Taxonomic Status of Three Recently Proposed Species of the Genus Kurixalus(Anura,Rhacophoridae),with Discussion on the ZooBank Registrations for Electronical Publication

In the present study,we propose the synonymization of Kurixalus silvaenaias with Kurixalus qionglaiensis.This conclusion is based on morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis of a series of newly collected specimens,as well as the type series of both nomenclatures.The publication dates of the two species were determined according to the related articles of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.Of note,the ZooBank registrations for both species are invalid.Consequently,the publication of K.silvaenaias does not qualify as a published work and the correct publication date of K.qionglaiensis should be the date on which it was physically printed.Furthermore,based on the results presented in this study and its original description,the proposal of K.inexpectatus is deemed untenable and should,therefore,be considered a junior synonym of K.idiootocus.We further provide suggestions for the authors,editors,and publishers who are working on taxonomic publications,as well as for ZooBank to improve the registering service.

A New Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman,1950(Squamata:Scincidae)from Sichuan Province,Southwest China

The genus Scincella Mittleman,1950,within the family Scincidae,is a diverse group comprising 39 described species.The taxonomy of the genus is complex due to morphological similarities among species,which often obscures the true extent of biodiversity,resulting in several undescribed species requiring further exploration.In China,particularly within the unique ecosystems of the Hengduan Mountains,the diversity of Scincella is notably underestimated,with only 12 species currently recognized.In the present study,we describe a new species of the genus Scincella,Scincella liangshanensis sp.nov.,from Sichuan Province,Southwest China.Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the putative new species is distinct from all other known congeners.This discovery not only expands the known diversity of Scincella but also emphasizes the inadequacies in our current understanding of herpetological diversity in China.The addition of this species to the scientific record highlights the necessity for ongoing biodiversity assessments to uncover hidden species and enhance our understanding of the intricate web of life in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Protective Effect of Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog 1 on TGF-β1 Pathway via mTOR in Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective: To demonstrate whether the expression of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) affects the level of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in HEK293 cells through regulating mTOR. Methods: First, recombinant plasmids DNA (rSIRT1) and siRNA targeting SIRT1 were constructed which were transfected into Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cell (HEK293) cells, respectively. Then, the generation of intracellular ROS in cells was examined by flow cytometry using the oxidation-sensitive probe. Last, the expressions of TGF-β1, smad3, P53, mTOR, p-mTOR, LC3-I and LC3-II in cells were detected to observe the effect of SIRT1 on TGF-β1 Pathway by western blot analysis. Results: We demonstrated that overexpressing of SIRT1 may decrease TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in HEK293 cells through regulating mTOR. In addition, the result is the opposite when SIRT1 was silent in HEK293 cells. Conclusions: SIRT1 is closely related to TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway that correlates with the regulation of mTOR and ROS generation and causes diabetic nephropathy. The available evidence implies that SIRT1 has great potential as a clinical target for the prevention and treatment of renal fibrosis in the development of DN.

Resurrection of the Genus Leptomantis, with Description of a New Genus to the Family Rhacophoridae(Amphibia:Anura)

Genus Rhacophorus Kuhl and Van Hasselt, 1 822 is one of the most diverse genera of the family Rhacophoridae, and its taxonomy of genus Rhacophorus faces major challenges because of rapidly described new species and complex interspecies relations. In this study, we investigate the generic taxonomy within the genus Rhacophorus based on 1 972 bp of mitochondrial genes(12S rRNA, tRNA-val and 16S rRNA), containing 102 sequences from 58 species. The results reveal three well-supported and highly diverged matrilines that correspond with morphological characteristics and geographic distribution. Accordingly, we consider these three lineages as distinct genera: Rhacophorus sensu stricto, resurrected genus Leptomantis Peters, 1867, and the genus Zhangixalus gen. nov.

Taxonomic Revision of Raorchestes menglaensis(Kou,1990)(Amphibia:Anura),with Descriptions of Two New Species from Yunnan,China

