Phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution of woody forest tree family Aceraceae based on plastid phylogenomics and nuclear gene variations.

The forest tree family Aceraceae is widespread in the northern hemisphere and it has ecological and economic importance. However, the phylogenetic relationships and classifications within the family are still controversial due to transitional intraspecific morphological characteristics and introgression hybridization among species. In this study, we determined the evolutionary relationships and molecular evolution of Aceraceae based on plastid phylogenomics and two nuclear gene variations. Phylogenetic analysis based on the plastid genomes suggested that Aceraceae species can be divided into two larger sub-clades corresponding to the two genera Acer and Dipteronia. Conjoint analysis of the plastid and nuclear gene sequences supported the classification with two genera in the family. Molecular dating showed that the two genera diverged 60.2 million years ago, which is generally consistently with previously reported results. Divergence hotspots and positively selected genes identified in the plastid genomes could be useful genetic resources in Aceraceae.

An illustrated key to the species of subgenus Gyrostoma Kirby, 1828 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) from China, with discovery of Polistes (Gyrostoma) tenuispunctia Kim, 2001.

The Chinese species of the subgenus Gyrostoma Kirby, 1828 of the polistine genus Polistes are reviewed. An illustrated key to the seven species of the subgenus known from China is given. New synonymy are proposed for Polistes rothneyi Cameron, 1900 =P. rothneyi grahami van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. hainanensis van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. iwatai van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. gressitti van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. tibetanus van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; = P. r. yayeyamae Matsumura, 1908, syn. nov.; =P. r. koreanus van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.; =P. r. sikkimensis van der Vecht, 1968, syn. nov.. P. (Gyrostoma) tenuispuntia Kim, 2001 is newly recorded from China. Its nest is described for the first time. Compared with the sympatric and similar species P. rothneyi f. grahami the nest is concealed in a hollow space instead of having the nest directly exposed under an eave as in P. rothneyi. The differences in nest architecture are briefly discussed.

Confirmation of the valid specific status of Dolichovespulakuami Kim & Yoon, 1996 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) based on molecular and morphological evidence.

The taxonomic validity of Dolichovespulakuami, especially in relation to D.flora, has been the subject of a long-term debate. Herein, the valid specific status of the former was supported through an integrated analysis of morphological characters and DNA barcodes. The pronotal rugae and male genitalia of the two species are different, and partial mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, COI) indicate that they form significantly distinct lineages. The hitherto unknown male of D.kuami is described for the first time, and a brief discussion of the D.maculata species group is provided.

Investigating the Influence of Varied Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Wavelengths on Phototactic Behavior and Opsin Genes in Vespinae.

The phototactic behavior of insects is commonly used to manage pest populations in practical production. However, this elusive behavior is not yet fully understood. Investigating whether the opsin genes play a crucial role in phototaxis is an intriguing topic. Vespinae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) are a common group of social wasps that are closely associated with human activities. Efficiently controlling wasp populations while maintaining ecological balance is a pressing global challenge that still has to be resolved. This research aims to explore the phototactic behavior and key opsin genes associated with Vespinae. We found significant differences in the photophilic rates of Vespula germanica and Vespa analis under 14 different light conditions, indicating that their phototactic behavior is rhythmic. The results also showed that the two species exhibited varying photophilic rates under different wavelengths of light, suggesting that light wavelength significantly affects their phototactic behavior. Additionally, the opsin genes of the most aggressive hornet, Vespa basalis, have been sequenced. There are only two opsin genes, one for UV light and the other for blue light, and Vespa basalis lacks long-wavelength visual proteins. However, they exhibit peak phototaxis for long-wavelength light and instead have the lowest phototaxis for UV light. This suggests that the visual protein genes have a complex regulatory mechanism for phototactic behavior in Vespinae. Additionally, visual protein sequences have a high degree of homology among Hymenoptera. Despite the hypotheses put forward by some scholars regarding phototaxis, a clear and complete explanation of insect phototaxis is still lacking to date. Our findings provide a strong theoretical basis for further investigation of visual expression patterns and phototactic mechanisms in Vespinae.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Flightin Gene in Vespa basalis (Hymenoptera, Vespidae).

