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Callicarpa subpubescens, endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, is suggested to have multiple ecotypes in the Hahajima Islands, specifically in the central part of the Ogasawara Islands. In this study, associations between genetic groups and spatial distribution, habitat, leaf morphology, size structure, and flowering time of each genetic group were investigated on Hahajima and the satellite Imoutojima Islands. Genetic groups were identified using EST-SSR markers, revealing four ecotypes named based on morphological features: Dwarf (D), Glabrescent (G), Tall (T), and Middle (M), with M being a result of the hybridization of G and T. Ecotype D, adapted to dry environments, is characterized by small tree size, dense thick leaves with abundant hairs, and is distributed in dry scrub. Ecotype G, adapted to understory of mesic forests, lacks leaf hairs. Ecotype T, adapted to the canopy of mesic forests, has hairy leaves and is tall in tree height. Ecotype M, adapted to the canopy of mesic scrub or edges of mesic forests, has hairy leaves but with a shorter tree height than ecotype T. Flowering peaks differed among all ecotype pairs except G and M, but the flowering times more or less overlapped among all ecotypes, suggesting that pre-mating isolation among ecotypes is not perfect. Post-mating isolation is considered absent, as there were no differences in the results, germination, and survival rates of one-year seedlings among inter- and intra-ecotype crossings. The existence of such ecotypes provides valuable insights into the ongoing speciation processes adapting to the oceanic island environments.

Crepidiastrum grandicollum is a critically endangered insular endemic herb found only on two oceanic islands of the Bonin Islands in Japan, namely Chichijima Island and Anijima Island. It is explicitly threatened by herbivory pressure from introduced animals. In 2009, a conservation program for C. grandicollum was begun to ensure its future persistence. To provide further information for conservation planning, we investigated the genetic diversity of C. grandicollum using 13 novel microsatellite markers in 55 individuals from four wild populations and an ex situ living collection. Two closely related woody species were also included for interspecific comparison: seven individuals of Crepidiastrum ameristophyllum and 13 of Crepidiastrum linguifolium. The 13 markers were applicable to all three species and identified 129 alleles in total. We found a clear genetic differentiation between C. grandicollum from Anijima Island and Chichijima Island. Crepidiastrum grandicollum also had low expected heterozygosity and allelic richness in populations compared to the two closely related species. Reconstructed divergence history suggested that differentiation between the islands had occurred several thousand generations ago. We suggest separate conservation units for C. grandicollum on Anijima Island and Chichijima Island given the clear (and putatively historical) genetic differentiation, which may result in speciation in the future.

We investigated how Pheidole megacephala has affected endemic achatinellid snails because these snails are excellent indicators of the impact of ants and they have high conservation value in Ogasawara. In 2015 we surveyed the Minamizaki area of Hahajima Island of Ogasawara, designated a core zone of the World Heritage Site, for P. megacephala. In Minamizaki, we determined the distribution and density of achatinellid snails in 2015 and compared these data with their distribution and density in 2005. Land cover in the survey area was entirely forest We also tested whether P. megacephala preyed on achatinellid snails in the laboratory. P. megacephala was present in the forested areas of Minamizaki. Achatinellid snails were absent in 19 of 39 sites where P. megacephala was present, whereas in other areas densities of the snails ranged from 2 to 228 individuals/site. In the laboratory, P. megacephala carried 6 of 7 achatinellid snails and a broken shell was found. Snail distribution and density comparisons and results of the feeding experiments suggest that the presence of P. megacephala has contributed to the decline of achatinellid snails in forests in the survey area. Yet, P. megacephala is not on the official list of invasive non-native species. Stakeholders using the list of invasive species to develop conservation programs should recognize that invasiveness of non-native species differs depending on the ecosystem and that official lists may not be complete. Investigamos cómo Pheidole megacephala ha afectado a los caracoles achatinélidos endémicos ya que éstos son indicadores excelentes del impacto de las hormigas y tienen un alto valor de conservación en Ogasawara. En 2015, censamos el área de Minamizaki de la Isla Hahajima de Ogasawara, designada como zona núcleo del Sitio de Patrimonio Mundial, en busca de P. megacephala. En Minamizaki, determinamos la distribución y la densidad de los caracoles achatinélidos en 2015 y comparamos estos datos con su distribución y densidad en 2005. La cobertura de suelo en el área censada era completamente boscosa. También probamos en el laboratorio si P. megacephala se alimenta de caracoles achatinélidos. P. megacephala estuvo presente en las áreas boscosas de Minamizaki. Los caracoles achatinélidos estuvieron ausentes en 19 de los 39 sitios en los que P. megacephala estuvo presente, mientras que en otras áreas la densidad de los caracoles varió de 2 a 228 individuos por sitio. En el laboratorio, P. megacephala se llevó a 6 de 7 caracoles achatinélidos y se halló una concha rota. Las comparaciones entre las densidades y las distribuciones de los caracoles y los resultados de los experimentos de alimentación sugieren que la presencia de P. megacephala ha contribuido a la declinación de los caracoles achatinélidos en los bosques del área del censo. A pesar de esto, P. megacephala no está en la lista oficial de especies invasoras no-nativas- Los accionistas que utilizan la lista de especies invasoras para desarrollar programas de conservación deberían reconocer que la capacidad invasora de las especies no-nativas difiere dependiendo del ecosistema y que las listas oficiales pueden no estar completas.

