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The filamentous fungus Fusarium graminearum is a well-known cereal pathogen and F. avenaceum is a pathogen with a wide host range. Recently, both species were reported as causal agents of apple rot, raising concerns about postharvest yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Here, we report genome assemblies of F. avenaceum KA13 and F. graminearum TaB10, both isolated from fruits with symptoms of apple rot. The final F. avenaceum KA13 genome sequence assembly of 41.7 Mb consists of 34 scaffolds, with an N50 value of 2.2 Mb and 15,886 predicted genes. The total size of the final F. graminearum TaB10 assembly is 36.76 Mb, consisting of 54 scaffolds with an N50 value of 1.7 Mb, and it consists of 14,132 predicted genes. These new genomes provide valuable resources to better understand plant-microbe interaction in stored apple rot disease. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .

Aim: To evaluate the significance of E gene analysis in addition to N and RdRp genes of SARS-CoV-2, and to compare the specificity and sensitivity of targets. Materials & methods: We used two reverse transcription-PCR assays: one targeting N, E and RdRp and the other targeting N and RdRp genes and analyzed variation in threshold cycle (Ct) values. Results: Of the 155 samples, 70.32% tested positive: all three genes were detected in 45.87%, N and RdRp in 19.27% and only N in 34.86%. Patients negative for the E gene were tested after symptoms disappeared and Ct values were significantly higher. Conclusion: Samples negative for the E gene were potentially false positive and clinical conditions should be assessed while interpreting results.

Epigenetic modifications of the membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT) gene may affect the enzymatic degradation of dopamine, and consequently, human behavior. This study investigated the association between membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNA methylation (DNAm) differences in 92 monozygotic (MZ) twins with phenotypic manifestations of cognitive, behavioral, and personality indicators associated with reward-related behaviors and lack of control. We used pyrosequencing to determine DNAm of the regulatory region of membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase in saliva DNA. Results of intrapair differences in the percentage of membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNAm at each of five CpG sites show that there are associations between phenotypic indicators of lack of control and membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNAm differences on CpG1, CpG2 and CpG4, suggesting the common epigenetic patterns for personality traits, cognitive functions, and risk behaviors.

The filamentous fungus

The main goal of this study was to explore the latent structure and genetic basis of cognitive processes involved in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) within phenotypic, behavioral genetic, and molecular genetic research paradigms.The sample used in phenotypic and behavioral genetic analyses comprised 468 twins (154 monozygotic and 80 dizygotic twin pairs), while molecular genetic analyses were performed on 404 twins from the same sample. The zygosity of most twin pairs (96.8%) was determined via deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis of buccal swabs. Trained researchers administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST; Heaton et al., 1993) to the entire sample.A phenotypic factor analysis of WCST variables suggested a single-factor solution. Overall heritability ranged from 0.19 to 0.23 across different measures of the WCST. The presence of a single general genetic factor, which could be identified from different measures of the WCST, indicated the unity of various WCST indicators and the existence of a common basic ability. Performance on the WCST did not reveal significant differences between the three genotypes on catechol-This study highlighted similarities in the phenotypic and genetic structures of the WCST, suggesting one general factor underlying different cognitive functions. The

Two studies examined genetic and environmental influences on traits proposed by the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) of personality. Both quantitative and molecular behavioral genetic methods were applied considering the effects of COMT, DRD2, HTR1A and TPH2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Study one included 274 monozygotic and 154 dizygotic twins for the quantitative behavioral study; and in study two there were 431 twins for the molecular genetic study. The Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire was used to assess basic personality traits defined by the rRST. Univariate biometric modeling suggested that genetic influences accounted for 34-44% of variance of Behavioral Approach System (BAS), Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Fight-Fligh-Freeze System. Molecular genetic analyses proposed the significant main effect of COMT SNP on the BAS and TPH2 SNP on the BIS, and pointed out epistatic effects of COMT x DRD2 on BAS and HTR1A x TPH2 on Fight. Results demonstrated substantial heritability for all rRST constructs, as well as for differences in the molecular genetic basis of both approach-related and avoidance-related dimensions.

