Additional records of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Yunnan Province of China, with description of a new species.

A new species of the genus Neoperla, N. donglaii sp. nov., is described from Yunnan Province of southwestern China. The new species is assigned to the N. lushana-complex of the N. (Formosita) subgenus due to the presence of paired, ventral spiny lobes of the aedeagus. The new species was compared with related species in the subgenus. Neoperla hamata Jewett, 1975 and N. idella Stark & Sivec, 2008 are newly recorded for China and N. quadrata Wu & Claassen, 1934 specifically from Yunnan Province, China. Neoperla quadrata had not been collected for 90 years.

Effects of systemic Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotics on the ligature-induced periodontitis in rat.

Background/purpose: Probiotics might be beneficial in preventing periodontitis. Effects of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on periodontitis were examined using the ligature-induced rat model. Materials and methods: Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, ligation, Bifidobacterium longum (BL986), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LRH09), and combination groups. Periodontitis was induced in maxillary second molars. From the day before ligation, phosphate-buffered saline (for control and ligation groups) or probiotics (2 × 109 CFU/g for probiotic groups) were fed daily. On day 8, gingival mRNA expressions for interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, and NF-κB were determined via qPCR. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histomorphometry were employed to examine periodontal destruction. Results: Compared to the ligation group, mRNA of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB in probiotic groups were significantly decreased, but IL-10 was increased. Besides, the IL-10 was more significant in the combination group than in single-use group. Through µCT, the cementoenamel junction (CEJ)-to-bone distance and trabecular separation in combination group were less than that in ligation group, although the bone volume fraction and trabecular number/thickness showed an increase in three probiotic groups. Histopathologically, the combination group had significantly smaller gingival inflammatory cell-infiltrated area and CEJ-to-epithelium distance than the ligation group and the group with BL986 or LRH09. Additionally, the CEJ-to-bone distance was significantly smaller in the combination group than in the ligation and BL986 groups. Conclusion: Systemic combination of BL986 and LRH09 had a synergistic effect on enhancing IL-10 and ameliorating the induced experimental periodontitis, although the single-use still presented partially alleviative effects.

Synthesis, Anti-Oomycete and Anti-fungal Activities of Novel Cinchona Alkaloid Derivatives Containing Sulfonate Moiety.

Using cinchona alkaloid as the lead compound, twenty-four cinchona alkaloid sulfonate derivatives (1 a-l, 2 a-c, 3 a-c, 4 a-c, and 5 a-c) were designed and prepared by modifying their C9 position, and structurally confirmed by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, HR-MS and melting points. Moreover, the stereochemical configurations of compounds 1 f and 1 l were unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, we determined the anti-oomycete and anti-fungal activities of these target compounds against Phytophthora capsici and Fusarium graminearum in vitro. The results showed that two compounds 4 b and 4 c exhibited prominent anti-oomycete activity, and the median effective concentration (EC50 ) values of 4 b and 4 c against P. capsici were 22.55 and 16.32 mg/L, respectively. This study suggested that when the C9 position of cinchona alkaloid sulfonate derivatives is in the S configuration and the 6'-position methoxy group is not present, the anti-oomycete activity is superior. In addition, five compounds 1 e, 1 f, 1 k, 3 c and 4 c displayed significant anti-fungal activity, with EC50 values of 43.64, 45.07, 80.18, 48.58 and 41.88 mg/L against F. graminearum, respectively. This result indicates that only when a specific substituent is introduced into the structural framework of the target compound, the corresponding compound exhibits significant inhibitory activity against fungi.

The referral pattern and treatment modality for peri-implant disease between periodontists and non-periodontist dentists.

OBJECTIVES: This study is to investigate the referral pattern and treatment modality of dentists in the management of peri-implant diseases between periodontists and non-periodontist dentists (NPDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 167 validated questionnaires were obtained from periodontists and NPDs, who had experience of placing implants for at least one year. Question I to IV asked how the dentist would respond if a patient came for treatment of their peri-implant diseases with four different scenarios according to resource of patient and disease severity. For each Scenario, dentists also replied which treatment procedures they would use if they decide to treat the patient. RESULTS: Periodontal training, resource of patient, and disease severity were shown to significantly influence the referral pattern and treatment modality in the management of peri-implant disease (p < 0.05). Periodontists were more likely to use variable treatment procedures, including occlusal adjustment (OR = 2.283, p < 0.01), oral hygiene instruction (OR = 3.751, p < 0.001), topical antiseptic agent (OR = 2.491, p < 0.005), non-surgical mechanical therapy (OR = 2.689, p < 0.001), surgical therapy (OR = 2.009, p < 0.01), and remove implant (OR = 3.486, p < 0.001) to treat peri-implant diseases, compared to NPDs. CONCLUSION: The periodontal specialty training, resource of patient, and disease severity significantly influenced the referral pattern and treatment modality of dentist treating an implant diagnosed with peri-implant disease. This study also highlighted the importance of educating basic periodontal and peri-implant disease-related knowledge to all dentists regularly performing dental implant treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peri-implant diseases are highly prevalent among patients with dental implants. Periodontal specialty training could enhance using variable treatment procedures to treat peri-implant diseases for dentists.

