The Potential of NORAD-PUMILIO-RALGAPB Regulatory Axis as a Biomarker in Breast Cancer.

Introduction: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNA) represent a heterogeneous family of RNAs that have emerged as regulators of various biological processes through their association with proteins in ribonucleoproteins complexes. The dynamic of these interactions can affect cell metabolism, including cancer development. Annually, breast cancer causes thousands of deaths worldwide, and searching for new biomarkers is pivotal for better diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Based on in silico prediction analysis, we focus on LncRNAs that have binding sites for PUMILIO, an RBP family involved in post-transcriptional regulation and associated with cancer progression. We compared the expression levels of these LncRNAs in breast cancer and non-tumor samples from the TCGA database. We analyzed the impact of overall and disease-free survival associated with the expression of the LncRNAs and co-expressed genes and targets of PUMILIO proteins. Results: Our results found NORAD as the most relevant LncRNA with a PUMILIO binding site in breast cancer, differently expressed between Luminal A and Basal subtypes. Additionally, NORAD was co-expressed in a Basal-like subtype (0.55) with the RALGAPB gene, a target gene of PUMILIO related to chromosome stability during cell division. Conclusion: These data suggest that this molecular axis may provide insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

Molecular and biological characterization of an isolate of the potyvirus passiflora virus Y naturally infecting soybean (Glycine max) in Brazil.

Passiflora virus Y was detected naturally infecting soybean (Glycine max) for the first time in Brazil. Here, we report the nearly complete genome sequence and molecular and biological properties of the PaVY-Br isolate. The nearly complete genome sequence is 9679 nt long and shares 84.4% nt sequence identity with a previously reported PaVY isolate from Passiflora sp. PaVY-Br induced chlorotic spots and systemic mosaic on soybean and chlorotic local lesions on yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and sesame (Sesamum indicum). The virus was successfully transmitted by Myzus persicae, indicating that this aphid vector can contribute to the spread of PaYV from passion fruit to soybean plants. Additional epidemiological research is in progress to investigate the distribution of PaVY in soybean production areas in Brazil.

Population Dynamics of Whiteflies and Associated Viruses in South America: Research Progress and Perspectives.

By having an extensive territory and suitable climate conditions, South America is one of the most important agricultural regions in the world, providing different kinds of vegetable products to different regions of the world. However, such favorable conditions for plant production also allow the development of several pests, increasing production costs. Among them, whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) stand out for their potential for infesting several crops and for being resistant to insecticides, having high rates of reproduction and dispersal, besides their efficient activity as virus vectors. Currently, the most important species occurring in South America are Bemisia afer, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and the cryptic species Middle East-Asia Minor 1, Mediterranean, and New World, from Bemisia tabaci complex. In this review, a series of studies performed in South America were compiled in an attempt to unify the advances that have been developed in whitefly management in this continent. At first, a background of the current whitefly distribution in South American countries as well as factors affecting them are shown, followed by a background of the whitefly transmitted viruses in South America, addressing their location and association with whiteflies in each country. Afterwards, a series of management strategies are proposed to be implemented in South American fields, including cultural practices and biological and chemical control, finalizing with a section containing future perspectives and directions for further research.

Effects of cowpea mild mottle virus on soybean cultivars in Brazil.

Soybean stem necrosis is caused by cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV), transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. CPMMV has already been recorded in all major soybean-producing areas of Brazil. The impacts caused by CPMMV to the current Brazilian soybean production are unknown, thus the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of CPMMV infection on the main important soybean cultivars grown in the Southern and Midwestern regions of Brazil. Although asymptomatic in some of the tested cultivars, CPMMV infection significantly reduced the plant height, the number of pods per plant and the 1,000-grain weight. In addition, estimated yield losses ranged from 174 to 638 kg ha-1, depending on the cultivar. Evidence of seed transmission of CPMMV was observed in the BMX POTÊNCIA RR cultivar. These results suggest that CPMMV could have an important role in the reduction of soybean productivity in Brazil, but symptomless infections might be hiding the actual impact of this pathogen in commercial fields and infected seeds could be the primary inoculum source of the virus in the field.

Outbreaks of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean species in vegetable crops in São Paulo and Paraná States, Brazil.

