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Accumulation of trace metals in tissues of the Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense (Arthropoda, Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from polluted waters in southwestern Ukraine
No full textWe report on the bioaccumulation of trace metals (Mercury-Hg, Copper-Cu, Cadmium-Cd, Lead-Pb) in tissues of the invasive Oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) sampled from three water body areas in southwestern Ukraine: (sampling site 1) Sukhyi Lyman, (2) Cuciurgan Reservoir, and (sites 3-4) two locations in the Danube delta. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that the absorption of microquantities of trace metals from water by hydrobionts primarily depends on the relative concentration of each element. The higher its respective dissolved concentration, the higher is the metals corresponding absorption by the prawn. Our study showed that trace metal contamination of the prawns did not exceed either the national (Ukraine) or the international standard levels for crustaceans. In terms of chemical contamination, all water areas appear to meet present-day Ukraine and International guidelines for Oriental river prawn aquaculture and/or its commercial harvesting. However, given the present levels and ongoing potential for additional trace metal contaminations, and accompanying or currently unassessed pollutants, as well as their likelihoods of complex chemical, biological, and ecosystem interactions, accelerated by anthropogenic unknowns as the Russia-Ukraine War drags on, extreme caution is warranted for aquaculture, commercial fishing, and recreational harvest of the Oriental river prawn as well as other seafood species in Ukraine’s waters
New insights on the shell-crusher shark Ptychodus decurrens Agassiz, 1838 (Elasmobranchii, Ptychodontidae) based on the first known articulated dentition from the Upper Cretaceous of Croatia
No full textA new lower tooth plate of Ptychodus decurrens from the Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Dalmatian region (southern Croatia) is documented here for the first time. The specimen represents the first articulated dentition of a ptychodontid shark that has been discovered from the Balkan Peninsula and the most complete ever found for the un-cuspidate species P. decurrens up to now. The reconstruction of the entire lower dentition of P. decurrens based on this exceptionally well-preserved dentition shows a wider crushing plate than previously hypothesised with bulgy teeth limited to the central area. Even though a defined cusp is missing, the occlusal surface of the teeth is undeniably raised and bulgy in some un-cuspidate species of Ptychodus (e.g., P. decurrens). This compels us to reconsider the use of terms such as high- and low-crowned as well as cuspidate and un-cuspidate. In addition, specimens previously assigned to dubious species (P. depressus, P. levis and P. oweni) or even varieties (P. polygyrus var. sulcatus and P. decurrens var. multiplicatus) are reassigned here to P. decurrens based on a careful comparison of the type materials. The reassessment of tooth root morphologies provides indicative traits for the identification of different genera of ptychodontid sharks (Paraptychodus and Ptychodus). The taxonomic revision presented here is crucial for securing a stable taxonomy and systematics of the shell-crushing shark P. decurrens, as well as of all ptychodontid sharks. The resulting updated taxonomy, together with the description and reconstruction of the new crushing plate, greatly contribute to a better understanding of one of the most enigmatic families (Ptychodontidae) of Mesozoic elasmobranchs. The detailed investigation of the new dentition of Ptychodus from Dalmatia is also a further step towards the discovery of Upper Cretaceous ichthyofaunas of one of the most palaeontologically important areas of the Balkan Peninsula
From Middle Jurassic extension to Late Jurassic obduction: sedimentary records from the Greater Adriatic margin of the Neotethys Ocean in NE Hungary
No full textA displaced segment of the Late Triassic–Late Jurassic Greater Adriatic margin of the Neotethy Ocean was investigated in NE Hungary. In this area, the Mesozoic basement is largely covered by the Palaeogene—Miocene infill of the North Hungarian Palaeogene Basin and the Pannonian Basin. Micropaleontological, sedimentological and structural investigation of more than thirty wells resulted in the detailed characterisation and 3D depositional model of the area, which may have formed in the eastern continuation of the Slovenian Basin or in a similar sub-basin. The sedimentation in its Bajocian–early Callovian extensional half-grabens was characterised by pelagic limestones followed by dark shales with sandstone intercalations. Mass-flow