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Fungi can colonize organic matter present in subterranean sites and have a significant role as dwellers in different microniches of cave habitats. In order to analyze the content of airborne fungal propagules in different parts of “Stopića Cave”, a touristic site in Serbia, air sampling was carried out in three seasons during 2020, prior to and during the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. Culturable mycobiota was identified using both microscopic techniques and ITS region/BenA gene barkoding while multivariate analyses were employed to establish the link between fungal taxa and different environmental factors. The maximal measured fungal propagule concentrations were recorded during spring sampling where based on fungal propagules concentration categories cave environment match the category V. A total of 29 fungal isolates were identified while Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Lecanicillium, Mucor and Penicillium were the most diverse genera. According to the trophic mode most of the isolated fungal species were Pathotrophs (75.86%), but when regarding ecological guilds, the most dominant were undefined saprobes and animal pathogens (41.38% for each). Show caves are especially vulnerable to human impacts, and the fungal propagules’ concentration within the caves could be good indices for the level of ecological disturbance.

Translations of instruments for measuring quality of life developed in certain, mostly more developed, parts of the world usually do not cover regionally specific aspects of health-related quality of life, even after transcultural validation. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable questionnaire in Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin languages suitable for measuring health-related quality of life in adults.The study was of a cross-sectional type, assessing the reliability and validity of a newly developed questionnaire for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults residing in western Balkan states (WB-HRQoL). It was conducted on a sample of 489 adults from Serbia, Croatia, BosniaHerzegovina, and Montenegro, with a mean age of 52.2±14.4 years and a male/female ratio of 195/294 (39.9%/60.1%).The definitive version of the WB-HRQoL scale with 19 items showed very good reliability, with Cronbach's alpha 0.905. The scale was temporally stable, and satisfactory results were obtained for divergent and convergent validity tests. Exploratory factorial analysis brought to the surface four domains of health-related quality of life, namely the physical, psychical, social, and environmental.The WB-HRQoL scale is a reliable and valid generic instrument for measuring HRQoL that takes into account the cultural specifics of the western Balkan region.Prenos instrumentov za merjenje kakovosti življenja, razvitih v nekaterih, večinoma razvitejših delih sveta, zahteva transkulturno validacijo. Kljub temu tovrstni instrumenti običajno ne zajemajo regionalno specifičnih vidikov kakovosti življenja, povezanih z zdravjem. Namen študije je bil razviti in potrditi zanesljiv vprašalnik v srbskem, hrvaškem, bosansko-hrvaško-srbskem in črnogorskem jeziku, primeren za merjenje kakovosti življenja, povezanega z zdravjem odraslih.V presečni študiji smo ocenili zanesljivost in veljavnost novo razvitega vprašalnika za merjenje kakovosti življenja, povezanega z zdravjem (HRQoL) pri odraslih, ki prebivajo v državah zahodnega Balkana (WB-HRQoL). V študijo smo vključili 489 odraslih iz Srbije, Hrvaške, Bosne in Hercegovine ter Črne gore s povprečno starostjo 52,2 ± 14,4 let in razmerjem med moškimi in ženskami 195 : 294 (39,9 : 60,1 %).Dokončna različica lestvice WB-HRQoL z 19 elementi je pokazala zelo dobro zanesljivost (koeficient Cronbach alfa 0,905). Lestvica je bila stabilna, tako za divergentne kot konvergentne teste veljavnosti smo pridobili zadovoljive rezultate. Raziskovalna faktorska analiza je pokazala štiri področja zdravstvene kakovosti, povezane z zdravjem: fizično, psihično, socialno in okoljsko.Lestvica WB-HRQoL je zanesljiv in veljaven generični instrument za merjenje HRQoL, ki upošteva kulturne posebnosti regije zahodnega Balkana.

Nowadays, caves are increasingly being transformed into tourist attractions by constructing paths, electricity, water infrastructure, and the introduction of light, thereby becoming affected by various disturbances that alter their inherent equilibrium. Conservation of these sensitive environments should be a priority from the moment of their opening. All parameters, including the potential changes around artificial lights, such as lampenflora, should be monitored. Lampenflora in show caves in Serbia has been done for several years in the Lazar and Resava caves, of which the Lazar cave was monitored for over 6 years. This work aimed to compare lampenflora of these two caves, considering samples taken in the year 2021 at the beginning and the end of the official tourist season. Artificial light created favorable conditions for the proliferation of phototrophs, and lampenflora developed in both caves. Considering the community type, epiliths and endoliths were present in both localities. The difference is that endoliths in the Lazar Cave covered more significant areas of substratum, constantly spreading, thus posing a more significant threat to cave substratum and structures. One of the problematic genera was Chlorella, which can switch from an autotrophic to a mixotrophic, and finally to a heterotrophic lifestyle, thus making lampenflora dangerous and hard to deal with. Lampenflora in the Lazar Cave was developed over a large area of the cave substratum, while in Resava Cave, it was usually localized near artificial lights. When caves were compared based on phototrophic microorganism composition, using multivariate analysis, all morphological groups of Cyanobacteria (coccoid, simple trichal, and heterocystous) were more related to the Resava cave and Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta to the Lazar Cave (based on diversity and number of sampling sites on which they are found). In the Lazar and Resava cave, Cyanobacteria dominated at the beginning of the tourist season and Chlorophyta at the end. Mosses were present, too, with the difference that the moss protonema was more characteristic of Lazar Cave in many places. In contrast, developed mosses were frequently found in Resava Cave near reflectors. In addition to the analysis of phototrophic microorganisms, ecological parameters, primary production, and biofilm parameters were measured, showing seasonal or sampling site variations. We hope that monitoring will be performed more regularly in the future and that it will include a more significant number of show caves for their conservation.

