Remarkable Species Research Articles

Two remarkable liverworts from human-modified landscape in Eastern Amazonia: Cololejeunea minuscula Pócs and C. satioi sp. nov.

Two remarkable species of Cololejeunea were identified colonizing human-modified landscape in Eastern Amazonia. One is a new discovery for science, here described as Cololejeunea satioi sp. nov. (subg. Pedinolejeunea). It was found on leaves of understory treelets in selective logging forest featuring small to medium-sized clearings with an abundance of lianas, in comparison to natural forest. The other species, Cololejeunea minuscula Pócs (subg. Aphanolejeunea), is a new record for the Brazilian Amazon. It was collected in the same forest as C. satioi, in an agroforestry area characterized by a mix of regional fruit tree species and introduced hardwood species. A full description and illustration of the new species as well as comments on morphology, taxonomy and distribution of the two taxa are provided.

Metagenomic Analysis of Sediment Bacterial Diversity and Composition in Natural Lakes and Artificial Waterpoints of Tabuk Region in King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve, Saudi Arabia

The Tabuk region is located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, and it has an area of 117,000 km2 between longitudes 26° N and 29° N and latitudes 34° E and 38° E. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR) is the largest natural reserve in Saudi Arabia and covers about 130,700 km2. It represents a new tourist attraction area in the Tabuk region. Human activities around the lake may lead to changes in water quality, with subsequent changes in microenvironment components, including microbial diversity. The current study was designed to assess possible changes in bacterial communities of the water sediment at some natural lakes and artificial waterpoints of KSRNR. Water samples were collected from ten different locations within KSRNR: W1, W2, W3 (at the border of the royal reserve); W4, W5, W6, W7 (at the middle); and W8, W9, and W10 (artificial waterpoints). The total DNA of the samples was extracted and subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomic analysis; also, the environmental parameters (temperature and humidity) were recorded for all locations. Metagenomic sequencing yielded a total of 24,696 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), which were subsequently annotated to 193 phyla, 215 classes, 445 orders, 947 families, and 3960 genera. At the phylum level, Pseudomonadota dominated the microbial communities across all samples. At the class level, Gammaproteobacteria, Clostridia, Alphaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Betaproteobacteria were the most prevalent. The dominant families included Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Clostridiaceae, Comamonadaceae, and Moraxellaceae. At the genus level, Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Acinetobacter, Paenibacillus, and Acidovorax exhibited the highest relative abundances. The most abundant species were Hungatella xylanolytica, Pseudescherichia vulneris, Pseudorhizobium tarimense, Paenibacillus sp. Yn15, and Enterobacter sp. Sa187. The observed species richness revealed substantial heterogeneity across samples using species richness estimators, Chao1 and ACE, indicating particularly high diversity in samples W3, W5, and W6. Current study results help in recognizing the structure of bacterial communities at the Tubaiq area in relation to their surroundings for planning for environmental protection and future restoration of affected ecosystems. The findings highlight the dominance of various bacterial phyla, classes, families, and genera, with remarkable species richness in some areas. These results underscore the influence of human activities on microbial diversity, as well as the significance of monitoring and conserving the reserve’s natural ecosystems.

Revision and phylogenetic placement of one of the earliest freshwater gobies from the Lower Oligocene of Central Europe

ABSTRACT Gobioid fishes (Teleostei) are renowned for their remarkable species diversity in marine and freshwater environments, making their evolutionary history a fascinating study subject. Among their oldest known fossils is the small-sized freshwater goby ‘Gobius’ gracilis from the Lower Oligocene of Central Europe, which has not undergone a detailed investigation since its first description. Here, we present a comprehensive re-analysis of ‘G.’ gracilis using type specimens and new material from museum collections. We show that this species possesses a unique combination of traits, leading to the establishment of a new genus, †Laubeichthys gen. nov. Phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian Inference (BI) recover †Laubeichthys gen. nov. as a stem member of the extinct family †Pirskeniidae and suggest a sister relationship between the family Thalasseleotrididae (ocean sleepers) and †Laubeichthys gen. nov. + †Pirskeniidae. Maximum parsimony analyses do not contradict such a relationship, but the trees are less resolved. Today, the Thalasseleotrididae includes four marine species that are restricted to the Southwest Pacific. In contrast, †Pirskeniidae and †Laubeichthys gen. nov. inhabited freshwater environments in Central Europe. Our findings provide new insights into the evolutionary history and historical biogeography of gobioid fishes and highlight the dynamic nature of their past diversity and distribution.

