Coleoptera associated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fomitopsis pinicola</Emphasis> (Sw.:Fr.) Karst. (Basidiomycetes,Aphyllophorales) in the forests of the Urals and Transurals

A detailed characteristic of the beetle fauna associated with Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.: Fr.) Karst. (Basidiomycetes, Aphyllophorales) in the Urals and Transurals is given. Thirty species from 14 families have been revealed, the commonest species including Eridaulus jacquemarti Mel., Ennearthron laricinum (Mel.) (Ciidae), Dorcatoma dresdensis Hbst., D. lomnickii Rtt., D. punctulata Muls. (Anobiidae), Diaperis boleti (L.) (Tenebrionidae), Scaphisoma agaricinum (L.), S. inopinatum Löbl, S. subalpinum Rtt. (Scaphidiidae), Ostoma ferruginea (L.), and Peltis grossa (L.) (Peltidae). The main trends in the ecological and trophic specialization of mycetophilous beetles are discussed, and some regularities of formation of mycetophilous complexes at different stages of the trees fungi fruit body development are revealed.     

Ant pollination of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syzygium occidentale</Emphasis>, an endemic tree species of tropical rain forests of the Western Ghats,India

Although mutualism between ants and flowering plants is wide spread, ant pollination has not evolved as a major pollination syndrome. So far ant pollination has been reported largely in herbaceous species, growing in warm and dry habitats. While studying pollination ecology of Syzygium species (Myrtaceae), growing in tropical forests of the Western Ghats, India, we observed one of the ant species, Technomyrmex albipes, to be the dominant floral visitor in S. occidentale (Bourd.) Chithra among a range of other insect (species of Xylocopa and Trigona, and Apis cerana) and bird visitors. We studied the role of ant species in pollination when compared to other floral visitors. The fruit set in flowers exclusively visited by T. albipes was significantly higher than those visited by any other visitor. The day and night exclusive pollination experiments allowing only T. albipes indicated diel pollination by T. albipes, which was the only active flower visitor during the night. The breeding system of the species was studied through controlled pollinations. The species is partially self-compatible and exhibits considerable autogamy.     

Morphology of Cell Wall Pore Channels in the Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euastrum</Emphasis> Ralfs (Desmidiales)

The study of the cell wall structure was performed for ten species of Euastrum: E. ansatum (Ehrenb.) Ralfs, E. bidentatum Näg., E. binale (Turp.) Ehrenb. ex Ralfs, E. dubium Näg., E. elegans (Bréb.) Kütz. ex Ralfs, E. germanicum (Schmidle) W. Krieger, E. oblongum (Grev.) Ralfs ex Ralfs, E. pectinatum Bréb. ex Bréb. in Ralfs, E. validum West et G.S.West, E. verrucosum (Ehrenb.) ex Ralfs. The investigation of the cell wall ultrastructure has established for the first time that the pore canal in 6 of 10 species always has a coiled form to some degree. Three species (E. germanicum, E. pectinatum, and E. verrucosum) have both coiled and straight canals, and E. ansatum has only straight ones. A new type of pores (P7), typical only for representatives of the genus Euastrum, was also noted. In addition, a simple and effective method of preparing desmidium algal cells for investigation with transmission electron microscope has been developed.     

Characterization of the CDK5 gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis cerana cerana</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">AccCDK5</Emphasis>) and a preliminary identification of its activator gene, <Emphasis Type="Italic">AccCDK5r1</Emphasis>

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is an unusual CDK whose function has been implicated in protecting the central nervous system (CNS) from oxidative damage. However, there have been few studies of CDK5 in insects. In this study, we identified the AccCDK5 gene from Apis cerana cerana and investigated its role in oxidation resistance. We found that AccCDK5 is highly conserved across species and contains conserved features of the CDK5 family. The results of qPCR analysis indicated that AccCDK5 is highly expressed during the larval and pupal stages and in the adult head and muscle. We further observed that AccCDK5 is induced by several environmental oxidative stresses. Moreover, the overexpression of the AccCDK5 protein in E. coli enhances the resistance of the bacteria to oxidative stress. The activation of CDK5 requires binding to its activator. Therefore, we also identified and cloned cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit 1, which we named AccCDK5r1, from Apis cerana cerana. AccCDK5r1 contains a conserved cell localization targeting domain as well as binding and activation sites for CDK5. Yeast two-hybrid analysis demonstrated the interaction between AccCDK5 and AccCDK5r1. The expression patterns of the two genes were similar after stress treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that AccCDK5 plays a pivotal role in the response to oxidative stresses and that AccCDK5r1 is a potential activator of AccCDK5.     

