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A portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene was sequenced using both genomic DNA and complement DNA from three planktonic copepod Neocalanus species (N. cristatus, N. plumchrus, and N. flemingeri). Small but critical sequence differences in CO1 were observed between gDNA and cDNA from N. plumchrus. Furthermore, careful observation revealed the presence of recombination between sequences in gDNA from N. plumchrus. Moreover, a chimera of the N. cristatus and N. plumchrus sequences was obtained from N. plumchrus gDNA. The observed phenomena can be best explained by the preferential amplification of the nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes from gDNA of N. plumchrus. Two conclusions can be drawn from the observations. First, nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes are pervasive in N. plumchrus. Second, a mating between a female N. cristatus and a male N. plumchrus produced viable offspring, which further backcrossed to a N. plumchrus individual. These observations not only demonstrate intriguing mating behavior in these species, but also emphasize the importance of careful interpretation of species marker sequences amplified from gDNA.

Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a pest in barn, and its eggs are often utilized as an alternative prey or as hosts for mass production of insect predators and parasitoids. To aid in developing a mass-rearing system for C. castella, the suitability of using an artificial diet based on brown rice flour and whole brown rice was compared using the age-stage, 2-sex life table. Compared with those reared on brown rice, the insects reared on an artificial diet had a shorter preadult period (32.08 vs 37.38 d), higher fecundity (468.14 vs 356.20 eggs/female), greater intrinsic rate of increase (0.1509 vs 0.1145 d–1), and higher net reproductive rate (199.28 vs 103.52 offspring). Small populations were required to rear the moth on an artificial diet to achieve the same daily production of C. cautella. Still, the food expense was only 60.2% of that of C. cautella reared on brown rice. Approximately 99.44% of the eggs in each rearing procedure could be supplied as alternative prey for predators, with the remainder served to maintain the colonies for subsequent batches. Only eggs laid within 6 d would be utilized to ensure the high quality of alternative prey for the mass production of predacious bugs. Additionally, a multifunctional device was designed for moth rearing and egg collection, reducing labor input and minimizing health risks for workers coping with inhaled scales. To encourage the production of natural enemies, a cost-effective diet for maintaining a sustainable colony, and a system for daily egg-harvesting of alternative prey were proposed.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a severe and fast-spreading pest of numerous agro-economic crops, including miscellaneous, vegetables, and green manure crops. Understanding pest ecology represents a core component in integrated pest management decision-making. In Taiwan, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important miscellaneous crop, whereas sesbania (Sesbania roxburghii Merr.) is the most frequently used green manure crop. To improve the S. frugiperda management in Taiwan, the demographic characteristics and population simulation of this pest reared on peanut and sesbania leaves were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and net reproductive rate of S. frugiperda were higher when reared on peanut (0.1625 d–1, 1.1764 d–1, 264.9 offspring) than on sesbania (0.0951 d–1, 1.0997 d–1, and 30.3 offspring). Population projection of S. frugiperda on peanut demonstrated that this crop is a more suitable host plant than sesbania.Yet, this suboptimal host still assures an increasing trend of more than 357-fold individuals in 75 d, from the initial cohort of 10 eggs. Our data suggest that green manure plants in fallowing fields may support the pest's survival all year round, and may be responsible for a successful establishment and unexpected outbreaks of this invasive pest on the neighboring crops inTaiwan. Our study thus highlights the importance of assessing the population dynamics and areawide pest management of an invasive polyphagous pest on a noneconomic crop to mitigate the potential risk of reinfestation and thus outbreaks.

The 5' untranslated regions of mRNA play an important role in their translation. Here, we describe the development of four methods of profiling mRNA 5' ends using the Illumina sequencing platform; the first method utilizes SMART (Switching Mechanism At 5' end of RNA Transcript) technology, while the second involves replacing the 5' cap structure with RNA oligomers via ligation. The third and fourth methods are modifications of SMART, and involve enriching mRNA molecules with (nuclear transcripts) and without (mitochondrial transcripts) 5' end cap structures, respectively. Libraries prepared using SMART technology gave more reproducible results, but the ligation method was advantageous in that it only sequenced mRNAs with a cap structure at the 5' end. These methods are suitable for global mapping of mRNA 5' ends, both with and without cap structures, at a single molecule resolution. In addition, comparison of the present results obtained using different methods revealed the presence of abundant messenger RNAs without a cap structure.

