Causonis japonica (Thunb.) Raf. 1838 (Vitaceae), the type species of the genus Causonis, holds notable medicinal and systematic value. In this study, we present the complete chloroplast genome of C. japonica (158,414 bp), which exhibits the conserved four-part structure typical of angiosperms—comprising a large single-copy (LSC, 87,629 bp) region, a small single-copy (SSC, 19,101 bp) region, and two inverted repeats (IRa/IRb, 25,842 bp each). The chloroplast genome contains 139 annotated genes, including 92 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes, with an overall GC proportion of 37%. Phylogenomic inference based on complete chloroplast sequences of Vitaceae confirms C. japonica as an independent evolutionary lineage, distinct from Cissus and Tetrastigma.

Facilitating extracellular respiration of Methanosarcina barkeri with magnetite nanoparticle: Formation of conductive magnetite nanoparticle-membrane complex.

Statistical and mechanistic analysis of synergetic methanol steam reforming over Ti-based add./Cu-Zn catalysts

Targeted lipidomics approach reveals the role of ceramide signalling in the pathophysiology of Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Pollen morphology of ten species and three varieties of the genus Melanoseris Decne. (Cichorieae-Asteraceae) from Western Himalayas, Hindukush and Karakorum ranges was studied. Pollen were examined using light, fluorescent and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen of eight taxa were studied for the first time including four endemic species. Pollen are usually isopolar, spheroidal to oblate-spheroidal, elliptic to rarely circular in equatorial and hexagonal in polar view, trizonocolporate and echinolophate with 15 lacunae. Significant variation has been found mainly in pollen size, number of echinae and ornamentation of the polar area. Pollen ranges from 27 to 56 µm in length and from 30 to 56 µm in diameter. Polar area varies from small to moderately extensive with 2–15 spines. Agglomerative analysis based on 12 pollen character showed the well-defined clustering pattern, explaining total variation and separation of the studied taxa. Two distinct pollen-types: Melanoseris astorensis and Melanoseris macrorhiza were recognised. Keys to pollen-types, and species of each pollen type are provided. An attempt has been made to correlate the results of present palynological studies with that of recent taxonomic treatment and phylogenetic tree of Lactucinae. The pollen morphological data well-support the gross morphological characters at the species and infra-specific level, however, no significant difference was observed in the pollen characters at variety level. The objective of the palynomorphology of Melanoseris is to analyse and describe significant pollen characters across the genus with an aim to delineate species boundaries and also contribute to the positioning of the Melanoseris taxa in future systematic studies.

Sinodiscula theae-sinensis, the type species of Sinodiscula, causes tea anthracnose in China. The lack of a high-quality reference genome has hindered studies on its molecular pathogenicity and evolutionary relationships with closely related species such as S. camellicola. In this study, we present the assembly of a chromosome-level genome for S. theae-sinensis, which was obtained by integrating PacBio, Illumina, and Hi-C sequencing data. The assembled genome size is 41.25 Mb, consisting of 55 scaffolds and 136 contigs, with scaffold and contig N50 values of 4.98 Mb and 4.93 Mb, respectively. A total of 98.5% (40.65 Mb) of the genome has been assigned to 9 chromosomes. BUSCO analysis utilizing the fungi_odb10 dataset (n = 758) revealed a genome assembly completeness of 98.1%, comprising 97.8% single-copy and 0.3% duplicated BUSCOs. We predicted 9,941 protein-coding genes and found repetitive elements that make up 6.52% (2.69 Mb) of the genome. This high-quality reference genome is a valuable resource for studying the pathogenic and evolutionary mechanisms of S. theae-sinensis.

ABSTRACT Spider crabs of the genus Eurynome have complex taxonomic, phylogenetic, and biogeographic histories worldwide. Using newly generated molecular data, including the characterization of complete mitochondrial genomes, we addressed several unresolved questions surrounding the genus and its two Atlantic‐Mediterranean representatives, the type species Eurynome aspera and its sympatric Eurynome spinosa . DNA‐barcoding and reverse taxonomy demonstrated conspecificity between Atlantic and Mediterranean samples, confirmed the occurrence of E. spinosa in the Mediterranean Sea sensu stricto , and contradicted most diagnostic characters previously proposed in the literature. In their place, a set of 10 molecularly validated morphological traits, regardless of sex and developmental stage, was proposed and accompanied by high‐resolution imagery. The DNA‐assayed material was then used to investigate the phylogenetic position of Eurynome through various inferences (multilocus and mitochondrial genome trees, and mitochondrial gene orders), which suggested that these taxa form a distinct, early‐diverging clade, for which the family Eurynomidae Neumann, 1878 is resurrected here. This was also supported by high similarity with the ancestral Brachyura mitochondrial gene order and strong dissimilarities with other majoid ones. Although several questions remain open, the present results resolve debates on two pseudo‐cryptic species, elevate Eurynome to one of the most molecularly characterized majoid genera, and lay a solid foundation for proceeding with the study of allied taxa and the entire superfamily through modern integrative approaches.

