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Ponto-Caspian amphipods (Crustacea, Amphipoda) and their microsporidian parasites recently established in Sweden
No full textThe invasive amphipods Dikerogammarus villosus, D. haemobaphes and Pontogammarus robustoides, which originate from the Ponto-Caspian region, are amongst Europe’s most ecologically disruptive amphipods and have recently been detected in Sweden, marking their northernmost record and indicating a concerning expansion of their range. This study employed DNA barcoding to confirm the species identifications, assess population structure and trace the origins of these recently introduced populations. To improve the detection resolution in the case of D. villosus, we designed specific primers targeting two additional mitochondrial markers at genes ND5 and ATP8, enabling precise identification of the probable source populations, based on known European invasion routes and their phylogeographic structure. Our analysis identified the Western Group of D. villosus as being present in Sweden, with a probable introduction from the large lakes in the foothills of the Alps, possibly via sailing boats that were transported overland. Meanwhile, P. robustoides and D. haemobaphes appear to have invaded from the eastern and southern Baltic regions — including the Baltic States, Vistula Lagoon and Szczecin Lagoon — possibly via ballast water, ship hulls or floating debris. Additionally, we detected microsporidian infections in all three species, identifying Dictyocoela muelleri and D. berillonum as associated parasites. Given the ecological risks posed by these invasive species, coordinated monitoring, particularly along the Baltic coast, is essential for enabling rapid response efforts in the Nordic region
First insights into the phylogeny of the order Cribrariales (Amoebozoa, Myxomycetes), with the definite exclusion of the genus Enteridium
No full textThe order Cribrariales is among the least studied higher groups in the Myxomycetes, with numerous taxonomic problems and scarce molecular data available in public databases. Of the three genera currently accepted, viz. Cribraria, Lindbladia, and Enteridium, the last one shows a set of morphological characters clearly disagreeing with the two former ones. Using a representative sampling and two unlinked loci (nuclear and mitochondrial SSU), we assessed the phylogenetic relationships in the bright-spored Myxomycetes (Lucisporomycetidae) and concluded that the genus Enteridium must be excluded from the order Cribrariales and placed instead within the order Trichiales, family Dianemataceae. We provide detailed explanations of why this genus has been misclassified in previous studies, and define its morphological and molecular boundaries, performing two necessary new combinations. On the other hand, the phylogeny of the order Cribrariales s.str. shows three main lineages that are distinguished as three subgenera, viz. C. subg. Cribraria, C. subg. Dictydium, and C. subg. Ionokylix subg. nov., the first one including the genus Lindbladia deeply nested and therefore treated as a heterotypic synonym of Cribraria
Comparative efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of budesonide–formoterol, fluticasone–salmeterol, budesonide maintenance, and albuterol versus terbutaline in asthma management: a comprehensive network meta-analysis
No full textBackground: Asthma remains a major global health burden with high morbidity and costs, requiring effective treatment to prevent exacerbations. ICS/LABA combinations are widely used for their bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects, yet uncertainties persist about their optimal use, safety, and cost-effectiveness, especially in resource-limited settings. Prior reviews have not fully integrated efficacy, safety, and economic impact or explored patient-related factors through meta-regression. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate ICS/LABA regimens compared to alternative treatments using a network meta-analysis and meta-regression, incorporating effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness to guide optimal asthma management strategies. Methods: This systematic review and network meta-analysis, registered on OSF, followed PRISMA guidelines to evaluate ICS/LABA versus alternative asthma treatments in terms of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Randomized controlled trials from 2013–2024 were included if they reported relevant outcomes. Databases searched were Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SagePub, and Cochrane. Data extraction, risk of bias assessment (RoB-2), and evidence certainty (GRADE) were conducted independently by multiple reviewers. Statistical analyses used a random-effects network meta-analysis with meta-regression and cost-effectiveness modeling in RStudio, ensuring robust comparisons and exploring modifiers such as age, gender, and follow-up duration. Results: Eleven randomized trials were analyzed. Budesonide–formoterol was most effective in reducing moderate-to-severe exacerbations (OR 0.33, SUCRA 0.99), followed by budesonide maintenance and fluticasone–salmeterol. No significant differences were observed in FEV₁ or ACQ-5, though combination therapies ranked higher. Budesonide–formoterol and olodaterol (20 µg) showed the greatest PEFR gains (MD 68.4 and 42.9, p < 0.001). Cost analysis ranked terbutaline as the least expensive (150). Incremental analysis showed that albuterol (364) were cost-efficient, while budesonide–formoterol offered the greatest benefit at a higher cost (500 per exacerbation avoided). Albuterol and terbutaline were the most affordable options, with albuterol showing a low incremental cost ($43) suitable for milder cases
