Abolfazl Niazkhani, A. Mohammadi, H. Mashhadi, Fahimeh Mahmoudnia
{"title":"An investigation amount of cell density, biomass, lipid and biodiesel production in Chlorella vulgaris microalgae under effect of different parameters","authors":"Abolfazl Niazkhani, A. Mohammadi, H. Mashhadi, Fahimeh Mahmoudnia","doi":"10.18054/pb.v124i1-2.20661","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v124i1-2.20661","url":null,"abstract":"Background and purpose: Nowadays, microalgae are considered as the third-generation technology for the production of biodiesels in nature. Chlorella vulgaris is one of the most widely used microalgae for commercial purposes. It is one of the best options for producing biodiesel from algae because of its abundance and flexibility in cultivation. The systems applied for the production of algae are facing high expenses. One way to decrease the cost is to obtain the optimal values for the various parameters of the culture medium for maximum growth in algae.Materials and methods: Therefore, in this study, the effect of parameters such as salinity, temperature, light intensity, light exposure time and acidity on cell density, biomass, lipid and biodiesel production was investigated.Results: As a result, the highest cell density of Chlorella vulgaris was observed at 26 °C, light intensity of 3500 lux, light exposure of 17 hours, salinity of 5 ppm and pH of 7.5. The highest production of biomass was at light intensity of 3000 lux, light exposure time of 14 hours, salinity of 5 ppm and pH of 9. The highest lipid production was observed at 26 °C, lightintensity of 4200 lux, light exposure time of 18 hours, salinity of 11 ppm and pH of 8. The highest biodiesel production was observed at 26 °C, light intensity of 4200 lux, light exposure time of 18 hours, salinity of 11 ppm and pH of 8.Conclusions: These types of algae, which maintain themselves against environmental and non-biological stresses, show high specimen ability and resistance to recombinant shapes.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43402181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maja Perica, Zorana Katanić, Lucija Nuskern, Ljiljana Krstin
{"title":"Vaccine hesitancy among Croatian biology students with special emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine","authors":"Maja Perica, Zorana Katanić, Lucija Nuskern, Ljiljana Krstin","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.18377","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.18377","url":null,"abstract":"Background and purpose: The next challenge after development of COVID-19 vaccines is reaching adequate vaccine coverage, which could be hampered by COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to assess general attitude towards vaccination among biology students, as well as prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Since participants of this study could be employed in educational institutions in the future, their knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination could have a role in forming the attitudes of the next generations.Materials and methods: Biology students from two Universities in Croatia were questioned using an anonymous online survey about their attitude towards vaccination in general and COVID-19 vaccination at the moment and from the perspective of a future teacher. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression.Results: Mostly positive opinion about vaccination was revealed among Croatian biology students, while 67.3% expressed willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine compliance was not associated with gender, level of education or University they attended. However, opinion about safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, perceiving vaccination as important for stopping current pandemic and feeling exposed to COVID-19 infection significantly affected the odds for accepting COVID-19 vaccine. Many students were aware of the opportunity to influence vaccination decisions of the next generations by providing knowledge regarding infectious diseases, immunity and vaccines as future biology teachers.Conclusions: Increasing willingness and competence of biology students and biology teachers to promote vaccine-positive attitudes could be promising long-term strategy for decreasing vaccine hesitancy.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42275266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Z. Poljaković, Marina Roje Bedeković, K. Čaljkušić, Meri Matijaca, I. Pintarić, V. Vuletić, D. Bonifačić, M. Bralic, J. Ljevak
{"title":"Acute stroke treatment during COVID-19 pandemic \"lockdown\" period – Croatian experience","authors":"Z. Poljaković, Marina Roje Bedeković, K. Čaljkušić, Meri Matijaca, I. Pintarić, V. Vuletić, D. Bonifačić, M. Bralic, J. Ljevak","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.11586","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.11586","url":null,"abstract":"Background and purpose: Inevitable lockdown scenario during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic led to different approaches of medical care system worldwide. During this period, health care services faced theproblem of time, place and human resources management. However, in spite of redirecting health forces to fight this new and unknown virus in all countries, the need of routine treatment of all the other emergencies according to the guidelines remained present. The aim of our study was to analyse the acute stroke care in Croatia during first wave of Covid pandemic.Materials and methods: In order to achieve the rate of stroke patients admitted to hospital care in dedicated hospital stroke units and centers, we have gathered the data from four Croatian University Hospitals. We analyzed the number of hospitalized stroke patients from 1th of February to 1th of May 2020 and the proportions of patients treated with recanalization therapy.Results: Our results showed a slight decrease of number of all neurological patients who arrived to the Emergency Unit. In 2019 recanalization therapy was given to 158 patients (19%) vs 177 (26%) in 2020. Thrombolysis alone was given to 72 (9%) of patients in 2019 and to 68 (10%) of patients in 2020, while thrombectomy (with or without thrombolysis) has been performed to 86 (10%) vs 109 (16%) patients in 2019 and 2020 respectively.Conclusion: In conclusion, we did not notice less severe stroke patients or lower level of stroke care in University Hospitals.