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Reinstatement of the independent specific status of Camellia angustifolia, a tea plant (Camellia sect. Thea, Theaceae) from Guangxi, China
No full textCamellia angustifolia Hung T. Chang was published in 1981 and was treated as a synonym of C. sinensis var. pubilimba in 1992. Field investigation and herbarium research have revealed remarkable morphological differences between C. angustifolia and C. sinensis var. pubilimba. Evidence from morphology—particularly the variations in indumentum on young branches, leaves, and flowers, the size of the sepals, and the thickness of the pericarp—suggests that C. angustifolia should not be reduced to C. sinensis var. pubilimba. We hereby reinstate the independent specific status of C. angustifolia. A detailed description, including the flower morphology of C. angustifolia, is provided. In addition, the incorrect information regarding the type specimen in the protologue of C. angustifolia has been rectified
Thismia selangorensis (Thismiaceae): a new mitriform fairy lantern species from Selangor, Malaysia
No full textThismia selangorensis, a distinct mitriform species of the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia, is described herein. It was first discovered in a tree hole on a riverbank in Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Chongkak, Selangor, Malaysia. This new species is superficially similar to members of Thismia section Geomitra in that it has coralliform roots, inner tepals forming a mitre with three appendages on top, and stamens with a prominent dorsal rib. However, T. selangorensis differs from known species of T. sect. Geomitra in several morphological features, including the colour of the flowers, the shape of the mitre, the shape of the inner tepal lobes forming the mitre, and the presence of translucent reticulation on the inner surface of the floral tube. Thismia selangorensis is provisionally classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria
A new Late Miocene small vertebrate assemblage from the Ouarzazate Basin (High Atlas, Morocco) and its biochronological and paleoenvironmental significance
No full textThe Ouarzazate Basin is located between the southern flank of the Central High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas mountains (in Morocco). The Neogene is primarily represented by the Aït Ouglif and Aït Kandoula alluvial formations, which are exposed in the Amekchoud section. Magnetostratigraphic data indicate a Middle to Late Miocene age for this sequence, from the upper Langhian to the Messinian. Despite extensive sampling, significant paleontological results were only obtained at level PAM 207, situated 773 m above the base of the Aït Kandoula formation. This level, characterized by reversed polarity, yielded a microvertebrate assemblage preliminarily described by Tesón et al. (2010). In this work we present a revised study of the small vertebrates from PAM 207, providing updated information on its faunal composition as well as new insights into the biostratigraphy and paleoenvironment of the locality. The assemblage includes fishes, amphibians, reptiles, insectivores, and rodents. Based on the rodent association, PAM 207 is slightly younger than Guefait 1 (Morocco) and close in age to Sidi Salem (Algeria), representing one of the oldest early Turolian localities in North Africa. It postdates Tafna 2 (9.1–8.7 Ma) and predates Amama 2 (7.7 Ma), supporting its correlation with chron C4r (8.77–8.12 Ma). Paleoenvironmental evidence suggests temperate freshwater habitats within an open landscape with a certain degree of vegetative cover, under relatively arid conditions. Overall, PAM 207 provides new evidence that contributes to the establishment of a chronologically constrained Late Miocene biochronological scheme for North Africa and enhances our understanding of paleoenvironments during this interval
Two new species of Cora (lichenized Basidiomycota, Lichenomphaliaceae) and additional records from Bolivia
No full textTwo new species of lichens, Cora neoparabovei Oset, Flakus & Guzow-Krzem. and C. neopseudobovei Oset, Flakus & Guzow-Krzem., are described based on material collected in Bolivia. The study is based on morphological and anatomical examinations, molecular phylogenetic analysis and haplotype network analysis of the nuITS rDNA sequences. Phenotypically, Cora neoparabovei is characterised by the long, concentrically arranged setae on the surface of the thallus and densely pilose margins, whereas in C. neopseudobovei the diagnostic features are the brown upper surface thallus when fresh, pale yellow to orange-yellow when dry, with slightly visible concentric colour zonation when dry and also with involute, creamy white margins. In addition, three species, i.e., Cora arcabucana B. Moncada, C. Rodr. & Lücking, C. cuzcoensis Holgado, Rivas Plata & Perlmutter, and C. undulata L.Y. Vargas, B. Moncada & Lücking, are reported as new to Bolivia. New records of C. aspera Wilk, Lücking & E. Morales from Bolivia are reported
