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Primulina silaniae X.X.Bai & F.Wen, a new species of Primulina Hance (Gesneriaceae) from the limestone area of Wangmo County, Guizhou Province, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to P. spiradiclioides Z.B.Xin & F.Wen, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by a combination of characteristics, especially in the lateral veins of its leaf and floral shape and tube. At present, three populations in one locality of this new taxon were found, totaling about 600 mature individuals. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 3.1), the species is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable [VU D1].

As classical MRPs, the toxic effects of furosine, pyralline, and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) in liver tissue are evaluated and the related mechanism is investigated here, and the protective effects of lactoferrin on liver injury caused by Maillard reaction products (MRPs) with furan ring are proved in vitro and in vivo. First, we detect the concentrations of furosine, pyralline, and 5‐HMF in several foods using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Then, the effects of the three MRPs on liver cells (HL‐7702) viability, as well as liver tissue, are performed and evaluated. Furthermore, the regulations of three MRPs on necroptosis‐related pathway in liver cells are investigated. Additionally, the effects of lactoferrin in alleviating liver injury, as well as regulating necroptosis pathway, were evaluated. Results elucidate that lactoferrin protects liver injury caused by MRPs with furan ring structure through activating RIPK1/RIPK3/p‐MLKL necroptosis pathway and downstream inflammatory reaction., Lactoferrin protects liver injury caused by MRPs with furan ring structure through activating RIPK1/RIPK3/p‐MLKL necroptosis pathway and downstream inflammatory reaction.

Pseudochirita trifoliata, a new Gesneriaceae species from Pu Luong-Cuc Phuong limestone mountain range in northern Vietnam is described and illustrated here. This new taxon is the second species of the narrowly endemic genus Pseudochirita which is known from limestone areas in southern China and northern Vietnam. It is easily distinguished from P. guangxiensis by a set of differences on the leaves, bracts, calyx, external corolla indumentum, staminode number, pistil length, ovary indumentum, style indumentum, and capsule length. A detailed description, illustration, information on distribution, ecology, phenology, provisional conservation assessment using IUCN categories and criteria of the proposed new species, and comparison with its similar species, are also provided.

Didymocarpus lobulatus, a new species endemic to Zhejiang province, eastern China, is described and illustrated with photographs. The new species is morphologically similar to D. heucherifolius, D. cortusifolius and D. salviiflorus in leaf morphology, but can be easily distinguished by a combination of characters, including the shape of bracts, calyx and calyx lobes.

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulina titan, is described and photographed from northern Guangxi, China. It resembles P. hunanensis,but can be distinguished by combined morphological characters of leaf,bract, corolla, stamen and pistil. We found only one population with approx.800 mature individuals at the type locality. This species is provisionally assessed as vulnerable [VU D1] using IUCN criteria.

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Oreocharis jasminina S.J.Ling, F.Wen & M.X. Ren from Hainan Island, south China, is highlighted and described. The new species is distinguished by its actinomorphic corolla, narrow floral tube and ovate anthers hidden in the floral tube. The new species also showed clear geographic and altitudinal isolation from the three currently-recognised Oreocharis species on the Island. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on nuclear ITS1/2 and plastid trnL-trnF sequences, supported the delimitation of the new species, which forms a single lineage with all the other Oreocharis species from Hainan Island. The roles of geographic and floral isolation in the evolution of the new species and its affinities are discussed.

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon luteoflorus Lei Cai & F.Wen was first described and illustrated from Maolan National Nature Reserve, Libo County, Guizhou Province, China. The diagnostic characters and notes of this species between its most morphologically similar species, P. dealbatus Hance, a detailed description, colour photographs, etymology, as well as distribution and habitat, are also provided in this paper.

The newly-circumscribed genus Oreocharis is recently enlarged by incorporating ten other genera with high floral diversity. In this study, our morphological, molecular and cytological evidence supports our adding two species from other two different genera (Boeica and Beccarinda) to Oreocharis. The special corolla shape (campanulate or flat-faced) and related short filament of these two new combinations, Oreocharis guileana and O. baolianis, further enrich the diversity of floral characters of the enlarged Oreocharis. Meanwhile, some supplementary and amended descriptions of these two species are made here. Our morphological, molecular and geographical data indicate that O. guileana is related to O. pilosopetiolata to a certain extent. For O. baolianis, however, our current dataset does not allow conclusions on the species relationship within Oreocharis.

