities which may vary considerably between
countries.
Correlation between the limit values of laboratory and clinical mycotoxicosis
Authors: Stojanov Igor , Kapetanov Milos , Potkonjak Dubravka , Zivkov-Balos Milica , Jaksic Sandra , Prodanov-Radulovic Jasna
Published: May 2013

Analysis of feed for the presence of fungi and mycotoxins is a request
necessary to meet in order to ensure a healthy and economical production in
livestock. These tests are related to legal regulation which prescribes the
maximum legislated content (MLC), both for the presence of mycotoxins and the
total number of fungi in certain feeds. Health problems that can occur during
the production of animals are sometimes caused by the presence of mycotoxins
in the feed. Laboratory testing is a good practice to confirm a suspicion,
and allows timely treatment of contaminated feed. Potential problems arise
under circumstances when there is a clinical outcome of mycotoxicosis and
animal and laboratory findings suggest that the obtained values are below the
level that is within the MLC. For these reasons, the subject of our research
was to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxins and mold in feed, as well as
the clinical presentation for animals that were fed with the feed with
allowed values of these agents according to the recommended levels. The aim
of this paper was to highlight the problems associated with clinical
correlation of sick animals and laboratory findings, and suggest their
overcoming. In the period of one year, a total of 176 samples of feed
(complete mixture for broilers, corn and soy products) were examined for the
presence of fungi, 106 samples were examined for the presence of mycotoxins
and 26 flocks of broilers and turkeys were clinically observed. Standard
methods were used for isolation of molds and the ELISA test was used for the
detection of mycotoxins. Clinical and pathomorphological observation of the
flocks was done to determine the natural indicators of production. Studies
indicated a problem because clinical and pathomorphological findings in some
cases were not correlated with laboratory findings of molds and mycotoxins in
the feed, and in some cases it did not necessarily mean that the animals were
healthy. Synergism and cumulative effects of mycotoxins, on the one hand, and
the characteristics of each species and product category on the other hand,
can create specific circumstances that can lead to disease and can increase
even though the values prescribed by legislation have been met.
Invasive zoopathogenic mastigomycotina in Republika Srpska, Serbia and neighboring countries with special reference to Aphanomyces astaci
Authors: Vujcic Slobodanka , Lolic Svjetlana , Bojic Mara , Ilic Predrag , Novakovic Milana , Karaman Maja , Matavulj Milan
Published: May 2013

Non-native alien zoopathogens have had a profound impact on the health of
aquatic zoobiota in Republika Srpska and the Republic of Serbia as well as
around the region and the world as a whole. The movement of disease-causing
microfungi around the world has taken its toll on many different organisms,
and continues to intensify with an increase in global transport of cargo,
people, and animals. Those who study fungi have little information about the
characteristics of invasive, zopathogenic fungi because of the fact that a
particular fungus can inhabit many different organisms, and may be pathogenic
to some of these hosts but not to the others. Crayfish plague (Aphanomyces
astaci) broke out through the Danube River to the territory of Backa and
Banat (today A.P. Vojvodina, the Republic of Serbia) in 1879. Until 1880, the
disease spread through the Sava River to the northern Bosnia (today Republika
Srpska). From 1955 until 1970, almost all territories of Republika Srpska and
Republic of Serbia were afflicted with the crayfish plague disease. Despite
the fact that the problems of the spread of crayfish plague in the territory
of the Republika Srpska and the Republic of Serbia have been of great
significance, there is little data available for analyzing this issue.
According to IUCN criteria, and mostly due to the Aphanomyces astaci
invasion, the degree of endangerment of noble crayfish in Serbia was
evaluated as ?Endangered?, which was a higher degree than the international
level determined for this species, i.e., ?Vulnerable?.
Schizophyllum commune: The main cause of dying trees of the Banja Luka arbored walks and parks
Authors: Matavulj Milan , Lolic Svjetlana , Vujcic Slobodanka , Milovac Snezana , Novakovic Milana , Karaman Maja
Published: May 2013

