Luteipulveratus flavus sp. nov. isolated from two lichen species.

Two novel strains, YIM 133132T and YIM 133296, were isolated from lichen samples collected from Yunnan Province, Southwest PR China. YIM 133132T and YIM 133296 are aerobic, Gram-staining-positive, non-motile actinomycetes. They are also catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, and YIM 133132T formed flat yellowish colonies that were relatively dry on YIM38 agar medium. Flat yellowish colonies of YIM 133296 were also observed on YIM38 agar medium. YIM 133132T grew at 25-35 °C (optimum 25-30 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-8% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains YIM 133132T and YIM 133296 represented members of the genus Luteipulveratus and exhibited high sequence similarity (96.93%) with Luteipulveratus halotolerans C296001T. The genomic DNA G+C content of both strains was 71.8%. The DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values between YIM 133132T and YIM 133296 were 85.1%, and the DNA-DNA hybridisation value between YIM 133132T and YIM 133296 and L. halotolerans C296001T was 23.4%. On the basis of the draft genome sequences, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strains YIM 133132T and YIM 133296 and L. halotolerans C296001T was 80.8%. The major menaquinones that were identified were MK-8(H4), MK-9 and MK-8(H2). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. On the basis of the morphological, physiological, biochemical, genomic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strains YIM 133132T and YIM 133296 can be clearly distinguished from L. halotolerans C296001T, and the two strains represent a novel species for which the name L. flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 133132T (CGMCC= 1.61357T and KCTC= 49824T).

Glaciibacter flavus sp. nov., isolated from a lichen sample.

A novel Actinobacterium strain YIM 131861 T, was isolated from lichen collected from the South Bank Forest of the Baltic Sea, Germany. It was Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, catalase positive and oxidase negative, yellow pigmented. Cells were motile with a polar flagellum, irregular rod shaped and did not display spore formation. The strain grew at 15 - 30 °C (optimum 25 °C), at pH 6.0 - 10.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0 - 1.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 131861 T belonged to the genus Glaciibacter, and exhibited a high sequence similarity (96.4%) with Glaciibacter superstes NBRC 104264 T. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain YIM 131861 T was 68.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain YIM 131861 T and Glaciibacter superstes NBRC 104264 T were 73.2 and 19.9% based on the draft genome sequence. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was B2γ and contained the 2, 4-diaminobutyric acid as the diagnostic amino acid. Whole cell sugars were galactose, rhamnose, ribose and glucose. It contained MK-12 and MK-13 as the predominant menaquinones. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were identified as anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0 and anteiso-C17:0. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and two unknown glycolipids. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain YIM 131861 T should belong to the genus Glaciibacter and represents a novel species of the genus Glaciibacter, for which the name Glaciibacter flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 131861 T (= CGMCC 1.16588 T = NBRC 113572 T).

Nakamurella leprariae sp. nov., isolated from a lichen sample.

A novel actinobacterium, YIM 132084T, was isolated from Lepraria sp. lichen collected from Yunnan province, south-west PR China and identified by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain was Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, non-motile and coccus-shaped. Colonies were round, convex, smooth and light orange yellow in color. It grew at 10-40 °C (optimum 28 °C), at pH 6.0-11.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-4% NaCl (optimum 0%). Strain YIM 132084T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol as the major polar lipids, MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone, and anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 as major fatty acids. Strain YIM 132084T had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, and mannose, ribose, glucose and rhamnose as whole-cell sugars. The 16S rRNA gene sequence showed high level of similarity with Nakamurella flavida KCTC 19127T (97.7%) and Nakamurella flava CGMCC 4.7524T (97.7%). The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 72.4 mol%. Based on draft genome sequences, strain YIM 132084T showed an average nucleotide identity value of 76.1% and 74.9%, a digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 20.9% and 20.6% with the reference strains Nakamurella flavida and Nakamurella flava, respectively. The results of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses showed that strain YIM 132084T represents a novel species of the genus Nakamurella, for which the name Nakamurella leprariae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 132084T (= CGMCC 4.7667T = NBRC 114280T = KCTC 49367T).

Paracoccus lichenicola sp. nov., Isolated from Lichen.

