Onion (Allium cepa L.) Attracts Scoliid Wasps by Means of Generalist Floral Volatiles.

Onion flowers require pollinator-mediated cross-pollination. However, the cues that pollinators use to locate the flowers are not well understood. The floral scent, along with floral visual cues, might acts as important signal to pollinators in order to locate the floral resources. We used electrophysiological methods combined with behavioural assays to determine which compounds in a floral scent are more attractive and thus biologically important to foraging scollid wasps. The majority of the molecules identified as floral fragrances in onions are common compounds that are already known from other angiosperms, and onion floral scents were predominately composed of aromatic components. The antennae of scoliid wasps responded to a large number of compounds, among them o-cymene, cis-ß-ocimene, benzaldehyde and allo-ocimene were behaviourally active. In contrast to other wasp flowers investigated nectar analysis demonstrated the dominance of hexose sugars over sucrose. Our findings provide fresh insights into the floral volatile chemistry of a key vegetable crop grown around the world. We demonstrate here that onion is using generalist floral volatiles to attract floral visitors. This insight could be utilised to make onion blooms more attractive to minor pollinators as well as major pollinators in order to maximise seed set.

Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Spotted Stem Borer, Chilo partellus, to Sex Pheromone Components and Their Blends.

The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the major insect pest of maize and sorghum crops during the rainy season. The pheromone released by adult virgin females has been reported to consist of (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) as major component and (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Z11-16OH) as minor component. The latter has been reported to reduce the efficiency of major component to trap the male moths. We studied the electrophysiological and behavioral response of male C. partellus moths to Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16OH, their E-isomers (E)-11-hexadecenal and (E)-11-hexadecen-1-ol, and blends. Electroantennogram (EAG) studies revealed that male C. partellus antennae elicited significantly greater responses to both (Z)-11-hexadecenal and (Z)-11-hexadecenol compared to their respective E-isomers. Behavioral response studies through wind tunnel and cage bioassay showed that blends of Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16OH in the proportion of 100:100 and 100:95 elicited significantly higher responses from male moths. The attractiveness of these pheromone components and blends in field also revealed that traps baited with 100:100 proportion was most effective. Our studies clearly showed that the minor alcohol component Z11-16OH is important for enhancing attractiveness of the pheromone and provides a more effective blend for monitoring of this pest.

Chondrosarcoma of the maxilla in a young female: A case report.

ABSTRACT: Sarcomas of the head and neck region are rare tumors, constituting less than 1% of malignant neoplasms in this area. Approximately 20% of these sarcomas originate from bone or cartilage. Chondrosarcomas are malignant mesenchymal tumors showing cartilaginous differentiation. These tumors usually show a predilection to the male gender and occur commonly in the older age group. Here, we report a case of chondrosarcoma of the anterior maxilla in a young female.

Exploring the Transient Microbe Population on Citrus Butterfly Wings.

Microbes carve out dwelling niches in unusual environments. Insects, in general, have been hosts to microbes in different ways. Some insects incorporate microbes as endosymbionts that help with metabolic functions, while some vector pathogenic microbes that cause serious plant and animal diseases, including humans. Microbes isolated from insect sources have been beneficial and a huge information repository. The fascinating and evolutionarily successful insect community has survived mass extinctions as a result of their unique biological traits. Wings have been one of the most important factors contributing to the evolutionary success of insects. In the current study, wings of Papilio polytes, a citrus butterfly, were investigated for the presence of ecologically significant microbes within hours of eclosing under aseptic conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of bacteria dwelling in crevices created by a specific arrangement of scales on the butterfly wing. A total of 38 bacterial isolates were obtained from the patched wings of the citrus butterfly, and Bacillus spp. were predominant among them. We probed the occurrence of these microbes to assess their significance to the insect. Many of the isolates displayed antibacterial, antifungal, and biosurfactant properties. Interestingly, one of the isolates displayed entomopathogenic potential toward the notorious agricultural pest mealybug. All the wing isolates were seen to cluster together consistently in a phylogenetic analysis, except for one isolate of Bacillus zhangzhouensis (Papilio polytes isolate [Pp] no. 28), suggesting they are distinct strains. IMPORTANCE This is a first study reporting the presence of culturable microbes on an unusual ecological niche such as butterfly wings. Our findings also establish that microbes inhabit these niches before the butterfly has contact with the environment. The findings in this report have opened up a new area of research which will not only help understand the microbiome of insect wings but might prove beneficial in other specialized studies.

