Study on the gut symbiotic microbiota in long- and short-winged brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is one of the most important rice pests in Asia rice regions. BPH has monophagy, migration, rapid reproduction and strong environmental adaptability, and its control is a major problem in pest management. Adult BPH exhibit wing dimorphism, and the symbiotic microbiota enriched in the gut can provide energy for wing flight muscles as a source of nutrition. In order to study the diversity of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs, this paper takes female BPH as the research object. It was found that the number of symbiotic microbiota of different winged BPHs would change at different development stages. Then, based on the 16S rRNA and ITS sequences, a metagenomic library was constructed, combined with fluorescent quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, the dominant symbiotic microbiota flora in the gut of different winged BPHs was found, and the community structure and composition of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs were further determined. Together, our results preliminarily revealed that symbiotic microbiota in the gut of BPHs have certain effects on wing morphology, and understanding the mechanisms underlying wing morph differentiation will clarify how nutritional factors or environmental cues alter or regulate physiological and metabolic pathways. These findings also establish a theoretical basis for subsequent explorations into BPH-symbiont interplay.

Novel Electrospun Sn-Based Composite Cathodes Exhibiting Extended Cycle Life for Hybrid Magnesium-Lithium Batteries.

In this study, we present a strategic approach for the structural design and composite modification of one-dimensional Sn-based nanocomposites to enhance the overall electrochemical performance of hybrid magnesium-lithium batteries (MLIBs), which are emerging as promising successors to lithium-ion batteries. By using electrospinning technology, we successfully synthesized NST-SnO2, NST-SnO2-NiO, Sn-CNF, and Ni3Sn2-CNF composite cathodes, as well as analyzed the synthesis mechanism of the four Sn-based cathodes. The 100-cycle testing at a current density of 500 mA·g-1 revealed that NST-SnO2 maintained a discharge specific capacity of 129.8 mA h·g-1 with a retention rate of 90.76%, while NST-SnO2-NiO achieved a higher capacity of 147.4 mA h·g-1 and an 88.05% retention rate. Notably, Sn-CNF and Ni3Sn2-CNF exhibited initial discharge capacities of 66.7 and 79.6 mA h·g-1, respectively, coupled with exceptional cycle stability, evidenced by retention rates of 104.19 and 102.38%. The remarkable cycling stability observed in these novel cathodes is attributed to their robust structural integrity, thus demonstrating the potential for an extended cycle life in MLIBs. This work provides significant advancement in the development of high-performance electrode materials for next-generation hybrid magnesium-lithium energy storage systems.

The genomic history and global migration of a windborne pest.

Many insect pests, including the brown planthopper (BPH), undergo windborne migration that is challenging to observe and track. It remains controversial about their migration patterns and largely unknown regarding the underlying genetic basis. By analyzing 360 whole genomes from around the globe, we clarify the genetic sources of worldwide BPHs and illuminate a landscape of BPH migration showing that East Asian populations perform closed-circuit journeys between Indochina and the Far East, while populations of Malay Archipelago and South Asia undergo one-way migration to Indochina. We further find round-trip migration accelerates population differentiation, with highly diverged regions enriching in a gene desert chromosome that is simultaneously the speciation hotspot between BPH and related species. This study not only shows the power of applying genomic approaches to demystify the migration in windborne migrants but also enhances our understanding of how seasonal movements affect speciation and evolution in insects.

Silencing NlFAR7 destroyed the pore canals and related structures of the brown planthopper.

Fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) is one of the key enzymes, which catalyses the conversion of fatty acyl-CoA to the corresponding alcohols. Among the FAR family members in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), NlFAR7 plays a pivotal role in both the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons and the waterproofing of the cuticle. However, the precise mechanism by which NlFAR7 influences the formation of the cuticle structure in N. lugens remains unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of NlFAR7 through RNA interference, transmission electron microscope, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and lipidomics analysis. FIB-SEM is employed to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the pore canals and related cuticle structures in N. lugens subjected to dsNlFAR7 and dsGFP treatments, enabling a comprehensive assessment of changes in the cuticle structures. The results reveal a reduction in the thickness of the cuticle and disruptions in the spiral structure of pore canals, accompanied by widened base and middle diameters. Furthermore, the lipidomics comparison analysis between dsNlFAR7- and dsGFP-treated N. lugens demonstrated that there were 25 metabolites involved in cuticular lipid layer synthesis, including 7 triacylglycerols (TGs), 5 phosphatidylcholines (PCs), 3 phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and 2 diacylglycerols (DGs) decreased, and 4 triacylglycerols (TGs) and 4 PEs increased. In conclusion, silencing NlFAR7 disrupts the synthesis of overall lipids and destroys the cuticular pore canals and related structures, thereby disrupting the secretion of cuticular lipids, thus affecting the cuticular waterproofing of N. lugens. These findings give significant attention with reference to further biochemical researches on the substrate specificity of FAR protein, and the molecular regulation mechanisms during N. lugens life cycle.