Strain YIM 132242T, isolated from lichen collected from Pu'er, Yunnan Province, China, was short-rod-shaped, Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth of the strain was occurred at 10-39 °C (optimum, 28-35 °C), at pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and at salinities of 0-8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain YIM 132242T belonged to the genus Paracoccus and had the highest levels of sequence similarity to Paracoccus aerius KCTC 42845T (97.0% similarity), Paracoccus sediminis CMB17T (96.8% similarity), and Paracoccus fontiphilus MVW-1T (96.4% similarity). The major fatty acid was identified as C18:1 ω7c (77.6%). The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). Polar lipid analysis indicated the presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), an unidentified lipid (L), and three unidentified phospholipids (PL1-PL3). Based on the draft genome sequence, the DNA G + C content of the strain was 67.1 mol%, and the values of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) of strain YIM 132242T with Paracoccus aerius KCTC 42845T were 85.4% and 29.1%, respectively. On the basis of the data from this polyphasic characterization, strain YIM 132242T represents a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus lichenicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 132242T (= KCTC 72463T = CGMCC1.17191T).

Naasia lichenicola sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from lichen.

A Gram-stain-positive, yellow-pigmented, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, strictly aerobic actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 131853T, was isolated from lichen collected from the South Bank of the Baltic Sea. The novel strain was non-spore-forming, short rod-shaped and motile with a single polar flagellum. The strain could grow at 4-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), at pH 4.0-12.0 (pH 6.0) and at 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl (1 %). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 131853T based on the draft genome sequence was 68.3 mol%. Predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile included diphosphatidylglycerol, dimannosyldiacylglycerol, three unknown glycolipids, two unknown phospholipids and one unknown lipid. Strain YIM 131853T had 2,4-diaminobutyric acid as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid, galactose and glucose as whole-cell sugars, and MK-10, MK-14, MK-13 and MK-12 as the major menaquinones. Although strain YIM 131853T exhibited a highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (96.6 %) to Amnibacterium kyonggiense NBRC 109360T, phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain formed a tight lineage with Naasia aerilata NBRC 108725T (96.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), which was the only species of genus Naasia. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain YIM 131853T should belong to the genus Naasia and represents a novel species of the genus Naasia, for which the name Naasia lichenicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 131853T (=CGMCC 4.7565T=NBRC 113605T).

Aureimonas leprariae sp. nov., Isolated from a Lepraria sp. Lichen.

A Gram-negative, motile, aerobic and coccoid rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain YIM132180T, was isolated from a Lepraria sp. lichen collected from Pu'er, Yunnan Province, China. The strain grew at 15-35 °C (optimum, 25-28 °C), at 0-2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-1%) and at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). The 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain YIM132180T had highest similarity (96.4%) with Aureimonas endophytica 2T4P-2-4T, followed by Aureimonas ureilytica NBRC 106430T (95.7%) and Aureimonas rubiginis CC-CFT034T (95.6%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strain grouped with species of the genus Aureimonas. The genomic sequence was 4,779,519 bp and contained 4584 coding sequences (CDSs), 54 RNA genes, 3 complete rRNA genes and 47 tRNA genes. The major fatty acids (>10%) of strain YIM132180T were C18:1ω7c, C-16:0 and C19:0 cyclo ω8c. The predominant menaquinone was ubiquinone 10 (Q-10). The polar lipid profile comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified phospholipid, amino lipid, lipid and most importantly sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG). Based on the draft genome sequence, the G +C content of strain YIM132180T was 68.4 mol%. The results of the polyphasic taxonomic study, including phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic analyses, showed that strain YIM132180T represents a novel species of the genus Aureimonas, for which the name Aureimonas leprariae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 132180T (=KCTC 72462T = CGMCC 1.17389T).

Nakamurella albus sp. nov.: A Novel Actinobacterium Isolated from a Lichen Sample.

