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Background/Objectives: One of the raising public health problems in the adolescent population is obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The aim of this work is to determine the prevalence of obesity in the population of children of secondary school, age 15 to 19 years in Serbia and the determinate connection with demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their eating habits and physical activity. Methods: The research is part of the fourth National Population Health Survey conducted in 2019, which was conducted by the Republic Institute of Statistics, in cooperation with the Institute of Public Health of Serbia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. As a research instrument, questionnaires were used in accordance with the methodology of the European Health Survey. For the purposes of this research, data on the adult population aged 15–19 and over were used. Results: The association of overweight with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics was examined using binary regression. In the univariate model, male gender (OR = 1.95), younger age (OR = 1.57) and Region of Vojvodina (OR = 2.47) stood out as significant predictors of overweight, which was confirmed by the multivariate model. Conclusions: The results of our study emphasize that the prevalence of obesity in the population of high school youth is at a significant level and that a lot more needs to be done to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of their benefits on health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we considered some pesticides as active substances within formulations for the protection of plant-based food in the Republic of Serbia in silico, because these pesticides have not often been investigated in this way previously, and in an analytical way, because there are not very many available fast, cheap, and easy methods for their determination in real agricultural samples. Seven pesticides were detected in selected agricultural products (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and grapes) using the QuEChERS methodology and HPLC-DAD. Standard curves for the investigated pesticides (chlorantraniliprole, methomyl, metalaxyl, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, emamectin benzoate, and cymoxanil) show good linearity, with R2 values from 0.9785 to 0.9996. The HPLC-DAD method is fast, and these pesticides can be determined in real spiked samples in less than 15 min. We further characterized the pesticides we found in food based on physicochemical properties and molecular descriptors to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) of the compounds. We summarized the data supporting their effects on humans using various computational tools to determine their potential adverse effects. The results of our prediction study show that all of the selected pesticides considered in this study have good oral bioavailability, and those with high toxicity, therefore, could be harmful to human health. Chlorantraniliprole was shown in a molecular docking study as a good starting point for a new Alzheimer's disease drug candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cereal grains, which represent the cultivated grasses fruits, supply almost half of the total caloric requirements for humans and provide more nourishment compared with any other class of the food. Out of many cereals used for food, maize, rice, and wheat are the most important food resources for humans, representing 94% of the total cereals consumption. According to the data of the Republic Institute of Statistics for the year 2018, the harvested areas of corn amount to 906,753 hectares. The production of about 7 million tons was achieved with an average yield of 7.7 t/ha according to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia. Serbia is still among the ten largest exporters of wheat and corn in the world for the period of 2014/15–2017/18. More precisely, it ranks seventh in the export of corn. Utilization of maize products for food animal nutrition (1000 t) is 491,48, and for industrial processing (1000 t) 278,862 expressed as the total consumption (1000 t) is 769,910. Therefore, a total of 103 samples of maize products were analyzed for the presence of toxins, i.e., tropane alkaloids (TAs). The samples were collected from the retail stores in the Republic of Serbia in 2021 and analyzed for the presence of atropine and scopolamine (33 corn grits, 39 polenta, and 31 semolina samples). Therefore, the Recommendation 2015/976/EU on the monitoring of TAs in food was adopted by the EU Commission to obtain more occurrence data on TAs in food. The monitoring extent, however, is restricted because reliable analytical methods and appropriate sensitivity are limited. There was a limit of 1 g/kg for each atropine and scopolamine in cereals containing millet, sorghum, buckwheat, or their derivatives. All the samples were analyzed by the LC-MS/MS. The LOQ was set at 1.0 μg/kg. Out of the total 103 tested samples, 32 samples (31.1%) were contaminated with atropine and scopolamine in concentrations above the LOQ. The highest concentrations of the studied TAs were observed in a semolina