Description: Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), which are located on the dendritic membrane of olfactory neurons, were considered as important components involved in pheromone reception in insects. In Drosophila melanogaster, mutants without SNMP are unable to evoke neuronal activities in the presence of pheromone cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA). So deeply understanding the SNMPs functions may help to develop pheromone-mediated insect pest management tactics. The present study reports the identification and characterization of CmedSNMP1 and CmedSNMP2, two candidate SNMPs in the rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, one of the serious rice insect pests in Asia. The comparison of amino acid sequences shows that CmedSNMP1 and CmedSNMP2 are very similar to the previously reported SNMPs isolated from moths such as Ostrinia nubilalis and O. furnacalis, respectively, but the two CmedSNMPs share low identity with each other. The distribution patterns of two CmedSNMPs in different tissues of adult moths were examined using RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Although the two genes are expressed not only in antennae but also in nonolfactory tissues such as wings, legs, and body; the relative transcription level shows both CmedSNMP1 and CmedSNMP2 are highly enriched in antennae. The dN/dS ratios of the two CmedSNMPs indicate that the two genes are all subject to purifying selection and evolved to be functional genes. This work presents for the first time a study on the SNMPs of C. medinalis, which may help in providing guidance to future functional research of moth SNMPs.

Description: The Journal of Organic Chemistry DOI: 10.1021/jo302099d

Description: BACKGROUND: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in which the upper aerodigestive tract is the most commonly involved site. To date, optimal treatment strategies and prognosis for patients with ENKTL have not been fully defined. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of first-line combined gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and L-asparaginase (GELOX) followed by involved-field radiation therapy for patients with stage IE/IIE ENKTL. The primary endpoints were the complete response rate, the objective response rate, and toxicities. Secondary endpoints were overall survival and progression-free survival. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL were enrolled and completed the entire course of treatment. At the end of treatment, the overall response rate was 96.3%, including 20 patients (74.1%) who attained a complete response and 6 patients (22.2%) who attained a partial response. No patients developed disease progression during therapy. Grade 1 and 2 toxicities were frequent during GELOX, but grade 3 and 4 toxicities were few, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. At a median follow-up of 27.37 months, 7 patients (25.9%) experienced disease progression, and 4 of those patients died of disease. The rates of 2-year overall and progression-free survival were both 86%, and patients who attained a complete response at the end of treatment had significantly longer progression-free survival ( P = .012) and overall survival ( P = .021) than patients who did not attain a complete response. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that GELOX followed by involved-field radiation therapy can be an effective and feasible treatment strategy for patients with stage IE/IIE ENKTL of the upper aerodigestive tract. These results will require further investigation in larger prospective trials. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.