The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is known worldwide as a pest that affects cruciferous plants. We surveyed insecticide susceptibility in chlorantraniliprole-resistant strain of P. xylostella to 13 insecticides (3 diamaids, 2 synthetic pyrethroids, 2 spinosyns, 1 organophosphorus, 1 carbamate, 1 marcrolide, and 3 others) to examine resistance ratios. The levels of insecticide resistance were extremely high, especially to chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide. Enzyme assays indicated that glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the resistant strain was 2.4 times higher compared with the susceptible strain, whereas no difference was seen for P450 and esterase. Its F1 progeny resulting from reciprocal crosses with a susceptible strain revealed no maternal effects and a diamide susceptible phenotype, suggesting an autosomally almost recessive mode of inheritance.

Anthricin (Deoxypodophyllotoxin), a naturally occurring flavolignan, has well known anti-cancer properties in several cancer cells, such as prostate cancer, cervical carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. However, the effects of Anthricin are currently unknown in oral cancer. We examined the anticancer effect and mechanism of action of Anthricin in human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. Our data showed that Anthricin inhibits cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC50 50 nM) in the MTT assay and Live & Dead assay. In addition, Anthricin treated FaDu cells showed marked apoptosis by DAPI stain and FACS. Furthermore, Anthricin activates anti-apoptotic factors such as caspase-3, -9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), suggesting that caspase-mediated pathways are involved in Anthricin- induced apoptosis. Anthricin treatment also leads to accumulation of the pro-apoptotic factor Bax, followed by inhibition of cell growth. Taken together, these results indicate that Anthricn-induced cell death of human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells is mediated by mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. In summary, our findings provide a framework for further exploration on Anthricin as a novel chemotherapeutic drug for human oral cancer.

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 two spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a global pest, and has developed severe resistance to several types of acaricides. This study compared the development in susceptible (S) and acequinocyl, bifenazate, pyridaben, abamectin and etoxazole-resistant (AcR, BR, PR, AbR and ER) strains of T. urticae by X-ray irradiation. When eggs were irradiated with 100 Gy, the egg hatching was completely inhibited in all strains. When nymphs were irradiated with 200 Gy, their hatching was completely inhibited in all strains. When adults were irradiated, the fecundity and egg hatching was decreased at 150 Gy and above, and hatchability of F1 generation was completely inhibited at 300 Gy in all strains. Adult longevity was slightly increase at 150 Gy and above. In addition, we performed quantitative real-time PCR on several genes. To examine the difference of all strains on radiation stress-induced gene expression, we performed quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) of several known stress-induced genes.

This study attempts to manufacture a Ni-Cr-Al-Y coating layer using a kinetic spray process and investigates the microstructure and physical properties of the manufactured layer. The Ni-22Cr-10Al-1Y (wt.%) composition powder is used, and it has a spherical shape with an average diameter of 23.7 μm. Cu plate is used as the substrate. Optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and Vickers hardness test are carried out to characterize the macroscopic properties of the coating layer. Furthermore, the coating layer underwent vacuum heat treatment at temperatures of 400˚C and 600˚C for 1 hour to check the effect of heat treatment temperature on the properties. The manufactured coating layer is 1.5 mm thick, and featured identical phases to those found in the powder. The porosity of the coating layer is measured at 2.99%, and the hardness is obtained at 490.57 Hv. The layer shows reduced porosity as heat treatment temperature increased, and hardness is reduced at 400˚C but shows a slight increase at 600˚C. Based on the findings described above, this study also discusses possible manufacturing methods for a Ni-Cr-Al-Y coating layer using the kinetic spray process.