Aeschynanthus monetaria, a beautiful epiphytic species of Gesneriaceae, was rediscovered in monsoon rain forest along the Yarlung Zangbo River in Motuo County, Southeast Tibet (Xizang), China. Its description is amended and completed with both fresh and dried specimens in this discovery. To better facilitate its identification, the color images in the field and line illustrations based on our specimens are given. A taxonomic note concerning its lectotype and the ending of specific epithet is discussed.

Cancer therapeutic strategies based on angiogenesis attract great attention from fundamental and clinical research. Blocking oxygen and nutrition supply to tumor cells could inhibit the growth of tumors based on occlusion of blood vessels in the tumor. Herein, we report a dual-responsive peptide-based nanoparticle, mimicking the laminin fibrillogenesis specifically and highly efficiently in tumor vessels, resulting in the blockage of tumor vessels and the growth inhibition of tumors. The laminin mimic peptide (LMMP) is designed with a fibrillation sequence, a pH-responsive sequence, and a targeting sequence. The LMMP in nanoformulations is delivered to blood vessels in the tumors, where the microenvironment (pH and microthrombus) enable LMMP to process laminin fibrillogenesis, constructing fibrous networks. The laminin-like fibrous networks capture red blood cells etc., forming occlusion specifically in the tumor blood vessels to inhibit the growth of the tumor.

Michaelmoelleria, a new genus from southern Vietnam is described with a single species, M. vietnamensis. The new genus is morphologically most similar to Deinostigma and Tribounia but it differs from the latter two by having four fertile stamens. Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and plastid trnL-F intron spacer (trnL-F) DNA sequence data from the new genus and eighty-seven species representing 42 genera within tribe Didymocarpeae are used to resolve its generic placement. The molecular evidence reveals that it is most closely related to Cathayanthe rather than Deinostigma and Tribounia. The chromosome number is counted as 2n = 36 that further clarified its distinction comparing to the related genera within tribe Didymocarpeae. A global conservation assessment is also performed and classifies Michaelmoelleria vietnamensis as Critically Endangered (CR).

Ophiorrhiza hoanglienensis, a new species from Hoang Lien mountain range, north-western Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by oblong-lanceolate stipules, equal or subequal paired leaves, congested-cymose inflorescences with 5–10-flowered, distylous flowers, well-developed bracts, lanceolate, 15–20 mm long, unequally 5-lobed calyx with narrowly lanceolate lobes, longest one 3.2–3.5 mm long, shortest one 1.2–2 mm long, exclusively white corolla with 25–28 mm long tube and ovate to broadly triangular lobes, dorsally ribbed without horn. The information on ecology, conservation status, and comparison with similar species is also provided.

Achimenes Pers. is well known for its floral diversity and widely used in horticulture, but its phylogenetic position is still poorly understood. And most research about the complete chloroplast genome sequence focused on the Old World species; therefore, we think it is necessary to examine taxa of the New World in more detail. This study determined the complete chloroplast genome of Achimenes cettoana H.E. Moore. The cp genome was 153,011 bp in a total length containing two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,162 bp separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,669 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,018 bp. The whole cp genome of A. cettoana contains 112 genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. This plastid genome is firstly reported in the New World Gesneriaceae, which will be a valuable resource for future studies on breeding, conservation genetics, and phylogeny of Gesneriaceae.

This study was the first report for the complete chloroplast genome of Passiflora serrulata Jacq. (Passifloraceae). The cp genome was 149,683 bp in length contained two inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,470 bp, which were separated by large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) of 86,252 bp and 13,491 bp, respectively. A total of 110 functional genes were encoded, comprised 76 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The GC content was 37.0%. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree indicated that P. serrulata was recovered as the member of subg. Passiflora and most closely related to the clade formed by P. serratodigitata and P. ligularis.

BackgroundChronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is an acquired hematopoietic stem malignant disease originating from the myeloid system. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been widely explored in cancer tumorigenesis. However, their roles in CML remain largely unclear.MethodsThe peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CML cell lines (K562, KCL22, MEG01, BV173) were collected for in vitro research. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA expression levels. Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by cell counting kit 8 and flow cytometry assays. The targeting relationships were predicted using Starbase and TargetScan and ulteriorly verified by RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. Western blotting assay was performed to assess the protein expressions. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification sites were predicted by SRAMP and confirmed by Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assay.ResultsLncRNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) expression levels were decreased in the CML cell lines and PBMCs of CML patients. Moreover, METTL3-mediated m6A modification induced the aberrant expression of NEAT1 in CML. Overexpression of NEAT1 inhibited cell viability and promoted the apoptosis of CML cells. Additionally, miR-766-5p was upregulated in CML PBMCs and abrogated the effects of NEAT1 on cell viability and apoptosis of the CML cells. Further, CDKN1A was proved to be the target gene of miR-766-5p and was downregulated in the CML PBMCs. Knockdown of CDKN1A reversed the effects of NEAT1.ConclusionThe current research elucidates a novel METTL3/NEAT1/miR-766-5p/CDKN1A axis which plays a critical role in the progression of CML.

