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Market demands for apple fruits are increasing. Beside fruits for fresh consumption and processing, in the last few years is also increasing the need for fresh-cut fruits. The aim of this work was to evaluate the fruit quality of 6 traditional apple genotypes from Western Serbia (‘Slatkača’, ‘Đulabija’, ‘Zelenika’, ‘Prstenka’, ‘Šumatovka’ and ‘Žutica’) through the analysis of various morphological and biochemical characteristics and to propose the potential use that will respond to the market demands. Morphological parameters of quality were measured: fruit weight, height and width, shape index, fruit firmness and fruit stalk length. Among biochemical components of quality, total soluble solids and titratable acidity were measured and used to calculate flavour index. Sensory analysis included parameters: fruit appearance, taste and aroma. Based on results, fruits of selected apple genotypes were divided into three clusters, which reflect their best potential to use for a different purpose. Genotypes ‘Đulabija’ and ‘Prstenka’ were the best rated by sensory analysis. It shows their potential as apples for fresh consumption, which are grouped in Cluster I. In Cluster II are grouped genotypes suitable for processing - ‘Šumatovka’ and ‘Žutica’. These genotypes have good soluble solids content, but low rating of appearance and taste, due to higher sourness or sweetness. Genotypes ‘Slatkača’ and ‘Zelenika’ had lower ratings regarding the appearance, but have good aroma and taste, which makes them suitable for Cluster III. Fruits from this cluster are suitable for fresh-cut apples. This research showed great diversity and the potential of traditional varieties of apples for different uses. Further research should evaluate their fruit quality in detail, especially regarding different climate conditions and pomotechnical measures that can improve quality of fruits.

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se uradi procena kvaliteta plodova paradajza različitih boja. Za analizu je odabrano sedam genotipova paradajza (svetložuti, tamnožuti, narandžasti, žuto-zeleni, crveno-zeleni, crveno-žuti i crveni). Kvalitet plodova paradajza je okarakterisan na osnovu ukupne rastvorljive čvrste materije (TSS), titrabilne kiselosti (TA), sadržaja likopena i ukupne antioksidativne aktivnosti (TAA). Dobijeni rezultati su pokazali da ima značajnih razlika između testiranih genotipova u analiziranim parametrima. Genotip sa žuto-zelenim plodom imao je najbolji ukus zbog visokih vrednosti TSS, TA i njihovog odnosa (indeksa ukusa), ali nizak sadržaj likopena i TAA. Najveću vrednost TAA imao je genotip sa svetložutom bojom ploda, verovatno zbog prisustva ß-karotena i nekih antioksidanata iz grupe polifenola, jer je sadržaj likopena bio nizak. Takođe, visoke vrednosti TAA imali su genotipovi sa crvenom bojom ploda i kombinacijom crvene sa zelenom i žutom bojom, zbog visokog sadržaja likopena., The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of tomato fruits of different colors. Seven tomato genotypes (light yellow, dark yellow, orange, yellow green, red green, red yellow and red) were selected for analysis. Tomato fruit quality was characterized based on total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), lycopene content and total antioxidant activity (TAA). The obtained results showed that there are significant differences between the tested genotypes in the analyzed parameters. The genotype with yellow green fruit had the best taste due to the high values of TSS, TA and their ratio (taste index), but low content of lycopene and TAA. The genotype with light yellow fruit color had the highest TAA value, probably due to the presence of ß-carotene and some antioxidants from the polyphenol group, as the lycopene content was low. Genotypes with red fruit color and a combination of red with green and yellow color also had high TAA values, due to the high lycopene content.

