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У последње време све већи значај се поклања опрезној, или боље рећи разумној, паметној, рационалној или одговорној употреби антимикробних лекова у ветеринарској медицини. Ово из разлога, што се разумном или рационалном употребом ових лекова постиже не само већа ефикасност, већ и због тога што се минимизира изазивање и развој резистенције, али и да се (када су у питању животиње чији се производи користе за исхрану људи) обезбеди квалитетнија и безбеднија храна. Под разумном или рационалном употребом антимикробних лекова не сматра се само смањење њихове употребе, већ и одабир правог антимикробног лека, као и правог начина примене истог. У одабиру правог антимикробног лека (као што је познато) велику улогу има претходно утврђивање осетљивости изолованих микроорганизама. Када је познато на које антимикробне лекове је дотична бактерија осетљива, често постоји дилема који антимикробни лек сада узети, односно за који се определити од више њих. За доношење праве одлуке, неопходно је добро познавање и нежељених и токсичних ефеката, али и фармакодинамичких и фармакокинетичких својстава лекова који нам стоје на располагању. Другим речима, сваки колега који се нађе у оваквој прилици, мора истовремено водити рачуна и о ефикасности неког лека и његовим токсичним својствима, али и о разградњи и брзини излучивања из организма. Увек треба изабрати или дати предност оном леку који има задовољавајућу ефикасност и при томе да је мање токсичан, те да му је (када су у питању животиње чији се производи користе за исхрану људи) полувреме елиминације што краће. Из овог прозлази да ће сви они који брину о здравственом стању наших животиња (а нарочито оних чији се производи користе за исхрану људи), морати убудуће већу пажњу посветити (уколико већ нису) управо наведеним карактеристикама најважнијих лекова које свакодневно користе. Recently, more and more importance has been given to careful, or better said, prudent, reasonable, smart, rational or responsible use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary medicine. This is due to the fact that reasonable or rational use of these drugs achieves not only greater efficiency, but also because it minimizes the induction and development of resistance, but also to (when it comes to animals whose products are used for human consumption) provide better and safer food. Prudent or rational use of antimicrobial drugs means not only reducing their use, but also choosing the right antimicrobial drug, as well as the right way to apply it. Preliminary determination of the susceptibility of isolated microorganisms plays an important role in the selection of the right antimicrobial drug (as it is known). When it is known which antimicrobial drug the bacterium is sensitive to, there is often a dilemma as to which antimicrobial drug to take now, or which to be chosen by several of them. To make the right decision, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of both side and toxic effects, but also the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs available to us. In other words, every colleague who finds himself in such an opportunity, must at the same time take into account the effectiveness of a drug and its toxic properties, but also the degradation and rate of excretion from the body. One should always choose or give preference to the drug that has satisfactory efficacy and is less toxic, and that (in the case of animals whose products are used for human consumption) its elimination half-life is as short as possible. It follows that all those who care about the health of our animals (especially those whose products are used for human consumption), will have to pay more attention in the future (if not already) to the cited characteristics of the most important drugs which they use every day. Zbornik radova i kratkih sadržaja

Данас се за заштиту домаћих животиња, а нарочито кућних љубимаца од екто и ендопаразита, користе бројна антипаразитска средства. Нарочито је број нових антипаразитика на тржишту порастао у последње две до три деценије. Управо из тог разлога, сматра се да доктори ветеринарске медицине који свакодневно ове лекове прописују и/или их примењују морају боље познавати њихов начин деловања, индикације, нежељене и токсичне ефекте, као и могуће интеракције између самих њих или интеракцијама са другим лековима. Већина антипаразитских лекова има прихватљиву границу сигурности, тј. безбедни су. Међутим, неки од ових лекова могу изазвати веома значајне нежељене ефекте. Ризик од нежељених ефеката честоможе бити чак и већи када се лекови користе у комбинацији. Овај потенцијални проблем нарочито је присутан код кућних љубимаца. Иако држање кућних љубимаца може имати психичке, физичке и здравствене користи, треба имати у виду да ове животиње могу носити и многе ектопаразите, хелминте и протозое, које треба сузбијати и стално држати под контролом, да би се смањио ризик од могућих зооноза. Управо из тог разлога, постојала је и постоји стална потреба за развојем нових и ширег спектра антипаразитских лекова, али потреба и за комбинацијом ових лекова у лечењу паса и мачака. Поред тога што постоје већ добро познате безбедне комбинације има и оних које су контраиндиковане, јер нису безбедне. Циљ овог рада да се каже нешто више о могућим интеракцијама, а посебно оним које могу имати за последице и настајање акутних нежељених реакција након истовремене примене антипаразитских лекова или антипаразитских и других лекова. Today, numerous antiparasitic agents are used to protect domestic animals, and especially pets from ecto and endoparasites. In particular, the number of new antiparasitics on the market has increased in the last two to three decades. For this reason, it is considered that veterinarians who prescribe and / or use these drugs on a daily basis must know better their mode of action, indications, side effects and toxic effects, as well as possible interactions between them or interactions with other drugs. Most antiparasitic drugs have an acceptable safety margin, ie. they are safe. However, some of these drugs can cause very significant side effects. The risk of side effects can often be even higher when the drugs are used in combination. This potential problem is especially present in pets. Although keeping pets can have psychological, physical and health benefits, it should be borne in mind that these animals can also carry many ectoparasites, helminths and protozoa, which should be controlled and kept under control to reduce the risk of possible zoonoses. Precisely for that reason, there was and is a constant need for the development of new and wider spectrum of antiparasitic drugs, but there is also a need for a combination of these drugs in the treatment of dogs and cats. In addition to the fact that there are already well-known safe combinations, there are also those that are contraindicated, because they are not safe. The aim of this paper is to say something more about possible interactions, especially those that may have consequences and the occurrence of acute adverse reactions after concomitant use of antiparasitic drugs or antiparasitic and other drugs. Zbornik radova i kratkih sadržaja

