BIOREpository (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade)
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Clarifying the presence of Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817) (Gastropoda: Hygrophila: Lymnaeidae) in Serbia
No full textWe report the first record of Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817) from Serbia. This finding in the Tamiš River clarifies its presence in Serbia which was questioned in the 2021 checklist, as it was previously confused with succineid gastropods. The habitat is described in detail and its possible way of introduction is discussed.M511071102
Developmental histology of the liver in the Balkan crested newt Triturus ivanbureschi (Caudata: Salamandridae)
No full textThe liver, a crucial organ for metabolic processes, has a generally uniform histological structure across amphibian taxa. However, ontogenetic changes, particularly those related to biphasic life cycle and metamorphosis, are less documented. Here, we explored and described the liver histology of an emerging model organism, the Balkan crested newt (Triturus ivanbureschi) at three ontogenetic stages: larval, juvenile (just after metamorphosis) and adult. At the larval stage, the liver is characterized by hepatocytes containing large lipid droplets, poorly developed basement membranes in the blood vessels, and a lack of melanin-rich macrophage centers. Juveniles show transitional characteristics between larvae and adults. Lipid droplets in hepatocytes are abundant, but also, at the juvenile stage the well-developed basement membrane of blood vessels and melanomacrophages are present, as in adults. The presence of lipid droplets in hepatocytes during larval and juvenile stages suggests the liver's role in fat storage and energy provision during development and growth. Melanomacrophages, which synthesize melanin, perform phagocytosis, and neutralize free radicals, have been found in juveniles (after metamorphosis) and increase with age. The biphasic life cycle and liver histology transition in Triturus newts provide an insight in changes in liver histology and make them a suitable model for studying fat deposition regulation and the evolution of the immune system in terrestrial vertebrates.M212.012622016
EFFICIENCY OF ELECTROFISHING AND GILLNETS IN THE ĆELIJE RESERVOIR: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
No full text26pM3
Nearest neighbour distance does not affect escape behaviour in urban hooded crows
No full textThe nearest-neighbour distance is an important property of a group, as individuals can obtain environmental information more quickly and easily from nearby individuals. We examined whether distance to the nearest neighbour affected two components of escape behaviour - alert distance (AD) and flight initiation distance (FID) - in an urban population of hooded crows Corvus cornix, while controlling for confounding variables. We did not find evidence that AD and FID were influenced by the nearest neighbour distance. However, both AD and FID were negatively affected by feeding activity of individuals - focal crows alerted later and escaped at shorter distance if they were feeding during our approach. In addition, AD and FID were positively related to starting distance and grass coverage. The lack of evidence for the nearest neighbour effect on escape behaviour of crows may be due to: (1) disturbance by close neighbours that may impede antipredator behaviour of focal birds, (2) variable distribution of familiar, dominant or experienced individuals within a flock, and (3) dynamic change in position of the nearest neighbour during the potential predator approach.M231.310505721
Complex interplay between the microfluidic and optical properties of Hoplia sp. beetles
No full textAll living organisms exist in a world affected by many external influences, especially water and light. Photonic nanostructures present in certain insects, have evolved over time in response to diverse environmental conditions, facilitating communication within and between species, camouflage, thermoregulation, hydration, and more. Up to now, only a few insect species have been discovered whose elytron changes its color due to permeation of water (or its vapor) through cuticle.M21a2.82821
Centaurea ozrenii (Asteraceae) ‒ a new local endemic and extremely rare species from Mt. Ozren near Sjenica in Serbia
No full textA new species of Centaurea sect. Acrocentron (Asteraceae) was found on the Ozren mountain in southwestern Serbia near Sjenica and named as Centaurea ozrenii. It inhabits xerophilous and steppe-like habitats, on ultramafic geological substrate. Morphologically, it is close to C. calocephala, C. chrysolepis, C. orientalis, C. murbeckii, C. kotschyana and the recently described C. zlatiborensis. The most distinctive morphological features of the new species are undivided to simply pinnatisect (non lyrate) subglabrous leaves, with linear segments, upper leaves with an aristate apex and cream coloured to pale yellow florets of which the outer are much longer than the inner ones. The phyllaries are intermediate in relation to C. calocephala and C. kotschyana. The chromosome number of the new species is 2n = 22. Thorough field investigations confirmed the presence of C. ozrenii only at this localized site on Mt. Ozren with a population of 13 clusters of individuals with 23–52 flowering stems in an area of about 50 m2. Applying the IUCN Red List categories and criteria to the available data categorised C. ozrenii as a Critically Endangered (CR) species.M230.926327148