Mushrooms are considered not only as food but also for source of physiologically beneficial medicines. The culinarymedicinal mushrooms may important role in the prevention of age-associated neurological dysfunctions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus), is edible mushrooms, is a parasitic fungus that grows hanging off of logs and trees and well established candidate for brain and nerve health. H. erinaceus contains high amounts of antioxidants, beta-glucan, polysaccharides and a potent catalyst for brain tissue regeneration and helps to improve memory and cognitive functions. Its fruiting bodies and the fungal mycelia exhibit various pharmacological activities, including the enhancement of the immune system, antitumor, hypoglycemic and anti-aging properties. H. erinaceus stimulates the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) which is the primary protein nutrient responsible for enhancing and repairing neurological disorders. Especially hericenones and erinacines isolated from its fruitin body stimulate NGF, synthesis. This fungus is also utilized to regulate blood levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. H. erinaceus can be considered as useful therapeutic agents in the management and/or treatment of neurodegeneration diseases. However, this review focuses on in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials for neurodegerative disease.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be produced in mealworms, currently being used as animal feeds, by the infection of genetically engineered-entomopathogenic fungi. In this work, we integrated Bombyx mori (Bm) AMP, cecropin A to Beauveria bassiana ERL1170 by restriction enzyme-mediated integration method, which was confirmed by RT-PCR and an antibacterial activity assay. For the extracellular secretion of Bm cecropin A protein, the active domain of the cecropin A gene was tailed to the signal sequence of B. bassiana chitinase (Bbs). To exchange Bbs-cecropin A gene with egfp gene in pBARKS1-egfp, Bbs-cecropin A fragment was cut from pGEM-Bbs-cecropin A using XbaI/blunted and BamHI and ligated with cut pBARKS1-egfp using NcoI/blunted and BamHI, designated as pBARKS1-Bbscecropin A. After the transformation, transformants were grown on Czapek’s solution agar containing 600 μg ml-1PPT. Expression of Bm cecropin A was confirmed by RT-PCR. Strong clear zone was observed in the co-culture of the transformant D-6 and Bacillus subtilis on fourth strength Sabouraud dextrose agar 1 day after the culture at 25°C, whereas the wild type had no clear zone. This work suggests that Bm cecropin A can be efficiently produced in this mealworm-based fungal expression platform, thereby increasing the value of mealworms in the animal feed additive industry.

Brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens is giving enormous damage to rice production. In this work, virulence of four Beauveria bassiana isolates against brown planthoppers was investigated by applying fungal granules on the water of pots, and we further examined the growth of hypha on the rice plants from the water surcae to explain the insecticidal mode of action. We used Beauveria bassiana (Bb) ERL 836, 1170, 1575 and 1578 isolates, which produced ~2×108 conidia/g of millet grain in a solid culture. Rice seeding was grown in breeding boxes at 28±2℃ for 5 days. Mycotized millet grains were treated on the water in a box at 1 g/box and the rice seeding was infested with 18~25 brown planthopper adults per box. A chemical pesticide and water treatment served as controls. Among the treatments, Bb ERL 836-treated plants had the lowest damage, rather than the other fungal treatments in laboratory assays. Hyphal growth on the stem of rice plants was observed in Petridish conditions under a fluorescent microscopy. This work suggests a possible control of brown planthoppers using entomopathogenic fungi.

Beauveria bassiana isolates have been used in integrated pest management, but little consideration has been given to the studies on fungal gene expressions and their functions. In this work, to determine the functions of genes, B. bassiana ERL1170 was transformed by restriction enzyme-mediated integration method, where pABeG with bar gene was used as a transformation vector. Among seven hundred of transformants, morphologically different ERL1170-pABeG-#160 transformant, particularly dysfunctional in conidiogenesis. The transformant had yellow hyphal growth on fourth strength Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA/4) and produced very small amount of conidia (<1.0×105 conidia/cm2 agar) in 7 days, whereas wild type had white mycelial growth and significantly greater conidia (3.6×106 conidia/cm2 agar). Additionally under microscopic observation, hyphae of #160 seemed like indian club, compared to the straight forms of wild type hyphae. The next work is figure out possible genes contributing the conidiogenesis of B. bassiana.

Entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana can be used in integrated crop management and pharmaceutical applications. Recently some efforts have been given to the fungus to improve its biological performances, but low fungal transformation efficiency is one of the limitations. In this work, B. bassiana ERL1170 isolate was used for fungal transformation by restriction enzyme-mediated integration, where pBARKS1-Bbs-cecropinA was linearied using HindIII. The fungal transformation comprised two steps, preparation of competent blastospores and integration of the plasmid into the cells. To prepare competent blastospores, 2-d cultured blastospores were individually treated with 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 M lithium acetate (LiAc). Secondly in the integration step, concentration of LiAc and calcium chloride (CaCl2), and time period of heat shock were investigated as follows: LiAc, 1, 2 and 4 M; CaCl2, 50, 100 and 200 mM; and heat shock at 42℃, 20, 40 and 60 min. Consequently, combination of 0.2 M LiAc in preparing competent blastospores and 2 M LiAc and 200 mM CaCl2 in the second step showed the highest transformation efficiency. This work would be helpful in the fungal transformation of B. bassiana.

Predatory gamasid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) is living in soil and litter. They feed on nematode, collembolan and insect larvae. This research compared diversity of gamasid mite in organic and conventional apple orchards. Soil samples were collected in spring season of 2011 to 2012 (5 for each orchard system). Fifteen families, 54 species and 15 families, 50 species were collected from organic and conventional orchards, respectively. In total 18 families and 77 species of gamasid mite were collected. Shannon Diversity was average 2.5 in organic orchard and 2.3 in conventional orchard. Major dominant species was Eugamasus fujisanus (Parasitidae) in organic orchard and Uropoda hokkaidoensis (Uropodidae) in conventional orchard. Parasitidae and Uropodidae were preferred in soil surface, large soil pores and decaying organic material litter. Future, more research on composition of gamasid mite, biotic and abiotic factors in orchard system are demanded.

Opioid receptors have been pharmacologically classified as µ, δ, κ and ε. We have recently reported that the antinociceptive effect of morphine (a µ-opioid receptor agonist), but not that of β-endorphin (a novel µ/ε-opioid receptor agonist), is attenuated by whole body irradiation (WBI). It is unclear at present whether WBI has differential effects on the antinociceptive effects of µ-, δ-, κ- and ε-opioid receptor agonists. In our current experiments, male ICR mice were exposed to WBI (5Gy) from a 60 Co gamma-source and the antinociceptive effects of opioid receptor agonists were assessed two hours later using the hot water (52℃) tail-immersion test. Morphine and D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol-enkephalin (DAMGO), [D-Pen2-D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), trans-3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)- cyclohexyl]¬benzeneacetamide (U50,488H), and β-endorphin were tested as agonists for µ, δ, κ, and ε-opioid receptors, respectively. WBI significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and DAMGO, but increased those of β-endorphin. The antinociceptive effects of DPDPE and U50,488H were not affected by WBI. In addition, to more preciously understand the differential effects of WBI on µ- and ε¬opioid receptor agonists, we assessed pretreatment effects of β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA, a µ-opioid receptor antagonist) or β-endorphin1-27 (β-EP1-27, an ε-opioid receptor antagonist), and found that pretreatment with β-FNA significantly attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine and β endorphin by WBI. significantly reversed the β-EP1-27 attenuation of morphine by WBI and significantly attenuated the increased effects of β-endorphin by WBI. The results demonstrate differential sensitivities of opioid receptors to WBI, especially for µ- and ε-opioid receptors.

The majority of strokes are caused by ischemia and result in brain tissue damage, leading to problems of the central nervous system including hemiparesis, dysfunction of language and consciousness, and dysfunction of perception. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(PARP) on necrosis in neuronal cells that have undergone needle electrode electrical stimulation(NEES) prior to induction of ischemia. Ischemia was induced in male SD rats(body weight 300g) by occlusion of the common carotid artery for 5 min, after which the blood was reperfused. After induction of brain ischemia, NEES was applied to Zusanli(ST 36), at 12, 24 and 48 hours. Protein expression was investigated using immuno-reactive cells, which react to PARP antibodies in cerebral nerve cells, and Western blotting. The results were as follows: In the cerebral cortex, the number of PARP reactive cells after 24 hours significantly decreased(p<.05) in the NEES group compared to the GI group. PARP expression after 24 hours significantly decreased(p<.05) in the NEES group compared to the GI group. As a result, NEES showed the greatest effect on necrosis- related PARP immuno-reactive cells 24 hours after ischemia, indicating necrosis inhibition, blocking of neural cell death, and protection of neural cells. Based on the results of this study, NEES can be an effective method of treating dysfunction and improving function of neuronal cells in brain damage caused by ischemia.