Introduction. Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of infections in the post-transplantation period. A reliable and timely laboratory diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection in patients on dialysis and in the post-transplantation period is significant because of the possibility of preventing or mitigating the effects of cytomegalovirus disease. The main objective of this study was to compare serological and molecular polymerase chain reaction methods to determine the presence of cytomegalovirus in the blood of dialysis patients. Material and Methods. The study included 28 dialysis patients, potential renal transplant recipients. All patients were evaluated for the presence of cytomegalovirus in the blood by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method as well as in the serum for the presence of anti-cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G and Immunoglobulin M antibodies. Results. According to the comparative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies in dialysis patients, 96.4% were once exposed to the virus, while 7.1% showed current infection not confirmed by polymerase chain reaction test. No statistically significant association was found between the positive finding of anti-cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin M antibodies and the findings of the polymerase chain reaction cytomegalovirus method when Chi-square (?2) and Fisher?s correlation tests were conducted (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Due to 7.1% false positives results for the presence of anti-cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin M antibodies in the serum of immunocompromised dialysis patients, not confirmed by polymerase chain reaction test, serological techniques are not reliable in detecting active cytomegalovirus infection causing positive finding of anti-cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin M, so confirmation of cytomegalovirus deoxyribonucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction method is required.

The modern way of life contributes to the higher frequency of a complex state medically called metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is an inevitable consequence of several most common diseases of modern civilization. Patients with MetS have three times higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or a stroke and twice higher possibility to die from them. Serbia holds the infamous third place in Europe in mortality from heart disease, just behind Russia and Ukraine. The study explores the correlation of every combination of genotypes of apoE (apolipoprotein E) and LRP1 (low density receptor- related protein 1) genes with presence of MetS, and the connection with each anthropometric and biochemical parameter in both tested groups. Study demonstrates the impact of genotype combinations on the emergence and development of the MetS in Serbia. 63 patients and 30 controls were included in the study, aged from 19 to 65. Each person genotype was determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) profile. Odds ratio (OR) values showed that the presence of apoE e3e4/LRP1 CC genotype combination of genotypes in patients multiplies the chance (7.6 times) for the occurrence of the MetS in comparison to the presence of other genotype combinations. Determining the genetic basis of MetS is one of the necessary steps in the prevention of disease, saving the cost of treatment, and in the design of targeted therapies.

Introduction. The alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is the best described genetic cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study of the alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, as the most important genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is an important step in developing a strategy for the prevention and treatment of this disease. The aim of the study was detection of homozygous and heterozygous deficient gene alleles (protease inhibitor Z and protease inhibitor S) for alpha-1 antitrypsin in the group of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with the predominance of lung emphysema, as well as determination of a positive correlation between the serum levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin and the corresponding alpha-1 antitrypsin genotype. Material and Methods. The study included 90 patients, mutually unrelated individuals, hospitalized due to lung emphysema. The control group included 10 subjects, with no clinical signs of lung emphysema, but with a family history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We attempted to identify the most common deficient alleles (protease inhibitor Z and protease inhibitor S) and the concentration of alpha-1 antitrypsin in the serum of the examinees. The polymorphism between the two allelic forms, protease inhibitor Z and protease inhibitor S, was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. Protease inhibitor MM genotype alpha-1 antitrypsin was present in all 90 patients with the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema, and the serum levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin were within the range of reference values. In the control group, there were two cases with mutated protease inhibitor MZ genotype, and in these 2 subjects the serum level of alpha-1 antitrypsin was at the lower limit of reference values. Conclusion. In patients diagnosed with lung emphysema, protease inhibitor MM genotype of alpha-1 antitrypsin and normal serum alpha-1 antitrypsin levels, the genetically- determined deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin is not responsible for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The determination of genetic background in metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents one of the necessary steps to prevent the disorder, thus reducing the cost of medical treatments and helping to design targeted therapy. The study explores the association between individual alleles of the LRP1 gene and the diagnosis of MetS to find correlation between the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related (LRP1) gene polymorphism and each individual anthropometric and biochemical parameter. The study included 93 males and females, aged from 19 to 65, divided into two groups. The genotype of each person was determined from the restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) profile. Results indicated the association of the T allele form of exon 3 LRP1 gene with development and progression of MetS that further pointed out its negative impact on tested anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The presence of the T allele in patients multiplies the chance of occurrence of deviations from the reference values of body mass index (BMI), (4.24-fold) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (20.26-fold) compared to C allele carriers. The results showed that T allele presence multiplies the chance (4.76 fold) for the occurrence of MetS in comparison to C allele carriers. Correlation found that the T allele of the LRP1 gene with MetS determinants is not negligible, therefore, the T allele may be considered as a risk factor for MetS development.

The first twin study in Serbia began in 2011 as a part of the research project, ‘Psychological Foundations of Mental Health: Hereditary and Environmental Factors’. At the same time, the research team from the Faculty of Philosophy and Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad established the first Serbian twin registry. The registry is intended primarily for the purpose of the research in behavioral genetics, as well as potential future studies in human genetics. It includes information on 1658 volunteers, including twin-pairs, their parent and siblings. The behavioral genetic study of adult twins has been focused on the hereditary and environmental sources of variance of different psychological characteristics, such as personality traits, cognitive abilities, executive functions and aggression, as well as some anthropometric measures and aspects of mental and physical health. Certain molecular genetic analyses have also been performed. The research team is currently starting the longitudinal twin study of children, which will be focused on different indicators of emotional, cognitive and physical development.