Bischofia javanica is a non-native tree species in Japan’s Ogasawara Islands, where it threatens native tree species due to its rapid propagation and growth. An effective method is needed to limit the expansion of B. javanica populations and to conserve the natural forest ecosystem of the islands. For this purpose, we examined the effectiveness of a new application technique for the herbicide glyphosate on B. javanica. In this method, glyphosate solution is directly injected into holes drilled in the stem, and each hole is then plugged with a cork stopper to prevent loss of the solution, namely the drill-and-plug method. We also developed an allometric regression model linking stem diameter with total aboveground biomass (AGB) to estimate the necessary herbicide dosage. Our results suggest that between 0.1 and 0.5 g kg⁻¹(active ingredient per unit AGB) is required to control most B. javanica trees. Verification of the drill-and-plug method using the minimum dosage (0.1 g kg⁻¹) showed that most of the herbicide-treated trees were killed. These results suggest that the drill-and-plug method can help control the B. javanica invasion of the Ogasawara Islands.

Two newly identified species of Callicarpa (Lamiaceae), C. boninensis and C. hahajimensis, along with a new natural hybrid, C. × chibusensis are described, all of which were identified on Hahajima Island, Ogasawara Islands, Japan. A comprehensive key to Callicarpa species in the Ogasawara Islands is also provided. Callicarpa boninensis, morphologically most similar to C. subpubescens, is distinguished by persistent stellate hairs on mature leaves and elongated petioles. Callicarpa hahajimensis, resembling C. parvifolia in the Chichijima Islands, differs in its reduced stellate hair density on both leaf surfaces and thinner leaves. Callicarpa × chibusensis, considered a natural hybrid between C. subpubescens and C. boninensis, is characterized by intermediate stellate hair densities—higher than in C. subpubescens but lower than in C. boninensis—on both leaf surfaces, smaller leaves than those of C. subpubescens, and a distinct flowering phenology relative to that of C. boninensis.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors and susceptibilities to antifungal agents of Candida albicans and Candida non- albicans species (spp.) in candidemia cases in Kobe University Hospital. We investigated all consecutive patients with candida bloodstream infection (BSI) from 2008–2013 for whose full data were available for analyses, examining clinical factors such as gender, general complications, postoperative status or susceptibilities to antifungal agents. These factors were also compared between Candida albicans spp. and Candida non- albicans by univariate and multivariate analyses. Univariate analyses showed a significantly higher rate of Candida non-albicans species BSI patients cancer (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI))=2.29 (1.04–5.06) and P =0.040), chemotherapy (OR=4.35 (1.11–17.1) and P =0.035), fluconazole (FLCZ) resistance (OR=77.3 (4.51–1324) and P =0.003), and itraconazole (ITCZ) resistance (OR=15.6 (5.39–45.1) and P <0.001) and lower rate of underlying cardiovascular diseases (OR=0.27 (0.09–0.80) and P =0.018) and postoperative status (OR=0.35 (0.16–0.77) and P =0.035) in than Candida albicans . Multivariate analyses demonstrated that Candida non- albicans spp. had significantly higher rate of chemotherapy (OR=4.44 (1.04–19.0) and P =0.045), FLCZ resistance (OR=5.87 (2.01–17.1) and P =0.001), and ITCZ resistance (OR=18.7(5.77–60.4) and P <0.001) and lower rate of underlying cardiovascular diseases (OR=0.25 (0.08–0.82) and P =0.022) than Candida albicans . In conclusion, this study revealed several risk factors for BSI with Candida albicans (underlying cardiovascular diseases and postoperative status) and Candida non- albicans spp. (cancer and chemotherapy), and demonstrated that Candida non- albicans spp. were more resistant to FLCZ and ITCZ than Candida albicans .

Background Following the rupture of a coronary artery, a patient’s condition usually deteriorates rapidly due to cardiac tamponade. A pseudoaneurysm due to a coronary artery rupture is rare; however, when a spontaneous coronary artery pseudoaneurysm occurs without tamponade, it creates a fistula in the right ventricle, often requiring surgical repair. Case presentation This report describes the case of a 68-year-old man who presented with chest discomfort after a 12-day course of antibiotic treatment for bacteremia. Following coronary angiography, echocardiography, and enhanced computed tomography, he was diagnosed with a right coronary artery pseudoaneurysm accompanied with perforation of the right ventricle. Severe adhesions were observed during emergency surgery surrounding the entire heart. The patient presented with risk factors for coronary artery disease, including hypertension and smoking history. His coronary artery was severely calcified due to end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis; thus, a covered stent could not fit inside the arterial lumen. Consequently, coronary artery bypass grafting to the right coronary artery and right ventricle repair were performed. Unfortunately, the patient died postoperatively due to sepsis from intestinal translocation. This rare development was hypothesized to be an incidental result of the combination of severe post-inflammatory adhesions, extensive coronary artery calcification, and rupture of the calcification crevices. Conclusions In the case of a severe post-inflammatory response, shock without cardiac tamponade may require further scrutiny by assuming the possibility of inward rupture. For patients in poor condition, two-stage surgical treatment might be considered after stabilization with a covered stent.