deposits derived from both the footwalls of graben-bounding normal faults and the Adriatic Carbonate Platform were frequent. The most basin-ward segment of the latter one was penetrated by the south-westernmost well of the area. Both the Middle Jurassic extension of the formerly extended continental crust and the lower plate source of the sediments have great importance, while they change the tectonic interpretation of the basins. In the overlying Tarna olistostrome sedimentation lasted at least until the Tithonian, as indicated by nannofossils. This is the oldest possible age for the overthrusting of the ophiolite nappe over this segment of the Greater Adriatic continental margin. The now eroded ophiolite nappe is underlain by the Darnóhegy Mélange, a typical sub-ophiolitic mélange, which was formed further to the south-east during the Callovian–Oxfordian, at an earlier, intraoceanic stage of the Neotethyan subduction
A new tubalepid fish (Antiarcha, Placodermi) from the Middle Devonian of Huize, Yunnan, China
No full textA new genus and species of tubalepid antiarch, Tongdulepis concavus gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Middle Devonian (Qujing Formation, late Eifelian) in Huize County, Qujing, northeastern Yunnan, China. It differs from other antiarchs in the trapezoidal premedian plate, the absence of a postmarginal plate (except Tubalepis), trifid preorbital recess, contorted infraorbital sensory line on the lateral plate, and an anterior median dorsal plate with broad anterior margin and concave posterior margin. This material confirms the absence of the postmarginal plate in Tubalepididae and adds to the understanding of the neurocranium and brachial process in basal bothriolepidoids. Our phylogenetic result places Tongdulepis gen. nov. within Tubalepididae, specifically at the plesiomorphic position of the Tenizolepis-Dianolepis-Bothriolepis lineage
The effect of pharmaceutical dosage form on the efficacy of local anesthetics
No full textLocal anesthetics play a crucial role in aesthetic procedures, offering temporary pain relief while preserving recipient’s consciousness. They are widely used in procedures such as laser treatments, injectable therapies, chemical peels, and microneedling. This review explores the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, formulations, and safety considerations of these agents, emphasizing their influence on procedural outcomes and patient comfort. Local anesthetics work by inhibiting sodium ion channels, preventing nerve signal transmission. Their efficacy depends on factors like chemical composition, lipid solubility, pKa, and the tissue environment. Common formulations include creams, gels, patches, and sprays, each tailored to specific applications and procedural needs. Safety concerns, including systemic toxicity and allergic reactions, highlight the importance of appropriate dosing and formulation choice. Recent advancements, such as nanotechnology and enhanced delivery systems, promise to improve anesthetic performance and safety. This review underscores the indispensable role of local anesthetics in modern aesthetic practice
Life-history attributes and biocontrol potential of the Purple coccidophagous ladybird, Rhyzobius lophanthae (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)
No full textRhyzobius lophanthae (Blaisdell) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an Australian coccidophagous ladybird, that preys on several species Diaspididae and others soft scale insects. It is widely distributed and has been successfully introduced and established in many temperate regions around the world. This article aims to review the literature on R. lophanthae, focusing on its taxonomy and nomenclature, prey range and geographical distribution, biology and ecology (including, life-history, morphological description and identification, effects of temperature on survival and mortality rate, predation rate and fecundity, growth, development and life tables), impact of chemical pesticides and successful application as biocontrol agent. Additionally, this review identifies key aspects (areas) where future research should be focused, including molecular identification and phylogenetic relationships, intraguild predation and cannibalism, cold storage and artificial diets, impact of climate change, effects of pesticides at various life stages, optimal release strategies and role of functional diversity on its maintenance and conservation
Monitoring hydrostatic level variability on the banks of several canals in the Danube delta