sample-atropine: 58.80 μg/kg, scopolamine: 10.20 μg/kg. The obtained results indicate that the TAs concentrations are above the LOQ which can be considered potential human and animal health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesticides & Phytomedicine / Pesticidi i Fitomedicina is the property of Institute of Pesticides & Environmental Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesticides & Phytomedicine / Pesticidi i Fitomedicina is the property of Institute of Pesticides & Environmental Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesticides & Phytomedicine / Pesticidi i Fitomedicina is the property of Institute of Pesticides & Environmental Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of study was to assess the levels of selected metals and pesticides in plant products from agricultural area of Belgrade, Serbia in order to indicate their possible sources and risks of contamination and to evaluate their sanitary probity and safety. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were below limits established by national and international regulations (maximum found concentrations were 0.028, 1.91, 11.16, 1.77, 0.605, 0.073 and 1.76 mg kg respectively). Only residue of one of examined pesticides was found in amount below MRL (bifenthrin 2.46 μg kg) in only one of analysed samples, while others were below detection limits. Obtained results indicate that crops from examined agricultural areas are unpolluted by contaminants used for plant protection and nutrition, indicating good agricultural practice regarding pesticides and fertilizer usage as well as moderate industrial production within examined areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that nationalism has connected religion with secular politics in Serbia but that their rapprochement has been a gradual process. In order to demonstrate the transition from a limited influence of religion on politics to a much tighter relationship between the two, this article discusses the abortion legislation reform and the introduction of religious education in public schools, respectively. It argues that, while illustrative of different types of connection between religion and politics, these two issues had similar implications for gender equality—they produced discourses that recreated and justified patriarchal social norms. After religion gained access to public institutions, its (patriarchal) discourses on gender were considerably empowered. The article points to some tangible evidence of a re-traditionalisation and re-patriarchalisation of gender roles within the domestic realm in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutritional status is vital in the assessment of physical fitness and health status of populations. Aim: This study aimed to describe relationships between BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist/height ( W/Ht) and factors such as education, residence, origin and ethnic belonging among adults in Backa and Banat. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted in 47 villages in the north of Serbia. The tested group consisted of 4247 individuals, aged 20+. Results: The problem of overweight and obesity was more common among men (66%) than women (49.71%). In the group with normal BMI, the majority of men and women were characterized by normal WHR and W/Ht values, but among them there were also groups with incorrect WHR (males ≥ 0.95, females ≥ 0.8) and W/Ht (≥ 0.5). Socio-demographic factors had a little impact on BMI, WHR and W/Ht in men in certain age groups while their impact was higher in women. These factors, especially education and origin, had a significant impact on nutritional status in young and middle-aged women, whereas they were not significant in older female participants (> 60). Conclusion: Despite the fact that this part of the country has undergone intensive social changes since the last decade of 20th century, the nutritional status of the population has not significantly changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to assess the levels of selected heavy metals and pesticides in soil and plant products from an agricultural area of Belgrade, Serbia and to indicate possible sources and risks of contamination. Soil, vegetable, and fruit samples from the most important agricultural city areas were collected from July to November of 2006. Metal contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas pesticide residues were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after extraction performed using solid-phase microextraction technique. Soil characterization based on the determination of selected physical and chemical properties revealed heterogeneous soils belonging to different soil groups. The concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in soil samples do not exceed the limits established by national and international regulations. Residues of the herbicide atrazine were detected in three soil samples, with levels lower than the relevant limit. The presence of other herbicides, namely prometryn, chloridazon, acetochlor, flurochloridone, and napropamide, was registered in some soil samples as well. Among the insecticides investigated in the soil, fenitrothion and chlorpyrifos were