Prognosis for the Patients with Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Liver Disease

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the role of alcohol in development of progressive liver disease. For this purpose, 41 alcoholic patients were followed up for 5 years. Criteria for alcohol abuse was that the patients were enjoying 20 g alcohol daily in a period of 5 years for females and respectively 60 g daily for males. In the same time a group of 51 nonalcoholic patients with histologically proven chronic liver disease were investigated. In all 92 patients chronic liver disease and progression of the disease was proven by liver biopsy during a 5-years follow-up. In sera of all patients the markers of hepatitis viruses B, D and C were continuously determined and chronic viral hepatitis was excluded. Also, autoimmune chronic hepatitis was excluded. The results of the investigation showed that alcoholics develop cirrhosis hepatitis, in most cases 78.04%. The most progressive chronic liver diseases – cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma –are significantly present among nonalcoholics. In the mentioned investigation a large group of 51 patients with severe chronic hepatitis without a proven ethiology of disease was found and it deserves priority in future research

Prognosis for the Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

The purpose of the research was to determine the influence of the hepatitis B virus on the progression of the chronic liver disease. In the present paper, 127 patients who were followed up for five years and who had histologically verified chronic liver disease, are described. Fifty two of them were carriers of HBsAg, 75 patients were HBsAg negative, but had other markers typical for a previous infection of HBV in the sera. All the patients were nonalcoholics and no drug addicts. In the sera of these 127 patients markers of HBV were prospectively followed up: HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HBe, HBVDNA, antiHCV for C virus and anti-D for D virus. It was proved by these investigations that HBV provokes very severe chronic hepatitis: CAH (chronic active hepatitis) and CH (cirrhosis hepatis). It was also proved that HBV replicated in 44.20 % patients, namely, HBVDNA was positive in the sera of those patients. In 26.08 % of such patients the mutant form of HBV was present. In spite of progressive liver disease and without any antiviral therapy all the patients with chronic HBV cirrhosis hepatis were, after five year-follow-up, in Child-Pugh A grade. It was found that the patients who were HBsAg negative, but had one or more markers of HBV positive in the sera, had also a severe chronic hepatitis. That group of patients remains our object of further research. The five-years follow-up of all these patients demonstrates that it is necessary to find out an efficient medicament against HBV chronic hepatitis. Obligatory vaccination of the risk population against virus B remains the only prevention against this severe disease

Effects of various nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on AlCl3-induced neuronal injury in rats

The present study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors: N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 7-nitroindazole and aminoguanidine in modulating the toxicity of AlCl3 on superoxide production and the malondialdehyde concentration of Wistar rats. The animals were sacrificed 10 min and 3 days after the treatment and the forebrain cortex was removed. The results show that AlCl3 exposure promotes oxidative stress in different neural areas. The biochemical changes observed in the neuronal tissues show that aluminum acts as pro-oxidant, while NOS inhibitors exert an anti-oxidant action in AlCl3-treated animals.U eksperimentu je određivana efikasnost inhibitora azot-oksid-sintaze (NOS): metil-estra N-nitro-L-arginina, 7-nitroindazola i aminogvanidina u modulaciji toksičnosti AlCl3 na stvaranje superoksidnog anjona i koncentraciju malondialdehida kod Wistar pacova. Životinje su žrtvovane 10 min i 3 dana nakon tretmana i izolovana je kora velikog mozga. Rezultati pokazuju da izlaganje AlCl3 pokreće oksidativni stres u različitim moždanim regionima. Biohemijske promene opisane u neuronskom tkivu pokazuju da aluminijum deluje kao pro-oksidant, dok inhibitori NOS imaju antioksidativno dejstvo kod životinja tretiranih AlCl3.nul

