REPONIVS - Repository of Scientific Institute for Veterinary Medicine of Serbia
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Development of burnout syndrome among veterinarians: An assessment using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the burnout syndrome among Serbian veterinarians across different veterinaryfields using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Moreover, possible risk factors associated with thedevelopment of burnout levels in this population were also studied. The explanatory and confirmatory factoranalysis revealed two-factor solutions from the three original CBI domains, explaining a total of 65.5 % varianceamong the investigated veterinarian population. The first factor, which explained 56.3 % of the variance, waspredominantly defined by personal burnout, with high loadings ranging from 0.931 to 0.779. The second factoraccounted for 9.2 % of the variance and was primarily characterized by client-related burnout (loadings between0.942 and 0.580). Items from the work-related burnout domain of the original CBI showed cross-loadings on bothfactors, reflecting its overlap with personal and client-related dimensions. Therefore, personal/work-related andclient/work-related domains were identified in the investigated veterinarian population. The common risk factorfor two defined types of burnout was a decreased number of vacation days per year, 1–10 days. Working inscience had a protective effect on the development of burnout syndrome compared to the small practice.Establishing a protective buffer through a series of activities at the individual and organizational levels,increasing vacation days in our case, could help contain or prevent burnout syndrome among the veterinarianpopulation
Can we fight Salmonella with nano chitosan?
No full textSalmonellosis in animals refers to diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria from the
Enterobacteriaceae, specifically Salmonella enterica. Of about 2500 serotypes of this species,
about 10% are isolated from poultry. Special significance of salmonella comes from their
character, as some serotypes can endanger human health leading to gastrointestinal toxin
infections due to the consumption of poultry products.
Chitosan is a linear positively charged polyaminosaccharide (2-amino-2-deoxy-(1→ 4)-β-D glucosamine) obtained by partial deacetylation of chitin, which is a structural component with a
protective function of arthropods, fungi, lichens, and bacteria. It is cost effective, non-toxic,
biodegradable, has good absorptivity, non-hypersensitivity and biocompatible natural polymer. In
the nanoform chitosan is stable at high temperature and resistant to microbial and enzymatic
degradation at neutral pH, while retaining its positively charged amino groups responsible for its
antibacterial activity. The proposed mechanism of antibacterial interaction involves positively
charged chitosan interacting with negatively-charged microbial cytoplasmic membrane residues
(proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) blocking its permeability and culminating in the leakage of
cytoplasmic contents. Since eukaryotic cells have a different organization, chitosan (as polymer or
in form of nanoparticles) and chitosan-based composites are non-toxic for animal or human
tissues. Promising results were observed with chitosan-based materials intended for use in sites
with a heavy bacterial burden such as cecum. Antimicrobial tests were conducted on hydrogel based disks with chitosan, testing their effectiveness against planktonic cells and biofilms. For
antimicrobial activity, ISO 20776-1 modified in placing discs instead of antibiotics, was used.
Bactericidal concentrations (BCs) were determined after IC in subsequent sub-cultivation of 10 µl
of broth from wells without growth (i.e. obvious button or definite turbidity) to MHA.
Following promising results with several type strains, such as S. aureus, Methicillin resistant S.
aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, S. Infantis, S. Typhimurium, and P. aeruginosa,
antibacterial tests were conducted on 20 isolates of variety local isolated Salmonella
including: S. Enteritidis, S. Infantis, S. Mbandaka, S. Senftenberg, S. Typhimurium, S. Agona, S.
Taksony and S. Tshiongwe.
Tested samples revealed some level of inhibitory effect of chitosan-based material in 85%
of tested salmonella, but visually undetected growth was in 35%. A bactericidal effect was noticed
in 15% of isolates.