The Conservation Challenge: Environmental and Legal Aspects of One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) Protection in India

The natural environment, with its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, serves as a vital refuge for a wide array of majestic animals and vibrant plant life, playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's ecological systems. One particularly remarkable species, the Greater One-Horned Rhino, faces the serious and pressing threat of being classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to rampant poaching and the relentless loss of its natural habitat. In the Indian subcontinent, home to a significant population of these incredible creatures, the rhino's existence is under severe jeopardy, leading to distressing conflicts between human communities and the rhinos as the animals venture beyond protected areas in search of sustenance. Despite the presence of both national and international regulations, the peril to their existence persists, casting a shadow over their future. It is imperative that we take swift and effective measures to safeguard this magnificent species. This paper is dedicated to thoroughly examining the status of the Greater One-Horned Rhinos and to proposing practical and viable solutions aimed at ensuring their protection and survival for generations to come.

A new bryozoan genus from the Sea of Okhotsk and the taxonomy and geological history of ‘stratocormidial’ cyclostome bryozoans

ABSTRACT A remarkable new genus and species of cyclostome bryozoans is described from the Sea of Okhotsk off the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Kamchatkapora ozhgibesovi gen. et sp. n. has large, multilayered colonies, each layer constructed of numerous subcolonies joined at their outer edges. This colony-form was previously unknown in extant cyclostomes, although common in the geological past, especially during the Cretaceous period. The term ‘stratocormidial’ is here introduced for such colonies, and their taxonomy and geological history are reviewed. Six fossil stratocormidial cyclostome genera (Blumenbachium, Cellulipora, Centronea, Multifascigera, Reptomulticava and Semimulticavea) are illustrated and briefly characterised. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D97F2AD0-7012-46E5-BEDF-E5956AA69AEA

IR spectra simulations by anharmonic DFT and CDFT-saturated and unsaturated fatty acids of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt,1869)

The Siberian sturgeon is one of the most remarkable species in the field of aquatic biology which also has ecological importance, commercial significance, and nutritional characteristics. The purpose of this study is to determine the fatty acid content of different organs of Siberian sturgeon through both theoretical and experimental techniques to compare oxidative stability of the samples in terms of fatty acid profile. For this purpose, the fatty acid content of flesh, brain, caviar and liver of sturgeon was determined by gas chromatography and the middle infrared spectra of tissues were collected by an infrared spectrofotometer. The fatty acid content of samples was also computed by anharmonic DFT and CDFT calculations using IR spectra. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all tissues. All tissues accumulated by docosahexanoic, eicosapentanoic and linolenic acids. The PCA model was able to classified the tissues with respect to fatty acid contents. Comprehensive anharmonic DFT calculations were performed to better understand the fatty acid of samples at the atomistic level and to predict the spectra of more complex food samples with varying fatty acid compositions. Oxidative stabilities of fatty acids were also investigated through Conceptual DFT based computations. Maximum Hardness and Minimum Electrophilicity Principles accurately predicted saturated and unsaturated fatty acids of sturgeon as the experimental data revealed.

Anthurium capixaba (Araceae): a new species with cordate leaves from Brazil

A remarkable new species of Anthurium, named A. capixaba, is here described and compared to its closest relatives. We also present an amended description of A. marcusianum based on the recently fruiting specimens collected.