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most important agricultural pests and virus vectors worldwide. Bemisia tabaci is considered a complex of cryptic species with at least 44 species. Among them, the species Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1, formerly B biotype) and Mediterranean (MED, formerly Q biotype) are the most important, and they have attained global status. In Brazil, MEAM1 was first reported in the 1990s and is currently the predominant species in the country, meanwhile, MED was recently reported in the South and Southeast regions and was found to be mainly associated with ornamental plants. Currently, an increasing problem in the management of whitefly infestations in greenhouses associated with bell pepper was observed in São Paulo State, Brazil. The whiteflies were collected and identified based on a microsatellite locus (primer pair BEM23F and BEM23R) and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing. We observed that MED was the predominant species collected on bell pepper, but it was also found on tomato, cucumber, eggplant, and weeds grown in greenhouses. In open field, we found MED on tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplants. In addition, MED was identified in Goiás State in association with ornamental plants. The begomovirus Tomato severe rugose virus and the crinivirus Tomato chlorosis virus was detected on bell pepper and tomato, respectively. Only MED specimens were found associated with the virus-infected plants. Moreover, we also investigated the endosymbionts present in the MED whiteflies. The collected populations of B. tabaci MED harbored a diversity of secondary endosymbionts, with Hamiltonella (H) found predominantly in 89 specimens of the 129 tested. These results represent a new concern for Brazilian agriculture, especially for the management of the newly introduced whitefly MED species, which must be implemented to limit the spreading and establishment of this pest in different crops in this country.

Long-Term Outcomes for Adult Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a single center's experience with adult patients who had cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. The authors aimed to identify common long-term needs in this patient population and evaluated the relationship of team-based care in meeting those needs. To do so, the authors retrospectively reviewed chart records from a single private practice and tertiary referral cleft center for all patients who were ≥15 years of age and who had a history of clefts of the lip or palate, or both, from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. The authors compared the concerns of the patients who received cleft-team-based care by a single, multidisciplinary cleft team; multiple multidisciplinary cleft teams; or no formal cleft team. The authors analyzed data for 142 patients. The most common patient concerns were lip aesthetics (64%), nose aesthetics (61%), septal deviations (47%), nasal obstruction (44%), malocclusion (32%), oronasal fistulas (29%), and speech (21%). Oronasal fistulas were more commonly reported in the group of patients who had care by multiple teams (42.9%; P < .001). Malocclusion was more commonly reported in the group of patients who had care by multiple teams (50%; P = .001). The authors found that adult patients who have undergone rehabilitation for cleft lip and palate appear to have a common set of long-term needs. Multidisciplinary cleft-team-based care appears to be the most effective way to address these needs.

Distribution and phylogenetics of whiteflies and their endosymbiont relationships after the Mediterranean species invasion in Brazil.

The Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous insect and a successful vector of plant viruses. B. tabaci is a species complex and in Brazil native species from the New World (NW) group, as well as the invasive species, Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) were reported. For better understanding the distribution of the different species four years after the Mediterranean species invasion in Brazil, whiteflies were collected from 237 locations throughout the country between the years of 2013 and 2017, species were identified and the facultative endosymbionts detected. The survey revealed that MEAM1 was the prevalent species found on major crops across Brazil. It is the only species present in North, Northwestern and Central Brazil and was associated with virus-infected plants. MED was found in five States from Southeast to South regions, infesting mainly ornamental plants and was not associated with virus-infected plants. The prevalent endosymbionts identified in MEAM1 were Hamiltonella and Rickettsia; and the mtCOI analysis revealed low genetic diversity for MEAM1. In contrast, several different endosymbionts were identified in MED including Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Wolbachia and Arsenophonus; and two distinct genetic groups were found based on the mtCOI analysis. Monitoring the distribution of the whiteflies species in Brazil is essential for proper management of this pest.

Survey of potential sharpshooter and spittlebug vectors of Xylella fastidiosa to grapevines at the São Francisco River Valley, Brazil

Survey of potential sharpshooter and spittlebug vectors of Xylella fastidiosa to grapevines at the São Francisco River Valley, Brazil. Pierce's disease of grapevines, caused by Xylella fastidiosa, is a serious problem in some regions of North America, not yet reported in Brazil. In this study, a survey of potential sharpshooter (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Cicadellinae) and spittlebug (Hemiptera, Cercopidae) vectors of X. fastidiosa was conducted in vineyards at the São Francisco River Valley, a major grape growing region in Brazil. Four vineyards of Vitis vinifera L. were sampled fortnightly from June/2005 to June/2007, using yellow sticky cards, each placed at two different heights (45 cm aboveground and 45 cm above the crop canopy) in 10 sampling localities. A total of 4,095 specimens of sharpshooters were collected, nearly all from 3 Proconiini species, Homalodisca spottii Takiya, Cavichioli & McKamey, 2006 (96.8% of the specimens), Tapajosa fulvopunctata (Signoret, 1854) (3.1%), and Tretogonia cribrata Melichar, 1926 (1 specimen). Hortensia similis (Walker, 1851) (2 specimens) was the only Cicadellini species. Only 1 cercopid specimen, belonging to Aeneolamia colon (Germar, 1821), was trapped. Even though they are not considered potential Xylella vectors, 2 Gyponini leafhoppers were collected: Curtara samera DeLong & Freytag, 1972 (11 specimens) and Curtara inflata DeLong & Freytag, 1976 (1 specimen). Homalodisca spottii was observed feeding and mating on green branches of grapevines, in addition to egg masses. Because of its prevalence on the crop canopy, occurrence throughout the year (with peaks from February to August), and ability to colonize grapevines, H. spottii could be an important vector if a X. fastidiosa strain pathogenic to grapevines becomes introduced at the São Francisco River Valley.