Effect of L-NAME on AlCl3-induced toxicity in rat brain

The present experiment was carried out to determine the effectiveness of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME) in elevating the toxicity of AlCl3 on nitrite concentration and acetylcholine esterase activity of Wistar rats. Animals were killed 10 min and 3 days after the treatment and the forebrain cortex and striatum were removed. The results show that AlCl3 exposure promotes oxidative stress in different neural areas. The biochemical changes observed in neuronal tissues show that aluminium acts as a pro-oxidant, while NOS inhibitor exerts as antioxidant action in AlCl3-treated animals. In the present study, active avoidance learning was significantly impaired after AlCl3 injection, while pretreatment with L-NAME prevented the behavioural deficits caused between the 8th and 12th day after intrahippocampal application of neurotoxin. Our data suggest that aluminium may cause learning and memory deficits, while the treatment with L-NAME may decrease the oxidative stress and prevent learning and memory deficits caused by AlCl3.U eksperimentu je ispitivana efikasnost inhibitora azot oksid sintaze (NOS)- L-NAME na toksičnost AlCl3 i određivana koncentracija nitrita i aktivnost acetilholin esteraze kod Wistar pacova. Životinje su dekapitovane 10 minuta ili 3 dana nakon tretmana i izolovani su kora prednjeg mozga i strijatum. Rezultati ukazuju da AlCl3 pokreće oksidativni stres u različitim regionima mozga. Biohemijske promene opisane u neuronskom tkivu ukazuju da aluminijum deluje kao prooksidans, dok inhibitor NOS ima antioksidativno dejstvo kod životinja tretiranih AlCl3. Reakcija aktivnog izbegavanja je bila znatno poremećena nakon aplikacije AlCl3, dok se davanjem L-NAME sprečavaju poremećaji ponašanja uzrokovani između 8. i 12. dana posle intrahipokampusne primene neurotoksina. Naši rezultati ukazuju da aluminijum može dovesti do smetnji u procesima učenja i pamćenja, dok tretman sa L-NAME smanjuje oksidativni stres i sprečava promene u učenju i pamćenju uzrokovane AlCl3.nul

Supplementary data for the article: Čolić, S. D.; Bakić, I. V.; Dabić Zagorac, D. Č.; Natić, M. M.; Smailagić, A. T.; Pergal, M. V.; Pešić, M. B.; Milinčić, D. D.; Rabrenović, B. B.; Fotirić Akšić, M. M. Chemical Fingerprint and Kernel Quality Assessment in Different Grafting Combinations of Almond Under Stress Condition. Scientia Horticulturae 2021, 275, 109705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109705

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109705]Related to published version: [https://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4081

Effects of various nitric oxide synthase inhibitors on AlCl3-induced neuronal injury in rats

The present study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors: N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 7-nitroindazole and aminoguanidine in modulating the toxicity of AlCl3 on superoxide production and the malondialdehyde concentration of Wistar rats. The animals were sacrificed 10 min and 3 days after the treatment and the forebrain cortex was removed. The results show that AlCl3 exposure promotes oxidative stress in different neural areas. The biochemical changes observed in the neuronal tissues show that aluminum acts as pro-oxidant, while NOS inhibitors exert an anti-oxidant action in AlCl3-treated animals.U eksperimentu je određivana efikasnost inhibitora azot-oksid-sintaze (NOS): metil-estra N-nitro-L-arginina, 7-nitroindazola i aminogvanidina u modulaciji toksičnosti AlCl3 na stvaranje superoksidnog anjona i koncentraciju malondialdehida kod Wistar pacova. Životinje su žrtvovane 10 min i 3 dana nakon tretmana i izolovana je kora velikog mozga. Rezultati pokazuju da izlaganje AlCl3 pokreće oksidativni stres u različitim moždanim regionima. Biohemijske promene opisane u neuronskom tkivu pokazuju da aluminijum deluje kao pro-oksidant, dok inhibitori NOS imaju antioksidativno dejstvo kod životinja tretiranih AlCl3.nul

