Total Electron Content (TEC) estimated from GNSS data is a good indicator of the behavior of the ionosphere. This study searches for possible longitudinal differences between the behavior of TEC and its day-to-day variations between two ranges of longitudes in Equatorial Ionosphere Anomaly (EIA)-affected low-latitude African stations. The study considers TEC daily values at 05:00 and 13:00 LT for the high solar activity year 2014. In addition, the day-to-day variability of TEC at those given hours was calculated by analyzing the difference between two consecutive daily values of TEC (DIFFTEC) at the same hours. The correlation coefficients (R) and corresponding coefficient of determination (R²) were used to identify the possible correlation between data from two locations, each in the eastern and western sectors of the low-latitude African region. Also possible correlations between data from different longitudinal sectors were studied. Values of the correlation coefficient indicate that at 13:00 LT there is a reasonably high correlation between TEC in the same longitude sector but also between stations in the two longitude sectors considered. The correlation is much reduced in both cases at 05:00 LT. The day-to-day variability, as indicated by DIFFTEC, shows larger variability in the Eastern Sector than in the Western sector. At 05:00 LT, a seasonal variation with higher variability in DIFFTEC standard deviation in the equinoctial months appears in both sectors, being larger in the Eastern sector. Locations in both sectors have shown higher variability of DIFFTEC standard deviation at 13:00 LT than at 05:00 LT.

Background Effective health measures are required to minimize loss of life and health suffering caused by the devastating climate-induced diseases. Recognizing the importance of preference-based universal health coverage (UHC) is essential for creating equitable and quality healthcare services accessible to everyone. However, current valuation practices of UHC for climate-induced diseases remain limited. Aim This study offers empirical proof that the benefit package within hypothetical UHC schemes directly influences the likelihood of enrolment. Additionally, this study aimed to measure the economic benefits of UHC. Methods Using a cluster sampling technique, 716 respondents were selected from 22 villages in three coastal districts of Khulna division. The study employed conditional logit, nested logit, and random parameter logit models to identify the essential attributes of UHC. Results The results showed that Medicaid, Medicare, ambulatory services, renewable discounts, drug facilities, transport facilities, capitation per visit, and payment for UHC have a statistically significant impact on the likelihood of selecting an alternative scenario of UHC. In this context, age, monthly income, family size, and educational background play influential roles. The results of marginal willingness to pay (MWTP), consumer surplus (CS), and present value (PV) indicate that coastal residents receive greater healthcare benefits from the UHC, while investors and/or government earn more revenue from the UHC scheme.

In the Industrial Internet of Things-Digital Twin (IIoT-DT), real-time mapping and collaborative modeling between physical entities and twins are achieved. The high concurrent transmission of massive sensor data from industrial electronic equipment leads to communication delays. Meanwhile, multimodal data has the characteristic of non-independent and identically distributed (non-IID). There are difficult to integrate. This letter proposes DT-SL framework in IIoT, which uses fully decentralized swarm learning (SL) to improve the efficiency of updating local twin models. We designed weighted multi-matrix singular value decomposition (SVD) to improve the consistency and efficiency of multimodal data fusion in the framework. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the baseline method in model communication overhead, convergence rate and performance.

Ophthalmic Complications Following Sinus Lifting Surgery: Case Report and Review of LiteratureNima Dehghani1*, Xaniar Mahmoudi 2, Mohadeseh Azarsina3, Sahar Hassantash41 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences school of Dentistry, Tehran, Tehran Province, IranEmail: nimadt2002@gmail.comORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0473-71092 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, IranEmail: Xaniarmahmoudi@yahoo.comORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0241-33463Restorative Department, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences school of Dentistry, Tehran, Tehran Province, IranEmail: m.azarsina@gmail.comORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6190-74724 Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United StatesEmail: ssh153@miami.eduORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4094-4121Corresponding Author: Nima DehghaniDDS, MS, OMFS, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Dentistry, Tehran, IranPostal Code: 1439955991Tel: 9821-22273471Fax: 9821-88497390E-mail: nimadt2002@gmail.comEthics statement/confirmation of patient permission: No ethics approval needed. Written informed consent has been obtained from the patient.Conflict of Interest: None.Acknowledgments: None.Data Availability Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author.