A survey of Collophora Richards (Collembola, Collophoridae), with a new species from Brazil and an identification key for the genus
No full textKatiannoidea Bretfeld is a widespread superfamily of Symphypleona that holds taxa with a trochanteral organ on leg III. Collophoridae is a monogeneric family of Katiannoidea composed solely of Collophora Richards, and its species are characterized by having 4+4 eyes and a modified capitate bothriotrichum D. The genus has a mostly Holotropical distribution, with species found in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The overall morphology of Collophora remains poorly understood, as most species descriptions are insufficient by current Symphypleona taxonomic standards. In this study, we describe a new species of Collophora from northeastern Brazil, characterized especially by its purple body, the presence of ciliated chaetae on the fourth antennal segment, a manubrium with 4+4 chaetae, and a dens with eight dorsal chaetae, four of which are modified into spines. We also provide a bibliographic survey with the diagnoses of all Collophora species, an identification key, and a brief discussion on the validity of the families within Katiannoidea, which have never been properly tested using modern phylogenetic methods
Seasonal distribution of Scarabs (Insecta, Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) of a tropical dry deciduous forest in central India
No full textDespite the ecological importance of scarabs (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), their seasonal dynamics in central Indian tropical dry deciduous forests remain poorly documented. A study of seasonal distribution of scarabs in Bor forest, a tropical dry deciduous forest of central India, led to a collection of 72 species belonging to 35 genera under subfamilies, Aphodiinae, Cetoniinae, Dynastinae, Melolonthinae, Rutelinae, Scarabaeinae and Orphninae. Subfamily Scarabaeinae is found to be the most species-rich with 36 species under 14 genera. Genus Onthophagus is the most speciose genus with 15 species. Subfamily Orphninae was found to be the least diverse with a single species. Season and weather parameters shaped the scarab beetle assemblages in the tropical dry deciduous Bor forest. Scarab species richness is found to be positively and significantly related to the mean temperature (β = 0.03 ± 0.01 SE, p < 0.05) and to the mean precipitation (β = 0.03 ± 0.01 SE, p < 0.05). Constrained by logistics, we could not identify optimum temperature or precipitation values on which the scarab species richness can be highest for both the fitter models. Our results implicate further need of assessing the seasonal distribution of endemic, native and non-native scarabs. Study of which is important in the Anthropocene due to habitat loss and species extinctions owing to unprecedented land use change and forest fragmentation in the tropics
A new species of the genus Soriculus (Soricidae, Eulipotyphla, Mammalia) from Medog, Tibet, China, based on morphological and molecular data
No full textThe genus Soriculus (Soricidae, Eulipotyphla) currently comprises five recognized species, predominantly distributed in the Himalayas and the Gaoligong Mountains. During our survey of small mammals in Medog County, Tibet, China, 11 Soriculus specimens were collected. In this study, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of the genus using one mitochondrial gene (Cytb) and three nuclear genes (BRCA1, APOB, and RAG2) to assess the phylogenetic relationships of these specimens. The morphology of the 11 specimens was compared with other species within the genus. Our results demonstrate that these specimens represent a new species, Soriculus dexingensis sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that S. dexingensis sp. nov. forms a distinct sister clade to S. medogensis, and the Kimura 2-Parameter (K2P) distances between all known species of Soriculus ranged from 0.111 to 0.187, indicating interspecific divergence. Morphologically, the new species is distinguished by a relatively longer tail and a significantly higher TL/HB ratio. The discovery of S. dexingensis sp. nov. in Medog County suggests that the diversity of Soriculus species remains underestimated. Further biodiversity surveys of small mammals across the Himalayan region are warranted