Flight is a complex physiological process requiring precise coordination of muscular contraction. A key protein in insect flight is flightin, which plays an integral role in the flight muscles. This research sought to evaluate the flight competence of the social wasp V. basalis by characterizing the molecular components involved. Our study focused on Vespa basalis, one of the most dangerous hornet species, utilizing PCR to obtain a partial cDNA sequence of the flightin protein. We then employed phylogenetic and sequence analysis to gain insights into this protein in flight-related adaptations. The cDNA has an 1189-base pair sequence including an open reading frame (453 bp) encoding 150 amino acids. Analyzing the deduced amino acid sequence using an online tool revealed a molecular weight of 18.05 kDa, an isoelectric point of 5.84, four functional site patterns, and no transmembrane topology. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of flightin based on 38 species. Our analysis indicated that V. basalis is most closely related to V. mandarinia; this alignment is consistent with their similar aggressive behavior, but their evolutionary relationship, based on mitochondrial sequences, presents a contrast. These initial findings on the flightin gene in V. basalis lay the groundwork for future functional studies to elucidate its specific role in flight adaptations and explore its potential as a target for pest management strategies.

Comparative Analysis of Microbial Communities in Diseased and Healthy Sweet Cherry Trees (Prunus avium L.).

The European sweet cherry Prunus avium (L.), a member of the Rosaceae family, is one of the most popular and economically valuable fruits. However, the rapid spread of gummosis and poor management practices have become the major obstacles to their production. To identify pathogenic microorganisms responsible for gummosis disease, we conducted observations comparing the garden of Bailuyuan, which heavily suffered from gummosis disease and horn beetle damage, with the orchard of Mayuhe, which only suffered from gummosis disease, both from Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. Samples were obtained from the healthy tissues and gummosis disease tissues that used the Illumina sequence of 16S rRNA and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) to identify bacterial and fungal communities in these samples. An alpha diversity analysis revealed a significantly higher fungal diversity of disease than in healthy tissue in the gummosis period. The results suggested that an imbalance in the fungal genera may be associated with gummosis disease. Species relative analyses showed some bacterial genera (Pelagibacterium, Halomonas, Azospirillum, Aquabacterium and Alistipes) and fungal genera (Penicillium, Alternaria and Rhodotorula) in the diseased tissues of gummosis. Among these, the increased relative abundance of the bacteria genes Halomonas, Pelagibacterium, Chelativorans, Pantoea, Aquabacterium, Alternaria and fungi genes Penicillium, Cystobasidium, Rhodotorula may be associated with gummosis of P. avium. The bacterial genera Methylobacterium, Psychroglaciecola, Aeromonas, Conexibacter and fungal genera Didymella, Aureobasidium, Mycosphaerella, Meyerozyma are probably antagonists of the pathogen of gummosis. These findings are an initial step in the identification of potential candidates for the biological control of the disease.

Comparative SEM Study of Sensilla and Tyloid Structures in the Antennae of Vespinae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

This study investigates the distribution, morphology, and potential functions of antennal sensilla in various wasp species, including Dolichovespula flora, D. intermedia, Vespula structor, Vl. vulgaris, Provespa barthelemyi, Vespa bicolor, V. ducalis, V. mocsaryana, and V. velutina var. nigothorax. The study thoroughly analyzes the antennal structure of these species, representing all four genera of the yellow-jacket and hornet subfamily Vespinae. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the study identifies a total of nineteen types of sensilla, including sensilla trichodea (ST-I, ST-II, ST-III), sensilla campaniform (SCF-I, SCF-II, SCF-III), pit organs (SCO-I, SCO-II, and SA), sensilla placodea (SP-I, SP-II), sensilla chaetica (SCH-I, SCH-II), sensilla basiconica (SB-I, SB-II), sensilla agmon (SAG-I, SAG-II), and sensilla coelocapitular (SCA). Additionally, tyloids were observed in the males of seven species, except for Vl. structor and Vl. vulgaris. The study provides insights into these sensilla types' morphology, abundance, and distribution. It discusses the variations in sensilla morphology among different species and the presence of gender-specific sensilla. This study provides new data about the morphology and distribution patterns of sensilla and tyloid.

Diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato) copper(II) (CuII(atsm)) protects against peroxynitrite-induced nitrosative damage and prolongs survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive paralyzing disease characterized by tissue oxidative damage and motor neuron degeneration. This study investigated the in vivo effect of diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato) copper(II) (CuII(atsm)), which is an orally bioavailable, blood-brain barrier-permeable complex. In vitro the compound inhibits the action of peroxynitrite on Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and subsequent nitration of cellular proteins. Oral treatment of transgenic SOD1G93A mice with CuII(atsm) at presymptomatic and symptomatic ages was performed. The mice were examined for improvement in lifespan and motor function, as well as histological and biochemical changes to key disease markers. Systemic treatment of SOD1G93A mice significantly delayed onset of paralysis and prolonged lifespan, even when administered to symptomatic animals. Consistent with the properties of this compound, treated mice had reduced protein nitration and carbonylation, as well as increased antioxidant activity in spinal cord. Treatment also significantly preserved motor neurons and attenuated astrocyte and microglial activation in mice. Furthermore, CuII(atsm) prevented the accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated and fragmented TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) in spinal cord, a protein pivotal to the development of ALS. CuII(atsm) therefore represents a potential new class of neuroprotective agents targeting multiple major disease pathways of motor neurons with therapeutic potential for ALS.

Β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 trafficking and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.

ß-Site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE1) cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) at the ß-secretase site to initiate the production of Aß peptides. These accumulate to form toxic oligomers and the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). An increase of BACE1 levels in the brain of AD patients has been mostly attributed to alterations of its intracellular trafficking. Golgi-associated adaptor proteins, GGA sort BACE1 for export to the endosomal compartment, which is the major cellular site of BACE1 activity. BACE1 undergoes recycling between endosome, trans-Golgi network (TGN), and the plasma membrane, from where it is endocytosed and either further recycled or retrieved to the endosome. Phosphorylation of Ser498 facilitates BACE1 recognition by GGA1 for retrieval to the endosome. Ubiquitination of BACE1 C-terminal Lys501 signals GGA3 for exporting BACE1 to the lysosome for degradation. In addition, the retromer mediates the retrograde transport of BACE1 from endosome to TGN. Decreased levels of GGA proteins and increased levels of retromer-associated sortilin have been associated with AD. Both would promote the co-localization of BACE1 and the amyloid precursor protein in the TGN and endosomes. Decreased levels of GGA3 also impair BACE1 degradation. Further understanding of BACE1 trafficking and its regulation may offer new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Next-Generation Sequencing of Four Mitochondrial Genomes of Dolichovespula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) with a Phylogenetic Analysis and Divergence Time Estimation of Vespidae.

The wasp genus Dolichovespula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae) is a eusocial wasp group. Due to the taxonomic and phylogenetic issues with the family Vespidae, more genetic data should be gathered to provide efficient approaches for precise molecular identification. For this work, we used next-generation sequencing (also known as high-throughput sequencing) to sequence the mitochondrial genomes (mtgenomes) of four Dolichovespula species, viz. D. flora, D. lama, D. saxonica, and D. xanthicincta 16,064 bp, 16,011 bp, 15,682 bp, and 15,941 bp in length, respectively. The mitochondrial genes of the four species are rearranged. The A + T content of each mtgenome is more than 80%, with a control region (A + T-rich region), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. There are 7 to 11 more genes on the majority strands than on the minority strands. Using Bayesian inference and Maximum-Likelihood methodologies as well as data from other species available on GenBank, phylogenetic trees and relationship assessments in the genus Dolichovespula and the family Vespidae were generated. The two fossil-based calibration dates were used to estimate the origin of eusociality and the divergence time of clades in the family Vespidae. The divergence times indicate that the latest common ancestor of the family Vespidae appeared around 106 million years ago (Ma). The subfamily Stenogastrinae diverged from other Vespidae at about 99 Ma, the subfamily Eumeninae at around 95 Ma, and the subfamily Polistinae and Vespinae diverged at approximately 42 Ma. The genus Dolichovespula is thought to have originated around 25 Ma. The origin and distribution pattern of the genus Dolichovespula are briefly discussed.