Primulina serrulata R.B.Zhang & F. Wen, a new species from a limestone area in southeastern Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated here. The new species is morphologically related to P. fimbrisepala (Hand.-Mazz.) Y.Z.Wang. We examined the morphological differences between these congeners and provide illustrations and photographs of this new species in this paper.

Before 2010, Hemiboea Clarke (1798: 18) included about 23 species and 5 varieties mostly in central, southern and southwestern China, northern Vietnam and southern Japan (Ryukyu Islands), with the highest species diversity in southern and southwestern China (Weber 2004, Li & Wang 2004). Over the last two decades, 11 new taxa have been found and described in southern and southwestern China: eight new species and one new variety from Guangxi province (Li 2004, Li & Liu 2004, Xu et al. 2010, 2012, Wen et al. 2011, 2013, Pan et al. 2012, Zhou et al. 2013), two new species from Yunnan (Zhang et al. 2014, Chen et al. 2018), and one from Guizhou (Li et al. 2018). Meanwhile, the genus Metabriggsia Wang (1983: 1) including two species was revised and merged within Hemiboea (Weber et al. 2011). Additionally, H. subcapitata var. pterocaulis Li (2004: 261) was assigned from a variety to a distinct species, namely H. pterocaulis (Z.Y.Li) J.Huang, X.G.Xiang & Q.Zhang in Huang et al. (2017: 8) based on extensive morphological, phenological and molecular studies.

Foods supplemented with lactoferrin are an increasing trend owing to its multiple functions. Therefore, a reliable analytical method for the nutritional assessment and quality control of lactoferrin containing foods must be established. A method for the determination of native lactoferrin in milk using a HiTrapTM Heparin HP column coupled with HPLC was developed and validated. The conditions for lactoferrin enrichment in milk using the HiTrapTM Heparin HP column were optimized. A linear range of 2 to 100 mg L-1 was obtained for lactoferrin standards, with a R2 value of 0.9989. The detection limit (LOD) and quantification limit (LOQ) of the lactoferrin standards were 2.00 and 6.67 mg L-1, respectively. Considering the enrichment factor involved in the pre-treatment procedures, LOD and LOQ for detection of milk sample were 0.57 and 1.90 mg L-1, respectively. In addition, milk samples spiked with lactoferrin at three concentration levels (2, 5, and 10 mg/L) showed overall mean recovery of 88.3%, 90.2% and 95.1%, respectively. The relative standard deviations of intra-day and inter-day precision were 1.3% ~ 4.8%, and 2.1% ~ 5.7%, respectively, indicating that the present method showed good performances. Furthermore, the successful quantification of lactoferrin in raw milk and processed milk demonstrated the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed method.

Five new species of Primulina (Gesneriaceae) are described and illustrated here, namely P.purpureokylin F. Wen, Yi Huang & W. Chuen Chou, P.persica F. Wen, Yi Huang & W. Chuen Chou, P.cerina F. Wen, Yi Huang & W. Chuen Chou, P.niveolanosa F. Wen, S. Li & W. Chuen Chou and P.leiyyi F. Wen, Z.B. Xin & W. Chuen Chou. The characteristic traits of these species, together with photographs, detailed descriptions, notes on etymology, distribution, and habitat, as well as comparisons with morphologically similar species, are provided.

Chrysosplenium sangzhiense Hong Liu, a new species from Hunan, China, is described and illustrated. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the new species belongs to subgen. Chrysosplenium and is closely related to C. grayanum, C. nepalense and C. sinicum. The chromosome number of the new species is 2n = 46, indicating a novel basic number x = 23 in Chrysosplenium that is different from other species. This also suggests that C. sangzhiense is probably an allopolyploid derivative of a species with x = 11 and one with x = 12. Morphologically, C. sangzhiense can be easily distinguished from C. grayanum, C. nepalense, C. sinicum and C. cavaleriei, a species not included in our phylogenetic analysis by a suite of characters relating to the sterile shoots, basal leaves, cauline leaves, flowering stem, sepals, disc, capsule and seed. A global conservation assessment is performed, and classifies C. sangzhiense as Least Concern (LC).

