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Abstract Background Retrograde approach technique has been challenging in percutaneous coronary interventional treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) coronary disease. The present study endeavors to determine a novel Chinese scoring system for predicting successful collateral channels traverse via retrograde approach. Methods The demographic characteristics and angiographic characteristics of 309 CTO patient were analyzed by univariable and multivariable analysis for selecting potential predictors. And the nomogram was used to establish the scoring system. Then it was evaluated by the internal and external validation. Results The predictors of Age, Connections between collateral channels and recipient vessels, and Channel Tortuosity (ACT) were identified with univariable and multivariable analysis and employed to the ACT score system. With acceptable calibrations, the area under curve of the scoring system and the external validation were 0.826 and 0.816 respectively. Based on score, the predictors were divided into three risk categories and it showed a consistent prediction power in the validation cohort. Conclusions The novel Chinese ACT score is a reliable tool for predicting successful retrograde collateral traverse.

BackgroundPrevious studies have confirmed the predicted value of serum glycated albumin (GA) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between GA and the development of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation has not been verified in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Materials and methodsIn this study, 797 patients diagnosed with ACS who underwent re-coronary angiography more than 6 months after the first successful DES-based percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were eventually included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the median GA levels of 14.94%. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis models and the net reclassification improvement and integrated differentiation improvement risk models were constructed to assess the relationship between the GA and DES-ISR in patients with ACS.ResultsThe GA was significantly associated with an increased risk of DES-ISR, upon adjusting for confounding factors (as nominal variate: OR 1.868, 95% CI 1.191–2.932, P = 0.007; as continuous variate: OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.040–1.183, P = 0.002). The addition of GA to a baseline risk model had an incremental effect on the predictive value for DES-ISR (AUC: GA vs. baseline model, 0.714 vs. 0.692, comparison P = 0.017; category-free net reclassification improvement (NRI) 0.080, P = 0.035; integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) 0.023, P < 0.001).ConclusionGA level was significantly associated with a high risk of DES-ISR in patients with ACS treated with PCI. Moreover, the addition of the GA to a baseline risk model has an incremental effect on the predictive potential for DES-ISR.

Fish are considered objective indicators of environmental health and ecosystem stability. Establishing regional reference databases of mitochondrial genome sequences from local fish communities can significantly enhance fish monitoring using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. For non-native species, the eDNA technique provides early detection and rapid monitoring. It is also crucial to include fundamental genetic information for both native and non-native species in genetic databases. This study presents the complete mitochondrial genomes of 17 fish species inhabiting the Baiyangdian Basin, a national key wetland in China. The mitochondrial DNA of these fish was analyzed to investigate their characteristics, and their phylogeny was determined using maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Various analyses were performed, including the examination of nucleotide composition, evaluation of AT-skew and GC-skew, analysis of codon frequency, and determination of relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values, and assessment of selection pressure on protein-coding genes (PCGs). The analysis showed that all PCGs in all fish underwent purifying selection. Using Xenocyprididae as a representative, this study investigated the genetic selection tendencies of native and non-native fish species in the Baiyangdian Basin. Significant differences were found in five of the 13 PCGs: COI, COII, COIII, Cytb, and ATP8. Except for ATP8, the findings indicated that the genes of nonnative species underwent stronger purifying selection during evolution compared to native species. Additionally, comparing the population? values of non-native species to those of native species showed that the Cytb and COIII genes exhibited greater differential purification selection than COI and COII. These differences may be the result of the evolution of non-native species to migrate and adapt to the Baiyangdian Basin, thereby affecting the evolution of related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male adult of Boreoheptagyia zhengi Lin & Liu, sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on material collected in China. Associated morphological characteristics and reference to its DNA barcode are provided. Boreoheptagyia kurobebrevis (Sasa & Okazawa, 1992) is newly recorded from China based on both a male and female, with additional associated data on the DNA barcode of the male adult. A neighbor-joining tree based on available Boreoheptagyia DNA barcodes and a key to the adults of Boreoheptagyia from China are given.