Uporedo sa intenziviranjem stočarske proizvodnje i izuzetnim povećanjem produktivnosti kod životinja, neminovno se povećavao i broj primenjenih antimikrobnih lekova. Iako se na svim skupovima ukazuje na sve štete koje neracionalna primena ovih lekova nosi sa sobom, nažalost ona je i dalje prisutna. U veterinarskoj kliničkoj praksi, a naročito u živinarstvu i svinjarstvu, kao ključnim sektorima za proizvodnju namirnica animalnog porekla, upotreba antimikrobnih lekova je u nekim momentima bila narasla do nivoa, koji se mogu smatrati alarmantnm za zdravlje ljudi. Racionalna primena antimikrobnih lekova u veterinarskoj medicini je od višestrukog značaja. Korišćenjem svakog leka, samoonda kada je on zaista neophodan (indikovan), u pravoj dozi i na pravi način, ne samo da bi se smanjila potencijalna štetnost takvog leka po samu životinju, već bi i efikasnost njegove primene bila znatno veća. Drugim rečima, smanjio bi se broj rezistentnih mikroorganizama, a time i terapija bila efikasnija. Razvoj rezistencije bakterija na antimikrobne lekove, kao što su: tetraciklini, makrolidi i linkozamidi, streptogramini, β-laktamini, aminoglikozidi, sulfonamidi, trimetoprim, fluorohino- loni, hloramfenikol i florfenikol može nastati usled enzimske inaktivacije, smanjene intracelularne penetracije i akumulacije leka, modifikacije/zaštite/zamene ciljnih mesta delovanja, kao i promene metaboličkih puteva. U ovom procesu učestvuju i imaju značaj u prenošenju rezistencije mobilni genetski elementi, koji nose odgovarajuće gene rezistencije, kao što su plazmidi, transpozoni i integroni, kao i procesi konjugacije, mobilizacije, transdukcije, i transformacije. Along with the intensification of livestock production and the extraordinary increase in productivity in animals, the number of applied antimicrobial drugs inevitably increased. Although all gatherings point out all the harms that irrational use of these drugs brings, unfortunately, it is still present. In veterinary clinical practice, and especially in poultry and pig farming, as key sectors for the production of food of animal origin, the use of antimicrobial drugs has at some point increased to levels that can be considered alarming for human health. Rational use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary medicine is of multiple importance. By using each drug, only when it is really necessary (indicated), in the right dose and in the right way, not only would the potential harm of such a drug to the animal itself be reduced, but its effectiveness would be significantly higher. In other words, the number of resistant microorganisms would be reduced, and thus the therapy would be more efficient. Development of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs, such as: tetracyclines, macrolides and lincosamides, streptogramins, β-lactams, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol and florfenicol may occur due to enzyme inactivation, reduced intracellular penetration and accumulation of the drug, modification/protection/replacement of target sites of action, as well as changes in metabolic pathways. Mobile genetic elements, which carry the corresponding resistance genes, such as plasmids, transposons and integrons, as well as the processes of conjugation, mobilization, transduction, and transformation, participate in this process and are important in the transmission of resistance. Zbornik radova i kratkih sadržaja

The Labin city area is a locality where local Raša coal had been mined at six localities from the 17th century until the late 1990s, while significant quantities of that coal were used in a local coal-fired power plant during the period from 1970-2000. Raša coal belongs to a class of superhigh-organic-sulfur coal, as it contains high levels of sulfur and selenium which is the reason for conducting previous ecotoxicological studies. Selenium is of a great concern as it is characterised by a narrow range between dietary essentiality and toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of Se and some trace metals (iron, copper, arsenic, cadmium and lead) in different tissues of wild pigeons (Columba livia) collected within the vicinity of the mentioned industrial areas and to compare them with those originating from an uncontaminated area. Element analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The average values of Se in muscle, liver, kidney and brain of birds were 0.344, 0.575, 1.011 and 0.233 mg/kg fresh weight (f.w.), respectively. Only values measured in muscle tissue were significantly higher in pigeons from the area in comparison to those from the uncontaminated area. Still, these values were below the maximum levels permitted in food (55 - 100µg/kg). These results are consistent with the increased concentration of selenium in soil, water and vegetables from the study area, which means that wild pigeons are good biomarkers and can provide additional insight into the environment in which they live.