Alexandrium minutum Halim, the generitype species of the toxigenic Alexandrium, was described from a 1958 bloom in the Eastern Harbour, Alexandria (Egypt), but has never been re-examined with modern methods from the type locality. Here, we establish a monoclonal strain (TIO1796) by cyst germination from Alexandria's port sediment and a second strain (TIO1816) from plankton samples from the Gulf of Suez. Cell morphology of both cultured strains and plankton samples was examined using scanning electron and light microscopy. The plate formula of A. minutum was identified as Po, *4', 6'', 6C, 9S, 5''', 2p, 1''''. Our results confirmed the consistent presence of a ventral pore and a variable connection between Po and 1'. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on LSU rRNA gene and ITS rRNA region sequences revealed four ribotypes (A-D) of A. minutum. The LSU rRNA gene and ITS rRNA region sequences of both strains were identical and belong to the widespread ribotype A ("Global/Mediterranean clade"). The other ribotypes are restricted to the Asia-Pacific region. Strain TIO1796 (type locality) was non-toxic regarding paralytic shellfish toxin (PST < 0.024 pg · cell-1), whereas TIO1816 produced GTX1/4-dominated toxins (0.48 pg PST · cell-1). These results (i) anchor the name A. minutum to ribotype A via neotypification of strain TIO1796, (ii) document a PST-producing A. minutum in the Red Sea, and (iii) provide evidence supporting that A. minutum constitutes a cryptic species complex analogous to the A. tamarense species complex. The historical decline of A. minutum blooms in Alexandria since the 1990s correlates with near-absent cyst banks in recent sediments.

Nonclinical safety evaluation strategies for mRNA/LNPs platform agents: Evidence from comprehensive animal toxicity studies.

Effectiveness of mosquito repellents for human: A systematic review of human-based studies.

A set of actinobacterial strains was isolated from the root nodules of Acacia gerrardii grown as part of an afforestation trial in the Khurais desert, Saudi Arabia. Among them, five clonal isolates could not be unambiguously assigned to any recognized type species, and two of them, designated AC027ST and AC027N, were selected as representatives for taxonomic characterization. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, with short rods to coccoid-like morphology. Growth occurred at 20–42 °C, pH 5.0–10.0 and in the presence of up to 3.0% (w/v) NaCl. The major whole-cell sugar was glucose, and the muramic acid residues of the peptidoglycan carried peptide subunits composed of alanine, glutamic acid and lysine. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). Major fatty acids were iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C15:0, and the polar lipid profile included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerols and several unidentified glycophospholipids, glycolipids, phospholipids and lipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed AC027ST and AC027N within the genus Promicromonospora. Whole-genome sequence-based phylogenomic reconstruction and relatedness indices confirmed that these G+C-rich strains (72%) are distinct from all described Promicromonospora species, with Promicromonospora soli NEAU-GS50T as the closest described relative. Consistent with their nodule-associated niche, the strains were able to degrade and utilize plant-derived substrates, tolerate microaerophilic conditions and possessed genes for mobilizing essential metals, such as iron and molybdenum, suggesting a supportive role in the nodule microbial community and in sustaining rhizobial nitrogen fixation, as reflected in an enhanced nodulation by native rhizobia when inoculated in desert soil. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic evidence, strains AC027ST and AC027N represent a novel species of the genus Promicromonospora, for which the name Promicromonospora noduliphila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AC027ST (=KCTC 59476ᵀ, =JCM 37759ᵀ).

Wood-inhabiting fungi play a fundamental role in ecosystem processes, particularly in wood degradation and the recycling of organic matter. In the present study, a new wood-inhabiting fungal genus Fissuracium, with its type species, F.ellipsoideum sp. nov., found in southwest China, is proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. The genus Fissuracium is characterized by the resupinate basidiomata with a cracking hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, the presence of cystidioles, and ellipsoid, thick-walled basidiospores. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS), nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA (nLSU), RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) markers of the studied samples were generated. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony, and Bayesian Inference. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of ITS+nLSU+rpb2+tef1-α showed that Fissuracium forms a monophyletic clade within the family Amylocorticiaceae, which was clustered into the order Amylocorticiales. The phylogenetic analyses indicated that the new genus Fissuracium formed a single lineage. A full description, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses results of the new taxa are provided.

The Benyviridae family encompasses multipartite soil-borne phytoviruses characterized by rod-shaped virions and positive single-stranded RNA genomes. The family is mostly known for its type species, the beet necrotic yellow vein virus, the causal agent of rhizomania on sugar beet. However, the recent description of candidate Benyviridae species and "beny-like" sequences suggests a far greater diversity than previously recognized. Also, their increasing relevance in agriculture has drawn attention to this family of viruses. In this review, we provide a comparative analysis of Benyviridae viruses, including newly identified emerging relatives. We highlight recent advances in understanding their diversity, pathogenicity, and interaction with plant hosts and their plasmodiophorid vectors, Polymyxa spp., that remain poorly characterized. Finally, we identify critical knowledge gaps and exciting opportunities-particularly in vector biology, host interactions, and the ecological dynamics of viral spread-that will shape the research ahead.