The results reveal some kind of indicative results that hydrogel-based disks with chitosan could
have a very good activity against salmonella. The nanoform of chitosan hydrogels synthesis is
a complex procedure which allows further engineering modification in several steps. Further
work and testing are required to achieve better antimicrobial effectAbstract boo
Relationship between learning outcomes, competencies and formative and summative assessment of student learning in farm animals biosecurity courses
No full textConstructive alignment (CA) that includes learning outcomes (LOs), competencies (COs), formative assessment (FA)
and summative assessment (SA) of student learning is very important for the successful teaching by educators and the
acquisition of student competencies.
The paper aims to analyze relationships between LOs, COs, FA and SA of student learning in farm animals biosecurity (FAB)
courses and their CA.
Material and Methods
The authors’ focus group analyzed 51 papers to identify issues related to the definition of LOs, COs, FA and SA related to
FAB courses, and tables were created, illustrating relationships between LOs, COs, FA and SA for FAB courses.
The FAB courses should equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to implement biosecurity in various farm
settings. Three core competency groups are identified: generic (instrumental, interpersonal, systemic), 21st-century skills, and
program-specific competencies. Students must develop a strong foundation in biosecurity principles, including risk analysis,
disease transmission, and prevention. This enables them to conduct risk assessments and implement biosecurity measures
effectively. Decision-making at strategic, tactical, and operational levels is essential for addressing evolving challenges.
Biosecurity expertise also requires sociocultural awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills.Assessment should
combine formative and summative approaches. Formative assessment provides feedback, while summative assessment
evaluates final competency achievement. Traditional exams test theoretical knowledge, while practical assessments—such
as risk analysis, case studies, and simulations—measure students’ ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
The LOs define expected knowledge, skills, and attitudes, while COs ensure students develop expertise in biosecurity
applications. Assessment methods verify the achievement of these COs. A competency-based approach should blend
foundational knowledge with experiential learning and rigorous assessment methods, ensuring students are well-prepared
for theoretical and practical biosecurity challenges, including policy implementation, risk assessment, fieldwork, emergency
response, and stakeholder communication.Oral & poster communication
Biosecurity assessment in backyard pig production in Serbia – first results of pilot testing by using the Biocheck.UGent tool
No full textIn Serbia, over 50% of pigs are raised on backyard farms with expected low biosecurity. The aim of this study was to assess biosecurity measures on 31 backyard farms in Serbia. To asses this the Biocheck.Ugent biosecurity scoring tool for backyard/small-scale pig farms was applied. An average of 40.8 pigs per farm (sows, piglets, fatteners) was determined. Pig production was primarily for family
consumption (74.2%), while 25.8% of farms had commercial activities. The average total biosecurity score was 56.9%
(±11.3) with 54.9% (±10.4) for external and 61.9% (±17.6) for internal biosecurity. Some important findings where the fact
that 48.4% of farms had access to outdoor areas of which 93.5% were fenced. Other animals were present in 77.4% of
farms. Only one farm had a quarantine area. Mating occurred in 54.8% of farms of which 52.9% by natural mating, 35.3% by
artificial insemination, and 11.8% using both. Vehicle disinfection was not practiced in 45.2% of farms. Home slaughtering
was common (87.1%), and only three farms sold pigs at local markets. Carcasses were mostly buried or burned. Only one
farm used service of rendering company. Commercial feed was used on 80.6% of farms, while in 38.7% swill feeding was
practiced. Rodent control was in place in only 19.3% of the farms and contact with wild animals was possible in all farms.
