Ceramic petrography, mineralogy and typology of Eneolithic pottery from Krašnja, Slovenia

In this article, we present newly excavated Eneolithic pottery from the site at Krašnja near Lukovica in central Slovenia. The material was AMS 14C dated and is contemporaneous with archaeological sites from the Ljubljansko barje region in Slovenia. The vessels were reconstructed and then various types of pots, dishes, cups, and beakers were analysed using petrography and the X-ray diffraction method. Additionally, the clay remains of walls and the floor of an Eneolithic kiln excavated at the site were also analysed. The results show that Eneolithic potters used different fab- rics to make vessels, and mostly one recipe with added calcite. The raw source material probably came from a nearby valley to the south of the site at Krašnja.V članku predstavljamo eneolitsko lončenino z novoodkritega najdišča Krašnja pri Lukovici v osrednji Sloveniji. Najdišče je bilo AMS 14C datirano in je sočasno z najdišči iz območja Ljubljanskega barja. Lončenino smo lahko rekonstruirali v različne tipe posod, med drugim lonce, sklede, skodelice in čaše, ki smo jih nato preiskali še s petrografsko metodo in metodo rentgenske difrakcije. Dodatno smo preiskali tudi sledove glinenih oblog stene in tal ene od dveh eneolitskih peči, ki smo jih odkrili na najdišču. Rezultati kažejo, da so lončarji v obdobju eneolitika uporabljali različne glinene mase za pripravo posod, vendar predvsem en lončarski recept z dodanim zdrobljenim kalcitom. Naravno surovino, glino, so morda nabirali v sosednji dolini, ki se nahaja južno od najdišča Krašnja

Zastupljenost i specijacija žive u jadranskom planktonu, školjkašima i ribi – pregled

This article presents an overview of available research on mercury speciation in the most studied biota of the Adriatic Sea as a specific biogeochemical subunit of the Mediterranean. We present current knowledge about mercury concentration, speciation, spatial distribution and temporal changes in plankton, bivalves and fish from the Adriatic Sea. Results from mercury speciation studies in marine organisms are used to describe the extent of mercury bioaccumulation in the Adriatic Sea. Mercury biogeochemical cycle in the Adriatic is characterised by increased mercury concentrations from the water column, through plankton, bivalves and smaller fish to predator fish species. Although the Adriatic Sea has the highest mercury concentration in the whole Mediterranean Sea, fish species at the higher trophic levels have similar mercury concentrations everywhere in the Mediterranean, indicating incomplete understanding of the transfer mechanisms of mercury from seawater to upper trophic levels. As consumption of (contaminated) food is the main route of human exposure to mercury, it is of great importance to understand the influence of mercury contamination in the Adriatic Sea.Ovaj članak predstavlja pregled dostupnih istraživanja o specijaciji žive u najproučavanijoj bioti Jadranskog mora kao posebne biogeokemijske podjedinice Mediterana. Predstavljamo postojeće znanje o koncentraciji žive, specijaciji, prostornoj raspodjeli i vremenskim promjenama u planktonu, školjkašima i ribi Jadranskog mora. Rezultati studija o specijaciji žive u morskim organizmima su korišteni za opis razdiobe bioakumulacije žive u Jadranskom moru. Biogeokemijski ciklus žive u Jadranu karakterizira povećanje koncentracije žive od vodenog stupca, preko planktona, školjkaša i manjih riba do predatorskih ribljih vrsta. Iako Jadransko more sadrži najviše koncentracije žive u cijelom Mediteranu, riblje vrste na višim trofičkim razinama imaju slične koncentracije žive posvuda u Mediteranu, ukazujući na nepotpuno razumijevanje prijenosnih mehanizama žive iz morske vode na više trofičke razine. Budući da je konzumiranje (kontaminirane) hrane glavni put ljudske izloženosti živi, od iznimne je važnosti razumijevanje utjecaja kontaminacije živom u Jadranskom moru

Procjena metalotioneina u dagnjama (Mytilus galloprovincialis) kao biomarkera žive i kadmija u slovenskim vodama tršćanskog zaljeva: studija dugoročnog istraživanja