Seletividade de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro a Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) / Selectivity of pesticides used in peach orchard to Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

A seletividade de dez formulações comerciais de produtos fitossanitários utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro foi avaliada em laboratório (25±1 ºC, UR 70±10 por cento e fotofase de 14 horas), através da exposição de adultos de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley a resíduos secos dos produtos pulverizados sobre placas de vidro. O número de ovos parasitados por fêmea, foi mensurado e a redução no parasitismo (RP), em relação à testemunha (água), foi utilizada para classificar os compostos em: inócuos (<30 por cento RP), levemente nocivos (30-79 por cento RP), moderadamente nocivos (80-99 por cento RP) e nocivos (>99 por cento RP). Os produtos fitossanitários captana, ditianona, mancozebe, metoxifenozida e óxido cuproso foram inócuos; glifosato e óleo mineral foram levemente nocivos e abamectina, cianamida e etofenproxi foram nocivos a T. pretiosum.

The selectivity of ten commercial pesticide formulations used in peach orchard was evaluated in laboratory tests (25±1 ºC, RH 70±10 percent and 14 hours photophase) by exposing the adult of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley to fresh dry pesticide film applied on glass plates. The number of eggs parasitized per adult female and the reduction in parasitism (RP) compared to control (treated with water) were used to measure the effect of the chemical in harmless (<30 percent RP), slightly harmful (30-79 percent RP), moderately harmful (80-99 percent RP) and harmful (>99 percent RP). The pesticides captan, copper oxide, dithianon, mancozeb and methoxyfenozide were harmless; gliphosate and mineral oil was slightly harmful and abamectin, cyanamide and etofenprox were harmful to T. pretiosum.

Toxicidade de agrotóxicos utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro sobre o parasitóide de ovos Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, 1983 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) / Toxicity of pesticides used in peach production on the egg parasitoids Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, 1983 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

A toxicidade de dezesseis formulações comerciais de agrotóxicos utilizados na cultura do pessegueiro foi avaliada em laboratório (temperatura 25±1oC, umidade relativa 70±10 por cento e fotofase de 14 horas), expondo-se adultos do parasitóide Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, 1983 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) em contato com uma película seca dos produtos fitossanitários pulverizados sobre placas de vidro, mensurando-se posteriormente o número de ovos parasitados por fêmea. Reduções na capacidade de parasitismo em relação à testemunha (somente água) foram utilizadas para classificar os produtos em inócuo (<30 por cento), levemente nocivo (30-79 por cento), moderadamente nocivo (80-99 por cento) e nocivo (>99 por cento). Os agrotóxicos ( por cento da formulação comercial na calda) Captan 500 PM (0,240), Cobre Sandoz BR (0,240), Delan (0,125), Dodex 450 SC (0,175), Rovral SC (0,150) e Intrepid 240 SC (0,060) foram inócuos; Manzate 800 (0,200) foi levemente nocivo; Assist (2,000), Finale (1,000) e Roundup (original) (3,000) foram moderadamente nocivos; Kumulus DF (0,600), Hokko Cihexatim 500 (0,050), Vertimec 18 CE (0,080), Imidan 500 WP (0,200), Tiomet 400 CE (0,120) e Trebon 100 SC (0,150) foram nocivos a T. atopovirilia.

The toxicity of sixteen commercial formulations of pesticides used in peach production was assessed in the laboratory (25±1oC temperature, 70±10 percent relative humidity and 14h photophase) on adults of egg parasitoids Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, 1983 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) by exposing the adult parasitoids to fresh dry pesticide film applied on glass plates and further evaluation of the capacity of parasitism per adult female. The reduction in capacity of parasitism compared with the control (treated with water) was used to measure the effect of the chemical. Pesticides were then classified into four categories, according to the reduction in parasitization: 1, harmless (<30 percent); 2, slightly harmful (30-79 percent); 3, moderately harmful (80-99 percent); 4, harmful (>99 percent). The pesticides ( percent commercial formulation in spray water) Captan 500 PM (0.240), Cobre Sandoz BR (0.240), Delan (0.125), Dodex 450 SC (0.175), Rovral SC (0.150) and Intrepid 240 SC (0.060) were harmless; Manzate 800 (0.200) was slightly harmful; Assist (2.000), Finale (1.000) and Roundup (original) (3.000) were moderately harmful; Kumulus DF (0.600), Hokko Cihexatim 500 (0.050), Vertimec 18 CE (0.080), Imidan 500 WP (0.200), Tiomet 400 CE (0.120) and Trebon 100 SC (0.150) were harmful to T. atopovirilia.

