Prolonged communication between oocytes and the surrounding somatic cells is one of the unique reproductive physiology in canine. Paracrine Kit ligand (KITL) signaling is a well-known communication between granulosa cells and the oocyte. KITL is a cytokine growth factor secreted by granulosa cells that signals via the c-kit receptor expressed by oocytes. Paracrine factors, including growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), exert their effects by binding with the kinase receptors expressed on the granulosa cells. However, the regulations of GDF9 and BMP15 in the canine KITL expression are currently poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of GDF9 and BMP15 on the expression of KITL in canine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. In Annexin V assay recombinant GDF9 and BMP15 did not induce apoptosis in the cultured ovarian granulosa cells. When treated, FSH significantly increased KITL expression, and hCG suppressed its expression. When both FSH and hCG were treated, the expression of KITL was affected by GDF9 and BMP15 in dose and time dependent manner in the luteal granulosa cells. GDF9 (10 ng/mL) significantly decreased KITL expression after12 h. BMP15 (10 ng/mL) significantly also decreased KITL expression after 24 h. Western blot and immunochemistry results indicate that GDF9 activated Smad2/3. After blocking ALK 4/5/7 receptors by SB, GDF9 failed to activate Smad2/3, also BMP15 did not activate Smad1/5/8 after blocking ALK 2/3/6 receptors by DM. So GDF9 exerts its effects via using ALK 4/5/7 receptors to activate SMAD2/3 signaling, and BMP15 binds ALK 2/3/6 receptors to activate SMAD1/5/8 signaling. The expression of KITL was not changed by SB or DM treatment. However, the effect of GDF9 and BMP15, which decreased the expression of KITL, was suppressed by SB or DM treatment. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that recombinant GDF9 and BMP15 decrease KITL expression in canine ovarian granulosa cells.

The cancer and Parkinson's disease associated protein DJ-1 is multifunctional protein that involves in diverse cellular process. DJ-1 protein has a cellular protective role and promoted cell survival under an oxidative stress. However, the cellular protective mechanism of DJ-1 is not fully understand, and we needs to be further study their functions in novel organisms. In the present study, we investigated the protective role of DJ-1 against induced oxidative stress in canine cell line. On the basis of these experiments, canine DJ-1 overexpressing and null cell lines were established. The stable overexpression and down regulation of DJ-1 efficiency confirmed by the western blot analysis. Subsequently, the DJ-1 gene transfected cell lines and control cells were subjected to induced the oxidative stress, and then cell viability, cell proliferation assay, cellular apoptosis detection analysis (Annexin V and TUNEL assay), intracellular ROS and mitochondrial activity were measured appropriately. The results showed that DJ-1 overexpressed cells were up-regulated cell viability under oxidative stress conditions induced by the rotenone and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), whereas loss of DJ-1 cells were down-regulated the cell survival activity. Additionally, overexpression of DJ-1 cells increased cell resistance to oxidative stress and inhibited the elevation of cell death and cellular ROS induced apoptosis. Moreover, DJ-1 overexpressed cells was increased mitochondrial functions by using confocal microscopy with MitoTracker staining. On the contrary to this, DJ-1 null cells show defective cellular protection and mitochondria activity against oxidative stress conditions. Our data indicate that canine DJ-1 protein attenuates cellular apoptosis and ROS generation, enhances the cellular survival activity and promote mitochondrial function under the oxidative stress, likewise other mammalian cells. Importantly, DJ-1 overexpression may be an important part of a protective strategy as a sensor for oxidative stress.

Zika virus, mosquito-borne disease, caused by mosquitoes has been increased the importance. From March to September, twice a month from 7 different points (3 residential areas, 3 migratory bird sanctuary and 1 cattle shed) were collected using BG trap and BL trap. After identifying the mosquitoes collected, we confirmed the virus infection. Total 26,531 mosquitoes (6 genus 9 species) were collected, virus has been detected from the 3 species (Aedes vexans, Cuilex tritaeniorhynchus, and Amigeres subalbatus) of mosquitoes of them. It showed the highest peak in August, and then gradually decreased. The most common mosquito species was collected Aedes vexan (16,637) in the cattle shed.

