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Zika virus (ZIKV) has the ability to cross placental and brain barriers, causing congenital malformations in neonates and neurological disorders in adults. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV-induced neurological complications in adults and congenital malformations are still not fully understood. Gas6 is a soluble TAM receptor ligand able to promote flavivirus internalization and downregulation of immune responses. Here we demonstrate that there is a correlation between ZIKV neurological complications with higher Gas6 levels and the downregulation of genes associated with anti-viral response, as type I IFN due to Socs1 upregulation. Also, Gas6 gamma-carboxylation is essential for ZIKV invasion and replication in monocytes, the main source of this protein, which was inhibited by warfarin. Conversely, Gas6 facilitates ZIKV replication in adult immunocompetent mice and enabled susceptibility to transplacental infection. Our data indicate that ZIKV promotes the upregulation of its ligand Gas6, which contributes to viral infectivity and drives the development of severe adverse outcomes during ZIKV infection.

The terms deodorants and antiperspirants very frequently used interchangeably despite the fact that they employ completely different active substances and mechanisms of action. Antiperspirants are necessarily deodorants due to the lack of substrate to decompose. They nevertheless represent a group of very specific substances that create particular problems due to the presence of aluminium chlorohydrate, or ACH, (Al2(OH)5Cl, 2H2O), aluminium sesquichlorohydrate and aluminium-zirconium complex, which, after hydrolysis, causes intense acidification of the skin, hence the importance of inclusion of emollients and pH regulators in formulations. Moreover, systemic aluminium is thought to be genotoxic and to promote breast cancer, and it is thus at the centre of numerous scientific controversies. Nevertheless, its potential toxicity following topical application is related to its ability to penetrate skin, which is as yet poorly understood but considered very low, a fact that may provide some degree of reassurance regarding its use in cosmetic products. Its role in Alzheimer's disease has not been proven. On the other hand, zirconium salts are considered toxic and are partly regulated in Europe. The problems associated with deodorants are those arising from the presence of antiseptics (triclosan, usnic acid) capable of inducing bacterial resistance, but more particularly, the presence of axillary dermatitis due to the allergenic potential of the fragrances and essential oils used (e.g. isoeugenol, citronellal, lyral, cinnamic aldehyde, etc.).

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mainly transmitted by airborne droplets generated by infected individuals. Since this and many other pathogens are able to remain viable on inert surfaces for extended periods of time, contaminated surfaces play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 fomite transmission. Cosmetic products are destined to be applied on infection-sensitive sites, such as the lips and eyelids. Therefore, special biosafety precautions should be incorporated into the routine procedures of beauty parlors and shops. Indeed, innovative cosmetics companies are currently searching for disinfection protocols that ensure the customers’ safety in makeup testing. Here, we propose an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) strategy that can be used to reduce the odds of COVID-19 fomite transmission by makeup testers. It is well-known that UVGI effectively inactivates pathogens on flat surfaces and clear fluids. However, ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation at 254 nm penetrates poorly in turbid and porous materials, such as makeup and lipstick formulations. Thus, we investigated the virucidal effect of UVGI against SARS-CoV-2 deposited on such substrates and compared their performance to that of flat polystyrene surfaces, used as controls. Concentrated infectious SARS-CoV-2 inoculum (106 PFU/mL) deposited on lipstick and makeup powder was completely inactivated (>5log10 reduction) following UVC exposures at 1,260 mJ/cm2, while flat plastic surfaces required 10 times less exposure (126 mJ/cm2) to reach the same microbicidal performance. We conclude that UVGI comprises an effective disinfection strategy to promote biosafety for cosmetics testers. However, appropriate UVC dosimetry must be implemented to overcome inefficiencies caused by the optical properties of turbid materials in lipsticks and makeup powders.

Highlights • Recent advances in Zika virus drug discovery efforts. • Drug repositioning and computationally guided compounds. • New inhibitors and promising ZIKV molecular targets. • Promising host cell targets for ZIKV drug design. • Lessons learned from ZIKV drug discovery., Despite the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV), there are still no approved treatments, and early-stage compounds are probably many years away from approval. A comprehensive A–Z review of the recent advances in ZIKV drug discovery efforts is presented, highlighting drug repositioning and computationally guided compounds, including discovered viral and host cell inhibitors. Promising ZIKV molecular targets are also described and discussed, as well as targets belonging to the host cell, as new opportunities for ZIKV drug discovery. All this knowledge is not only crucial to advancing the fight against the Zika virus and other flaviviruses but also helps us prepare for the next emerging virus outbreak to which we will have to respond., Teaser Zika clinical outcomes might be nefarious impacting newborns for a lifetime. There is still no drug available to cure Zika. We provide guidance to help understand and advance the search for a cure.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has the ability to cross placental and brain barriers, causing congenital malformations in neonates and neurological disorders in adults. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV-induced neurological complications in adults and congenital malformations remain unknown. Gas6 is a soluble TAM receptor ligand able to promote flavivirus internalization and downregulation of immune responses. Here we demonstrate high Gas6 levels in the serum of patients with neurological complications which correlated with downregulation of genes associated with the type I IFN responses as consequence of Socs1 upregulation. Gas6 gamma-carboxylation is essential for ZIKV replication in monocytes, the main source of this protein. Gas6 also facilitates ZIKV replication in adult immunocompetent mice enabled susceptibility to transplacental infection and congenital malformations. Our data thus indicate that ZIKV promotes the upregulation of its ligand Gas6, which contributes to viral infectivity and drives the development of severe adverse outcomes during ZIKV infection.

