A new species and a replacement name in Cynanchum (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadeae) from China

Cynanchumpingtaoi S.Jin Zeng, G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, sp. nov. (Apocynaceae) from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Its deeply cordate to reniform leaves and campanulate, large flowers show that it is a member of former Raphistemma Wall., which has been included in Cynanchum L.. It is different from all former Raphistemma species by the broadly ovate corolla lobes, purple-red corolla and connivent corona tip slightly exceeding the corolla throat. Meanwhile, Cynanchumlonghushanense G.D.Tang & Miao Liao, nom. nov. is proposed as replacement name for Raphistemmabrevipedunculatum Y.Wan, which was considered a synonym of Cynanchumhooperianum (Blume) Liede & Khanum but is here reinstated as a distinct species because of significant morphological differences.

Fordiophytontereticaule (Melastomataceae), a new species from China

A new species, Fordiophytontereticaule, from China, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular evidence. It is morphologically similar to F.faberi in having erect stems, slightly oblique and membranous leaf blades, broadly ovate to suborbicular bracts, and oblong petals, but differs by the terete stems, densely puberulous petioles, and elliptic leaf blades. Our phylogenetic analyses based on plastid genome and nrITS data indicate that this new species is clustered with four Fordiophyton species of Yunnan but placed far apart from F.faberi. An updated key to the genus is also provided.

Tigridiopalma exalata, a new and endangered species of Melastomataceae from China

A new species of the genus Tigridiopalma, formerly considered monotypic, is here described as T. exalata and illustrated based on molecular and morphological evidence. It is morphologically similar to T. magnifica in having a short stem, huge basal leaves, scorpioid cymes, and 5-merous flowers, but differs in having ribbed and pale yellow puberulent petioles, purple petals with a small white apical patch, connectives of longer stamens with a distinct dorsal short spur at their base, and wingless capsules. Due to the restricted distribution, small populations and horticultural potential of this new species, it should be categorized as an Endangered species (EN).

Complete plastome sequence of Hoya carnosa (L. f.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae)

Hoya is a remarkable genus with high horticultural ornamental value. In this study, we report and characterize the complete plastid genome sequence of Hoya carnosa. The complete chloroplast genome was 176,340 bp in length, which includes a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 41,381 bp separated by a large single copy region (LSC) 91,281 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) 2,297 bp. Interestingly, IRs expanded into SSC, with the result that most of the genes in SSC were duplicated. This chloroplast genome contained 110 genes, including 76 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. The complete plastome sequence of H. carnosa will provide some useful information for future phylogenetic study of Hoya and its horticultural application.

The Apostasia genome and the evolution of orchids

WebComparing the whole genome sequence of Apostasia shenzhenica with transcriptome and genome data from five orchid subfamilies permits the reconstruction of an ancestral gene toolkit, providing insight into orchid origins, evolution and diversification.

Around 10 per cent of flowering plant species are orchids, with a broad diversity in both morphology and lifestyle. Apostasia is one of the earliest-diverging genera of Orchidaceae. To study the evolution and diversity of Orchidaceae, Zhong-Jian Liu, Yves Van de Peer and colleagues sequenced the genome of Apostasia shenzhenica, a self-pollinating species found in southeast China. The authors also report improved genomes for two species of Epidendroideae, Phalaenopsis equestris and Dendrobium catenatum, as well as transcriptome analysis of representatives of subfamilies of Orchidaceae. Their analyses provide insights into orchid origins, genome evolution, adaptation and diversification.

Constituting approximately 10% of flowering plant species, orchids (Orchidaceae) display unique flower morphologies, possess an extraordinary diversity in lifestyle, and have successfully colonized almost every habitat on Earth^1,2,3. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Apostasia shenzhenica⁴, a representative of one of two genera that form a sister lineage to the rest of the Orchidaceae, providing a reference for inferring the genome content and structure of the most recent common ancestor of all extant orchids and improving our understanding of their origins and evolution. In addition, we present transcriptome data for representatives of Vanilloideae, Cypripedioideae and Orchidoideae, and novel third-generation genome data for two species of Epidendroideae, covering all five orchid subfamilies. A. shenzhenica shows clear evidence of a whole-genome duplication, which is shared by all orchids and occurred shortly before their divergence. Comparisons between A. shenzhenica and other orchids and angiosperms also permitted the reconstruction of an ancestral orchid gene toolkit. We identify new gene families, gene family expansions and contractions, and changes within MADS-box gene classes, which control a diverse suite of developmental processes, during orchid evolution. This study sheds new light on the genetic mechanisms underpinning key orchid innovations, including the development of the labellum and gynostemium, pollinia, and seeds without endosperm, as well as the evolution of epiphytism; reveals relationships between the Orchidaceae subfamilies; and helps clarify the evolutionary history of orchids within the angiosperms.