METASTATIC BASAL CELL CARCINOMA WITH UNUSUAL MOLECULAR GENETICS FINDINGS

The LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM) cathode materials have emerged as critical components in lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy and power densities. The co-precipitation method is widely used in laboratory and industry settings to optimize the crystallinity, grain morphology, particle size, and sphericity of precursor materials, directly affecting NCM battery performance. This review addresses the nucleation mechanism and the thermodynamic and kinetic reaction processes of co-precipitation. The comprehensive effects of key parameters on precursor physicochemical properties are also systematically interpreted. Notably, precursor characterization and physicochemical properties, including impurity levels and tolerance limits relevant to production, are highlighted. Finally, optimization strategies for developing high-quality precursor materials toward commercialization are proposed. This systematic review provides a deeper understanding of precursor optimization and advances relevant theories for the development of NCM cathode materials.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Introduction and Objectives: ImmunoCAP Phadiatop (Thermo Fisher Scientific) is an in vitro assay detecting IgE antibodies against a balanced mixture of common inhalant allergens, serving as a first level screening tool for sensitization in patients with suspected respiratory allergies guiding subsequent management. This study aimed to evaluate test results, the impact on clinical decision-making, and its role in managing allergic condition. Materials and Methods: A real-world retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital allergy department (June 2021–June 2023). Data were collected using the Modulab Laboratory Information System (Werfen, Spain) and stored in a dissociated database. The Ethics Committee of Salamanca approved the study protocol. Phadiatop values above 0.35 PAU/l were considered positive. In case of repeated samples, the first was selected. Variables analyzed included test results, patient demographics, requesting departments, and allergy referrals. Results: The study included 596 patients (median age 46, 64.1% female). Of these, 12.6% were under 18 years old. Most patients (95.8%) were referred from primary care, with 83.1% originating from urban areas. Positive results occurred in 37.9% (median IgE 7.81 PAU/l). Most positive patients resided in urban areas (82.3%), were aged < 18 years (p=0.001), and were male (p<0.001). Patients aged >59 (26.3%) presented mainly negative results (82.2%). Of the positive cases, 31.4% were referred to an allergist, with higher Phadiatop values increasing referrals (p=0.001). Conclusions: Phadiatop was mainly utilized in primary care. One-third of patients tested positive; of those, only one-third were referred to allergists, with higher Phadiatop values increasing referral rates. Positivity was higher in males and younger people.

A document by Moied Al Sakan . Click on the document to view its contents.

Nowadays, the development of all-biomass aerogel fibers that integrate robust mechanical properties with superior thermal insulation remains a significant challenge. In this study, all-biomass core-shell structural aerogel fiber with the cellulose acetate (CA) shell and the silk fibroin (SF) core was developed to address these issues. The resulting CA-SF aerogel fiber demonstrated impressive mechanical properties, with the stress and strain at break of 28.18 MPa and 104%, respectively. These properties are attributed to lithium chloride-induced slow molding and heat treatment-derived crystallization enhancement. Furthermore, the CA-SF aerogel fiber possessed excellent water resistance and easy dyeability. Notably, based on the multilevel porous structure, low thermal conductivity, and core-shell structure of aerogel fiber, the knitted fabric exhibited outstanding thermal insulation performance, such as a |∆T| of 60.6 at hot stage temperature of 120 °C, outperforming previous studies. Consistent with the experimental findings, the numerical simulation results revealed that the exceptional performance could be attributed to the macro-/nano-sized pores in the CA shell capturing stationary air for suppressing thermal conduction/convection, and walls in the SF core enhancing infrared reflectance for preventing thermal radiation. This innovative approach paves the way for designing sustainable aerogel fiber and multifunctional textiles, with promising applications in personal thermal management.

Despite advances in medical technology, blood pressure (BP) management remains reliant on rigid, stepwise medication adjustments. In contrast, diabetes care has embraced dynamic, real-time insulin dosing through pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) (Nathan et al., 2005). Currently, hypertensive patients are prescribed medications like ramipril in fixed increments (e.g., 2.5 mg, 5 mg), despite individual differences in metabolism, receptor sensitivity, weight, and lifestyle factors (James et al., 2014). This one-size-fits-all approach often results in suboptimal treatment—either undercorrecting or overshooting the ideal BP target, increasing risks of cardiovascular events (Lawes et al., 2008).