A novel actinobacterium, YIM 132087T, isolated from Lepraria sp. lichen collected from Yunnan province, south-west PR China. Cells are Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, aerobic, non-motile and short rod-shaped. Colonies are asporogenous, circular and white brown in colour. Optimal growth occured at 15-35 °C (optimum 28 °C), at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 6.0), and in the presence of 3% NaCl (w/v). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 132087T based on the draft genome sequence was 71.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that strain YIM 132087T belonged to the genus Nakamurella and exhibited high levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Nakamurella endophytica CGMCC 4.7038T (97.9%) and Nakamurella intestinalis NBRC 111844T (97.2%). The DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain YIM 132087T and its closest relatives are lower than 26%. Strain YIM 132087T had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid, and MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone. Predominant cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C16:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0 and anteiso-C15:0. The polar lipid profile were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, three unknown phospholipids, one unknown aminophospholipid and one unknown lipid. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain YIM 132087T belongs to the genus Nakamurella and represents a novel species of the genus Nakamurella, for which the name Nakamurella albus sp. nov., with type strain YIM 132087T (=CGMCC 4.7629T =NBRC 114017T), is proposed.

Rubellimicrobium rubrum sp. nov., a novel bright reddish bacterium isolated from a lichen sample.

A novel strain, YIM 131921T, was isolated from a Physcia sp. lichen collected from the South Bank Forest of the Baltic Sea. The strain is Gram-negative, catalase positive and oxidase negative, strictly aerobic, asporogenous, non-motile and reddish brown in colour. The temperature and pH for growth were found to be 20-30 °C (optimum 28 °C) and pH 6.5-12.0 (optimum pH 7.0 ± 0.5). No growth was observed in the presence of NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain YIM 131921T shares high similarities with Rubellimicrobium roseum YIM 48858T (98.3%), followed by Rubellimicrobium mesophilum MSL-20T (96.8%), Rubellimicrobium aerolatum 5715S-9T (96.1%) and Rubellimicrobium thermophilum DSM 16684T (96.0%). Phylogenetic trees showed YIM 131921T forms a cluster with type strains of the genus Rubellimicrobium. The predominant cellular fatty acids (> 20%) were identified as summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c) and C16:0. Q-10 was found to be the predominant respiratory ubiquinone. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, glycolipid, phospholipids and an unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G + C content of the draft genome sequence is 66.6 mol%. Strain YIM 131921T showed an average nucleotide identity value of 80.3% and a digital DNA-DNA hybridizations value of 26.1% with the reference strain R. roseum YIM 48858T based on draft genome sequences. Based on comparative analyses of phenotypic, molecular, chemotaxonomic data and genomic comparisons, strain YIM 131921T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Rubellimicrobium, for which the name Rubellimicrobium rubrum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 131921T (= CGMCC 1.13958T = NBRC 114054T = KCTC 72461T).

Gypmacrophin A, a Rare Pentacyclic Sesterterpenoid, Together with Three Depsides, Functioned as New Chemical Evidence for Gypsoplaca macrophylla (Zahlbr.) Timdal Identification.

The phytochemical investigation on 1 g of materials from Gypsoplacamacrophylla (Zahlbr.) Timdal resulted in the discovery of gypmacrophin A, a rare pentacyclic sesterterpenoid; brialmontin III, a new polysubstituted depside and two known ones, brialmontins I and II. The structure and absolute configurations of gypmacrophin A were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and computational methods. Gypmacrophin A showed weak inhibition of AchE with an IC50 value of 32.03 µM. The four compounds provided new chemical evidence for G. macrophylla identification.

Who's getting around? Assessing species diversity and phylogeography in the widely distributed lichen-forming fungal genus Montanelia (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota).

Brown parmelioid lichens comprise a number of distinct genera in one of the most species-rich families of lichen-forming fungi, Parmeliaceae (Ascomycota). In spite of their superficial similarity, a number of studies of brown parmelioids have provided important insight into diversification in lichen-forming fungi with cosmopolitan distributions. In this study we assess species diversity, biogeography and diversification of the genus Montanelia, which includes alpine to temperate saxicolous species. We sampled each of the five known species, four of which are known from broad, intercontinental distributions. In order to identify potential biogeographical patterns, each broadly distributed species was represented by individuals collected across their intercontinental distributions. Molecular sequence data were generated for six loci, including three nuclear protein-coding markers (MCM7, RPB1, and RPB2), two nuclear ribosomal markers (ITS and nrLSU), and a fragment of the mitochondrial small subunit. We used three sequence-based species delimitations methods to validate traditional, phenotype-based species and circumscribe previously unrecognized species-level lineages in Montanelia. Relationships among putative lineages and divergence times were estimated within a coalescent-based multi-locus species tree framework. Based on the results of the species delimitation analyses, we propose that the genus Montanelia is likely comprised of six to nine species-level lineages, including previously unrecognized species-level diversity in the nominal taxa M. panniformis and M. tominii. In contrast, molecular sequence data suggest that M. predisjuncta may be conspecific with the widespread taxon M. disjuncta in spite of distinct morphological differences. The rate-based age estimation of the most recent common ancestor of Montanelia (ca. 23.1Ma) was similar to previous estimates based on the fossil record. Furthermore, our data suggest that diversification in Montanelia occurred largely during the Neogene. At least three Montanelia species are broadly distributed throughout Asia, Europe, and North America with no evidence of phylogeographic substructure. In contrast to broadly distributed Montanelia species, our study suggests Pleistocene-dominated diversification and complex biogeographic history in the M. tominii group. Our analyses provide additional insight for understanding diversification and uncovering cryptic diversity in cosmopolitan species of lichen-forming fungi.

