Multifunctional Lipidated Protein Carrier with a Built-In Adjuvant as a Universal Vaccine Platform Potently Elevates Immunogenicity of Weak Antigens.

Weak antigens represented by MUC1 are poorly immunogenic, which greatly constrains the development of relevant vaccines. Herein, we developed a multifunctional lipidated protein as a carrier, in which the TLR1/2 agonist Pam3CSK4 was conjugated to the N-terminus of MUC1-loaded carrier protein BSA through pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-mediated transamination reaction. The resulting Pam3CSK4-BSA-MUC1 conjugate was subsequently incorporated into liposomes, which biomimics the membrane structure of tumor cells. The results indicated that this lipidated protein carrier significantly enhanced antigen uptake by APCs and obviously augmented the retention of the vaccine at the injection site. Compared with the BSA-MUC1 and BSA-MUC1 + Pam3CSK4 groups, Pam3CSK4-BSA-MUC1 evoked 22- and 11-fold increases in MUC1-specific IgG titers. Importantly, Pam3CSK4-BSA-MUC1 elicited robust cellular immunity and significantly inhibited tumor growth. This is the first time that lipidated protein was constructed to enhance antigen immunogenicity, and this universal carrier platform exhibits promise for utilization in various vaccines, holding the potential for further clinical application.

Endophytic fungi improved wheat resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi by decreasing its feeding efficiency and population fitness.

The improvement of crop resistance to insect using endophytic fungi is an environmentally friendly and sustainable strategy for agricultural pest control. Clarifying the efficacy and mechanism of endophytic fungi in improving crop resistance to pest offers the opportunity for biological control. In this study, changes in the transcriptome and defense compounds of wheat inoculated with endophytic fungal strains (i.e., YC and BB) were evaluated, and the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi was studied. The results showed that the numbers of upregulated differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in wheat plants inoculated with endophytic fungal strains YC and BB were higher than those of the downregulated DEGs, irrespective of R. padi infestation. Defense-related metabolic pathways, such as plant hormone signal transduction and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways were significantly enriched. Endophytic fungal strains YC and BB significantly increased jasmonic acid, DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one), total flavone, and tannin contents in wheat plants (P < 0.05) but decreased salicylic acid content. Variations in the contents of defense compounds were significantly correlated with decreased feeding, development, and reproduction of R. padi fed on wheat plants inoculated with strains YC and BB (|r| = 0.68-0.91, P < 0.05). The results suggested that endophytic fungi significantly decreased the feeding efficiency and population fitness [YC: (-11.13%) - (-22.07%); BB: (-10.98%) - (-22.20%)] of R. padi by altering the phytohormone pathway and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in wheat plants. This study helps in understanding of the efficacy of endophytic fungi in improving wheat resistance to insect and will be conducive to integrated pest management.

Cold storage alters the fat-trehalose trade-off, decreases the flight ability, and maintains the high survival rate and flight speed of Osmia excavata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae).

Osmia solitary bees are important pollinators of various crops worldwide. Refrigeration has been widely used to synchronize the emergence time of Osmia species from cocoons with the blooming time of different crops, but the fitness of Osmia after refrigeration remains unknown. Here, the effects of long-term refrigeration at 0 °C on the vitality, flight ability, and metabolism of Osmia excavata, which is known as the "king of pollination" in China, were studied. The survival rate (>90% before 120 d), weight loss rate (<15% after 170 d), and mean flight speed of O. excavata were not greatly affected after long-term refrigeration. The content of fats, which have antifreeze and energy storage properties, was not significantly altered in O. excavata before 130 d of refrigeration, which might explain why the survival rates and flight speed of O. excavata remained high after long-term refrigeration. However, the flight duration and distance decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and both were positively correlated with the reduced trehalose levels in O. excavata (r = [+0.69] - [+0.71]; P < 0.05). Overall, these findings indicate that the pollination potential of O. excavata for various crops with different flowering periods is high after long-term refrigeration; however, long-term refrigeration may decrease pollination efficiency. Our findings highlight new research directions that could improve the ecological service function of refrigerated O. excavata.

