Phytocenological research into the meadow associations on forest hunting grounds of Serbia

The floristic composition of meadow associations within the fenced areas of forest hunting grounds was investigated in the spring of 2008 at three sites: Karakuša (Srem), Miloševa voda (Mt. Sokolovica) and Lomnička reka (Mt. Veliki Jastrebac), Serbia. At the first location three associations were determined (Agrostio-Juncetum effusi Cinc.1959., Trifolio-Agrostietum stoloniferae L. Mark.1973., and Agrostietum vulgaris. Z. Pavl. 1955 sensu lato.); at the second location Festuco-Agrostietum Horv. (1952) 1982. em Trinajest. 1972., and at the third location Agrostio-Festucetum valesiacae Gajić 1961. Hemicryptophytes were the dominant life form in all the sites (ranging from 61.1 to 72.9%). Also, the presence of 24 floral elements was recorded. The largest number of floral elements was determined at the site of Mt. Sokolovica (17), and the lowest at the third site, Mt. Veliki Jastrebac (9)

Influence of process parameters on hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna Jack.) extraction

Given that many synthetic medications can induce a variety of negative reactions in patients, a search for natural substances with minimal side effects in patients has been conducted. Nowadays, researchers are focusing on plant medicines, which have been used to heal illnesses since ancient times. The plant Crataegus monogyna Jack. (hawthorn) is the most abuntant plant in the Rosaceae family that is also used in traditional medicine. C. monogyna\u27s pharmaceutical, phytochemical, functional, and therapeutic qualities are based on a wide range of useful secondary metabolites, which include phenolic compound (flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins), vitamin C and antioxidants. Total (poly)phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins contents in C. monogyna Jacq. extracts were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, aluminium chloride and the pH differential methods, respectively. The extraction lasted 15 to 120 min, with a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:15 w/v and 1:30 w/v and solvents of 30% and 60% ethanol. According to the results, the extraction process has the highest velocity within the first 15 min, when the majority of (poly)phenols and flavonoids are extracted, but it becomes slower as time passes. Higher yields are obtained by utilizing a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:30 w/v rather than a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:15 w/v, which indicates that when the amount of drug increases over a certain optimal value, the resistance to mass transfer from a solid material to liquid increases. Finally, the results about the impact of the ethanol content in the solvent demonstrate that a larger ethanol content greatly favors the extraction of flavonoids, but this is not as evident for the extraction of total (poly)phenols and anthocyanins

Numerical classification of oak forests on loess in Hungary, Croatia and Serbia

Oak forests on loess are floristically one of the richest types of broadleaved forests and are among the most threatened types of natural habitats in the Carpathian Basin. They are classified in several communities in Hungary, Croatia and Serbia. These syntaxa are distinguished mostly on the basis of traditional phytosociological methods without comparison across a larger geographical scale. The recognition of some of these local syntaxa in the field, therefore, can be difficult, and the application of their names to communities in other areas may be questionable. The goal of this study was to develop an international typology for oak forests on loess based on a numerical analysis. A data set of 437 phytosociological relevés (stands of 12 associations from three countries) was stratified and 270 relevés were analysed using multivariate statistical methods. Six types were distinguished: Primula vulgaris type (xero-mesic to mesic sub-Mediterranean closed-canopy oak forests); Ruscus aculeatus type (xeric to xero-mesic sub-Mediterranean type); Vinca herbacea type (xeric continental open-canopywoodlands); Pulmonaria mollis type (xeric to mesic continental closed-canopy forests); Corydalis cava type (mesic closed-canopy oak forests in nutrient-rich habitats); and Stellaria media type (xeric to mesic oak forests in nutrient-rich habitats). The vegetation types identified are related to syntaxa traditionally recognized by phytosociologists. Our analysis did not support the distinction of some associations with local distributions. The geographical distributions of the two main forest types exhibited a gradient-like pattern in a north-east–south-west direction. The dry continental forest steppe woodland is mainly distributed in the north-eastern part of Hungary, whereas the xero-mesic sub-Mediterranean forests are restricted to the southwestern and southern part of our study area. This pattern corresponds to a climatic gradient from the North Hungarian Mts to north-eastern Croatia and northern Serbia

Inherited thrombophilic risk factors in Serbian breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. An increased burden of thrombotic events among breast cancer patients, leading to higher mortality and morbidity rates, is well established. There are a number of genetic risk factors associated with thrombosis, but their contribution to thrombotic tendencies in patients with cancer is not completely elucidated. We aimed to investigate possible role of FV Leiden, FII G20210A, MTHFR C677T and PAI-1 4G/5G gene variants in etiopathology of breast cancer and accompanying thrombosis in cohort of Serbian patients. Our study included 316 subject divided in three groups: breast cancer patients with (97) or without (99) accompanying thrombosis and healthy control group (120). According to our results, the prevalence for all four prothrombotic gene variants were similar in cancer patients with and without thrombosis and no statistically significant difference was observed between these groups. We detected lower frequency of MTHFR 677TT genotype in breast cancer patients when compared to control group (P=0.014; OR=0.145 (95%CI 0.031-0.679)), indicated that MTHFR C677T homozygosity could play a protective role in breast cancer susceptibility. Our study noted the lack of association between common prothrombotic gene variants and increased prothrombotic risk in Serbian breast cancer patients. Also, our results point out possible role of MTHFR 677TT genotype in etiology of breast cancer, but further studies on larger cohort of patients are needed