Selenium (Se), an essential trace element that is toxic when humans and animals are exposed to it in excess, is ubiquitous in coal. For centuries, superhigh-organic-sulfur (SHOS) Raša coal, enriched in S, Se, U, V, and Mo, was mined and processed across the Mediterranean Raša Bay area, located in the Istrian peninsula (northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). There is a concern that Raša coal mine water is contaminating local water, soil, and crops. The aim of this monitoring study was to determine levels of Se and selected potentially toxic trace (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mo, Pb, U, V, and Zn), and minor (Fe and Mn) elements in Raša coal mine water, surface water, and associated vegetables, one fruit, and wild plants. Levels of Se in coal mine water were increased (up to 12 µg/L) compared to a maximum allowed water Se (10 µg/L). Compared to an EU average soil Se (1.15 mg/kg), Raša garden soil showed a 5-fold increase in Se. Compared to Croatian and Greek vegetable Se levels (low to normal), Raša vegetables showed 20-fold, and a 50-fold increase in Se, respectively. Although approximative only, estimates of daily intake (EDI) of Se for mixed Raša vegetables (n = 21) showed a high level (0.055 mg/day). Namely, recommended dietary allowances (RDA) of Se for females and males are 0.055 mg/day, and 0.070 mg/day, respectively. The EDI values of the analyzed vegetables contributed to averaged RDA levels as follows: garlic (183%), turnip (154%), parsley (147%), onion and gourd (76%), lettuce (74%), kale (62%), radicchio (51%), and potato (20%). Although the calculated EDI for the analyzed Raša vegetables was 1/8 the toxic dose (>0.4 mg/day), these results call for further research on dietary and nutritional status of the residents in terms of Se.

Poznato je da su brojni pesticidi kroz istoriju imali veliki značaj u zaštiti zdravlja ljudi i životinja. Oni su suzbijanjem i uništavanjem, kako uzročnika, tako i prenosilaca bolesti spasli milione života i isto tako, znatno uvećali prinose poljoprivrednih kultura. Međutim, poslednjnih godina čovek postaje sve svesniji da njegova okolina iz dana u dan postaje sve više zagađena hemikalijama koje mogu delovati štetno, kako na samog čoveka, tako i na životinje i biljke. Među ovim hemikalijama značajno mesto zauzima¬ju pesticidi. Neki od njih su zbog svojih toksičnih efekata (organohlorni insekticidi) već povučeni iz upotrebe, a slična sudbina čeka i neke druge pecticide, a pre svega one, koji su organofosforne građe. Odavno je poznato da su mnoge hemikalije toksične za ribe, od kojih posebno tre¬ba spomenuti amonijak, fenole, cijanide i soli nekih teških metala. Takođe i druge hemi¬kalije, koje su se ranije koristile ili se još uvek koriste kao pesticidi, kao što su: olovni-ar¬senat, bakar-sulfat, natrijum-arsenit, natrijum-cijanid, organohlorni insekticidi, orga¬nofosforni insekticidi, karbamati, piretroidi i fenolne smeše su takođe toksični za ribe. Pored ovih su i prirodna organska jedinjenja dobijena iz biljaka, kao što su buhač, deris i duvan, široko korišćena kao insekticidi. Iz buhača, odnosno cveta ove biljke (Chrysan¬themum cinerariaefolium treviranus) izolovano je više jedinjenja (piretrini) sa insekti¬cidnim delovanjem, za koje je poznato da su visoko toksični za ribe. Biljke rodova Derris ili Lonchocarpus sadrže aktivnu supstanciju rotenon, koja je ekstremno toksična za ribe i od davnina je poznata kao otrov za ribe. Ribe su takođe podložne štetnom delovanju cigareta. Nikotin, aktivni sastojak biljke Nicotiana tobacum, je toksičan za većinu riba. Naime, nikotin i druge toksične supstancije iz dima cigarete, se lako rastvaraju u vodi, pa tako i male količine mogu biti veoma štetne, pa čak i smrtonosne za ribu. Cilj ovog rada je da se iznošenjem najvažnijih podataka o toksičnom delovanju pe¬sticida na ribe, bar delom smanji broj trovanja ovih životinja raznim pesticidima, a time i zagađenje životne sredine. Zbornik radova i kratkih sadržaja

Florfenikol je sintetski antibiotik iz grupe amfenikola. On je strukturni analog, odnosno fluorirani derivat tiamfenikola, u kojem je hidroksilna grupa na položaju C3 zamenjena fluorom. Za razliku od hloramfenikola, florfenikol je manje osetljiv na acetil-transferazu i ne uzrokuje ireverzibilni oblik aplastične anemije. Upravo iz tog razloga florfenikol se može koristiti i za lečenje bolesti kod životinja čiji se proizvodi koriste za ishranu ljudi. Florfenikol se koristi isključivo u veterinarskoj medicini, i u istu je uveden krajem dvadesetog veka. U Evropskoj uniji je odobren za primenu kod goveda, ovaca, svinja i živine. Najpre je počeo da se koristi (u obliku injekcija) za lečenje respiratornih infekcija kod goveda, a potom ovaca i svinja, a kasnije je odobren (u obliku oralnih rastvora ili dodavanja u hranu) i za lečenje infekcija kod živine i svinja. Florfenikol je bakteriostatski antibiotik sa širokim spektrom antibakterijskog delovanja. Za razliku od tiamfenikola (čiji je derivat), florfenikol ima širi spektar i mnogo jače antibakterijsko delovanje. Florfenikol deluje i na bakterije koje su razvile rezistenciju na hloramfenikol, odnosno na bakterije koje luče enzim hloramfenikol-acetiltransferazu. Za razliku od hloramfenikola, florfenikol je manje toksičan i samim tim bezbedniji, pa se može koristiti i kod životinja čiji se proizvodi koriste za ishranu ljudi. Zbornik radova i kratkih sadržaja

