Ukrasna i uporabna vrijednost različitih vrsta roda Vaccinium

In Croatia genus Vaccinium is represented by three native and one alien cultivated species. While there are examples of the use of this genus in landscaping design in some countries, this practice is still unknown in Croatia and cultivation is limited to edible purposes. By reviewing the morphological, ornamental and utilization values of 14 species of the genus Vaccinium, their potential and specificity as landscaping plants were analyzed. All examined species are characterized by some highly ornamental features (habit, foliage color in spring and fall, stem color, ornamental flowers and fruits) and by utilization values that make them species of choice for landscape design. Considering their cultivation properties, they are suitable for use in Croatia. They can be used as ground covers, living fences, borders, and as specimen plants. Due to their tasty fruits, as an added value, Vaccinium species can be integrated into edible landscapes. Species of the genus Vaccinium are best suited for the design of private gardens and fenced public areas such as gardens in nurseries, schools, nursing homes, parks in rural areas, urban gardens, etc.U Hrvatskoj nalazimo tri samonikle vrste roda Vaccinium te jednu stranu vrstu u uzgoju. Iako u svijetu nailazimo na primjenu roda u krajobraznom oblikovanju, u Hrvatskoj je poznat uzgoj isključivo u prehrambene svrhe. Pregledom morfoloških, ukrasnih i uporabnih vrijednosti 14 vrsta borovnica i brusnica (Vaccinium spp.) porijeklom iz različitih dijelova svijeta, analiziran je njihov potencijal i specifičnosti za primjenu u krajobraznom oblikovanju. Sve analizirane vrste odlikuju se određenim visoko reprezentativnim ukrasnim vrijednostima (habitus, proljetna i jesenja boja lista, boja stabljike, cvjetovi i plodovi) i uporabnim svojstvima zbog kojih predstavljaju kvalitetne vrste za uporabu u uređenju površina zelenila. S obzirom na svoja uzgojna svojstva, pogodne su za upotrebu u Hrvatskoj. Mogu se koristiti u obliku pokrivača tla, živih ograda, bordura, ali i na samostalnim gredicama te kao soliteri i u skupinama. S obzirom na jestive plodove kao dodatnu vrijednost, mogu se integrirati u tzv. jestivi krajolik (engl. edible landscape), način estetskog oblikovanja površine zelenila jestivim biljnim vrstama. Vrste roda Vaccinium najprikladnije su za uređenje privatnih vrtova i ograđenih javnih prostora udaljenih od prometnica poput vrtova u sklopu dječjih vrtića i škola, domova za starije, urbanih vrtova, parkova u ruralnim sredinama i slično

Genetic Diversity of 15 STR Loci in a Population of Montenegro

Genetic diversity and forensic parameters based on 15 AmpFlSTR Identifiler short tandem repeat (STR) loci (D8S1179, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, D3S1358, TH01, D13S317, D16S539, D2S1338, D19S433, vWA, TPOX, D18S51, D5S818 and FGA) were evaluated in a sample of 101 unrelated, autochthonous adults from Montenegro. After applying Bonferroni correction, the agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was confirmed for all loci with the exception of D5S818 (c 2 test) and D21S11 (exact test). The combined power of discrimination (PD) and the combined power of exclusion (PE) for the 15 studied loci were 0.9999999999999999844 and 0.99999382, respectively. According to measures of within-population genetic diversity, D2S1338, D18S51 and FGA may be considered as the most variable and most informative markers for forensic testing and population genetic analyses out of the 15 analysed loci in a population of Montenegro. D5S818 showed to be the least variable and together with TPOX, the least informative. Interpopulation comparisons were carried out and levels of genetic differentiation between population ofMontenegro and five South-eastern European populations (Kosovo Albanians, Serbians from Vojvodina province, Macedonians, Bosnians and Croatians) were evaluated. The most differentiated population in relation to Montenegro is a population of Kosovo Albanians as suggested by both AMOVA and coefficients of genetic differentiation (FST and RST)

Finding of the Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra Laurenti, 1768; Salamandridae, Caudata) in the Nature Park Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje (NW Croatia)

