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The impact of long-term different dietary regimes on microbiota communities in Drosophila melanogaster
No full textMicrobiota communities have been found as entities whose diversity significantly
contributed to various dimensions of animal health, including that of humans. Since the fruit fly,
Drosophila melanogaster, shares significant proportions of its genes that cause human diseases, it
is currently widely used as an important model organism when testing the microbiota composition
and its relation to development, physiology, and behavior.2nd International Electronic Conference on Entomology (IECE 2025); Online; 2025 May 19-21. Basel: MDPI; 2025. p. 69
Host shift changes population dynamics and phenotypic plasticity in seed beetles
No full textThe ability of phytophagous insects to expand their diet and find new food sources is one of the most important aspects of insect adaptation to novel environments. Changes in diet can trigger eco-evolutionary dynamics in insect populations and significantly alter insect behaviour, food digestion and physiology, and ultimately how changes in life history strategies relate to population dynamics. One of the most important mechanisms in the response of populations to a changing environment is undoubtedly phenotypic plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity can facilitate or hinder the process of adaptation to a new environmental factor. If adaptive, phenotypic plasticity could help populations establish a functional phenotype specific to the environment to which they are exposed. The ubiquity of phenotypic plasticity can help us understand how organisms perceive, process and respond to changes in the environment, and it can inform us about the short-term (ecological) and long-term (evolutionary) consequences of such changes. Here we used populations of seed beetles (Acanthoscelides obtectus) reared over 150 generations on three different host plants (common beans, chickpeas and mung beans). We performed a reciprocal transplant experiment with iso-female lines to test the level of phenotypic plasticity of life history traits. In addition, we used life history datasets to construct the life tables and applied a jackknife method to calculate population parameters to observe population dynamics after a single-generation exposure to a new plant host or after a transgenerational exposure. This approach allowed us to observe jackknife variances, confidence intervals and pairwise comparisons between experimental groups for population parameters. We found different life history strategies, different environmental sensitivities and population dynamics for each seed beetle population. Populations reared on common beans demonstrated stable preadult development on all three host plants and high sensitivity in reproductive performance. Populations reared on chickpea were highly specialized for development on chickpea, while their reproductive performance was high regardless of the host plant. Populations from mung bean showed a higher degree of variance and plasticity in both preadult (larval survival) and adult (fecundity) traits. This work is discussed in the context of how the diet of insects (i.e. different plant hosts) can affect population dynamics and how long-term exposure to a particular environmental condition can influence the ecological competence of organisms.Abstract Book: Congress of the European Sociey for Evolutionary Biology; 2025 Aug 17-22; Barcelona, Spain. European Society for Evolutionary Biology; 2025. p. 1167
From Canopy to Cropland: How Forest Loss Alters Bat Pest-Consumption in Two African Agroecosystems
No full textIncreasing agricultural production is driving conversion of natural habitats to farmland,
threatening biodiversity and undermining ecosystem services such as natural pest
regulation. We present the first comparative analysis of insectivorous bat diets across land
use gradients in two underexamined Afrotropical regions in Ghana and Zambia to quantify
pest consumption and assess the impact of forest loss on this service. Between 2021 and
2022 we captured 994 bats representing 42 species in Ghana and 1157 bats representing
25 species in Zambia and sequenced 400 and 495 faecal samples from insectivorous taxa
using DNA metabarcoding. We built bipartite networks to assess overall dietary diversity and
prey interactions. Analyses revealed that bats consumed 38 confirmed agricultural pest
species and 19 disease vectors in Ghana and 21 pest species and 3 disease vectors in
Zambia with an average of 4.3 pest or vector taxa per sequenced sample in Ghana (range 1-
15) and 2.7 in Zambia (range 1-7). Using a forest dependency index based on canopy cover
canopy height distance to forest edge and ecological literature, we found that forest
dependent species were largely absent from cropland and that pest consumption patterns
shifted across land use gradients with reduced dietary breadth and nestedness as forest loss
increased. These findings underscore the importance of conserving forest habitat to sustain
bat-mediated pest regulation and inform biodiversity supportive farming strategies in sub–
Saharan Africa.Event Descriptions and Abstracts: 20th International Bat Research Conference; 2025 Aug 3-8; Cairns, Australia. Australasian Bat Society; 2025. p. 84
