Morphological integration of the cranium and axial skeleton In European newts

Using micro-CT scanning and 3D geometric morphometrics of newt craniums and axial skeletons (first three vertebrae) we explored the pattern of morphological integration. We tested if i) directly connected serially homologous structures are more integrated than separated ones and ii) morphological integration coincides with regional differentiation. We applied a multilevel approach by analyzing patterns of integration at static and evolutionary levels, i.e., within and between species respectively. At the static level we choose the genus Triturus as a representative monophyletic group. We analysed between-individual variation in shape to detect functional modules and within-individuals the asymmetric component of variation in shape to detect developmental modules. At the evolutionary level, 17 species from five genera were analysed in phylogenetic context and taking effects of allometry on modularity and integration into account. We found that allometry is an important integrating factor in serially homologous structures. At the static level and after the correction for allometry, functional integration between the cranium and first vertebrae was weak but statistically significant between all elements, and developmental integration was significant between the cranium and the atlas and first and second trunk vertebrae. At the evolutionary level, the cranium, atlas and trunk vertebrae separate as three different modules. Our results suggest that, at the evolutionary level, morphological integration coincide with regional and functional differentiation of the axial skeleton. This allows the relatively independent evolution of the cranial skeleton and the vertebral column, separate of the significant functional and developmental integration at the static level

DETERMINATION OF CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF NATURAL FOOD COLORS E160A AND E160D IN KETCHUP

After potato, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the world’s second-largest vegetable crop. More than 80% of tomato consumption comes from processed products such as ketchup, tomato juice, pickled tomatoes, sauces, paste, purée. Samples of mild ketchup from two different manufacturers (A and B) were selected for the analysis of the content of natural food colors E160a and E160d. Using a UV-Vis spectrophotometric method and Lambert-Beer law, a system of two linear equations with two unknowns was set up, which was used to determine the concentrations of colors E160a and E160d. The antioxidant capacity of the two selected samples was determined using the DPPH assay. The obtained results indicated that the content of colors E160a and E160d was higher in the sample of ketchup B. Also, the DPPH assay showed that the sample of ketchup B had a higher antioxidant capacity

Decomposition of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) homopolymer network

Poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) homopolymer, which belongs to thermosensitive hydrogels, was synthesized by free radical polymerization method with 1.5 mol% of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker. The structure of obtained homopolymer network was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The hydrogel in the gelatinous state was subjected to gamma irradiation in order to additionally form a three-dimensional network in a solid state. Suddenly, the synthesized gelatinous homopolymer was transformed into the liquid state after irradiation instead of expected additional crosslinking. Breakdown of poly(Nisopropylmethacrylamide) homopolymer was confirmed by using different methods: gel permeation chromatography, the static headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/flame ionization detection methods. New compounds, different from the homopolymer, monomer and crosslinker were detected after irradiation. As result, the gamma irradiation will be applicable for the poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) homopolymer decomposition and useful to further recyclability analysis

Intelligent Poly(N-Isopropylmethacrylamide) Hydrogels: Synthesis, Structure Characterization, Stimuli-Responsive Swelling Properties, and Their Radiation Decomposition

Poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (p(NiPMAm)) is one of the lesser known homopolymers that has significant potential for designing new “intelligent” materials. The aims of this work were the synthesis a series of cross-linked p(NiPMAm) hydrogels by the free radical polymerization method and the application of gamma-ray radiation for additional cross-linking. The synthesized p(NiPMAm) hydrogels were structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amount of unreacted monomers was analyzed using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate conversion of monomers into polymers. The swelling behavior was monitored in dependence of pH and temperature changes. The previous aim of gamma-ray radiation was the further the cross-linkage of the obtained hydrogel sample in the gelatinous, paste-like state, but the gamma-ray radiation caused decomposition. After absorbing irradiation doses, they transformed into the liquid phase. The results obtained by the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method indicated that only oligomers and monomers were present in the irradiated liquid material, without molecules with a higher average molar mass, i.e., that the decomposition of the hydrogels occurred. Additionally, the irradiated liquid material was analyzed using the static headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HSS-GC/MS) and gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (HSS-GC/FID) methods. The presence of unchanged initiator molecule and a dominant amount of four new molecules that were different from homopolymers and the reactant (monomer and cross-linker) were determined

Distribution and diversity of brown frogs (Rana spp., Anura, Amphibia) in Serbia

In this study, we present updated distribution data for all three brown frog species (Rana spp.) inhabiting Serbia. The data provided consists of newly collected field records and compiled data previously published in literature or via Internet. Of the three species found in Serbia, Rana dalmatina is the most widespread, present in all three altitudinal regions and all biogeographical regions. Rana graeca is confined to Mountain-valley altitudinal region in permanent fastflowing rivers or streams and it reaches its northern range boundaries in Serbia. Rana temporaria is the rarest of the three, with fragmented range restricted to the high mountains or few isolated lowland populations, and in the north-eastern Serbia, it is vicariant with R. graeca in canyons and gorges of montane rivers. The presence of Rana arvalis in Serbia is mentioned in literature but was not confirmed during the subsequent field surveys, so we consider it only as a potential species for the Serbian batrachofauna. The brown frog faunal composition of Serbia is identical to that of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia and Montenegro, while it is somewhat different from that of Hungary and Romania and the most different from Croatia and Slovenia. Serbian brown frogs belong to European (R. temporaria) and South-European (R. dalmatina, R. graeca) chorotypes. All species of brown frogs present or potentially present in Serbia and their habitats are identified as great conservation priorities