Ovim istraživanjem potvrđena je prisutnost crnog daždevnjaka (Salamandra atra) u Parku prirode Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje, gdje je prethodno zabilježena samo jedna jedinka 1989. godine. Prisutnost i rasprostranjenost vrste istraživani su tijekom vegetacijske sezone 2004. godine na deset različitih lokaliteta u sastojinama planinske bukove šume. U srpnju 2004. g. pronađeno je pet jedinki (četiri mužjaka i jedna ženka) crnog daždevnjaka u bukovoj prašumskoj sastojini Kuta (na oko 900 m n. v.), za vrijeme vremenskih prilika praćenih jakom kišom. Ovo je najsjeverniji nalaz vrste u Hrvatskoj, koji ukazuje da Žumberak predstavlja disjunktni dio njezinog areala u Dinaridima. U radu su predložene mjere zaštite vrste, međutim, za donošenje preciznijeg plana zaštite potrebna su dodatna istraživanja rasprostranjenosti i ekologije ove vrste.This study confirms the presence of Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) in the Nature Park Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje, where previously only one specimen was recorded in 1989. Species presence and distribution were investigated at ten different localities in stands of montane beech forest, during the vegetation season 2004. In July 2004 five individuals (four males and one female) of Alpine salamander were found in the virgin beech forest at site Kuta (about 900 m a.s.l.), during weather conditions characterized by heavy rain. This is the northernmost finding of the species in Croatia, as well as a confirmed disjunctive part of its areal in the Dinarids. Conservation measures for the species are proposed but for more precise conservation plan further research of species distribution and ecology is needed

Finding of the Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra Laurenti, 1768; Salamandridae, Caudata) in the Nature Park Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje (NW Croatia)

Ovim istraživanjem potvrđena je prisutnost crnog daždevnjaka (Salamandra atra) u Parku prirode Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje, gdje je prethodno zabilježena samo jedna jedinka 1989. godine. Prisutnost i rasprostranjenost vrste istraživani su tijekom vegetacijske sezone 2004. godine na deset različitih lokaliteta u sastojinama planinske bukove šume. U srpnju 2004. g. pronađeno je pet jedinki (četiri mužjaka i jedna ženka) crnog daždevnjaka u bukovoj prašumskoj sastojini Kuta (na oko 900 m n. v.), za vrijeme vremenskih prilika praćenih jakom kišom. Ovo je najsjeverniji nalaz vrste u Hrvatskoj, koji ukazuje da Žumberak predstavlja disjunktni dio njezinog areala u Dinaridima. U radu su predložene mjere zaštite vrste, međutim, za donošenje preciznijeg plana zaštite potrebna su dodatna istraživanja rasprostranjenosti i ekologije ove vrste.This study confirms the presence of Alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) in the Nature Park Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje, where previously only one specimen was recorded in 1989. Species presence and distribution were investigated at ten different localities in stands of montane beech forest, during the vegetation season 2004. In July 2004 five individuals (four males and one female) of Alpine salamander were found in the virgin beech forest at site Kuta (about 900 m a.s.l.), during weather conditions characterized by heavy rain. This is the northernmost finding of the species in Croatia, as well as a confirmed disjunctive part of its areal in the Dinarids. Conservation measures for the species are proposed but for more precise conservation plan further research of species distribution and ecology is needed

Mitochondrial DNA Heritage of Cres Islanders – Example of Croatian Genetic Outliers

Diversity of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages of the Island of Cres was determined by high-resolution phylogenetic analysis on a sample of 119 adult unrelated individuals from eight settlements. The composition of mtDNA pool of this Island population is in contrast with other Croatian and European populations. The analysis revealed the highest frequency of haplogroup U (29.4%) with the predominance of one single lineage of subhaplogroup U2e (20.2%). Haplogroup H is the second most prevalent one with only 27.7%. Other very interesting features of contemporary Island population are extremely low frequency of haplogroup J (only 0.84%), and much higher frequency of haplogroup W (12.6%) comparing to other Croatian and European populations. Especially interesting finding is a strikingly higher frequency of haplogroup N1a (9.24%) presented with African/south Asian branch almost absent in Europeans, while its European sister-branch, proved to be highly prevalent among Neolithic farmers, is present in contemporary Europeans with only 0.2%. Haplotype analysis revealed that only five mtDNA lineages account for almost 50% of maternal genetic heritage of this island and they present supposed founder lineages. All presented findings confirm that genetic drift, especially founder effect, has played significant role in shaping genetic composition of the isolated population of the Island of Cres. Due to presented data contemporary population of Cres Island can be considered as genetic »outlier« among Croatian populations