The escalating environmental changes are imposing multiple pressures on biodiversity conservation, thereby, more attention has been paid to fish diversity and community assembly patterns. Fish diversity in Liaohe River has deteriorated significantly due to overfishing, environmental pollution and other reasons, in addition, no fish survey related research has been published in Liaohe National Park in recent years. In order to study the diversity of fish species in the area and to investigate the presence of any invasive species. This study used eDNA metabarcoding to explore the distribution and diversity of fish communities in the Liaohe National Park. The study showed that a total of 54 species of fish from six orders, 14 families, and 39 genera were detected, meantime, the invasive species Lepomis cyanellus was found at two sampling sites. The α-diversity results showed that estuarine sites had the highest species diversity. The spatial structure of fish communities in the upstream and downstream reaches were similar as indicated by non-metric multidimensional scaling. In our study, the fish community is influenced by both deterministic and stochastic processes, with the stochastic processes being the main factor. The potential existence of L. cyanellus in Liaohe National Park might be resulted from aquaculture, ornamental pet trade, other economic fish farming, artificial release. The relatively low number of fish species in this study may be attributed to the limited number of sampling events and sampling sites. In addition to these factors, over exploitation of resources, water pollution, and the invasion of alien species have directly impacted the biodiversity of aquatic life. The results of this study lay a foundation for the future biodiversity investigation in National Parks of China, meantime, the use of eDNA monitoring is crucial to prevent, to control and limit the spreading of invasive species in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypedilum (Cerobregma) huapingensis Liu & Lin, sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on an adult male from Huaping National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. A DNA barcode analysis, including the known partial COI sequences of species in the Cerobregma subgenus, was conducted. An updated key to adult males of the subgenus Cerobregma is provided.

The utility of COI DNA barcodes in species delimitation is explored as well as life stage associations of five closely related Propsilocerus species: Propsilocerus akamusi (Tokunaga, 1938), Propsilocerus paradoxus (Lundström, 1915), Propsilocerus saetheri Wang, Liu et Paasivirta, 2007, Propsilocerus sinicus Sæther et Wang, 1996, and Propsilocerus taihuensis (Wen, Zhou et Rong, 1994). Results revealed distinctly larger interspecific than intraspecific divergences and indicated a clear “barcode gap”. In total, 42 COI barcode sequences including 16 newly generated DNA barcodes were applied to seven Barcode Index Numbers (BINs). A neighbor-joining (NJ) tree comprises five well-separated clusters representing five morphospecies. Comments on how to distinguish the larvae of P. akamusi and P. taihuensis are provided.

The Rheotanytarsus muscicola species group is generally considered to be a taxonomically difficult group of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae). In this study, we review the R. muscicola species group based on the adult males from China using morphology and DNA barcodes. Rheotanytarsus ferringtoni Lin & Yao sp. n. is described and figured, and four species (Rheotanytarsus falcipedius Kyerematen, Andersen & Sæther, 2000; Rheotanytarsus fluminis Kawai & Sasa, 1985; Rheotanytarsus illiesi Siebert, 1979; and Rheotanytarsus photophilus Goetghebuer, 1921) new to China are redescribed, figured and discussed. An updated key to known adult males of the R. muscicola species group is presented. Our study shows concordance between morphological species concepts and DNA barcodes.

Sergentia kizakiensis (Tokunaga, 1940) is newly recorded from Oriental China. Here, adult males are redescribed and illustrated. Additionally, we provide a DNA barcode of S. kizakiensis from China.

The recent transfer of Hayesomyia galbina Cheng & Wang, 2006 to Thienemannimyia (Hayesomyia) created a homonymy with Thienemannimyia (Thienemannimyia) galbina Cheng & Wang, 2009. Thienemannimyia (Hayesomyia) galbina (Cheng & Wang, 2006) has priority and Thienemannimyia (Thienemannimyia) sinogalbina nom. n. is proposed as a new replacement for the junior secondary homonymy Thienemannimyia (Thienemannimyia) galbina Cheng & Wang, 2009.

