Flora i vegetacija otoka Sveti Andrija, južna Hrvatska

The first record of as many as 160 vascular plant taxa, 134 genera and 61 families on Sveti Andrija Island (5.38 hectares), southern Adriatic, was established on the basis of floristic research in 2005. An analysis of the life-forms and floral elements was also carried out and comparisons were made with other Dubrovnik islands. Altogether, four associations were determined: Querco ilicis-Pinetum halepensis, Posidonietum oceanicae, Limonietum anfracti and Lavateretum arboreae.Na temelju istraživanja u 2005. godini, na otoku Sveti Andrija (5,38 ha) u južnom Jadranu zabilježeno je 160 svojti vaskularnih biljaka, svrstanih u 134 roda i 61 porodicu. Analizirani su životni oblici i florni elementi, te uspoređeni s ostalim dubrovačkim otocima. Na otoku su utvrđene četiri biljne zajednice: Querco ilicis-Pinetum halepensis, Posidonietum oceanicae, Limonietum anfracti i Lavateretum arboreae

A preliminary investigation of phytoplankton of karstic pools (Dugi otok island, Croatia)

Phytoplankton in the karstic pools of Croatian islands has not been investigated in recent times. This paper describes phytoplankton and environmental conditions in three karstic pools on Dugi Otok island (Dalmatia). The pools are small (ca 20 m2) and shallow (max. depth 2 m), with Charophytes and vascular plants covering the bottoms. Eighty-five taxa of net phytoplankton were recorded. These included 22 Cyanobacteria, 14 Chlorophyceae, 17 Charophyceae (Zygnematales), 15 Euglenophyceae, and 17 Bacillariophyceae. Low species richness is owed to the predominance of Cyanobacteria. Despite their similar physicochemical regimes, the pools had different phytoplankton communities. The data presented here contribute baseline information concerning biological diversity, essential for evaluation of environmental changes in the future. Conservation of karstic pools is one way to preserve the overall biodiversity of karstic islands

A preliminary investigation of phytoplankton of karstic pools (Dugi otok island, Croatia)

Phytoplankton in the karstic pools of Croatian islands has not been investigated in recent times. This paper describes phytoplankton and environmental conditions in three karstic pools on Dugi Otok island (Dalmatia). The pools are small (ca 20 m2) and shallow (max. depth 2 m), with Charophytes and vascular plants covering the bottoms. Eighty-five taxa of net phytoplankton were recorded. These included 22 Cyanobacteria, 14 Chlorophyceae, 17 Charophyceae (Zygnematales), 15 Euglenophyceae, and 17 Bacillariophyceae. Low species richness is owed to the predominance of Cyanobacteria. Despite their similar physicochemical regimes, the pools had different phytoplankton communities. The data presented here contribute baseline information concerning biological diversity, essential for evaluation of environmental changes in the future. Conservation of karstic pools is one way to preserve the overall biodiversity of karstic islands

From functional food to medicinal product: Systematic approach in analysis of polyphenolics from propolis and wine

In the last decade we have been working on standardization of propolis extract and determination of active constituents of wine those are rich in polyphenolics and have nutritional as well as therapeutic value. Here we are summarizing our results and providing overview on systematic approach how to analyse natural products rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids

Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and immunomodulatory effects and toxicity of geopropolis produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Native bees of the tribe Meliponini produce a distinct kind of propolis called geopropolis. Although many pharmacological activities of propolis have already been demonstrated, little is known about geopropolis, particularly regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The present study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of <it>M. fasciculata </it>geopropolis against oral pathogens, its effects on <it>S. mutans </it>biofilms, and the chemical contents of the extracts. A gel prepared with a geopropolis extract was also analyzed for its activity on <it>S. mutans </it>and its immunotoxicological potential.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Antimicrobial activities of three hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) of geopropolis, and hexane and chloroform fractions of one extract, were evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the broth dilution technique. Ethanol (70%, v/v) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, w/w) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were assayed by spectrophotometry. Immunotoxicity was evaluated in mice by topical application in the oral cavity followed by quantification of biochemical and immunological parameters, and macro-microscopic analysis of animal organs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two extracts, HAE-2 and HAE-3, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm in diameter for <it>S. mutans </it>and <it>C. albicans</it>, but presented no activity against <it>L</it>. <it>acidophilus</it>. The MBCs for HAE-2 and HAE-3 against <it>S. mutans </it>were 6.25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. HAE-2 was fractionated, and its chloroform fraction had an MBC of 14.57 mg/mL. HAE-2 also exhibited bactericidal effects on <it>S. mutans </it>biofilms after 3 h of treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were observed among the samples. Signs toxic effects were not observed after application of the geopropolis-based gel, but an increase in the production of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, was detected.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In summary, geopropolis produced by <it>M. fasciculata </it>can exert antimicrobial action against <it>S. mutans </it>and <it>C. albicans</it>, with significant inhibitory activity against <it>S. mutans </it>biofilms. The extract with the highest flavonoid concentration, HAE-2, presented the highest antimicrobial activity. In addition, a geopropolis-based gel is not toxic in an animal model and displays anti-inflammatory effect.</p

Ecological characteristics of the Mljet Islands seawater lakes (South Adriatic Sea) with special reference to their resident populations of medusae

Ecological properties and distribution and abundance of medusae were studied over an 18-month period in the Mljet Island seawater lakes, south-east Croatia. Strong stratification during the summer differentiates these lakes from the oligotrophic South Adriatic ecosystem. The lakes are designated as a moderately eutrophicated ecosystem. Very small numbers of hydromedusae were noted, representing only the Anthomedusae and Leptomedusae. A new species of the genus Tima was found in considerable numbers of individuals. High abundance of the scyphomedusa Aurelia sp. was observed throughout the year. This species differs in terms of genetic divergence from Aurelia aurita found elsewhere in the Mediterranean and could be attributed to the boreal origin.No disponibl

Tree-circles spontaneous vegetation over a long climatic gradient

Urban flora varies between urban habitats within a city and between cities. We used a particular urban habitat - tree-circles to compare floristic differences between urban agglomerations along a long climatic gradient on a continental scale. We recorded flora of this unique habitat in seven West Balkan cities and compared it to seven cities from Western and Central Europe. On average, 91 species were found on tree-circles in every city in the Balkans (compared to 81 in continental Europe). Climate was the most important factor influencing species composition. Western and Central European tree-circles floras are much more uniform and homogeneous than Balkan ones, which have richer species pools

Syntaxonomy of <i>Arundo</i> stands along the eastern Adriatic coast

<p>Based on the diagnostic morphological characters of the <i>Arundo</i> taxa, and after both field and herbarium observation, three species (<i>A</i>. <i>micrantha</i>, <i>A</i>. <i>plinii</i> and <i>A</i>. <i>donax</i>) were found along the eastern Adriatic coast. Altogether, 50 phytocoenological relevés from <i>Arundo</i> stands were collected in Croatia, Montenegro and Albania between 2010 and 2013. Three associations with a predominance of <i>Arundo</i> species were determined: <i>Arundinetum plinianae</i>, <i>Arundinetum micranthae</i> and <i>Arundini donacis–Convolvuletum sepium</i>. Among them, <i>Arundinetum micranthae</i> is described and proposed as a new association, belonging to the <i>Artemisietea vulgaris</i> class. It occurs frequently along the coastal belt between the cities of Split and Dubrovnik in South Croatia. The syntaxonomy of the associations is discussed and comparison with similar communities from Italy is made. The vegetation and floristic structure of the associations is discussed as a potential basis for biodiversity conservation programmes and for evaluating the state of these ecosystems in the future.</p