COVID-19 patients may exhibit neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms. We found that anxiety and cognitive impairment are manifested by 28-56% of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with mild respiratory symptoms and are associated with altered cerebral cortical thickness. Using an independent cohort, we found histopathological signs of brain damage in 25% of individuals who died of COVID-19. All of the affected brain tissues exhibited foci of SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication, particularly in astrocytes. Infection of neural stem cell-derived astrocytes changed energy metabolism, altered key proteins and metabolites used to fuel neurons and for biogenesis of neurotransmitters, and elicited a secretory phenotype that reduces neuronal viability. Our data support the model where SARS-CoV-2 reaches the brain, infects astrocytes and triggers neuropathological changes that contribute to the structural and functional alterations in the brain of COVID-19 patients.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:25:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-09-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Fundo de Apoio ao Ensino, à Pesquisa e Extensão, Universidade Estadual de Campinas Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) COVID-19 can result in severe lung injury. It remained to be determined why diabetic individuals with uncontrolled glucose levels are more prone to develop the severe form of COVID-19. The molecular mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and what determines the onset of the cytokine storm found in severe COVID-19 patients are unknown. Monocytes and macrophages are the most enriched immune cell types in the lungs of COVID-19 patients and appear to have a central role in the pathogenicity of the disease. These cells adapt their metabolism upon infection and become highly glycolytic, which facilitates SARS-CoV-2 replication. The infection triggers mitochondrial ROS production, which induces stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and consequently promotes glycolysis. HIF-1α-induced changes in monocyte metabolism by SARS-CoV-2 infection directly inhibit T cell response and reduce epithelial cell survival. Targeting HIF-1ɑ may have great therapeutic potential for the development of novel drugs to treat COVID-19. Diabetic people with uncontrolled blood glucose levels have a greater risk to develop severe COVID-19 disease. Codo et al. show that elevated glucose levels and glycolysis promote SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) replication and cytokine production in monocytes through a mitochondrial ROS/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α dependent pathway, resulting in T cell dysfunction and epithelial cell death. Laboratory of Immunometabolism Department of Genetics Evolution Microbiology and Immunology Institute of Biology University of Campinas Department of Genetics Evolution Microbiology and Immunology Institute of Biology University of Campinas Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology Institute of Biology University of Campinas Department of Genetics at Ribeirao Preto Medical School University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Department of Clinical and Toxicological analyses School of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of São Paulo Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), Campinas Department of Animal Biology Institute of Biology University of Campinas, Campinas Department of Internal Medicine School of Medical Sciences University of Campinas, Campinas Department of Clinical Medicine School of Medical Sciences University of Campinas, Campinas Hematology and Hemotherapy Center University of Campinas, Campinas Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center (OCRC) University of Campinas Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC) University of Campinas Department of Structural and Functional Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico Department of Structural and Functional Biology Institute of Biosciences São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu FAPESP: 20/04579-7 FAPESP: 2015/15626-8 FAPESP: 2016/18031-8 FAPESP: 2016/23328-0 FAPESP: 2017/01184-9 FAPESP: 2018/22505-0 FAPESP: 2019/00098-7 FAPESP: 2019/06372-3 FAPESP: 2020/04522-5 FAPESP: 2020/04558-0 FAPESP: 2020/04583-4 FAPESP: 2020/04746-0 FAPESP: 2020/04919-2 Fundo de Apoio ao Ensino, à Pesquisa e Extensão, Universidade Estadual de Campinas: 2274/20

The terms deodorants and antiperspirants very frequently used interchangeably despite the fact that they employ completely different active substances and mechanisms of action. Antiperspirants are necessarily deodorants due to the lack of substrate to decompose. They nevertheless represent a group of very specific substances that create particular problems due to the presence of aluminium chlorohydrate, or ACH, (Al

COVID-19 can result in severe lung injury. It remained to be determined why diabetic individuals with uncontrolled glucose levels are more prone to develop the severe form of COVID-19. The molecular mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and what determines the onset of the cytokine storm found in severe COVID-19 patients are unknown. Monocytes/macrophages are the most enriched immune cell types in the lungs of COVID-19 patients and appear to have a central role in the pathogenicity of the disease. These cells adapt their metabolism upon infection and become highly glycolytic, which facilitates SARS-CoV-2 replication. The infection triggers mitochondrial ROS production, which induces stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor- 1α (HIF - 1α) and consequently promotes glycolysis. HIF- 1α-induced changes in monocyte metabolism by SARS-CoV-2 infection directly inhibit T cell response and reduce epithelial cell survival. Targeting HIF-1 ɑ may have great therapeutic potential for the development of novel drugs to treat COVID-19.

Practically all currently available self-tanning products have as their active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which may or may not be combined with erythrulose, tyrosine derivatives, and occasionally a naphthoquinone. The resulting skin tone, which resembles a natural tan, is due to chemical combination of the DHA with amino acids in the skin through the Maillard reaction. Polymer pigments known as melanoidins are formed and are fixed in the stratum corneum, where they remain until corneocyte desquamation occurs. The colouring thus achieved is semi-permanent and is well tolerated by skin. While the formulation of such products is complex and their storage difficult, no other substances provide more satisfactory or more lasting results.

Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV) is an emerging arbovirus with a high potential of dissemination in America. Little is known about the role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) response during OROV infection in humans. Thus, to evaluate human leukocytes susceptibility, permissiveness and immune response during OROV infection, we applied RNA hybridization, qRT-PCR and cell-based assays to quantify viral antigens, genome, antigenome and gene expression in different cells. First, we observed OROV replication in human leukocytes lineages as THP-1 monocytes, Jeko-1 B cells and Jurkat T cells. Interestingly, cell viability and viral particle detection are maintained in these cells, even after successive passages. PBMCs from healthy donors were susceptible but the infection was not productive, since neither antigenome nor infectious particle was found in the supernatant of infected PBMCs. In fact, only viral antigens and small quantities of OROV genome were detected at 24 hpi in lymphocytes, monocytes and CD11c+ cells. Finally, activation of the Interferon (IFN) response was essential to restrict OROV replication in human PBMCs. Increased expression of type I/III IFNs, ISGs and inflammatory cytokines was detected in the first 24 hpi and viral replication was re-established after blocking IFNAR or treating cells with glucocorticoid. Thus, in short, our results show OROV is able to infect and remain in low titers in human T cells, monocytes, DCs and B cells as a consequence of an effective IFN response after infection, indicating the possibility of leukocytes serving as a trojan horse in specific microenvironments during immunosuppression.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:51:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) The detection of avian coronaviruses (AvCoV) in wild birds and the emergence of new AvCoV have increased in the past few years. In the present study, the pathogenicity of three AvCoV isolates was investigated in day-old chicks. One AvCoV isolated from a pigeon, which clustered with the Massachusetts vaccine serotype, and two AvCoV isolated from chickens, which grouped with a Brazilian genotype lineage, were used. Clinical signs, gross lesions, histopathological changes, ciliary activity, viral RNA detection, and serology were evaluated during 42 days post infection. All AvCoV isolates induced clinical signs, gross lesions in the trachea, moderate histopathological changes in the respiratory tract, and mild changes in other tissues. AvCoV isolated from the pigeon sample caused complete tracheal ciliostasis over a longer time span. Specific viral RNA was detected in all tissues, but the highest RNA loads were detected in the digestive tract (cloacal swabs and ileum). The highest antibody levels were also detected in the group infected with an isolate from the pigeon. These results confirm the pathogenicity of Brazilian variants, which can cause disease and induce gross lesions and histopathological changes in chickens. Our results suggest that non-Galliformes birds can also play a role in the ecology of AvCoV. Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Lab Anim Virol, Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, FZEA, Fac Anim Sci & Food Engn, Dept Vet Med, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, FMVZ, Fac Vet Med & Anim Sci, Postgrad Program Expt Epidemiol Zoonoses, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Juiz de Fora, ICB, Juiz De Fora, MG, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Coll Vet Med, Lab Anim Virol & Cell Culture, DAPSA Dept, Aracatuba, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Coll Vet Med, Lab Anim Virol & Cell Culture, DAPSA Dept, Aracatuba, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2014/50696-4 FAPESP: 2011/50919-5 FAPESP: 2015/11510-5

The ability of avian coronaviruses to replicate in mice was investigated to investigate interspecies transmission. Two inbred mouse strains (BALB/c and A/J) with different genetic backgrounds were inoculated with the avian coronavirus strains Mass and BR-I and monitored for at least 10 days. Analysis of viral RNA, histopathological examinations, immunohistochemistry and serology were performed. After virus inoculation, neither clinical signs nor evident gross lesions were observed. Viral RNA, histopathological changes, and viral nucleoprotein were observed in the lung, trachea and sinus of all inoculated mice. Our study demonstrates the importance of elucidating the epidemiology of coronaviruses, including in rodents that are pests in poultry production.

Practically all currently available self-tanning products have as their active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which may or may not be combined with erythrulose, tyrosine derivatives, and occasionally a naphthoquinone. The resulting skin tone, which resembles a natural tan, is due to chemical combination of the DHA with amino acids in the skin through the Maillard reaction. Polymer pigments known as melanoidins are formed and are fixed in the stratum corneum, where they remain until corneocyte desquamation occurs. The colouring thus achieved is semi-permanent and is well tolerated by skin. While the formulation of such products is complex and their storage difficult, no other substances provide more satisfactory or more lasting results.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-03T15:28:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-11-04T10:14:53Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000352019800025.pdf: 1162467 bytes, checksum: 697995330708a290437067ae3ada9573 (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) O vírus respiratório sincicial bovino (BRSV) é responsável por causar severa doença respiratória principalmente em bezerros. De acordo com sequências genéticas das proteínas F e G deste vírus, três subgrupos de BRSV foram relatados e caracterizados em vários países, mostrando diferenças nas suas distribuições. No Brasil, o vírus encontra-se disseminado pelos rebanhos bovinos e, dos poucos isolados caracterizados, todos foram classificados no subgrupo B. Assim, o estudo descreve a detecção e caracterização de uma estirpe de BRSV não tipável proveniente de um bezerro de vinte dias de idade, de um rebanho sem histórico clínico de doença respiratória. Suabes nasais foram analisados pela técnica de RT-nested PCR para os genes das proteínas F e G do BRSV e uma amostra amplificou o gene da proteína F. O sequenciamento da amostra e subsequente reconstrução filogenética mostrou o não agrupamento da estirpe com quaisquer outros subgrupos de BRSV relatados. Este resultado sugere a constante evolução do BRSV, mesmo no Brasil, onde a vacinação não é uma prática comum. Estudos mais detalhados sobre a caracterização do BRSV são necessários para melhor entender a distribuição dos subgrupos nos rebanhos brasileiros a fim de proporcionar medidas de imunoprofilaxia adequadas. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) causes important lower respiratory tract illness in calves. According to F and G proteins genetic sequences, three BRSV subgroups have been reported and characterized in several countries, showing differences in its distribution. In Brazil, the virus is widely disseminated throughout the herds and the few characterized isolates revealed the solely occurrence of the subgroup B. This study describes the detection and characterization of an untyped BRSV strain from a twenty-days-old calf from a herd without clinical respiratory disease. Nasal swabs were analyzed by RT-nested PCR for the F and G proteins genes. One sample has amplified the F protein gene. Sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic reconstruction were accomplished, revealing that the strain could not be grouped with any other BRSV subgroups reported. This result may suggest that the BRSV is in constantly evolution, even in Brazil, where the vaccination is not a common practice. More detailed studies about BRSV characterization are necessary to know the virus subgroups distribution among the Brazilian herds to recommend appropriated immunoprophylaxis. Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brasil. Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia,UFJF, Juiz de Fora, MG. Universidade FEEVALE, FEEVALE, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brasil. Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Jaboticabal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, SP, Brasil. FAPESP: 2010/15912-7 FAPESP: 2010/06950-2

