Different Localities In Serbia Research Articles

Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Lycium barbarum L. fruits from Serbia.

Cultivation of goji berries (GB), fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae), is expanding worldwide, including in Europe. In this study, a comparative analysis of the nutritional value, chemical composition and in vitro biological activities of GB from different locations in Serbia was performed. Proximate compositions were evaluated according to standard methods. Minerals were assessed by inductively coupled plasma techniques, while fatty acids, sterols, and phenolic profiles were analyzed by gas- and liquid chromatography-based techniques coupled with flame-ionization, mass spectrometry, or diode array detection. The total content of phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides was assessed using spectrophotometric methods. Methanol extracts from GB were examined for their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase) and antibacterial activities. Despite significant variations among samples from different locations, the results confirmed that GB are a valuable source of dietary fiber and protein and are characterized by favorable fatty acid profiles. Phytochemical analysis revealed that β-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol, and 24-methyldesmosterol are the predominant sterols and caffeic acid, gallic acid, quercetin and rutin are the main phenols. All GB samples showed both antioxidant and mild antimicrobial activity. A dose-dependent anti-enzymatic activity (IC50 ranging 1.68-6.88mg/mL) was demonstrated. The results support further promotion of GB cultivation in Serbia and further investigations on their potential applications in various industries.

The Occurrence and Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Small Mammals from Serbia.

Background: Despite abundance of small mammals in Serbia, there is no information on their role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). This retrospective study aimed to identify different tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in small mammals in Serbia collected during 2011. Materials and Methods: A total of 179 small mammals were collected from seven different localities in Serbia. The five localities belong to the capital city of Serbia-Belgrade: recreational areas-Ada Ciganlija, Titov gaj, and Košutnjak as well as mountainous suburban areas used for hiking-Avala and Kosmaj. The locality Veliko Gradište is a tourist place in northeastern Serbia, whereas the locality Milošev Do is a remote area in western Serbia with minor human impact on the environment. Results: The results of the presented retrospective study are the first findings of Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia microti, Hepatozoon canis, and Coxiella burnetii in small mammals in Serbia. The presence of R. helvetica was confirmed in two Apodemus flavicollis, the presence of one of the following pathogens, R. monacensis, B. afzelii, H. canis, Ba. microti, and N. mikurensis was confirmed in one A. flavicollis each, whereas the presence of B. miyamotoi was confirmed in one Apodemus agrarius. Coinfection with B. afzelii and Ba. microti was confirmed in one A. flavicollis. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in 3 of 18 pools. Conclusions: The results confirm that detected pathogens circulate in the sylvatic cycle in Serbia and point to small mammals as potential reservoir hosts for the detected TBPs. Further large-scale studies on contemporary samples are needed to clarify the exact role of particular small mammal species in the epidemiology of TBDs caused by the detected pathogens.

Paeonia peregrina Mill Petals as a New Source of Biologically Active Compounds: Chemical Characterization and Skin Regeneration Effects of the Extracts.

Paeonia peregrina Mill. is a perennial herbaceous plant species, known for the medicinal value of all of its plant parts, although the chemical composition of the petals is unknown. This study aimed to determine the chemical fingerprint of the petals and also establish the optimal extraction parameters, extraction medium, and extraction method for petals collected from different localities in Serbia. The optimization was performed in order to acquire extracts that are rich in the contents of total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), and also exhibit strong antioxidant activity. In addition, the influence of the extracts on several human skin pathogens was evaluated, as well as their ability to aid wound closure and act as anti-inflammatory agents. Both the extraction medium and the applied technique significantly influenced the skin-beneficial biological activities, while methanol proved to be a more favorable extraction medium. In conclusion, the extraction conditions that yielded the extract with the richest phenolic content with satisfactory biological potential varied between the assays, while the most promising locality in Serbia for the collection of P. peregrina petals was Pančevo (South Banat).

Elemental Profile of Propolis from Different Areas of Serbia.

Propolis is a resinous natural substance collected by honeybees from different plant sources. The element content of propolis is influenced by the content of elements in the soil, climatic factors, and the degree of pollution. The aim of the study was to characterize element composition and content of toxic elements in 51 propolis collected from different locations in Serbia and to evaluate the differences among them. Determination of the 21 elements were performed using Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. K was the most abundant element, followed by Ca, Mg, Si, Fe, Zn, and Al. The microelements B, Ba, Mn, Na, Pb, and Ti were also present in propolis, while Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Sr, and V were found in trace. Toxic elements such as Pb, As, and Cd were found in the trace. Kruskal-Wallis tests differentiate groups of samples by geographical origin. The presence of B, Fe, Sr, Ti, Zn, and As demonstrated statistical significance between six regions of Serbia.

Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant potential of Allium ursinum L. cultivated on different soil types- a preliminary study

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) has been used as nutrition and medicine for centuries. Although this plant species is a typical springgeophyte that grows spontaneously in moist, steep, shady beech forests, but information on phytochemical and antioxidant propertiesunder various soil types are scarce. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of the leaves ofA. ursinum grown on different soil types, but under identical climatic conditions of South Banat, Serbia. For the purpose of reproduction,A. ursinum bulbs were collected from two different locations in Serbia and then planted on different types of soil, namely: Arenosol,Fluvisol, Cambisol and Chernozem. Fresh leaves of sprouted plants were sampled at the beginning of spring, morphologically analysedand stoma was counted. The leaf extract was prepared and its phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential were assessed.Regardless of the origin of the reproductive material (bulbs), the leaves of A. ursinum plants cultivated in Chernozem soil had the bestmorphological characteristics and the largest number of stomata. Phytochemical analyses revealed the following ranges for selectedbioactive compounds (expressed on fresh weight, FW): chlorophyll content (289.9-642.4 μg/g for chlorophyll a i.e. 358.2-458.6 μg/gfor chlorophyll b), total carotenoid content (TCC, 91.2-263.2 μg/g), total phenolic content (TPC, 1.43-1.98 mg/g GAE), total flavonoidcontent (TFC, 0.36-1.28 mg/g QE), and total dihydroxycinnamic acid derivative content (HCA, 0.53-0.59 mg/g CGAE). The highestvalues were obtained on Chernozem (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and TPC and HCA) and Cambisol (TCC and TFC). Chernozem appearedto be the best soil type during three applied standard antioxidant assays (CUPRAC, TAC and FRP) while DPPH radical quenching assayrevealed no significant differences among all examined soil types. Based on the obtained results it could be assumed that Chernozemexhibited the most desirable physico-chemical properties for optimal development of A. ursinum (in particular its green parts) as a sourceof different antioxidants. Correlation analysis of phytochemical parameters has proved significant influence of total chlorophylls, phenolics,flavonoids and duhydroxycinnamic acid derivatives on antioxidant activity of A. ursinum leaves (unlike total carotenoid content) with thehighest correlation between HCA and FRP assay (r2= 1.00). In addition, PCA analysis clearly determined Chernozem type of soil as thebest choice for optimal leaf growth and development.Keywords: Wild garlic; cultivation; morphology; leaves; phytochemicals

Fatty acids in seed oil of wild and cultivated rosehip (Rosa canina L.) from different locations in Serbia

Fatty acids in seed oil of wild and cultivated rosehip (Rosa canina L.) from different locations in Serbia

Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Achillea coarctata Poir. Essential Oils.

Essential oils obtained from different parts of Achillea coarctata species (inflorescences, stem and leaves and the whole aerial part) collected on four different locations in Serbia have been investigated to evaluate the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of isolated oils. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from different plant parts and how different type of substrate as well as different climate conditions affect the chemical composition of essential oils. Oxigenated terpenes were reported to be the major constituents in almost all examinated samples with 1,8-cineole, caryophyllene oxide and cis-cadin-4-en-7-ol identified as dominant compounds. Disk diffusion assay was used to determine antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii ATCC 6633 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and Salmonella abony ATCC 6017). The obtained results showed that essential oils obtained from A. coarctata exhibit significant antibacterial activity against tested bacteria strains. The best inhibitory effect was observed against S. aureus, while on the other hand P. aeruginosa showed high level of resistance to almost all examined essential oils.

Variability in Early Seed Development of 26 Populations of Cuscuta campestris Yunck.: The Significance of Host, Seed Age, Morphological Trait, Light, Temperature, and Genetic Variance

Efficient approaches aimed at restricting Cuscuta campestris distribution can be based on the control of seed germination. Thus, data on effects of environmental factors, seed age, seed longevity and viability, and hosts on C. campestris seed germination and emergence would provide valuable information in that context. Seeds of 26 populations of C. campestris were collected from different locations in Serbia during the field season August–October between 2005 and 2019. Seeds were collected in three major agronomic regions in Serbia: Banat (13 populations), Srem (11 populations), and Macva (2 populations). The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different temperatures and light on seed germination and seedling growth of populations of C. campestris, determine possible correlations between seed age or hosts and total germination and seedling growth, and survey the morphological diversity and genetic variability of seeds of this parasitic plant. Large variability of germination patterns was observed within each agronomic region, and the high variance of seed germination patterns within regions reflects the ability of C. campestris to adapt to local agricultural management practices. For practical purposes, populations that start and complete their emergence earlier are considered harder to control. Thus, farmers should implement effective mechanical and chemical management measures for early-germinating populations.