Seasonal analysis of epilithic diatom community from the Vrla River was performed in four seasons a year (six times) at six sampling sites. Between the second (VR2) and the third sampling site (VR3) was located a trout fish farm. The highest number of diatom taxa was recorded in spring (149) and the lowest in autumn (93). The number of taxa that were found to be dominant during all four seasons was twenty-four. The relationship between 45 the best-fitted diatom taxa, which showed conspicuous seasonal dynamics, and seasons in which these taxa were recorded was illustrated using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The large number of taxa was identified in all four seasons or in winter period only. Few taxa were present only in spring and summer.

Phosphorus overenrichment of shallow ponds prevailing in wetlands leads to their eutrophication causing the collapse of those vulnerable habitats. The potential of phosphorus accumulation by periphyton developed on artificial substrata has been investigated in two shallow ponds (Baračka and Široki Rit) in northwest Serbia and compared to the same ability of plankton and metaphyton. The periphyton substrate carrier has been submerged from May to October. Both continuously (CS) and monthly developed (MS) periphyton were sampled. Autotrophic component of all investigated communities has been qualitatively assessed. Maximum accumulation of only 14.7 mg TP/m2 was recorded in three-month exposed periphyton CS. MS exposed from July to August reached maximal 12.7 mg TP/m2. Plankton community that was characterized by more diverse and abundantly developed algal component was more effective in phosphorus accumulation (0.7 mg/g dry weight) in comparison with dominantly inorganic and diatom-dominated periphyton in Baračka. Unstable conditions caused by recent revitalization (dredging organic matter and mud from pond basin—redigging) as well as rapid desiccation of Široki Rit disabled making an unambiguous conclusion about the efficiency of phosphorus accumulation among different communities, but suggested slight potential of phosphorus harvesting by metaphyton in this pond. Due to the shorter exposure time that brings the reduced risk of unpredictable changes in the ecosystem, as well as the considerable amount of accumulated phosphorus, large-scale application of one-month exposed periphyton developed on artificial substrates would be more advisable for phosphorus harvesting in nutrient affected shallow ponds.

This study focussed on a comprehensive investigation on the state of pollution and identification of potential sources of contamination of some river sediments in Serbia by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and is the basis for setting up further monitoring programs. The sediment quality of the Danube River (km 1433-845) and its tributaries in Serbia, including the Sava River (km 202-1), were analysed with respect to PAHs and total organic carbon (TOC). We found that total PAH concentration in the sediments from the Danube and its tributaries (10.0-4140 mu g kg(-1)) was lower than total PAH concentration in Sava River sediments (265.1-11272 mu g kg(-1)). Principal component analysis showed that concentrations of benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, pyrene, fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3- cd]pyrene, benzo[a] pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[k]fluoranthene in the sediments were correlated with TOC. The diagnostic ratios anthracene/(anthracene+phenanthrene) and fluoranthene/(fluoranthene+ pyrene) were calculated to evaluate the emission sources of the PAHs. Therefore, these ratios indicated the predominantly pyrogenic source of the PAHs in the sediments. Results have also shown that river sediments in the Danube and Sava rivers and their tributaries were not recently polluted with PAHs, excluding only one location - S4, downstream of Sabac and characterized by heavily polluted sediment.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the application of benthic diatoms and the efficiency of diatom indices in water ecological assessment of rivers in Serbia, as well as the influence of trout farms on rivers water quality. Research was conducted in one year period along the Crnica and Radovanska rivers (Eastern Serbia), in 11 sampling sites (taking into account the position of trout fish farms that are built on both rivers). Results showed that fish farms affect the physical and chemical parameters, as well as diversity of the epilithic diatom assemblage along the rivers. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that among tested physical and chemical parameters, conductivity “EC”, water hardness “WH”, sulfates “SO42-”, ionized ammonia fraction “NH4+”, nitrates “NO3–“, “pH”, mud, stone and depth were the most important variables affecting the distribution of diatom species. A total of 206 epilithic diatom taxa were recorded in the Radovanska and 170 in the Crnica River. Based on diatom indices, trout fish farms have no significant negative impact on the water quality of the investigated rivers (indices are not enough sensitive). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed a high degree of correlation between the majority of indices which mostly indicated to good water quality of studied rivers. TID and TDI were the only two indices indicating moderate and poor water quality of both rivers. Water quality based on the TIDRS, the first proposed diatom index for Serbia was differ in two classes in most sites compairing with TID.

