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During cultivation, wheat is exposed to several abiotic and/or biotic stress conditions that may adversely impact the wheat yield and quality. The impact of abiotic stress caused by nitrogen deficiency and biotic stress caused by phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium culmorum on biomarkers of oxidative stress in the flag leaf of nine winter wheat varieties (Ficko, U-1, Galloper, BC Mandica, BC Opsesija, Ingenio, Isengrain, Felix, and Bezostaya-1) was analyzed in this study. Hydrogen peroxide concentration and lipid peroxidation level were measured as indicators of oxidative stress, while the antioxidant response was determined by measuring the concentration of phenolic compounds and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Wheat variety and nitrogen treatment had a significant effect on all examined biomarkers of oxidative stress in the flag leaf, while the impact of Fusarium treatment was less pronounced. The most significant impact on the measured stress biomarkers had a low nitrogen level, which mainly increased hydrogen peroxide concentration and lipid peroxidation level and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes in most varieties. The obtained results were discussed and compared with the previous study in which biochemical analyzes were performed on the wheat spike. There was no significant strong correlation between flag leaf and spike response in the measured parameters, which, in addition to the variety-specific response, also indicates a tissue-specific antioxidant response.

Toksin botulina tipa A (BoNT/A), neurotoksin koji uzrokuje mlohavu paralizu mišića, koristi se u kontroli nevoljnih pokreta i spazma kod distonija i spasticiteta. Međutim, korisni motorički učinci kod navedenih poremećaja i njihovo trajanje se ne mogu objasniti isključivim paralitičkim djelovanjem toksina na neuromuskularne veze, a nedavne studije upućuju na moguće središnje učinke. Stoga smo ovdje istražili središnje djelovanje toksina na bihevioralne pokazatelje motoričke funkcije. Štakorima je bilateralno injiciran BoNT-A u m. gastrocnemius (2 U/kg) ili n. ischiadicus (5 U/kg). Za istraživanje uloge središnje transcitoze BoNT-A u središnje sinapse, životinje su intratekalno injicirane antitoksinom (5 i.u.). Učinak BoNT-A je ispitivan različitim motoričkim testovima za evaluaciju mlohave paralize, hoda i plivanja, izdržljivosti, koordinacije, te mišićne atrofije, ali i pomoću imunohistokemijske detekcije njegovog enzimskog produkta u presjecima leđne moždine. Utvrđeno je da je kombinacija perifernog i središnjeg učinka BoNT-A intenzivnija i dugotrajnija od njegovog izoliranog perifernog učinka. Središnji učinci BoNT-A posredovani transcitozom su uglavnom ograničeni na kolinergične sinapse interneurona leđne moždine. Ovi nalazi upućuju da središnje djelovanje pojačava intenzitet i produljuje trajanje učinka BoNT-A na motoričke funkcije štakora. Stoga bi dugotrajnost terapijskih učinaka toksina, gdje je cilj kontrola aktivnosti i tonusa mišića, mogla ovisiti o njegovom središnjem djelovanju. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A), a neurotoxin that causes flaccid muscle paralysis, is used to control involuntary movements and spasms in dystonia and spasticity. However, beneficial motor effects in these disorders and their duration cannot be explained by the exclusive paralytic action of the toxin on neuromuscular junctions, while recent studies suggest possible central effects. Therefore, here we investigated the central effect of toxins on behavioral indicators of motor function. Rats were bilaterally injected with BoNT-A in m. gastrocnemius (2 U/kg) or n. ischiadicus (5 U/kg). To investigate the role of BoNT-A transcytosis in central synapses, animals were injected intrathecally with antitoxin (5 i.u.). The effect of BoNT-A was examined by various motor tests to evaluate flaccid paralysis, gait and swimming, endurance, coordination and muscle atrophy, but also by immunohistochemical detection of its enzyme product in the spinal cord sections. The combination of the peripheral and central effects of BoNT-A was found to be more intensive and longer than its isolated peripheral effect. The central effects of transcytosis-mediated BoNT-A are mainly limited to cholinergic synapses of spinal interneurons. These findings suggest that the central action intensifies and prolongs the duration of the effect of BoNTA on rat motor functions. Therefore, the longevity of the clinical effects of the toxin and its main therapeutic goal to control muscle activity and tone could depend on its central action.