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Prokupac Grape Pomace Extract: Implications for Redox Modulation in Honey Bee Cells
No full textThere is a growing interest in using agri-food by-products and a demand for natural substances that might help maintain healthy honey bee colonies. We investigated a by-product of the wine industry, a grape pomace (GP) of the autochthonous Prokupac grape cultivar from Serbia. A hydroethanolic extract (50% (w/v) ethanol) of GP (Prokupac GP extract) obtained by the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method was subjected to qualitative profiling of phenolic composition by liquid chromatography with OrbiTrap Exploris 120 mass spectrometer. Then, the extracts’ antioxidant and redox-modulatory activities were evaluated through Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Finally, the extract’s potential to modulate cellular redox status was evaluated using cultured AmE-711 honey bee cells. The results show that the Prokupac GP extract contains a wide array of flavonoids, anthocyanins, stilbenes, and their various conjugated derivatives and that anthocyanins, particularly malvidin-based compounds, dominate. EPR measurements showed strong scavenging activity against superoxide anion (O2•−) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH), with inhibition efficiencies of 84.37% and 81.81%, respectively, while activity against the DPPH radical was lower (17.75%). In the cell-based assay, the Prokupac GP extract consistently provided strong antioxidant protection and modulated the cellular response to oxidative stress by over 14%. In conclusion, while the Prokupac GP extract demonstrated antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate cellular responses to oxidative stress, in vivo studies on honey bees are required to confirm its efficacy and safety for potential use in beekeeping practice
Fluctuation of population abundance over decade in one amphibian assemblage
No full textBackground: Amphibians are the most
endangered vertebrates. Evidence on their
habitat deterioration and loss suggests future
population declines and critical challenges in
maintaining species’ genetic diversity. Longterm monitoring of local amphibian
populations provides essential data for
understanding their microevolutionary
dynamics, including impact of genetic drift and
adaptive responses to environmental
stressors. Neglecting monitoring of common
species might result in many silent local
extinctions and in loss of information how
population bottlenecks impact on evolutionary
potential. Population size can be negatively
influenced by climate change, particularly
affecting early spring breeders. We used data
on population abundance of three syntopic
anuran species, collected over the years, to
recognize possible loss of genetic diversity.
Materials and methods: Starting from 2011, we
monitored three anuran species (Bufo bufo,
Rana dalmatina and Pelophylax esculenthus
complex – PEC) in a local pond. Annual
fluctuations in individual counts (N) were
recorded for B. bufo and PEC, while for R.
dalmatina we used egg clutches counts
instead. For early breeders (B. bufo, R.
dalmatina) reproductive timing was recorded.
The COVID-19 interruption in 2020
necessitated predictive approximation based
on the mean values from other years for
reproductive season endpoints. Kendall Tau
correlations were implemented to check if the
parameters have trends across the years.
Effective population size (Ne) and Ne/N ratios
were calculated for B. bufo, as quick
estimation of possible genetic variability loss.
We applied LassoCV regression with 5-way
cross-validation (23 variables) to describe
what impacts on the length of reproductive
season of this B. bufo local population.
Results: All three species exhibited annual
fluctuations of population abundance, PEC
being the least variable in numbers; Kendall
Tau showed no trends over years. B. bufo
showed a constantly low female count (4–44
males per female), Ne values from 23 to 548
and Ne/N ratios from 0.09 to 0.71. Optimum
alpha value for LassoCV was 0.069921482.
Time needed for the number of males to drop
from maximum to 0 had the greatest positive
impact on duration of reproductive season
(coefficient = 7.32). Time males needed to
gather from the few to the maximum numbers
had high positive impact (coefficient = 2.42).
Time females spent in the reproductive pond
had moderate positive impact (coefficient =
1.60). Time males spent there after females’
departure had low positive impact (coefficient
= 1.01). Difference between the date of
maximum female and maximum male
numbers had very low positive impact
(coefficient = 0.04). Number of males had very
low negative impact (coefficient = -0.001).
Conclusions: In local populations of three
anuran species only fluctuations in numbers
were detected. The male-biased B. bufo
population risks allelic loss (accelerating
genetic drift and inbreeding) and reduction of
adaptive potential. Ne and Ne/N were typical
for amphibians, with Ne/N being critically low
in 2017 (0.09), indicating bottleneck. Males
drive the reproductive season in B. bufo local
population as they come first and stay after
females, sometimes for a long period. Males
would reach maximum numbers up to eight
days later than females. Unexpectedly, start
day of reproductive season didn’t have any
impact on the duration of reproductive season.
