Four new fungi from Xizang in southwest China, Caloceraramaria, Ceraceomycesrhizomorphus, Leptosporomyceslinzhiensis, and Ramariaxizangensis are described and illustrated based on the morphological and molecular evidence. Caloceraramaria is characterized by the ramal and bright orange basidiomata, a monomitic hyphal system with simple septa generative hyphae, usually 4-septate basidiospores; Ceraceomycesrhizomorphus is characterized by the cream to yellowish basidiomata with rhizomorphs, cylindrical basidiospores; Leptosporomyceslinzhiensis is characterized by white with pink basidiomata, cylindrical to oblong ellipsoid basidiospores; Ramariaxizangensis is characterized by flesh pink basidiomata, branched dichotomously in 4-5 ranks, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, ellipsoid to cylindrical and densely warted basidiospores.

The genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) has near-cosmopolitan distribution and serves as a significant resource for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. Despite its economic importance, Euphorbia\'s taxonomy has long been challenged by the intricate nature of morphological traits exhibiting high levels of convergence. While molecular markers are essential for phylogenetic studies, their availability for Euphorbia has been limited. To address this gap, we conducted comparative analyses focusing on the chloroplast (CP) genomes of nine Euphorbia species, incorporating three newly sequenced and annotated accessions. In addition, phylogenetic informativeness and nucleotide diversity were computed to identify candidate markers for phylogenetic analyses among closely related taxa in the genus. Our investigation revealed relatively conserved sizes and structures of CP genomes across the studied species, with notable interspecific variations observed primarily in non-coding regions and IR/SC borders. By leveraging phylogenetic informativeness and nucleotide diversity, we identified rpoB gene as the optimal candidate for species delimitation and shallow-level phylogenetic inference within the genus. Through this comprehensive analysis of CP genomes across multiple taxa, our study sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics and taxonomic intricacies of Euphorbia, offering valuable insights into its CP genome evolution and taxonomy.

Rotavirus, a primary contributor to severe cases of infantile gastroenteritis on a global scale, results in significant morbidity and mortality in the under-five population, particularly in middle to low-income countries, including India. WHO-approved live-attenuated vaccines are linked to a heightened susceptibility to intussusception and exhibit low efficacy, primarily attributed to the high genetic diversity of rotavirus, varying over time and across different geographic regions. Herein, molecular data on Indian rotavirus A (RVA) has been reviewed through phylogenetic analysis, revealing G1P[8] to be the prevalent strain of RVA in India. The conserved capsid protein sequences of VP7, VP4 and VP6 were used to examine helper T lymphocyte, cytotoxic T lymphocyte and linear B cell epitopes. Twenty epitopes were identified after evaluation of factors such as antigenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, and stability. These epitopes were then interconnected using suitable linkers and an N-terminal beta defensin adjuvant. The in silico designed vaccine exhibited structural stability and interactions with integrins (αvβ3 and αIIbβ3) and toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) indicated by docking and normal mode analyses. The immune simulation profile of the designed RVA multiepitope vaccine exhibited its potential to trigger humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity, indicating that it is a promising immunogen. These computational findings indicate potential efficacy of the designed vaccine against rotavirus infection.

Clematis nannophylla is a perennial shrub of Clematis with ecological, ornamental, and medicinal value, distributed in the arid and semi-arid areas of northwest China. This study successfully determined the chloroplast (cp) genome of C. nannophylla, reconstructing a phylogenetic tree of Clematis. This cp genome is 159,801 bp in length and has a typical tetrad structure, including a large single-copy, a small single-copy, and a pair of reverse repeats (IRa and IRb). It contains 133 unique genes, including 89 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. Additionally, 66 simple repeat sequences, 50 dispersed repeats, and 24 tandem repeats were found; many of the dispersed and tandem repeats were between 20-30 bp and 10-20 bp, respectively, and the abundant repeats were located in the large single copy region. The cp genome was relatively conserved, especially in the IR region, where no inversion or rearrangement was observed, further revealing that the coding regions were more conserved than the noncoding regions. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. nannophylla is more closely related to C. fruticosa and C. songorica. Our analysis provides reference data for molecular marker development, phylogenetic analysis, population studies, and cp genome processes to better utilise C. nannophylla.

Mitochondrial genome is an important molecular marker for exploring the phylogenetic relationships of species and revealing molecular evolution. In the present study, 5 mitogenomes of Chromodorididae (Chromodoris lochi, Chromodoris colemani, Chromodoris elisabethina, Chromodoris annae and Hypselodoris whitei) were systemically investigated. The lengths of the mitogenomes sequences were 14248 bp, 14257 bp, 14252 bp, 14254 bp and 14856 bp, respectively. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) were initiated with the common ATG codon and terminated with the TAA and TAG. We calculated Ka/Ks values for all 13 PCGs of Chromodorididae species, all ratios were less than 1, indicating selection by purification. Phylogenetic relationships were constructed by Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods based on all complete genomes of 50 species, primarily from the family Chromodorididae (Doridina) and 2 outgroups. This phylogenetic tree provided further additional references for the classification of the suborder Doridina. Gene rearrangement suggested a more conserved pattern of gene sequences in the superfamily Chromodoridoidea. These results and newly sequenced will contribute to a better understanding of Chromodorididae and provide reference for further phylogenetic studies.