Introgression in native populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera mellifera</Emphasis> L: implications for conservation

Hybridisation and introgression can have negative impacts on regional biodiversity through the potential erosion of locally adapted lineages. The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) occurs in twenty-seven subspecies across Europe, is an extremely economically important insect, yet threatened by multifarious impacts. Transhumance of the most commercially appealing varieties threatens native honey bee diversity by introgression and subsequent loss of locally adapted traits, or even by complete removal of some subspecies from parts of the range. Here levels of admixture and introgression are examined in UK honey bees suspected to be from hives of the dark European honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera). Microsatellite DNA and STRUCTURE analyses reveal that the studied populations are generally admixed, and discriminant analysis of principal components shows them to be intermediate between A. m. mellifera and Apis mellifera carnica populations. However, examining mitochondrial haplotype data (COI-COII intergenic spacer region) and nuclear DNA reveal that some hives are relatively pure (from 4 to 15 hives, depending on the Q-value threshold). Genetic diversity is relatively high in comparison with other European populations. Implications for conservation and management are discussed.     

Beetles (Coleoptera) associated with the polypore <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daedaleopsis confragosa</Emphasis> (Bolton: Fr.) J. Schrot (Basidiomycetes,Aphyllophorales) in Forests of the Urals and Transurals

The beetle complex associated with Daedaleopsis confragosa (Bolton: Fr.) Schrot. (Basidiomycetes, Aphyllophorales) in the Urals and Transurals is characterized. A total of 54 species of 16 families were found in this complex, the commonest species including Cis comptus Gyll., Sulcacis affinis (Gyll.) (Ciidae), Tritoma subbasalis (Rtt.), Dacne bipustulata Thunb. (Erotylidae), Mycetophagus multipunctatus F., M. piceus (F.) (Mycetophagidae), and Thymalus oblongus Rtt. (Trogossitidae). The main trends of the ecological and trophic specialization of the mycetophilic beetles are discussed; some features of formation of their complexes at different stages of the tree-fungi fruit bodies formation were established.     

A review of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thinodromus lunatus</Emphasis> species-group (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae)

The Thinodromus lunatus species group is revised. The following new species are described: Thinodromus (s. str.) cattiensis sp. n. from Vietnam, Thinodromus (s. str.) forsteri sp. n. from southern Thailand, Thinodromus (s. str.) himalayensis sp. n. from Nepal and northern India, Thinodromus (s. str.) inconspicuus sp. n. from southern China, Thailand, and Vietnam, and Thinodromus (s. str.) spotus sp. n. from southern China. The following new synonymy is established: Thinodromus (s. str.) deceptor (Sharp, 1889) = Thinodromus (s. str.) gravelyi (Bernhauer, 1926), syn. n.; = Thinodromus (s. str.) reitterianus (Bernhauer, 1938), syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for Trogophloeus lunatus Motschulsky, 1857, Trogophloeus pustulatus Bernhauer, 1904, Trogophloeus socius Bernhauer, 1904, Trogophloeus sumatrensis Bernhauer, 1915, Trogophloeus lewisi Cameron, 1919, Trogophloeus gravelyi Bernhauer, 1926, Trogophloeus reitterianus Bernhauer, 1938, and Trogophloeus unipustulatus Cameron, 1941. A key is presented to all the species of the Thinodromus lunatus group.     

