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1. Characterizing each step of pollination in Phlox drummondii reveals that a single butterfly species predominates in the pollinator assemblage

   https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.16172  

   Burgin, Grace A; Bronzo‐Munich, Olivia; Garner, Austin G; Acevedo, Izzy A; Hopkins, Robin (May 2023, American Journal of Botany)

   Abstract PremiseA central goal of pollination biology is to connect plants with the identity of their pollinator(s). While predictions based on floral syndrome traits are extremely useful, direct observation can reveal further details of a species' pollination biology. The wildflowerPhlox drummondiihas a floral syndrome consistent with pollination by Lepidoptera. We tested this prediction using empirical data. MethodsWe observed each step of pollination inP. drummondii. First, we observed 55.5 h of floral visitation across the species range. We used temporal pollinator exclusion to determine the contribution of diurnal and nocturnal pollination to reproductive output. We then quantifiedP. drummondiipollen transfer by the dominant floral visitor,Battus philenor. Finally, we tested the effect ofB. philenorvisitation onP. drummondiireproduction by quantifying fruit set following single pollinator visits. ResultsBattus philenoris the primary pollinator ofP. drummondii. Pollination is largely diurnal, and we observed a variety of lepidopteran visitors during the diurnal period. However,B. philenorwas the most frequent visitor, representing 88.5% of all observed visits. Our results show thatB. philenoris an extremely common visitor and also an effective pollinator by demonstrating that individuals transfer pollen between flowers and that a single visit can elicit fruit set. ConclusionsOur data are consistent with the prediction of lepidopteran pollination and further reveal a single butterfly species,B. philenor, as the primary pollinator. Our study demonstrates the importance of empirical pollinator observations, adds to our understanding of pollination mechanics, and offers a specific case study of butterfly pollination. 

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2. Factors correlated with intracranial interictal epileptiform discharges in refractory epilepsy

   https://doi.org/10.1111/epi.16792  

   Quon, Robert_J; Meisenhelter, Stephen; Adamovich‐Zeitlin, Richard_H; Song, Yinchen; Steimel, Sarah_A; Camp, Edward_J; Testorf, Markus_E; MacKenzie, Todd_A; Gross, Robert_E; Lega, Bradley_C; et al (December 2020, Epilepsia)

   Abstract ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to evaluate the influence that subject‐specific factors have on intracranial interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) rates in persons with refractory epilepsy. MethodsOne hundred fifty subjects with intracranial electrodes performed multiple sessions of a free recall memory task; this standardized task controlled for subject attention levels. We utilized a dominance analysis to rank the importance of subject‐specific factors based on their relative influence on IED rates. Linear mixed‐effects models were employed to comprehensively examine factors with highly ranked importance. ResultsAntiseizure medication (ASM) status, time of testing, and seizure onset zone (SOZ) location were the highest‐ranking factors in terms of their impact on IED rates. The average IED rate of electrodes in SOZs was 34% higher than the average IED rate of electrodes outside of SOZs (non‐SOZ;p < .001). However, non‐SOZ electrodes had similar IED rates regardless of the subject's SOZ location (p = .99). Subjects on older generation (p < .001) and combined generation (p < .001) ASM regimens had significantly lower IED rates relative to the group taking no ASMs; newer generation ASM regimens demonstrated a nonsignificant association with IED rates (p = .13). Of the ASMs included in this study, the following ASMs were associated with significant reductions in IED rates: levetiracetam (p < .001), carbamazepine (p < .001), lacosamide (p = .03), zonisamide (p = .01), lamotrigine (p = .03), phenytoin (p = .03), and topiramate (p = .01). We observed a nonsignificant association between time of testing and IED rates (morning–afternoonp = .15, morning–eveningp = .85, afternoon–eveningp = .26). SignificanceThe current study ranks the relative influence that subject‐specific factors have on IED rates and highlights the importance of considering certain factors, such as SOZ location and ASM status, when analyzing IEDs for clinical or research purposes. 

