Biodiversity of algae and fungi in freshwater habitats of Serbia, From Genomic Analysis to Functional Models in Microbiomes and Synthetic Consortia

Book of Abstracts, PP19, p.80M3

Allelopathic interactions between liverworts and radish (Raphanus sativus): Investigating growth and germination responses

Book of Abstract, p. 178M3

New records and noteworthy data of plants, algae and fungi in SE Europe and adjacent regions, 20

This paper presents new records and noteworthy data on the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions: diatom alga Ach-nanthidium rosenstockii, bryoparasitic fungi Arrhenia retiruga and Arrhenia spathulata, saprotrophic fungi Coccomyces dentatus and Hysterobrevium mori, liverworts Lunularia cruciata and Pallavicinia lyellii, fern Salvinia natans, monocots Eleocharis carniolica and Pseudorchis albida and dicots Biscutella laevigata, Fumana arabica, Hieracium ferdinandi-coburgii, Impatiens balfourii, and Onosma pseudoarenaria subsp. fallax.M230.911713049

Vascular plant nano-hotspots in the central Balkan Peninsula – A novel GIS-based approach for identifying centres of species richness

Although 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

A new start? Revision of the genera Anauchen, Bensonella, Gyliotrachela and Hypselostoma (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata, Hypselostomatidae) of Southeast Asia with description of 46 new species

Hypselostomatidae is a large family of terrestrial pulmonate molluscs currently represented by 284 extant species, most confined to Southeast Asia. The current system of grouping species into genera is based on the morphology of the apertural barriers and the level of last whorl detachment. However, these characters overlap, challenging generic definitions. In this paper, these characters are evaluated and a novel classification proposed for hypselostomatid species belonging to the genera Anauchen (17 species), Bensonella (36 species), Boysidia (7 species, in part) and Hypselostoma (85 species). We assigned all species belonging to the genera Bensonella and Hypselostoma into two and four species groups respectively, which are characterised by combinations of morphological traits. Altogether 46 new species are described, seven species in Anauchen: A.crassus Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., A.evanidus Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., A.grandiportus Gojšina, Grego & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., A.obesus Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., A.picasso Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., A.turritus Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., A.jokaii Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov.; 19 species in Bensonella: B.alycaeus Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.cardiostoma Gojšina, Vermeulen & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.cristatissima Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.dha Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.dracula Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.exploda Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.fracta Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.microdentata Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.mitochondria Gojšina, Vermeulen & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.mirabilis Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.montawa Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.multidentata Gojšina, A. Reischütz & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.nitens Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.obex Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.perfecta Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.sericata Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.serrata Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.spelaea Gojšina, Grego & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., B.spinosa Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov.; 20 species in Hypselostoma: H.aquila Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.bubalus Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.circumcarinatum Gojšina, Auffenberg & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.coriaceum Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.aenigma Gojšina, Grego & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.fortunatum Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.fungus Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.geckophilum Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.iunior Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.ophis Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.platybasis Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.populare Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.sculpturatum Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.similare Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.sorormajor Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.sororminor Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.torta Gojšina, Auffenberg & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.vesovici Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.vicinum Gojšina, Auffenberg & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov., H.vujici Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, sp. nov. One replacement name is proposed: H.tertiusfrater Gojšina & Páll-Gergely, nom. nov. pro Boysidiasalpinx F. G. Thompson & Dance, 1983, non Hypselostomasalpinx (van Benthem Jutting, 1961) (originally described as Gyliotrachela). Gyliotrachela and Antroapiculus are both treated as junior synonyms of Hypselostoma. An additional 28 species and subspecies are reassigned to the synonymies of other taxa.M221.31338123

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a universal modulator of synaptic plasticity: Bridging the gap between functional and structural plasticity

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a painless and non-invasive technique for neuromodulation that has shown great potential in therapy of several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders both in patients and animal models. In addition to its non-invasiveness, the main rationale for using it for these disorders is that the positive effects extend beyond the stimulation period and can last up to several minutes, hours or even days after the last application. While the mechanisms underlying these long-lasting positive effects have not yet been fully deciphered, current literature supports hypothesis of modulation of both functional and structural plasticity. Dendritic spines are structures on dendritic branches that regulate synaptic transmission at the level of postsynapse and represent one of the structural and functional carriers of synaptic plasticity. Since rTMS has been proposed to induce long-term potentiation/long-term depression-like effects, based on the existing literature in animal studies, we suggest several molecular mechanisms which could underpin rTMS-induced structural plasticity manifested at the level of dendritic spines that include processes starting from spinogenesis to gradual spine maturation and eventual spine shrinkage and loss. The results gathered in this review postulate rTMS as a universal modulator of synaptic plasticity, which could guide future research and help in optimizing appropriate protocols of transcranial magnetic stimulation for adequate disorders and pathologies.M214.410602118

RISKS OF ACCIDENTAL INTRODUCTIONS OF VENOMOUS SNAKES INTO CITIES AND SEMI-URBAN AREAS IN SERBIA: REVIEW OF MEDIA-PUBLISHED CASES BETWEEN 2017 AND 2025