Raorchestes is a group of Bush frogs mainly distributed in South and Southeast Asia that are poorly recognized by morphological criteria.We recognize the true R.menglaensis(Kou) based on 10 specimens newly collected from the type locality.An expanded description is also provided,and we delist the recently reported record,R.parvulus(Boulenger) from China.Combing with morphological and molecular data,two new species are respectively described from Menghai and Lvchun,Yunnan,China.Raorchestes hillisi sp.nov.is distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of morphological characters:(1) small body sized(males 15.9-17.7 mm,n=7;female 17.5 mm,n=1);(2) head longer than wide;(3) snout longer than eye diameter;(4) the tip of upper jaws slightly notched;(5) internasal space slightly less than interorbital space;(6) tympanum distinct;(7)fingers lacking lateral dermal fringe;(8) outside of toe Ⅰ and both sides of toe Ⅱ lacking lateral dermal fringe,other toes having weak lateral dermal fringes;(9) rudimentary web on toes;(10) lacking a series of tubercles along the outer sides of forearm and foot;(11) discs of fingers and toes not orange.Raorchestes huanglianshan sp.nov.is distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of morphological characters:(1) small body size(males 17.0-19.6 mm,n=12;female 21.5 mm,n=1);(2) head slightly wider than long or equal;(3) snout longer than eye diameter;(4)the tip of upper jaws slightly notched;(5) internasal space distinctly less than interorbital space(6) tympanum distinct;(7) fingers lacking lateral dermal fringe;(8) toes lacking lateral dermal fringe;(9) rudimentary web on toes;(10)lacking a series of tubercles along the outer sides of forearm and foot;(11) discs of all fingers and toes orange or parts of them orange in life.

The 2/3 scaling of twig nitrogen to phosphorus in woody plants

Background:Nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)are important elements for plant metabolism and growth.Therefore,the quantification of the scaling relationship of N to P in plant organs can help us understand many fundamental ecological processes.The general scaling relationships between N and P in leaves and in fine roots have been reported.As compared to leaves and fine roots,however,little information is available on the N versus P scaling relationship in the stems of woody plants,especially for twigs.In this study,a comprehensive dataset comprising 2,038 N=P paired observations for a total of 536 woody species was compiled and analyzed to determine whether a general scaling relationship exists.Results:The global mean values of twig N and P concentrations and N:P ratios were 9.33 mg⋅g^(-1),1.12 mg⋅g^(-1) and 10.16,respectively.Twig N and P concentrations and N:P ratios differed significantly within and across functional groups and biomes.Across all of the species,a uniform 0.67 scaling exponent of twig N to P was observed across different functional groups and biomes,i.e.,a 2/3-power scaling relationship was observed.However,this numerical value differed across different sites,albeit converging onto 0.67 with increasing sample sizes.Soil total phosphorus was the largest contributor to the variation in the numerical value of the scaling exponent.Conclusion:These results provide useful parameters for stoichiometric growth models,and advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant nutrient dynamics.This study has potential implications in predicting responses of nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystem responses to changes in the environment.

Morphology and Histochemistry of Infralabial Glands of Two Species in the Slug-Eating Family Pareidae(Reptilia:Serpentes)

Pareidae and Dipsadidae,two independently evolved taxa in the Serpentes lineage,both feed exclusively on terrestrial mollusks(snails and slugs).Dipsadid snakes developed hypertrophic infralabial glands in their lower jaw,which are thought to be associated with their specialized feeding behaviors.However,whether a similar gland exists in pareid snakes is unknown.In this study,we examined the morphological characteristics of the infralabial glands in Pareas berdmorei and Pareas chinensis based on comparative anatomical,histochemical,and histopathological analysis.Our results demonstrated that both Pareas species had similar hypertrophied infralabial glands in the lower jaw,which consisted of tubules with mucinous properties and seromucous acini.The secretory granules of the seromucous cells also showed high electron density.The cytoplasm was rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum,mitochondria,and Golgi apparatus,suggesting that these cells may secrete protein substances,and play an important role in digesting mollusks.This study provides evidence of morphological convergence between Pareidae and Dipsadidae due to specialized diet adaptation,which will be the foundation for prospective functional research.

Evolution of Phenotype and Mitochondrial Genome Reveals Limbless and Body-elongated Squamates may Change Their Energy Basis for Locomotion

Limb reduction in Squamata present the dramatic characteristic to focus and usually accompanied with particularly morphological modifications, impacting tremendous locomotion changing and might generate different energy requirement. Herein, we combined both morphological and mitochondrial genomic data to explore the evolution of phenotypic transformation and mitochondrial genome of limbless and body-elongated squamates. We collected phenotypic measurements of 503 individuals, representing limbed or limbless taxa across all major lineages in Squama ta to investiga te the morphological correla tions with limb-reduction. Furthermore, we provided the mitochondrial genome of the representative limbless and elongated species Dibamus bourreti(Angel, 1935) to detect selective constraints on limbless clades with published mitogenomes of other squa ma te reptiles. Our results evidenced tha t body elongation had certain negative relationship with limbreduction in Squamata lineage and Lacertilia lineage(R = –0.495, P < 2.2 e-16;R= –0.332, P = 1.1 e-13, respectively), while tail length showed slight correlation in both clades(R = 0.156, P = 4.3 e-04;R= 0.192, P = 2.1 e-05, respectively). Besides, detection demonstrated that ATP6 has experienced accelerated evolution among limbless lineages, suggesting selective pressure on mitogenomes may play an essential role in energy disparity for locomotion of limbed and limbless squamates.