Photothermal and ROS-mediated cellular apoptosis using copper-driven Prussian blue analog nanoparticles with bimetallic reaction centres

The development of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) agents derived from copper and iron is crucial due to their ability to their biological safety, biocompatibility, and bio-specificity to only kill cancer cells. This study investigates bimetallic copper/iron-Prussian blue coordination analogs nanoparticles (CuxFey-PBAs, x = 15, 11, 7, 4, 0; y = 0, 4, 8, 11, 15), which exhibit photothermally enhanced bimetallic central catalytic activity for effective cancer treatment. By adjusting the Cu2+/Fe2+ ratio, CuxFey-PBAs demonstrated remarkable photothermal properties (from 1.9 % to 39.75 %) and exceptional reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity (k: 0.077 min−1, R2: 0.97), leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent tumour cell death. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations highlighted that the most critical factors influencing photothermal properties are carrier concentration and electron transition. The electronic structure of the bimetallic centre was found to significantly correlate with the reaction pathway and ROS activity. In vitro experiments showed that CuxFey-PBAs can enter cancer cells via endocytosis, induce mitochondrial dysfunction, and cause cancer cell death through apoptosis. Compared to conventional ROS-mediated systems, CuxFey-PBAs with photothermal properties exhibit superior ROS catalytic activity, facilitating photothermally enhanced CDT. These findings represent a significant advancement in synergistic photothermal-enhanced Fenton reaction with bimetallic reaction centres, offering a novel strategy for CDT enhancement.

A new family of freshwater snails with Cretaceous origin from Yunnan, China

Abstract China is a hotspot for species’ discovery nowadays and harbours some of the most threatened environments in the world due to human activities. Here we describe a new remarkable gastropod species from an ancient freshwater lake in Yunnan, south-west China, Squamapex taiji gen. et sp. nov. within a new monospecific family of Truncatelloidea, Squamapicidae fam. nov.. The highly ornamented protoconch of Squamapicidae, with a microstructure distinct from that of the teleoconch, has rarely been found in true freshwater gastropods, being previously mostly known from marine or migratory gastropods with veliger larvae. The most complete family-level and first-dated phylogeny of Truncatelloidea, the largest and most diverse superfamily within Mollusca, based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear markers, shows that Squamapicidae belong to a distinct ancient lineage with Cretaceous origin. Its sister-group, unique protoconch, and distribution suggest a Tethys Ocean origin of this new family.

In Vitro Ciclopirox Glucuronidation in Liver Microsomes from Humans and Various Experimental Animals.

Ciclopirox is a widely used antifungal drug, redisposition of which has drawn increasing attentions due to multiple promising activities. The drug undergoes extensive glucuronidation, which acts as a major obstacle in the ongoing novel application and still remains poorly understood. The current study aims to phenotype ciclopirox glucuronidation pathway and as well to decipher the related species differences. Ciclopirox glucuronidation was investigated in liver microsomes from humans (HLM) and various experimental animals. Assays with recombinant uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), enzyme kinetic analyses and selective inhibitors were used to determine the role of individual UGTs in ciclopirox glucuronidation. HLM is highly active in ciclopirox glucuronidation withMichaelis-Menten constant (Km),maximum velocity (Vmax), and intrinsic clearance (CLint)values of 139 μM, 7.89 nmol/min/mg, and 56 μL/min/mg, respectively. UGT1A9 displays by far the highest activity, whereas several other isoforms (UGT1A6, UGT1A7, and UGT1A8) catalyze formation of traced glucuronides. Further kinetic analysis demonstrates that UGT1A9 has a closed Km value (167 μM) to HLM. UGT1A9 selective inhibitor (magnolol) can potently inhibit ciclopirox glucuronidation in HLM with the IC50 value of 0.12 μM. The reaction displays remarkable differences across liver microsomes from mice, rats, cynomolgus monkey, minipig, and beagle dog, with the CLint values in the range of 26-369 μL/min/mg. In addition, ciclopirox glucuronidation activities of experimental animals' liver microsomes were less sensitive to magnolol than that of HLM. Ciclopirox glucuronidation displays remarkable species differences with UGT1A9 as a dominant contributor in humans. It is suggested that the pharmacological or toxicological effects ofciclopirox may be UGT1A9 and species dependent.