The stable PEC population abundance
suggests maintenance of genetic diversity,
what buffers against environmental
stochasticity. Species with stronger
population fluctuations face possibility of
genetic diversity loss.Abstract Book: Congress of the European Sociey for Evolutionary Biology; 2025 Aug 17-22; Barcelona, Spain. European Society for Evolutionary Biology; 2025. p. 720
Decoding survival: A synthesis of studies on Viola taxa from Allchar
No full textThe abandoned Allchar mine site in North Macedonia is one of the world’s most extreme metalliferous
habitats, with exceptionally high concentrations of thallium (Tl) and arsenic (As) in the soil (up to 5,750 and
12,800 mg kg⁻¹, respectively). Despite these toxic conditions, the site supports a specialised Viola flora,
including stenoendemics V. arsenica and V. allchariensis and the widespread Balkan metallophyte V.
tricolor subsp. macedonica. All three taxa display extraordinary tolerance - and in some cases
hyperaccumulation - of Tl and As, making them excellent models for studying plant adaptation to extreme
edaphic stress. Initial field surveys combining inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry
(ICP–AES) with synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) showed that all three taxa accumulate
exceptionally high concentrations of Tl (up to 58,900 mg kg⁻¹ in V. arsenica) in their aboveground tissues.
In contrast, As accumulation patterns were more variable - V. arsenica exhibited significant endogenous
accumulation (up to 381 mg kg⁻¹), while V. tricolor subsp. macedonica and V. allchariensis showed much
lower foliar concentrations of As, likely influenced by external contamination. Notably, As hotspots in V.
arsenica were co-localised with calcium oxalate deposits and bromine, suggesting complex
compartmentalisation mechanisms. Building on these findings, synchrotron µXRF mapping of hydrated
plant tissues provided high-resolution insights into elemental partitioning. Leaves were the principal sinks
for Tl and As, with Tl enrichment near stomatal regions. In V. arsenica, Tl was predominantly sequestered
in mature leaves, whereas V. tricolor subsp. macedonica showed restricted translocation to shoots and
possible Tl excretion through stomata. Root tissue analysis further indicated epidermal localisation of both
elements in V. arsenica and As in V. tricolor subsp. macedonica, while Tl accumulated in the root cortex.
Hydroponic dosing experiments (up to 20 µM As and 50 µM Tl) confirmed the capacity of these taxa to
tolerate and accumulate increasing concentrations of both elements. Patterns observed under controlled
conditions mirrored those in field-grown plants, underscoring the adaptive significance of their elemental
handling strategies. The integration of field surveys, synchrotron imaging, and experimental dosing reveals
that Viola species from Allchar have evolved diverse and highly specialised strategies to survive in one of
the most toxic natural environments on Earth. These include selective uptake, differential translocation,
tissue-specific sequestration, and possible foliar excretion of metals. The hyperaccumulation of Tl across
all taxa, and the unusual As compartmentalisation in V. arsenica, highlight the evolutionary potential of
metallophytes as model systems for understanding metal tolerance and for potential applications in
biogeochemistry and phytotechnology.Zarić N, Aničić Urošević M, editors. Book of Abstracts: The 3rd Conference of the International Association for Biomonitoring of Environmental Pollution: IABEP2025; 2025 Oct 13-15; Belgrade, Serbia. Belgrade: Institute of Physics; 2025. p. 46
Co-occurrence networks of chironomid species (Diptera, Chironomidae) as a measure of ecosystem stability
No full textUnderstanding ecological stability is crucial for large river ecosystems exposed to multiple
anthropogenic stressors. Chironomids are important benthic organisms, but their complex assemblage
dynamics, especially their persistence and variability, require deeper analysis and understanding. This
study aimed to assess 1) the spatio-temporal variation of chironomid diversity across three Danube
sectors over three Joint Danube Surveys expeditions; 2) analyse potential species associations using
co-occurrence networks and 3) evaluate assemblage stability by quantifying persistence and variability
of network structure over time. We identified 169 chironomid taxa in the Danube, with taxa richness
decreasing downstream. Linear discriminant analysis confirmed distinct assemblages per sector. Cooccurrence networks for each sector and year were compared using differential network analysis.
