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Revision of the Trichoclinocera systenognatha species subgroup from eastern Asia (Diptera, Empididae, Clinocerinae)
No full textThe Trichoclinocera systenognatha species subgroup from eastern Asia is newly recognized on the basis of the long triangular projection from the ventral margin of the labellum and includes three new species, which are described here: T. elongata sp. nov., T. subelongata sp. nov. and T. systenognatha sp. nov. An identification key to species is provided and their distributions mapped
Vastnema crassicutaneum gen. et sp. nov. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Dorylaimidae), an interesting new taxon from natural areas of Vietnam
No full textA new dorylaimid taxon, Vastnema crassicutaneum gen. et sp. nov., collected in natural habitats of Vietnam, is characterized, including morphological description, morphometrics, SEM observations, and molecular (18S-, 28S-rDNA) analyses. Vastnema gen. nov. is distinguished and separated from its relatives by a combination of key traits: large size (body 4.79–6.35 mm long), lip region tapering and continuous with the adjoining body, very short neck (b-ratio 6.3–8.7), presence of a peculiar uterine differentiation, pre-equatorial (V = 38–44) vulva, and 45–58 stomata-like ventromedian supplements. The new species is characterized by its three-layered cuticle, 12.5–15.5 µm thick at the anterior region; lip region 26–31 µm wide; odontostyle 49–60 µm long, or 1.8–2.0 times the lip region diameter; neck 627–888 µm long; pharyngeal expansion occupying 46–49% of the total neck length; uterus complex and 571–804 µm, or 3.2–4.3 body diameters long; longitudinal vulva; tail short and rounded in both sexes (39–56 µm, c = 98–140, c’ = 0.5–0.7); and spicules 138–160 µm long. Both morphological and molecular data support a close relationship of the new taxon with some Labronematinae representatives but also reveal that internal and external relationships of Dorylaimidae might be more complex than traditionally assumed
A revision of the hitherto neglected genus Topiris Walker, 1863 (Lepidoptera, Xyloryctidae) with taxonomic notes on the genus Athrypsiastis Meyrick, 1910
No full textThe genus Topiris Walker, 1863 is revised. This genus, previously neglected or deemed unrecognisable, comprised only Walker’s damaged and misrepaired type specimen of Topiris candidella Walker, 1863. Evidence is provided that this specimen was collected by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1855–56 in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The mitogenome of this specimen was assembled using low coverage whole genome sequencing (genome skimming). The COI-5P portion of this mitogenome (658 bp) differs by 1–3 bp from two haplotypes sequenced from early 1990’s Brunei specimens. Another specimen recently discovered at NHMUK with an identical label to that of the type perfectly matches the Brunei specimens in its genitalia. Based on these four specimens, we present a fuller description of the morphology of T. candidella. Topiris includes the following additional species authored by Sterling and Lees: Topiris albidella sp. nov., T. albogrisella sp. nov., T. cinderella sp. nov., T. digiticosta sp. nov., T. lacteella sp. nov., T. madonna sp. nov., T. meyricki sp. nov., T. ochrotincta sp. nov., T. schneeweissella sp. nov., T. sericella sp. nov., and T. thunbergella sp. nov. The following new combinations are also established: T. salva (Meyrick, 1932), comb. nov. and T. sampitella (Lvovsky, 2014), comb. nov. The type of Athrypsiastis salva Meyrick is confirmed as lost and so a neotype and paraneotype of this species are designated. A published mitogenome of “Linoclostis gonatias” is shown to be correctly identified as T. salva, and references to L. gonatias, identified in some literature as a pest of Theaceae, are likely misidentified. The genus Topiris is divided into three groups, the candidella group, the salva group, and the albidella group, based on characters in the male genitalia. The candidella group and albidella group are supported sub-clades of Topiris. The phylogenetic placement of Topiris and Athrypsiastis within ‘core’ Xyloryctidae (as subtended by its type species, X. luteotactella) is confirmed by analysis of COI and seven nuclear genes, whereas the genera Eumenodora Meyrick, 1906 and Izatha Walker, 1864 do not fall within this clade. The morphology of Athrypsiastis phaeoleuca Meyrick, 1910 (the type species of Athrypsiastis; Xyloryctidae) is more fully described. The following new species authored by Sterling and Lees are described: Athrypsiastis cheesmanae sp. nov., A. edelweissella sp. nov., and A. penumbrella sp. nov. Two taxa are newly combined: Athrypsiastis halmaherella (Lvovsky, 2014), comb. nov. and Paralecta rosiflora (Meyrick, 1930), comb. nov
Trends in postgraduate professional orientation of young doctors graduated from the Medical University-Sofia
No full textProfessional choice is a complex decision-making process, determined by social and personal factors, as it is driven not only by the needs of society but also by the interests, opportunities, needs, and inclinations of the individual. In view of this, this article will present and analyze data from an empirical study examining trends in the professional orientation of young doctors who have graduated from the Medical University-Sofia in 2021, 2022, and 2023
Sticta flakusiorum and S. kukwae—two additional new species from the Neotropics (Peltigerales, Peltigeraceae)
