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We report the first record of Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817) from Serbia. This finding in the Tamiš River clarifies its presence in Serbia which was questioned in the 2021 checklist, as it was previously confused with succineid gastropods. The habitat is described in detail and its possible way of introduction is discussed.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the roles of galectin-3 and irisin as biomarkers in predicting severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Results We analyzed serum levels of galectin-3 and irisin in 59 patients with severe COVID-19 and 30 healthy controls. Elevated galectin-3 levels were associated with increased risks of mortality, need for intensive care, and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The optimal cut-off value for galectin-3 was 13.47 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 76.6%. Irisin levels did not differ significantly between survivors and non-survivors at admission or on the 3rd day post-admission, but approached significance on the 7th day. These findings suggest that galectin-3 could be a valuable prognostic biomarker for severe COVID-19 outcomes, while irisin’s role remains to be clarified in further studies.

In urban networks, periodic peak traffic congestion often occurs during the day, namely in the morning and afternoon hours. Due to spatial constraints and the inability to increase capacity through physical road expansion, modern traffic management increasingly relies on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) solutions. One such solution is the integration of automatic licence plate recognition, an expert system and microsimulation tools aimed at optimising the network performance of signalised intersections within a network. Based on real-time and historical data on individual vehicle trajectories, the system predicts the route of each vehicle through the observed segment of the traffic network, determines the network load and proposes optimal signal plans. This paper provides an overview of conducted research related to the optimisation of signal plans utilising expert systems. Mathematical models for capacity and load determination, as well as computational intelligence-based systems used for signalised intersection management strategies, are described. Finally, the paper proposes a basic framework and guidelines related to the suggested system, highlighting open questions and potential challenges in its development.

Numerous wild bee (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophila) species show negative population trends, while the knowledge gaps on their occurrences and distributions prevent adequate conservation actions. The need for continuous updating of species records and reconfirmation of their presence has been recognized, especially in understudied areas. The present study presents the results of bee monitoring at 30 Serbian localities, each surveyed three times during 2023. Two sampling methods were used, the transect walks and the pan traps, resulting in a detection of 232 wild bee species. Among them, 13 species found at 13 localities, represent the first published records from Serbia: Andrena ferox Smith, 1847, A. nana (Kirby, 1802), A. praecox (Scopoli, 1763), A. pusilla Pérez, 1903, A. susterai Alfken, 1914, A. angustior (Kirby,1802), A. curvungula Thomson,1870, A. falsifica Perkins, 1915, Hoplitis mitis (Nylander, 1852), Hylaeus friesei (Alfken, 1904), Melitta melanura (Nylander, 1852), Nomada trapeziformis Schmiedeknecht, 1882, and Osmia uncinata Gerstaecker, 1869. This study contributes to an update of the list of bee species in Serbia, that now counts 744 species, and also provides additional data on European distributions. The new information on Melitta melanura is especially noteworthy, since this species has been assessed as Endangered by the European Red List of Bees due to its small area of occupancy and a severely fragmented distribution. Other important findings include the confirmation of the presence of some wild bee species in Serbia, i.e., 10 species reported as new records within the previous update, and 19 species that were without previously available records from the 21st century. Additionally, the present study indicates the effectiveness of both conducted monitoring techniques, in terms of different recorded species and numbers of specimens. These results lead to the conclusion that corroborates the application of complementary sampling methods as an adequate way to survey bee diversity and abundance.

This study focuses on the avidus–nigritarsis lineage within the genus Merodon, exploring morphological, genetic, and distributional aspects of two related assemblies within this lineage: the clavipes and pruni species groups. An integrative taxonomic approach was followed to ensure comprehensive species identification and validation, using adult morphology, wing geometric morphometrics, and genetic analysis of the mtDNA COI gene. In the clavipes group, seven species were identified, including three new species: M. aenigmaticus Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov., M. latens Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov., and M. rufofemoris Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov. In the pruni group, our revision revealed a new species, M. aequalis Vujić, Radenković & Likov, sp. nov., and the revalidation of Merodon obscurus Gil Collado, 1929, stat. rev. Merodon pallidus Macquart, 1842 is redescribed. Diagnoses, identification keys to species, and distribution maps are provided, and neotypes for Syrphus clavipes Fabricius, 1781 and Merodon quadrinotatus (Sack, 1931) are designated. Additionally, the following new synonyms are proposed: M. clavipes albus syn. nov., M. clavipes ater syn. nov., M. clavipes niger syn. nov., and M. splendens syn. nov. are junior synonyms of M. clavipes; and M. velox armeniacus syn. nov. and M. velox anathema syn. nov. are junior synonyms of M. velox.