Absolute and Functional Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure – Novel Definitions And Therapeutic Approach – Review of Literature
No full textАбсолютният (АЖ) и функционалният железен дефицит (ЖД) са независими патогенетични фактори за нарушена митохондриална структура, миокардно ремоделиране, тежка систолна и диастолна дисфункция, повишен риск от хипертрофия и дилатация на лявата камера, белодробен застой, сърдечна фиброза и ограничен физически капацитет. ЖД е успоредна и самостоятелна терапевтична цел при пациенти със СН, която изисква ранно и точно диагностициране. Съществуващите традиционни показатели за доказване на ЖД се базират на спорни и подвеждащи серумни нива на феритина (най-често в референтния интервал), механично взети от критериите за допустимост в клинични проучвания (КП). В литературния обзор се анализират редица КП, научни разработки и метаанализи, които обосновават необходимостта от редефиниция на ЖД. Посочени са предложенията за нови критерии за ЖД, основани предимно на TSAT < 20%. Подобен диагностичен подход притежава висока специфичност и чувствителност, идентифицира по-точно подходящите за лечение пациенти и притежава значимо прогностично и предиктивно значение, т.е. корелира с преживяемостта и сърдечните събития, както и с честотата и качеството на терапевтичния отговор. Разгледани са и някои нови диагностични показатели за ЖД – разтворим феритинов рецептор в серума (sTfR), съотношенията sTfR mg/L и log на феритин в μg/L (феритинов индекс) и sTfR:хепцидин, отразяващи митохондриалния железен статус и разграничаващи АЖД от ФЖД. Absolute and functional iron defi ciency (ID) is a critical factor contributing to various cardiac issues, including mitochondrial dysfunction, myocardial remodeling, and signifi cant systolic and diastolic impairments. These conditions increase the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary congestion, cardiac fi brosis, and decreased exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure (HF). Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis of ID is essential, as it can be a primary or secondary treatment goal. Current diagnostic criteria often rely on serum ferritin levels, which can be misleading and are derived from previous clinical trial eligibility criteria. This review examines multiple randomized clinical trials, studies, and meta-analyses that advocate for a redefi nition of ID. It proposes new diagnostic criteria based primarily on transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels below 20%, which demonstrate high specifi city and sensitivity for identifying candidates for treatment. These criteria correlate signifi cantly with survival rates and cardiovascular outcomes. Additionally, emerging indicators of ID, such as serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and the sTfR-ferritin index, are discussed. These indicators provide insights into mitochondrial iron status and help differentiate between absolute iron defi ciency (AID) and functional iron defi ciency (FID)
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a Biomarker in Coronary Artery Ectasia: A Case-Control Study
No full textВъведение и цел: Болестите на коронарните артерии са сред най-честите сърдечно-съдови заболявания. Една от тях е ектазия на коронарната артерия (CAE). Тя представлява дифузна или фокална дилатация на коронарните артерии. Съотношението на неутрофили към лимфоцити (NLR) – маркер за възпаление, е изследвано по отношение на неговата прогностична стойност при много сърдечно-съдови заболявания. Настоящото проучване има за цел да оцени връзката между NLR и ектазията на коронарната артерия. Материал и методи: Това проучване е от типа случай-контрола и обхваща 115 пациенти, приети в болница „Шахид Садуги“ в Язд за периода 2012-2020 г. От тях 28 пациенти са били с ектазия на коронарната артерия, а 87 са контролна група пациенти. Събрани са демографски данни, медицинска история и резултати от пълна кръвна картина (ПКК) за изчисляване на NLR. Данните са сравнени с помощта на софтуер SPSS и приложими статистически тестове. Резултати: Средният NLR в групата с ектазия (0,79 ± 2,01) и контролната група (1,46 ± 2,07) не се различава статистически (p-стойност = 0,830). Освен това няма значими разлики в NLR по пол, възраст или степен на ектазия. Средната стойност на NLR обаче е по-ниска при пациенти със засягане на три съда (0,49 ± 1,66), отколкото при засягане на един съд (1,04 ± 2,32) (p-стойност = 0,036). Заключение: В това изследване NLR не се установява като диагностичен маркер за ектазия на коронарната артерия. Броят на участващите съдове обаче може да повлияе върху стойностите на NLR. Препоръчва се провеждането на допълнителни проучвания за изследване на патофизиологичните механизми на това заболяване и ролята на други възпалителни маркери. Background and Objective: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE), a diffuse or focal dilatation of coronary arteries, remains poorly understood. While the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a well-established infl ammatory marker in cardiovascular diseases, its diagnostic role in CAE is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of NLR in CAE and explore its association with disease severity. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, 115 patients (28 CAE, 87 controls) admitted to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital (2012–2020) were analyzed. Demographic data, medical history, and complete blood count (CBC)-derived NLR were compared using SPSS and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean NLR did not differ signifi cantly between CAE (0.79 ± 2.01) and control groups (1.46 ± 2.07) (P = 0.830), nor by age, sex, or ectasia extent. However, NLR was lower in three-vessel involvement (0.49 ± 1.66) versus single-vessel involvement (1.04 ± 2.32) (P = 0.036). Conclusion: NLR lacks diagnostic value for CAE but may correlate with disease burden, as evidenced by reduced NLR in multi-vessel involvement. Further research should investigate NLR’s pathophysiological role and alternative infl ammatory markers in CAE