Examination of the holotype of Zavrelia bragremia Guo & Wang, 2007, revealed a few mistakes in the original description. Based on the type material and additional adult males from Oriental China, Z. bragremia is here redescribed and figured. An updated identification key to the males of Zavrelia is given.

The genus Parachironomus has a cosmopolitan distribution including 85 valid described species worldwide. Species records and studies of the genus in the Tibetan Plateau are scarce. In this study, the genus Parachironomus from China is revised and two new species, Parachironomus wangi Liu & Lin, sp. nov. and Parachironomus nankaiensis Liu & Lin, sp. nov., are described based on adult morphology and molecular data. Paracladopelma demissum Yan, Wang & Bu is placed in the genus Parachironomus as a new combination. A neighbor-joining tree was reconstructed based on all known Parachironomus COI DNA barcodes. A key to adult males of the genus Parachironomus from China is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dicrotendipes Kieffer from China, including 8 species, is reviewed. Two new species, D. nudus sp.n. and D. saetanumerosus sp.n. are described and the male imagines are illustrated; the record of D. fusconotatus (Kieffer) is the first for China. A key to the males of Dicrotendipes in China is given.

Tanytarsus xinglongensis Lin, a new species within the Tanytarsus aterrimus species group, is described and illustrated based on adult males from Oriental China. It is characterised by T-shaped tergal bands, rectangular superior volsella, and very short and stout stem of median volsella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used for phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis in Diptera, but the study of mitogenome is still scarce in the family Chironomidae. Methods. Here, the first complete mitochondrial genomes of four Chironomid species representing Diamesinae, Orthocladiinae, Prodiamesinae and Tanypodinae are presented. Coupled with published mitogenomes of two, a comparative mitochondrial genomic analysis between six subfamilies of Chironomidae was carried out. Results. Mitogenomes of Chironomidae are conserved in structure, each contains 37 typical genes and a control region, and all genes arrange the same gene order as the ancestral insect mitogenome. Nucleotide composition is highly biased, the control region displayed the highest ACT content. All protein coding genes are under purifying selection, and the ATP8 evolves at the fastest rate. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis covering six subfamilies within Chironomidae was conducted. The monophyly of Chironomidae is strongly supported. However, the topology of six subfamilies based on mitogenomes in this study is inconsistent with previous morphological and molecular studies. This may be due to the high mutation rate of the mitochondrial genetic markers within Chironomidae. Our results indicate that mitogenomes showed poor signals in phylogenetic reconstructions at the subfamily level of Chironomidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient drug used in cancer therapy; however, it can induce severe cytotoxicity, which limits its clinical application. In the present study, the effects of resveratrol (RES) on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activation in mediating DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cardiac cells was investigated. H9c2 cells were exposed to 5 µM DOX for 24 h to establish a model of DOX cardiotoxicity. Apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes was assessed using the MTT assay and Hoechst nuclear staining. The results demonstrated that pretreating H9c2 cells with RES prior to the exposure of DOX resulted in increased cell viability and a decreased quantity of apoptotic cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that DOX decreased the expression level of SIRT1. These effects were significantly alleviated by co-treatment with RES. In addition, the results demonstrated that DOX administration amplified forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and P53 expression levels in H9c2 cells. RES was also found to protect against DOX-induced increases of FoxO1 and P53 expression levels in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, the protective effects of RES were arrested by the SIRT1 inhibitor nicotinamide. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that RES protected H9c2 cells against DOX-induced injuries via SIRT1 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in wine, which is mainly produced by the grapevine and exerts chemopreventive effects against hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained to be fully elucidated. The present study assessed whether resveratrol-induced apoptosis was mediated via the activation of the forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) transcription factor. It was demonstrated that resveratrol treatment induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, and that this pro-apoptotic effect was accompanied with increases in the expression of apoptotic protein Bim. Following resveratrol treatment, Akt-mediated phosphorylation of FoxO3a was observed to be diminished in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, resveratrol enhanced the nuclear levels of FoxO3a and mediated neuronal death via Bim. The present study demonstrated that resveratrol induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells through activation of the transcription factor FoxO3a and increasing the expression of Bim protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient drug used in cancer therapy; however, it has severe cardiotoxic side effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/P53 pathway in mediating DOX-induced cytotoxicity. H9c2 cells were exposed to 5 μM DOX for 24 h to establish a model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. DOX administration ampli?ed P53 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax) expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression in H9c2 cells. Resveratrol increased the cell viability and decreased the apoptotic rate. In addition, resveratrol markedly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK. Of note, resveratrol protected against DOX-induced increases of P53 and Bax and also prevented the downregulation of Bcl-2 in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, AMPK inhibitor Compound C abolished the protective effects of resveratrol. The results of the present study therefore indicated that resveratrol protected H9c2 cells from DOX-induced apoptosis via the AMPK/P53 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway results in cancer cell scattering and invasion, and has been reported to participate in several types of cancer, including prostate and colorectal cancer. The downstream phosphorylation cascade of HGF, particularly the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway, regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the mechanism by which these signaling pathways govern EMT, and whether certain kinases are able to respond to specific EMT effectors, remains to be elucidated. In the present study, an increase in the levels of vimentin, rather than co-regulation of certain EMT marker proteins, was observed in response to HGF-induced EMT in DU145 prostate cancer cells. In addition, it was observed that curcumin abrogated HGF-induced DU145 cell scattering and invasion. Furthermore, curcumin was able to effectively inhibit the HGF-induced increase in the levels of vimentin by downregulating the expression of phosphorylated c-Met, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Snail. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that curcumin was able to reverse HGF-induced EMT, possibly by inhibiting c-Met expression in DU145 prostate cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, which can give rise to severe cardiotoxicity, limiting its clinical use. Preliminary evidence suggests that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may exert protective effects on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether peroxiredoxin III is involved in the cardioprotection of H2S against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The results demonstrated that DOX not only markedly induced injuries, including cytotoxicity and apoptosis, it also increased the expression levels of peroxiredoxin III. Notably, pretreatment with sodium hydrosulfide significantly attenuated the DOX-induced decrease in cell viability and increase in apoptosis, and also reversed the increased expression levels of peroxiredoxin III in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. In addition, pretreatment of the H9c2 cells with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, prior to exposure to DOX markedly decreased the expression levels of peroxiredoxin III. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that exogenous H2S attenuates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting the expression of peroxiredoxin III in H9c2 cells. In the present study, the apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes was assessed using an methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and Hoechst staining. The levels of Prx III and cystathionine-γ- lyase were examined by western blotting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent and available antitumor therapeutic agent; however, its clinical application is limited due to its cardiotoxicity. Preliminary evidence suggests that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may exert protective effects on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling pathway is involved in the cardioprotection of H2S against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The present study demonstrated that pretreatment with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; a donor of H2S) prior to DOX exposure attenuated the decreased cell viability, the increased apoptosis rate and the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cardiac myocytes. Exposure of H9c2 cardiac myocytes to DOX upregulated the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, which had been reduced by pretreatment with NaHS or N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a ROS scavenger. In addition, H2S upregulated the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 and downregulated the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax. Notably, U0126, a selective inhibitor of ERK1/2, was observed to mimic the above-mentioned cytoprotective activity of H2S. In conclusion, these findings indicate that H2S attenuates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ROS-mediated activation of ERK1/2 in H9c2 cardiac myocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent and currently available antitumor therapeutic agent; however, its clinical application is limited by the occurrence of cardiotoxicity. Preliminary evidence indicates that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may exert protective effects against DOX cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether calreticulin (CRT) is involved in the cardioprotection of H2S against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. DOX was observed to markedly induce injuries, including cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and also enhance the expression level of CRT. Notably, pretreatment of H9c2 cells with sodium hydrosulfide (a donor of H2S) significantly attenuated the decreased cell viability, the increased apoptosis rate and the increased expression level of CRT in H9c2 cells. In addition, pretreatment of H9c2 cells with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) prior to exposure to DOX, markedly decreased the expression of CRT. These results indicate that exogenous H2S attenuates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting CRT expression in H9c2 cardiac cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient drug used in cancer therapy; however, it produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce severe cytotoxicity, limiting its clinical application. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of peroxiredoxin III (Prx III) in DOX-induced H9c2 cell injuries. Following DOX treatment, the expression of phosphorylated-FoxO3a (p-FoxO3a) was decreased and Prx III expression was increased in H9c2 cells. In order to detect whether oxidative stress was involved in the induction of Prx III expression by FoxO3a, exogenous H2O2 was used to induce oxidative stress in the H9c2 cells. Apoptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes was assessed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and Hoechst staining. The levels of Prx III and p-FoxO3a were evaluated using western blot analysis. As expected, H2O2 was found to mimic the effect of DOX, decreasing the expression of p-FoxO3a and increasing the expression of Prx III. In addition, the study evaluated whether the transcription factor FoxO3a was essential for the expression of Prx III. Pretreatment of H9c2 cells with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a scavenger of ROS, prior to exposure to DOX dramatically increased the phosphorylation of FoxO3a and led to a marked reduction in Prx III expression in the H9c2 cells. In conclusion, the results of the current study suggest that FoxO3a mediates the expression of Prx III in DOX-induced injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the first recorded occurrence of the dicrotendipes inouei (D. inouei) Hashimoto, 1984 in Zhejiang Province, China. Topics discussed include the consideration of the dicrotendipes as pests due to implication of allergic reactions among humans in Africa, the collection of four D. inouei adults by using sweep nets, and the habitat tolerance of halophilous chironomids to brackish water influenced by sea water.

