Genomic identification and evolutionary analysis of chemosensory receptor gene families in two Phthorimaea pest species: insights into chemical ecology and host adaptation.

BACKGROUND: Insects rely on sophisticated sensitive chemosensory systems to sense their complex chemical environment. This sensory process involves a combination of odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs) in the chemosensory system. This study focused on the identification and characterization of these three types of chemosensory receptor genes in two closely related Phthorimaea pest species, Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth) and Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leaf miner). RESULTS: Based on manual annotation of the genome, we identified a total of 349 chemoreceptor genes from the genome of P. operculella, including 93 OR, 206 GR and 50 IR genes, while for P. absoluta, we identified 72 OR, 122 GR and 46 IR genes. Through phylogenetic analysis, we observed minimal differences in the number and types of ORs and IRs between the potato tuber moth and tomato leaf miner. In addition, we found that compared with those of tomato leaf miners, the gustatory receptor branch of P. operculella has undergone a large expansion, which may be related to P. absoluta having a narrower host range than P. operculella. Through analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of male and female antennae, we uncovered 45 DEGs (including 32ORs, 9 GRs, and 4 IRs). CONCLUSIONS: Our research provides a foundation for exploring the chemical ecology of these two pests and offers new insights into the dietary differentiation of lepidopteran insects, while simultaneously providing molecular targets for developing environmentally friendly pest control methods based on insect chemoreception.

Heat stress reprograms herbivory-induced defense responses in potato plants.

Climate change is predicted to increase the occurrence of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, which may thereby impact the outcome of plant-herbivore interactions. While elevated temperature is known to directly affect herbivore growth, it remains largely unclear if it indirectly influences herbivore performance by affecting the host plant they feed on. In this study, we investigated how transient exposure to high temperature influences plant herbivory-induced defenses at the transcript and metabolic level. To this end, we studied the interaction between potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants and the larvae of the potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) under different temperature regimes. We found that P. operculella larvae grew heavier on leaves co-stressed by high temperature and insect herbivory than on leaves pre-stressed by herbivory alone. We also observed that high temperature treatments altered phylotranscriptomic patterns upon herbivory, which changed from an evolutionary hourglass pattern, in which transcriptomic responses at early and late time points after elicitation are more variable than the ones in the middle, to a vase pattern. Specifically, transcripts of many herbivory-induced genes in the early and late defense stage were suppressed by HT treatment, whereas those in the intermediate stage peaked earlier. Additionally, we observed that high temperature impaired the induction of jasmonates and defense compounds upon herbivory. Moreover, using jasmonate-reduced (JA-reduced, irAOC) and -elevated (JA-Ile-elevated, irCYP94B3s) potato plants, we showed that high temperature suppresses JA signaling mediated plant-induced defense to herbivore attack. Thus, our study provides evidences on how temperature reprograms plant-induced defense to herbivores.

Frameworked Electrolytes: A Pathway Towards Solid Future of Batteries.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) represent a highly promising next-generation energy storage technology owing to their inherently high safety, device reliability, and potential for achieving high energy density in the post-ara of lithium-ion batteries, and therefore extensive searches are ongoing for ideal solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Though promising, there is still a huge barrier that limits the large-scale applications of ASSBs, where there are a couple of bottleneck technical issues. In this perspective, a novel category of electrolytes known as frameworked electrolytes (FEs) are examined, where the solid frameworks are intentionally designed to contain 3D ionic channels at sub-nano scales, rendering them macroscopically solid. The distinctive structural design of FEs gives rise to not only high ionic conductivity but also desirable interfaces with electrode solids. This is achieved through the presence of sub-nano channels within the framework, which exhibit significantly different ion diffusion behavior due to the confinement effect. This perspective offers a compelling insight into the potential of FEs in the pursuit of ASSBs, where FEs offer an exciting opportunity to overcome the limitations of traditional solid-state electrolytes and propel the development of ASSBs as the holy grail of energy storage technology.

Chemoselectivity Switch between Enantioselective [2,3]-Wittig Rearrangement and Conia-Ene-Type Reactions of Propargyloxyoxindoles.

