Current and future potential distribution of two bamboo pests in China: Anakaburmensis and Cicadellaviridis (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae).

China's bamboo output is closely associated with its national economy; however, it is currently rapidly declining due to damage from the pests Anakaburmensis and Cicadellaviridis. Identifying regions that are environmentally suitable for these pests is a critical step in their effective control. Therefore, in this study, we used a Maxent model to predict their current and future potential areas of distribution (2021-2040, 2041-2060, and 2061-2080) and explored changes over time using distribution data and related environmental variables. The model results demonstrates that the current potential areas of distribution of A.burmensis are predominantly concentrated in several provinces of southern and central China, such as Guizhou, Guangxi, and Hubei, whereas the current potential areas of distribution of C.viridis are primarily in many provinces across southern, central, and northeastern China. In the future, the potential distribution of A.burmensis will increase and move minimally, whereas the potential distribution of C.viridis will decrease and move considerably. The results of the present study provide vital information for predicting the spread and outbreaks of C.viridis and A.burmensis and provide a reference framework for developing management strategies to control these two pests, thereby minimizing economic loss in the bamboo industry.

A Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase Gene Is Expressed in Fat Body Regulates Cantharidin Synthesis in Male Epicauta impressicornis Blister Beetle.

Blister beetles of Epicauta impressicornis have attracted attention because they contain a large amount of cantharidin (CTD). To date, however, the synthesis and transfer of CTD in adults of E. impressicornis are largely unknown. Here, we showed that the larvae E. impressicornis are capable of synthesizing CTD and they consume CTD during pupation. Before sexual maturity, both male and female adults synthesized a small amount of CTD, while after sexual maturity, males produced larger amounts of CTD, but females did not. The newly synthesized CTD in males first appeared in the hemolymph and then accumulated in the reproductive system. During the mating, the males transferred CTD to the reproductive system of females. In addition, a farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) gene was identified in male E. impressicornis. RNA-seq analysis, quantitative RT-PCR, and RNA interference analyses were conducted to investigate expression patterns and the functional roles of E. impressicornis FPPS (EiFPPS). Our results indicate that EiFPPS is highly expressed in the fat body of males. Moreover, the knock-down of EiFPPS led to a significant decrease in CTD synthesis. The current study indicates that EiFPPS is expressed in the fat body to regulate CTD synthesis in male E. impressicornis blister beetles.

Predicting suitable areas for Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera: Flatidae) under climate change and implications for management.

Climate change is a prominent factor reshaping the distribution of invasive species. Metcalfa pruinosa (Say 1830) (Hemiptera: Flatidae), native to North America, has invaded other continents and poses a serious threat to various agricultural crops and the human residential environment. Understanding the distribution of M. pruinosa based on climatic conditions is a critical first step to prevent its further invasion. Therefore, based on its occurrence records and associated environmental variables, a Maxent model was developed to predict suitable areas for this species in the present and future on a global scale. The model exhibited outstanding performance, with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and true skill statistic values of 0.9329 and 0.926, respectively. The model also indicated that annual precipitation (Bio12) and max temperature of the warmest month (Bio5) were the key environmental variables limiting the distribution of M. pruinosa. Moreover, the model revealed that the current suitable area is 1.01 × 107 km2 worldwide, with southern China, southern Europe, and the eastern United States predicted to be the primary and highly suitable areas in the latter 2 regions. This area is expected to increase under future climate scenarios, mainly in the northern direction. The study's findings contribute to our understanding of climate change's impact on M. pruinosa distribution, and they will aid governments in developing appropriate pest management strategies, including global monitoring and strict quarantine measures.

Colony performance of three native bumblebee species from South China and association with their gut microbiome.

Bumblebees play an important ecological economic role as pollinators in nature and agriculture. For reasons of biosecurity, many countries promote the cultivation of native bumblebee species for crop pollination instead of importing "alien" species. In South China, a few bumblebee species are considered useful in this way, particularly, Bombus atripes, Bombus bicoloratus and Bombus breviceps. However, whether they are suitable for artificial rearing and forming healthy colonies for pollination, remains unknown. In this project, queens from the 3 native species of Guizhou Province were collected and colonies were started under standardized conditions. The colonies were scored based on 19 parameters, including the stage of colony development, number and weight of offspring, and diet consumed. The data revealed that B. breviceps had the best performance, produced more workers and consumed the smallest diet. Next, we performed 16S rDNA sequencing of the bacterial communities found in the guts of offspring workers, and then a correlation analysis between colony performance and gut bacteria was conducted. Here, B. breviceps showed the highest diversity in gut bacterial composition, dominated by the bacteria Gilliamella, Snodgrassella, Enterobacter, and Lactobacillus Firm5. The higher the abundance of Snodgrassella, the better the performance of the colony in the foundation stage, and later Lactobacillus Firm5, Apibacter and Bifidobacterium were beneficial during the stages of rapid growth and colony decline. Although we do not understand all of the interactions yet, these correlations explain why B. breviceps demonstrated better colony performance. Our data provide valuable information for breeding local Bombus species and will contribute to developing strong colonies for crop pollination.

