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Evidence of nest usurpation of Vespa velutina in the founding stage by V. basalis reveals it as a facultative social parasite (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)
No full textWe investigated the usurpation behavior of the hornet Vespa basalis Smith in nests of V. velutina Lepeletier. We collected 47 nests of the two species in Taiwan in their establishment and growth stages. Of these, 29 were mixed-species nests, and in at least 16 V. velutina was replaced by V. basalis. While most nests were initiated by V. velutina, V. basalis coexisted with it during the establishment stage, leading to intense conflict between the two. The multiplex PCR method gave evidence of the usurper’s eggs and larvae in the mixed-species nest. Over time, the number of adults and brood in usurped V. velutina nests decreased, while those of V. basalis increased, demonstrating behavior in V. basalis akin to facultative social parasitism. This study provides further evidence of nest usurpation in the genus Vespa, along with description of complex interactions among these hornets, their natural enemies, prey, and humans in Taiwan
Recreational vs. therapeutic use of sildenafil among male users in the Republic of Kosovo
No full textBackground: Sildenafil is a commonly prescribed treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), but its use has increasingly extended into recreational settings, particularly among young men. This shift raises public health concerns about misuse, unsupervised dosage, and associated side effects. Objective: This study explored how people use sildenafil both for medical reasons and recreationally. It examined who uses it, how often, and why they take it, as well as the side effects they experience, especially when it is combined with alcohol. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025 in Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed online and through pharmacies to men aged 18 years and older who had previously used sildenafil. The survey collected demographic information, reasons for use, frequency, dosage patterns, and reported side effects. Results: A total of 91 male participants were included. Most were between 18 and 29 years of age (45%) and from urban areas (67%). The majority reported using sildenafil without a prescription (72%), with doses of 50 mg (48%) and 100 mg (44%) being the most common. Improving sexual activity (58%) and boosting self-esteem (18%) were the leading reasons for use. Only 13% used sildenafil to treat medically diagnosed ED. About 22% combined sildenafil with alcohol. Side effects such as headaches, low blood pressure, and vision disturbances were reported more frequently among recreational users. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between higher dosage and increased self-esteem, as well as a reduction in blood pressure. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that many younger men are using sildenafil for recreational purposes, not solely for medical reasons. This kind of use is often associated with more side effects, possibly because doses are not properly regulated or sildenafil is taken alongside alcohol. These results underscore the need for enhanced public education on the safe use of sildenafil and more rigorous monitoring of non-prescription access to this medication
Two new species of Meliola (Meliolales, Sordariomycetes) from Guizhou Province, China
No full textMeliola is a genus of specialized parasites that grow on the surface of living plant leaves and fruits, potentially impairing host growth, reducing fruit quality and crop yield, and ultimately causing economic losses. In this study, two new species of Meliola from Guizhou Province, China, were identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses (nrITS, nrLSU, and nrSSU) using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) to clarify their taxonomic placement. The new species, Meliola liboense and M. lindericola, were both found colonizing leaves of Lindera. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree showing the phylogenetic positions of the two new species are provided. These findings enrich the taxonomic diversity of Meliola and contribute valuable morphological and molecular data to improve species delimitation and classification within Meliolaceae
Feminization of a saline-tolerant tilapia hybrid, UPV SpiN (Oreochromis spilurus × O. niloticus) (Actinopterygii, Cichliformes, Cichlidae) using 17β-Estradiol: Effects of dose and administration method
No full textApplication of feminization techniques using estrogen hormones can be relevant in cases where there is an insufficient supply of female stock for broodstock production. This study aimed to evaluate the feminization efficiency (FE) of 17β-estradiol (E2) at various concentrations using two different methods applied to the saline-tolerant SpiN (Oreochromis spilurus × O. niloticus) tilapia hybrid developed by the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV). E2 concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg · kg–1 were orally administered through dietary supplementation for 28 days (d) to one batch after yolk-sac absorption. Another batch, still with yolk-sacs, was immersed in E2 solutions at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg · L–1 for 5 d. Soft dorsal fin tissues from phenotypically identified female tilapia were collected upon sexual maturation and processed for DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to determine the genotype. Selective removal of the first six dorsal spines was conducted to generate up to 63 unique codes for temporary fish identification. Treatments 2 (50 mg · kg–1) and 3 (100 mg · kg–1) resulted in the highest FE for dietary supplementation at 94.74% and 95.24%, respectively, while feminization through larval immersion was observed only in Treatment 3 (100 µg L−1) at an efficiency of 16.67%. Neither feminization method significantly affected the survival of the fish. These results demonstrate that dietary supplementation with 50–100 mg · kg–1 of E2 is an effective and reliable method for feminizing UPV SpiN tilapia hybrid. PCR-based genotyping confirmed the conversion of genetic males (XY) into phenotypic females. This approach offers a practical strategy to enhance broodstock management, particularly in the development of all-female stocks for breeding. Future studies should focus on evaluating the growth and reproductive performance of sex-reversed individuals for long-term broodstock viability
One more new ring nematode of the Xenocriconemella macrodora species-complex (Nematoda, Criconematidae): Xenocriconemella persica sp. nov. from Iran
No full textDespite the identification of several species within the Xenocriconemella macrodora species complex in recent years, it is likely that even greater species diversity exists within this group. In the present study, a population of ring nematodes was collected from forested regions in northern Iran, exhibiting a high degree of morphological similarity to X. macrodora and related taxa. Morphological, morphometric, and molecular analyses, conducted using an integrative taxonomic approach, confirmed the presence of a novel species: Xenocriconemella persica sp. nov. Only females were observed, suggesting parthenogenetic reproduction. The species is characterised by a bare body measuring 234–316 μm in length. The lip region comprises two annuli that are continuous with the body contour, with the second annulus enclosed by the first. The stylet is slender and flexible, measuring 83–103 μm, and constitutes 28.4–37.0% of the total body length. The excretory pore is situated 1–9 annuli anterior to the stylet knobs, at a distance of 83–100 μm from the lip region. The female reproductive system is monodelphic and prodelphic, occupying 30.2–46.1% of the body length, with the vagina slightly curved ventrally. The anus is located 6–9 annuli from the tail terminus, and the tail is short, conoid, and bluntly rounded. Ribosomal and mitochondrial markers (D2-D3 expansion domains of 28S, ITS, partial 18S rRNA, and COI), together with phylogenetic analyses, revealed that this species occupies a distinct evolutionary position relative to other members of the X. macrodora complex. The findings indicate the presence of a cryptic species within this group, which, despite morphological resemblance, exhibits clear genetic divergence from closely related taxa. This study contributes to our understanding of hidden diversity in morphostatic taxa and underscores the significance of molecular data in species delimitation
Dendrocalamus wazibii (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a new bamboo species from Yunnan, China
No full textDendrocalamus wazibii (Bambusoideae), a new bamboo species is described and illustrated from Cangyuan County, Yunnan, China. Based on careful comparison of morphological and generative characters, we confirmed its identity as a new member of the genus Dendrocalamus. The morphology of this new species is similar to D. peculiaris and D. tomentosus, but can be easily distinguished from them by having culm leaf ligule 15 mm long (vs. 5–7 mm in D. tomentosus and 6–10 mm in D. peculiaris), linear culm leaf auricle (vs. absent in D. tomentosus and D. peculiaris), anther 2–2.5 mm long (vs. 2.5–3 mm in D. tomentosus; vs. 3–3.5 mm in D. peculiaris), stamen 5 mm long (vs. 6 mm in D. tomentosus; vs. 10 mm in D. peculiaris). According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (IUCN 2024), it meets the criteria to be listed as Data Deficient (DD)
Outlook on the knowledge gaps to reduce soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soil
No full textAstragalus glycyphyllos: extraction condition optimisation, extract standardisation and solid dosage form preparation
No full textAstragalus glycyphyllos is used in folk medicine as a diuretic, antispasmodic, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory agent. A number of flavonoids and saponins have been identified in the species, which exhibit antioxidant, cytoprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and immunostimulating activity. This makes the species promising for use in medical practice. In the present study, the conditions for obtaining a dry extract from the aboveground part have been optimised in order to include it in appropriate dosage forms. Two extraction methods were used – Soxhlet apparatus and percolation. The influence of solvent type and temperature on the amount of active and ballast substances during extraction was studied. The liquid extracts were dried by lyophilisation and standardised by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) with high resolution for triterpene saponins. A comprehensive technology for obtaining a dry extract from the aerial part of A. glycyphyllos, easily applicable under production conditions, as well as a method for quantitative determination of triterpene saponins, was proposed. The obtained standardised extract was successfully used for the preparation of hard gelatine capsules, which were technologically characterised. The results demonstrate the overall feasibility of obtaining a dosage form