the only ones detected. In most of the investigated vegetable samples from the Obrenovac area, Pb and Cd contents are higher in comparison with the maximum levels, indicating the emission of coal combustion products from local thermal power plants as a possible source of contamination. Residue levels of some herbicides and insecticides (metribuzin, trifluralin, pendimethalin, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin) determined in tomato, pepper, potato, and onion samples from Slanci, Ovča, and Obrenovac areas are even several times higher than the maximum residue levels. Inappropriate use of these plant protection products is considered to be the most probable reason of contamination. Because increased levels of heavy metals and pesticide residues found in plant products could pose a risk to consumers’ health, their continual monitoring before product distribution to city markets is indispensable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As IT industry grows every day and expands its area of influence, more and more people are using benefits of online platforms that provide education (courses, dls, webinars, books, etc.). The research is taking focus on free of charge online educational contents and it usage among people in Serbia. In order to evaluate current situation, participants did questionnaire survey about benefits and flaws of online learning, common platforms, finalization of certain course, furthermore obstacles that stands between them and internet education. Among the participants were people of various educational backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : Determine, analyze, and compare morbidity and mortality of preterm infants in relation to their birth weight. Method: The research has been conducted among the group of preterm infants hospitalized at the Center for Neonatology of the Clinical Center of Montenegro, between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. The infants were divided into 4 groups, based on their birth weight and performed comparation of group incidence of complications and mortality. Results: During the period observed, the total number of hospitalized infants was 661, out of which 30,1% were born before the 37th week of gestation. The average gestational age in this group of infants was 32.69 weeks. Half of them were infants of birth weight of 1500g-2500g (53.3%), and one quarter (24.1%) were infants above 2500g. Infants with SGA were found only among the group of infants weighing from 1000-1500g (15.4%) and in the group weighing from 1500-2500g (4.7%). Observed in relation to their birth weight, there was no significant statistical difference among infants from different types of conception, number of fetuses, and types of delivery. Analysis of the most common complication among preterm infants found that RSD is statistically less present in the group of them with BW higher than 2500g. In the group of infants with BW less than 1000g, only 2 subjects had NCPAPrespiratory support, while more than 80% of infants in the same group had mechanical ventilation. The length of NCPAP and mechanical ventilation received did not vary significantly among the groups, while with the increase in BW, a statistically significant reduction in the application of diffuse oxygen therapy has been observed. Among the infants of different BW, there was no statistically significant difference when it comes to incidence of sepsis. The incidence of ROP was significantly higher in the groups with BW of 1000-1500g (53.8%) and 1500-2500g (41.5%) when compared with the groups with BW lower than 1000g and with BW higher than 2500g. Statistically significant difference in the length of hospitalization among the groups with different BW was observed, in NICU as well as in the total duration of hospitalization. With the increase in BW of infants, the length of time spent in NICU was decreased as well as the total length of hospitalization. The group comparison showed that there was no statically significant difference in mortality only betweenthe 1500-2500g BW group, and group with BW greater than 2500g, while between all other groups it was statistically significant. The highest mortality rate was in the group of infants with BW lower than 1000g (78.9%), and in the group of infants with BW greater than 2500g lethal outcome was not present. Conclusion: Preterm birth is characterized with immaturity of all organs and organ systems, and this immaturity is present in various degrees. With technological developmentthe survival rate of even the most immature infants has increased, and depending on the degree of immaturity and the applied treatment, complications of preterm birth occur. These complications manifest themselves early - immediately after the birth, and later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption behaviour of the herbicide clomazone on inorganic and organically modified montmorillonite from the Bogovina deposit in Serbia was investigated. Montmorillonite was modified first with NaCl and then with organic complexes such as hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA) and phenyltrimethylammonium chloride (PTMA). Changes in the surface properties and morphology of the montmorillonite