The occurrence pattern of lepidopteran adults in a paddy-upland rotation field and an organic upland field for 8 maize and 7 sorghum varieties was surveyed from May 8 to September 27, 2016. In addition, their damage ratio and the invasive pores by Ostrinia furnacalis larvae as well as harvest yields were monitored. The density of the lepidopteran adults in two fields showed similar pattern, although a little different pattern in Heliothis assulta. The damage ratio of maize and sorghum varieties by O. furnacalis at harvest periods was depended on both varieties and cultivated environments. A middle negative linear correlation was observed in damage ratios vs yields, the number of invasive pores vs yields, and the number of larvae in corn ears vs yields, but there was not a specific correlation between the damage ratio vs the number of invasive pores. These results may be useful for the establishment of a management strategy to control oriental corn borer in paddy-upland rotation or organic upland fields for maize and sorghum.

Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 is one of the largest genera in Gracillariidae. 314 species have been known around the world. To date, 19 species were known from Korea. In the present study, one species, C. acericola (Kumata, 1966), is newly recognized from South Korea. Caloptilia acericola was first described from Japan and it also distribute Russian Far East. The name of this species was derived from the genus name (Acer, Aceraceae) of its host plant. We redescribed with illustrations of adults and genitalic structures to distinguish the species from the congeneric species in South Korea.

Monochamus alternatus is one of the insect vector of pine wilt disease with Monochamus saltuarius. The present study aimed to investigate the dose to induce sterile and the effect of sterility according to the gender of M. alternatus. As the electron beam irradiation dose increased, the longevity of the mid and late maturation feeding stage of adults was slightly reduced. However, there was no difference between these two adults. In addition, female adults were more sensitive to the electron beam than the male adults. Hatchability of the F1 generation of ♂T×♀N or ♀T×♂N (T: 200 Gy electron beam irradiation, N: 0 Gy) was completely suppressed. As electron beam irradiation dose increased, the fecundity of female adults were slightly decreased. Results by comet assay showed that electron beam irradiation induced as dose increased DNA damage in M. alternatus adults. These results suggest that SIT using electron beam may be useful for control of M. alternatus.

In Korea, six mealybug species have been reported on pears. This study investigated the occurrence of mealybugs in 19 pear orchards from 2013 to 2014. Two species, Crisicoccus matsumotoi (Siraiwa) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana) were mainly found. The dominant species was C. matsumotoi identified on 73% of infested fruit. Toxicities of 14 registered insecticides (7 single formulations and 7 mixed formulations) commonly used to control P. comstocki were evaluated to C. matsumotoi nymphs and adults at the recommended concentration. As a results, all insecticides exhibited strong insecticidal activity with 100% mortality of both nymphs and adults. These results indicate that the 14 insecticides can be used in control for C. matsumotoi in field.

Six wooden plant essential oils (EOs; Illicium verum, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Bursea delpechiana,Croton anisatum, Cinnamomum cassia and Aniba rosaeodora) and their major compounds (trans-anethole, methyl salicylate, trans-cinnamaldehyde, linalool and linalyl acetate) identified from gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry were tested for adult repellence and pheromone antagonism using Y-tube essay and oviposition deterrent effect using no choice test against adzuki bean beetle (ABB), Callosobruchus chinensis L. EOs of I. verum and C. anisatum as well as their common major compound, trans-anethole were found effective repellents having high degree of pheromone antagonistic and oviposition deterrent activity. Methyl salicylate, the major compound of G. fragrantissima EO (which was only the pheromone antagonist) showed high degree of repellency, oviposition deterrence and pheromone antagonistic effect in higher concentration. From this study, EOs of I. verum and C. anisatum and their common major compound trans-anethole as well as the major compound of G. fragrantissima, methyl salicylate can be screened as eco-friendly management agents against C. chinensis in stored legumes if slow releasing formulations are prepared by future efforts.

