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Mitochondrial phylogenomics of pygmy grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae, Metrodorinae): descriptions of a new genus, two new species, and new synonyms from China
No full textThe Chinese wingless brachypronotal pygmy grasshoppers of the subfamily Metrodorinae have often been classified within the genus Macromotettixoides. In this study, two undescribed species of wingless brachypronotal pygmy grasshoppers belonging to Metrodorinae were collected. To elucidate their taxonomic positions, the complete mitochondrial genomes of these two species were sequenced and analyzed. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) from 28 tetrigid mitogenomes. Genetic distances and divergence times were estimated. Our results indicate that one species represents a new genus within Metrodorinae, while the other is a new species of Macromotettixoides. Consequently, a new genus and two new species of Metrodolrinae from China are described and illustrated: Edentatettix Deng, gen. nov. containing Edentatettix leyeensis Deng, sp. nov., and Macromotettixoides yaana Deng, sp. nov. Additionally, five new synonyms are proposed: Hainantettix angustivertex (Zha & Peng, 2021), syn. nov. and Macromotettixoides angustivertex Zha & Peng, 2021, syn. nov. of Hainantettix strictivertex Deng, 2020; Hyboella badagongshanensis Zheng, 2013, syn. nov., Macromotettixoides badagongshanensis (Zheng, 2013), syn. nov., and Macromotettixoides wuyishana Zheng, 2013, syn. nov. of Macromotettixoides jiuwanshanensis Zheng, Wei & Jiang, 2005. For the first time, edentate ovipositors constituting an important taxonomic character within Tetrigidae is reported and discussed
Chaomyia, a new monotypic genus of Tachininae from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China (Arthropoda, Insecta, Diptera, Tachinidae)
No full textWe erected a new genus of Tachinidae in the subfamily Tachininae, Chaomyia gen. nov. for the new species C. qinghaiensis sp. nov. from grasslands of Haiyan County, Qinghai Province, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. Chaomyia gen. nov. is distinguishable from all other genera of Tachininae (Diptera: Tachinidae) based on morphological evidence. Key morphological characters include: small size (ca. 4–5 mm); eye nearly bare; lower facial margin strongly protruding forward in front of vibrissal angle; occiput with only black setulae; lower occiput bulging; bare prosternum; two postpronotal setae; 2 presutural and 3 postsutural dorsocentral setae; 3 pairs of strong marginal scutellar setae, apical setae strong and crossed; wing membrane around crossveins r-m and dm-cu darkened; male fore claws and pulvilli shorter than 5th tarsomere; and mid-dorsal depression of abdominal syntergite 1+2 not reaching hind margin of syntergite, sternites well exposed. A possible affiliation with the tribes Polideini or Ernestiini has been discussed using morphological evidence
Comprehensive genome analysis of two Cytospora (Cytosporaceae, Diaporthales) species associated with canker disease of spruce: C. piceae and C. piceicola sp. nov.
No full textCytospora canker (CC) is among the most important diseases in conifer trees (Picea spp., mainly). This disease poses a significant risk factor for forest health, potentially leading to economic losses for wood producers. To provide a genomic basis of the CC pathogenesis, the genomes of two Cytospora species associated with the disease were sequenced and further analyzed within a set of Diaporthales species. The first species was identified as C. piceae. The second was described as C. piceicola sp. nov. based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. The novel species is sister to other Cytospora species isolated from conifers. Here, we report 39.7 and 43.8 Mb highly contiguous genome assemblies of C. piceae EI-19(A) and C. piceicola EI-20, respectively, obtained using Illumina sequencing technology. Despite notably different genome sizes, these species share the main genome characteristics, such as predicted gene number (10,862 and 10,742) and assembly completeness (97.6% and 98.1%). A wide range of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes, secondary metabolite biosynthesis clusters, and secreted effectors were found. Multiple experimentally validated virulence genes were also identified in the studied species. The defined arsenals of enzymes and effectors generally relate to the hemibiotrophic lifestyle with a capability to switch to biotrophy. The obtained evidence also supports that C. piceae EI-19(A) and C. piceicola EI-20 can cause severe canker disease symptoms in Picea spp. specifically. It was additionally observed that the strains of C. piceae may have different pathogenicity and virulence characteristics based on the analyses of predicted secondary metabolite complements, effectomes, and virulence-related genes. Phylogenomic analysis and timetree estimations indicated that divergence of the studied species may have occurred relatively late, 11-10 million years ago. Compared to other members of Diaporthales, C. piceae EI-19(A) and C. piceicola EI-20 implied a moderate rate of gene contraction, but the latter experienced significant gene loss that can additionally support host specificity attributed to these species. But uncovered gene contraction events may point out potential lifestyle differentiation and host shift of the studied species. It was revealed that EI-19(A) and C. piceicola EI-20 carry distinct secretomes and effectomes among Diaporthales species. This feature can indicate a species lifestyle and pathogenicity potential. These findings highlight potential targets for identification and/or detection of pathogenic Cytospora in conifers. The introduced draft genome sequences of C. piceae and C. piceicola can be employed as tools to understand basic genetics and pathogenicity mechanisms of fungal species causing canker disease in woody plants. The identified pathogenicity and virulence-related genes would serve as potential candidates for host-induced gene silencing aimed at making plant hosts more resistant to pathogenic species. Furthermore, the comparative genomics component of the study will facilitate the functional analysis of the genes of unknown function in all fungal pathogens
