Area-wide insecticide resistance and endosymbiont incidence in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (B biotype): A Neotropical context.

Agriculture insecticides are used against insect pest species, but are able to change community structure in contaminated habitats, and also the genetic pool of exposed individuals. In fact, the latter effect is a relevant tool to in situ biomonitoring of pollutant contamination and impact, besides its practical economic and management concerns. This takes place because the emergence of individuals with resistance to insecticides is particularly frequent among insect pest species and usually enhances insecticide overuse and crop losses. Pest insects of global prominence such as whiteflies are a focus of attention due to problems with insecticide resistance and association with endosymbionts, as the case of the invasive putative species Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. The scenario is particularly complex in the Neotropics, where insecticide use is ubiquitous, but whose spatial scale of occurrence is usually neglected. Here we explored the spatial-dependence of both phenomena in MEAM1 whiteflies recording resistance to two widely used insecticides, lambda-cyhalothrin and spiromesifen, and endosymbiont co-occurrence. Resistance to both insecticides was frequent exhibiting low to moderate frequency of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance and moderate to high frequency of spiromesifen resistance. Among the prevailing whitefly endosymbionts, Wolbachia, Cardinium and Arsenophonus were markedly absent. In contrast, Hamiltonella and Rickettsia prevailed and their incidence was correlated. Furthermore, Rickettsia endosymbionts were particularly associated with lambda-cyhalothrin susceptibility. These traits were spatially dependent with significant variation taking place within an area of about 700 Km2. Such findings reinforce the notion of endosymbiont-associated resistance to insecticides, and also of their local incidence allowing spatial mapping and locally-targeted mitigation.

Complete sequence of a new bipartite begomovirus infecting Sida sp. in Northeastern Brazil.

In Brazil, non-cultivated plants, especially weeds, are infected with a diversity of begomoviruses and often show striking golden mosaic symptoms. In the present study, leaves showing these symptoms were collected from Sida sp. plants in Guadalupe, Piaui State, Northeastern Brazil, in 2015 and 2016. PCR tests with degenerate primers revealed the presence of begomovirus DNA-A and DNA-B components. Restriction enzyme digestion of rolling circle-amplified DNA revealed fragments totaling ~5.2 kb, indicating infection by a bipartite begomovirus. The DNA-A and DNA-B components have a genome organization typical of New World (NW) bipartite begomoviruses and a common region of 220 nucleotides (nt) with 96% identity, indicating these are cognate components. Comparisons performed with the DNA-A sequence revealed the highest nt sequence identity (84%) with that of sida angular mosaic virus (SiAMV), whereas those performed with the DNA-B sequence revealed highest identity (77%) with that of sida chlorotic vein virus (SiCVV). In phylogenetic analyses, the DNA-A sequence was placed in a strongly supported clade with SiAMV and SiCVV from Piaui, whereas the DNA-B sequence was placed in a clade with SiCVV and corchorus mottle virus. Based on the current ICTV criteria for the demarcation of begomovirus species (<91% nt sequence identity for the DNA-A component), this is a member of a new species for which the name "Sida yellow golden mosaic virus" is proposed.

Characterization of tomato leaf curl purple vein virus, a new monopartite New World begomovirus infecting tomato in Northeast Brazil.

A new begomovirus species was identified from tomato plants with upward leaf curling and purple vein symptoms, which was first identified in the Piaui state of Northeast (NE) Brazil in 2014. Tomato leaf samples were collected in 2014 and 2016, and PCR with degenerate primers revealed begomovirus infection. Rolling circle amplification and restriction enzyme digestion indicated a single genomic DNA of ~ 2.6 kb. Cloning and sequencing revealed a genome organization similar to DNA-A components of New World (NW) bipartite begomoviruses, with no DNA-B. The complete nucleotide sequence had the highest identity (80%) with the DNA-A of Macroptilium yellow spot virus (MacYSV), and phylogenetic analyses showed it is a NW begomovirus that clusters with MacYSV and Blainvillea yellow spot virus, also from NE Brazil. Tomato plants agroinoculated with a dimeric clone of this genomic DNA developed upward leaf curling and purple vein symptoms, indistinguishable from those observed in the field. Based on agroinoculation, this virus has a narrow host range, mainly within the family Solanaceae. Co-inoculation experiments with tomato severe rugose virus and tomato mottle leaf curl virus, the two predominant begomoviruses infecting tomato in Brazil, revealed a synergistic interaction among these begomoviruses. The name Tomato leaf curl purple vein virus (ToLCPVV) is proposed for this new begomovirus.