The silkworm (Bombyx mori), as an industrial insect, possesses a high economic value. Casual discrimination and accumulated genetic information of silkworm varieties are essential ground for the practical utilization and long-term conservation. In this study, nine available microsatellite loci were successfully genotyped from ~50 silkworm strains preserved in Korea. According to genotyping analysis, we obtained 3 ~ 16 alleles per locus, with an average of 7.4, the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 0.98, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranging from 0.06 to 0.88, revealing that some loci are highly variable. Among 54 strains 13 strains were casually identified by the presence of 17 strain-specific apomorphic alleles. Furthermore, 30 among remaining strains contained strain-specific allele combinations that are also apomorphic to each strain, allowing us to discriminate each of these from other strains by genotyping of multiple loci. These results collectively suggest that the silkworm microsatellite DNA is actually and potentially important molecular marker for the discrimination of the silkworm strains that are preserved as hundreds in Korea, as more loci are genotyped.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of group exer˗ cise program on depression in the elders with dementia. Subjects of this research were selected from the patients of Hyoja hospital(Yong˗ in, Korea). They were elders with dementia having minor to moderate degrees of cognitive function. Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, each with 12 people; exercise group and the control group. The control group only performed general physio˗ therapy, while the exercise group performed exercise program and general physiotherapy for 8 weeks. Depression of the exercise group and the control group were measured at baseline before the study, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks after the study. Depression was measured by Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea Version(GDSSF-K). Firstly, when comparing the levels of depression within the same group, depression was significantly lower in the exercise group, after the group exercise program. However, depression of the control group did not show significant changes before or after the study. Secondly, when comparing the levels of depression of the control group and the exercise group, differences between the levels meas˗ ured before the study and 8 weeks after the study, was a statistically significant decrease of depression. Thirdly, effects of group exercise program according to the applied period were analyzed showing 8 weeks of group exercise to be more beneficial than 4 weeks. People who performed continuous group exercise program showed decrease in depression compared to the absence of group exercise program. This can infer beneficial effects of group exercise program. Group exercise program had desirable influence on decreasing the level of depression.

Iron catalyzes the production of free radicals, which can be related to a variety of pathological events, such as cancer and aging. The effect of dietary iron was investigated on formation of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) induced by azoxymethane in male F344 rats. Animals were fed three different diets, including iron-deficient (3 ppm Fe), iron-normal (35 ppm Fe), and iron-overloaded (350 ppm Fe) diets for eight weeks. During the first and second weeks of the experiment, animals received two subcutaneous injections of azoxymethane (AOM, 15 mg/kg body weight) to induce ACF. After staining with methylene blue, the total numbers of ACF and aberrant crypts (AC) were counted on the colonic mucosa. Analysis of blood and serum was performed using a blood cell differential counter and an automatic serum analyzer. Iron-deficient diets induced a significant decrease in red blood cell counts and the values of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume, while an iron-overloaded diet did not affect these values. The iron-overloaded diet induced an increase in deposits of iron in the liver of rats, as determined by the ICP method and Perl’s staining. The numbers of ACF per colon showed a slight increase in iron-overloaded or iron-deficient rats, without statistical significance, compared to iron-normal rats. The number of total AC per colon in iron-overloaded rats was significantly higher than that in iron-normal rats (p<0.05). The number of large ACF (≥ 4 AC per ACF) in iron-overloaded rats was also significantly higher than that in iron-normal rats (p<0.05). These results suggest that dietary iron intake may play an important role in colon carcinogenesis in humans and animals.