Nastavno prethodnim radovima u kojima su opisana otrovanja pasa i mačaka hranom i dodatcima hrani: čokoladom, kavom, grožđem, lukom i oraščićima makadamije te ksilitolom i solju u ovom su radu opisana otrovanja sredstvima koja izazivaju ovisnost odnosno nekim depresorima središnjeg živčanog sustava: marihuanom, opioidima, „klupskim“ drogama - flunitrazepam i gamahidroksibutirat (GHB). Ilegalni lijekovi ili zloporabne droge su vrlo čest uzrok otrovanja kućnih ljubimaca od kojih su psi najprijemljiviji. Otrovanje nastaje zbog slučajne ingestije, krivog doziranja, ali i zlonamjernih trovanja. Ingestija zloporabnih droga predstavlja dijagnostički, često i etički izazov veterinarima kliničarima, a vlasnici vrlo često nisu uopće svjesni čemu je životinja bila izložena. U ovom radu opisani su toksični učinci najčešćih depresora središnjeg živčanog sustava u kontekstu veterinarske toksikologije - izvori otrovanja, toksičnost, toksikokinetika, mehanizam toksičnog djelovanja, klinički znakovi otrovanja, dijagnostika i liječenje otrovanih životinja. Cilj ovog rada je detaljan opis najčešćih lijekova koji se zloupotrebljuju, klinički protokol te terapija otrovanih životinja u svrhu informiranja vlasnika životinja u smislu preventivnog djelovanja i izbjegavanja rizika kontakta životinja s navedenim lijekovima.

Based on previous research on the remediating effects of zeolites on the environment, i.e. their high affinity towards heavy metals, the aim of this project is to determine efficacy of synthesized zeolites, along the phytoremediation strategy, in terms of remediation of Labin soil adversely affected by coal and ash. For this purpose, synthesized zeolites, produced in Zeochem d.o.o. (Zvornik) and Alumina d.o.o. (Zvornik), along phytoremediation plants will be applied on soil samples collected from Labin city area.

Mining, processing and combustion of coal are potential sources of selenium and many trace metals which are being emitted into the surficial environment. There is an increasing concern about their effects on humans and animals consuming vegetables grown on land contaminated with coal and ash. One such locality is a Mediterranean Labin city area (east coast of the Istrian Peninsula, North Adriatic, Croatia). It has been a major source of the electricity production in Croatia since the early 20th century. Local Raša coal seams had been mined at six localities around Labin from the 17th century till late 1990s, while significant quantities of that coal were used in a local coal-fired power plant during the period 1970-2000. Raša coal is a one-of-a-kind coal, belonging to a class of superhigh- organic-sulfur coal (SHOS), as it contains exceptionally high levels of sulfur (up to 11- 14%) ; it is present in organic form, while it usually exists in inorganic mineral form in coal. Also, it is characterised by increased levels of selenium, up to 150 mg/kg, while its ash was found to have up to 70 mg/kg Se. This element is of a great concern as it is characterized by a narrow range between dietary essentiality and toxicity for life forms. Herewith, the Labin city area is a significant hotspot in terms of possible threat to local animal and people’s communities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of Se and potentially toxic trace metals in following vegetables: kale, lettuce, beet, zucchini, potato and a fruit Japanese apple (Diospyros kaki Linn.). Samples were collected within a vicinity of industrial areas of an old coal-mining Krapan town, and a former coal separation Štalije unit. Prior to acid digestion, edible parts were washed with tap and distilled water, and rinsed with deionized water. Element analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma instrument with mass detector Agilent ICP-MS system Model 7900, and data were expressed on fresh weight (µg/kg f.w.). The average values of analysed elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Pb) in the vegetable and fruit samples were as follows: 1420.3, 8499.5, 142865.7, 1985.0, 4367.2, 79.2, 214.6, 292.1, 28.9, and 272.7 µg/kg f.w., respectively. Average values of Cr, Fe, and Pb in analysed items were found to be elevated compared to the Croatian legislatively prescribed values. Although Se values were increased compared to the World relevant published levels, calculated Se levels were below the allowed daily intake doses in terms of food consumption. Herewith, the results of this study call for further research.