Curcumin: Biological Activities and Modern Pharmaceutical Forms

Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione) is a natural lipophilic polyphenol that exhibits significant pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo through various mechanisms of action. Numerous studies have identified and characterised the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical properties of curcumin. Curcumin has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antinociceptive, antiparasitic, antimalarial effect, and it is used as a wound-healing agent. However, poor curcumin absorption in the small intestine, fast metabolism, and fast systemic elimination cause poor bioavailability of curcumin in human beings. In order to overcome these problems, a number of curcumin formulations have been developed. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of recent research in biological and pharmaceutical aspects of curcumin, methods of sample preparation for its isolation (Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound extraction, pressurised fluid extraction, microwave extraction, enzyme-assisted aided extraction), analytical methods (FTIR, NIR, FT-Raman, UV-VIS, NMR, XRD, DSC, TLC, HPLC, HPTLC, LC-MS, UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) for identification and quantification of curcumin in different matrices, and different techniques for developing formulations. The optimal sample preparation and use of an appropriate analytical method will significantly improve the evaluation of formulations and the biological activity of curcumin

Vertebral shape and body elongation in Triturus newts

Body elongation in vertebrates is often related to a lengthening of the vertebrae and an increase in their number. Changes in the number and shape of vertebrae are not necessarily linked. In tailed amphibians, a change in body shape is mostly associated with an increase in the number of trunk and tail vertebrae. Body elongation without a numerical change of vertebrae is rare. In Triturus aquatic salamanders body elongation is achieved by trunk elongation through an increase in the number of trunk vertebrae. We used computed microtomography and three-dimensional geometric morphometrics to document the size, shape and number of trunk vertebrae in seven Triturus species. The data suggest that body elongation has occurred more frequently than body shortening, possibly related to a more aquatic versus a more terrestrial locomotor style. Our results show that body elongation is achieved through an increase in the number of trunk vertebrae, and that interspecific differences in vertebral shape are correlated with this pattern of elongation. More gracile trunk vertebrae were found in the more elongated species. The shape differences are such that single trunk vertebrae can be used for the identification of species with a possible application in the identification of subfossil and fossil material

Morphological integration and serial homology: A case study of the cranium and anterior vertebrae in salamanders

Serial homology or the repetition of equivalent developmental units and their derivatives is a phenomenon encountered in a variety of organisms, with the vertebrate axial skeleton as one of the most notable examples. Serially homologous structures can be viewed as an appropriate model system for studying morphological integration and modularity, due to the strong impact of development on their covariation. Here, we explored the pattern of morphological integration of the cranium and the first three serially homologous structures (atlas, first, and second trunk vertebrae) in salamandrid salamanders, using micro‐CT scanning and three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics. We explored the integration between structures at static and evolutionary levels. Effects of allometry on patterns of modularity were also taken into account. At the static level (within species), we analyzed inter‐individual variation in shape to detect functional modules and intra‐individual variation to detect developmental modules. Significant integration (based on inter‐individual variation) among all structures was detected and allometry is shown to be an important integrating factor. The pattern of intra‐individual, asymmetric variation indicates statistically significant developmental integration between the cranium and the atlas and between the first two trunk vertebrae. At the evolutionary level (among species), the cranium, atlas, and trunk vertebrae separate as different modules. Our results show that morphological integration at the evolutionary level coincides with morphological and functional differentiation of the axial skeleton, allowing the more or less independent evolutionary changes of the cranial skeleton and the vertebral column, regardless of the relatively strong integration at the static level. The observed patterns of morphological integration differ across levels, indicating different impacts of developmental and phylogenetic constraints and functional demands

The influence of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) hydrogels crosslinking on their swelling capacity

Poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) has significant potential for designing thermosensitive new materials. It is similar with well-known poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels. The influence of the α-methylation on the each monomer unit in the main chain exhibits weaker intermolecular interactions between the amide group. The method of thermally-initiated free radical polymerization was applied to synthesize a series of poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) hydrogels with different cross-linker amount. The micrographs, obtained by the scanning electron microscopy method, indicated a semi-homogeneous crosslinked network of these hydrogels which can be classified as macroporous. The swelling behavior at room temperature of these negatively thermosensitive hydrogel exhibit a little higher swelling degree in acidic media (at pH 2.0 swelling degree was about 21) in relation to the weakly basic media (at pH 7.4 swelling degree was about 18). The poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) hydrogel topology showed much free space within the crosslinked polymer chains in the swollen state and they could be use as absorbers of water, diluents, dissolvent, solutions, or as carriers for active substances

Curcumin: Biological Activities and Modern Pharmaceutical Forms

Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione) is a natural lipophilic polyphenol that exhibits significant pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo through various mechanisms of action. Numerous studies have identified and characterised the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical properties of curcumin. Curcumin has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antinociceptive, antiparasitic, antimalarial effect, and it is used as a wound-healing agent. However, poor curcumin absorption in the small intestine, fast metabolism, and fast systemic elimination cause poor bioavailability of curcumin in human beings. In order to overcome these problems, a number of curcumin formulations have been developed. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of recent research in biological and pharmaceutical aspects of curcumin, methods of sample preparation for its isolation (Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound extraction, pressurised fluid extraction, microwave extraction, enzyme-assisted aided extraction), analytical methods (FTIR, NIR, FT-Raman, UV-VIS, NMR, XRD, DSC, TLC, HPLC, HPTLC, LC-MS, UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) for identification and quantification of curcumin in different matrices, and different techniques for developing formulations. The optimal sample preparation and use of an appropriate analytical method will significantly improve the evaluation of formulations and the biological activity of curcumin