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Flowering and fruiting phenology of Solanum mauritianum – a potential invasive alien species in the upcountry wet zone of Sri Lanka
No full textFirst comprehensive investigation of Solanum mauritianum in Sri Lanka, focusing on its invasive potential, ecological traits, and management challenges in the upcountry wet zone. Field surveys (2016–2018) along the A7 road from Peradeniya to Horton Plains National Park documented rapid colonization of roadsides, agricultural lands, and disturbed habitats, driven by prolific seed production (100,000–200,000 seeds annually per mature plant), vegetative propagation, and long-distance dispersal via frugivorous birds. Phenological analyses revealed seasonal fruiting peaks (April and August) linked to temperature and humidity fluctuations, with seed dormancy broken under 12 hr light/dark cycles and gibberellic acid treatment. Self-pollination, generalist pollinator interactions, and genetic diversity (assessed via RAPD markers) further facilitated invasiveness, showing genetic clustering in-dependent of geographic distance. Despite toxicity, farmers utilize the species for crop support, though its aggressive growth threatens native biodiversity by displacing flora. Conventional control methods, such as herbicides, proved ineffective due to rapid regrowth, while pre-fruiting uprooting and community-led management emerged as viable strategies. Community engagement enhanced data collection and invasive species awareness, underscoring participatory conservation’s value. As the first study of S. mauritianum in Sri Lanka, this work highlights its dual role as an ecological disruptor and a resource with localized agricultural utility, emphasizing the need for adaptive management. Future research should prioritize long-term ecological impacts, biological control agents, and climate adaptation studies to refine sustainable solutions. The findings provide foundational insights for invasive species management in Sri Lanka’s biodiverse ecosystems
New Crepidotus (Agaricales, Crepidotaceae) findings in China: Crepidotus cinereofuscus sp. nov. and record of C. stenocystis
No full textCrepidotus is an essential group of saprotrophic fungi within ecosystems and exhibits a widespread global distribution. In China, approximately 80 species have been discovered, most of them being collected from humid monsoonal climate zones of China.In this paper, we report on several specimens of Crepidotus collected from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, an arid area of China characterised by a continental climate. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed two taxa: the first record for China of Crepidotus stenocystis Pouzar and a new species Crepidotus cinereofuscus sp. nov. C. stenocystis is a wood-inhabiting saprotrophic fungus, belonging to C. subg. Dochmiopus sect. Sphaeruli Hesler & Smith because of the presence of clamp connections and subglobose verrucose basidiospores. Phylogenetically, the Chinese sequence of C. stenocystis formed a strongly-supported clade with other reliable sequences. C. cinereofuscus is a soil-saprotrophic fungus, classified in C. subg. Dochmiopus sect. Autochthoni Consiglio & Setti because of its smooth basidiospores and clamp connections. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that C. cinereofuscus is closely related to Crepidotus clavocystidiatus M.H. Han, Q. Na & Y.P. Ge, but it is clearly separated and formed a distinct clade. C. cinereofuscus is also different from C. clavocystidiatus in morphological characteristics. Detailed species descriptions, photographs and line drawings of these taxa are provided. This study enhances our understanding of Crepidotus diversity in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, raising the total number of Crepidotus species reported from this region to seven
Provision of Settlements in the Regions of the Near North with Educational and Health Care Institutions
No full textUsing the example of four regions of the Near North of Russia, the prevalence of educational and health care institutions in 22 thousand settlements (SS) of different status and size is analysed. The proportion of the population that has access to comprehensive or at least basic services at their place of residence is estimated. The dynamics of the population size is analysed depending on the provision of settlements with these institutions during the last intercensal period. The article is based on data collected from open sources on the availability of educational and health care institutions, as well as on population data based on the results of the All-Russian Census of Population of 2010 and 2020. In spite of the fact that educational institutions are available in 7.4% of populated areas, and health care institutions in 14%, the majority of the population (even without considering those living in large cities) is provided with basic services at their place of residence. Calculations are given for the provision of settlements of different sizes and administrative status with all types of educational and health care institutions. Despite the optimisation of the network of institutions, the provision of the population with them did not decrease during the 2010s, as the process of population decline and its concentration in larger settlements proceeded at an equally rapid pace. Regardless of the provision of settlements with educational and health care organisations, the reduction in their population was very significant
Three new species and a new record of the genus Lipolexis (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) from South Korea
No full textThe genus Lipolexis Förster, 1863 consists of 11 species worldwide, with two species previously recorded in South Korea. In this study, three new species: L. depressiceps S. Kim & H. Kim, sp. nov., L. sulcata S. Kim & H. Kim, sp. nov., and L. longipetiolata S. Kim & H. Kim, sp. nov. with an unrecorded species, L. peregrina, Tomanović & Kocić, 2020, are described and reported with photographs, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data (barcode region), and a gene tree
Discordance between biological and genetic traits highlights complex evolutionary history in the False Apollo, Archon apollinus (Herbst, 1798) (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae, Parnassiinae)
No full textThe population structure within Archon apollinus (Herbst, 1798) across its range has been investigated using mtDNA COI sequences alongside five other gene regions for select samples in order to strengthen the phylogenetic backbone. Results strongly indicated the presence of two highly divergent lineages within this species: One confined to Western Turkey, Northeast Greece as well as the East Aegean islands (A. apollinus), and another in central Anatolia and the Levant. Accordingly, we recognize the Levantine lineage as a distinct species, A. bellargus Staudinger, [1892], stat. nov. Phenotypic differences between adults from western Turkey/Greece and the Levant, partly divergent flight times and significant morphological and ethological differences in caterpillars and pupae support these findings. While our central Anatolian samples were unambiguously part of the Levantine clade (A. bellargus), the life history data placed these populations closer to those in western Turkey (A. apollinus). The cause and consequences of this discordance are discussed