Petrocodon vietnamensis, a new species from karst cave in north Vietnam is described and illustrated. It is morphologically close to P. bonii, but can be distinguished from the latter by having a green, 3–6 cm long peduncle; green, ca 5 mm long calyx lobes; narrow infundibuliform, a 1.1–1.2 cm long corolla tube; ovate abaxial lip lobes; pink to white, 9.5–10.5 mm long filaments; lateral staminodes adnate to ca 12 mm above the corolla base; densely white glandular‐puberulent pistil; a pink to white, 5.5–7.5 mm long style; a white stigma, and a 2–3 cm long capsule. Information on ecology, phenology, preliminary conservation assessment of the new species and a key for the taxonomic identification of Petrocodon species in Vietnam are also provided.

Myo-inositol and its metabolic derivatives such as pinitol, galactinol, and raffinose affect growth and development and are also involved in stress adaptation. Previous studies have identified myo-inositol transporters (INTs) as transporters of Na+ from root to shoot in the halophyte ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum). We found that the supply of myo-inositol could alleviate the dehydration effects of salt-stressed ice plant seedlings by decreasing the Na/K ratio in roots and increasing the Na/K ratio in shoots. Analyses of the uptake of exogenous myo-inositol revealed that ice plant seedlings contained intrinsic high-affinity transporters and inducible low-affinity uptake systems. The presence of Na+ facilitated both high- and low-affinity myo-inositol uptake. Six INT genes were identified from the ice plant transcriptome and named McINT1a, 1b, 2, 4a, 4b, and 4c, according to the classification of the Arabidopsis INT family. In seedlings treated with myo-inositol, salt, or myo-inositol plus salt, the expression patterns of all McINT members differed in shoot and root, which indicates organ-specific regulation of McINTs by salt and myo-inositol. The expression of McINT2, 4a, 4b, and 4c was induced by salt stress in shoot and root, but that of McINT1a and 1b was salt-induced only in shoot. The expression of pinitol biosynthesis gene IMT1 was induced by salt and myo-inositol, and their combination had a synergistic effect on the accumulation of pinitol. Supply of myo-inositol to salt-treated seedlings alleviated the detrimental effects by maintaining a low root Na/K ratio and providing precursors for the synthesis of compatible solute to maintain the osmotic balance.

Primulina papillosa Z.B. Xin, W.C. Chou & F. Wen, a new species from limestone areas of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated here. It morphologically resembles P. linearifolia (W.T. Wang) Yin Z. Wang and P. pseudolinearifolia W.B. Xu & K.F. Chung, but can be easily distinguished by some combined characters, especially its leaf blades densely papillose-hispid. We found only one population at the type locality with no more than 200 individuals, so that this new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) using IUCN Criteria.

Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B. Xin & F. Wen (Gesneriaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It resembles P. curvituba, but can be easily distinguished from it by several characters, especially by its straight corolla tube. We found only one population with fewer than 200 mature individuals at the type locality.

Mountain systems harbor a substantial fraction of global biodiversity and, thus, provide excellent opportunities to study rapid diversification and to understand the historical processes underlying the assembly of biodiversity hotspots. The rich biodiversity in mountains is widely regarded as having arisen under the influence of geological and climatic processes as well as the complex interactions among them. However, the relative contribution of geology and climate in driving species radiation is seldom explored. Here, we studied the evolutionary radiation of Oreocharis (Gesneriaceae), which has diversified extensively throughout East Asia, especially within the Hengduan Mountains (HDM), using transcriptomic data and a time calibrated phylogeny for 88% (111/126) of all species of the genus. In particular, we applied phylogenetic reconstructions to evaluate the extent of incomplete lineage sorting accompanying the early and rapid radiation in the genus. We then fit macroevolutionary models to explore its spatial and diversification dynamics in Oreocharis and applied explicit birth–death models to investigate the effects of past environmental changes on its diversification. Evidence from 574 orthologous loci suggest that Oreocharis underwent an impressive early burst of speciation starting ca. 12 Ma in the Miocene, followed by a drastic decline in speciation toward the present. Although we found no evidence for a shift in diversification rate across the phylogeny of Oreocharis, we showed a difference in diversification dynamics between the HDM and non-HDM lineages, with higher diversification rates in the HDM. The diversification dynamic of Oreocharis is most likely positively associated with temperature-dependent speciation and dependency on the Asian monsoons. We suggest that the warm and humid climate of the mid-Miocene was probably the primary driver of the rapid diversification in Oreocharis, while mountain building of the HDM might have indirectly affected species diversification of the HDM lineage. This study highlights the importance of past climatic changes, combined with mountain building, in creating strong environmental heterogeneity and driving diversification of mountain plants, and suggests that the biodiversity in the HDM cannot directly be attributed to mountain uplift, contrary to many recent speculations.[East Asian monsoons; environmental heterogeneity; Hengduan Mountains; incomplete lineage sorting; Oreocharis; past climate change; rapid diversification; transcriptome.]