The rotting wood in freshwater is a unique eco-environment favoring various fungi. During our investigation of freshwater fungi on decaying wood, three hyphomycetes were collected from Jiangxi and Guangxi Provinces, China. Based on the morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis of a combined DNA data containing ITS, LSU, SSU and tef1-α sequences, two new Trichobotrys species, T.meilingensis and T.yunjushanensis, as well as a new record of T.effusa, were introduced. Additionally, a comprehensive description of the genus with both morphological and molecular data was first provided.

Plasmodesmata are transmembrane channels embedded within the cell wall that can facilitate the intercellular communication in plants. Plasmodesmata callose-binding (PDCB) protein that associates with the plasmodesmata contributes to cell wall extension. Given that the elongation of cotton fiber cells correlates with the dynamics of the cell wall, this protein can be related to the cotton fiber elongation. This study sought to identify PDCB family members within the Gossypium. hirsutum genome and to elucidate their expression profiles. A total of 45 distinct family members were observed through the identification and screening processes. The analysis of their physicochemical properties revealed the similarity in the amino acid composition and molecular weight across most members. The phylogenetic analysis facilitated the construction of an evolutionary tree, categorizing these members into five groups mainly distributed on 20 chromosomes. The fine mapping results facilitated a tissue-specific examination of group V, revealing that the expression level of GhPDCB9 peaked five days after flowering. The VIGS experiments resulted in a marked decrease in the gene expression level and a significant reduction in the mature fiber length, averaging a shortening of 1.43-4.77 mm. The results indicated that GhPDCB9 played a pivotal role in the cotton fiber development and served as a candidate for enhancing cotton yield.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) was one of the most common infectious disease in the past few decades. After 2013, coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has replaced enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), becoming the predominant pathogen responsible for HFMD in many areas in China. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic characteristics and molecular epidemiology of CVA6 in Linyi from 2022 to 2023. A total of 965 HFMD cases were enrolled in this study and analyses based on VP1 nucleotide sequences were performed to determine the evolutionary trajectory of CVA6. In 2022, 281 (281/386, 72.8%) were positive for enterovirus (EVs), and 217 (217/281, 77.2%) were CVA6 positive. In 2023, 398 (398/579, 68.7%) samples were positive for EVs, and 243 (243/398, 61.1%) were CVA6 positive. Six sequences were selected from each year for the homology analysis. The results showed that 12 strains isolated in Linyi were far from the prototype strain (AY421764) and the first CVA6 strain reported in China (JQ364886). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CVA6 strains isolated in Linyi all belonged to D3 subgenotype. CVA6 is emerging as a common pathogen causing HFMD in Linyi, and continuous surveillance of HFMD etiological agents is necessary.

Huanglongbing (HLB), a global citrus threat, is transmitted by Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, a widespread insect pest. The disease\'s rapid spread and incurability necessitate efficient, sustainable control strategies. This study investigates heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes in D. citri, known to play a pivotal role in insect survival and stress response. The genome-wide identification, gene structure analysis, and conserved protein domain analysis of 22 HSP70 genes in D. citri were performed. Furthermore, the expression of these genes during HLB infection or developmental processes was gauged. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the functional categorization of the identified genes, while gene structure and conserved motifs offered insights into gene function. The expression analysis unveiled dynamic profiles in response to infection and across development stages, potentially aiding future targeted pest control strategies. These findings offer promising leads for the design of novel inhibitors or RNAi strategies targeting D. citri and HLB.

In radiation-resistant bacteria belonging to the genus Deinococcus, transposition events of insertion sequences (IS elements) leading to phenotypic changes from a reddish color to white were detected following exposure to gamma irradiation and hydrogen peroxide treatment. This change resulted from the integration of IS elements into the phytoene desaturase gene, a key enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. To facilitate species identification and distinguish among Deinococcus strains, the gyrB gene encoding the B subunit of DNA gyrase was utilized. The s gnificance of the gyrB gene is well recognized not only in genome replication through the regulation of supercoiling but also in phylogenetic analysis providing support for 16S rRNA-based identification. Its mutation rate surpasses that of the 16S rRNA gene, offering greater resolution between closely related species, particularly those exhibiting >99% similarity. In this study, phylogenetic analysis was conducted comparing the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences of Deinococcus species. Species-specific and genus-specific primers targeting Deinococcus species were designed and experimentally validated for selective amplification and rapid identification of the targeted species. This approach allows for the omission of 16S rRNA sequencing in the targeted Deinococcus species. Therefore, the gyrB gene is useful for identifying bacterial species and genus-level detection from individual microbes or microbial consortia using specialized primer sets for PCR amplification.