Diagnostic laparoscopy identifies a peritoneal adenomatoid-like mesothelioma masquerading as ovarian cancer: a case report.

The authors report a rare case of peritoneal adenomatoid mesothelioma in a woman with no history of asbestos exposure. A 61-year-old woman was originally suspected of having a bilateral ovarian tumor based on chest radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Upon referral to our hospital, the presence of two solid masses was confirmed by enhanced MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT). Physical examination was normal, as were serum concentrations of the tumor markers CA 19-9, CA 125, and CEA. Laparoscopic surgery showed a right ovarian tumor and laparoscopic right salpingo-oophorectomy and adhesiotomy were performed. Two months later, the patient underwent laparoscopic segmental resection of the sigmoid colon, with histological analysis identifying an adenomatoid-like tumor. The final diagnosis was peritoneal adenomatoid-like mesothelioma with invasion of the right ovary. This case report demonstrates that imaging techniques must be coupled with laparoscopic surgery for an accurate diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.

First Report of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Tomato in Costa Rica.

One of the most important invasive and harmful members of the genus Begomovirus (family Geminiviridae) is the monopartite Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), which is widespread over the world associated with tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD). Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants infected with TYLCV show upward leaf curling and yellowing. In Latin America, isolates of TYLCV have been reported from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico (1), Guatemala (GenBank Accession No. GU355941), and Venezuela (partial genome sequence DQ302033). In Costa Rica, only isolates of the bipartite begomoviruses Tomato leaf curl Sinaloa virus (TLCSiV) (3) and Tomato yellow mottle virus (KC176780, KC176781) have been reported infecting tomatoes. During a survey conducted in 2012, similar begomovirus-like symptoms (leaf yellowing and upward leaf curling) were observed in tomato plants of five commercial growing areas in the Central Valley (Grecia region) of Costa Rica. In total, 65 tomato samples were randomly collected, 14 from greenhouses and 41 from open fields. Symptoms of upward leaf curling and yellowing were observed in three samples. Total DNA was extracted from collected samples and tested by dot blot hybridization using a probe to the coat protein (CP) gene of a Guatemalan isolate of Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (3). Only the three symptomatic samples tested positive, which represents an incidence of 14% (2 samples) in greenhouses and 2.4% (1 sample) in open field crops. These samples were subjected to rolling circle amplification (RCA) for viral circular genome amplification (2). The amplified products were then digested with MspI restriction endonuclease, which resulted into DNA fragments of 2,320 and 458 bp for all three samples. This suggested infection with a monopartite begomovirus. In order to obtain the full-length clone, the RCA product of two samples (5240 and 5241) was digested with BamHI, and the ~2.8 kb DNA fragment was cloned into pBluescript II SK(+) (Stratagene, La Jolla, CA) vector. After transformation of Escherichia coli DH5α, recombinant plasmids with inserts of expected size were selected and the insert was sequenced by primer walking (Macrogen Inc., Korea). The inserts of three clones from the two samples (CR:5240-16:2012, CR:5240-17:2012, and CR:5241-14:2012) were sequenced (deposited in GenBank as KF533855, KF533856, and KF533857, respectively). Sequences were all 2,781 nt long and shared 100% identity between themselves (1-nt mismatch between CR:5240-16:2012 and CR:5240-17:2012, and CR:5240-16:2012 and CR:5241-14:2012; and 2-nt mismatches between CR:5240-17:2012 and CR:5241-14:2012) and 99% with the sequence of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus-Israel[Japan:Haruno:2005] (TYLCV-IL[JR:Har:05]) (AB192966). These sequences represented full length genomes of isolates of the monopartite begomovirus TYLCV-IL and grouped in a phylogenetic clade (4) that comprised TYLCV-IL isolates reported from Asia (China and Japan) and from Mexico, while more distantly related to the clade comprising TYLCV-IL isolates reported from Central America (Cuba, Guatemala, Puerto Rico) and the United States, suggesting a distinct introduction event in Costa Rica. This is the first report of the presence of TYLCV in Costa Rica, therefore it is imperative to study the incidence and geographical spread of this virus in the country as well as its genetic diversity, since TYLCV infections might lead to significant yield losses, as reported in other countries. References: (1) A. M. Idris et al. Plant Dis. 83:303, 1999. (2) A. K. Inoue-Nagata et al. J. Virol. Methods 116:209, 2004. (3) M. K. Nakla et al. Acta Hortic. 695:277, 2005. (4) K. Tamura et al. Mol. Biol. Evol. 28:2731, 2011.

A study of weeds as potential inoculum sources for a tomato-infecting begomovirus in central Brazil.

Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) is the most important begomovirus species in Brazilian tomato production. Many weeds are associated with tomato, and some are hosts of begomoviruses. Only one species of weed, Nicandra physaloides, has been found to be infected with ToSRV. In this study, four weed species were investigated for their capacity to be infected by ToSRV and serve as a potential source of inoculum for tomato. Begomoviruses from naturally infected Crotalaria spp., Euphorbia heterophylla, N. physaloides, and Sida spp. were successfully transferred to tomato plants by biolistic inoculation. ToSRV was the major virus transferred to tomato. In contrast, other begomoviruses were transferred to weeds, such as Sida micrantha mosaic virus and Euphorbia yellow mosaic virus. Furthermore, a new strain of Sida micrantha mosaic virus is reported. We also confirmed that Crotalaria spp., E. heterophylla, and Sida spp. are infected with ToSRV but at low viral titers and in mixed infections with weed-infecting begomoviruses. Thus, it was demonstrated that weeds are potential sources of ToSRV for tomato in central Brazil.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity in collegiate soccer players.

Many of the published data on the lipid profile of athletes is based on studies of endurance athletes. The data on soccer players are rare. The purpose of this study was to examine serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in collegiate soccer players. 31 well-trained male collegiate soccer players were divided into 2 groups: 16 defenders and 15 offenders. They were compared with 16 sedentary controls. Dietary information was obtained with a food frequency questionnaire. The subjects were all non-smokers and were not taking any drug known to affect the lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The offenders had significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I than the defenders and controls, whereas the defenders had the significantly higher high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol than the controls. Both groups of athletes had significantly higher lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity than the controls. The results indicate that favorable lipid and lipoprotein profile could be obtained by vigorous soccer training.

Complete genome sequence of pepper yellow mosaic virus, a potyvirus, occurring in Brazil.

The complete genomic sequence of pepper yellow mosaic virus (PepYMV), a member of the genus Potyvirus, was determined. The sequence was 9745 nucleotides long, excluding the 3' poly(A) tail. The genome contained a large open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 3085 amino acids, which contained the typically conserved motifs found in members of the genus Potyvirus and an additional P3-PIPO (pretty interesting potyvirus ORF). In a pairwise comparison with other potyvirus sequences, the full genome of PepYMV shared a maximum of 63.84 % nucleotide sequence identity with pepper mottle virus (PepMoV), followed by verbena virus Y (VVY, 62.11 %), potato virus Y (PVY, 62.07 %) and Peru tomato mosaic virus (PTV, 62.00 %). Based upon a phylogenetic analysis, PepYMV was most closely related to PepMoV and PTV, within the PVY subgroup cluster, like most potyviruses isolated in solanaceous hosts in South America.

Characterization of tomato yellow vein streak virus, a begomovirus from Brazil.

Tomato yellow vein streak virus (ToYVSV) is a tentative begomovirus (Family Geminiviridae) species that seriously affects tomato and potato production in Brazil. Here, we have determined the genomic and biological characteristics of a ToYVSV isolate (Ba3) from a potato plant sampled in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The DNA-A nucleotide sequence of Ba3 and another previously reported ToYVSV isolate share 89.7% sequence identity. These ToYVSV isolates should be classified as a new species in that they are most closely related to Soybean blistering mosaic virus with which they share only approximately 80% identity. Cloned constructs containing 1.5 mer copies of the ToYVSV genomic components were found, by biolistic bombardment, to be infectious in at least 11 plant species in 2 families (Solanaceae and Malvaceae). Symptoms on tomato and potato plants were identical to those originally observed on field-infected plants. ToYVSV was also sap-transmissible from Nicotiana benthamiana to N. benthamiana and tomato, but not to potato plants.

Brugmansia suaveolens mottle virus, a novel potyvirus causing leaf mottling of Brugmansia suaveolens in Brazil.

A potyvirus was isolated from Brugmansia suaveolens showing leaf mottling and tentatively named Brugmansia suaveolens mottle virus (BsMoV). The virus (isolate Bs-Campinas) could infect some solanaceous plants and two Chenopodium species, and was transmitted by aphids. Symptomatic leaves contained flexuous particles and cylindrical inclusions. RT-PCR amplification using potyvirus universal primers produced a DNA fragment of 1851 nt (3' terminal genomic region), which shared 71% nucleotide identity with Pepper mottle virus, the best-matched potyvirus sequence. Since this identity value is below the threshold currently used to discriminate Potyvirus species, Brugmansia suaveolens mottle virus most likely represents a new Potyvirus species.

Changes in the radical-scavenging activity of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) during freezing and frozen storage with or without blanching.