Sparganii rhizoma (SL) has potential therapeutic effects on gastric cancer (GC), but its main active ingredients and possible anticancer mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we used HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS to comprehensively analyse the chemical components of the aqueous extract of SL. On this basis, a network pharmacology method incorporating target prediction, gene function annotation, and molecular docking was performed to analyse the identified compounds, thereby determining the main active ingredients and hub genes of SL in the treatment of GC. Finally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the hub genes of GC patients were further analysed by the Oncomine, GEPIA, and HPA databases. A total of 41 compounds were identified from the aqueous extract of SL. Through network analysis, we identified seven main active ingredients and ten hub genes: acacetin, sanleng acid, ferulic acid, methyl 3,6-dihydroxy-2-[(2-hydroxyphenyl) ethynyl]benzoate, caffeic acid, adenine nucleoside, azelaic acid and PIK3R1, PIK3CA, SRC, MAPK1, AKT1, HSP90AA1, HRAS, STAT3, FYN, and RHOA. The results indicated that SL might play a role in GC treatment by controlling the PI3K-Akt and other signalling pathways to regulate biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis in tumour cells. In conclusion, this study used HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS combined with a network pharmacology approach to provide an essential reference for identifying the chemical components of SL and its mechanism of action in the treatment of GC.

Chrysosplenium zhouzhiense Hong Liu, a new species from Shaanxi, north-western China, is described and photographed. The new species belongs to Subgen. Gamosplenium Sect. Nephrophylloides Ser. Macrophylla and is most similar to C. macrophyllum and C. zhangjiajieense from which it differs by having a shorter stem, rhizome absent, basal leaf absent, sterile branch arising from the flowering stem and a light yellow flower with longer stamen. A global conservation assessment is performed and classifies C. zhouzhiense as Endangered (EN).

The limestone regions of Yunnan-Guangxi-Guizhou in southern and southwestern China are regarded as some of biodiversity’s hotspots for China’s Gesneriaceae where numerous rare new species of Primulina have been, or are being, described over the past two decades. Primulina flexusa, a new lithophytic species of Gesneriaceae from a limestone hill in a Karst area, from Guizhou, China, is described here with color photographs. It is similar to P. curvituba, but can be easily distinguished by a combination of characteristics, especially in the shape and length of its capsule. We found only one population with approximately 100 mature individuals at the type locality. This new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered [CR C1] by using IUCN criteria.

Based on consulting original literature, the examination of specimens, and field investigations, Didymostigma trichanthera is shown to be conspecific with Henckelia anachoreta. Therefore, Didymostigma trichanthera is formally treated as a synonym of Henckelia anachoreta here.

Primulina hochiensis var. ochroleuca, a new variety from a limestone hill of karst areas, Guangxi, China is described with color photographs. It resembles P. hochiensis var. hochiensis, P. hochiensis var. ovata and P. hochiensis var. rosulata, but can be easily distinguished by a combination of characteristics, especially by its corolla color. We found only one population with approx. 3000 mature individuals at the type locality. This variety is provisionally assessed as vulnerable [VU C1] using IUCN criteria.

