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Range extension and re-assessment of Eugenia stirpiflora (O.Berg) Krug & Urb., an endemic Myrtaceae to the Virgin Islands
No full textThe Caribbean archipelago is a global biodiversity hotspot, with high levels of endemism and a threatened flora. The British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, two archipelagos situated in the Caribbean Sea are no exception. Despite many decades of floristic investigation, continuing botanical surveys across the region are uncovering previously unrecorded plant populations and improving our understanding of the geographic ranges of locally restricted threatened flora. This study aims to re-evaluate the latest conservation status of Eugenia stirpiflora by examining its current spatial distribution, population numbers, main threats and conservation actions needed to ensure the species' long term survival.Thought to be endemic to the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), E. stirpiflora (Myrtaceae), was discovered on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in 2020, extending its geographic range to a new territory. Despite this wider distribution, the species' extent of occurrence (20 km2) and area of occupancy (12 km2) are still highly restricted. On St. John (USVI), this species is recorded from Europa Bay, including the White Cliffs area, Minna Hill and Upper John's Folly. On Virgin Gorda, the species is only known from Fanny Hill, north of Gorda Peak. The total number of mature individuals ranges between 1,535 and 1,665, with the species' largest population occurring on Europa Bay (St. John) with a number of mature individuals between 1,500 and 1,630. On the island of Virgin Gorda, the species' habitat is declining due to expansion of urban development and uncontrolled grazing by feral ungulates. On St. John, the suitable habitat and the number of individuals are declining due to grazing by free-roaming livestock and feral ungulates, illegal trail clearing and insect pests. Based on these threats, two locations were recognised. Simultaneously, prolonged periods of drought, caused by climate change, are affecting both locations uniformly. This species, previously evaluated on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered (CR) under its synonym, Eugenia earhartii, is here re-evaluated as Endangered (EN), based on Criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v); C2a(ii) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
Strobilanthes danxiaensis, a new species of Acanthaceae endemic to Danxia Mountain in Guangdong Province, China
No full textStrobilanthes danxiaensis, a new species endemic to the Danxia Mountain region of Guangdong, China, is described herein. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ITS sequences indicates that S. danxiaensis, S. japonica, S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis form a well-supported clade. Morphologically, S. danxiaensis is most similar to S. tetrasperma and S. austrosinensis; however, it is readily distinguished from S. tetrasperma by its longer corolla, much broader oblong–obovate and emarginate corolla lobes, and a longer style. It further differs from S. austrosinensis in having larger oblong–obovate, emarginate corolla lobes, shorter filaments, and a longer style. The integration of morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of S. danxiaensis as a distinct species
Clinical analysis in older patients with a first-ever, second, third, and recurrent strokes
No full textAbstract Introduction: Recently, recurrent ischemic stroke has attracted significant attention in both research and clinical settings. Aim: A comparative retrospective analysis of risk factors and clinical characteristics in elderly patients (≥65 years) experiencing a first-ever, second, third, and recurrent cerebral infarction. Materials and methods: This study included 260 patients with acute stroke admitted to the Neurology Clinic. Patients were classified into three groups: Group 1—first-ever stroke (n=212), Group 2—second stroke (n=35), and Group 3—third and subsequent stroke (n=13). A model focused on the most common vascular risk factors, etiological classifications, and assessment scales. Clinical, instrumental, and statistical methods were applied. Results: Two independent risk factors with strong prognostic relevance were identified: age and dyslipidemia (noted specifically between Group 1 and Group 2). Clinically important comorbidities with moderate impact on vascular risk included arrhythmias and conduction disorders, other cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups with respect to sex, arterial hypertension, smoking status, or affected vascular territories. The main TOAST criteria were large-artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, and small-vessel disease. Among patients in Groups 2 and 3, phenotypes A1, A2, S3, C1, and C2 (ASCOD) were identified as significant etiological factors. The incidence of subsequent cerebrovascular events was 18.46%. Conclusion: Recurrence of ischemic stroke is a significant barrier to the development of effective, long-term prognostic models, the implementation of secondary prevention strategies, and the advancement of therapeutic paradigms
A study on the expression of EZH2, Bcl-2 and Ber-EP in BCC
No full textBasal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumour in humans. In cases with indistinct morphology on H&E-stained slides, immunohistochemistry may help distinguish basal cell carcinoma from other similar-appearing lesions. Our study aimed to investigate the expression of a marker panel comprising EZH2, Bcl-2, and Ber-EP4 in morphologically diagnosed, CK20-verified cutaneous basal cell carcinomas.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of 50 histologically confirmed cases of basal cell carcinoma was conducted. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the following markers: EZH2, Bcl-2, Ber-EP4, and CK20. Due to the lack of a standardised method for evaluating markers, we adopted and modified the staining index (SI), which semi-quantitatively combines staining intensity and the percentage of positive cells. The results were systematised and interpreted using IBM SPSS.Results: All 50 examined tumours tested negative for CK20 (100%), thereby excluding mimics. All 50 tumours stained positive for EZH2 and Bcl-2 (100%), and only one stained negative for Ber-EP4 (98% positive). We found no association between histological type and EZH2 (p = 0.376), Bcl-2 (p = 0.376), and Ber-EP4 (p = 0.318), respectively, or their co-expression (p = 0.258). High co-expression of two of the three markers was observed in 33 of the 50 examined cases (66%), and a low co-expression in 4 cases (8%).Conclusion: The marker panel demonstrates co-expression of the three markers in the context of negative CK20 in over 90% of the cases. In challenging cases, it is important to consider clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical features together