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42859364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fantastic science and where to find it","authors":"I. Mijakovic","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i1-2.16473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i1-2.16473","url":null,"abstract":"Not applicable, format is \"letter to editor\".","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48870013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Melany Ćurić, S. Klobučar Majanović, D. Detel, A. Ružić, D. Štimac
{"title":"Obesogens – new global health problem?","authors":"Melany Ćurić, S. Klobučar Majanović, D. Detel, A. Ružić, D. Štimac","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.5032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.5032","url":null,"abstract":"Obesity is a serious global public health problem. It is a complex disease caused by a combination of several factors including overeating and a sedentary lifestyle, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Substantial scientific evidence indicates that increase in obesity prevalence correlates with increase in production and human exposure to environmental chemicals, suggesting that a long list of chemical compounds that can be found all around us may play a role in the etiology of obesity.Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are chemicals that can interfere with the function of endocrine system. A subclass of EDCs that can disrupt a great number of metabolic processes including normal development of adipose tissue and balance of lipid metabolism thus leading to obesity are called obesogens. They can be found in electronics, plastics, furniture, clothes, cosmetics and also in the air, water and food that people consume. Persistent organophosphate pesticides, flame retardants, nicotine and plastics have all been linked to obesity particularly if exposure occurs during early life (in utero, newborns). Early development is the most vulnerable period for obesogen exposure leading to epigenetic changes that persist throughout life.Current knowledge on obesogens is probably just „the tip of the iceberg“ and future research is needed as well as increasing public awareness of this problem and its implications to human health. It is important to establish control over obesogens and try to prevent or at least limit the exposure of people, especially children and pregnant women, to these dangerous and harmful chemical compounds.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46991891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Zarić, S. Popovic, D. Baskić, D. Jovanović, P. Djurdjevic, Radica S Živković Zarić, P. Čanović, I. Zelen
{"title":"Ligustrum vulgare leaves and fruit extracts induce apoptosis of human leukemia cells","authors":"M. Zarić, S. Popovic, D. Baskić, D. Jovanović, P. Djurdjevic, Radica S Živković Zarić, P. Čanović, I. Zelen","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.19206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.19206","url":null,"abstract":"Background and purpose: Cytotoxic effects of Ligustrum vulgare leaves on HeLa cervical tumor cells suggested that Ligustrum vulgare extracts should be investigated as potential anticancer agents. Therefore, we examined a potential antileukemic activity of methanolic extracts of Ligustrum vulgare leaves and fruit extracts on two types of leukemia cells, MOLT-4 and JVM-13, lymphocytes isolated from the blood of 33 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and on mononuclear leukocytes isolated from the blood of 18 healthy individuals.Material and methods: The cytotoxicity of examined extracts was measured by MTT assay and LDH activity test. The antiapoptotic potential of tested extracts was measured by Annexin V/7AAD flowcytometric assay.Results: The results showed that both extracts exhibited a moderate cytotoxic effect on all three types of leukemia cells. The Ligustrum vulgare leaf extract was the most effective on MOLT-4 cells, the fruit extract on JVM-13 cells and both extracts were equally effective on CLL cells. In addition, none of the tested extracts was toxic to healthy mononuclear cells. Both extracts acted by inducing apoptosis of leukemic cells.Conclusion: Ligustrum vulgare extracts exhibit significant antileukemic potential and should be further investigated.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44501251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L. Ivanova, K. Rebok, M. Jordanova, Zrinka Dragun, V. Kostov, S. Ramani, D. Valić, N. Krasnići, Vlatka Filipović Marijić, D. Kapetanović