Pilea Lindl., with 933 published names is the largest genus within the Urticaceae. Pilea was last monographed in 1869 and whilst the monophyly of the genus has been proposed by previous authors, this has been based on incomplete taxon sampling and the failure to resolve the position of key taxa. We aimed to generate a robust phylogeny for Pilea and allied genera that could provide a framework for testing the monophyly of Pilea, revising its delimitation and for answering broader scientific questions about this species-rich genus. To do so, we sought to sample taxa representative of previous infrageneric classifications and with anomalous inflorescences or flower configurations and to use the resulting phylogeny to evaluate the delimitation of Pilea and to establish an infrageneric classification. In addition, we included a representative of the Polynesian genus Haroldiella which, morphologically, is very similar to Pilea. Using Sanger sequence data from two plastid and one nuclear regions we constructed a phylogeny using Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood and Maximum Parsiomony approaches. We used our phylogeny to evaluate the informativness of 19 morphological traits and applied both to delimit a monophyletic genus and infrageneric sections. Our results recovered Pilea as paraphyletic with respect to Lecanthus, a consequence of the recovery of a monophyletic clade comprising sections Achudemia and Smithiella, neither of which had been adequately sampled in previous studies. We also recovered Pilea as polyphyletic with respect to Haroldiella. We identified isomery between male and female flowers, flower part number and male sepal arrangement as being phylogenetically informative traits that can be used to delimit two genera, Achudemia, including section Smithiella, recovered as sister to Lecanthus, and Pilea, including Haroldiella, recovered as sister to both. On the basis of our evaluation of both morphological traits and phylogenetic relationships we propose a new infrageneric classification for the genus comprising seven sections, five of which we describe for the first time, § Trimeris Y.G.Wei & A.K.Monro, § Lecanthoides C.J.Chen, § Angulata L.F.Fu & Y.G.Wei, § Tetrameris C.J.Chen, § Verrucosa L.F.Fu & Y.G.Wei, § Plataniflora L.F.Fu & Y.G.Wei and § Leiocarpa L.F.Fu & Y.G.Wei. We also identify a trend of decreasing merism and fruit size, and increasing species-richness as Pilea diverges. In addition, we recover strong geographical structure within our phylogeny, sufficient to propose that Pilea originated in the IndoMalaya biogeographic domain.

Two new 2-carboxymethyl-3-hexyl-maleic anhydride derivatives, arthrianhydride A (1) and B (2), along with three known compounds 3-5, were isolated from the fermentation broth of a grasshopper-associated fungus Arthrinium sp. NF2410. The structures of new compounds 1 and 2 were determined based on the analysis of the HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic data. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated on inhibitory activity against the enzyme SHP2 and both of them showed moderate inhibitory activity against SHP2.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most commonly occurring cancers, and metabolism-related genes (MRGs) are associated with its development. Transcriptome data and the relevant clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases, and we identified 194 MRGs differentially expressed between GC and adjacent nontumor tissues. Through univariate Cox and lasso regression analyses we identified 13 potential prognostic differentially expressed MRGs (PDEMRGs). These PDEMRGs (CKMT2, ME1, GSTA2, ASAH1, GGT5, RDH12, NNMT, POLR1A, ACYP1, GLA, OPLAH, DCK, and POLD3) were used to build a Cox regression risk model to predict the prognosis of GC patients. Further univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that this model could serve as an independent prognostic parameter. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed significant enrichment pathways that could potentially contribute to pathogenesis. This model also revealed the probability of genetic alterations of PDEMRGs. We have thus identified a valuable metabolic model for predicting the prognosis of GC patients. The PDEMRGs in this model reflect the dysregulated metabolic microenvironment of GC and provide useful noninvasive biomarkers.

Circular RNA (circRNA) abnormal expression and regulation are involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors. However, the role of circRNAs still remains unknown in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). In the present study, the differential circRNA expression profile of GISTs was screened by human circRNAs chip and verified by qRT-PCR. The circRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network was constructed using the cytoHubba plugin based on the Cytoscape software. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to explore circRNA functions. Six significantly differential circRNAs were also verified in 20 pairs of GISTs and adjacent tissues by qRT-PCR. The result showed that a total of 543 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in GISTs, of which 242 were up-regulated and 301 were down-regulated. Additionally, the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network contained six circRNAs, 30 miRNAs, and 308 mRNAs, and the targeted mRNAs were associated with “regulation of biological process,” “intracellular organelle,” “protein binding,” and enriched in Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated that hsa_circRNA_061346, hsa_circRNA_103114, and hsa_circRNA_103870 were significantly up-regulated in GISTs (n = 20), and hsa_ circRNA_405324, hsa_circRNA_406821, and hsa_circRNA_000361 were dramatically down-regulated in GISTs (n = 20). In addition, all of these circRNAs were shown to have high diagnostic values, and most of them were significantly associated with tumor size, mitotic figure, and malignant degrees in GISTs (P < 0.05). Therefore, we concluded that circRNAs were abnormally expressed in GISTs, and the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network plays an important role in the occurrence and development of GISTs. Also, the identified six candidate circRNAs might be critical circRNAs and may present as potential diagnostic biomarkers for GISTs.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors in humans, with over 50% of patients after treatment suffering from recurrence and peritoneal metastasis. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is critical to the development of GC. The phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GC is linked with development of the invasive phenotype, which is very likely regulated by H. pylori through altering signaling pathways in the gastric cells. In this review, we conclude the current studies on how H. pylori affects the EMT of GC, thus contributing to its initiation and metastasis.

