Virulência de micro-organismos à Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) e compatibilidade com inseticidas

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Entomologia Agrícola) - FCAV

Biological therapy for the prevention and treatment of postoperative endoscopic recurrence in Crohn's disease: time for acceptance?

In most patients, postoperative endoscopic recurrence (PER) occurs 1 year after abdominal resection for Crohn’s disease (CD). Preventing PER is essential for disease control, as most patients develop further clinical and surgical recurrences. Conventional therapy with nitroimidazoles, aminosalicylates, and immunomodulators have limited efficacy for preventing PER. Initial trials with biological therapy (infliximab and adalimumab) showed promising results in preventing PER, and the efficacy of these drugs seems higher than that with conventional therapy. The aim of this review is to outline the results of studies that used infliximab or adalimumab for preventing and treating PER in CD patients. Data with both agents are available, and a few, small prospective trials have shown the efficacy of these drugs in patients with a high risk for recurrence. We believe that, in 2013, biological agents will be better accepted for the prevention PER in CD patients, in addition to the already existing data. Larger trials are still underway, and their results will certainly determine the role of these agents in PER, which develops after bowel resection for CD.

Musca domestica as a host for mass rearing of parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

SEASONAL, HABITAT AND SEX-SPECIFIC PATTERNS OF FOOD UTILIZATION BY RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS (Agelaius phoeniceous) IN EASTERN ONTARIO AND THEIR ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Crop depredation by red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) causes serious economic losses to agricultural crops each year in both Canada and the United States. The concentration of vulnerable, monocultural crops, particularly corn, during periods when large flocks of blackbirds congregate in roosting areas prior to migration has invariably led to heavy feeding pressure (Stone et al., 1972; Wiens and Dyer, 1975; Tyler et al., 1978). Efforts to reduce damage levels by mechanical and chemical dispersal agents have been largely unsuccessful, at least in terms of a long-term solution to the problem. Recently, the lethal control of blackbird populations using surfactants has been proposed. However, the potential repercussions of the removal of substantial numbers of birds from northern breeding areas are virtually unknown (Robertson et al., 1978). Much of the research dealing with the feeding ecology of red-winged blackbirds has been limited to fall and winter periods when large aggregations of birds are actively involved in crop depredation (Goddad, 1969; Williams, 1976; Dolbeer et al., 1978) or pose a potential health hazard (Monroe and Cronholm, 1976). However, what is not known is the degree to which the removal of deleterious weed seed and insect pests cited in several studies (Bird and Smith, 1964; Mott et al., 1972; Robertson et al., 1978) might be of potential value to agriculture. The issue of whether the benefits derived from redwing foraging compensate for the negative aspects associated with crop depredation and health hazards remains largely unresolved. The present study attempted to evaluate the pest status of this species using diet information derived from food habits analysis conducted during the residency of red- winged blackbirds in a northern breeding area. By determining how the feeding ecology of red-winged blackbirds varies on a seasonal basis, among different breeding habitats and between sexes, we hoped to determine more realistically which segments of the population might be responsible for the greatest benefits or detriments and, thereby, more accurately evaluate the economic impact of the species as a whole. To achieve this aim, the study provides an accurate description of the common insects and weed pests utilized by redwings. By determining the relative proportions of those items known to be detrimental, we hoped to illustrate, at least qualitatively, the degree to which redwing foraging is comprised of both beneficial and harmful components.

Development, characterization, and in vitro trials of chloroaluminum phthalocyanine-magnetic nanoemulsion to hyperthermia and photodynamic therapies on glioblastoma as a biological model

A glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the highest grade glioma tumor (grade IV) and is the most malignant form of astrocytomas. Grade IV tumors, which are the most malignant and aggressive, affect people between the ages of 45 and 70 years. A GBM exhibits remarkable characteristics that include excessive proliferation, necrosis, genetic instability, and chemoresistance. Because of these characteristics, GBMs are difficult to treat and have a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than one year. New methods to achieve widespread distribution of therapeutic agents across infiltrative gliomas significantly improve brain tumor therapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and hyperthermia (HPT) are well-established tumor therapies with minimal side effects while acting synergistically. This study introduces a new promising nanocarrier for the synergistic application of PDT and magnetic hyperthermia therapy against human glioma cell line T98 G, with cellular viability reduction down to as low as 17% compared with the control. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3671775]