There is a daily increase in the number of patients with malignant diseases, but with the advances in modern oncology research, the number of survivors treated with malignant diseases is becoming larger and larger. The survival rate after completing oncology therapy is increasing on a daily basis, so that malignant diseases belonging to the category of terminal diseases are now referred to as 'chronic illnesses'. In this specific group of patients, the risk from cardiovascular diseases is increasing nowadays. A new challenge for the future cardiologists will certainly pose the treatment of this group of patients. A cardiological approach in oncological patient treatment is an important issue. The cardiologist focuses on risk stratification and prevention of cardiovascular complications in the oncological patient in relation to his or her pre-existing condition, and in relation to the type of specific oncology therapy applied, and on further follow-up during therapy and after its completion. This implies that it is necessary to create cardio-oncology teams in our institutions treating the oncological patients. There is a considerable need for education in a new field, which presents the intersection between two clinical disciplines, i.e. cardiology and oncology, and for special education of cardiologists concerning all types of chemotherapy and their potential cardiotoxic effects. The oncologist, on the other hand, must be trained to recognize any possible early signs and symptoms of cardiac complications concerning the therapy applied and to seek further cardiac care for the patients. The aim of this review article is to assist the doctors treating this group of patients in their daily practice and to highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach, as well as the creation of a cardio-oncology team for a comprehensive and integrative approach to a cardio-oncological patient.

Aerophytic phototrophs, colonizers of different substrates exposed to air, among which are rock substrates in cave habitats, are in general not sufficiently investigated and studied. From the ecological point of view, seasonal/temporal variations and parameters that influence aerophytic phototrophic communities through seasons still remain largely unknown. Seasonal analysis of phototrophic microorganisms from biofilms developed at entrances of Samar and Jezava caves in Eastern Serbia was performed four times a year. All identified phototrophic representatives were assigned to a certain division or group. The relationship between documented groups and different measured, determined and observed ecological parameters was illustrated using principal component analysis (PCA). A high diversity of cyanobacteria and algae was observed as a result of seasonal sampling: 141 taxa in Samar and 61 taxa in Jezava Cave. Cyanobacteria were dominant in both caves (coccoid forms prevailing) and were followed by Bacillariophyta. Bacillariophyta were positively correlated with light intensity and sites where seeping water was present, and cyanobacteria with water content in biofilm, Chl a and relative air humidity. Higher diversity of phototrophs was documented in December and March, and lower in May and August in both caves with Chl a values having the same trend as the diversity of phototrophic microorganisms. This was especially the case with biofilms in which diversity was more prone to seasonal changes and where Cyanobacteria dominated. Only 24 taxa were documented during all four seasons in Samar Cave (Cyanobacteria, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta representatives) and three in Jezava Cave (Cyanobacteria only).

Planktothrix rubescens is a filamentous cyanobacterium with a worldwide distribution in lakes and reservoirs of varying size and morphology. The objective of this study was to identify the population dynamics and the major drivers of P. rubescens blooms. Samples for qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytoplankton were collected every month in 2014 and 2015 from stationary depths, while the main physical parameters were measured in situ along the water column. Samples for chemical analysis were collected below the surface, at mid-depth (metalimnion) and near the bottom. In the periods of thermal stratification, P. rubescens formed the maximum biomass in the metalimnion, however, its volume-weighted biomass reached the maximum value in the winter mixing period (4.40 mm3 l−1). Changes in the P. rubescens population in the reservoir were related to changes in the measured environmental parameters. Significant physical, hydrological, meteorological and chemical parameters were distinguished based on the multivariate analysis. The variable associated with water-level fluctuations showed the highest positive correlation with P. rubescens biomass. We conclude that it is necessary to establish water quality monitoring and prevent excessive water-level fluctuations to ensure a high quality of water supplies from the reservoir.

The aim of the study was comparative analysis of degradation of wheat straw lignin by white-rot fungi and its implications on the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of holocellulose. Cyclocybe cylindracea, Ganoderma resinaceum, Irpex lacteus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor were the species studied. Peroxidases were predominantly responsible for lignin degradation even though high laccase activities were detected, except in the case of Irpex lacteus where laccase activity was not detected. Studied fungal species showed various ability to degrade lignin in wheat straw which further affected release of reducing sugars during enzymatic saccharification. The highest rate of lignin degradation was noticed in sample pretreated with Irpex lacteus (50.9 ± 4.1%). Among all tested species only Ganoderma resinaceum was suitable lignin degrader with the 2-fold higher hydrolysis yield (51.1 ± 4.7%) than in the control, and could have significant biotechnological application due to lower cellulose loss. A key mechanism of carbohydrate component convertibility enhancement was lignin removal in the biomass. Long time consumption, the low sugar yields and unpredictable fungal response still remain the challenge of the fungal pretreatment process.