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains a challenging degenerative joint disorder with limited treatment options. This study employed network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the therapeutic potential of Na Ru San Wei Wan for KOA management. Active components from Chebula, Long Pepper, and RADIC ACONITI KUSNEZOFFII PREPARATA were screened (OB > 30%, DL > 0.18) through TCMSP, with KOA-related targets identified from GeneCard and OMIM databases. Network analysis revealed Ellipticine as a key bioactive compound targeting 25 shared genes, predominantly enriched in IL-17 and JAK/STAT pathways (GO/KEGG analysis). In vitro studies demonstrated Ellipticine’s (2μM, 48h) significant protection against IL-1β-induced apoptosis and inflammation in C28/I2 chondrocytes. Proteomic analysis further confirmed its mechanism through: (1) downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and cartilage-degrading enzymes (ADAMTS4, MMP3/13); (2) modulation of FOXO and TGF-β/Hippo pathways via SOD2/SMAD2 regulation. These findings systematically elucidate Na Ru San Wei Wan’s multi-target therapeutic effects against KOA, providing scientific evidence for traditional medicine application and identifying Ellipticine as a promising candidate for further development.

The plant Bacopa monnieri is a traditional medicinal herb renowned for its nootropic properties. The plant extracts have been evaluated for its efficacy in addressing many neurological conditions. However, the efficacy of B. monnieri is yet to be evaluated for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review explores and aligns the underlying pathogenic mechanisms in ASD with the molecular and functional characteristics of B. monnieri to evaluate its potential as a therapy in ASD. Additionally, the review addresses strategies for overcoming its drawbacks due to heavy metal accumulation and bitter taste. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using specific keywords related to B. monnieri (” Bacopa monniera,” ” B. monnieri,” ” Herpestis monniera,” ” Moniera cuneifolia”) and those related to ASD, its co-occurring symptoms, and pathogenic mechanisms. Papers were chosen based on an initial screening process, and the evidence was narrated under identified key themes to provide a structured analysis of the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of B. monnieri in ASD. Evidence indicated that oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, heavy metal toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotransmitter imbalance, and altered cell signalling in ASD could be targeted by the molecular and functional characteristics of B. monnieri, corroborating the potential of B. monnieri to improve symptoms and co-occurring conditions in ASD. To validate these effects, clinical trials should assess primary outcomes related to the core symptoms of ASD, as well as secondary outcomes that focus on improvements in co-occurring conditions and metabolic alterations.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown We aimed to test a neurocognitive model positing that auditory hallucinations arise from a hyperactive left temporoparietal cortex and a hypoactive left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Specifically, 104 healthy individuals completed a signal detection task that induces auditory false perceptions whilst receiving transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). All participants were tested twice, once with real and once with sham tDCS. However, in half of the participants, the electrode montage mimicked the hypertemporal/hypofrontal model (anode over temporoparietal cortex, cathode over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). In the other half, electrodes were reversed as in treatments of auditory verbal hallucinations. We hypothesised that these montages would lead to increased and decreased rates of auditory false perceptions, respectively. Moreover, we expected that auditory false perceptions would be triggered more often when participants expected certain words (top-down effect) and when these words were masked by human noise (bottom-up effect). The results revealed robust top-down and bottom-up interactions, but they were neither modulated by electrode montage nor by whether real or sham tDCS was administered. The results thus support the notion that auditory-verbal hallucinations arise from an interaction of bottom-up and top-down processes but do not support the hypertemporal/hypofrontal model. Possible explanations for the lack of tDCS effects are discussed, including the idea that the tDCS electrodes might not have stimulated the targeted areas.