Two new species of the planthopper genus Metanigrus Tsaur, Yang & Wilson from China (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Meenoplidae), with an updated checklist and key to species.

Two new species of genus Metanigrus Tsaur, Yang & Wilson, 1986 (Fulgoromorpha, Meenoplidae), M. afflatus sp. nov. from Hainan Province and M. angularus sp. nov. from Yunnan Province, are described and illustrated, bringing the total number of species within the genus to 8. An updated checklist and identification key to known species of Metanigrus are provided.

A new species of the genus Macronychus Mller, 1806 from China (Coleoptera, Elmidae).

Macronychus xuhaoi sp. nov., a new species of the genus Macronychus Mller, 1806 is described from Xizang, Southwest China. The new species belongs to Macrynychus quadriluberculatus species group. Habitus and other diagnostic features of the new species are described and illustrated.

Biology of Callistethus plagiicollis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Rutelinae) and comparative morphology of its larvae.

Larvae of the beetle subfamily Rutelinae are poorly described in the literature. Notably, the morphology of the larvae of Callistethus plagiicollis Fairmaire has not previously been analyzed. Here, we report for the first time that these larvae feed on the tubers and roots of Gastrodia elata Blume, an important traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which causes a reduction in the yield and economic value of G. elata. We employed scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy to investigate the morphology and occurrence regularity of egg, larvae, pupae, and adult specimens of C. plagiicollis collected from the G. elata planting base in Guizhou Province, China, with a focus on the ultrastructure of mature larvae. The results revealed one generation of C. plagiicollis per year in the study area and three instar stages of larvae. Mature larvae were identified by the following characteristics: raster without palidia with a large number of hamate setae, antennal apex containing seven sensilla basiconica, larval haptomerum containing eight sensilla styloconica and four enlarged heli, and seven longitudinally arranged stridulatory teeth on the stipes of the maxilla. The combination of scanning electron and light microscopy effectively revealed the difference between membranous and sclerotized structures, ensuring accurate identification of C. plagiicollis larvae. By determining the feeding characteristics and occurrence regularity of C. plagiicollis, this study has implications for improved pest management in G. elata crops. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We identified C. plagiicollis as a new pest of G. elata, a traditional Chinese medicine Scanning electron and light microscopy were combined to analyze the morphology of the mature larvae of C. plagiicollis for the first time We determined the feeding characteristics and occurrence regularity of C. plagiicollis, which can be used to develop effective pest management strategies.

First report of the complete mitochondrial genome of 3 beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) harming Gastrodia elata (Asparagales: Orchidaceae).

Gastrodia elata Blume, a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with significant clinical and nutritional importance, is a fungal heterotrophic orchid. We present the first report of the mitochondrial genome structure and characteristics of 3 Scarabaeidae pests affecting G. elata: Sophrops peronosporus Gu & Zhang, Anomala rufiventris Kollar & Redtenbacher, and Callistethus plagiicollis Fairmaire. Each mitogenome contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and a control region, with no gene rearrangements observed. All 21 tRNAs, except trnS1 that lacks a dihydrouridine, had a stable cloverleaf secondary structure. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on the 13 PCGs produced 2 topologically similar phylogenetic trees, both of with high nodal support. Larvae of these Scarabaeidae pests cause substantial damage by gnawing on the tubers and roots of G. elata, leading to reduced yield and compromised quality. These findings contribute to phylogenetic studies of Scarabaeidae, expand knowledge of G. elata pests, and offer valuable reference materials for their identification and control.