Circ_0021573 acts as a competing endogenous RNA to promote the malignant phenotypes of human ovarian cancer cells.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be implicated in the tumorigenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. Here, the study was designed to explore the activity of human circ_0021573 in ovarian cancer pathogenesis and its regulation through the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) crosstalk. Circ_0021573, microRNA (miR)- 936, and cullin 4B (CUL4B) were quantified by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation ability was detected by XTT, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EdU), and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by flow cytometry, wound-healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to evaluate the direct relationship between miR-936 and circ_0021573 or CUL4B 3'UTR. Xenograft studies were applied to assess the role of circ_0021573 in tumor growth. Our data showed that circ_0021573 expression is enhanced in human ovarian cancer. Inhibition of circ_0021573 impedes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes apoptosis in vitro, as well as diminishes tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0021573 contains a miR-936 binding site, and miR-936 is a relevant mediator of circ_0021573 regulation. MiR-936 direct targets and inhibits CUL4B. MiR-936-mediated suppression of CUL4B hinders cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and accelerates apoptosis in vitro.. These data suggested that circ_0021573 might promote the malignant phenotypes of ovarian cancer cells by functioning as a ceRNA for miR-936 to induce CUL4B, which provided a promising target for the prevention and inhibition of ovarian cancer.

Two Microsatellite Types Within NAD6 Gene Help to Distinguish Populations and Infer the Migratory Route of the Invasive Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in China.

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major agricultural pest that has invaded China since January 2019. Given that most of the individuals present in China carried the diagnostic rice-strain mtDNA (COI-RS), there was no efficient method to distinguish populations of S. frugiperda. In this study, we identified and characterized two variant microsatellite alleles in the mitochondrial NAD6 gene of S. frugiperda retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Center GenBank. We then sequenced partial NAD6 genes containing the microsatellite region and the diagnostic COI barcoding gene (used to distinguish the corn-strain and the rice-strain) of 429 invasive S. frugiperda individuals that were collected from the main infested regions in China during 2019-2020. Our data indicates that two kinds of interrupted repeat sequences, (ATA)4T(ATA)3 and (ATA)5T(ATA)3, exist in the microsatellite region which we defined as the deletion type (NAD6-D), and the insertion type (NAD6-I) based on the repeat units' differentiation, respectively. The presence of these two microsatellite types in the mtDNA genome of S. frugiperda was further confirmed with the sequencing results in 429 samples. Moreover, NAD6-I and NAD6-D types were both present in individuals with COI-RS, while only NAD6-D type was detected in the COI-CS individuals. Interestingly, the two microsatellite types suggested a possible geographic distribution: the western migratory route (Yunan and Chongqing) was comprised exclusively of NAD6-I type, while both NAD6-I and NAD6-D types were identified in the predicted eastern migration trajectories (Hainan, Guangxi, Shandong, etc.). These results suggested that NAD6-D and NAD6-I types may be useful in distinguishing between populations, analyzing the evolutionary mechanism of mtDNA microsatellite polymorphism, inferring the migratory route of S. frugiperda in China, and developing precise and integrated control strategies for S. frugiperda.

Effects of NPF on larval taste responses and feeding behaviors in Ostrinia furnacalis.

The insect taste system regulates insect feeding behavior and patterns of food consumption. In this study, we showed that the medial and lateral sensilla styloconica in the mouthparts of 5th-instar Asian corn borer larvae are sensitive to fructose and sucrose in a concentration-dependent way. The two sensilla produced significant electrophysiological responses (greater than100 spikes/s) by exposure to 10 mM fructose or sucrose. However, electrophysiological responses and feeding preferences to fructose or sucrose were inhibited by neuropeptide F double-stranded RNA (dsNPF). Additionally, the medial sensilla styloconica are sensitive to low concentrations of the deterrents caffeine and nicotine. However, starvation, followed by increases in larval npf expression plus feeding, led to increases in spike frequencies of related sensilla to fructose, sucrose, and deterrents. In contrast, these responses were reduced on the dsNPF treatment. Our results suggest that NPF plays an important role influencing caterpillar feeding behavior through regulating the taste neurons of the sensilla styloconica.

Increased nitrogen fertilization inhibits the biocontrol activity promoted by the intercropping partner plant.

