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Clinacanthus nutans leaf extract prevents metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression in western diet-fed C57BL/6 mice
No full textThe phytochemical profile and hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and lipid-modulating effects of the ethanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans leaves were examined in male C57BL/6 mice fed a cholesterol-supplemented western diet. After 15 weeks of feeding, the untreated mice developed steatosis, lobular inflammation, and ballooning hepatocytes, with NAFLD activity scores ≥5, indicative of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Treatment with Clinacanthus nutans extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg from week 8 to 15 significantly reduced the liver-to-body weight ratio and NAFLD activity score, with dose-dependent histological improvement, particularly reduced lobular inflammation. AST, ALT, and hepatic malondialdehyde levels were significantly lowered in the treated groups, with effects exceeding those of atorvastatin. However, Clinacanthus nutans extract did not attenuate the elevated LDL-to-HDL ratio. In conclusion, Clinacanthus nutans extract effectively prevented the progression from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, likely through antioxidative mechanisms attributable to its high tannin content
Ligusticopsis shaniana, a new combination separated from Peucedanum sensu lato (Apiaceae) on the basis of morphological and phylogenetic evidence
No full textThe genus Peucedanum sensu lato is one of the most taxonomically difficult taxa within Apiaceae, including many medically and economically valuable plants. Although previous studies performed several taxonomic revisions for this genus, the taxonomic position of many taxa in the genus still has not been satisfactorily resolved, especially those endemic to China. In this study, to clarify the taxonomic position of Peucedanum shanianum, we performed comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses for this species. Morphological comparisons showed that Peucedanum shanianum has pinnate leaves, both pinnate and linear bracteoles, and numerous vittae in the mericarp commissure and each furrow, which are extremely similar to the genus Ligusticopsis but clearly different from Peucedanum sensu stricto, which has ternate leaves, linear-subulate or filiform bracteoles, a single vitta in a furrow, and two vittae on the commissure in a mericarp. However, mericarps with filiform dorsal ribs and linear bracts can easily distinguish Peucedanum shanianum from other Ligusticopsis members. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses based on plastome data and ITS sequences indicated that Peucedanum shanianum is only distantly related to Peucedanum sensu stricto members but nested in Ligusticopsis. Therefore, combining the evidence of morphology and phylogeny, we suggest that Peucedanum shanianum should be transferred to Ligusticopsis, and a new combination (Ligusticopsis shaniana) is proposed
A new species and two new records of Indomasonaphis Verma, 1971 (Hemiptera, Aphididae) from China
No full textIndomasonaphis Verma, 1971 is a small genus primarily distributed in the southern Himalayan region. The genus is morphologically characterized by a concave frons; sparse, long, thick, and blunt or capitate dorsal setae; long clavate siphunculi; spinulose tarsi; and conspicuously hairy cauda. Based on the examination of Chinese specimens, the genus Indomasonaphis is recorded for the first time in China. A new species, Indomasonaphis polygoni Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. on Polygonum sp. is described here. Additionally, Indomasonaphis anaphalidis (Basu, 1964) and Indomasonaphis rumicis (Chakrabarti & Raychaudhuri, 1975) are newly recorded here from China. DNA barcode sequences of two species in the genus, I. anaphalidis (Basu) and I. polygoni Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. were obtained for the first time. Keys to the Chinese species in this genus have been constructed
Multi-locus environmental DNA markers and taxon-specific primers enhanced detection rate of invasive tilapia
No full textTilapia are native to Africa. Due to introductions for aquaculture and the ornamental fish trade, several species of tilapia have now spread across five continents, making them some of the most ecologically harmful invasive species. During the early stages of their escape, tilapia are often difficult to detect using traditional fish survey methods. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) methods to monitor tilapia invasion is a promising supplementary approach, but currently no eDNA markers or suitable primers have been developed specifically for tilapia. In this study, we designed four pairs of tilapia-specific primers for use in multiplex PCR coupled with high-throughput sequencing, enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple tilapia species in a single reaction. We found that the taxon-specific primers (Tila-1–4) exhibited higher detection sensitivity compared to the universal primer (tele02), reaching 5.33 × 10-7 ng/µL. Furthermore, multi-locus amplification reached a 95% limit of detection (LOD) at 2.66 × 10−6 ng/µL, which was significantly better than 2.3 × 10-3 ng/µL for single-locus amplification. Finally, we collected water samples from nine rivers across four drainages in China to test the method that we developed. The results indicated that tilapia have invaded river systems such as the Yangtze River and the Pearl River. Specifically, Oreochromis niloticus and Coptodon zillii were the dominant invasive species detected, with some locations also showing the presence of O. aureus and Sarotherodon galilaeus. This method provides an effective tool for early monitoring of tilapia invasion, which may inspire the development of similar strategies for monitoring other invasive species
New contribution to the leafhopper genus Thapaia (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae), with the description of a new species from China
No full textThapaia malingensis Yuan & Song, sp. nov., a new species of Erythroneurini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from Maling River Canyon in Xingyi, China, is described and illustrated. A revised description of the genus is also provided, and a key to males of all species worldwide is given
Amazoboea, a new genus of Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from western Amazonia
No full textWe describe a new monotypic genus of Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Banchinae) from the Yasuní region, Ecuador: Amazoboea gen. nov. is described to accommodate A. selva sp. nov. The new genus was discovered from samples collected by canopy fogging in lowland rainforest. Amazoboea is placed in the tribe Atrophini where it is morphologically very distinctive and easily separated from all other banchine genera. Through the description of Amazoboea, we aim to draw attention to the considerable, yet little-known and threatened, fauna of Amazonian Darwin wasps
A taxonomic revision of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) with the description of a new species from Thailand
