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Taxonomic clarification of Silene dawoensis (Caryophyllaceae): synonymization with S. batangensis and reinstatement of S. longiuscula
No full textBased on a comprehensive analysis of type materials, protologues, herbarium specimens, and field observations, this study clarifies the taxonomic status of Silene dawoensis and related species in China. Our findings reveal that S. dawoensis shares key similarities with S. batangensis, including leaf shape, inflorescence type, and calyx structure, and therefore we have placed S. dawoensis as a synonym of S. batangensis. Additionally, specimens historically misidentified as S. dawoensis are reassigned to S. markamensis, a species previously overlooked in regional floras. Concurrently, based on diagnostic differences in leaf shape, calyx length, and petal morphology, we reinstate S. longiuscula as a distinct species, previously treated as a synonym of S. dawoensis. Typification for S. batangensis and S. dawoensis is given. Descriptions, distribution maps, taxonomic notes, and morphological comparison table are provided for these three species
Rubus semiplenus (Rosaceae), a new species with naturally occurring semi-double flowers from Hunan, China
No full textThe semi-double (semiplenus) floral trait is highly valued in the field of horticulture, yet it remains exceptionally rare in wild plants. Rubus semiplenus, a new species with naturally occurring semi-double flowers, is described and illustrated. This new species was discovered in the Nanyue Hengshan National Nature Reserve, Hunan Province, China. It is distinguished by its herbaceous to dwarf subshrub habit, simple suborbicular leaves (0.7–2.5 × 0.7–2.5 cm), and semi-double flowers with dicyclic petals (10–12). Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and rbcL + matK sequences consistently confirmed that R. semiplenus belongs to Sect. Rosaefolii as defined by Focke and is closed to R. hirsutus
Artificial Intelligence in fraud detection: textual analysis of 10-K filings
No full textIn this paper, we investigate the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in detecting fraud by analyzing linguistic indicators in 10-K filings. We analyze the word frequencies (positive, negative, uncertainty, litigious), consistency, and readability in the MD&A sections. The AI model, BERT, was trained on these factors to predict fraud, showing significant promise compared to traditional models. The findings suggest that fraudulent filings tend to have more positive words, inconsistent language, and higher readability. This highlights AI’s practical role in improving fraud detection in financial reports
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by ciprofloxacin: a case report
No full textAcute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare cutaneous reaction pattern commonly related to medication administration. The eruption is of sudden onset, accompanied by fever and it is characterized by the development of sterile miliary pustules over erythematous skin. To the best of our knowledge, we present the fourth case of AGEP induced by ciprofloxacin
Cutaneous biophysical factors related to race and gender
No full textThe biophysical properties of the skin vary significantly across different racial and gender groups, influencing skin health, function, and response to environmental factors. This review explores the impact of race and gender on cutaneous biophysical properties, highlighting differences in skin structure, function, and response to environmental factors. The study synthesizes data from multiple sources to elucidate how genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to variations in skin properties across different racial and gender groups. Key findings suggest that melanin content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum production, and skin elasticity exhibit significant variability, impacting dermatological health and cosmetic product development. A comprehensive understanding of these variations can aid in the development of targeted dermatological treatments and skincare products tailored to specific demographic needs
Insights on thyroid function in menopause: a review
No full textThis review explores the complex relationship between thyroid function and menopause, focusing on physiological interactions, clinical implications, and diagnostic challenges associated with thyroid dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Drawing on recent studies and current understanding, it examines how menopausal hormonal changes influence thyroid health, increasing the risk of conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and subclinical thyroid disorders. Overlapping symptoms, including mood changes, sleep disturbances, weight fluctuations, and reduced libido, complicate diagnosis, as they can be attributed to both menopause and thyroid dysfunction. Hormonal shifts can also impact bone mineral density, cardiovascular health, and metabolism, while prolonged estrogen exposure and surgical menopause are linked to an elevated risk of thyroid cancer. Diagnostic complexity is heightened by age-related changes, comorbidities, and potential interferences in thyroid function tests. Routine thyroid assessment is recommended for women with surgical menopause or other risk factors. Personalized management, including menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), can address overlapping symptoms and mitigate skeletal and cardiovascular risks. A patient-centred approach is crucial, with treatment tailored to individual health profiles. Further research is needed to clarify the interactions between menopause and thyroid function to improve clinical care