The nicotinamide derivates represent the promising candidate in the field of pesticides due to significant fungicidal activity, insecticidal activity, herbicidal activity, plant growth regulator activity and bactericidal activity. The series of nicotinamide-bromides with various alkyl chain lengths (from ethyl to octadecyl) were synthesized, and the toxicity of aqueous solutions towards Fusarium graminearum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Botrytis cinerea was examined. The obtained data were compared with DFT calculations results to understand the structural origin of fungicidal behavior and correlate it with the structural properties of investigated molecules. A significant correlation was established between the lipophilicity of the molecules (obtained from DFT calculations) and the growth rate of the examined phytopathogenic fungi. The results had suggested that Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is most sensitive to nicotinamide compounds exposure, while F. graminearum is most resistant to the change of lipophilicity of compounds. For all investigated compounds, the growth rate was decreased with the increase of carbon atoms in the side-chain until [C14Nic] [Br]. Further prolongation increased the growth rate of fungus, as it was noted for [C16Nic] [Br] and [C18Nic][Br]. This behavior was explained by the distinguished hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces in [C14Nic][Br] due to interactions between keto oxygen and bromide anion absent in the case of nicotinamides with a longer chain.

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a potent presynaptic neurotoxin and a standard therapy in hyperkinetic movement disorders, presumably due to its local muscular anticholinergic effect. However, recent experimental data point to possible central effects in the CNS. The present aim was to examine the contribution of the transcytosis-dependent central toxin action on the long term muscular function recovery in rats, as well as TeNT-evoked spastic paralysis. Rats were bilaterally injected with BoNT-A into the gastrocnemius muscle (2 U/kg) or sciatic nerve (5 U/kg). The following day, the animals were injected intrathecally (i.t.) with BoNT-A- neutralizing antitoxin. On day 62, animals were injected i.m. with tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT). In different motor tests (gait ability score, digit abduction score, rota-rod, beam walking and swimming performance), i.t. antitoxin significantly accelerated the flaccid paralysis and motor performance recovery. BoNT-A reduced the lower hind-limb diameter and muscle size without significant recovery during the entire experiment, which resulted in reduction of CMAP and H reflex. The TeNT-evoked increase in muscle tone was reduced by BoNT-A dependently on its central effect. However, the H-reflex, when corrected for reduced muscle size or reduced CMAP, was not affected by the toxin treatment, suggestive of the lack of the toxin’s direct effect on monosynaptic reflex. The enzymatic activity of the toxin, examined by cleaved synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (cSNAP-25) immunohistochemistry, was still present in neuromuscular junctions and spinal cord. The central occurrence of the cSNAP- 25, present in second order spinal cord cholinergic neurons, depended on the toxin’s central transcytosis. Long term motor effects of BoNT-A both on normal motor performance (day 1-62 ), as well as the spastic paralysis (days 62-78), are influenced by the toxin’s ongoing central action mediated by retrograde transport and transcytosis. These data suggest that clinically relevant beneficial effect of BoNT-A result from toxin’s combined peripheral and central effects.

Introduction: Due to presumable action on local neuromuscular terminals, botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is widely used in different muscle hyperactivity disorders. However, clinical observations suggest possible central effects. Herein, we examined the contribution of BoNT A long term central effects on normal muscle function and recovery from paralysis, as well as tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) evoked spasticity. Materials and methods: BoNT-A was bilaterally injected into rat gastrocnemius muscle (2 U/kg) or sciatic nerve (5 U/kg). To prevent spinal transcytosis, BoNT-A-neutralizing antitoxin was administered into the lumbar intrathecal (i.t.) spine. To examine late antispastic action on disinhibited muscle tone and stretch reflex, 1.5 ng TeNT was injected unilaterally into gastrocnemius muscle on day 62 post BoNT-A. BoNT-A enzymatic activity was examined in injected muscle and spinal cord by cleaved synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (cSNAP-25) immunohistochemistry. Results: I.t. antitoxin significantly accelerated the flaccid paralysis and motor performance recovery in different motor tests (gait ability score, digit abduction score, rota-rod, beam walking and swimming performance). Dependently on its central effects, BoNT-A reduced the TeNT-evoked increased muscle tone, however, did not affect the disinhibited stretch reflex. In contrast to cSNAP-25 continuous presence in injected muscle, BoNT-A action in second order spinal cord cholinergic neurons depended on the toxin’s central transcytosis. Conclusion: Normal motor performance (day 1-62), as well as the spastic paralysis (days 62- 78), are influenced by BoNT-A ongoing central action, suggesting a clinically relevant benefit resulting from combined peripheral and central toxin effects.