Pure coronary artery ectasia and main atherosclerotic risk factors: a study of Iranian population
No full textВъведение: Ектазията на коронарните артерии (CAE) е рядко срещано ангиографско нарушение, често свързано с атеросклероза. Въпреки това рисковият профил на пациентите с чиста CAE (определена като ектазия при липса на значителна обструктивна коронарна болест) остава не напълно изяснен. Целта на това проучване е да оцени връзката между традиционните атеросклеротични рискови фактори и чистата CAE при иранската популация. Материал и методи: В това ретроспективно кроссекционно проучване бяха идентифицирани 354 пациенти с чиста CAE сред 23 000 последователни доклада за коронарна ангиография от две третични болници (2015-2022 г.). Чистата CAE бе дефинирана като сегментна или дифузна дилатация на коронарната артерия ≥ 1,5 пъти по-голяма от съседния нормален сегмент при липса на ≥ 50% стеноза в някой от епикардиалните съдове. Пациентите с дифузна, но необструктивна атеросклероза, анамнеза за васкулит, автоимунно заболяване, вродени синдроми или непълни записи бяха изключени от проучването. Бяха събрани демографски данни и данни за сърдечно-съдови рискови фактори (хипертония, диабет, хиперлипидемия, тютюнопушене, фамилна анамнеза). Статистическият анализ включваше както едномерни сравнения, така и многомерна логистична регресия за идентифициране на независими предиктори на CAE. Резултати: Средната възраст на обхванатите в проучването лица беше 57,5 ± 12,6 години; 64,1% бяха мъже. Хипертония (64,7%) и хиперлипидемия (57,9%) бяха най-разпространените рискови фактори. Многовариантната регресия идентифицира мъжкия пол (OR 1,8, 95% CI 1,1–2,9, p = 0,01), хипертонията (OR 2,1, 95% CI 1,3–3,2, p = 0,002) и хиперлипидемията (OR 1,7, 95% CI 1,1–2,5, p = 0,01) като независими предиктори на CAE. Захарният диабет и тютюнопушенето не показаха статистически значима връзка. Семейната анамнеза показва гранична значимост (OR 1,4, p = 0,06). Най-често срещаният ангиографски модел е ектазия на три съда (37,9%). Заключение: Чистата CAE е по-честа при мъжете и е силно свързана с хипертония и хиперлипидемия, което подкрепя обща рискова характеристика с атеросклерозата. Липсата на връзка с диабета и тютюнопушенето предполага различна основна патофизиология. Introduction: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is an uncommon angiographic fi nding often associated with atherosclerosis. However, the risk profi le of patients with pure CAE (defi ned as ectasia in the absence of signifi cant obstructive coronary artery disease) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between traditional atherosclerotic risk factors and pure CAE in an Iranian population. Material and methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 354 patients with pure CAE were identifi ed among 23,000 consecutive coronary angiography reports from two tertiary hospitals (2015–2022). Pure CAE was defi ned as segmental or diffuse coronary artery dilatation ≥1.5-fold the adjacent normal segment in the absence of ≥50% stenosis in any epicardial vessel. Patients with diffuse but non-obstructive atherosclerosis, history of vasculitis, autoimmune disease, congenital syndromes, or incomplete records were excluded. Demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, family history) were collected. Statistical analysis included both univariate comparisons and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of CAE. Results: The mean age was 57.5 ± 12.6 years; 64.1% were male. Hypertension (64.7%) and hyperlipidemia (57.9%) were the most prevalent risk factors. Multivariable regression identifi ed male sex (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.9, p = 0.01), hypertension (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.2, p = 0.002), and hyperlipidemia (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.5, p = 0.01) as independent predictors of CAE. Diabetes mellitus and smoking were not signifi cantly associated. Family history showed borderline signifi cance (OR 1.4, p = 0.06). The most common angiographic pattern was three-vessel ectasia (37.9%). Conclusion: Pure CAE is more frequent in men and strongly associated with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, supporting a shared risk profi le with atherosclerosis. The absence of association with diabetes and smoking suggests a distinct underlying pathophysiology.
