Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Ainu (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Stenochiinae)

The genus ErulipusFairmaire, 1903 (previously in the subfamily Tenebrioninae, tribe Helopini), after the study of the type species (Erulipus fruhstorferiFairmaire, 1903), is transferred to the genus AinuLewis, 1894 (subfamily Stenochiinae, the tribe Cnodalonini) as a subgenus. Consequently, two new combinations are established: Ainu (Erulipus) fruhstorferi (Fairmaire, 1903), comb. nov. and Ainu (s. str.) multicolor (Pic, 1927), comb. nov. The syntypes of Erulipus fruhstorferi and Erulipus multicolorPic, 1927 are studied and the new synonym is proposed: Erulipus fruhstorferi?=?Ainu grandisRen and Yuan, 2005, syn. nov. Two new species are described from China: Ainu linwenxini Nabozhenko & Ren, sp. nov. (Taiwan) and Ainu basifemoratum Nabozhenko & Ren, sp. nov. (Yunnan). Both the new species are closely related to A. sichuanumRen and Yuan, 2015.     

The power of small changes: Comprehensive analyses of microbial dysbiosis in breast cancer

Disparate occurrence of breast cancer remains an intriguing question since only a subset of women with known risk factors develop cancer. Recent studies suggest an active role of local and distant microbiota in breast cancer initiation, progression, and overall prognosis. A dysbiotic microbiota predisposes the body to develop cancer by inducing genetic instability, initiating DNA damage and proliferation of the damaged progeny, eliciting favorable immune response, metabolic dysregulation and altered response to therapy. In this review, we present our analyses of the existing datasets and discuss the local dysbiosis observed in breast cancer patients and different aspects of breast carcinogenesis that can be potentially influenced by local breast microbiota. Striking differences between microbial community compositions in breast of cancer patients compared to healthy individuals were noted. Differences in microbiome were also apparent between benign and malignant disease and between nipple aspirate fluid of healthy individuals and breast survivors. We also discuss the identification of distinct bacterial, fungal, viral as well as parasite signatures for breast cancer. These microbes are capable of producing numerous secondary metabolites that can act as signaling mediators effecting breast cancer progression. We review how microbes potentially alter response to therapy affecting drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, anti-tumor effects and toxicity. In conclusion, breast harbors a community of microbes that can communicate with the host cells inducing downstream signaling pathways and modulating various aspects of breast cancer growth and metastatic progression and an improved understanding of microbial dysbiosis can potentially reduce breast cancer risk and improve outcomes of breast cancer patients.The human microbiome, now referred to as, the “forgotten organ” contains a metagenome that is 100-fold more diverse compared to the human genome, thereby, is critically associated with human health [1,2]. With the revelations of the human microbiome project and advent of deep sequencing techniques, a plethora of information has been acquired in recent years. Body sites like stomach, bladder and lungs, once thought to be sterile, are now known to harbor millions of indigenous microbial species. Approximately 80% of the healthy microbiome consists of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes accompanied by Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes and Cyanobacteria [[2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]]. The role of microbiome in diabetes, obesity and even neurodegenerative diseases was greatly appreciated in the last decade [1,[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14]] and now it has been established that microbiome significantly contributes to many organ specific cancers [1,15,16].     

Revision of citrus trees pests of Agrilus angulatus species–group (Coleoptera,Buprestidae) from South and Southeast Asia with description of one new species

The revision of Agrilus (Coleoptera, Buprestidae) pests of citrus trees from A. angulatus species–group comprising six species: A. angulatus (Fabricius, 1798); A. connatus sp. nov.; A. livensKerremans, 1892a, Kerremans, 1892b; A. mediocrisKerremans, 1900; A. nubilusKerremans, 1892a, Kerremans, 1892b and A. olivaceidorsisObenberger, 1917 from South and Southeast Asia is provided. The study is based on examination of all relevant types and 2498 additional specimens. The key to species is given and complemented with illustrations of morphology, habitus, genitalia, size variability, color variability, type specimens and distribution. Comprehensive commented literature references, data on type specimens, faunal records, revised and updated distribution and host plant data are cited for each species. The new species A. connatus sp. nov. from Laos and Thailand is described. The following taxonomic and nomenclatural acts are proposed: the name grisatorKerremans, 1893syn. nov. (Agrilus) is a junior subjective synonym of the name nubilusKerremans, 1892a, Kerremans, 1892b (Agrilus); the name macellusBourgoin, 1922syn. nov. (Agrilus) is a junior subjective synonym of the name olivaceidorsisObenberger, 1917 (Agrilus); the lectotype of Buprestis angulataFabricius, 1798 (now in Agrilus) is designated.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BAE5BD51-2811-44CE-8BC1-AEEC76075667     

Structural Ensemble Modulation upon Small-Molecule Binding to Disordered Proteins

Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in investigating whether disordered proteins can be targeted for clinical purposes using small molecules [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]. While small-molecule binding to disordered proteins can be seen as unorthodox, examples of this phenomenon have been reported. In order to rationalize these observations, a variety of models are emerging, sometimes in apparent contradiction. Here, we offer a “structural ensemble modulation” view as an attempt to clarify the language, organize concepts, and facilitate the comparison of different studies. In doing so, we hope to promote the understanding of the general principles underlying this phenomenon toward the development of novel therapeutic compounds targeting disordered proteins, which are prevalent in a wide range of human diseases [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8].     