The Larvae of Three Species of Jewel Beetles of the Subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoblemma</Emphasis> Jakovlev, 1889, Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphenoptera</Emphasis> Dejean, 1833 (Coleoptera,Buprestidae), from Turkmenistan

The larvae of three species of jewel beetles of the subgenus Chrysoblemma Jakovlev of the genus Sphenoptera Dejean are described: Sphenoptera (Ch.) tamarisci beckeri Dohrn reared from Horaninovia ulicina Fisch. et Mey., Atriplex tatarica L. and Salsola arbuscula Pall.; Sphenoptera (Ch.) tomentosa Jakovlev from Salsola arbuscula; Sphenoptera (Ch.) amplicollis Jakovlev from Salsola orientalis S.G. Gmel. and Halothamnus glaucus (Bieb.) Botsch. Differential diagnoses to distinguish them from the previously described sphenopterine larvae are given.     

Identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colletotrichum</Emphasis> spp. associated with fruit rot of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> in North Western Himalayan region of India using fungal DNA barcode markers

The DNA barcode approach was used to identify and establish association of Colletotrichum species complex with fruit rot disease of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in North-Western Himalayan region of India. Twenty isolates of five morphologically identified Colletotrichum species collected from commercial chili growing areas were identified using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcode marker genes, 5.8S ribosomal ribonucleic acid flanking internal transcribed spacers 1 & 2 and β-tubulin gene. Morpho-cultural identification requires expertise to delineate C. gloeosporioides, C. boninense and C. acutatum complexes from each other, as these species possess minute variation in spore shape and size. Ribosomal DNA and β-tubulin sequence analysis along with species-specific marker amplification established the association of seven Colletorichum spp. viz., C. truncatum (syn. Colletotrichum capsici), C. coccodes, C. karstii, C. kahawae, C. nymphaeae, C. fructicola and C. gloeosporioides complex with fruit rot of chili. Phylogenetic analysis of 35 Colletotrichum sequences including authentic type sequences validated the identified sequences with strong bootstrap support. This approach delineated morphologically identified species with great ease into more reliable genotype based speciation of various Colletorichum complexes. The DNA barcode markers have direct implications for plant pathologists in relation to diagnostics in fields and for the purpose of quarantine and disease management.     

Morphology and molecules reveal the alien <Emphasis Type="Italic">Posthodiplostomum centrarchi</Emphasis> Hoffman, 1958 as the third species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Posthodiplostomum</Emphasis> Dubois, 1936 (Digenea: Diplostomidae) in Europe

Metacercariae of two species of Posthodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 (Digenea: Diplostomidae) were subjected to morphological and molecular studies: P. brevicaudatum (von Nordmann, 1832) from Gasterosteus aculeatus (L.) (Gasterosteiformes: Gasterosteidae), Bulgaria (morphology, cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and Perca fluviatilis L. (Perciformes: Percidae), Czech Republic (morphology, cox1, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S); and P. centrarchi Hoffman, 1958 from Lepomis gibbosus (L.) (Perciformes: Centrarchidae), Bulgaria (morphology, cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and Slovakia (cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). In addition, cercariae of P. cuticola (von Nordmann, 1832) from Planorbis planorbis (L.) (Mollusca: Planorbidae), Lithuania (morphology and cox1) and metacercariae of Ornithodiplostomum scardinii (Schulman in Dubinin, 1952) from Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), Czech Republic, were examined (morphology, cox1, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S). These represent the first molecular data for species of Posthodiplostomum and Ornithodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 from the Palaearctic. Phylogenetic analyses based on cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, using O. scardinii as the outgroup and including the three newly-sequenced Posthodiplostomum spp. from Europe and eight published unidentified (presumably species-level) lineages of Posthodiplostomum from Canada confirmed the distinct status of the three European species (contrary to the generally accepted opinion that only P. brevicaudatum and P. cuticola occur in the Palaearctic). The subspecies Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi Hoffmann, 1958, originally described from North America, is elevated to the species level as Posthodiplostomum centrarchi Hoffman, 1958. The undescribed “Posthodiplostomum sp. 3” of Locke et al. (2010) from centrarchid fishes in Canada has identical sequences with the European isolates of P. centrarchi and is recognised as belonging to the same species. The latter parasite, occurring in the alien pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus in Europe, is also supposed to be alien for this continent. It is speculated that it colonised Europe long ago and is currently widespread (recorded in Bulgaria, Slovakia and Spain); based on the cox1 sequence of an adult digenean isolate from the Ebro Delta, Spain, only the grey heron (Ardea cinerea L.) (Ciconiiformes: Ardeidae) is known to be its definitive host in Europe.     