The aim of this study was to explore genetic and environmental contributions to laboratory-induced aggressive behavior. On a sample of 478 adult twins (316 monozygotic), the Competitive Reaction Time Task was used for aggression induction. The results showed that the initial, basic level of aggression could be explained by both shared (45%) and nonshared environmental factors (55%), while only nonshared environmental factors (100%) had a significant influence on changes in aggression as provocation increased. Genetic factors had no influence on laboratory-induced aggression. The results highlight the importance of environmental factors in shaping situation-specific aggressive responses to provocation.

The roles of the pharmacist were transformed throughout the history and modern pharmacist as we know now beside providing products and playing in optimization of medicines has a crucial role in ensuring the efficacy and safety of applied drugs. A better life quality, global health and safety is the major goal of the 21st century and to achieve that great span of roles pharmacy profession involves now. The paper highlighted new roles of the pharmacist today in order to better understand the transition of the pharmacy profession.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a polygenic multifactorial metabolic disorder with strong socioeconomic influence. MetS has became a worldwide epidemic, that directly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The human apoE gene, coding Apolipoprotein E, has three common polymorphisms in human population: e2, e3 and e4, which are proved to be associated with impaired lipid metabolism. The contribution of apoE polymorphism to MetS disorders has not been investigated previously in Vojvodina Province, region with the highest number of obese people in Serbia. The aim of this study was to evaluate apoE gene polymorphism in relation to MetS disorders. The healthy control group of 30 individuals and 63 MetS patients were examined for apoE variants in relation to biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. Regarding all parameters, significantly higher values were detected in MetS group compared to control. The MetS group of patients had significantly higher frequency of e4 allele. In addition, positive relation was revealed between e4 allele presence and all measured parameters. It was found that the e4 allele was related with a significantly increased OR of MetS disorders according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. These results suggested that e4 allele may act as a one of determinants for development of metabolic syndrome.

Aim of the study Aim of the study was to compare radiobiological effects of multiple vs. single low-dose pre-irradiation on the HT29 cell line. This regime is designed to be as similar as possible to fractionated tumour radiotherapy treatment, and to provide data on radiobiological effects on human tumour cells. Material and methods The cell line used in the study was HT29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma, American Type Culture Collection HTB-38™). Also, for comparison, the MRC5 cell line (human foetal lung fibroblasts, American Type Culture Collection CCL 171) was used. Four-day treatment in a 4 × 2 Gy regime was performed. Cell viability was evaluated by tetrazolium colorimetric MTT assay. Results Multiple low-dose pre-irradiation induced a stronger radioadaptive response compared to single low-dose application in the HT29 cell line. Multiple pre-irradiation with 0.03 Gy and 0.05 Gy caused radioadaptive effects, while in both single and multiple low-dose pre-irradiation regimes 0.07 Gy led to radiosensitivity. Radiobiological effects induced in the HT29 cell line by low-dose pre-irradiation were evidently weak during the treatment time, because a single low-dose applied only on the first day gave no radioadaptive effects. In the MRC5 cell line different effects were registered, since radioadaptive response has not been observed after multiple or single pre-irradiation. Conclusions The obtained data are interesting, especially for the possible application of low-dose pre-irradiation in radiotherapy.

Postharvest losses caused by phytopathogenic fungi can be severe, and low and high temperatures can significantly inhibit pathogen development from harvest to marketing. Colletotrichum spp. are important post-harvest pathogens of apple, causing losses from 30-80%. The losses are mostly managed by fungicide applications, as well as by keeping of fruits in adequate storage. Therefore, effect of different storage conditions (cold storage, ultra-low oxygen cold storage, storage at 35 degrees C) of apple fruits on Colletotrichum spp. virulence was studied in vivo, and compared with an effect of low and high temperatures on mycelial growth of the pathogens in vitro. It was found that both, high and low temperatures significantly affect pathogen development, in vitro and in vivo, and that high temperatures (35 degrees C) can completely inactivate virulence of C. acutatum, while low temperatures ( lt = 2 degrees C) can inactivate virulence of C. gloeosporioides. However, short-term storage of inoculted apple fruits at 5 degrees C can cause more pronounced virulence of both Colletotrichum species once they reach room temperature. According to the obtained results, combination of postharvest heat treatment with a long-term cold storage is proposed for complete elimination of Colletotrichum spp. on apple fruits.