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3. Spatial epidemiology of Tabanus (Diptera: Tabanidae) vectors of Trypanosoma

   https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-06708-z  

   Marques, Roberta; Jiménez-García, Daniel; Escobar, Luis E; Krolow, Tiago Kütter; Krüger, Rodrigo Ferreira (December 2025, Parasites & Vectors)

   Abstract BackgroundTrypanosomaare protozoa parasites that infect animals and can cause economic losses in cattle production.Trypanosomalive in the blood and are transmitted by hematophagous insects, such as flies in the genusTabanus.Using ecological niche models, we explored the current geography of six commonTabanusspecies in Brazil, which are considered vectors ofTrypanosoma vivaxandTr. evansiin the Neotropics. MethodsWe used georeferenced data and biotic and abiotic variables integrated using a fundamental ecological niche modeling approach. Modeling results from sixTabanusspecies were used to identify risk areas ofTrypanosomatransmission in Latin America accounting for area predicted, landscape conditions, and density of livestock. We performed Jaccard, Schoener, and Hellinger metrics to indicate the ecological niche similarities of pairs ofTabanusspecies to identify known and likely vectors overlapping in distribution across geographies. ResultsOur results revealed significant ecological niche similarities for twoTabanusspecies (T. pungensandT. sorbillans), whereasT. triangulumandT. importunushave low ecological similarity. Ecological niche models predicted risk ofTrypanosomatransmission across Neotropical countries, with the highest risk in southern South America, Venezuela, and central Mexico. ConclusionsMore than 1.6 billion cattle and 38 million horses are under a threat category for infection risk. Furthermore, we identified specific areas and livestock populations at high risk of trypanosomiasis in Latin America. This study reveals the areas, landscapes, and populations at risk ofTrypanosomainfections in livestock in the Americas. Graphical Abstract 

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4. Genetic and molecular landscapes of the generalist phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea

   https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13404  

   Singh, Ritu; Caseys, Celine; Kliebenstein, Daniel_J (December 2023, Molecular Plant Pathology)

   Abstract Botrytis cinereaPers. Fr. (teleomorph:Botryotinia fuckeliana) is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that attacks a wide range of plants. This updated pathogen profile explores the extensive genetic diversity ofB. cinerea, highlights the progress in genome sequencing, and provides current knowledge of genetic and molecular mechanisms employed by the fungus to attack its hosts. In addition, we also discuss recent innovative strategies to combatB. cinerea. TaxonomyKingdom: Fungi, phylum: Ascomycota, subphylum: Pezizomycotina, class: Leotiomycetes, order: Helotiales, family: Sclerotiniaceae, genus:Botrytis, species:cinerea. Host rangeB. cinereainfects almost all of the plant groups (angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteridophytes, and bryophytes). To date, 1606 plant species have been identified as hosts ofB. cinerea. Genetic diversityThis polyphagous necrotroph has extensive genetic diversity at all population levels shaped by climate, geography, and plant host variation. PathogenicityGenetic architecture of virulence and host specificity is polygenic using multiple weapons to target hosts, including secretory proteins, complex signal transduction pathways, metabolites, and mobile small RNA. Disease control strategiesEfforts to controlB. cinerea, being a high‐diversity generalist pathogen, are complicated. However, integrated disease management strategies that combine cultural practices, chemical and biological controls, and the use of appropriate crop varieties will lessen yield losses. Recently, studies conducted worldwide have explored the potential of small RNA as an efficient and environmentally friendly approach for combating grey mould. However, additional research is necessary, especially on risk assessment and regulatory frameworks, to fully harness the potential of this technology. 

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5. Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Antennaria corymbosa (Asteraceae) and close relatives

   https://doi.org/10.1002/aps3.11268  

   Thapa, Ramhari; Bayer, Randall_J; Mandel, Jennifer_R (June 2019, Applications in Plant Sciences)

   PremiseThe genusAntennariahas a complex evolutionary history due to dioecism, excessive polyploidy, and the evolution of polyploid agamic complexes. We developed microsatellite markers fromA. corymbosato investigate genetic diversity and population genetic structure inAntennariaspecies. Methods and ResultsTwenty‐four novel microsatellite markers (16 nuclear and eight chloroplast) were developed fromA. corymbosausing an enriched genomic library. Ten polymorphic nuclear markers were used to characterize genetic variation in five populations ofA. corymbosa. One to four alleles were found per locus, and the expected heterozygosity and fixation index ranged from 0.00 to 0.675 and −0.033 to 0.610, respectively. We were also able to successfully amplify these markers in five additionalAntennariaspecies. ConclusionsThese markers are promising tools to study the population genetics of sexualAntennariaspecies and to investigate interspecific gene flow, clonal diversity, and parentage ofAntennariapolyploid agamic complexes. 

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