BIOREpository (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade)
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Serum and Seminal Plasma Zinc Levels and Immunopositivity of the ZIP6 and ZIP14 Transporters in Men with Normo- and Teratozoospermia
No full textZinc plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, sperm function, and fertilisation. Zinc homeostasis is regulated by ZIP and ZnT transporter proteins, which mediate Zn2+ influx and efflux across sperm cell membranes. This study analysed total Zn concentration in seminal plasma and serum of 10 normozoospermic and 32 teratozoospermic men involved in the process of infertility treatment, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, the expression of Zn transporters ZIP6 and ZIP14 in the sperm of two normozoospermic and two teratozoospermic men was analysed using immunofluorescence. Applying Student’s t test and the Mann–Whitney U test, we found no significant differences in Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and serum between groups. ZIP6 was mainly localised in the sperm head, with slightly higher immunopositivity in normozoospermic than teratozoospermic samples, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. ZIP14 was mainly found in the sperm head, and some teratozoospermic samples showed immunopositivity in the tail, although there were no significant differences in ZIP14 immunopositivity between normozoospermic and teratozoospermic samples. The results suggest that Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and serum, and the expression of ZIP6 and ZIP14, do not differ in normo- and teratozospermic samples, and emphasise the complex interplay of factors underlying male fertility.M222.810147
Probing the effects of dextran-coated CeO2 nanoparticles on lung fibroblasts using multivariate single-cell Raman spectroscopy
No full textIn this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of highly soluble dextran-coated CeO2 nanoparticles on human fetal lung fibroblasts MRC-5. We examined individual nanoparticle-treated cells by Raman spectroscopy and analyzed Raman spectra using non-negative principal component analysis and k-means clustering. In this way, we determined dose-dependent differences between treated cells, which were reflected through the intensity change of lipid, phospholipid and RNA-related Raman modes. Performing standard biological tests for cell growth, viability and induction of apoptosis in parallel, these changes were correlated with nanoparticle-induced apoptotic processes. The cells with specific spectral characteristics, referring to non-apoptotic, but possibly autophagic cell death modality, were also detected. Additionally, Raman imaging combined with principal component and vertex component analysis was used to map the spatial distribution of biological molecules in treated and untreated cells. This work provided the description of different resulting states of the treated cells depending on the dextran-coated CeO2 nanoparticles dose, which can be later used in the design of the nanoparticles for industrial or medical applications. The wide content of information resulting from single-cell Raman spectroscopy has the potential to detect biochemical changes caused by nanoparticles that would otherwise require a series of expensive and time-consuming standard biological techniques.M223.610011819
Mechanisms Maintaining Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms: The Role of Mito-Nuclear Interactions, Sex-Specific Selection, and Genotype-by-Environment Interactions in Drosophila subobscura
No full textExperimental mito-nuclear introgression lines (MNILs) were established by backcrossing isofemale lines of D. subobscura originating from the same populations. MNILs were subjected to a series of life-history experiments designed to test the fitness of the bearers of different combinations of two main mtDNA haplotypes on their own nuclear background, as well as on the background of the opposite haplotype. By having 11 replicas of the four mito-nuclear combinations, we could test not only the adaptive significance of the differences between the two main haplotypes but also the influence of additional variation present within each of the 11 combinations on fitness. Testing the fitness of individuals of both sexes enabled us to examine if sex-specific selection has a role in maintaining the frequencies of the two mtDNA haplotypes in nature. Conducting the fitness assays on two different temperatures enabled us to test whether different temperatures favor specific mtDNA haplotypes or mito-nuclear genotypes and consequently promote stable sympatric mtDNA variation. The results show weak signature of genotype-by-environment interactions, and no sex-specific selection regarding differences between the two main haplotypes. However, individual models across different life-history components showed these two mechanisms at play in promoting mtDNA variability present in specific mito-nuclear crosses. Our models show that mito-nuclear interactions are, in fact, more important as units of selection.M212.741516
