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With proteomic analysis, we identified 379 egg surface proteins from an endoparasitoid, Cotesia chilonis. Proteins containing conserved enzymatic domains constitute a large proportion of egg surface components. Some proteins, such as superoxidase dismutase, homolog of C. rubecula 32-kDa protein and immunoevasive protein-2A, are classical parasitism factors that have known functions in host immunity regulation. Melanization assays revealed that a novel egg surface protein, C. chilonis egg surface serpin domain-containing protein had the same function as a C. chilonis venom serpin, as both suppressed host melanization in a dose-dependent manner. C. chilonis egg surface serpin domain-containing protein is mainly transcribed in C. chilonis oocytes with follicular cells, and it is located on both the anterior and posterior sides of the mature egg surface. Additionally, we used LC-MS/MS to identify 586 binding proteins sourced from C. suppressalis plasma located on the eggshell surface of C. chilonis, which included some immunity-related proteins. These results not only indicate that C. chilonis uses its egg surface proteins to reduce the immune response of its host, but also imply that endoparasitoid egg surface proteins might be a new parasitism factor involved in host immune regulation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is native to the Americas. It has rapidly invaded 47 African countries and 18 Asian countries since the first detection of invasion into Nigeria and Ghana in 2016. It is regarded as a super pest based on its host range (at least 353 host plants), its inherent ability to survive in a wide range of habitats, its strong migration ability, high fecundity, rapid development of resistance to insecticides/viruses and its gluttonous characteristics. The inherently superior biological characteristics of FAW contribute to its invasiveness. Integrated pest management (IPM) of FAW has relied on multiple applications of monitoring and scouting, agricultural control, chemical pesticides, viral insecticides, sex attractants, bio-control agents (parasitoids, predators and entomopathogens) and botanicals. Knowledge gaps remain to be filled to: (1) understand the invasive mechanisms of S. frugiperda; (2) understand how to prevent its further spread and (3) provide better management strategies. This review summarizes the biological characters of FAW, their association with its invasiveness and IPM strategies, which may provide further insights for future management.

Recent evidence suggests that hypoxia preconditioning can alter the microRNA (miRNA) profile of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and has better neuroprotective effects when enriched miRs are delivered to recipients. However, the roles of exosomal miRNAs in regulating ischaemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced pain hypersensitivity are largely unknown. Thus, we isolated EVs from normoxia-conditioned neurons (Nor-VSC EVs) and Hypo-VSC EVs by ultracentrifugation. After the initial screening by a microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), miR-126-3p, which was detected as the most altered miR in the Hypo-VSC EVs, was further confirmed by applying GW4869 to inhibit exosomal secretion. Moreover, transfection with a miR-126 mimic obviously increased miR-126-3p expression in Nor-VSC EVs, whereas a miR-126 inhibitor prevented the increase in miR-126-3p in Hypo-VSC EVs. A rat model of pain was established by performing 8-min occlusion of the aorta. Following IR, compared with the Nor-VSC EVs- or antagomir-126-injected rats, the Hypo-VSC EVs-injected rats displayed improved pain hypersensitivity demonstrated as higher PWT and PWL values. Mechanistically, PIK3R2 is a target of miR-126-3p and might be a modulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway as the PIK3R2 and PI3K immunoreactivities in each group were changed in opposite directions. Compared with the controls, higher protein levels of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt but lower levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were detected in the spinal cords of the Hypo-VSC EVs-injected rats, and these effects were impaired by an injection of Hypo-VSC EVs combined with antagomir-126. Collectively, the miR-126-3p-enriched Hypo-VSC EVs attenuated IR-induced pain hypersensitivity by restoring miR-126-3p expression in the injured spinal cord and subsequently modulating PIK3R2-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signalling pathways.

