A long-term prospecting study on giant viruses in terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes.

The discovery of mimivirus in 2003 prompted the search for novel giant viruses worldwide. Despite increasing interest, the diversity and distribution of giant viruses is barely known. Here, we present data from a 2012-2022 study aimed at prospecting for amoebal viruses in water, soil, mud, and sewage samples across Brazilian biomes, using Acanthamoeba castellanii for isolation. A total of 881 aliquots from 187 samples covering terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes were processed. Electron microscopy and PCR were used to identify the obtained isolates. Sixty-seven amoebal viruses were isolated, including mimiviruses, marseilleviruses, pandoraviruses, cedratviruses, and yaraviruses. Viruses were isolated from all tested sample types and almost all biomes. In comparison to other similar studies, our work isolated a substantial number of Marseillevirus and cedratvirus representatives. Taken together, our results used a combination of isolation techniques with microscopy, PCR, and sequencing and put highlight on richness of giant virus present in different terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes.

Substantial Diversity in Cocirculating Omicron Lineages in Hospital Setting, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

We describe substantial variant diversity among 23 detected SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineage viruses cocirculating among healthcare workers and inpatients (272 sequenced samples) from Porto Alegre, Brazil, during November 2022-January 2023. BQ.1 and related lineages (61.4%) were most common, followed by BE.9 (19.1%), first described in November 2022 in the Amazon region.

Degradation of xanthene-based dyes by photoactivated persulfate: experimental and computational studies.

Dyes are naked-eye detectable even at low concentration levels and can cause environmental damage when released into aquatic effluents; therefore, methods for removing the residual color from the aquatic media are always a current issue. In this paper, degradation of three xanthene dyes, Rhodamine B, Eosin Y, and Sodium Fluorescein, using photoactivated persulfate was evaluated at pH 3.0 and 11.0. The dyes' degradation followed a pseudo-first-order reaction. Although the solution is completely decolorized in 40 min at pH 3.0, achieving 75% mineralization requires a longer reaction time of 180 min. Furthermore, GC-MS analyses indicate that degradation products are mainly low-molecular weight acids, CO2 and H2O. Experiments carried out in dark and under UV irradiation showed substantial contribution of radical (SO4•- and HO•) and non-radical pathways to dye degradation in both pH. Additionally, to get more insights into the degradation pathways, HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of the dyes were calculated by DFT using MPW1PW91/MidiXo level of theory and, in general, the lower the bandgap, the faster the degradation. Fukui functions revealed that the preferential sites to radical attack were the xanthene or the benzoate portion depending on the pH, wherein attack to the xanthene ring provided better kinetic and mineralization results.

High-Frequency EPR Studies of New 2p-3d Complexes Based on a Triazolyl-Substituted Nitronyl Nitroxide Radical: The Role of Exchange Anisotropy in a Cu-Radical System.

Using the 1-(m-tolyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) (TlTrzNIT) radical and metal ß-diketonate complexes [M(hfac)2(H2O)2], where hfac is hexafluoroacetylacetonato, three new 2p-3d heterospin complexes were synthesized. Their structures were solved using single crystal X-ray diffraction data, and magnetic investigation was performed by DC and AC measurements and multifrequency EPR spectroscopy. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural complexes with molecular formula [M3(TlTrzNIT)2(hfac)6] (MII = Mn or Cu) while compound 3 is the mononuclear [Co(TlTrzNIT)(hfac)2] complex. In all complexes, the radical acts as a bidentate ligand through the oxygen atom of the nitroxide moiety and the nitrogen atom from the triazole group. Furthermore, in compounds 1 and 2, the TlTrzNIT is bridge-coordinated between two metal centers, leading to the formation of trinuclear complexes. The fitting of the static magnetic behavior reveals antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic intramolecular interactions for complexes 1 and 2, respectively. The EPR spectra of 1 are well described by an isolated ferrimagnetic S = 13/2 (= 5/2 - 1/2 + 5/2 - 1/2 + 5/2) ground state with a biaxial zero-field splitting (ZFS) interaction characterized, respectively, by 2nd order axial and rhombic parameters, D and E, such that E/D is close to the maximum of 0.33. Meanwhile, EPR spectra for 2 are explained in terms of a ferromagnetic model with weakly anisotropic Cu-radical exchange interactions, giving rise to an isolated S = 5/2 (= 5 × 1/2) ground state with both an anisotropic g tensor and a weak ZFS interaction. Complex 2 represents one of only a few examples of Cu-radical moieties with measurable exchange anisotropy.