Quality control and external quality assessment for the independent clinic-based evaluation of point-of-care testing to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis in eight countries.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) remain significant global health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently conducted a multi-faceted, multi-country validation study (ProSPeRo), which included an evaluation of the Xpert CT/NG and Xpert TV assays on the GeneXpert system (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, Ca., USA) in clinic-based settings across eight countries. To support the study, a training and quality management system was implemented and evaluated. METHODS: A comprehensive training program for the study was developed. Quality control (QC) and external quality assessment (EQA) samples were provided by an accredited quality assurance provider. QC testing was conducted at 14 point-of-care testing (POCT) clinics, while EQA samples were tested by the POCT sites and a reference laboratory supporting each clinic. RESULTS: For QC testing, concordance with the expected results for CT and NG was > 99% and rates of unsuccessful tests were < 4%. For TV testing, concordance was similar (97%), but rates of unsuccessful tests were high (18%), particularly in the 'TV negative' sample. For EQA testing initially conducted in 2018, concordance was 100% for CT and NG, and 90% for TV for the reference laboratory group (which used non-GeneXpert systems). Concordance for the POCT group was also high (> 94%) for all analytes, but this cohort (which used GeneXpert systems) exhibited a high rate of unsuccessful TV tests. All but one of these unsuccessful tests was subcategorised as 'invalid'. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of concordance for QC and EQA testing confirm that the trained operators at the POC clinical sites were competent to conduct POC testing and that the training and quality systems implemented for the ProSPeRo study were effective. The quality materials used were satisfactory for CT and NG but exhibited poor performance for TV testing on the GeneXpert system. The WHO should continue to work with industry and EQA providers to provide improved materials that are reliable, stable and cost effective for quality management, as it seeks to rollout molecular-based STI POCT in non-laboratory-based settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethics approval to conduct the ProSPeRo study was granted by the WHO Ethics Review Committee.

Using Self-Reported Sexual Positioning as an Indicator for Rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: A Missed Opportunity.

BACKGROUND: Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are escalating public health concerns. This study aimed to explore (1) the reliability of self-reported sexual positioning as an indicator for rectal CT and NG screening, and (2) factors associated with rectal CT and NG infections in Shenzhen, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 settings in Shenzhen, China, from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and basic CT knowledge were collected. Urine and self-collected rectal swabs were collected for CT and NG testing. RESULTS: In total, 195 MSM participated in the study, and 5.1% tested positive for urogenital CT, 29.2% for rectal CT, 1.0% for urogenital NG, and 8.2% for rectal NG. Among those who reported exclusively insertive anal sex, 69.2% of CT infections and 85.7% of NG infections would have remained undetected with urine testing alone. Risk factors for rectal CT infection included engaging in both insertive and receptive anal sex, with a significant association found for coinfection with rectal NG. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported sexual positioning was found to be an unreliable indicator for CT and NG screening, as a substantial proportion of infections would have remained undetected. The findings suggest that CT and NG screening in China should be offered to all MSM regardless of self-reported sexual positioning, and that the dual CT/NG testing is recommended.

An Automated Instance Segmentation Method for Crack Detection Integrated with CrackMover Data Augmentation.

Crack detection plays a critical role in ensuring road safety and maintenance. Traditional, manual, and semi-automatic detection methods have proven inefficient. Nowadays, the emergence of deep learning techniques has opened up new possibilities for automatic crack detection. However, there are few methods with both localization and segmentation abilities, and most perform poorly. The consistent nature of pavement over a small mileage range gives us the opportunity to make improvements. A novel data-augmentation strategy called CrackMover, specifically tailored for crack detection methods, is proposed. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of CrackMover for various methods. Moreover, this paper presents a new instance segmentation method for crack detection. It adopts a redesigned backbone network and incorporates a cascade structure for the region-based convolutional network (R-CNN) part. The experimental evaluation showcases significant performance improvements achieved by these approaches in crack detection. The proposed method achieves an average precision of 33.3%, surpassing Mask R-CNN with a Residual Network 50 backbone by 8.6%, proving its effectiveness in detecting crack distress.

Three new species of the planthopper genus Oecleopsis Emeljanov, 1971 from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae).

Three new species of the genus Oecleopsis Emeljanov, 1971 from China, O.acerbus Lv & Chen, sp. nov. and O.panxianensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Guizhou Province, and O.digitatus Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Sichuan Province, are described and illustrated. With these additions, the number of species in the genus is increased to 18. An updated identification key and checklist of all known species of Oecleopsis are provided as well as a map of their geographic distributions.

Two new species of the planthopper genus Usana Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Achilidae) from China.

Two new species of the achilid planthopper genus Usana Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Achilidae, Myconinae, Plectoderini), U.tongmaiensis Long & Huang, sp. nov. and U.rotalarius Long & Huang, sp. nov., are described and illustrated from Xizang and Chongqing. A key to all known species and a map of geographic distributions for Chinese taxa is provided.

A new bamboo-feeding species of the genus Pseudosymplanella Che, Zhang & Webb, 2009 (Hemiptera, Caliscelidae, Ommatidiotinae) from China.

A new planthopper species, Pseudosymplanellamaximasp. nov., belonging to the genus Pseudosymplanella (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Caliscelidae: Augilini), is described and illustrated, from China. In common with other Chinese Augilini, the new species feeds exclusively on bamboo. Additionally, a key to the two species of Pseudosymplanella is provided.

