Descriptions of new species of oriental Mymaridae and Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)

A new genus and species, Kubja longipes from Sabah, Hispaniella tenia sp. nov. from Pakistan; Parallelaptera teleonemiae sp. nov.; Eretmocerus breviclavus sp. nov.; Encarsia longifasciata sp. nov.; Azotus bharathius sp. nov.; Azotusfumipermis sp. nov., all from India and of economic importance, are described

Identification of G Protein-Coupled Receptors Required for Vitellogenin Uptake into the Oocytes of the Red Flour Beetle, \u3cem\u3eTribolium castaneum\u3c/em\u3e

Previous studies suggested that a membrane receptor might be involved in mediating vitellogenin (Vg) uptake and juvenile hormone (JH)-regulated remodeling of follicular epithelium (also called ‘patency’). G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family is one of the largest membrane receptor protein families and controls many key physiological processes. To investigate the role of GPCRs in insect reproduction and juvenile hormone-regulated Vg uptake, we performed a comprehensive RNA interference (RNAi) screen targeting GPCRs in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Out of 112 GPCRs tested, knockdown of 41 GPCRs resulted in a reduction in fecundity. Interestingly, RNAi against two GPCRs (a Rhodopsin-like receptor and a Dopamine D2-like receptor) led to a significant reduction in Vg accumulation in developing oocytes. Functional assays of these two GPCRs showed that JH triggers a dose-dependent inhibition of intracellular cAMP levels in HEK293 cells expressing Tribolium Dopamine D2-like receptor. These data suggest that Dopamine D2-like receptor plays crucial roles in regulating Vg uptake and is a promising candidate membrane receptor mediating JH regulation of patency in the red flour beetle

Identification of G Protein-Coupled Receptors Required for Vitellogenin Uptake into the Oocytes of the Red Flour Beetle, \u3cem\u3eTribolium castaneum\u3c/em\u3e

Previous studies suggested that a membrane receptor might be involved in mediating vitellogenin (Vg) uptake and juvenile hormone (JH)-regulated remodeling of follicular epithelium (also called ‘patency’). G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family is one of the largest membrane receptor protein families and controls many key physiological processes. To investigate the role of GPCRs in insect reproduction and juvenile hormone-regulated Vg uptake, we performed a comprehensive RNA interference (RNAi) screen targeting GPCRs in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Out of 112 GPCRs tested, knockdown of 41 GPCRs resulted in a reduction in fecundity. Interestingly, RNAi against two GPCRs (a Rhodopsin-like receptor and a Dopamine D2-like receptor) led to a significant reduction in Vg accumulation in developing oocytes. Functional assays of these two GPCRs showed that JH triggers a dose-dependent inhibition of intracellular cAMP levels in HEK293 cells expressing Tribolium Dopamine D2-like receptor. These data suggest that Dopamine D2-like receptor plays crucial roles in regulating Vg uptake and is a promising candidate membrane receptor mediating JH regulation of patency in the red flour beetle

Juvenile hormone and insulin regulate trehalose homeostasis in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) has been well studied for its role in the control of life span extension and resistance to a variety of stresses. The Drosophila melanogaster insulin-like receptor (InR) mutant showed extended life span due to reduced juvenile hormone (JH) levels. However, little is known about the mechanism of cross talk between IIS and JH in regulation of life span extension and resistance to starvation. In the current study, we investigated the role of IIS and JH signaling in regulation of resistance to starvation. Reduction in JH biosynthesis, JH action, or insulin-like peptide 2 (ILP2) syntheses by RNA interference (RNAi)-aided knockdown in the expression of genes coding for juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT), methoprene-tolerant (Met), or ILP2 respectively decreased lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and extended the survival of starved beetles. Interestingly, the extension of life span could be restored by injection of bovine insulin into JHAMT RNAi beetles but not by application of JH III to ILP2 RNAi beetles. These data suggest that JH controls starvation resistance by regulating synthesis of ILP2. More importantly, JH regulates trehalose homeostasis, including trehalose transport and metabolism, and controls utilization of stored nutrients in starved adults

