Botanical exploration of northeastern Thailand has revealed substantial undocumented diversity within Typhonium (Araceae). Here, T. boonkerdii Chatan & Promprom is described and illustrated as a new geophytic species from Mukdahan Province. The taxonomic treatment is based on study of living plants during vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages, together with comparative examination of herbarium specimens and relevant taxonomic literature. Typhonium boonkerdii is morphologically most similar to T. cucullatum but is distinguished by its shortly acute to shortly acuminate leaf-blade apex, longer and broader pistillate zone comprising 4-5 rows of densely congested pistils, larger ovaries and stigmas, broader sterile interstice, and mutually distant staminodes with downward- to slightly downward-directed apices. The new species further differs in having a longer staminate zone with 6-7 whorls of stamens, an appendix with an abruptly but slightly expanded base, and a longer stipe. Although both species show a similar sequence of spathe-limb movement during anthesis, the consistent combination of characters clearly supports the recognition of T. boonkerdii as a distinct species. The species is currently known from a single population in mixed deciduous forest at 300-400 m elevation. As the total population is estimated to comprise fewer than 50 mature individuals, the species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. A detailed description, photographic illustrations, distribution map, morphological comparison, and identification key are provided.

The earwig genus Epilandex Hebard, 1927 (type species: Landex burri Borelli, 1921) consists of 14 named, small anisolabidid earwig species known from both the Old and New Worlds, and is characterized by long, acuminate parameres in the male genitalia. This study generated the first molecular data for newly obtained Epilandex specimens and evaluated its phylogenetic position within Anisolabididae. We analyzed combined mitochondrial and nuclear gene data, in conjunction with a re-examination of their external and genital morphology. Although this genus has traditionally been placed in Anisolabidinae, our results demonstrate that Epilandex should be recognized as a separate clade from other members of this subfamily. The name "Landicinae," which had been used for such a treatment, is a synonym of Anisolabidinae, due to the misidentification of the type genus, and therefore we propose the new name Epilandicinae. Furthermore, based also on the examination of museum specimens, this study revises species delineations within Epilandex, including the proposal of Ep. kawakamii comb. nov. The female genitalia of this genus is also reported for the first time, together with new distribution records of two species in Asia.

Sedum hengshanense, a new species of Crassulaceae from central China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports its placement in Sedum sect. Sedum. The new species is morphologically similar to S. spiralifolium, S. sarmentosum, S. lineare, S. polytrichoides and S. morrisonense, but differs by its alternate phyllotaxy, leaf apex not twisted when young, papillate leaf margin, longer basal leaf spurs (1.0-1.4 mm long) with an acuminate apex, petals with the apex mucronate at the tip and broadly spatulate to subtrapezoid, obtuse-apexed nectar scales. Phylogenetic analysis recovers S. hengshanense as sister to the clade comprising S. spiralifolium, S. sarmentosum and S. lineare. The species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Limestone habitats in Southeast Asia often harbour narrowly distributed plant diversity, and several limestone-associated taxa of Boesenbergia require further taxonomic documentation. Field surveys and ex situ observations of living material from Loei Province, northeastern Thailand, revealed a distinctive Boesenbergia population associated with shaded limestone microhabitats. This study evaluates this population using comparative morphology, herbarium and literature comparisons, phenetic analyses based on 25 selected morphological characters, and a preliminary conservation assessment. Boesenbergia lamudiae Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The species is morphologically most similar to B. burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, and resembles B. rotunda sensu lato in having a terminal inflorescence enclosed within the leaf sheaths and lacking an androecial cup. It differs by its broadly elliptic to ovate-elliptic laminae with an arachnoid abaxial surface, maroon lanceolate bracts, longer pubescent calyx with an acute to acuminate apex, non-saccate obovate labellum with a sharply delimited maroon transverse colour zone, larger anther crest, longer epigynous glands, and pubescent ovary. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering based on Gower distance separated B. lamudiae from all compared operational units, supporting its morphological distinctiveness. The species is currently known only from Nong Hin District and is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criterion D.

