Biology subjects

Senko, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Senko, D..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Easternmost distribution of Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax, du Buysson 1905) in Slovakia: Urgent need for advanced detection and interregional monitoring

The invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) continues its spread across Europe, posing a significant threat to biodiversity, viticulture, and apiculture. Species identification on the first individuals caught in Slovakia was confirmed via molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Radio telemetry was employed to track foraging hornets, leading to the discovery of the nest within inaccessible private property. Mastering and utilizing manual tracking techniques assisted by radio telemetry, alongside public awareness campaigns and regional monitoring programs, are crucial in Slovakia and neighbouring countries to mitigate the potential ecological and economic impacts of this invasive species.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2024

First records of invasive Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and Megachile sculpturalis Smith, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Slovakia

Biological invasions are an increasing threat to ecosystems; early identification of invasive species and rigorous monitoring are prerequisites to minimize environmental damage. Currently, two large hymenopterans of Asian origin are spreading across Europe: the yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 and the giant resin bee Megachile sculpturalis Smith, 1853, populations of which have been gradually being discovered across Europe since 2004 and 2008, respectively. Considering the current distribution of both species in Europe, further spread through Central Europe is expected in recent years. In July 2024, the first record of M. sculpturalis was documented in Slovakia, followed by more reports from 11 localities. Less than two months later, the second invasive hymenopteran, V. velutina nigrithorax, was also detected. Utilising multiple methods, their nest was discovered as well. On-site observations showed that the yellow-legged hornets (workers) were active almost two days after colony eradication. The finding of both species was accompanied by an intensive campaign using citizen science.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2023

White matter lipidome alterations in the schizophrenia brain

Numerous brain imaging studies have reported white matter alterations in schizophrenia, but the lipidome analysis of the corresponding tissue remains incomplete. In this study, we investigated the lipidome composition of six subcortical white matter regions corresponding to major axonal tracks in both control subjects and schizophrenia patients. All six regions exhibited a consistent pattern of quantitative lipidome alterations in schizophrenia, affecting specific lipid classes. These alterations partly involved myelin-forming lipid classes, particularly sphingolipids, with the extent of alterations reflecting the myelin changes previously reported in structural brain imaging studies. The other part of the schizophrenia-associated alterations, which showed a significant decrease in the disorder, involved lipid classes abundant in mitochondria. A similar significant decrease was also observed in the mitochondria-enriched membrane fraction isolated from the white matter of individuals with schizophrenia. This suggests a substantial reduction in the number of mitochondria in subcortical white matter in schizophrenia, a hypothesis supported by quantitative mitochondria staining.

neuroscience↗