Xunyou Yan’s research while affiliated with Life University and other places

Microorganisms are valuable resources as antibiotic producers, biocontrol agents, and symbiotic agents in various ecosystems and organisms. Over the past decades, there has been a notable increase in the identification and generation of both wild-type and genetically modified microbial strains from research laboratories worldwide. However, a substantial portion of the information represented in these strains remains scattered across the scientific literature. To facilitate the work of future researchers, in this perspective article, we advocate the adoption of the DNA-based natural language (DBNL) algorithm standard and then demonstrate it using a Streptomyces species as a proof of concept. This standard enables the sophisticated genome sequencing and subsequent extraction of valuable information encoded within a particular microbial species. In addition, it allows the access of such information for the continued research and applications even if a currently cultivated microbe cannot be cultured in the future. Embracing the DBNL algorithm standard promises to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of microbial research, paving the way for innovative solutions and discoveries in diverse fields.

Melon is an important cash crop grown worldwide, with China leading the world in melon acreage. Melon wilt is becoming more common as the area under melon cultivation gradually increases. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the resistance pattern of Fusarium wilt in melons. In this work, among the four test melon cultivars, YG was highly resistant to Fusarium wilt and 1455 was disease‐resistant. However, 5657 was susceptible, while 5455 was highly susceptible to the disease. We detected 71,852 differentially expressed genes in 16 combinations, including 37,382 with up‐regulation and 3470 with down‐regulation, and we investigated 11 genes associated with resistance to Fusarium wilt through bioinformatics and transcriptome analysis. We identified two differentially expressed cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenases ( CAD ) that were down‐regulated in the susceptible melon material in contrast to the resistant variety. Nine chitinase ( CHT ) genes were differentially expressed, with four showing up‐regulation and four showing down‐regulation in the susceptible compared to the resistant melon material. The MeloCHT genes were located on chromosomes 2, 6, 8, 11 and 12, with four of them on chromosome 8. MeloCAD1 was located on chromosome 1 and MeloCAD2 on chromosome 8. The physicochemical properties of the encoded proteins were predicted by bioinformatics, including theoretical isoelectric point, instability coefficient, relative molecular mass, lipid solubility index and hydrophilicity index. The genes encode proteins with α‐helix, extended strand, random coils and β‐turns. This study provides fundamental knowledge on the transcriptome of melons and establishes a foundation for future research on the detection and application of Fusarium wilt‐resistant genes in melons.

Growing concerns about food nutrition and food supplies have encouraged the development of effective constituents. Lutein is an important nutrient element, and its health benefits are gradually being recognized. Lutein, as a carotenoid antioxidant, can protect cells and organs from damage caused by free radicals. However, in processing, storage, and usage, lutein is unstable and often undergoes isomerization and oxidative decomposition, which limits its wide range of applications. β‐Cyclodextrin is an ideal substrate to prepare microcapsule structures, which are highly biocompatible and nontoxic. During the lutein encapsulation process, ideal β‐cyclodextrin microcapsules were used to form inclusion compounds. The results reveal that the encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules reached 53%. Moreover, using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction can easily and efficiently purify lutein. In addition, the capability of the β‐cyclodextrin composite shell can enhance the bioactive molecules' activity and stability. Lutein‐inclusion ß‐cyclodextrin nanoparticles rationally established in a common solvent. A novel ß‐cyclodextrin microcapsule carrier was synthesized. Lutein encapsulation is an advantageous alternative to increase lutein stability.

Troglomorphism is rare known in Mygalomorphae. Only three troglomorphic mygalomorphs have been recorded in China: Raveniola beelzebub Lin & Li, 2020, R. lamia Yu & Zhang, 2021 and Sinopesa gollum Lin & Li, 2021. A new troglobiontic species of the genus Raveniola is described from China: R. yangren sp. n. (female) from Hunan. Photos and morphological description of the new species are given.This new species has elongated appendages and degenerated eyes in order to adapt to the cave environment. It can be distinguished by the stubby, unbranched spermathecae from other Raveniola .

The genus Selenocosmia Ausserer, 1871 includes 39 species. Five species were known from China. This genus has not been found in south-eastern China (Li 2020, Li et al. 2021, Yao et al. 2021, Zhao et al. 2022). A new species of the genus Selenocosmia Ausserer, 1871 is described from China: Selenocosmia zhangzhengi Lin, sp. n. from Fujian. Photos and a morphological description of the new species are given. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beiing (IZCAS).

Background: Haplocosmia Schmidt & von Wirth, 1996 is a small genus distributed in the Himalayas that includes two species. This genus has not been found in China (Li et al. 2021, Yao et al. 2021, Zhao et al. 2022). New information: A new species of the genus Haplocosmia is described from China: Haplocosmiasherwoodae sp. n. from Tibet. Photos and a morphological description of the new species are given. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing (IZCAS).

Four new species of the genus Phrynarachne Thorell, 1869 from China are described: P. dreepy Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), P. xuxiake Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀), P. yunhui Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀), and P. zhengzhongi Lin & S. Li, sp. nov. (♀). The unknown sexes of P. brevis Tang & S. Li, 2010 (♂), P. huangshanensis Li et al., 1985 (♀), P. lancea Tang & S. Li, 2010 (♂), and P. mammillata Song, 1990 (♀) are described for the first time. Phrynarachne sinensis Peng, Yin & Kim is treated as a nomen dubium.

The genus Cyclocosmia Ausserer, 1871 of the spider family Halonoproctidae Pocock, 1901 includes ten known species from North America and Asia. Since Cyclocosmia ricketti was described by Pocock in 1901, no males of this species have ever been reported. The male of Cyclocosmia ricketti is described for the first time, based on a specimen collected near the type locality in Fujian Province, China. A morphological description and illustrations are given.

Two new species of the genus Chilobrachys Karsh, 1892 are described from China: Chilobrachys dominus Lin & Li, sp. nov. from Yunnan and C. jinchengi Lin & Li, sp. nov. from Tibet. Photos and a morphological description of the new species are given. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy (IZCAS) in Beijing.

Chitosan is a plant growth regulator. Since it has an important function, it may also play a similar role in the growth of fungi. In this study, Lentinula edodes was used as a model fungus, and the mycelium growth and metabolism in the cultivation bag treated with different concentrations of chitosan were investigated. The results showed when the chitosan concentration was 0.1 mg/ml, a dense mycelium was developed and the fast growth was observed. Compared with other concentrations and the control group, they had significant differences. Furthermore, the activity of CMCase, Amy, and POD were measured, which showed significant differences in the rapid growth of the mycelium compared with other concentrations. The concentrations of 0.1 mg/mL will be chosen to promote the growth of Lentinula edodes ' mycelium in practical production.