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Magnesium as an adjuvant in perioperative analgesia: data from randomised trials and meta-analyses
No full textIntroduction: The role of magnesium in perioperative analgesia has been investigated by an increasing number of authors in recent years. The implementation of ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols in clinical practice necessitates the search for new co-analgesics (adjuvants) to include in a multimodal analgesic regimen that would reduce or eliminate the use of opioids. Their side effects, combined with the current opioid epidemic, have catalysed efforts to find new models of balanced anaesthesia and analgesia. Methodology: This literature review includes and analyses 38 clinical studies examining the analgesic properties of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) over the past three decades. It covers 32 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 5 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs, and one retrospective cohort study. The search was conducted in databases (PubMed, DeepDyve) using the following keywords: anesthesia, analgesic request, consumption, MgSO4, multimodal, opioids, postoperative, pain, recovery, requirements, scores Results: Approximately 90% of the analysed studies demonstrate a positive effect of perioperative magnesium administration on intraoperative anaesthetic and postoperative analgesic requirements, pain scores, quality of recovery, haemodynamic profile, and other measures, without leading to adverse effects or complications at the dosing regimens used. Conclusion: Analysis of the data indicates that intravenous magnesium is a potential analgesic with a favourable safety and cost-effectiveness profile and can play an important role as an adjuvant in perioperative analgesia. However, additional large-scale studies with standardised protocols are needed to determine its optimal dosages, as well as the indications and contraindications for its use in clinical anaesthesia practice
The Crete Declaration: Uniting Science for One Health
No full textThe interdependence of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health necessitates systemic, cross-domain collaboration to address global challenges, such as emerging diseases, climate change and biodiversity severe change. Through the Crete Declaration, Europe’s (e-)infrastructures, organisations and projects that focus on the functioning of our biosphere commit to jointly advancing the One Health approach. In doing so, the signatories aim to strengthen Europe’s resilience and leadership through the sharing of data and expertise, the development of innovative solutions and the promotion of evidence-based policies
Hitchhikers on dead shells: an unanticipated pathway of alien species invasion associated with discarded seafood remains at oyster tasting sites
No full textShellfish mariculture, particularly of oysters, poses a significant risk for the introduction of non-native species into marine ecosystems. This study investigates the diversity of invertebrate species colonizing live and discarded oyster shells originating from a farm and oyster bar in the Tylihul Estuary, a region with active oyster farming. Advanced molecular techniques identified several invasive species associated with the discarded shells, including Semibalanus balanoides, Austrominius modestus and Monocorophium insidiosum. These taxa have not been previously documented in the region. Our findings indicate that macrofaunal composition differs between live and discarded oyster shells, and that the richness of invasive invertebrates associated with oyster shells is higher than expected. The discarded shells not only act as a substrate for colonization but also serve as potential vectors for biological invasions. We performed a Species-related Risk Assessment to identify the potential ecological impacts on local biodiversity and ecosystems of the invasive species associated with oysters. Our study proposes management strategies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with shells discarded by oyster bars. Our recommendations include informing recreational travellers and retailers about the implications of discarding shells into the water and advocating for the control of risks related to the use of shells as a construction material
Taxonomic notes on the little-known genus Metahelotella Kirejtshuk (Coleoptera, Cucujoidea, Helotidae) from southwestern China, with description of a new species and two new records
No full textMetahelotella alatonotata sp. nov. is described from Yunnan, China. Habitus and diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated. Metahelotella semifulva (Ritsema, 1881) and Metahelotella immaculata (Ritsema, 1891) are newly recorded from China. A distribution map of the genus Metahelotella in Indochina and southwestern China and a taxonomic key to all species are provided
Trace fossil evidence for Osedax Rouse et al., 2004 exploiting shark tooth dentine on a Pliocene seafloor: broadening our understanding of a major taphonomic agent