Introduction: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a potent neurotoxin with anticholinergic effect. It is a standard therapy in various movement disorders, presumably due to action on local neuromuscular terminals. However, clinical findings and recent experimental data, points to the possible central effects. Moreover, BoNT-A non- local actions have been reported after BoNT-A treatments as effects on distant muscles located far from treated neuromuscular junctions or muscle spindle zone. Herein, after toxin's peripheral injection, the aim was to examine the contribution of the transcytosis-dependent central toxin action, on normal tone muscle function and recovery, as well as tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) evoked spasticity Methods: Rats were bilaterally injected with BoNT- A into the gastrocnemius muscle (2 U/kg) or sciatic nerve (5 U/kg). To stop the toxin central transcytosis, BoNT-A-neutralizing antitoxin was intrathecally (i.t.) administered after 24 hours. After recovery from flaccid paralysis, TeNT was intramuscularly (i.m.) injected to animals on day 62, and animals were followed for next 14 days, until they recovered from evoked spastic paralysis. Results: In different motor tests (gait ability score, digit abduction score, rota-rod, beam walking, catwalk), i.t. antitoxin significantly accelerated the flaccid paralysis and motor performance recovery. TeNT-evoked increase in muscle tone was reduced by BoNT-A dependently on its central effect. However, the H-reflex, when corrected for reduced muscle size or reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP), was not affected by the toxin treatment, suggestive of the lack of the toxin’s direct effect on monosynaptic reflex. The toxin enzymatic activity examined by cleaved synaptosomal associated protein 25 (cSNAP-25) immunohistochemistry, was still present in neuromuscular junctions and spinal cord. cSNAP-25, presence in second order spinal cord cholinergic neurons, depended on the toxin’s central transcytosis. Conclusion: Long term motor effects of BoNT-A both on normal motor performance (day 1-62), as well as the spastic paralysis (days 62-78), are influenced by the toxin’s ongoing central action mediated by retrograde transport and transcytosis. These data suggest that clinically relevant beneficial effect of BoNT-A result from toxin’s combined peripheral and central effects.

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a potent neurotoxin with anticholinergic effect. It is a stand ard therapy in various movement disorders, presumably due to action on local neuromuscular terminals. However, observations in clinics and recent experimental data, points to the possible central effects. The aim was to examine the contribution of the transcytosis-dependent central toxin action on the long term muscular function recovery in rats, as well as tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) evoked spastic paralysis after peripheral application. Rats were bilaterally injected with BoNT-A into the gastrocnemius muscle (2 U/kg) or sciatic nerve (5 U/kg). To stop the toxin central transcytosis, BoNT-A-neutralizing antitoxin was intrathecally (i.t.) administered after 24 hours. After recovery from flaccid paralysis, TeNT was intramuscularly (i.m.) injected to animals on day 62. In different motor tests (gait ability score, digit abduction score, rota-rod, beam walking and swimming performance), i.t. antitoxin significantly accelerated the flaccid paralysis and motor performance recovery. TeNT-evoked increase in muscle tone was reduced by BoNT-A dependent ly on its central effect. However, the H-reflex, when corrected for reduced muscle size or reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP), was not affected by the toxin treatment, suggestive of the lack of the toxin’s direct effect on monosynaptic reflex. The toxin enzymatic activity exam ined by cleaved synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (cSNAP-25) immunohistochemistry, was still present in neuromuscular junctions and spinal cord. cSNAP-25, presence in second order spinal cord cholinergic neurons, depended on the toxin’s central transcytosis. Conclusion:Long term motor effects of BoNT-A both on normal motor performance (day 1-62), as well as the spas tic paralysis (days 62-78), are influenced by the toxin’s ongoing central action mediated by retro grade transport and transcytosis. These data suggest that clinically relevant beneficial effect of BoNT-A result from toxin’s combined peripheral and central effects.