The microstructural and technological properties of clay ceramic incorporated with 10 and 20 wt% of elephant grass ashes were investigated at different firing temperatures of 650, 850 and 1050oC. X-ray diffraction were used to obtain the minerals and phase compositions. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The technical properties related to water absorption, linear shrinkage and flexural rupture strength were obtained by standard test. The results showed significant changes in the microstructure and phasic composition with increasing firing temperature. A marked improvement in the water absorption, decreasing to 18% as well as increase in strength, above 5 MPa, was found at 1050°C. However, only a slight contribution might be attributed to the incorporation of elephant grass ash. Nevertheless, its use as a by-product and the associated saving in clay are relevant environmental and economical advantages.

This study showed that the most of the coronaviruses (CoVs) detected in Brazilian wild birds clustered with the mouse hepatitis virus A59 strain, belonging to the BetaCoV group. Furthermore, CoV detected in two different bird species, Amazona vinacea and Brotogeris tirica, clustered with a CoV isolated from Sparrow (SpaCoV HKU17) belonging to a monophyletic group related with the CoVs isolated from swines (PorCoV HKU15), both belonging to the DeltaCoV genus, previously unreported in South America. Considering the risk of inter-species host switching and further adaptation to new hosts, detection in bird species of CoVs closely related to mammal CoVs should warn for the potential emergence of new threatening viruses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00239-015-9693-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To the Editor: Tadarida brasiliensis (I. Geoffroy, 1824) is a species of free-tailed bat that has resident and migratory populations in Brazil (1). This species has adapted to urban areas, occupying roofs, ceilings, and other human constructions, and often coexists with other bat species and humans (2), enabling epidemiologic risks (3). In recent studies, an alphacoronavirus has been detected in urban bat species Molossus molossus, M. rufus, and Tadarida brasiliensi in Brazil (4,5). Evidence suggests that alphacoronaviruses may use bats as hosts to spread human coronavirus (HCoV) NL63, which originated by evolution of Appalachian Ridge CoV strain 2 (ARCoV.2) (6). In this study, a total of 20 anal and tracheal swab samples from 10 bats (T. brasiliensis) were collected at the Jequitibas Wood, in Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil (22°54′31.34′′S 47°02′58.01′′W). We extracted viral genetic material using the RNA Extraction Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany) and synthesized cDNA using random primers from the High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA), following the manufacturer’s protocol. Samples were analyzed by conventional reverse transcription PCR assays using panCoV primers targeting a 215-bp replicase fragment as previously described (7) with slight modifications to include more cycles and less extension time in order to obtain more PCR products. Sequencing reactions on a Pancoronavirus-positive anal swab sample (7) were performed at Central Laboratory of High Performance Technologies in Life Sciences (LaCTAD) at UNICAMP (http://www.lactad.unicamp.br) using an automated sequencer (3730xl DNA Analyzer; Applied Biosystems). The chromatograms were edited using the program UGENE version 1.14 (UGENE, http://ugene.unipro.ru/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1407749393) and evaluated using Phred scores for base calling. Alignment was made with ClustalW v.2.1 software (http://www.clustal.org) implemented on Linux command line interface, and a similarity matrix was generated with sequences retrieved from the GenBank database. A 144-nt fragment of the replicase gene was obtained after editing, and phylogenetic analysis was performed after determining the best evolution model by using the jModelTest2 software (https://code.google.com/p/jmodeltest2/). Different CoV sequences were included to represent the genera Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma-, and Deltacoronavirus. Clustering with the ARCoV.2 and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was obtained using the maximum-likelihood (ML) method after 1,000 Shimodaira-Hasegawa–like support values with the general time-reversible model and category approximation in 20 rates category in a gamma distribution (Technical Appendix Figure, panel A) and neighbor-joining methods under Kimura-2-parameter and 1,000 replicates of bootstrap (Technical Appendix Figure, panel B). Subsequently, metagenomic analysis was made by creating a pool of the 10 bat samples. Samples were resuspended in Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium (Life Technologies-GIBCO, Grand Island, NY, USA) and filtered through 0.22 μm. The recovered sample was then treated with DNase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) to remove contaminating DNA and with Proteinase K (Invitrogen) to eliminate inhibitors and to disrupt viral capsids. Samples were then subjected to RNA extraction (QIAGEN) and sent to the sequencing core facility. Sequencing was performed on Illumina HiSeq2500 instrument by using the 2×100 bp kit according to manufacturer’s instructions. Through these analyses, we obtained 34,409,110 reads, of which 76.47% had quality index ≥30. The contigs were assembled by de novo genome assembly (blastx E-value ≤1–5) (8) generating 10.742 scaffolds: 35 matches for coronaviruses (using the Coronavirus Database, http://covdb.microbiology.hku.hk), 3 matches for PEDV, and 2 matches for HCoV-NL63 (both using the UniProt database, http://www.uniprot.org) (Technical Appendix). The sequences obtained had 87.5% (126/144) nucleotide identity with ARCoV.2, an unclassified alphacoronavirus (GenBank accession no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"JX537912","term_id":"407016953","term_text":"JX537912"}}JX537912) for which a zoonotic role has been suggested (6). Preliminary analysis indicated good coverage of the polymerase region of the ARCoV.2 reference sequence by the reads (quality index >40) by using reference assembly against CoV complete genomes. This finding reinforces the hypothesis of this viral agent in the specimens analyzed. Moreover, molecular assays are underway in our laboratory to elucidate the alternative hypothesis of PEDV presence in bats in Brazil. In summary, we found that a CoV detected in T. brasiliensis bats in Brazil has close phylogenetic relationships to ARCoV.2 and PEDV. Considering the zoonotic impact of these viral agents on the emergence of new diseases in animal and human populations, we believe that both results may strongly contribute to a better understanding of the molecular eco-epidemiology of these alphacoronaviruses. The reconstruction of their evolutionary history to trace their occurrence in humans and in bat populations as well as in other animals is being conducted to clarify their evolutionary pathway. Technical Appendix: Maximum likelihood and neighbor-joining genetic sequences of coronaviruses detected in bats of Tadarida brasiliensis species. Click here to view.(57K, pdf)