To ascertain the direct effects of water stress upon wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) and how these effects, in turn, influence the population growth of the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.), we conducted a physiological analysis of wheat seedlings grown under three different watering regimes and subsequently determined the population parameters of the aphid using the age-stage, two-sex life table. A significantly higher content of free amino acids and soluble sugars were observed in wheat seedlings exposed to drought stress compared to seedlings that were well-watered and those that were grown under waterlogged conditions. Extended phloem salivation and stylet penetration with shorter duration of sustained ingestion from phloem was observed in an electrical penetration graph (EPG) of R. padi on drought-stressed wheat seedlings. This suggested that the aphid's feeding activity, as well as nutrient intake, were impeded. The significantly higher percentage of essential amino acids found in wheat seedlings grown under waterlogged conditions promoted significantly higher fecundity and intrinsic rate of increase in R. padi populations compared to aphids fed on drought-treated or well-watered wheat seedlings. Our findings suggest that wheat seedling responses to water stress involve changes in sap composition that are responsible for altering the aphids' nutrient intake and consequently affect their population growth. From a grower's perspective, extending wheat cultivation in a rice–wheat rotation paddy field during the winter season may not be economically profitable if the fields are chronically waterlogged, since this may potentially lead to a higher infestation of cereal aphids.

Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is the most severe complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by multifocal lesions and poor prognosis. Aberrant lipid metabolism drives CAC progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment, activating oncogenic pathways, and facilitating immune escape. These metabolic alterations supply energy for tumor cells, disrupt the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment, and contribute to gut microbiota dysbiosis, ultimately establishing a vicious cycle of \"metabolism-inflammation-carcinogenesis.\" Although the role of lipid metabolism in sporadic colorectal cancer has been extensively studied, the specific metabolic rewiring that triggers the malignant switch during chronic colitis remains systematically unexplored. From the viewpoint of the dynamic transition toward malignancy, this review dissects the synergistic interactions between lipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling, immune microenvironment remodeling, and intestinal dysbiosis during this evolutionary process. It systematically summarizes key genes and potential therapeutic targets governing lipid metabolism in CAC and investigates the translational value of targeting lipid metabolic reprogramming for early intervention and combination therapies in CAC. By integrating current evidence, this article clarifies how lipid reprogramming orchestrates the inflammation-to-cancer shift, providing novel research insights and therapeutic strategies to improve clinical prognosis for CAC patients.

Background With the growing number of transnational marriages in Taiwan, oral health disparities have become a public health issue. This study assessed immigrant-native differences in oral health behaviors of urban mothers and their children. Methods We used the baseline data of an oral health promotion program to examine the immigrant-native differences in caries-related knowledge, attitude, and oral health behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from mothers in urban area, Taiwan. A total of 150 immigrant and 440 native mothers completed the self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models analyzed the racial differences in oral health behaviors. Results Approximately 37% of immigrant mothers used dental floss, 25% used fluoride toothpaste, and only 13.5% of them regularly visited a dentist. Less that 40% of immigrant mothers brush their children’s teeth before aged one year, 45% replaced child’s toothbrush within 3 months, and only half of the mothers regularly took their child to the dentist. Immigrant mothers had lower level of caries-related knowledge and attitudes than native mothers ( p  < .001). Compared to native group, the immigrant mothers were less likely to use of dental floss ([Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.35], fluoride toothpaste (aOR = 0.29), visit a dentist in the past 2 years (aOR = 0.26), and take their children to regular dental check-up (aOR = 0.38); whereas, they were more likely to not consume sweeten beverages (aOR = 3.13). Conclusions The level of caries-related knowledge, attitudes and oral health behaviors were found lower in immigrant mothers than native ones. The findings suggested cross-cultural caries prevention programs aimed at reducing immigrant-native disparities in child oral health care must be developed for these immigrant minorities.