The examination of the compatibility between agricultural practices and biocontrol activities is crucial for establishing an efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable pest management program. In this study, we examined the population dynamics of two specialist aphids, the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) on potted wheat and the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) on potted alfalfa, as well as the biocontrol activity of a generalist predator, the harlequin ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). We investigated their responses to the presence of the intercropping partner plant species (alfalfa and wheat, respectively) through plant volatiles or visual cues at three nitrogen fertilizer levels in a greenhouse. In the absence of the predator, the English grain aphid population growth rate increased significantly with increasing nitrogen levels, whereas the pea aphid population increased significantly more slowly in response to high nitrogen levels. The English grain aphid and pea aphid population dynamics were unaffected by the presence of the intercropping partner. However, the presence of the intercropping partner enhanced the control of both aphid populations by the harlequin ladybird beetle. Increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels decreased the predation rates, which were otherwise increased by the intercropping partner. The beneficial effects of the intercropping partner were eventually non-existent at the highest nitrogen level tested. These results imply that the interaction between the presence of intercropping partner and the nitrogen fertilizer application affects the biocontrol activity of the natural enemies of insect pests. Thus, the compatibility between agricultural intensification and biocontrol strategies in integrated pest management programs need to be investigated.

Effect of AAV9-hIGF-1 on inflammatory reaction in mdx mice and its mechanism.

This study aimed to the role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the inflammatory response and the potential mechanism of the effect hIGF1 exerted in muscle inflammation were also been explored. In this study, AAV9, a carrier of the human IGF-1 gene, was injected into mdx mice to observe the role of IGF-1 in DMD. Routine histopathological staining, immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect the inflammatory response. In addition, we also explored the potential mechanism of the role of hIGF1 in muscle inflammation. The expression of AAV9 in myocardium and muscle tissue of AAV9-GFP group was detected by GFP method. GFP was expressed in different tissues of mdx mice, especially in anterior tibial muscle, triceps muscle and other tissues. The percentage of anterior tibial muscle inflammation area in CD68 and AAV9-hIGF-1 group was lower than that in AAV-GFP group, and the percentage of anterior tibial muscle inflammation area in AAV9-hIGF-1 group (1.78 ± 0.47%) was significantly lower than that in AAV GFP group (3.4 ± 1.22%) (P < 0.05). Western-blot showed that AAV-hIGF-1 group (0.45 + 0.07%) was lower than that of AAV-GFP group (0.76 + 0.13%), higher than the normal group (0.38 + 0.06%). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study confirmed that hIGF-1 can reduce the inflammatory response and macrophage infiltration in mdx mice, and further proved that hIGF-1 can down regulate the expression of NF-κB signal pathway, which has anti-inflammatory effect.

Feeding behavior explains the different effects of cabbage on MEAM1 and MED cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci.

MEAM1 (Middle East-Asia Minor 1, "B" biotype) and MED (Mediterranean, "Q" biotype) are the two most destructive cryptic species of the Bemisia tabaci complex on the planet. Our previous studies have shown that MEAM1 outcompetes MED on cabbage; the underlying mechanism is unknown. In the Brassicaceae family, the glucosinolate-myrosinase defense system plays a crucial role in deterring feeding, inhibiting growth, and causing acute toxicity against a wide range of generalist herbivores. In the present study, we first compared the survival of MEAM1 and MED exposed to sinigrin (a glucosinolate) and myrosinase (an enzyme that degrades glucosinolates); we found that survival of both species was high in response to sinigrin alone but was near zero in response to sinigrin + myrosinase. We then used electropenetrography (electrical penetration graphs, EPG) to assess the feeding behaviors of MEAM1 and MED whiteflies on cabbage. The EPG results revealed that the mean duration of each potential drop (pd, indicating an intracellular puncture) was substantially longer for MED than MEAM1 on cabbage, indicating that the exposure to the toxic hydrolysates of glucosinolate and myrosinase is greater for MED than for MEAM1. We therefore conclude that differences in penetrating behaviors may help explain the different effects of cabbage on MEAM1 and MED whitefly species.

The Combined Effect of Elevated O3 Levels and TYLCV Infection Increases the Fitness of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean on Tomato Plants.