Rapid characterization of hypanthium and seed in wild and cultivated rosehip: application of Raman microscopy combined with multivariate analysis.

Rosehip (pseudo-fruit) of dog rose (Rosa canina L.) is highly valued, and owing to nutritional and sensory properties it has a significant place in the food industry. This work represents an innovative report focusing on the evaluation of the phytochemical composition of rosehips (hypanthium and seed) grown in different locations in Serbia, using Raman microspectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis. Some significant differences arose between the analysed rosehip samples with regard to the chemical profile of both hypanthium parenchyma cells and seed, although no evident discrimination was recorded between the samples of wild and cultivated rosehip. The differences between the hypanthium samples compared were mainly determined by the content of carotenoids, phenolic compounds and polysaccharides, whereas phenolics, polysaccharides (pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose) and lipids (to a lower extent) contributed to the seed sample discrimination. The differences observed between the rosehip samples may be attributed to abiotic factors (growing, ripening and storage conditions), which had a significant impact on the carotenoid and polyphenols biosynthesis.

Stochastic process of extreme rainless periods in Serbia

AbstractThis paper analyses extreme rainless periods for the territory of Serbia in southeast Europe. Treated as meteorological droughts from an agriculture perspective, the number of rainless periods longer than 20 days as well as their distributions is examined for the growing season (April–September) using data from a period of 50 years. The related stochastic process is modelled via the Zelenhasic–Todorovic (ZT) method for 20 evenly distributed locations across Serbia and important results are mapped in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. The principal components of the process are the number of rainless periods following a Poisson distribution, the theoretical exponential distribution of all droughts' duration and the theoretical double exponential distribution of the (yearly) longest drought's duration. These components are significant for agriculture under climate change because frequent and long‐lasting periods without or with very small amounts of rainfall (e.g., 3 mm·m−2·day−1) have a negative impact on crop production and require additional agricultural measures. This study shows that rainless periods long up to 45 days can be expected every 5 years. Extremely long droughts up to 75 days can be expected every 100 years. The saturation effect, visible if the distribution functions of the longest rainless periods are analysed for different return periods (100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 years) at different locations in Serbia, illustrates that droughts of longer than approximately 55 days may occur every 50 years, while shorter droughts (30–33 days) may be expected every second year. Through quantifying the spatial and temporal distribution of rainless periods across Serbia, this work demonstrates that periods without rain are at least equally important as periods with rain. As both are aspects of a unique climate variability process, they influence agriculture and other socio‐economic sectors and have major impacts on the reliability, resilience and vulnerability of production systems, industries and services.

Multi-elemental Analysis, Pattern Recognition Techniques of Wild and Cultivated Rosehips from Serbia, and Nutritional Aspect

Twenty-six major and trace elements, in the seed and the mesocarp of wild and cultivated rosehips from different locations in Serbia, were quantified by means of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The cultivated rosehip was investigated for the first time. In both wild and cultivated rosehips, the most abundant elements were K and Ca. Among trace elements, Mn (in both seed and mesocarp); Fe (in seeds); and B, Ba, and Sr (in mesocarp) were quantified in the highest concentrations. The higher content of Cu,K, Mn, P, and S in the seed of cultivated rosehip, as well as Ca, Mg, and Sr in the mesocarp of wild rosehip, was observed, both significant at p < 0.05. Additionally, differences between the seed and the mesocarp of studied rosehip were noticed in the content of B, Cu, Fe, K, Ni, P, S, Sr, and Ti (p < 0.05). Nutritional assessment revealed that both wild and cultivated rosehips are a valuable source of essential elements (Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, and P). The absence of toxic and potentially toxic elements additionally contributes to the quality of studied Serbian rosehip. A high impact of factors such as variety, location, as well as their interaction on the content of elements in cultivated rosehip mesocarp and seed was observed. Pattern recognition techniques, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied in order to provide insight into similarities among the analyzed samples.

