Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet

Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

The Nazeris fauna in Xizang, China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae).

Nine species of Nazeris Fauvel are reported from Xizang, China. Seven of them are described as new: N. mirabilis sp. n., N. dinggyensis sp. n., N. jifuensis sp. n., N. wenxuani sp. n., N. gladius sp. n., N. gyirongensis sp. n. and N. yadongensis sp. n. An identification key to the Nazeris species in Xizang and a map showing their distribution are provided.

Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Barsine Walker, 1854 from Xizang, China with description of a new species (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini).

New information of the genus Barsine Walker, 1854 from Xizang Autonomous Prefecture, China is provided. A new species related to Barsine defecta Walker, 1854, B. gratissima (de Joannis, 1930), B. germana (Rothschild, 1913) and B. kirata Volynkin N. Singh, 2020 is described from Chayu County of Southeastern Xizang: Barsine mahakala S.-Y. Huang Volynkin sp. n. Barsine germana (Rothschild, 1913) and B. atypicobarsine N. Singh, Kirti Joshi, 2016 are newly recorded from China, with the female of the latter described and illustrated for the first time. Adults and genitalia of the aforementioned taxa are illustrated.

Processuridia, a new genus for two new species from China and Indochina (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini).

A new Nudariina genus, Processuridia S.-Y. Huang Volynkin gen. n. is erected for two new species described herein: Processuridia thangka S.-Y. Huang Volynkin sp. n. from southeastern Xizang, southwestern China and P. oreas Volynkin S.-Y. Huang sp. n. from southeastern Yunnan, southwestern China and Mt. Fansipan, northern Vietnam, with P. thangka sp. n. as the type species of the genus. Based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, the new genus is found to be sister to the clade (Asuridia Hampson + Disasuridia Fang), but it can be easily distinguished from both genera by the unique wing pattern and genitalia features. Adults and genitalia of the aforementioned taxa are illustrated.

Exogenous melatonin prevents type 1 diabetes mellitus-induced bone loss, probably by inhibiting senescence.

Exogenous melatonin inhibited the senescence of preosteoblast cells in type 1 diabetic (T1D) mice and those cultured in high glucose (HG) by multiple regulations. Exogenous melatonin had a protective effect on diabetic osteoporosis, which may depend on the inhibition of senescence. INTRODUCTION: Senescence is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetic bone loss. Increasing evidence has shown that melatonin exerts anti-senescence effects. In this study, we investigated whether melatonin can inhibit senescence and prevent diabetic bone loss. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 160 mg/kg streptozotocin, followed by the oral administration of melatonin or vehicle for 2 months. Then, tissues were harvested and subsequently examined. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured under HG conditions for 7 days and then treated with melatonin or not for 24 h. Sirt1-specific siRNAs and MT1- or MT2-specific shRNA plasmids were transfected into MC3T3-E1 cells for mechanistic study. RESULTS: The total protein extracted from mouse femurs revealed that melatonin prevented senescence in T1D mice. The micro-CT results indicated that melatonin prevented bone loss in T1D mice. Cellular experiments indicated that melatonin administration prevented HG-induced senescence, whereas knockdown of the melatonin receptors MT1 or MT2 abolished these effects. Sirt1 expression was upregulated by melatonin administration but significantly reduced after MT1 or MT2 was knocked down. Knockdown of Sirt1 blocked the anti-senescence effects of melatonin. Additionally, melatonin promoted the expression of CDK2, CDK4, and CyclinD1, while knockdown of MT1 or MT2 abolished these effects. Furthermore, melatonin increased the expression of the polycomb repressive complex (PRC), but knockdown of MT1 or MT2 abolished these effects. Furthermore, melatonin increased the protein levels of Sirt1, PRC1/2 complex-, and cell cycle-related proteins. CONCLUSION: This work shows that melatonin protects against T1D-induced bone loss, probably by inhibiting senescence. Targeting senescence in the investigation of diabetic osteoporosis may lead to novel discoveries.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet.

Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Description of a new species and a new record of the genus Nola Leach, 1815 (Lepidoptera, Nolidae, Nolinae) from Tibet, China.

The genus Nola was established with the western Palaearctic species Noctua cucullatella (Linnaeus, 1758) described from Austria as its type species. Nola occurs in all continents except the Antarctica and contains more than 200 valid Eurasian and North African taxa (László et al., 2014). The genus Nola can be easily distinguished from other genera of Nolinae with the distinctive features as the degenerate uncus, the divided valva with the ventral valval lobe bearing the harpe and a curved carina process in male genitalia. In our recent survey, we report a new species Nola senmuzhaensis sp. nov. and a new record of Nola sikkima (Moore, 1888) from Tibet, China. Adults and genitalia are illustrated. The type specimens are deposited in Southwest University of Science and Technology (SWUST).

