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DNA barcoding reference dataset revealed overlooked diversity and clarified biogeography of fishes in the largest European river system – Volga River
No full textThis study represents the first thorough genetic assessment of freshwater fishes from the Volga River basin – the longest (3,690 km) river in Europe. DNA barcode sequences (COI) were studied in 84 species (approx. 90% of all diversity) belonging to 57 genera and 25 families. Totally 1,327 DNA barcodes (1,151 sequences from 202 localities generated by this study) were used to (i) build a DNA barcode reference library and check for the presence of a barcoding gap; ii) assess the genetic and taxonomic diversity of Volga fishes, and iii) clarify the biogeography of Volga fishes. DNA barcodes are reliable means for the identification of over 95% of analyzed species showing barcode gaps. An overlap between intra- and interspecific genetic distances was present in four species of genera Leuciscus and Rutilus. DNA barcoding identified seven new species for the Volga. Among these are two aggressive alien species (Hemiculter leucisculus and Pseudorasbora parva), while five are aboriginal species in genera Salmo, Leuciscus, Gobio, and Cobitis from neighboring basins, which naturally or human-aided colonized the Volga basin. Moreover, three new phylogenetic lineages (candidate species) were discovered – specifically, in the genera Leucaspius, Phoxinus, and Proterorhinus. While the fish fauna of the Volga is highly mixed, the more ancient Kama displays regional endemism for rheophilic species (e.g., Barbatula, Cottus). Likely, the Kama served as refuge during Pleistocene climate oscillations. In sum, generated COI dataset fills the existing gap in COI database of fishes inhabiting freshwaters of Eastern Europe and will be highly useful in future studies
Magnesium as an adjuvant in perioperative analgesia: data from randomised trials and meta-analyses
No full textIntroduction: The role of magnesium in perioperative analgesia has been investigated by an increasing number of authors in recent years. The implementation of ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols in clinical practice necessitates the search for new co-analgesics (adjuvants) to include in a multimodal analgesic regimen that would reduce or eliminate the use of opioids. Their side effects, combined with the current opioid epidemic, have catalysed efforts to find new models of balanced anaesthesia and analgesia. Methodology: This literature review includes and analyses 38 clinical studies examining the analgesic properties of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) over the past three decades. It covers 32 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 5 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs, and one retrospective cohort study. The search was conducted in databases (PubMed, DeepDyve) using the following keywords: anesthesia, analgesic request, consumption, MgSO4, multimodal, opioids, postoperative, pain, recovery, requirements, scores Results: Approximately 90% of the analysed studies demonstrate a positive effect of perioperative magnesium administration on intraoperative anaesthetic and postoperative analgesic requirements, pain scores, quality of recovery, haemodynamic profile, and other measures, without leading to adverse effects or complications at the dosing regimens used. Conclusion: Analysis of the data indicates that intravenous magnesium is a potential analgesic with a favourable safety and cost-effectiveness profile and can play an important role as an adjuvant in perioperative analgesia. However, additional large-scale studies with standardised protocols are needed to determine its optimal dosages, as well as the indications and contraindications for its use in clinical anaesthesia practice
Automated Extraction of Fungal Trophic Modes from Literature Using BioBERT: An Open Pilot Workflow
No full textFungi exhibit diverse trophic strategies, ranging from obligate symbiosis to saprotrophy, with some taxa capable of occupying multiple ecological roles. Manually identifying trophic versatility from the literature is time-consuming and difficult to scale. Here, we present a pilot workflow that automates the classification of fungal trophic modes using BioBERT, a transformer-based language model applied to biomedical research papers. A curated dataset of 56 fungal ecology abstracts was manually labeled as dual (occupying multiple trophic modes) or solo (restricted to one mode) and used to fine-tune BioBERT for binary classification. The model achieved 86% accuracy with balanced precision and recall, demonstrating that machine learning can replicate literature-based trait assignments. This pilot study emphasizes reproducibility, transparency, and open data integration, offering a proof-of-concept for linking literature-derived ecological information to existing fungal trait databases such as FUNGuild and FungalTraits. All code, data, and trained models are openly available to support reuse and scaling to larger datasets
A contribution to the knowledge of the genus Thyreus Panzer in the West and Central Palaearctic (Hymenoptera, Apidae), with two new species, taxonomic updates, host relationships, and a key to European species
