DOI:10.2298/ABS1003747О MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF POTATO CYST NEMATODE POPULATIONS IN SERBIA

Abstract- Quarantine species such as potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida are present in Serbia since 1999 and 2005, respectively. These nematodes are sibling species and their morphological identification is complex due to their morphometric overlap. The cysts from the localities of Kladnica, Šanac, Gojna Gora and Milatovići were grown on susceptible potato varieties and their morphological differences have been discussed. To avoid ambiguities in species morphological designation a duplex PCR method was chosen for a rapid and accurate species identification. The whole procedure, from DNA extraction to DNA isolation, can be performed in a single day

Massive outbreak of viral gastroenteritis associated with consumption of municipal drinking water in a European capital city

International audienceOn 24 August 2008, an outbreak alert regarding cases of acute gastroenteritis in Podgorica triggered investigations to guide control measures. From 23 August to 7 September, 1699 cases were reported in Podgorica (population 136 000) and we estimated the total size of the outbreak to be 10 000–15 000 corresponding to an attack rate of ~10%. We conducted an age- and neighbourhood-matched case-control study, microbiologically analysed faecal and municipal water samples and assessed the water distribution system. All cases (83/83) and 90% (89/90) of controls drank unboiled chlorinated municipal water [matched odds ratio (mOR) 11·2, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1·6–∞]. Consumption of bottled water was inversely associated with illness (mOR 0·3, 95% CI 0·1–0·8). Analyses of faecal samples identified six norovirus genotypes (21/38 samples) and occasionally other viruses. Multiple defects in the water distribution system were noted. These results suggest that the outbreak was caused by faecally contaminated municipal water. It is unusual to have such a large outbreak in a European city especially when the municipal water supply is chlorinated. Therefore, it is important to establish effective multiple-barrier water-treatment systems whenever possible, but even with an established chlorinated supply, sustained vigilance is central to public health

Towards sustainability of lactic acid and poly-lactic acid polymers production

Lactic acid (LA) is a platform chemical which can be produced biotechnologically on agricultural residues, wastes and by-products and further used for production of biodegradable, biocompatible LA polymers. These polymers are mostly used for high-end applications but they have potential for much wider application with decrease in production costs. Available technologies and strategies are reviewed in order to point out the issues, challenges and solutions relevant to increase sustainability and competitiveness of LA production on agricultural residues and wastes. Data on chemical composition, regional and seasonal availability of agricultural residues, wastes and by-products are lacking to provide predictable and effective combining for LA production. Precision agriculture, remote sensing and integration with data on chemical composition can help in better planning and more adequate exploitation of available sources in future. Novel pretreatments for the most abundant lignocellulosic feedstocks, which allow utilization of carbohydrates in LA production and side streams like lignin in other biorefineries are needed. Integration of pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation under non-sterile conditions or open fermentation mode should enable easier scale up and decrease energy consumption and costs without sacrificing LA purity. Capital investments in improvement of the available technologies are high. Support from policy makers stimulating production of LA polymers from second and third generation feedstocks will help in research, development and faster adoption on larger scale. For production of LA polymers with tailored properties, it is essential to choose the most productive method for LA production and separation from these complex substrates. The shift in research interest from LA polymerization towards "green" processing of LA polymers products is occurring and that will be the additional driving force for the field in future