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Association of Bcl-2 expression with prognostic indicators in breast cancer
No full textBackground : The Bcl-2 protein is a member of the bcl family of proteins, which play a key role in the cell apoptosis process. Its tumorigenic potential has been established long ago in animal experimental models, and was subsequently supported by the finding of its overexpression in a variety of human tumours. Bcl-2 has been suggested as a prognostic marker for the neoplastic diseases; new evidence keeps arising providing further support to this finding. Aim : This study investigated the association of Bcl-2 expression with prognostically important clinicopathological features in breast carcinoma in the Greek population. Methodology : Immunohistochemical assessment of Bcl-2 was conducted in a case series of 100 surgically resected primary breast carcinomas from November 2022 to July 2023 and the association of Bcl-2 with the grade of histological differentiation and Lymph nodes pN was statistically investigated. Results : The histological grade profile of the studied samples was: Grade III (24%), Grade II (62%), Grade I (14%). High (score 3+) Bcl-2 expression was found in 65% of cases, moderate (score 2+) expression in 12%, low (score 1+) in 4%, while negative expression was shown in 19% of the samples. A statistically significant inverse association between Bcl-2 expression and the grade of histological differentiation was detected (Phi=-0.850, p =< 0.0001). Bcl-2 expression was also inversely associated with Lymph nodes pN stage ( p =0.001). Conclusion : The observed association of immunohistochemical Bcl-2 expression with clinicopathological characteristics which are known prognositc indicators for breast cancer (grade and pN stage) provides confirmatory evidence to the potential important prognostic value of this marker in breast cancer. Future investigations should incorporate Bcl-2 expression in multivariate prediction models to weigh its value in the clinical management of breast cancer
Freshwater mussel (Bivalvia, Palaeoheterodonta) larvae in natural history collections: an underutilised resource
No full textNatural history collections which store the soft bodies of freshwater mussels can provide information for research and the public in a comparatively simple way that has so far been insufficiently considered. This involves the examination of larval forms, which are often present, unnoticed, in gravid animals. The features of the larvae provide important information about the systematic position of the bivalves and their study in light microscopic or electron microscopic images can illuminate the importance of freshwater mollusc collections. A processing routine and a standard for the presentation of freshwater mussel larvae is proposed. The processing of old samples is challenging, as their condition cannot be predicted, examples of which are discussed. Nevertheless, even samples that are not in optimal condition can provide useful information. In view of the global threat to this group of animals, any additional information is also of great value for applied aspects of species conservation
From Asia through America to Europe: Molecular and morphological evidence for a non-indigenous diatom species, Discostella asterocostata (B.Q.Lin, S.Q.Xie & S.X.Cai) Houk & Klee in Hungary and Croatia
No full textThis study presents the first occurrences of the diatom species Discostella asterocostata in Europe’s second largest river, the Danube River and the earliest occurrence in European freshwater ecosystems. Samples collected between 2016 and 2022 in Croatia and Hungary were analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with molecular techniques to confirm the presence of the species. Morphometric comparisons with known populations from Asia and the USA revealed no significant morphological differences. Molecular analyses facilitated the detection of D. asterocostata even in samples with low abundance and confirmed the genetic similarity with already sequenced populations. Environmental correlations showed that D. asterocostata had a significant positive correlation with temperature and a negative correlation with total organic carbon and nitrogen forms, suggesting that it favours warmer waters with lower nutrient forms. Given the ongoing increase in water temperatures due to climate change, the occurrence and potential spread of this species in European rivers may be related to changing environmental conditions. Our results emphasise the importance of integrating traditional and molecular approaches for the early detection of non-indigenous diatom species. The establishment of D. asterocostata in Europe raises questions regarding its ecological role and long-term impact on native phytoplankton communities and emphasises the need for continuous monitoring and research on the responses of large river ecosystems to global environmental change
Mitogenomic analysis reveals two cryptic lineages and provides insights into the historical biogeography of the genus Pseudohynobius (Caudata, Hynobiidae)