Po lypedilum (Tripodura) harteni Andersen & Mendes 2010 is recorded for the fi rst time in China, and the adult male from Zhejiang Province is illustrated. A key to the males of species in the subgenus P. (Tripodura) found in China is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese species of Parametriocnemus Goetghebuer are reviewed. Two species, P. fortis sp. n. and P. vittatus sp. n. are described and illustrated as males, and P. ornaticornis (Kieffer), P. scotti (Freeman) and P. brundini Sinharay & Chaudhuri are recorded from China for the first time. A key to the males of the seven Chinese Parametriocnemus species is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chironomidae is a cosmopolitan and species-rich family of insects, with many species serving as useful indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. In this study, we newly sequenced six species of Kiefferulus Goetghebuer, 1922 (Chironomidae: Chironominae) by high-throughput sequencing technology. We analyzed characters of the mitochondrial genome, including the sequence length, nucleotide composition, and evolutionary rates of this genus. The size of the newly obtained sequences ranged from 15,588 to 15,767 bp, and all of them included 22 tRNAs, 13 PCGs, 2 rRNAs, and 1 CR. The CR showed the highest AT content relative to the PCGs, rRNAs, and tRNAs. Relative synonymous codon usage analysis showed that UUA, UUU, and AUU are the preferred codons. The ratio of nonsynonymous (Ka) to synonymous (Ks) substitution rates showed that all Ka/Ks of PCGs were lower than 1, with ATP8 having the highest evolution rate, while COX1 exhibited the lowest evolution rate. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationship of the genus Kiefferulus based on eight species (six ingroups and two outgroups), using five matrices and employing Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches. Phylogenetic analysis of the Kiefferulus showed that six species within this genus were classified into a monophyletic clade.