Effect of L-NAME on AlCl3-induced toxicity in rat brain

The present experiment was carried out to determine the effectiveness of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME) in elevating the toxicity of AlCl3 on nitrite concentration and acetylcholine esterase activity of Wistar rats. Animals were killed 10 min and 3 days after the treatment and the forebrain cortex and striatum were removed. The results show that AlCl3 exposure promotes oxidative stress in different neural areas. The biochemical changes observed in neuronal tissues show that aluminium acts as a pro-oxidant, while NOS inhibitor exerts as antioxidant action in AlCl3-treated animals. In the present study, active avoidance learning was significantly impaired after AlCl3 injection, while pretreatment with L-NAME prevented the behavioural deficits caused between the 8th and 12th day after intrahippocampal application of neurotoxin. Our data suggest that aluminium may cause learning and memory deficits, while the treatment with L-NAME may decrease the oxidative stress and prevent learning and memory deficits caused by AlCl3.U eksperimentu je ispitivana efikasnost inhibitora azot oksid sintaze (NOS)- L-NAME na toksičnost AlCl3 i određivana koncentracija nitrita i aktivnost acetilholin esteraze kod Wistar pacova. Životinje su dekapitovane 10 minuta ili 3 dana nakon tretmana i izolovani su kora prednjeg mozga i strijatum. Rezultati ukazuju da AlCl3 pokreće oksidativni stres u različitim regionima mozga. Biohemijske promene opisane u neuronskom tkivu ukazuju da aluminijum deluje kao prooksidans, dok inhibitor NOS ima antioksidativno dejstvo kod životinja tretiranih AlCl3. Reakcija aktivnog izbegavanja je bila znatno poremećena nakon aplikacije AlCl3, dok se davanjem L-NAME sprečavaju poremećaji ponašanja uzrokovani između 8. i 12. dana posle intrahipokampusne primene neurotoksina. Naši rezultati ukazuju da aluminijum može dovesti do smetnji u procesima učenja i pamćenja, dok tretman sa L-NAME smanjuje oksidativni stres i sprečava promene u učenju i pamćenju uzrokovane AlCl3.nul

Fruit Quality Attributes of Organically Grown Norwegian Apples Are Affected by Cultivar and Location

In this work, 12 apple cultivars grown organically in three regions of Norway (Telemark, Ullensvang, Viken) were analyzed in terms of fruit quality, with the aim of equating different growing regions under specific climatic conditions. Apples were analyzed for concentration levels of minerals, sugars, sugar alcohols, organic acids, total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), and phenolic profiles. Discovery “Rose” from Telemark stored the highest level of minerals (24,094.5 mg/kg dry weight). Glucose, fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol were the major carbohydrates, whereas the predominant organic acids were quinic acid and malic acid. Cultivar Discovery from Ullensvang had the highest TPC (9.22 g/kg) and RSA (229.32 mmol TE/kg). Of the polyphenols quantified, chlorogenic acid and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside were the most abounded, accounting for 85.50%. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that the Ullensvang region is the richest source of most carbohydrates, organic acids (quinic, shikimic, and galacturonic), and most polyphenols, whereas the highest content of minerals and maleic acid characterized Viken. Regardless of location, the Discovery cultivar had, on average, the highest sugar and polyphenol contents. The results obtained suggest that organic apples from Norway are a rich source of beneficial compounds that can have a positive impact on human health. In addition, these results may be useful for consumers in identifying apple cultivars with desirable characteristics and for the fruit industry in tracing back the origin of apples. The findings could also be of great interest for locations with similar climate and soil conditions worldwide

The suitability of apricot for dried fruit production by the combined technology

The apricot is considered as one of the most delicious temperate fruit, a highly appreciated stone fruit and a valuable raw material for processing. The Republic of Serbia is one of the leading apricot producers in Southeast Europe, but the assortment is limited by a small number of cultivars harvested, mostly in the ripening season of “Magyar kajszi”. In order to introduce the most suitable cultivars in the production, having high yield and high quality for consumption and various forms of processing, introduced and domestic cultivars have been intensively studied. In Serbia, apricots are mostly marketed fresh and processed for jams and spirits, but demand for high-quality dried fruits is increasing. To preserve the nutritional and sensory quality of fresh apricots, choosing the best drying technique is significant, and the most preferred technique is the reduction of moisture through convective drying. The aim of the paper was to compare the potential of the apricot cultivars “Magyar kajszi”, “Novosadska rodna”, “NS-4” and “NS-6” for dried fruit production by two-phase technology – combined osmotic and convective drying, as well as the profitability of apricot drying on small family farms. Cultivars “NS-4” and “Novosadska rodna” were found to be suitable for combined drying technology. The highest score in the sensory evaluation of the dried apricots was given to “NS-4”, and then to “Novosadska rodna”. The results indicate that the combined osmotic and convective drying of apricot rather than selling fresh fruits can be a profitable and important added value tool for small family farms

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field