Human Milk-The Biofluid That Nourishes Infants from the First Day of Life.

Human milk is a biofluid with a unique composition among mammalian milks. Besides this milk's major components, its bioactive compounds, like hormones, immune factors, and oligosaccharides, are unique and important for infant growth and development. The best form of nutrition for term and preterm infants is the mother's own milk.

Evaluation of potential human health risks from exposure to volatile organic compounds in contaminated urban groundwater in the Sava river aquifer, Belgrade, Serbia.

The oil pollutant in the Sava River aquifer in the residential area of Belgrade, Serbia was investigated in order to analyze the extent, origin and spatial distribution of the pollution, with the aim to estimate potential human health risks from exposure to the compounds detected. Analytical methods indicated that the dominant compounds in this oil pollutant were gasoline range organic compounds. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) were identified as compounds of concern and quantified by headspace gas chromatography.

Study on the assessment of humification processes during biodegradation of heavy residual fuel oil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the creation of humic substances during biodegradation of heavy residual fuel oil, because there are indications that substances similar to humic substances are generated during biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In the study, which lasted for 110 days, biodegradation of heavy residual fuel oil was carried out in a layer of artificial soil substrate. The initial concentration of the total petroleum hydrocarbon in the prepared artificial soil substrate (biopile) was 23.

Correction to: pH control and the production of extracellular dextransucrase by Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

Unfortunately, M. M. Vrvić name has been published incorrectly in the original publication as M.

Investigation of potentially toxic elements in urban sediments in Belgrade, Serbia.

Concentrations of 10 potentially toxic trace elements were measured in soil samples collected from 18 sites in urban areas of Belgrade, the capital and the largest city in Serbia. Samples were analysed in order to assess the extent of soil contamination and to distinguish natural and anthropogenic input. The results demonstrated a general Zn, Pb, and Cd enrichment in surface samples, hence, after comparison with guidelines, it has been determined that there is a potential risk for human health.

High-quality draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa san ai, an environmental isolate resistant to heavy metals.

The strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa san ai, isolated from an extreme environment (industrial mineral cutting oil, pH 10), is able to survive and persist in the presence of a variety of pollutants such as heavy metals and organic chemicals. The genome of P. aeruginosa san ai is 6.

Production of levan by Bacillus licheniformis NS032 in sugar beet molasses-based medium.

The production of levan by Bacillus licheniformis NS032 in a medium based on sugar beet molasses was studied. High polysaccharide yields were produced by using diluted molasses (100-140 g/L of total sugars) with the addition of commercial sucrose up to 200 g/L of total sugars, as well as KHPO. A levan yield of 53.

Phytochemical, Free Radical Scavenging and Antifungal Profile of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. Seeds.

This work was conceptualized with the goal to investigate the phytochemical, free radical scavenging and antifungal profile of Cuscuta campestrisYunck. seeds. Total phenolics, amino acid and carbohydrate contents were evaluated in ethanolic, acetone and chloroform extract.

Potential of pure and mixed cultures of and for application in bioremediation and detergent industry.

The effect of ethoxylated oleyl-cetyl alcohol (Henkel, "Merima", Serbia) on the growth and metabolic activity of , and their mixed culture was in the focus of this paper. The cultures were grown in Czapek-Dox liquid nutrient medium with the addition of 0.5% pollutant and without it.

Cadmium specific proteomic responses of a highly resistant san ai.

san ai is a promising candidate for bioremediation of cadmium pollution, as it resists a high concentration of up to 7.2 mM of cadmium. Leaving biomass of san ai exposed to cadmium has a large biosorption potential, implying its capacity to extract heavy metal from contaminated medium.

Natural attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons-a study of biodegradation effects in groundwater (Vitanovac, Serbia).

The role of natural attenuation processes in groundwater contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons is of intense scientific and practical interest. This study provides insight into the biodegradation effects in groundwater at a site contaminated by kerosene (jet fuel) in 1993 (Vitanovac, Serbia). Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), hydrochemical indicators (O, NO, Mn, Fe, SO, HCO), δC of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and other parameters were measured to demonstrate biodegradation effects in groundwater at the contaminated site.

Electrochemical monitoring of the breast milk quality.

The electrochemical techniques were used to determine the total antioxidant capacity of breast milks and the results were compared with a commonly used spectrophotometric (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) method. Breast milk from mothers of preterm infants was monitored in three lactation phases and after storage of expressed milk by monitoring changes in the total antioxidant capacity over a two year period. Statistical analysis showed there was no significant difference between the ability of the three methods to detect changes in breast milk after storage.

Redox properties of transitional milk from mothers of preterm infants.

Aim: There is a discrepancy between the amount of transitional milk produced by mothers of preterm infants and the low capacity of premature infants to consume it. This milk can be used in milk banks, but previous studies found that there are large variations in the level of host-defence proteins in individual samples of milk from mothers of premature infants, which implies that large individual variations in antioxidative defence composition are also possible.