Immune‑regulatory dysfunction caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can lead to severe condyloma acuminate (CA), and the treatment is challenged by obstinacy and recurrence. Hyperthermia treatment stimulates the immune response by raising the body temperature locally to fight pathogens. Hyperthermia treatment possesses advantages of low recurrence rate and good efficacy in curing viral warts. However, the exact modulatory mechanism of hyperthermia treatment on immune response remains to be addressed. HPV 16 pseudovirus (HPV.PSV)‑infected HaCaT cells were established to mimic clinical HPV infection. Flow cytometry showed higher major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‑I) expression in HPV.PSV infected cells. HPV.PSV‑infected cells, CaSki cells and CA tissue demonstrated upregulated MHC‑Ⅰ expression following 44˚C water bath incubation, as detected by flow cytometry and IHC. 4D‑FastDIA quantitative proteomics was used to analyze differential protein expression in CaSki cells following 37‑ or 44˚C incubation. High mobility group box (HMGB)1 was upregulated following 44˚C incubation, as shown by ELISA and western blotting. By applying HMGB1 knockdown cell lines established by small interfering RNA, the present study demonstrated HMGB1 was essential to MHC‑Ⅰ expression, which was detected by flow cytometry and the recombinant HMGB1 protein addition test. Western blotting and ELISA demonstrated that hyperthermia increased heat shock protein family A member 6 (HSPA6) expression and JNK phosphorylation, which resulted in greater secretion of HMGB1. Hyperthermia treatment facilitated HSPA6‑modulated JNK phosphorylation, which lead to HMGB1 secretion and enhanced the expression of MHC‑Ⅰ in HPV‑infected epithelial cells, as well as strengthened the host immune regulation and recognition.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of welan gum on camptothecin (CPT) accumulation in Camptotheca acuminata leaves. We evaluated the impact of welan gum treatment on CPT biosynthesis by measuring CPT accumulation and the expression of key CPT biosynthetic genes in C. acuminata leaves. Transcriptome analysis was performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms driving welan gum-induced CPT biosynthesis. Welan gum application significantly enhanced CPT accumulation by upregulating the expression of CPT biosynthesis genes. Transcriptome data revealed strong activation of the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway through increased SA production, which appears to play a central role in mediating CPT biosynthesis in response to welan gum. In addition to SA signaling, jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and gibberellin (GA) signaling pathways also responded to welan gum, highlighting a complex regulatory network underlying the plant's adaptation to microbial polysaccharide signals. Welan gum treatment robustly activates multiple signaling pathways, particularly SA signaling, thereby promoting CPT accumulation in C. acuminata leaves. The coordinated modulation of these pathways reflects the intricate transcriptional reprogramming that balances growth and defense responses, enabling the plant to dynamically adjust to environmental cues triggered by microbial polysaccharides.

Chirothrips (Thripidae) includes 44 species, all presumably associated with florets of Poaceae. Most species were described from the Old World, although a few are also known from the Nearctic region. In this study, a new species from the grasslands of southern Brazil, but likely of African origin, is described. Chirothrips longiventralissp. nov. is characterized by antennal segment II symmetrical and not laterally projected, simple sense cones on antennal segments III-IV, and a slender and acuminate abdomen.

Rhododendron luohanbaense, a new species of Ericaceae, is described from Zhaotong City in northeastern Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, it is most similar to both R. pachytrichum and R. maculiferum and can be classified into the subgen. Hymenanthes sect. Pontica subsect. Maculifera. However, it can be easily distinguished by markedly smaller and narrower leaves with acuminate apex, abaxial midribs densely covered with woolly indumentum, yellowish-green corollas speckled with green or purple dots, inflorescences bearing up to 7 flowers, flowers with ovary densely pilose, capsule densely brown setose. Phylogenomic evidence, based on a coalescent-based species tree reconstructed from 5358 single-copy nuclear orthologous genes, also supports recognition of the new taxon.

Selaginella magna (Selaginellaceae), a new species in S. subg. Stachygynandrum from Guangxi, Fujian and Hunan, China, is here described and illustrated. It is the largest erect Selaginella species in China, characterized by acropetally shortening branches acropetally. Selaginella magna is most similar to S. willdenowii, but can be differentiated by its erect main stem, rhizophores restricted to rhizomes and stolons, and the absence of auricles at the base of both ventral and axillary leaves. Its triangular frond-like leafy stem with an acuminate apex confers a high degree of distinguishability in its natural habitat.

Asplenium paucipinnatum, a new fern species from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, is described. Morphologically, it closely resembles A. micantifrons in having short-creeping and radial rhizome steles, 1-pinnate laminae, deeply incised pinnae on the basiscopic margin, and sori arranged in two rows close to the costae. However, A. paucipinnatum is readily distinguished by having fewer lateral pinnae (< 14 pairs), obliquely rhombic pinnae with acute apices and obtuse marginal teeth, contrasting the more numerous pinnae (> 15 pairs), lanceolate pinnae with acuminate apices, and acute teeth in A. micantifrons. Phylogenetic analyses based on multiple plastid DNA regions (atpB, rbcL, rps4, rps4-trnS, trnL, and trnL-F) support A. paucipinnatum as a distinct lineage, forming a sister relationship with a clade containing A. lepturus and A. contiguum. The combination of morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of this new taxon. Ecological notes, geographic distribution, and a comparison with related species are also provided.

Two new species of Meiogyne (Annonaceae) are described from Malesia based on morphological evidence and the results of a recent molecular phylogenetic study: Meiogyne saundersii from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, and Meiogyne stenophylla from New Guinea. Meiogyne saundersii is morphologically similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its leaf apex (abruptly caudate vs. acute, rarely shortly acuminate) and inner petal corrugation (tentacular vs. weakly longitudinally grooved). Meiogyne stenophylla is unique in the genus in its extremely narrow leaves (< 2 cm wide) with an attenuate apex; it is also similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate) petals and weakly warty (vs. weakly longitudinally grooved) outgrowth on the adaxial surface of the inner petals. In addition, two new combinations are proposed, Meiogyne wilsonii and Monoon papuanum, based on the results of the most recent molecular phylogeny of Meiogyne and related genera.