Decreased expression of GGA3 protein in Alzheimer's disease frontal cortex and increased co-distribution of BACE with the amyloid precursor protein.

BACE initiates the amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) that results in the production of Aß peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have indicated that BACE is elevated in the frontal cortex of AD patients. Golgi-localized γ-ear containing ADP ribosylation factor-binding proteins (GGA) control the cellular trafficking of BACE and may alter its levels. To investigate a link between BACE and GGA expression in AD, frontal cortex samples from AD (N = 20) and healthy, age-matched controls (HC, N =17) were analyzed by immunoblotting. After normalization to the neuronal marker ß-tubulin III, the data indicate an average two-fold increase of BACE protein (p = 0.01) and a 64% decrease of GGA3 in the AD group compared to the HC (p = 0.006). GGA1 levels were also decreased in AD, but a statistical significance was not achieved. qRT-PCR analysis of GGA3 mRNA showed no difference between AD and HC. There was a strong correlation between GGA1 and GGA3 in both AD and HC, but no correlation between BACE and GGA levels. Subcellular fractionation of AD cortex with low levels of GGA proteins showed an alteration of BACE distribution and extensive co-localization with APP. These data suggest that altered compartmentalization of BACE in AD promotes the amyloidogenic processing of APP.

An illustrated key to the species of Gasteruption Latreille (Hymenoptera, Gasteruptiidae) from Palaearctic China, with description of four new species.

Four new species of the genus Gasteruption Latreille, 1797 (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea: Gasteruptiidae: Gasteruptiinae) are described from China. Three are from Shaanxi (NW China; G. granulatum Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov., G. pedion Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov., and G. reductum Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov.) and one from S China and Ningxia (G. kexinae Tan & van Achterberg, sp. nov.). Eleven species are newly recorded for Shaanxi (G. abeillei Kieffer, 1912, G. amoyense Pasteels, 1958, G. bimaculatum Pasteels, 1958, G. corniculigerum Enderlein, 1913, G. latitibia Zhao, van Achterberg & Xu, 2012, G. minutum (Tournier, 1877), G. nigritarse (Thomson, 1883), G. parvicollarium Enderlein, 1913, G. sinarum Kieffer, 1911, G. subtile (Thomson, 1883) and G. brevicuspis Kieffer, 1911). The newly-recorded species and the new species are keyed and illustrated. Two new synonyms are proposed: G. rufescenticorne Enderlein, 1913, with G. japonicum Cameron, 1888, syn. nov. and G. oriplanum Kieffer, 1911, with G. minutum (Tournier, 1877), syn. nov.

Description of a new species of Megischus Brullé (Hymenoptera, Stephanidae), with a key to the species from China.

A new species of the genus Megischus Brullé, 1846, Megischus kuafu Ge & Tan, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. The key to all four species from China is included. A distribution map of the Chinese species is added.

New Gnamptodontinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from China and Vietnam, with two genera new for China and seven new species.

The genus Pseudognaptodon Fischer, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Gnamptodontinae) is reported for the first time from the Palaearctic region, Neognamptodon Belokobylskij, 1999 is new for the Oriental region and both genera are new for China. Seven new species are described and fully illustrated: Pseudognaptodon sinensis Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. from China (Shaanxi), P. curvinervis van Achterberg, sp. n., P. bidoupensis van Achterberg, sp. n., P. longi van Achterberg, sp. n. from Vietnam, Neognamptodon laticauda Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. from China (Yunnan), Tamdaona brevizona van Achterberg, sp. n. and T. sculpturata van Achterberg, sp. n. from Vietnam. A key to the tribes and genera of the Gnamptodontinae are given, together with keys to species of Pseudognaptodon (Old World), Neognamptodon, and Tamdaona Belokobylskij, 1994.                The phylogeny and distribution of the Gnamptodontinae is discussed, Tamdaona Belokobylskij, is transferred from the Exothecinae to the Gnamptodontinae, and included in a new tribe, Tamdaonini van Achterberg, trib. n., together with Neognamptodon Belokobylskij. Gnamptodon novobritannicus Fischer, 1971, from Bismarck Archipelago is transferred to the latter genus (Neognamptodon novobritannicus (Fischer, 1971) comb. n.). Pseudognaptodon striatus Williams, 2004 (not P. striatus Braga Penteado-Dias, 2002), is renamed P. williamsi van Achterberg, nom. n., and P. carinatus Williams, 2004 (not P. carinatus Cirelli Penteado-Dias, 2002) is renamed P. carinatoides van Achterberg, nom. n. Tobiasnusa Papp, 2004, is a new synonym of Alysdacnusa Tobias Perepetchayenko, 1995 (syn. n.) and Alysdacnusa atomus (Papp, 2004) is a new combination (comb. n.).