Revision of the genus Hemopsis Kirti & Rose, 1987 (Lepidoptera, Crambidae), with descriptions of three new species from China
No full textThe genus Hemopsis is revised based on adult morphological characteristics and DNA barcodes. Hemopsis abstracta sp. nov., H. coalita sp. nov., and H. heteroidea sp. nov. are described as new to science, and Hemopsis dissipatalis (Lederer, 1863) is DNA barcoded and redescribed based on new material from southern China. A key to Hemopsis species is given based on external morphology of adults and their genitalia characteristics. Images of adults and genitalia are provided
Antiplatelet therapy – platelet function test for platelet response assessment
No full textДвойната антиагрегантна терапия е основен фармакологичен механизъм за потискане на тромбоцитната функция с цел предотвратяване на тромботичните усложнения след перкутанна коронарна ангиопластика. Настоящите проучвания показват, че използването на прецизирана антитромбоцитна терапия води до значимо клинично подобрение след имплантация на стент. Необходимостта от индивидуализиране на терапията се обуславя от наличието на широки интериндивидуални вариации в тромбоцитния отговор и от различната фармакодинамика на отделните P2Y12 инхибитори – клопидогрел, празугрел и тикагрелор. Оценката на ADP индуцираната тромбоцитната агрегация спомага за предотвратяване както на нежеланите исхемични събития, така и на асоциирания риск от кървене. Основната цел на нашите проучвания първоначално беше установяване и преодоляване на резистентността към терапията с клопидогрел с оглед намаляване на нежеланите исхемични събития. С прилагането на празугрела и тикагрелора – медикаментите с по-силен и предвидим антиагрегантен ефект, вниманието ни се насочи към установяване на увеличен отговор и кървене на фона на двойна антиагрегантна терапия и индивидуализирането ѝ, с цел минимизиране на кървенето. Дългогодишният ни опит показва, че импедансната агрегометрия е бърз и надежден метод за оценка на тромбоцитната функция. Тестовете дават възможност за диференциране на пациентите с оптимална, висока и ниска тромбоцитна реактивност към терапията с P2Y12 инхибитори. Основният извод от нашите проучвания – липсата на исхемични събития при индивидуализирането на терапията без увеличаване на хеморагичния риск, осигурява намирането на баланс между исхемичните и хеморагичните усложнения по време на терапия. Dual antiplatelet therapy is the main pharmacological mechanism used to suppress platelet function in order to prevent thrombotic complications following percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Current studies show that the use of tailored antiplatelet therapy leads to significant clinical improvement after stent implantation. The need to individualize therapy is due to the presence of wide interindividual variations in platelet response and the differing pharmacodynamics of various P2Y12 inhibitors – clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor. Assessment of ADP-induced platelet aggregation helps prevent both adverse ischemic events and the associated bleeding risk. The primary objective of our studies was initially to establish and overcome resistance to clopidogrel therapy with the aim of reducing adverse ischemic events. With the introduction of prasugrel and ticagrelor – medications that offer a stronger and more predictable antiplatelet effect – our focus shifted to identifying increased response and bleeding in the context of dual antiplatelet therapy, and to individualizing therapy to minimize bleeding. Our long-term experience shows that impedance aggregometry is a fast and reliable method for evaluating platelet function. The tests allow for the differentiation of patients with optimal, high, and low platelet reactivity to P2Y12 inhibitor therapy. The main conclusion from our studies is that individualizing therapy leads to the absence of ischemic events without an increased risk of hemorrhage, thereby achieving a balance between ischemic and hemorrhagic complications during treatment
Phylogenetic analysis of Betta coccina complex (Teleostei, Osphronemidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island with descriptions of two new species