DNA methylation is the most common and well-characterized epigenetic change in human cancer. Recently, the association between GATA-binding protein 5 (GATA5) methylation and carcinogenesis of various types of tumors was investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GATA5 methylation status on clinicopathological features and prognosis in primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients with a long-term follow-up period. The GATA5 methylation status was determined for 171 human bladder specimens (eight normal controls [NCs] and 163 primary NMIBC patients) using quantitative pyrosequencing analysis. The primary NMIBC tissues were obtained from patients who underwent transurethral resection (TUR) for histologically diagnosed transitional cell carcinomas between 1995 and 2012 at Chungbuk National University Hospital. GATA5 methylation was significantly higher in NMIBC patients than in NCs and was significantly associated with higher grade and more advanced stage of cancer. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed significant differences in tumor recurrence and progression according to GATA5 methylation status (each p<0.05). Our results show that increased methylation of GATA5 was significantly associated with not only aggressive characteristics but also poor prognosis in primary NMIBC patients. Alteration of GATA5 methylation might be used as a biomarker for prognosis of NMIBC patients. However, prospective and functional investigations are necessary to clarify the role of GATA5 methylation in future clinical management of patients with NMIBC.

Grapholita molesta occur four times a year and Carposina sasakii occur twice a year, and both pests do damage on stone fruits such as peach, apple, plum, apricot, etc. Grapholita molesta is worldwide distributed in temperate and subtropical areas including South Korea. But, Carposina sasakii distributed in South Korea, Japan, China and Asia, and has been managed as an important import quarantine pest by the authorities of United States, Canada and Taiwan. Forecasting of both pests in Korea is currently done through the investigation of 1,000 fruits per 10 trees (100 fruits / tree) in designated peach orchard. However, this method is very difficult to observe the pest by bagging of peach and require too much time and labor. Therefore, we tried to carry out a new forecasting method by using of sex pheromone traps for newly standardized method as an alternative. Using sex pheromone trap, attractiveness of G. molesta was proved to be 2.5 > 1.5 > 0.5 m by the height and the border => outside > center by the position. Attractiveness of C. sasakii made no difference in height, but, more trapped at the center and border than outside in position at peach orchard.

Many forest pests present a problem during wood quarantine. The effectiveness of phosphine (PH3), which is an altered form of MB, was examined in Monochamus saltuaris and M. alternatus. After 24 h, the larvae and the adults of both insects were susceptible to PH3 at 3 mg/L at 20°C. However, the larvae of both pests were rather than dead, seem to have been quiescent condition. PH3 showed increasing insecticidal activity in a time-dependent manner in the larva stage of both pests. We investigated the fumigants at all stages of M. saltuaris and M. alternatus, as well as the synergistic effects of PH3 in controlled atmospheres of 50% and 80% oxygen. The atmospheric oxidation of PH3 fumigation slightly increased the toxicity of the fumigant to larva stages in 125 L container at 4 mg/L. These results indicate that highly concentrated atmospheric oxidation of PH3 could be useful as a fumigant agent against M. saltuaris and M. alternatus.

Liriomyza leafminer flies comprise a pest group that causes both considerable economic losses and serious quarantine problems. To investigate Liriomyza spp. abundance and distribution along with natural enemies, we surveyed of leafminer (LM) species and its natural enemies (NE) on potato crop from 146 farmers’ field in the potato growing provinces during 2015. Sweeping (10 sweeps/ field) and visual inspection were employed within 5 minute-walking distance, and damaged leaflets (10 leaflets/ field) were collected in each field. Leafminer species were identified by morphological, and its NE was identified by morphological and molecular techniques. L. huidobrensis was the most dominant Liriomyza species. Distribution of L. huidobrensis on potato fields was expanding. Highest potato fields were infested with leafminer in southern parts of country. Highest rate (100%) field damage was recorded in Miryang, Namwon, Henam, and Boseong. Overall, NE species collected constituted of 4 families and 18 and 20 species in sweeping, and damaged samples respectively. There was a rich complex of parasitoid species including 20 species (13 species of Eulophidae family). The endoparasitoid, Braconid sp., Ganaspidium sp., and ectoparasitoid, Diglyphus isaea were dominant species in sweeping. While Diglyphus isaea, Hemiptarsenus varicornis, and the Braconid sp. were most dominant species collected from damaged samples. The number and diversity of parasitoid species in potato crop in Korea provides insight into the development of integrated control strategies of invasive LM pests in the field, and glasshouse crops.