Među najčešća otrovanja kućnih ljubimaca spadaju otrovanja humanim lijekovima i onima koji se izdaju bez recepta, veterinarskim lijekovima, insekticidima, rodenticidima, kemikalijama koje se koriste u kućanstvima, gnojivom i kućnim biljkama, a vrlo važna su i otrovanja hranom za ljude koja može biti otrovna za pse i mačke. Različita hrana koja nije štetna za ljude ili je štetna samo u velikim količinama, može prouzročiti teška otrovanja ili čak uginuće životinja. Vlasnici životinja često nisu svjesni te činjenice i nehotice ih mogu hraniti potencijalno toksičnim tvarima, vjerujući da ono što nije štetno za njih ne može biti štetno niti za njihove ljubimce. Važan izvor informacija o otrovanjima pasa i mačaka su periodična izvješća centara za hitnu pomoć pri otrovanju kućnih ljubimaca, iz brojnih zemalja. Nastavno prethodnom radu u kojem su opisana otrovanja čokoladom, kavom, grožđem i grožđicama, koja su najčešća otrovanja hranom, u ovom radu opisana su otrovanja pasa i mačaka oraščićima makadamije, lukom i češnjakom, tj. biljkama iz roda Allium, koji se isto tako ubrajaju u 10 najznačajnijih namirnica toksičnih za kućne ljubimce. Osim mogućih izvora otrovanja, opisani su mehanizmi toksičnog djelovanja i toksične doze, znaci otrovanja te preporučeni postupci s otrovanom životinjom. Znaci otrovanja pasa oriščićima makadamije javljaju se do 12 sati nakon ingestije, a karakterističan simptom otrovanja je slabost i nemoć koja je jače izražena u stražnjim nogama. Otrovane životinje se uglavnom potpuno oporave za dva dana bez liječenja. Klinički znaci otrovanja pasa i mačaka lukom razviju se 24 sata od ingestije ili nekoliko dana kasnije, ovisno o količini pojedenog luka. Najčešći klinički znaci najprije su povraćanje, proljev, bol u trbuhu, gubitak apetita i depresija te razvoj anemije posljedica koje su blijede sluznice, slabost, ubrzano disanje, ubrzan rad srca. Žutica i tamna mokraća (crvenkasta ili smeđa posljedica su methemoglobinemije i hemoglobinurije. Cilj ovog rada je informirati veterinare i vlasnike životinja o potencijalno toksičnim tvarima za kućne ljubimce kako bi mogli djelovati preventivno i izbjeći rizik od otrovanja uklanjanjem tih tvari iz prehrane i spremanjem na mjesta koja im nisu dostupna., Pet poisoning is most common with human drugs and over-the-counter drugs, veterinary drugs, insecticides, rodenticides, household chemicals, fertilizers and houseplants. Another important source is poisoning with human foods that may be toxic for dogs and cats. Different foods that are not harmful to humans or that are harmful only in large quantities can cause severe poisoning or even death of animals. Animal owners are often unaware of this fact and inadvertently may keep potentially toxic substances, believing that what is not harmful to them cannot be harmful to their pets. Important sources of information on poisoning of dogs and cats are the periodical reports of emergency centres for pet poisoning from many countries. As a follow-up to a previous study that described poisoning with chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, as the most common sources of food poisoning, this paper describes the poisoning of dogs and cats with macadamia nuts, onions and garlic, i.e. plants of the genus Allium, which are among the 10 most toxic foods for pets. Apart from possible sources of poisoning, we describe the mechanisms of toxicity and the toxic dose, signs of poisoning, and recommended treatment of the poisoned animals. Signs of poisoning with macadamia nuts in may occur up to 12 hours after ingestion, and a characteristic symptom is weakness which is more pronounced in the hind legs. Poisoned animals generally recover completely within two days without treatment. Clinical signs of poisoning with onions in dogs and cats develops within 24 hours of ingestion or a few days later, depending on the amount eaten. The most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and depression, as well as the development of anaemia resulting in pale mucous membranes, weakness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat. Jaundice and dark urine (reddish or brown) are the result of methemoglobinemia and haemoglobinuria. The aim of this paper is to raise awareness about potentially toxic substances for pets among veterinarians and animal owners, so they can act preventively, by avoiding their consumption or storage in places accessible to pets.

Clinically relevant salivary inflammatory indicators of gingivitis that have a role in diagnostics, therapy, and prognosis must have the ability of disease classification and treatment follow-up. To this date, no research has been conducted that could determine if salivary enzymatic activity and urea level in dogs can serve as a diagnostic tool for gingivitis. The aim of this study was to measure the activity of salivary enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as urea in saliva between groups of dogs assigned according to the presence of gingival inflammation. The study was conducted on 20 otherwise healthy dogs that were divided into two groups according to the clinical presence (G+) or absence of gingivitis (G0, control group). The activity of enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, and level of urea in saliva was determined using VetTest® Chemistry Analyzer (Idexx, USA). In G+ group we determined significantly higher activity of enzymes (mean ± SD) (U/L): ALT (630, 3 ± 178, 9) (P < 0, 01), AST (544, 8 ± 285) (P < 0, 001), and ALP (62 ± 33, 74) (P < 0, 05) in comparison to G0 group: ALT (296, 2 ± 297, 3), AST (150, 6 ± 230, 2) and ALP (40, 91 ± 21, 79). On the other hand, the level of urea in saliva (mean ± SD) (mmol/L) did not differ significantly between two groups (P = 0, 699) ; (G0 = 1, 895 ± 1, 35 ; G+ = 1, 167 ± 0, 626). The results of this preliminary study imply that activity of salivary enzymes ALT, AST, and ALP in dogs could serve as a potential diagnostic tool for gingivitis of dogs. Nevertheless, we have to take into account the great variability of salivary enzyme levels as well as their activity being susceptible to reflect other pathologies what could classify them as non-specific indicators that cannot serve as a precise diagnostic method. Further research is warranted to confirm the reliability of these parameters for the screening of gingivitis as well as other periodontal pathologies in dogs.

BFRs (brominated flame retardants) have been used as flame retardants for the last 60 years, but their negative effects on animals and possibly humans have been observed only in the last 20 years, as this is when they began to be the subject of more intense studies. They can migrate out of products to which they are added and enter the environment ; consequently they have been detected in a variety of samples, including the atmosphere, lake and sea sediments, human and pet (dogs, cats) serum and food, cow fat and milk, moos liver, arctic fox and polar bear adipose tissue, bald eagles and herring gull eggs. The widespread presence of flame retardants in the indoor environment makes domestic pets, who share human environment and even food, a perfect indicator for biomonitoring studies. Among BFRs, the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have received the most attention. We measured the concentrations of some PBDE congeners (BDE 28, BDE 47, BDE 66, BDE 100, BDE 99, BDE 85, BDE 154, BDE 153, and BDE 183) in the serum of 20 obese and 20 normal house dogs. We found no statistical difference between the concentrations of all PBDE congeners in both groups of dogs. Average values were 0.0190±0.0302 ng g-1 and 0.0112±0.0091 ng g-1, respectively. BDE 47 and BDE 99 were the predominant congeners in both groups of dogs.