Long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and its components on menarche timing among Chinese adolescents: evidence from a representative nationwide cohort.

BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollutants have been suggested to affect pubertal development. Nevertheless, current studies indicate inconsistent effects of these pollutants, causing precocious or delayed puberty onset. This study aimed to explore the associations between long-term exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) along with its components and menarche timing among Chinese girls. METHOD: Self-reported age at menarche was collected among 855 girls from China Health and Nutrition Survey 2004 to 2015. The pre-menarche annual average concentrations of PM2.5 and its components were calculated on the basis of a long-term (2000-2014) high-resolution PM2.5 components dataset. Generalized linear models (GLM) and logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of exposure to a single pollutant (PM2.5, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, black carbon and organic matter) with age at menarche and early menarche (< 12 years), respectively. Weighted quantile sum methods were applied to examine the impacts of joint exposure on menarche timing. RESULTS: In the adjusted GLM, per 1 µg/m3 increase of annual average concentrations of nitrate and ammonium decreased age at menarche by 0.098 years and 0.127 years, respectively (all P < 0.05). Every 1 µg/m3 increase of annual average concentrations of PM2.5 (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08), sulfate (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01-1.50), nitrate (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.43) and ammonium (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.66) were significantly positively associated with early menarche. Higher level of joint exposure to PM2.5 and its components was associated with 11% higher odds of early menarche (P = 0.04). Additionally, the estimated weight of sulfate was the largest among the mixed pollutants. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its components could increase the risk of early menarche among Chinese girls. Moreover, sulfate might be the most critical components responsible for this relationship. Our study provides foundation for targeted prevention of PM2.5 components.

Comparative analysis of the diversity of symbionts in fat body of long- and short-winged brown planthoppers.

The microbial community structure plays an important role in the internal environment of brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), which is an indispensable part to reflect the internal environment of BPH. Wing dimorphism is a strategy for balancing flight and reproduction of insects. Here, quantitative fluorescence PCR was used to analyse the number and changes of the symbionts in the fat body of long- and short-winged BPHs at different developmental stages. A metagenomic library was constructed based on the 16 S rRNA sequence and internal transcribed spacer sequence for high-throughput sequencing, to analyze the community structure and population number of the symbionts of long- and short-winged BPHs, and to make functional prediction. This study enriches the connotation of BPH symbionts, and laid a theoretical foundation for the subsequent study of BPH-symbionts interaction and the function of symbionts in the host.

The application and development of electron microscopy for three-dimensional reconstruction in life science: a review.

Imaging technologies have played a pivotal role in advancing biological research by enabling visualization of biological structures and processes. While traditional electron microscopy (EM) produces two-dimensional images, emerging techniques now allow high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) characterization of specimens in situ, meeting growing needs in molecular and cellular biology. Combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with serial sectioning inaugurated 3D imaging, attracting biologists seeking to explore cell ultrastructure and driving advancement of 3D EM reconstruction. By comprehensively and precisely rendering internal structure and distribution, 3D TEM reconstruction provides unparalleled ultrastructural insights into cells and molecules, holding tremendous value for elucidating structure-function relationships and broadly propelling structural biology. Here, we first introduce the principle of 3D reconstruction of cells and tissues by classical approaches in TEM and then discuss modern technologies utilizing TEM and on new SEM-based as well as cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) techniques. 3D reconstruction techniques from serial sections, electron tomography (ET), and the recent single-particle analysis (SPA) are examined; the focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), the serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), and automatic tape-collecting lathe ultramicrotome (ATUM-SEM) for 3D reconstruction of large volumes are discussed. Finally, we review the challenges and development prospects of these technologies in life science. It aims to provide an informative reference for biological researchers.

Lsr2 acts as a cyclic di-GMP receptor that promotes keto-mycolic acid synthesis and biofilm formation in mycobacteria.

Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is a second messenger that promotes biofilm formation in several bacterial species, but the mechanisms are often unclear. Here, we report that c-di-GMP promotes biofilm formation in mycobacteria in a manner dependent on the nucleoid-associated protein Lsr2. We show that c-di-GMP specifically binds to Lsr2 at a ratio of 1:1. Lsr2 upregulates the expression of HadD, a (3R)-hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydratase, thus promoting the synthesis of keto-mycolic acid and biofilm formation. Thus, Lsr2 acts as a c-di-GMP receptor that links the second messenger's function to lipid synthesis and biofilm formation in mycobacteria.

Prospective effects of dietary intake on lung function of pupils in Chengdu City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the prospective effects of intake of each food group on the development of lung function of pupils,so as to provide theoretical basis for promoting the healthy development of lung function and preventing chronic respiratory diseases in Chinese children.@*Methods@#A cluster stratified sampling method was used to select a total of 893 pupils in grades 2-5 from Chengdu in November 2021. Dietary data of respondents were collected using a food frequency questionnaire within the past year,then the food group intake was categorized into T1, T2 and T3 from low to high by the trichotomous method, and anthropometric measurements including lung capacity were obtained in 2022. Logistic regression models and test for trend were used to analyze the prospective effects of intake of each food group on lung function development of pupils.@*Results@#Among male students, consumption of vegetables [118.6(50.5, 188.2)g/d] and milk and dairy products [200.0(73.3, 250.0)g/d] were higher in the excellent lung capacity group than in the non excellent lung capacity group [90.0(37.1, 192.9), and 178.6(35.7, 250.0)g/d],with statistically significant differences ( Z =-1.98, -2.24); among girls, the group with excellent lung capacity consumed less staple food [391.1(273.6, 511.4)g/d] than the group with non excellent lung capacity [407.4(309.5, 594.3)g/d], and the group with excellent lung capacity consumed more aquatic products [31.2(14.6, 69.8)g/d] and milk and dairy products [215.0(107.1, 250.1) g/d ] than that of the non excellent lung capacity [19.4(10.7, 58.3), 114.3(35.7, 250.0)g/d] ( Z =-2.01, -3.33, -5.10)( P < 0.05 ). After adjusting for energy, body mass index Z score(BMI Z ), mother s education level, averge family income monthly, whether presence of smokers in the living environment, and whether participation in physical activities during the past week, among male students, T3 group of vegetable intake ( OR =0.48, 95% CI = 0.27-0.86), T2 group of bean and soy product intake ( OR = 0.52 , 95% CI =0.27-0.96)，T2 and T3 groups of milk and dairy products intake (T2： OR =0.54, 95% CI =0.31-0.93; T3： OR = 0.52 , 95% CI =0.30-0.90) were negatively associated with non excellent lung capacity ( P <0.05). Among girls, T3 group of aquatic product intake( OR =0.52, 95% CI =0.28-0.97), T2 and T3 groups of milk and dairy product (T2: OR =0.44, 95% CI =0.25- 0.76 ;T3: OR =0.33, 95% CI =0.19-0.59) were negatively associated with nonexcellent lung capacity, whereas the T2 group of red meat intake ( OR =2.51, 95% CI =1.37-4.67) was positively associated with non excellent lung capacity. Non excellent lung capacity was found to be negatively associated with vegetable and milk and dairy product intake in boys by test for trend; in girls, milk and dairy products intake was negatively associated with non excellent lung capacity, whereas red meat intake was positively associated with non excellent lung capacity ( t =-1.13，-0.44；-3.03，1.95, P trend <0.05).@*Conclusions@#Milk and dariy products intakes reduce the risk of non excellent lung capacity in pupils, vegetables intakes reduce the risk of non excellent lung capacity in boys, and the intake of red meat increases the risk of non excellent lung capacity in girls. Promoting rational food choices is necessary for children to improve healthy lung development.

