Natural mating ability is associated with gut microbiota composition and function in captive male giant pandas.

The issue of poor sexual performance of some male giant pandas seriously impairs the growth and the genetic diversity of the captive population, yet there is still no clear understanding of the cause of the loss of this ability and its underlying mechanism. In this study, we analyzed the gut microbiota and its function in 72 fecal samples obtained from 20 captive male giant pandas, with an equal allocation between individuals capable and incapable of natural mating. Additionally, we investigated fecal hormone levels and behavioral differences between the two groups.

A plant virus hijacks phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate to escape autophagic degradation in its insect vector.

Hosts can initiate macroautophagy/autophagy as an antiviral defense response, while viruses have developed multiple ways to evade the host autophagic degradation. However, little is known as to whether viruses can target lipids to subvert autophagic degradation. Here, we show that a low abundant signaling lipid, phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P), is required for rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) to evade the autophagic degradation in the insect vector .

Identification of putative binding interface of PI(3,5)P lipid on rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) P10 protein.

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) is an important reovirus that infects both plants and its transmission vector small brown planthopper, causing severe crop loss. High affinity binding between RBSDV P10 and PI(3,5)P lipid layer was measured using biolayer interferometry (BLI). Subcellular co-localization of PI(3,5)P and RBSDV P10 was observed on membranous structures in insect cells with stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) imaging.

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics suggests mitophagy involvement after Rice black-streaked dwarf virus acquisition in insect vector small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus Fallén.

Plant viruses trigger numerous responses in their insect vectors. Using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis, early responses of the insect vector, the small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus Fallén, SBPH), after acquiring Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) at 3 days and 5 days post first access to diseased plants (padp) were revealed. A total of 582 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in SBPH with a fold change >1.

Selection of DNA Aptamers for Subcellular Localization of RBSDV P10 Protein in the Midgut of Small Brown Planthoppers by Emulsion PCR-Based SELEX.

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), classified under the genus, caused an epidemic in the eastern provinces of China and other East Asian countries and resulted in severe yield loss in rice and wheat production. RBSDV is transmitted by the small brown planthopper (SBPH, Fallén) in a persistent manner. In order to provide a stable and cost-effective detection probe, in this study we selected three DNA aptamers (R3, R5 and R11) by an optimized, standardized and time saving emulsion PCR-based SELEX, for the detection of RBSDV outer-shell P10 protein for in situ localization studies in the midgut of SBPH.

Determination of Suitable RT-qPCR Reference Genes for Studies of Gene Functions in (Fallén).

The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has been widely used to determine gene functions in (Fallén) (small brown planthopper). Selection of suitable reference gene(s) for normalizations of RT-qPCR data is critical for reliable results. To date, reports on identification of suitable reference genes are still very limited.

Development of a simplified RT-PCR without RNA isolation for rapid detection of RNA viruses in a single small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus Fallén).

Background: The small brown planthopper (SBPH) is an important pest of cereal crops and acts as a transmission vector for multiple RNA viruses. Rapid diagnosis of virus in the vector is crucial for efficient forecast and control of viral disease. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a rapid, sensitive and reliable method for virus detection.

Contrast-enhanced sonography for the identification of benign and malignant thyroid nodules: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The use of contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS) has yielded promising results in the differentiation of thyroid nodules. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess its performance in identifying and distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods: PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published through the end of December 2013.

Design and synthesis of a novel candidate compound NTI-007 targeting sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide [NTCP]-APOA1-HBx-Beclin1-mediated autophagic pathway in HBV therapy.

Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is a multiple transmembrane transporter predominantly expressed in the liver, functioning as a functional receptor for HBV. Through our continuous efforts to identify NTCP as a novel HBV target, we designed and synthesized a series of new compounds based on the structure of our previous compound NT-5. Molecular docking and MD simulation validated that a new compound named NTI-007 can tightly bind to NTCP, whose efficacy was also measured in vitro virological examination and cytotoxicity studies.