The reference genome of Lewinskya acuminata (H. Philib.) F. Lara, Garilleti & Goffinet will enable phylogenomic, biogeographic, and evolutionary studies within the Orthotrichaceae and related bryophyte lineages at a depth previously inaccessible. This species of moss is among the most representative of the Mediterranean epiphytic communities and can be readily identified by its long-acuminate leaves, fusiform capsules with a vestigial exostome, a well-developed endostome of six broad segments, and a dark, puckered peristome mouth when dry. The entirety of the genome sequence was assembled into 6 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules, while the mitochondrial and chloroplastic genomes were assembled, respectively, as a single contig of 104,820 bp and two contigs of 123,029 bp and 122,994 bp. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 0.25 Gb, composed of 51 contigs and 13 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 11.5 Mb and 40.8 Mb, respectively.

Buzz pollination, where some species of bees vibrate flowers to release pollen, is easily disrupted by rain. Sperotto et al. (2025) show that in the Neotropical clade Miconieae, small flowers often evolve acuminate "drip-tip" petals in humid regions and wet seasons. These petals, resembling leaf drip-tips, repeatedly arose across the phylogeny and are strongly associated with wetter habitats. By draining water away from reproductive organs, drip-tip petals may promote effective pollination, highlighting how floral evolution is shaped by both pollinator interactions and environmental pressures.

Managing cervical cancer prevention and colposcopy during pregnancy presents unique challenges. Despite existing literature on the topic, gaps in knowledge and inconsistent adherence to guidelines persist. This survey aimed to identify disparities in clinical practice, evaluate compliance with Italian and European recommendations, and assess the need for additional training among gynecologists and colposcopists. We conducted a nationwide, web-based cross-sectional survey among Italian colposcopists affiliated with the Italian Society for Colposcopy and Cervico-Vaginal Pathology. A 46-item questionnaire explored attitudes and practices related to cervical cancer screening, colposcopy, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during pregnancy. A comparative analysis was performed between junior and senior colposcopists. A total of 151 colposcopists completed the survey (response rate: 60.8%). While most supported screening during pregnancy, 17% considered endocervical brushing unsafe, and 14.5% questioned the reliability of screening tests. Colposcopy was universally regarded as safe; however, 96% described it as complex, and 87% recommended it be performed by experienced clinicians. Biopsies were typically limited to cases with suspected invasion, although 5% still reported performing endocervical curettage. Senior colposcopists demonstrated greater procedural confidence and adherence to guidelines, while junior practitioners expressed more concerns and were less likely to use pregnancy-specific informed consent. The survey showed a generally high level of adherence to current recommendations. Nevertheless, notable discrepancies remain, particularly in diagnostic approaches, informed consent practices, and pregnancy management. These findings highlight the need for targeted education and standardized protocols to support safe, evidence-based care during pregnancy.

The genus Hyalella (Amphipoda, Hyalellidae) includes over 100 species, exclusively inhabiting freshwater ecosystems across South, Central, and North America. In southern South America, pristine natural environments are rapidly declining due to the exploitation of natural resources and changes in land use. These activities exert significant pressure on aquatic ecosystems, degrading water quality. Within these ecosystems, the macroinvertebrate fauna, particularly the diversity of Hyalella, remains understudied and highly vulnerable. This paper describes two new species from hydrographic basins near glaciers in western Patagonia, Argentina, specifically in the provinces of Santa Cruz and Neuqun, south of 36 S latitude. Both species belong to the patagonica complex, named after Hyalella patagonica. They share key characteristics such as a long palp on maxilla 1, a hatchet-shaped propodus on male gnathopod 1, a male inner ramus of uropod 1 without sexual setae, uropod 2 with a long fine seta on the peduncle, epimeral plate 1 rounded and plates 23 slightly acuminate posterodistally, and sternal gills on pereonites 37. Hyalella domuyo sp. nov. is distinguished by its antenna 2 being much longer than antenna 1, a slight constriction on the palp of maxilla 1, pereopod 4 coxa bearing a thin serrate seta in the posterior cavity, pereopod 7 basis with three short subdistal setae on the outer surface, and telson with 13 thin setae on the apical margin. Hyalella rioturbiensis sp. nov. differs from other species in the patagonica complex by its unique combination of characters, including a row of plumose setae on the peduncular segment 4 of antenna 2, more than 12 serrate setae on the inner face of the male propodus of gnathopod 1, tiny plumose setae on the dorsal surface of coxa 4, uropod 3 peduncle bearing three strong setae, one being flagellate-type, uropod 2 peduncle slightly shorter than the outer ramus, and a telson apex with three main setae. Comments on the distribution of these new species are provided. With the addition of these species, the known number of Hyalella species from Argentina and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) rises to 18, including three species complexes: H. curvispina, H. patagonica, and H. kochi. A key to the Hyalella species of Argentina is also presented.