A new species of the genus Daplasa Moore from China based on morphological and molecular evidence (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lymantriinae).

A new species, Daplasa medoga sp. nov., is described from Tibet, China. The new species can be distinguished morphologically from all other known Daplasa species by its male genitalia with a sagittate uncus and distally broadly crotched valvae. The validity of new species is well supported by the molecular phylogenetic analyses of one mitochondrial gene (COI) and two nuclear genes (EF-1α RPS5), with a total length of 2,324 bp.

Description a new species of Nemacerota Hampson, [1893] (Lepidoptera: Thyatiridae) from the Xizang Autonomous Region, China.

A new species of Nemacerota Hampson, [1893], N. paizhenensis sp. n., is described from the Xizang Autonomous Region (= Tibet), China. The male adult and the genitalia of the new species are illustrated and compared with its most similar species: N. inouei László, Ronkay, Ronkay Witt, 2007 and N. pectinata (Houlbert, 1921); an identification key and distribution map for all Chinese Nemacerota species are provided.

New records and their associated DNA barcodes of the butterfly family Hesperiidae in Tibet, China.

The specimens of the family Hesperiidae collected from Tibet during 2016-2018 are identified using morphology. COI sequences of 76 individuals are newly obtained. The result of our morphological study is congruent with COI gene analyses. Maximum likehood (ML) and Bayesina inferences (BI) analyses reveal that individuals identified morphologically as the same species cluster cohesively. The minimum interspecific genetic distance is 1.7% between Halpe aucma and H. filda, and the genetic distance between conspecific individuals ranged from 0 to 0.2% for the genus Halpe. A total of 51 species are recognized, and six of them, Celaenorrhinus consanguineus Leech, 1891, Barca bicolor (Oberthür, 1896), Aeromachus propinquus Alphéraky, 1897, Pedesta bivitta (Oberthür, 1886), Baoris penicillata chapmani Evans, 1937, and Ochlodes brahma Moore, 1878, are reported from Tibet for the first time, and the last species is new to China.

The earliest human occupation of the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau 40 thousand to 30 thousand years ago.

The Tibetan Plateau is the highest and one of the most demanding environments ever inhabited by humans. We investigated the timing and mechanisms of its initial colonization at the Nwya Devu site, located nearly 4600 meters above sea level. This site, dating from 40,000 to 30,000 years ago, is the highest Paleolithic archaeological site yet identified globally. Nwya Devu has yielded an abundant blade tool assemblage, indicating hitherto-unknown capacities for the survival of modern humans who camped in this environment. This site deepens the history of the peopling of the "roof of the world" and the antiquity of human high-altitude occupations more generally.

[Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of acquired aplastic anemia in children: a single center retrospective analysis].

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with different intensity conditioning regimen in the treatment of childhood aplastic anemia (AA) . Methods: Thirty-seven AA patients who underwent haploidentical transplantation in BaYi Children's Hospital Affiliated to PLA Army General Hospital from January 2013 to January 2017 were enrolled. According to the dosage of conditioning regimen, 34 patients excluding 3 other conditioning regimens were divided into high-dosage group (regimen 2, 22 cases) and low-dosage group (regimen 3, 12 cases). The data of Engraftment, graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), hematopoietic reconstitution, relapse, infection, overall survival (OS) were analyzed. The comparison between the two groups was tested by χ(2) test. Results: A total of 35 of 37 patients achieved primary engraftment; 2 cases died of regimen-related toxicity and severe infection before the infusing of the grafts. The activation rate of CMV and EBV was 60% (21/35) . Post-transplant lymphocyte disease (PTLD) of lung occurred in one case. The cumulative incidences of acute GVHD grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ and chronic GVHD were 29% (10/35) and 34% (12/35) respectively and the incidence of extensive chronic GVHD was 6% (2/35) . The median follow-up time was 18.8 (2.9-44.1) months, the OS was 92% (34/37) .All survived patients were no longer dependent on blood transfusion and none of them had recurrence. Comparing the rates of overall survival(86%(19/22) vs.100%(12/12)) and rates of chronic GVHD(40%(8/20) vs. 17%(2/12)) in regimen 2 and regimen 3 group, there were no significant difference (χ(2)=1.742, 1.841, all P>0.05) . Significant difference was found at the incidence of Ⅰ-Ⅳ acute GVHD (10% (2/20) vs. 50% (6/12) ,χ(2)=6.200, P=0.013). Conclusions: Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is effective and safe. It is suitable for patients who are not eligible for matched donor transplantation. Application of reduced dose preconditioning in haploid transplantation is worth exploring.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis of N6-benzylaminopurine residue quantity in sprouts with gold nanoparticles.