Jabuka je jedna od najgajenijih vrsta voćaka u svetu i u Srbiji. Kvalitet plodova jabuke je značajan kako za stonu potrošnju, tako i za prerađivačku industriju. Tradicionalni genotipovi, lokalne populacije i divlji srodnici kultivisanih biljaka pokazuju širok spektar raznovrsnih osobina kvaliteta i otpornosti na stres, što može biti značajno za budućnost poljoprivrede. Oni predstavljaju važan resurs za buduće programe oplemenjivanja i imaju veliki značaj u kontekstu rastućih klimatskih promena. Konzervacija i održiva upotreba tradicionalnih genotipova obezbeđuje diverzitet ishrane lokalnih zajednica i veću nezavisnost lokalnih sistema proizvodnje hrane. Tradicionalni genotipovi gajeni u tradicionalnim, ekstenzivnim poljoprivrednim sistemima su takođe značajni sa aspekta zaštite životne sredine u poljoprivredi. Oni takođe imaju kulturološki i gastronomski značaj. Region zapadne Srbije je veoma bogat tradicionalnim genotipovima voća, pa stoga predstavlja zanimljivo područje za istraživanje ovih genetičkih resursa. Cilj ovog rada je bila evaluacija kvaliteta i senzoričkih osobina plodova 11 tradicionalnih genotipova jabuke iz zapadne Srbije, koja je praćena analizom saznanja vezanih za upotrebu ovih genotipova. Sa aspekta kvaliteta plodova, mereni su masa, širina i dužina ploda, čvrstina ploda, sadržaj solubilnih materija i organskih kiselina. Senzoričke osobine plodova su ocenjene putem upitnika za najvažnije karakteristike ploda: izgled, miris, ukus, sočnost i trpkost. Analiza morfoloških osobina je pokazala da je najveću masu plodova, ali i najmanju čvrstinu imao genotip 'Kožara žuta'. Najčvršći plodovi su bili prisutni kod genotipova 'Repača' i 'Kožara starinska'. Najveći sadržaj solubilnih materija i organskih kiselina su imali plodovi genotipa 'Kožara starinska'. Najniži sadržaj organskih kiselina 109 odlikuje genotipove 'Valijka', 'Bela vajlija' i 'Šarenika', dok je najniži sadržaj solubilnih materija prisutan kod genotipova 'Streknja' i 'Bela valija'. Evaluacij

Drought is one of the factors that most reduces crop productivity. Water deficit affects the morphological and physiological parameters of the plant, and some of them can be used as indicators of plant tolerance to drought. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of water deficit on proline content in fruits, as well as yield parameters of two tomato lines (M7 and R83), that in previous research showed a contrasting response in vegetative phase. Tomato plants were grown in a glasshouse in pots during three months after planting of seedlings. Two water regimes were applied (optimal field capacity and water deficit - reduction of water for 30% compared to control). The content of proline was significantly higher in the fruits of both tomato lines exposed to water stress. The increase in proline content under stress conditions compared to control was higher in fruits of line M7 (81.0%) compared to line R83 (35.4%). Our results showed that water deficit significantly affected fruit diameter, length and biomass of the fruit, but did not affect the number of fruits per plant in both tested tomato lines. The reduction of fruit yield in water deficit conditions was higher for line M7 (31.5%) in comparison to line R83 (20.7%). Based on the obtained results, the R83 line showed a potentially better response to drought stress at fruit level, which is in accordance with our research results conducted on the same lines in the vegetative phase.

Apple is one of the most grown fruits in the world. Traditional apple genotypes represent an important resource that ensures the sustainability of apple production and high diversity of available genotypes. The aim of this study was to analyze the fruit quality and sensory characteristics of 5 autochthonous apple genotypes from Serbia, in order to determine their potential on the market for fresh consumption and processing industry. In order to determine the fruit visual characteristics, morphological traits were studied (fruit ground and over color, percentage and pattern of over color, greasiness of the skin, fruit weight, length and height and fruit shape). In addition, length of the fruit stalk and fruit firmness were determined, as important characteristics for fruit storability. Among the biochemical parameters, total soluble solids and titratable acidity were determined. Sensory analysis was performed for the following traits: attractiveness, taste, aroma, juiciness and astringency. The highest potential for fresh consumption showed "Šećeruša" and "Čagaraša" genotypes. Genotype "Đeregarka" is more suitable for processing industry due to its high content of organic acid. "Crvena Debelokorka" had low taste and aroma ratings (partially due to high astringency), but also the highest fruit firmness, which can result in good storability. The analyzed genotypes showed diverse quality traits and could find their place in the market and in the economy of the small farmers, but also in breeding programs focused on quality and diversity. They should be preserved as an important genetic resource for the sustainability of agriculture.

