BIOREpository (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade)
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The Occurrence and Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Small Mammals from Serbia
No full textBackground: Despite abundance of small mammals in Serbia, there is no information on their role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). This retrospective study aimed to identify different tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in small mammals in Serbia collected during 2011. Materials and Methods: A total of 179 small mammals were collected from seven different localities in Serbia. The five localities belong to the capital city of Serbia-Belgrade: recreational areas-Ada Ciganlija, Titov gaj, and Košutnjak as well as mountainous suburban areas used for hiking-Avala and Kosmaj. The locality Veliko Gradište is a tourist place in northeastern Serbia, whereas the locality Milošev Do is a remote area in western Serbia with minor human impact on the environment. Results: The results of the presented retrospective study are the first findings of Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Babesia microti, Hepatozoon canis, and Coxiella burnetii in small mammals in Serbia. The presence of R. helvetica was confirmed in two Apodemus flavicollis, the presence of one of the following pathogens, R. monacensis, B. afzelii, H. canis, Ba. microti, and N. mikurensis was confirmed in one A. flavicollis each, whereas the presence of B. miyamotoi was confirmed in one Apodemus agrarius. Coinfection with B. afzelii and Ba. microti was confirmed in one A. flavicollis. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in 3 of 18 pools. Conclusions: The results confirm that detected pathogens circulate in the sylvatic cycle in Serbia and point to small mammals as potential reservoir hosts for the detected TBPs. Further large-scale studies on contemporary samples are needed to clarify the exact role of particular small mammal species in the epidemiology of TBDs caused by the detected pathogens.M221.828529224
A Protocol for Monitoring Populations of Free-Living Western Honey Bees in Temperate Regions
No full textDespite their ecological significance, wild Apis mellifera populations remain critically understudied. Addressing this research gap requires the study and monitoring of free-living colonies to identify potential self-sustaining populations. However, a lack of standardized methodologies has hindered these efforts. To address this challenge, Honey Bee Watch, an international coalition dedicated to studying free-living honey bees, has developed a comprehensive monitoring protocol. This protocol offers a consistent methodology for researchers and citizen scientists to collect vital data on colony survival, activity, and environmental conditions. It emphasizes monitoring at five key phenological stages throughout the year to ensure the collection of scientifically robust data. Additionally, an illustrated guideline is provided to help users accurately identify and track colonies, enhancing data accuracy. The adoption of this protocol by both the scientific community and citizen scientists will not only strengthen research efforts and foster public engagement, but also help close existing knowledge gaps regarding the distribution and density of wild A. mellifera populations, ultimately guiding more effective conservation strategies.M5115101
Elemental composition of chalkbrood infected larvae and mummies: implications for honey bee health
No full textp. 68M3
Wood identification of the coffin-reliquary of the holy Serbian king Stefan of Dečani (14th century)
No full textBook of Abstracts. p. 424M3
Breast Cancer: Mitochondria-Centered Metabolic Alterations in Tumor and Associated Adipose Tissue
No full textThe close cooperation between breast cancer and cancer-associated adipose tissue (CAAT) shapes the malignant phenotype, but the role of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming and obesity in breast cancer remains undecided, especially in premenopausal women. Here, we examined mitochondrial metabolic dynamics in paired biopsies of malignant versus benign breast tumor tissue and CAAT in normal-weight and overweight/obese premenopausal women. Lower protein level of pyruvate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase in malignant tumor tissue indicated decreased carbon flux from glucose into the Krebs cycle, whereas the trend was just the opposite in malignant CAAT. Simultaneously, stimulated lipolysis in CAAT of obese women was followed by upregulated β-oxidation, as well as fatty acid synthesis enzymes in both tumor tissue and CAAT of women with malignant tumors, corroborating their physical association. Further, protein level of electron transport chain complexes was generally increased in tumor tissue and CAAT from women with malignant tumors, respective to obesity. Preserved mitochondrial structure in malignant tumor tissue was also observed. However, mitochondrial DNA copy number and protein levels of PGC-1α were dependent on both malignancy and obesity in tumor tissue and CAAT. In conclusion, metabolic cooperation between breast cancer and CAAT in premenopausal women involves obesity-related, synchronized changes in mitochondrial metabolism.M217.66615513
In vivo femtosecond laser nanosurgery of the cell wall enabling patch-clamp measurements on filamentous fungi
No full textStudying the membrane physiology of filamentous fungi is key to understanding their interactions with the environment and crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for disease-causing pathogens. However, their plasma membrane has been inaccessible for a micron-sized patch-clamp pipette for pA current recordings due to the rigid chitinous cell wall. Here, we report the first femtosecond IR laser nanosurgery of the cell wall of the filamentous fungi, which enabled patch-clamp measurements on protoplasts released from hyphae. A reproducible and highly precise (diffraction-limited, submicron resolution) method for obtaining viable released protoplasts was developed. Protoplast release from the nanosurgery-generated incisions in the cell wall was achieved from different regions of the hyphae. The plasma membrane of the obtained protoplasts formed tight and high-resistance (GΩ) contacts with the recording pipette. The entire nanosurgical procedure followed by the patch-clamp technique could be completed in less than 1 hour. Compared to previous studies using heterologously expressed channels, this technique provides the opportunity to identify new ionic currents and to study the properties of the ion channels in the protoplasts of filamentous fungi in their native environment.M21a7.94710
