Elucidating the Molecular Interactions between Lipids and Lysozyme: Evaporation Resistance and Bacterial Barriers for Dry Eye Disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic condition characterized by ocular dryness and inflammation. The tear film lipid layer (TFLL) is the outermost layer composed of lipids and proteins that protect the ocular surface. However, environmental contaminants can disrupt its structure, potentially leading to DED. Although the importance of tear proteins in the TFLL functionality has been clinically recognized, the molecular mechanisms underlying TFLL-protein interactions remain unclear. In this study, we investigated tear protein-lipid interactions and analyzed their role in the TFLL functionality. The results show that lysozyme (LYZ) increases the stability of the TFLL by reducing its surface tension and increasing its surface pressure, resulting in increased TFLL evaporation and bacterial invasion resistance, with improved wettability and lubrication performance. These findings highlight the critical role of LYZ in maintaining ocular health and provide potential avenues for investigating novel approaches to DED treatment and patient well-being.

Check list of jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) of the Korean Peninsula.

An updated check list of Psylloidea from the Korean Peninsula is provided with information on the distribution of each species within the Peninsula and host plants based on published records and our own extensive field surveys. Five species (Calophya phellodendri Loginova, Calophya rhopenjabensis Li, Cacopsylla initialis (Loginova), Cacopsylla sibirica (Loginova) and Cacopsylla viburnicola (Li Yang)) are reported for the first time from Korea, bringing the number to 130 species in 32 genera and six families. Three generic and subgeneric names are synonymised: Bactericera Puton, 1876 = Spinotrioza Kwon Kwon, 2020, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla Ossiannisson, 1970 = Psylla (Koreopsylla) Kwon Kwon, 2020, syn. nov. = Cacopsylla (Megapteripsylla) Kwon Kwon, 2020, syn. nov. Three genera of Triozidae are redefined, viz. Dyspersa Klimaszewsi, 1968, Spanioza Enderlein, 1926 and Trichochermes Kirkaldy, 1904. Sixteen nominal species are synonymised: Celtisaspis japonica (Miyatake, 1968), nomen protectum = Arytaina cornicola Frauenfeld, 1869, nomen oblitum, syn. nov. = Celtisaspis guizhouana Yang Li, 1982, syn. nov. = Celtisaspis sinica Yang Li, 1982, syn. nov. = Celtisaspis zhejiangana Yang Li, 1982, syn. nov.; Celtisaspis usubai (Miyatake, 1980) = Celtisaspis beijingana Yang Li, 1982, syn. nov.; Calophya rhopenjabensis Li, 2011 = Calophya elaeocarpae Li, 2011, syn. nov.; Calophya verticornis Kwon, 1983 = Calophya melanocephala Li, 1997, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla araliae (Konovalova, 1981) = Cacopsylla (Hepatopsylla) aralicola Kwon Kwon, 2020, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla diaphana (Konovalova, 