The effects of propofol on TNF-α and IL-6 in patients with endometrial and cervical cancer
No full textGenital carcinomas in women, such as endometrial and cervical carcinoma, remain one of the main reasons for death in women worldwide due to malignant tumours, and while the treatment options are relatively established today, the progression rate of the disease is still at high levels. Cytokines have been found to have a significant impact on the development and progression of these diseases, with pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) influencing the tumour’s growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The anaesthetics used during surgical treatment for these tumours have proven effects on the serum levels and local expression of cytokines in experimental settings. However, the results for propofol, which is the commonest choice for inducing anaesthesia, remain unclear in clinical settings, though the anti-cancer properties of propofol have been reported in specific carcinoma cell lines
Assessment of carbon sequestration and hazardous chemical storage in reed habitats of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve’s fluvio-marine sector
No full textThe Danube Delta, a dynamic alluvial plain, serves as a substantial carbon sink due to its extensive stands of reeds, specifically Phragmites australis. This study quantifies carbon storage across five distinct reedbed types based on substrate characteristics, using biomass assessment, soil carbon analysis, and GIS-based spatial mapping. Results show that reeds on salinized organic soils (S-Pa) have the highest carbon storage capacity (8.595 t/ha C), while those on gleyic soils (S-F) have the lowest storage levels (0.463 t/ha C). Furthermore, an analysis of heavy metal contamination (Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn) over 5 years revealed concentrations below regulatory thresholds, with a declining trend. The analysis indicates that reeds have notable potential for pollutant sequestration, particularly in aquatic vegetation and soil. These findings highlight the crucial role of deltaic wetland ecosystems in carbon sequestration and contaminant retention, underscoring the need for sustainable management strategies
Invasions in aquatic systems: Patterns, mechanisms and management
No full textNo abstract is provided for an Editorial Paper
Integrative taxonomy reveals non-native Squalius hybrids in the Iberian Peninsula
No full textThe introduction of non-native species poses a critical threat to biodiversity in Mediterranean freshwater ecosystems. This study documents the first record of non-native Squalius hybrids in the Ave River (Iberian Peninsula), combining morphological and molecular data to confirm their presence and assess their potential origin. The specimens exhibit hybrid characteristics, with most morphological and meristic traits overlapping those of both S. cephalus and S. squalus. Almost all individuals analysed showed an admixed genomic background for both species, suggesting a hybrid origin likely within the species’ native range before their introduction into Portugal through human-mediated activities, likely related to recreational fishing. Furthermore, molecular data also supports hybridization with the native S. carolitertii, raising conservation concerns given the negative impacts associated with hybridization with non-native species. By combining data from social media and citizen science platforms, we were able to map the rapid expansion of this invasive chub in the Ave River from 2018 until now. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for population control measures, while enhancing monitoring, genetic studies, and increased public awareness to mitigate the impacts of invasive species on Iberian freshwater biodiversity
Aligning EU policies to address biological invasions: assessing invasion impacts across sectors
No full textInvasive alien species (IAS) affect various policy sectors, including environment, trade, and agriculture. In Europe, each of these sectors is usually regulated under different European Union legislation, but IAS is not prioritised in most sectors, and this may hinder effective tackling of biological invasions. Greater policy coherence is needed to align relevant sectors for better management of biological invasions. Engaging policymakers by sharing information on IAS impacts can help them understand the multisectoral nature of the problem and develop effective strategies. We reviewed 602 IAS in Europe, impacting nine policy sectors and 25 domains (i.e. specific policies within a broader policy sector, each addressing particular issues and activities related to that sector portfolio). Findings were presented at the NeoBiota workshop in Lisbon on the 3rd of September 2024, attended by 54 participants, including policymakers and researchers. The workshop featured presentations and interactive sessions where participants tested the review methodology on 49 species, identifying areas for improvement, such as assessing impact scale and refining sector domains. Confusion matrices showed moderate to substantial agreement between organisers and participants in evaluating affected domains, types of impact, and confidence levels. This study shows the crucial need for interaction and synergy between research and policy, which are essential for tackling effectively IAS in Europe