The aim of this study was determining and comparing diatom diversity and dominant taxa in 4 seasons from the Crnica River. A total of 170 diatom taxa, 24 among them as dominant ones were recorded. The highest diversity expressed in number of taxa was observed in the spring (139) and the lowest in the autumn season (94). The most of 45 the best fitted taxa on the CCA ordination diagram are recorded in more than two seasons, often in all four seasons. One group of taxa (e.g. Hanaea arcus, Meridion constrictum, Navicula gregaria, N. lanceolata) was characteristic only for spring and other for winter season (e.g. Gomphonema innocens, G. lagenula, Stauroneis phoenicenteron, Nitzschia oligotraphenta). There were no taxa exclusively recorded only in summer and autumn.

Domination of certain aerophytic phototrophic group or specific taxon in biofilms is connected with biofilm features recognised in situ. Well-developed, gelatinous, olive to dark-green biofilms are composed mostly of coccoid cyanobacterial forms. The same features, characterised biofilms dominated by one coccoid taxon, except the latter were vividly coloured. Gloeobacter caused the appearance of purple, Gloeocapsa representatives yellow and Chroococcidiopsis black biofilm. The brown to the dark colour of heterocytous biofilms was mainly caused by Nostoc. Simple trichal Cyanobacteria were occasionally present in biofilm, except in one blue-coloured sample. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), well-developed and gelatinous biofilms were correlated with Cyanobacteria, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed richness of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in such biofilms. Biofilm with calcified cyanobacterium (Geitleria cf. calcarea) was also found. Chlorophyta-abundant biofilms (many rich in Desmococcus), thinner than cyanobacterial, were predominantly green and occasionally yellow and blue. Many were dry when observed in situ (confirmed with PCA), with few being moistened (i.e. Klebsormidium-dominant). Diatom biofilms were usually developed on sediment, mosses or near seeping water (demonstrated by PCA) and were also thinner than cyanobacterial ones. Compared to cyanobacterial biofilms, SEM showed less developed EPS in those rich in diatoms and green algae, where microorganisms are more exposed to the environment. The study demonstrates an easy method for biofilm assessment based on visual characterisation and provides encouragement for more frequent biofilm investigation in caves that can be important from an ecological, biological, biotechnological point of view and which assessment can have an irreplaceable role in potential monitoring and protection.

Ovo istraživanje provedeno je s ciljem utvrđivanja razlike između vaspitnih silova roditelja mladih koji igraju igre na sreću i onih koji ne igraju igre na sreću. Iskustvo u igrama na sreću posmatrano je kroz učestalost igranja sportskih kladionica, tombole i automata za zabavu. U istraživanju je učestvovalo 296 srednjoškolaca prosječnog uzrasta 16.71 godinu, pri čemu je 60.5% ispitanica. Za ispitivanje doživljaja vaspitnih stilova roditeljstva, posebno majke, posebno oca korišten je EMBU upitnik, a za procjenu iskustva u igranju igara na sreću korištena je procjena učestalosti igranja. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju da od rijetko do gotovo svakodnevno 14.8% mladih igra sportske kladionice, 39.9% igraju automate za zabavu, a klasičnu tombolu igra 24.3% mladih. Odbacivanje od strane majke i oca, odnosno emocionalno hladnoća prema djeci, kao i roditeljska nedosljednost razlikuju mlade s obzirom na njihovo iskustvo u igrama na sreću, dok emocionalna toplina i prezaštićenost nisu pokazale značajne razlike. Sklonost mladih ka igranju pojedinih igara na sreću može se dovesti u vezu sa doživljajem roditelja kao emocionalno hladnih i nedosljednih u svom odnosu prema djeci. Dobijeni rezultati prodiskutovani su u skladu sa socijalno-psihološkim teorijama, te ranijim relevantnim empirijskim nalazima.