South Atlantic explosive cyclones in 2014-2015: study employing NCEP2 and MERRA-2 reanalyses.

An analysis of explosive cyclone cases was produced by comparing the reanalysis of MERRA-2 (high spatial resolution) and NCEP2 (low spatial resolution) to South Atlantic in the 2014-2015 period. A total of 51 cases were found, of which 49 were detected by the first reanalysis and 33 by the second (2 cases identified by NCEP2 were not identified by MERRA-2). Spring was the dominant season in the formation of the cases in both reanalyses. It was observed that most systems are formed preferentially eastward of a preexisting trough at higher levels, while others are formed under an almost zonal upper airstream. This difference is more evident in the NCEP2. It was also diagnosed that the MERRA-2 shows more clearly the diffluence in the 250 hPa flow. The analysis of the composite fields revealed a negative horizontal tilt of the trough in 500 hPa, influenced by intense convection as the system develops. Besides, it pointed to a more pronounced jet stream in intense explosive cyclones and more prominent diffluence in non-intense cases. Since the NCEP2 reanalysis detected fewer cases (and only 2 intense) than MERRA-2, it was considered that the former is less suited to the analysis of this type of event.

177 years of diatom studies in Brazil: knowledge, gaps, and perspectives.

The actual status of the progress and the main aspects of diatom studies in Brazil remain unknown. This paper describes a survey of published studies addressing material of Brazilian origin in non-marine aquatic environments. Our objectives are to (1) summarize and categorize diatom research topics, (2) to describe how related studies evolved and developed over time, as well as respective journals, (3) to identify the most studied regions and environments, and (4) to indicate the main institutions and works addressing diatom research and related interactions. We conducted a systematic review selecting 478 studies. Since the early studies, the approach on diatom floristic exclusively was the most frequent, even though, ecological studies have been increasing since the 2000s. However, these concentrate in the southern and southeastern. It was only in the last decades that other Brazilian regions became the setting of more extensive samplings, thus reflecting on the interactions between authors and institutions from the collection sites. However, the actual biodiversity scenario of diatoms in Brazil still seems to be underestimated, which may influence further conservation measures. Finally, we indicate some suggestions aimed at filling the sampling gaps presented/highlighted in this study.

A rotatory funnel-shaped collector for trapping airborne mites in a glycerin-based adhesive surface.

Many mite species disperse via the air. However, most methods described for the study of aerial dispersal have some limitations in the collection and/or recovery of mites that could be improved. The aim of this study was to describe a rotatory funnel-shaped collector that directs the wind to adhesive surfaces covered with a glycerin-based solution. Tests were conducted on a soccer field at UESC, Ilhéus, Brazil, in four 8-day periods. In total, 330 mites of 52 species of Eriophyidae, Tarsonemidae, Diptilomiopidae, Iolinidae, Triophtydeidae, Astigmata, Tydeidae, Phytoseiidae, Scutacaridae, Oribatida, Ascidae, Dolichocybidae, Eupodidae, Pygmephoridae and Tenuipalpidae were collected. Of the mites captured in the first three periods, 67% were Aceria sp. (Eriophyidae), and in the fourth period 46% were Coccotydaeolus aff. bakeri and Paurotyndareus sp. (Iolinidae). Comparisons between the funnel-shaped collector with the tube-shaped rotatable model of Duffner et al. (J Pest Sci 74:1-6, 2001, adapted from Schliesske 1977) showed that the former captured >3× the number of mites and 2× the number of species. In conclusion, it is expected that the method described here could help in future pest management, and help solve ecological and behavioral problems involving airborne mite dispersal, offering a tool for monitoring, counting and identifying mites, or even other small arthropods, pollen and fungal spores, in experimental and applied studies.