Maternal Genetic Legacy of the Eastern Adriatic Island of Krk – an Interplay of Evolutionary Forces and Island’s Historical Events in Shaping the Genetic Structure of Contemporary Island Population

This study presents genetic diversity and structure of contemporary Krk islanders revealed by high-resolution mitochondrial DNA analysis on a sample of 132 unrelated autochthonous adults from seven different settlements and regions of the island. Relatively high level of haplogroup and haplotype diversity in the overall island sample is an indicator of numerous migrations and gene flows throughout the history. Expectedly, the results show the highest frequency of haplogroup H (33.3%), yet this value is much lower compared to different Croatian and other European mainland populations. An interesting finding refers to highly elevated frequencies of some haplogroups, otherwise rare in Croatia and most of the Europe, such as I (11.3%) and W (7.6%) in Krk population, especially pronounced in some settlements. At the level of settlements, many of the major European haplogroups were found to be absent from their mtDNA gene pools, whereas several others show a pronounced deviation from an average. Overall, our results suggest a tangled interplay of different evolutionary forces, such as founder effects and a few strong bottlenecks, presumably due to epidemics, which have occurred in various periods of the island’s history. Cultural customs, such as frequent endogamy in some regions of the island during past centuries, have additionally shaped its genetic structure into the observed present-day diversity patterns

Maternal Genetic Legacy of the Eastern Adriatic Island of Krk – an Interplay of Evolutionary Forces and Island’s Historical Events in Shaping the Genetic Structure of Contemporary Island Population

This study presents genetic diversity and structure of contemporary Krk islanders revealed by high-resolution mitochondrial DNA analysis on a sample of 132 unrelated autochthonous adults from seven different settlements and regions of the island. Relatively high level of haplogroup and haplotype diversity in the overall island sample is an indicator of numerous migrations and gene flows throughout the history. Expectedly, the results show the highest frequency of haplogroup H (33.3%), yet this value is much lower compared to different Croatian and other European mainland populations. An interesting finding refers to highly elevated frequencies of some haplogroups, otherwise rare in Croatia and most of the Europe, such as I (11.3%) and W (7.6%) in Krk population, especially pronounced in some settlements. At the level of settlements, many of the major European haplogroups were found to be absent from their mtDNA gene pools, whereas several others show a pronounced deviation from an average. Overall, our results suggest a tangled interplay of different evolutionary forces, such as founder effects and a few strong bottlenecks, presumably due to epidemics, which have occurred in various periods of the island’s history. Cultural customs, such as frequent endogamy in some regions of the island during past centuries, have additionally shaped its genetic structure into the observed present-day diversity patterns

Use value and breeding potential of terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus L.)

