Parasitism Performance of Tetrastichus brontispae Ferriere over the Coconut Hispine Beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro).

In this study, the effect of host density, host, and parasitoid ages in choice and no-choice tests on the parasitism performance of Tetrastichus brontispae Ferriere, one of the major parasitoid of Brontispa longissima (Gestro), was investigated in the laboratory. The results revealed that an increased host density resulted in no increased parasitism of B. longissima by T. brontispae; the optimal host density was three host pupae per parasitoid when considering the costs for mass rearing. Moreover, parasitoid age was quite crucial for effective parasitism and affected the emergence rate. Although 2-h to 4-day-old parasitoids successfully parasitized the host pupae, younger parasitoids (within 2-day-old) presented higher parasitism capacity than older parasitoids. More importantly, both choice and no-choice tests confirmed that all host stages tested from 2-h to 4-day-old were suitable for T. brontispae parasitization, although 2-h to 2-day-old hosts were preferred. We also demonstrated that sex ratio, emergence rate, and egg to adult developmental time were not influenced by host density, parasitoid, and host age in both choice and no-choice tests. Our data will allow for more accurate prediction and interpretation on the parasitization by T. brontispae, supporting mass-production initiatives and mass release in programs of B. longissima.

[The application of full thicknes skin graft inpartial laryngectomy for glottic carcinoma].

Objective:The aim of this study is to explore the experience and advantages of the application of full thicknes skin graft in glottic carcinoma.partial laryngectomy for glottic carcinoma.Method:One hundred and forty-three patients with glottic cancer were treated with partial laryngectomy.Among those,78 cases were repaired with full-thickness skin graft and 65 cases were repaired with sternohyoid muscular fasciae.Compared the time of extubation and the formation of granulation in laryngeal cavity after operation between the two groups.Result:In the group of full-thickness skin graft,the mean time of decannulation was 6.8 days,5 cases with growth of granulation after operation.In other group,the mean time of decannulation was 10.7 days,16 cases with growth of granulation after operation.The mean time of decannulation(t=-4.739,P<0.01) and the growth of granulation(χ²=9.379,P<0.01) are significantly different between the two groups.No laryngostenosis was found in all patients.Conclusion:The application of full-thicknes skin graft in partial laryngectomy for glottic carcinoma.can shortthe time of extubation and reduce the formation of granulation.

Influence of Constant Temperature on Development and Reproduction of Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a Parasitoid of the Spiraling Whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani is an important parasitoid of Aleurodicus dispersus Russell. The effects of temperature (16, 20, 24, 28, and 32°C) on development and reproduction of this parasitoid on A. dispersus were studied in laboratory experiments. The developmental duration of E. guadeloupae varied from 14.9 (32°C) to 54.4 days (16°C). The developmental threshold and thermal constant for an entire generation were 10.52°C and 308.85 degree-days, respectively. The highest survival rate (63.8%) of immature E. guadeloupae was recorded at 28°C. The average adult longevity ranged from 6.0 (32°C) to 15.1 days (16°C). The highest fecundity was observed at 28°C. The intrinsic rate of increase (r m ), net reproduction rate (R o ), and finite rate of increase (λ) were the highest at 28°C, which were 0.18, 54.25 and 1.21, respectively. We concluded that 28°C is the most suitable temperature for development and reproduction of E. guadeloupae.

Nymphal antennae and antennal sensilla in Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

Whiteflies have distinct nymphal stages: their first stage is mobile, whereas the later immature stages are sessile. The developmental and structural changes of antennae and antennal sensilla in whiteflies during these stages have rarely been investigated. This paper describes the morphology of antennae and antennal sensilla in four nymphal stages of Aleurodicus dispersus based on scanning electron microscopy. There were significant differences found in shape and length of the antennae, and differences in type, number, morphological structure and distributional pattern of antennal sensilla in the four nymphal stages of A. dispersus. We found two types of sensilla on the antennae of first-instar nymph, three types on the third-instar nymphal antennae, four types on the second-instar and seven types on the fourth-instar nymphal antennae. Sensilla trichoidea (ST) and elevated sensilla placodea were found on the antennae of each nymphal stage, sensilla chaetica only occurred on the antennae of fourth-instar nymph. Sensilla furcatea occurred on the antennae of second- and third-instar nymphs, and sensilla basiconica were found on the antennae of second- and fourth-instar nymphs. In addition, there were sensilla campaniform and sensilla coeloconica found only on the antennae of fourth-instar nymph, whereas the ST of fourth-instar nymphs included sensilla trichoidea 1 and sensilla trichoidea 2. The possible functions of antennal sensilla are discussed. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the development of the olfactory system of whitefly nymphal stages, and provide a basis for further exploration of chemical communication mechanisms between whiteflies and host plants.