Kvalitet ploda kruške je izuzetno značajan, kako za potrošnju u sirovom stanju, tako i za prerađivačku industriju. Posebno je ekonomski značajna sorta Vilijamovka, za čije gajenje su bitni i prateći oprašivači, kao što je sorta Fetelova (Abate Fetel). Rezultati istraživanja su pokazali da je sorta Fetelova bolja u pogledu morfoloških osobina ploda u odnosu na Vilijamovku, zbog čega je pogodnija za stonu potrošnju. Biohemijska analiza je ukazala na izuzetan kvalitet sorte Vilijamovka u odnosu na Fetelova na osnovu sadržaja rastvorljivih suvih materija, ukupnih šećera i organskih kiselina. Senzorička analiza je potvrdila prednost sorte Vilijamovka u pogledu izgleda, ukusa, arome i sočnosti plodova, dok su plodovi sorte Fetelova imali veći indeks slasti. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata može se zaključiti da su obe ekonomski važne sorte kruški imale kvalitetne plodove sa izuzetnim senzoričkim osobinama, što ih čini posebno atraktivnim za potrošače., The quality of the pear fruit is extremely important, both for fresh consumption and for the processing industry. The Williams Bartlett variety is especially economically significant, and for its cultivation are important supporting pollinizers, like Abate Fetel variety. The research results showed that the Abate Fetel variety is better in terms of the morphological characteristics of the fruit compared to the Williams Bartlett variety, which is why it is more suitable for fresh consumption. Biochemical analysis indicated the exceptional quality of the Williams Bartlett variety compared to Abate Fetel based on the content of soluble dry matter, total sugars and organic acids. Sensory analysis confirmed the advantage of the Williams Bartlett variety in terms of appearance, taste, aroma and juiciness of the fruits, while the fruits of the Williams Bartlett variety had a higher sweetness index. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that both economically important varieties of pears had quality fruits with exceptional sensory properties, which makes them particularly attractive for consumers.

Salata (Lactuca sativa L.) je jednogodišnja povrtarska biljka, sa kratkim vegetacionim periodom i mogućnošću gajenja tokom cele godine. Jedna je od najznačajnijih vrsta iz grupe lisnatog povrća, bogata fitonutrijentima koji su esencijalni u ljudskoj ishrani. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se utvrdi uticaj genotipa, mikrobioloških đubriva i sezone na kvantitativne i kvalitativne osobine salate. U sprovedenim istraživanjima ispitani su kvantitativni (morfološki i agronomski) parametri: visina i prečnik rozete i stabla, broj listova, sveža i suva masa listova, sveža masa stabla i rozete (glavice), kao i kvalitativni (biohemijski) parametri: sadržaj nitrata, ukupne rastvorljive materije i organske kiseline, ukupna antioksidativna aktivnost, ukupni karotenoidi, sadržaj vitamina C, sadržaj ukupnih i pojedinačnih fenolnih jedinjenja, ukupni i pojedinačni seskviterpenski laktoni i aktivnost peroksidaze. Ogledi sa šest genotipova salate (tri zelene ‘Kiribati’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Aleppo’ i tri crvene ‘Murai’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Carmesi’) bili su postavljeni u kompaniji Iceberg Salat Centar, u Surčinu. Biljke su gajene u plasteniku, bez dodatnog grejanja, tokom tri uzastopne sezone (jesen, zima i proleće), uz primenu mikrobioloških đubriva (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho i njihova kombinacija). Dobijeni rezultati ogleda ukazuju na uticaj genotipa na ispitivana kvantitativna svojstva salate. Generalno, zelene sorte su pokazale tendenciju veće sveže mase rozete-glavice u odnosu na crvene tokom proleća i zime. Najveću svežu masu rozete ostvarila je zelena sorta ‘Aleppo’ u kontrolnim uslovima prolećnog ogleda, nasuprot crvene sorte ‘Carmesi‘ koja je imala najmanju masu u kontroli jesenjeg ogleda. Sorta ‘Aleppo’ pokazala je sličan trend kod parametra sveža masa listova, gde je u kontroli prolećnog ogleda ostvarila najveće vrednosti, kao i najveću suvu masu listova u zimu primenom kombinacije đubriva, čime se ova sorta izdvojila po stabilnosti za najvažnije kvantitativne komponente. Zelena sorta ‘Aquino‘, Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an annual vegetable crop, with short vegetation period and possibility to cultivate throughout whole year. It is one of the most important species from the leafy vegetables group, enriched with phytonutrients which are essential in human diet. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of genotype, microbiological fertilisers and season on the quantitative and qualitative traits of lettuce. Two types of the parameters were examined, quantitative parameters (morphological and agronomical)- rosette, stem height and diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry leaf weight, stem and rosette (head) fresh weight, as well as, qualitative parameters (biochemical)- nitrate content, total soluble solids, total acidity content, total antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, vitamin C content, total and individual phenolics, total and individual sesquiterpene lactones and peroxidase activity. Experiments with six lettuce cultivars (three green ‘Kiribati’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Aleppo’ and three red ‘Murai’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Carmesi’) were carried out in the company Iceberg Salat Centar, Surčin. Plants were grown in the greenhouse, without additional heating, during three consecutive growing seasons (autumn, winter and spring), with application of microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho and their combination). Results showed the influence of the genotype on the quantitative parameters. Mainly, green cultivars showed tendency to higher rosette (head) fresh weight than red in spring and winter. Green cultivar ‘Aleppo’ showed the highest rosette fresh weight in control during spring, compared to red cultivar ‘Carmesi’ with the lowest rosette fresh weight in control conditions in autumn. Cultivar ‘Aleppo’ showed the similar trend to parameter fresh leaf weight, with the highest level in control in the spring trial, as well as the highest dry leaf weight in the winter acomplished with combined fertilisers, whereby this cultivar stood out for its stabil