The adoption of DNA-based assessments for biodiversity monitoring has been on the rise. However, the effectiveness of DNA-based taxonomic assignments heavily relies on the availability and reliability of DNA barcode libraries. There is growing demand for a comprehensive understanding of aquatic biodiversity and the critical role of Chironomidae, specifically Stenochironomus in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, our objective is to develop a reference barcode library for Stenochironomus in China. From 2016 to 2021, we collected Stenochironomus specimens in diverse Chinese landscapes using malaise traps, light traps, and sweep nets. These specimens were carefully preserved for DNA extraction and barcode sequencing. Our analysis unveiled 36 unique operational taxonomic units from 180 COI barcode sequences through a Neighbor-Joining tree and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery program, highlighting a significant diversity within the Stenochironomus species. The findings emphasize the constraints of conventional morphological identification methods, especially for species with ambiguous morphologies. It also underscores the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in revealing hidden species diversity, known as cryptic species. Consequently, this study advocates for an integrated taxonomic approach, combining morphological and molecular data, to refine species identification and conservation strategies.

Axarus fungorum (Albu, 1980) exhibits certain adaptations to different aquatic environments, appearing as an important evaluation element for freshwater quality monitoring. In this study, complete mitogenome of A. fungorum was provided for the first time to define the systematic and phylogenetic history of this taxon. The whole mitogenome is 15,696 bp long with high A + T content that consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a noncoding control region. ML analysis showed support for monophyly of Chironominae and close relationship between A. fungorum and Chironomus generic genera.

Abstract Environmental DNA metabarcoding is becoming a predominant tool in biodiversity assessment, as this time‐ and cost‐efficient tactics have the ability to increase monitoring accuracy. As a worldwide distributed genus, Rheocricotopus Brundin, 1956 still does not possess a complete and comprehensive global DNA barcode reference library for biodiversity monitoring. In the present study, we compiled a cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) DNA barcode library of Rheocricotopus with 434 barcodes around the world, including 121 newly generated DNA barcodes of 32 morphospecies and 313 public barcodes. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) was applied on the 434 COI barcodes to provide a comparison between the operational taxonomic units (OTU) number calculated from the Barcode Index Number (BIN) with the “Barcode Gap Analysis” and neighbor‐joining (NJ) tree analysis. Consequently, these 434 COI barcodes were clustered into 78 BINs, including 42 new BINs. ABGD yielded 51 OTUs with a prior intraspecific divergence of Pmax = 7.17%, while NJ tree revealed 52 well‐separated clades. Conservatively, 14 unknown species and one potential synonym were uncovered with reference to COI DNA barcodes. Besides, based on our ecological analysis, we discovered that annual mean temperature and annual precipitation could be considered as key factors associated with distribution of certain members from this genus. Our global DNA barcode reference library of Rheocricotopus provides one fundamental database for accurate species delimitation in Chironomidae taxonomy and facilitates the biodiversity monitoring of aquatic biota.

Bone cancer pain (BCP) is excruciating for cancer patients, with limited clinical treatment options and significant side effects, due to the complex and unclear pathogenesis of bone cancer pain. Peripheral sensitization in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons is a recognized cellular mechanism for bone cancer pain. The pathological mechanism of chronic pain is increasingly being affected by epigenetic mechanisms. In this study, we unbiasedly showed that the DNA hydroxymethylase ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) expression was significantly increased in the L4–6 DRG of BCP rats and ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) expression did not change significantly. Notably, TET1 inhibition by intrathecal injection of Bobcat339 (a TET1 inhibitor) effectively relieved mechanical hyperalgesia in BCP rats. Peripheral sensitization in chronic pain relies on the activation and overexpression of ion channels on neurons. Here, we demonstrated that TRPV4, one of the transient receptor potential ion channel family members, was significantly elevated in the L4–6 DRG of BCP rats. In addition, TRPV4 inhibition by intrathecal injection of HC067047 (a TRPV4 inhibitor) also significantly attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia in BCP rats. Interestingly, we found that TET1 inhibition downregulated TRPV4 expression in the L4–6 DRG of BCP rats. As a result, these findings suggested that TET1 may contribute to bone cancer pain by upregulating TRPV4 expression in the L4–6 DRG of BCP rats and that TET1 or TRPV4 may become therapeutic targets for bone cancer pain.