Biological and behavioral parameters of the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are altered by the pathogen Nosema sp (Microsporidia: Nosematidae)

A major issue for mass rearing of insects concerns sanitary conditions and disease. Microsporidian infection (Nosema sp.) in laboratory colonies of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), used in producing the parasitoid. Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), is representative of the problems faced by growers and industry. Although C. flavipes has been produced for several years in Brazil for biological control of D. saccharalis, we have only recently observed that the parasitoid becomes infected when developing inside hosts infected with Nosema sp. We assessed the effects of Nosema sp. on C. flavipes, including the ability to locate and select hosts, and evaluated pathogen transmission. Third instar larvae of D. saccharalis were inoculated with Nosema sp. spores at different concentrations and were parasitized when larvae reached fifth instar. Heavily infected D. saccharalis larvae did not support parasitism. Parasitoids that developed in infected D. saccharalis larvae exhibited increased duration of larval and pupal stages, decreased adult longevity and number of offspring, and reduced tibia size compared to parasitoids developing in uninfected D. saccharalis larvae. Infection by Nosema sp. reduced the ability of the C. flavipes parasitoid to distinguish between volatiles released by the sugarcane infested by healthy larvae and pure air. Uninfected parasitoids preferred plants infested with uninfected hosts. But infected C. flavipes did not differentiate between uninfected hosts and those infected with Nosema sp. The pathogen is transmitted from host to parasitoids and parasitoids to hosts. Pathogenic effects of the microsporidium in C. flavipes are sufficiently severe to justify disease management efforts, particularly considering the importance of C. flavipes as a biological control agent in sugarcane. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Status of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) as a Pest of Coconut in the State of Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, is one of the main pests of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) in northeastern Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of the coconut mite and other mites on coconut palms in the state of So Paulo and to estimate the possible role of predatory mites in the control of this pest. The effect of cultivated genotypes and sampling dates on the mite populations was also estimated. We sampled attached fruits, leaflets, inflorescences, and fallen fruits. The coconut mite was the main phytophagous mite found on attached and fallen fruits, with average densities of 110.0 and 20.5 mites per fruit, respectively. The prevalent predatory mites on attached and fallen fruits were Proctolaelaps bulbosus Moraes, Reis & Gondim Jr. and Proctolaelaps bickleyi (Bram), both Melicharidae. On leaflets, the tenuipalpids Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijsks) and Tenuipalpus coyacus De Leon and the tetranychid Oligonychus modestus (Banks) were the predominant phytophagous mites. On both leaflets and inflorescences, the predominant predatory mites belonged to the Phytoseiidae. Neoseiulus baraki (Athias-Henriot) and Neoseiulus paspalivorus (De Leon), predators widely associated with the coconut mite in northeastern Brazil and several other countries, were not found. The low densities of the coconut mite in So Paulo could be related to prevailing climatic conditions, scarcity of coconut plantations (hampering the dispersion of the coconut mite between fields), and to the fact that some of the genotypes cultivated in the region are unfavorable for its development.

EVALUATION OF IN VITRO AND IN VIVO EFFECTS OF SEMIPURIFIED PROTEINASE INHIBITORS FROM THEOBROMA SEEDS ON MIDGUT PROTEASE ACTIVITY OF LEPIDOPTERAN PEST INSECTS

We have characterized in vitro and in vivo effects of trypsin inhibitors from Theobroma seeds on the activity of trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like proteins from Lepidopteran pest insects. The action of semipurified trypsin inhibitors from Theobroma was evaluated by the inhibition of bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin activities determined by the hydrolysis of N-Benzoyl-DL-Arginine-p-Nitroanilide (BAPA) and N-Succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pho-Phe p-Nitroanilide (S-(Ala)2ProPhe-pNA). Proteinase inhibitor activities from Theobroma cacao and T. obovatum seeds were the most effective in inhibiting trypsin-like proteins, whereas those from T. obovatum and T. sylvestre were the most efficient against chymotrypsin-like proteins. All larvae midgut extracts showed trypsin-like proteolytic activities, and the putative trypsin inhibitors from Theobroma seeds significantly inhibited purified bovine trypsin. With respect to the influence of Theobroma trypsin inhibitors on intact insects, the inclusion of T. cacao extracts in artificial diets of velvet bean caterpillars (Anticarsia gemmatalis) and sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) produced a significant increase in the percentage of adult deformation, which is directly related to both the survival rate of the insects and oviposition.