During a period of eleven years (2004-2015), as part of comprehensive monitoring of mercury levels in the vicinity of the natural gas production and treatment plant CPS Molve, biological samples from cows from households in the village of Molve were collected. The samples of milk, blood, urine, faeces, and hair from three cows were taken on ten occasions and analysed for total mercury concentration. Due to the implementation of a new analytical method in 2009, the results are presented separately for the samples collected 2004-2008 (analysed by CV-AAS) and for the samples collected 2010- 2015 (analysed by AMA254). Median mercury concentrations in milk, blood, urine (μg ml-1), faeces (μg g-1 on wet weight basis), and hair (μg g-1) in 2004-2008 monitoring were 0.001, 0.001-0.009, 0.001-0.002, 0.001- 0.041, 0.001- 0.049 and in 2010-2015 0.00001-0.0031, 0.00002- 0.0002, 0.00002-0.0019, 0.0027-0.0075, 0.0024- 0.015, respectively. The highest concentrations of mercury were found in hair and faeces, and the lowest in the blood of tested animals, which corresponds to the toxicokinetics of inorganic mercury after long term exposure to normal ambient air concentrations. Generally, the measured concentrations are very low and below the formerly prescribed maximum permitted concentration of mercury in milk. Also, they do not represent a danger to the health of the people and cows that live in the area potentially contaminated with mercury due to natural gas production.

Samples

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in the livers, kidneys and muscles of 15 bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and two striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) dolphins, stranded dead along the Croatian Adriatic coast from 1990 to 1999. Cd concentrations (μg/g wet weight (w.w.)) ranged from 0.004 to 0.670 in muscle, from 0.004 to 1.842 in kidney and from 0.004 to 2.548 in liver tissues. Similarly, total Pb concentrations (μg/g w.w.) ranged from 0.01 to 0.46 in muscles, from 0.01 to 0.95 in kidneys and from 0.01 to 2.38 in livers. Cd and Pb concentrations revealed no signifi cant differences between adults (n = 10 ; >6 years) and juveniles (n = 7 ; liver>muscle, which is a typical Cd distribution pattern. Signifi cant positive correlations of Cd concentrations were found between livers and kidneys (r = 0.63, P = 0.015), and livers and muscles (r = 0.74, P = 0.0008). Furthermore, a signifi cant positive correlation of Pb concentrations was determined between kidneys and muscles (r = 0.75, P = 0.001), opposite to the signifi cant negative correlation between liver and muscle Pb concentrations (r = -0.66, P = 0.004). Our study reports the Cd and Pb concentrations in tissues of the most abundant delphinid species in the Adriatic Sea, sampled over a 10-year period. These data are required for future studies on toxic metal accumulations and their dynamics in Adriatic dolphins and in the Adriatic environment.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus was mixed in the trout diet with peptone water to attain two diet groups with concentrations of 107 (G1) and 108 CFU (G2). The G3 group was fed with feed sprayed only with peptone water. Fish were fed for six weeks and sampled at the beginning and end of the trial, and three weeks after the feeding trial. Before the trial, fish had no detectable lactic acid bacteria in the intestines nor in the fecal contents. The numbers of viable lactobacilli from fecal contents increased in G1 and G2 from below detection limits (

We investigated the effect of stabile gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, M.W. 1419), an original antiulcer peptide studied in inflammatory bowel disease and now multiple sclerosis clinical trials (LD-1 not achieved, no side effects reported), in methamphetamine (METH)- induced neurotoxicity, representing an animal model of monoamine disruption. METH dose of 40 mg/kg b.w. (s.c.) was administered to Wistar rats 24 h prior to random assignment to control (saline, 1 ml/200 g b.w., i.p.) or BPC 157 (10 µg/kg, i.p.) group. Rats were monitored (phenotype, locomotor activity) for 7 days and histopathological analysis of striata was performed. All animals had neurodegenerative phenotype, but these traits became more pronounced in controls compared to BPC 157 rats. Gradual decline in locomotor activity in BPC 157 rats was similar to behavior of healthy rats, while there was a marked hyperactivity in controls 7 days after METH administration. A higher number of red neurons counted in control rat striata and significantly higher number of normal-appearing neurons in BPC 157 rats imply its beneficial effect on striatum. Therefore, we propose BPC 157as a potential therapeutic agent in monoamine disorders.

Određena hrana koju ljudi uobičajeno i sigurno konzumiraju, može biti štetna za kućne ljubimce te čak uzrokovati njihovo uginuće. U ovom radu opisana su otrovanja čokoladom, kavom, grožđem i grožđicama: njihovi mehanizmi toksičnog djelovanja te preporučeni postupci s otrovanom životinjom. Cilj ovog rada je informirati veterinare i vlasnike životinja o potencijalno toksičnim tvarima za kućne ljubimce kako bi mogli djelovati preventivno i izbjeći rizik od otrovanja uklanjanjem tih tvari iz prehrane i spremanja na mjesta koja im nisu dostupna.

In the last two decades (1990-2012), as part of a comprehensive monitoring of the eco-system, earthworms were collected from four locations in the vicinity of the natural gas production and treatment plant Molve, Croatia. Their tissues were analyzed for total mercury concentration by cold vapour AAS. The range of the median mercury concentration values (wet weight) in earthworms were 0.004-0.283, 0.013-0.260, 0.005-0.317 and 0.009-0.191 μg/g for Molve 9, Molve 10, Molve 11 and Molve 12 location, respectively. Although the results of mercury measurements in earthworm tissues from different locations vary in a wide range of values, integrated results of all measurements during last twenty years period demonstrate small but constant decline in concentration values, especially after the year 2004. Comparing our results with results published in available data from Europe and some areas of Croatian on mercury concentration in earthworms it can be concluded that area investigated in this research belongs to moderately mercury contaminated region. Nevertheless, further eco-monitoring and mercury measurements in various biological samples are important for more complete interpretation of results and will be continued.