Salata (Lactuca sativa L.) je jednogodišnja biljka, sa umerenimzahtevima prema faktorima spoljašnje sredine, kratkim vegetacionimperiodom i mogućnošću gajenja tokom cele godine. Ogledi sa šestgenotipova salate (‘Kiribati’, ‘Murai’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Aleppo’,‘Carmesi’) bili su postavljeni u kompaniji Iceberg Salat Centar. Biljke sugajene u plasteniku, bez dodatnog grejanja, tokom tri uzastopne sezone(jesen, zima i proleće), primenom mikrobioloških đubriva (EM Aktiv,Vital Tricho i njihova kombinacija). Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da seutvrdi uticaj genotipa, mikrobioloških đubriva i sezone na sadržaj ukupnorastvorljivih materija i organskih kiselina. Najveću vrednost ukupnorastvorljivih materija i organskih kiselina ostvarila je crvena sorta ‘Murai‘u zimskom ogledu primenom đubriva Vital Tricho i EM Aktiv redom.Primena đubriva uglavnom nije uticala na vrednosti ukupno rastvorljivihmaterija i organskih kiselina, gde je tokom svih sezona sadržaj ostaostabilan. Istraživanje je pokazalo da su glavni faktori uticali naposmatrane parametre, sa izraženim uticajem genotipa., Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an annual plant, with moderate requirements to environmental factors, short vegetation period and the possibility to cultivate throughout whole year. Trials with six lettuce cultivars (‘Kiribati’, ‘Murai’, ‘Aquino’, ‘Gaugin’, ‘Aleppo’, ‘Carmesi’) were set up in the company Iceberg Salat Centar. The plants were grown in a greenhouse, without additional heating, during three consecutive seasons (autumn, winter and spring), using microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho and their combination). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of genotype, microbiological fertilisers and season on the content of total soluble solids and organic acids. The highest value of total soluble solids and organic acids showed red cultivar 'Murai' in the winter trial using fertilisers Vital Tricho and EM Aktiv, respectively. Application of fertilisers generally did not affect the values of total soluble solids and organic acids, whereas the content remained stable during all seasons. The research showed that the main factors influenced tested parameters, with a great impact of the genotype.

Drought affected growth and productivity of vegetables by inducing different changes in plants, which consequently reduces the yield and its quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of moderate drought stress on physiological and biochemical parameters of the cultivated tomato genotype Stupicke. Plants were grown in the greenhouse and exposed to water deficit from anthesis of 2nd flower truss until fruit harvesting (red-ripe stage). Control plants were optimally irrigated, while treated plants were exposed to drought and soil humidity was maintained around 25% of maximum WHC. Drought-induced reduction of leaf growth parameters was followed by changes in stomata conductance and photochemical efficiency. The results of biochemical analysis indicated that the soluble sugar content decreased under drought conditions, while organic acid level and vitamin C was increased. The significant decrease in fruit diameter and dry matter content was accompanied with stable sugars and organic acid content which implicates the maintenance of main fruit taste components under water deficit. The drought also affected the level of other important nutritional components by the increase of the total carotenoid and vitamin C content. Accumulation of the vitamin C in leaves and fruits are also a response to secondary, oxidative stress under prolonged drought, while the increase of ABA content in both organs is related to drought adaptive responses. These results indicated the potential of this genotype for breeding programs to create new drought-resistant tomato lines with the stable or improved nutritional fruit quality under variable environmental conditions.

Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se ispita uticaj vodnog deficita na sadržaj prolina i hlorofila, lipidnu peroksidaciju i na vegetativni rast biljaka u listovima dve linije paradajza (M7 i R83). Biljke paradajza su gajene u stakleniku i primenjivana su tri vodna režima (100, 70 i 50% poljskog kapaciteta). Naši rezultati su pokazali da je prosečan sadržaj prolina bio veći u listovima izloženim vodnom deficitu kod obe linije, pri čemu je kod linije R83 razlika ranije registrovana i bila je veća kod tretmana vodnog deficita 50% poljskog kapaciteta. Nije nađena razlika u lipidnoj peroksidaciji između tretmana kod linije M7, dok je kod linije R83 ona bila povećana kod tretmana vodnog deficita od 50% poljskog kapaciteta. Sadržaj hlorofila je bio sličan između tretmana kod ispitivanih linija. Redukcija rastenja u uslovima suše bila je izraženija kod linije M7. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata možemo zaključiti da linija R83 ima potencijalno bolji odgovor na sušu., The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of water deficit on proline and chlorophyll content, lipid peroxidation and plant vegetative growth in the leaves of two tomato lines (M7 and R83). Tomato plants were grown in a glasshouse and three water regimes were applied (100, 70 and 50% field capacity). Our results showed that the average proline content was higher in the leaves exposed to water deficit of both lines, whereas in the line R83 this difference was registered earlier and was higher in the treatment the 50% field capacity treatment. No difference in lipid peroxidation was found between treatments of the line M7 , while lipid peroxidation was increased in the 50% field capacity treatment of the line R83. Chlorophyll content was similar between treatments in the tested lines. Growth reduction in drought conditions was more pronounced in the line M7. Based on the obtained results, we can conclude that the line R83 has a potentially better response to drought.

Water deficit can be a trigger of physiological and biochemical changes in leaves, that could be important for overall plant adaptive response and it can affect tomato yield and quality. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of water deficit on proline content and lipid peroxidation in leaves of two tomato lines (M7 and R83). Our previous research has shown that there are differences in the biochemical characteristics of both lines during the reproductive phase. Accordingly, it is to be expected that there will be differences even in the early stages of plant development. Tomato plants were grown in a glasshouse and two water regimes were applied (optimal field capacity and water deficit - reduction of water for 70% compared to control), during three weeks after planting of seedlings. Our results showed that proline content and lipid peroxidation in the tomato leaves were fluctuated according to water content in the substrate, and it also depended on the genotype. The content of proline was significantly higher in the leaves of both tomato lines exposed to water stress. Similar to the content of proline, the lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in tomato leaves of the M7 line in contrast to the R83 line, where no significant differences were found. Also, water stress was a significant effect on plant height, number of leaves and shoot fresh weight of both tomato lines. Reduction of these parameters was much higher in the M7 line compared to the line R83.

Lettuce is a worldwide grown leafy vegetable rich in phytochemicals which are essential in human diet. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of genotype, microbiological fertilisers and season on the rosette fresh weight and components of antioxidant activity. Six cultivars (green ‘Kiribati', ‘Aleppo', ‘Aquino' and red ‘Murai', ‘Carmesi', ‘Gaugin‘) were grown in a greenhouse experiment during three consecutive seasons (autumn, winter and spring) with application of microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho and their combination). Green cultivars showed higher fresh weight than red in spring and winter. Green cultivar ‘Aleppo’ showed the highest fresh weight in control during spring. Microbiological fertilisers led to increased fresh weight in autumn. Mainly, red cultivars showed higher quality parameters compared to green (total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, total carotenoids and POD activity). Red cultivar ‘Carmesi' showed the highest total antioxidant capacity, total carotenoids, and total phenolic content in winter with combination of fertilisers, Vital Tricho, and in control. In spring, ‘Carmesi' and ‘Gaugin' showed the highest POD activity with Vital Tricho, and combination of fertilisers. The present study suggested that genotype, fertilisers and season jointly influenced quantity and quality parameters with emphasis on Vital Tricho, and/or combination of fertilisers.