No full textThe Betta coccina complex is a diverse taxonomic group of fighting fish widely distributed in isolated islands in Southeast Asia. This genus is an ideal model for investigating freshwater fish evolutionary patterns and historical biogeography in the Malay Archipelago. In this study, based on principal component analysis of morphological traits, taxonomic diagnoses, and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, two new species are described from Sumatra Island, Betta iaspis sp. nov. and Betta mulyadii sp. nov. The former has a distinctive black anal fin with a few red patches on the posterior half, while the latter is red and unspotted throughout, distinguishing them with their five or six subdorsal scales from other members of the Betta coccina complex. Phylogenetic analysis of the Betta coccina complex based on Cyt b further suggests that the speciation and present distributional pattern of this complex cannot be explained simply by the current geographic isolation of the Strait of Malacca, but by the connection-isolation scenario in the Pleistocene biogeographic context in Sundaland. This metapopulation of extant Betta species suggests a potential radiative evolution before the Last Glacial Maximum. These findings advance our understanding of the taxonomy and biogeographic evolution of Betta species in Southeast Asia
Evaluation of the impact of sex on some biochemical markers in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis (comparison between hyperuricemia and normouricemia)
No full textIntroduction: Chronic kidney disease is characterized by the damage or dysfunction of the kidneys for a duration of at least three months, depending on its cause. End-stage kidney disease is defined by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or the need for long-term renal replacement therapy irrespective of GFR. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sex on the uric acid, albumin, urea, and creatinine levels, and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in end-stage renal disease patients. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Hakeem General Hospital in Al-Najaf, Iraq, from October 2023 to April 2024. The study included 50 patients with chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease. The following data were collected for each patient: age, sex, cause of end-stage disease, duration of dialysis, number of sessions, and adequacy of dialysis. In addition, biochemical markers were analyzed. Results: The study demonstrated that 35 patients (20 male and 15 female) had hyperuricemia, a condition characterized by elevated uric acid levels in the blood. A statistically significant difference was observed between male and female patients, with male patients demonstrating considerably higher uric acid levels compared to their female counterparts. Additionally, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between hyperuricemic and normouricemic groups, indicating an increase in the mean levels of serum urea, albumin, and uric acid in the hyperuricemia patients when compared with the normouricemic patients. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia was highly prevalent in end-stage renal disease patients. Patients with hyperuricemia had significantly higher serum albumin levels than those without, and a significant positive correlation was found between uric acid and blood glucose levels in the hyperuricemic group
Taxonomic review of the millipede genus Touranella Attems, 1937, with a redescription of the type species, T. gracilis Attems, 1937, and descriptions of three new species from Laos (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae)
No full textThe flat-back millipede genus Touranella Attems, 1937 is currently comprised of 13 species, including three new ones from Laos: T. chenla Likhitrakarn, sp. nov., T. srisonchaii Likhitrakarn, sp. nov., and T. jaegeri Likhitrakarn, sp. nov. The generic diagnosis is updated, a key is given to all known species, and their distributions are mapped. Additionally, T. gracilis, the type species of Touranella from Vietnam, has been redescribed and illustrated based on type specimens
Lonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae), a new species from Gansu, Northwest China
No full textLonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae), a new species from Lanzhou City, Gansu province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to L. webbiana in that it has a bilabiate corolla and a long peduncle. It differs by narrowly lanceolate leaves (vs. ovate to ovate-lanceolate), yellow-green corolla at the beginning and reddish-purple when mature (vs. purple-red) and long involucral bracts (vs. short). The new species is supported by the genetic differentiation and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and the combined sequences of chloroplast psbA-trnH and matK fragments
A new species of Tetragoniceps Brady, 1880 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Tetragonicipitidae) from an anchialine cave in Bermuda, with an updated key to the species of the genus
No full textTetragoniceps bermudensis sp. nov. (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Tetragonicipitidae) is described based on an ovigerous female collected from Roadside Cave, a tidally influenced anchialine cavern in Bermuda. The new taxon represents the 16th recorded species of Tetragoniceps Brady, 1880. It can be distinguished from congeneric species by the length:width ratio of the caudal rami (approximately 10 times longer than wide), its cephalothorax with a smooth dorsal surface, and the diagnostic setal formula of its pereiopods 1–5. Tetragoniceps bermudensis sp. nov. is the first record of Tetragoniceps from Bermuda and the first known anchialine species in the genus globally. Based on our description of the new species, we provide a revised key to the species of Tetragoniceps. In addition, we include an updated table of salient morphological characters for the females of the genus, providing grounds for a preliminary analysis of the phylogenetic relationships of its constituent species