Despite the existence of three competing reactions for propargyloxyoxindoles, we report a chemoselectivity switch between enantioselective propargyl [2,3]-Wittig rearrangement and Conia-ene-type reactions, with suppression of the [1,2]-Wittig-type rearrangement. Using C1-symmetric imidazolidine-pyrroloimidazolone pyridine as the ligand and Ni(acac)2 as the Lewis acid, diverse 3-hydroxy 3-substituted oxindoles containing allenyl groups were obtained in up to 98% yield and 99% ee via asymmetric propargyl [2,3]-Wittig rearrangement. In the presence of AgOTf-Duanphos, chiral spiro dihydrofuran oxindoles were given in up to 98% yield and 91% ee through a Conia-ene-type reaction.

Prevalence and risk factors of cognitive frailty among pre-frail and frail older adults in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to stratify the level of frailty to examine the risk factors associated with reversible cognitive frailty (RCF) and potentially reversible cognitive frailty (PRCF) in nursing homes to provide a basis for hierarchical management in different stages of frailty. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted from September to November 2022; 504 people were selected by stratified random sampling after convenience selection from the Home for the Aged Guangzhou. The structured questionnaire survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews using the general data questionnaire, Fried Frailty Phenotype, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale. RESULTS: In total, 452 individuals were included for analysis. A total of 229 cases (50.7%) were PRCF, 70 (15.5%) were RCF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that in pre-frailty, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) score (odds ratio (OR) 1.802; 95% CI 1.308-2.483), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) score (0.352; 0.135-0.918) and energy (0.288; 0.110-0.755) were influencing factors of RCF. GDS-15 score (1.805; 1.320-2.468), IADL score (0.268; 0.105-0.682), energy (0.377; 0.150-0.947), lack of intellectual activity (6.118; 1.067-35.070), admission time(>3 years) (9.969; 1.893-52.495) and low education (3.465; 1.211-9.912) were influencing factors of PRCF. However, RCF with frailty was associated with the Short-Form Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF) score (0.301; 0.123-0.739) and low education time (0 ~ 12 years) (0.021; 0.001-0.826). PRCF with frailty was associated with age (1.327; 1.081-1.629) and weekly exercise time (0.987; 0.979-0.995). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of RCF and PRCF was high among pre-frail and frail older adults in nursing homes. Different levels of frailty had different influencing factors for RCF and PRCF. Depression, daily living ability, energy, intellectual activity, admission time, education level, nutrition status, age and exercise time were associated with RCF and PRCF. Hierarchical management and intervention should be implemented for different stages of frailty to prevent or delay the progression of cognitive frailty.

Presence of Multiple Genetic Mutations Related to Insecticide Resistance in Chinese Field Samples of Two Phthorimaea Pest Species.

Potatoes hold the distinction of being the largest non-cereal food crop globally. The application of insecticides has been the most common technology for pest control. The repeated use of synthetic insecticides of the same chemical class and frequent applications have resulted in the emergence of insecticide resistance. Two closely related pests that feed on potato crops are the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella, and the tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (syn. Tuta absoluta). Previous studies indicated the existence of insecticide resistance to various classes of insecticides including organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids in field populations of P. operculella and P. absoluta. However, the exact mechanisms of insecticide resistance in P. operculella and to a lesser extent P. absoluta remain still poorly understood. Detecting resistance genotypes is crucial for the prediction and management of insecticide resistance. In this study, we identified multiple genetic mutations related to insecticide resistance in two species of Phthorimaea. An unexpected genetic divergence on target-site mutations was observed between P. operculella and P. absoluta. Three mutations (A201S, L231V, and F290V) in Ace1 (acetylcholinesterase), four mutations (M918T, L925M, T928I, and L1014F) in VGSC (voltage-gated sodium channel), and one mutation (A301S) in RDL (GABA-gated chloride channel) have been detected with varying frequencies in Chinese P. absoluta field populations. In contrast, P. operculella field populations showed three mutations (F158Y, A201S, and L231V) in Ace1, one mutation (L1014F) in VGSC at a lower frequency, and no mutation in RDL. These findings suggest that pyrethroids, organophosphates, and carbamates are likely to be ineffective in controlling P. absoluta, but not P. operculella. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of the presence of target-site mutations conferring resistance to commonly used (and cheap) classes of insecticides in two closely related potato pests. It is recommended to consider the resistance status of both pests for the implementation of resistance management strategies in potatoes.