Immunohistochemical expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in oral lichen planus and normal oral mucosa.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease for which the pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood; autoimmunity has been suggested as a causative factor. World health organization (WHO) has classified OLP as a potentially malignant lesion. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible key enzyme that generates prostanoids which play a critical role in inflammation, immunopathology; also considered as a malignant potential marker. AIMS: The present study was conducted to analyze and compare epithelial COX-2 expression in OLP clinical subtypes and normal oral mucosa to evaluate its role in the pathophysiology of the disease process. METHODS: This retrospective immunohistochemistry (IHC) study was performed on tissue sections of 30 OLP and 10 normal oral mucosae for COX-2 expression. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive and comparative statistical methods were done using 'one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), 't' and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: All the OLP showed epithelial COX-2 expression; strong expression was noted in 80% of the OLP while normal oral mucosa sections showed no expression. Cox-2 expression was significantly higher in erosive lichen planus compared to reticular lichen planus. CONCLUSIONS: Strong expression of COX-2 in OLP suggested its important role in pathogenesis. Although COX-2 has been connected to malignant development and autoimmunity, as the malignant development in OLP is quite rare, this study suggests that increased levels of COX-2 seen here may support an autoimmune cause of the disease process.

Occurrence and spread of Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) in India.

The notoriously destructive and invasive soft scale, Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae), is recorded for the first time from India. The scale is redescribed to facilitate its identification and information on its host range, natural enemies and distribution is provided. An identification key to the Indian species in this genus is given. Management options in the event of an outbreak are discussed briefly. The establishment of this scale insect warrants special attention in India as it is a potentially damaging plant pest and has a broad host range across many plant families.

Inhibition of nonsense-mediated decay rescues p53ß/γ isoform expression and activates the p53 pathway in MDM2-overexpressing and select p53-mutant cancers.

Inactivation of p53 is present in almost every tumor, and hence, p53-reactivation strategies are an important aspect of cancer therapy. Common mechanisms for p53 loss in cancer include expression of p53-negative regulators such as MDM2, which mediate the degradation of wildtype p53 (p53α), and inactivating mutations in the TP53 gene. Currently, approaches to overcome p53 deficiency in these cancers are limited. Here, using non-small cell lung cancer and glioblastoma multiforme cell line models, we show that two alternatively spliced, functional truncated isoforms of p53 (p53ß and p53γ, comprising exons 1 to 9ß or 9γ, respectively) and that lack the C-terminal MDM2-binding domain have markedly reduced susceptibility to MDM2-mediated degradation but are highly susceptible to nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), a regulator of aberrant mRNA stability. In cancer cells harboring MDM2 overexpression or TP53 mutations downstream of exon 9, NMD inhibition markedly upregulates p53ß and p53γ and restores activation of the p53 pathway. Consistent with p53 pathway activation, NMD inhibition induces tumor suppressive activities such as apoptosis, reduced cell viability, and enhanced tumor radiosensitivity, in a relatively p53-dependent manner. In addition, NMD inhibition also inhibits tumor growth in a MDM2-overexpressing xenograft tumor model. These results identify NMD inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy for restoration of p53 function in p53-deficient tumors bearing MDM2 overexpression or p53 mutations downstream of exon 9, subgroups that comprise approximately 6% of all cancers.

Evaluation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal oral mucosa using western blot.