The main purpose of this study was to isolate airborne fungi and assess seasonal variations in air contamination with their particulates by determining the levels of their propagules in the nave and exonarthex of a church. We also monitored indoor microclimate as a determining factor for fungal proliferation on wall paintings, spore release, and transmission through the air. The temperature and relative humidity of the nave favoured fungal growth. A total of 33 fungi were isolated, mainly of the phylum Ascomycota, and to the lesser extent of the phyla Zygomycota and Basidiomycota. The most common were the fungi of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus (23.55 % and 20.58 %, respectively). Sørensen’s quotient of similarity (0.37) suggests moderate species overlap and constant exchange of fungal propagules between the nave and exonarthex. The autumn had the highest diversity, with 17 documented taxa, followed by the summer and the winter. The spring had only eight taxa. Quantitative analysis of the airborne mycobiota in the nave (430±84.85 to 1880±106.07 CFU m-3) and exonarthex (715±59.62 to 2295±91.92 CFU m-3) showed very high contamination throughout the year, with values exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations by most standards. Many of the fungi determined in this study are known for their biodeteriogenic, toxigenic, and allergenic properties, and are a threat not only to occasional visitors and staff, but also to valuable works of art decorating nave walls., Glavni cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je izolirati gljive iz zraka i procijeniti sezonske promjene u onečišćenju zraka gljivičnim propagulama u naosu i egzonarteksu istraživane crkve. Također su praćeni mikroklimatski parametri kao ograničavajući čimbenici za razvoj i rast gljiva na zidnim slikama, za oslobađanje spora i njihovu transmisiju kroz zrak. Zabilježena temperatura i relativna vlažnost zraka u naosu pogodovale su razvoju i rastu gljiva. Dokumentirana su 33 taksona gljiva, uglavnom pripadnika koljena Ascomycota, a manje su zastupljeni oni Zygomycota i Basidiomycota. Najčešće su bile prisutne plijesni rodova Penicillium (23,55 %) i Aspergillus (20,58 %). Sørensenov indeks sličnosti (0,37) upućuje na stalnu i umjerenu razmjenu gljivičnih propagula između naosa i egzonarteksa. Uzorci uzeti u jesen pokazali su najveću raznolikost sa 17 zabilježenih taksona, a oni uzeti u proljeće samo osam taksona. Kvantitativna mikološka analiza u naosu (430±84,85 do 1880±106,07 CFU m-3) i egzonarteksu (715±59,62 do 2295±91,92 CFU m-3) pokazala je visoku godišnju razinu onečišćenja zraka, s vrijednostima koje prema većini standarda prelaze dopuštene koncentracije. Mnoge identificirane gljive mogu dovesti do biodeterioracije, proizvesti mikotoksine i izazvati alergijske reakcije. Stoga su nepoželjne u sakralnim objektima ne samo zbog očuvanja murala nego i zbog zaštite zdravlja zaposlenih, posjetitelja i konzervatora.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of substrate type and incubation depth on periphyton that had developed on artificial substrates. Uniform rectangular tiles made out of artificial substrates: glass, ceramic, willow tree and yew tree, were fixed on a floating buoy and deployed at three different depths in a photic zone of the Sava Lake (Belgrade, Serbia). Non-taxonomic attributes in the developed biofilm were estimated week-by-week from the start of the experiment in July, until its end in September 2014. Through assessment of substrate type and depth of incubation effect we concluded that these parameters for the fact influence periphyton development and composition. Glass was preferred by autotrophic component over ceramic and wooden substrates. In general, substrate type effect was diminished by increasing incubation depth. When non-taxonomic parameters are to be used in biomonitoring studies, our results suggest that glass substrate and shallow layer of water column (up to 50 cm) for incubation should be preferred.

Epilithic diatoms from the Vrla River (Serbia) have been used to assess the ecological status of water. A total of 227 diatom taxa belonging to 50 genera were identified in the Vrla River during six research seasons with 13 dominant species recorded. Gomphonema (30 species), Navicula (28) and Nitzschia (26) were the most species-rich genera, followed by Pinnularia (12) and Encyonema (11). One taxa was recorded as new to Serbia – Geissleria acceptata. CCA grouped the diatom taxa into three main groups. The first group included taxa found at most of the sampling sites, the second group involved diatom taxa significantly positively correlated with the oxygen, while the third group showed positive correlation with temperature. RDA showed that some diatom taxa, including: Cocconeis placentula var. placentula, C. placentula var. lineata, C. pseudolineata and Mayamaea atomus var. permitis, are significantly positively correlated with temperature, while others, for example Achnanthidium minutissimum, Hannaea arcus, Nitzschia pura are mostly correlated with total phosphorus, alkalinity and water hardness. The ecological status of the Vrla River ranged from moderate, good to high. It was shown that according to the diatom indices, the ecological status of water downstream and upstream of a trout fish pond was slightly different.

An extensive aeromycological survey was performed in the premises of a cultural heritage conservation facility to estimate fungal propagule concentrations in both indoor and outdoor air and seasonal dynamics with regard to temperature and air humidity. The highest average propagule concentration in indoor air was documented in spring, and for outdoor air, in summer. Increased propagule loads were documented in most rooms during winter, fall and spring, and in all examined rooms in summer. Very high propagule concentrations (>25,000 CFU m−3) were reported in ground-floor rooms. The total mycobiota was comprised of 74 fungal species, with a prevalence of Aspergilli and Penicillia. Cladosporium and Penicillium isolates were found to be the most abundant in all seasons in both indoor and outdoor air samples. Among the identified fungi, potential human pathogens, allergens and mycotoxin producers were present. Numerous documented species play an important role in the deterioration of cultural heritage artifacts and are known producers of extracellular enzymes, acids and pigments. Application of a selective medium (M40Y) allowed isolation of various xerophiles and xerotolerant species. Aeromycological analyses are mandatory for determining the appropriate conditions for the protection of the health of conservators, as well as the objects of cultural heritage.