No full textTwo additional species of Sticta are described as new to science based on material from Bolivia and Peru and supported by phylogenetic analysis of the fungal ITS barcoding marker. The two new species represent lineages within clade I on the global Sticta phylogeny. Sticta flakusiorum Ossowska, B. Moncada & Lücking is a species in the S. humboldtii morphodeme and is characterized by lobes partly to entirely covered with white hairs, also covering the margins of submarginal and laminal apothecia, and the scabrid basal membrane of cyphellae, which is white to yellow, or partly brown, and when yellow K+ purple. The taxon was discovered at a single locality in Bolivia, but it is closely related to a potentially new Sticta species from Peru, which is here left undescribed. The other new species, S. kukwae Ossowska, Magain & Sérus., belongs to the S. weigelii morphodeme. It has lobes with sinuous margins and dark, palmate to corymbose phyllidia. It was collected at several locations in Peru and a single locality in Bolivia
Assessment of knowledge about seasonal influenza and practice of influenza vaccination in a sample of Iraqi diabetic patients
No full textAdministering influenza vaccines can prevent seasonal influenza and prevent or reduce the severity of influenza-related serious complications in diabetic patients. We aimed to assess the knowledge about seasonal influenza and its vaccines and the practice of influenza vaccination in a sample of Iraqi diabetic patients.A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult diabetic Iraqi patients. The data was collected by a well-trained community pharmacist using a paper-based, structured questionnaire. Most participants understood influenza well and answered the knowledge part of the questionnaire effectively. Over 50% of the participants had heard or knew about the influenza vaccine, and 43.2% agreed that seasonal influenza is a mild condition and does not require the administration of any vaccine. The vast majority of participants (75.7%) agreed with the statement that they would take a vaccine if it were a good vaccine for preventing influenza. Less than one-third of participants (32.4%) previously received the influenza vaccine. The recommendation of a friend or family member, followed by physician instruction, significantly influenced most vaccine participants (47.2% and 44.4%, respectively). On the other hand, the most frequent cause of avoiding vaccination was the perception of seasonal influenza as a mild illness (57.3%). In conclusion, most participants had good knowledge about seasonal influenza and its vaccines. The highest percentage of participants, less than that in the knowledge part, revealed positive attitudes towards seasonal influenza and its vaccines. Unfortunately, about two-thirds of participants had not taken influenza vaccines previously because most considered seasonal influenza a mild illness
Mangrove-associated Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) influence estuarine biodiversity
No full textEstuarine ecosystems are often characterised by endemic foundation organisms which facilitate ecosystem interactions and processes established over millennia. Introduction of non-native foundation species can significantly alter ecological communities and functions. Here, we assessed the effects of introduced, reef-forming Pacific oyster Magallana gigas, within a temperate Australian mangrove-dominated estuary. Specifically, we investigated whether mangrove-attached M. gigas oyster reefs influenced intertidal fish and invertebrate communities, and fish foraging behaviour. We measured and contrasted the benthic structure and faunal communities of fringing bare sediment, Avicennia marina mangrove and Pacific oyster M. gigas reef habitats using a combination of quadrats, fyke nets and remote unbaited video (RUV) surveys. Pacific oyster reefs showed no impacts on pneumatophore density or morphology, but were positively associated with higher seedling densities. Furthermore, invertebrate and fish community metrics (e.g. richness, biomass, length) were typically higher in M. gigas reefs compared to the other habitats. However, several mobile, non-native species were predominantly detected in M. gigas reefs, including exotic gobies and European shore crabs Carcinus maenas, a declared marine pest. Overall, we found that M. gigas reefs in fringing mangrove forests were associated with biodiverse faunal communities, including fisheries-targeted species, but also facilitated other non-native species. These outcomes highlight some of the ecological pros and cons of non-native oyster reefs and the complexity of managing estuaries globally where Pacific oysters increasingly co-occur with endemic habitat-forming species
Unveiling fungal diversity associated with coffee trees in China using a polyphasic approach and a global review of coffee saprobic fungi
No full textArabica coffee (Coffea arabica) is the most cultured and popular coffee bean in today’s world. Yunnan Province is well known as China’s largest arabica coffee cultivation region. Fungi represent an important group of microorganisms associated with coffee, profoundly influencing its yield and quality. In this study, twelve fungal collections growing on dead and decaying twigs of coffee were collected and isolated to systematically document microfungi associated with coffee plants in Yunnan Province. Ten novel species, each representing a unique family within Pleosporales, were identified and introduced, based on comprehensive morphological analyses and multigene phylogenetic studies. The ten new species belong to the families Bambusicolaceae, Didymellaceae, Didymosphaeriaceae, Longiostiolaceae, Lophiostomataceae, Massarinaceae, Neomassariaceae, Occultibambusaceae, Roussoellaceae and Thyridariaceae with each family containing one new species. Macro- and micro-characteristics, descriptions and phylogenetic trees indicating the placement of the new taxa are provided. In addition, pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test results and morphological comparisons between the new species and closely-related taxa are given. This study also establishes a comprehensive global inventory of saprobic fungi associated with coffee, which is intended to help researchers and professionals worldwide with practical information. This research enhances the understanding of coffee-associated fungal diversity in China and underscores the importance of introducing new saprobic fungal taxa related to coffee