Only 12.9% of farmers received biosecurity training. Farm-specific clothing and boots were available in 77.4% of the farms,
while hand washing was practiced only after handling pigs. Indoor areas had solid floors (87.1%), but only 51.6% were
cleaned daily. Disinfection was “sometimes” performed in 51.6% of farms. The results demonstrate ample room for improvement in many aspects of biosecurity in these settings. The Biocheck.ugent
scoring tool has demonstrated to be a valuable tool for evaluating biosecurity and identifying areas for improvement.Oral & poster communication
Serological diagnostics of swine brucellosis – laboratory experience
No full textBruceloza predstavlja jednu od najznačajnijih zoonoza, prisutnu širom sveta. Dugogodišnji napori
i velika sredstva ulažu se u eradikaciju bruceloze na prostoru Srbije, pa ipak naša zemlja još uvek
nije zvanično slobodna od ove zaraze kod goveda i malih preživara. Kod svinja, bolest se
prijavljuje sporadično. Brucelozu kod svinja izaziva Brucella suis, a pobačaji, orhitis i
reproduktivni poremećaji glavni su simptomi bolesti. Jedan od glavnih izazova serološke
dijagnostike bruceloze kod svinja predstavljaju lažno pozitivne reakcije, koje najčešće nastaju kao
posledica infekcije sa Yersinia enterocolitica O:9, ali i sa drugim bakterijama sličnih antigenskih
determinanti. Upravo zato, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se ispitivanjem 50 seruma svinja
poreklom sa farme na kojoj je bruceloza potvrđena (izolovan Brucella suis), uporede različite
metode serološke dijagnostike. Ispitivanja su obuhvatala Rose Bengal test (RB), reakciju vezivanja
komplementa (RVK) i kompetitivni enzimski imunosorbentni test (cELISA) (dva kita različitih
proizvođača). Procenat seropozitivnih životinja upotrebom ovih testova je iznosio redom: 64%,
54%, 62% i 66%. Iako je u oba cELISA testa korišćen isti antigen, neusaglašenost rezultata
primećena je kod dve svinje. Manji broj seropozitivnih dobijen screening testom (RB) u odnosu
na cELISA, rezultat je lažno pozitivnih reakcija, koje nisu izuzeci u ELISA testovima. Najmanji
broj pozitivnih uzoraka detektovan je metodom RVK, najverovatnije usled međusobne interakcije
komplementa svinja sa komplementom zamorca, što umanjuje osetljivost testa. Rezultati
istraživanja pokazuju da su RB kao screening i konfirmatorni cELISA test pouzdani u serološkoj
dijagnostici bruceloze svinja. Usled ograničenja seroloških testova, kada je to moguće, treba
pristupiti izolaciji uzročnika, što predstavlja zlatni standard u dijagnostici bruceloze svinja.Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases, worldwide. Long-term efforts and
financial resources are made in eradicating brucellosis in Serbia. However, our country has not
achieved brucellosis-free status for cattle and small ruminants. In pigs, the disease is sporadically
reported. Brucellosis in pigs is caused by Brucella suis, with abortions, orchitis and other
reproductive failures being the main disease characteristics. One of the key issues of swine
brucellosis serological diagnostic are false positive reactions as a result of Yersinia enterocolitica
O:9 infection, but also with other bacteria sharing similar antigenic determinants. Therefore, this
study aimed to compare several serological methods by testing 50 swine sera, originating from a
farm with confirmed brucellosis (isolated Brucella suis). The investigations included Rose Bengal
(RB), complement fixation test (CFT) and Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
(cELISA) (two kits from different manufacturers). Percentages of positive samples were: 64%,
54%, 62% and 66%, respectively. Although same antigens were used in both cELISA kits,
discrepancy within the results were observed for two samples. Smaller proportion of seropositives
obtained with screening (RB) test versus cELISA, is a result of false positives that are not
exceptions in ELISAs. The minimum of positive samples were detected by CFT, probably due to
interaction of swine complement to guinea-pig complement, thus reducing sensitivity of CFT. The
study results showed that RB as screening and confirmatory cELISA tests are reliable in
serodiagnostics of swine brucellosis. Implying serology tests limitations, when possible, it is