Phylogenetic implications based on an ultrastructural study with emphasis on the tracheal system of the compound eyes of three species of nymphalid butterflies.

Compound eyes are the prominent visual organs of insects and can provide valuable information for the reconstruction of insect phylogeny. Although the largest butterfly family (Nymphalidae) has been well defined, the infrafamilial phylogenetic relationships remain controversial hitherto. In the present study the ultrastructure of the compound eyes of three nymphalids Neptis beroe, Childrena zenobia, and Palaeonympha opalina was investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy in an attempt to seek potentially important phylogenetic characters. The compound eyes of the nymphalids share a tracheal system in a "1-4-8" branching pattern. The eight tracheal subbranches exhibit distinct distribution patterns along the basal retinula cell as follows: the tracheal subbranches of Palaeonympha opaline are close to the rhabdom in the distance from the distalmost part of the basal retinula cell to the rhabdom end, while those of N. beroe and C. zenobia are on the periphery of the retinula along almost the whole basal retinula cell and become close to the rhabdom just at the proximal end of the basal retinula cell. The tracheal structure of the three nymphalids is discussed for their potential phylogenetic implications.

Ultrastructural comparison of the compound eyes of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) under light/dark adaptation.

The Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis is one of the most destructive pests of maize throughout eastern Asia and the South Pacific. In the present study the fine structure of the compound eyes of adult O. furnacalis was investigated under light/dark adaptation using light and electron microscopy. The compound eyes of male and female O. furnacalis are superposition eyes with electron-lucent clear zones. The sexual differences of the compound eyes of O. furnacalis are mainly reflected in eye size rather than ommatidial ultrastructure. Each ommatidium of both sexes contains 12 retinula cells, one of which is the basal retinula cell. All the retinula cells form a centrally-fused, two-tiered rhabdom, whose distal layer passes through the clear zone and distally connects with the crystalline cone. The ultrastructural changes under light/dark conditions mainly involve the rhabdom occupation ratio to retinula cell volume in the proximal layer of the rhabdom as well as the dimensions of the subcorneal zone and the crystalline tract. Pigment movements occur within the retinula cells and primary pigment cells, but are undetectable within the secondary pigment cells. Regardless of light or dark adaptation, in other words, the pigments never migrate into the clear zone.

Morphological comparison of proboscides and associated sensilla of Helicoverpa armigera and Mythimna separate (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Proboscides are important feeding devices for most adult Lepidoptera and exhibit significant morphological modifications and types of sensilla associated with feeding habits. In this study the architectures of the proboscides and sensilla were compared between the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and the armyworm Mythimna separate (Walker) using scanning electron microscopy. The proboscides of both species consist of two elongated maxillary galeae joined by dorsal and ventral legulae, forming a food canal. The dorsal legulae in H. armigera disappear a short distance from the proboscis apex, whereas those in M. separate exist up to the apex. Three types of sensilla are present on the proboscides of both species: sensilla chaetica, basiconica, and styloconica. The morphological differences of the sensilla mainly concern the sensilla styloconica, whose styli have six to seven smooth-edged ridges in H. armigera but six serrate-edged ridges in M. separate. No significant sexual dimorphism was found in the proboscides and sensilla of both species except for the length of the zone without the dorsal legulae in H. armigera. The morphological similarities and differences of the proboscides and sensilla between the two species are briefly discussed.

Effects of silent myocardial ischemia on functional fitness and physical independence in 60-79-year-old adults.

Objective: We examined the effect of silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) on functional fitness levels and physical independence in 60-79-year-old individuals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 716 older adults and used an electrocardiograph and an ambulatory electrocardiogram to diagnose those with SMI. Physical independence was assessed using the Composite Physical Function scale, whereas physical fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test battery. Results: The 60-79-year-old females and males with SMI were more likely to have lower scores for lower and upper body strength, agility/dynamic balance, and aerobic endurance (p < 0.05) than those without SMI. The scores for lower and upper body flexibility in all age groups for both genders were not significant (p > 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that old adults with SMI had a higher risk of losing physical independence later in life than those without SMI (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that individuals with SMI have lower fitness levels and increased risk of losing physical independence than those without SMI.