Introduction. The Hickman catheter is a tunneled, open-type catheter often implanted in children for long-term intravenous treatment. Their application can cause numerous complications. Catheter breakage and dislocation of fragments to the intravascular system is a rare but life-threatening condition. When a complication occurs, depending on the patient’s clinical condition, the first step is transcutaneous endovascular removal of the catheter’s fragment. If this is not possible, surgical thoracotomy is necessary. The objective of this article was to present a case of breakage and dislocation of Hickman catheter in a pediatric patient, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to complications. Case outline. We report a 14-month-old child who had a Hickman catheter because he was undergoing treatment for acute juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. Due to a malfunction of the catheter, the existing catheter had to be removed. During the surgical procedure, a breakage and dislocation of the catheter fragment occurred. A chest X-ray and an echocardiography confirmed the position of the catheter fragment in the right atrium. A transcutaneous endovascular procedure was successfully performed to remove the fragment of the catheter. Conclusion. Numerous complications can occur during the insertion, management, and removal of longterm catheters. It is necessary to periodically control the catheter’s position by chest X-ray and ultrasound of the heart and neck. If a particular complication is detected, an individual approach to treatment with the lowest risk to the patient should be chosen. Dislocated fragments of the Hickman catheter can be safely removed by endovascular transcatheter procedures.

The cultivated lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely grown forage legume, mainly due to its high nutritive quality and yield. The objective of this study was to provide information about the optimal seeding rate and row spacing for alfalfa cultivation under rainfed conditions in the Republic of North Macedonia. Alfalfa was sown in the fall of 2020 using randomized complete block design in a split-split plot arrangement with three replications. The effects of two seeding rates (8 and 16 kg ha-1 ) and two row spaces (20 and 40 cm) were examined on the fresh forage yield (FFY) and dry matter yield (DMY) of four alfalfa cultivars. Based on the evaluation, the sowing method (row spacing) and cultivar choice have shown a significant impact on the obtained forage yield. Higher average yield of fresh (73.7 t ha-1 ) and dry (20.3 t ha-1 ) forage was achieved at a sowing distance of 20 cm. Since the seeding rate did not significantly impact the FFY and DMY, in regions with a temperate climate, it is recommended that lower seeding rates than 16 kg ha-1 should be used in order to have sufficient and cost-effective alfalfa production. The inevitable issues for increasing alfalfa production are the selection of an appropriate cultivar with good adaptability to recent climate change within compatible establishment methods.

The finding of the wharf borer, Nacerdes melanura, is the first record of this species from Serbia, as well as from the continental part of the Balkans. The species was recorded in Mirijevo, Belgrade, on June 16th, 2021, during the night.

Background and Aims: Recent studies showed that patients suffering from lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) benefit from enzyme replacement therapy; however, liver histopathology improved in some but not all patients. We hypothesized that the pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist lanifibranor may have beneficial effects on liver inflammation in LAL knockout (Lal−/−) mice based on its promising results in alleviating liver inflammation in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Methods: Female Lal−/− mice were daily gavaged with lanifibranor or vehicle for 21 days. The effects of the treatment were assessed by measuring body and organ weights, plasma lipids and lipoproteins, as well as hematological parameters, followed by liver proteomics and metabolomics. Results: Lanifibranor treatment slightly altered organ weights without affecting the total body weight of Lal−/− mice. We observed major changes in the proteome, with multiple proteins related to lipid metabolism, peroxisomal, and mitochondrial activities being upregulated and inflammation-related proteins being downregulated in the livers of treated mice. Hepatic lipid levels and histology remained unaltered, whereas plasma triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels were decreased and the lipoprotein profile of lanifibranor-treated Lal−/− mice improved. Conclusion: Lanifibranor treatment positively affected liver inflammation and dyslipidemia in Lal−/− mice. These findings suggest the necessity of a further combined study of lanifibranor with enzyme replacement therapy in Lal−/− mice to improve the phenotype. Moreover, there is a compelling rationale for conducting clinical trials to assess the efficacy of lanifibranor as a potential treatment option for LAL-D in humans.

