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Invasions in aquatic systems: Patterns, mechanisms and management
No full textNo abstract is provided for an Editorial Paper
Eating contest between native and non-indigenous bivalve species: estimating capture efficiencies and clearance rates using natural seston
No full textDespite the burgeoning number of non-indigenous species (NIS) in worldwide coastal ecosystems, the quantification of their direct impacts on native communities remains largely unexplored. This is particularly true concerning feeding competition in sympatric filter-feeding bivalves. In this study, our aim was to fill a gap of knowledge on the potential trophic competition between native and non-indigenous bivalves, namely by focusing on three species that co-occur in Portuguese estuarine systems: the native cockle (Cerastoderma edule) and Portuguese oyster (Magallana angulata) and the non-indigenous Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum). The specific objectives were to i) estimate their capture efficiency (≈ particle retention efficiency; CE); ii) assess their clearance rates (CR); and iii) provide a science-based support for suitable management measures regarding NIS. Experiments were conducted in both field and laboratory conditions using the natural seston present in the seawater. The CE was higher for the larger size classes (8–14 μm) of particles measured (ranging from 4–14 µm), regardless of the species. While the individual CRs were not significantly different among species, the CR per gram of ash-free dry body tissue weight was significantly higher for the native cockle, suggesting that the NIS does not hold a competitive advantage in clearing suspended particles. However, the Manila clam might be limiting food sources availability to the native species since there is an overlap of their ecological niches
Non-native freshwater fishes in India: existing evidence and knowledge gaps
No full textIndia has experienced the introduction of numerous non-native fish species (NNF), some of which have caused ecological and economic impacts. This systematic review provides a currently lacking overview of NNF research in India, potential biases, available evidence, and knowledge gaps. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, we identified a total of 332 records, documenting the presence of 58 NNF distributed across 17 basins, and 19 translocated species in India. The Ganga was the most studied basin (113 studies), followed by the West Flowing Rivers Tadri to Kanyakumari basin (37 studies), however, with 30 NNF reported from each of these basins. We demonstrate how these results can be due to saturated sampling in the Ganga and identify which basins might be currently understudied. We also illustrate how extreme floods precipitated an increase in NNF into rivers and lakes from confinement in the West Flowing Rivers Tadri to Kanyakumari basin. The common carp, Cyprinus carpio, was the most frequently reported NNF (160 times), while Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, was the most widely distributed NNF (13 basins). We found there is a growing number of publications in the field, but that up to 40% of studies have appeared in potentially predatory journals. A minority of studies (44%) investigated NNF impacts, most of which used data from the literature (58%) and reported only qualitative impacts (69%). Most documented impacts were ecological (79%), while some were socio-economic (11%) or both (10%). Only 18% of the studies addressed NNF management. The knowledge synthesized and the gaps identified in this study might serve as a basis for future studies and be useful for efficiently allocating limited resources for investigating NNF in India
Terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) from Mesovoid Shallow Substratum habitats of Portugal
No full textThe Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS) is a largely unknown subterranean habitat formed by the accumulation of rock fragments in steep slopes. In this study, we investigated the diversity, abundance and seasonal dynamics of terrestrial isopods in MSS habitats across Portugal. We identified 12 species belonging to five families, with Porcellionidae and Armadillidiidae being the most represented. The new species, Eluma cristata, endemic to the MSS of Alcobertas, is described. The terrestrial isopod communities included both surface-dwelling and subterranean-adapted species, pointing out the connectivity between these habitats and highlighting the adaptability of terrestrial isopods to diverse environments. Widespread species occurring in multiple locations, and species confined to single sites are present. Seasonality does not seem to affect the community composition. Our findings highlight the rich diversity of MSS habitats, thus their importance for conservation