Various studies report contrasting results on the substrate-type effect on diatom community composition, but the particularly important question is whether or not it affects diatom-based assessments of water quality. We investigated whether the substrate type is a significant predictor of the diatom community composition and if it affects lake water quality assessment based on diatom indices. This study took place in Sava Lake (Serbia). We used glass, ceramic, willow and yew tree tiles as artificial substrates for periphyton development, and pebbles from the lake littoral as natural substrate. Results revealed differences in both the diatom community composition and diatom indices values related to the substrates. A distinction was recognized between natural, artificial wooden, and artificial inert substrates. However, the final lake quality assessment based on diatom indices was more or less similar in all substrate types in our study, and depended on value ranges associated with water quality classification and on diatom index choices. Artificial substrates in our study did show potential as an alternative for natural substrate, but further studies are required, particularly in various types of lentic ecosystems to confirm our findings and support artificial substrate employment in lake water quality assessment. Diverses études rapportent des résultats contrastés sur l'effet du type de substrat sur la composition de la communauté de diatomées, mais la question particulièrement importante est de savoir si cela affecte ou non les évaluations de la qualité de l'eau basées sur les diatomées. Nous avons cherché à savoir si le type de substrat est un prédicteur significatif de la composition de la communauté de diatomées et s'il affecte l'évaluation de la qualité de l'eau des lacs basée sur les indices de diatomées. Cette étude a eu lieu dans le lac Sava (Serbie). Nous avons utilisé des carreaux de verre, de céramique, de saule et d'if comme substrats artificiels pour le développement du périphyton, et des galets du littoral du lac comme substrat naturel. Les résultats ont révélé des différences dans la composition de la communauté de diatomées et dans les valeurs des indices de diatomées liées aux substrats. Une distinction a été reconnue entre les substrats naturels, artificiels en bois et artificiels inertes. Cependant, l'évaluation finale de la qualité du lac basée sur les indices de diatomées était plus ou moins similaire dans tous les types de substrats de notre étude, et dépendait des plages de valeurs associées à la classification de la qualité de l'eau et des choix d'indices de diatomées. Les substrats artificiels dans notre étude ont montré un potentiel comme alternative au substrat naturel, mais des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires, en particulier dans divers types d'écosystèmes lentiques pour confirmer nos résultats et soutenir l'utilisation de substrats artificiels dans l'évaluation de la qualité de l'eau des lacs.

Cyanobacterial blooms have become common all over the world, negatively affecting various ecosystem components. Planktothrix rubescens is a planktonic cyanobacterium that frequently causes blooms in temperate (mostly mesotrophic) lakes in Europe and, unlike other cyanobacteria, it is usually associated with ecosystem re-oligotrophication. The potential effects of P. rubescens on periphyton development have not been estimated in any recently published studies. The objective of the present paper was to assess how a Planktohrix rubescens bloom affects periphyton development in a temperate freshwater reservoir. A field study was performed in the Vrutci reservoir (western Serbia), where P. rubescens blooms have occurred since December of 2013. Periphyton was grown on glass slides that were incubated following lake stratification and sampled monthly from July to October of 2015. Dry mass, ash free dry mass and content of chlorophyll a, as well as composition of the community of developed periphyton, were estimated, together with P. rubescens biomass in the water column at the particular depths where substrates for periphyton were incubated. The metalimnetic bloom of P. rubescens induced calcite precipitation on the incubated substrates, which was reflected in obstructed colonization. The periphyton community composition was mainly determined by the depth gradient, which was potentially related to reduced light availability driven by shading effects caused by the P.rubescens bloom. Our results provide a significant update on periphyton ecology in relation to cyanobacterial blooms, elucidating complex interactions in the ecosystem. They also represent a stimulus for further studies on the capacity of P. rubescens for induction of calcium carbonate precipitation in lakes.

This study investigates the morphology and occurrence of the potentially toxic invasive cyanobacterium recently detected in Serbia, Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides (Forti) (Zapomelova et al. 2010), in correlation with several environmental parameters. The presence of this species was recorded during warm months in three of four studied sites in the Ponjavica River. It was found in a community with invasive Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) (Seenayya and Subba Raju 1972) and Raphidiopsis mediterranea (Skuja 1937) in this small, shallow, eutrophic river, with slow water flow. The peak of its abundance was observed in August 2008 (3.36 × 106 cell/ml). The proliferation of this cyanobacterium was caused by very high water temperatures at the beginning of the summer, which resulted in an increase in the biomass of this species in August. The blooms of S. aphanizomenoides often occur under nitrogen depletion due to the formation of heterocysts, but in our study, their number was in positive correlation with the concentration of total dissolved nitrogen at the end of the study period. However, PCA analysis, which included the whole study period, indicated that there is a negative correlation between these two parameters. According to this analysis, in this locality, the factors which control the formation of the akinetes of S. aphanizomenoides are both the concentration of phosphate in the water and temperature. The morphological characteristics (trichome length, dimensions of the vegetative cells, heterocysts and akinetes, and their position) of this species, first recorded in Serbia, were mainly in correlation with those from the Czech Republic. However, individuals of S. aphanizomenoides from Serbia have shown a greater range of morphological variability than previously recorded.

