Diversity in the shadows: unveiling lesser-known lampenflora phototrophs in show caves worldwide

M3

Detection of Echinococcus spp. in Condemned Livers

Echinococcosis, a parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus spp. tapeworms, poses a significant public health concern in Europe, but remains under-reported in both humans and animals. Post-mortem examination of slaughtered livestock offers a valuable opportunity for early detection and surveillance of parasitic infections, including echinococcosis, in meat intended for human consumption. In this study, liver samples exhibiting pathological changes were collected from two abattoirs in Serbia. A total of 31 livers—22 from pigs, 7 from lambs, and 2 from bullocks—were analysed microscopically, and molecularly using PCR, to detect Echinococcus spp. DNA. The parasite was detected in three pig livers, and three distinct species were identified: E. granulosus, E. canadensis, and E. multilocularis. Although the sample size was relatively small, the detection of multiple Echinococcus species in pigs suggests a potential role of these animals in the parasite’s transmission cycle within Serbia. These findings underscore the ongoing importance of comprehensive meat inspection protocols in abattoirs for zoonotic disease surveillance. They also highlight the need for expanded surveillance efforts and enhanced diagnostic procedures, particularly speciation of the tapeworm, to improve early detection and control of Echinococcus infections at the abattoir level.M24818666

Golden Jackals’ Winter Feeding Habits A One Health Perspective

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is an autochthonous canid species in Serbia, with its population numbers among the highest in Europe. Following decades of continuous range expansion, the golden jackal now occupies nearly the entire country, adapting well to various habitats, including human-alerted ones. Previous studies have highlighted the species' opportunistic feeding behaviour, allowing it to adjust its diet to the seasonal availability of resources. This study examines the composition of golden jackals winter diet in Serbia's to understand their ecological role and interactions with human activities during the resource-scarce winter months. In collaboration with hunting associations, we analysed stomach contents from 86 legally hunted jackals collected during the winter months (December–February) of 2023 and 2024. Sixteen individuals had empty stomachs. Domestic ungulate carcasses were the dominant food category, occurring in 44 stomachs (62.9 % FO) and contributing 68.1% of total biomass, underscoring a heavy reliance on carrion. Small mammals were the most common live prey category (24.1 % O, 10.6 % B). Other dietary components included poultry, plant material, game species, and carnivores, though these were of lesser importance. The jackals' dependence on improperly disposed carcasses raises environmental and public health concerns, including the potential transmission of pathogens to domestic animals and humans. This highlights the need for a One Health approach to address these risks through improved carcass disposal and waste management practices, thereby mitigating human impacts on wildlife feeding behaviour and reducing public health risks.M3

Uticaj Trichoderma harzianum na biohemijski odgovor graška na infekciju fitopatogenim gljivama

Knjiga abstrakata p. 150M6

Different Genotypes of the Rare and Threatened Moss Physcomitrium eurystomum (Funariaceae) Exhibit Different Resilience to Zinc and Copper Stress

The funarioid moss species Physcomitrium eurystomum, which is threatened with extinction, was the subject of this study. The riparian habitat type of this species is often under the influence of contaminated water, and, therefore, we tested the influence of selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely zinc and copper, on the development, physiological features, and survival of the species on two different accessions (German and Croatian). The results obtained showed the different resilience of the two accessions to the PTEs. Flow cytometry analyses revealed that the two accessions differ significantly in terms of genome size. However, the different amplitude of resilience to the tested PTEs, the divergence in physiological responses, and survival within two accessions of the same species are confirmed, as well as the dissimilarity of their genome size, likely associated with ploidy level difference and possibly distinct hybrid origin.M214.022414

Zinc hyperaccumulation in plants: mechanisms and principles

13

Harnessing soil microbiota for enhanced soil health and sustainable agriculture: Insights from nutrient-depleted and overloaded fields in Serbia

p. 3323M3

Phototrophs in Unique Habitats of Thermomineral Springs in Central Serbia

Thermomineral springs are unique aquatic habitats characterized by high temperatures or mineral-rich water and often host specialized microbial communities. In Serbia, these springs represent an important but under-researched ecological resource whose diverse physicochemical properties are shaped by their geological context. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of Serbian thermomineral springs and their relationship with phototrophic communities in different substrates are investigated. Phototrophic biofilms were categorized into fully submerged and splash zone biofilms, with the former showing higher primary production. Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta were recorded, with Bacillariophyta being the predominant division in terms of diversity, followed by Cyanobacteria. Among Cyanobacteria, coccoid forms like Aphanocapsa, Chroococcus, Gloeocapsa and Synechococcus dominated splash zones, while trichal forms such as Leptolyngbya, Oscillatoria and Pseudanabaena were abundant in submerged biofilms, forming thick mats. Unique cyanobacterial taxa, including Desertifilum, Elainella, Geitlerinema, Nodosilinea and Wilmottia, were identified through molecular analysis, underscoring the springs' potential as habitats for specialized phototrophs. Diatom communities, dominated by Nitzschia and Navicula, exhibited site-specific species influenced by microenvironmental parameters. Statistical analysis revealed ammonia, total nitrogen, and organic carbon as key factors shaping community composition. This study enhances the understanding of these ecosystems, emphasizing their conservation importance and potential for biotechnological applications.M213.216915

Contribution to the knowledge on the distribution of Aristolochia clematitis in riparian and roadside habitats of Serbia

Book of Proceedings: pp. 108-114M3

Association Of Genome-wide Significant CHRNA1 And CHRNB1 Loci With Late-onset Anti-acetylcholine Receptor-positive Myasthenia Gravis

Book of abstracts: 38-39M3