Status of prepackaged food intake and the association with growth and development in school aged children of Chengdu City / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To determine the association between the intake of five major types of prepackaged foods and the growth and development of school aged children, so as to provide a theoretical basis for guiding school aged children and their parents to make healthy prepackaged food choices.@*Methods@#Based on data from the South West China Childhood Nutrition and Growth Cohort (SCCNG), 381 children (6-11 years of age) were selected by stratified cluster sampling. Dietary intake and pubertal development were collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Children were followed up until November 2022. Binary Logistic regression models were used to analyze the prospective association between prepackaged food intake and the growth and development of school aged children.@*Results@#The total intake of the five major types of prepackaged foods was 316.1 (197.1,501.4) g/d. After 2 years of follow up evaluations, 16.5% of school aged children were shown to be overweight and obese. Early spermarche occurred in 12.6% of boys and early menarche occurred in 15.4% of girls. The following findings were suggested after adjusting for the mothers education level, average gross monthly family income, whether or not the family had one child only, geographic area of residence, body mass index Z score, average duration of daily exercise, and total dietary energy intake: convenience food intake might increase the risk of early spermarche ( OR =9.37); fruit and vegetable intake might decrease the risk of early spermarche and menarche ( OR =0.33,0.17); and fish, poultry, meat, and egg intake might increase the risk of early menarche ( OR =7.59)( P <0.05). Intake of the five types of prepackaged foods was not associated with being overweight or obese after adjusting for confounders ( OR =1.40, 0.57, 0.73, 1.33,1.57, P >0.05).@*Conclusions@#The relationship between intake of the five major types of prepackaged foods and pubertal development is inconsistent and no significant correlation was detected between the intake of prepackaged foods and overweight or obese children. Nutrition education should be strengthened to help children and their parents choose healthy prepackaged foods.

Molecular basis of genetic improvement for key rice quality traits in Southern China.

Grain qualities including milling quality, appearance quality, eating and cooking quality, and nutritional quality are important indicators in rice breeding. Significant achievements in genetic improvement of rice quality have been made. In this study, we analyzed the variation patterns of 16 traits in 1570 rice varieties and found significant improvements in appearance quality and eating and cooking quality, particularly in hybrid rice. Through genome-wide association study and allelic functional nucleotide polymorphisms analysis of quality trait genes, we found that ALK, FGR1, FLO7, GL7/GW7, GLW7, GS2, GS3, ONAC129, OsGRF8, POW1, WCR1, and Wx were associated with the genetic improvement of rice quality traits in Southern China. Allelic functional nucleotide polymorphisms analysis of 13 important rice quality genes, including fragrance gene fgr, were performed using the polymerase chain reaction amplification refractory mutation system technology. The results showed that Gui516, Gui569, Gui721, Ryousi, Rsimiao, Rbasi, and Yuehui9802 possessed multiple superior alleles. This study elucidates the phenotypic changes and molecular basis of key quality traits of varieties in Southern China. The findings will provide guidance for genetic improvement of rice quality and the development of new varieties.

Chromosome-level Genome Assembly and Sex-specific Differential Transcriptome of the White-backed Planthopper, Sogatella furcifera.

Background: The white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera, causes great damage to many crops (mainly rice) by direct feeding or transmitting plant viruses. The previous genome assembly was generated by second-generation sequencing technologies, with a contig N50 of only 51.5 kb, and contained a lot of heterozygous sequences. Methods: We utilized third-generation sequencing technologies and Hi-C data to generate a high-quality chromosome-level assembly. We also provide a large amount of transcriptome data for full-length transcriptome analysis and gender differential expression analysis. Results: The final assembly comprised 56.38 Mb, with a contig N50 of 2.20 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 45.25 Mb. Fourteen autosomes and one X chromosome were identified. More than 99.5% of the assembled bases located on the 15 chromosomes. 95.9% of the complete BUSCO Hemiptera genes were detected in the final assembly and 16,880 genes were annotated. 722 genes were relatively highly expressed in males, while 60 in the females. Conclusion: The integrated genome, definite sex chromosomes, comprehensive transcriptome profiles, high efficiency of RNA interference and short life cycle substantially made WBPH an efficient research object for functional genomics.

Post-Mating Responses in Insects Induced by Seminal Fluid Proteins and Octopamine.

Following insect mating, females often exhibit a series of physiological, behavioral, and gene expression changes. These post-mating responses (PMRs) are induced by seminal fluid components other than sperm, which not only form network proteins to assist sperm localization, supplement female-specific protein requirements, and facilitate the formation of specialized functional structures, but also activate neuronal signaling pathways in insects. This review primarily discusses the roles of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) and octopamine (OA) in various PMRs in insects. It explores the regulatory mechanisms and mediation conditions by which they trigger PMRs, along with the series of gene expression differences they induce. Insect PMRs involve a transition from protein signaling to neuronal signaling, ultimately manifested through neural regulation and gene expression. The intricate signaling network formed as a result significantly influences female behavior and organ function, contributing to both successful reproduction and the outcomes of sexual conflict.

Glucose-regulated protein 94 facilitates the proliferation of the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus via inhibiting apoptosis.