Acquisition of green algal photobionts enables both chlorolichens and chloro-cyanolichens to activate photosynthesis at low humidity without liquid water.

Cyanobacteria require liquid water for photosynthesis, whereas green algae can photosynthesise with water vapour alone. We discovered that several Lobaria spp. which normally have cyanobacteria as the sole photobiont, in some regions of the trans-Himalayas also harboured green algae. We tested whether green algal acquisition was: limited to high elevations; obtained from neighbouring chloro-Lobaria species; enabled photosynthesis at low humidity. Lobaria spp. were collected from 2000 to 4000 m elevation. Spectrophotometry quantified green algal abundance by measuring chlorophyll b (absent in cyanobacteria). Thalli cross-sections visually confirmed green algal presence. We sequenced gene regions: Lobaria (ITS-EF-1α-RPB2), green algae (18S-RBC-L) and Nostoc (16S). Phylogenetic analysis determined myco-photobiont associations. We used a custom closed-circuit gas exchange system with an infrared gas analyser to measure CO2 exchange rates for desiccated specimens at 33%, 76%, 86% and 98% humidity. Cross-sections revealed that the photobiont layers in putative cyano-Lobaria contained both cyanobacteria and green algae, indicating that they should be considered chloro-cyanolichens. Chloro-Lobaria had no visible cephalodia nor cyanobacteria in the photobiont layer. Chloro-Lobaria and chloro-cyano-Lobaria had comparable levels of chlorophyll b. Chloro-Lobaria usually contained Symbiochloris. Chloro-cyano-Lobaria mainly associated with Parachloroidium and Nostoc; infrequently with Symbiochloris, Apatococcus, Chloroidium, Pseudochlorella, Trebouxia. Sequences from two green algal genera were obtained from within some thalli. Desiccated specimens of every Lobaria species could attain net photosynthesis with light exposure and 33% humidity. CO2 exchange dynamics over a five-day period differed between species. At all elevations, chloro-cyano-Lobaria spp. had abundant green algae in the photobiont layer, but green algal strains mostly differed to those of chloro-Lobaria spp. Both chloro-Lobaria and chloro-cyano-Lobaria were capable of conducting photosynthesis without liquid water. The data strongly suggest that they attained positive net photosynthesis.

Allokutzneria multivorans sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from soil.

An actinomycete with well-branched mycelia, designated strain YIM 120521(T), was isolated from soil collected from the banks of the Nujiang River, Yunnan Province, south-west China. Both aerial and substrate mycelia were white and non-pigmented. Growth was observed at 4-40 °C (optimum 28 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum 7.0) and in 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 %). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain YIM 120521(T) belongs to the genus Allokutzneria with the highest sequence similarity to Allokutzneria albata DSM 44149(T) (98.4 %). However, the mean DNA-DNA relatedness value between the two strains was below 70 %. Chemotaxonomic characteristics supported the inclusion of strain YIM 120521(T) in the genus Allokutzneria, with rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, galactose and mannose as the whole-cell sugars, meso-diaminopimelic acid as the cell-wall diamino acid and MK-9(H4) as the predominant menaquinone. On the basis of physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain YIM 120521(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Allokutzneria, for which the name Allokutzneria multivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 120521(T) ( = JCM 17342(T) = DSM 45532(T)).

The phylogeny and taxonomy of Glypholecia (Acarosporaceae, lichenized Ascomycota), including a new species from northwestern China.

