591. Editorial : marine biotechnology, revealing an ocean of opportunitiesAna Rotter, Susana P. Gaudêncio, Arita Dubnika, Marlen I. Vasquez, 2022, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: The ocean, including its coastal areas and covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, has always represented an important environmental and economic resource. Indeed, almost 40% of the global population lives in coastal communities (United Nations, 2017). With its ecosystem services, the ocean represents a pivotal role in human society (Rayner et al., 2019). Undeniably, the ocean provides food, regulates the climate, provides oxygen and ensures economic resources through its shipping routes and tourism opportunities. Additionally, the ocean is home to organisms that have for centuries sparked the scientific interest of many research groups to uncover the biodiversity and functions of these fascinating marine ecosystems. Through their biological and chemical diversity, marine organisms synthesize unique secondary metabolites, biopolymers and enzymes produced in response to environmental stimuli. Secondary metabolites play important biological roles in improving competitiveness, providing chemical defence against predators or competitors and facilitating reproductive processes (Rotter et al.). Screening of these natural products and their producer organisms, coupled with the search of their unique biological activities that could be used in various industries, is tackled within marine (blue) biotechnology. Marine organisms and microorganisms can be investigated, and their primary and secondary metabolites, biopolymers and enzymes can be used as lead agents for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries to improve processes (e.g., in drug delivery) and as a source of bio-inspired materials for numerous biotechnological applications. Although this field has been appearing since the 1960s and 1970s, it is still considered an emerging field and marine biotechnology is still in its infancy (Rayner et al., 2019; Rotter et al.). This is because many marine environments are extreme ones that are either hardly accessible for sampling and harvesting and/or are home to organisms that cannot be cultured or grown in laboratory conditions. Consequently, a lot of advancement in the field of marine biotechnology was hampered until recent advances in science were achieved, including sampling methods, high-throughput methods and transdisciplinary collaborations. Ključne besede: blue biotechnology, marine biotechnology, ocean bioprospecting, marine organisms Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 244; Prenosov: 140 Celotno besedilo (217,46 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
592. Editorial : brain cancer pathogenesis and data integrationAndrea Comba, Xinzhong Li, Barbara Breznik, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: Brain tumors are one of the most aggressive malignancies in humans. They can be classified as primary tumors, which arise in the brain, or secondary tumors, which arise elsewhere in the body and initially metastaze the brain. The morbidity and mortality of brain tumors is one of the highest among cancers (Siegel et al., 2023). Of particular concern is that mortality and incidence of brain tumors are increasing, especially in the population under 44 years of age. Brain tumor mortality in this population is 13.4%. For example, primary brain tumors are the most common cancer in children and the leading cause of death in pediatric cancer patients (Gould, 2018). Considering the low survival rate of adult and pediatric brain tumor patients and the detrimental impact on patient quality of life, economic costs, and mortality rates, there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic approaches. Despite major research efforts, there are currently no effective treatment modalities or prevention strategies that would significantly improve the quality of life and disease outcome of brain tumor patients. Ključne besede: brain tumor, data integration, therapeutic resistance, biomarkers, liquid biopsies Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 228; Prenosov: 150 Celotno besedilo (513,58 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
593. First record of the Canestrini’s goby Ninnigobius canestrinii (Ninni, 1883) : a rare and endangered fish species from Slovenian watersDomen Trkov, Ana Fortič, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: The Canestrini’s goby is a small goby endemic to the Adriatic basin, inhabiting brackish and fresh waters. The species is threatened by habitat destruction and pollution. For this reason, the goby is protected in part of its range, while its conservation status in other areas is not yet established. The detailed biogeography of the species should be known so that appropriate conservation measures can be taken. Despite extensive sampling of fish fauna in coastal wetlands, this species has not yet been detected in Slovenia. In this study, the first record of Ninnigobius canestrinii (Ninni, 1883) in Slovenian waters is reported along with a comprehensive review of documented records of the species. Ključne besede: Gobiidae, endemic goby, endangered species, habitat endangerment, habitat destruction, biogeography, northern Adriatic basin, Slovenia Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 267; Prenosov: 159 Celotno besedilo (570,26 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
594. Jumping spider invades an orb web to prey on a resident maleMatjaž Kuntner, Eva Kuntner, Maj Kuntner, Irena Kuntner, Daiqin Li, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: While surveying operational sex ratios of the giant golden orb weaver Nephila pilipes (Fabricius, 1793) in Singapore, we documented a stunning case of predatory behavior of a jumping spider Viciria pavesii Thorell, 1877. A female V. pavesii invaded a N. pilipes orb web that was occupied by the resident female and four males, and successfully captured, killed, and removed one of the Nephila males. Whether araneophagy in V. pavesii is opportunistic or a predatory ritual remains to be tested more precisely, but because the observed predatory event triggered an aggressive response by the N. pilipes alpha male, it is plausible that V. pavesii may engage in aggressive mimicry. We place our observation into the context of jumping spider cognition and behavioral tactics that are so far well understood only in a few spartaeine genera, notably Portia Karsch, 1878. Viciria Thorell, 1877, we argue, is another such jumping spider taxon worthy of behavioral scrutiny. Ključne besede: Nephila, Nephilidae, predation, Salticidae, Viciria Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 258; Prenosov: 141 Celotno besedilo (257,60 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