Synthesis and in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity of a series of N-arylsulfonyl-3-propionylindoles.

Fifteen N-arylsulfonyl-3-propionylindoles (3a-o) were prepared and preliminarily evaluated as in vitro inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Three compounds 3c, 3g and 3i exhibited potent anti-HIV-1 activity with effective concentration (EC(50)) values of 0.8, 4.0 and 1.2 µg/mL, and therapeutic index (TI) values of 11.7, 16.6 and 84.1, respectively. N-(m-Nitro)phenylsulfonyl-3-propionyl-6-methylindole (3i) exhibited the most promising and best activity against HIV-1 replication. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was assessed as well.

Design and Synthesis of Novel N-Arylsulfonyl-3-(2-yl-ethanone)-6-methylindole Derivatives as Inhibitors of HIV-1 Replication.

Seven novel N-arylsulfonyl-3-(2-yl-ethanone)-6-methylindole derivatives 4a-f and 6 were readily synthesized and have been identified as inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) replication. Initial biological studies indicated that among these derivatives, N-(p-ethyl)phenylsulfonyl-3-[2-morpholinoethanone]-6-methylindole (4f) and N-(p-ethyl)phenylsulfonyl-3-[2-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl-thio)ethanone]-6-methylindole (6) showed the most promising activity against HIV-1 replication. The effective concentration (EC50) and therapeutic index (TI) values of 4f and 6 were 9.42/4.62 µM, and >49.77/66.95, respectively. The cytotoxicity of these compounds has also been assessed. No significant cytotoxicities were found for any of these compounds.

[Effects of temperature on population parameters of Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) (Homoptera: Aphididae)].

To investigate the effects of temperature on the population growth of Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) (Homoptera: Aphididae), a laboratory experiment was conducted to study the development, reproduction, and life table of the spotted alfalfa aphid at nine constant temperatures ranged from 15 to 35 degrees C. The aphid could not survive at 35 degrees C. The total nymphal period shortened significantly with increasing temperature. From birth to adult stage, it required 18.33 days at 15 degrees C, but only 4.02 days at 32 degrees C. The survivorship of the nymphs ranged from 40.0% (32 degrees C) to 83.6% (25 degrees C). The average longevity of the adults ranged from 10.64 days at 32 degrees C to 20.87 days at 23 degrees C. The reproductive peak was advanced with increasing temperature, and the reproduction duration at all test temperatures was 3-6 days except that at 15 degrees C (15 days). The average fecundity and the highest fecundity were the highest at 25 degrees C, being 82.0 and 149.0 offspring per female aphid, respectively. When the temperature increased, the mean generation time was gradually decreased from 31.17 days at 15 degrees C to 10.17 days at 32 degrees C. The net reproductive rate was the highest (68.62) at 25 degrees C and the lowest (13.96) at 32 degrees C. The intrinsic rate of increase was 0.10-0.30 per day, with the highest at 28 degrees C but the lowest at 15 degrees C. The developmental threshold temperature and thermal constant of the nymphs were 9.35 degrees C and 97.83 day-degrees, respectively. Unary quadratic equation could be used to describe the relationships of the fecundity, net reproductive rate, and intrinsic growth rate with the temperature.

Fast computing betweenness centrality with virtual nodes on large sparse networks.

Betweenness centrality is an essential index for analysis of complex networks. However, the calculation of betweenness centrality is quite time-consuming and the fastest known algorithm uses O(N(M + N log N)) time and O(N + M) space for weighted networks, where N and M are the number of nodes and edges in the network, respectively. By inserting virtual nodes into the weighted edges and transforming the shortest path problem into a breadth-first search (BFS) problem, we propose an algorithm that can compute the betweenness centrality in O(wDN2) time for integer-weighted networks, where w is the average weight of edges and D is the average degree in the network. Considerable time can be saved with the proposed algorithm when w < log N/D + 1, indicating that it is suitable for lightly weighted large sparse networks. A similar concept of virtual node transformation can be used to calculate other shortest path based indices such as closeness centrality, graph centrality, stress centrality, and so on. Numerical simulations on various randomly generated networks reveal that it is feasible to use the proposed algorithm in large network analysis.

Correlations of carbon isotope discrimination with element and ash contents in two Sabina evergreen trees in northwest China: patterns and implications.