This study was conducted to examine the occurrence characteristics of pine trees infected by pine wood nematode in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. Based on the GPS coordinate data of the infected trees at Yeongdeok-gun from 2013 to 2014 and at Andong-si in 2014, nearest neighbor analysis was conducted to analyze nearest distance between the infected trees. And the influence of geographical factors such as altitude, slope, and the distance from the road on the position of infected trees were identified. Our results showed that over 60% of the newly infected trees were found within 50m of the trees infected in previous year. Over 70% of infected trees occurred below 100m altitude in Yoeongdeok-gun whereas less 32% of total pine trees distributed below the altitude. 98% of the infected trees and 74% of total pine trees in Andong-si were found between 150 and 300m altitude, and altitudinal distribution of the infected trees was similar to that of pine forests. Only less 5% of infected trees found in the forests located below 5 degree of slope in Yeongdeok-gun whereas 18% of total pine trees existed in the areas. Over 50% of infected trees in the forests located from 10 to 20 degree of slope, and 47% of total pine trees were found in the forests located from 5 to 15 degree of slope. Most infected trees and total pine trees were found in the forests located below 15 degree of slope in Andong-si. Over 80% of the infected trees occurred within 1km of road in both study areas.

Osteoclasts originated from hematopoietic stem cells are multi-nucleated cells that can resorb the bone matrix. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL) signaling pathway is crucial for the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. In this study, we investigated for the first time whether or not RANKL induced mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 (MSK1) phosphorylation at Ser 376. Activation of MSK1 was detected as soon as 5 min after RANKL stimulation and sparsely detected at 30 min after stimulation. RANKL-induced MSK1 phosphorylation occurred in a dose-dependent manner. MSK1 is known as a downstream signaling molecule of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Treatment with the PKA inhibitor H89 significantly suppressed c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) induction upon RANKL stimulation. In addition, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was extremely inhibited by H89 treatment. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been investigated for induction of MSK1 phosphorylation. Specific signaling pathway inhibitors for p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) significantly blocked RANKL-induced MSK1 activation. Finally, as a downstream effector of the p38-MSK1 pathway, c-Fos transcriptional activity was determined. RANKL-mediated elevation of c-Fos transcriptional activity was significantly suppressed by p38 inhibitor. Moreover, a dominant negative form of CREB suppressed activation of NFATc1. In conclusion, RANKL-stimulated MSK1 phosphorylation could play a role in induction of NFATc1 through CREB and c-Fos activation as a downstream molecule of p38, ERK MAPKs, and PKA. Our results support basic information for the development of osteoclast specific inhibitors.

Activated carbons (ACs) were prepared by activation of coal tar pitch (CTP) in the range of 700°C-1000°C for 1-4 h using potassium hydroxide (KOH) powder as the activation agent. The optimal activation conditions were determined to be a CTP/KOH ratio of 1:4, activation temperature of 900°C, and activation time of 3 h. The obtained ACs showed increased pore size distribution in the range of 1 to 2 nm and the highest specific capacitance of 122 F/g in a two-electrode system with an organic electrolyte, as measured by a charge-discharge method in the voltage range of 0-2.7 V. In order to improve the performance of the electric double-layer capacitor electrode, various mixtures of CTP and petroleum pitch (PP) were activated at the optimal activation conditions previously determined for CTP. Although the specific capacitance of AC electrodes prepared from CTP only and the mixtures of CTP and PP was not significantly different at a current density of 1 A/g, the AC electrodes from CTP and PP mixtures showed outstanding specific capacitance at higher current rates. In particular, CTP-PP61 (6:1 mixture) had the highest specific capacitance of 132 F/g, and the specific capacitance remained above 90% at a high current density of 3 A/g. It was found that the high specific capacitance could be attributed to the increased micro-pore volume of ACs with pore sizes from 1 to 2 nm, and the high power density could be attributed to the increased meso-pore volume.

An assessment was made of the fumigant toxicity of 20 constituents from catnip oil and another additional five previously identified compounds of the oils and control efficacy of three experimental spray formulations containing catnip oil (1, 0.5 and 0.1% sprays) to females from B- and neonicotinoid-resistant Q-biotypes of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Spathulenol (LC50, 0.39 μg/cm3) and thymol (0.45 μg/cm3) were the most toxic compounds, followed by carvacrol, α-terpineol, nerol, linalool, menthol and eugenol toward Q-biotype females (0.85–1.24 μg/cm3). The toxicity of these compounds was virtually identical toward both biotype females, indicating that the terpenoids and the insecticides (neonicotinoids and dichlorvos) do not share a common mode of action or elicit cross-resistance. The 0.5% spray of oil formulation resulted in > 80% mortality toward both biotype females. Global efforts to reduce the level of toxic synthetic insecticides in the agricultural environment justify further studies on catnip oil-derived materials as potential contact-action fumigants for the control of B. tabaci populations.

