Poaceae-specific β-1,3;1,4-d-glucans link jasmonate signalling to OsLecRK1-mediated defence response during rice-brown planthopper interactions.

Brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens), a highly destructive insect pest, poses a serious threat to rice (Oryza sativa) production worldwide. Jasmonates are key phytohormones that regulate plant defences against BPH; however, the molecular link between jasmonates and BPH responses in rice remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered a Poaceae-specific metabolite, mixed-linkage β-1,3;1,4-d-glucan (MLG), which contributes to jasmonate-mediated BPH resistance.

Salivary protein 7 of the brown planthopper functions as an effector for mediating tricin metabolism in rice plants.

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is an important pest that affects rice (Oryza sativa) production in Asia. The flavone tricin (5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxy flavone) is a valuable secondary metabolite commonly found in rice plants that can defend rice plants against infestation by BPH. BPH damage can reduce the metabolic level of tricin in rice.

Molecular identification of spiders preying on Empoasca vitis in a tea plantation.

Biological control using predators of key pest species is an attractive option in integrated pest management (IPM). Molecular gut analysis can provide an estimation of predator efficiency on a given prey. Here we use a combination of various experimental approaches, both in field and lab, to identify a potential biological control species of the common pest of commercially grown tea, Empoasca vitis (Göthe) (Hemiptera), in a Chinese plantation.

Two Epstein-Barr virus-related serologic antibody tests in nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening: results from the initial phase of a cluster randomized controlled trial in Southern China.

A nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) mass screening trial using a combination of immunoglobulin A antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen and nuclear antigen-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in addition to indirect mirror examination in the nasopharynx and/or lymphatic palpation (IMLP) was conducted in southern China. Cantonese aged 30-59 years residing in 2 cities randomly selected by cluster sampling, Sihui and Zhongshan, were invited to participate in this screening from May 2008 through May 2010. Participants were offered fiberoptic endoscopy examination and/or pathologic biopsy if their serologic tests reached our predefined level of high risk or if results from the physical examination indicated possible cancer (i.

Detection of Stage I nasopharyngeal carcinoma by serologic screening and clinical examination.

In a prospective study, 42 048 adults residing in Zhongshan City, Guangdong, China, were followed for 16 years, and 171 of them developed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels of the cohort fluctuated, the antibody levels of 93% of the patients with NPC were raised and maintained at high levels for up to 10 years prior to diagnosis. This suggests that the serologic window affords an opportunity to monitor tumor progression during the preclinical stage of NPC development, facilitating early NPC detection.

Efficacy of bilateral and left varicocelectomy in infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicoceles: a comparative study.

Objectives: To determine whether it is necessary to perform bilateral varicocelectomy (BV) in infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicoceles by comparing the outcomes of BV with those of left varicocelectomy (LV) in these patients.

Methods: A total of 104 infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicoceles were randomly divided into 2 groups: BV (n = 51) and LV (n = 53). Both BV and LV were performed using a retroperitoneal approach with ligation of the dilated internal spermatic veins.

[Effects of paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil on growth inhibition and apoptosis of hepatoma cells: a comparative study].

Objective: To investigate the effect of paclitaxel and 5-flurouracil (5-Fu) on growth inhibition and apoptosis of human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells.

Methods: Growth inhibition of BEL-7402 cells treated with paclitaxel and 5-Fu, respectively, was measured by ATP-tumor chemosensitivity assay (ATP-TCA), and the cell cycle kinetics and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry and microscopic examination.

Results: BEL-7402 cells were highly sensitive to paclitaxel with growth inhibition observed in both dose- and time-dependent manners (IC(50)=5.