Synthesis based on cyclohexadienes. Part 24. A new total synthesis of pupukean-2-one and a facile entry to copa and ylanga type sesquiterpene skeletons

A novel tandem 5-exo-trig allyl and 3-exo-trig radical cyclisation and rearrangement to copa and ylanga type sesquiterpene skeletons from easily prepared cyclohexadienes is reported. A new total synthesis of pupukean-2-one 8, which belongs to a novel class of sesquiterpenes, involving a 5-exo-trig allyl radical cyclisation as the key step is also reported

Synthesis based on cyclohexadienes. Part 23. Total synthesis of 5-epi-pupukean-2-one

A new strategy for the construction of the isotwistane skeleton is reported from easily available cyclohexadienes which involves stereoselective alkylation of a bicyclooctenone derivative and a decarboxylative 5-exo-trig radical cyclisation as the key steps in the total synthesis of 5-epi-pupukean-2-one

Development of a soccer specific functional rehabilitation program using the Modified Delphi Technique

Context. There are no concise and thorough core and lower quarter exercises for functional rehabilitation found in the literature or the clinical setting for soccer. An exercise program is needed to assist clinicians in developing sport specific functional rehabilitation programs. Objective. The purpose of this study was to develop a concise soccer specific functional rehabilitation program. Design. This was a prospective descriptive study following the Modified Delphi Technique to develop exercise components to include in a functional rehabilitation program based on opinion from a panel of experts. The dependent variable was the responses ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Setting. This study took place at West Virginia University. Patients or other participants. Participants consisted of Certified Athletic Trainers (n=9 round one, n=6 round two) and Physical Therapists (n= 7 round one, n= 5 round two) with a minimum of five years clinical experience and criteria for selection of the researchers were based on publications and presentations on soccer. Eighteen clinical Certified Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists and researchers participated in the first round. Eleven participants completed the second round. Interventions. Exercises to be included in a functional rehabilitation program was through a series of successive revisions with input being offered from colleagues. Three questionnaires were utilized in this study. The demographic questionnaire was e-mailed to the participants with the first round questionnaire. The panel was asked to fill out questions about credentials and experience and asked to respond to the exercise components on the Likert scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The participants submitted the questionnaire online. A link to the second questionnaire with means score, percentages and additional write in comments from round one was sent to the participants. Follow-up letters for the first and second rounds were e-mailed to the participants one week before the due dates as reminders to complete the questionnaire. The responses from the second questionnaire contributed to the development of the functional rehabilitation program. Main outcomes measures. With a consensus of the participants (75% strongly agree and agree and a mean score of 4) the responses for each exercise section would be similar. The hypotheses included: dynamic flexibility, single leg balance, lunge sequencing, heel raise sequencing, squat sequencing, plyometrics, core stabilization and functional activity progression. Results. The initial questionnaire consisted of 168 exercise components. After the second round, 81 of the proposed exercise components reached consensus and therefore were used to develop the final program. The final program consisted of what should be included in a soccer specific functional rehabilitation program based on best clinical practice and evidence based guidelines. Conclusion. The responses from both rounds by the panel of experts led to the development of the soccer specific functional rehabilitation program. Although there was a dropout of seven participants, this program is still representative of Major League Soccer ATCs, PTs, and soccer researchers. Since the remaining exercise components are supported by evidence based research and best clinical practice, this program can serve as a guideline for a soccer specific functional rehabilitation program. Additional studies should be conducted for the development of a functional rehabilitation program

Synthesis based on cyclohexadienes. Part 22. Formal syntheses of patchouli alcohol and norpatchoulenol

The preparation of 6-endo-formyl-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one 7 and 6-endo-acetyl-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one 8, the two key intermediates for the synthesis of patchouli alcohol 1 and norpatchoulenol 2, is reported by a simple and short method from 2-methylbenzoic acid