Potential Action Mechanism and Inhibition Efficacy of Morinda citrifolia Essential Oil and Octanoic Acid against Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum Infestations.

The use of plant-based products has been shown to efficiently inhibit fungi-mediated diseases in agricultural crops. Here, we extracted and evaluated the composition of noni, Morinda citrifolia L., essential oil and assessed its activities against Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum in Cucumis melo L. Using in silico molecular approaches, potential interactions between the essential oil major components and S. cucurbitacearum tyrosine-tRNA ligase were predicted. Finally, we also measured the potential interference of plant physiology (the stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis) mediated by the application of the M. citrifolia essential oil. Chromatographic analysis revealed that octanoic acid (75.8%), hexanoic acid (12.8%), and isobutyl pent-4-enyl carbonate (3.1%) were the major essential oil compounds. Octanoic acid and noni essential oil, when used as preventive measures, reduce fungal mycelial growth at a concentration of 5 mg/mL without causing significant damage to the treated leaves, which reinforces their efficacies as preventive tools against S. cucurbitacearum. Molecular docking analyses predicted very stable interactions between the major essential oil constituents and S. cucurbitacearum tyrosine-tRNA ligase, suggesting the interference of these plant-based molecules upon enzyme activation. Octanoic acid and M. citrifolia essential oil at concentrations of 20 mg/mL decreased the stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis rate of melon plants, resulting in robust phytotoxicity. Collectively, our findings indicated that despite the phytotoxicity risks at higher concentrations, M. citrifolia essential oil and octanoic acid, have potential as alternative tools for the integrative management of S. cucurbitacearum.

Combining stool and stories: exploring antimicrobial resistance among a longitudinal cohort of international health students.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern that requires transdisciplinary and bio-social approaches. Despite the continuous calls for a transdisciplinary understanding of this problem, there is still a lack of such studies. While microbiology generates knowledge about the biomedical nature of bacteria, social science explores various social practices related to the acquisition and spread of these bacteria. However, the two fields remain disconnected in both methodological and conceptual levels. Focusing on the acquisition of multidrug resistance genes, encoding extended-spectrum betalactamases (CTX-M) and carbapenemases (NDM-1) among a travelling population of health students, this article proposes a methodology of 'stool and stories' that combines methods of microbiology and sociology, thus proposing a way forward to a collaborative understanding of AMR. METHODS: A longitudinal study with 64 health students travelling to India was conducted in 2017. The study included multiple-choice questionnaires (n = 64); a collection of faecal swabs before travel (T0, n = 45), in the first week in India (T1, n = 44), the second week in India (T2, n = 41); and semi-structured interviews (n = 11). Stool samples were analysed by a targeted metagenomic approach. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using the method of thematic analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of ESBL- and carbapenemase resistance genes significantly increased during travel indicating it as a potential risk; for CTX-M from 11% before travel to 78% during travel and for NDM-1 from 2% before travel to 11% during travel. The data from semi-structured interviews showed that participants considered AMR mainly in relation to individual antibiotic use or its presence in a clinical environment but not to travelling. CONCLUSION: The microbiological analysis confirmed previous research showing that international human mobility is a risk factor for AMR acquisition. However, sociological methods demonstrated that travellers understand AMR primarily as a clinical problem and do not connect it to travelling. These findings indicate an important gap in understanding AMR as a bio-social problem raising a question about the potential effectiveness of biologically driven AMR stewardship programs among travellers. Further development of the 'stool and stories' approach is important for a transdisciplinary basis of AMR stewardship.

Plant growth regulators to increase fruit set and yield of 'Rocha' pear trees in Southern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different aminoethoxyvinilglycine (AVG), thidiazuron (TDZ) and prohexadione calcium (P-Ca) rates sprayed at different timings on fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of 'Rocha' pear trees in different climatic conditions of Southern Brazil. The study was performed in two commercial orchards located in São Joaquim, SC (2015/2016) and Antônio Prado, RS (2016/2017). Plant material consisted of 'Rocha' pear trees grafted onto Pyrus calleryana and quince rootstock 'BA29' in São Joaquim and Antônio Prado, respectively. Treatments consisted of AVG, TDZ and P-Ca sprayed at different rates and timings. Trunk cross-sectional area increase, fruit set, thinned fruit, fruit per tree, yield, average fruit weight, projected yield, yield efficiency, fruit length, fruit diameter, L/D ratio, seed number, flesh firmness, and soluble solids content were assessed. Fruit set and yield were consistently increased by AVG in all experiments. Fruit set was not affected by P-Ca and was significantly decreased by TDZ. However, yield was positively affected by P-Ca 100 mg L-1 sprayed at full bloom + 7 days after full bloom and TDZ 10 mg L-1 at full bloom. Fruit size was consistently increased by TDZ.