This study was aimed at assessing the fumigant toxicity to adult Thrips palmi and Orius strigicollis of basil (Ocimum basilicum) essential oil compounds and structurally related compounds using vapour-phase toxicity bioassays. Results were compared with those for dichlorvos. Against adult T. palmi, linalool (LD50, 0.0055 mg cm–3) was the most toxic fumigant and was 15.2–fold more effective than dichlorvos (0.0837 mg cm–3). Strong fumigant toxicity was also observed in pulegone (0.0095 mg cm–3), (±)-camphor (0.0097 mg cm–3) and 1,8-cineole (0.0167 mg cm–3). Moderate toxicity was produced by camphene, 3-carene, (–)-menthone, (+)-α-pinene, (+)-β-pinene, α-terpineol and (–)-α-thujone (0.0215–0.0388 mg cm–3). Against adult O. strigicollis, dichlorvos (LD50, 9.0 ×10–10 mg cm–3) was the most toxic fumigant, whereas the LD50 values of these compounds ranged from 0.0127 to >0.23 mg cm–3. Based upon selective toxicity ratio (STR, O. strigicollis LD50/T. palmi LD50), the compounds described (STR, 0.7–>10.7) are more selective than dichlorvos (STR, 10.8×10–9 mg cm–3). Basil oil compounds described merit further study as potential insecticides for control of T. palmi in greenhouses because of their generally lower toxicity to O. strigicollis and their greater activity as a fumigant than dichlorvos.

Recently an outbreaked pest belongs to Hemiptera: Recaniidae, Ricanula sp. is greatly concerned about the outspreading throughout the South of Korea by wide range of host, including Cornelian cherry, Jujube, and peach trees. In Chungbuk province, this pest was first occurred at Jincheon and Okcheon in 2012, Cheongju in 2013 and now found out at Eumseong and Goesan in 2015. Ricanula sp. was oviposited directly into one-year twig, did damages on fruit-bearing formation and finally withered the host. This study was performed to understand the ovipositional characteristics and to develop the standardized forecasting method. Oviposition by Ricanula sp. was abundant in tree than in bush, adult laid eggs on new inner twigs and then covered with wax compound. Total no. of oviposited egg-mass was 10 to 318, and that of on new twig was 5 to 185 per tree, with different to host trees. Thickness of oviposited twigs were done within 2 ~ 5.5 mm and the height was mostly founded with range of 1 to 2 m, founded with highest height over 3 m. Oviposited no. of egg-mass within 30 cm twig was appeared differently from 2 to 7 every host. From based on this investigated result, we provide this for standardized forecasting method. This pest will need to control when egg-mass will occur over 2 at new twig, within 30 cm from the tip, set as total 25 point/ 5 plants (5 point per plant).

Insect pests on cruciferous crops and their natural enemies were surveyed during 2009~2011 in Daegwallyeong highland region which has been famous for summer Kimchi cabbage production in Korea since 1970s. Totally 15 insect pests have been reported in cabbage field in Daegwallyeong. Diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella) imported cabbage worm (Artogeia rapae L.), cabbage armyworm (CAW, Mamestra brassicae L.), cabbage looper (CL, Trichoplusia ni), cabbage sawfly (Athalia rosae ruficornis Jakovlev), and turnip aphid (Liphapis pseudobrassicae (Davis)) were the dominant pest species among the 15 species. For monitoring as well as controlling insects with weak flight, yellow sticky cards (10×15㎝) were used in cabbage fields. The sticky cards were hanged on plastic stick and placed at a 2-5 m distance within cabbage field (1,000㎡). Sex pheromone traps were employed for monitoring and controlling insects with strong flight. The survey result showed that there was significantly reduced pest occurrences in treated, compared to untreated condition. Similarly, The results from the sex pheromone traps were coincident with those of sticky trap. DBM, CAW and CL were found less in the treated than untreated fields; by 67.5%, 70.6% and 44.0%, respectively. Although the control efficacy of such traps was less than that of chemical spray, the use of sticky card trap combined with sex pheromone trap could be useful management tools for controlling insect pests in cabbage fields.