595. Editorial : Women in plant pathogen interactions:Špela Baebler, Anna Coll Rius, Giulia Malacarne, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: Plants are continuously exposed to different pathogens and pests which can lead to devastating effects on agricultural production. A better understanding of plant defence response against pathogens is crucial to provide means for novel crop breeding strategies and environmentally friendly plant protection and disease management approaches. In this Research Topic, we aimed to highlight the diversity of research performed across the entire breadth of the plant-pathogen interactions field. It thus includes the most recent scientific advances in understanding the molecular, cellular, and biochemical mechanisms of plant response to bacteria, fungi, and viruses with applications to compelling problems. In the Research Topic, six research papers (one about plant-bacterial interaction, three about plant-fungal interactions, and two about plant-virus interaction) and a review were published and are outlined below. Ključne besede: plant pathogen, plant diseases, bacteria, fungi, viruses, beneficial microbes, plant-pathogen interaction, plant protection Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 305; Prenosov: 143 Celotno besedilo (257,58 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
596. Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative speciesMichail Ragkousis, Argyro Zenetos, Jamila Ben Souissi, Razy Hoffman, Raouia Ghanem, Ana Fortič, Domen Trkov, Lovrenc Lipej, Borut Mavrič, Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Leon Lojze Zamuda, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: To enrich spatio-temporal information on the distribution of alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, a collective effort by 173 marine scientists was made to provide unpublished records and make them open access to the scientific community. Through this effort, we collected and harmonized a dataset of 12,649 records. It includes 247 taxa, of which 217 are Animalia, 25 Plantae and 5 Chromista, from 23 countries surrounding the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Chordata was the most abundant taxonomic group, followed by Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Annelida. In terms of species records, Siganus luridus, Siganus rivulatus, Saurida lessepsianus, Pterois miles, Upeneus moluccensis, Charybdis (Archias) longicollis, and Caulerpa cylindracea were the most numerous. The temporal distribution of the records ranges from 1973 to 2022, with 44% of the records in 2020–2021. Lethrinus borbonicus is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, while Pomatoschistus quagga, Caulerpa cylindracea, Grateloupia turuturu, and Misophria pallida are first records for the Black Sea; Kapraunia schneideri is recorded for the second time in the Mediterranean and for the first time in Israel; Prionospio depauperata and Pseudonereis anomala are reported for the first time from the Sea of Marmara. Many first country records are also included, namely: Amathia verticillata (Montenegro), Ampithoe valida (Italy), Antithamnion amphigeneum (Greece), Clavelina oblonga (Tunisia and Slovenia), Dendostrea cf. folium (Syria), Epinephelus fasciatus (Tunisia), Ganonema farinosum (Montenegro), Macrorhynchia philippina (Tunisia), Marenzelleria neglecta (Romania), Paratapes textilis (Tunisia), and Botrylloides diegensis (Tunisia). Ključne besede: non-native species, non-indigenous, distribution, invasive alien species, geo-referenced records, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 318; Prenosov: 564 Celotno besedilo (5,25 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
597. Titanium dioxide in our everyday life : is it safe?Matej Skočaj, Metka Filipič, Jana Nunić, Saša Novak, 2011, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is considered as an inert and safe material and has been used in many applications for decades. However, with the development of nanotechnologies TiO2 nanoparticles, with numerous novel and useful properties, are increasingly manufactured and used. Therefore increased human and environmental exposure can be expected, which has put TiO2 nanoparticles under toxicological scrutiny. Mechanistic toxicological studies show that TiO2 nanoparticles predominantly cause adverse effects via induction of oxidative stress resulting in cell damage, genotoxicity, inflammation, immune response etc. The extent and type of damage strongly depends on physical and chemical characteristics of TiO2 nanoparticles, which govern their bioavailability and reactivity. Based on the experimental evidence from animal inhalation studies TiO2 nanoparticles are classified as "possible carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as occupational carcinogen by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The studies on dermal exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles, which is in humans substantial through the use of sunscreens, generally indicate negligible transdermal penetration; however data are needed on long-term exposure and potential adverse effects of photo-oxidation products. Although TiO2 is permitted as an additive (E171) in food and pharmaceutical products we do not have reliable data on its absorption, distribution, excretion and toxicity on oral exposure. TiO2 may also enter environment, and while it exerts low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, upon long-term exposure it induces a range of sub-lethal effects.