The human brain deals with violating general color or depth knowledge in different time courses.

Utilizing the high temporal resolution of event-related potentials (ERPs), we compared the time course of processing incongruent color versus 3D-depth information. Participants were asked to judge whether the food color (color condition) or 3D structure (3D-depth condition) was congruent or incongruent with their previous knowledge and experience. The behavioral results showed that the reaction times in the congruent 3D-depth condition were slower than those in the congruent color condition. The reaction times in the incongruent 3D-depth condition were slower than those in the incongruent color condition. The ERP results showed that incongruent color stimuli induced a larger N270, larger P300, and smaller N400 components in the fronto-central region than the congruent color stimuli. Incongruent 3D-depth stimuli induced a smaller N1 in the occipital region, larger P300 and smaller N400 in the parietal-occipital region than congruent 3D-depth stimuli. The time-frequency analysis found that incongruent color stimuli induced a larger theta band (360-580 ms) activation in the fronto-central region than congruent color stimuli. Incongruent 3D-depth stimuli induced larger alpha and beta bands (240-350 ms) activation in the parietal region than congruent 3D-depth stimuli. Our results suggest that the human brain deals with violating general color or depth knowledge in different time courses. We speculate that the depth perception conflict was dominated by solving the problem with visual processing, whereas the color perception conflict was dominated by solving the problem with semantic violation.

A narrative review of anxiety regulation in PhD students based on Green model.

To gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to anxiety among PhD students and the reasons for poor regulation in the current situation, this paper analyses the existing literature on anxiety among PhD students using Green's model. It also compares and evaluates various methods of regulating anxiety. The literature review to extract information on the causes and levels of anxiety, methods and outcomes of anxiety intervention and regulation, and to make comparisons. The study reveals that the phenomenon of PhD students' anxiety has intensified globally in recent years, especially after the end of the epidemic. PhD students experience anxiety due to research pressure, economic pressure, future development, and interpersonal pressure. The main influencing factors are currently the relationship with the supervisor, development prospects, social support, and peer comparison. Among the stress relief methods, the regulation of self-relaxation was found to have better effects on mild anxiety, such as positive thinking, meditation, yoga and physical exercise can be helpful for emotion release then help focus on problem solved. Whereas severe anxiety may require institutional and pharmacological support, also including using psychological therapy such as behavioral cognitive therapy and systematic desensitization methods. For university, competence to provide course-assisted guidance, such as writing groups, peer support, and time management, is also important. Academic communities should pay attention to the guidance on academic fairness. However, PhD students are often unaware of the resources available to them for coping with stress and may not take the initiative to seek psychological counseling or institutional assistance. Therefore, PhD students should receive support from various sources, be guided to express their thoughts, and receive additional education and academic assistance to manage stress. This will enhance their confidence and aid in improving their scientific research.

Proactive resistance management for sustaining the efficacy of RNA interference for pest control.

Biopesticides based on RNA interference (RNAi) took a major step forward with the first registration of a sprayable RNAi product, which targets the world's most damaging potato pest. Proactive resistance management is needed to delay the evolution of resistance by pests and sustain the efficacy of RNAi biopesticides.

Novel magnetic compression technique for the treatment of postoperative anastomotic stenosis in rectal cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of postoperative anastomotic stenosis after excision of rectal cancer is challenging. Endoscopic balloon dilation and radial incision are not effective in all patients. We present a new endoscopy-assisted magnetic compression technique (MCT) for the treatment of rectal anastomotic stenosis. We successfully applied this MCT to a patient who developed an anastomotic stricture after radical resection of rectal cancer. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old man had undergone laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery at a local hospital 5 months ago. A colonoscopy performed 2 months ago indicated that the rectal anastomosis was narrow due to which ileostomy closure could not be performed. The patient came to the Magnetic Surgery Clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University after learning that we had successfully treated patients with colorectal stenosis using MCT. We performed endoscopy-assisted magnetic compression surgery for rectal stenosis. The magnets were removed 16 d later. A follow-up colonoscopy performed after 4 months showed good anastomotic patency, following which, ileostomy closure surgery was performed. CONCLUSION: MCT is a simple, non-invasive technique for the treatment of anastomotic stricture after radical resection of rectal cancer. The technique can be widely used in clinical settings.

Comparison of the effect of two disinfectants on the independent waterway disinfection of a periodontal ultrasonic scaler / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To compare the disinfection effect of 3% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide and 500 mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectants in the independent waterway of a periodontal ultrasonic scaler to provide a reference for clinical waterway disinfection management in stomatology departments.@*Methods @#The 18 ultrasonic scalers were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 units: the control group, experimental group 1 (3% hydrogen peroxide disinfectant group), and experimental group 2 (500 mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectant group). The replaceable parts of the independent waterway pipes of the 3 groups of ultrasonic scalers were replaced, and the water supply was supplied with sterile distilled water (DW). In the control group, special treatment was not applied to the nonreplaceable pipe part. In experimental group 1, the 3% hydrogen peroxide was used to disinfect nonreplaceable pipelines. In experimental group 2, the nonreplaceable part was disinfected with the 500 mg/L chlorine-containing disinfectant. The water sample was taken from the outlet of the scaler working part in the three groups for monitoring before disinfection, immediately after disinfection and 10 consecutive days after disinfection. Bacteria in the water samples were cultured for the colony counts. Then, the bacterial culture data were compared between groups. The qualified criterion of the water sample was that the number of bacterial colonies was less than or equal to 100 CFU/mL. After disinfection, a bacterial species mass spectrometry identification analysis was carried out when the number of bacterial colonies in each group exceeded the standard for the first time. Biofilms from the inner wall of the tube in the three groups were observed under an electron microscope on the 10th day after disinfection.@*Results @#There were no significant differences between the three groups before disinfection (F = 2.549, P = 0.111). The number of bacterial colonies in the spout of 6 scalers in the control group all exceeded the standard, and three kinds of bacteria were cultured: Sphingomonas melonis, Herbaspirillum huttiense, and Ralstonia pickettii. Compared with those in the control group, the number of bacterial colonies in experimental group 1 decreased significantly for 1-2 days after disinfection (P<0.05) and reached the standard. On the 3rd day after disinfection, the number of bacterial colonies of group 1 increased rapidly and exceeded the standard, and three kinds of bacteria were cultured: Sphingomonas, Herbaspirillum huttiense, and Ralstonia pickettii. For experimental group 2, the number of bacterial colonies decreased significantly compared to the control group on Days 1 to 6 after disinfection, but the number of bacterial colonies increased slightly from the 7th day after disinfection and exceeded the standard. Two kinds of bacteria were cultured: Herbaspirillum huttiense and Ralstonia pickettii. The average number of bacterial colonies 10-day after disinfection in experimental group 2 was lower than that in experimental group 1(P<0.001). Under an electron microscope, the biofilm thickness of the two experimental groups was significantly lower than that of the control group. @* Conclusion @# There is water pollution in the independent waterway of a periodontal ultrasound scaler. Three percent hydrogen peroxide and 500 mg/L chlorine disinfectant both have effective disinfection effects on the outlet water of scalers, and the effect of 500 mg/L chlorine disinfectant is better than that of 3% hydrogen peroxide. The use of 3% hydrogen peroxide to disinfect periodontal ultrasound scaler-independent waterways is recommended for disinfection every other day, and disinfection once a week is recommended for the use of 500 mg/L chlorine disinfectant.

Current status and considerations of sexuality education in primary and secondary school / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#Comprehensive sexuality education is an important part of quality education, primary and secondary schools are the most suitable places for sex education. This paper sorts out the current status of sexuality education for primary and secondary school students in developed countries after presenting the overall significance of school based sexuality education, and further points out the problems and urgency of sexuality education for primary and secondary school students in China. It also put forward the way to new directions for advocacy, including the comphrehensive sexuality education curriculum system, training of sexuality education teachers, the positive and active role of families, as well as social and community support for sexuality education in schools.