Understanding how organisms adapt to drought conditions is of great importance for future ecological conservation and restoration efforts, as climate models predict planet-wide increases in the frequency of drought events. Soil nematodes play an important role in various key ecological processes and functions. However, how nematode communities respond to drought in savanna ecosystems remains largely unexplored. Here, we characterized soil nematode communities and soil properties across two seasons in plots located at four different elevations in the Yuanjiang savanna, China. We explored distributions of nematode abundance and diversity and used a null model to identify the mechanisms underlying nematode community assembly. We found that soil moisture was the primary driver of nematode abundance, with higher soil moisture directly promoting omnivore-predators diversity and shaping patterns of diversity in other nematode groups via niche divergence. Meanwhile, ammonium nitrogen influenced the diversity and abundance of plant parasite. Total phosphorus influenced bacterivore and plant parasite diversity. Furthermore, soil moisture determined the composition of soil nematode communities, and the stronger the determinism in community assembly, the closer the relationship between soil moisture and community composition and abundance. Seasonal variation in precipitation and microbial biomass carbon regulated the determinism of community assembly. Overall, our findings highlight the pivotal role of soil moisture in shaping patterns of nematode abundance and reveal the key factors influencing soil nematode community assembly in dry-hot regions.

The Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is a highly sensitive forest grouse species facing population declines in Western Europe. In an effort to reinforce its population in the Vosges Mountains, nine adult Capercaillie (five males and four females) were translocated from Norway to the Grand Ventron National Nature Reserve, France, in April 2024. Each individual was fitted with a GPS tag to monitor their post-release movements. This study presents the first insights into the space use of translocated Capercaillie, analyzing home range dynamics, movement patterns, and individual behavioral variability over a nine-month period. Results revealed a distinct post-release exploration phase, characterized by large home ranges and increased movement during the first months, followed by stabilization in winter. Individual variation was evident, with some birds settling near the release site while others exhibited prolonged exploratory behavior, which was associated with lower survival. Movement directionality suggested a quick adaptation to the local landscape, with birds favoring ridge-oriented dispersal. These findings provide valuable information for future Capercaillie translocation programs, emphasizing the importance of monitoring spatial behavior to assess adaptation and survival.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Music incorporates a number of mathematical concepts and this overlap in concepts between music and math underlies the supposition that music training (MT) may facilitate math performance. This study examined neural responses while school-aged children performed a numeracy task to test a link between past MT, neural signatures, and math skills. Sixteen children (7 females) 8-12 years of age (44% Hispanic, 12% Black or African American, 6% Asian, 50% Non-Hispanic, White) were divided into two groups based on past MT. Neural responses, measured with magnetoencephalography (MEG), were collected during a numeracy task and compared by MT group. There was a broad network of activation during the numeracy task relative to the control task consistent with adult studies. Superior parietal cortex revealed significant differences in neural activation in Low versus High MT groups (d = 0.81-1.08). Also, parietal activations were positively correlated with spatial perception (r=0.58-0.78). The results align with adult studies implicating parietal cortex as a hub for math skills and provide additional preliminary support for a synergistic link between music and math.

Understanding predator-prey interactions is crucial for wildlife management and human-wildlife coexistence, particularly in multi-use landscapes such as Western Europe. As wolves (Canis lupus) recolonize their former habitats, knowledge of their diet is essential for conservation planning and public acceptance. However, data of such regions is so far scarce, in particular for the Alpine region and the Jura Mountains. As opportunistic hunters, wolves adapt their diet to the local prey structure, suggesting that abundant wild ungulates are the main prey source. We also expect diet composition to be influenced by region, season and social status. DNA metabarcoding has emerged as a powerful tool in ecological research, offering high-resolution insights into dietary composition, yet its application in carnivores remains limited. Using a DNA metabarcoding approach, we analyzed 698 wolf scat samples collected in Switzerland from 2017 to 2024. We found red deer (Cervus elaphus) was the dominant prey in most areas, and together with roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), accounted for 80.8% of the retrieved sequences. We found similarities in prey selectivity between the Alps and the Jura Mountains, but found significant differences across seasons and between pack and non-pack wolves. This study provides the first detailed dietary analysis of wolves in the Northern Alps and Jura Mountains, offering critical insights for wildlife management. Our findings highlight the importance of wild ungulates in wolf diet and underscore the value of non-invasive DNA approaches as a reliable conservation and biomonitoring tool.