Phototrophic microorganisms (cyanobacteria and algae) and microfungi, were identified from biofilm on the walls of the entrance of Božana Cave in west Serbia. Temperature, relative humidity and light intensity were measured, and chlorophyll a content determined. Light intensity differed from the entrance inwards. However, Chl a content was not proportional to light intensity, instead it was positively correlated to biofilm weight. Biofilm samples from two sites were also observed using a scanning electron microscope. Coccoid forms of cyanobacteria were abundant at the sampling site with the lowest light intensity, while members of the order Nostocales were predominant at the sampling site with the highest light intensity measured. Cyanobacteria were the dominant group of phototrophs colonizing cave walls (29 taxa), with the order Chroococcales prevailing (21 taxa). The most frequently documented cyanobacteria were species from genera Gloeocapsa, Scytonema, Aphanocapsa and Chroococcus. Desmococcus olivaceus and Trentepohlia aurea were the only green algae documented on cave walls. Ascomycetes were common (e.g. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Penicillum and Trichoderma), while zygomycetes and oomycetes were less frequent. The different color of each biofilm sample was ascribed to the presence of various species of cyanobacteria and algae. biofilm; cave; chlorophil a; cave fungi; cave cyanobacteria

The presence of biofilms on stone monuments can lead to biodeterioration processes that significantly lower not only the aesthetic value of cultural heritage sites but also cause considerable physical and chemical damage to stone surfaces. In terrestrial environments, cyanobacteria have a significant role in biofilm formation on a variety of natural and artificial stone substrata, including granite, sandstone, limestone, lime mortar, etc. Studies on cyanobacterial diversity and estimation of biodeteriorative activity on stone cultural heritage objects can be very important for conservators and restorers, and cyanobacteria removal from stone monuments is currently a great challenge for conservation science. In that sense, the diversity of terrestrial cyanobacteria was investigated at six localities in Serbia. Samples for cyanobacterial analyses were taken from surface biofilms covering different substrata: granite and lime mortar (The Monument to the Unknown Hero), sandstone (Branko's Bridge, Eiffel's Lock) and carbonate rock (Medieval tombstones from Mramorje and Rastite, Gradac Monastery). A total of 18 cyanobacterial taxa were identified. The highest diversity was found on carbonate rock, followed by sandstone. Cyanobacteria were also recorded on an artificial substratum - lime mortar, while cyanobacteria were not found on granite. All detected cyanobacteria seriously impaired the structural and aesthetic integrity of the studied monuments via mechanical and chemical actions, so their presence must not be overlooked.

Phototropic microorganisms in thermal mats had not attracted enough attention in Serbia in the past. The research presented in this paper is the first to address biofilms at selected occurrences of mineral water in Serbia (Bogatic, Metkovic and Belotic in the Macva District as well as Radaljska Banja, Lukovska Banja and Vranjska Banja) (in Serbian, banja denotes a spa town). The study period is from 2014 to 2016. The temperatures of the studied occurrences are in the 30–93.9 °C range and the chemical composition corresponds to the HCO3 − – Na++K+ and SO4 2−, HCO3 − – Na++K+ types of mineral water. One of the objectives was to examine the condition of wellheads (incrustation, biofouling and corrosion), focusing on the presence of phototrophic microorganisms whose metabolites may lead to changes in mineral water quality, yield and chemistry. Analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy provides insight into the diversity of phototrophic microorganisms that populate biofilms near the points of emergence and on wellhead. The research reveals the presence of representatives of three groups of phototrophic microorganisms: Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta. Cyanobacteria were the most numerous, dominated by the order Oscillatoriales with ten recorded genera, of which Leptolynbgya and Phormidium feature the largest numbers of species. The order Chroococcales are the second most numerous, with seven recorded genera, of which Gloeocapsa and Synechocystisare the most noteworthy. The largest numbers of representative taxa were noted at Radaljska Banja and Vranjska Banja, where mineral waters originate from Encrustalithostratigraphic units of igneous origin, followed by mineral water occurrences in karst aquifers (Bogatic and Belotic) and an intergranular aquifer (Metkovic). The smallest number of identified phototrophic microorganisms is noted at Lukovska Banja, where the origin is associated with a fractured aquifer formed in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, with occasional diabase interbeds. Although many representative taxa are found on only one of the studied localities, such as Synechococcus bigranulatus and Pseudanabaena thermalis, those of the genera Leptolyngbya, Phormidium and Cosmarium laeve, as well as genera of the phylum Bacillariophyta, occur at several sampling sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to show the relationship between documented cyanobacterial and algal taxa and environmental parameters. Key words: Serbia, mineral waters, phototrophic microorganisms, biofilm. Mineralne vode v Srbiji in razvoj fototrofnih mikrobnih združb na mestih izvirov in na ustjih vrtin Fototrofni mikroorganizmi v oblogah termalnih izvirov v Srbiji v preteklosti niso bili deležni posebne pozornosti. V clanku predstavljena raziskava je prva, ki obravnava biofilme na izbranih mestih izvirov mineralnih vod v Srbiji (Bogatic, Metkovic in Belotic v Macvi ter Radaljska Banja, Lukovska Banja in Vranjska Banja) (v srbskem jeziku je banja izraz za toplice). Preucevanje je potekalo med letoma 2014 in 2016. Temperature obravnavanih voda se gibljejo med 30 in 93,9 °C, glede na kemijsko sestavo pa jih uvrscamo v HCO3 − – Na++ K+ in SO4 2−, HCO3 − – Na++K+ tipe mineralne vode. Eden od ciljev raziskave je bil proucevati razmere na ustjih vrtin (inkrustacija, obrast in korozija) in se se posebej posvetiti navzocnosti fototrofnih mikroorganizmov, katerih metaboliti lahko spremenijo kakovost, izdatnost in kemizem mineralnih vod. Z analizo slik s svetlobnim in vrsticnim elektronskim mikroskopom lahko podrobneje spoznamo raznolikost fototrofnih organizmov, ki sestavljajo biofilme na mestih izvirov in na ustjih vrtin. Raziskava je pokazala obstoj predstavnikov treh skupin fototrofnih mikroorganizmov: cianobakterij ter predstavnikov debel Chlorophyta in Bacillariophyta. Cianobakterije so bile najbolj stevilcne, prevladovali so osebki reda Oscillatoriales z desetimi ugotovljenimi rodovi, od katerih je bilo najvecje stevilo vrst iz rodov Leptolynbgya in Phormidium. Red Chroococcales je bil s sedmimi zabeleženimi rodovi drugi najbolj stevilcen, prevladovala sta Gloeocapsa in Synechocystis. Najvecreprezentativnih taksonov je bilo v Radaljski Banji in Vranjski Banji, kjer mineralne vode izvirajo iz litostratigrafskih enot vulkanskega izvora, sledijo mineralne vode iz kraskega (Bogatic in Belotic) in medzrnskega vodonosnika (Metkovic). Najmanjfototrofnih organizmov je bilo v vzorcu iz Lukovske Banje, kjer vode izvirajo iz razpoklinskih vodonosnikov v sedimentnih in metamorfnih kamninah z vmesnimi lecami diabaza. Ceprav sostevilne reprezentativne taksone nasli le na eni od proucevanih lokacij, kot na primer Synechococcus bigranulatus in Pseudanabaena thermalis, se tisti iz rodu Leptolyngbya, Phormidium in Cosmarium laeve in predstavniki vec rodov, ki pripadajo deblu Bacillariophyta, pojavljajo na vec vzorcnih mestih. Za ugotavljanje odvisnosti med taksoni cianobakterij in alg ter okoljskimi parametri so uporabili analizo glavnih komponent. Kljucne besede: Srbija, mineralne vode, fototrofni mikroorganizmi, biofilm.