Susceptibilidade de adultos de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) a fungicidas utilizados no controle de doenças da macieira / Susceptibility of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) adults to fungicides used to control apple diseases

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a susceptibilidade em condições de laboratório de adultos do parasitóide de ovos Trichogramma pretiosum Riley a fungicidas utilizados na Produção Integrada da Maçã (PIM). Os bioensaios foram conduzidos utilizando-se protocolos padrões da Organização Internacional para o Controle Biológico (IOBC), Seção Regional Paleártica Oeste (WPRS). Foram testados doze fungicidas nas respectivas doses (g ou ml ingrediente ativo/100 L) captana 1 (0,115), captana 2 (0,120), cresoxim-metílico (0,010), enxofre 1 (AG) (0,480), enxofre 2 (0,480), folpete (0,105), mancozebe (0,160), piraclostrobina (0,010), tebuconazol (0,010), tetraconazol (0,005), tiofanato-metílico (0,050) e triforina (0,024). Adicionalmente, utilizou-se água destilada como testemunha negativa e o inseticida triclorfom (0,150) como testemunha positiva. Adultos do parasitóide foram expostos a resíduos dos tratamentos depositados sobre placas de vidro, sendo avaliadas as reduções no parasitismo em relação à testemunha (somente água). Cada tratamento teve quatro repetições. Os resultados permitiram classificar os fungicidas quanto ao impacto sobre os parasitóides em quatro classes: 1, inócuo (< 30 por cento); 2, levemente nocivo (30-79 por cento); 3, moderadamente nocivo (80-99 por cento); e 4, nocivo (> 99 por cento). Dentre os fungicidas testados, 75 por cento foram considerados seletivos (classes 1 e 2) ao parasitóide. Os fungicidas captana 1, captana 2, cresoxim-metílico, folpete, piraclostrobina, tebuconazol, tiofanato-metílico e triforina foram inócuos; mancozebe foi levemente nocivo; enxofre 1 (AG) e tetraconazol foram moderadamente nocivos e enxofre 2 foi nocivo. Estes resultados devem ser levados em consideração quando utilizamos fungicidas no controle de doenças fúngicas em pomares de macieira, preservando assim, o parasitóide de ovos T. pretiosum.

[Susceptibility of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) adults to fungicides used to control apple diseases]. / Susceptibilidade de adultos de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) a fungicidas utilizados no controle de doengas da macieira.

This study evaluated the susceptibility under laboratory conditions of Trichogrammapretiosum Riley adults to fungicides recommended by the Integrated Production of Apple (IPA). The bioassays were carried out using the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC), West Palearctic Regional Section (WPRS) standard protocols. Twelve selected fungicides were studied in the doses (g or ml active ingredient/100 L) captan 1 (0.115), captan 2 (0.120), kresoxim-methyl (0.010), sulphur 1 (AG) (0.480), sulphur 2 (0.480), folpet (0.105), mancozeb (0.160), pyraclostrobin (0.010), tebuconazole (0.010), tetraconazole (0.005), thiophanate-methyl (0.050) and triforine (0.024). Distilled water was used as the blank treatment and the insecticide triclorfon (0.150) as a positive control. The parasitoids were exposed to dry residues applied on glass plates. The reduction in the capacity of parasitism was used to measure the effect of the chemical in comparison to the blank treatment. Each treatment was replicated four times. The results allowed us to classify the fungicides tested in four categories: 1, harmless (< 30%); 2, slightly harmful (30-79%); 3, moderately harmful (80-99%); and 4, harmful (> 99%). 75% of the tested substances were classified as selective (classes 1 and 2) to the parasitoid. The fungicides captan 1, captan 2, kresoxim-methyl, folpet, pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, thiophanate-methyl and triforine were harmless; mancozeb was slightly harmful; sulphur 1 (AG) and tetraconazole were moderately harmful and sulphur 2 was harmful. These findings should be taken into account when selecting fungicides to spray apple orchards against fungi diseases to preserve the egg parasitoid T. pretiosum.