Dispersal strategies of Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a coconut pest

The dispersal of plant-feeding mites can occur involuntarily, through transportation of infested plant parts, or voluntarily, by walking to new plant parts or to suitable spots where biotic (phoresis) or abiotic (wind, agricultural tools, etc.) factors carry them over long distances. Elucidating the dispersal mechanisms of the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, is important for understanding the process of colonization of new fruits of a same or different plants, essential for the improvement of control strategies of this serious coconut pest. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the voluntary dispersal mechanisms of this mite. The hypothesis that the coconut mite disperses by walking, phoresis or wind were tested. The coconut mite was shown to be able to walk short distances between fruits of the same bunch or between bunches of the same plant. Phoresis on insects of the orders Hymenoptera (Apidae), Coleoptera (Curculionidae) and Lepidoptera (Phycitidae) was evaluated in the laboratory and in the field. Although in the laboratory mites were shown to be able to climb onto honeybees, field investigations failed to show these insects as important carriers of the pest, corroborating findings of previous works; however, both laboratory and field investigations suggested the curculionid Parisoschoenus obesulus Casey to be able to transport the coconut mite between plants. Similarly, laboratory and field investigations suggested wind to be important in the dispersal of the coconut mite between plants.

Natural occurrence of Zoophthora radicans (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae) on Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae), an invasive pest recently found in Brazil

Occurrence of Zoophthora radicans infecting nymphs and adults of Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero and Dellape, 2006 is reported in Brazil. This is a new record of host for this fungal species and the first fungal pathogen associated with this pest worldwide. Infection of Z. radicans on T. peregrinus populations on commercial Eucalyptus plantation (Eucalyptus spp.) reached up to 100%, and low insect densities were associated with high levels of fungal infection in three out of seven plots. This pathogen seems to be virulent against T. peregrinus and may play an important role in population regulations of this invasive pest through naturally induced epizootics. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biological Characteristics and Thermal Requirements of the Biological Control Agent Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) Reared on Eggs of Different Species of the Genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The biological characteristics of Telenomus remus Nixon, 1937 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on eggs of Spodoptera albula (Walker, 1857); S. cosmioides Walker 1858, S. eridania (Cramer, 1782); and S. frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were evaluated under different temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C). The duration of the T remus egg-to-adult period on eggs of all four Spodoptera species and the longevity of adults of T. remus were both inversely proportional to the increase in temperature. Parasitoid emergence was higher than 80% at temperatures from 19 to 28 degrees C when the parasitoid was reared on eggs of S. eridania and S. frugiperda. Differently, when the parasitoid was reared on eggs of S. albula and S. cosmioides, T. remus emergence at rates of 80% or higher just occurred from 22 to 25 degrees C and at 22 degrees C, respectively. At 34 degrees C, this parameter was lower than 30% for T reams reared in all hosts. The sex ratio was 64-86% females, except for T. remus in S. cosmioides eggs at 34 C, in which temperature it was 39%. The estimated thermal requirements of T. remus, for the thermal constant (K) and the base temperature (T(base)), were: 125.39 DD and 15.139 degrees C; 125.56 DD and 14.912 degrees C; 142.98 DD and 14.197 degrees C; and 149.16 DD and 13.846 degrees C, for S. cosmioides, S. frugiperda, S. albula, and S. eridania, respectively. In general, T. remus showed good parasitism potential on all the hosts, although eggs of S. frugiperda, S. eridania, and S. albula proved to be the most suitable for mass rearing of T reams in the laboratory. Eggs of S. cosmioides are less suitable because of the lower parasitoid emergence observed at most of the temperatures with exception of 22 degrees C.

