Mold attack on frescoes and stone walls of Gradac monastery

Microfungi can colonize stone surfaces and form sub-aerial biofilms which can lead to biodeterioration of historic monuments. In this investigation samples for mycological analyses were collected from stone material with visible alteration on stone walls of Gradac monastery exterior. The prevailing fungi found on stone walls were dematiaceous hyphomycetes with melanized hyphae and reproductive structures (Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium and Epicoccum species). The frescoes inside the monastery building were also analyzed for the presence of mycobiota. The predominant fungi found on frescoes were osmophilic species from genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. The significant result is identification of human pathogen species Aspergillus fumigatus on frescoes

Comparison of anti-Aspergillus activity of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil and commercial biocide based on silver ions and hydrogen peroxide

The antifungal activities of Origanum vulgare essential oil (EO) and of a biocide based on silver and hydrogen peroxide (Sanosil S003) against seven Aspergillus species isolated from different substrata (stone, brick, silk and paper) of cultural heritage objects in Serbia were evaluated. Microdilution, agar dilution and microatmosphere methods were used to determine minimal fungistatic and minimal fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC), and light microscopy to determine structural abnormalities. MIC and MFC values for O. vulgare EO ranged from 0.2 to 5 mg mL−1 and for Sanosil S003 from 5 to 250 mg mL−1. Aspergillus sp. sect. fumigati was the most susceptible isolate, where MIC and MFC values were achieved at 0.5 mg mL−1 for O. vulgare EO, while MIC and MFC values for Sanosil S003 were achieved at 5 and 10 mg mL−1, respectively. Morpho-physiological changes were documented in all isolates, including lack of sporulation, depigmentation of conidiogenous apparatus and conidia, and presence of aberrant fungal structures. O. vulgare EO exhibited stronger anti-Aspergillus activity than Sanosil S003, as demonstrated by the higher MIC and MFC values and fewer morpho-physiological changes observed in the tested Sanosil S003 concentrations. O. vulgare EO could be an excellent alternative to commercial biocides, with high potential in the field of cultural heritage conservation

Poređenje dijagnostičkih kriterijuma kod bolesnika sa amiotrofičnom lateralnom sklerozom - doprinos elektromiografskih nalaza

Diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is based on combination of clinical signs and electrophysiological correlates of pathological process which takes place in general. New electrophysiological criteria Awaji-Shima (AS) additionally qualify the complex fasciculations and neurogenically modified potentials of motor units as signs of active lesions of peripheral motor neuron, contrary to previously valid revised El Escorial criteria (rEE). The objective of this research was to determine the clinical significance and advantages of using the AS criteria in patients with ALS. Methods. Thirty patients (59.2 ± 10.9 years, 57% of them with spinal form of the disease) with clinically suspected ALS were monitored from the time of diagnosis until reaching the category of definitive diagnosis or death. The clinical evaluation and electromyographic (EMG) examinations were carried out at 3-month intervals. Results. By applying the AS criteria, the category of probable or definite diagnosis was achieved in all patients with ALS, except in one (96.6%), as contrary to the rEE (33.3%), after 6 months of the follow-up period. The subclinical affection in more than two body regions has been defined through detection of denervation potentials (80% of the patients by using the AS, or 67% by the rEE criteria). The complex fasciculations were registered particularly often in small muscles of the feet (37- 40%). Conclusion. Application of the AS criteria improve the achievment of category of probable or definite diagnosis of ALS by 2.7 months earlier compared to the rEE. This outcome is particularly affected by a higher frequency of positive EMG findings, when the AS criteria were employed. Early determination of diagnosis provides the better perspective and more frequent participation of the ALS patients in pharmacotherapy studies intended to establish new therapeutic options.Dijagnoza amiotrofične lateralne skleroze (LS) zasniva se na kombinaciji kliničkih znakova i elektrofizioloških korelata patološkog procesa koji se odvija u osnovi. Novi elektrofiziološki kriterijumi, Awaji-Shima (AS), dodatno kvalifikuju kompleksne fascikulacije i neurogeno izmenjene potencijale motornih jedinica kao znakove aktivnih lezija perifernog motornog neurona, nasuprot ranije važećim revidiranim El Escorial kriterijumima (rEE). Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da se utvrdi klinički značaj i prednosti primene AS kriterijuma, kod obolelih od ALS. Metode. 30 bolesnika (59,2 ± 10,9 godina, od kojih 57% sa spinalnom formom bolesti) sa klinički suspektnom ALS, praćeno je od vremena postavljanja dijagnoze do postizanja kategorije definitivne dijagnoze ili smrtnog ishoda. Kod bolesnika su obavljane klinička evaluacija i elektromiografski (EMG) pregledi u tromesečnim intervalima. Rezultati. Primjenom AS kriterijuma, nakon 6 meseci praćenja, kategorija verovatne ili pouzdane dijagnoze postignuta je kod svih bolesnika sa ALS, izuzev jednog (96,6%), nasuprot rEE kriterijuma (33.3%). EMG nalazi bili su pozitivni u ≥ 2 telesna regiona kod 80% bolesnika primenom AS, odnosno 67% primenom rEE. Kompleksne fascikulacije zabeležene su posebno učestalo u malim mišićima stopala (37-40%). Zaključak. Primenom AS kriterijuma kategorija vjerovatne ili pouzdane dijagnoze ALS postiže se za 2,7 meseca ranije, u poređenju sa rEE, na šta posebno utiče veća učestalost pozitivnih EMG nalaza. Ranije utvrđivanje dijagnoze donosi perspektivu veće zastupljenosti obolelih u farmakoterapijskim studijama sa novim terapeutskim agensima