Selenium (Se) deficiency in human and animal nutrition is primarily due to low levels of Se in soils. It can be prevented by enriching crops, such as wheat, with Se by genetic and agronomic biofortification. Although Se is not essential for plants, it shows a double effect on their metabolism. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of five different concentrations (0.4, 4, 20, 40 and 400 mg kg1) of selenate and selenite on the oxidative status and detoxifying systems of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Kraljica) shoots and roots and to determine biochemical and molecular tissue-specific responses. According to morpho-physiological analyses, selenite was found to have a lower toxicity threshold than selenate. Measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers showed that Se did not cause oxidative damage to wheat seedlings due to activation of detoxification mechanisms at the biochemical and molecular level, which depended on the type of tissue, concentration and form of applied Se. These results contribute to a better understanding of wheat seedlings' physiological, biochemical, and molecular response to Se and the development of more effective biofortification strategies.

Tijekom uzgoja na polju, pšenica je izložena mnogim negativnim abiotičkim i biotičkim stresnim uvjetima koji mogu negativno djelovati na prinos i kvalitetu. Nedostatak dušičnog gnojiva, kao abiotički stresni čimbenik, može uzrokovati pojavu oksidacijskog stresa u tkivu pšenice. Također, pojavu oksidacijskog stresa može inducirati iinfekcija pšenice fitopatogenim gljivama iz roda Fusarium. Cilj je ovog istraživanja ispitati utjecaj abiotičkog stresa (dvije različite gnojidbe dušikom) i biotičkog stresa (infekcija vrstom Fusarium culmorum) na oksidacijski status i antioksidacijski odgovor različitih sorti pšenice. Mjereni su sljedeći pokazatelji oksidacijskog stresa: razina lipidne peroksidacije, aktivnosti antioksidacijskih enzima (katalaze, askorbat- peroksidaze, glutation- reduktaze), te koncentracije ukupnih topljivih fenola i fotosintetskih pigmenata. Sorta pšenice, tretman dušikom i Fusarium tretman imali su značajan utjecaj na ispitivane pokazatelje oksidacijskog stresa. Najznačajniji utjecaj imala je niska razina dušika, koja je većinom djelovala na smanjenje aktivnosti antioksidacijskih enzima te na smanjenje koncentracije pigmenata. Pri niskoj razini dušika, Fusarium tretman je djelovao na povećanje aktivnosti antioksidacijskih enzima, dok je u uvjetima visoke razine dušika aktivnost enzima većinom bila smanjena.

Botulinum toksin kao jedan od najpotentnijih toksina na svijetu, dugo vremena koristi se kao terapija za različite motoričke poremečaje. Iako je njegov terapijski efekt bio vezan uz primarno periferni živčani sustav i neuromuskularnu vezu kao glavno mjesto djelovanja, nedavna saznanja upućuju da bi koristan učinak mogao biti posredovan također i preko centralnog živčanog sustava. Kako bi ispitali navedenu hipotezu, štakorima je bila izazvana lokalna spastična paraliza 60 dana nakon davanja botulinum toksina, kako bi se ispitali dugoročni učinci na motoriku i oporavak mišića.

During cultivation, wheat is exposed to several abiotic and/or biotic stress conditions that may adversely impact the wheat yield and quality. The impact of abiotic stress caused by nitrogen deficiency and biotic stress caused by phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium culmorum on biomarkers of oxidative stress in the flag leaf of nine winter wheat varieties (Ficko, U-1, Galloper, BC Mandica, BC Opsesija, Ingenio, Isengrain, Felix, and Bezostaya-1) was analyzed in this study. Hydrogen peroxide concentration and lipid peroxidation level were measured as indicators of oxidative stress, while the antioxidant response was determined by measuring the concentration of phenolic compounds and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Wheat variety and nitrogen treatment had a significant effect on all examined biomarkers of oxidative stress in the flag leaf, while the impact of Fusarium treatment was less pronounced. The most significant impact on the measured stress biomarkers had a low nitrogen level, which mainly increased hydrogen peroxide concentration and lipid peroxidation level and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes in most varieties. The obtained results were discussed and compared with the previous study in which biochemical analyzes were performed on the wheat spike. There was no significant strong correlation between flag leaf and spike response in the measured parameters, which, in addition to the variety-specific response, also indicates a tissue-specific antioxidant response., Pri uzgoju je pšenica izložena brojnim abiotičkim i/ili biotičkim stresnim čimbenicima koji mogu negativno djelovati na prinos i kvalitetu. U ovome je radu analiziran utjecaj abiotičkoga stresa uzrokovanog deficitom dušika i biotičkoga stresa izazvanog fitopatogenom gljivom Fusarium culmorum na biomarkere oksidacijskoga stresa u listu zastavičaru devet sorata ozime pšenice (Ficko, U-1, Galloper, BC Mandica, BC Opsesija, Ingenio, Isengrain, Felix i Bezostaya-1). Kao pokazatelji oksidacijskoga stresa mjereni su koncentracija vodikova peroksida i razina lipidne peroksidacije, dok je antioksidacijski odgovor određen mjerenjem koncentracije fenolnih spojeva i aktivnosti antioksidacijskih enzima. Sorta pšenice i tretman dušikom imali su značajan utjecaj na sve ispitivane biomarkere oksidacijskoga stresa u listu zastavičaru, dok je utjecaj tretmana gljivom Fusarium bio manje izražen. Najznačajniji utjecaj na mjerene pokazatelje stresa imao je uzgoj u uvjetima niske razine dušika, pri čemu je u većini sorata vidljiv trend povećanja koncentracije vodikova peroksida i razine lipidne peroksidacije te smanjenja aktivnosti antioksidacijskih enzima. Dobiveni su rezultati prokomentirani i uspoređeni s prijašnjim rezultatima biokemijskih analiza provedenih na klasu pšenice. Značajno jake korelacije između lista zastavičara i klasa u mjerenim parametrima nije bilo, što uz sortno-specifični odgovor upućuje i na tkivno-specifičan antioksidacijski odgovor.