before and after the modification with various concentrations of organic complexes were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption of clomazone on all examined samples was investigated using the batch adsorption method. Montmorillonite modified with HDTMA-bromide displayed greater uptake of the clomazone compared to the PTMA-montmorillonite, and both organically modified montmorillonites displayed greater uptake of the herbicide compared to the inorganic montmorillonite. Comparing the Freundlich coefficient and maximum adsorbed clomazone quantity values obtained by Langmuir model, the levels of adsorption of clomazone decreased in the following order: HDTMA-montmorillonite with 1.00 cation-exchange capacity (CEC) saturation > HDTMA-montmorillonite with 0.75 CEC saturation > PTMA-montmorillonite with 1.00 CEC saturation > PTMA-montmorillonite with 0.75 CEC saturation > HDTMA-montmorillonite with 0.50 CEC saturation > HDTMA-montmorillonite with 0.25 CEC saturation > PTMA-montmorillonite with 0.50 CEC saturation > PTMA-montmorillonite with 0.25 CEC saturation > Na-montmorillonite > raw sample. The type and content of an organic cation plays an important role in the behaviour of clomazone in a solid/liquid system. It is concluded that organically modified montmorillonite from Bogovina might be used as an effective adsorbent for clomazone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal growth restriction(FGR) represents a challenge because diagnostic certainty of its cause is difficult to reach. The purpose of the obstetricians is to identify early FGR and plan the management according to the severity of the condition and the gestational age. Umbilical artery(UA) Doppler study has significant diagnostic efficacy in identifying fetal compromise, representing the gold standard in managing FGR. An increased Doppler index above the 95th percentile for the gestational age, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow, is nonassuring. Doppler study of the uterine artery(Ut. A), performed in low risk-women, can be a valuable predictior for FGR if an increased pulsatility index(PI), alone or combined with notching, is found. In high-risk patients, an increased resistivity index(RI) alone is considered better predictor for FGR. Changes in the cerebral blood flow can be detected by Doppler sonography of the middle cerebral artery(MCA). Abnormal cerebral vasodilation and consequent decrease in vascular resistance are depicted by a decrease in the PI or RI below the 5th percentile. Ductus venosus(DV) Doppler is used in the assessment of FGR when UA Doppler is abnormal. A PI greater than 1 between the 2nd trimester and term is considered abnormal. Absence or reversal of flow during fetal atrial contraction is suggestive for inadequate supply of oxygen to vital organs. The progression of multi-vessel Doppler studies indicating placental dysfunction points out the following events: elevated UA sistole/diastole ratio, MCA PI < 5th percentile, UA - absent followed by reversed diastolic flow, DV - elevated PI followed by reversed a-wave, umbilical vein double/triple pulsations. Multi-vessel Doppler ultrasonography may be the starting point in establishing the management algorithm for FGR. The combined use of fetal biometry, cardiotocographic patterns, amiotic fluid volume, biophysical profile is complementary in detecting fetal compromise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Thissearchexamines the structure of hospitalized preterm infants based on their gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, and diagnoses due to which the preterm infants were hospitalized. Method: The research took place at the Center for Neonatology of the Clinical Center of Montenegro, between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. Results: During this period of time 617 newborns were hospitalized. 38% of the hospitalized children were born preterm. There was no statistically significant difference based on the gender of the preterm infants. The highest number of hospitalizations occurred in the first day of life. 81.4% of the hospitalized infants from twin pregnancies were preterm infants, while the median gestational age of hospitalized infants from twin pregnancies was 33 gestational weeks. Perinatal asphyxia was the diagnosis in 32% of hospitalized preterm infant, respiratory distress in 31%, while 15% of them were hospitalized only due to preterm birth. Conclusion: Prematurityis a significant cause of morbidity and mortality at the neonatal stage as well as in children in general. Considering the fact that preterm children are the most vulnerable group of infants and require a specific approach in care and therapy, and given that they make a considerable share in the total number of children treated at the neonatal centers, a clear objective of the efforts of health care providers and the society in general, must be prevention of the preterm births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare (1/35.000 pregnancies) and severe complication specific to monochorionic twin pregnancies, involving the presence of an acardiac twin and a structurally normal co-twin (pump twin). The normal twin has a high mortality rate (50- 70%), especially due