The effect of Nepeta rtanjensis essential oil on test micromycetes mycelia growth

The antifungal activity of Nepeta rtanjensis Diklić et Milojević essential oil on mycelia growth has been performed by macrodilution method. The most efficient impact of N. rtanjensis essential oil on mycelia growth in vitro was found in Alternaria species with the same value of minimal inhibitory quantity (MIQ) of 0.6 μl/ml. Bipolaris spicifera and Cladosporium cladosporoioides had MIQ values of 1.0 μl/ml whereas Trichoderma viride with MIQ value of 1.6 μl/ml showed the most efficient defense against the essential oil examined. The values of minimal fungicidal quantity (MFQ) in Alternaria sp. 2, B. spicifera and C. cladosporioides match the MIQ values whereas MFQ values in Alternaria sp. 1 is 0.8 μl/ml, and in T. viride 1.8 μl/ml.Makrodilucionom metodom testiran je uticaj etarskog ulja endemične biljke Nepeta rtanjensis (Lamiaceae) na micelijalni rast mikromiceta: Alternaria sp. 1, Alternaria sp. 2, Bipolaris spicifera, Cladosporium cladosporioides i Trichoderma viride. Hemijska analiza etarskog ulja N. rtanjensis pokazala je apsolutnu dominaciju 4aα, 7α, 7aβ nepetalaktona (79.89%). Najefikasniji uticaj na rast micelije in vitro zabeležen je kod vrsta roda Alternaria sa istom vrednošću minimalne inhibitorne količine (MIK) od 0.6 μl/ml. Bipolaris spicifera i Cladosporium cladosporioides su imali MIK 1.0 μl/ml, dok je Trichoderma viride, sa vrednošću MIK od 1.6 μl/ml, pokazala najveću otpornost na dejstvo ispitivanog ulja. Vrednosti minimalne fungicidne količine (MFK) se kod Alternaria sp. 2 (0.6 μl/ml), B. spicifera (1.0 μl/ml) i C. cladosporioides (1.0 μl/ml) poklapaju sa vrednostima MIK, dok je kod Alternaria sp. 1 MFK 0.8 μl/ml, a kod T. viride 1.8 μl/ml. Etarsko ulje N. rtanjensis pokazalo je jako antifungalno dejstvo na rast micelije testiranih mikromiceta.nul

Kinetic modelling of testosterone-related differences in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis response to stress

The sex hormone testosterone (TTS) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis mutually control one another’s activity, wherein TTS suppresses corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulated HPA axis activity, whereas the activation of HPA axis has an inhibitory effect on TTS secretion. With an intention to explain these phenomena, a network reaction model is developed from the previously postulated stoichiometric models for HPA activity where main dynamic behaviors are controlled by two catalytic steps (one autocatalytic and one autoinhibitory) with respect to cortisol, both found experimentally. The capacity of the model to emulate TTS effects on HPA axis dynamics and its response to acute CRH-induced stress is examined using numerical simulations. Model predictions are compared with empirically obtained results reported in the literature. Thus, the reaction kinetic examinations of nonlinear biochemical transformations that constitute the HPA axis, including the negative feedback effect of TTS on HPA axis activity, recapitulates the well-established fact that TTS dampens HPA axis basal activity, decreasing both cortisol level and the amplitude of ultradian cortisol oscillations. The model also replicates TTS inhibitory action on the HPA axis response to acute environmental challenges, particularly CRH-induced stress. In addition, kinetic modelling revealed that TTS induced reduction in ultradian cortisol amplitude arises because the system moves towards a supercritical Hopf bifurcation as TTS is being increased. © 2017, The Author(s)