Global change and biotic stress, such as tropospheric contamination and virus infection, can individually modify the quality of host plants, thereby altering the palatability of the plant for herbivorous insects. The bottom-up effects of elevated O3 and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infection on tomato plants and the associated performance of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) were determined in open-top chambers. Elevated O3 decreased eight amino acid levels and increased the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content and the gene expression of pathogenesis-related protein (PR1) and proteinase inhibitor (PI1) in both wild-type (CM) and JA defense-deficient tomato genotype (spr2). TYLCV infection and the combination of elevated O3 and TYLCV infection increased eight amino acids levels, SA content and PR1 expression, and decreased JA content and PI1 expression in both tomato genotypes. In uninfected tomato, elevated O3 increased developmental time and decreased fecundity by 6.1 and 18.8% in the CM, respectively, and by 6.8 and 18.9% in the spr2, respectively. In TYLCV-infected tomato, elevated O3 decreased developmental time and increased fecundity by 4.6 and 14.2%, respectively, in the CM and by 4.3 and 16.8%, respectively, in the spr2. These results showed that the interactive effects of elevated O3 and TYLCV infection partially increased the amino acid content and weakened the JA-dependent defense, resulting in increased population fitness of MED on tomato plants. This study suggests that whiteflies would be more successful at TYLCV-infected plants than at uninfected plants in elevated O3 levels.

Amino Acid Utilization May Explain Why Bemisia tabaci Q and B Differ in Their Performance on Plants Infected by the Tomato yellow leaf curl virus.

To make plants more attractive to vectors of viruses, plant-infecting viruses can alter host plant physiology. The recent outbreaks of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) relate to the spread of its primary vector, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Here, we investigated the question of whether the better performance of B. tabaci Q, relative to that of the B biotype, on TYLCV-infected tomato plants could be explained by differences in the ability of the B. tabaci Q and B to obtain free amino acids from the virus-infected plants. We found that the TYLCV infection of tomato plants significantly affected the mole percentage (mol%) of free amino acids in the phloem sap of the tomato plants and the mol% of free amino acids in B. tabaci adults and B. tabaci honeydew. The TYLCV infection caused the mol% of a larger number of free amino acids to rise in B. tabaci Q than in B, and the analysis of honeydew indicated that, when feeding on TYLCV-infected plants, B. tabaci Q was better able to use the free amino acids than B. tabaci B. The results suggest that B. tabaci Q is better adapted than B to feed on TYLCV-infected plants, and that TYLCV alters the B. tabaci B-Q competitive interaction in favor of Q.

scAAV9-VEGF-165 inhibits neuroinflammatory responses and invasion of macrophages into the peripheral nervous system of ALS transgenic mice.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to paralysis and death within 3-5 years. Although the vast majority of studies have focused on vulnerable neurons, growing evidence has shown that non-neuronal cells contribute to the pathogenesis and disease progression. Here, we showed that intrathecal injection of scAAV9-VEGF at 60 days of age significantly reduced the number of microglia and inhibited the neuroinflammatory response in the CNS. Meanwhile, we found that administration of VEGF inhibited the invasion of macrophages into the PNS, including ventral nerve roots, sciatic nerves and muscles. Overall, our study indicated the anti-inflammation effect of VEGF in the CNS and PNS of ALS mice when delivered by intrathecal injection.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on 99mTc-Sodium Pertechnetate Uptake and Extracellular Fluid Free Molecules in the Stomach in Acupoint ST36 and ST39.

Electroacupuncture (EA) is a therapeutic modality in which the electrical stimulation is integrated with concepts of acupuncture to treat diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the connection between the electro-acupuncture induced increase in Na99mTcO4 uptake in the stomach wall, and the ionic molecule levels in the extracellular fluid in the acupoints. Wistar rats were treated by 2 or 100 Hz EA at Zusanli (ST 36) and Xiajuxu (ST 39) bilaterally for 60 minutes. The accumulation of Na99mTcO4 in the gastric wall and the free ions, including Ca2+, K+, Na+, and Cl-, in the acupoints were measured every 60 minutes. The radioactivity uptake in the stomach was significantly increased during EA, reaching peak at 180 minutes after the EA. The concentration of extracellular ions was also significantly increased during EA. The Ca2+ level continued to rise until 60 minutes after EA, then started to decrease at 120 minutes post-EA. The results suggest this up-regulatory effect of EA on gastric activity might be triggered by the increase of the extracellular ion levels, this effect lasts longer than stimulating the release of transmembrane Ca2+ flow alone. This might aid in providing a better understanding of the long-lasting effect claimed in acupuncture treatment.

Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 mediated vascular endothelial growth factor gene overexpression in mdx mice.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal neuromuscular disease caused by the absence of dystrophin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a heparin-binding dimeric glycoprotein and principal angiogenic factor stimulating the migration, proliferation and expression of various genes in endothelial cells. Recently, VEGF was demonstrated to exhibit an antiapoptotic and direct myogenic effect, as well as to enhance muscle force restoration subsequent to traumatic injury. Therefore, the present study attempted to assess the muscle damage of VEGF overexpression in mdx mice. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-VEGF was administered intravenously to mdx mice. At 4 weeks after injection, VEGF was observed to be upregulated in the tibialis anterior muscle. In addition, the serum creatine kinase levels were significantly reduced and fatigue was slowed down, whereas the limb grip strength and weight of mice were markedly increased compared with the saline-treated mdx mice. Furthermore, significantly reduced inflammation and necrosis areas were observed in the muscle tissues of mice in the AAV9-VEGF group. These results suggested that AAV9-mediated VEGF gene overexpression was able to improve the muscle damage in mdx mice.

The ability to manipulate plant glucosinolates and nutrients explains the better performance of Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 than Mediterranean on cabbage plants.

The performance of herbivorous insects is greatly affected by host chemical defenses and nutritional quality. Some herbivores have developed the ability to manipulate plant defenses via signaling pathways. It is currently unclear, however, whether a herbivore can benefit by simultaneously reducing plant defenses and enhancing plant nutritional quality. Here, we show that the better performance of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1; formerly the "B" biotype) than Mediterranean (MED; formerly the "Q" biotype) on cabbage is associated with a suppression of glucosinolate (GS) content and an increase in amino acid supply in MEAM1-infested cabbage compared with MED-infested cabbage. MEAM1 had higher survival, higher fecundity, higher intrinsic rate of increase (rm), a longer life span, and a shorter developmental time than MED on cabbage plants. Amino acid content was higher in cabbage infested with MEAM1 than MED. Although infestation by either biotype decreased the levels of total GS, aliphatic GS, glucoiberin, sinigrin, glucobrassicin, and 4OH-glucobrassicin, and the expression of related genes in cabbage, MED infestation increased the levels of 4ME-glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin, progoitrin, and glucoraphanin. The GS content and expression of GS-related genes were higher in cabbage infested with MED than with MEAM1. Our results suggest that MEAM1 performs better than MED on cabbage by manipulating host defenses and nutritional quality.

Genome sequencing of the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED/Q.

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a highly destructive agricultural and ornamental crop pest. It damages host plants through both phloem feeding and vectoring plant pathogens. Introductions of B. tabaci are difficult to quarantine and eradicate because of its high reproductive rates, broad host plant range, and insecticide resistance. A total of 791 Gb of raw DNA sequence from whole genome shotgun sequencing, and 13 BAC pooling libraries were generated by Illumina sequencing using different combinations of mate-pair and pair-end libraries. Assembly gave a final genome with a scaffold N50 of 437 kb, and a total length of 658 Mb. Annotation of repetitive elements and coding regions resulted in 265.0 Mb TEs (40.3%) and 20 786 protein-coding genes with putative gene family expansions, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on orthologs across 14 arthropod taxa suggested that MED/Q is clustered into a hemipteran clade containing A. pisum and is a sister lineage to a clade containing both R. prolixus and N. lugens. Genome completeness, as estimated using the CEGMA and Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs pipelines, reached 96% and 79%. These MED/Q genomic resources lay a foundation for future 'pan-genomic' comparisons of invasive vs. noninvasive, invasive vs. invasive, and native vs. exotic Bemisia, which, in return, will open up new avenues of investigation into whitefly biology, evolution, and management.

Intrathecal Delivery of ssAAV9-DAO Extends Survival in SOD1G93A ALS Mice.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset, irreversible neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive paralysis and inevitable death 3-5 years after diagnosis. The mechanisms underlying this process remain unknown, but new evidence indicates that accumulating levels of D-serine result from the downregulation of D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) and that this is a novel mechanism that leads to motoneuronal death in ALS via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated cell toxicity. Here, we explored a new therapeutic approach to ALS by overexpressing DAO in the lumbar region of the mouse spinal cord using a single stranded adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (ssAAV9) vector. A single intrathecal injection of ssAAV9-DAO was made in SOD1G93A mice, a well-established mouse model of ALS. Treatment resulted in moderate expression of exogenous DAO in motorneurons in the lumbar spinal cord, reduced immunoreactivity of D-serine, alleviated motoneuronal loss and glial activation, and extended survival. The potential mechanisms underlying these effects were associated with the down-regulation of NF-κB and the restoration of the phosphorylation of Akt. In conclusion, administering ssAAV9-DAO may be an effective complementary approach to gene therapy to extend lifespans in symptomatic ALS.