Foliar carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) is widely used as an integrator of physiological plant responses to environmental change. However, the relationship between foliar Δ and mineral nutrient accumulation is still not well-known. The foliar Δ, K, Ca, Mg, Si and ash contents of S. przewalskii Kom. (SP) and S. chinensis (Lin.) Ant. (SC), two over-winter trees distributed on high altitude plateaux and lower altitude plains, respectively, were measured at monthly intervals over two years under the same growing conditions to examine the genetic and seasonal variation in foliar nutrient concentrations in relation to foliar Δ. The foliar Δ, Mg, K and ash contents were markedly lower in SP than in SC, and the foliar Si content was significantly higher in SP than SC, while the differences in Ca contents between the two Sabina trees were not significant. There was higher foliar Δ in winter than in summer for both Sabina trees. Close negative correlations of foliar Δ with K and Mg content, and significant positive correlations between foliar Δ and Si contents, were observed in SP but not in SC. Thus, higher water-use efficiency of SP than of SC is related to higher Si and lower Mg and K contents that have positive effects on the reduction of transpiration rates or stomatal conductances. The results obtained by the present study will advance the understanding of the adaptive strategies of mineral nutrition and water use in harsh environments.

[Effects of elevated temperature and CO2 on desert algal crust photosynthesis].

Taking the 26- and 51-year-old artificial vegetation areas and the natural vegetation area in Shapotou region of southeast Tengger Desert as study sites, this paper measured the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of algal crusts, and analyzed its relationships with crust water content (> 100%, 40%-60%, and <20%), atmospheric CO2 concentration (360 and 700 mg x L(-1)), and air temperature (13 degrees C, 24 degrees C, and 28 degrees C). The Pn of the crusts in the 26- and 51-year-old artificial vegetation areas and natural vegetation area was 3.4, 4.4, and 3.2 micromol x m(-2) x s(-1), respectively, and the Pn in 51-year-old artificial vegetation area was significantly higher than that in the other two areas. Crust water content had significant effects on the Pn, which was significantly higher at medium water content (40%-60%) than at low (<20%) and high (>100%) water content. When the CO2 concentration doubled (700 mg x L(-1)), the Pn increased by 1.8-3.3 times at medium and high crust water content but had less change at low crust water content, compared with that under ambient CO2 concentration (360 mg x L(-1)). At medium and high crust water content, the Pn at 24 degrees C and 28 degrees C was 27%-66% higher than that at 13 degrees C (P < 0.05), but at low crust water content, no significant difference was observed at the three temperatures.

[Basal cell adenocarcinoma of nasal septum: a case report and review of literatures].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize clinical features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of basal cell adenocarcinoma. METHOD: A retrospective study were subjected to one case with basal cell adenocarcinoma of the nasal septum, and the related literature were reviewed. RESULT: Basal cell adenocarcinoma often occurred in the salivary glands and minor salivary glands of salivary palate and other parts. The symptoms mainly presented with a local lump. Major treatment method was radical surgical resection and, if necessary, supplemented by radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Basal cell adenocarcinoma is rare seen in the salivary gland tumors. It has a tendency of low-grade malignancy but need long-term follow-up of a large samples.

[Significance of detection of serum sialic acid and Epstein-Barr virus VCA-IgA in diagnosis and monitoring radiotherapy effectiveness in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients].

BACKGROUND: To understand the significance of detection of serum sialic acid (SA) and Epstein-Barr virus VCA-IgA (EBV-CA-IgA) in diagnosis and monitoring radiotherapy effectiveness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. METHODS: Serum SA and EBV-CA-IgA were detected in 65 cases with NPC before radiotherapy and one months after radiotherapy and 21 cases one year after radiotherapy for NPC with local recurrence and/or distant metastasis. Healthy persons and patients with benign lesions of head and neck were also enrolled as control group. RESULTS: SA and EBV-CA-IgA of NPC patients before radiotherapy were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.01). The sensitivity of combination of SA and EBV-CA-IgA (96.9%) was higher than those determined alone (P<0.05). The SA level of NPC patients after radiotherapy and without recurrence after radiotherapy was reduced significantly compared to the NPC patients before radiotherapy (P<0.01). The SA level of NPC patients with recurrence was significantly higher than that in NPC patients without recurrence (P<0.01), whereas the positive rate of EBV-CA-IgA changed little. CONCLUSION: Dynamic detection of serum SA may be a valuable technique for diagnosis and monitoring radiotherapy effectiveness in NPC patients. The combined determination of the two indexes can raise the positive rate of patients with NPC.