Novelties in the genus Ardisia (Primulaceae) from Vietnam: a new species and two new records
No full textA new species, Ardisia dahoaiensis (Subgenus Tinus), is described from Lam Dong Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Additionally, two taxa from the subgenus Bladhia of Ardisia: A. purpureovillosa, and A. scalarinervis are newly recorded from Vietnam. Photographic illustrations and voucher specimens for each species are provided
Centres of species richness, neoendemism, and paleoendemism for marine fishes occur in different regions of Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textBiogeography has traditionally relied on species-based measures of biodiversity, partially reflecting the processes shaping spatial patterns. Incorporating the evolutionary relationships among taxa can provide a greater understanding of how distinct processes define different regional patterns over time. Here, we describe the biogeography of marine ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) in Aotearoa New Zealand and adjacent areas of the Southwest Pacific using phylogenetic measures of richness and endemism. Defining a geographic area of 30° latitude by 20° longitude that encompasses New Zealand’s main and offshore islands, we compiled distributional maps for 313 taxa occurring in 0–500 m waters using AquaMaps, a web-based tool that generates occurrence probability maps based on environmental and occurrence data. We describe spatial patterns of biodiversity with species and phylogenetic metrics of richness and endemism, including phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism, using a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of New Zealand’s marine fishes. To identify endemism centres, we employ the “categorical analysis of neo- and paleoendemism” (CANAPE) method which distinguishes locations with an over-representation of spatially rare short phylogenetic branches (neoendemism) and spatially rare long phylogenetic branches (paleoendemism). Latitudinal patterns of richness and endemism differ, with richness peaking at 35°S along the North Island, while endemism reaches maximum values in the northernmost oceanic islands where neoendemism dominates. Significant paleoendemism clusters around two coastal areas of mainland New Zealand. Our study shows that richness and endemism hotspots are geographically distinct for New Zealand’s marine fishes, likely the result of distinct acting processes. The richness maximum appears to be the result of a range overlap between distantly related tropical taxa shifting towards high latitudes and a lower number of older temperate taxa. Neoendemism is likely driven by the isolation of young volcanic islands, and coastal paleoendemism might be the legacy of locally stable environmental conditions that served as a refuge for relict lineages over time. Highlights We identify areas where evolutionary processes have left a signal unnoticed by species richness alone. Northern subtropical marine fish assemblages are composed of a heterogeneous mixture of distantly related taxa. Southern temperate and subantarctic areas are characterized by the presence of a low number of old lineages as well as the absence of extremely young and old taxa. We generate a phylogenetic landscape from which future biogeographic research can test hypotheses to unveil underlying evolutionary and ecological processes
Medical approach to post-COVID-19 high-grade ventricular arrhythmias: a case report
No full textCOVID-19 is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias, especially in patients with underlying cardiac disease. These risks are particularly pronounced in individuals with pre-existing structural heart abnormalities such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We present the case of a 50-year-old man with a history of obstructive HCM treated with myectomy and mitral valve replacement, who developed frequent palpitations following a COVID-19 infection. The patient was on bisoprolol and acenocoumarol for blood pressure control and anticoagulation. Physical examination was unremarkable except for a metallic mitral valve tone. ECG showed sinus rhythm with one ventricular extrasystole; echocardiography revealed no new abnormalities. Holter monitoring documented a 10.48% burden of monomorphic ventricular extrasystoles and a non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with a warm-up/cool-down phenomenon. Increasing bisoprolol, adding mexiletine, and later combining bisoprolol with amiodarone failed to resolve symptoms. Cardiac MRI showed subepicardial myocardial scarring, suggesting prior myocarditis, but no active inflammation. Ultimately, switching to propranolol 40 mg t.i.d. led to symptom resolution, with no arrhythmias on follow-up. The patient remained stable on propranolol for six months before returning to bisoprolol. This case highlights the potential for COVID-19 to exacerbate arrhythmic complications in HCM and demonstrates the effectiveness of non-selective beta-blockers in resistant arrhythmias
Carri-on communicating: Creating portable insect displays for entomological outreach
No full textAt National Museums Scotland, there were virtually no portable insect displays for outreach until 2016. Since this turning point, there has been greater interest in promoting the collection via participation in outreach events. This increased interest has necessitated creative solutions for delivering museum specimens and expertise beyond the walls of the collection centre. Several small displays have been created at almost no additional cost by repurposing drawers or existing boxes and using specimens previously destined for disposal. Unit trays are often used to sub-divide the drawers, with header labels providing information. These drawers and boxes cover various themes, from aquatic insects to bee diversity. Some of the most well-used are themed around Carrion insects. A hit with all audiences, from school groups to families, they have been used at science festivals, careers events, Insect Week celebrations, and external outreach collaborations. Some boxes are dual purpose, being used for outreach and training workshops, and can be paired with interactive demonstrations. An overview of these portable displays is provided, along with lessons learned and recommendations for creating similar outreach drawers
In situ development of an artificial intelligence (AI) model for early detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ensure drug safety
No full textPharmacovigilance is a vital component of public health systems, aiming to ensure the safe use of medicinal products. In this study, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model was developed using TensorFlow to predict the likelihood of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) based on molecular structure and predefined criteria. Data from DrugBank, MedDRA, and SIDER databases were extracted, integrated, and structured in a relational model. A feedforward neural network was trained using chemical and pharmacological descriptors such as SMILES and ATC codes. The model showed consistent performance in estimating ADR risk, highlighting the potential role of AI in supporting early safety assessments. This method may enhance post-marketing surveillance through more timely and data-driven risk identification. Despite certain limitations, AI-assisted modeling represents a valuable addition to pharmacovigilance and patient safety awareness strategies