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a respiratory pathogen associated with the swollen head syndrome (SHS) in chickens. In Brazil, live aMPV vaccines are currently used, but subtypes A and, mainly subtype B (aMPV/A and aMPV/B) are still circulating. This study was conducted to characterize two Brazilian aMPV isolates (A and B subtypes) of chicken origin. A challenge trial to explore the replication ability of the Brazilian subtypes A and B in chickens was performed. Subsequently, virological protection provided from an aMPV/B vaccine against the same isolates was analyzed. Upon challenge experiment, it was shown by virus isolation and real time PCR that aMPV/B could be detected longer and in higher amounts than aMPV/A. For the protection study, 18 one-day-old chicks were vaccinated and challenged at 21 days of age. Using virus isolation and real time PCR, no aMPV/A was detected in the vaccinated chickens, whereas one vaccinated chicken challenged with the aMPV/B isolate was positive. The results showed that aMPV/B vaccine provided a complete heterologous virological protection, although homologous protection was not complete in one chicken. Although only one aMPV/B positive chicken was detected after homologous vaccination, replication in vaccinated animals might allow the emergence of escape mutants. O Metapneumovírus aviário (aMPV) é um patógeno respiratório associado à síndrome da cabeça inchada (SHS) em galinhas. Apesar de vacinas vivas contra o aMPV serem utilizadas no Brasil, os subtipos A e B (aMPV/A e aMPV/B) são ainda encontrados no país, com predominância do subtipo B. Este estudo foi conduzido com o intuito de estudar dois isolados brasileiros de aMPV (subtipos A e B) isolados de frango. Para isto, um desafio experimental em frangos foi conduzido com o intuito de explorar a capacidade de replicação dos subtipos A e B Brasileiros. Posteriormente, a protecção virológica conferida por uma vacina do subtipo B em pintos foi realizada com os mesmos isolados. Após o desafio experimental demonstrou-se, por isolamento viral e PCR em tempo real, que o isolado do subtipo B replicou por maior período de tempo e em quantidades maiores, em comparação com o subtipo A. Para o estudo de proteção, 18 pintos de um dia de idade foram vacinados e desafiados aos 21 dias. Usando isolamento viral e PCR em tempo real, em nenhuma ave vacinada e desafiada com aMPV/A foi detectado o vírus, ao passo que uma ave vacinada e desafiada com o aMPV/B foi positiva. Os resultados mostraram que a vacina do subtipo B forneceu protecção heteróloga completa, embora a protecção homóloga não tenha sido conferida em uma ave. Apesar de o aMPV/B ter sido detectado em apenas um frango após vacinação homóloga, a replicação viral em aves vacinadas pode resultar em emergência de mutantes de escape.

Our study demonstrates the repeated isolation of vaccine-derived Newcastle disease viruses from different species of wild birds across four continents from 1997 through 2014. The data indicate that at least 17 species from ten avian orders occupying different habitats excrete vaccine-derived Newcastle disease viruses. The most frequently reported isolates were detected among individuals in the order Columbiformes (n = 23), followed in frequency by the order Anseriformes (n = 13). Samples were isolated from both free-ranging (n = 47) and wild birds kept in captivity (n = 7). The number of recovered vaccine-derived viruses corresponded with the most widely utilized vaccines, LaSota (n = 28) and Hitchner B1 (n = 19). Other detected vaccine-derived viruses resembled the PHY-LMV2 and V4 vaccines, with five and two cases, respectively. These results and the ubiquitous and synanthropic nature of wild pigeons highlight their potential role as indicator species for the presence of Newcastle disease virus of low virulence in the environment. The reverse spillover of live agents from domestic animals to wildlife as a result of the expansion of livestock industries employing massive amounts of live virus vaccines represent an underappreciated and poorly studied effect of human activity on wildlife.