In the frame of investigation of the main cause of dying trees of the main
arbored walks (Mladena Stojanovica Aley and Park), the investigation of the
presence and diversity of macrofungi in Banja Luka City were undertaken in
the period 2006-2011. Relatively poor generic diversity of lignicolous
(pathogenic or potentially pathogenic and saprotrophic) macrofungi with only
16 species representing this group (13 basidiomycets: Schizophyllum commune,
Fomes fomentarius, Stereum hirsutum, Coriolus versicolor, Flammulina
velutipes, Pseudotrametes gibbosa, Ganoderma applanatum, G. lucidum, G.
adspersum, Polyporus squamosus, Meripilus giganteus, Laetiporus sulphureus,
Auricu?laria auricula-judae, and 3 ascomycets: Nectria cinnabarina, Xylaria
hypoxylon, X. poly?morpha) were recorded. Such a poor qualitative composition
of this very important fungal group could be explained by the reduction in
the number of plant species in arbored walks and alleys, as well as the
reduction in the number of fungi resistant to heavy air pollution caused by
nearby (1-5m) fuel combustion in engines. Although only preliminary, our
results pointed to the necessity of conservation and protection of the most
beautiful features of Banja Luka and its alleys and arbored walks, by
undertaking the measures of curing damaged trees and treating them with
fungicides in order to wipe out the epiphytia caused in more than 95% of
cases (dated May 2011) by Split-gill (Schizophyllum commune), present on dead
wood but also on damaged trees of Aesculus hyppocastaneum (127 trees), Tilia
cordata (124 trees), Tilia platyphyllos (36 trees), Tilia argentea (40
trees), Acer negundo (20 trees), Platanus acerifolia (2 trees), Robinia
pseudoacacia (3 trees), Fraxinus ornus (1 tree), Betula pendula (1 tree),
Catalpa sp. (2 trees), etc. Altogether, during the last decade, around 200
trees collapsed or were sanitary cut in Banja Luka arbored walk from the
Malta site to the Green bridge, a total length around 5 km. The reason for
this was primarily due to Split-gill fungus and the restoration of arbored
walks in the streets extremely polluted by engine fuel consumption in the
zone of Mladena Stojanovica street. By analyzing the trees along the City of
Banja Luka main street it could be concluded that, besides the appearance of
suffocation of plants, due to wide asphalt surfaces that are located
immediately next to the tree-trunks and heavy air pollution, fungi caused
illnesses are the most important cause of the decline of trees. With its
great adaptation to arid climate and ability to resist to the air pollution,
Schizophyllum commune turned out to be the most aggressive and successful
universal fungal invader of trees from old alleys, even threatening
immuno?compromised human individuals. However, man and his direct or indirect
impacts contrib?ute to the dying of trees much faster than the fungal
pathogens in the busiest and most polluted Mladena Stojanovica street.
Methodological approaches for unraveling ill-natured moments of generally good-natured Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zupan Jure , Matos Tadeja , Cencic Avrelija , Raspor Peter
Published: May 2013

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a two-sided coin; it has a beneficial,
biotechnological value with a strong connotation of reliable safety, but also
a negative, potentially pathogenic nature on the other hand. This review is
discussing the methodological approaches that were used for unraveling
putative virulence traits that should separate pathogenic and non-pathogenic
strains. These methods can be sorted in four main groups regarding
physiology/morphology, genetics, proteomics and host-pathogen interactions.
They can be used to enrich the knowledge regarding e.g. invasive growth,
rapid molecular identification, cell-wall adhesions and virulence of yeast
pathogens, respectively. Most of these methods have been adapted mainly to
the leading yeast pathogen Candida albicans or bacterial pathogens. S.
cerevisiae, on the other hand, can act as a weak opportunistic pathogen in
certain conditions and its pathogenicity is not comparable to the
pathogenicity of C. albicans, therefore it is welcomed that new, modified
methods are introduced. New approaches already showed a strong induction of
invasive growth under nutrient starvation and at temperatures typical for
human fever (37-39?C), revealing the potential of S. cerevisiae strains to
cause a disease in humans. A repressive effect on the other hand was observed
in the presence of salts, anoxia and some preservatives, which implies the
importance of food safety measures. The role of cell-wall proteins, which are
involved in the adhesion to plastic material like catheters and other cell
wall components that bind to the epithelial surface in the host, should be
subjected to more detailed studies. The mechanisms for antimycotic resistance
and rapid molecular identification techniques that would identify potentially
pathogenic strains should be the focus of research, as well.
The contribution of bioethanol to sustainable development in Serbia
Authors: Popov Stevan , Dodic Sinisa , Vucurovic Damjan , Dodic Jelena , Grahovac Jovana
Published: May 2013

The pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels for the production of
mechanical or electrical energy is one of the most important environmental
issues nowa?days. In this respect, biofuels represent a viable source of
energy. Bioethanol as a renewable energy source is derived from organic
material of plant origin, so-called biomass, thus reducing environmental
pollution. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of bioethanol
in meeting future energy demands in the Republic of Serbia.
The effect of preconditioning cells under osmotic stress on high alcohol production
Authors: Logotetis Stilijanos , Tataridis Panagiotis , Kanelis Anastasios , Nerancis Elijas
Published: May 2013

This paper focuses on the research into the influence of salt on physiology
of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Specifically, the work focused on how
NaCl affected the growth, viability and fermentation performance of this
yeast in laboratory-scale experiments. One of the main findings of the
research presented involved the influ?ence of salt ?preconditioning? of
yeasts which represents a method of pre-culturing of cells in the presence of
salt in an attempt to improve subsequent fermentation performance. Such an
approach resulted in preconditioned yeasts having an improved capability to
ferment high-sugar containing media (up to 60% w/v of glucose) with increased
cell viability and with increased levels of produced ethanol (higher than 20%
in vol.). Salt-preconditioning was most likely influencing the
stress-tolerance of yeasts by inducing the synthesis of key metabolites such
as trehalose and glycerol which act to improve cells? ability to withstand
osmostress and ethanol toxicity. The industrial-scale trials using
salt-preconditioned yeasts verified the benefit of the physiological
engineering approach to practical fermentations. Overall, this research has
demonstrated that a relatively simple method designed to adapt yeast cells
physiologically - by salt-preconditioning - can have distinct advantages for
al?cohol fermentation processes.
Use of non-saccharomyces Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast strains in winemaking and brewing
Authors: Tataridis Panagiotis , Kanelis Anastasios , Logotetis Stilianos , Nerancis Elias
Published: May 2013

Selected Saccharomyces yeast strains have been used for more than 150 years
in brewing and for several decades in winemaking. They are necessary in
brewing because of the boiling of the wort, which results in the death of all
yeast cells, with the exception of some Belgian style beers (ex. Lambic),
where the wort is left to be colonized by indigenous yeast and bacteria from
the environment and ferment naturally. In winemaking their use is also
pertinent because they provide regular and timely fermentations, inhibit the
growth of indigenous spoilage microorganisms and contribute to the desired
sensory characters. Even though the use of selected Saccharomyces strains
provides better quality assurance in winemaking in comparison to the unknown
microbial consortia in the must, it has been debated for a long time now
whether the use of selected industrial Saccharomyces strains results in wines
with less sensory complexity and ?terroir? character. In previous decades,
non-Saccharomyces yeasts were mainly considered as spoilage/problematic
yeast, since they exhibited low fermentation ability and other negative
traits. In the last decades experiments have shown that there are some
non-Saccharomyces strains (Candida, Pichia, Kluyveromyces, Torulaspora, etc)
which, even though they are not able to complete the fermentation they can
still be used in sequential inoculation-fermentation with Saccharomyces to
increase sensory complexity of the wines. Through fermentation in a
laboratory scale, we have observed that the overall effects of selected
Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast strains, is highly positive, leading to
products with pronounced sensory complexity and floral/fruity aroma in
winemaking and brewing.
Optimization of medium for antimycotic production by Streptomyces spp.
Authors: Bajic Bojana , Dodic Jelena , Grahovac Jovana , Jokic Aleksandar , Cvetkovic Dragoljub , Petrovic Lidija , Vucurovic Damjan
Published: May 2013