From HOMED to FORSAID: Sustaining Forest Health Research Across Horizon Projects
No full textForests play a key role in achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal due to their multifunctional role. They provide multiple ecosystem services, such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, provisioning of timber, food, and water, climate regulation, and flood control, while also being of central importance for biodiversity conservation (Brockerhoff et al. 2017). However, insect and pathogen pests increasingly threaten forests, alone or after abiotic disturbances such as drought, fire, and storms (Romagnoli et al. 2023). Among pests, invasive alien species are of great concern because they can have a strong impact on forest biodiversity and economy, and many efforts are being made to regulate them in the EU (Ghelardini et al. 2017). In addition, several native pests are expanding their range because of climate change and are called emerging pest species (Jactel et al. 2019; Simler-Williamson et al. 2019). Research is therefore essential to support early detection of emerging and invasive pests, monitor their spread, and inform phytosanitary measures that can prevent or mitigate their impacts.In this context, the Horizon 2020 project HOMED (HOlistic Management of Emerging forest pests and Diseases), coordinated by Hervé Jactel from the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (France), developed a holistic and multi-actor approach to develop tools and methods for the management of emerging native and non-native pests threatening European forests, focusing on all phases of invasion, from prevention to surveillance to eradication and control. The project also broadened the definition of “forest health”, including trees not only in forests, but also in nurseries, urban and rural areas, owing to the key epidemiological role of these components. The major outputs of the project are synthesised in a special issue of the journal NeoBiota, and include a participatory tool for reporting forest damage data (Silvalert), improved multi-funnel traps with generic pheromone attractants (Santoiemma et al. 2024), pioneering studies on pest detection using remote sensing (Nardi et al. 2023), and sustained stakeholder engagement through six targeted policy briefs. Importantly, HOMED underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration across forest entomology and pathology, economics, and social sciences, and highlighted the priority of developing innovative tools for the early detection and eradication of pests.Building on this foundation, the Horizon Europe project FORSAID (FORest Surveillance with Artificial Intelligence and Digital technologies), coordinated by Andrea Battisti from the University of Padova (Italy), continues and expands HOMED's legacy. FORSAID focuses on designing a comprehensive and technologically advanced framework for the early detection and surveillance of EU-regulated forest pests, integrating a wide range of innovative tools, including satellite- and drone-based remote sensing, smart traps with automatic monitoring capacity, robotic devices for rapid insect identification, environmental DNA methods for early pest detection, and citizen science approaches supported by mobile applications. Stakeholder engagement is central to this process, ensuring that research outputs are aligned with end-user needs and can be effectively implemented in practice. The project aims to integrate these methods into a coherent and operational monitoring and assessment system for regulated pests, thereby supporting the development of a novel pan-European strategy for forest pest management. FORSAID also ensures continuity and knowledge transfer from HOMED. For example, data on pest distribution collected in HOMED through Silvalert now serves as a baseline for FORSAID remote sensing activities. Generic attractants validated globally in HOMED are being incorporated into next-generation smart traps. Lastly, stakeholder surveys from HOMED provide direct input into FORSAID's research agenda. By maintaining and extending these outputs, FORSAID exemplifies how scientific legacies can be consolidated and advanced across projects.Together, HOMED and FORSAID demonstrate the value of sustained research, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in forest health management, and their combined contributions highlight the importance of open data, participatory science, and stakeholder-driven approaches in building robust strategies against emerging forest pests
A survey of megachilid bees of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, with description of a new species of Pseudoanthidium Friese, 1898 (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)
No full textA list of 184 species of megachilid bees from 19 genera and five tribes is reported for the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The list is based on 2,099 examined specimens identified to 171 species; 13 additional species are known on the base of literature records only. A new species, Pseudoanthidium (Exanthidium) astafurovae Fateryga, Maharramov & Proshchalykin, sp. nov., is described. Anthidium (Anthidium) akanthurum Nadimi & Talebi, 2014, sp. resurr., is recognised as a distinct species, not a synonym of A. (A.) gussakovskiji Mavromoustakis, 1939. Nineteen species are new to Azerbaijan: A. (A.) akanthurum, Chelostoma (Foveosmia) foveolatum (Morawitz, 1868), Coelioxys (Allocoelioxys) argenteus Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau, 1841, C. (A.) obtusus Pérez, 1884, C. (Coelioxys) quadridentatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Heriades (Michenerella) punctulifera Schletterer, 1889, Hoplitis (Alcidamea) brachypogon (Pérez, 1879), H. (A.) campanularis (Morawitz, 1877), H. (Anthocopa) mocsaryi (Friese, 1895), Megachile (Eutricharaea) anatolica Rebmann, 1968, M. (Megachile) genalis Morawitz, 1880, Metadioxys graeca (Mavromoustakis, 1963), Osmia (Helicosmia) breviata Warncke, 1988, O. (H.) clypearis acuta Warncke, 1988, O. (Osmia) scheherazade Peters, 1978, O. (Tergosmia) rhodoensis (van der Zanden, 1983), Protosmia (Nanosmia) magnicapitis (Stanek, 1969), Pseudoanthidium (Pseudoanthidium) rhombiferum (Friese, 1917), and P. (P.) syriacum Kasparek, 2024. Metadioxys formosus (Morawitz, 1875) and Coelioxys (Allocoelioxys) sogdianus Morawitz, 1875 are excluded from the fauna of Azerbaijan. The number of species of Megachilidae known from Azerbaijan is increased to 196