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Ribosomes, the catalytic machinery required for protein synthesis, are comprised of 4 ribosomal RNAs and about 80 ribosomal proteins in mammals. Ribosomes further interact with numerous associated factors that regulate their biogenesis and function. As mutations of ribosomal proteins and ribosome-associated proteins cause many diseases, it is important to develop tools by which ribosomes can be purified efficiently and with high specificity. Here, we designed a method to purify ribosomes from human cell lines by C-terminally tagging human RPS9, a protein of the small ribosomal subunit. The tag consists of a flag peptide and a streptavidin-binding peptide (SBP) separated by the tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease cleavage site. We demonstrate that RPS9-Flag-TEV-SBP (FTS) is efficiently incorporated into the ribosome without interfering with regular protein synthesis. Using HeLa-GFP-G3BP1 cells stably expressing RPS9-FTS or, as a negative control, mCherry-FTS, we show that complete ribosomes as well as numerous ribosome-associated proteins are efficiently and specifically purified following pull-down of RPS9-FTS using streptavidin beads. This tool will be helpful for the characterization of human ribosome heterogeneity, post-translational modifications of ribosomal proteins, and changes in ribosome-associated factors after exposing human cells to different stimuli and conditions.

Simple Summary: Rana temporaria is one of the most widespread Palearctic brown frogs, with two main genetic clades in Europe, geographic spatial pattern of which is insufficiently known. We analyzed samples from the understudied western and central Balkans to evaluate the haplotype diversity of widely used 16SrRNA and MT-CYTB mitochondrial gene sequences and to recognize the contour of a possible contact zone between the main clades. The results revealed a suture zone between the Western and Eastern Clades in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. Overall, haplotype diversity in the western and central Balkans sample is high. Harboring both main genetic clades of R. temporaria qualifies the Balkan Peninsula as another important center of species' genetic diversity, as well as rich in unique haplotypes. Rana temporaria is one of the most widespread Palearctic brown frogs. We aimed to clarify distribution pattern of two main genetic clades in the understudied Balkan peninsula by using 16SrRNA and MT-CYTB sequences, already widely applied in analyses of populations from other parts of Europe, while focusing on the broad area along the Morava river (central Balkans) as a known gap in the species distribution. Additionally, we were interested in revealing the extent of haplotype diversity within the main genetic clades in the Balkans, particularly around the supposed suture zone. The results revealed a suture zone between the Western and Eastern Clades in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. This indicated the existence of a historical barrier between the Balkan Mountain Belt and geographically close mountains surrounding the Vlasina Plateau (Rhodope/Serbian–Macedonian Massif). The overall observed haplotype diversity in populations of R. temporaria from the Balkan Peninsula seems high. Harboring both main genetic clades of R. temporaria qualifies the Balkan Peninsula as another important center of species' genetic diversity, as well as rich in unique haplotypes. This points out the necessity of applying conservation measures focused on the common European frog populations and habitats in this part of the species' distribution area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recorded the movements of adult Eastern Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) in a local population situated in a complex forested habitat system. The average total movement range size (TMRS) calculated over three consecutive years was 4.56 ha and 7.53 ha for males and females, respectively. The largest estimated TMRS of male and female tortoises was 27 ha and 90 ha, respectively. Six females and three males (or 9% and 4%, respectively, of the overall sample) had a movement range size (MRS) greater than 10 ha. Significant differences between male and female MRS were not detected. Body size had no influence on the MRS of individuals in the sample, except on the core movement range size (CMRS) in males. Although the collected data did not enable calculation of the home range in the studied population, the results indicate that the calculated average TMRS of local Hermann tortoises is larger than the average home range in some other populations. Therefore, in the absence of information on the home range size of local adult tortoises, the MRS could be a suitable alternative for planning local species reserves. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 173025]