to congestive heart failure. We report on the case of a IIG IIIP 33 year-old patient who was referred to our institution form another service with the initial diagnosis of multiple pregnancy with one dead twin. Ultrasound revealed 24 gestational weeks intrauterine biamniotic monochorionic twin pregnancy with TRAP sequence and polyhydramnios. Therapeutic amniocentesis was performed for polyhydramnios, evacuating 500 ml of amniotic fluid. A fetoscopic intervention was decided, with the occlusion of the umbilical cord of the acardiac twin, followed by the evacuation of another 700 ml amniotic fluid. The patient was readmitted to our institution at 34 gestational weeks for preterm premature rupture of membranes and vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound revealed intrauterine growth restriction of the living twin, corresponding to 30 gestational weeks and retroplacentar hematoma, reaching 8,5/5 cm. The patient gave birth through cesarean section to a living female fetus, weighing 1480 g, Apgar score 6, 7, 8 at 1, 2 and respectively 5 minutes. In conclusion, TRAP sequence is a rare entity, requiring early diagnosis and careful ultrasound monitoring, in order to select the best management option for the pump twin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting a twin pregnancy with TRAP sequence complicated with retroplacentar hematoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous Gram-positive bacillus widespread in nature. About one in seven cases of listeriosis occurs in pregnant women and, although listeriosis is rare, it is the third leading cause of death from food-borne infections. Maternal listeriosis is a diagnostic challenge and intrauterine infection can lead to severe complications such as preterm labor, amnionitis, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and neonatal sepsis. Reliable laboratory testing for early diagnosis is lacking. Serological antibody tests and bacteriological stool tests are not helpful since Listeria-specific antibodies and stool cultures yielding the organism can be found in healthy pregnant women. During pregnancy, infections are more likely to occur in the third trimester (66%) than the first trimester (3%). However, as gestational age increases, fetal and neonatal adverse effects are less common. Neonatal infection is divided into early and late neonatal listeriosis. The early one occurs in the first four days of life, frequently in premature infants, who acquire the microorganism transplacentally and in 50% of cases develop sepsis, with or without meningeal involvement. It is the most frequent way of seeing in obstetrics. Listeria monocytogenes is sensitive to several antimicrobials. However, it exhibits natural resistance to third generation cephalosporins, fosfomycin and quinolones. Clinical experience shows that the drugs of choice are amoxicillin or ampicillin, in high doses. In order to get better results of the Listeriosis etiological diagnostic it is very important to associate maternal data and clinical and laboratory findings of the newborn with the pathologic placental findings. And yes, we need to worry about this disease because although Listeriosis is a rare affection that could cause mild maternal illness, can be devastating to the fetus, that why we should emphasize monitoring for symptoms consistent with listeriosis and set a low threshold for medical evaluation of those who are symptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amniocentesis is the most commonly performed invasive prenatal diagnostic procedure. The relative simplicity of the method has made amniocentesis available in a large number of centres. Amniocentesis may increase the risk of fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) due to needle transfixation of the maternal abdomen skin to the amniotic membrane and sometimes the placenta. There is an increase in FMH after performing amniocentesis, but there is no consensus regarding the best method to monitor the safety of these procedure. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping, using a monoclonal antibody against fetal hemoglobin, has become an interesting alternative to classical Kleihauer test to measuring FMH. Blood contamination of amniotic fluid (AF) during amniocentesis correlates directly with: needle thickness, physician experience, number of puncture points taken for sample acquisition, placental location. The puncture needle is recommended to have a thickness between 20-23 gauge (G).. Maternal cell contamination is prevented by discharging the first 2 ml of each sample. Another factor affecting safety of amniocentesis is the volume of procedures performed by the operator. High volume experience is reported to have decisive impact on rates of procedure-related adverse outcomes The impossibility of AF extraction at the first puncture requires its repetition, which increases the risk of AF contamination. From this point of view, it is extremely important to identify before the procedure the most voluminous AF bags, but also to choose a tract that avoids the transplacental passage. Placement of the placenta on the anterior wall increases the risk of AF contamination compared to the back or posterior wall location. Regarding