Analog Physically Unclonable Functions is a new class of Physically Unclonable Functions with the characteristic that the output is not a bitword (as it is in the traditional Physically Unclonable Functions), but an analog value that is successively converted to digital by a suitable circuit called digitizer. The advantage is that, potentially, if a suitable digitizer is employed, a single cell can produce more than one bit, simplfying the implementation and reducing the footprint. This paper proposes a simple digitizer for Gaussian Analog Physically Unclonable Functions that exploits the properties of quantization noise to obtain a stable and uniformly distributed output.

Duración: 50 minutos Nivel Educativo: Secundaria/Bachillerato o estudiantes principiantes de informática Objetivos de Aprendizaje: Al final de la lección, los estudiantes podrán: 1. Identificar y utilizar las herramientas básicas de gestión de ventanas en Windows 11. 2. Aplicar técnicas de multitarea para mejorar la productividad (ej. Snap Layouts, Escritorios Virtuales). 3. Demostrar comprensión mediante la resolución de un desafío práctico que simule un entorno de trabajo real. Lista de Verificación de la Lección STEM Criterio Cumplimiento Conexión con STEM Integra tecnología (T) y habilidades de ingeniería (E) para resolver problemas. Enfoque basado en indagación Los estudiantes exploran funcionalidades mediante prueba y error guiado. Aprendizaje colaborativo Incluye actividad grupal para diseñar soluciones multitarea. Integración de tecnología Usa Windows 11 como herramienta central y opcionalmente presentaciones digitales. Evaluación formativa Checklist de habilidades observadas durante la actividad práctica. Materiales: • Computadoras con Windows 11 (1 por estudiante o en parejas). • Proyector/pantalla para demostración docente. • Tarjetas con desafíos de productividad (ej. "Organiza 4 ventanas para investigar clima, noticias, redactar un informe y calcular datos").Actividades: 1. Introducción (10 min): • Discusión inicial: Preguntar: "¿Qué les frustra al trabajar con muchas ventanas abiertas?" • Demo docente: Mostrar Snap Layouts (arrastrar ventanas a bordes), Alt+Tab, y creación de Escritorios Virtuales. 2. Actividad Práctica (25 min): • Exploración guiada: Cada estudiante abre 5 aplicaciones (navegador, Word, Excel, Paint, PowerPoint) y practica: o Organizar ventanas en cuadrículas (2x2). o Cambiar entre Escritorios Virtuales (uno para estudio, otro para ocio). • Desafío grupal: En parejas, resuelven una tarjeta de desafío usando multitarea y presentan su solución. 3. Reflexión y Cierre (15 min): • Discusión: "¿Cómo mejoraría esto su trabajo real?" • Evaluación: Checklist de habilidades (ej. "Usó Snap Layouts correctamente"). • Tarea opcional: Grabar un screencast mostrando su configuración ideal para estudiar.Evaluación: Escala de rango: o 4 pts: Completa el desafío con técnicas avanzadas (ej. atajos de teclado). o 3 pts: Usa Snap Layouts pero con ayuda. o 2 pts: Solo maximiza/minimiza ventanas.Conexión con Mejores Prácticas STEM: • Aprendizaje activo: Los estudiantes "hacen" en lugar de solo observar. • Contexto real: Simula necesidades laborales o académicas. • Diferenciación: Desafíos opcionales para estudiantes avanzados (ej. usar PowerToys FancyZones). Nota: Adaptable para entornos con limitaciones tecnológicas (ej. demostración grupal con un solo equipo).