The genus Merismopedia is morphologically characterized by its distinctive colony arrangement yet exhibits considerable variability among species. Recent studies suggested that Merismopedia is polyphyletic, and its most likely true lineage was provisionally placed within the Microcystaceae. However, the available molecular data for most of the extant species were scarce, and notably, its type species, Me. tranquilla, lacked contemporary distributional and molecular data. In the present study, we sampled multiple localities to capture the potential morphological and genetic variability within Merismopedia. Using culture-dependent and -independent methods, we collected an extensive dataset of 16S rRNA gene and 16S-23S ITS rRNA region sequences. This dataset included the type locality of Me. tranquilla, from which we successfully recovered morphologically authentic isolates and established an epitype. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses of Merismopedia- and Microcrocis-like taxa revealed the placement of Merismopedia sensu stricto within the Geminocystaceae, herein reinstated to Merismopediaceae and further confirmed extensive polyphyly. Based on these findings, we propose two new genera (Neomerismopedia and Planktopedia), and a new species, Me. sepulta. Additionally, we transfer Microcrocis gigas to Merismopedia. We proposed the provisional transfer of Me. hyalina to Synechocystis; however, further revision is needed. These taxonomic revisions provide a foundation for a comprehensive reevaluation of this widespread and morphologically diverse group of Cyanobacteria.

A novel yeast-like basidiomycete was recovered from an urban lake in a public park in the city of Aveiro, Portugal. Sequence comparisons based on LSU rRNA, SSU rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and tef1-α gene sequences, together with phylogenetic analysis using the widely available ITS and LSU markers, placed the isolate within the family Ustilaginaceae, where it forms a well-supported and distinct lineage within clade 7, clearly separated from the closely related genera Moesziomyces and Macalpinomyces. Clade 7 comprises species traditionally assigned to the genera Ustilago, Sporisorium and Macalpinomyces, a grouping that reflects the taxonomic complexity and instability of this lineage. Morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics and antifungal susceptibility determination were performed to characterize the isolate. Colonies were orange and mucoid, with ovoid to elongated budding vegetative cells and occasional pseudohyphae. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °C, with tolerance up to 40 °C, indicating an unusual degree of thermotolerance among ustilaginaceous yeasts. Biochemical profiling revealed broad assimilation of simple sugars, organic acids and polyols, together with urease activity and nitrate assimilation, consistent with adaptation to dissolved organic matter in urban freshwater environments. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed low MICs for amphotericin B, whereas echinocandins exhibited reduced in vitro activity, consistent with patterns reported for other ustilaginaceous and basidiomycetous yeasts. Based on our findings, we propose a new genus, Plesiozyma gen. nov., and a new species, Plesiozyma aurantiaca sp. nov. (MUM 25.31 as type species, MycoBank number: MB862570), to accommodate this novel yeast-like fungus isolated from urban water.

Monitoring the pollination of the endangered species Abiespinsapo Boiss.: seasonality, intensity and recent trends.

Machine learning and explainable AI for predicting antibiotics removal in constructed Wetlands: Key factors and management implications

A Gram-stain-negative, motile, rod-shaped, alginate lyase-producing bacterium, designated HB246100T, was isolated from coastal sand sample collected from Luhuitou Scenic Area, Sanya, China. The strain grew at 15-50 ℃ (optimum, 35 ℃), pH 6.0-11.0 (optimal, pH 8.0) and 0-10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3%). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was found to be menaquinone 7, and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified lipid, three unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified glycolipids. The size of the genome was 4.29 Mbp, with a G+C content of 36.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain HB246100T belonged to the genus Metabacillus, and the closest phylogenetically related type species were Metabacillus crassostreae JSM 100118T, Metabacillus schmidteae Marseille-P9898T, Metabacillus halosaccharovorans E33T and Metabacillus litoralis SW-211T with the identities of 98.9, 98.1, 98.0 and 98.0%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and the phylogenomic tree based on core genome sequences indicated that the novel strain was most closely related to M. crassostreae and M. litoralis, with average nucleotide identity of 74.8-75.6% and digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 22.1-22.4%. Comprehensive phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic characteristics demonstrate that strain HB246100T is distinct from the species with validly published names in the genus Metabacillus, suggesting that it represents a novel species of the genus Metabacillus and proposing the name Metabacillus harenarius sp. nov. The type strain is HB246100T (=MCCC 1K09923T=JCM 38130T). Furthermore, 'Bacillus weihaiensis' Alg07, which only publicly disclosed its genome sequence, was emended and reclassified as M. harenarius.

Toward a clarified taxonomy of Parentocirrus hortualis (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia): an integrative analysis of ontogenesis, ultrastructure, morphology, and molecular phylogeny.

A new planthopper genus, Dusaceus Sui, Li & Chen, gen. nov., is established within the tribe Cedusini Emeljanov, 1992 of the subfamily Breddiniolinae Fennah, 1950 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Derbidae) to accommodate two new species from China: D.lvchunensis Sui, Li & Chen, sp. nov. (type species) and D.suiyangensis Sui, Li & Chen, sp. nov. Both species are described and illustrated in detail. A comprehensive checklist and an identification key to the genera of Cedusini from China are also provided.