Numerous species of the genus Streptomyces, on the appropriate cultivation
medium in the process of submerged biosynthesis, as a product of the
secondary metabolism, and under aerobic conditions synthesize
pharmacologically active compounds. The aim of presented study was
optimization of different nitrogen sources in the cultivation medium for the
production of antimycotics using a strain of Streptomyces spp. isolated from
the environment. Experiments were carried out in accordance with Box-Behnken
design with three factors at three levels (peptone: 3.0 g/l, 7.0 g/l and 11.0
g/l; yeast extract: 1.0 g/l, 3.0 g/l and 5.0 g/l; soybean meal: 5.0 g/l, 15.0
g/l and 25.0 g/l) and three repetitions in the central point. Cultivation
mediums were analyzed for determination of residual sugar, residual nitrogen,
pellet diameter and RNA. Also, antimycotic activity of the obtained
culti?vation mediums was determined using diffusion disc method on the
Aspergillus spp. as the test microorganism. For the optimization of selected
parameters, a Response Surface Methodology was used and the obtained data
were analyzed using the software package DESIGN EXPERT 8.1. Achieved model
with a coefficient of determination (R) of 0.952 predicted that the maximum
inhibition zone diameter (24.0 mm) against microorganism Aspergillus spp. and
the minimum amount of residual sugar (0.551528 g/l) under applied
experimental conditions was produced when the contents of varied nitrogen
sources were: peptone 11.0 g/l, yeast extract 4.32 g/l and soybean meal 25.00
g/l.
Trametes suaveolens as ligninolytic enzyme producer
Authors: Knezevic Aleksandar , Milovanovic Ivan , Stajic Mirjana , Vukojevic Jelena
Published: May 2013

Species of the genus Trametes represent one of the most efficient
lignin-degraders which can be attributed to a well developed ligninolytic
enzyme system. Current trends are screening of ability of new species to
produce these enzymes, as well as the optimization of conditions for their
overproduction. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the potential
of T. suaveolens to synthesize laccase and Mn-oxidizing peroxidases during
fermentation of the selected plant raw materials. Level of enzyme activities
was measured on 7, 10 and 14th day of submersion, as well as the solid-state
fermentation of wheat straw and oak sawdust in the presence of NH4NO3 in
previously determined optimal nitrogen concentration of 25 mM. The enzyme
activity was determined spectrophotometrically using ABTS and phenol red as
the substrates. The highest level of laccase activity (1087.1 U/L) was noted
after 7 days of wheat straw solid-state fermentation, while during the
submerged cultivation the production of the enzyme was not noted. Submerged
cultivation in oak sawdust-enriched medium was the optimal for activity of
Mn-dependent peroxidase (1767.7 U/L on day 14) and Mn-independent peroxidase
(1113.7 U/L on day 7). Introduction of T. suaveolens to produce ligninolytic
enzyme represented the base for further study, as well as the determination
of relation between enzyme activity and rate of lignin degradation. It could
lead to greater possibility of fungal species selection with high
delignification capacity, which could take participation in sustainable
production of food, feed, fibres, and energy, environmentally friendly
pollution prevention, and bioremediation.
Synthesis And Characterization Of Methyl 4, 6-O-Enzylidene- ?-D-Glucopyranoside Derivatives
Authors: Kawsar Sarkar MA , Kabir Abul KMS , Bhuiyan MOhammad MR , Manik Mohammad M
Published: May 2013

Regioselective benzoylation of methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-?-D-glucopyranoside (1) using direct acylation method furnished the methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-2-O-(4-t-butylbenzoyl)- ?-D-glucopyranoside (2) in an excellent yield. In order to obtain newer products for antimicrobial screening studies, the 2-O-4-t-butylbenzoyl derivative was further transformed to a series of 3-O-acyl derivatives (2-12) containing a wide variety of functionalities in a single molecular framework. Journal of Bangladesh Chemical Society, Vol. 25(2), 101-109, 2012 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcs.v25i2.15045