Abstract As global biodiversity declines, there is an increasing need to create an educated and engaged society. Having people of all ages participate in measuring biodiversity where they live helps to create awareness. Recently, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity surveys has gained momentum. Here, we explore whether sampling eDNA and sequencing it can be used as a means of rapidly surveying urban biodiversity for educational purposes. We sampled 2 × 1 L of water from each of 15 locations in the city of Trondheim, Norway, including a variety of freshwater, marine, and brackish habitats. DNA was extracted, amplified in triplicate targeting the barcoding fragment of COI gene, and sequenced. The obtained data were analyzed on the novel mBRAVE platform, an online open‐access software and computing resource. The water samples were collected in 2 days by two people, and the laboratory analysis was completed in 5 days by one person. Overall, we detected the presence of 506 BINs identified as belonging to 435 taxa, representing at least 265 putative species. On average, only 5.4% of the taxa were shared among six replicates per site. Based on the observed diversity, three distinct clusters were detected and related to the geographic distribution of sites. There were some taxa shared between the habitats, with a substantial presence of terrestrial biota. Here we propose a new form of BioBlitz, where with noninvasive sampling effort combined with swift processing and straightforward online analyses, hundreds of species can be detected. Thus, using eDNA analysis of water is useful for rapid biodiversity surveys and valuable for educational purposes. We show that rapid eDNA surveys, combined with openly available services and software, can be used as an educational tool to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

Abstract Mitogenomes have been widely used for phylogenetic reconstruction of various Dipteran groups, but specifically for chironomid, they have not been carried out to resolve the relationships. Diamesinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) are important bioindicators for freshwater ecosystem monitoring, but its evolutionary history remains uncertain for lack of information. Here, coupled with one previously published and 30 new mitogenomes of Diamesinae, we carried out comparative mitogenomic analysis and phylogenetic analysis. Mitogenomes of Diamesinae were conserved in structure, and all genes arranged in the same order as the ancestral insect mitogenome. All protein‐coding genes in Diamesinae were under stronger purifying selection than those of other nonbiting midge species, which may exhibit signs of adaptation to life at cold living conditions. Phylogenetic analyses strongly supported the monophyly of Diamesinae, with Boreheptagyiini deeply nested within Diamesini. In addition, phylogenetic relationship of selected six genera was resolved, except Sympotthastia remained unstable. Our study revealed that the mitogenomes of Diamesinae are highly conserved, and they are practically useful for phylogenetic inference.

The midge Changania choui Tseng, 1965 (Insecta, Diptera, Nematocera), originally described in the family Cecidomyiidae and recently transferred to the Ceratopogonidae, is recognised as an adult female in the Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The type material is missing, and the published description and illustrations are limited. Although the genus name Changania Tseng, 1965 becomes a new junior synonym of Thienemanniella Kieffer, 1911, Thienemanniella choui (Tseng 1965), new combination, should be treated as a nomen dubium.

Mitochondrial genomics, as a useful marker for phylogenetics and systematics of organisms, are important for molecular biology studies. The phylogenetic relationships of the Polypedilum generic complex remains controversial, due to lack taxonomy and molecular information. In this study, we newly sequenced mitogenomes of 14 species of the Polypedilum generic complex. Coupled with three recently published sequences, we analyzed the nucleotide composition, sequence length, and evolutionary rate of this generic complex. The control region showed the highest AT content. The evolution rate of protein coding genes was as follows: ATP8 > ND6 > ND5 > ND3 > ND2 > ND4L > ND4 > COX1 > ND1 > CYTB > APT6 > COX2 > COX3. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships among the genera within the Polypedilum generic complex based on 19 mitochondrial genomes (seventeen ingroups and two outgroups), using Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods for all databases. Phylogenetic analysis of 19 mitochondrial genomes demonstrated that the Endochironomus + Synendotendipes was sister to Phaenopsectra + Sergentia.