recommended to perform pathogen isolation, being gold standard in diagnostics of swine
brucellosis.Zbornik radov
Bioakumulacija metala u ribama izlovljenih iz reke Dunav i procena mogućih zdravstvenih rizika
No full textThe aim of the present study was to assess the content of metals in fish meat and to evaluatepossible health risks from dietary consumption of fish caught from the Danube Riverin Serbia in the past fifteen years. Therefore, the metal pollution index (MPI) and the followinghealth risk indexes were calculated: estimated daily intake (EDI), estimated weeklyintake (EWI), % of provisional tolerable weekly intake (% PTWI), target hazard quotient(THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR). Levels of Cd in common carp andWels catfish from 2011 to 2013 and in silver carp in 2021 exceeded maximum allowed concentrationsin fish meat. Wels catfish contained higher contents of Hg from 2011 to 2013and Pb in 2010 than prescribed by the national regulation. Moreover, MPIs determined forcommon carp, Wels catfish, and barbel gradually decreased during the observed period,except for silver carp where a slight increasing trend was observed. The HI was higher than1 in almost all studies, and exceeded maximum allowed levels prescribed by internationaland national regulations. In all presented studies, TR was lower than the acceptable lifetimerisk (ARL) of 10−4, except for As in common carp caught in Zemun and Grocka during2013 when an unacceptable carcinogenic risk (> 10−4) was detected (1.10 x10−4 and 1.43x10−4, respectively). It is necessary to implement regular monitoring of metal levels in fishfrom the Danube River in order to preserve human and environmental health.Cilj ovog rada je bio da se utvrdi sadržaj metala u mesu riba i procene mogući zdravstvenirizici nakon konzumacije ribe izlovljene iz reke Dunav u Srbiji u poslednjih petnaest godina.Zbog toga su izračunati indeks zagađenosti mesa riba metalima (Metal pollution index— MPI), procenjena dnevna stopa unosa metala (Estimated daily intake rate — EDI), procenjenanedeljna stopa unosa metala (Estimated weekly intake rate — EWI), procenat privremenogpodnošljivog nedeljnog unosa metala (% of provisional tolerable weekly intake— % PTVI), koeficijent opasnosti od određenog metala (Target hazard quotient — THQ),ukupni rizik štetnosti od metala (Hazard index — HI) i rizik od nastanka raka nakon konzumacijeribe (Target cancer risk — TR). Sadržaj kadmijuma (Cd) u šaranu i somu od2011. do 2013. godine i u tolstolobiku 2021. godine bio je veći od maksimalno dozvoljenevrednosti za meso riba. U mesu soma zapažen je veći sadržaj žive (Hg) od 2011. do 2013.godine i olova (Pb) u 2010. godini nego što je dozvoljeno nacionalnim propisom. Poredtoga, utvrđen MPI za šarana, soma i mrenu postepeno se smanjivao tokom posmatranogperioda, osim kod tolstolobika gde je uočen blagi trend rasta. Utvrđeno je da je HI indeksveći od 1 u skoro svim studijama koje su premašile maksimalno dozvoljene nivoe metalapropisane međunarodnim i nacionalnim propisima. U svim prikazanim studijama TR jebio niži od prihvatljivog životnog rizika od 10−4, osim za arsen (As) kod šarana izlovljenogu Zemunu i Grockoj tokom 2013. godine kada je otkriven neprihvatljiv kancerogen rizik(> 10−4) (1.10 x10−4 i 1.43 x10−4, redom). Stoga, neophodno je redovno pratiti sadržaj metalau ribama izlovljenih iz Dunava u cilju očuvanja zdravlja ljudi i životne sredine
Operativni odgovor na epizootiološku pretnju: model i iskustva sa dezinfekcionog punkta na graničnom prelazu Horgoš
No full textSlinavka i šap (SIŠ) predstavlja izuzetno kontagioznu virusnu bolest od koje obolevaju
papkari i koja dovodi do velikih ekonomskih gubitaka. Uzročnik, virus slinavke i šapa
(Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus, FMDV), pripada familiji Picornaviridae i rodu
Aphthovirus. Karakteriše ga sposobnost brzog širenja među domaćim i divljim
papkarima. Proizvodno-reproduktivni negativni efekti kod inficiranih životinja se
ogledaju u vidnom padu proizvodnje mleka, smanjenoj telesnoj masi, poremećajima u
reprodukciji, i uginuću kod mladih grla, ali i u dugotrajnim ekonomskim gubicima
usled zabrane izvoza i poremećaja tržišta.