Glucose regulatory protein 94 (GRP94) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident member of the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) family, that plays an important role in secreted protein folding. Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) is one of the main pathogens in sericulture, causing serious economic losses every year. Previous studies showed that HSP90 members promote BmNPV replication in silkworm, but the function of BmGRP94 in BmNPV infection and proliferation is still not understood. In this study, we investigated the interplay between BmGRP94 and BmNPV infection in silkworm. We first identified a single gene of BmGRP94 in the Bombyx mori genome, which encodes a polypeptide with 810 amino acids in length. Spatio-temporal expression profiles showed that BmGRP94 was highly expressed in hemocytes and midgut, and was significantly induced by BmNPV infection. Furthermore, overexpression of BmGRP94 facilitates viral proliferation, while BmGRP94 inhibition evidently decreased BmNPV proliferation in BmN cells and in silkworm midgut. Mechanistically, BmGRP94 inhibition triggers ER stress, as judged by increased expression of PERK/ATF4/ERO1, H2O2 production, and ER calcium efflux, which promotes cell apoptosis to restrict BmNPV replication in silkworm. These results suggest that BmGRP94 plays an important role in facilitating BmNPV proliferation, and provides a potential molecular target for BmNPV prevention.

Association between the lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a healthy population of Northwest China: a retrospective cohort study with a 2-year follow-up period.

Aims: We aimed to explore the metabolic features of lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (Lean-NAFLD) and its association with the risk of incident type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged people. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 3001 participants who were enrolled in a health check-up program from January 2018 to December 2020 in the Health Management Center of Karamay People's Hospital. The age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profiles, serum uric acid and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the subjects were collected. The cutoff point of BMI for lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is <25 kg/m2. A COX proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the risk ratio of lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: Lean NAFLD participants had many metabolic abnormalities, such as overweight and obesity with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Compared with lean participants without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the fully adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for lean participants with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was 3.83 (95% CI 2.02-7.24, p<0.01). In the normal waist circumference group (man<90cm, woman<80 cm), compared with lean participants without NAFLD, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of incident type 2 diabetes for lean participants with NAFLD and overweight or obese participants with NAFLD were 1.93 (95% CI 0.70-5.35, p>0.05) and 4.20 (95% CI 1.44-12.22, p<0.05), respectively. For excess waist circumference (man≥90 cm, woman ≥80 cm) compared with lean participants without NAFLD, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of incident type 2 diabetes for lean participants with NAFLD and overweight or obese participants with NAFLD were 3.88 (95% CI 1.56-9.66, p<0.05) and 3.30 (95% CI 1.52-7.14, p<0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Abdominal obesity is the strongest risk factor for type 2 diabetes in lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Genome-wide association study using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing identifies new genes influencing nitrogen use efficiency in rice landraces.

Nitrogen is essential for crop production. It is a critical macronutrient for plant growth and development. However, excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer is not only a waste of resources but also pollutes the environment. An effective approach to solving this problem is to breed rice varieties with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 419 rice landraces using 208,993 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). With the mixed linear model (MLM) in the Tassel software, we identified 834 SNPs associated with root surface area (RSA), root length (RL), root branch number (RBN), root number (RN), plant dry weight (PDW), plant height (PH), root volume (RL), plant fresh weight (PFW), root fractal dimension (RFD), number of root nodes (NRN), and average root diameter (ARD), with a significant level of p < 2.39×10-7. In addition, we found 49 SNPs that were correlated with RL, RBN, RN, PDW, PH, PFW, RFD, and NRN using genome-wide efficient mixed-model association (GEMMA), with a significant level of p < 1×10-6. Additionally, the final results for eight traits associated with 193 significant SNPs by using multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM) model and 272 significant SNPs associated with 11 traits by using IIIVmrMLM. Within the linkage intervals of significantly associated SNP, we identified eight known related genes to NUE in rice, namely, OsAMT2;3, OsGS1, OsNR2, OsNPF7.4, OsPTR9, OsNRT1.1B, OsNRT2.3, and OsNRT2.2. According to the linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay value of this population, there were 75 candidate genes within the 150-kb regions upstream and downstream of the most significantly associated SNP (Chr5_29804690, Chr5_29956584, and Chr10_17540654). These candidate genes included 22 transposon genes, 25 expressed genes, and 28 putative functional genes. The expression levels of these candidate genes were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and the expression levels of LOC_Os05g51700 and LOC_Os05g51710 in C347 were significantly lower than that in C117; the expression levels of LOC_Os05g51740, LOC_Os05g51780, LOC_Os05g51960, LOC_Os05g51970, and LOC_Os10g33210 were significantly higher in C347 than C117. Among them, LOC_Os10g33210 encodes a peptide transporter, and LOC_Os05g51690 encodes a CCT domain protein and responds to NUE in rice. This study identified new loci related to NUE in rice, providing new genetic resources for the molecular breeding of rice landraces with high NUE.