Cilj je ovog rada utvrditi utjecaj dvanaest eteričnih ulja na rast micelija fitopatogene gljive Pyrenophora graminea. Učinak eteričnih ulja na rast i razvoj micelija gljiva ovisi o kemijskom sastavu ulja koje ovisi o biljnoj vrsti, primijenjenoj količini eteričnog ulja te vrsti gljive i okolišnim uvjetima u kojima je gljiva izložena djelovanju ulja. Ulja su primjenjivana u količinama od 5, 10, 15, 25 i 50 µl, a mjerenje zone inhibicije obavljeno je nakon sedam dana. Najjači antifungalni učinak imalo je ulje timijana koje je potpuno inhibiralo rast micelija i pri najmanjoj primijenjenoj količini (5 µl). Osim ulja timijana vrlo dobar antifungalni učinak na rast micelija P. graminea imala su ulja citronele, lavande i kore cimeta. Najslabije antifungalno djelovanje imalo je eterično ulje eukaliptusa.

Gljive roda Fusarium pripadaju u najznačajnije uzročnike bolesti pšenice. Na kontaminaciju zrna pšenice s Fusarium vrstama utječu brojni čimbenici od kojih su u ovom istraživanju analizirani sorta i gnojidba s dušikom. U pokusu provedenom 2019. godine nije utvrđena povezanost visoke gnojidbe s dušikom i povećanja infekcije zrna pšenice kod svih sorata. Ipak, utvrđeno je da različita gnojidba dušikom uzrokuje značajne razlike u postotku infekcije u ovisnosti o sorti. Također je utvrđena značajna razlika između sorata u stupnju osjetljivosti na infekciju Fusarium vrstama.

