Attention modulates early visual processing: An association between subjective contrast perception and early C1 ERP component.

The question of whether spatial attention can modulate initial afferent activity in area V1, as measured by the earliest visual event-related potential (ERP) component "C1", is still the subject of debate. Because attention always enhances behavioral performance, previous research has focused on finding evidence of attention-related enhancements in visual neural responses. However, recent psychophysical studies revealed a complex picture of attention's influence on visual perception: attention amplifies the perceived contrast of low-contrast stimuli while dampening the perceived contrast of high-contrast stimuli. This evidence suggests that attention may not invariably augment visual neural responses but could instead exert inhibitory effects under certain circumstances. Whether this bi-directional modulation of attention also manifests in C1 and whether the modulation of C1 underpins the attentional influence on contrast perception remain unknown. To address these questions, we conducted two experiments (N = 67 in total) by employing a combination of behavioral and ERP methodologies. Our results did not unveil a uniform attentional enhancement or attenuation effect of C1 across all subjects. However, an intriguing correlation between the attentional effects of C1 and contrast appearance for high-contrast stimuli did emerge, revealing an association between attentional modulation of C1 and the attentional modulation of contrast appearance. This finding offers new insights into the relationship between attention, perceptual experience, and early visual neural processing, suggesting that the attentional effect on subjective visual perception could be mediated by the attentional modulation of the earliest visual cortical response.

[Protective effect of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress].

To explore the protective effect and mechanism of ethyl acetate extract from Bidens bipinnata on hepatocyte damage induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Tunicamycin was used to establish the damage model in L02 cells. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) colorimetric assay was used to investigate the survival rate of ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata in L02 cells injury induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress; the protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecule glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78), PKR-like ER kinase(PERK), eukaryotic initiation factor-2(eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4(ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bal-2 associated X apoptosis regulator(Bax) were examined by Wes-tern blot. The expressions of the above proteins were also detected after endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor(4-phenyl butyric acid) and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added. The expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP in L02 cells were observed by immunofluorescence method. The results showed that ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata could significantly increase the survival rate of L02 cell injury caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress in a dose and time-dependent manner(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01), while Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). After endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor and CHOP shRNA-mediated knockdowns were added, the expression levels of GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, Bax in the drug treatment groups were significantly down-regulated(P<0.01), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). Immunofluorescence results showed that the expressions of GRP78, PERK, CHOP were consistent with the Western blot method. In conclusion, ethyl acetate extract from B. bipinnata has a significant protective effect on the damage of L02 cells caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the down-regulation of apoptosis in cells through the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway.

Microsatellite-based analysis of genetic structure and gene flow of Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in China.

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is a serious agricultural pest in China. Seasonal and roundtrip migration has recently led to sudden, localized outbreaks and crop losses. To evaluate genetic differentiation between populations in eastern and western China and elucidate gene flow, the genetic structure of 20 natural populations from nine provinces was examined using seven microsatellite markers. The results indicated high genetic diversity. However, little to moderate (0 < F ST < 0.15) genetic differentiation was detected, and there was no correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. Bayesian clustering analysis identified three groups whereas discriminant analysis of principal components identified ten clusters that were considered as two clear-cut clusters and one admixed group. Gene flow occurred frequently in most population pairs, and an asymmetrical migration rate was detected in several pairwise population comparisons. The bottleneck test showed that few populations had experienced recent bottlenecks. Correspondingly, large-scale and long-distance migration of M. separata has caused low genetic differentiation and frequent gene exchange. Our findings are important for studying genetic evolution and help to improve predictions of M. separata outbreaks in China.

Descriptions of three new carbonaria-group species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy from China, with a key to the carbonaria-group species (Diptera, Fanniidae).

A historical review of the Fannia carbonaria-group is provided and three new species are described from China: Fannia fani Wang & Wu, sp. n., Fannia nitidiventris Wang & Zhang, sp. n. and Fannia submaculata Wang & Zhao, sp. n.. One species, Fannia norvegica Ringdahl, 1934, is recorded for the first time from China. Illustrations of male terminalia of these four species and a taxonomic key to the males of known species in the group are given. The Fannia carbonaria-group now includes 30 species distributed in the Holarctic Region and northern part of the Oriental Region.

Meta analysis of risk factors for colorectal cancer.

AIM: To study the risk factors for colorectal cancer in China. METHODS: A meta-analysis of the risk factors of colorectal cancer was conducted for 14 case-control studies, and reviewed 14 reports within 13 years which included 5034 cases and 5205 controls. Dersimonian and Laird random effective models were used to process the results. RESULTS: Meta analysis of the 14 studies demonstrated that proper physical activities and dietary fibers were protective factors (pooled OR<0.8), while fecal mucohemorrhage, chronic diarrhea and polyposis were highly associated with colorectal cancer (all pooled OR>4). The stratified results showed that different OR values of some factors were due to geographic factors or different resources. CONCLUSION: Risks of colorectal cancer are significantly associated with the histories of intestinal diseases or relative symptoms, high lipid diet, emotional trauma and family history of cancers. The suitable physical activities and dietary fibers are protective factors.

[Relationship between organochlorine pollution in soil and rice and the incidence of colorectal cancer in Jiashan county, Zhejiang province].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between organochlorine and colorectal cancer. METHODS: With multistage cluster random sampling, 11 towns were drawn based on the standardized incidence of colorectal cancer. Administrative and natural villages were drawn subsequently. Rice and soil samples in the paddy fields were collected in the villages. The contents of organochlorine were detected. Rank correlation analysis was performed together with the data of colorectal cancer incidence. RESULTS: The contents of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in both rice and soil samples were below the amounts of the country. Statistics showed that the standardized incidence rates were significantly different among the 11 towns. The contents of delta-HCH, gamma-HCH, sodium pentachlorophenate in rice and those of delta-HCH in soil were statistically different among the towns through the rank sum test. The standardized incidence of colorectal cancer was significantly connected with the content of total DDT in rice while rectal cancer with total DDT and PP'-DDE and colon cancer with 1245 of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). The correlation coefficients were 0.636, 0.691, 0.716 and 0.658 respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Rectal cancer was statistically correlated with organochlorine, mainly for total DDT and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (PP'-DDE). Colon cancer was significantly associated with 1245 of PCBs. Further study should be performed since this research was only an ecological study.

[A comparative study on iodine nutritional status of adult islanders in Zhoushan].

OBJECTIVE: To measure the iodine nutritional status on adult islanders and to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of iodized salt prophylactic programs. METHODS: A comparative study was carried out in 8 rural townships selected from Dinghai (iodized salt district) and Daishan (non-iodized salt district) of Zhoushan islands by random sampling method. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the urinary iodine concentration and dietary iodine intake of the two groups. Spearman correlation test was used to look for the correlation of urinary iodine concentration and dietary iodine intake in the two groups respectively. RESULTS: The amounts of daily iodine intake excluding the iodine intake from iodized salt in the two groups were 128 micro g and 147 micro g respectively but the difference was not statistically significant (u = 1.847, P = 0.065). The urinary iodine concentration of non-iodized salt group was 90 micro g/L, lower than 194 micro g/L in iodized salt group (u = 14.673, P = 0.000). There was no significant correlation between daily iodine intake and urinary iodine concentration (r(s) = 0.052, P = 0.095). CONCLUSIONS: In Zhoushan islands, the daily iodine intake did not meet the daily need (150 micro g/day) suggesting that iodized salt supplement was necessary. However, side effect due to overdose should be brought into attention.