Vaccine value profile for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (gonorrhoea) is a global public health challenge, causing substantial sexual and reproductive health consequences, such as infertility, pregnancy complications and increased acquisition or transmission of HIV. There is an urgency to controlling gonorrhoea because of increasing antimicrobial resistance to ceftriaxone, the last remaining treatment option, and the potential for gonorrhoea to become untreatable. No licensed gonococcal vaccine is available. Mounting observational evidence suggests that N. meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines may induce cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae (estimated 30%-40% effectiveness using the 4CMenB vaccine). Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the 4CMenB vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae are underway, as are Phase 1/2 studies of a new gonococcal-specific vaccine candidate. Ultimately, a gonococcal vaccine must be accessible, affordable and equitably dispensed, given that those most affected by gonorrhoea are also those who may be most disadvantaged in our societies, and most cases are in less-resourced settings. This vaccine value profile (VVP) provides a high level, holistic assessment of the current data to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines. This was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the N. gonorrhoeae VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using published data obtained from peer-reviewed journals or reports.

Two new bamboo-feeding species of the planthopper genus Bambusicaliscelis Chen & Zhang, 2011 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Caliscelidae) from China.

Two new species of the Chinese caliscelid planthopper genus Bambusicaliscelis Chen & Zhang, 2011, B.bibulbussp. nov. from Fujian Province and B.clavatussp. nov. from Jiangxi Province, are described and illustrated. The genus now known to include six described species. A checklist and identification key to Bambusicaliscelis species are provided.

Treatment of maternal syphilis for preventing congenital syphilis: an observational study of adherence to treatment recommendation in Suzhou, China, 2019-2021.

BACKGROUND: China is one of the countries that set the goal to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of syphilis by a target date. Active screening for syphilis among pregnant women, followed by effective treatment of maternal syphilis, is critical for achieving the goal. The China health authority issued national implementation protocols to guide EMTCT practice in health facilities. METHODS: Within a cohort of infants born to mothers infected with syphilis, we obtained the data of regimens used for treatment of maternal syphilis from the National Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B, and analysed the physician's treatment behaviour and its associated factors in a public hospital in Suzhou of China. RESULTS: A total of 450 pregnant women who were positive for treponemal or non-treponemal antibody, or had previous infection with syphilis were included into the study for analysis. Of them, 260 (57.8%) were positive for both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies (syphilis seropositivity), and 353 (78.4%) were treated for syphilis according to the protocol in which 123 (34.8%) were treated with two courses. Non-adherence to treatment recommended by the protocol for maternal syphilis was significantly associated with antenatal visits in the third trimester (AOR 6.65, 95% CI 2.20-20.07, P =0.001), being positive only for a treponemal test (AOR 5.34, 95% CI 3.07-9.29, P <0.001) or having a syphilis infection before the pregnancy (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.14-3.69, P =0.017), whereas the uptake of treatment for two treatment courses was associated with attending antenatal care in 2020 or before (AOR 3.49, 95% CI 1.89-6.42, P <0.001), being positive for treponemal and non-treponemal tests (AOR 5.28, 95% CI 2.78-10.06, P <0.001) or having non-treponemal antibody titre of ≥1:8 (AOR 3.71, 95% CI 1.77-7.78, P =0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the current recommendation to offer a universal treatment for syphilis among all pregnant women who are shown to be positive for a treponemal test alone is challenging in some clinical settings in China.

Three new species of the genus Zaitzevia Champion, 1923 (Coleoptera, Elmidae) from China.

Three new riffle beetles of the genus Zaitzevia Champion, 1923 are described from China, namely Zaitzeviasichuanensissp. nov. and Zaitzeviafengtongzhaiensissp. nov. from Sichuan Province, and Zaitzeviayingzuijieensissp. nov. from Hunan Province. Habitus and diagnostic features of the new species are illustrated. A checklist of all known Chinese Zaitzevia species is given, and a key and distributional map of Zaitzevia species from the Chinese mainland are provided.

Syphilis.

Syphilis is a sexually and vertically transmitted bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Its prevalence is high in low-income and middle-income countries, and its incidence has increased in high-income countries in the last few decades among men who have sex with men. Syphilis is a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries. Clinical features include a primary chancre at the point of inoculation, followed weeks later by the rash of secondary syphilis, a latent period, and in some cases, involvement of the eyes, CNS, and cardiovascular systems. It is diagnosed serologically. A single intramuscular dose of long-acting benzathine penicillin is recommended for people who have had syphilis for less than 1 year and longer courses for people with late latent syphilis. Control strategies include screening and treatment of all pregnant women, and targeted interventions for groups at high risk. Vaccine development, research on antibiotic prophylaxis, and digital messaging as prevention strategies are ongoing.