Šećernu bolest klasificiramo kao šećernu bolest tipa 1 kod koje propadaju beta stanice gušterače koje luče inzulin. Tip 2 šećerne bolesti kod kojeg se javlja otpornost na inzulin te gestacijski dijabetes koji se prvi put dijagnosticira u trudnoći. Prema populacijskim ispitivanjima, incidencija gestacijskog dijabetesa je 2 do 6% trudnica te izrazito varira po etničkim skupinama. Najjači rizični čimbenik je dob. Šećerna bolest nastaje zbog apsolutnog ili relativnog manjka ili djelovanja inzulina, a rezultat je hiperglikemija. Dijabetes u trudnoći može uzrokovati mnogobrojne probleme kako za majku tako i dijete. Trudnice sa pregestacijskim dijabetesom imaju povećan rizik od spontanih pobačaja, preeklampsije, rađanja djece sa kongenitalnim malformacijama te makrosomne djece. Fetalna makrosmija se definira kao povećanje tjelesne mase iznad 4000 g u terminu, odnosno kada je dijete veće od 90. centile za svoju dob. Intrauterini rast fetusa rezultat je djelovanja genskog potencijala i potpore za rast koju fetus dobiva preko posteljice od majke. Razlikujemo simetrični i asimetrični. Od majčinskih komplikacija najčešće su infekcije, preeklampsija, dijabetična nefropatija i retinopatija. Od fetalnih komplikacija najčešće su anomalije razvitka, hipoksija, hipogliekmija, respiracijski distres itd. OGTT ( test dvosatnog opterećenja 75 g glukozom) koristimo kao kriterij za dijagnosticiranje GDM – a. Primalja kao dio edukacije i liječenja gestacijskog dijabetesa dužna je informirati trudnicu o mogućim komplikacijama i rizicima koje šećerna bolest nosi sa sobom. Stvoriti empatijski odnos i biti dostupna za eventualna pitanja i podršku. Diabetes mellitus is classified as a type 1 diabetes mellitus which occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin is produced either in insufficient quantities or the cells are insulin resistant. The gestational diabetes is diagnosed for the first time in pregnancy. According to population surveys, the incidence of gestational diabetes is 2 to 6% of pregnant women and varies extensively across ethnic groups. The strongest risk factor is age. Diabetes mellitus is caused by absolute or relative lack of insulin or by its inefficacy. Diabetes in pregnancy can cause many problems for both mother and a child. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, childbirth with congenital malformations and macrosomic babies. Fetal macrosomia is defined as an increase in body mass above 4000 g on the due date, or when the baby is greater than 90th percentile for its age. Intrauterine fetal growth is the result of the action of the gene potential and the growth support which the fetus receives over the mother's placenta. There is symmetric and asymmetric fetal growth. Most common complications that can affect mother are infections, preeclampsia, diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Fetal complications are usually anomalies of development, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress symptom, etc. OGTT (a two-hour, 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test) is caused as a criteria for diagnosis of GDM. Treatment is mainly carried out by basic measures and pills, and insulin is given only when the results are not satisfying. It is only administered parenterally, intramuscularly or intravenously. Midwife, as a part of education and the treatment of gestational diabetes, is obliged to inform about possible complications and risks

An increased cadmium content in agricultural soils causes changes in the physiological and biochemical processes in plants, affecting their growth and yield. Different plant species, but also the different cultivars of the same species, widely vary in the terms of cadmium accumulation and tolerance. In this respect, the production of soybean (Glycine max L.) as a leading oil and protein culture is endangered by a low cadmium tolerance. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the differences in the biochemical mechanisms of cadmium tolerance in the leaves of three Croatian soybean cultivars (Korana, Ika, and Lucija), which differ in the capacity of cadmium accumulation. The soybean was hydroponically cultivated under the controlled conditions and exposed to cadmium (100 μmol L-1 ) for seven days. As the indicator of oxidative stress, the content of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation levels, expressed in terms of the thiobarbituric acid’s reactive substances, was determined, while an antioxidative status was determined by the activities of the antioxidative enzymes, such as the catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase. A cadmium treatment increased the lipid peroxidation levels in the leaves of all three soybean cultivars, indicating the presence of an oxidative stress. Also, the activity of glutathione peroxidase was increased in all cadmium‐treated plants, while other enzymes demonstrated different activity patterns in the investigated cultivars. The cultivar Korana, which manifested the highest level of cadmium accumulation, also manifested the highest level of tolerance with regard to two other cultivars. The most sensitive cultivar, Ika, with a moderate accumulation capacity, manifested the lowest level of an antioxidative response. The biochemical mechanisms of tolerance to a cadmium stress differed in the three investigated soybean cultivars, and a tolerance to cadmium was partly achieved by an increased antioxidative response.