BACKGROUND: Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that acts as a binding site for toxic chemicals, particularly the dioxin group of chemicals. Elevated levels of AHR have been observed in various human cancers, including lung carcinomas, hepatic carcinomas and in mammary tumors. However, the expression of AHR in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients who are tobacco users are less explored. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare AHR levels in OSSC patients and in normals using Western blot technique in an attempt to explore the possible role of AHR in oral carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of ten oral squamous cell carcinoma cases which were diagnosed clinically and confirmed histopathologically as OSCC and four samples of the normal oral mucosa. AHR protein expression was evaluated using Western blot technique and chemiluminescence detection kit. The densitometry was performed on a Microtek scan maker MSP flatbed scanner and quantified using Image J software. Mean AHR protein levels were calculated and compared between OSCC and normal oral mucosa using Student's t-test. RESULTS: The mean AHR protein level in OSCC samples (n = 10) was 2878.90 ± 1231.27 and 975.75 ± 227.27 in the normal oral mucosa (n = 4). The OSCC samples showed significantly higher levels of AHR protein compared to the normal oral mucosa (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The study showed a significantly higher expression of AHR in oral squamous cell carcinoma samples when compared to the normal oral mucosa, suggesting a possible role of AHR in the initiation, promotion and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Odour Cues from Fruit Arils of Artocarpus heterophyllus Attract both Sexes of Oriental Fruit Flies.

The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is an economically devastating pest of fruit crops across the globe with stringent quarantine restrictions to limit its further spread. The current management programs increasingly depend on male annihilation but trapping female flies is equally important to reduce fruit damage. Considering the importance of kairomones in courtship and oviposition site selection behavior of B. dorsalis, the aim of this work was to isolate and identify potential cues from the volatiles of arils of jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus. Using olfactometer assays and gas-chromatography linked to electroantennographic detection, attraction of both female and male B. dorsalis to specific jackfruit volatiles was demonstrated. Ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, ethyl hexanoate, pentyl butanote, 2-methylbutyl 3-methylbutanoate, 2-methylpropyl hexanoate, (Z)-3-hexenyl 3-methylbutanoate and dodecanal were found to attract female B. dorsalis specifically. Butyl acetate, 2 phenylethanol and pentyl 3-methylbutanoate elicited attraction in male B. dorsalis only. Synthetic blends of these compounds were found to attract female and male B. dorsalis in laboratory as well as field conditions. Using specific cues common to each set, a blend of methyl 3-methylbutanoate, butyl acetate, 3-methylbutyl acetate and hexyl acetate attracted both sexes of B dorsalis. This study demonstrates the use of kairomone-based lures for sex-specific as well as bisexual attraction for the first time.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An insight into molecular mechanisms and clinical implications.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important event in embryonic development, fibrosis and cancer invasion. During cancer progression, the activation of EMT permits cancer cells to acquire migratory, invasive and stem-like properties. Despite recent advances in treatment, there is no improvement in the 5-year overall survival rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Local recurrence and lymph node metastasis are considered to be mainly responsible for the low survival rate in OSCC. EMT plays a major role in local recurrence and lymph node metastasis of oral cancer. This review article addresses the clinical implications of EMT in OSCC and explains the molecular mechanisms of EMT, highlighting the cadherin switching and signaling pathways involved.

Cancer stem cells: A comprehensive review on identification and therapeutic implications.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are distinct subpopulations of tumor cells that possess the ability for perpetual self-renewal and proliferation. They produce downstream progenitor cells and cancer cells that drive tumor growth. Studies of many cancer types including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have identified CSCs using specific markers, but it is still unclear as to where in the stem cell hierarchy these markers fall. This is compounded further by the presence of multiple CSC subtypes within OSCC, making investigation reliant on the use of multiple markers. This review paper focuses on the current knowledge in CSC markers including OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, CD44, CD24, CD133 and Musashi-1, highlighting their use and validity in OSCC CSC research.

