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2. A Raman microspectroscopy-based comparison of pigments applied in two gothic wall paintings in SloveniaMaja Gutman, Ajda Mladenovič, Anabelle Križnar, Sabina Dolenec, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: The present study deals with the characterisation of pigments used in two overlaid gothic wall paintings from the former 13th century Minorite church of St. Francis of Assisi (Koper, Slovenia), in order to define differences in the technologies used. Paint layer samples were analysed via Raman microspectroscopy, supported by SEM/EDS and FTIR analysis, when necessary. The results revealed that the 14th century mural was painted mainly a fresco with final elements a secco, a technique typical of Italian mediaeval wall painting. In contrast, the 15th century painting was executed mostly a secco, a technique often applied in Northern Europe and the Alpine region. The differences between the two paintings are especially obvious in the pigments applied. While the earlier painting is characterised by azurite, carbon black, red and yellow ochres, lime white and green earth, the palette used for the younger painting is much broader. In addition to red and yellow ochres, carbon black and lime white, lead pigments such as lead white, red lead and lead-tin yellow type I were also determined, as well as a number of expensive pigments including cinnabar, azurite and malachite. Also found in the younger painting was the rare orange yellow pigment vanadinite. In both layers, azurite was applied a secco for the background area. Gilding was confirmed in both layers, carried out as application of gold leaves on red bole (in the earlier mural) and on mordant (on a younger, superimposed (overlaid painting), which is quite exclusive and rare for Slovene mediaeval painting. In the younger layer also a use of tin foil for secondary elements was discovered.
Keywords: wall paintings, pigments, Gothic, golding, Raman microspectroscopy
Published in DiRROS: 27.10.2023; Views: 381; Downloads: 153
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7. Controlled growth of ZnO nanoparticles using ethanolic root extract of Japanese knotweed : photocatalytic and antimicrobial propertiesMiha Ravbar, Ajda Kunčič, Lev Matoh, Sonja Smole Možina, Martin Šala, Andraž Šuligoj, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) was mediated by plant extracts to assist in the reduction of zinc atoms during the synthesis and act as a capping agent during annealing.The preparation used ethanolic extracts from the roots of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Two major outcomes could be made. (i)A synergistic effect of multiple polyphenolic components in the extract is needed to achieve the capping effect of crystallite growth during thermal annealing at 450 °C characterized by an exponential growth factor (n) of 4.4 compared to n = 3 for bare ZnO. (ii) Synergism between the ZnO NPs and plant extracts resulted in superior antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria, e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacteria, e.g., Escherichia coli and Campylobacter jejuni. The materials were also tested for their antimicrobial activity against S. aureus under ultraviolet (UV) illumination. Also here, the photocatalyst prepared with plant extracts was found to be superior. The residues of the plant extract molecules on the surface of the catalyst were identified as the main cause of the observed differences, as proved by thermal gravimetry. Such a preparation using ethanolic extract of Fallopia japonica could serve as a more controlled synthesis of ZnO and potentially other metal oxides, with low environmental impact and high abundance in nature.
Published in DiRROS: 21.11.2022; Views: 413; Downloads: 196
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8. The Carniolan honeybee from Slovenia : a complete and annotated mitochondrial genome with comparisons to closely related Apis mellifera subspeciesAjda Moškrič, Andraž Marinč, Polonca Ferk, Branimir Leskošek, Mai-Britt Mosbech, Ignas Bunikis, Olga Vinnere Pettersson, Lucile Soler, Janez Prešern, original scientific article Abstract: The complete mitochondrial genome of the Carniolan honeybee (Apis mellifera carnica) from Slovenia, a homeland of this subspecies, was acquired in two contigs from WGS data and annotated. The newly obtained mitochondrial genome is a circular closed loop of 16,447 bp. It comprises 37 genes (13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes) and an AT-rich control region. The order of the tRNA genes resembles the order characteristic of A. mellifera. The mitogenomic sequence of A. m. carnica from Slovenia contains 44 uniquely coded sites in comparison to the closely related subspecies A. m. ligustica and to A. m. carnica from Austria. Furthermore, 24 differences were recognised in comparison between A. m. carnica and A. m. ligustica subspecies. Among them, there are three SNPs that affect translation in the nd2, nd4, and cox2 genes, respectively. The phylogenetic placement of A. m. carnica from Slovenia within C lineage deviates from the expected position and changes the perspective on relationship between C and O lineages. The results of this study represent a valuable addition to the information available in the phylogenomic studies of A. mellifera—a pollinator species of worldwide importance. Such genomic information is essential for this local subspecies’ conservation and preservation as well as its breeding and selection.
Keywords: western honeybee, Apis mellifera carnica, mitochondrial genome, phylogeny, C lineage, annotation, whole genome sequencing, protection, conservation
Published in DiRROS: 06.09.2022; Views: 494; Downloads: 178
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10. Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy : immune mechanisms of induced protection and toleranceAjda Demšar, Peter Korošec, Mitja Košnik, Mihaela Zidarn, Matija Rijavec, 2021, review article Abstract: Hymenoptera venom allergy is one of the most severe allergic diseases, with a considerable prevalence of anaphylactic reaction, making it potentially lethal. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and recent findings in understanding induced immune mechanisms during different phases of venom immunotherapy. We focus on protection mechanisms that occur early, during the build-up phase, and on the immune tolerance, which occurs later, during and after Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy. The short-term protection seems to be established by the early desensitization of mast cells and basophils, which plays a crucial role in preventing anaphylaxis during the build-up phase of treatment. The early generation of blocking IgG antibodies seems to be one of the main reasons for the lower activation of effector cells. Long-term tolerance is reached after at least three years of venom immunotherapy. A decrease in basophil responsiveness correlates with tolerated sting challenge. Furthermore, the persistent decline in IgE levels and, by monitoring the cytokine profiles, a shift from a Th2 to Th1 immune response, can be observed. In addition, the generation of regulatory T and B cells has proven to be essential for inducing allergen tolerance. Most studies on the mechanisms and effectiveness data have been obtained during venom immunotherapy (VIT). Despite the high success rate of VIT, allergen tolerance may not persist for a prolonged time. There is not much known about immune mechanisms that assure longterm tolerance post-therapy.
Keywords: allergy and immunology, hypersensitivity, immunotherapy, immune tolerance, venoms, Hymenoptera, Hymenoptera venom, short-term protection, long-term tolerance
Published in DiRROS: 16.08.2021; Views: 866; Downloads: 277
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