The 3 ' End Prothrombin Gene Variants in Patients With Different Thrombotic Events

Background: Prothrombin (FII) A19911G and C20221T gene variants are associated with increased prothrombin levels and potentially represent thrombotic risk factors. Objective: To determine the frequency of A19911G and C20221T FII gene variants in patients with thrombotic disorders and in women who have experienced pregnancy loss (PL). Methods: We determined the frequency of these variants in 133 patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 80 patients with isolated pulmonary embolism (PE), 101 patients with idiopathic PL, and 180 control individuals. Results: The FII A19911G variant was more prevalent in patients with DVT and with PL compared with controls; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The 19911GG genotype was associated with increased risk of PE (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.51). We did not detect carriers of the FII C20221T gene variant in this study. Conclusions: This is the first study, to our knowledge, that demonstrates the FII 1991199 genotype may represent a risk factor for isolated PE. Also, our results show that the FII C20221T is a rare variant in this population and therefore, routine thrombophilia screening should not include screening for this genotype

The c20068t gene variant in the 3 ' end of the prothrombin gene and recurrent pregnancy loss: a pilot study

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a health problem affecting up to 5% of women of reproductive age. Several thrombophilic risk factors might contribute to RPL. To investigate relationship between a novel C20068T gene variant in the 3' end of prothrombin gene and RPL, we tested 153 women with RPL and 111 controls for the presence of this gene variant. In patients, we have detected four heterozygous (2.61%) and no homozygous carriers. In controls, no carriers were detected. Our results indicate higher prevalence of C20068T gene variant in women with RPL but this difference was not statistically significant. However, in patients who suffered 5 or more RPL, frequency of C20068T gene variant was significantly increased compared to controls (12.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.02). This is the first study which points out a possible role of C20068T gene variant in etiology of RPL, but larger studies should be carried out to confirm our findings

The 3 ' end prothrombin gene variants in Serbian patients with idiopathic thrombophilia

Thrombophilia is a multifactorial disorder that arises from the interaction of acquired and genetic risk factors. Despite the significant efforts made to understand the etiology of this disease, there are still a certain number of patients suffering from idiopathic thrombophilia. The aim of this study was to screen the 3 ' end of the prothrombin (FII) gene, which is susceptible to gain-of-function mutations due to its non canonical architecture, in patients with idiopathic thrombophilia and to determine its eventual role in the pathogenesis of thrombophilia. This study was carried out in 100 patients with idiopathic thrombophilia and 100 healthy controls. DNA variants in the 715 bp long region of the 3 ' end of the prothrombin gene were identified by sequencing. In our study, we detected two variants: A19911G and C20068T. The frequency of the A19911G gene variant was slightly increased in the group of patients compared to controls, however with no statistically significant difference compared to controls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.53-2.13]. Heterozygous carriers of the FII C20068T gene variant were four times more frequent in patients (4.0%) than in controls (1.0%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (OR = 4.12; 95% CI 0.45-37.57). Our findings suggest that variant A19911G is not a significant risk factor, while C20068T may represent a potential risk factor for idiopathic thrombophilia. To confirm our results, further studies should be conducted in a larger cohort of patients

The prevalence of PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant in Serbian population

Uvod: Inhibitor aktivatora plazminogena 1 (PAI-1) ima značajnu ulogu u procesu inhibicije fibrinolize i normalne hemostaze. Prisustvo PAI-1 4G/4G genotipa uzrokuje povećanje ekspresije PAI-1. Povišen nivo PAI-1 u krvi povezan je sa brojnim bolestima kao što su tromboza, moždani udar, infarkt miokarda, spontani pobačaji, preeklampsija, insulinska rezistencija, dijabetes tipa 2, rak dojke i astma. U okviru ove studije određivana je učestalost PAI-1 4G/5G genske varijante kod zdravih ispitanika u srpskoj populaciji. Metode: Studija je obuhvatala grupu od 210 zdravih ispitanika (105 žena i 105 muškaraca). Prisustvo PAI-1 4G/5G genske varijante detektovano je PCR-RFLP metodom. Rezultati: Učestalost PAI-1 4G/4G genotipa iznosila je 34,76% i bila je povećana u odnosu na PAI-1 5G/5G genotip (19,05%), dok je najzastupljeniji genotip bio PAI-1 4G/5G (46,19%). Učestalost 4G alela bila je viša (0,58) u odnosu na 5G alel (0,42). Zaključci: Učestalost PAI-1 4G/5G genske varijante u srpskoj populaciji slična je sa okolnim populacijama. Rezultati ove studije su značajni, jer predstavljaju prve podatke za srpsku populaciju što će omogućiti dalja istraživanja o ulozi PAI-1 4G/5G genske varijante u patogenezi brojnih bolesti.Introduction: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) has a major role in inhibition of firinolysis and normal haemostasis. The presence of the PAI-1 4G/4G genotype leads to increased expression of PAI-1. High blood level of PAI-1 is associated with many diseases such as thrombosis, cerebral insult, myocardial infarction, pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and asthma. In this study, the prevalence of PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant was determined in healthy subjects from Serbian population. Methods: The study was carried out in a group of 210 healthy subjects (105 women and 105 men). The presence of PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant was detected by PCR-RFLP analysis. Results: The prevalence of PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was 34.76% and it was increased compared to PAI-1 5G/5G genotype (19.05%). The most frequent was PAI-1 4G/5G genotype (46.19%). Allelic frequency for 4G allele was higher (0.58) compared to 5G allele (0.42). Conclusions: The prevalence of PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant in Serbian population is similar to the neighboring populations. Results of this study represent the first data for Serbian population. This study could be useful for further research where the role of PAI-1 4G/5G gene variant will be assessed in the pathogenesis of many diseases