Antimicrobial potential of resveratrol nanobelt-like particles. From Biotechnology to Human and Planetary Health
No full textBook of AbstractsM3
Redescription of the poorly known Allopodoiulus schioedtei (Verhoeff, 1898) and the identity of Xestoiulus luteus (Attems, 1951) (Diplopoda: Julida: Julidae)
No full textBased on old type material and freshly collected specimens, we evaluate and clarify the taxonomic status of two poorly known Balkan species, Allopodoiulus schioedtei (Verhoeff, 1898) and Xestoiulus luteus (Attems, 1951), and propose their synonymy with X. luteus syn. nov. as a junior subjective synonym. A lectotype is designated for A. schioedtei. In addition, the genus Allopodoiulus Verhoeff, 1898 and the species A. schioedtei are diagnosed and redescribed. The validity of the genus Allopodoiulus and the relationships of its two known species, A. schioedtei and Allopodoiulus verhoeffi (Jawłowski, 1931), are briefly discussed. A distribution map of A. schioedtei is presented.M230.91952105543
Effects of Phloretin on Seedling Growth and Histochemical Distribution of Phenols, Polysaccharides and Lipids in Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik
No full textThe present study evaluates the phytotoxic effects of phloretin, a prevalent secondary metabolite of apple trees, on the broadleaf weed Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. known for its resistant myxospermous seeds that form a long-lasting soil bank. The results indicate a significant, dose-dependent inhibitory effect of phloretin on the growth and morphological parameters of weed seedlings grown in vitro. Although the applied phloretin concentrations (250-1000 µM) were not lethal to the C. bursa-pastoris seedlings after two weeks, the metabolism of the seedlings was impaired, resulting in an accumulation of lipid droplets in the root tips and root hairs. Histochemical analysis shows deposits of phenols in the root epidermal cells, which are probably aggregates of phloretin or its metabolic derivatives. The accumulation of pectin in the cell walls of root border cells in phloretin-treated seedlings indicates an attempt to reduce the uptake of phloretin and reduce its concentration in the cells. Inhibition of shoot growth associated with chlorosis and reduced photosynthetic pigment content is a consequence of seedling exposure to phloretin. This study provides a basis for further evaluation of phloretin as a new bioherbicidal compound and for elucidating the mechanism underlying its phytotoxic activity.M214,51890131
Ethnopharmacological survey of Rosa L. species from the Vlasina plateau (southeastern Serbia): Comparative phytochemical and pharmacological screening of R. canina, R. corymbifera, and R. dumalis
No full textThis study aimed to explore the ethnopharmacological use of Rosa spp. on the Vlasina plateau, a rural region in southeastern Serbia with limited healthcare coverage, and to conduct phytochemical and pharmacological analyses of these species. The ethnopharmacological survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews. After identifying the three species utilized (R. dumalis Bechst., R. canina L., and R. corymbifera Borkh.), a phytochemical analysis was performed to assess their vitamin content and phenolic composition using spectrophotometric and UHPLC-MS/MS techniques. Pharmacological activities of rose hips were evaluated through in vitro antimicrobial testing against enteric pathogens, antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, protein denaturation inhibitory activity, and cytotoxic activity against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells. The most frequently cited ethnopharmacological application was for treating chills, followed by dietary use and managing conditions such as diarrhea, dry cough, abdominal pain, and urinary issues. In terms of phenolic phytochemicals, rosmarinic acid predominated among phenolic acids in all three species, whereas catechin was the dominant flavonoid in R. dumalis and isoquercitrin in R. canina and R. corymbifera hips. The highest ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol contents were found in the rose hips of R. dumalis (235.79 and 1.80 mg/100 g FW, respectively). R. dumalis exhibited the highest radical scavenging, protein denaturation inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities, while all three species showed mild antimicrobial activity. The study provides valuable insights into the potential health benefits of Rosa species but is limited by its reliance on traditional knowledge and laboratory tests. Therefore, future research should focus on clinical trials to confirm their efficacy and safety. Overall, the results could pave the way for developing innovative pharmaceutical and nutritional products inspired by traditional knowledge.M215.21051586