Due to climate changes and increased demands of different water users (agriculture, industry, domestic) water becomes scarce resources worldwide. Since irrigated agriculture is the one of the largest consumer of these resources (so-called blue water footprint), irrigation management must be shifted from maximal production per crop area to maximal production per unit of water used by crops. Among the strategies for reducing water footprints, changing the full irrigation to the reduced crop's water supply (deficit irrigation techniques) is one of the options. In this mini-review, we present the latest advances of partial root-zone drying (PRD) applications in different agricultural plants, with the special emphases on the PRD effects on increasing WUE, yield and yield quality. We describe two PRD practical approaches (alternate and fixed), BACKGROUND: of PRD induced increase in yield and water use efficiency and improved understanding about nutrient use efficiency. The evidence of PRD effect on the increase in nutritional and health attributes of yield in different species is also presented. Because of limited available data, further research is needed to understand complex biosynthetic pathway and synthesis of nutritive- and health-related metabolites and antioxidants in PRD-treated plants. Practical application and promotion of this knowledge will allow farmers in water scarce areas to adapt PRD not only as a strategy for saving water, improving nutrient use and increase/sustain yield, but also for producing food with enhanced nutritive and health characteristics.

BACKGROUND: and objectives Quinoa is considered to be a "natural functional food" due to a lot of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health by helping prevent the risks of different diseases. The aim of this study was to test the health-promoting characteristics of Puno and Titicaca quinoa seeds grown in Serbia by assessing their phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and potential anticancer effect on human colorectal cancer cells. Findings Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the seeds of both cultivars, but their profile and concentration of individual phenolic compounds differed. Cytotoxic activities were present in both cultivars, whereas the pronounced concentration and time-dependent effects were more expressed in Puno extracts. Conclusions The extracts of the seeds of both cultivars are a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and with high antioxidant activities. Potent anticancer activity against the human colorectal cancer was expressed in both investigated cultivars. Significance and novelty The study confirmed the health benefit potential of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars, grown in Serbia. These results are the first to demonstrate a potent anticancer activity of quinoa seed extract against the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, as well as the presence of 7 new phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare serum sclerostin concentrations in patients with thyroid dysfunction with euthyroid control subjects and to assess the relationship between sclerostin and markers of bone metabolism (osteocalcin and beta-cross-laps). Methods: The study included 30 patients with thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism) and ten euthyroid controls. Free thyroxine (FT4) was measured by radioimmunoassay, while thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration was determined immunoradiometrically. We used an ELISA kit to determine the sclerostin level. The electrochemiluminescence method was applied for measuring the bone markers. Results: Sclerostin levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid patients (p=0.009) and significantly elevated in hyperthyroid patients (p=0.008) compared to control values. Hyperthyroid patients also had higher sclerostin than patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism (p=0.013). Sclerostin concentrations were negatively correlated with TSH levels (r=-0.746, p lt 0.001), but positively with FT4 (r=0.696, p lt 0.001). Moreover, sclerostin was positively associated with osteocalcin (r=0.605, p=0.005) and beta-cross-laps levels (r=0.573, p=0.008) in all thyroid patients. Conclusions: Serum sclerostin is significantly affected in subjects with thyroid dysfunction. Both sclerostin and thyroid status affect bone homeostasis, which is reflected through the significant correlations with osteocalcin and beta-cross-laps., Uvod: Cilj ove studije bio je da uporedimo serumske koncentracije sklerostina kod pacijenata sa disfunkcijom štitaste žlezde u odnosu na eutiroidne kontrolne ispitanike, i da procenimo odnos između sklerostina i markera koštanog metabolizma (osteokalcina i beta-cross-lapsa) u istoj populaciji. Metode: Studijom je obuhvaćeno 30 pacijenata sa disfunkcijom štitaste žlezde (hipotireozom, hipertireozom i supkliničkom hipertireozom) i 10 eutiroidnih kontrola. Slobodni tiroksin (FT4) meren je radioimunološkom metodom, dok je koncentracija tireostimulišućeg hormona (TSH) određivana imunoradiometrijski. Za merenje nivoa sklerostina koristili smo ELISA-test. Metoda elektrohemiluminiscencije primenjena je za merenje koncentracije koštanih markera. Rezultati: Nivo sklerostina bio je značajno niži kod bolesnika sa hipotireozom (p = 0,009) odnosno značajno viši kod bolesnika sa hipertireozom (p = 0,008) u poređenju sa vrednostima kod eutiroidnih kontrolnih ispitanika. Pacijenti sa hipertireozom su takođe imali statistički značajno viši nivo sklerostina u odnosu na bolesnike sa supkliničkom hipertireozom (p = 0,013). Pokazana je negativna korelacija koncentracije sklerostina i TSH (r = -0,746, p lt 0,001), odnosno pozitivna korelacija sa FT4 (r = 0,696, p lt 0,001) kod pacijenata sa tireoidnom disfunkcijom. Štaviše, sklerostin pozitivno korelira sa koncentracijom osteokalcina (r = 0,605, p = 0,005) i beta-cross-lapsa (r = 0,573, p = 0,008) kod ovih pacijenata. Zaključak: Serumski nivoi sklerostina izmenjeni su kod osoba sa disfunkcijom štitaste žlezde. Sklerostin zajedno sa tireoidnim statusom utiče na koštani metabolizam, što se ogleda u njegovoj značajnoj korelaciji sa osteokalcinom i beta-cross-lapsom.