Loss of habitat suitability and distribution range of the endangered Japanese giant salamander under climate change
No full textGiant salamanders are the world’s largest amphibians and keystone predators in riverine ecosystems where they face global declines. Identifying environmental variables influencing their distribution is, therefore, an essential step for their conservation. This study aims to assess the current habitat suitability and distribution of the Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicus) and to predict changes under future climate scenarios. We used species distribution models (SDMs) over a 282,916 km² area, including 477 high-resolution occurrence data of giant salamanders and seven remote-sensing environmental predictors (climatic, topographic and land use). We projected the prediction maps, identified the most contributing variables and calculated the shifts of suitable areas for three periods (2050, 2070 and 2090) under projected climatic conditions. Climatic variables highly contributed to the distribution of giant salamanders (76% of the total), with preferences for areas with moderate precipitations during cold and wet seasons and mild summer temperatures. A moderately steep surrounding environment was favourable for salamanders, whereas the land-use variables had less influence. Future climate predictions indicate a major decrease of suitable areas. Altogether, our results highlight the habitat preferences of giant salamanders at a broad scale and the negative impact of climate change on future suitable areas. These findings provide important steps for upcoming conservation actions for this threatened species in delineating favourable distribution ranges and priority areas that should be directly affected by climate change. Finally, they emphasise the need for new research at a fine scale on disturbances to the aquatic habitat to enhance the conservation of giant salamanders. Highlights We used a species distribution model (MaxEnt), high-resolution occurrence data and remote sensing data (climatic, topographic and land use) to identify suitable habitats for the Japanese giant salamander in Japan. The most suitable environments for the Japanese giant salamander are located both within and beyond its current distribution range, with the ‘Japanese Alps’ forming an impassable natural barrier. Among the variables studied, precipitation of the warmest quarter, precipitation of the coldest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter and mean temperature of the wettest quarter were the most important environmental predictors of the species’ distribution. Climate change is expected to severely reduce the potential suitable geographical areas for the Japanese giant salamander in the future. The present work calls for new surveys based on the projected maps to improve the mapping of salamander distribution and to focus on ecological features and threats at the aquatic habitat level to understand the risks to their populations
Screening for Pathogens and Studying Bats’ Blood and Tissue Microbiome
No full textBats possess unique physiological adaptations, including thermophysiological flexibility, which enable them to tolerate and harbor diverse pathogens without overt disease. Their ability to sustain powered flight and enter torpor or hibernation contributes to their immune resilience, making them important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens such as viruses (rabies, Ebola, coronaviruses) and bacteria (Leptospira, Salmonella, Bartonella, Rickettsia). Bats' dense social roosting and migratory behaviors facilitate pathogen transmission, underscoring the need for effective surveillance.This study examined the blood microbiomes of five bat species from the Vespertilionidae and Rhinolophidae families inhabiting three caves in northern Bulgaria (Devetashka, Orlova, and Parnicite). Using pooled blood samples (n=120) and two bat hearts, DNA was extracted for microbiome analysis via shotgun metagenomic sequencing, alongside PCR-based detection of human pathogens.Bacterial phyla and genera distribution varied significantly among bat species, with prominent genera including Bacillus, Mycoplasma, Pseudomonas, and Sphingobacterium. Alpha diversity, measured by the Simpson index, revealed slightly higher microbial diversity in Miniopterus schreibersii and Myotis myotis, with no significant differences among cave populations. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) highlighted distinct microbial community compositions between bat species and cave locations. PCR results identified Mycobacterium in 26 of 34 blood samples and in 1 of 2 heart tissue samples, suggesting its prevalence in bat populations. No samples tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, or Toxoplasma gondii, indicating the absence of these pathogens in the sampled individuals. The detection of atypical Mycobacteria and Brucella sp. in the bats' blood emphasizes its potential role as an opportunistic pathogen and the need for further investigation into its zoonotic significance. These findings highlight the diversity and zoonotic potential of bat-associated microbiomes, supporting the need for continued pathogen surveillance in bat populations. All metagenomic shotgun sequencing data were published at NCBI Sequence Read Archive under the bioproject number PRJNA1215671