No full textThe genus Pseudohynobius exhibits a west-to-east distribution across southwestern China, spanning diverse mountain ranges and elevations. However, knowledge regarding the diversity, phylogeny, and evolutionary history of this genus remains limited. In this study, based on the concept of phylogenetic species, we identified eight phylogenetic species, including two cryptic lineages. Divergence time estimation revealed that Pseudohynobius originated approximately 14.57 million years ago (Ma), with interspecific divergence mainly occurring between 8.0 and 1.4 Ma. Biogeographic analysis indicated that its most recent common ancestor likely inhabited the Hengduan–Dalou Mountains region in southwestern China around 8.62 Ma and that the Dalou Mountains served as a source of outward dispersal and a key region for speciation between 11 and 4 Ma. The lineage divergence dynamics of this genus are coupled with orogenic movements and paleoclimatic shifts, which may have been the primary drivers of its historical diversification. This study underscores the urgency of conducting further surveys and taxonomic studies to avoid underestimating the diversity of this critically endangered genus
In vitro analysis of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of Scabiosa columbaria L. acetone extracts
No full textDue to the rising adverse effects of synthetic drugs, there is growing interest in natural therapeutic alternatives. Scabiosa columbaria L., traditionally used for respiratory disorders, skin infections, STIs, and menstrual pain, was investigated to validate its medicinal potential. Whole-plant material was extracted with acetone and analyzed using colorimetric and chromatographic methods. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through the microdilution assay, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and nitric oxide (NO) assays, respectively. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) identified iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and saponins. The extracts showed moderate phenolic (2.93 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (1.64 mg QE/g) contents, strong reducing power (12.13 mg TE/g), and moderate antimicrobial activity, especially against Neisseria gonorrhoeae (MIC = 0.6 mg/ml). They also showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity and strong NO inhibition (>60%). The results support the therapeutic potential of S. columbaria, although moderate cytotoxicity highlights the need for further studies on isolated active compounds
Corrigendum: Błaszkowski J, Goto BT, Zubek Sz, Milczarski P, Malinowski R, Niezgoda P, Błaszkowski T (2025) Paracorymbiglomus gen. nov., Diversispora conica sp. nov., and new combinations in Diversisporaceae (Glomeromycota). MycoKeys 117: 171–190. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.117.148052
No full textThe paper presents the results of morphological studies, as well as comparisons andphylogenetic analyses of sequences of the 45S (= 18S-ITS-28S) nuc rDNA region andthe rpb1 gene (when available) of four arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) of the phylumGlomeromycota. These fungi were (i) an informally named isolate 449, suspected ofbeing an undescribed species of the genus Diversispora, and (ii) three Corymbiglomusspecies in the family Diversisporaceae. The studies confirmed the novelty of isolate449 in Diversispora and showed that Corymbiglomus contains only C. corymbiforme,while C. globiferum and C. pacificum should be transferred to a separate genus sisterto Corymbiglomus. Consequently, isolate 449 was described as Diversispora conicasp. nov., C. globiferum, and C. pacificum were placed in Paracorymbiglomus gen. nov.and renamed P. globiferum comb. nov. and P. pacificum comb. nov
The monetary counterflow. A regenerative model for estuarine ecosystems
No full textThis study evaluates the ecological and economic sustainability of the Mai Po Marshes, a Ramsar-designated wetland in Hong Kong, using emergy analysis and a novel monetary counterflow model. The objective is to determine whether financial inflows function as a regenerative counterflow by reinvesting in natural and social capital. The analysis employs standard emergy accounting methods to compute key sustainability indicators, including the Investment Ratio (IR), Environmental Loading Ratio (ELR), Yield Ratio (YR), and Emergy Density (ED). It also introduces a new metric, the Net Monetary Flow Rate (NMFR), to assess the balance between economic returns and environmental costs. Results indicate a total emergy output of 26.39E+17 sej/year and an emergy density of 6.94E+11 sej/m²/year, reflecting high ecological productivity. The NMFR is positive (+634.000 US$/year), demonstrating net financial support, yet reinvestment is channeled predominantly into management and environmental education rather than direct ecological restoration. Notably, staff knowledge accounts for 92% of the emergy associated with the education function, underscoring human capital as a central regenerative asset. The study concludes that Mai Po’s current sustainability relies on institutional stewardship rather than ecological self-sufficiency. Achieving true regeneration will require policies that mandate direct financial reinvestment into mangrove restoration and other natural capital enhancements