Sequence of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">mrjp3</Emphasis> Microsatellite Locus in Honeybees of Different Origin

The sequencing of the nucleotide sequences of the mrjp3 repetitive region (mrjp3 microsatellite locus) in Siberian honeybees was carried out. A high similarity of the studied nucleotide sequences (≥99% identity) with reference sequences was observed, which indicates a high conservation of the mrjp3 repetitive region in different Apis mellifera subspecies.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">GmDim1</Emphasis> Gene Encodes Nucleolar Localized U5-Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis>

The dim1⁺ gene family is essential for G2/M transition during mitosis and encodes a small nuclear ribonucleoprotein that functions in the mRNA splicing machinery of eukaryotes. However, the plant homolog of DIM1 gene has not been defined yet. Here, we identified a gene named GmDim1 positioned on chromosome 9 of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) with 80% homology to other eukaryotic dim1⁺ family genes. A domain of soybean DIM1 protein was primarily conserved with U5 snRNP protein family and secondarily aligned with mitotic DIM1 protein family. The GmDim1 gene was expressed constitutively in all soybean organs. The transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) plants overexpressing GmDim1 showed early flowering and stem elongation, produced multiple shoots and continued flowering after the post-flowering stage. DIM1 proteins transiently expressed in onion cells were localized in the nucleus with dense deposition in the nucleolus. Therefore, we propose that the soybean GmDim1 gene is a component of plant U5 snRNP involved in mRNA splicing and normal progress of plant growth.     

In vitro leishmanicidal activity and theoretical insights into biological action of ruthenium(II) organometallic complexes containing anti-inflammatories

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, kills around 20–30 thousand people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America annually and, despite its potential lethality, it can be treated and eventually cured. However, the current treatments are limited owing to severe side effects and resistance development by some Leishmania. These factors make it urgent to develop new leishmanicidal drugs. In the present study, three ruthenium(II) organometallic complexes containing as ligands the commercially available anti-inflammatories diclofenac (dic), ibuprofen (ibu), and naproxen (nap) were synthesized, characterized, and subjected to in vitro leishmanicidal activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity assays against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and Leishmania (L.) infantum promastigotes have shown that complexes [RuCl(dic)(η⁶-p-cymene)] (1) and [RuCl(nap)(η⁶-p-cymene)] (3) were active against both Leishmania species. Complex [RuCl(ibu)(η⁶-p-cymene)] (2) has exhibited no activity. The IC₅₀ values for the two active complexes were respectively 7.42 and 23.55 μM, for L. (L.) amazonensis, and 8.57 and 42.25 μM, for L. (L.) infantum. Based on the toxicological results and computational analysis, we proposed a correlation between the complexes and their activity. Our results suggest both complexation to ruthenium(II) and ligands structure are key elements to leishmanicidal activity.     

New <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Talaromyces</Emphasis> species from honey,pollen and nests of stingless bees

Penicillium and Talaromyces species have a worldwide distribution and are isolated from various materials and hosts, including insects and their substrates. The aim of this study was to characterize the Penicillium and Talaromyces species obtained during a survey of honey, pollen and the inside of nests of Melipona scutellaris. A total of 100 isolates were obtained during the survey and 82% of those strains belonged to Penicillium and 18% to Talaromyces. Identification of these isolates was performed based on phenotypic characters and β-tubulin and ITS sequencing. Twenty-one species were identified in Penicillium and six in Talaromyces, including seven new species. These new species were studied in detail using a polyphasic approach combining phenotypic, molecular and extrolite data. The four new Penicillium species belong to sections Sclerotiora (Penicillium fernandesiae sp. nov., Penicillium mellis sp. nov., Penicillium meliponae sp. nov.) and Gracilenta (Penicillium apimei sp. nov.) and the three new Talaromyces species to sections Helici (Talaromyces pigmentosus sp. nov.), Talaromyces (Talaromyces mycothecae sp. nov.) and Trachyspermi (Talaromyces brasiliensis sp. nov.). The invalidly described species Penicillium echinulonalgiovense sp. nov. was also isolated during the survey and this species is validated here.     