This paper analyzes the concept of affordable housing and urban planning instruments that incentivize its development, especially in city centers. Considering the shortage of affordable housing in Zagreb, the research aims to identify contemporary urban planning practices that focus on the social function of housing and the role that local urban and housing policies have in ensuring access to it. By comparing the strategic documents for the housing development of the cities of Lyon and Barcelona and models of their implementation in the local urban plans for the areas of city centers and contact brownfield areas, the provisions incentivizing the development of the affordable housing (right of pre-emption, category of subsidized housing, inclusionary zoning, density bonus, and protection of residential use) are singled out. In the context of urban renewal of the historic center of Zagreb and of brownfield redevelopment in the contact zone of the city center, inclusion of the aforementioned provisions in local urban plans is examined, demonstrating the potential that such instrument has for the development of affordable housing in the city center.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF1A), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A), and forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) are key transcription factors that regulate a complex gene network in the liver, creating a regulatory transcriptional loop. The Encode and ChIP-Atlas databases identify the recognition sites of these transcription factors in many glycosyltransferase genes. Our in silico analysis of HNF1A, HNF4A, and FOXA2 binding to the ten candidate glyco-genes studied in this work confirms a significant enrichment of these transcription factors specifically in the liver. Our previous studies identified HNF1A as a master regulator of fucosylation, glycan branching, and galactosylation of plasma glycoproteins. Here, we aimed to functionally validate the role of the three transcription factors on downstream glyco-gene transcriptional expression and the possible effect on glycan phenotype. We used the state-of-the-art clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/dead Cas9 (CRISPR/dCas9) molecular tool for the downregulation of the HNF1A, HNF4A, and FOXA2 genes in HepG2 cells—a human liver cancer cell line. The results show that the downregulation of all three genes individually and in pairs affects the transcriptional activity of many glyco-genes, although downregulation of glyco-genes was not always followed by an unambiguous change in the corresponding glycan structures. The effect is better seen as an overall change in the total HepG2 N-glycome, primarily due to the extension of biantennary glycans. We propose an alternative way to evaluate the N-glycome composition via estimating the overall complexity of the glycome by quantifying the number of monomers in each glycan structure. We also propose a model showing feedback loops with the mutual activation of HNF1A–FOXA2 and HNF4A–FOXA2 affecting glyco-genes and protein glycosylation in HepG2 cells.

One of the largest families of the order Diptera - hoverflies, are at the same time one of the most prominent insect groups, being recognized as the second most important pollinator group, bioindicator species, as well as potential biocontrol agents. Thus, raising interest in their distribution, biology and ecology is not surprising. As a contribution to the process of systematizing knowledge on these species, in this paper there are pre­sented details on the fauna of hoverflies of the eastern part of Serbia. It was done by incor­porating information on so far published findings, older, but unpublished records, as well as records collected in recent field trips across 109 localities in Eastern Serbia, all in one place. The most significant findings are Cheilosia subpictipennis Claussen, 1998 and Paragus kopdagensis Hayat & Claussen, 1997, published for the first time for Serbia, and 105 species registered for Eastern Serbia for the first time. Additionally, one potentially new hoverfly species for science is registered: Paragus aff. testaceus.