The effects of blanching, freezing, and frozen storage on the retention of radical-scavenging activity (RSA), total phenolics, and ascorbic acid in bitter gourd were investigated. Blanching of sliced bitter gourd resulted in considerable losses of RSA and total phenolics, and most extensively, of ascorbic acid. In the subsequent frozen storage at -18 degrees C, RSA and total phenolic content of unblanched and blanched bitter gourd underwent little change for 90 d then gradually declined, but at -40 degrees C, they practically remained unchanged throughout the entire storage period. On the contrary, ascorbic acid content of both unblanched and blanched bitter gourd decreased abruptly at the early stage in frozen storage. The results show that blanching of bitter gourd improves the retention of RSA and total phenolics during subsequent frozen storage but markedly aggravated loss of ascorbic acid. Finally, it is to be noted that RSA, total phenolics, and ascorbic acid originally contained in the raw bitter gourd were overall best retained by quick freezing followed by frozen storage at -40 degrees C without preceding blanching.

Natural infection of Alternanthera tenella (Amaranthaceae) by a new potyvirus.

A virus was isolated from joyweed (Alternanthera tenella Colla-Amaranthaceae), a common weed in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Examination by electron microscopy showed long flexuous particles with an average length of 756 nm in crude sap. Serological results showed positive reaction with antisera to PVY-O. A fragment of 1772 nucleotides was sequenced. The CP sequence shares 76% of identity with the CP of Potato virus Y strain NTN. These results confirm that the virus is a new potyvirus infecting A. tenella, and the name Alternanthera mild mosaic virus (AltMMV) is proposed.

First Report of Tomato severe rugose virus in Chili Pepper in Brazil.

Three definitive and three tentative begomovirus species have been reported in tomato fields in Brazil according to a recent review (1). Extensive surveys have been conducted since the 1990s in solanaceous weeds and other crops planted close to tomato fields, but no tomato-infecting geminiviruses have been reported on those crops. During November 2003, leaves of one chili pepper plant "dedo-de-moça" (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum) showing symptoms of yellow mosaic and leaf distortion were collected in Petrolina de Goiás (Goiás State). Serological analyses were carried out with polyclonal antisera produced in our laboratory against the following viruses: Potato virus Y (PVY), Pepper yellow mosaic virus (PepYMV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Tomato chlorotic spot virus (TCSV), Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), and Chrysanthemum stem necrosis virus (CSNV). Serological data showed that the plant was not infected with any of these viruses. A begomovirus-specific DNA-A fragment of 1.3 kb was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the analyzed plant. The fragment shared 98% identity to the partial coat protein coding region (CP), 94% to the intergenic region (IR), and 95% to the partial AC1 coding region of Tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) (GenBank Accession No. AY029750). Total DNA from the original infected plant was used to biolistically inoculate healthy plants of C. annuum and C. baccatum var. pendulum. Four resulting symptomatic plants, two from C. annuum and two from C. baccatum, were tested using PCR for begomovirus, and the nucleotide sequence of the amplified fragment confirmed they were infected with ToSRV. Whitefly inoculation of C. annuum, C. baccatum, and tomato was also performed, and all plants expressing symptoms were confirmed to be infected with ToSRV by sequencing a begomovirus-specific amplified fragment. Cloning of the complete DNA-A was achieved by using TempliPhi (Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, NJ) amplification and digestion with a single cutting restriction endonuclease (2). Sequencing of several clones showed that the complete DNA-A (GenBank Accession No. DQ207749) was 97% identical to ToSRV, confirming the results of the previous PCR analysis. The deduced amino acid sequences showed identities of 97% to the CP, 95% to AC1, 96% to AC2, 96% to AC3, and 88% to AC4 of ToSRV. Although begomoviruses have not yet been causing any significant losses in chili pepper in Brazil, they may be of potential importance. Moreover, chili pepper, a plant commonly found in gardens throughout the country, may serve as an alternate host in tomato-producing areas. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a begomovirus infecting chili pepper in Brazil. References: (1) C. M. Fauquet et al. Arch. Virol. 148:405, 2003. (2). A. K. Inoue-Nagata et al. J Virol Methods 116:209, 2004.

Development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for human cardiac myosin light chain I.