In the past decade, multiple incidents have been documented involving the presence of venomous snakes in urban regions of Serbia, where these animals are typically absent. We analyzed the confirmed cases in major cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac, and Kraljevo, along with occurrences in smaller towns. The snake species involved wasthe nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), which often “hitchhikes” vehicles returning from nature; the alternative – escaped captives – was highly improbable. These incidents most often ended with no bites to humans. Public reactions usually included fear and panic. Successful interventions by experts from faculties, institutes, or local snake handlers prevented bites or the establishment of breeding populations in urban areas. We addressed the ecological impacts of habitat disruption/urbanization, shifts in biodiversity, and interactions between humans and wildlife. Ongoing monitoring, public education, and establishment of educated communal services and response protocols are essential to reduce risks to both humans and these protected reptiles.10111147

Strain-Dependent Differences in Inflammatory/Immune Activity in Cutaneous Wound Tissue Repair in Rats: The Significance of Body Mass/Proneness to Obesity

Inflammatory/immune cells and mediators are substantial for wound healing because they orchestrate biological activities in this complex process. Among factors that affect wound healing, obesity, and metabolic diseases are among the most significant, particularly because of a relationship between obesity and a prediabetic state with immune reactivity. Using Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) rats, which differ in immune responses as well as in proneness to obesity, we examined the impact of these intrinsic factors on cutaneous wound healing. Dynamics of the process were monitored at days 3, 5, and 7 post-wounding parallel in both rat strains by analysis of selected basic aspects of the wound repair process (cytokine and growth factor responses) in granulation tissue. Strain-related differences in the extent of reduction of the wound area were shown, which coincided with differential proinflammatory and immune-regulatory cytokines, as well as growth factors response in these rats. Some of these differences seem related to their dissimilarities in the proneness to obesity. Results in this study extended so far known differences in inflammatory/immune responses to a variety of stimuli between AO and DA rats and showed, for the first time, immune-based differences in wound healing between rats that differ in body mass (BM) and obesity proneness (under ad libitum feeding conditions with normal rodent chow).M224.455255572025

Genotoxic Evaluation and Bioindicator Potential of Myotis capaccinii in Serbia: Element Concentrations and DNA Damage as Pollution Markers

Bats reflect environmental quality in diverse habitats, from cities to forests. This study aimed to reveal element bioaccumulation and DNA damage in the long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii) using non-lethal methods. Twenty-four hair samples and 15 blood samples were taken from bats caught at two locations in Eastern Serbia between July and September of 2024. Hair analysis by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) detected As, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, and Zn, while Cd, Co, Cu and, Pb were below detection limits. The degree of DNA damage in peripheral blood was determined using the alkaline comet assay. In M. capaccinii, there was a significant difference in element concentrations between sexes, with females having higher concentrations of Cr, Fe, and Mn, and between seasons, with samples from summer having higher concentrations of Ni and Mn. A significant difference in zinc concentration was observed between adults and juveniles. DNA damage was higher in the summer season. Significant correlations were confirmed between element concentrations in hair (Cr–Fe, Cr–Zn, Cr–Mn, Fe–Zn, and Fe–Mn) and between Cr and Zn concentrations and DNA damage in blood cells. The Cr–DNA damage link highlights hair as a marker for sustained environmental exposure. Every significant correlation that included Zn was negative. This is the first genotoxic study of bats in Serbia and of M. capaccinii globally, laying the groundwork for future research in other bat species and the wider Central Balkans. It marks an initial step toward using bats as bioindicators for noninvasive pollution monitoring.M213.

Biomarker-Based Assessment of Four Native Fish Species in the Danube River Under Untreated Wastewater Exposure

This study assessed the impact of untreated wastewater discharge in the Danube River on four native fish species: barbel (Barbus barbus), vimba bream (Vimba vimba), perch (Perca fluviatilis), and white bream (Blicca bjoerkna). Biomarkers of exposure and effect were evaluated, including metal and metalloid bioaccumulation in gills, liver, and gonads, DNA damage (comet assay), chromosomal abnormalities (micronucleus assay), liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST), and erythrocyte maturation. White bream showed the highest genotoxic damage (TI% = 22.57), particularly in liver tissue, indicating high sensitivity to pollution. Perch had elevated DNA damage in blood (TI% = 22.69) and strong biomarker responses, likely due to its predatory behavior. Barbel displayed notable DNA damage in gills (TI% = 30.67) and liver (TI% = 20.35), aligning with sediment exposure due to its benthic habits. Vimba bream had the lowest responses, possibly reflecting reduced exposure or resilience. Element accumulation varied across tissues and species, with perch showing the highest overall levels. Hepatic enzyme activities (highest values: ALT = 105.69 in barbel; AST = 91.25 in white bream) and changes in erythrocyte profiles supported evidence of physiological stress. Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) analysis identified white bream as the most sensitive species, followed by perch and barbel. These results emphasize the value of multi-species biomonitoring and the importance of species-specific traits in freshwater ecotoxicology.M212.444510