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Malignant gliomas are the most common subtype of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Their pathological classification, however, remains subjective, stimulating researchers to actively seek objective molecular markers to discover alternative and more reproducible tools for improved subtypification. Herein, we present a global survey of genomic alterations in oligodendroglial tumors (OT). Genetic and epigenetic alterations identified in this study are correlated with OT molecular groups we have recently reported: a neurogenic group composed of tumors with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 1p-19q, IDH1 mutations, and MGMT promoter methylation, showing good prognosis; an intermediate group, presenting TP53 mutations or LOH at 17p, IDH1 mutations, and GSTP1 promoter methylation; and a proliferative group, presenting major genetic alterations (LOH at 10q, EGFR amplification, and CDKN2A/ARF deletion) and poor prognosis. These results allowed us to refine our molecular characterization associated with prognosis, referring exclusively to oligodendroglial tumors.

A single component in extracts of virgin female Milionia basalis pryeri moths elicited responses from male moth antennae. This compound (ca. 7 ng/female) was identified as (Z,Z)-(3S,4R)-3,4-epoxynonadeca-6,9-diene by GC-MS and NMR analyses, microchemical reactions, and comparative chiral HPLC. In a field test, synthetic (Z,Z)-(3S,4R)-3,4-epoxynonadeca-6,9-diene attracted male moths. The opposite enantiomer, the racemic mixture, and virgin female moths held in small cages attracted no more moths than the solvent controls.

Four EAG-active components (A-D) were found in the solvent extract of virgin females of the clear-winged tussock moth, Perina nuda. The most abundant component (B, ca. 250 ng/female) was identified as (3Z,6S,7R,9Z)-6,7-epoxyhenicosa-3,9-diene by GC-MS analyses of the extract, chemical derivatization, and comparative chiral HPLC. Minor components also elucidated were (3Z,9Z)-cis-6,7-epoxyicosa-3,9-diene, (A); (3R,45,6S,7R,9Z)-3,4-6,7-diepoxyhenicos-9-ene, (C); and its 3S,4R,6S,7R isomer, (D); with amounts of 0.4, 5, and 8 ng/female, respectively. Component B showed weak attractiveness to male moths in the field. The attractiveness was significantly enhanced by addition of component(s) C and/or D. No males were captured with either the antipode of component B or its mixtures with the minor components. In this field test, noctuid Hypocala rostrata males were also attracted with the synthetic P. nuda pheromone.

All stereoisomers of three diepoxyalkenes derived from (3Z,6Z,9Z)-trienes with a C21, C19, or C18 straight chain, lymantriid sex pheromones and their candidates, were synthesized by MCPBA oxidation of optically active epoxyalkadienes. Their chromatographic behaviors were examined with GC and LC equipped with achiral and chiral columns. Detailed inspection of the mass spectra of these epoxides indicated the following diagnostic ions for determining the chemical structures: m/z 128, 167, M-87 and M-85 for (Z)-cis-3,4-cis-6,7-diepoxy-9-enes; m/z 111, M-125 and M-69 for (Z)-cis-6,7-cis-9,10-diepoxy-3-enes; and m/z M-125 and M-139 for (Z)-cis-3,4-cis-9,10-diepoxy-6-enes. Mass chromatographic analysis that monitored these fragment ions revealed the existence of a new pheromonal compound with a C21 chain in an extract from virgin females of a lymantriid species, Perina nuda F. The three diepoxyalkenes were converted into the corresponding DMDS adducts, which showed characteristic ions from fragmentation between the two thiomethyl groups, reflecting the position of an original double bond.

The phoretic egg parasitoid,Telenomus euproctidis Wilcox (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was found more frequently on virgin than on mated female moths ofEuproctis taiwana (Shiraki) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), when virgin and mated moths were exposed concurrently in the field for 24 hr. A synthetic component of the moth's sex pheromone. (Z)-16-methyl-9-heptadecenyl isobutyrate, attracted both the wasp,T. euproctidis, and maleE. taiwana. These findings suggest thatT. euproctidis uses the sex pheromone of the female moth,E. taiwana, as a kairomone to locate a host female moth and through her the host eggs.

Two compounds were isolated and identified from abdominal tips of the female tussock moth,Euproctis taiwana (Shiraki), by a combination of gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection, coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis, microreaction, and synthesis. These compounds were (Z)-16-methyl-9-heptadecenyl isobutyrate (74.8%) and 16-methylheptadecyl isobutyrate (25.2%). Their total amount was determined to be ca. 29.8 ng/female. Field bioassays showed that (Z)-16-methyl-9-heptadecenyl isobutyrate is a sex attractant for the male moths. These chemical compounds had not previously been found as the sex pheromone components in the genusEuproctis.

A two-chain polypeptide, which corresponds to amino acid residues 115-143 and 144-184(185) of bovine serum albumin, connected to each other by a disulfide bridge, potentiated the effects of insulin on glucose transport and glucose metabolism in isolated rat adipocytes. Although the peptide alone had little activity, it shifted the concentration-response curves of insulin-stimulated D-[1-14C]glucose oxidation, 2-deoxyglucose transport, and lipid synthesis from D-[U-14C]glucose to lower insulin concentrations. It also increased the maximal responses of these parameters to insulin. However, it did not affect insulin binding to adipocytes. The peptide protected insulin considerably from degradation, but this effect alone cannot account for its effect in increasing the maximal responses to the hormone, and even when degradation of a submaximal concentration of insulin was suppressed by bacitracin, the peptide still had an enhancing effect. These results suggest not only that the peptide influences a step distal to receptor-mediated insulin binding but also that inhibition of insulin degradation alone cannot explain its total effect. The peptide lost its insulin-stimulating activity completely when it was further digested with V8 or lysine-specific endopeptidase, or when it was reduced and then carboxamidomethylated or oxidized with performic acid. Similar active tryptic fragments were obtained from human and rat albumins. Insulin-stimulating peptides should be useful in studies on the mechanisms of insulin action including both the sensitivities and responsiveness of target cells to the hormone.