Cilj ovog rada bio je procjeniti stupanj kontaminacije divljih svinja iz nizinske Hrvatske teškim metalima (kadmijem, olovom i živom) te istražiti odnos iste kontaminacije i oksidacijskog stresa u njihovim tkivima kako bi se procijenila mogućnost korištenja malondialdehida (MDA) kao biomarkera kontaminacije, što osim značenja u ekotoksikologiji može ima značaj u procjeni higjenske ispravnosti namirnica životinjskog porijekla. U radu su mjerene koncentracije kadmija, žive, olova i malondialdehida (MDA) u tkivima bubrega, jetre i mišića divljih svinja. Koncentracija žive je mjerena u živinom analizatoru AMA 254 (LECO, USA) nakon vlažne digestije u zatvorenom sustavu, koncentracije olova i kadmija su odreñivane atomskim apsorpcijskim spektrometrom Perkin Elmer Analyst 600 (Shelton, SAD), dok su koncentracije MDA izmjerene metodom tekućinske kromatografije visoke djelotvornosti na TSP-130 sustavu (Thermo Separation Products, Inc, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, SAD). U bubrezima je izmjerena najviša koncentracija kadmija, u jetri najviša koncentracija olova i MDA, dok su koncentracije žive u tkivima bila relativno niske. Izmjerene koncentracije kadmija su više u odnosu na europske divlje svinje, koncentracije olova su približno jednake, dok su izmjerene koncentracije žive znatno niže nego u europskih divljih svinja. U tkivima gdje imamo veće odlaganje spomenutih metala, izmjerene su više koncentracije MDA (jetra, bubreg) u odnosu na mišiće. Uočeno je da je korelacija koncentracije MDA sa koncentracijama teških metala u tkivima mladih životinja (1 do 3 godine starosti) veća u odnosu na tkiva starih životinja (5 do 6 godina). Dokazana je statistički značajna povezanost koncentracije MDA sa koncentracijama kadmija u burezima svih divljih svinja i sa koncentracijama olova u bubrezima mladih divljih svinja. Što se tiče higijenske ispravnosti mišićnog tkiva divljih svinja, u petini uzoraka koncentracije olova i kadmija su bile iznad koncentracija propisanih Pravilnikom. U polovini uzoraka jetre su utvrđene koncentracije kadmija iznad propisanih Pravilnikom, dok je koncentracija olova u petini uzoraka bila iznad najviše dopuštene količine (NDK). U svim uzorcima bubrega utvrđene su koncentracije kadmija iznad najviše dopuštene količine Pravilnikom, dok je koncentracija olova u samo dva uzorka bila iznad NDK.

Organofosfati i karbamati su sintetski spojevi koji se rabe kao pesticidi u poljoprivrednoj industriji i domaćinstvima. U veterinarskoj se medicini rabe kao antiparazitici. Njihova je toksičnost posljedica inhibicije enzima acetilkolinesteraze koja fiziološki hidrolizira neurotransmitor acetilkolin na sinapsama živčanog tkiva i živčano-mišićnih spojeva te efektornih organa i žlijezda. Klinički se znakovi mogu podijeliti na lokalne i sistemske ili, prema učinku na receptorima, na muskarinske, nikotinske i centralne. Simptomi variraju od blagih (slinjenje, tremor) do ozbiljnih (konvulzije, napadaji, paraliza, smrt). Liječenje se temelji na simptomatskom liječenju i primjeni antidota. Antidoti za otrovanje antikolinesterazama su atropin i oksimi (samo za organofosfate).

Escherichia coli strain expressing F18 fimbriae has been suggested to possess lower capability of stimulation of immune responses in weaned pigs than F4+ E. coli strain. In order to overcome this problem, we used levamisole as a candidate mucosal adjuvant for experimental F18ac+ E. coli oral vaccine. We hypothesized that levamisole may exert its adjuvant activity in weaned pigs vaccinated with experimental F18+ E. coli oral vaccine by triggering immune effector sites of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), such as mesenteric lymph node (MLN). Therefore, flow cytometry was used to analyze CD25, SWC7, and SWC9 activation antigens expression on the surfaces of MLN and spleen T cells, B cells and macrophages, respectively, isolated from levamisole-primed F18ac+ non-enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)-vaccinated (N = 5) or sham-vaccinated (N = 5) challenge-inoculated weaned pigs. Our results have shown that levamisole synergizes experimental F18ac+ E. coli oral vaccine in stimulating activation of CD25+ T cells, SWC7+ B cells, and SWC9+ macrophages preferentially in the MLN of challenged weaned pigs.

On 19 April 2010 in the hunting ground adjacent to the Velebit Nature Park near natural water hole the jackal (Canis aureus) corpse was found, and the day later a dead European brown bear at a distance of 200 m was found as well (coordinates: X 5545067, Y 4906858). There were no visible injuries on bear carcass ; only on the front legs the vomited watery content was found. On three spots near the water found were baits consisting of meat, bones, and dark blue compact granules, which indicated that they were placed after the last rain, or a maximum of 6 days ago. On April 21 the veterinarian from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Zagreb accompanied by police officers visited the site. Veterinarian performed autopsy and found a bloating corpse, moderate autolysis and congestion of organs. Liver and kidney tissue samples and entire ligated stomach were taken. All baits found along the water hole were collected too. Frozen tissue samples and baits were sent to the police forensic laboratory. In the stomach a small amount of liquid bluish content was found. By the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) the presence of carbofuran (insecticide from the carbamate group) was determined in the stomach content and in the baits. In kidney and liver tissue the presence of the carbofuran was proven by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with mean measured concentrations of 2.695 and 12.650 ppm, respectively. Based on the findings of high concentrations of carbofuran in liver and kidney tissue, a short distance between baits along the water hole and the place where the corpse was found, with certainty we claim the animal was per acutely poisoned by this compound. This is the first proven record of a poisoned bear in Croatia, although the bait was probably not targeted to bears.