Janus Reactivity of Crownphyrinoids: Alkali- vs. Transition Metal-Mediated Transformations of Crown Ether-Porphyrin Hybrids.

Crownphyrinogens and crownphyrins constitute a group of macrocycles that combine the structural facets of porphyrinoids and crown ethers. The dual-nature cavity embedded in their molecules enables reactivity involving two structurally distinct parts of the macrocyclic ligand. Upon Ni(II) and Pd(II) insertion, coordination compounds are produced wherein the metal is incorporated into the porphyrinoid-like pocket, resulting in monomeric or accordion-like dimeric products, depending on the oxidation level of the macrocycle and metal cation. The reactions with Na(I) and K(I) resulted in the formation of complexes where only the crown ether segment of the molecule is involved in metal binding, yielding remarkable dimeric species. The exploitation of a crownphyrin large enough to accommodate two metal cations allowed the synthesis of an alkali/transition metal binuclear complexes wherein the macrocycle demonstrated the Janus reactivity with one cavity acting as a porphyrinoid, and the other mimicking the crown ether.

Systematic and highly resolved modelling of biodiversity in inherently rare groundwater amphipods

AbstractAimGroundwater ecosystems harbour a unique biodiversity, but remain poorly studied, mainly due to difficulties in accessibility and imperfect species detection. Consequently, knowledge on the state and change of groundwater biodiversity remains highly deficient. In the context of global warming and excessive groundwater extraction, understanding groundwater from an ecosystem‐perspective, including organism diversity and distribution, is essential. This study presents the largest ever systematic assessment of groundwater amphipods, which are a key component of European groundwater biodiversity.LocationSwitzerland (41,285 km2), including data from 906 sampling sites.TaxonGroundwater amphipods, genera Niphargus and Crangonyx (Crustacea, Amphipoda).MethodsWe applied a highly standardized citizen science approach to collect repeated groundwater fauna samples in collaboration with municipal drinking water providers. Using detection–nondetection data of the genetically identified groundwater amphipod species, we assessed the overall species diversity of both rare and common species. The distribution of commonly found species was predicted using multispecies occupancy modelling.ResultsWe retrieved 3882 samples from 906 sites, yielding 2350 groundwater amphipod individuals. We identified a remarkable species diversity, comprising few commonly and many rarely found species. Considering commonly found species, we identified distinct distribution ranges, low local species richness and a predominance of negative co‐occurrences. In contrast, a major portion of species were found rarely (generally at just one or two sites each), distributed uniformly throughout the study area and unrelated to common species' recognized hotspots. Many of these rarely found species are not yet formally described.Main ConclusionsOur results give robust emphasis on the rare occurrence and narrow distribution of many groundwater dwellers. Our systematic and standardized sampling data of groundwater amphipods suggest that rarity is particularly prominent and inherent to groundwater organisms. We emphasize the need of systematic data to integrate rare groundwater species in biodiversity assessments, especially in times of global change.

Vascular flora of the isthmus of Feniglia (southern Tuscany, Italy)