In order to assess the spatial distribution and temporal trends of pollution with metals in the coastal sea of Slovenia, the level of metallothioneins (MT) was determined in blue mussels from three sampling locations, twice per year for a period of 10 years. MT concentrations ranged from 45 to 163 μg g-1 w.w. in March, and from 46 to 144 μg g-1 w.w. in the September sampling. The metals content was determined in whole mussel tissue once per year at two stations. The cadmium (Cd) concentration was in the range from 0.50 to 1.11 mg kg-1, while the concentration of mercury (Hg) was in the range from 0.70 to 0.237 mg kg-1. Results revealed no significant seasonal differences or differences between sampling sites in MT content, as well as variations in the content of Cd and Hg in mussels’ tissue during the examined period. The MT and metal content in mussels are not well correlated and other factors may have caused the fluctuations observed in MT content between years. This supports the notion that biomonitoring data have to be interpreted cautiously, taking into account various other factors that may influence MT induction.Kako bi se mogao ocijeniti prostorni raspored i vremenski trendovi onečišćenja metalima u priobalnom moru Slovenije, razina metalotioneina (MT) utvrđena je u dagnjama na tri mjesta uzorkovanja, dva puta godišnje za razdoblje od 10 godina. Koncentracije MT kretale su se od 45 do 163 μg g-1 mokre težine u ožujku, te od 47 do 144 μg g-1 mokre težine u rujanskom uzorkovanju. Sadržaj metala utvrđen je u cijelom tkivu dagnji na dvjema postajama, jednom godišnje. Koncentracija kadmija (Cd) kretala se u rasponu od 0,50 do 1,11 mg kg-1, dok je koncentracija žive (Hg) kolebala u rasponu od 0,70 do 0,237 mg kg-1. Rezultati nisu pokazali značajne sezonske razlike ili razliku između postaja glede sadržaja metalotioneina tijekom uzorkovanja, dok se sadržaj kadmija i žive u tkivu školjki mijenjao tijekom promatranog razdoblja. Prisutnost metalotioneina i metala u dagnjama nije usko povezana što ukazuje na druge moguće čimbenike kao uzroke fluktuacija promatranih tijekom godina. To podržava ideju da se podaci iz biomonitoringa moraju tumačiti oprezno, uzimajući u obzir razne druge čimbenike koji mogu utjecati na indukciju metalotioneina (MT)

Zastupljenost, raspodjela i specijacija žive u vodama i sedimentima Jadranskog mora – pregled

This review focuses on mercury speciation in the Adriatic Sea, a marginal sea of the Mediterranean, which represents its distinct biogeochemical subunit due to anthropogenic mercury loadings. The current knowledge about mercury cycling in the Adriatic is presented through an overview of the state of the art of research in this area: temporal and spatial distributions and occurrence of mercury species in seawater and sediment, and chemical transformations. We summarised research results of mercury speciation in order to describe its presence and fate in the Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic Sea represents a net source of mercury to the Mediterranean Sea due to the highest total mercury concentrations observed in the North Adriatic Sea and the highest methylmercury concentrations in the South Adriatic Pit. However, the biogeochemical cycle of mercury is not completely known and our understanding of mercury transport between compartments and its (bio)transformations is limited. Future research needs to focus on microbial and chemical processes of mercury transformations to improve our understanding of the impacts of mercury contamination on the environment and human health in the Adriatic Sea.Ovaj pregledni članak usredotočuje se na specijaciju žive u Jadranskom moru, rubnom moru Mediterana, koje predstavlja njegovu posebnu biogeokemijsku podjedinicu zbog antropoloških izvora žive. Trenutno znanje o kruženju žive u Jadranu je predstavljeno kroz pregled vrhunskih istraživanja na ovom području o vremenskim i prostornim raspodjelama i pojavnostima živinih specija u vodi i sedimentu te kemijskim transformacijama. Sumirani su rezultati istraživanja o specijaciji žive kako bi se opisala njena prisutnost i sudbina u Jadranskom moru. Jadransko more predstavlja neto izvor žive u Sredozemlju zbog najviših koncentracija ukupne žive uočenih u sjevernom Jadranu te najviših koncentracija metilžive u južnojadranskom ponoru. Međutim, biogeokemijski ciklus žive nije u potpunosti poznat te je ograničeno naše razumijevanje živinog transporta između odjeljaka i njenih (bio)transformacija. Buduće istraživanje se treba usredotočiti na mikrobne i kemijske procese živinih transformacija kako bi se bolje razumio utjecaj kontaminacije živom na okoliš i zdravlje ljudi u Jadranskom moru

Maternal Blood Levels of Toxic and Essential Elements and Birth Outcomes in Argentina: The EMASAR Study