{"title":"Effects of water contamination with heavy metals on pigmented macrophages in spleen of Vardar chub (Squalius vardarensis Karaman) from three rivers in the North-Eastern region of North Macedonia","authors":"L. Ivanova, K. Rebok, M. Jordanova, Zrinka Dragun, V. Kostov, S. Ramani, D. Valić, N. Krasnići, Vlatka Filipović Marijić, D. Kapetanović","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.10421","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.10421","url":null,"abstract":"Background and purpose: Pigmented macrophage aggregates (PMAs) are a part of the immune system of fish and are considered as valuable biomarkers of the impact of water pollution on fish health.Materials and methods: Immunomodulatory effect of water contaminated with high levels of metals on spleen and splenic PMAs of Vardar chub (Squalius vardarensis) (n=129) was examined in two seasons, spring, and autumn 2012. For this purpose, three rivers were chosen: the Zletovska River, heavily contaminated with metals, the Kriva River, moderately contaminated with metals combined with high level of organic matter, and the Bregalnica River, without heavy metal contamination. Spleen masses and splenosomatic indices (SSI) were used for determining the general impact of water contamination on the immune system of Vardar chub. Moreover, volumes and numbers of PMAs within spleen tissue were determined stereologically.Results: The isolated effect of high exposure to metals caused the reduction of spleen mass and/or SSI in the fish from the Zletovska River. The combined effect of exposure to metals and high levels of nutrients in the fish from the Kriva River referred to stimulation of PMAs response, namely increased volumes of splenic PMAs. The existence of seasonally dependent differences was noted since the observed variability in PMAs between rivers occurred only in the autumn.Conclusions: Splenic PMAs in the Vardar chub can be used as an additional biomarker of metal pollution, but with caution, since enhancement of the volumes and numbers of MACs depends on the exposure level of heavy metals, on the presence of the other contaminants, as well as on the physiological condition of the fish.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49165133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mirna Vuković Bobić, D. Habek, J. Habek, Dario Dilber
{"title":"Protein S and protein C in preeclamptic pregnant women","authors":"Mirna Vuković Bobić, D. Habek, J. Habek, Dario Dilber","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.8671","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.8671","url":null,"abstract":"Background and purpose: Deficits of protein C and protein S are associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of the mentioned natural coagulation inhibitors in women with preeclampsia and in a 6-months followup period after delivery.Materials and methods: This case-control clinical study included 55 pregnant women (cases) with preeclampsia and 50 healthy normotensive pregnant women (controls) in tertiary perinatal centre. Protein C levels were determined photometrically using a chromogen substrate, and protein S levels were determined using the clot method and optic detection.Results: There were no significant differences in protein C and protein S levels between women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women; however, six months after delivery protein S levels were significantly lower in women with preeclampsia as compared to healthy peers, whereas protein C levels did not differ significantly.Conclusion: Possible long-term cardiovascular morbidity should be assessed in preeclampsia women.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42631200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Oogenesis and spermatogenesis in round sardinella (Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847) from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea","authors":"Bosiljka Mustać, G. Sinovčić","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.6883","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i3-4.6883","url":null,"abstract":"Background and purpose: Small pelagic fish species round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) has expanded its habitat during the last few decades towards colder parts of the Mediterranean Sea. In the Adriatic Sea, this investigation is the first attempt to study its gonad development histologically.Materials and methods: S. aurita specimens were sampled monthly from commercial landings of purse seine catches from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea from November 2007 to January 2009. After biometric parameters were determined, gonads were removed from the fish and weighed. Sex and gonad development were determined macroscopically by the shape and the structure of gonads and afterwards gonads were analysed histologically.Results: The phases of gonadal development of both sexes of S. aurita were: immature, developing, spawning capable, regressing, and regenerating. An annual reproduction cycle based on gamete development revealed five stages of oocyte development: chromatin nucleolar stage, perinucleolar stage, yolk vesicle (cortical alveoli) formation, vitellogenic (yolk) stage, and ripe (mature) stage. Spermatogenesis was described through three stages: spermatocytogenesis (formation of primary spermatocytes from spermatogonia), meiosis (formation of secondary spermatocytes and spermatids) and spermiogenesis.Conclusions: Gonadal histology analyses of both sex of S. aurita indicated summer spawning manner of this species, with a peak in June-August period.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47480856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Empathy in Nonhumans: A Brief Overview","authors":"L. Dugatkin, C. Driscoll","doi":"10.18054/pb.v123i1-2.15413","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18054/pb.v123i1-2.15413","url":null,"abstract":"We present a brief overview of the study of empathy in nonhumans. We begin with a historical perspective that focuses on early ideas about empathy developed by Peter Kropotkin and Adam Smith. From there we discuss the origin and evolution of the multiple layers of empathy—emotional contagion, sympathetic concern, and empathetic perspective-taking—casting that discussion within the “Russian doll model” of empathy developed by de Waal. For each layer we provide examples from the animal behavior literature.","PeriodicalId":19950,"journal":{"name":"Periodicum Biologorum","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41385601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}