No full textA review of the taxonomic status of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data, revealed a new species from southern Thailand, which we describe as Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length; tibia short; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange. Phylogenetic analysis of the mtDNA fragment, including the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND1 gene sequences (up to 4,479 bp), confirms the placement of the new species as a sister of Ingerophrynus parvus s. str. (p-distance 5.37%). The genetic distinctiveness of Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. and I. parvus s. str. is further confirmed by not sharing haplotypes of three nuclear genes (POMC, BDNF, and RAG1). Bioacoustic analysis revealed stable differences between the male advertisement calls of the two species. Furthermore, ecological modeling shows that the new species is allopatric with respect to I. parvus s. str.; their ranges are likely separated by a biogeographical boundary of the Kangar-Pattani Line. The new species is currently known from low- to mid-elevations (ca. 65–1,000 m a.s.l.) in tropical forests of southern and western Thailand, southern Myanmar, and southwest Cambodia. We suggest the new species be considered Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Our study further underscores the urgent need for intensified integrative taxonomic research of the genus Ingerophrynus to clarify the taxonomy of wide-ranging species complexes and to elaborate effective conservation measures
Description of a species of the genus Paramesotriton (Caudata, Salamandridae) from Guizhou, China, based on morphological and genomic evidence
No full textSpecies identification and delimitation are critical for biodiversity conservation. Recent mitochondrial-based phylogenetic studies of the genus Paramesotriton, a group of small salamanders inhabiting mountain streams in southern China and northern Vietnam, suggest that its diversity may be underestimated. In this study, we confirm and characterize a new species, Paramesotriton wumengshanensis sp. nov., using morphological, mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2), mitogenome, and genomic evidence. This new species can be distinguished from other Paramesotriton species by characteristics such as rough and large body warts, large eyes, the absence of vestigial gills and gill filaments in adults, and distinctive vomerine teeth. Statistical analysis of the morphological data further showed that the new species is significantly different from its close relatives. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on concatenated and coalescent approaches, using both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated by restriction site-associated DNA sequencing, revealed that the new species forms a distinct lineage within the genus Paramesotriton, exhibiting a minimum genetic distance of 0.63% in mitochondrial ND2 compared to congeners. The observed cytonuclear discordance and minor mitochondrial differences among species may stem from historical gene flow and/or incomplete lineage sorting, and future studies using genomic evidence are needed to investigate their respective contributions. Based on this discovery, we recommend that independent evidence, especially genomic evidence, be integrated into the classification of closely related species to avoid falling into the trap of mitochondrial introgression
Optimization of gamma radiation and sodium azide treatments for induced mutations in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) tissue culture
No full textGinger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a versatile herb commonly used in cooking, food processing, medicine, and as an ingredient in various products. As an economically significant crop, ginger also has substantial export potential. This study aimed to determine the optimal dose of gamma radiation and the ideal concentration and exposure time for sodium azide treatment to induce mutations in ginger tissue culture. Ginger plantlets cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L of BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) were subjected to acute gamma irradiation at doses of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy (dose rate: 3.37 Gy/min) using the Gamma MARK I Irradiator at the Nuclear Technology Research Center (KU-NTRC), Kasetsart University. The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The survival rate and new shoot development of the M1V1 generation were assessed 60 days after irradiation (DAI). At 60 DAI, a significant difference was noted, with irradiated plantlets exhibiting lower survival rates compared to the control group. The survival rate among irradiated plantlets did not differ significantly across the 20–50 Gy range, with survival percentages ranging from 55.2% to 59.4%. As a result, the LD50 (60) could not be determined. However, an increased radiation dose negatively affected plantlet growth, with the new plantlet development at 60 DAI showing more significant inhibition than the control. Compared to the control, the dose causing a 50% reduction in tissue growth was identified as 16 Gy (GR50(60)). Therefore, the optimal gamma radiation dose for inducing mutations in ginger tissue culture is between 10 and 20 Gy. For sodium azide treatment, a factorial experiment in CRD with three replications was conducted, analyzing two factors: sodium azide concentration and exposure time. The results indicated that the most effective sodium azide concentration was 0.1 mM with a treatment duration of 1–2 hours, whereas 0.3 mM was optimal for treatments shorter than 1 hour. The M1V2 generation exhibited phenotypic changes, including variegated and curled leaves and dwarf plant morphology, resulting from the acute gamma irradiation and sodium azide treatments, suggest the potential development of new ornamental or compact ginger varieties
New species of the Brachyglutine genus Panabachia Park (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from Ecuador
No full textTwenty-two new species of Panabachia Park (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Brachyglutini: Brachyglutina), are described from montane forest and páramo habitats of Ecuador: Panabachia pahuma sp. nov., P. trifecta sp. nov., P. inornata sp. nov., P. amica sp. nov., P. winku sp. nov., P. ayauma sp. nov., P. pastazae sp. nov., P. romeroi sp. nov., P. uktu sp. nov., P. salebrosa sp. nov., P. urbana sp. nov., P. carltoni sp. nov., P. falini sp. nov., P. papallacta sp. nov., P. ananay sp. nov., P. cayambi sp. nov., P. cryptica sp. nov., P. caranqui sp. nov., P. patera sp. nov., P. vigilans sp. nov., P. perdita sp. nov., and P. ambulans sp. nov. Only two species of the genus have been previously described, from Panamanian and Guatemalan lowlands. But, based on unpublished records, the genus is now known to occur from Mexico to Bolivia, and includes several additional undescribed species. These new species exhibit important variability in the diversity in male secondary sexual characters. Images of the habitus, key characters and aedeagus are provided for the new species