A rapid and quantitative method for the determination of N6-Benzylademine (N6-BA) was established through the application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The Raman peak intensities of N6-BA at 1002 cm-1 positively correlated to N6-BA concentrations in sprout extracts. The R2 reached 0.99, and RSDs calculated below 10% at the concentration range of 0.1 ∼5µg mL-1. The average recoveries were 80.0% ∼ 98.2% for blank samples intentionally contaminated at differing levels of 0.04, 0.4, and 1 µg g-1. The whole procedure, including sample preparation and SERS detection, did not exceed 30 min for a set of 6 samples. This study indicates that SERS is a promising technique for rapid tracing analysis and on-site testing of N6-BA.

Bacteriophage WO Can Mediate Horizontal Gene Transfer in Endosymbiotic Wolbachia Genomes.

Phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is common in free-living bacteria, and many transferred genes can play a significant role in their new bacterial hosts. However, there are few reports concerning phage-mediated HGT in endosymbionts (obligate intracellular bacteria within animal or plant hosts), such as Wolbachia. The Wolbachia-infecting temperate phage WO can actively shift among Wolbachia genomes and has the potential to mediate HGT between Wolbachia strains. In the present study, we extend previous findings by validating that the phage WO can mediate transfer of non-phage genes. To do so, we utilized bioinformatic, phylogenetic, and molecular analyses based on all sequenced Wolbachia and phage WO genomes. Our results show that the phage WO can mediate HGT between Wolbachia strains, regardless of whether the transferred genes originate from Wolbachia or other unrelated bacteria.

Liver injury attenuation by curcumin in a rat NASH model: an Nrf2 activation-mediated effect?

AIM: Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) acts as a defense system in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Curcumin is a phenolic compound with lipid regulatory, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties that is beneficial in defending against NASH and was recently proved to be an Nrf2 activator. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Nrf2 activation could be involved in NASH mitigation by curcumin. METHODS: Hepatic, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters, along with hepatic Nrf2 protein expression were explored in adult Sprague-Dawley rats developing high-fat-diet-induced NASH and submitted to curcumin gavage for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Curcumin administration led to lower degrees of hepatic steatosis and inflammation; lower levels of serum aminotransferases, lipids, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; and lower serum and hepatic contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6, and malondialdehyde. In contrast, higher hepatic contents of glutathione, heme oxygenase-1 and superoxide dismutase were observed in rats with curcumin. Moreover, Nrf2 expression in liver cell nuclei was significantly higher in rats with curcumin. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin can prevent and ameliorate NASH via lipid reduction, improve insulin resistance, improve anti-inflammatory, and have antioxidant effects, possibly related to its activation of Nrf2.

Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and risk factors for coronary artery disease in an elderly Chinese population.

AIMS: Low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with coronary artery disease; most studies have involved in adults, but few have involved elderly people. We planned to research the association between vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and coronary artery disease in elderly people. METHODS: A population-based study was conducted among 1245 Chinese participants, aged 60-102 years, in the spring of 2013. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH)D) was measured by chemiluminescence assay. The levels of PTH were measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and forty-five participants, including 543 women (43.6%), were evaluated in 2013. The median concentrations of serum 25 (OH)D and PTH for the entire group were 16.8 ng/ml and 41.0 pg/ml, respectively. The prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease were significantly different across the 25 (OH)D quartiles. The prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease were also significantly different across the PTH quartiles. In logistic regression analyses, serum 25 (OH)D levels were associated with risk of coronary artery disease in single and multiple regression models (P < 0.05). Serum PTH levels were also associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in single and multiple regression models (P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses stratified by sex or age yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Serum vitamin D and PTH levels are independently associated with risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese elderly population.

Peripheral dose measurements in cervical cancer radiotherapy: a comparison of volumetric modulated arc therapy and step-and-shoot IMRT techniques.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the peripheral doses resulting from volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques in cervical cancer radiotherapy. METHODS: Nine patients with cervical cancer had treatment planned with both VMAT and IMRT. A specially designed phantom was used for this study, with ion chambers placed at interest points approximating the position of the breast, thyroid, and lens. The peripheral doses at the phantom interest points were measured and compared between the VMAT and IMRT techniques. RESULTS: VMAT provides a potential dosimetric advantage compared with IMRT. The mean (± standard deviation) peripheral dose to the breast point for 1 fraction (2 Gy) during VMAT measured 5.13 ± 0.96 mGy, compared with 9.04 ± 1.50 mGy for IMRT. At the thyroid and lens interest points, the mean (± standard deviation) peripheral dose during VMAT was 2.19 ± 0.33 and 2.16 ± 0.28 mGy, compared with 7.07 ± 0.76 and 6.97 ± 0.91 mGy for IMRT, respectively. VMAT reduced the monitor units used by 28% and shortened the treatment delivery time by 54% compared with IMRT. CONCLUSION: While the dosimetric results are similar for both techniques, VMAT results in a lower peripheral dose to the patient and reduces the monitor-unit usage and treatment delivery time compared with IMRT.