Introduction to European Wild Bees
No full textThis extensive overview investigates the essential role of wild bees, including solitary bees and bumblebees, in the maintenance of biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems. Focusing on European wild bees, this chapter highlights their diverse adaptations and behaviours, emphasizing their impact on biodiversity, ecosystem support and agricultural productivity. Emphasis is placed on the intricate relationship between wild bees and flowers, particularly their vital role in pollination, which is crucial for approximately 75% of plant species. This chapter stresses the importance of acknowledging these challenges in the implementation of effective conservation measures for wild bees, including habitat preservation, reduced pesticide use and sustainable agricultural practices. In its focus on the economic valuation of pollination services, it introduces the concept of pollination value. This chapter summarizes the multifaceted exploration of wild bees, spanning their ecological, biological, economic and conservation aspects, portraying their intricate dance as essential for ecosystem health, global biodiversity and food security.M1332
Orchids of the Kopaonik National Park (Serbia): distribution and ecological preferences
No full textAbstracts, p. 70.M3
Diversity and bioremediation potential of autochthonous bacteriobiota from the accompanying flora of the lorandite mine "Alšar"
No full textBook of Abstracts, (short lecture) SL51, pp. 105-106M3
Neonatalni skrining za SMA: kako pravovremena dijagnoza menja život
No full textKnjiga sažetaka, strana 25-27M3
Vascular plant nano-hotspots in the central Balkan Peninsula – A novel GIS-based approach for identifying centres of species richness
No full textAlthough the Balkan Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse regions in Europe, there is still a lack of knowledge about its plant diversity. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by studying the spatial patterns of plant diversity on three massifs that had previously been identified as hotspots for endemics, Arctic-alpine and Boreal relics. To achieve this objective, we employed data gap and GIS analysis techniques to identify species-rich areas and to assess the relationship between taxa richness and the components of environmental heterogeneity. Targeted field surveys were carried out over two seasons, and a total of 97 environmental factors were selected as elements of environmental heterogeneity. A considerable number of hotspots of plant richness were identified, comprising 18 actual and 57 potential nano-hotspots. Most of the identified potential nano-hotspots are situated in areas characterized by a pronounced canyon or ravine formation, while the lowest number was observed at the highest elevations of the mountains, especially in regions where silicate substrates predominate. Our findings confirm the importance of factors previously identified as pivotal, including terrain ruggedness, topoclimate, elevation, geological substrate, and vegetation types, and for the first time suggest that hydrographic factors exert a strong influence on patterns of species richness. Given the considerable taxa richness observed in the ravine habitats of the study area, which makes them of high conservation value, it is essential to implement robust protective mechanisms to mitigate the impending effects of global warming and carefully plan the construction of hydropower plants.M213.5e036306
Remyella spanovicae Ćurčić, Vrbica & Vesović sp. nov., a new troglobitic leiodid beetle (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Leptodirini) from southwestern Serbia
No full textThe genus Remyella Jeannel, 1931 consists of stenoendemic troglobitic leiodid beetles restricted to subterranean habitats in southwestern Serbia and northeastern Montenegro. A new subterranean leiodid species, Remyella spanovicae Ćurčić, Vrbica & Vesović sp. nov., from the Pećina na Đerekarskom Vrelu Cave (village of Đerekare, near the town of Tutin, Pešter Plateau, southwestern Serbia), is described and diagnosed. All taxonomically important morphological features of the new taxon are presented, including traits of both male and female genitalia. The new species is clearly distinguished from other congeners both morphologically and molecularly. Data on the sexual dimorphism of the new species are presented. Molecular analysis confirmed that Remyella raskae S. Ćurčić & B. Ćurčić, 2008 is a valid species. A key to the identification of the species of the genus Remyella is given. In addition, the species Remyella hussoni Jeannel, 1934 was found at another subterranean site in the village of Đerekare.M221.128930799
Antiferroptotic effects of H2S donors against diabetic injury of β-cells in vivo and in vitro
No full text6-8 June, 2025, Galway, IrelandM34S100S10123