Conclusions. Until relevant toxicological and human exposure data that would enable reliable risk assessment are obtained, TiO2 nanoparticles should be used with great care. Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 275; Prenosov: 148 Celotno besedilo (800,38 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
598. A preliminary overview of raptor monitoring in Slovenia : an overview of methodologies, current monitoring status and future perspectivesAl Vrezec, 2012, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Among 48 raptor species (birds of prey, owls, shrikes) recorded recently in Slovenia, some long-term monitoring activities are being conducted for more than half of them, mainly for conservation and research purposes. However, national coverage is achieved only in 15% of the species, whereas other monitoring programmes are more or less local. Two monitoring approaches are considered, the species specific approach and assemblage approach. Current ongoing monitoring programmes for raptors in Slovenia lack monitoring of breeding success, which is now confined to only a few owl species. Use of nestboxes should therefore be considered more broadly in the future for some species at least. Ključne besede: Slovenia, raptor monitoring, birds of prey, owls, shrikes, monitoring methodology Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 290; Prenosov: 131 Celotno besedilo (101,52 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
599. Overview of raptor monitoring activities in EuropeAl Vrezec, Guy Duke, András Kovács, Pertti Saurola, Chris Wernham, Ian Burfield, Paola Movalli, Irena Bertoncelj, 2012, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Despite the key role of raptors (including birds of prey Falconiformes and owls Strigiformes) in ecosystems and their sensitivity to environmental change, a well coordinated, Europe-wide monitoring of raptors is lacking. EURAPMON, a Research Networking Programme of the European Science Foundation, was launched with the aim of establishing a sustainable Europewide network for monitoring of raptors. An overview of current monitoring schemes for raptor populations in 28 European countries, as reported by EURAPMON National Coordinators at the workshop in Murcia (Spain) in 2012, showed existing monitoring schemes to be limited to a restricted number of species (mostly diurnal and rare raptor species). The most widely monitored species are the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos amongst diurnal raptors and the Eagle Owl Bubo bubo amongst owls. Broad coverage of a species range across Europe is reached only for restricted-range species. The key driver for monitoring, which is mostly coordinated by NGOs, is conservation, and the main end users are governmental institutions. International collaboration in the field of monitoring of raptors is mainly regional and not yet pan-European in scale. The involvement of volunteers in raptor monitoring was perceived as the main strength of many schemes, but insufficient manpower and a focus on rare species were recognised as the main weaknesses across Europe as a whole. Among priorities identified for the future development of monitoring schemes are: improvements to national coordination; support to increase the number of volunteers; and assurances of stable funding. Further analysis of EURAPMON questionnaires will identify knowledge gaps, which will steer good practice guidance on survey methodologies; the need for the latter was identified as the main benefit that National Coordinators expect to gain from international networking Ključne besede: Europe, raptor monitoring scheme, birds of prey, owls, monitoring inventory Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 283; Prenosov: 179 Celotno besedilo (573,54 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
600. Nanoparticles for hyperthermic therapy : synthesis strategies and applications in glioblastomaJyoti Verma, Sumit Lal, Cornelis J. F. van Noorden, 2014, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in humans. Current GBM treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, sometimes supplemented with novel therapies. Despite recent advances, survival of GBM patients remains poor. Major challenges in GBM treatment are drug delivery across the blood–brain barrier, restriction of damage to healthy brain tissues, and limitation of resistance to therapies. This article reviews recent advances in the application of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), gold nanorods (GNRs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for hyperthermia ablation of GBM. First, the article introduces GBM, its current treatment, and hyperthermia as a potential modality for the management of GBM. Second, it introduces MNPs, GNRs, and CNTs as inorganic agents to induce hyperthermia in GBM. Third, it discusses different methodologies for synthesis of each inorganic agent. Finally, it reviews in vitro and in vivo studies in which MNPs, GNRs, and CNTs have been applied for hyperthermia ablation and drug delivery in GBM. Ključne besede: hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery, SPIONs, gold nanorods, carbon nanotubes Objavljeno v DiRROS: 06.08.2024; Ogledov: 259; Prenosov: 203 Celotno besedilo (2,20 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |