1. The microstructure of scales varies in four lizard speciesAnamarija Žagar, Katja Konc, Matej Hočevar, Urban Dajčman, Valentina Perc, Rodrigo Megía-Palma, Miguel A. Carretero, Damjana Drobne, Sara Novak, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The microstructure of lizard scales carries a phylogenetic signal in traits, reflecting key adaptations with high functional value. Using scanning electron microscopy, we examined the skin surface of four European Lacertidae species which occur in different habitats, as well as climatic conditions. We sampled Podarcis carbonelli and P. virescens from an oceanic-influenced climate, Zootoca vivipara from a temperate climate, and Gallotia galloti from three climatically distinct sites. In all species, dorsal midbody scales were proximally laminated. However, G. galloti differed from the other species, displaying spiny margins on lamellae, whereas Podarcis species and Z. vivipara had smooth margins. Within G. galloti, spiny microstructures were denser and larger in the northern, humid population compared to the high-elevation and southern, drier populations. These differences highlight the potential functional role of microstructures in skin adaptation to environmental conditions and emphasize their ecological significance in lizard species across climatic variation.
Ključne besede: functional morphology, Lacertidae, morphology, microornamentation, skin
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.06.2025; Ogledov: 111; Prenosov: 52
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2. Microplastics from cigarette filters : comparative effects on selected terrestrial and aquatic invertebratesAndraž Dolar, Branka Mušič, Tina Skalar, Gregor Marolt, Damjana Drobne, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Anita Jemec Kokalj, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Cigarette filters comprise plasticised cellulose acetate, a synthetic polymer categorized as bioplastic. They represent a significant source of microplastics (MPs), in particular microfibers, and associated chemicals, yet their impact on organisms, especially soil invertebrates, is not well-studied. This research examines the effects of MPs milled from smoked (SCF-MPs) and unsmoked cigarette filters (UCF-MPs) on terrestrial invertebrates (Porcellio scaber, Tenebrio molitor) and aquatic invertebrates (Daphnia magna, Brachionus calyciflorus). SCF-MPs and UCF-MPs were found to be 9.06 ± 4.1 μm and 12.71 ± 6.82 μm in size, respectively. Both samples contained triacetin and potentially toxic metals, while SCF-MPs also contained nicotine and a larger number of trace organic compounds. While exposure to SCF-MPs or UCF-MPs (up to 1.5 % MPs, w/w in soil) did not affect the survival of either terrestrial invertebrate, several physiological responses were observed. These included changes in immune parameters, energy-related biomarker levels, and altered glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase activities. Both types of MPs were acutely toxic to aquatic invertebrates, reducing the survival rates of B. calyciflorus (10 mg L−1 of either particle after 48h exposure) and D. magna (100 mg L−1 of SCF-MPs after 48h exposure). SCF-MPs generally caused more pronounced effects than UCF-MPs. This study highlights the need for effective environmental management to address both smoked and unsmoked cigarette filters.
Ključne besede: cigarette buts, cigarette filters, microfibers, crustaceans, insects, rotifers
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.05.2025; Ogledov: 216; Prenosov: 117
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3. Modulation of the effect of cisplatin on nicotine-stimulated A549 lung cancer cells using analog of marine sponge toxin loaded in gelatin nanoparticlesAhmad Joukhan, Veno Kononenko, Marija Sollner Dolenc, Matej Hočevar, Tom Turk, Damjana Drobne, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: toxin, nAChR, nAChR antagonist, APS12-2, chemotherapeutic agent
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.12.2024; Ogledov: 344; Prenosov: 171
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4. Cytotoxicity assessment of HDPE microplastic on Tetrahymena thermophila (Protozoa, Ciliate) : assuring quality and FAIR dataValentina Perc, Veno Kononenko, Nina Jeliaskova, Matej Hočevar, Slavko Kralj, Darko Makovec, Maja Caf, Damjana Drobne, Sara Novak, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: cytotoxicity, microplastic, HDPE, FAIR data, tetrahymena thermophila
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.12.2024; Ogledov: 420; Prenosov: 189
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5. Soil water repellency of two disturbed soils contaminated with different agricultural microplastics tested under controlled laboratory conditionsŠpela Železnikar, Damjana Drobne, Matej Hočevar, Matic Noč, Marina Pintar, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Soil water repellency (SWR) significantly affects plant growth, along with surface and subsurface hydrology, posing a challenge for agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Nowadays, the occurrence of microplastics (MP) in the environment, particularly from agricultural practices, raises concerns about MP impact on soil properties. Among them, SWR is affected by hydrophobicity of MP particles detected in soils. This study introduces a method and presents results of a screening test to assess the effects of MP on SWR, utilizing Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) analysis under controlled laboratory conditions in destructed soil samples. We compared SWR of two soil types differing in portion of sand, loam and clay. Soils were mixed with three different types of MP originating from agricultural mulch films: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), biodegradable poly butylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and starch-based biodegradable plastics (Starch). The MP were milled to a uniform size range of some 10 to 300 μm and mixed with the soil samples. WDPT measurements were taken immediately after mixing and recorded for up to 60 s in order to find MP concentration levels at which strongly or more severely water repellency is inducted on soil samples. Our findings reveal that both, soil type and MP type significantly influence SWR, where there are notable differences observed between bio-based (Starch based) and non-bio-based (LDPE and PBAT) plastics’ effects on SWR in the two tested soil types. Data highlights the distinct behaviour of Starch in altering soil hydrophobicity, prominently different from the impact of both PBAT and LDPE. The measurement technique we have developed for quantifying SWR levels could be used for both research applications and the dissemination of findings. It can significantly enhance decision-making processes regarding the selection of optimal plastic alternatives for agricultural use.
Ključne besede: environmental pollution, microplastic, water drop penetration time, laboratory test
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.12.2024; Ogledov: 331; Prenosov: 164
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6. Comparing the effects of pristine and UV–VIS aged microplastics : behavioural response of model terrestrial and freshwater crustaceansPrimož Zidar, Dana Kühnel, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Tina Skalar, Damjana Drobne, Luka Škrlep, Branka Mušič, Anita Jemec Kokalj, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Physico-chemical properties of microplastics (MPs) change during weathering in the environment. There is a lack of knowledge about the effects of such environmentally relevant MPs on organisms. We investigated: 1) the physico-chemical changes of MPs due to UV–VIS weathering, and 2) compared the effect of pristine and aged MPs on the behaviour of the water flea Daphnia magna and terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber. Dry powders of MPs were produced from widely used polymer types: disposable three-layer polypropylene (PP) medical masks (inner, middle and outer), polyester textile fibres, car tires and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags and were subjected to accelerated ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) ageing. Our results show that the extent of transformation depends on the type of polymer, with PP showing the most changes, followed by LDPE, textile fibres and tire particles. Obvious fragmentation was observed in PP and textile fibres. In the case of PP, but not polyester textile fibres, changes in FTIR spectra and surface properties were observed. Tire particles and LDPE did not change in size, but clear changes were observed in their FTIR spectra. Most MPs, aged and pristine, did not affect the swimming of daphnids. The only effect observed was a significant increase in path length and swimming speed for the pristine tire particles when the recording was done with particles remaining in the wells. After transfer to a clean medium, this effect was no longer present, suggesting a physical rather than chemical effect. Similarly, woodlice showed no significant avoidance response to the MPs tested, although there was a noticeable trend to avoid soils contaminated with pristine polyester textile fibers and preference towards the soils contaminated with aged MP of the middle mask layer. Overall, the apparent changes in physico-chemical properties of MPs after accelerated ageing were not reflected in their effects on woodlice and daphnids.
Ključne besede: Daphnia magna, Porcellio scaber, polyethylene, polypropylene, weathering, FTIR
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 08.10.2024; Ogledov: 476; Prenosov: 1633
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7. Stem cells of aquatic invertebrates as an advanced tool for assessing ecotoxicological impactsAmalia Rosner, Jean Armengaud, Loriano Ballarin, Stéphanie Barnay-Verdier, Francesca Cima, Ana Varela Coelho, Isabelle Domart-Coulon, Damjana Drobne, Anne-Marie Geneviere, Anita Jemec Kokalj, Ewa Kotlarska, Andreja Ramšak, 2021, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Environmental stressors are assessed through methods that quantify their impacts on a wide range of metrics including species density, growth rates, reproduction, behaviour and physiology, as on host-pathogen interactions and immunocompetence. Environmental stress may induce additional sublethal effects, like mutations and epigenetic signatures affecting offspring via germline mediated transgenerational inheritance, shaping phenotypic plasticity, increasing disease susceptibility, tissue pathologies, changes in social behaviour and biological invasions.
The growing diversity of pollutants released into aquatic environments requires the development of a reliable, standardised and 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement of animals in research) compliant in vitro toolbox. The tools have to be in line with REACH regulation 1907/2006/EC, aiming to improve strategies for potential ecotoxicological risks assessment and monitoring of chemicals threatening human health and aquatic environments.
Aquatic invertebrates' adult stem cells (ASCs) are numerous and can be pluripotent, as illustrated by high regeneration ability documented in many of these taxa. This is of further importance as in many aquatic invertebrate taxa, ASCs are able to differentiate into germ cells. Here we propose that ASCs from key aquatic invertebrates may be harnessed for applicable and standardised new tests in ecotoxicology. As part of this approach, a battery of modern techniques and endpoints are proposed to be tested for their ability to correctly identify environmental stresses posed by emerging contaminants in aquatic environments.
Consequently, we briefly describe the current status of the available toxicity testing and biota-based monitoring strategies in aquatic environmental ecotoxicology and highlight some of the associated open issues such as replicability, consistency and reliability in the outcomes, for understanding and assessing the impacts of various chemicals on organisms and on the entire aquatic environment. Following this, we describe the benefits of aquatic invertebrate ASC-based tools for better addressing ecotoxicological questions, along with the current obstacles and possible overhaul approaches.
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.08.2024; Ogledov: 585; Prenosov: 637
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8. Maristem - stem cells of marine/aquatic invertebrates : from basic research to innovative applicationsLoriano Ballarin, Baruch Rinkevich, Kestin Bartscherer, Artur Burzynski, Sebastien Cambier, Matteo Cammarata, Isabelle Domart-Coulon, Damjana Drobne, Juanma Encinas, Uri Frank, Anne-Marie Geneviere, Bert Hobmayer, Helike Löhelaid, Daniel Lyons, Pedro Martinez, Paola Oliveri, Lorena Perić, Stefano Piraino, Andreja Ramšak, Sebastian Rakers, Fabian Rentzsch, Amalia Rosner, Tiago Henriques da Silva, Ildiko Somorjai, Sherif Suleiman, Ana Varela Coelho, 2018, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The “stem cells” discipline represents one of the most dynamic areas in biomedicine. While adult marine/aquatic invertebrate stem cell (MISC) biology is of prime research and medical interest, studies on stem cells from organisms outside the classical vertebrate (e.g., human, mouse, and zebrafish) and invertebrate (e.g., Drosophila, Caenorhabditis) models have not been pursued vigorously. Marine/aquatic invertebrates constitute the largest biodiversity and the widest phylogenetic radiation on Earth, from morphologically simple organisms (e.g., sponges, cnidarians), to the more complex mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, and protochordates. These organisms contain a kaleidoscope of MISC-types that allow the production of a large number of novel bioactive-molecules, many of which are of significant potential interest for human health. MISCs further participate in aging and regeneration phenomena, including whole-body regeneration. For years, the European MISC-community has been highly fragmented and has established scarce ties with biomedical industries in an attempt to harness MISCs for human welfare. Thus, it is important to (i) consolidate the European community of researchers working on MISCs; (ii) promote and coordinate European research on MISC biology; (iii) stimulate young researchers to embark on research in MISC-biology; (iv) develop, validate, and share novel MISC tools and methodologies; (v) establish the MISC discipline as a forefront interest of biomedical disciplines, including nanobiomedicine; and (vi) establish collaborations with industries to exploit MISCs as sources of bioactive molecules. In order to fill the recognized gaps, the EC-COST Action 16203 “MARISTEM” has recently been launched. At its initial stage, the consortium unites 26 scientists from EC countries, Cooperating countries, and Near Neighbor Countries.
Ključne besede: aging, bioactive molecules, blue biotechnology, cancer, cell culture, COST Action, Europe, marine/aquatic invertebrates, regeneration, stem cells
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Ogledov: 846; Prenosov: 353
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9. Bioresorbability dependence on microstructure of additivelly- manufactured and conventionally-produced Fe-Mn alloysMatjaž Godec, Jakob Kraner, Danijela Anica Skobir Balantič, Irena Paulin, Damjana Drobne, Veno Kononenko, Aleksandra Kocijan, Paul J. McGuiness, Črtomir Donik, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: Fe-Mn alloy, laser powder bed fusion, bioresorbable, microstructure, corrosion behaviour, biocompatibility
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.05.2024; Ogledov: 818; Prenosov: 533
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10. Bioresorbability dependence on microstructure of additivelly- manufactured and conventionally-produced Fe-Mn alloysMatjaž Godec, Jakob Kraner, Danijela Anica Skobir Balantič, Irena Paulin, Damjana Drobne, Veno Kononenko, Aleksandra Kocijan, Paul J. McGuiness, Črtomir Donik, 2024, zaključena znanstvena zbirka raziskovalnih podatkov Povzetek: The dataset supports the results shown in the tables and figures in the article entitled “Bioresorbability Dependence on Microstructure of Additivelly-Manufactured and Conventionally-Produced Fe-Mn Alloys” (doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.04.097). It contains measurements of corrosion resistance of Fe-Mn samples, phase analysis of samples A, B and C, surface and depth profiling XPS, EDS measurements of a cross-section of Fe-Mn powder particles and viability measurements results.
Ključne besede: Fe-Mn alloy, laser powder bed fusion, bioresorbable, microstructure, corrosion behaviour, biocompatibility
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.04.2024; Ogledov: 1121; Prenosov: 601
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