Exclusion of Saxifraga taygetea Boiss. & Heldr. (Saxifragaceae) and Vinca major L. subsp. balcanica (Pénzes) Kozuharov & A.V.Petrova (Apocynaceae) from the vascular flora of Italy
No full textIn this paper, which is based on literature surveys, revision of historical herbarium specimens, fieldwork, and morphometric analyses, the exclusion of Saxifraga taygetea Boiss. & Heldr. and Vinca major L. subsp. balcanica (Pénzes) Kozuharov & A.V.Petrova from Italy are proposed. This allows to update both the Italian vascular flora and the global distribution for both taxa, which must be considered endemic to the Balkans. This research also underscores the importance of herbaria to gain a deeper understanding of plant biodiversity worldwide
Two new species of the genus Thereuopoda Verhoeff, 1904 (Scutigeromorpha, Scutigeridae) from Sichuan and Hainan Provinces, China
No full textScutigeromorph centipedes are morphologically distinctive myriapods that have historically received limited scientific attention, particularly in China. The taxonomy of the genus Thereuopoda Verhoeff, 1904 has remained largely unresolved since the late 1970s, and recent molecular evidence has indicated the presence of cryptic species within this group. In this study, we describe two new species, T. kaijiangensis sp. nov. Ji, Shen & Zhang from Kaijiang County, Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, China, and T. edgecombei sp. nov. Ji, Liu & Zhang from Chengmai County, Hainan Province, China. Comprehensive morphological descriptions and detailed illustrations are provided for both species, along with an updated diagnostic key to all currently recognized Thereuopoda species in China. Phylogenetic analyses conducted using both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference methods consistently support the monophyly of the genus Thereuopoda and further validate the taxonomic distinctness of the two newly described species
Two new species of Penicillium (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) and the first record of P. danzhouense from mangrove sediment in Thailand, with notes on antibacterial activity
No full textTwo novel species of Penicillium, comprising P. chanthaburiense sp. nov. and P. buranakarlianum sp. nov., were isolated from mangrove sediment collected at the King Rama IX International Mangrove Botanical Garden in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. Morphological characterization combined with multilocus phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (TUB), calmodulin (CaM), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) genes placed P. chanthaburiense sp. nov. as a new member of section Exilicaulis, series Erubescentia, while P. buranakarlianum sp. nov. was assigned to section Lanata-Divaricata, series Janthinella. In addition, this study reports the first record of P. danzhouense from mangrove sediment in Thailand. Diagnostic morphological and molecular features distinguishing these taxa from their closest phylogenetic relatives are presented. These findings enrich the taxonomic framework of Penicillium and contribute to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in mangrove ecosystems. Furthermore, P. chanthaburiense sp. nov. exhibited antibacterial activity against several clinically relevant Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), highlighting the potential of mangrove-derived Penicillium species in antimicrobial research
Riverine ecosystem in central Italy: an insight into EU Habitats of the Elsa River and a new bryophyte habitat for Italy
No full textRiverine habitats play a vital ecological role, offering key ecosystem services, regulating hydrology, and supporting high biodiversity, including species and habitats of conservation concern. This study aimed to identify Annex I habitats under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) within a former protected area along the mid-upper Elsa River (Tuscany, central Italy). From 2021 to 2023, 85 vegetation relevés were collected to classify habitats, map their distribution, and assess major threats. Multivariate analyses revealed 15 Annex I habitats, including 32A0, reported here for the first time in Italy, and three priority habitats (7220*, 91E0*, 91AA*). Habitat 32A0, officially included in Annex I following the accession of Croatia to the EU, shows distinct ecological and structural features compared to habitat 7220*, despite sharing some bryophyte species. While the two often occur in close proximity or form mosaics, habitat 32A0 develops in active waterfalls with constant flow and low carbonate deposition, whereas habitat 7220* forms in slow-dripping areas with high tufa accumulation. The absence of habitat 32A0 from the Italian Habitat Manual underscores the need to revise national habitat classifications to improve identification accuracy and conservation strategies. Our study enhances knowledge of riverine habitats and stresses the importance of adaptive management to safeguard the Elsa River ecosystem. Key actions include continuous monitoring and control of invasive alien species. Incorporating the area into a nearby Special Area of Conservation would strengthen long-term protection in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
Microbiome and response to immunotherapy in malignant melanoma
No full textImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved survival in advanced melanoma; however, a considerable number of patients does not respond, and side effects are common. Studies suggest that the gut microbiome may influence ICI outcomes, with certain bacteria and microbial functions being linked to a positive response in some patient groups. However, findings are inconsistent across studies, and no universal microbial biomarkers have been identified. Longitudinal and multi-omic analyses indicate that microbial dynamics may matter, and that other body sites, such as the skin and the intratumoral environment, could also be relevant. More systematic research and testing of multiple hypotheses is needed before microbiome-based strategies may be reliably applied in clinical practice. Here, we summarize evidence connecting the human microbiome to ICI response in melanoma