Review of the Bobekia-group (Braconidae, Alysiinae, Alysiini), with description of a new genus and a new subgenus.

The world genera of the Bobekia-group of Alysiini (Braconidae: Alysiinae) are reviewed and keyed. A new genus (Neodiasta gen. nov.) is proposed for Phasmidiasta ecuadorensis Fischer, 2006, from Ecuador. One new subgenus (Parabobekoides subg. nov.; type species Separatatus (Parabobekoides) yinshanisp. nov. from NW China) is described and illustrated. Neosymphanes Belokobylskij, 1998 is a new synonym of Bobekia Niezabitowski, 1910 (syn. nov.).

Sexual variation in two species of Helorus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Heloridae) from NW China, with description of female of Helorus caii He amp; Xu.

The intra-specific variation of two species of Helorus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Heloridae) from NW China is studied and for the first time the sexual variation in Chinese Helorus species is described. Both sexes of Helorus antefurcalis He Xu, 2015 (new for Shaanxi) and H. caii He Xu, 2015 (up to now only known from one male), are described and illustrated. Helorus xinjiangensis He Xu, [June] 2015, is a new junior synonym of H. alborzicus Izadizadeh, van Achterberg Talebi, [April] 2015 and H. elgoni Risbec, 1950, is re-instated as valid species. A revised key to the Old World species of Helorus Latreille (except Australian region) is included.

Revision of Myiocephalus Marshall (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae), with description of one new species.

The Palaearctic species of Myiocephalus Marshall, 1898 (Braconidae, Euphorinae) are revised and a new species (M. zwakhalsi sp. n.) from Austria is described and illustrated. A key to the Palaearctic species is provided. Myiocephalus niger Fischer, 1957, is a new record for China and the Nearctic Myiocephalus laticeps (Provancher, 1886) is re-instated as valid species. A lectotype is designated for Aphidius hedini Fahringer, 1929.

Corrigenda: Tan J-L, Carpenter JM, van Achterberg C (2018) An illustrated key to the genera of Eumeninae from China, with a checklist of species (Hymenoptera, Vespidae). ZooKeys 740: 109-149. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.740.22654.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.740.22654.].

Northeast Asian Allorhynchium van der Vecht (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), with a key to Oriental species.

The Oriental species of Allorhynchium van der Vecht, 1963 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) are keyed for the first time and their distribution is summarised, with special reference to China and Vietnam. Archancistrocerus Giordani Soika, 1986, is synonymized with Allorhynchium van der Vecht (syn. nov.). Allorhynchium diffinis (Giordani Soika, 1986) is a new combination and A. quadrimaculatum Gusenleitner, 1997, is recorded from Vietnam for the first time.

Parastephanellus Enderlein (Hymenoptera: Stephanidae) revisited, with description of two new species from China.

Two new species of Parastephanellus Enderlein, 1906 (Hymenoptera: Stephanidae) are described and illustrated from China: P. evexus Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. and P. yixiwui Tan van Achterberg, sp. n. The male of P. brevicoxalis Hong, van Achterberg Xu, 2011, is described and the supposed male by Chen et al. (2016) is included in P. evexus. Parastephanellus austrochinensis Belokobylskij, 1995, (former synonym of P. brevistigma Enderlein, 1913) is reinstated. A new key to the species of Parastephanellus Enderlein from China is provided and all species are illustrated.