Osteoclasts are primary cells for physiological and pathological bone resorption, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is critically involved in the differentiation, activation, and survival of these cells. Recently, therapeutics for pathological bone destruction targeting RANKL pathways has attracted a great deal of attention. Herein, we review the recent advances in the research on osteoclast biology and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of anti-RANKL therapies.

In order to elucidate the impact of secondary parasitism on a banker plant system, aphid parasitoids on banker plants were surveyed for four years in commercial greenhouses producing eggplant and sweet pepper in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. A banker plant system using Aphidius colemani was introduced into the greenhouses in November or December for the control of pest aphids from February through May. The mean rate of secondary parasitoids to total parasitoids on the alternative host aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) on banker plants was less than 35% in the early season. In March or April, the mean rate exceeded 40%, and was more than 70% by May or June. Three main species of secondary parasitoids, Alloxysta sp. nr victrix, Dendrocerus laticeps and Syrphophagus sp., occurred throughout the season. In addition, Asaphes suspensus and Pachynouron aphidis occurred later in the season. In greenhouses where the banker plant system of aphid control failed, the increase of secondary parasitism on banker plants was sharper than in greenhouses with successful aphid control. In March and April, the higher rates of secondary parasitism on banker plants had a significant influence on the failure of aphid control.

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