The prevalence of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in women with fetal loss: First data for a Serbian population

Uvod: Inhibitor aktivatora plazminogena 1 (PAI-1) igra značajnu ulogu u procesu inhibicije fibrinolize. Pokazano je da je PAI-1 4G/5G polimorfizam povezan sa povišenim nivoom PAI-1 proteina u plazmi. Povećana ekspresija PAI-1 i smanjena fibrinoliza kod homozigotnih nosilaca PAI-1 4G/5G polimorfizma može dovesti do poremećaja tokom formiranja placente i povećanja rizika za spontane pobačaje (SP). U okviru ove studije analizirali smo učestalost PAI-1 4G/5G polimorfizma kod pacijentkinja sa spontanim pobačajima. Metode: Studija je obuhvatila grupu od 203 žene (91 u kontrolnoj grupi i 112 žena sa SP). Prisustvo PAI-1 4G/5G polimorfizama je detektovano PCR-RFLP analizom. Rezultati: Detektovana učestalost homozigotnih nosilaca PAI-1 4G/5G polimorfizma je bila nešto visa u grupi pacijentkinja u odnosu na kontrolnu grupu (32,1% vs. 30,8%). Najviša učestalost je detektovana kod žena koje su imale SP u drugom trimestru trudnoće (50%), ali ova razlika nije bila statistički značajna. Zaključak Rezultati naše studije ukazuju da PAI-1 4G/4G može biti faktor rizika za pojavu SP u drugom trimestru trudnoće. Potrebna su dalja ispitivanja u cilju određivanja uloge PAI-1 4G/4G polimorfizma u etiologiji spontanih pobačaja.Background: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is an inhibitor of fibrinolysis. The PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism is associated with elevated plasma levels of PAI-1. Overexpression of PAI-1 and impaired fibrinolysis in homozygous carriers of the 4G/4G PAI polymorphism may lead to abnormal placental formation and increased risk of fetal loss (FL). The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of this polymorphism in patients with FL in a Serbian population. Methods: The study was carried out in a group of 203 women (91 controls and 112 women with FL). The presence of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP analysis. Results: Slightly increased frequency of the PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was observed in the study group compared to the controls (32.1% vs. 30.8%). The frequency of PAI-1 was highest in women experiencing FL in the second trimester of pregnancy (50%), but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PAI-1 4G/4G might be a risk factor for FL occurring in the second trimester of pregnancy. Further studies are required in order to determine the role of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in the etiology of FL

The frequencies of fv leiden and fii g20210a mutations in patients with different clinical manifestations of venous thromboembolism: experience from large Serbian cohort

Venous thromboembolism is a multifactorial disorder with two manifestations: deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is usually considered as the complication of deep-vein thrombosis, but there are reported cases of isolated pulmonary embolism. FV Leiden and FII G20210A mutations are most common genetic risk factors for the venous thromboembolism. Several studies reported "FV Leiden paradox": lower prevalence of FV Leiden mutation among patients with isolated pulmonary embolism than among those with deep-vein thrombosis. The aim of this study was to determine FV Leiden and FII G20210A mutations frequency in thrombophilic patients in Serbian population. We tested prevalence of these mutations carriers in 1427 individuals divided in three groups of patients (with deep-vein thrombosis, deep-vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and isolated pulmonary embolism) and control group. All subjects were tested for these mutations using PCR-RFLP analysis. Detected frequency of FV Leiden heterozygous carriers in patients with isolated pulmonary embolism was 6.9% (for FII G20210A 11.6%), while in other two groups of patients with deep-vein thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, frequency was 18.6% (for FII G20210A mutation were 11.6% and 8.3%, respectively). Our results showed that FV Leiden mutation is less frequent in patients with isolated pulmonary embolism than in patients with deep-vein thrombosis or deep-vein thrombosis accompanied with pulmonary embolism, confirming "FV Leiden paradox". On the other hand, detected frequency of FII G20210A mutation carriers was similar in all three groups of patients