Structural and Functional Characterization of European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, Pheromone Binding Protein 3.

Ostrinia nubilalis, a lepidopteran moth, also known as the European corn borer, has a major impact on the production of economically important crops in the United States and Europe. The female moth invites the male moth for mating through the release of pheromones, a volatile chemical signal. Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) present in the male moth antennae are believed to pick up the pheromones, transport them across the aqueous sensillum lymph, and deliver them to the olfactory receptor neurons. Here we report for the first time the cloning, expression, refolding, purification, and structural characterization of Ostrinia nubilalis PBP3 (OnubPBP3). The recombinant protein showed nanomolar affinity to each isomer of the Ostrinia pheromones, E- and Z-11-tetradecenyl acetate. In a pH titration study by nuclear magnetic resonance, the protein exhibited an acid-induced unfolding at pH below 5.5. The molecular dynamics simulation study demonstrated ligand-induced conformational changes in the protein with both E- and Z-isomers of the Ostrinia pheromone. The simulation studies showed that while protein flexibility decreases upon binding to E-pheromone, it increases when bound to Z-pheromone. This finding suggests that the OnubPBP3 complex with E-pheromone is more stable than with Z-pheromone.

Proximal iliotibial band thickness as a cause for recalcitrant greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

To investigate iliotibial band (ITB) diameter thickness at the greater trochanter in patients requiring iliotibial band release who have failed conservative modalities, in comparison to an asymptomatic patient population. A total of 68 subjects were selected to be reviewed using T2 axial plane MRI. The ITB diameter thickness was measured in 34 subjects who underwent surgical ITB release, and compared with a match-paired asymptomatic hip cohort consisting of 34 subjects. ITB diameter thickness was measured at the thickest location for each subject twice by two different examiners. Inter/intra class correlation coefficient was determined for ITB measurement technique accuracy, and the presence of recalcitrant proximal hip pain was evaluated. Interclass correlation coefficient with 95% confidence was measured to be 0.953. The average thickness for ITB surgical release subjects was measured to be 5.61 ± 2.10 mm, and for asymptomatic subjects 3.77 ± 0.79 mm (P < 0.001). The results of this study demonstrate a statistically significant positive relationship of an increased diameter thickness in the ITB in symptomatic patients who failed conservative therapy and underwent surgical intervention for treatment.