Cilj rada bio je utvrditi stupanj zagađenja kadmijem (Cd) srneće divljači, koja je zbog geografske rasprostranjenosti, rezidencijalnog načina života, načina prehrane (čisti biljožder) i relativno dugog životnog vijeka dobar indikator zagađenja određenog područaja. Koncentracija Cd utvrđena je u mišićnom (n = 36), jeternom (n = 36) i bubrežnom tkivu (n = 38) odrasle srneće divljači s područja nizinske Hrvatske (Podravina, Posavina, Pokuplje, istočna Slavonija) metodom AAS. Uzorci su prikupljani u razdoblju redovnog odstrela od 1990. do 2008. godine. Izračunata je medijana koncentracija Cd, a rezultati su izraženi u &micro ; g/g vlažne težine tkiva. Medijana koncentracija Cd u mišićnom tkivu srna bila je 0, 008 &micro ; g/g (raspon 0, 002– 0, 070) ; u jetrenom tkivu 0, 401 &micro ; g/g (raspon 0, 015– 2, 306) i u bubrežnom tkivu 3, 062 &micro ; g/g (raspon 0, 223– 27, 686). Najmanje zagađeno tkivo bilo je mišićno, slijedi jetreno, dok su u bubrezima utvrđene relativno visoke koncentracije Cd. Tri uzorka mišićnog tkiva (8, 3%) sadržavalo je Cd u koncentracijama iznad najviših dopuštenih količina (NDK) propisanih važećim zakonskim aktima (0.05 &micro ; g/g), u slučaju jetre taj broj je iznosio 12 (33, 3 %) NDK - 0.5 &micro ; g/g, dok je velika većina uzoraka bubrežnog tkiva, njih 34 (89, 5 %) prelazila NDK za bubreg koji iznosi 1.0 &micro ; g/g. S obzirom na navedene rezultate može se preporučiti da se unutarnji organi srneće divljači, naročito bubrezi ne koriste za ljudsku ishranu. Pretpostavljamo da je Cd u tkivima dijelom prirodnog, a dijelom antropogenog porijekla.

This paper presents a part of results of mercury concentration measurements in hares tissues collected in the wider area around natural gas production and processing plant.

Results presented are part of the first going on comprehensive investigation on the toxic heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd) contamination in game animals in Croatia. During regular hunting procedures samples (muscle, liver, kidney) of wild boar of 3 different age groups (piglets, < 1 year, n = 17 ; middle-aged animals, around 2 years, n =12 ; adults, >3 years, n =11) from the low land area of Croatia were collected. Concentrations of metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry and are expressed in &micro ; ; g/g wet weight. Statistical evaluation of results was made by calculating medians and mean values to enable further statistical procedure. In muscle tissue the lowest median concentration was measured for Cd (0.0019 &micro ; ; g/g), lead was present in slightly higher median concentration (0.002 &micro ; ; g/g) while median Hg concentration was the highest (0.009 &micro ; ; g/g). Statistically significant different Cd concentrations were determinated in piglets comparing to middle-aged and adults animals (p

For the last eighteen years (1990-2007), as part of a comprehensive monitoring of the eco-system, hares (n=5) were collected around natural gas processing plant – GTP Molve on eight occasions. Their organs (muscle, liver, kidney and brain) were analyzed for total mercury concentration by cold vapor AAS. The range of the median mercury concentration values (wet weight) in hares organs were 0.001-0.005, 0.010-0.045, 0.020, 0.130 and 0.001-0.015 µ ; g/g for muscle, liver, kidney and brain, respectively. Comparing our results with results published in available literature on mercury concentration in hares it can be concluded that area investigated in this research belongs to low contaminated region by mercury. Achieved results also point to the fact that closed mercury removal system installed in 1993 is effective in mercury removal from natural gas.

Levels of total mercury in the muscle (29 samples) and liver tissue (15 samples) of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) weighing 100-300 kg were determined by cold vapour atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy. Tunas were previously captured in the waters of Malta, towed to the farm in the Adriatic Sea and fattened with defrosted herring and sardine for the period of 6 to 7 months. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the magnitude of mercury contamination and to ascertain whether the concentrations in muscle tissue exceeded the maximum level defined by the European Commission Decision (1 μ g/g wet weight). Total mercury concentrations in the muscle tissue of tunas ranged from 0.49 to 1.809 (median 0.899 μ g/g wet weight) while in the liver tissue it was from 0.324 to 3.248 (median 1.165 μ g/g wet weight). Total mercury concentrations in six samples of sardine ranged from 0.050 to 0.072 μ g/g wet weight while two samples of herring contained 0.020 and 0.053 μ g/g wet weight. Twelve out of 29 (41%) muscle samples of tuna contained mercury above the maximum level defined by the European Commission Decision. It is generally believed that mercury levels in Mediterranean fish are higher than those of the other seas or oceans due to numerous deposits of mercury ores and metallic mercury in surrounding countries.