Početkom 2025. godine, nakon više od decenije (Bugarska 2011. godine), bolest je
ponovo potvrđena u Evropi (Nemačka 10. Januar 2025.) (WOAH, 2025) što je
predstavilo ozbiljnu epizootiološku pretnju, za zemlje Balkana. Shodno analizi rizika
Naučni institut za veterinarstvo Srbije (NIVS) zajedno sa još tri Instituta je u saradnji
sa Ministarstvom poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede- Uprava za veterinu,
organizovao dezinfekcioni punkt na graničnom prelazu Horgoš, zbog potvrđene
zaraze (SIŠ) u Mađarskoj. Granični prelaz Horgoš predstavlja najprometniju kopnenu
granicu između Republike Srbije i Mađarske, stoga i potreba za uspostavljanjem
punkta baš na ovom graničnom prelazu. Cilj ovog rada je da prikaže operativni model
punkta NIVS Beograd, praktične izazove i ostvarene rezultate kao deo nacionalne
strategije za kontrolu SIŠ.
Dezinfekcioni punkt je bio operativan tokom maja 2025. godine u 12-časovnim
smenama. U radu su učestvovali doktori veterinarske medicine, veterinarski tehničari
i pomoćno osoblje, raspoređeni tako da je svako imao jasno definisane zadatke i
odgovornosti. Punkt je bio postavljen tako da sva vozila (automobili, autobusi, teretna
vozila) moraju proći kroz/preko dezinfekcione barijere i na taj način dezinfikovati
pneumatike. Za transmisiju bolesti pneumatici imaju vrlo značajnu ulogu jer zahvataju
veliku površinu prilikom kretanja, stoga i predstavljaju jako veliki rizik (Auty i sar.,
2019). Za izračunavanje dužine sunđera za dezinfekciju putničkih vozila i autobusa
korišćena je formula: najveći obim gume (385/65R22.5) x 2 (dve rezolucije). Korišćeni
su sunđeri (HR pena) gustine 45kg/m3. Korišćena su dva dezinfekciona sredstva
odobrena od strane WOAH-a (World Organization for Animal Health- Svetska
organizacija za zdravlje životinja): 2% natrijum-hidroksid (NaOH) i 1% Virkon S.
Tokom rada punkta ekipe NIVS su dezinfikovale ukupno 38.107 vozila (automobili,
autobusi, teretna vozila). Najveći procenat činila su putnička vozila. Dezinfekcija vozila
je vršena uz pomnoć dezinfekcionih barijera i pomoću leđnih motornih atomizera za
vozila niskog klirensa koja nisu mogla da prođu kroz fiksnu (“betonsku”)
dezinfekcionu barijeru. Uočeni su brojni operativni izazovi: potreba za adekvatnom
signalizacijom, tehnički nedostaci barijera, kao i povećan rizik za radnike na punktu,
naročito tokom noćnih smena. Dezinfekciona barijera od HR pene je imala ograničenu
funkcionalnost zbog čestih oštećenja usled neadekvatne brzine kretanja vozila preko
iste; fiksna betonska barijera je imala nedovoljnu dužinu i veliki ugao ulaska;
signalizacija je bila nedovoljno uočljiva; uočena je i nedovoljna pažnja učesnika u
saobraćaju posredovana upotrebom mobilnih telefona koja je često rezultovala
oštećenjem dezinfekcionih barijera od HR pene; finansijska ograničenja koja uključuju
visoke troškove održavanja punkta i cene dezinfekcionih sredstava. Predložene mere
za unapređenje budućih aktivnosti na dezinfekcionim punktovima su: postavljanje
monitora sa izmenjivom signalizacijom na prilazima graničnih prelaza, tehničko
unapređenje dezinfekcionih barijera (automatizovani sistem prskanja, poboljšanje
postojećih dezinfekcionih barijera), bolju koordinaciju veterinarskih i saobraćajnih
službi, redovno izvođenje simulacionih vežbi.