Life-history attributes and biocontrol potential of the Purple coccidophagous ladybird, Rhyzobius lophanthae (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)
No full textRhyzobius lophanthae (Blaisdell) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is an Australian coccidophagous ladybird, that preys on several species Diaspididae and others soft scale insects. It is widely distributed and has been successfully introduced and established in many temperate regions around the world. This article aims to review the literature on R. lophanthae, focusing on its taxonomy and nomenclature, prey range and geographical distribution, biology and ecology (including, life-history, morphological description and identification, effects of temperature on survival and mortality rate, predation rate and fecundity, growth, development and life tables), impact of chemical pesticides and successful application as biocontrol agent. Additionally, this review identifies key aspects (areas) where future research should be focused, including molecular identification and phylogenetic relationships, intraguild predation and cannibalism, cold storage and artificial diets, impact of climate change, effects of pesticides at various life stages, optimal release strategies and role of functional diversity on its maintenance and conservation
A new hybodontiform shark (Strophodus Agassiz, 1838) from the Upper Jurassic of Switzerland
No full textThe hybodontiform shark-like Strophodus was a large durophagous predator with highly specialized crushing-type dentition that mainly inhabited Mesozoic marine environments for more than 130 million years, with a fossil record spanning from the Middle Triassic to the Lower Cretaceous. Strophodus was a geographically widespread taxon with 13 species reported from Africa, Asia, Europe, India and South America. Here, we describe a new species of Strophodus, which we name Strophodus timoluebkei sp. nov. based on three teeth from the same individual in semi-articulated position. The holotype was collected in the Prealpine Sulzfluh Limestone Formation (Middle Oxfordian to Late Tithonian), Central Switzerland. Strophodus timoluebkei sp. nov. currently is the only vertebrate species reported from this geological unit, and its presence suggests that this durophagous shark likely played an important role as predator of the invertebrate fauna in this ancient Tethyan tropical coastal ecosystem. The new discovery sheds additional light onto the hybodontiform paleodiversity during the Upper Jurassic
Taxonomy, morphology, and phylogeny of a nearly complete nanhsiungchelyid specimen from the Upper Cretaceous of the Nanxiong Basin, China
No full textNanhsiungchelys, the type genus of Nanhsiungchelyidae, is an extinct turtle taxon that lived during the Late Cretaceous in southern China. Despite having a relatively abundant fossil record, the plastral morphology of Nanhsiungchelys is not well understood. Here, we describe a large specimen of Nanhsiungchelys with an associated skull and shell (SNHM 1558) from the Upper Cretaceous of Nanxiong Basin, China. The skull of SNHM 1558 is similar to that of Nanhsiungchelys yangi, but the carapace bears a pair of stick-like anterolateral processes. For this reason, we tentatively refer SNHM 1558 to Nanhsiungchelys cf. yangi. A concave plastron and a narrower posterior lobe indicate that SNHM 1558 may be a male. Nanhsiungchelys spp. was previously regarded as the most advanced taxa of Nanhsiungchelyidae, but some morphological characteristics suggest plesiomorphic similarities with the outgroup Adocus spp. A phylogenetic analysis using Adocus spp. as the outgroup suggests that Nanhsiungchelys spp. and Anomalochelys angulata form a monophyletic group at the base of Nanhsiungchelyidae. However, this phylogenetic result is not conclusive, as Nanhsiungchelys spp. is found deeply nested within the tree when Sinaspideretes wimani is employed as the outgroup
A new species of the genus Caturus (Caturidae, Amiiformes) from the Upper Jurassic of the Solnhofen Archipelago (Germany)
No full textThe osteology and the systematic position of Caturus enkopicaudalis sp. nov. a fossil fish from the marine Upper Jurassic of Southern Germany, are studied in details. The characters of the skull, the general morphology and some features of the caudal skeleton strongly support the referral of this fish to the family Caturidae within the order Amiiformes. The new species belongs to the genus Caturus having a slender rod like maxilla; a high number of branchiostegal rays; block-like ural neural arches. Caturus enkopicaudalis differs from the other species of the genus mainly in the shape of the caudal fin, which is double emarginate with a central plateau; multiple small ganoin scales covering the anterior part of the caudal fin and the significantly higher number of scales rows