(1) Background: Chironomids are biological indicators, playing an important role in monitoring and assessing the changes in water ecosystems. Mitochondrial genomes have been widely applied as a molecular marker to analyze the taxonomy and phylogeny of insects. However, knowledge of the mitogenomes of Chironomus species is scarce at present, which limits our understanding of the evolutionary relationships among Chironomus. (2) Methods: In our study, the mitogenomes and their basic structure of 12 Chironomus species and one Microchironomus species were newly sequenced. Combined with reported mitogenomes, a total of 15 mitogenomes of Chironomus were selected for a comparative mitogenomic analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction of Chironomus. (3) Results: Each mitogenome of the Chironomus species has the typical 37 genes and a control region. The basic structure of the whole mitogenomes of Chironomus species is relatively conservative, and the genetic arrangements stay the same as the ancestral mitogenome. (4) Conclusions: Our study enriches the library of mitogenomes of chironomids and provides a valuable resource for understanding the evolutionary history of Chironomus.

Tanypus punctipennis Meigen, 1818 is an important bioindicator for freshwater ecosystems monitoring. Although COI barcode analyses have been performed on T. punctipennis, the mitogenome of this taxon has not been assembled and analyzed. Here, the complete mitogenome of T. punctipennis was sequenced and analyzed to confirm the systematic and phylogenetic history of this species. The mitogenome is 16,215 bp long with high A + T content, and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a noncoding control region. The phylogenomic analysis supports monophyletic Tanypodinae and close relationship between T. punctipennis and Clinotanypus. Our results indicate that mitogenomes showed strong signals in phylogenetic reconstructions at the genus level of Tanypodinae.

Microchironomus tabarui Sasa, 1987 is an important bioindicator for freshwater ecosystem monitoring. Although COI barcode analyes have been performed on M. tabarui, the mitogenome of this taxon has not been assembled and analyzed. Here the complete mitogenome of M. tabarui was sequenced and analyzed to confirm the systematic and phylogenetic history of this species. The mitogenome is 15,667 bp long with high A + T content and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a noncoding control region. The phylogenomic analysis support monophyletic Chironominae and close relationship between M. tabarui and Chironomus. Our results indicate that mitogenomes showed strong signals in phylogenetic reconstructions at the genus level of Chironominae.

(1) Background: Gene rearrangement of mitochondrial genome, especially those with phylogenetic signals, has long fascinated evolutionary biologists. The synapomorphic gene rearrangements have been identified across multiple orders and at many different taxonomic levels, supporting the monophyletic or systematic relationships of related lineages. However, mitochondrial gene rearrangement has never been observed in the non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae); (2) methods: in this study, the complete mitogenomes of seven Stenochironomus species were sequenced and analyzed for the first time; (3) results: each mitogenome of Stenochironomus contains 37 typical genes and a control region. The whole mitogenomes of Stenochironomus species exhibit a higher A+T bias than other published chironomid species. The gene order rearranges from trnI-trnQ-trnM to trnI-trnM-trnQ in all the seven mitogenomes of Stenochironomus, which might be act as a synapomorphy of the genus, supporting the monophyletic of Stenochironomus species. In addition, another derived gene cluster: trnA-trnG-ND3-trnR exists in Stenochironomus tobaduodecimus. The derived gene orders described above are the first case of mitochondrial gene rearrangement in Chironomidae. Coupled with published data, phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed within Chironominae, and strongly supported the monophyly of Stenochironomus; (4) conclusions: our study provides new insights into the mitochondrial gene order of Chironomidae, and provides a valuable resource for understanding the synapomorphic gene rearrangements.