A escória de aciaria LD é um coproduto originado do refino do ferro gusa em aço e da metalurgia secundária, sendo gerado, em média, uma quantidade de aproximadamente 120 kg/t de aço produzido. Assim como as escórias de alto-forno, que são utilizadas como matéria-prima para a fabricação do cimento, as escórias de aciaria LD, após beneficiamento (chamadas de agregados siderúrgicos), possuem diversas aplicações, tais como: artigos de concreto, diques marítimos, tratamentos de efluentes, lastro ferroviário, base e sub-base para pavimentos de rodovia, corretivo de solos, entre outros. Entretanto, este material possui compostos (CaO e MgO quando livres, Fe0, FeO e mCaO.nSiO2) que sofrem reações quando exposto ao ambiente, provocando expansão e desintegração dos materiais onde é aplicado, sendo necessária a estocagem em pátios para cura ou envelhecimento e consequente minimização da expansão. Atingido um determinado tempo de envelhecimento, o agregado é avaliado sob o ponto de vista do potencial de expansão para que, a partir dos resultados obtidos, seja ainda mantido sob cura ou destinado à sua aplicação. Os métodos mais comuns que avaliam a expansão de escórias de aciaria são o PTM-130/78, JIS A 5015/92 e o ASTM D4792/00. No Brasil, atualmente, o ensaio PTM-130 é o mais utilizado pelo Departamento de Estradas de Rodagem, entretanto o método leva 14 dias para obtenção dos resultados, que em geral são pouco detalhados sobre o comportamento da escória. Desta forma, o presente trabalho buscou correlacionar o método de avaliação do potencial de expansão volumétrica da escória de aciaria LD com a concentração de determinados compostos, quantificados através da difratometria de raios X em pós e o método de Rietveld, respectivamente. Buscou-se, também, compreender a influência dos diferentes compostos sobre a expansibilidade. BOF slag is a byproduct originated from the hot metal refining to steel and its subsequent types of secondary metallurgy processes, being generated, on average, an amount about 120 kg/t of steel. Similar to blast furnace slag which is used as raw material for the manufacturing of cement, BOF slag, after treatment (so-called of steel slag aggregates), has many applications such as: concrete components, marine docks, effluent treatment, ballast, road and highways base, correction of soil, among others. However, BOF slag is composed by chemical products (such as free CaO and MgO, Fe0, FeO and mCaO.nSiO2) which suffer expansive reactions when exposed to the atmosphere, causing expansion and disintegration of the materials where it is applied. Therefore, it is required some temporary storage for curing or aging to minimize the volumetric instability that is evaluated trough the potential of expansion. Depending on the volumetric expansion results, steel slag aggregates may be approved or disapproved according to a specified limit that will allow to be used or not. The most common methods to evaluate the expansion of BOF slags are the PTM-130/78, JIS A 5015/92 and ASTM D4792:2013. In Brazil, PTM-130 test is currently the most used by the department of highways. This method spends 14 days to obtain the result that generally shows few details about the behavior. Thus, the present study has the purpose of correlating the traditional method of evaluation with the one of X-ray diffraction in powders associated to the Rietveld Method. Another goal is to understand the influence of different compounds on expansion.

Medicinal plants are well known for their use in traditional folk medicine as treatments for many diseases including infectious diseases.Six Brazilian medicinal plant species were subjected to an antiviral screening bioassay to investigate and evaluate their biological activities against five viruses: bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BHV-5), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), murine hepatitis virus type 3, porcine parvovirus and bovine respiratory syncytial virus.The antiviral activity was determined by a titration technique that depends on the ability of plant extract dilutions (25 or 2.5 µg/mL) to inhibit the viral induced cytopathic effect and the extracts' inhibition percentage (IP).Two medicinal plant species showed potential antiviral activity. The Aniba rosaeodora Ducke (Lauraceae) extract had the best results, with 90% inhibition of viral growth at 2.5 µg/mL when the extract was added during the replication period of the aMPV infection cycle. The Maytenus ilicifolia (Schrad.) Planch. (Celastraceae) extracts at a concentration of 2.5 µg/mL exhibited antiviral activity during the attachment phase of BHV-5 (IP = 100%).The biomonitored fractionation of the active extracts from M. ilicifolia and A. rosaeodora could be a potential tool for identifying their active compounds and determining the exact mechanism of action.

I termini deodoranti e antitraspiranti sono molto spesso confusi, mentre i meccanismi di azione degli uni e degli altri, cosi come gli ingredienti attivi utilizzati, sono completamente differenti. E certo che gli antitraspiranti sono inevitabilmente deodoranti per l’assenza di substrato da decomporre. Rappresentano, tuttavia, un gruppo di prodotti molto particolari che generano dei problemi specifici a causa della presenza di alluminio cloridrato o ACH (Al 2 (OH) 5 Cl, 2H 2 O), di alluminio sesquicloridrato o del complesso di alluminio-zirconio, che provocano, dopo l’idrolisi, un’acidificazione intensa della cute. Da cio deriva l’importanza degli emollienti e dei regolatori del pH nelle formulazioni. Inoltre, l’alluminio e accusato di essere genotossico e di accelerare la comparsa del cancro della mammella. La sua eventuale tossicita per via topica e legata alla sua capacita di penetrazione cutanea, ancora poco conosciuta ma ritenuta molto modesta. La sua incidenza nella malattia di Alzheimer non e stata ancora provata. Viceversa, i sali di zirconio sono considerati tossici e sono severamente regolamentati in Europa. I problemi posti dai deodoranti sono le resistenze batteriche talvolta indotte dalla presenza di antisettici (triclosan, acido usnico), ma anche le dermatiti ascellari dovute al potenziale allergenico dei componenti dei profumi e degli olii essenziali (isoeugenolo, citronella, liral, aldeide cinnamica, ecc.).

I prodotti per il trucco del viso comprendono rossetti, fondotinta, polveri, fard, cosi come i prodotti per il trucco degli occhi, quali eyeliner, ombretti, mascara, matite e khol. Tutti questi prodotti contengono grandi quantita di coloranti di origine naturale e sintetica sotto forma insolubile di pigmenti o di lacche. Sono spiegate la natura, la legislazione e la denominazione dei coloranti, come anche la composizione dei differenti prodotti che li contengono. Sono ricordati la tollerabilita, la conservazione e gli eventuali controlli di ogni tipo di prodotto. Infine, il mercato francese dell’insieme dei prodotti per il trucco e confrontato con il mercato cosmetico globale.