A new species of Deinostigma (Gesneriaceae) from Yunnan, China, Deinostigma fasciculatum W.H.Chen & Y.M.Shui, sp. nov., has been discovered and described. In the genus, the new species is similar to D. cicatricosum (W.T. Wang) D.J. Middleton & Mich. Möller and D. cyrtocarpum (D. Fang & L. Zeng) Mich. Möller & H.J. Atkins in dark purple flowers and falcate fruit, but differs from them mainly in the inflorescences with fasciculate flowers, calyx lobes (reflexed, narrowly lanceolate and 1.2–1.3 cm long), corolla tubes (sharply contracted below middle and white outside and below throat). The above three species grow nearby non-limestone wet cliffs and geographically isolated with different distributions (the new species in Southeast Yunnan, D. cicatricosum in Eastern Guangxi and D. cyrtocarpum in Southern Guangxi and Guangdong, China).

Cisplatin chemotherapy causes myelosuppression and often limits treatment duration and dose escalation in patients. Novel approaches to circumvent or lessen myelotoxicity may improve clinical outcome and quality of life in these patients. Chlorella sorokiniana (CS) is a freshwater unicellular green alga and exhibits encouraging efficacy in immunomodulation and anticancer in preclinical studies. However, the efficacy of CS on chemoprotection remains unclear. We report here, for the first time, that CS extract (CSE) could protect normal myeloid cells and PBMCs from cisplatin toxicity. Also, cisplatin-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells was rescued through reservation of mitochondrial function, inhibition of cytochrome c release to cytosol, and suppression of caspase and PARP activation. Intriguingly, cotreatment of CSE attenuated cisplatin-evoked hypocellularity of bone marrow in mice. Furthermore, we observed the enhancement of CSF-GM activity in bone marrow and spleen in mice administered CSE and cisplatin, along with increased CD11b levels in spleen. In conclusion, we uncovered a novel mechanism of CSE on myeloprotection, whereby potentially supports the use of CSE as a chemoprotector against cisplatin-induced bone marrow toxicity. Further clinical investigation of CSE in combination with cisplatin is warranted.

Two new species of Gesneriaceae, Oreocharis aimodisca and O. longipedicellata, from the limestone area of Yunnan Province, China, are described and illustrated. Their morphological relationship with similar species is discussed and colour photographs, detailed descriptions, distribution and habitat, as well as the IUCN endangered status are provided. We also discuss the accuracy of the scientific names of the described species O. tetrapterus from Guangxi, China in 2019 and O. brachypodus from Guizhou, China, in 2015, and put forward corrections related to name form.

Background: Most previous studies have found that human intestinal microbiota affect the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but regarding this, there is limited data of non-western ethnicity. Probiotics can reconstitute the host intestinal microbiota and strengthen gastrointestinal function, however, clinical data proving the effect of probiotics treatment on ASD is lacking. Methods: This study explored the significant differences between ASD and neurotypical (NT), and the improvement of applied behavior analysis (ABA) training in combination with probiotics, vs. ABA training only. Results: We found significant differences between the ASD group and the NT group in the evenness of the intestinal microbiota and the relative abundance of the bacterial phyla and genus. At the phylum level, relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the ASD group was significantly lower than in the NT group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, and Blautia in the ASD group was significantly lower than that in the NT group. After a 4-week ABA training program in combination with probiotics treatment, the ATEC and GI scores decreased more than the control group with ABA training only. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that intestinal microbiota is different between the NT children and the ASD children with or without GI problems. In combination with ABA training, probiotics treatment can bring more benefit to ASD children. Clinical trials with a more rigorous design and larger sample size are indispensable for further validation.

The oleaginous alga Botryococcus braunii (Chlorophyta) is known to accumulate hydrocarbons up to 80% of cell dry weight. Races A, B, and L of B. braunii species accumulate alkadiene/triene, botryococcene, and lycopadiene, respectively. Transcriptome analyses in race A and race B have identified various transcripts encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of alkadiene/triene and botryococcene. However, the transcriptome of B. braunii race L has not been analyzed. In this study, we report the de novo assembly of the transcriptome of B. braunii AC768 race L. AC768 culture in 2×BB medium reaches a maximum density (cell dry weight) of 5.5 g L−1, of which, 6% is lycopadiene. Transcriptional profiles of AC768 show that ESTs involved in energy metabolisms are most abundantly expressed, suggesting an energy requirement for lipid accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis indicates the presence of a putative lycopaoctaene synthase that synthesizes the precursor of lycopadiene in AC768. Comparative analysis between races reveals that botryococcene synthase and lycopaoctaene synthase are specific to races B and L of B. braunii, respectively. Taken together, our results indicate that hydrocarbon chemicals accumulated in different races of B. braunii are determined by their transcriptional profiles.

Primulina cangwuensis X. Hong & F. Wen (Gesneriaceae), a new species growing in rocky crevices on a limestone hill in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to P. repanda, P. subulata, P. jianghuaensis and P. lobulata, but can be distinguished from its congeners by the different shape of leaves, bracts and calyx, as well as by the different indumentum of pedicels and stamens.

Paraboea wenshanensis is a new species of Gesneriaceae from Yunnan, China and is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically similar to P. angustifolia, P. martinii and P. glutinosa, but the congeners of this new taxon can be distinguished by several salient characters. A description of P. wenshanensis, together with illustrations and photographs, a distribution map and conservation assessment are presented.

Different from chemical (small molecular inhibitor) and biological (monoclonal antibody) drugs, herein, based on angiogenesis-related neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), we develop a biomimetic superstructure drug, i.e. an antibody-like peptidic network (ALPN) to achieve the high-efficient treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The ALPN in nanoparticulated formulation (ALPN-NPS) can bind NRP-1 through targeting unit and form fibrous peptidic networks trapping NRP-1 on the surface of endothelial cells (ECs), leading to anti-angiogenesis. The ALPN shows high-efficacy against angiogenesis in CNV rat model ascribed to the superstructure-enhanced binding and blockage of NRP-1. The very low dose of ALPN (0.263 μg/Kg) exhibits similar anti-angiogenesis effect comparing with monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (23.5 μg/Kg), which shows potential advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies.

Subterranean predatory mites are important biological control agents of pests in soil. In order to understand the population characteristics of two predatory mites, Macrocheles glaber Muller and Stratiolaelaps scimitus Womersley, we studied their development, survival and fecundity data under laboratory conditions using Coboldia fuscipes Meigen as a food source and analyzed them with the age-stage, two-sex life table. Macrocheles glaber had a significantly shorter developmental time, oviposition period, longevity and lower fecundity than those of S. scimitus. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0 ), net predation rate (C0 ), and finite predation rate (ω) of M. glaber were significantly lower than those of S. scimitus. Both population parameters and computer simulation implied that S. scimitus is a potential powerful biocontrol agent compared to M. glaber.

Summary Although hundreds of genetic male sterility (GMS) mutants have been identified in maize, few are commercially used due to a lack of effective methods to produce large quantities of pure male-sterile seeds. Here, we develop a multi-control sterility (MCS) system based on the maize male sterility 7 (ms7) mutant and its wild-type Zea mays Male sterility 7 (ZmMs7) gene via a transgenic strategy, leading to the utilization of GMS in hybrid seed production. ZmMs7 is isolated by a map-based cloning approach, and encodes a PHD-finger transcription factor orthologous to rice PTC1 and Arabidopsis MS1. The MCS transgenic maintainer lines are developed based on the ms7-6007 mutant transformed with MCS constructs containing the (i) ZmMs7 gene to restore fertility, (ii) α-amylase gene ZmAA and/or (iii) DNA adenine methylase gene Dam to devitalize transgenic pollen, (iv) red fluorescence protein gene DsRed2 or mCherry to mark transgenic seeds, and (v) herbicide-resistant gene Bar for transgenic seed selection. Self-pollination of the MCS transgenic maintainer line produces transgenic red fluorescent seeds and non-transgenic normal color seeds at a 1:1 ratio. Among them, all the fluorescent seeds are male fertile, but the seeds with a normal color are male sterile. Cross-pollination of the transgenic plants to male-sterile plants propagates male-sterile seeds with high purity. Moreover, the transgene transmission rate through pollen of transgenic plants harboring two pollen-disrupted genes is lower than that containing one pollen-disrupted gene. The MCS system has great potential to enhance the efficiency of maize male-sterile line propagation and commercial hybrid seed production. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Primulina dichroantha F. Wen, Y.G. Wei & S.B. Zhou (Gesneriaceae), a new species growing in karst caves in a limestone hill in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to P. renifolia and P. mollifolia, but can be distinguished by a 10–30 mm long pedicel, 1.2–1.6 cm long corolla with a white adaxial lip and bluish-purple abaxial lip, three glabrous staminodes, sparsely glandular-puberulent style, and spherical stigma.