A new species of Japanagallia Ishihara (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Megophthalminae) from Southern China

The paper deals with a new leafhopper species from Southern China, Japanagallia confusasp. nov., previously misidentified as J. hamataZhang and Li, 1999 by Viraktamath et al., 2012. The species is described and figured and compared to the similar J. hamata and J. neohamata Li et al. 2014.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6BABEE67-3F22-4A47-A2C0-27112C6835FA     

Revision of the Barsine punicea Moore, 1878 species-group,with descriptions of two new species and two new subspecies (Lepidoptera,Erebidae, Arctiinae)

The Barsine puniceaMoore, 1878 species-group is revised. Two new species, Barsine bachma Volynkin & ?erný, sp. nov. (Central Vietnam and Hainan, China) and Barsine sirikitae Volynkin & ?erný, sp. nov. (North Thailand), and two new subspecies, Barsine punicea kachina Volynkin & ?erný, ssp. nov. (North Myanmar) and Barsine bachma bolovena Volynkin & ?erný, ssp. nov. (South Laos) are described. Barsine punicea melanandra ?erný, 2009 is upgraded to the species level: Barsine melanandra ?erný, 2009, stat. nov.Miltochrista rothschildiDraudt, 1914 is synonymized with Barsine punicea and downgraded to the subspecies status: Barsine punicea rothschildi (Draudt, 1914), syn. & stat. nov. The lectotype for Miltochrista coccineaRothschild, 1913 is designated. Adult, male and female genitalia are illustrated.     

Notes on the species of Naarda Walker, 1866 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae,Hypeninae) from mainland China,with the description of a new species and establishment of a new synonymy

The species Naarda postpallida de Joannis, 1929 is reported for the first time from mainland China. Naarda pectinata Sugi, 1982 is synonymised with N. postpallida on the basis of material from Vietnam. This species can immediately be recognised by its dark grey forewing, white hindwing and several genital characters. The female genitalia of N. postpallida, together with those of N. lingualis Tóth and Ronkay, 2015 are presented for the first time. Naarda macrostigma sp. n. is described. The hitherto known nine Chinese Naarda species are listed. With nineteen figures.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:092AE905-08AA-4818-BDA8-2B9EF150793A     

Revision of the Agrilus beatissimus species–group (Coleoptera,Buprestidae) with description of five new species from Southeast Asia

The newly defined Agrilus beatissimus species–group comprising seven species from Southeast Asia is revised. The key to species is provided and complemented with illustrations of habitus, genitalia and type specimens. The following five new species are described: Agrilus bilyanus sp. nov. (Thailand); A. campana sp. nov. (Laos); A. galazopos sp. nov. (Laos); A. plurifrons sp. nov. (Laos, Myanmar) and A. undatus sp. nov. (Laos). Comprehensive commented references, data on type specimens and new faunal records are cited. The distribution is updated for A. beatissimusDescarpentries and Villiers 1963 and A. dunoyeriBaudon 1968.     

Description of a new species and redescription of two species of the genus Limoniscus Reitter (Coleoptera,Elateridae, Dendrometrinae) from Japan

We presented a revised taxonomy of two allied species, Limoniscus mitokiiKishii, 2004 and L. ogatai (Kishii, 1985), from western Japan. Through this revision, we found a new species, L. spelunca sp. n., from the type series of L. ogatai. The new species is different in its frons, antennae, prosternum, and aedeagus compared with L. mitokii and L. ogatai. We also reviewed the current understanding of Japanese Limoniscus species, and provided a key to the 23 Limoniscus species found in Japan. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:56104650-EAA9-42E9-AFC3-91D7DCA53938.     

Senwot Wharton,a new genus for the Oriental region with description of two new species from Thailand (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae)

SenwotWharton 1983, is a small braconid genus with only two previously described species. The genus is revised using morphological characters and a phylogenetic analysis of COI sequence. Senwot Wharton is reported for the first time from Thailand and two new species: Senwot yinxianggaoae Yao n. sp. and Senwot jiyuanyaoi Yao n. sp. are described and illustrated. A key to species of the genus Senwot is presented.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D7E79499-491E-4845-991B-0FE763A45162     

Notes on the Melanorosauridae,a family of large Prosauropod Dinosaurs (Saurischia: Sauropodomorpha)

The femur of the anchisaurid (= plateosaurid) prosauropoddinosaur Euskelosaurus browniiHuxley, 1866 from the lower Elliot Formation (Upper Triassic) of South Africa is sigmoidal in posterior view with the fourth trochanter well removed from the medial edge. The sympatric Melanorosaurus readiHaughton, 1924 is not a junior synonym of Euskelosaurus brownii because the femur is straight in posterior view with the fourth trochanter close to the medial edge. In addition to Melanorosaurus, the Melanorosauridae Huene, 1929 includes Camelotia borealis nov. gen. and nov. sp. from the Upper Triassic of England, Riojasaurus incertusBonaparte, 1969 from the Upper Triassic of Argentina, and possibly some of the posteranial material referred to the? rauisuchian the codontian Sinosaurus triassicusYoung, 1948 from the Lower Jurassic of China.     