In this study, we successfully established a Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) embryonic cell line, i.e., QAU-Bd-E-2, from the insect eggs. The cells have been stably passaged for more than 60 times in TNM-FH medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). QAU-Bd-E-2 cells are adherent cells. Most of the cells were round, spindle-shaped, and rod-shaped. Round cells accounted for 82.3%, with a diameter of 13.9 ± 2.6 µm; spindle-shaped cells accounted for 9.8%, with the size of 51.2 ± 11.2 µm × 10.3 ± 3.1 µm; the rod-shaped cells accounted for 7.9%, with the size of 35.2 ± 9.4 µm × 12.0 ± 2.5 µm. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I subunit (CoI) gene from QAU-Bd-E-2 cells was amplified, and the 657 bp fragment had a 100% similarity with the CoI gene of B. dorsalis, suggesting that the cell line was derived from B. dorsalis. The chromosome number of QAU-Bd-E-2 cells was mostly 12, which is the same as the B. dorsalis chromosome number. The cell density of QAU-Bd-E-2 cells reached the maximum (3.4 × 106 cells/mL) at 192 h, and the population doubling time was 31.9 h. Bactrocera dorsalis cripavirus (BdCV) could replicate in QAU-Bd-E-2 cells, suggesting that this cell line could be used for in-depth study of the relationship between virus and host.

Background The metabolic effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients who do not meet National Institutes of Health indications has not been well studied. Objectives To compare the effectiveness of LSG and LRYGB in Chinese T2D patients with body mass index (BMI) 2 . Setting University hospital, China. Methods A nonrandomized cohort of patients who underwent LRYGB (n = 64) and LSG (n = 19) were followed up for 3 years and the outcomes (weight loss and remission of diabetes and other metabolic parameters) were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to find associated parameters of T2D remission. Results In total, 5 patients (6%) were lost to follow-up. No significant differences in mean percentage of excess weight loss and BMI were observed between the 2 groups at 2 years. At 3-year follow-up, the LRYGB group had significantly higher percentage of excess weight loss and lower BMI. The total (complete and partial) remission rate achieved with both bariatric procedures was 75.9% at 1 year and 56.4% at 3 years. Surgical safety, diabetes remission, and remission of other obesity-related co-morbidities were comparable between the 2 groups. Patients who achieved complete or partial remission had lower fasting plasma glucose, lower plasma glucose at 2 hours, lower glycated hemoglobin, and higher fasting C peptide than the other patients at baseline. High recurrence rates of hypertension and hyperuricemia were observed at 3 years postoperation. Conclusions Both LSG and LRYGB are safe and effective bariatric procedures for T2D in this Chinese population with diabetes and BMI 2 .

// Xiao Du 1,* , Si-qin Zhang 2,* , Hong-xu Zhou 1 , Xue Li 1 , Xiao-juan Zhang 2 , Zong-guang Zhou 1 and Zhong Cheng 1 1 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Laboratory of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China 2 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China * These authors have contributed equally to this study Correspondence to: Zhong Cheng, email: // Keywords : bariatric surgery; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; sleeve gastrectomy; morbid obesity; weight loss Received : August 17, 2016 Accepted : October 05, 2016 Published : October 08, 2016 Abstract Objectives: This 1:1 matched cohort study with 3-year follow-up aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of LSG with LRYGB for morbid obesity patients. Methods: From 2009 to 2013, patients undergoing LRYGB ( n = 63) were matched with LSG ( n = 63) by gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Major complications, BMI, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and obesity-related comorbidities after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were compared. Results: Hospital stay and major complication rates were comparable, but operative time in LSG was significantly shorter (83.2 ± 23.7 vs . 108.3 ± 21.3 min). No significant differences in mean %EWL and BMI were observed at 6, 12, 24 months. At 3-year follow-up, mean %EWL in the LRYGB group was significantly higher than in the LSG group (76.5 ± 9.2% vs. 65.7 ± 10.3%) and, consequently, mean BMI was significantly lower in LRYGB (28.2 ± 1.5 vs . 30.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2). No significant differences in remission of comorbidities were observed at 1- or 3-year follow-up. Conclusions: Both LRYGB and LSG were safe and effective bariatric procedures in this Chinese population, but LRYGB seemed to be superior to LSG in terms of mid-term weight loss.

Our prior research revealed that there are 2 mitochondrial clades of Aphelinus mali (Haldeman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in China, which are known as SD clade and LN clade. To further reveal their genetic characteristics and to determine the degrees of hybridization and gene flow between the 2 clades of A. mali in China, we analyzed the genetic diversities and genetic structures of 16 populations from 6 provinces (Shandong, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Xinjiang, and Yunnan) using 8 micro satellite loci. Our results showed that among the pure populations in the SD and LN clades, the greatest genetic diversities were found in the Qingdao, Shandong (QD) population and in the Dalian, Liaoning (DL) population. QD was the first population of the SD clade to be established, and DL was the first population of the LN clade to be established. In addition, genetic diversity was not substantially lower - and in some cases it was greater - in mixed-clade populations than in QD and DL. Individuals within each mit...