Pistacia terebinthus L. ili smrdljika je listopadni grm ili nisko stablo iz porodice Anacardiaceae. Autohtona je vrsta Mediterana, a u Hrvatskoj je široko rasprostranjena od Istre, preko Hrvatskog primorja, Dalmacije, Dalmatinske zagore do krajnjeg juga. Kserofitna je vrsta, koja raste na osunčanim položajima u makijama i šikarama eumediteranske i submediteranske zone na suhim, toplim, kamenitim i stjenovitim mjestima. Na području prirodne rasprostranjenosti tradicionalno se koristila u prehrani, kao i u liječenju mnogih zdravstvenih tegoba, kao što su respiratorne i urinarne infekcije, želučane tegobe, reumatizam, itd. U novije vrijeme, analize kemijskog sastava vrste upućuju na znatan sadržaj mnogobrojnih aktivnih sastojaka visoke nutritivne vrijednosti i ljekovitog djelovanja (npr. eterična ulja, proteini, tanini, nezasićene masne kiseline, flavonoidi), a najpoznatija je po sadržaju smole iz koje se izdvaja terpentin. Zbog veće otpornosti na sušu, temperaturne ekstreme, bolesti i štetnike te s obzirom na rasprostranjenost na našem području, smrdljika ima najveći potencijal kao podloga za cijepljenje prave tršlje ili pistacije (P. vera L.), cijenjene zbog svojih plodova, što danas predstavlja upotrebu od najvećeg gospodarskog značaja, a prvi nasadi već se podižu u srednjoj Dalmaciji. Najčešći način cijepljenja je okuliranje koje se provodi na dobro razvijenim dvogodišnjim podlogama smrdljike. Izvjesni problem koji se javlja kod proizvodnje podloga je niska klijavost sjemena smrdljike zbog fiziološke i fizikalne dormantnosti, partenokarpije i abortiranja sjemenki. Dostupna znanstvena i stručna literatura kao i rezultati preliminarnih terenskih istraživanja upućuju na postojanje velikog potencijala upotrebe smrdljike u agronomiji, šumarstvu, farmaciji i prehrambenoj industriji.Pistacia terebinthus L. or terebinth is a deciduous shrub or low tree from the Anacardiaceae family. It is a native species of the Mediterranean region. In Croatia it is widespread from Istria through the Croatian coast, Dalmatia and Dalmatian Zagora to the extreme south. It is a xerophytic species that grows in sunny places in maquis and thickets of the eu-Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean zone on dry, warm, stony, and rocky terrains. In its natural range it has traditionally been used as food and for the treatment of numerous health problems such as respiratory and urinary infections, stomach problems, rheumatism etc. Recently, analyzes of its chemical composition indicate that it contains numerous active ingredients with high nutritional value and medicinal effects (essential oils, proteins, tannins, unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, tannins). The terebinth plants are especially known for their resin content, from which turpentine is extracted. Due to its greater resistance to drought, temperature extremes, diseases and pests, and considering its widespread distribution in Croatia, P. terebinthus has the greatest potential as a rootstock for grafting pistachio (P. vera L.), valued for the fruits. The first plantations of. P. vera are already being established in Central Dalmatia. The most common grafting method is chip budding, which is carried out on well-developed biennial rootstocks. A certain problem encountered in rootstock production is the low germination rate of P. terebinthus seeds due to physiological and physical dormancy, parthenocarpy and seed abortion. The available scientific and professional literature, as well as the results of preliminary field research, indicate great potential for the use of P. terebinthus in agronomy, forestry, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries

Association of Tagging Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on 8 Candidate Genes in Dopaminergic Pathway with Schizophrenia in Croatian Population

Aim To perform a comprehensive evaluation of association of common genetic variants in candidate genes in the dopaminergic pathway with schizophrenia in a sample from Croatian population. Methods A case-control association study was performed on 104 unrelated patients with schizophrenia recruited from a psychiatric hospital in Zagreb and 131 phenotypically normal Croatian subjects. Forty-nine tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) in 8 candidate genes in the dopaminergic pathway were identified from the HapMap database and tested for association. Genotyping was performed using the SNPlex platform. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess allelic and genotypic associations between cases and controls using a goodness of fit χ2 test and trend test, respectively; adjustment for multiple testing was done by permutation based analysis. Results Significant allele frequency differences between schizophrenia cases and controls were observed at 4 tag- SNPs located in the genes DRD5, HTR1B1, DBH, and TH1 (P < 0.005). A trend test also confirmed the genotypic association (P < 0.001) of these 4 tagSNPs. Additionally, moderate association (P < 0.05) was observed with 8 tagSNPs on SLC6A3, DBH, DRD4, SLC6A4, and COMT. Conclusions Common genetic variants in genes involved in the dopaminergic pathway are associated with schizophrenia in the populations of Caucasian descent