Water quality of the North Banat basal aquifer system

North Banat, an area of about 2329 km2 administered by six municipalities, is the extreme northeastern part of the Republic of Serbia and located in the southeastern margin of Pannonian depression. Drinking water is supplied under artesian or sub artesian pressure of Lower Pleistocene (Q1) or Upper Pliocene (Pl3) from confined aquifers. Tapped water-bearing beds in Banat dip from northeast to the south, reaching a depth of some 300 m at surrounding of Kikinda. Chemically, these 'uncommon' waters are a natural rarity controlled by geological and hydro geological characters of the water-bearing strata. The quality of water, periodically tested and examined, is discussed in this paper and its chemical composition is interpreted in terms of the regional geology

Geological effect on the Grlište reservoir water quality

This work presents analytical data for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) of the Grlište storage reservoir that was built for water supply to Zaječar and the nearby communities. Because there was not any industry of military work that could be a source of heavy metals, the research focused on the geology of the area drained to the impounded lake. Occurrences and deposits of minerals in the area were registered and concentrations of copper, zinc and manganese in the lake analyzed and graphically represented. Water samples the analyses were taken at the upstream and downstream ends and the middle of the lake, each from three depths: lake surface, mid-depth and near the floor. Measurements spanned the period from 1991 to 2004. The copper and zinc concentrations had a gently rising trend in all sections, and manganese only in the upstream end of the lake

Genotoxicity markers in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to ionizing radiation

Jedan od uzročnika oštećenja molekula DNK dejstvom jonizujućeg zračenja je i nastanak slobodnih radikala. Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrđivanje uticaja parametara oksidativnog statusa na učestalost citogenetičkih biomarkera delovanja zračenja. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo analizu uzoraka humane krvi na postojanje promena genetičkog materijala i promena u vrednostima parametara oksidativnog statusa, u odgovoru na delovanje tri aplikovane doze zračenja u odnosu na neozračene uzorke. Rezultati su pokazali postojanje inter-individualne varijabilnosti u svim analiziranim parametrima i njihovo dozno-zavisno formiranje, na svim dozama. Korelacionom analizom parametara koji govore o sveukupnom odgovoru donora ustanovljeno je da donori lošijeg antioksidativnog statusa pokazuju veći stepen citogenetičkih oštećenja. Nasuprot njima, grupa donora sa boljom antioksidativnom zaštitom, pokazala je niži odgovor na zračenje od očekivanog pri datoj dozi. Pored brojnim istraživanjima validovanih dicentrika i mikronukleusa, i parametri oksidativnog statusa mogu, u rutinskoj praksi radiološke zdravstvene zaštite, upotpuniti profil odgovora na kontinuiranu ekspoziciju malim dozama, ali i reakciju na incidentalna ozračivanja.Ionizing radiation in living cells can directly act on atomic structures, producing damage to biomolecules (DNA). Since ionizing radiation can cause oxidative damage and produce reactive oxygen species, the main goal of this investigation was to establish the influence of parameters of oxidative status and oxidative damage on chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes from donors and to examine possible correlations. The results showed significant inter-individual variability in all analyzed parameters, as well as dose-dependent increases. Correlation analysis for overall response („HRR“ parameters) confirmed the t-test analysis, i.e. donors with lower values for antioxidant status parameters had increased levels of cytogenetic damage and higher responses to irradiation. Unlike them, the group of donors with better antioxidative protection showed a lower response than expected. Besides well established cytogenetic biomarkers of radiation exposure, our results indicated a promising future use for biochemical oxidative status parameters in routine radiation protection practice, since together they can provide a complete radiation response profile in cases of continuous low dose exposure, as well as in a radiation emergency.Зборник радова : XXIX симпозијум ДЗЗСЦГ : Сребрно језеро, 27-29. септембар 2017. годин

Genotoxicity markers in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to ionizing radiation