I prodotti di gommage meccanico sono di natura principalmente cosmetica. Essi promuovono un’esfoliazione dolce che permette l’eliminazione delle cellule cornee desquamanti. Su basi emulsionate o gelificate, gli ingredienti attivi piu o meno abrasivi sono di origine vegetale (come le polveri di noccioli), minerale (come i microcristalli di alluminio) o sintetica (per esempio, microsfere di polietilene). La loro efficacia e in funzione della granulometria delle polveri e della forma delle particelle. Sono utilizzati nell’invecchiamento cutaneo, nella cura delle cuti nere, nell’eliminazione delle macchie senili, nell’eliminazione delle parti cornee dei talloni e dei gomiti e nella preparazione per le cure di bellezza.

Gli agenti autoabbronzanti attualmente sul mercato sono praticamente tutti basati sul diidrossiacetone (DHA), associato o meno all⬢eritrulosio, a derivati della tirosina e, a volte, a un naftochinone. La colorazione ottenuta, vicina all⬢abbronzatura naturale, e dovuta alla combinazione chimica del DHA con gli aminoacidi della pelle secondo la reazione di Maillard. Vi sara, dunque, la formazione di melanoidine, pigmenti polimerici, fissati nello strato corneo, che vi rimangono fino alla desquamazione dei corneociti. Questo colore e semipermanente e ben tollerato dalla pelle. La formulazione dei prodotti e delicata e la loro conservazione e difficile, ma nessun⬢altra sostanza fornisce risultati piu soddisfacenti e duraturi.

I principi specifici piu utilizzati nei prodotti cosmetici sono spiegati nei particolari della loro natura chimica, delle loro proprieta e della loro efficacia e tollerabilita. Vengono forniti alcuni esempi commerciali. Vengono presi in considerazione i prodotti idratanti (occlusivi, igroscopici, filmogeni idrofili, filmogeni idrofobi, regolatori del flusso idrico) gli antirughe o antieta (favorenti la desquamazione, schermi e filtri solari, antiradicali liberi, stimolanti cellulari, antielastasi, antiglicazione, tensori, rassodanti), gli antinfiammatori o lenitivi, gli immunoregolatori, i seboregolatori, gli antistress, i dimagranti, gli abbronzanti artificiali, i depigmentanti.

I cosmetici sono costituiti per il 20% da prodotti totalmente anidrici e per il 20% di circa da prodotti totalmente acquosi; il resto e rappresentato da prodotti emulsionati. Gli eccipienti saranno dunque divisi in due gruppi: lipofili e idrofili. Gli eccipienti lipofili sono: idrocarburi, siliconi, trigliceridi, cere, alcoli grassi, acidi grassi, esteri grassi, gelificanti lipofili. Gli eccipienti idrofili sono: acqua, umidificanti, gelificanti idrofili. E possibile aggiungere a questo insieme le polveri organiche e minerali, insolubili in entrambe le fasi quali gli ossidi minerali; la silice e i silicati quali il talco e il caolino, le polveri di poliamide e d’amido. Gli additivi quali i coloranti e i conservanti non sono compresi in questo capitolo, e nemmeno i tensioattivi.

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA enveloped virus of the Metapneumovirus genus belonging to theParamyxoviridae family. This virus may cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry, despite vaccination, which is the main tool for controlling and preventing aMPV. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral activity of extracts of four different native plants of the Brazilian Cerrado against aMPV. The antiviral activity against aMPV was determined by titration. This technique measures the ability of plant extract dilutions (25 to 2.5 µg mL-1) to inhibit the cytopathic effect (CPE) of the virus, expressed as inhibition percentage (IP). The maximum nontoxic concentration (MNTC) of the extracts used in antiviral assay was 25 µg mL-1for Aspidosperma tomentosumand Gaylussacia brasiliensis, and 2.5 µg mL-1for Arrabidaea chicaand Virola sebifera. Twelve different extracts derived from four plant species collected from the Brazilian Cerrado were screened for antiviral activity against aMPV. G. brasiliensis, A. chica,and V. sebifera extracts presented inhibition rates of 99% in the early viral replication stages, suggesting that these extracts act during the adsorption phase. On the other hand, A. tomentosum inhibited 99% virus replication after the virus entered the cell. The biomonitored fractioning of extracts active against aMPV may be a tool to identify the active compounds of plant extracts and to determine their precise mode of action.

Highlights • We have applied in-depth phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses. • We have reconstructed the AvCoV evolutionary history. • We have revealed that the AvCoV sampled in this study exhibits a high evolutionary rate. • We have inferred an increase in the AvCoV demographic population in different bird species. • The birds assessed may be potential new hosts responsible for spreading the AvCoVs., The evolution and population dynamics of avian coronaviruses (AvCoVs) remain underexplored. In the present study, in-depth phylogenetic and Bayesian phylogeographic studies were conducted to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of AvCoVs detected in wild and synanthropic birds. A total of 500 samples, including tracheal and cloacal swabs collected from 312 wild birds belonging to 42 species, were analysed using molecular assays. A total of 65 samples (13%) from 22 bird species were positive for AvCoV. Molecular evolution analyses revealed that the sequences from samples collected in Brazil did not cluster with any of the AvCoV S1 gene sequences deposited in the GenBank database. Bayesian framework analysis estimated an AvCoV strain from Sweden (1999) as the most recent common ancestor of the AvCoVs detected in this study. Furthermore, the analysis inferred an increase in the AvCoV dynamic demographic population in different wild and synanthropic bird species, suggesting that birds may be potential new hosts responsible for spreading this virus.