Pretilost je kronična upala niskog intenziteta raširena diljem svijeta. Značajan porast u učestalosti ove bolesti javlja se nakon industrijske revolucije, zbog čega je započela masovna proizvodnja sada lako dostupne hrane. Bijelo adipozno tkivo u visceralnom području glavno je skladište energije i mjesto oslobađanja slobodnih masnih kiselina, a time i središte upale. Upala započinje infiltracijom makrofaga u tkivo uz lučenje različitih niskomolekularnih proteina (npr. TNF-α, IL-1β i IL-6), citokina, čime se pojačava upala. Iako se akumulacija u najvećoj mjeri odvija u visceralnom adipoznom tkivu, pro-upalni citokini odande cirkulacijom dospijevaju u druga tkiva i organe. Njihovo djelovanje općenito se temelji se na povećavanju ili smanjivanju aktivnosti različitih signalnih putova, npr. NF-κB, a osim upale izazivaju i oksidativni stres. Na taj način mogu nastati brojne kronične bolesti, od kojih većina ima u podlozi otpornost na inzulin koja je posljedica pretilosti. Bolesti koje su obrađene su otpornost na inzulin, aterogena dislipidemija, bolest masne jetre, upala mišića, upala kostiju, kronična bolest bubrega, poremećaj u sastavu mikrobnih zajednica crijeva, poremećaj vida i reproduktivnog zdravlja žena, starenje stanica te rak. Osim navedenoga, razrađen je i utjecaj pretilosti na središnji živčani sustav s eventualnim posljedicama poput anksioznosti i depresije. Također, u citokine se ubrajaju i oni anti-upalni koji održavaju homeostazu i umanjuju učinak upale, npr. adiponektin. Oni, uz uravnoteženu prehranu (i antioksidanse u svom sastavu) i redovitu tjelovježbu pridonose smanjenju indeksa tjelesne mase, ali i sprječavanju značajnog povećanja istoga. Obesity is chronic low-grade inflammation spread accros the world. A significant increase in the incidence of this disease occurs after the industrial revolution, which is why mass food production began, now easily accessible. The white adipose tissue in the visceral area is the main energy store and place of free fatty acid release, and thus the center of inflammation. The inflammation begins with the infiltration of macrophages into the tissue and secreting various low molecular weight proteins (e. g. TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), cytokines, which increase inflammation. Although accumulation occurs to the greatest extent in visceral adipose tissue, pro-inflammatory cytokines come from circulation to other tissues and organs. Their action is generally based on increasing or decreasing the activity of different signal paths, e.g. NF-κB, and besides inflammation, cause oxidative stress. In this way, many chronic diseases can occur, most of which mean an insulin resistance that is a consequence of obesity. The diseases that are discussed are insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, muscle inflammation, bone inflammation, chronic kidney disease, disorder in the composition of microbial joints of the gut, vision disorders, reproductive health of women disorders, cell aging and cancer. In addition, the influence of obesity on the central nervous system with possible consequences such as anxiety and depression has been elaborated. Furthermore, there are also anti-inflammatory cytokines that maintain homeostasis and reduce the effect of inflammation, e.g. adiponectin. They contribute to a decrease in the body mass index, but also prevent a significant increase in the body mass index along with a balanced diet (and antioxidants in their composition) and regular exercise.

Selen (Se) može imati dvostruki utjecaj na biljke, niske koncentracije imaju pozitivan učinak, dok visoke koncentracije mogu imati toksično djelovanje. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je odrediti utjecaj različitih koncentracija dva oblika Se (selenata i selenita) na oksidacijski status i antioksidacijski odgovor u korijenu i izdanku klijanaca pšenice (Triticum aestivum L., sorta Kraljica). Utjecaj Se na pokazatelje oksidacijskog stresa i antioksidacijskog odgovora ovisio je o kemijskom obliku i primijenjenoj koncentraciji Se te o vrsti biljnog organa. Oba oblika Se intenzivnije su djelovala na pokazatelje oksidacijskog stresa u korijenu pšenice u odnosu na izdanak što upućuje na tkivno-specifični odgovor. Daljnja istraživanja ostalih pokazatelja antioksidacijskog statusa su potrebna kako bi se dobila potpunija slika o djelovanju Se i predložio mogući mehanizam detoksikacije.

Selenium (Se) is an important microelement with a dual effect ; at lower concentrations it is an essential element for animals, humans and some lower plants, but at higher concentrations, it can become toxic. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different concentrations of two selenium forms, selenate and selenite, on the oxidative and antioxidative status of wheat shoots and roots. Wheat grains were exposed to five different concentrations(0.1 mg L-1, 1 mg L-1, 5 mg L-1, 10 mg L-1, 100 mg L-1) of Se in a form of selenite and selenate forseven days. As biomarkers of the oxidative status in wheat, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and total H2O2 content were determined. The antioxidative status was determined by total reduced glutathione levels (tGSH), as well as by catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. Both Se forms did not cause any significant changes in LPO levels and H2O2 content in shoots, while in roots selenite and selenite induced oxidative stress. tGSH levels in roots and shoot were reduced after the exposure to various concentrations of selenite and selenate relative to their controls. The results showed that both forms of Se decreased CAT activity in roots, while in shoots CAT activity did not change. Furthermore, only the highest concentrations of selenite and selenite increased the APX activity in shoots and roots. In conclusion, the plant response to Se depends on its chemical form, applied concentration and the analyzed part of the plant. The obtained results can serve as a basis for further studies of molecular and biochemical effects of Se on plants.