No full textThe zombie worm genus Osedax Rouse et al. 2004 is part of a peculiar group of organisms that thrive at whale fall localities on the ocean floor. In addition to feeding on whale bones, extant Osedax spp. are known to feed on the bones of other marine and terrestrial mammals, birds, and reptiles, and have recently been found to also feed on shark tooth dentine under experimental conditions. The efficacy of Osedax spp. as bioeroders is such that they are thought to have significantly affected both the quantity and the quality of the marine vertebrate fossil record. Here, we report on the occurrence of single-entry borings consistent with those produced by Osedax on fossil shark teeth from the Lower Pliocene offshore deposits of Tuscany, central Italy. Micro-CT investigations reveal that the worms excavated the dentine of the tooth roots, leaving the enameloid-coated crowns seemingly unaltered. The borings in question are assigned to the Osedax-related ichnogenus Osspecus Higgs et al., 2012, which to date had been found on a variety of marine vertebrate fossils, but not on shark teeth. This ichnological record provides the first fossil evidence for zombie worms exploiting shark tooth dentine and serves as a powerful demonstration that such behaviour can and does occur in the wild. Root exploitation by Osedax may contribute to explain the high frequency of rootless teeth in some shark tooth accumulations from modern deep-sea floors and time-averaged horizons inland. Over the past 100 million years, shark teeth have likely served as critical ecological stepping stones between remote marine vertebrate fall localities and may even have provided a suitable substrate for ancient zombie worms during the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction event
Vertebrates as victims of domestic cats and dogs: ten years of data from an Italian animal rescue centre (2015–2024)
No full textRegional wildlife rescue centres maintain annual records that provide information essential for estimating the impact of domestic animals on wildlife populations. In particular, the Campomorone Rescue Centre (CRAS) in Genoa (north-western Italy) serves the entire territory of Liguria (nearly 5,400 km2) and some nearby areas of southern Piedmont. Quantitative analyses of data collected by CRAS over a ten-year period (2015–2024) indicate that, of the 15,352 wild vertebrates hospitalised for treatment, 954 were known to be injured by cats or dogs. More specifically, it concerns 695 birds, 57 bats, 192 non-flying mammals and 10 reptiles. Reptiles, birds (above all passerines) and bats are mainly prey for cats, while dogs preferentially attack non-flying mammals. As reported in several other studies, the incidence of predation by cats was significantly higher than by dogs: 810 and 144 wild vertebrates, respectively. This figure suggests a gross under-reporting of the impact that cats and dogs have on wildlife populations. Moreover, considering the relatively small regional areas of Liguria and south Piedmont, the CRAS records further understate the real extent of predation by cats and dogs across Italy. Italy’s rescue centres provide a vital network for monitoring the impacts of domestic and feral animals on wildlife. Domestic cats and dogs not only injure and kill wild animals, they also destroy eggs and nests and transmit diseases, all of which can contribute to a decrease in the biodiversity and ‘genetic fitness’ of wildlife populations. Therefore, wildlife species would greatly benefit from the development and implementation of policies and educational programmes designed to increase awareness of the value of wildlife for healthy ecosystems amongst the general populace, particularly pet owners
Analytical method development and validation for the determination of triazole antifungals in biological matrices
No full textThe World Health Organization released the fungal priority pathogen list (FPPL) in late 2022, identifying fungal pathogens in urgent need of research and intervention. Triazole antifungals, as first-line therapy, require therapeutic drug monitoring to optimize outcomes because of their narrow therapeutic range and interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. The bioanalysis process is challenging due to complex matrices. This study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method for quantifying voriconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography with an imprinted polymer sorbent. Optimization employed a C18 column with isocratic elution (acetonitrile:water 70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and detection at 260 nm. Retention times were 2.467, 3.487, and 9.006 minutes for fluconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole, respectively. System suitability testing met chromatographic requirements. The validated bioanalytical method complies with U.S. FDA guidelines, demonstrating linearity over the 0.5–5 mg/L range. Maximum percent bias was 13.4% for the calibration curve, 15.6% at the LLOQ, and 12.9% above the LLOQ. Precision showed a maximum coefficient of variation of 12.9%, confirming the method’s accuracy and reproducibility. The molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) method showed superior selectivity and recovery compared with commercial C18 SPE cartridges. This study establishes a reliable method for future clinical sample applications