Extracts from termite-associated bacteria were evaluated forin vitroantiviral activity against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Two bacterial strains were identified as active, with percentages of inhibition (IP) equal to 98%. Both strains were subjected to functional analysis via the addition of virus and extract at different time points in cell culture; the results showed that they were effective as posttreatments. Moreover, we performed MTT colorimetric assays to identify the CC50, IC50, and SI values of these strains, and strain CDPA27 was considered the most promising. In parallel, the isolates were identified asStreptomycesthrough 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Specifically, CDPA27 was identified asS. chartreusis. The CDPA27 extract was fractionated on a C18-E SPE cartridge, and the fractions were reevaluated. A 100% methanol fraction was identified to contain the compound(s) responsible for antiviral activity, which had an SI of 262.41. GC-MS analysis showed that this activity was likely associated with the compound(s) that had a peak retention time of 5 min. Taken together, the results of the present study provide new information for antiviral research using natural sources, demonstrate the antiviral potential ofStreptomyces chartreusiscompounds isolated from termite mounds against BVDV, and lay the foundation for further studies on the treatment of HCV infection.

This study investigates the different nanocapsules (NCs) made of poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) containing the lipophilic sunscreen Escalol 557 [octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC)] and analyzes the influence of nanoparticle-based systems on light-induced decomposition of the sunscreen agent. The NCs were designed and prepared by the solvent displacement method. Formulation parameters, such as the nature and volume of the organic and aqueous phase and the nature and concentration of the surfactants and polymer, have relevant implications on NC elaboration. We investigated the influence of several technological (stirring speed: 300-800 rpm) and formulation factors [polymer amount, 195-244.5 mg; surfactant, Tween 85 (Polysorbate 85), Montanox 80 (Polysorbate 80), and Synperonic PE/F68 (Poloxamer 188) as stabilizing agents; and volume of the organic phase, 20-30 mL of acetone] on the particle size and the OMC loading capacity of the formulations--encapsulation efficiency and yield. The sizes of NC obtained were in the range of 309 to 1042 nm, the encapsulation efficiencies ranged from 93.82% to 99.97%, and yields of NC encapsulation ranged from 48.12% to 86.28%. Of all the preset experimental conditions, Montanox 80, 30 mL of acetone, 244.5 mg of polymer, and a stirring speed of 350 rpm have been selected as the best in this experimental design study. The experimental conditions selected to obtain OMC-loaded NC of 374 nm resulted in a high entrapment percentage (97.52%) and yield (82.95%). The PCL nanoparticles loaded with OMC were effective in reducing light-induced degradation of the sunscreen agent.

Americans report interest in eating more whole grains, yet national surveys consistently suggest that intakes are unchanged, continuing to be less than what is recommended. Improving the availability and increasing the variety of affordable food products containing whole grains have been promoted as ways to increase whole grain consumption. Providing more whole grain foods with higher whole grain content is key, but encouraging and rewarding individuals, families, and communities for consuming more whole grains, even small amounts, over the long term is equally important. While health benefits of whole grains may encourage some individuals to consume (more) whole grains, other individuals may respond favorably to other aspects (e.g., modifying a whole grain food’s sensory characteristics or lowering the food’s cost). Formulating with whole grains at higher levels in a broad array of foods could assist consumers in meeting their whole grain needs. Similarly, moving toward higher intakes may be successful with “simply” substituting whole grain versions of familiar commonly consumed foods and ingredients or substituting modest amounts of whole grain ingredients in recipes, especially those that are frequently prepared. Consumers should be encouraged to be adventurous and to try different, possibly novel, whole grains and whole grain foods, while simultaneously moderating intakes of nutrients of concern in a variety of foods acceptable to themselves and their families. At the same time, industry must develop whole grain foods that are acceptable both to business realities and to public tolerance and that maximize nutritional value. Finding an oasis in the whole grain desert is possible when consumers, health professionals, and food manufacturers agree that providing and eating more whole grains of all sorts is the desired goal.

Synopsis The investigation studied the anti-irritant potential of several substances commonly employed in cosmetic formulations as basic components of the emulsion or as active ingredients, and evaluated the effect of the emulsifier. Five different emulsions were made irritating by addition of croton oil, in sufficient quantity to provoke a clearly adverse reaction in the rabbit, i.e. primary cutaneous irritation index (PII) close to 2. The PII was determined according to the official French methods by applying to symmetrical areas of the back, the irritant base as control and the same base containing the test substance. Fifty-five ingredients were evaluated: gelling agents, plant extracts, molecules defined as healing, anti-inflammatory substances or anaesthesic compounds, etc. The test substances were added to the emulsion at concentrations close to the ones generally found in cosmetics. The qualitative and the quantitative composition of the oil phase was similar for each emulsion. Several gelling agents, thickeners and polymers which notably reduce skin contact with an irritant, gave good results. Some of the usual healing, anti-inflammatory, local anaesthesic compounds gave the expected results. Some ingredients, though well known, were ineffective. The type of emulsifier, by modifying cutaneous penetration and bio-availability of the active ingredients, may play an important role.

Synopsis Safety tests have been carried out on some humectants and moisturizers, continuing a study involving commonly used cosmetic ingredients (1-6). The test substances (listed in Table I) were products from various suppliers and of different types and grades. The ocular and cutaneous tolerance tests have been conducted on animals following the official French methods but with some complements or modifications (28-36). Each compound has been tested as supplied and diluted in water. Pathological lesions of the ocular mucous membrane were provoked by lactic acid at 20 and 10% concentrations. A slight corneal opacity was also noted with ethoxydiglycol and polyamino sugar condensate and a significant irritation with hexylene glycol (non-diluted). In dilutions of 10 or 20%, these substances were non-irritating. Only one product (lactic acid) has given a moderate primary cutaneous irritation (PII = 2.50), when applied undiluted. The indices obtained with the other raw materials correspond to a non-irritating application. With the exception of lactic acid (the study being terminated after 1 week), no significant adverse reaction was macroscopically and histologically observed after daily application (neat) for 6 weeks. Finally, the predictive sensitizing tests (guinea-pig) carried out with two samples of propylene glycol proved to be negative.