Genome-wide analysis of gustatory receptor genes and identification of the fructose gustatory receptor in Arma chinensis.

Gustatory receptors (GRs) allow insects to sense tastes in their external environment. Gustatory perception is crucial for distinguishing between beneficial and harmful or toxic compounds, affecting survival. This study is the first to identify and classify the GR genes and investigate their expression in the predatory Arma chinensis. Thirteen GR genes (ArmaGr1-ArmaGr13) were identified and classified into four families via phylogenetic analysis. In the predacious developmental stages, ArmaGr7 expression gradually increased from the 2nd to 5th instar stages and then to adults. However, ArmaGr7 was also highly expressed in the non-predation 1st instar nymph and egg stages. ArmaGr7 expression was localized in the antennae, scalpella, forelegs, wings, head, and midgut of male and female adults, with wings displaying the highest expression. Furthermore, ArmaGr7 expression was positively correlated with fructose solution intake; molecular docking results showed that fructose could effectively dock withArmaGr7. A protein structure comparison revealed that the ArmaGr7 structure was different from that of other GR43a-like proteins, which may be related to the gene splicing of the A. chinensis GR gene. These results elucidate the crucial role of ArmaGr7 in fructose recognition by A. chinensis and provide a foundation for further studies on gustatory perception.

The application of demographic characteristics of Ectropis grisescens (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in pest risk assessment of IPM.

Ectropis grisescens Warren is one of the most important pests of tea plants. In this study, data on the development, survival, and fecundity of E. grisescens were collected at 15, 22, and 32 °C and analyzed by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. At 15 °C, the duration of the preadult period of E. grisescens was significantly prolonged (81.06 days), with high mortality (69.0%), and the proportion of emerged female adults was extremely low (7.0%). At 32 °C, the preadult period was significantly shortened (29.12 days), with high preadult mortality (74.0%), and a low proportion of emerged female adults (15.0%). At 22 °C, with low preadult mortality (24.0%), and a high proportion of emerged female adults (26.0%). The overall effects of the shorter preadult duration, higher preadult survival rate, higher proportion of emerged female adults, higher fecundity (F = 350.88 eggs/♀), and higher net reproductive rate (R0 = 91.23 offspring/individual) at 22 °C resulted in the highest values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.1054 days-1) and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.1112 days-1). Computer simulation showed that E. grisescens populations can increase much faster at 22 °C than at 15 and 32 °C. The weighted population size and cumulative weighted insect-days provided the dynamics necessary for estimating the damage potential of E. grisescens in devising economical pest management programs. Our results demonstrate that populations of E. grisescens were able to develop at a broad range of temperatures and adapt to the high temperatures. These finding can be utilized to improve the management of E. grisescens.

Identification of exon 19 and 21 mutations of EGFR gene in Chinese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor treatment showed modest response in several clinical trials in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients, it has been reported that the frequency of EGFR mutations varied largely. The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of EGFR mutations in Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgically resected tumor samples were obtained from 127 randomly selected Chinese patients with ESCC. The most common EGFR mutations, including in-frame deletions in exon 19 and base substitutions in exon 21, were detected by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and direct sequencing simultaneously. K-RAS mutations in codons 12 and 13 were detected by direct sequencing. RESULTS: In this study, L858R missense mutations of the EGFR gene were found in 8 out of 127 patients (6.3%) by DHPLC but no mutation was observed by direct sequencing. In addition, K-RAS mutation was detected in 2 out of 127 (1.6%) patients by direct sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of EGFR mutations was relatively high using DHPLC method but no mutation with direct sequencing in Chinese ESCC patients.

Circ_0001821 Affects Proliferation and the Cell Cycle in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Elevating BTRC-Mediated IKBA Ubiquitination.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a fatal human cancer featured with a tendency to metastasis and relapse. Increasing studies have emphasized the critical roles of circular RNAs (circRNA) in ESCC. This study targeted at a novel circRNA and uncovering its function and mechanisms in ESCC. Functional assays were implemented to evaluate proliferation and cell cycle of ESCC cells. Mechanistic analyses were conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanisms in ESCC cells. In vivo assay was also performed. Based on the collected data, circ_0001821 was highly expressed in ESCC cells. Circ_0001821 knockdown retarded ESCC cell proliferation and tumor growth, while promoting G2-M cell cycle arrest. With regard to its mechanism, RUNX3 promoted PVT1 transcription, further upregulating circ_0001821. Moreover, circ_0001821 sponged miR-423-5p to upregulate BTRC, thus promoting IKBA ubiquitination, and circ_0001821 decreased IKBA expression to activate NF-κB signaling pathway. Rescue assays demonstrated that circ_0001821 facilitated ESCC cell proliferation and cell cycle by downregulating IKBA. In summary, RUNX3-induced circ_0001821 switches on NF-κB signaling pathway via diminishing IKBA expression, functionally prompting ESCC cell proliferation and cell cycle. IMPLICATIONS: This study uncovered a novel molecular pathway in ESCC progression, which might provide potential biomarkers for ESCC diagnosis.

[Long-term result of dynamic cardiomyoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of dynamic cardiomyoplasty in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Three male patients with dilated cardiomyopathy at age of 36, 45 and 62 years were underwent dynamic cardiomyoplasty from 1994 to 1995. Postoperative follow-up were performed. The data of hemodynamic parameters, functional grade and dimension of heart were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no operative death in these patients. All patients recovered eventlessly. From early postoperative stage, the hemodynamic parameters and clinical symptoms were improved and the patients' exercise tolerance augmented. The quality of life of patients was enhanced significantly. All patients showed NYHA functional grade I. One patient died of severe arrhythmia at the 19th postoperative month. In 2 long-term survivors, the hemodynamic parameters and heart function were declined and the heart tended to be dilated after 3 postoperative years. One patient died of congestive heart failure at 4.5 postoperative years. One patient still survived 7 years after operation and remained heart functional grade II. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic cardiomyoplasty can significantly improve the functional class and quality of life in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy within a considerable long postoperative period.