HIV-1 pol gene diversity and molecular dating of subtype C from Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND: The first case of HIV infection in Sri Lanka was reported in 1987 and at the end of 2018 there were 3500 people living with HIV. There have been commendable efforts made towards the detection, treatment, and prevention of HIV in the country. Even though the genetic diversity of HIV has been shown to affect the parameters ranging from detection to vaccine development, there is no data available with respect to the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Sri Lanka. METHODS: In this report we have performed the ancillary analysis of pol gene region sequences (n = 85) obtained primarily for the purpose of HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping. Briefly, dried blood spot specimens (DBS) collected from HIV-1 infected individuals between December 2015 and August 2018 were subjected to pol gene amplification and sequencing. These pol gene sequences were used to interpret the drug resistance mutation profiles. Further, sequences were subjected to HIV-1 subtyping using REGA 3.0, COMET, jPHMM and, RIP online subtyping tools. Moreover, Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was employed to estimate the evolutionary history of HIV-1 subtype C in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that the majority (51.8%) of pol gene sequences were subtype C. Other than subtype C, there were sequences categorized as subtypes A1, B, D and G. In addition to pure subtypes there were sequences which were observed to be circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and a few of the recombinants were identified as potential unique recombinants (URFs). We also observed the presence of drug resistance mutations in 56 (65.9%) out of 85 sequences. Estimates of the Bayesian evolutionary analysis suggested that the HIV-1 subtype C was introduced to Sri Lanka during the early 1970s (1972.8). CONCLUSION: The findings presented here indicate the presence of multiple HIV-1 subtypes and the prevalence of drug resistance mutations in Sri Lanka. The majority of the sequences were subtype C, having their most recent common ancestor traced back to the early 1970s. Continuous molecular surveillance of HIV-1 molecular epidemiology will be crucial to keep track of drug resistance, genetic diversity, and evolutionary history of HIV-1 in Sri Lanka.

Analysis of enamel rod end pattern for personal identification.

BACKGROUND: Microscopically, groups of enamel rods run in unique direction, which differ from adjacent group of enamel rods and results in forming different patterns of enamel rod endings on tooth surface. These are called as tooth prints and they help in personal identification in forensic odontology. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to analyze the enamel rod end pattern on the tooth surface for personal identification and to analyze the familial inheritance of enamel rod end pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 100 different families were considered for the analysis of tooth print pattern. In each family, four members were present. The maxillary central incisor, canine and first premolar were selected. Enamel rod end pattern was recorded using acetate peel technique and analyzed using Verifinger® standard SDK version 6.7 software. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Contingency coefficient statistical analysis was used for the comparison of tooth print pattern in incisors, canines and premolars based on age and gender. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The present study showed that a tooth print is composed of combination of eight distinct subpatterns, namely wavy branched, wavy unbranched, linear branched, linear unbranched, whorl open, whorl closed, loop and stem-like pattern. Wavy branched pattern was found to be the most predominant pattern in incisors, canines and first premolars in our study. Familial tendency of tooth print pattern in incisors, canines and premolars was noticed in 65%, 66% and 52% of the families, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tooth prints are unique to an individual and can be used as a valuable inexpensive tool in forensic odontology for personal identification.

Classification of odontogenic cysts and tumors - Antecedents.

Pierre Paul Broca produced a monograph on tumor classification which also included the classification of odontogenic tumors (OTs). The terminology used to describe malignant epithelial OTs has varied since the World Health Organization published the initial consensus on the taxonomy of OTs. Minor changes were introduced in the second edition. It is only in the very recent years that additional knowledge has accumulated and refined the classification. This review emphasizes on reasons for modification by each author and the recent acceptance.

Academic stress and depression among adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between academic stress and depression among adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at higher secondary schools in Tamil Nadu. 1120 adolescents were included in the study after screening by MINI-kid tool. Modified Educatonal Stress Scale for Adolescents was administered to all children. RESULTS: Adolescents who had academic stress were at 2.4 times (95% CI=0.9-2.4) (P<0.001) higher risk of depression than adolescents without academic stress. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with severe academic stress need to be identified early as interventions to reduce academic stress is likely to affect the occurrence and severity of depression.