Pregnant women’s levels of toxic and essential minerals have been linked to birth outcomes yet have not been adequately investigated in South America. In Argentina, n = 696 maternal whole blood samples from Ushuaia (n = 198) and Salta (n = 498) were collected in 2011–2012 among singleton women at 36 ± 12 h postpartum and analyzed for blood concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). This study examined the associations between maternal elements levels and birth outcomes, and sociodemographic factors contributing to elements levels. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, smoking, and education were linked to concentrations of some but not all elements. In adjusted models, one ln-unit increase in Pb levels was associated with increased gestational age (0.2 weeks, 95% CI = 0.01–0.48) and decreased birth weight (−88.90 g, 95% CI = −173.69 to −4.11) and birth length (−0.46 cm, 95% CI = −0.85 to −0.08) in the Salta sample. Toxic elements concentrations were not associated with birth outcomes in Ushuaia participants. Birth outcomes are multifactorial problems, and these findings provide a foundation for understanding how the body burden of toxic and essential elements, within the socioeconomic context, may influence birth outcomes

EURECA One 2014: One-month data collection in the municipality of Subotica

Heart disease is the underlying cause in two thirds of outpatient cardiac arrests. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs in people with no previous confirmed cardiac disease and occurs in situations where is possible presence of eyewitnesses. In this situations the cooperation of witnesses is necessary. It is not rare that news appear in the media, as well as on social networks footage of young athletes and public figures who suddenly lost consciousness on the sports field or at work. Despite the few studies that deal with this issue, in the literature can be found data indicating that a significantly better outcome after a sudden cardiac arrest if the arrest happens at work than in any other place. The inclusion in the study EuReCa One 2014 European resuscitation Council organized by Resuscitation Council of Serbia, the first time we have got relevant information in this field for our region. METHOD A prospective study to collect data on a single questionnaire in the time period time from 1st to 31st October 2014 in the municipality of Subotica. The study included all patients recorded a sudden cardiac arrest out of hospital and intervened medical service. RESULTS Cardiac arrest was confirmed in case of 9 patients by emergency medical services during the month of October 2014 - The incidence of 6.35 / 100,000. From 9 confirmed cardiac arrests 8 are received as a first line of emergency, and 1 as the second row of urgency. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation were started in 8 ( 89 % of all patients are a medical emergency witnessed cardiac arrest ). The incidence of 5.65 per 100.000 inhabitants. Presumed cardiac cause of cardiac arrest preceded in all 9 patients. The incidence of cardiac cause is 6.35 / 100,000 patients. When the witness was present, resuscitation measures are started at 6 ( 75%), or 23.4 / 100,000 patients, however, no resuscitation was not initiated by the laity but exclusively by the Emergency Medical Service after the arrival of the intervention. Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia were observed in 3 patients ( 37.5 % ) or at 2.12 / 100,000 as the first rhythm. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC ) was found in 2 ( 25% ) or 1:41 / 100.000. Discharge determined for a patient which represents an incidence of 0.71 / 100,000 inhabitants. One patient has survived after one month observation or 0.71 / 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusion: Collection of data in one month is too short period of time and it is impossible to draw conclusions about the outcome of sudden cardiac arrest in our community, because of the small research sample. It is necessary to continue with data collection. After long-term observations we can expect results that will contribute to improving the quality of work of our institution in the management of patients with sudden cardiac arrest

EuReCa Serbia One 2014 - Research center Vojvodina: Results of the research Vojvodina - Serbia October 2014

INTRODUCTION: Heart diseases are the leading cause of death throughout Europe. About 40% of all deaths among under 75 year olds are caused by cardiovascular condition. There weren't any valid epidemiological data about sudden cardiac arrest in Serbia, until now. AIM: The aim of this paper is to emhasise the importance of cardiac arrest research and to announce the first results of EuReCa One 2014 programme, which will improve the quality of resuscitation, and therefore reduce consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted by means of questionnaire concerning out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during the time period from 1 to 31 October 2014, with recording of one month survival. RESULTS: The results are presented per 100.000 people (n/100.000). The incidence of Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Subotica was 6,35 and on the territory of Serbia 13,21 per 100.000. Resuscitations were initiated in 5,65 cases per 100.000 in Subotica, and for Serbia overall the incidence is 6,47/100.000. More than half of all OHCAs happened at patient's home - 3,53 for Subotica and 4,40 for Serbia. Layman witnessing OHCA never initiated CPR in Subotica, but in Serbia on the whole 1,08/100.000 did start CPR. All of the recorded OHCA in Subotica were caused by presumed heart condition, while in Serbia cardiac etiology caused arrest in 5,4 cases per 100.000. Other causes of OHCA were represented by 1,06/100.000 in Serbia. The incidence of ROSC in Subotica was 1,41 - all of cardiac origin, in Serbia it was 1,08/100.000, and including those of different origin 1,66. Hospital transfer of patients with ROSC was recorded in 1,41/100.000 in Subotica and in 1,40/100.000 on the territory of Serbia. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of conducted resuscitations is evident, as well as the fact that OHCAs were often witnessed. It is therefore important to put emphasis on improvement of providing basic life support untill EMT professionals arrive, and promote health education of civilians