We studied the vascular flora of the isthmus of Feniglia, a Nature Reserve in southern Tuscany stretching between the Italian Peninsula and Mt. Argentario. Since the nineteenth century, the area has undergone significant environmental modifications due to intensive grazing and deforestation. Later, rehabilitation interventions were carried out, including reforestation and planting of dune species, making it an interesting protected area to study for its botanical aspects. Therefore, we aim to compile the floristic inventory of this distinctive Mediterranean area by integrating old and new data. The checklist comprises 502 specific and subspecific taxa of vascular plants. The life-form spectrum shows a predominance of therophytes, followed by hemicryptophytes. The chorological spectrum highlights the dominance of Mediterranean species, followed by Euromediterranean and Eurasian species. The presence of 15 species of regional importance, 3 species of the Italian red list and 3 Italian endemics (Ornithogalum exscapum Ten., Limonium multiforme Pignatti, Linaria purpurea (L.) Mill.) is noteworthy. Despite the environmental changes undergone in this area, our study reports the presence of remarkable species, including rare ones such as Atriplex littoralis L., Ruppia spiralis L. ex Dumort., and species at their distribution margin in the Italian Peninsula, such as Staphisagria macrosperma Spach, Juncus sorrentinoi Parl. and Maresia nana (DC.) Batt. Additionally the presence of 26 alien species, of which 15 are invasive, 9 naturalized and 2 casual, indicates a relatively low presence of alien species. Notwithstanding the significant environmental changes that the Feniglia isthmus has experienced in the last century and the high tourist pressure during the summer, the presence of the protected area suggested the effectiveness and benefits of such a form of protection for plant diversity.

A new remarkable species of Scleria (Cyperaceae) from northern Madagascar

A new remarkable species of Scleria (Cyperaceae) from northern Madagascar

The golden butterfly: a new species of Pampasatyrus Hayward, extending northwards the range of the genus in the Andes (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

Abstract A remarkable new species, Pampasatyrus karri sp.n. is described from the upper valley of the river Pampas on the border of the departments of Apurímac and Ayacucho in the central Andes of Peru. It occurs in grassland puna on rocky slopes around 3500 m a.s.l. It is characterized by bright golden wing uppersides, a colour unique among the Satyrinae. It is only the third known Andean representatives of this, otherwise predominantly low to mid elevation genus associated with Brazilian and Argentinian pampa, and is most closely related, as indicated by COI data and male genitalia, to P. gorkyi found 200 km south-eastwards in Cuzco. Its discovery extends the northern range limit of the genus Pampasatyrus in the Andes.

Description of a Remarkable New Skate Species of Leucoraja Malm, 1877 (Rajiformes, Rajidae) from the Southwestern Indian Ocean: Introducing 3D Modeling as an Innovative Tool for the Visualization of Clasper Characters.

A remarkable new deep-water skate, Leucoraja longirostris n. sp., is described based on eight specimens caught during different expeditions to the southern Madagascar Ridge in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The new species differs from all congeners by its remarkably long and acutely angled snout (horizontal preorbital length 17.2-22.6% TL vs. 8.5-11.9% TL and 4.2-6.1 vs. 1.7-3.5 times orbit length, snout angle 65-85° vs. 90-150°). Furthermore, it is apparently endemic to the Madagascar Ridge, distant from the known distribution areas of all congeners. In addition to L. fullonica and L. pristispina, L. longirostris n. sp. is also the only species with plain dorsal coloration. Furthermore, the new species is the only Leucoraja species with an external clasper component dike and, besides L. wallacei, the only one with four dorsal terminal (dt) cartilages. The shape of the accessory terminal 1 (at1) cartilage with four tips is also unique within the genus. A new approach for the visualization of the clasper characters is introduced based on 3D models of all skeletal and external features. This enables a much easier and much more precise interpretation of every single clasper component, of the entire structure, and, in particular, the relationship between external features and skeletal cartilages. A new English translation of the first diagnosis of Leucoraja is provided, along with a revised generic diagnosis and a key to the species of Leucoraja in the Indian Ocean.

Protecting Japanese giant salamanders (Andrias japonicus) in the Nawa River Basin, Japan: policy recommendations addressing water pollution and waterway disruption

The Japanese giant salamander, Andrias japonicus, is an iconic but declining species of aquatic amphibian. A population within the Nawa River Basin of Tottori Prefecture persists but faces two significant threats. The first major threat is waterway obstructions, in the form of dams, weirs, and concrete embankments, which severely fragment and degrade the habitat. The second is water pollution, primarily caused by runoff from animal farms. Both threats to A. japonicus can be mitigated with proper actions. We provide science-based recommendations, advocating for the modification of dams and weirs by implementing ladderways to restore habitat connectivity and the provisioning of adequate breeding habitat in the form of artificial nest boxes. We also recommend the implementation of regular water quality monitoring and the enforcement of regulations regarding allowed runoff from animal farms. The Nawa River Basin could also be designated as an official sanctuary area for the Japanese Giant Salamander, lending additional formal protection and providing ecotourism opportunities for economically declining rural areas. Though the threats to A. japonicus are serious, the implementation of these mitigation measures and continual monitoring can allow this remarkable species to thrive.