Melioidosis presenting as lymphadenitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis is an infection caused by the facultative intracellular gram-negative bacterium; Burkholderia pseudomallei. It gives rise to protean clinical manifestations and has a varied prognosis. Although it was rare in Sri Lanka increasing numbers of cases are being reported with high morbidity and mortality. Here we report a case of melioidosis presenting with lymphadenitis which was diagnosed early and treated promptly with a good outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old Sinhalese woman with diabetes presented with fever and left sided painful inguinal lymphadenitis for one month. She had undergone incision and drainage of a thigh abscess three months previously and had been treated with a short course of antibiotics. There was no record that abscess material was tested microbiologically.She had neutrophil leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. Initial pus culture revealed a scanty growth of "Pseudomonas sp." and Escherichia coli which were sensitive to ceftazidime and resistant to gentamicin.Due to the history of diabetes, recurrent abscess formation and the suggestive sensitivity pattern of the bacterial isolates, we actively investigated for melioidosis. The bacterial isolate was subsequently identified as B. pseudomallei by polymerase chain reaction and antibodies to melioidin antigen were found to be raised at a titre of 1:160.The patient was treated with high dose intravenous ceftazidime for four weeks followed by eradication therapy with cotrimoxazole and doxycycline. As the patient was intolerant to cotrimoxazole, the antibiotics were changed to a combination of co-amoxyclav and doxycycline and continued for 12 weeks. The patient was well after 6 months without any relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Melioidosis is an emerging infection in South Asia. It may present with recurrent abscesses. Therefore it is very important to send pus for culture whenever an abscess is drained. However, it should be noted that the reporting laboratory may be unfamiliar with this bacterium and the isolate may be misidentified as Pseudomonas or even E. coli. Melioidosis should be suspected when an isolate with the typical antibiotic sensitivity pattern of ceftazidime sensitivity and gentamicin resistance is cultured, especially in a patient with diabetes. This will expedite diagnosis and prompt treatment leading to an excellent prognosis.

Study of inheritance of feeding potential in natural populations of predatory coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant using isofemale strains.

The ability to feed on the prey is of great concern for the predatory insects, especially with regard to predatory coccinellid, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, which is mass reared and released into the field in large numbers to control the target pests. The variability associated with feeding potential is partly influenced by the genetic background of the insects and partly due to the environment, but the genetic basis of this trait is not yet fully understood in C. montrouzieri. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic basis of variation and heritability of this quantitative trait in natural populations of C. montrouzieri through isofemale heritability and parent-offspring regression. The regression analyses indicated that there was a significant linear relationship between progeny and their mothers for feeding potential.

Prion diseases in humans: oral and dental implications.

Prion diseases are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by accumulation of abnormal prion proteins in the central nervous system. The prions resist conventional sterilization procedures especially when infected tissue becomes dried onto metal or glass surfaces. This article, a review of literature collected using Pubmed as search engine, describes the oral manifestations of prion diseases in addition to studying the possibility of cross contamination in the dental office. The article emphasizes the importance for dentists to be aware of these diseases, to identify the high-risk patients by obtaining adequate medical history and to know the appropriate deactivation procedures to be followed.

Facts in artifacts.

Examination of microscopic sections of animal tissues reveals facts which are not always related to its normal histology or pathology. Processing of tissue specimens consists of lengthy procedures from the stage of surgical removal to the stained and mounted microscopic sections. Defects are common in tissue sections as a result of faulty procedures. These defects are referred to as artifacts. They lead to misinterpretation of histopathological diagnosis but at times they throw limelight into diagnosis. This paper attempts to put together all the facts regarding the various artifacts that are encountered in histopathology.