Glypholeciaqinghaiensis An C. Yin, Q. Y. Zhong & Li S. Wang is described as new to science. It is characterized by its squamulose thallus, compound apothecia, ellipsoid ascospores, and the presence of rhizines on the lower surface of the thallus. A phylogenetic tree of Glypholecia species was constructed based on nrITS and mtSSU sequences. Two species G.qinghaiensis and G.scabra are confirmed in China.

Phylogeographic analyses of an epiphytic foliose lichen show multiple dispersal events westward from the Hengduan Mountains of Yunnan into the Himalayas.

Lobaria pindarensis is an endemic species of the Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains. Little information is available on the phylogeography genetics and colonization history of this species or how its distribution patterns changed in response to the orographic history of the Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains. Based on samples covering a major part of the species' distribution range, we used 443 newly generated sequences of nine loci for molecular coalescent analyses in order to reconstruct the evolutionary history of L. pindarensis, and to reconstruct the species' ancestral phylogeographic distributions using Bayesian binary MCMC analyses. The results suggest that current populations originated from the Yunnan region of the Hengduan Mountains in the middle Pliocene, and that the Himalayas of Bhutan were colonized by a lineage that diverged from Yunnan ca. 2.72 Ma. The analysis additionally indicates that the Nepal and Xizang areas of the Himalayas were colonized from Yunnan as well, and that there was later a second dispersal event from Yunnan to Bhutan. We conclude that the change in climate and habitat related to the continuous uplift of the Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains in the late Pliocene and middle Pleistocene influenced the geographic distribution pattern of L. pindarensis.

Taxonomy of Buelliaepigaea-group (Caliciales, Caliciaceae), revealing a new species and two new records from China.

During the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program, we discovered that white terricolous lichenized fungal species of Buellia De Not. were widely distributed across the Tibetan Plateau. After examining their morphology, chemistry and phylogeny, we describe Buelliaalpina Xin Y. Wang & Li S. Wang, sp. nov. as new to science. It is present in alpine meadows, and is characterized by its effigurate thallus, distinct linear marginal lobes, cover of thick white pruina and four-spored asci. This is also the first report of Buelliaelegans Poelt and Buelliaepigaea (Pers.) Tuck from China. The Buelliaepigaea-group has previously been characterized by white and often effigurate thalli that occur mainly on soil. However, our results show that species in this group actually belong to two distinct clades. This conclusion is based on analyses of the nuITS region and the combined regions dataset (nuITS-nuLSU-mtSSU-ß-tubulin). We discuss differences in morphology, anatomy, chemistry and ecology among the putative Buelliaepigaea-group. Detailed descriptions and figures for the three species from China and a key for species of Buelliaepigaea-group are provided.

Revision of Immersaria and a new lecanorine genus in Lecideaceae (lichenised Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes).

The species Immersariacupreoatra has been included in Bellemerea. This caused us to reconsider the relationships between Bellemerea and the lecanorine species of Immersaria and to question the monophyly of Immersaria. Amongst 25 genera of the family Lecideaceae, most have lecideine apothecia, the exceptions being Bellemerea and Koerberiella, which have lecanorine apothecia. According to previous classifications, Immersaria included species with both lecanorine and lecideine apothecia. A five-loci phylogenetic tree (nrITS, nrLSU, RPB1, RPB2, and mtSSU) for Lecideaceae showed that Immersaria was split into two clades: firstly, all the lecideine apotheciate species and secondly, all the lecanorine apotheciate species. The latter clade was closely related to the remaining lecanorine apotheciate genera: Bellemerea and Koerberiella. Therefore, the genus concept of Immersaria is revised accordingly and a new lecanorine genus Lecaimmeria is proposed. Furthermore, four new species for Immersaria and seven new species and three new combinations for the new genus Lecaimmeria are proposed. Keys to Immersaria and the new genus Lecaimmeria are provided.