1981) = Psylla (Cacopsylla) peninsularis Kwon, 1983, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla moiwasana (Kuwayama, 1908) = Psylla micromeli Konovalova, 1981, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla nigella (Konovalova, 1979) = Psylla liaoli Yang Li, 1981, syn. nov. = Psylla sandolbaea Park Lee, 1982, syn. nov.; Livia jesoensis Matsumura, 1908 = Livia baegunsana Kwon Kwon, 2020, syn. nov.; Trichochermes grandis Loginova, 1965 = Trichochermes gemellus Loginova, 1974, syn. nov.; Trichochermes rhamnisugus (Li, 1994) = Trioza naria Kwon, Suh, An Huh, 1996, syn. nov.; Trioza quercicola Shinji, 1944 = Dyspersa hambaeksana Kwon Kwon, 2020, syn. nov. Five species are removed from synonymy: Cacopsylla cyphospila Li, 2011, stat. rev.; Cacopsylla fluctimaculata Li, 2005, stat. rev.; Cacopsylla gossypinmaculosa Li, 2011, stat. rev.; Cacopsylla nigrigenimacula Li, 2011, stat. rev.; Trioza chilgia Park Lee, 1980, stat. rev. Twenty five new combinations are proposed: Cacopsylla diaphana (Konovalova), comb. nov., Cacopsylla initialis (Loginova), comb. nov., Cacopsylla sibirica (Loginova), comb. nov., Cacopsylla silvestris (Bajeva), comb. nov.; all from Psylla; Dyspersa abdominalis (Flor), comb. nov.; Dyspersa achilleae (Wagner), comb. nov.; Dyspersa agrophila (Lw), comb. nov.; Dyspersa carpathica (Dobreanu Manolache), comb. nov.; Dyspersa chrysanthemi (Lw), comb. nov.; Dyspersa cirsii (Lw), comb. nov.; Dyspersa flixiana (Burckhardt Lauterer), comb. nov.; Dyspersa kantshavelii (Gegechkori), comb. nov.; Dyspersa liberta (Loginova), comb. nov.; Dyspersa mica (Loginova), comb. nov.; Dyspersa munda (Foerster), comb. nov.; Dyspersa schrankii (Flor), comb. nov.; Dyspersa senecionis (Scopoli), comb. nov.; Dyspersa stugma (Tuthill, 1939), comb. nov.; Dyspersa viridula (Zetterstedt), comb. nov.; Spanioza cocquempoti (Burckhardt Lauterer), comb. nov., Spanioza drosopouli (Burckhardt Lauterer), comb. nov.; Trichochermes marginepunctatus (Flor), comb. nov.; Trichochermes rhamni (Schrank), comb. nov.; all from Trioza; Triochochermes rhamnisugus Li, comb. nov. from Triozopsis; Trioza jejuensis (Kwon Kwon), comb. nov. from Dyspersa. Twelve previous combinations are reinstated: Bactericera calcarata (Schaefer), comb. rev. from Spinotrioza; Cacopsylla moiwasana (Kuwayama), comb. rev. from Acizzia; Dyspersa laserpitii (Burckhardt Lauterer), comb. rev.; D. lautereriella (Burckhardt), comb. rev.; D. mesembrina (Burckhardt), comb. rev.; D. pallida (Haupt), comb. rev.; all from Trioza; Togepsylla matsumurana Kuwayama, comb. rev. from Hemipteripsylla; Trioza camphorae Sasaki, comb. rev.; T. cinnamomi Boselli, comb. rev.; T. machilicola Miyatake, comb. rev.; T. quercicola Shinji, comb. rev.; T. usubai Matsumoto, comb. rev.; all from Dyspersa. One new replacement name, Cacopsylla kwonorum Cho Burckhardt, nom. nov., is proposed for Cacopsylla silvestris (Kwon, 1983), nec Cacopsylla silvestris (Bajeva, 1969). Comments are provided for some species.