Field Evaluation of Different Wavelengths Light-Emitting Diodes as Attractants for Adult Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

In recent years, light traps with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been widely used in integrated pest management. The spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, a highly invasive pest which causes heavy damage to fruit trees and ornamental plants, exhibits positive phototaxis, and light trap is the most appropriate tool for monitoring. We evaluated the use of LEDs as an inexpensive light source and examined the relationship between the captured number and the population density of adult A. dispersus in the field. We found that the violet (405 nm) LED traps captured the most adults of A. dispersus, and the captured numbers were significantly higher than those of blue (460 nm), green (520 nm), yellow (570 nm), and red (650 nm) LED traps. The adults of A. dispersus captured by light traps equipped with violet LEDs and smeared with liquid paraffin had a significant positive correlation with the population density of adult A. dispersus in a guava orchard, with a correlation coefficient of 0.828. In general, the light traps with 15 violet LED bulbs hung into 550-mL plastic bottles and smeared with liquid paraffin were the portable devices for attraction of adult A. dispersus. The results have potential use for improving the efficiency of light traps at attracting and trapping the adult spiralling whitefly.

Scanning electron microscopy studies of the antennal sensilla of Metaphycus parasaissetiae Zhang & Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).

Metaphycus parasaissetiae Zhang & Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important adult parasitoid of Parasaissetia nigra Nietner (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). The external morphology of the antennal sensilla of male and female M. parasaissetiae was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The geniculate antennae of male and female M. parasaissetiae were composed of a scape with a basal radicula, a barrel-shaped pedicel, and a long flagellum. Twelve morphologically distinct types of sensilla were identified, including multiporous placoid sensilla, campaniform sensilla, finger-like sensilla, multiporous basiconic sensilla (BS-1), three aporous types of basiconic sensilla (BS-2, BS-3, and BS-4), two types of aporous trichoid sensilla (TS-1 and TS-3), a type of multiporous trichoid sensilla (TS-2), and two types of sensilla chaetica (CH-1 and CH-2). Sex dimorphism in the sensilla composition of M. parasaissetiae is also observed. Major differences between the sexes were found in the number, distribution, shape, structure, and size of the identified sensilla. We also discuss on the functional aspects of these sensilla to elucidate the mechanisms involved in host searching and courtship behavior of M. parasaissetiae.

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae).

Ten microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from Aleurodicus dispersus, the spiraling whitefly, an exotic pest species that is considered to be one of the most serious agricultural pests on Hainan Island, China. The polymorphism of these loci was examined in individual whiteflies from Hainan Island and from the Canary Islands. All loci were polymorphic, with two to four alleles per locus. Mean observed and expected heterozygosity values were 0.773 and 0.585, respectively. These microsatellite markers provide powerful tools for ecological, epidemiological and population genetic studies on this highly invasive insect. Thirty insects were collected and studied at each location. There were no differences between the two locations.

Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for the coconut pest, Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Hispidae).

Brontispa longissima is one of the most serious insect pests of coconut in Southeast Asia; it was first discovered on Hainan Island in June 2002. Despite the economic risk associated with this pest, genetic aspects of the invasion process have remained relatively unexplored. Using microsatellite markers, we investigated the population structure, genetic variability and pattern of invasion in various geographic populations. The methodology was based on a modified biotin-capture method. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the pest. The allele number per locus varied from 2 to 3 (N = 30). The expected and observed heterozygosities of the eight loci ranged from 0.042 to 0.509 and from 0.042 to 0.963, respectively. Although the frequency of polymorphisms was not very high in this population, the microsatellite loci that were isolated will be useful for investigating the genetic diversity and migration routes of B. longissima populations.

Rampant host switching and multiple female body colour transitions in Philotrypesis (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Agaonidae).

Figs (Ficus, Moraceae) and their associated fig waSPS (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea and Agaonidae) have attracted much attention and have been used as a model system for many studies. Fig waSPS belonging to the genus Philotrypesis are very common in most figs but their taxonomy, ecology and biology are currently poorly explored. A previous study on African Philotrypesis showed that their host association is phylogenetically conserved at subsection level. We reconstructed a molecular phylogeny with extended sampling from seven sections of figs. Our study suggested that the diversification of Philotrypesis is less constrained by host figs. Host switching is rampant between figs at species level and even at section level. We also investigated the evolution of the body colour forms in female Philotrypesis. Our study first suggested that female body colour is not evolutionarily stable and that there have been multiple transitions. Possible mechanisms for multiple colour transitions are expected to be determined in the near future.

A novel HLA-DRB1*15 allelic sequence isolated from the Han population of Guangdong, China.

A novel DRB1*15 allele, DRB1*1516, has been identified in a Guangdong Han individual. Its sequence was confirmed by sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products and clones. This allele differed by one nucleotide from DRB1*150101 at position 220 (G-->A), resulting in an amino acid substitution from Gly to Arg at codon 45.

Effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma ligands on growth and gene expression profiles of gastric cancer cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonists have been implicated in differentiation and growth inhibition of cancer cells, the potential therapeutic and chemopreventive effects on gastric cancer are poorly defined. We examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of PPARgamma ligands on growth of gastric cancer, and the effect of PPARgamma activation on expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and cancer related genes. METHODS: Gastric cell lines (MKN28 and MKN45) were treated with two specific PPARgamma ligands: ciglitazone and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,)(14)-prostaglandin J(2). Cell growth was determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay and apoptosis was measured by DNA fragmentation. Expression of COX-2 was determined by western blot and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression profiles of cancer related genes were screened with cDNA array. In vivo growth of implanted MKN45 cells in nude mice was monitored after oral treatment with rosiglitazone. RESULTS: PPARgamma ligands suppressed the in vitro growth of MKN45 cells in a dose dependent manner whereas prostacyclin, a PPARdelta agonist, had no growth inhibitory effect. Growth inhibition was more pronounced in MKN45 cells, which was accompanied by DNA fragmentation and downregulation of COX-2. Screening by cDNA microarray showed that PPARgamma ligand treatment was associated with upregulation of bad and p53, and downregulation of bcl-2, bcl-xl, and cyclin E1 in MKN45 cells, which was confirmed by quantitative real time PCR. In contrast, MKN28 cells with lower PPARgamma and COX-2 expression levels had lower growth inhibitory responses to PPARgamma ligands. Microarray experiments only showed induction of the bad gene in MKN28 cells. In vivo growth of MKN45 cells in nude mice was retarded by rosiglitazone. Mean tumour volume in rosiglitazone treated mice was significantly lower than controls at six weeks (p = 0.019) and seven weeks (p = 0.001) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PPARgamma ligands suppress both in vitro and in vivo growth of gastric cancer and may play a major role in cancer therapy and prevention.

[HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism of Naxi ethnic group of Yunnan Province, China and its ethnological evolution analysis].

The HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism of Naxi ethnic group of Yunnan Province, China was investigated for the first time using high resolution PCR-SBT method, which is based on sequences of HLA-DRB1 Intron 1 and Intron 2 with our improvement. From 60 individuals of Naxi 37 DRB1 alleles were detected. The distribution of allele frequencies is evenly spread for most of alleles detected in Naxi. However, the gene frequency for HLA-DRB1 * 12021 is 17.50%. The other common alleles (> 5%) were HLA-DRB1 * 1404(7.50%), 1504(5.83%), 04051(5.83%), 08032(5.83%), 09012(5%), 03011(5%), and they covered 35% of the total alleles detected from Naxi, and 52.49% after adding the frequency of HLA-DRB1 * 12021. HLA-DRB1 * 0305, 0438, 1123, 1132, 1310, 0812 were detected in Chinese for the first time, and were very rare in other ethnic groups worldwide. Using the HLA-DRB1 gene frequencies of various ethnic groups, we constructed the phylogenetic tree by Fitch-Margoliash and Least-Squares Distance Methods and Cavalli-Sforza's chord measure of genetic distance. In our dendrogram, the South China populations were clustered together, and Siberian, Japanese and Minority of North China were clustered together, in which two big clusters we thought represented the ancient Southern and Northern Mongolian. Our results showed Naxi was clustered with Lahu and Yao ethnic groups, which were in the cluster of South China population. Obviously Naxi belongs to the South China ethnic groups and can't trace its origin from northern ethnic groups with the HLA-DRB1 genetic data. But based on Naxi's historical folklore, it was down to Southern China from Northwest China. The preliminary analysis about its origin conundrum was discussed in this paper based on our genetic data in relationship with its history and ethnology studies.

Risk factors for stroke in rural areas of the People's Republic of China: results of a case-control study.

A case-control study on stroke was carried out in 1985 in conjunction with a prevalence survey on neurologic disorders in 22 rural communities of the People's Republic of China. 585 cases of stroke, detected from the survey, together with an equal number of matched controls were investigated. The statistically significant factors associated with stroke in this study were: hypertension (history, findings at examination); high salt intake; family member(s) with cerebrovascular disease and/or hypertension; heart disease (history, abnormal findings at examination); history of transient ischemic attacks, and arteriosclerotic funduscopic findings. These factors were analyzed separately for hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.

Studies on the tolerance limit of fluoride in food in China.

To estimate the appropriate tolerance limit of fluoride in food in China, fluoride-related endemic diseases, background levels of fluoride in foods, and daily total intake of fluoride per capita were studied in addition to the subchronic toxicity test of fluoride in rats. In the general population, the daily total intake of fluoride from food, water, and air is 1.45-3.15 mg per capita. On the basis of these results and other information, it is suggested that the ADI of fluoride in the Chinese population should be 3.5 mg per capita, or 0.058 mg/kg body wt, and the tolerance limit of fluoride should be 1.0 ppm in rice, wheat flour, vegetables, and freshwater fish.