Methylmercury in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea): From Microbial Sources to Seafood Consumers

Tršćanski je zaljev (sjeverni Jadran) jedno od živom najonečišćenijih područja u Sredozemlju, a i u svijetu, zbog nekadašnje rudarske aktivnosti u Idriji (zapadna Slovenija). Veza je između mikrobnog nastanka metilirane žive i njezine bioakumulacije i biomagnifikacije u hranidbenim lancima voda zaljeva još slabo poznata, iako ključna za razumijevanje poveznica između izvora i organizama na višem stupnju hranidbenog lanca, npr. riba, koje su vektori prijenosa onečišćenja na ljude i druge organizme. Ovaj pregledni članak obuhvaća mikrobno biogeokemijsko kruženje žive u zaljevu, prijenos i bioakumulaciju metilirane žive u pelagičkim i bentičkim hranidbenim lancima, te izloženost ljudskog organizma živi nakon konzumacije ribe i školjaka. Svi su ti podaci važni zbog velikog gospodarskog značaja Tršćanskog zaljeva.The Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) is one of the most mercury-polluted areas in the Mediterranean and in the world due to the past mining activity in the Idrija region (western Slovenia). The link between microbial production of toxic methylmercury (MeHg), and its bioaccumulation and biomagnification in marine food webs of the gulf is at present rather poorly characterized but is critical to understanding the links between sources and higher trophic levels, such as fish, that are ultimately vectors of human and wildlife exposure. This overview explores three major topics: (i) the microbial biogeochemical cycling of Hg in the area, (ii) the trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of MeHg in pelagic and benthic marine food webs, and (iii) human exposure to Hg through marine fish and shellfish consumption. These are important goals since the Gulf of Trieste is an area of great economical importance

Mercury emission and dispersion models from soils contaminated by cinnabar mining and metallurgy.

The laboratory flux measurement system (LFMS) and dispersion models were used to investigate the kinetics of mercury emission flux (MEF) from contaminated soils. Representative soil samples with respect to total Hg concentration (26?9770 mg g 1) surrounding a decommissioned mercury-mining area (Las Cuevas Mine), and a former mercury smelter (Cerco Metal urgico de Almadenejos), in the Almad en mercury mining district (South Central Spain), were collected. Altogether, 14 samples were analyzed to determine the variation in mercury emission flux (MEF) versus distance from the sources, regulating two major environmental parameters comprising soil temperature and solar radiation. In addition, the fraction of the water-soluble mercury in these samples was determined in order to assess how MEF from soil is related to the mercury in the aqueous soil phase. Measured MEFs ranged from less than 140 to over 10 000 ng m 2 h 1, with the highest emissions from contaminated soils adjacent to point sources. A significant decrease of MEF was then observed with increasing distance from these sites. Strong positive effects of both temperature and solar radiation on MEF was observed. Moreover, MEF was found to occur more easily in soils with higher proportions of soluble mercury compared to soils where cinnabar prevails. Based on the calculated Hg emission rates and with the support of geographical information system (GIS) tools and ISC AERMOD software, dispersion models for atmospheric mercury were implemented. In this way, the gaseous mercury plume generated by the soil originated emissions at different seasons was modeled. Modeling efforts revealed that much higher emissions and larger mercury plumes are generated in dry and warm periods (summer), while the plume is smaller and associated with lower concentrations of atmospheric mercury during colder periods with higher wind activity (fall). Based on the calculated emissions and the model implementation, yearly emissions from the ??Cerco Metal urgico de Almadenejos?? decommissioned metallurgical precinct were estimated at 16.4 kg Hg y 1, with significant differences between seasons