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A new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Yunnan Nangunhe National Nature Reserve, China
No full textA new forest-dwelling species of the Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis group is described from southwestern Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetically, it was recovered as the sister species of C. zhenkangensis, with a genetic distance of 9.2% in the ND2 gene. Morphologically, the new species can be separated from C. zhenkangensis by the discontinuity of enlarged femoral scales and enlarged precloacal scales, the absence of femoral pores, and the difference in dorsal color pattern. In addition, although the new species and C. zhenkangensis are distributed relatively close, their habitats are clearly different. Cyrtodactylus zhenkangensis inhabits karst limestone, while the new species inhabits forest. The new species is the 29th species of the C. chauquangensis group and the third forest-dwelling species of this group
On the taxonomic status of two giant cockroaches of Bionoblatta (Blattodea, Blaberidae) collected by José Pinto da Fonseca, a founder of the Brazilian Society of Entomology
No full textThe blaberids Parahormetica hylaeceps Miranda-Ribeiro, 1936 and Bion mastrucatus Rehn, 1937 were described in the 1930s from single males collected by José Pinto da Fonseca (JPF) in the 1910s. Both specimens came from the region of Mariana municipality, Minas Gerais State, an ecotonal formation between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado domains in southeastern Brazil. Recently, P. hylaeceps was transferred to Bionoblatta Rehn, 1940, and its strong morphological similarity with Bion mastrucatus (already in Bionoblatta) was highlighted, indicating the need to investigate the validity of these names. Here, we addressed this question by analyzing photos of the type material, comparing original descriptions, and examining data on both the collecting site and the collector’s history. We conclude that Parahormetica hylaeceps should be considered a senior synonym of Bion mastrucatus syn. nov.; hence, the valid name should be Bionoblatta hylaeceps (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1936). We also provide a new diagnosis, synonymy, and review of the distribution of this species, finding Bionoblatta hylaeceps to be endemic to the Itacolomi Peak region. We also present a short account of the work of JPF, including his relevance to Brazilian entomology and itinerary for collecting these specimens. Bionoblatta have five poorly known species of blaberids that, despite recent advances in the genus taxonomy, are still pending review
Resolving classification problems in yeasts-a unified method
No full textIn our research, we established unified criteria for yeast species and genera delineation by integrating DNA and physiological characters. Specifically, we focused on Sequence Identity (SI) and Evolutionary Distance (ED) derived from the combination of ITS1-2 and LSU rDNA markers, as well as a new parameter—Distance Between Physiological Profiles (DPP). We first constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the combined sequences and calculated SI between all yeast pairs on the tree. Yeast physiological traits were then encoded using a binary system (presence or absence of the character i.e., presence = 1, absence = 0), and these profiles were compared to build a physiological dendrogram. Notably, the physiological dendrogram closely mirrored the genetic dendrogram. Using both dendrograms, we visualized and identified robust taxonomic boundaries within the Kazachstania and Starmerella clades, further supported by rDNA phylogenetic trees (1-4). Strong correlations between SI and ED confirmed the reliability of our DNA-based approach, while the integration of DPP further enhanced species delineation. Together, these criteria provide a comprehensive framework for taxon delineation, generalizable to all yeast species and genera
Pytaxon: A Python software for resolving and correcting taxonomic names in biodiversity data
No full textThe standardisation and correction of taxonomic names in large biodiversity databases remain persistent challenges for researchers, as errors in species names can compromise ecological analyses, land-use planning and conservation efforts, particularly when inaccurate data are shared on global biodiversity portals.We present pytaxon, a Python software designed to resolve and correct taxonomic names in biodiversity data by leveraging the Global Names Verifier (GNV) API and employing fuzzy matching techniques to suggest corrections for discrepancies and nomenclatural inconsistencies. The pytaxon offers both a Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI), ensuring accessibility to users with different levels of computing expertise. Tests on spreadsheets derived from datasets published in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying and resolving taxonomic errors. By mitigating the propagation of inaccuracies from researchers' datasets to global biodiversity databases, pytaxon supports more reliable conservation decisions and robust scientific investigations. Its contributions enhance data integrity and promote informed biodiversity management in a rapidly evolving global environment
Integrating in vitro and in silico techniques for evaluating the antioxidant activity of Chrysanthemum indicum L
No full textThe prevalence of degenerative diseases has been escalating due to the mounting presence of oxidative stress conditions, characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress triggers genetic alterations, structural modifications, and the progression of various degenerative disorders, including cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. Consequently, the modulation of redox homeostasis and attenuation of oxidative stress through the activity of antioxidant compounds play crucial roles. Chrysanthemum indicum L., an herb with rich historical usage for alleviating diverse discomforts and oxidative stress-related ailments, possesses potential antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying its efficacy remains poorly understood. In this study, the antioxidant potential of chrysanthemum flower ethanol extract was investigated by assessing its ability to inhibit 2,2-dyphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Additionally, the detected compounds present in chrysanthemum flowers were computationally docked to the key macromolecular receptors involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, namely Cytochrome P450 (CP450) and NADPH oxidase (NO). The findings revealed that the ethanolic extract in chrysanthemum flowers displayed inhibitory activity against 2,2-dyphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals at a concentration of 1.35 µg/mL, which is comparable to that of vitamin C (0.7 µg/mL). Moreover, the bioactive compounds present in the ethanolic extract of chrysanthemum flowers, namely 3-hydroxyspirost-8-en-11-one, ingenol 3-hexadecanoate, and Ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol acetate, were subjected to docking simulations with CP450 and NO receptors. The binding-free energies (BFEs) acquired for the compound 3-Hydroxyspirost-8-en-11-one were determined to be -12.7 kcal/mol and -12.4 kcal/mol for CP450 and NO receptors, respectively. Similarly, the compound Ingenol 3-hexadecanoate exhibited BFE values of -9.5 kcal/mol and -10.7 kcal/mol, while the compound Ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol acetate displayed BFEs of -8.9 kcal/mol and -8.1 kcal/mol for CP450 and NO receptors, respectively. In contrast, the control substances 5-fluorouracil (FLU) and dextromethorphan (DEX) demonstrated BFEs of -4.9 kcal/mol and -6.5 kcal/mol, respectively, for each receptor. Collectively, our findings suggest that chrysanthemum extract holds promise as a natural antioxidant source for alleviating oxidative stress and preventing the progression of degenerative diseases, including cancer and diabetes
Sedum simingshanense (Crassulaceae), a new species from Zhejiang, East China
No full textIn this paper, Sedum simingshanense sp. nov. is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular analyses, and its taxonomic relationships are discussed. Morphological analysis indicates S. simingshanense should be classified in the genus Sedum sect. Sedum and is distinct from the related species S. xunvense and S. formosanum in the morphology of its solitary, light green and smooth stems, flattened leaves, larger, obovate and spurless sepals, yellow anthers, 22–30 ovules per carpel, oblique follicles, and its habitat on shaded slopes or rocks. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) also demonstrates that S. simingshanense has a highest similarity of only 97.22% with any known species and S. formosanum is the closest extant relative of the new species
Plectranthias raki (Teleostei, Serranidae), a new species of perchlet from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives
No full textHerein, we describe a new species of Plectranthias perchlet found at depths of 100–125 meters in mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Plectranthias raki sp. nov. is unique in both morphology and coloration. The following combination of characters distinguishes it from all known congeners: dorsal fin X, 15; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 13 | 13 (13 | 12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30–32 tubed scales; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11–12; and absence of antrorse or retrorse spines on ventral margin of preopercle. Coloration in life consists of a white to light pink body with two indistinct rows of irregularly shaped red-orange to yellow-orange patches along the dorsal two-thirds of the body, a golden-yellow opercle and maxilla, an indistinct yellow stripe on the dorsal fin, two yellow spots near the base of the anal fin, and two irregularly shaped yellow-orange spots located on either side of centermost caudal-fin rays. With this publication, the genus Plectranthias now comprises 67 valid species. This discovery adds to a strong body of research highlighting the novel biodiversity of mesophotic ecosystems, especially in locations like the Indian Ocean, where few prior ichthyological surveys have been conducted
Essential oils – a review of the natural evolution of applications and some future perspectives
No full textSince ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been used, thoroughly explored, and regarded as products of great importance for humanity. Currently, EOs represent not only an important part of the contemporary pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry but are also considered as sources for novel drug candidates. The article discusses the applications of EOs in historical terms, the current applications, and the future perspectives. Although there are many studies that involve EOs, the therapeutic potential of EOs is not fully investigated. In the next decades it is highly likely that some compounds, isolated from EOs, could be included in the composition of novel drug candidates with targets in neurology, cardiology, or oncology. Moreover, EOs represent important key points in the development of novel environmentally friendly preservatives and pesticides
Taxonomic notes on the genus Spinosodus Breuning & de Jong, 1941 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) with a generic and specific synonym
No full textTaxonomic notes on the genus Spinosodus Breuning & de Jong, 1941 are presented. The genus Bulbolmotega Breuning, 1966 is synonymized with Spinosodus, and Bulbolmotega sumatrensis Breuning, 1966 is recognized as a junior synonym of Spinosodus spinicollis Breuning & de Jong, 1941. Additionally, Spinosodus is redescribed, and S. rufomaculatus Breuning, 1973 is formally reported from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and India for the first time
Acorus shannai (Acoraceae), a new species from Southern China
No full textAcorus shannai (Acoraceae) is a commonly used seasoning in southern China. It was previously misidentified as A. macrospadiceus (Yamam.) F. N. Wei & Y. K. Li before. Through comparison of morphological characteristics, distribution locations, and type specimen, we determined that the elevation of A. gramineus var. macrospadiceus Yamam to species status was incorrect. Therefore, we propose a formal description of a new species following nomenclature regulations. Based on morphological and plastid genomic data, this study formally describes and illustrates Acorus shannai, distributed in the Qiandongnan area of Guizhou Province and its surroundings, confirming it as a new species within the genus Acorus. This species is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from other members of the A. gramineus group. Key distinguishing features include a strong fennel odor (vs. aromatic in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), fruit with prominent dorsal sutures (vs. inconspicuous dorsal sutures in “A. tatarinowii” and A. gramineus), and a leaf-shaped spathe that is about 2–3 times as long as the spadix (vs. more than 3 times in “A. tatarinowii”). Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. shannai is closely related to the other species in the A. gramineus group. The recognition of A. shannai is not only important for the species diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Acorus, but also can avoid the drug safety caused by using other Acorus species as A. shannai to eat and promote the conservation of A. shannai resources