Morpho-physiological characteristics and interactions of isolates of Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr

Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr., which causes wet bubble disease of Agaricus bisporus Lange (Imb), results in a considerable crop loss on mushroom farms in Serbia. The isolation and identification of five isolates of M. perniciosa from diseased fruit bodies of white button mushroom from mushroom units in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Holland were made. Morpho-physiological characteristics and inter-relationships of the obtained isolates were studied. Macroscopic and microscopic investigations of different zones between colonies of the isolates of M. perniciosa revealed the phenomenon of the hyphal interference between different isolates. The obtained results suggest that hyphal interference could serve as an additional parameter for a more reliable determination of fungal specifity.Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr., izazivač oboljenja mokre truleži najčešći je uzročnik gubitaka u gajilištima Agaricus bisporus Lange (Imb) u Srbiji. Izvršena je izolacija i identifikacija 5 izolata M. perniciosa sa obolelih plodonosnih tela šampinjona iz gajilišta u Srbiji, Bosni i Hercegovini i Holandiji. Ispitivane su morfo-fiziološke karakteristike kao i stepen srodnosti proučavanih izolata na osnovu analize međusobnog delovanja kolonija, odnosno korišćenjem fenomena hifalne interferencije. Makroskopska i mikroskopska istraživanja odnosa izolata i dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da hifalna interferencija može predstavljati dodatni parametar u razlikovanju izolata M. perniciosa. Izolati dobijeni iz gajilišta u Srbiji slični su međusobno, kao i izolati iz Holandije koji su pokazali međusobnu sličnost ali se razlikuju od prethodnih. Izolati iz Bosne i Hercegovine razlikovali su se i od srpskih i od holandskih.Projekat ministarstva br. 14304

Supplementary material for the article: Ilić, B.; Dimkić, I.; Unković, N.; Grbić, M. L.; Vukojević, J.; Vujisić, L.; Tešević, V.; Stanković, S.; Makarov, S.; Lučić, L. Millipedes vs. Pathogens: Defensive Secretions of Some Julids (Diplopoda: Julida) as Potential Antimicrobial Agents. Journal of Applied Entomology 2018, 142 (8), 775–791. https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.12526

Supplementary material for: [https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.12526]Related to published version: [http://cherry.chem.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2198

First Report of Horseradish Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria brassicae in Serbia

In July 2014, a foliar spot disease of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) was observed in the Bačka region of Serbia (45°14′17″ N; 19°42′22″ E). The disease was observed in several small vegetable farms and disease incidence approached 20 to 40%. The symptoms first appeared on the abaxial side of older leaves as light brown concentric spots with dark margins and sometimes haloes. The spots varied in size between 0.5 and 0.9 cm. The necrotic spots gradually enlarged, tore, and dropped out. Under high humidity and temperature in 2014 in that region, development of numerous necrosis spots resulted in a rapid reduction of leaves. Small pieces taken from infected leaf tissue of diseased horseradish were treated with 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, rinsed with sterile distillated water (SDW), and placed on V8 agar. Isolates were grown in pure culture at 24°C for 5 days in 12 h light/dark photoperiod. Morphological characteristics of the colony and sporulation were determined for six representative isolates. Fungal colonies were smooth, color varied from white, off white to light brown with concentric zones and intensive sporulation. Conidia were light brown, obclavate, produced singly or in short chains. Mature conidia were 16 to 38 µm wide and 73 to 158 µm long with a beak cell 79 to 120 µm long with 8 to 11 transverse septa and 0 to 4 longitudinal septa. Based on morphological characteristics, all isolates were identified as Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc (Simmons 2007). To confirm the pathogen’s identity, DNA was extracted from the fungal isolates and subjected to PCR; the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA was amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4 (White et al. 1990). The resulting amplicons were sequenced by Macrogen Inc. (Seoul, South Korea) and deposited in NCBI GenBank (Accession Nos. KP115599 to KP115604). BLAST analysis of revealed 100% homology with a sequence of A. brassicae strain ATCC 58169 deposited in GenBank (JX499028). Pathogenicity of six representative isolates was tested on leaves of 2-month-old horseradish seedlings by spraying with aqueous conidial suspensions (105 conidia/ml) prepared from cultures grown on V8 agar at 24°C for 5 days. Negative control plants were sprayed with SDW. Plants were covered with plastic bags and placed for 48 h in a greenhouse at 20 to 22°C. For all isolates within 10 days, inoculated plants developed brown lesions on leaves. Plants treated with SDW were symptomless. To fulfill Koch’s postulates, reisolations from all tested strains were done by streaking margins of necrotic leaf spot tissue onto V8 agar. Reisolated strains showed the same colony morphology as described above. Based on the pathogenicity test accompanied by completion of Koch’s postulates, sequence analysis, and morphological and cultural characteristics, the strains were identified as A. brassicae. According to available literature data, this is the first report of this pathogen as the causal agent of brown leaf spot of horseradish in Serbia