Methods: Milk samples were collected from 20 healthy mothers of preterm infants.

Determination of Microelements in Human Milk and Infant Formula Without Digestion by ICP-OES.

The concentrations of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) in both human milk and infant formula were determined using a new sample preparation method, by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectometry (ICP-OES) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Human milk samples were diluted in ultrapure water. The infant formula of powder samples (suitable for an infant 1-6 months of age) and standard reference material (SRM-1849) were analyzed in parallel.

Brachybacterium sp. CH-KOV3 isolated from an oil-polluted environment-a new producer of levan.

Various microorganisms isolated from polluted environments, such as Pseudomonas sp. and Micrococcus sp. can synthesize exopolysaccharides (EPSs) which are natural, non-toxic and biodegradable polymers.

Zinc concentrations in human milk and infant serum during the first six months of lactation.

Normal supply of zinc to the newborn via milk is essential for normal development. Using ICP-OES, we analyzed changes in the level of Zn in milk and infant serum in the neonatal period (Day 1 and Day 28 post partum) and at 6 months after delivery, in the cohort of 60 mothers and exclusively breastfed babies. Zn level in the serum showed increase (significant at 6 months) during this period (mg/mL): Day 1: 0.

Effect of the edaphic factors and metal content in soil on the diversity of Trichoderma spp.

Influence of edaphic factors and metal content on diversity of Trichoderma species at 14 different soil sampling locations, on two depths, was examined. Forty-one Trichoderma isolates from 14 sampling sites were determined as nine species based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Our results indicate that weakly alkaline soils are rich sources of Trichoderma strains.

Synthesis and characterization of a new type of levan-graft-polystyrene copolymer.

Novel macromolecular graft copolymers were synthesized by reaction of the hydroxyl groups of the microbial polysaccharide levan, produced using Bacillus licheniformis, with polystyrene (Lev-g-PS). Synthesis was performed by the free radical reaction using potassium persulfate (PPS) as initiator. The prepared copolymer was characterized by FTIR, SEM, TG/DTA, XRD and (13)C NMR.

Treatment of a mud pit by bioremediation.

The mud generated from oil and natural gas drilling, presents a considerable ecological problem. There are still insufficient remedies for the removal and minimization of these very stable emulsions. Existing technologies that are in use, more or less successfully, treat about 20% of generated waste drilling mud, while the rest is temporarily deposited in so-called mud pits.

Assessment of Ecological Risk of Heavy Metal Contamination in Coastal Municipalities of Montenegro.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in the soil samples of urban parks and playgrounds is very important for the evaluation of potential risks for residents, especially children. Until recently, there has been very little data about urban parks pollution in Montenegro. To evaluate the sources of potential contamination and concentration of heavy metals, soil samples from coastal urban parks and kindergartens of Montenegro were collected.

Interactions of the metal tolerant heterotrophic microorganisms and iron oxidizing autotrophic bacteria from sulphidic mine environment during bioleaching experiments.

Iron and sulfur oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic acidophilic bacteria, such as Acidithiobacillus species, hold the dominant role in mine environments characterized by low pH values and high concentrations of reduced sulfur and iron compounds, such as ores, rocks and acid drainage waters from mines. On the other hand, heterotrophic microorganisms, especially their biofilms, from these specific niches are receiving increased attention, but their potential eco-physiological roles have not been fully understood. Biofilms are considered a threat to human health, but biofilms also have beneficial properties as they are deployed in waste recycling and bioremediation systems.

Antioxidative Activity of Colostrum and Human Milk: Effects of Pasteurization and Storage.

Objectives: Milk banks collect, pasteurize, and freeze/store human milk. The processing may alter redox properties of milk, but the effects have not been fully examined.

Methods: We collected 10 mature milk and 10 colostrum samples and applied a battery of biochemical assays and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to inspect changes that milk undergoes with pasteurization and 30 days storage at -20°C.

Antioxidants of Edible Mushrooms.

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to a range of health disorders in humans. Our endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms and our dietary intake of antioxidants potentially regulate our oxidative homeostasis. Numerous synthetic antioxidants can effectively improve defense mechanisms, but because of their adverse toxic effects under certain conditions, preference is given to natural compounds.

Dropwort (Filipendula hexapetala Gilib.): potential role as antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of Filipendula hexapetala Gilib. aerial parts (FHA) and roots (FHR) and their potential in different model systems, as well as antimicrobial activity. According to this, a number of assays were employed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of F.

Nutraceutical properties of the methanolic extract of edible mushroom Cantharellus cibarius (Fries): primary mechanisms.

The methanolic extract of the wild edible mushroom Cantharellus cibarius Fr. (chanterelle) was analyzed for in vitro antioxidative, cytotoxic, antihypertensive and antibacterial activities. Various primary and secondary metabolites were found.