Study protocol to investigate biomolecular muscle profile as predictors of long-term urinary incontinence in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and rectus abdominis muscles (RAM) of pregnant diabetic rats exhibit atrophy, co-localization of fast and slow fibers and an increased collagen type I/III ratio. However, the role of similar PFM or RAM hyperglycemic-related myopathy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains poorly investigated. This study aims to assess the frequency of pelvic floor muscle disorders and pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence (PS-UI) 12 months after the Cesarean (C) section in women with GDM. Specifically, differences in PFM/RAM hyperglycemic myopathy will be evaluated. METHODS: The Diamater is an ongoing cohort study of four groups of 59 pregnant women each from the Perinatal Diabetes Research Centre (PDRC), Botucatu Medical School (FMB)-UNESP (São Paulo State University), Brazil. Diagnosis of GDM and PS-UI will be made at 24-26 weeks, with a follow-up at 34-38 weeks of gestation. Inclusion in the study will occur at the time of C-section, and patients will be followed at 24-48 h, 6 weeks and 6 and 12 months postpartum. Study groups will be classified as (1) GDM plus PS-UI; (2) GDM without PS-UI; (3) Non-GDM plus PS-UI; and (4) Non-GDM without PS-UI. We will analyze relationships between GDM, PS-UI and hyperglycemic myopathy at 12 months after C-section. The mediator variables to be evaluated include digital palpation, vaginal squeeze pressure, 3D pelvic floor ultrasound, and 3D RAM ultrasound. RAM samples obtained during C-section will be analyzed for ex-vivo contractility, morphological, molecular and OMICS profiles to further characterize the hyperglycemic myopathy. Additional variables to be evaluated include maternal age, socioeconomic status, educational level, ethnicity, body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, quality of glycemic control and insulin therapy. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this will be the first study to provide data on the prevalence of PS-UI and RAM and PFM physical and biomolecular muscle profiles after C-section in mothers with GDM. The longitudinal design allows for the assessment of cause-effect relationships between GDM, PS-UI, and PFMs and RAMs myopathy. The findings may reveal previously undetermined consequences of GDM.

Application of the principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and partial least square regression on crossbreed Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished.

Principal component analysis (PCA) and the non-hierarchical clustering analysis (K-means) were used to characterize the most important variables from carcass and meat quality traits of crossbred cattle. Additionally, partial least square (PLS) regression analysis was applied between the carcass measurements and meat quality traits on the classes defined by the cluster analysis. Ninety-seven non-castrated F1 Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished were used. After slaughter, hot carcass weight, carcass yield, cold carcass weight, carcass weight losses, pH, and backfat thickness (BFT) were measured. Subsequently, samples of the longissimus thoracis were collected to analyze shear force (SF), cooking loss (CL), meat color (L*, chroma, and hue), intramuscular fat, protein, collagen, moisture, and ashes. Principal component 1 (PC1) was correlated with colorimetric variables, while PC2 was correlated with carcass weights. Afterwards, three clusters (k = 3) were formed and projected in the gradient defined by PC1 and PC2 and allowed distinguishing groups with divergent values for collagen, protein, moisture, CL, SF, and BFT. Animals from high chroma group presented meat with more attractive colors and tenderness (SF = 1.97 to 4.84 kg). Subsequently, the PLS regression on the three chroma groups revealed a good fitness and the coefficients are used to predict the chroma variable from the explanatory variables, which may have practical importance in attempts to predict meat color from carcass and meat quality traits. Thus, PCA, K-means, and PLS regression confirmed the relationship between meat color and tenderness.