Substrate specificity of the periphyton community is usually underestimated in both periphyton ecology and biomonitoring studies, thus different kinds of both natural and artificial substrates (of organic and inorganic origin) are employed. Periphyton colonization and successional trajectories are particularly debatable processes when different kinds of substrates are considered. In our field experiment, we deployed four kinds of artificial substrates (two inorganic ones – glass and ceramic, and two organic ones – willow and yew wooden tiles) for the development of periphyton in an urban reservoir referred to as Lake Savsko (Belgrade, Serbia). We comparatively investigated the structure, colonization process, diversity and successional trajectories of periphyton. We also assessed the relationship between the dynamics of algae growth forms (ecological groups) on different substrates and selected abiotic limnological factors. Our objective was to determine whether the type of substrate affects periphyton characteristics at various levels and whether an artificial substrate potentially affects the bioindication capacity of ecological groups. We concluded that all substrates behave similarly at the level of structure and colonization phases, but when considering diversity and successional trajectories, the substrate specificity was demonstrated. Our results suggest that communities developed on inert substrates (glass and ceramic) could provide more realistic insight into complex environmental changes.

The concentrations of iron, zinc, manganese, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, arsenic, and cadmium were determined using flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in nine herbal tea samples. Hawthorn, yarrow, elderflower, and bearberry are herbal teas for which the metal content has been rarely determined. The concentration of cadmium in St John’s wort exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 0.3 mg/kg. The metals were also determined in aqueous extracts following 5, 10, and 20 min of boiling and using different preparations, including acidification with lemon juice. The influence of these factors on metal release was demonstrated using multivariate analyses by redundancy analysis and principal component analysis. The metal release was not considerably affected by the boiling time, while the acidity of the medium was generally positively correlated. For the infusions, arsenic was detected only in acidified mint tea. The extraction efficiencies of metals were determined and classified as highly, moderately, and poorly extractable, with chromium showing largest variations. This is a peer-reviewed version of the article: [https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2017.1307849] [http://cer.ihtm.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/2211]

During the investigation of cyanobacterial diversity in Božana Cave, which is situated in a limestone region in western Serbia, a new species of cyanobacterium belonging to the genus Nephrococcus was found. So far, there are only three records of the genus Nephrococcus in the whole world (recorded in China and Nepal), which was reviewed and is presented in this study. Detailed morphology of the examined cyanobacterium was documented by digital photography and drawings using light and confocal laser microscopy. Ecology (temperature, relative humidity and light intensity) and biofilm parameters (chlorophyll-a, the water content and the content of organic/inorganic matter in the biofilm) were also measured, and the associated taxa described. Detailed morphological characteristics that indicated the differences between this species from those already known, allowed us to describe this cyanobacterium as a new species, Nephrococcus serbicus. This is the first record of the genus Nephrococcus in the territory of Europe.