the isoimunisation risc after amniocentesis, when a FMH occurs with less than 0.1 ml, isoimmunization at six months after delivery is 3%. Amniocentesis is safe to be carried out in fetal medicine when is followed by standard methods and conducted by trained professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Anthropometric measurements are widely used in the assessment of growth, nutritional status and body composition in children. The objective of the study was to describe growth and body composition of children using simple anthropometric measures. Material and Methods. The investigation was performed in 13 primary schools in the territory of North Bačka during 2017 and at the beginning of 2018. A total of 593 schoolchildren aged 6.50 - 10.49 years (in decimals) were included in the study. The following parameters were measured: height, weight, upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness. These measurements were used to calculate the body mass index, total upper arm area, upper-arm muscle area, upper-arm fat area, and the arm fat mass percentage for each individual. Results. The study results show that children's growth is almost linear over the first decade of life and the lean body mass increases at similar rates in boys and girls. However, girls show higher percentage of body fat and higher triceps skinfold thickness, while the body mass index is not significantly different. The secular trends in height are slowing down or have already ceased, but the weight generally continues increasing. Conclusion. Although sexual differences in anthropological measures are insignificant, the differences in body composition are evident before puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents three new absolute dates for the central grave of mound XI (K) at the Paulje necropolis in the lower Drina valley. Also, we present the results of FTIR spectroscopy for the amber finds from the 4 mounds in the necropolis, including mound XI (K). In general the results confirm the earlier assumed chronology of the site - the 14C AMS dates fit the timeframe – the central grave fits ideally the previous timeframe for the Brezjak culture, i.e. the 15th and 14th century BC, and all of the amber samples are definitely of Baltic origin. These two facts clearly suggest that the amber finds from the lower Drina could mark one of the earliest appearances of Baltic amber in the Central Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On a global scale, it was found that the surface of the vulnerable land and land affected by degradation has been increasing in the last decades and that unsustainable land management is one of the key drivers of land degradation. In order to assess the effect that these changes have on biodiversity and ecosystem services, and to realize appropriate planning and management actions for the conservation of the environment, it is essential to identify and quantify changes caused by land degradation. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the geological setting, i.e., the type of bedrock, and land use on the physicochemical properties of soil in the vulnerable mountainous areas of Fruška Gora. For the purpose of this study, 30 soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-20 cm at four locations on the Fruška Gora Mt. The geological setting was serpentinite and marl and land cover was forest and meadow. The following soil properties were determined: pH, redox potential (Eh), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), concentrations of available cations Ca, Mg, K, Na, contents of organic carbon (Corg) and nitrogen (N). The correlation between the obtained parameters was tested with two-way ANOVA and principal component analyses (PCA). All of the obtained results indicated that the soil physicochemical properties depended on the geological setting and that rock composition has to be taken into consideration during land management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several natural isolates of Bacillus strains namely 5B, 12B, 16B, 18 and 24B were grown at two different temperatures in submerged fermentation for the production of raw-starch-digesting α-amylases. All strains except Bacillus sp. 18 produced more α-amylase at 37 °C. The hydrolysis of raw cornstarch followed the same pattern. Efficient hydrolysis was obtained with α- amylases from Bacillus sp. 5B, 12B, 16B and 24B grown at 37 °C and Bacillus sp. 18 grown at 50 °C. Zymography after isoelectric focusing showed that α- amylases were produced in multiple forms, from 2 to 6, depending on the strain when they were growing at 37 °C, while growth at 50 °C induced only 1 or 2 isoforms. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis of the hydrolysis products of raw corn and soluble starch by α-amylases revealed the production of various mixtures of oligosaccharides. In most cases, G3 was the most dominant product from soluble starch while G2, G3 and G5 were the main products of raw starch hydrolysis. This indicates that the obtained α-amylases could be used for starch liquidification or short-chain-oligosaccharide formation, depending on the type of starch (raw or soluble) used for the hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]