Z JANKOM GLAZERJEM NAPOTI IZGNANSTVA

The German occupation of a part of Slovenian territory in April 1941 meant a breaking point in the lives of many people. Among the victims there were also Slovene authors. First, the Nazis established migration headquarters in Maribor and subordinate agencies to organise deportations; later, they established assembly camps in different places in Lower Styria. In Maribor they reorganised a part of the barracks in Melje into a camp. They were brought to different locations in Serbia, some also in Croatia.

Comparative analysis of HPLC profiles and antioxidant activity of Artemisia alba Turra from two habitats in Serbia

Artemisia alba Turra was collected at the blooming stage on two different locations in Serbia, Mojinci and Rosomač. Antioxidant activity and HPLC profiles of their methanolic extracts were determined and compared. Flavonoid compounds found in both samples were rutin, apigenin glucoside, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol and apigenin, while detected phenolic acids were chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, cynarine and rosmarinic acid. The only observed qualitative difference was related to the presence of vanillic acid. Extract of A. alba from Rosomač was richer in phenolic compounds and flavonoids than A. alba from Mojinci. The extract of A. alba from Rosomač also possessed higher antioxidant capacity than A. alba from Mojinci, which was especially noticed in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Only the results for the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay were higher for extract of A. alba from Mojinci, than for the extract of A. alba from Rosomač.

Diversity of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes isolated from ticks in Serbia.

Spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) species complex, including the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis, have been isolated from ticks, vertebrate reservoirs and humans. Previous analyses based on direct molecular detection in ticks indicated a considerable diversity of B. burgdorferi s.l. complex in Serbia. The present study aimed (a) to isolate borrelia strains from Serbia; (b) to determine their genotypic characteristics; and (c) to establish a collection of viable B. burgdorferi s.l. strains for further biological, ecological and genetic studies. For the present study, 231 adult Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks from 16 ecologically different localities in Serbia were individually processed to cultivate B. burgdorferi s.l. This led to the isolation of 36 strains. A hbb gene quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on melting temperature determination and ospA gene sequencing were used to genotype the isolated spirochetes. The species identified based on the hbb gene real-time PCR were: Borrelia lusitaniae (44.4%), Borrelia afzelii (36.1%), Borrelia garinii (13.9%) and Borrelia valaisiana (5.6%), whereas the ospA sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of Borrelia bavariensis. This is the first report of the isolation of B. lusitaniae, B. garinii, B. bavariensis and B.valaisiana strains in Serbia.

Molekularna karakterizacija Turnip yellows virus - novog patogena slačice u Srbiji

In 2018, a total of 58 mustard samples from two different localities in Serbia (Rimski Šančevi and Senta) were collected and tested for the presence of Turnip yellow virus (TuYV), Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) by DAS-ELTSA. TuYV was serologically detected in 42 tested samples while all collected samples were negative for CaMV and TuMV. By using aphid transmission tests, five test plants were inoculated with two ELTSApositive TuYV samples of naturally infected mustard plants. Virus species identification was performed by amplification of a 780 bp fragment in all tested samples using the specific primers TuYVorf0F/TuYVorf0R. The RTPCR products from two isolates 88Sal (MK144816) and 98Bni (MK144817) were sequenced and compared with the GenBank sequences of TuYV. Serbian isolates showed the highest identity with Poland TuYV isolate (EU022489). Phylogenetic analysis showed that TuYV isolates from Serbia were clustered with other TuYV sequences retrieved from the GenBank.

Honeybees as sentinels of lead pollution: Spatio-temporal variations and source appointment using stable isotopes and Kohonen self-organizing maps

In this study, honeybees were used to determine spatio-temporal variations and origin sources of Pb. Lead concentrations and isotopic composition were used in combination with selected statistical methods. The sampling was carried out at five different locations in Serbia: urban region (BG), petrochemical industry (PA), suburban region (PV), rural region (MS) and thermal power plant region (TPP) during 2014. At PA and PV locations, samples were taken during multiple years. This is the first use of Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) in combination with honeybees as bioindicators to determine spatio-temporal variations and origin of Pb pollution. It was observed that during the years Pb concentrations were in decline. Anthropogenic sources are most dominant in BG and TPP, in PA there are mixed sources of natural and anthropogenic origin and in PV Pb is of natural origin. It can be concluded that honeybees in combination with SOM can be used to differentiate between slight changes in spatio-temporal variations of Pb, as well as for source appointment.

Sorbus aucuparia and Sorbus aria as a Source of Antioxidant Phenolics, Tocopherols, and Pigments.