No full textThyreus Panzer, 1806, is a moderately sized bee genus containing about 115 species with an Old World distribution matching that of their principal hosts, bees of the genus Amegilla Friese, 1897. The Palaearctic fauna was revised during the mid-20th century but has received relatively little attention since then. New collections, examination of museum specimens, and DNA barcoding have improved our understanding of this genus in the West and Central Palaearctic. The previously unknown sexes of T. parthenope Lieftinck, 1968, T. picaron Lieftinck, 1968, and T. priesneri Lieftinck, 1968, are identified and clarified. New host data are presented for Thyreus hellenicus Lieftinck, 1968, in Greece, where it parasitises Anthophora (Paramegilla) superans Walker, 1871 = Anthophora (Paramegilla) inclyta Walker, 1871 syn. nov. (= Anthophora dubia Eversmann, 1852 sensu auctorum). A lectotype is designated for Thyreus truncatus (Pérez, 1884), and its range and status are discussed. New records are presented to resolve the distributional ranges of confused or poorly studied species, along with new host data. Thyreus praevalens (Kohl, 1905) is newly reported for Europe from Greece. Specimens previously referred to as “T. picaron” in Central Asia do not belong to that species and are newly described as Thyreus jansseni Wood, sp. nov. (Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan). A further new species in the scutellaris group is described, Thyreus impressus Wood, sp. nov. (Kyrgyzstan). A modified and updated identification key to the 12 European members of the genus is presented, with the aim of stimulating work on this challenging bee genus
Estimating invasive rodent abundance using removal data and hierarchical models
No full textInvasive rodents pose significant ecological, economic, and public health challenges. Robust methods are needed for estimating population abundance to guide effective management. Traditional methods such as capture-recapture are often impractical for invasive species due to ethical, legal and logistical constraints. Here, the application of hierarchical multinomial N-mixture models for estimating the abundance of invasive rodents using removal data is highlighted. Firstly, a simulation study was performed which demonstrated minimal bias, as well as good precision and reliable coverage of confidence intervals across a range of sampling scenarios. Additionally, the consequences of violating the population closure assumption were illustrated by showing how between-occasion dynamics can bias inference. Secondly, removal data was analyzed for two invasive rodent species, namely coypus (Myocastor coypus) in France and muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) in the Netherlands. Using hierarchical multinomial N-mixture models, the effect of temperature on abundance was examined, while accounting for imperfect and time-varying capture probabilities. Additionally, this study demonstrated how to accommodate spatial variability using random effects, quantify uncertainty in parameter estimates, and account for violations of closure by fitting an open-population model to multi-year data. Taken together, these approaches demonstrate the flexibility and utility of hierarchical models in invasive species management
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Monomicrocaryon trimarginalis sp. nov. (Ciliophora, Hypotricha), a new soil ciliate species from South Korea
No full textThe morphology and molecular phylogeny of the new soil ciliate, Monomicrocaryon trimarginalis sp. nov., which was discovered in the soil of from Gwangdeok Mountain, Hwacheon-Gun, South Korea, were investigated. The new species is characterized by the following morphological features: cell ellipsoidal to slightly ovate, with both ends rounded; cortical granules absent; 17–24 adoral membranelles; three frontal cirri; four frontoventral cirri, two postoral ventral cirri; one buccal cirrus; 10–13 left and 9–13 right marginal cirri; five transverse cirri; four dorsal kineties and three dorsomarginal kineties; two macronuclear nodules and one micronucleus in between macronuclear nodules. Phylogenetic analyses showed that M. trimarginalis sp. nov. is placed within a clade containing M. euglenivorum euglenivorum and species belonging to Quadristicha in the dorsomarginalian hypotrichs
Trace fossil evidence for Osedax Rouse et al., 2004 exploiting shark tooth dentine on a Pliocene seafloor: broadening our understanding of a major taphonomic agent
No full textThe zombie worm genus Osedax Rouse et al. 2004 is part of a peculiar group of organisms that thrive at whale fall localities on the ocean floor. In addition to feeding on whale bones, extant Osedax spp. are known to feed on the bones of other marine and terrestrial mammals, birds, and reptiles, and have recently been found to also feed on shark tooth dentine under experimental conditions. The efficacy of Osedax spp. as bioeroders is such that they are thought to have significantly affected both the quantity and the quality of the marine vertebrate fossil record. Here, we report on the occurrence of single-entry borings consistent with those produced by Osedax on fossil shark teeth from the Lower Pliocene offshore deposits of Tuscany, central Italy. Micro-CT investigations reveal that the worms excavated the dentine of the tooth roots, leaving the enameloid-coated crowns seemingly unaltered. The borings in question are assigned to the Osedax-related ichnogenus Osspecus Higgs et al., 2012, which to date had been found on a variety of marine vertebrate fossils, but not on shark teeth. This ichnological record provides the first fossil evidence for zombie worms exploiting shark tooth dentine and serves as a powerful demonstration that such behaviour can and does occur in the wild. Root exploitation by Osedax may contribute to explain the high frequency of rootless teeth in some shark tooth accumulations from modern deep-sea floors and time-averaged horizons inland. Over the past 100 million years, shark teeth have likely served as critical ecological stepping stones between remote marine vertebrate fall localities and may even have provided a suitable substrate for ancient zombie worms during the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction event