The effect of Nepeta rtanjensis essential oil on test micromycetes mycelia growth

The antifungal activity of Nepeta rtanjensis Diklić et Milojević essential oil on mycelia growth has been performed by macrodilution method. The most efficient impact of N. rtanjensis essential oil on mycelia growth in vitro was found in Alternaria species with the same value of minimal inhibitory quantity (MIQ) of 0.6 μl/ml. Bipolaris spicifera and Cladosporium cladosporoioides had MIQ values of 1.0 μl/ml whereas Trichoderma viride with MIQ value of 1.6 μl/ml showed the most efficient defense against the essential oil examined. The values of minimal fungicidal quantity (MFQ) in Alternaria sp. 2, B. spicifera and C. cladosporioides match the MIQ values whereas MFQ values in Alternaria sp. 1 is 0.8 μl/ml, and in T. viride 1.8 μl/ml.Makrodilucionom metodom testiran je uticaj etarskog ulja endemične biljke Nepeta rtanjensis (Lamiaceae) na micelijalni rast mikromiceta: Alternaria sp. 1, Alternaria sp. 2, Bipolaris spicifera, Cladosporium cladosporioides i Trichoderma viride. Hemijska analiza etarskog ulja N. rtanjensis pokazala je apsolutnu dominaciju 4aα, 7α, 7aβ nepetalaktona (79.89%). Najefikasniji uticaj na rast micelije in vitro zabeležen je kod vrsta roda Alternaria sa istom vrednošću minimalne inhibitorne količine (MIK) od 0.6 μl/ml. Bipolaris spicifera i Cladosporium cladosporioides su imali MIK 1.0 μl/ml, dok je Trichoderma viride, sa vrednošću MIK od 1.6 μl/ml, pokazala najveću otpornost na dejstvo ispitivanog ulja. Vrednosti minimalne fungicidne količine (MFK) se kod Alternaria sp. 2 (0.6 μl/ml), B. spicifera (1.0 μl/ml) i C. cladosporioides (1.0 μl/ml) poklapaju sa vrednostima MIK, dok je kod Alternaria sp. 1 MFK 0.8 μl/ml, a kod T. viride 1.8 μl/ml. Etarsko ulje N. rtanjensis pokazalo je jako antifungalno dejstvo na rast micelije testiranih mikromiceta.nul

Morpho-physiological characteristics and interactions of isolates of Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr

Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr., which causes wet bubble disease of Agaricus bisporus Lange (Imb), results in a considerable crop loss on mushroom farms in Serbia. The isolation and identification of five isolates of M. perniciosa from diseased fruit bodies of white button mushroom from mushroom units in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Holland were made. Morpho-physiological characteristics and inter-relationships of the obtained isolates were studied. Macroscopic and microscopic investigations of different zones between colonies of the isolates of M. perniciosa revealed the phenomenon of the hyphal interference between different isolates. The obtained results suggest that hyphal interference could serve as an additional parameter for a more reliable determination of fungal specifity.Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr., izazivač oboljenja mokre truleži najčešći je uzročnik gubitaka u gajilištima Agaricus bisporus Lange (Imb) u Srbiji. Izvršena je izolacija i identifikacija 5 izolata M. perniciosa sa obolelih plodonosnih tela šampinjona iz gajilišta u Srbiji, Bosni i Hercegovini i Holandiji. Ispitivane su morfo-fiziološke karakteristike kao i stepen srodnosti proučavanih izolata na osnovu analize međusobnog delovanja kolonija, odnosno korišćenjem fenomena hifalne interferencije. Makroskopska i mikroskopska istraživanja odnosa izolata i dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da hifalna interferencija može predstavljati dodatni parametar u razlikovanju izolata M. perniciosa. Izolati dobijeni iz gajilišta u Srbiji slični su međusobno, kao i izolati iz Holandije koji su pokazali međusobnu sličnost ali se razlikuju od prethodnih. Izolati iz Bosne i Hercegovine razlikovali su se i od srpskih i od holandskih.Projekat ministarstva br. 14304