Background Exposure to household Secondhand Smoke (SHS) poses a major health threat to children after an indoor smoking ban was imposed in Taiwan. This study aimed to assess the household SHS exposure in elementary school children in southern Taiwan and the factors associated with their avoidance of SHS exposure before and after the implementation of Taiwan's new Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in 2009. Methods In this cross-sectional school-based study, data on household SHS exposure, avoidance of SHS and related variables was obtained from the 2008 and 2009 Control of School-aged Children Smoking Study Survey. A random sample of 52 elementary schools was included. A total of 4450 3-6 graders (aged 8-13) completed the questionnaire. Regression models analyzed factors of children's self-confidence to avoid household SHS exposure. Results Over 50% of children were found to have lived with a family member who smoked in front of them after the new law enacted, and 35% of them were exposed to household SHS more than 4 days a week. Having a positive attitude toward smoking (β = -0.05 to -0.06) and high household SHS exposure (β = -0.34 to -0.47) were significantly associated with a lower avoidance of SHS exposure. Comparing to girls, boys had lower scores in their knowledge of tobacco hazards; and this factor was significantly related to their SHS avoidance (β = 0.13-0.14). Conclusions The intervention program should enhance school children do actively avoid exposure to SHS in home settings, and more importantly, provide tobacco hazard knowledge to male students to avoid exposure to household SHS for themselves. The results also provide further evidence that Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act should perhaps be extended to the family environment in order to protect children from the hazards of household SHS exposure.

Objective To observe the effects of herb-partitioned moxibustion and ginger-partitioned moxibustion on the growth of colon tumors in rats with colitis-associated colon cancer (CACC), and explore the mechanism of moxibustion intervening CACC through the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2X7R)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Methods A total of 26 male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. According to the random number table method, 6 rats were selected as the normal group. The remaining 20 rats were injected intraperitoneally with azoxymethane (AOM) combined with oral dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to prepare the CACC model. After the model was successfully established, 2 rats were randomly selected for model identification. The remaining 18 rats which were successfully modeled were randomly divided into a model group, a herb-partitioned moxibustion group and a ginger-partitioned moxibustion group, with 6 rats in each group. Moxibustion intervention was performed in the herb-partitioned moxibustion group and the ginger-partitioned moxibustion group at Qihai (CV 6) and bilateral Tianshu (ST 25). Moxibustion was performed twice at each point each time, once a day, at a 1-day interval after 6 consecutive interventions, for a total of 30 interventions. After intervention, the colon tumor load, pathological change and histopathological score were observed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of VEGF, P2X7R, phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in rat colon tissue. Western blot was used to detect the levels of p-STAT3 and NF-κB p65 proteins in rat colon tissue. Results Compared with the normal group, the colon tumor load and histopathological score in the model group were significantly increased (both P <0.001), and different grades of dysplasia were observed in colon tissue from the model group, reaching the degree of adenocarcinoma; the expression level of P2X7R protein in colon tissue was significantly decreased ( P <0.001), and the expression levels of p-STAT3, NF-κB p65 and VEGF proteins were significantly increased (all P <0.001) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the colon tumor load, colon histopathological score and the levels of p-STAT3, NF-κB p65 and VEGF proteins in colon tissue were significantly decreased (all P <0.05) in the herb-partitioned moxibustion group and the ginger-partitioned moxibustion group while the expression levels of P2X7R protein in colon tissue were significantly increased (both P <0.05). Conclusion Both herb-partitioned moxibustion and ginger-partitioned moxibustion can reduce the colon tumor load in CACC rats and delay the progression of colon adenomas. The mechanism may be mediated by the P2X7R/STAT3 pathway to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation, thereby reducing VEGF protein expression.

To ascertain the direct effects of water stress upon wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) and how these effects, in turn, influence the population growth of the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L), we conducted a physiological analysis of wheat seedlings grown under three different watering regimes and subsequently determined the population parameters of the aphid using the age-stage, two-sex life table. A significantly higher content of free amino acids and soluble sugars were observed in wheat seedlings exposed to drought stress compared to seedlings that were well-watered and those that were grown under waterlogged conditions. Extended phloem salivation and stylet penetration with shorter duration of sustained ingestion from phloem was observed in an electrical penetration graph (EPG) of R. padi on drought-stressed wheat seedlings. This suggested that the aphid's feeding activity, as well as nutrient intake, were impeded. The significantly higher percentage of essential amino acids found in wheat seedlings grown under waterlogged conditions promoted significantly higher fecundity and intrinsic rate of increase in R. padi populations compared to aphids fed on drought-treated or well-watered wheat seedlings. Our findings suggest that wheat seedling responses to water stress involve changes in sap composition that are responsible for altering the aphids' nutrient intake and consequently affect their population growth. From a grower's perspective, extending wheat cultivation in a rice-wheat rotation paddy field during the winter season may not be economically profitable if the fields are chronically waterlogged, since this may potentially lead to a higher infestation of cereal aphids. Key words: wheat, water stress, physiological response, bird cherry-oat aphid, life table