Početak 2025. godine pokazao je da SiŠ i dalje predstavlja globalnu pretnju.
Organizacija punkta na Horgošu predstavlja primer efikasnog odgovora države i
nadležnih veterinarskih institucija. Uprkos tehničkim i organizacionim ograničenjima,
akcija je smanjila rizik od unosa virusa u Srbiju i istakla efikasnu ulogu terenske
biosigurnosti. Predstavljeno iskustvo ima višestruki značaj: kao praktični model dobre
prakse u kriznim situacijama, kao smernica za unapređenje budućih mera i kao dokaz
da uspešna kontrola naročito opasnih zaraznih bolesti zahteva multidisciplinarnu
saradnju, planiranje i dugoročnu strategiju. Iskustva sa punkta na Horgošu potvrđuje
da terenska biosigurnost mora biti centralna mera u vanrednim epizootiološkim
situacijama. Sprovedena mera je u skladu sa preporukama FAO i WOAH (OIE), koje
ističu važnost brzog reagovanja i biosigurnosti. Ovaj operativni odgovor pokazuje da
se kroz kombinaciju naučnog pristupa, institucionalne koordinacije i praktičnih mera
na terenu može ostvariti efikasna zaštita stočnog fonda i očuvanje ekonomske
stabilnosti
Slabe tačke biosigurnosti u praksi: uklanjanje leševa, razređenje jata i čišćenje i dezinfekcija na živinarskim farmama
No full textEfikasno sprovođenje biosigurnosnih mera u živinarskoj proizvodnji podrazumeva,
ne samo postojanje mera ,već i njihovu doslednu primenu u praksi. Terenska
zapažanja ukazuju da se u okviru biosigurnosnog plana ključni protokoli – uklanjanje
leševa, razređenje jata i čišćenje i dezinfekcija – često ne sprovode u skladu sa
preporučenim standardima, što farmu čini ranjivom na biološke rizike.
Istraživanje je sprovedeno na 16 brojlerskih farmi u epizootiološkom području grada
Beograda, pomoću Biocheck.UGent upitnika koji obuhvata detaljnu procenu spoljne i
unutrašnje biosigurnosti. Poseban akcenat stavljen je na tri potkategorije: (1) način i
učestalost uklanjanja leševa, (2) broj koraka i organizacija tokom razređenja jata, i (3)
protokoli čišćenja i dezinfekcije između turnusa.
Uočene su značajne razlike u primeni navedenih mera među farmama. Uklanjanje
leševa se na nekim farmama obavlja retko i bez primene zaštitnih mera, što dovodi do
zadržavanja biološkog otpada u objektu i potencijalnog širenja infekcija. Razređenje
jata se često organizuje u više faza, bez jasne procedure, što povećava stres kod
životinja i mogućnost širenja patogenih mikroorganizama. Protokoli čišćenja i
dezinfekcije variraju u intenzitetu i učestalosti. Farme sprovode čišćenje i dezinfekciju
nakon svakog proizvodnog ciklusa, ali ne vrše kontrolu efikasnost preduzetih mera.
Na nekim farmama period između dva turnusa traje manje od 10 dana. Ovakav način
rada značajno odstupa od preporučenih smernica, a pomenuti protokoli predstavlja
kritične biosigurnosne tačke.
