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Four new species of the genus Pseudoeupolyphaga Qiu & Che, 2024 (Blattodea, Corydioidea, Corydiinae) from Yunnan, China
No full textFour new species within the genus Pseudoeupolyphaga are described and illustrated: Pseudoeupolyphaga duani Ren & Han, sp. nov., Pseudoeupolyphaga menglianensis Ren & Han, sp. nov., Pseudoeupolyphaga spelunca Ren & Han, sp. nov., and Pseudoeupolyphaga vestis Ren & Han, sp. nov. Morphological variants are recorded for the species Pseudoeupolyphaga pilosa. These findings further enhance the documented diversity and distribution patterns of Pseudoeupolyphaga in Southwest China
Editorial – Swiss Journal of Geosciences migrates to Pensoft Publishers
No full textThe Swiss Journal of Geosciences (SJG) is the scientific full Open-Access journal of the Swiss Geological Society. First published in 1888 as “Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae”, it has a long tradition. From the 1920s until 2006, it was published in collaboration with “Birkhäuser”, a scientific publisher based in Basel which was sold to Springer in 1985. In 2006, the SJG merged with the «Schweizerische Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen (SMPM, first published in 1921), after which the journal was renamed to Swiss Journal of Geosciences (see Schmid, 2006; Schmid et al., 2007). From 2007 (Vol. 100) to 2019 the SJG was published with Springer, and since 2020 it has been published as a full Open Access Journal with SpringerOpen
First record of the family Ptilocerembiidae (Insecta, Embioptera) from China, with morphological and molecular characterization of a new species
No full textWe report the first record of the webspinner family Ptilocerembiidae Miller & Edgerly, 2012, from China, represented by a new species, Ptilocerembia qiului sp. nov., discovered in Yunnan Province. Detailed morphological examination, particularly the comparative analysis of male terminalia, clearly distinguishes this species from its congeners. The complete mitochondrial genome of P. qiului sp. nov. (15,443 bp) was sequenced, exhibiting the canonical insect gene order with strong A+T bias but showing the absence of two tRNAs (trnV and trnS2). Notably, we detected novel tandem repeats between trnI and trnQ, a feature not reported from other sequenced embiopteran mitogenomes. All protein-coding genes evolve under purifying selection, with COX1 showing the highest conservation. DNA barcoding (COX1) and phylogenetic analyses further support species delimitation in Ptilocerembia, with interspecific divergences between the new species and other Ptilocerembia (12.6–17.6%) far exceeding frequently used intraspecific thresholds (~2%). The discovery extends the known distribution range of Ptilocerembiidae northeastward to southwestern China. Our integrative morphological and molecular framework highlights the previously underestimated species richness in Ptilocerembia and provides the first mitogenomic insights into Ptilocerembiidae
How does agricultural intensification impact insect diversity and abundance in the palm groves of Algeria's Sahara?
No full textThis study investigated the impact of agricultural intensification (AI) on insect diversity and abundance in date palm orchards (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in north-eastern Algeria under a Saharan climate. Insect sampling was conducted using various traps from September 2020 to August 2021 in three orchards along a gradient of agricultural intensification (low, medium and high). The study involved the examination of 5,633 insect specimens representing 267 species spanning 11 orders, 93 families and 195 genera. The results indicate that the diversity and abundance of insects are highest in moderately managed palm groves, followed by highly intensified groves and are lowest in non-intensified groves. The species composition is significantly more similar between moderately and highly intensified palm groves. The degree of agricultural intensification has a diferential affect on various insect groups, favouring the diversity or abundance of some, while limiting that of others. This is the case of Diptera and Hymenoptera, which are sensitive to agricultural intensification. Globally, moderate intensification has a more positive impact on the diversity and abundance of various insect orders. This highlights the need for the rational and controlled use of chemical inputs in order to preserve the diversity of insects in palm groves where they provide vital ecosystem services
Evaluating monkeypox knowledge among Jordanian pharmacists and pharmacy students: bridging the knowledge gap
No full textBackground: The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global public health emergency. The involvement of healthcare providers, such as pharmacists, plays a crucial role in disease control. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge of monkeypox among Jordanian pharmacists and pharmacy students, as well as their ability to diagnose and manage monkeypox cases. The survey was developed based on an extensive literature review, assessed for face and content validity, and pilot tested. It was divided into three sections addressing demographics, knowledge, and the ability to diagnose and manage monkeypox cases. Results: The mean age of the study participants (n = 586) was 24.94 years (SD = 6.93). The primary information source about monkeypox was published research. The total knowledge scores (TK-score) ranged from −5 to 17, with a median of 6 (IQR: 3.0–9.0), while the symptoms knowledge scores (SK-score) ranged from −5 to 9, with a median of 2 (IQR: 1.0–4.0). A significant difference in TK-score was observed between males and females (p-value = 0.003), with a median TK-score of 5.0 for males (IQR: 3.0–8.0) and 6.0 for females (IQR: 4.0–9.0). Most participants were not confident in their ability to diagnose (82.9%) or manage (79.9%) monkeypox cases. Conclusion: Study participants demonstrated moderate knowledge concerning monkeypox. However, some items revealed areas for improvement, such as understanding transmission modes and prevention strategies. The findings also revealed low confidence levels in diagnosing and managing monkeypox. The moderate knowledge, coupled with low confidence, highlights the need for educational intervention