We have developed a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of cardiac myosin light chain I (MLI) in human serum. The detection range of ELISA was between 1 and 50 ng/ml, and serial dilutions of human serum showed good linearity. The recovery of different concentrations of cardiac MLI ranged from 87.5% to 100.0%. The intra-assay (n=5) and inter-assay (n=5) showed good results (C.V.<10%). The cross-reactivity with skeletal-myosin light chain (ML) was rather high, but was negligible with other myosin light chains. The concentrations of cardiac MLI in human serum determined by ELISA were similar to those determined by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). The total assay time and sample volume required for ELISA were approx. 2 h and 25 microl, respectively, while those for IRMA are approx. 24 h and 100 microl. Our novel ELISA method therefore has significant advantages for clinical analysis.

A novel melon flexivirus transmitted by whitefly.

In recent years, a viral disease on melon plants has become a serious problem in Brazil. Symptoms were principally yellowing and mottling on older leaves. Long filamentous virus particles, resembling those of carlaviruses, were seen in symptomatic leaves. In this study, the 3' terminal region of the virus genome isolated from an infected plant, including the last two ORFs, was cloned and sequenced. The sequence comprised a polyadenilated tail and two ORFs, one exhibiting similarity to potexvirus and carlavirus coat protein gene and the second to a carlavirus protein with potential nucleic acid-binding property. The sequence analysis, the genome organization and the particle morphology indicated that the virus could be classified as a novel whitefly-transmitted flexivirus. The name Melon yellowing-associated virus (MYaV) is tentatively suggested for this virus.

[Primary cardiac malignant lymphoma diagnosed intraoperatively during aortic valve repair; report of a case].

A 58-year-old male who complained of chest oppression on effort was diagnosed as aortic regurgitation by echocardiography. The cardiac catheterization was showed moderate aortic regurgitation. He was referred to our hospital for aortic valve replacement. We considered preoperatively that the aortic regurgitation is due to infective endocarditis or aortitis syndrome. We have not noticed cardiac tumor at all until aortic valve replacement. Postoperative pathological diagnosis of the tumor was malignant lymphoma. The tumor had a characteristic architecture of a cardiac MICE (mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescence). After the operation, additional chemotherapy using doxorubicin and cysplatin was performed. The patient has been doing well for 5 years after operation.

Interaction of thyroid-stimulating antibody with Graves' thyroid-stimulating hormone-binding antibody.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence of anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) antibody in Graves' serum has been reported. We found that extremely high Graves' anti-TSH antibodies neutralized other Graves' thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb) activity. METHOD: TSAb-IgG was affinity-purified by Sepharose-bound Graves' anti-TSH antibody (extremely high). RESULT: The thyroid-stimulating activity in affinity-purified TSAb-IgG increased about 4-5 times compared to that before purification. TSH-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) activity in affinity-purified TSAb-IgG also increased using TSH receptor-coated tube assay. A similar increase of thyroid-stimulating activity accompanied with TBII activity was also observed in affinity-purified TSAb-IgG-F(ab')(2). CONCLUSION: This suggests the possibility that either TSAb may be an anti-idiotypic antibody against anti-TSH antibody or anti-TSH antibody may be an anti-idiotypic antibody against anti-TSH receptor antibody.

Inhibitory effect of propofol on ketamine-induced c-Fos expression in the rat posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortices is mediated by GABAA receptor activation.

BACKGROUND: Non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, including ketamine, have psychotomimetic activities and cause neuronal damage in the posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortices (PC/RS), which are suggested to be the brain regions responsible for their psychotomimetic activities. We previously demonstrated that ketamine induced marked c-Fos (c-fos protein) expression in the rat PC/RS, which was inhibited by propofol, and the expression was closely related to ketamine-induced abnormal behavior. In the present study, we investigated whether the inhibition by propofol was mediated by GABAA receptor receptor activation. METHODS: Using Wistar rats, propofol alone, propofol with bicuculline or propofol with flumazenil was injected intravenously and then continuously infused. Fifteen minutes later, 100 mg kg-1 of ketamine or normal saline was injected intraperitoneally. Two hours after the ketamine or saline injection, the brain was extracted and brain sections were prepared, and c-Fos expression was detected using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: Ketamine induced marked c-Fos expression in the PC/RS (171 +/- 9/0.4 mm2), which was significantly inhibited by propofol (5 +/- 5/0.4 mm2). The inhibition by propofol was disinhibited dose-dependently by both bicuculline (0.5 and 1.0 mg kg-1 bicuculline groups: 46 +/- 15 and 143 +/- 16, respectively) and flumazenil (0.1 and 1.0 mg kg-1 flumazenil groups: 79 +/- 6 and 130 +/- 15, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of propofol on ketamine-induced c-Fos expression in the PC/RS is mediated by GABAA receptor activation, and suggests that ketamine-induced psychoneuronal adverse effects may be suppressed by propofol via the activation of GABAA receptors.