Anthropogenic activities increased cadmium content in agriculture soils leading to its entry into the food chain, thus causing numerous pathological consequences for the consumers. In addition, cadmium causes changes in physiological and biochemical processes in plants affecting their growth and yield. Different plant species, but also different cultivars of the same species, vary widely in the terms of cadmium accumulation and tolerance. Considering it, production of soybean (Glycine max L.) as a leading oil and protein culture is endangered by low cadmium tolerance. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine differences in the biochemical mechanisms of cadmium tolerance in leaves of three Croatian soybean cultivars (Korana, Ika and Lucija), which differ in the capacity of cadmium accumulation. As the indicators of oxidative stress, content of H 2 O 2 and lipid peroxidation levels expressed in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were determined, while antioxidative status was determined by the activities of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase. Cadmium treatment increased lipid peroxidation levels in leaves of all three soybean cultivars, indicating presence of oxidative stress. Also, the activity of glutathione peroxidase was increased in all cadmium treated plants, while other enzymes showed different activity patterns in investigated cultivars. Cultivar Korana, that showed the highest level of cadmium accumulation, also demonstrated the highest level of tolerance in regard to other two cultivars. The most sensitive cultivar Ika with moderate accumulation capacity showed the lowest level of antioxidative response. Biochemical mechanisms of tolerance to cadmium stress differed in three investigated soybean cultivars, and tolerance to cadmium was partly achieved by increased antioxidative response.

Agronomic bio-fortification of wheat with selenium is a successful approach in improving its content in wheat grains. Due to its chemical similarity to sulphur, selenium is metabolized via sulphur assimilation pathways in plants. Therefore, in addition to oxidative stress induction, the application of selenium could also disturb protein structure and consequently influence glutathione metabolism in plants. Glutathione is involved in different processes such as biosynthetic pathways, detoxification of xenobiotics, antioxidant defence and maintenance of redox homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different concentrations of selenate and selenite on the glutathione metabolism in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.). For this purpose, contents of total, reduced and oxidised glutathione were determined, as well as the activities of the enzymes included in the glutathione metabolism such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase. Results showed that both forms of selenium affected total, reduced and oxidised glutathione content and activities of different enzymes in wheat seedlings. The glutathione content and enzyme activities depended on applied concentration of selenate and selenite. Both forms of selenium had more significant impact on the measured parameters in the root compared to wheat shoots, suggesting tissue-specific response. Obtained results can serve as a basis for further research on selenium toxicity and detoxification mechanisms in wheat. New insights into the selenium impact on glutathione metabolism could contribute to the further development of bio-fortification strategies.

Selenium (Se) deficiency in human and animal nutrition could lead to development of different pathophysiological conditions. Accordingly, biofortification of wheat, as one of the most important food crop, with Se is sustainable strategy for overcome this problem. Although not essential for plants, Se shows dual impact on their metabolism, at low levels it has a beneficial effect, while it is toxic at higher levels. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of increased concentrations of selenate and selenite on the oxidative stress and antioxidative response in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.). As an indicators of oxidative stress, content of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation levels expressed in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were determined, while antioxidative status was determined by the content of total glutathione and by the activities of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Results showed that the effect of Se on oxidative stress and antioxidative response in wheat seedlings depended on its chemical form and applied concentration. Both forms of selenium had more significant impact on the measured parameters in the root compared to wheat shoots, suggesting tissue-specific response. Obtained results can serve as a basis for further research on the Se impact on oxidative and antioxidative status in order to get better insight into the wheat detoxification mechanisms.

Voće je važan izvor prirodnih antioksidansa koji blagotvorno djeluju na ljudsko zdravlje. Fenolni spojevi i askorbinska kiselina značajno doprinose antioksidacijskoj aktivnosti voća. Kvaliteta i nutritivna vrijednost voća smanjuje se tijekom skladištenja, no različiti tretmani kao što su otopina salicilne kiseline, ozon, metil-jasmonat i UV-C zračenje mogu očuvati kvalitetu voća i antioksidacijsku aktivnost.

U radu se analiziraju novinski naslovi koji su zastupljeni u najčitanijim ruskim novinama Аргументы и факты i Московский комсомолец. Analiza se provodi u skladu sa pet različitih vrsta klasifikacija naslova koje su zasnovane na različitim kriterijima kojima se može obuhvatiti velika većina naslova.