Sunscreen molecules play a critical role in protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation, yet their efficient detection and separation pose challenges in environmental and analytical contexts. In this work, we employ a multilevel modeling approach to investigate the molecular interactions between representative sunscreen molecules and the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer, a material widely recognized for its sorbent properties. Our goal is to explore how these interactions can be fine-tuned to facilitate the effective separation of sunscreen molecules in portable membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) systems, potentially leading to the development of new membrane materials. Using a combination of advanced computational techniques—force field molecular dynamics simulations, semiempirical GFN2-xTB, and density functional theory calculations—we assess the interaction strength and noncovalent interactions of sunscreen molecules, namely oxybenzone, naphthalene, benzo[a]anthracene, avobenzone, and 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene, with PDMS. Additionally, the effect of temperature on the interaction dynamics is evaluated, with the aim of extending the sorbent capacities of PDMS beyond light polar molecules to larger, polar sunscreen compounds. This study provides critical insights into the molecular-level interactions that may guide the design of novel membrane materials for efficient molecular separation.

Environmental pollution poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems, necessitating costly and time-consuming remediation efforts. Consequently, there’s a growing interest among researchers in developing and utilizing next-generation materials. Carbon-based materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their environmentally friendly nature, although their application presents both positive and negative aspects, as evidenced by existing literature. A diverse range of low-cost carbonaceous sorbents, like biochars, have been investigated for their suitability in water treatment. Given the substantial volume of agricultural waste biomass generated globally, the cost-effective production of these materials from residual biomass holds promise for addressing additional environmental challenges, such as biomass waste management. Various biochars derived from corn, hemp, and straw were studied to evaluate the adsorption potential for removing a commonly used organic UV filter 3-(4′-methylbenzylidene)-camphor (4-MBC). The adsorption isotherms obtained were well-described by the Freundlich model, with nonlinearity values below 0.9. Generally, all investigated adsorbents exhibited a higher affinity for 4-MBC, underscoring the importance of such research in identifying safe adsorbents for water remediation purposes. Moreover, this paper also tackles the interactions between 4-MBC and microplastics as polymer carbon-based materials, indicating the highest adsorption capacity of polyethylene terephthalate.

Introduction According to immunological theories of schizophrenia prenatal and postnatal exposure to pathogens may contribute to the etiopathogenesis, suggesting that chronically activated immune system cells (macrophages and T lymphocytes) constantly secrete proinflammatory cytokines which affect the development and function of central nervous system. Objectives In the present work we aimed to evaluate IL-1β plasma levels in schizophrenic patients during their first psychotic episode and to compare the obtained results to those from healthy subjects. Methods Plasma was obtained from 32 drug-naive schizophrenic patients, without history of substance abuse or addiction, immediately after their admission to the medical ward, while the control samples were obtained from 20 healthy volunteers. Results Levels of IL-1β were measured using ELISA assay, which measures IL-1β protein in a range from 7.81 to 500 pg/ml. Results revealed that the levels of IL-1β in patients with first psychotic episode were not increased and were below the limit of detection in all studied samples. The same was found in the samples belonging to the control group. Conclusions These data contribute to the poll of knowledge and a still unresolved dogma about the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia since the results obtained by some studies are also questioning this marker. Thus, whether or not an increase of IL-1β is congenital, acquired during the prodromal phase or absent until the time of first psychotic episode has not yet been investigated. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Abstract Background Matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12) is a macrophage-secreted protein that is massively upregulated as a pro-inflammatory factor in metabolic and vascular tissues of mice and humans suffering from cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). However, the molecular mechanisms explaining the contributions of MMP12 to CMDs are still unclear. Methods We investigated the impact of MMP12 deficiency on CMDs in a mouse model that mimics human disease by simultaneously developing adipose tissue inflammation, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. To this end, we generated and characterized low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr)/Mmp12-double knockout (DKO) mice fed a high-fat sucrose- and cholesterol-enriched diet for 16–20 weeks. Results DKO mice showed lower cholesterol and plasma glucose concentrations and improved insulin sensitivity compared with LdlrKO mice. Untargeted proteomic analyses of epididymal white adipose tissue revealed that inflammation- and fibrosis-related pathways were downregulated in DKO mice. In addition, genetic deletion of MMP12 led to alterations in immune cell composition and a reduction in plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in peripheral blood which indicated decreased low-grade systemic inflammation. Aortic en face analyses and staining of aortic valve sections demonstrated reduced atherosclerotic plaque size and collagen content, which was paralleled by an improved relaxation pattern and endothelial function of the aortic rings and more elastic aortic sections in DKO compared to LdlrKO mice. Shotgun proteomics revealed upregulation of anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective markers in the aortas of DKO mice, further supporting our data. In humans, MMP12 serum concentrations were only weakly associated with clinical and laboratory indicators of CMDs. Conclusion We conclude that the genetic deletion of MMP12 ameliorates obesity-induced low-grade inflammation, white adipose tissue dysfunction, biomechanical properties of the aorta, and the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting MMP12 may represent a promising approach to combat CMDs.