Revision of the Western Palaearctic species of Orthocentrus Gravenhorst, 1829 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Orthocentrinae): species with ivory/yellow marks on the vertex
No full textIn the first of a series of papers revising the poorly-studied Darwin wasp genus Orthocentrus Gravenhorst, 1829, in the Western Palaearctic, here we revise species with yellow or ivory marks on the vertex. Several new country records are provided: O. bilineator Aubert, 1959 and O. castellanus Ceballos, 1963 from Italy; O. hirsutor Aubert, 1969 from Italy, Sweden and Ukraine; and O. orbitator Aubert, 1963 from Israel, Italy, Turkey, and Ukraine. One species, O. mirabilis Varga & Di Giovanni, sp. nov., is described as new from Belgium, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine. An identification key, diagnoses and illustrations to all the studied species are provided
Exploring the experiences and perspectives of Iraqi healthcare providers on the challenges and determinants of HIV management: a qualitative study
No full textA Physician non-adherence to guidelines and resource constraints hinder optimal HIV care and patient outcomes; however, little is known about providers’ experiences in Iraq. This qualitative study explored physicians’ practices, challenges, and suggestions for improving HIV management across three Iraqi HIV centers. From February to April 2025, we conducted semi-structured face-to-face interviews in Arabic with 17 physicians (minimum six months of experience in managing HIV patients), using an expert-validated guide. Thematic analysis identified four themes: clinical management of HIV patients, healthcare professionals’ roles, patient adherence to anti-HIV therapy, and healthcare services for HIV patients. Most physicians reported following Iraqi Ministry of Health and WHO protocols, with tenofovir–lamivudine–dolutegravir (TLD) favored as first-line therapy for its efficacy and tolerability. Major barriers to patient adherence included stigma, shame, low health literacy, misconceptions, and follow-up challenges. Although providers deemed existing services satisfactory, they recommended establishing specialized dental, surgical, and psychiatric clinics, and expanding patient education, psychosocial support, and engagement to enhance comprehensive care. In conclusion, current HIV treatment align with international standards; meanwhile addressing sociocultural barriers and resource gaps through supportive services may improve adherence and health outcomes for people living with HIV in Iraq
A new terrestrial talitrid genus, Kachinorchestia, with a new species from Myanmar (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Arcitalitridae)
No full textThe Arcitalitridae (Amphipoda, Senticaudata, Talitrida, Talitroidea) is a diverse family containing 15 genera, of which Myanmarorchestia Hou, 2017 and Solitroides Suzuki, Nakano, Nguyen, Nguyen, Morino & Tomikawa, 2017 were reported in Southeast Asia. During research of terrestrial amphipods in Myanmar, we found character traits of some specimens did not match any existing genus of the family Arcitalitridae. These specimens should belong to a new genus.This new genus Kachinorchestia Hou, gen. nov. with one new species Kachinorchestia putao Hou, sp. nov. is described from terrestrial habitats in Myanmar. This new genus is characterised by mandible left lacinia mobilis with four teeth, gnathopod II propodus of male enlarged, oval and subchelate, with hook posteriorly, simplidactylate pereopods, complex and lobed gills and telson uncleft. Photos, molecular and morphological descriptions of new genus are provided
Ocean Species Discoveries 13–27 — Taxonomic contributions to the diversity of Polychaeta, Mollusca and Crustacea
No full textDespite centuries of exploration, marine invertebrate biodiversity remains notably under-described. The majority of species in major marine groups are still unnamed, limiting our ability to understand and conserve ecosystems facing rapid environmental change. The rate of species discovery continues to outpace the formal process of species description. This gap creates an urgent need for streamlined, scalable approaches to taxonomy. The SENCKENBERG OCEAN SPECIES ALLIANCE was founded to help meet this challenge by facilitating global collaboration, offering technical support for species documentation and promoting efficient taxonomic publishing. Within this framework, Ocean Species Discoveries provides a forum for concise, but data-rich descriptions of marine invertebrate taxa. This second collection presents a diverse set of taxonomic contributions, based on recent and historical collections, including newly-described species and a re-description