No full textThe Danube Delta is a dynamic wetland system where surface and groundwater are closely interconnected, primarily influenced by the water levels of the Danube River. Given the shallow depth of the water table, the fluctuations in river discharge can impact groundwater levels in the delta. This study shows hydrostatic levels along the banks of several canals in the Danube Delta through field measurements conducted during high-water (spring) and low-water (autumn) periods. Shallow boreholes were drilled using a hand auger manual set to determine groundwater levels and analyze sediment composition. During fieldwork, it was observed that when groundwater was encountered in the boreholes, the water often began to rise until reaching a stable level. The extent of this rise was influenced by the sediment type affecting the distance the water travelled before stabilizing. This highlights the role of sediment composition in controlling groundwater movement, particularly in relation to capillarity and permeability. The collected data were used to generate spatial representations of hydrostatic variations. Furthermore, correlations were established between sediment granulometry, groundwater fluctuations and hydrological extremes, revealing some relationships between sediment characteristics, surface hydrology and subsurface water dynamics in this complex deltaic environment. The results contribute to highlighting the groundwater behaviour in response to seasonal water level changes, with potential implications for wetland management
The predator within the parasitoid: Host-killing behaviour, parasitism and survival of the host-feeding codling moth parasitoid Liotryphon caudatus at different nutritional conditions
No full textLiotryphon caudatus, an ichneumonid parasitoid of codling moth (Cydia pomonella), is known to perform host-feeding on late-instar host larvae. In this study, we examine the relationship between host-feeding, parasitisation behaviour and nutritional requirements of L. caudatus females and the impact on oogenesis and parasitism success. Using a series of laboratory experiments, we demonstrate that female L. caudatus lacking access to hosts for host-feeding were not able to develop mature eggs. Females successfully attacked only the immobile stages of codling moth to either host-feed or parasitise. No major differences in host attack behaviour were observed between naïve and experienced females, as both performed host-feeding similarly. However, experienced females exhibited significantly greater parasitisation success. We also found that when fed honey, female longevity increased up to fivefold compared to having only host-feeding opportunities or to a pure water control. Additionally, success in killing host larvae through host-feeding or parasitism was significantly enhanced with the access to honey. Overall, our findings emphasize that the presence of a carbohydrate source (honey) and a suitable host for host-feeding (immobile larval stages) are essential for the effective parasitisation and host-feeding performance of L. caudatus, as well as for the prolonged survival of females. This study provides new insights into the nutritional requirements, host preferences, and behavioural strategies of L. caudatus and underscores the importance of host-feeding for the reproductive success and survival of this parasitoid
Global distribution models for the major bamboo (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) clades
No full textThe bamboos (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) are important ecological and economic resources distributed across five continents. Maps of the distribution of the four major bamboo clades are popular in the scientific and trade literature. To date, these global scale maps have been drawn manually through various means. Despite their general accuracy, previous maps lack the ability to repeatably reconstruct them as new data becomes available.This work develops a workflow and predicts potential and realised distribution maps for the four major bamboo clades using MaxEnt "species" distribution modelling, based on vetted natural history specimen records. The source data, scripts and resultant products are provided creating a Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) dataset and workflow
A new Dichocarpum W.T.Wang & P.K.Hsiao (Ranunculaceae) species from Guizhou, China
No full textA new species of Dichocarpum from Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it resembles D. auriculatum, D. trifoliolatum, D. basilare, D. franchetii, D. arisanense, D. adiantifolium, and D. uniflorum. However, it differs from these seven species by its creeping stolons, 3–5-foliolate leaflets with scalloped or suborbicular shape, and an inflorescence consisting of a single flower. The phylogenetic relationship with other species of the genus is examined based on three chloroplast gene segments (matK, trnL-F, trnH-psbA) and one nuclear ribosomal DNA region (ITS). In addition, an identification key to all Chinese species of Dichocarpum is provided