University of Zagreb

About: University of Zagreb is a education organization based out in Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & European union. The organization has 21769 authors who have published 50267 publications receiving 783239 citations. The organization is also known as: Zagreb University & Sveučilište u Zagrebu.

Natural deep eutectic solvents as beneficial extractants for enhancement of plant extracts bioactivity

Abstract: In the present study phenolic grape skin extracts were prepared by using five choline chloride based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) containing glucose, fructose, xylose, glycerol, malic acid and valorised by testing their biological activity in vitro using two human tumour cell lines (HeLa and MCF-7). Initially, used NADESs were investigated regard to their toxicity and low cytotoxicity of solvents was observed toward HeLa and MCF-7 cells (EC50 values > 2000 mg/L). Among used choline chloride based NADESs, the one containing malic acid showed the best performance concerning extraction efficiency (total phenolic and total anthocyanin were 91 and 24 mg/g dw), as well as antioxidant (ORAC values were 371 μmol TE/g dw) and antiproliferative activity (percentage of cell viability were about 20%). Herein, for the first time it was showed that NADES components could be chosen not only to fine-tune solvent physicochemical characteristics but also to enhance biological activity of extracts prepared in NADESs. Therefore, our research confirmed that NADESs are excellent and promising choice of solvents for sustainable and green extraction, which will lead to its novel application in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Spatial heterogeneity in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot affects barcoding accuracy of its freshwater fishes.

Abstract: Incomplete knowledge of biodiversity remains a stumbling block for conservation planning and even occurs within globally important Biodiversity Hotspots (BH). Although technical advances have boosted the power of molecular biodiversity assessments, the link between DNA sequences and species and the analytics to discriminate entities remain crucial. Here, we present an analysis of the first DNA barcode library for the freshwater fish fauna of the Mediterranean BH (526 spp.), with virtually complete species coverage (498 spp., 98% extant species). In order to build an identification system supporting conservation, we compared species determination by taxonomists to multiple clustering analyses of DNA barcodes for 3165 specimens. The congruence of barcode clusters with morphological determination was strongly dependent on the method of cluster delineation, but was highest with the general mixed Yule-coalescent (GMYC) model-based approach (83% of all species recovered as GMYC entity). Overall, genetic morphological discontinuities suggest the existence of up to 64 previously unrecognized candidate species. We found reduced identification accuracy when using the entire DNA-barcode database, compared with analyses on databases for individual river catchments. This scale effect has important implications for barcoding assessments and suggests that fairly simple identification pipelines provide sufficient resolution in local applications. We calculated Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered scores in order to identify candidate species for conservation priority and argue that the evolutionary content of barcode data can be used to detect priority species for future IUCN assessments. We show that large-scale barcoding inventories of complex biotas are feasible and contribute directly to the evaluation of conservation priorities.

Alemtuzumab more effective than interferon β-1a at 5-year follow-up of CAMMS223 Clinical Trial

Abstract: Objective To report the long-term safety and efficacy results from CAMMS223 comparing alemtuzumab with interferon β-1a in early, active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). What are the long-term effects of alemtuzumab treatment, received 36 to 48 months previously, on relapse and disability in early, active RRMS? This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of alemtuzumab in reducing the relapse rate and accumulation of disability compared with interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) through extended follow-up (up to 60 months from baseline). Methods Of 334 patients originally randomized, 198 participated in the extension phase (151 [68%] alemtuzumab and 47 [42%] IFNβ-1a). Disability, relapses, and safety were assessed as in the original study period. Efficacy outcomes were analyzed from baseline of the original trial period to 60 months. Safety data extended beyond 60 months. Results Over 5 years, alemtuzumab lowered the risk of sustained accumulation of disability by 72% and the rate of relapse by 69% compared with IFNβ-1a (both p Conclusions Through extended follow-up, alemtuzumab remained significantly more efficacious than IFNβ-1a, with a safety profile consistent with previous reports. Classification of evidence This study provides Class III evidence that alemtuzumab is more effective than interferon β-1a in reducing relapses and disability in patients with RRMS in a long-term follow-up of a rater-blinded, randomized clinical trial with 59.5% of patients participating in the extended follow-up period.