[Effect of aspirin administration for the treatment of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rat model].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects of aspirin on postmenopausal osteoporosis and understand its action mechanism. METHODS: Forty three-month-old female SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8 each): sham group, OVX group and aspirin groups (A1, A2 & A3). The OVX and aspirin groups were ovariectomized (OVX). All rats underwent BMD (bone mineral density) scan at the time of OVX and 3 months after OVX. After the animal model of osteoporosis was established, aspirin groups were intragastrically administered at a dose of 8.93 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) (A1), 26.79 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) (A2) and 80.36 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1) (A3) daily in OVX rats. Three months later, the BMD and micro-architecture of vertebrae were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and microtomography. Alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were measured in peripheral blood. The trabecular architecture changes were observed by histomorphology. Axial compression tests were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of vertebral specimens and three-point bending tests used for femur shaft. RESULTS: Three months after ovariectomy, BMD was significantly lower than preoperative. BMD in aspirin treated groups was significantly higher than that in OVX group. Alkaline phosphatase in peripheral blood decreased significantly in aspirin groups than those in OVX, but osteocalcin had no significant difference between aspirin and OVX groups. The microtomography reconstruction analysis also showed that the trabecular thickness, trabecular number and BMD increased significantly in aspirin groups than those in OVX. And there was no significant difference between A3 and sham groups. The results of biomechanical test showed that the maximum compression load of lumbar spine and three-point bending load of femur shaft were significantly higher in aspirin groups than those in OVX group. CONCLUSION: Aspirin can promote trabecular bone remodeling, improve three-dimensional structure of trabecular bone and increase bone density of cancellous in osteoporotic rats by stimulating bone formation. It may become a new drug for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Squamarina (lichenised fungi) species described from China belong to at least three unrelated genera.

New collections of six Squamarina species from type localities in China were studied. The comparison of morphological characteristics and secondary metabolites with those of the type specimens and phylogenetic analyses suggest that S. callichroa and S. pachyphylla belong to Rhizoplaca, S. semisterilis belongs to Lobothallia and S. chondroderma should be retained in Lecanora temporarily. Only two species, S. kansuensis and S. oleosa, remain in Squamarina. The new combinations Lobothallia semisterilis (H. Magn.) Y. Y. Zhang, Rhizoplaca callichroa (Zahlbr.) Y. Y. Zhang and R. pachyphylla (H. Magn.) Y. Y. Zhang are proposed. Detailed descriptions to aid the identification of these species, distributions and phylogenetic trees, based on multiple collections, are presented. The generic concept of Squamarina is recircumscribed in this study.

Sulzbacheromyces sinensis, an Unexpected Basidiolichen, was Newly Discovered from Korean Peninsula and Philippines, with a Phylogenetic Reconstruction of Genus Sulzbacheromyces.

Most of lichens are formed by Ascomycota, less than 1% are lichenized Basidiomycota. The flora investigation of lichenized Ascomycota of South Korea has been well studied in the past three decades; however, prior to this study, none of basidiolichens was discovered. During the recent excursion, an unexpected clavarioid basidiolichen, Sulzbacheromyces sinensis was collected. Morphology and ecology has been recorded in detail. DNA was extracted, and ITS, 18S, 28S nuclear rDNA were generated. In order to further confirm the systematic position of the Korean specimens, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analysis including all the species of the order Lepidostromatales were conducted based on the ITS. As a result, the phylogenetic tree of the order Lepidostromatales was reconstructed, which differed from the previous studies. The inferred phylogenetic tree showed that species of Sulzbacheromyces in three different continents (Asia, South Africa and South America) were separated into three clades with support. In this study, the species worldwide distribution map of Lepidostromatales was illustrated, and S. sinensis had a widest distribution range (paleotropical extend to the Sino-Japanese) than other species (paleotropical or neotropical). Prior to this study, the range of distribution, southernmost and northernmost points and the fruiting time of S. sinensis were recorded, and the genus Sulzbacheromyces was firstly reported from Korean peninsula and Philippines.

Two New Species of Placolecis (Lichenized Ascomycota) from China.

Two new species of the lichen genus Placolecis are discovered in China, namely P. kunmingensis An. C. Yin & Li S. Wang and P. sublaevis An. C. Yin & Li S. Wang. The new combination P. loekoesiana (S.Y. Kondr., Farkas, J.J. Woo & Hur) An. C. Yin is proposed. Placolecis kunmingensis is characterized by having simple, spherical or ellipsoid, hyaline spores, and pear-shaped pycnidia; while P. sublaevis can be distinguished by its thallus forming larger aggregations with slightly flattened lobes at the thallus margin, and urn-shaped pycnidia. Descriptions, a phylogenetic tree and a key are provided for all the known Placolecis species in China.