of a previously poorly-known taxon. The integrative documentation of the taxa treated herein was facilitated by the newly-established Discovery Laboratory at the Senckenberg Research Institute, the first service unit dedicated to supporting alpha taxonomists.This article presents 14 new species and one re-description, two new genera, with taxa spanning three phyla. Newly-described taxa comprise two polychaete annelids: Nicon salinus Hernández-Alcántara & Dávila-Jiménez, sp. nov. and Spinther bohnorum Tilic & Rouse, sp. nov. Molluscs span four classes, with three polyplacophorans: Craspedochiton zefranki Vončina, sp. nov., Ferreiraella charazata Sigwart, sp. nov. and a new genus with type species Pycnodontochiton sinensis Sirenko, Zhang & Sigwart, gen. et sp. nov. and Pycnodontochiton tenuidontus (Saito and Okutani, 1990), comb. nov. The new monoplacophoran Veleropilina gretchenae Sigwart & Steger, sp. nov. is one of the first species of this class with a high-quality genome, published from the specimen that is now the holotype. The scaphopod Laevidentalium wiesei Sahlmann, 2012 represents a re-description and range extension and the bivalve Myonera aleutiana Machado & Sigwart, sp. nov. is the second bivalve including an anatomical description with non-invasive methods using micro-CT. Amongst crustaceans, there are two new amphipod species: Apotectonia senckenbergae Momtazi & Riehl, sp. nov. and Metharpinia hirsuta Souza-Filho & Andrade, sp. nov. Three isopod species were described, including the parasitic species Zeaione everta Boyko & Williams, sp. nov. that is the only species in the new genus Zeaione Boyko & Williams, gen. nov. and two free-living isopods: Haploniscus bulbosus Henseler, Knauber & Riehl, sp. nov. and Macrostylis peteri Riehl, sp. nov. Finally, there are two new tanaidaceans: Hoplopolemius olo Jóźwiak & Stępień, sp. nov. and Nesotanais thalassinus Stępień, sp. nov.The data used for the description of ten of the species and one of the new genera treated herein were wholly or partially obtained at the SOSA Discovery Laboratory using integrative methods including light and electron microscopy, confocal imaging, molecular barcoding and micro-CT scanning. Additional novel findings include the first record of the family Macrostylidae and the genus Macrostylis G. O. Sars, 1864 from Australian waters (Macrostylis peteri, sp. nov.) and novel host associations: Ferreiraella charazata, sp. nov. is documented with epibiotic tubeworms on its tail valves that are typical of this genus and the decapod Eucalliaxiopsis aequimana (Baker, 1907) is newly recorded as a host for bopyrid isopods, representing the first such record for the family Eucalliacidae
CanPests V1.0: A reference dataset for arthropod pests of Canada integrating DNA barcodes
No full textArthropod pest species represent a serious threat to agriculture and forestry. Canada is no exception, with over 1200 recorded pest species. Although a consolidated dataset would benefit research, management, and policy, information on these species has never been compiled into a unitary databaseThis publication merges available information to create a checklist for the pest insects of Canada and updates the taxonomy for these records based on the Catalogue of Life and GBIF. Each species record includes 1) their global distribution, 2) feeding guild for adults and larval stages (when available), 3) host plants data (when available) and 4) identifiers to obtain DNA barcodes from the Barcode of Life Data Systems (when available)
Recent studies on Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.: a review on chemical composition and biological activity
No full textPelargonium graveolens L’Hér. (rose geranium) is an aromatic plant widely used in traditional medicine and essential oil production. This review highlights its phytochemical diversity and pharmacological potential based on recent studies (2020–2025). The database search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The survey revealed that essential oils are dominated by citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and isomenthone, while non-volatile compounds include flavonoids, phenolic, acyltartaric and acylcitric acids, and tannins. The plant’s extracts and oils demonstrate a wide range of biological activities—antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective potential as well as antidiabetic and insecticidal properties. These effects are connected to its rich secondary metabolite profile, notably flavonol glycosides, hydroxycinnamic derivatives, and terpenoids. Given its complex phytochemical profile and extensive pharmacological properties, P. graveolens shows significant promise as a source of bioactive agents for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries