Nobiletin derivative, 5-acetoxy-6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone, inhibits neuroinflammation through the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/MAPK signaling pathways and STAT3 in microglia.

Objective: Microglia in the central nervous system regulate neuroinflammation that leads to a wide range of neuropathological alterations. The present study investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of nobiletin (Nob) derivative, 5-acetoxy-6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone (5-Ac-Nob), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 microglia.Materials and Methods: By using the MTT assay, Griess method, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we determined the cell viability, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin 1 beta; IL-1ß, interleukin 6; IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha; TNF-α and prostaglandin E2; PGE2) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were measured by western blotting. Analysis of NO generation and mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokines was confirmed in the zebrafish model.Results: 5-Ac-Nob reduced cell death, the levels of NO, ROS, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-activated BV-2 microglial cells. TLR4-mediated MyD88/NF-κB and MAPK pathway (p38, ERK and JNK) after exposure to 5-Ac-Nob was also suppressed. Moreover, 5-Ac-Nob inhibited phosphorylated STAT3 proteins expression in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells. Furthermore, we confirmed that 5-Ac-Nob decreased LPS-induced NO generation and mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the zebrafish model.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that 5-Ac-Nob represses neuroinflammatory responses by inhibiting TLR4-mediated signaling pathway and STAT3. As a result of these findings, 5-Ac-Nob has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent against microglia-mediated neuroinflammatory disorders.

The Antimicrobial Peptide Tilapia Piscidin 4 Induced the Apoptosis of Bladder Cancer Through ERK/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway.

Marine antimicrobial peptides have been demonstrated in numerous studies to possess anti-cancer properties. This research investigation aimed to explore the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of Tilapia piscidin 4 (TP4), an antimicrobial peptide, in human bladder cancer. TP4 exhibited a remarkable inhibitory effect on the proliferation of bladder cancer cells through cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Additionally, TP4 upregulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, leading to the activation of apoptotic pathways in bladder cancer cells. TP4 exhibit a marked rise in mitochondria reactive oxygen species, leading to the subsequent loss of potential for the mitochondrial membrane. Furthermore, the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation resulted in a decrease in downstream ATP production. Meanwhile, TP4-treated bladder cancer cells showed an increase in Bax and ERK but a decrease in SIRT1, PGC-1α, and Bcl2. ERK activation, SIRT1/PGC-1α-axis, and TP4-induced apoptosis were all significantly reversed by the ERK inhibitor SCH772984. Finally, the inhibitory effect of TP4 on tumor growth has been confirmed in a zebrafish bladder cancer xenotransplantation model. These findings suggest that TP4 may be a potential agents for human bladder cancer through apoptosis induction, ERK activation, and the promotion of SIRT1-mediated signaling pathways.

Taxonomic studies on the genera Echinovelleda Breuning, 1936 and Propedicellus Huang, Huang & Liu, 2020 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Lamiini).

The genera Echinovelleda Breuning, 1936 and Propedicellus Huang, Huang & Liu, 2020 are revised. The latterisconsideredto be ajunior synonym of theformer based on a comprehensive morphological investigation, especially on the characteristics of male endophallus. Two new species are described from China, viz. Echinovelleda mumuae Bi & Mu sp. nov. from Yunnan and Guangxi, and E. protochinensis Bi & Lin sp. nov. from Yunnan and Sichuan. New records are reported for previously described taxa including one new country record of a morphologically similar genus, Hechinoschema Thomson, 1857 from China. Illustrations of habitus, endophallic structure, major diagnostic features for all studied taxa, as well as a distributional map are provided.

Cure of mycobacterium avium keratitis caused by trauma in elderly: case report.

We report a case of Mycobacterium avium keratitis, first detected in the laboratory, which is from an 81-year-old female patient with a 13-year history of recurrent keratitis after eye injuries. This patient underwent anterior chamber irrigation of the right eye, and autologous conjunctival flap covering plus medication, and the corneal ulcer healed. She recovered well after continuing with the medication for half a year. The patient was not immune-compromised. Complex eye diseases such as blurred vision and cataracts caused by advanced age, delayed symptoms caused by slow growth of Mycobacterium avium and low-grade inflammation, difficulty with laboratory culture, repeated medication use, and repeated illnesses were the main reasons for the prolonged failure to clarify the etiology of this case. Morphological examination provided important clues for the initial discovery of pathogenic bacteria. Remind to pay attention to the morphology of Mycobacterium under Gram staining and Rui's Giemsa staining. Acid fast staining and Deoxyribonucleic Acid(DNA) microarray chip method can be used as indicators for rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium species.

A new species of the genus Clyzomedus Pascoe, 1865 from China (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Mesosini).

A new species Clyzomedus pani sp. nov. is described from Beijing, Shaanxi, Henan and Anhui, China. Quercus acutissima Carruth (Fagaceae) is the possible host plant. Images of habitus, external morphology and genitalia are provided. It is one of the currently discovered new species from Capital of China, since for the Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Project of Beijing.

Plumbagin induces the apoptosis of drug-resistant oral cancer in vitro and in vivo through ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy is widely used in the treatment of oral cancer, but its clinical efficacy is limited by drug resistance. Hence, novel compounds capable of overcoming drug-resistance are urgently needed. PURPOSE: Plumbagin (PG), a natural compound isolated from Plumbago zeylanica L, has been used to treat various cancers. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of PG on drug-resistant oral cancer (CR-SAS) cells, as well as the underlying mechanism. METHODS: MTT assays were used to evaluate the effect of PG on the viability of CR-SAS cells. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by the cells were determined using flow cytometry. Protein expression levels were detected by western blotting. RESULTS: The results show that PG reduces the viability and causes the apoptosis of CR-SAS cells. PG is able to induce intracellular and mitochondrial ROS generation that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was triggered in PG-treated CR-SAS cells. The inhibition of ROS using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) abrogated the PG-induced ER stress and apoptosis, as well as the reduction in cell viability. Meanwhile, similar results were observed both in zebrafish and in murine models of drug-resistant oral cancer. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that PG induces the apoptosis of CR-SAS cells via the ROS-mediated ER stress pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction. It will be interesting to develop the natural compound PG for the treatment of drug-resistant oral cancer.

A hitherto overlooked article by Gressitt in 1941 (Insecta, Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae).

An article published by Gressitt (1941) has been ignored by all longicornists, including Gressitt himself. However, according to ICZN, it meets all criteria as an official publication, and this status affects three taxa that were formally described therein: Bacchisa (Bacchisa) rigida (Gressitt, 1941) = Chreonomarigida Gressitt, 1941 = Chreonomarigida Gressitt, 1942 homonym and syn. nov.; Tetraophthalmussikang (Gressitt, 1941) = Chreonomasikang Gressitt, 1941 = Chreonomasikanga Gressitt, 1942, syn. nov.; Anastathesparvahainana Gressitt, 1941 = Anastathesparvahainana Gressitt, 1942, homonym and syn. nov.

Cortical blindness after percutaneous vertebroplasty: a case report and comprehensive review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Many complications but cortical blindness after percutaneous vertebroplasty has been rarely reported. Here, we describe a case who developed cortical blindness after percutaneous vertebroplasty. We also reviewed the literature to find the possible causes of this complication and its treatment. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: A 71-year-old woman experienced cortical blindness after percutaneous vertebroplast. She developed dizziness, nausea, sweating, blood pressure changes, and vision loss during the procedure. MRI confirmed bilateral cerebral infarctions. The patient recovered with conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous vertebroplasty, though helpful, carries a rare risk of cortical blindness. Surgeon awareness is crucial for informing patients of this potential complication.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Distenia punctulatoides (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea: Disteniinae) and its phylogenetic implications.

The family Disteniidae is a moderately large and widely distributed lineage. Distenia punctulatoides belongs to the family Disteniidae from the cerambycoid assemblage. Here, we report the complete mitogenome of D. punctulatoides, which is 15,675 bp in length. It contains 37 genes and a noncoding control region, which are arranged in the same order as that of the putative ancestor of beetles. The total base composition of the new mitogenome is 40.2% for A, 17.1% for C, 10.0% for G, and 32.7% for T. The new mitogenomic organization, nucleotide composition, and codon usage do not differ significantly from other beetles. Using available complete mitogenomes, the high-level phylogeny of the family Disteniidae was explored. The phylogenetic analyses showed that Disteniidae were monophyletic, and the genus Distenia grouped with the genus Clytomelegena as sister groups. Combining the morphological and molecular data, Typodryas Thomson, 1864 is suggested to be a junior synonym of Distenia Lepeletier and Audinet-Serville, 1828.

A study on the genus Anaches Pascoe, 1865 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Pteropliini), with a new species and two new synonyms.

A new species, Anaches m-signatus sp. nov. is described from Zhejiang, Hunan and Guangxi Provinces, China. Sthenias semicylindricus Hayashi, 1974 and Sthenias murzini Lazarev, 2020 are synonymized with Anaches medioalbus (Breuning, 1956). Three similar species are compared with additional pictures and descriptions.

A new species, Cylindroeme yunnanensis sp. nov. from China (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae).

A new species, Cylindroeme yunnanensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Yunnan Province of China. Cylindroeme vietnamica Vives, 2019 is recorded from China for the first time. A key to the species of Cylindroeme is provided.

Trichodermin inhibits the growth of oral cancer through apoptosis-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and HDAC-2-mediated signaling.

Trichodermin (TCD), a trichothecene first isolated from marine Trichoderma viride, is an inhibitor of eukaryotic protein synthesis. However, the potential effects of TCD on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the exposure of OSCC cells (Ca922 and HSC-3 cells) to TCD suppressed cell proliferation assessed using MTT assays and colony formation assays. TCD inhibited the migration and invasion of OSCC cells (Ca922 and HSC-3 cells) through the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9. After treatment of OSCC cells with TCD, the G2/M phase was arrested, caspase-related apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3 and PARP expression) was induced, and the protein level of x-linked inhibitor of apoptosis was reduced. Meanwhile, the TCD-induced cell death was reversed by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Furthermore, TCD diminished mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolytic function in OSCC cells. In addition, TCD decreased the levels of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC-2) and downstream signaling proteins, including phosphorylated STAT3 and NF-κB. Finally, TCD significantly suppressed tumor growth in a zebrafish OSCC xenotransplantation model. Overall, this evidence demonstrates that TCD is a novel promising strategy for the treatment of OSCCs.

Taxonomic studies on the genera Meges Pascoe, 1866 and Pseudomeges Breuning, 1944 from China (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Lamiini).

The genus Meges Pascoe, 1866 stat. res. is resurrected from synonyms of Monochamus Dejean, 1821 and is made a senior synonym of Magninia Clermont, 1932 syn. nov. Meges currently contains two species, i.e. Meges gravidus (Pascoe, 1858) and Meges tonkineus (Clermont, 1932) comb. nov. The male of the latter species is described for the first time. A related genus Pseudomeges Breuning, 1944 is investigated for comparison and Pseudomeges aureus Bi, Chen Lin sp. nov. (, Jn bn wi m tin ni) is described from Yunnan, China. New localities are reported. Illustrations of habitus, endophallic structures and major diagnostic features for all involved taxa are provided.

6-methoxyflavone suppresses neuroinflammation in lipopolysaccharide- stimulated microglia through the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/p38 MAPK/NF-κB dependent pathways and the activation of HO-1/NQO-1 signaling.

BACKGROUND: Microglia-related neuroinflammation is associated with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Flavonoids have demonstrated different pharmacological effects, such as antioxidation, neuroprotection and anti-inflammation However, the effect of flavonoid 6-methoxyflavone (6-MeOF) on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation remain unknown. PURPOSE: The current study aim to study the antineuroinflammatory effects of 6-MeOF in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced microglia in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Pretreatment of BV2 microglia cells with 6-MeOF for 1 h then stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 24 h. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors, NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Griess assay and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to assess MAPK, NF-κB signal transducer and antioxidant enzymes-related proteins. Analysis of ROS and microglial morphology was confirmed in the zebrafish and mice brain, respectively. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that 6-MeOF dose-dependently prevent cell death and decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. Phosphorylated NF-κB/IκB and TLR4/MyD88/p38 MAPK/JNK proteins after exposure to 6-MeOF was suppressed in LPS-activated BV-2 microglial cells. 6-MeOF also presented antioxidant activity by reduction of NO, ROS, iNOS and COX-2 and the induction of the level of HO-1 and NQO1 expressions in LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 6-MeOF inhibited LPS-induced NO generation in an experimental zebrafish model and prevent the LPS-induced microgliosis in the prefrontal cortex and substantia nigra of mice. CONCLUSION: These results explored that 6-MeOF possesses potential as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents against microglia-associated neuroinflammatory disorders.

Tsounkranaglenea hefferni gen. et sp. nov. from Sabah, Malaysia (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae: Saperdini).

A new saperdine species belonging to a new genus, Tsounkranaglenea hefferni gen. et sp. nov., is described from Sabah, Malaysia. The new genus differs from other genera of the tribe Saperdini by the special male sternite VII modified into a rake-shape, with the apex of the ventral plate of the median lobe unusually emarginated.

Rhopaloic acid A induces apoptosis, autophagy and MAPK activation through ROS-mediated signaling in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BC) is a very common type of malignant cancer in men and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to reduce mortality. Several studies have demonstrated that Rhopaloic acid A (RA), a compound isolated from marine sponges, fights cancer but its potential anti-tumor effect on BC is still unknown. PURPOSE: The present study was aimed to explore the potential anti-tumor effects of RA against human BC cells and the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: Cell cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT and colony formation assays. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis induction and generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential, acridine orange staining and intracellular ROS levels were observed using fluorescence microscopy. Levels of various signaling proteins were assessed using Western blotting. Furthermore, a zebrafish BC xenotransplantation model was used to confirm the anti-tumor effect of RA in vivo. RESULTS: Treatment with RA significantly suppressed the proliferation of BC cells that resulted from G2/M cycle arrest. Additionally, RA induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in BC cells. The death of BC cells induced by RA was rescued by treatment with inhibitors of apoptosis (Z-VAD-FMA) or autophagy (3-MA). RA activated the MAPK pathway and increased the production of cellular and mitochondrial ROS. Treatment with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine, effectively reversed the induction of apoptosis, autophagy, JNK activation and DNA damage elicited by RA. Finally, RA significantly inhibited tumor growth in a zebrafish BC xenotransplantation model. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our findings indicate that RA induces apoptosis and autophagy and activates the MAPK pathway through ROS-mediated signaling in human BC cells. This RA-induced pathway offers insights into the molecular mechanism of its antitumor effect and shows that RA is a promising candidate for the treatment of BC.

Census of the longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae and Vesperidae) of the Macau SAR, China.

An intensive census, extended over a period of approximately three and a half years, October 2017- May 2021, was conducted in the remaining green areas of the Macau SAR in order to provide an updated status of the biodiversity of longhorn beetles in this region. This insect group includes more than 36,000 species worldwide, subdivided into four families of mainly xylophagous or saproxylic insects, the Vesperidae, Oxypeltidae, Disteniidae, and Cerambycidae. They are of key importance in agricultural and forestry science, and are often used as an indicator of forest habitat health. A total of 52 species was recorded during this census, 2.6 times more than previously reported in the literature for this area. However, recorded abundances and frequency of occurrence for the various species were remarkably low, and of the 20 species previously reported for the region, some prominent ones remained unaccounted for. Among others, these include Batocera horsfieldii (Hope, 1839), Apriona rugicollis Chevrolat, 1852 [previously incorrectly reported as Apriona germarii (Hope, 1831)], Aristobia reticulator (Fabricius, 1781) [previously reported as Aristobia testudo (Voet, 1778)] and Imantocera penicillata (Hope, 1831). It is hypothesised that this may be related to the ongoing manipulation of the natural vegetation of the Macau SAR, which is rapidly being converted to plantations, city parks, and gardens. In particular, dead or dying trees and lower tree branches are systematically removed in order to improve the aesthetic appearance of these green areas. However, this process is also depriving xylophagous and saproxylic species of their essential habitats.

Oviposition preference not necessarily predicts offspring performance in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on vegetable crops.

Given the new spread and potential damage of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Asia, it has become imperative to understand the development biology of this invasive species on selected vegetable crops in newer geographical regions. In this study, we investigated the ovipositional preference of FAW females on different host plants, under choice- and non-choice tests. In addition, using the age-stage, two-sex life table theory, we assessed the performance of immature FAW individuals fed and reared on selected vegetable crops to get information related to development time, survival, reproduction and longevity. Fall armyworm females had an oviposition preference on maize compared to other vegetable crops, including cabbage and soybean, and reluctance for tomato, which was confirmed during the choice and non-choice tests. In contrast to the oviposition preference, our results also suggest that despite low preference for cabbage, soybean, and tomato, these crops seemed to provide a high benefit for an appropriate offspring performance, exceeding in some cases the benefits from a maize-based diet. Information from this study was discussed in terms of FAW ecology and how female's decision affects their reproductive fitness, and the survival and performance of its offspring.