Ecological ranges and types of rarity in the Kuznetsk Alatau of some <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saussurea</Emphasis> DC. species

An analysis of indicator values of four Saussurea DC. species, S. baicalensis (Adams) B. L. Rob., S. frolowii Ledeb., S. salicifolia (L.) DC., and S. schanginiana (Wydl.) Fisch. ex Serg., have been carried out by the method of indicator scales of soil moisture and nutrient availability and salinity in more than 1600 relevés. The size of their ecological ranges and the values of their competitiveness in phytocenoses are determined. As a result of a comparison of the locality of local populations within the ecological range and their occurrence, the vulnerability of S. baicalensis, S. frolowii, S. salicifolia, and S. schanginiana in the Kuznetsk Alatau is evaluated. The types of rarity for these species in the Kuznetsk Alatau are determined.     

Leaf spot disease on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tilia cordata</Emphasis> caused by the fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cercospora microsora</Emphasis>

Increased incidence of leaf spots on many tree species, up to the presence of peripheral importance only, including linden trees was noticed recently. First massive and continuous occurence of the fungus Cercospora microsora Sacc. [teleomorph Mycosphaerella millegrana (Cook.) Schröet., Mycosphaerella microsora Syd.], causal agent of anthracnose on linden trees (Tilia cordata Mill.) grown in urban plantings in Slovakia was reported. Along with this, certain of the important growth characteristics of this fungus were studied under laboratory conditions. To specify Cercospora biology mycelial growth of C. microsora in pure hyphal cultures was observed in relation to medium and locality. One-way ANOVA has confirmed a statistically significant influence of both factors, culture medium and locality on growth rate values of C. microsora. The effect of these factors has not proved unambiguously in all cases. In the case of one locality (Nitra), the significant influence of used media has not been proved (P > 0.05). PDAg showed generally as the most suitable medium, inducing the most intensive growth in three localities (41.06 mm/week on average). Comparing three localities, the effect of this factor is not so unambiguous. Growth rate values from the localities Bratislava and Pribeta indicate unsuitability of medium A for the fast radial growth. A Tukey test separately conducted for the factors medium and the locality revealed the significant combinations of means (P ≤ 0.05).     

Features of expression of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">PsSst1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">PsIgn1</Emphasis> genes in nodules of pea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum sativum</Emphasis> L.) symbiotic mutants

The sequences of the PsSst1 and PsIgn1 genes of pea (Pisum sativum L.) homologous to the symbiotic LjSST1 and LjIGN1 genes of Lotus japonicus (Regel.) K. Larsen are determined. The expression level of PsSst1 and PsIgn1 genes is determined by real-time PCR in nodules of several symbiotic mutants and original lines of pea. Lines with increased (Sprint-2Fix^– (Pssym31)) and decreased (P61 (Pssym25)) expression level of both genes are revealed along with the lines characterized by changes in the expression level of only one of these genes. The revealed features of the PsSst1 and PsIgn1 expression allow us to expand the phenotypic characterization of pea symbiotic mutants. In addition, PsSst1 and PsIgn1 cDNA is sequenced in selected mutant lines, characterized by a decreased expression level of these genes in nodules, but no mutations are found.     

New species of the buprestid genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Endelus</Emphasis> Deyrolle (Coleoptera,Buprestidae) from China,India, and Laos

Endelus (Kubaniellus) indicus sp. n. from India, E. (K.) lao sp. n. and E. (K.) khnzoriani sp. n. from Laos, E. (s. str.) sausai sp. n. from China, and E. (s. str.) dembickyi sp. n. from India are described, the two latter species are included in the Endelus bicarinatus Théry, 1932 species-group recently established by the author. E. collinus Obenberger, 1922 is included in this group; lectotype of this species is designated. Keys to species of the subgenus Kubaniellus and of the E. collinus group are provided. E. (K.) kareni Kalashian is for the first time recorded for Shaanxi Prov., E. pacholatkoi Kalashian, E. smaragdinus Desc. et Vill., and E collinus Obenb., for Laos (the latter species, also for Myanmar).