Alloiothucha artocarpi (Horvth) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) found on jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae): first representative of the genus from Laos, and the synonymy of Cetiothucha Drake amp; Ruhoff.

The lace bug genus Alloiothucha Drake, 1927 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) is recorded from Laos for the first time with the redescription of Alloiothucha artocarpi (Horvth, 1926), which has been originally described from Indonesia (Java Island) in Latin. This species was collected on jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae) in Laos, and may represent a pest of potential future concern. An identification key to all described species of Alloiothucha and arguments for a junior synonymy of Cetiothucha is presented: Alloiothucha Drake, 1927 = Cetiothucha Drake Ruhoff, 1965, syn. nov. Two new combinations are proposed: Alloiothucha constanti (Guilbert, Pham Soulier-Perkins, 2018), comb. nov. and Alloiothucha physalia (Drake Ruhoff, 1965), comb. nov. from Cetiothucha.

Elucidation of the Interactions of Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidants in Model Membranes Mimicking Cancer Cells and Normal Cells.

Photosensitizers (PSs) used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been developed to selectively destroy tumor cells. However, PSs recurrently reside on the extracellular matrix or affect normal cells in the vicinity, causing side effects. Additionally, the membrane stability of tumor cells and normal cells in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has not been studied, and the effects of ROS at the membrane level are unclear. In this work, we elucidate the stabilities of model membranes mimicking tumor cells and normal cells in the presence of ROS. The model membranes are constructed according to the degree of saturation in lipids and the bilayers are prepared either in symmetric or asymmetric form. Interestingly, membranes mimicking normal cells are the most vulnerable to ROS, while membranes mimicking tumor cells remain relatively stable. The instability of normal cell membranes may be one cause of the side effects of PDT. Moreover, we also show that ROS levels are controlled by antioxidants, helping to maintain an appropriate amount of ROS when PDT is applied.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Cacopsyllaburckhardti (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Psyllidae).

Cacopsyllaburckhardti Luo, Li, Ma & Cai, 2012 (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Psyllidae) is a pear psyllid species, distributed in the East Asia. The complete mitogenome of C.burckhardti is obtained in this study for the first time. The mitogenome of C.burckhardti is circular form and 14,798 bp long, which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs. The base composition is 38.80% for A, 34.89% for T, 9.99% for G and 16.33% for C, with the higher A + T contents (73.69%). The phylogenetic analysis, using 13 protein-coding genes, shows that C.burckhardti is clustered with other Cacopsylla species and nested in the Psyllidae clade within the superfamily Psylloidea.

Brachymna tenuis Stål, 1861 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a new invasive bamboo pest in Korea with notes on insects associated with bamboos.

BACKGROUND: We report first observations of the invasive bamboo pest, Brachymna tenuis Stål, 1861 in Korea as the first species of Brachymna Stål, 1861 (Pentatomidae) reported from the country. NEW INFORMATION: Comments on its pest status and distribution are provided. General information on this bamboo-feeding insect in Korea is analysed and provided for the first time.

Nomenclatural issues in Korean insects. Part 1. Hemiptera.

This work is intended to expose nomenclatural issues and provide partial solutions involving Korean insects of the order Hemiptera. The 16 species described by Cheong (2015) and Yoon et al. (2015) are insufficient in zoological nomenclature. The unavailable name Harpocera josifovi Kim Jung, sp. nov. is validated. The new replacement name Aphis rhamnus Lee, Lee Kim, nom. nov., is proposed for Aphis rhamnicola Lee, Lee Kim, 2015 nec Aphis rhamnicola Mamontova, 1953. These actions will provide fundamental information to avoid potential mistakes and guide future discussions.

Invasive and Quarantine Risks of Cacopsylla chinensis (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in East Asia: Hybridization or Gene Flow Between Differentiated Lineages.

Pear psyllids are major pests and the causal agents of pear decline disease in orchards. In the past two decades, their outbreaks have raised issues pertaining to invasions and taxonomic identification of the dimorphic Cacopsylla chinensis (Yang and Li) in East Asia. The present study elucidated, as an aid to quarantine management, the invasive origins, differentiation history, and putative gene flow and hybridization between C. chinensis and its sibling species Cacopsylla jukyungi (Kwon). Analyses revealed that the ancestors of C. jukyungi might have diverged from C. chinensis approximately 3.5 million yr ago (Mya) and that differentiation between C. chinensis lineages I and II probably occurred 1.5 Mya. The known overlapping distribution of C. chinensis and C. jukyungi in northeastern China and the two C. chinensis lineages in the Bohai Rim region and Taiwan could be attributed to recent population expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum and/or anthropogenic activities. Analyses of the nuclear gene demonstrated that frequent gene flow between the two C. chinensis lineages and the paraphyletic relationship between C. chinensis and C. jukyungi might be caused by incomplete lineage sorting or hybridization events. On the basis of the current distribution, it is evident that C. jukyungi is not present in middle-southern China, whereas C. chinensis is not distributed in Japan and Korea. Preventing new invasions of Cacopsylla psyllids among geographic regions through the transportation of pear scions is thus pivotal in East Asia, particularly for the possible genetic exchanges among differentiated lineages after secondary invasion events.