Numerous scientific projects have been initiated with the aim of tackling the decline in insect pollinators, a crucial group for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. One of the first steps is to address information gaps on species spatial distribution, diversity, and abundance that prevent effective conservation actions in Europe. Given that Serbia belongs to the understudied areas, efforts are being made to improve knowledge of its bee diversity and abundance. The present study includes the monitoring of bees at 54 sites, surveyed three times during 2022. The conducted protocol combined two methods, transect walks and pan traps, resulting in the discovery of 312 bee species. The main results present the records of 25 species, not previously mentioned in Serbia, while another important finding is the confirmation of the presence of 26 species, without any available records from the 21st century. Moreover, 79 here examined species were known only from literature-based data. Six of the recorded species are considered threatened and 67 (10 newly recorded) have been assessed as Data Deficient in the European Red List of Bees. Therefore, the present study not only contributes to an update and confirms the list of bee species in Serbia, that now counts 731 species, but also provides additional information about European distribution, required for new assessment at the European level. In addition, the results indicate that the combination of complementary sampling methods is an effective way to assess bee diversity and abundance.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a widely used culinary herb. In this study, ethanol, dichloromethane, and sunflower oil were used separately as solvents with distinct polarities for the extraction of basil aerial parts to simulate the different polarity conditions in domestic food processing. The oil extract (OE) was re-extracted with acetonitrile, and the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol (EE), dichloromethane (DCME), and acetonitrile (ACNE) extracts were determined. A total of 109 compounds were tentatively identified in EE, DCME, and ACNE by HPLC–DAD/ESI-ToF-MS. Fatty acids were present in all extracts. Phenolic acids and flavonoids dominated in EE. DCME was characterised by triterpenoid acids, while diterpenoids were mainly found in ACNE. The extracts were analysed for their antioxidant capacity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. EE and DCME showed significant radical scavenging potential. Antimicrobial activity was explored in eight bacterial, two yeast, and one fungal species. All extracts exhibited high antifungal activity, comparable to or better than that of the commercial drug nistatin. Antibacterial activities were notable for EE and ACNE, while DCME showed no activity against bacteria in the applied concentration ranges. The different polarities of the solvents led to distinctive phytochemical compositions and bioactivities in the extracts.

The largest genus of Palaearctic Syrphidae, Cheilosia Meigen, 1822 (Syrphidae: Rhingiini), is currently under revision in the Ibero-Balearic region (Iberian Peninsula + Balearic Islands). Prior to this study, various species groups with putative phylogenetic support were defined for this genus of complex taxonomy. The group of Cheilosia melanura Becker, 1894 includes species distributed all over Europe, with some of these species being similar each other in both morphology and genetics. After recent fieldwork in different Iberian localities and consultation of entomological collections, a new species from Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain) was uncovered, described, and illustrated. Data on diagnostic characters, intraspecific variability, and adult biology were also provided. Maximum likelihood analyses of the fragment “C” of the 5′ end of the cytochrome c oxydase subunit I (COI-5′) and complete COI-5′ were performed to explore and support morphological species concepts within the group. The Spanish-endemic Cheilosia andalusiaca Torp Pedersen, 1971 is recognised here to be part of the C. melanura group based both on morphological and molecular evidence. Cheilosia carbonaria Egger, 1860 and Cheilosia cynocephala Loew, 1840 from the Iberian Peninsula are reported for the first time based on specimens originating in the Spanish Pyrenees. An identification key for the Iberian species of the C. melanura group is provided.