In China, Aphelinus mali (Haldeman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was independently introduced as an endoparasitoid of the woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Japan in 1942 and from the former Soviet Union during 1953–1955. However, we do not know which introduction of this endoparasitoid plays important role in the control of E. lanigerum in China. To determine the status of this biological control agent in China, we collected 16 populations from 6 provinces (Shandong, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Xinjiang and Yunnan) and analyzed the 948 mtCOI gene from specimens in these samples. The results revealed that the A. mali in China consisted of 2 cryptic mitochondrial clades including 3 haplotypes, which indicated at least 2 independent introductions of the parasitoid into China. Our results showed that each of the populations that had been introduced into Shandong and Liaoning, respectively, had also established in many regions of China , where they play an import...

The matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-9, play important roles in the pathogenesis and development of malignant gliomas. In the present study, the oncogenic role of MMP-9 in malignant glioma cells was investigated via antisense RNA blockade in vitro and in vivo. TJ905 malignant glioma cells were transfected with pcDNA3.0 vector expressing antisense MMP-9 RNA (pcDNA-ASMMP9), which significantly decreased MMP-9 expression, and cell proliferation was assessed. For in vivo studies, U251 cells, a human malignant glioma cell line, were implanted subcutaneously into 4- to 6-week-old BALB/c nude mice. The mice bearing well-established U251 gliomas were treated with intratumoral pcDNA-AS-MMP9-Lipofectamine complex (AS-MMP-9-treated group), subcutaneous injection of endostatin (endostatin-treated group), or both (combined therapy group). Mice treated with pcDNA (empty vector)-Lipofectamine served as the control group. Four or eight weeks later, the volume and weight of tumor, MMP-9 expression, microvessel density and proliferative activity were assayed. We demonstrate that pcDNA-AS-MMP9 significantly decreased MMP-9 expression and inhibited glioma cell proliferation. Volume and weight of tumor, MMP-9 expression, microvessel density and proliferative activity in the antisense-MMP-9-treated and therapeutic alliance groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The results suggest that MMP-9 not only promotes malignant glioma cell invasiveness, but also affects tumor cell proliferation. Blocking the expression of MMP-9 with antisense RNA substantially suppresses the malignant phenotype of glioma cells, and thus can be used as an effective therapeutic strategy for malignant gliomas.

The metabolic effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients who do not meet National Institutes of Health indications has not been well studied.To compare the effectiveness of LSG and LRYGB in Chinese T2D patients with body mass index (BMI)35 kg/mUniversity hospital, China.A nonrandomized cohort of patients who underwent LRYGB (n = 64) and LSG (n = 19) were followed up for 3 years and the outcomes (weight loss and remission of diabetes and other metabolic parameters) were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to find associated parameters of T2D remission.In total, 5 patients (6%) were lost to follow-up. No significant differences in mean percentage of excess weight loss and BMI were observed between the 2 groups at 2 years. At 3-year follow-up, the LRYGB group had significantly higher percentage of excess weight loss and lower BMI. The total (complete and partial) remission rate achieved with both bariatric procedures was 75.9% at 1 year and 56.4% at 3 years. Surgical safety, diabetes remission, and remission of other obesity-related co-morbidities were comparable between the 2 groups. Patients who achieved complete or partial remission had lower fasting plasma glucose, lower plasma glucose at 2 hours, lower glycated hemoglobin, and higher fasting C peptide than the other patients at baseline. High recurrence rates of hypertension and hyperuricemia were observed at 3 years postoperation.Both LSG and LRYGB are safe and effective bariatric procedures for T2D in this Chinese population with diabetes and BMI35 kg/m

Background Obesity has become an epidemic in developing countries including China. The use of bariatric surgery to treat obesity has grown in popularity worldwide, but it is still a new concept in China. This study aims to investigate the trends in bariatric surgery in China. Methods An electronic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure was conducted to select studies for this survey. Results A total of 7779 bariatric procedures were reported from 2001 to 2015, most of which (89.2 %) were performed in the most recent 5 years. Further, 70.9 % of all procedures were performed to treat obesity and related comorbidities, defined as metabolic surgery. The data showed 89.4 % of all operations were performed laparoscopically. The absolute number of bariatric surgeries increased 148.7 times in the last 5 years compared to the 2001-2005 period. The percentage of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses performed increased from 0 to 62.2 %, and the percentage of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies from 0 to 12.7 %. The percentage of laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands increased dramatically from 0 to 73.3 % in the 2006-2010 period, but it dropped quickly to 12.9 % in the 2011-2015 period. Most operations (66.7 %) were conducted in the East area, which is the most developed economic region in China. There was limited surgical innovation or original research reported in China. Conclusions Bariatric surgery is still at an early stage in China, but is now experiencing an explosive growth. A national registry system needs to be established to record and provide precise data.