Background and objectives: Quinoa is considered to be a “natural functional food” due to a lot of bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health by helping prevent the risks of different diseases. The aim of this study was to test the health-promoting characteristics of Puno and Titicaca quinoa seeds grown in Serbia by assessing their phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and potential anticancer effect on human colorectal cancer cells. Findings: Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the seeds of both cultivars, but their profile and concentration of individual phenolic compounds differed. Cytotoxic activities were present in both cultivars, whereas the pronounced concentration and time-dependent effects were more expressed in Puno extracts. Conclusions: The extracts of the seeds of both cultivars are a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and with high antioxidant activities. Potent anticancer activity against the human colorectal cancer was expressed in both investigated cultivars. Significance and novelty: The study confirmed the health benefit potential of Puno and Titicaca quinoa cultivars, grown in Serbia. These results are the first to demonstrate a potent anticancer activity of quinoa seed extract against the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, as well as the presence of 7 new phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

The reaction of leaf growth to drought stress is controlled by various hormones, among which ABA is one of the most important. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ABA deficiency on tomato leaf response under severe drought stress. Therefore, ABA-mutant (flacca) and wild type (Ailsa Craig) were selected for research and in the stage of second flower truss anthesis plants were exposed to severe water deficit. The effects of severe drought on wild-type leaves and flacca mutant showed that, as a result of reduced ABA concentrations, flacca plants were exposed to a higher degree of stress than wild-type leaves, which had a negative impact on the examined physiological and biochemical parameters. Severe drought caused stomatal closure, decreased water potential, specific leaf area, and chlorophyll concentrations in the leaves in both genotypes, but this was more pronounced in the mutant. Wild-type plants have accumulated more vitamin C and ABA and have a higher total antioxidant capacity in the leaves in dry conditions than flacca mutants, which contribute to their better adaptive response to stress. Based on this, it can be assumed that the ABA mutation has led to a decrease in the capacity for oxidative stress products caused by severe drought stress.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an annual, leafy crop with a short growth in cool season. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of microbiological fertilisers, genotype and growing seasons on the fresh weight (FW), concentration of nitrate and vitamin C in the rosette (head) of red lettuce. The greenhouse experiment included three cultivars ('Murai', 'Gaugin' and 'Carmesi') of red lettuce grown in fertile soil during successive growing seasons: autumn, winter and spring. Three types of microbiological fertilisers: (1) mixture of fungi and bacteria and their products, referred to as effective microorganisms (EM), (2) containing Trichoderma spp. and (3) mixture of EM and Trichoderma spp., were applied for red lettuce. Microbiological fertilisers were applied in the soil and via foliar spray before planting. Significantly higher FW of the rosette was in spring and winter than in autumn. The 'Murai' showed significantly the highest (264.7 g) FW of the rosette in spring. Trichoderma spp. fertiliser and the combination of effective microorganisms and Trichoderma spp. significantly increased FW of the rosette for the 'Murai' and 'Gaugin' grown in autumn. The highest nitrate concentration was observed for winter grown 'Carmesi' (805.2 mg kg(-1)) treated by effective microorganisms, and the lowest for spring grown 'Gaugin' (62.2 mg kg(-1)) without microbial fertilisers. Generally, the application of microbiological fertilisers contributed to a significantly higher concentration of nitrate in the rosette of red lettuce. The concentration of nitrate did not exceed maximum level for protected lettuce (EC No 563/2002). In spring, significantly the highest concentration of vitamin C (12.2 mg 100 g(-1) FW) was found in the 'Carmesi' treated with Trichoderma spp. Microbiological fertilisers contributed to significantly higher concentration of vitamin C in the 'Gaugin' and 'Carmesi' grown in winter and spring. This study indicated that genotype, treatment and growth seaso