Magnetic Cationic Copper(II) Chains and a Mononuclear Cobalt(II) Complex Containing [Ln(hfac)4]- Blocks as Counterions.

Four new heterospin compounds with molecular formula {[Cu2(hfac)3(TlTrzNIT)2][Ln(hfac)4]} n·C7H16 (LnIII = Gd (1), Tb (2), or Dy (3)) and [Co(hfac)(TlTrzNIT)2][Dy(hfac)4] (4), where hfac is hexafluoroacetylacetonato and TlTrzNIT is the nitronylnitroxide radical 1-( m-tolyl)-1 H-1,2,3-triazole-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide), were obtained. All structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In compounds 1-3, the TlTrzNIT radical is bridge-coordinated to copper(II) ions, leading to positively charged copper(II)-radical chains containing [Ln(hfac)4]- as counterions. In compound 4, the cobalt(II) ion is coordinated to two TlTrzNIT radicals and one hfac ligand in bidentate mode leading to a mononuclear cationic complex that contains [Dy(hfac)4]- as counterion. Magnetic measurements of all complexes were performed. Magnetic data were fit considering the contributions of the copper(II)-radical chain and a paramagnetic gadolinium(III) ion for 1. The sign and magnitude of the magnetic coupling constants extracted from the fit were confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The obtained spin topology shows an alternated ferro-antiferromagnetic chain. Field-induced single molecule magnet behavior was observed for the Dy derivatives 3 and 4, in agreement with CASSCF calculations performed for the latter system.

Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae, a generalist pathogen with unique virulence factors and high genetic diversity.

Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae causes vibriosis in a variety of marine animals, including fish species of importance in aquaculture. It also may cause wound infections in humans that can progress into a fatal outcome. Two major virulence factors are encoded within the large conjugative plasmid pPHDD1: the phospholipase-D damselysin (Dly) and the pore-forming toxin Phobalysin P (PhlyP). The two toxins exert hemolytic and cytolytic activity in a synergistic manner. Albeit PhlyP has close homologues in many Vibrio species, it has unique features that differentiate it from related toxins. Dly phospholipase constitutes a singular trait of P. damselae subsp. damselae among the Vibrionaceae, although related toxins are found in members of the Aeromonadaceae Fish farm outbreaks can also be caused by plasmidless strains. Such observation led to the characterization of two ubiquitous, chromosome-encoded toxins with lesser cytolytic activity: the pore forming-toxin Phobalysin C (PhlyC) and the phospholipase-hemolysin PlpV. Special attention deserves the high genetic diversity of this pathogen, with a number of strain-specific features including the cell envelope polysaccharide synthesis clusters. Fish outbreaks are likely caused by multiclonal populations which contain both plasmidless and pPHDD1-harbouring isolates, and not by well-adapted clonal complexes. Still, among such a genetic heterogeneity, it is feasible to identify conserved weak points in the biology of this bacterium: the two-component regulatory system RstAB (CarSR) was found to be necessary for maximal production of virulence factors and its inactivation severely impaired virulence.

Deficiency of tumor suppressor Merlin facilitates metabolic adaptation by co-operative engagement of SMAD-Hippo signaling in breast cancer.

The NF2 gene encodes the tumor and metastasis suppressor protein Merlin. Merlin exerts its tumor suppressive role by inhibiting proliferation and inducing contact-growth inhibition and apoptosis. In the current investigation, we determined that loss of Merlin in breast cancer tissues is concordant with the loss of the inhibitory SMAD, SMAD7, of the TGF-ß pathway. This was reflected as dysregulated activation of TGF-ß signaling that co-operatively engaged with effectors of the Hippo pathway (YAP/TAZ/TEAD). As a consequence, the loss of Merlin in breast cancer resulted in a significant metabolic and bioenergetic adaptation of cells characterized by increased aerobic glycolysis and decreased oxygen consumption. Mechanistically, we determined that the co-operative activity of the Hippo and TGF-ß transcription effectors caused upregulation of the long non-coding RNA Urothelial Cancer-Associated 1 (UCA1) that disengaged Merlin's check on STAT3 activity. The consequent upregulation of Hexokinase 2 (HK2) enabled a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis. In fact, Merlin deficiency engendered cellular dependence on this metabolic adaptation, endorsing a critical role for Merlin in regulating cellular metabolism. This is the first report of Merlin functioning as a molecular restraint on cellular metabolism. Thus, breast cancer patients whose tumors demonstrate concordant loss of Merlin and SMAD7 may benefit from an approach of incorporating STAT3 inhibitors.