The seed, the replanation and the planting material used in organic production, have to originate from a certified organic plant production ('The Official Register of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia', number 51/2002). In the beginning of 2009, in the experimental field of the 'Tamiš' Institute, there was established a demo-field according to the methods of organic production. A demo-field establishing process and a seed production were prepared according to the current Law on Organic Production and Organic Products and its accompanying regulations ('The Official Register of the Republic of Serbia', number 62/2006; 'The Official Register of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia', number 51/2002). During the first year of conversion period was established the seed production of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill). Production of organic seed is submitted to double check, and requires issuing two certificates. According to the current Law on Seed ('The Official Register of the Republic of Serbia', number 45/2006), the established production of soybean was reported as a seed crop to the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as to an authorized organization for control and certification. All the necessary professional crop checking was per- formed during the seed processing. The seed production was successfully ended and resulted in acquiring the seed of the three soybean types organically produced, with the status of the first year conversion period. We specially emphasize a soybean seed type named 'Domestic Black', which, for its characteristics, rep- resents very interesting selection material for organic production. In the autumn of 2009, there was established the seed production of the only acknowledged type of spelt (Triticum spelta L) - type 'Nirvana', in the demo-field of the 'Tamiš' Institute. There was used a declared seed, produced according the methods of organic production with the status of the second year conversion period.

Selected samples of the different wheat varieties grown in the local region were tested for the content of undesirable metals in wheat grains, bran and flourdetermined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results obtained show significant variations in undesirable metals content in different wheat grains varieties. These results were compared to the maximum values allowed by the pertinent regulations.

Intensively researching different populations of elecampane, we are able to present the results of yield achieved during three years' microexperiments (2001, 2002, 2003) realized in non-watering field crop production. Comparing the results of yield, it was concluded that all five populations had higher yield, both fresh and dry elecampane root mass, compared to standard cultivars called "Domaća". The highest yield of 28,617 kg ha"1 of fresh, and 8,301 kg ha"1 of dry root had the population "NŠ", and it was more than standard. Considerable results were achieved by the population "SŽ" (77 % higher yield of fresh mass, and 70 % of dry mass), also the population "BM " (62 % higher yield of fresh mass, and 84 % of dry mass). The lowest yield had the population "SG" and standard cultivars "Domaća", mostly because of late planting in the second study year.

We tracked yearly variation in breeding phenology in relation to weather parameters in a common European toad population from the southeastern part of its range. Phenological data were collected from 2001 to 2003 and from 2011 to 2017 and compared to open-access daily weather data from a nearby weather station. Data analysis revealed no significant effect of weather on initiation of breeding and a negative relationship between mean daily humidity and mean cloud cover on the duration of breeding season (P = 0.03). Further analysis showed a decreasing trend in breeding season humidity in the past 70 years. Our results predict a tendency toward longer toad breeding seasons in years with drier winter/spring. A projected decrease in humidity in this region could prolong toad breeding season, potentially exposing adults to higher predation. Therefore, the scenario of further decline in our study population should be considered and conservation measures planned accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We monitored the population size of the agile frog (Rana dalmatina) and the common toad (Bufo bufo) from 2011 or 2012, respectively, to the year 2017 at a syntopic breeding site in the vicinity of Belgrade. Adult R. dalmatina population size had minor fluctuations during the years of study (from 351 to 108 frogs). On the contrary, the adult B. bufo population was widely fluctuating towards decline (from 1158 to 141 toads). In both species, population fluctuations were not significantly related to variation of meteorological parameters (air temperature, humidity, precipitation). Density dependence effects on population size were not detected in either species. Apart from possible effects of climate change, the indicated trend towards decline of the monitored B. bufo population could also be the outcome of common population fluctuations or of increasing anthropogenic impact (vicinity of settlement and agricultural land). More years of monitoring more than one population are required to obtain precise information. Nevertheless, our results seem to be coherent with other studies that recommend conservation action for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We analyzed variation in the distribution of eastern Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri) in a complex landscape consisting of both natural and human-altered habitats in a temperate climate region in Serbia. Our results indicated nonrandom distribution of tortoises within different habitat types with large and medium effect size for year and activity pattern, respectively. Additionally, the tortoises expressed relatively weak preference for habitats modified by human activity (e.g., vineyards, orchards, or gardens). The results suggested that these tortoises preferred some particular habitats more than others when performing specific activities. They also did not exhibit the same distribution pattern among habitats over consequent years. In other words, they were not randomly distributed among habitat types with regard to specific activity or year. The information on preferences in complex habitat systems is important for the conservation management of eastern Hermann's tortoise and should be considered when planning activities related to sustainable development within the region of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]