The promoter of filamentation (POF1) protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an ATPase involved in the protein quality control process

Background: The gene YCL047C, which has been renamed promoter of filamentation gene (POF1), has recently been described as a cell component involved in yeast filamentous growth. The objective of this work is to understand the molecular and biological function of this gene. Results: Here, we report that the protein encoded by the POF1 gene, Pof1p, is an ATPase that may be part of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein quality control pathway. According to the results, Δpof1 cells showed increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, heat shock and protein unfolding agents, such as dithiothreitol and tunicamycin. Besides, the overexpression of POF1 suppressed the sensitivity of Δpct1, a strain that lacks a gene that encodes a phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase, to heat shock. In vitro analysis showed, however, that the purified Pof1p enzyme had no cytidylyltransferase activity but does have ATPase activity, with catalytic efficiency comparable to other ATPases involved in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of proteins (ERAD). Supporting these findings, co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed a physical interaction between Pof1p and Ubc7p (an ubiquitin conjugating enzyme) in vivo. Conclusions: Taken together, the results strongly suggest that the biological function of Pof1p is related to the regulation of protein degradation.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of substituted naphthalene diimides as anticancer agents

It has been proved that naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivatives display anticancer properties as intercalators and G-quadruplex-binding ligands, leading to DNA damage, senescence and down-regulation of oncogene expression. This thesis deals with the design and synthesis of disubstituted and tetrasubstituted NDI derivatives endowed with anticancer activity, interacting with DNA together with other targets implicated in cancer development. Disubstituted NDI compounds have been designed with the aim to provide potential multitarget directed ligands (MTDLs), in order to create molecules able to simultaneously interact with some of the different targets involved in this pathology. The most active compound, displayed antiproliferative activity in submicromolar range, especially against colon and prostate cancer cell lines, the ability to bind duplex and quadruplex DNA, to inhibit Taq polymerase and telomerase, to trigger caspase activation by a possible oxidative mechanism, to downregulate ERK 2 protein and to inhibit ERKs phosphorylation, without acting directly on microtubules and tubuline. Tetrasubstituted NDI compounds have been designed as G-quadruplex-binding ligands endowed with anticancer activity. In order to improve the cellular uptake of the lead compound, the N-methylpiperazine moiety have been replaced with different aromatic systems and methoxypropyl groups. The most interesting compound was 1d, which was able to interact with the G-quadruplexes both telomeric and in HSP90 promoter region, and it has been co-crystallized with the human telomeric G-quadruplex, to directly verify its ability to bind this kind of structure, and also to investigate its binding mode. All the morpholino substituted compounds show antiproliferative activity in submicromolar values mainly in pancreatic and lung cancer cell lines, and they show an improved biological profile in comparison with that of the lead compound. In conclusion, both these studies, may represent a promising starting point for the development of new interesting molecules useful for the treatment of cancer, underlining the versatility of the NDI scaffold.

Haemostatic effect and tissue reactions of methods and agents used for haemorrhage control in apical surgery

To compare the haemostatic effect and tissue reactions of different agents and methods used for haemorrhage control in apical surgery.

Current state of evidence on 'off-label' therapeutic options for systemic lupus erythematosus, including biological immunosuppressive agents, in Germany, Austria and Switzerland--a consensus report

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be a severe and potentially life-threatening disease that often represents a therapeutic challenge because of its heterogeneous organ manifestations. Only glucocorticoids, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and very recently belimumab have been approved for SLE therapy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Dependence on glucocorticoids and resistance to the approved therapeutic agents, as well as substantial toxicity, are frequent. Therefore, treatment considerations will include 'off-label' use of medication approved for other indications. In this consensus approach, an effort has been undertaken to delineate the limits of the current evidence on therapeutic options for SLE organ disease, and to agree on common practice. This has been based on the best available evidence obtained by a rigorous literature review and the authors' own experience with available drugs derived under very similar health care conditions. Preparation of this consensus document included an initial meeting to agree upon the core agenda, a systematic literature review with subsequent formulation of a consensus and determination of the evidence level followed by collecting the level of agreement from the panel members. In addition to overarching principles, the panel have focused on the treatment of major SLE organ manifestations (lupus nephritis, arthritis, lung disease, neuropsychiatric and haematological manifestations, antiphospholipid syndrome and serositis). This consensus report is intended to support clinicians involved in the care of patients with difficult courses of SLE not responding to standard therapies by providing up-to-date information on the best available evidence.