Boron foliar application, branch girdling and plant growth regulators on yield and fruit quality of 'Garber' pear trees.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of boron foliar application, branch girdling and plant growth regulators on the performance of pear trees cv. Garber. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of different boron rates (220, 440, 660 and 880 mL 100 L-1), branch girdling, and the plant growth regulators Promalin® (benzyladenine + gibberellins AG4+7) (560 mL 100 L-1) and Biozyme * TF (200 mL 100 L-1). The percentage of fruit set, stem length, fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh firmness, soluble solids and yield were assessed. The greatest fruit set was observed with Promalin® in both years and also boron and Biozyme * TF in the second year. The use of Promalin® increased peduncle length, fruit height but negatively affected soluble solids. Yield was also increased by this plant growth regulator and boron. Concluding, Promalin® improves fruit set, yield, and fruit quality and boron positively influence yield.

Thidiazuron (TDZ) increases fruit set and yield of 'Hosui' and 'Packham's Triumph' pear trees.

The low fruit set is one of the main factors leading to poor yield of pear orchards in Brazil. The exogenous application of thidiazuron (TDZ) and aminoethoxyvinilglycine (AVG) has shown promising results in some pear cultivars and other temperate fruit trees. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of TDZ and AVG on fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of 'Hosui' and 'Packham's Triumph' pears. The study was performed in a commercial orchard located in São Joaquim, SC. Plant material consisted of 'Hosui' and 'Packham's Triumph' pear trees grafted on Pyrus calleryana. Treatments consisted on different rates of TDZ (0 mg L-1, 20 mg L-1, 40 mg L-1 and 60 mg L-1) sprayed at full bloom for both cultivars. An additional treatment of AVG 60 mg L-1 was sprayed one week after full bloom in 'Hosui'. The fruit set, number of fruit per tree, yield, fruit weight, seed number, and fruit quality attributes were assessed. Fruit set and yield of both cultivars are consistently increased by TDZ, within the rates of 20 to 60 mg L-1. Besides, its application increased fruit size of 'Hosui' and did not negatively affect fruit quality attributes of both cultivars.

Direct Modification of Microcrystalline Cellulose with Ethylenediamine for use as Adsorbent for Removal Amitriptyline Drug from Environment.

Cellulose derivatives have been widely used as adsorbents for the removal of micropollutants such as drugs, dyes, and metals, due to their abundance, low cost and non-contaminating nature. In this context, several studies have been performed searching for new adsorbents (cellulose derivatives) efficient at contaminant removal from aqueous solutions. Thus, a new adsorbent was synthesized by chemical modification of cellulose with ethylenediamine in the absence of solvent and applied to the adsorption of amitriptyline (AMI) in aqueous solution. The modification reaction was confirmed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry/Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TG/DSC), solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of ¹H and 13C (¹H-NMR and 13C-NMR). Moreover, the effectiveness of reaction was confirmed by computational calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) at level B3LYP/6-31G(d). This adsorption process was influenced by pH, time, concentration, temperature and did not show significant changes due to the ionic strength variation. Through these experiments, it was observed that the maximum adsorption capacity of AMI by CN polymer at 298 K, 300 min, and pH 7 was 87.66 ± 0.60 mg·g-1.

Dogs and Opossums Positive for Vaccinia Virus during Outbreak Affecting Cattle and Humans, São Paulo State, Brazil.

During a vaccinia virus (VACV) outbreak in São Paulo State, Brazil, blood samples were collected from cows, humans, other domestic animals, and wild mammals. Samples from 3 dogs and 3 opossums were positive for VACV by PCR. Results of gene sequencing yielded major questions regarding other mammalian species acting as reservoirs of VACV.