Two new species of Chrysis Linnaeus (Hymenoptera,Chrysididae) from Iran

The Iranian species in the Chrysis pulchella and C. varidens species groups are investigated. Six species are recognized, two of which are described for the first time: Chrysis gamberoonensis Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. and Chrysis brunneamarginata Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov.. Chrysis gamberoonensis Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. belongs to the C. pulchella group and is recognizable within this species group by its unique blue body coloration, scattered mesosoma punctures, polished pit row with elongated pits, and a small median tooth on the lateral edge of metasomal tergum 3. Chrysis brunneamarginata Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. belongs to the C. varidens group and is recognizable by the usually colorless apical rim of metasomal tergum 3, and the unique shape of the anterior corners of the scutellum which are enlarged, thickened and directed backward covering the axillary trough. Dichotomous keys and distributional data for Iranian species included in these species groups are provided. Chrysis schwarzi Linsenmaier, 1968 is raised to species rank. The number of Iranian Chrysis species and subspecies is raised to 122.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F419F860-3B90-4679-9A19-2CF5C255AE6B     

Structure de la paroi de Aremoricanium rigaudae Deunff, 1955 (Acritarche,Ordovicien)

The wall of Aremoricanium rigaudaeDeunff, 1955, type-species by original designation of the genus AremoricaniumDeunff, 1955, is composed of two layers: the internal one has a circular opening while the second is the only one which develops the processes and a tubular expansion.     

Non-linear regression of biological temperature-dependent rate models based on absolute reaction-rate theory

Biological temperature-dependent rate models based on Arrhenius' and Eyring's equations have been formulated by Johnson & Lewin (1946), Hultin (1955), and Sharpe & DeMichele (1977). The original formulation of Sharpe and DeMichele is poorly suited for non-linear regression. Very high correlations of parameter estimators occassionally make regression with their equation impossible using Marquardt's algorithm (1963).This analysis describes a new formulation of Sharpe and DeMichele's model that greatly alleviates the non-linear regression problem. It is partly based on Hultin's formulation (1955). Biological and graphical interpretation of the model parameters is discussed. Regression suitability is illustrated with a typical data set. Similar modifications to the equations of Hultin (1955) and Johnson & Lewin (1946) are described.     

Précisions morphologiques,structurales et systématiques sur Reptomulticava parviporosa CANU et LECOINTRE (Bryozoa,cyclostomata)

This miocene organism was described as an Alga (Lithophyllym vinassaiPATRINI, 1932 = Neosolenopora patriniiMASTRORILLI, 1955) and as a Bryozoan (Reptomulticava parviporosaCANU et LECOINTRE, 1934). This paper shows several salient features of Cyclostomatous Bryozoans (morphology, microstructure, zoarial brood chamber). The arguments for the classing of this organism among Algae are simultaneously refuted (pseudo-differentiation of the thallus, conceptacles).     

Description de deux especes nouvellesd'Atopochara Peck (Clavatoraceae,Charophyta)

The species Atopochara restricta n. sp. which represents an evolutive stage in the lineage established by L. Grambast (1974) is described here, as well as another one: A. brevicellis n. sp.; they are both of presumed Albian age.     

Une nouvelle algue Dasycladacee du Portlandien du Jura meridional francais: Montenegrella florifera nov. sp.

New Dasyclad Alga belonging to the genus MontenegrellaSOKAC & NIKLER, 1973, named M. florifera nov.sp. It is the first species of this genus described before the Cretaceous, in the Portlandian limestones of the southern french Jura mountains.     

The fine structure of Ameson pulvis (Microspora,Microsporida) and its implications regarding classification and chromosome cycle

Nosema pulvisPerez, 1905, Ameson pulvis (Perez) Sprague, 1977, in muscles of the crabs Carcinus maenas and C. mediterraneus from the coast of France, was observed with the electron microscope. It was found to be structurally similar to the type species A. michaelis (Sprague, 1970). Sprague, 1977, having moniliform sporogonial plasmodia, unikaryotic sporoblasts, and hirsute sporulation stages. It is treated as distinct from A. michaelis because it has slightly smaller spores (by comparison with syntype material of A. michaelis) and appears to have fewer coils in the polar filament. The results require the removal of the genus Ameson from the family Nosematidae Labbé, 1899, where Sprague (1977) had placed it under the erroneous supposition that its sporoblasts are diplokaryotic. Ameson is transferred to family Unikaryonidae Sprague, 1977. Ameson is distinguished from PereziaLéger and Duboscq, 1909, shown by Ormieres et al. to have a similar developmental pattern, by presence of appendages on its sporulation stage. A. nelsoni (Sprague, 1950), the third, and only other species of Ameson, lacks the appendages and is transferred to genus Perezia.