Species delimitation in the genus Klebsormidium (Klebsormidiophyceae, Charophyta), including description of Klebsormidium mirabile sp. nov. with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids
No full textThe genus Klebsormidium is a cosmopolitan filamentous alga that belongs to the phylum Charophyta and inhabits a wide range of environments, primarily freshwater, soil, and aerial habitats. Its basal position on the Streptophyta phylogenetic tree, widespread distribution and significant functional role make the genus Klebsormidium an important object for phycological research. To advance the molecular phylogeny of Klebsormidium, we conducted the first comparative evaluation of six species delimitation methods – ASAP (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning), LocMin (Local Minima), KoT (K over Theta), GMYC (Generalized mixed Yule-coalescent), mlPTP (Poisson Tree Process with Maximum Likelihood), and bPTP (Poisson Tree Process with Bayesian inference) – using rbcL and concatenated ITS2–rbcL fragments. The accuracy of these methods was further validated against molecular, morphological, and ecological data. According to an integrative approach, Klebsormidium mirabile sp. nov. was proposed as a new charophyte species from soil of the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan. In addition, a study on the fatty acid composition showed that the authentic strain VKM Al-436 of this new species of Klebsormidium is a potential source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic, α-linolenic, and hexadecatrienoic acids
Interdisciplinary biotechnological approach for analysis and modulation of the biological potential of the medicinal plant Nepeta nuda
No full textThis study on medicinal plants focuses primarily on non-enzymatic defense mechanisms, which have applications in plant science, traditional and modern medicine, the food industry, pharmacology, and cosmetics (Zhiponova et al. 2022). A key characteristic of biologically active compounds is their dependence on developmental and environmental factors. Nepeta nuda (catnip; Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant rich in secondary metabolites and known for its adaptability, prompting us to adopt a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to better understand this relatively understudied species.First, the taxonomic position of N. nuda was determined using DNA barcoding. Phytochemical analysis of N. nuda extracts identified various compounds, including phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, iridoids, and primary metabolites (Petrova et al. 2022, Petrova et al. 2024, Zaharieva et al. 2023). The aqueous extracts exhibited the strongest antitumor effect against colon cancer cells, primarily through a proapoptotic mechanism (Gospodinova et al. 2024).Comparative analyses between wild-grown (naturally occurring or ex vitro adapted) and in vitro-cultivated plants revealed that metabolic changes were associated with biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-herpesvirus, and anti-inflammatory effects (Petrova et al. 2022, Petrova et al. 2023, Petrova et al. 2024, Zaharieva et al. 2023). Interestingly, the antimicrobial potential remained largely consistent across different growth conditions (Petrova et al. 2022, Petrova et al. 2024). The highest bioactive compound content was found in flowers and leaves, while in vitro-grown plants showed a marked reduction (Petrova et al. 2022, Zaharieva et al. 2023).Phytochemical production was shown to be regulated by phytohormones, with light and temperature identified as key environmental signals influencing gene expression and plant physiology (Zhiponova et al. 2024, Zhiponova et al. 2025). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying metabolic biosynthesis in plant species rich in biologically active compounds (Fig. 1)
Zebinidae (Caenogastropoda, Rissooidea) from Hainan Island, China, with re-description of four species
No full textHainan Island serves as an important reservoir of molluscan biodiversity in China. However, the documented molluscan fauna is predominantly composed of macromolluscan species, while micromolluscan diversity remains critically understudied.In this study, we document four marine microgastropod species belonging to the family Zebinidae Coan, 1964 from Hainan Island, China: Schwartziella triticea (Pease, 1861), Pandalosia subfirmata (O. Boettger, 1887), Zebina tridentata (Michaud, 1830) and Stosicia annulata (Dunker, 1860). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine shell morphology. Amongst these, Stosicia annulata (Dunker, 1860) represent a new record for China, suggesting that more extensive sampling along Hainan Island's coastline will likely yield additional discoveries