Pravilno sprovođenje uklanjanja leševa, organizovanje depopulacije jate i čišćenje i
dezinfekcija objekata između turnusa, ključni su za očuvanje biosigurnosnog statusa
farme. Utvrđeni propusti ukazuju na potrebu za obukom radnika, standardizacijom
procedura i redovnim nadzorom nad njihovom primenom. Unapređenje ovih mera
direktno doprinosi smanjenju rizika od zaraznih bolesti i očuvanju produktivnosti i
profitabilnosti živinarskih farmi
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Variants Associated with Serum 25(OH)D3 Levels in Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome
No full textsettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Vitamin D Receptor Gene Variants Associated with Serum 25(OH)D3 Levels in Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome Save Related Papers Chat with paper by Borivoje Savic 1,*ORCID,Svetlana Stanojlovic 1,2,Bozidar Savic 3,Jelena Kostic 1,Margita Lucic 1,Katarina Jankovic Terzic 4 andBojana Dacic-Krnjaja 1,2ORCID 1 University Clinical Centre of Serbia, University Eye Hospital, Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 3 Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 4 Specialist Ophthalmology Clinic and Optical Shop OKOiOKO, Mekenzijeva 20, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Life 2025, 15(10), 1552; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101552 Submission received: 24 July 2025 / Revised: 10 September 2025 / Accepted: 27 September 2025 / Published: 3 October 2025 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Cornea and Anterior Eye Diseases: 2nd Edition) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Versions Notes Abstract Introduction: Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface, characterized by complex interactions between environmental factors, immune dysregulation, and potential genetic predispositions. Vitamin D deficiency, known for its immunomodulatory properties, has increasingly been implicated in the pathogenesis of DES; however, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently elucidated. Of particular interest is the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, whose polymorphisms may influence the bioavailability and biological activity of vitamin D. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3] levels and selected polymorphisms in the VDR gene (Taq, Fok, Apa, and Bsm) in patients with DES and to analyze their potential clinical and genetic interactions. Methods: This prospective observational study included 60 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of DES. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were measured, and genotyping of four VDR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed using PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Genotype distributions were assessed in relation to vitamin D status using appropriate statistical tests and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium analysis. Results: Over 85% of patients exhibited insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels. Among the analyzed SNPs, only the ApaI polymorphism (rs7975232) showed a statistically significant association with vitamin D status (p = 0.0384), with the homozygous AA genotype being more prevalent among patients with hypovitaminosis. The remaining polymorphisms (TaqI, FokI, BsmI) did not reach statistical significance; however, potential trends were observed that may warrant further investigation in larger cohorts. Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential role for VDR gene variability in the regulation of systemic vitamin D levels in patients with DES. Identification of specific genotypes may contribute to the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant forms of the disease. These results support the integration of genetic biomarkers and nutritional parameters into modern ophthalmologic practice
Forest grazing disease of bees
No full textForest grazing disease of bees is a non-contagious disease of adult worker bees, caused by the intake of large amounts of
sweet substances with a simultaneous lack of proteins, i.e. pollen. It occurs mainly during forest grazing, hence the name
of the disease. Bees must have all the main ingredients in their food: coal, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins.
Plant flowers provide bees with all these ingredients, nectar is a source of carbohydrates, and pollen is everything else. In
addition to food on flowers, bees collect all other sweet substances they find in nature. It primarily refers to the sweet
juices that plants secrete after an aphid attack. This is how honey is produced, which is especially abundant in oak and fir
forests. If the beekeeper places an apiary in such dense forests, then the bees cannot reach the flowers where they would
collect pollen. A heavy intake of honeydew requires a lot of invertase enzyme to convert complex sugars into simple ones
found in honey. For that, the bees need a lot of pollen, so they soon use up all the supplies. Therefore, the percentage of
sucrose is always higher in honeydew honey. During the long forest pasture, due to the lack of pollen, litter production is
also significantly reduced. In such conditions of lack of protein in food, forager bees lose their hairs and the basic color of
the chitin armor comes to the fore. Before, this disease was often confused with certain forms of bee paralysis (black bee
disease). However, in forest grazing disease, bees do not show signs of uncoordinated movement. Forest grazing disease
can be prevented by placing bee colonies along the edge of the forest in an area where there are meadows so they can
collect pollen