Due to its nutritive and medicinal properties, berries of some Sorbus species are used for the preparation of jams and jelly as well as in traditional medicine. On the other hand, their chemical composition is not much studied especially of those grown in Balkan Peninsula. We have analyzed individual phenolics, tocopherols, carotenoids and chlorophylls using HPLC in berries from Sorbus aucuparia and Sorbus aria collected in different localities in Serbia and Montenegro together with the amounts of total phenolics and proanthocyanidins as well as their radical scavenging activity against DPPH radical. Berries of S.aucuparia were richer source of polyphenolics in comparision with S.aria and, regardless the species and locality, caffeoylquinic acids such as neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant compounds. Among analyzed tocopherols the most abundant in all samples was α-tocopherol (0.48-19.85μg/gdw) as it was β-carotene among carotenoids (mean concentration of 0.98μg/gdw in S.aucuparia and 0.40μg/gdw in S.aria, respectively). Correlation between total phenolics and DPPH radical scavenging activity was noticed. Our study represents comprehensive report on chemical composition of S.aucuparia and S.aria which could contribute to a better understanding of their quality.

Multivariate Chemometrics with Regression and Classification Analyses in Heroin Profiling Based on the Chromatographic Data.

The purpose of this work is to promoteandfacilitateforensic profiling and chemical analysis of illicit drug samples in order to determine their origin,methods of productionandtransfer through the country. The article is based on the gas chromatography analysis of heroin samples seized from three different locations in Serbia. Chemometric approach with appropriate statistical tools (multiple-linear regression (MLR), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and Wald-Wolfowitz run (WWR) test) were applied on chromatographic data of heroin samples in order to correlate and examine the geographic origin of seized heroin samples. The best MLR models were further validated by leave-one-out technique as well as by the calculation of basic statistical parameters for the established models. To confirm the predictive power of the models, external set of heroin samples was used. High agreement between experimental and predicted values of acetyl thebaol and diacetyl morphine peak ratio, obtained in the validation procedure, indicated the good quality of derived MLR models. WWR test showed which examined heroin samples come from the same population, and HCA was applied in order to overview the similarities among the studied heroine samples.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress and metal accumulation in marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus).

To understand the effect of metals on the marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus and the possible environment-induced changes in oxidative stress enzymes, we determined the concentrations of 18 metals: Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, In, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn, in the tissues (liver, skin, and muscle) and water samples collected from different locations in Serbia. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and changes in concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl groups (SH) were analyzed in the tissues of the sampled frogs. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, and Ni were highest in the liver, whereas those of Ba, Ca, Li, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn were highest in the skin. Hg correlated positively with liver SOD (in frogs from Danube-Tisza-Danube Canal (DTD)), muscle CAT (DTD), and muscle GST Ponjavica River (PO); Pb demonstrated a strong positive correlation with liver GR in frogs from Mt. Fruška Gora (FG); Cd only exhibited a positive correlation with AChE in the skin of frogs from DTD. In the skin, Zn correlated positively with AChE (DTD), SH groups (PO), and CAT (FG), and negatively with CAT, GST, and SH in the liver of frogs from DTD. Examination of these oxidative stress biomarkers, together with analysis of metal accumulation in the liver and skin of marsh frogs, provides a powerful tool for the assessment of metal pollution.

Anthropogenetic variability in groups of children from regular and special schools from different localities in Serbia

This population-genetic study compares morpholophysiological and genetic variability in five control groups of individuals (children from five regular schools, N= 996) with children from that many special schools (N= 736) from Serbia, by using a test of determination of homozygously recessive characteristics in humans (HRC-test). Genetic homozygosity degree showed not only statistically significant difference between the mean values obtained for two groups of studied samples (control group 6.95? 0.07; children from special schools 8.63? 0.08 HRCs, out of 30 analyzed characteristics), but also differences in the type of distribution, as well as the presence of specific combinations of such traits. Results of comparisons done in different places (Kraljevo, Nis, Vranje, Leskovac, Pirot) showed the same tendency- the increase of genetic homozygosity and relative decrease of variability in samples of children from special schools. The number of HRCs among individuals from control groups varied from 2 to 15/30, and from 3 to 16/30 among children from special schools. It is possible that increased recessive homozygosity present in the group of children from special schools leads to increase of genetic loads, what may cause easier expression of some physiological and mental abilities that children from special schools have.A great individual variation in amount of genetic homozygosity that exists among human individuals may influence their potentials for different kinds of adaptation, including their mental abilities, physical capacities or resistance to different diseases.