Hydrolysis probe-based real-time PCR as an SNP genotyping method: an application in pharmacogenetic study of lung cancer patients
No full textSingle-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to diseases and influencing their response to drugs. Among the various techniques available for SNP genotyping, hydrolysis probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has emerged as a highly sensitive and cost-effective method, offering both accuracy and specificity. This method has proven particularly valuable in lung cancer research, where its potential to advance pharmacogenetics holds immense promise. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with genetic variations serving as critical markers for both screening and treatment. This review examines the principles, mechanisms, and applications of probes in SNP genotyping, with a focus on method validation and quality control. Hydrolysis probes are distinguished by their high sensitivity and specificity but face challenges such as inconsistent quality control and limitations in multiplex assays. This review underscores the importance of robust validation processes in ensuring the reliability of research findings and facilitating the translation of basic studies into clinical applications. By addressing these challenges, hydrolysis probe-based SNP genotyping can significantly contribute to advancing personalized medicine, particularly in the context of lung cancer research
New taxa and nomenclatural changes in Bredia (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae)
No full textA recent phylogenomic analysis has unveiled the first highly resolved phylogeny for the genus Bredia, clarifying long-standing uncertainties in species boundaries among taxonomically debated groups. Based on these findings, we propose a taxonomic revision encompassing the following updates: (1) B. latisepala, B. longearistata, and B. longiradiosa are synonymized under B. esquirolii; (2) B. dulanica C.L.Yeh, S.W.Chung & T.C.Hsu is incorporated within B. hirsuta; (3) two new combinations are established, alongside the formal recognition of three new species and one new variety (Suppl. material 1); (4) Bredia bullata S.Jin Zeng & N.H.Xia is regarded as a later homonym and therefore illegitimate name for B. bullata J.H.Dai & Ying Liu. Morphological descriptions, color plates, and updated distribution maps are provided for relevant taxa, supplemented by a key to all recognized Bredia species
Klingender Trachtschmuck aus dem eisenzeitlichen Gräberfeld Hallstatt: Analysen und Diskussion zu Funden aus dem Bestand der Prähistorischen Abteilung, NHM Wien. In Memoriam Anton Kern, HR, Dr. (1957–2023) Abteilungsleiter i. R. der PA
No full textNineteen sounding objects – costume jewelry – from the famous Hallstatt cemetery in Austria were investigated within the framework of the FWF Project „Metallic Idiophones between 800 BCE and 800 CE in Central Europe“ (FWF, Hertha-Firnberg Programm, Projektnummer T 1136-G). The artefacts were found in women's graves. As comparison material, ring pendants, 2 neck rings (catalogue, pieces cat. 21–23) from the Central Balkans have been analysed. They date to the transition from the Late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. All objects are elaborately crafted, some cast using the lost-wax casting process, others hand-beaten. Their production testifies to a high level of craftsmanship and artistic creativity. Since some pieces of jewelry are extremely heavy – weighing up to 309 g and more – they are more likely to have been worn on special occasions and not on a daily basis. Furthermore, as we know from ethnographical evidence, traditional costume jewellery also acts as sound object/rattle (idiophone) through the clattering of the rattling parts against each other, which announce the wearer's approach and presence through their specific sound. Objects with rattling sheets (brooches, pendants) produce sounds of a specific range – from quiet to noisy. Pieces with clapper rings (ring pendants, necklaces with rings) produce louder sounds with distinct partials. The frequency ranges are generally between 0.4–20 kHz. In contrast to modern or ethnographical pellet bells with a closed or almost closed mantle, Iron Age pellet bells have a slotted body. They are therefore lighter than these and have quiet high-frequency partials. The Roman bell from grave 765, on the other hand, is comparatively loud. Jewellery attached to costumes are not only functional, but always show a decorative element. They may have symbolic significance due to their shape. Birds and idol shapes can be regarded as magical signs of salvation and protective figures, and the imitation of the sun disk possibly as a giver of life. Traditional costume jewelry therefore not only serves to display social status, wealth and self-presentation, but also has a psychological function that is intended to strengthen self-confidence. In any case, traditional costumes have served to enhance self-esteem through decoration, color, sound and symbolism