Clinical analysis of cases of neonatal Streptococcus agalactiae sepsis

With the advent of antibiotic resistance, pathogenic bacteria have become a major threat in cases of neonatal sepsis; however, guidelines for treatment have not yet been standardized. In this study, 15 cases of neonatal Streptococcus agalactiae sepsis from our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, nine cases showed early-onset and six cases showed late-onset sepsis. Pathogens were characterized by genotyping and antibiotic sensitivity tests on blood cultures. Results demonstrated that in cases with early-onset sepsis, clinical manifestations affected mainly the respiratory tract, while late-onset sepsis was accompanied by intracranial infection. Therefore, we suggest including a cerebrospinal fluid examination when diagnosing neonatal sepsis. Bacterial genotyping indicated the bacteria were mainly type Ib, Ia, and III S. agalactiae. We recommend treatment with penicillin or ampicillin, since bacteria were resistant to clindamycin and tetracycline. In conclusion, our results provide valuable information for the clinical treatment of S. agalactiae sepsis in neonatal infants.

Preparation of monoclonal antibody against human m3 receptor

AIM

To raise monoclonal antibody against human m3 receptor.

METHODS

The m3 receptor selective peptide segments deduced from its gene were chemically synthesized, coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin carrier protein, and injected to Balb/c mice to raise monoclonal antibody. Antibody was purified by a combination of two-step precipitation methods and ion-exchange chromatography. The specificity of monoclonal antibody was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and radioligand binding assay of receptors.

RESULTS

The monoclonal antibody specifically bound to the protein of rat salivary gland and m3 peptide, but not m4 peptide. In radioligand binding assay of receptors, monoclonal antibody inhibited the binding of 3H-QNB to muscarinic receptor in rat salivary gland, but not in rat heart, and could not inhibit the binding of 3H-PZ to rat brain cerebral cortex membrane protein. Immunohistochemical study showed that the human salivary cell surface was strongly stained, whereas the human heart cell surface was not.

CONCLUSION

Highly purified (96.3%) monoclonal antibody against the m3 receptor peptide recognized the m3 receptor.

Development of muscarinic m3 and m4 receptor antibodies with pharmacological activities

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of developing subtype-selective anti-receptor antibodies with pharmacological activities for the study of subtypes of receptors.

METHODS

New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with synthesized subtype-selective peptide segments of m3 and m4 receptors to develop antibodies. The effects of the antibodies on ligand-binding to muscarinic receptors were studied by competitive radioligand assay. The effects of the prepared antibodies on the contraction or relaxation activity of ACh in isolated rat ilea and aortic rings were studied.

RESULTS

Antibodies against synthesized m3 and m4 receptor subtype-selective peptides were successfully prepared. Both antibodies inhibited [3H]QNB binding to muscarinic receptors with different maximal inhibitions which may be the proportions of m3 or m4 subtypes among the total muscarinic receptors in the tissues. The maximal inhibitory rates in rat cerebral cortex, myocardium, and salivary glands were 12.1% +/- 2.1%, 15.7% +/- 1.1%, and 63.6% +/- 2.8% for m3 antibodies, whereas 28% +/- 6%, 19.3% +/- 2.6%, and 1.6% +/- 1.4% for m4 antibodies respectively. The m3 antibodies inhibited the contraction activity of ACh in isolated rat ilea and the relaxation activity of ACh in isolated rat aortic rings.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to develop subtype-selective anti-receptor antibodies as new tools in the study of the functions of m3 and m4 subtypes of muscarinic receptors.