Jedan od uzročnika oštećenja molekula DNK dejstvom jonizujućeg zračenja je i nastanak slobodnih radikala. Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrđivanje uticaja parametara oksidativnog statusa na učestalost citogenetičkih biomarkera delovanja zračenja. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo analizu uzoraka humane krvi na postojanje promena genetičkog materijala i promena u vrednostima parametara oksidativnog statusa, u odgovoru na delovanje tri aplikovane doze zračenja u odnosu na neozračene uzorke. Rezultati su pokazali postojanje inter-individualne varijabilnosti u svim analiziranim parametrima i njihovo dozno-zavisno formiranje, na svim dozama. Korelacionom analizom parametara koji govore o sveukupnom odgovoru donora ustanovljeno je da donori lošijeg antioksidativnog statusa pokazuju veći stepen citogenetičkih oštećenja. Nasuprot njima, grupa donora sa boljom antioksidativnom zaštitom, pokazala je niži odgovor na zračenje od očekivanog pri datoj dozi. Pored brojnim istraživanjima validovanih dicentrika i mikronukleusa, i parametri oksidativnog statusa mogu, u rutinskoj praksi radiološke zdravstvene zaštite, upotpuniti profil odgovora na kontinuiranu ekspoziciju malim dozama, ali i reakciju na incidentalna ozračivanja.Ionizing radiation in living cells can directly act on atomic structures, producing damage to biomolecules (DNA). Since ionizing radiation can cause oxidative damage and produce reactive oxygen species, the main goal of this investigation was to establish the influence of parameters of oxidative status and oxidative damage on chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes from donors and to examine possible correlations. The results showed significant inter-individual variability in all analyzed parameters, as well as dose-dependent increases. Correlation analysis for overall response („HRR“ parameters) confirmed the t-test analysis, i.e. donors with lower values for antioxidant status parameters had increased levels of cytogenetic damage and higher responses to irradiation. Unlike them, the group of donors with better antioxidative protection showed a lower response than expected. Besides well established cytogenetic biomarkers of radiation exposure, our results indicated a promising future use for biochemical oxidative status parameters in routine radiation protection practice, since together they can provide a complete radiation response profile in cases of continuous low dose exposure, as well as in a radiation emergency.Зборник радова : XXIX симпозијум ДЗЗСЦГ : Сребрно језеро, 27-29. септембар 2017. годин

Reduction of Trihalomethanes Forming Potential by Adsorption of Natural Organic Matter on Ionic Exchange Resins

In a sanitation process of drinking water, carbon from the organic matter reacts with chlorine, forming by-products, among which are trihalomethanes (THM). These substances are carriers of mutagenic and can-cerogenic potential and hence should be removed in drinking water treatment. Since the natural organic mat-ters are precursors of THM formation, their removal from the water decreases the concentration of THMs. The THM forming potential is the most reliable indicator in evaluation of organic matter removal during drinking water treatment processes. The results have shown that the reaction producing THMs follows sec-ond order kinetics. The second order rate constant ranged from 0.024 M-1s-1 to 0.065 M-1s-1 at 22 °C and pH = 8.2 for 96 hours. The removal of 78.4% of natural organic matter, by adsorption on anionic exchange res-ins, resulted in the THM forming potential reduction by 63.1%. Various fractions of natural organic matter differ in their reactivity with chlorine, which is important when it comes to selection of the adsorption me-dium in the drinking water treatment processes

Interleukin-6, a potential plasma biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of thyroid neoplasms

Background: Thyroid neoplasms include benign tumors – thyroid adenoma (TA), and malignant tumors of various histological types: papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) – the most common and usually indolent, anaplasƟ c thyroid carcinoma (ATC) – the most aggressive, and several other types such as follicular, medullary and poorly diff erenƟ ated. Despite the progress in understanding the epidemiology and geneƟ c landscape of thyroid tumors, the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment approach require further improvement. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-infl ammatory cytokine with a central role in the regulaƟ on of immune and infl ammatory responses including autoimmune thyroid diseases. Studies have revealed a potenƟ al impact of IL-6 in the development, progression and control of thyroid cancer. The aim of this study was to provide novel aspects for the preoperaƟ ve diff erenƟ al diagnosis and/or prognosis of thyroid cancer. To achieve this, we assessed the circulaƟ ng levels of IL-6 in paƟ ents with benign and malignant thyroid tumors of various histotypes, compared them with healthy volunteers, and correlated the results with clinicopathological parameters. PaƟ ents and Methods: The study included 43 paƟ ents with benign or malignant thyroid tumors, surgically treated at the Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia. IL-6 protein levels were determined in plasma samples by quanƟ taƟ ve ELISA. Parametric and nonparametric staƟ sƟ cal tests were used for data analysis. Results: IL-6 concentraƟ ons in paƟ ents with either TA or carcinoma (PTC, ATC) were signifi cantly higher compared to the healthy volunteers (Mann Whitney test). The highest concentraƟ ons were detected in ATC paƟ ents (Median±SD 15.97±0.71 pg/mL), being signifi cantly higher compared to TA and PTC (2.14±1.34 pg/mL and 1.96±2.12 pg/mL, respecƟ vely). In PTC microcarcinoma, IL-6 was higher compared to controls, but there was no signifi cant diff erence compared to other PTC or TA (Mann Whitney test). The correlaƟ on analysis with clinicopathological parameters in PTC paƟ ents revealed a trend towards the associaƟ on of increased IL-6 plasma levels with the presence of nodal and distant metastases. No other signifi cant associaƟ ons were found. Conclusion: PaƟ ents with thyroid adenoma or carcinoma have increased plasma IL-6 levels that are in proporƟ on with the aggressiveness of the thyroid tumor, suggesƟ ng that IL-6 might be a candidate biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of thyroid neoplasms.The first number of Oncology Insights includes Proceedings book of The Sixth Congress of the Serbian Association for Cancer Research with international participation (Oct 2-4, 2023, Belgrade