Elevated O3 and TYLCV Infection Reduce the Suitability of Tomato as a Host for the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci.

The effects of elevated atmospheric ozone (O3) levels on herbivorous insects have been well studied, but little is known about the combined effects of elevated O3 and virus infection on herbivorous insect performance. Using open-top chambers in the field, we determined the effects of elevated O3 and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infection on wild-type (Wt) tomato and 35S tomato (jasmonic acid (JA) defense-enhanced genotype) in association with whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius biotype B. Elevated O3 and TYLCV infection, alone and in combination, significantly reduced the contents of soluble sugars and free amino acids, increased the contents of total phenolics and condensed tannins, and increased salicylic acid (SA) content and the expression of SA-related genes in leaves. The JA signaling pathway was upregulated by elevated O3, but downregulated by TYLCV infection and O3 + TYLCV infection. Regardless of plant genotype, elevated O3, TYLCV infection, or O3 + TYLCV infection significantly decreased B. tabaci fecundity and abundance. These results suggest that elevated O3 and TYLCV infection, alone and in combination, reduce the nutrients available for B. tabaci, increase SA content and SA-related gene expression, and increase secondary metabolites, resulting in decreases in fecundity and abundance of B. tabaci in both tomato genotypes.

Elevated O3 increases volatile organic compounds via jasmonic acid pathway that promote the preference of parasitoid Encarsia formosa for tomato plants.

The elevated atmospheric O3 level may change the interactions of plants and insects, which potentially affects direct and indirect plant defences. However, the underlying mechanism of the impact of elevated O3 on indirect plant defence, namely the efficacy of natural enemies, is unclear. Here we tested a hypothesis that linked the effects of elevated O3 and whitefly herbivory on tomato volatile releases mediated by the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway with the preferences of parasitoid Encarsia formosa for two different tomato genotypes (wild-type (Wt) and JA-deficient genotype (spr2)). The O3 and whitefly herbivory significantly increased the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including monoterpenes and green leaf volatiles (GLVs). The Wt plants released higher volatile levels, particularly monoterpenes, than did the spr2 plants. In Y-tube tests, limonene and Z-3-hexanol played key roles in the attraction of E. formosa. Moreover, regardless of plant genotype, the two plant genotypes were preferred by adult E. formosa under the O3 and O3+ herbivory treatments. Our results suggest that under elevated O3, the activation of the JA pathway significantly up-regulates the emission rates of volatiles, through which the efficacy of natural enemy might be promoted.

Does Braun enteroenterostomy reduce delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Whether an additional Braun enteroenterostomy is necessary in reducing delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has not yet been well investigated. Herein, in this retrospective study, 395 consecutive cases of patients undergoing classic PD from 2009 to 2013 were reviewed. Patients with and without Braun enteroenterostomy were compared in preoperative baseline characteristics, surgical procedure, postoperative diagnosis, and morbidity including DGE. The DGE was defined and classified by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery recommendation. The incidence of DGE was similar in patients with or without Braun enteroenterostomy following PD (37/347, 10.7% vs 8/48, 16.7%, P = 0.220). The patients in the 2 groups were not different in patient characteristics, lesions, surgical procedure, or postoperative complications, although patients without Braun enteroenterostomy more frequently presented postoperative vomiting than those with Braun enteroenterostomy (33.3% vs 15.3%, P = 0.002). Bile leakage, pancreatic fistula, and intraperitoneal abscess were risk factors for postoperative DGE (all P < 0.05). Prokinetic agents and acupuncture were effective in symptom relief of DGE in 24 out of 45 patients and 12 out of 14 patients, respectively.The additional Braun enteroenterostomy following classic PD was not associated with a decreased rate of DGE. Postoperative abdominal complications were strongly correlated with the onset of DGE. Prokinetic agents and acupuncture could be utilized in some patients with DGE.