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown We present a novel, closed-form approximation to the standard normal cumulative distribution function (CDF), denoted the Prime Density function. Departing from traditional methods based on the error function or rational polynomial approximants[?, ?, ?], the Prime Density function is constructed as a logistic sigmoid with a cubic argument. Its structure enables a balance of symbolic tractability, numerical precision, and computational efficiency. The final optimized form, Φ ( x ) ≈ 1 1 + exp ( − ( 1 . 5 9 7 0 8 x + 0 . 0 7 0 9 5 x 3 ) ) , (1) was derived via a hybrid global-local optimization approach combining Differential Evolution and the Nelder–Mead simplex method, minimizing approximation error over the real line. The function is continuously differentiable, strictly increasing, and analytically invertible, making it suitable for real-time systems, symbolic manipulation, and hardware-constrained applications. Despite its simplicity, the approximation achieves a maximum absolute error below 1 . 7 × 1 0 − 4 , outperforming classical logistic fits and rivaling more complex rational approximations. Comparative analysis against standard benchmarks confirms the Prime Density function’s robustness in domains requiring high-throughput normal CDF evaluation, including probabilistic machine learning, biomedical statistics, and financial modeling. This work positions Prime Density as a practical and theoretically grounded alternative to conventional numerical methods, bridging the gap between analytic simplicity and modern performance demands.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown How species boundaries are maintained among sympatric closely related species experiencing gene flow is a puzzling question in evolutionary biology. Although introgression is commonly documented, the dynamics and gene function of introgression have rarely been explored to probe why frequent introgression does not necessarily destroy species boundaries in sympatry. In this study, we employ whole-genome resequencing data to examine introgression among five closely related species of Roscoea that co-exist in a “sky island” with seventeen distinct morphological traits. Our findings reveal that introgression has led to the phylogenomic discordance between nuclear and chloroplast genomes among these morphologically distinct species. Additionally, introgression is predominantly asymmetrical in both intensity and gene function, particularly concerning recombination. Notably, the majority of gene functions associated with introgressed loci are unrelated to reproductive processes. Our results suggest that closely related species with incomplete allele assortment can coexist despite theoretical predictions, highlighting the semipermeable nature of species boundaries as reproductive isolation develops. This provides a critical conceptual framework for understanding the interplay between introgression and species persistence. Our finding offers insights into how related sympatric species boundaries can be maintained in the face of frequent asymmetrical gene introgression.

Coral reefs around the world are increasingly threatened by rising ocean temperatures, leading to more frequent mass bleaching events. However, some corals, typically found in more thermally variable environments, have demonstrated resilience to thermal stress. Consequently, applying temperature variability for assisted acclimatization has been identified as a promising intervention for restoration efforts. While previous studies support this technique for thermal stress-hardening, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To address this research gap, we applied a variable temperature regime to promote stress-hardening on two Caribbean coral species, the staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and the knobby brain coral (Pseudodiploria clivosa), and evaluated changes in host and algal symbiont (Family Symbiodiniaceae) gene expression. Overall, the response to acclimatory treatments in corals and their algal endosymbionts molecular mechanisms underlying them were species-specific. Acropora cervicornis had a greater transcriptional response to the temperature treatment compared to Pseudodiploria clivosa (583 vs. 55 differentially expressed genes). In Acropora cervicornis, there was significant down-regulation of key stress response genes, including peroxidases, nitric-oxide synthase, and tumor necrosis factors, and an upregulation of genes involved in histone modifications. Importantly, these genes have been previously implicated in the generalized stress response of corals, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms of thermal stress-hardening employ similar pathways. Considering the varying responses observed between species in this study, further research across a wider diversity of reef-building coral species is necessary before implementation at the scale needed for restoration efforts.

In the study of Pedicularis L. plant taxonomy, we found that species have synonymous relationships. Pedicularis inflexirostris F. S. Yang has morphological similarities with Pedicularis komarowii Bonati. After in-depth morphological research, combined with original literature, type specimens, and field surveys, we found that the above two species of Pedicularis have no substantial morphological differences and have a continuous geographical distribution.Meanwhile, P. inflexirostris is treated as a synonym of P. komarowii.

Strobilanthes sharavathiensis, a newly discovered species from the high-altitude shola grasslands of the Sharavathi river basin in the central Western Ghats, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, this species is closely allied to Strobilanthes jomyi, particularly in its pendulous spike inflorescence, exerted stamens, and glandular hairs near the capsule apex. However, it is distinct in having smaller leaves, crenate-margined bracts, distinctive longer hairs on each bract notch, shorter inflorescence, a non-villous peduncle during the fruiting stage, black dots on the calyx and the unique colouration of bracts. This is also similar to Strobilanthes ixiocephala in its echinulate, spheroidal pollen and differs in its pendulous inflorescence, exerted stamens, and non-viscid bracts. The pollen morphology is also considered as a critical diagnostic feature for describing this as a new species. Comprehensive notes on its taxonomy, ecology, conservation status and distinguishing characters with other interspecific species in the location are also provided.