Phylogenetic placement of Sri Lankan goblin spiders (Araneae, Oonopidae): integrating new taxa and taxonomic implications
No full textSri Lanka harbours an exceptionally high diversity of goblin spiders (family Oonopidae), with 45 currently recognised species across 13 genera, of which 38 are endemic. In this study, we present a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on two nuclear ribosomal markers (18S and 28S rRNA), incorporating 28 species from eight genera: Aprusia, Brignolia, Ischnothyreus, Opopaea, Orchestina, Pelicinus, Silhouettella, and Xestaspis. These taxa were analysed in the context of the existing global phylogeny, enabling both regional and broader evolutionary comparisons. Our results reveal that several genera, particularly Brignolia, Opopaea, and Ischnothyreus, are paraphyletic, highlighting the need for taxonomic revision. Endemic clades such as Aprusia, Brignolia, and Xestaspis show strong evidence of recent, within-island speciation and microendemism. The genus Orchestina is recovered as monophyletic, with Sri Lankan species forming a distinct clade. The findings support the hypothesis that reduced body sclerotisation is a plesiomorphic trait in oonopids. Overall, the study underscores the exceptional microendemism and evolutionary distinctiveness of Sri Lanka’s oonopid fauna, likely driven by both ecological isolation and in situ speciation. However, given the incomplete representation of Indian and Southeast Asian taxa, and limited molecular sampling, further studies incorporating broader taxon and gene sampling are needed to fully resolve the origins and diversification of this ecologically important spider family
Combining simplicity and functionality: mouthpart sensilla in the miniature parasitoid wasp Megaphragma viggianii (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae)
No full textInsects depend on complex sensory systems to detect food sources, locate mates, and navigate in the environment. In the smallest insects, miniaturization imposes major constraints on anatomy and physiology, but it remains poorly understood how this affects the structure and function of sensory systems, such as the sensilla on the mouthparts. The specific problem addressed in this study is how extreme miniaturization influences the diversity, distribution, and structural complexity of mouthpart sensilla in the minute parasitoid wasp Megaphragma viggianii Fusu, Polaszek & Polilov. Using scanning and volumetric electron microscopy, we show that despite its minute body length of 0.2–0.3 mm, M. viggianii possesses a set of 70 sensilla on its mouthparts, including four major types (chaetoid, basiconic, coeloconic, and campaniform). These wasps display no noticeable sexual dimorphism in the structure and distribution of their mouthpart sensilla, and the set of sensilla is generally identical in different individuals. Compared to larger Hymenoptera, M. viggianii exhibits a reduced number of sensilla, but maintains the same types of sensilla and their similar position, suggesting stable developmental and functional traits. These findings confirm that miniaturization does not reduce the diversity of the sensilla, but instead drives simplification at the structural level, while preserving their functional roles. These insights not only advance our understanding of insect sensory biology but also contribute to elucidating broader questions of evolutionary morphology and functional scaling of biological systems
Perception of AI among dentists and dental technicians. Questionnaire survey focused on AI implications in prosthodontics
No full textAim: To evaluate the awareness and knowledge of dentists and dental technicians regarding the potential applications, benefits, and limitations of artificial intelligence (AI) in dental medicine, with a specific focus on its utility as a tool in prosthetic dentistry.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional anonymous 15-item online questionnaire surveyed 100 participants (84 clinicians, 16 technicians). Descriptive statistics summarized responses.Results: Reported active uses centered on 3D model generation (78%) and diagnostic image analysis (68%); interest in future use for treatment planning was common (64%). Prior practice use was 28%. Anticipated benefits included higher accuracy (74%), improved workflow efficiency (72%), and shorter treatment time (68%). Limitations were insufficient training (50%), technology dependence (48%), and cost (48%). Most respondents wished to integrate AI tools (70%); few expressed job-loss concerns (8%). Many would adopt AI for tasks typically delegated to technicians if quality were equivalent (60%).Conclusion: Dental professionals recognize AI as a valuable tool for improving workflow, accuracy, and treatment outcomes, particularly in 3D modeling, diagnostics, and treatment planning. While most participants are willing to integrate AI into their practice, knowledge gaps, training needs, and concerns about costs and errors remain.