Though the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was introduced into China more than 60 years ago, the genetic diversity and structure of this exotic insect pest and virus vector have not been studied. To investigate the population genetic characteristics of this invasive species and to identify potential invasion routes, the genetic diversity and population structure of 17 collections of T. vaporariorum from nine provinces in China were analyzed using seven microsatellite loci. The results of the analyses indicated that the genetic diversity for the populations examined from the four provinces: Jilin, Ningxia, Guizhou and Qinghai, was lower than the genetic diversity of populations from the five provinces: Yunnan, Shandong, Shanxi, Liaoning, and Gansu. The T. vaporariorum populations analyzed in this study grouped as two distinct genetic clusters based on the analysis using STRUCTURE, whereas, 8 clusters were identified based on the BAPS analysis. Of the 136 genetic distance (Fst) values, 128 (94%) were associated with a significant exact test. However, there was no significant relationship between Fst and geographical distance. These results demonstrate that populations of T. vaporariorum in China exhibit significant genetic differentiation, indicating the likelihood that multiple introductions of T. vaporariorum into China have occurred. Also, the populations collected from the provinces of Jilin, Ningxia, Guizhou and Qinghai appear to represent secondary introductions originating from other Chinese provinces.

Serumfree cultures of insect cells play an important role in the fields of protein engineering, medicine, and biology. In this paper, the suspension cell line QB-Tn9-4s of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was successfully adapted to serumfree Sf-900 III medium and passaged for 52 generations. The adapted QB-Tn9-4s cells grew faster. Their population doubling time shortened from 27.4 hr in serum-containing medium to 24.1 hr, and their maximal density increased by 1.83-fold, reaching 3.50 ×10 6 cells/mL in serumfree culture in T-flasks. The cells readily adapted to spinner culture, with maximum cell density of 4.40 × 10 6 cells/mL in a spinner flask. Although the infection rate of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus and production of occlusion bodies (OBs) of the adapted QB-Tn9-4s cells were 91.0% and 85.4 OBs/cell, respectively, similar to those of QB-Tn9-4s cells cultured in serum-containing medium and control BTI-Tn5B1-4 cells, their budded virus titer was 4.97 ×10 7 TCID50/mL, significantly higher than those of the latter two. In addition, the expression levels of β-galactosidase at six days postinfection and secreted alkaline phosphatase at seven days postinfection in the adapted QB-Tn9-4s cells reached 2.98 ± 0.15×10 4 IU/mL and 3.34 ± 0.13 IU/mL, respectively, significantly higher than those of QB-Tn9-4s and control BTI-Tn5B1-4 cultured in serum-containing media. The above findings establish a foundation for industrial production of virus and recombinant proteins in QB-Tn9-4s serumfree culture.

To construct the NLS(ING1)-GFP vector, transfer it into MRC-5 cells and establish a cell model expressing NLS (ING1)-GFP fusion protein.Firstly, cDNA fragment of nuclear locating sequence (NLS) of inhibitor of growth-1 gene (ING1) was gained by RT-PCR and inserted into multi-clone site of pEGFP-C1 to construct the NLS (ING1)-GFP expression vector. Then the vector was used to transfect the MRC-5 cells to observe the subcellular signal localization of green fluorescence protein (GFP).We successfully constructed the expressing vector of NLS (ING1)-GFP fusion protein. After transferring the fusion expressing vector into MRC-5 cells, we observed that green fluorescence signal located in the cell nucleus. However, the green fluorescence signal located in the cytoplasm in MRC-5 cells transfected with pEGFP-C1 control only expressing GFP.In living cells, physiologically p33 ING1b locates absolutely in nucleus. The p33(ING1b) NLS plays a decisive role in the transporting process of subcellular localization.