Evidence of northward range expansion: new record of Curruca melanocephala (Gmelin, 1789) (Passeriformes, Sylviidae) in Serbia
No full textThe Sardinian Warbler, Curruca melanocephala (Gmelin, 1789), a typically Mediterranean species, is only occasionally recorded in continental parts of the Balkans. This note presents the fourth national record and the earliest seasonal observation of this species from Serbia. An adult male was photo-documented near Niš in March 2025. The individual was recorded in dense shrub vegetation adjacent to a wet meadow. This find may reflect a broader pattern of vagrancy or northward range expansion into continental parts of the Balkans
New national and regional Annex I Habitat records: from #148 to #157
No full textThis contribution presents new data on the distribution of Annex I Habitats in Italy. A total of 10 records are reported, including 6 within Natura 2000 sites and the addition of 15 new cells to the EEA 10 km × 10 km reference grid. The new records refer to the administrative regions of Apulia, Marche, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany and Veneto
Anti-aging evaluation of transfersome and nanostructured lipid carrier gels containing Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra extract on ultraviolet-B-irradiated rats
No full textSkin aging is a multifactorial process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, particularly UV-B radiation. Natural ingredients such as Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra show potential anti-aging effects. Transfersomes and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are delivery systems that have the potential to be developed for anti-aging applications. This study aimed to formulate transfersome and NLC systems loaded with turmeric and licorice extracts (TFS-CGE and NLC-CGE), evaluate their anti-aging effects through in vitro studies, and assess anti-photoaging effects in gel dosage form through an in vivo study. TFS-CGE and NLC-CGE formulations were developed using thin-layer hydration and hot homogenization methods, respectively, with optimization of lipid–surfactant and solid–liquid lipid ratios. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, and deformability. In vitro assays confirmed that both formulations exhibited antioxidant and anti-collagenase activities. Gel formulations of the optimized TFS-CGE and NLC-CGE were prepared for in vivo application. A UV-B-induced photoaging model in Wistar rats was used to evaluate anti-aging efficacy. After 3 weeks of topical treatment, TFS-CGE and NLC-CGE gels significantly improved skin elasticity, reduced epidermal thickness, and enhanced collagen density. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased expression of elastin, TGF-β, and collagen types I, II, and III, along with reduced MMP-1 expression, indicating protective effects against UV-B-induced skin aging. These findings demonstrate that TFS-CGE and NLC-CGE gels are effective anti-aging formulations and help enhance skin delivery and bioactivity through a nanotechnology-based approach
The enigmatic blue-green iridescence of Sapphirina ovatolanceolata (Dana, 1849) (Crustacea, Copepoda, Sapphirinidae): a live observation from the Lakshadweep waters
No full textThe marine planktonic cyclopoid copepod genus Sapphirina is renowned for its striking iridescence, yet in situ observations of this phenomenon are relatively rare. This structural iridescence arises from the interference and reflection of light by thin, multilayered hexagonal guanine crystal platelets in the integument. The dazzling colors, which range from red to blue or violet, vary among species and are displayed exclusively by males. This feature likely serves as an adaptation for mate recognition, intraspecific communication, and predator avoidance through rapid shifts to transparency. During a field expedition near Kavaratti Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago (India) in January 2020, we observed a distinctive “jeweled” appearance of the seawater surface at about 8:30 AM. Investigation revealed that the phenomenon was caused by a swarm of Sapphirina ovatolanceolata males exhibiting brilliant blue-green iridescence. This short communication documents the occurrence and identification of S. ovatolanceolata from Lakshadweep waters, providing live photographic evidence of its blue-green iridescence in the natural environment
Hidden on the frontiers: Calotes vultuosus (Harlan, 1825) (Squamata, Agamidae), a species new for the reptile list of Pakistan
No full textWe document the first confirmed record of Calotes vultuosus (Harlan, 1825) from Pakistan, based on three specimens from Keamari, Sindh. DNA barcodes (16S, COI) and morphological traits place the studied material firmly within C. vultuosus, clearly distinct from related congeners. This finding extends the species’ distribution westward from India into coastal Pakistan and highlights the biogeographic significance of southern Pakistan and integrative approaches for resolving the distribution of the C. versicolor complex in South Asia