A review of the genus Dodia Dyar, 1901 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Arctiinae) with description of a new remarkable species from the Russian Far East

The species of the genus Dodia Dyar, 1901 are reviewed. Diagnosis, distribution, and known ecological features are given for each species. For D. transbaikalensis Tshistjakov, 1988 and D. sikhotensis Tshistjakov, 1988, the structure of the everted vesica is shown for the first time, confirming their species status. Photographs of adults of these species are also presented for the first time. A new species, Dodia zhenya sp. n., is described from the Khingan-Bureya Highlands (Khabarovsk Krai, Russian Far East). The new species is characterized by the unique pattern of the forewings and the structure of the male genitalia, especially the vesica. In addition, D. zhenya sp. n. differs significantly from other species of the genus Dodia by COI p-distance (2.8–6.8 %) and the presence of six unique sites on the COI.

To the knowledge of the subtribe Pericalina Hope, 1838 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiinae), with description of new genus, new subgenus and species from Oriental region

A new genus Acoptodera gen. n. is described to place Coptodera piligera Chaudoir, 1883 previously attributed to genus Trichocoptodera Louwerens, 1958, as well as new subgenus Pericalocephala subgen. n. to place remarkable new species from Vietnam: Acoptodera (Pericalocephala) paradoxa sp. n. By the presence of hairs on head, pronotum and elytra, new genus is similar with Trichocoptodera Louwerens, 1958, but can be easely distinguished by flattened pronotum with wide lateral margins and by rounded elytra with serrate edges and fringe of setae on the sides. The status and characters of genera thought to be near relatives of Coptodera genus-group, are briefly discussed. Images of habitus and genitalia are provided.

Polydopamine-Coated Kaempferol-Loaded MOF Nanoparticles: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorder.

The primary objective of this study was to develop an innovative nanomedicine-based therapeutic strategy to alleviate Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorder (PND) in patients undergoing surgery. To achieve this goal, polydopamine-coated Kaempferol-loaded Metal-Organic Framework nanoparticles (pDA/KAE@ZIF-8) were synthesized and evaluated. The study involved encapsulating Kaempferol (KAE) within ZIF-8 nanoparticles, followed by coating with polydopamine (PDA) to enhance biocompatibility and targeted delivery. The characterization of these nanoparticles (NPs) was conducted using various techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy. The efficacy of pDA/KAE@ZIF-8 NPs was tested in both in vitro and in vivo models, specifically focusing on their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and protect neuronal cells against oxidative stress. The study found that pDA/KAE@ZIF-8 NPs efficiently penetrated the blood-brain barrier and were significantly taken up by neuronal cells. These nanoparticles demonstrated remarkable Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging capabilities and stability under physiological conditions. In vitro studies showed that pDA/KAE@ZIF-8 NPs provided protection to HT-22 neuronal cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress, reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased apoptosis rates. In a PND mouse model, the treatment with pDA/KAE@ZIF-8 NPs significantly improved cognitive functions, surpassing the effects of KAE alone. This improvement was substantiated through behavioral tests and a noted reduction in hippocampal inflammation. The findings from this study underscore the potential of pDA/KAE@ZIF-8 NPs as an effective nanotherapeutic agent for PND. This approach offers a novel direction in the postoperative care of elderly patients, with the potential to transform the therapeutic landscape for neurocognitive disorders following surgery. The application of nanotechnology in this context opens new avenues for more effective and targeted treatments, thereby improving the quality of life for patients suffering from PND.