Anomoneura taiwanica sp. nov. (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Psyllidae), a new jumping plant-louse species from Taiwan associated with Morus australis (Moraceae).

Anomoneura taiwanica sp. nov. (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Psyllidae, Psyllinae) is described based on samples from Taiwan that were previously misidentified as A. mori Schwarz, 1896. Morphological and genetic differences between the two species, as well as their distribution, are detailed and discussed. Comments on the pest status of Anomoneura spp. in East Asia are also provided.

On Cacopsylla moiwasana (Kuwayama, 1908) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Psyllidae) associated with Sorbus (Rosaceae) with new synonymies.

New junior synonyms are proposed for the Sorbus-feeding Cacopsylla moiwasana (Kuwayama, 1908): Psylla jezoensis Miyatake, 1963, syn. nov. and Psylla midoriae Miyatake, 1963, syn. nov. The species is newly recorded from Korea.

Moriphila furva gen. and sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Homotomidae), a new jumping plant-louse from Korea associated with Morus australis (Moraceae).

Moriphila furva Burckhardt Cho, gen. and sp. nov., is described from the mountain region in north eastern South Korea. Adults were collected on Morus australis which is a likely host. We provide morphological evidence that the new monotypic genus constitutes the probable sister group of the afrotropical Phytolyma whose species develop on Milicia and Morus (Moraceae). Differences between the two genera are detailed and the phylogenetic relationships to other members of Homotomidae: Macrohomotominae, to which the new genus belongs, are discussed. The host relationships of Psylloidea associated with Moraceae are reviewed. The latter constitutes the fifth most important host taxon of Psylloidea even though it is only a moderately large family of angiosperms in terms of constituent species. Moraceae have been colonised by psyllids at least five times independently. Following new combinations are proposed: Homotoma brevis (Li, 1993), comb. nov. and Homotoma microphyllae (Li Yang, 1991), comb. nov. (both from Caenohomotoma Yang Li, 1981).

Systematics of the east Palaearctic pear psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) with particular focus on the Japanese and Korean fauna.

The confused taxonomy of the east Palaearctic pear psyllids, serious pests on cultivated pear, is reviewed. Fifty-six nominal species have been reported from Pyrus, 25 of which we consider valid and ten as not being associated with Pyrus. Our taxonomic revision suggests that, in Korea, four Cacopsylla species develop on pear: the univoltine C. burckhardti Luo et al. previously misidentified as C. pyrisuga (Foerster), the polyvoltine, seasonally dimorphic C. jukyungi (Kwon) (winter form 'cinereosignata' Luo et al., summer form 'jukyungi'), commonly found in Korean pear orchards, and C. maculatili Li (winter form 'maculatili', summer form 'qiuzili' Li) previously misidentified as C. pyricola (Foerster) by some authors, as well as the probably polyvoltine but not dimorphic C. sandolbaea (Park & Lee). The former three species (C. burckhardti, C. jukyungi, misidentified as C. chinensis (Yang & Li), and C. maculatili) occur also in Japan. Keys to the adult and fifth instar immatures as well as short biological notes are provided, and C. jukyungi and C. sandolbaea are redescribed. Following nomenclatorial changes are proposed: Cacopsylla betulaefoliae (Yang & Li, 1981) = Psylla heterobetulaefoliae Yang & Li, 1981, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla bidens (Sulc, 1907) = Psylla jiangli Yang & Li, 1981, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla jukyungi (Kwon) = C. cinereosignata Luo et al., syn. nov.; Cacopsylla maculatili Li = C. qiuzili Li, syn. nov.; Cacopsylla nigella (Konovalova), comb. nov. from Psylla. The synonymy of P. obongsana Kwon with C. sandolbaea is confirmed.

On the taxonomy of Korean jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea).

The taxonomy of jumping plant-lice from South Korea is revised based on extensive, recently collected material and specimens preserved in several collections. Three species are described as new (Craspedolepta yongjungi, Cacopsylla baccatae and Cyamophila floribundae spp. nov.) and 11 species are recorded from South Korea for the first time (Aphalaridae 2, Homotomidae 1, Liviidae 1, Psyllidae 6, Triozidae 1). One genus and 13 species are synonymised, two species are removed from synonymy and two species are recombined. Comments on the taxonomy are provided and previous misidentifications are discussed.

The identity of the Carsidara species (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Carsidaridae) associated with Firmiana simplex (Malvaceae) in Japan and Korea.

The records of the jumping plant-lice previously published under Carsidara shikokuensis (Miyatake, 1981) from Japan and C. marginalis Walker, 1869 from Korea are critically reviewed. It is concluded that both refer to the same species that is associated with Firmiana simplex (L.) W.Wight (Malvaceae). Carsidara shikokuensis shows no relevant morphological differences to C. limbata (Enderlein, 1926), and the two are synonymised: Carsidara limbata (Enderlein, 1926) = Carsidara shikokuensis (Miyatake, 1981) syn. nov. A record of C. marginalis from Korea is a misidentification of C. limbata. The latter is diagnosed and illustrated and differences to the former are discussed. The immatures of C. limbata are free-living on the leaves of Firmiana simplex and particularly the older instars secrete large amounts of flocculent wax and honeydew. Information on its potential usage as biological control agent of invasive Firmiana simplex in North America is briefly discussed.

Rhodochlanis suaedicola sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea: Aphalaridae) associated with Suaeda japonica (Amaranthaceae) from Korea.

A new psyllid species, Rhodochlanis suaedicola sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Korea based on adults and fifth instar immatures. Rhodochlanis is reported for the first time from Korea. The new species is associated with Suaeda japonica (Amaranthaceae) growing in saline habitats. Salt marshes in Korea are threatened by sea side developments. It is suggested that these habitats should be protected to ensure the survival of R. suaedicola.

Development of MgO-C Refractory Having High Oxidation Resistance by Metal Coating Process.

Graphite has been modified with a coating reagent, which can form coating layer of a metal on the surface of graphite, to effectively prevent the oxidation of graphite used as a carbon source, compared to common antioxidants. The oxidation of graphite is resisted by the high oxidation reactivity of metal and the oxygen barrier effect of coating layer. Therefore, the metal layer should be homogeneously and continuously coated on the surface of graphite and the coating efficiency of metal should be increased. The metal layer was formed with a metal precursor existed only with a ion phase in an aqueous solution. The unmodified graphite was totally degraded and oxidized after the combustion test at 1000 degrees C in air. However, as graphite was modified by the metal precursor, the color of carbon was not changed after the heat treatment. These results mean that the coating layer is individually and uniformly formed on a surface of graphite, delaying the oxidation of graphite. Consequently, MgO-C refractory with the high oxidation resistance could be successfully fabricated by the modification of graphite with the metal precursor.

Adhesion phenomena between particles according to the content of organic binder in core for thin-wall casting.

The content of organic binder in a core for thin-wall casting has been controlled to investigate the adhesion phenomena of inorganic binder between starting particles, as directly related to the mechanical and thermal properties of the core. The inorganic binder precursor was composed of tetraethyl orthosilicate and sodium methoxide as the silicon dioxide and sodium oxide precursors, respectively. Poly(vinyl alcohol), a hydrophilic polymer, was used as an organic binder. The particles coated with the inorganic precursor were sculpted with the organic binder and then the prepared core samples were heated at 1000 degrees C for 1 h. The core samples prepared with the optimum content of organic binder show the highest fracture strength. This may be due to the enhancement of adhesion by the glass phase formed between starting particles. However, when too much or too little organic binder is employed, the strength values of the core samples are significantly decreased. This is because the network structure of the glass phase is not inadequately created or the glass phase is not uniformly developed between starting particles, resulting in the insufficient contact between starting particles during the convert process.