Temporal comparisons revealed striking lack of persistence: year-specific (gamma) links dominated
network changes, while few stable, persistent (alpha) links were found between taxa across six-year
intervals. Sector 1 (Upper Danube) showed lower network connectivity compared to Sectors 2 (Middle
Danube) and 3 (Low Danube), potentially reflecting different environmental pressures. The high
temporal turnover in network structure suggests Danube chironomid assemblages are highly dynamic,
possibly indicating resilience through compositional changes, rather than static persistence. Analysis of co-occurrence networks reveals community dynamics, thus complementing traditional diversity metrics
and holding potential for environmental monitoring in large rivers.This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-025-06050-6
Influence of Pretesting Order on Anxiety Measures Obtained in Light-Dark Box and Elevated Plus Maze
No full textThe Light-dark (LD) box and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) are widely used behavioral
tests for assessing anxiety-like behavior in rodents. Despite their frequent use
within the same experimental paradigms, more information is needed on whether
exposure to one test may influence behavior in the other, particularly across
different developmental stages. This study examined how prior testing in the
Light-dark (LD) box influenced subsequent behavior in the Elevated Plus Maze
(EPM), and vice versa, in male Wistar rats across three developmental stages:
early-to-mid adolescence, mid-to-late adolescence, and adulthood. The following
parameters were assessed: the number of entries and time spent in open/closed
arms and the light/dark compartment of the LD and EPM, respectively, as well as
the number and time spent in stretch-attended postures, preference to enter
open/closed compartments of EPM and latency to enter and dark compartment
and closed arm of LD and EPM. The interval between different tests was 24h.
Analysis revealed no significant differences in anxiety-like behavior across
groups, regardless of test order. These findings suggest that prior exposure to
either the LD box or EPM does not significantly alter subsequent behavior in the
other test, supporting their combined use in multi-test anxiety protocols without
introducing order-related confounds.Dragić M, editor. Book of abstracts: 9th Congress of Serbian Neuroscience Society; 2025 Oct 6-8; Belgrade, Serbia. Belgrade: Serbian Neuroscience Society; 2025
Pharmacological Challenge with D-Amphetamine reveals ADHD-related psychomotor activity in the A53T mouse model of Parkinson’s Disease
No full textThe Hualpha-Syn(A53T) transgenic mouse line G2-3 (JAX006823) is a model forstudying Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Previous studieshave reported hyperlocomotion in this line, yet this feature of the model has oftenbeen dismissed as an irrelevant artifact. However, hyperactivity in rodents mayreflect underlying neuropsychiatric traits, including those associated withpsychosis or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can bedistinguished using D-amphetamine challenge test. The aim of this study was toassess, using D-amphetamine challenge, whether the observed hyperactivity inthe JAX006823 strain reflects an ADHD-like hyperactivity. The sample consistedof 22 6-month-old male transgenic carriers, 23 of their non transgenic littermatesand 22 C57BL/6J mice (strain used in backcrossing for the colony maintenance).Spontaneous activity in an inescapable open arena was evaluated for 30 minutes,after which animals were injected with D-amphetamine (0.25 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg) orsaline and their behavior was monitored for an additional 120 minutes. Theincreased locomotor response to novelty was observed as an endophenotypictrait of the strain. Additionally, an inverse association between severity ofhyperactivity and the degree of calming effects of D-amphetamine (ratedependency) was observed in mice of the JAX006823 strain. This studycharacterized the observed behavior in the JAX006823 strain as ADHD relatedpsychomotor activity. The potential of using the D-amphetamine challenge indistinguishing between different neuropsychiatric features underlying animalbehavior is further discussed, as well as the translational potential of the mousemodel considering that adult ADHD may be part of the PD prodrome.(presentation) Book of abstracts: 9th Congress of Serbian Neuroscience Society; 2025 Oct 6-8; Belgrade, Serbia. Belgrade: Serbian Neuroscience Society; 2025
Chemical analysis and antibacterial activity of optimized Satureja montana L. extracts
No full textThe study aimed at the phytochemical characterization of the optimized ethanol and acetone extracts of Satureja montana L., and the evaluation of their antibacterial and synergistic activity with an antibiotic, along with their potential mechanisms of action. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction conditions. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using microdilution, checkerboard, time-kill kinetics, and cell membrane permeability methods. S. montana extracts were effective against different bacterial species, including the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus sp., Bacillus cereus, and the Gram-negative Acinetobacter sp. and Proteus mirabilis. Notably, the acetone extract enhanced gentamicin's efficacy up to 16-fold against a gentamicin-resistant strain of P. mirabilis. Additionally, the extracts exhibited bactericidal activity against certain strains within a 3-hour and 6-hour time frame and increased cell membrane permeability, thereby disrupting normal cellular functions. The ethanol and acetone extracts reached a total phenolic content of 79.44 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g and 53.88 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g, and a total flavonoid content of 27.93 ± 0.3 mg RUE/g and 16.35 ± 0.3 mg RUE/g, respectively. Rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, quercetin, and naringenin were detected in the highest quantities in the extracts. S. montana extracts may serve as potential natural antibacterial agents