Characterization of a silkworm UFM1 homolog in regulating Bombyx mori unfolded protein response and nucleopolyhedrovirus replication.

The Ubiquitin (Ub)-like molecules is essential for animal development and the physiopathology of multiple tissues in the vertebrate. Ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1) is one of the newly-identified UBL, which is covalently attached to its substrates through the orchestrated action of a dedicated enzymatic cascade. Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) is one of the main pathogens in sericulture, causing serious economic losses every year. However, there are no studies on UFMylation and the effect of UFMylation on BmNPV replication in silkworm. In this study, we identified BmUFM1 in the B. mori genome. Spatio-Temporal expression profiles showed that BmUFM1 expression was highly in hemocytes and response to various pathogenic stimuli. Furthermore, BmUFM1 is involved in the regulation of ER stress induced Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and knockdown of BmUFM1 inhibited BmNPV replication. Overall, these results suggest that BmUFM1 plays an important role in facilitating BmNPV proliferation in silkworm. Our findings advance the understanding of UFM1's conjugation machinery, and also provides a potentially molecular target for BmNPV prevention and silkworm breeding.

A giant invasive macroprolactinoma with recurrent nasal bleeding as the first clinical presentation: case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Giant prolactinoma (> 4 cm in dimension) is a rare disorder. Invasive macroprolactinoma has the potential to cause base of skull erosion and extend into the nasal cavity or even the sphenoid sinus. Nasal bleeding caused by intranasal tumor extension is a rare complication associated with invasive giant prolactinoma. We report a case of giant invasive macroprolactinoma with repeated nasal bleeding as the initial symptom. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old man with an invasive giant prolactinoma in the nasal cavity and sellar region who presented with nasal bleeding as the initial symptom, misdiagnosed as olfactory neuroblastoma. However, markedly elevated serum prolactin levels (4700 ng/mL), and a 7.8-cm invasive sellar mass confirmed the diagnosis of invasive giant prolactinoma. He was treated with oral bromocriptine. Serum prolactin was reduced to near normal after 6 months of treatment. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed that the sellar lesion had disappeared completely and the skull base lesions were reduced. CONCLUSION: This case is notable in demonstrating the aggressive nature of untreated invasive giant prolactinomas which can cause a diagnostic difficulty with potential serious consequences. Early detection of hormonal levels can avoid unnecessary nasal biopsy. Early identification of pituitary adenoma with nasal bleeding as the first symptom is particularly important.

Improving the anti-tumor effect of EGCG in colorectal cancer cells by blocking EGCG-induced YAP activation.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the primary active ingredient in green tea and has been used for cancer prevention in clinical trials. The anti-tumor effects of EGCG stem from its ability to inhibit the activities of many oncoproteins, such as AKT, VEGFR, STAT3, and mutant p53. However, the clinical efficacy of EGCG is unsatisfactory. How to improve the anti-tumor effects of EGCG is an open question. Here we report that EGCG inhibits the tumor suppressive Hippo signaling pathway and activates downstream YAP in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Activation of YAP impedes the anti-tumor effects of EGCG. YAP blockade increases the sensitivity of CRC cells to EGCG treatment.

Fitness costs of resistance to insecticide pymetrozine combined with antimicrobial zhongshengmycin in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).

The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is a major pest of rice crops, and its control is critical for food security. Pymetrozine has been recommended as an alternative to imidacloprid for controlling N. lugens, but the pest has developed high resistance to it, making its prohibition and restriction urgent. To address this issue, we conducted a study using a mixture of pymetrozine and zhongshengmycin with the effective ratio of 1:40, to evaluate the fitness costs in N. lugens. Our results showed that N. lugens had a relative fitness of 0.03 under this ratio, with significantly reduced longevity, female and male adult periods, total pre-oviposition days, and fecundity. Moreover, the expression levels of the uricase gene (EC1.7.3.3) and farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase gene (EC2.5.1.21) were reduced in N. lugens. These genes are involved in urea metabolism and steroid biosynthesis pathway, respectively, and their suppression can interfere with the normal nutritional function of N. lugens. Our study demonstrates that the combination of chemical insecticides and antimicrobials can delay the development of resistance and improve the efficiency of pest control. This information is valuable for researchers developing management strategies to delay the development of pymetrozine resistance in N. lugens.