Ocjena modificirane poludeblovne metode listača s dijelovima krošnje

U radu su prikazani rezultati istraživanja učinkovitosti primjene privlačenja drva skiderom, modificiranom poludeblovnom metodom listača s dijelovima krošnje u proredama obične bukve u Srbiji. Učinkovitost je primijenjene metode izradbe drva ocijenjena kvantitativnim i kvalitativnim pokazateljima. Ta je metoda izradbe drva prilagođena potrebama upotrebe šumskoga ostatka (neizrađenoga drva) u brdsko-planinskim uvjetima Republike Srbije. Učinci ostvareni primjenom modificirane poludeblovne metode izradbe listača s dijelovima krošnje očituju se u povećanju za oko 8 % privučenoga drva na pomoćno stovarište u odnosu na količinu drva koja se pridobije primjenom sortimentne metode. Oštećenja na ostalim stablima u sastojini nakon sječe nisu mnogo veća u odnosu na oštećenja koja nastaju primjenom sortimentne metode izradbe drva. Predloženom metodom izradbe drva rješava se problem privlačenja jednometarskoga prostornoga drva, bez potrebe za angažiranjem tovarnih konja (samarice)

Citogenetička istraživanja radnika Srbije profesionalno izloženih pesticidima

The aim of this study was the analysis of chromosomal aberrations (CA) and premature centromeric division (PCD) in people exposed to pesticides at work. The research included 26 subjects occupationally exposed to pesticides, of average age 39.89 + 8.66, and 32 control subjects of average age 40.57 + 6.57. Mann-Whitney U tests showed statistically significant differences between the groups for mean values of all the examined variables. In addition, Spearman's (non-parametric) correlation test detected a positive linear correlation between CA and PCD. The presence of mostly chromatid and isochromatid breaks in the examinees indicates continuous exposure to pesticides. The absence of complex chromosomal rearrangements points to adequate protection of the subjects at their work places.Cilj istraživanja bila je analiza hromozomskih aberacija (CA) i prevremene centromerne deobe (PCD) kod lica profesionalno izloženih pesticidima. Istraživanja su obuhvatala 26 ispitanika profesionalno izloženi pesticidima prosečne starosti 39.89+ 8.66 i 32 ispitanika kontrolne grupe prsečne starosti 40.57+ 6.57. Mann-Whitney U test pokazuje statistički značajnu razliku srednjih vrednosti parametara svih ispitivanih varijabli u odnosu na kontrolnu grupu. Osim toga, Spearmanova (neparametarska) korelacija je pokazala da postoji pozitivna linearna korelacija između CA i PCD. Prisustvo uglavnom hromatidnih i izohromatidnih prekida kod ispitanika ukazuju na kontinuirano izlaganje pesticidima. Odsustvo složenih hromozomskih rearanžmana ukazuje na dobru zaštitu ispitanika na njihovim radnim mestima

Cytogenetic biomonitoring in a Serbian population occupationally exposed to a complex mixture of pesticides

The aim of this study was the analysis of chromosomal aberrations (CA) and premature centromeric division (PCD) in people exposed to pesticides at work. The research included 26 subjects occupationally exposed to pesticides, of average age 39.89 + 8.66, and 32 control subjects of average age 40.57 + 6.57. Mann-Whitney U tests showed statistically significant differences between the groups for mean values of all the examined variables. In addition, Spearman’s (non-parametric) correlation test detected a positive linear correlation between CA and PCD. The presence of mostly chromatid and isochromatid breaks in the examinees indicates continuous exposure to pesticides. The absence of complex chromosomal rearrangements points to adequate protection of the subjects at their work places. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR31043: Studies on plant pathogens, arthropods, weeds and pesticides with a view to developing the methods of biorational plant protection and safe food production

Sequence variant in the intron 10 of the RET oncogene in a patient with microfollicular thyroid carcinoma with medullar differentiation - Implications for newly generated chi-like sequence

Sequence alterations in the RET proto-oncogene are becoming increasingly important to clinical assessment of the malignant disease of the thyroid. A spectrum of mutations is necessary to establish comprehensive phenotype to genotype relationship relevant to diagnosis and therapy of thyroid malignancies. We aimed to append to the increasing database of these oncogenic lesions and, therefore, analyzed DNA from tumor tissue and constitutive DNA from a patient with thyroid carcinoma. Mutational screening and sequence characterization of the RET proto-oncogene was performed to include part of the intronic sequences. We report a germline sequence variant in DNA from the patient diagnosed with microfollicular thyroid carcinoma. The carcinoma presented not as fully developed medullar carcinoma (MTC) but as microfollicular carcinoma with tendency to evolve into MTC. We characterized the sequence variant located in the intron 10 of the RET oncogene as an A to G substitution denoted IVS10 + 4G. The described sequence alteration generates a chi-like sequence surrounded by several chi-like sequences with recombinational potential. Such alteration may be involved in the pathogenesis of the microfollicular carcinoma via genome destabilization through homologous recombination in the process of tumor progression. This result further substantiates the importance of the database correlating specific sequence variations in the RET gene with distinct disease phenotypes