Efficacy of hydrogen peroxide wipes for decontamination of AZD1222 adenovirus COVID-19 vaccine strain on pharmaceutical industry materials.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of accelerated hydrogen peroxide® wipes (HPW) for decontamination of the chimpanzee adenovirus AZD1222 vaccine strain used in the production of recombinant COVID-19 vaccine in a pharmaceutical industry. Two matrices were tested on stainless-steel (SS) and low-density-polyethylene (LDP) surfaces: formulated recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (FCV) and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The samples were spiked, dried and the initial inoculum, possible residue effect (RE) and titre reduction after disinfection with HPW were determined. No RE was observed. The disinfection procedure with HPW resulted in complete decontamination the of AZD1222 adenovirus strain in FCV (≥7·46 and ≥7·49 log10 infectious unit [IFU] ml-1 for SS and LDP carriers respectively) and API (≥8·79 and ≥8·78 log10 IFU ml-1 for SS and LDP carriers respectively). In conclusion, virucidal activity of HPW was satisfactory against the AZD1222 adenovirus strain and can be a good option for disinfection processes of SS and LPD surfaces in pharmaceutical industry facilities during recombinant COVID-19 vaccine production. This procedure is simple and can be also applied on safety unit cabins and sampling bags made of LDP as well.

Case report of Curtobacterium isolated from a catheter tip sample misidentified as Cronobacter.

The Curtobacterium genus is a member of the family Microbacteriaceae, and Curtobacterium species are recognized as plant pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate a dubious result of species identification for an infection located on a catheter tip of a patient with Covid-19. A strain isolated from a catheter tip sample, identified by VITEK® 2 as Cronobacter spp., was submitted to polyphasic analysis: Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) using VITEK® MS, real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting dnaG gene, and 16S rRNA full gene Sanger sequencing analysis for confirmation. The strain presented negative result using qPCR and could not identified by MALDI-TOF MS. 16S rRNA full gene Sanger sequencing analysis identified the strain as Curtobacterium spp. The Gram-variable characteristic (Gram-negative instead of Gram-positive) of the isolated strain was the responsible for the misidentification by VITEK® 2 and VITEK® MS did not identify the strain. 16S rRNA full gene sequencing analysis identified the strain as Curtobacterium genus, but other complementary techniques are necessary to identify at species level.

Cranial cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid in an otter (Lontra longicaudis) - case report / Cavitação craniana preenchida por fluido cerebroespinhal em lontra (Lontra longicaudis) - relato de caso

Computed tomography of the head of an otter with a history of incoordination, visual deficits, and seizures was performed. Intracranial images revealed a large non-enhancing fluid attenuating cystic lesion in the left frontoparietal region communicating with the left lateral ventricle and subarachnoid space. These findings are consistent with a congenital brain cavity filled by cerebrospinal fluid, with porencephaly being the most probable diagnosis based on the clinical and tomographic findings. The authors highlight the rarity of such a cystic lesion in wild animals, with this being the first report in otters.(AU)

Realizou-se o exame tomográfico do crânio de uma lontra com histórico de incoordenação, déficit visual e convulsões. Imagens intracranianas revelaram grande lesão cística não captante de contraste em região frontoparietal esquerda, apresentando comunicação com o ventrículo lateral esquerdo e espaço subaracnoidea. Esses achados foram consistentes com cavitação cerebral congênita preenchida por fluido cerebroespinhal, sendo porencefalia o diagnóstico de maior probabilidade com base nos achados clínicos e tomográficos. Destaca-se a raridade dessa condição em animais silvestres, sendo este o primeiro relato em lontras.(AU)

Protein synthesis inhibitory activity in culture filtrates from new strains of Streptomyces isolated from Brazilian tropical soils.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of the culture supernatants from three newly isolated Streptomyces strains, 221, 235 and 606 on eukaryotic cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cell lines were treated with the culture filtrates and assayed for protein synthesis by metabolic labelling, followed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. RNA synthesis was investigated by [5-3H]uridine incorporation. The three culture filtrates presented a strong inhibitory activity, reducing total protein synthesis of different eukaryotic cell lines by more than 85%. No effect on cellular RNA synthesis was detected. The culture filtrates did not affect the growth of the prokaryotic cells tested. CONCLUSIONS: These new Streptomyces strains, recently isolated from Brazilian tropical soils, produce molecule(s) with inhibitory activity specific to eukaryote protein synthesis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Streptomyces strains 221, 235 and 606, probably representing new species, might produce new bioactive compound(s), and can be used as valuable tools to study the protein synthesis pathway in eukaryotes.

1,3-Dimethylisoguanine, a new purine from the marine sponge Amphimedon viridis.

A new purine, 1,3-dimethylisoguanine (1), has been isolated from the marine sponge Amphimedon viridis and identified by analysis of spectroscopic data. Compound 1 increased the contractions obtained by transmural electrical stimulation in the guinea pig longitudinal muscle/myenteric plexus in a dose-dependent manner.

This histamine-like effects of Phallusia nigra extract: evidences for direct activity at H1 receptors.

The methanol extract (mol. wt lower than 3,000 Da) of the sea squirt Phallusia nigra has stimulatory activity on guinea-pig ileum preparations. This effect was inhibited by cyproheptadine and mepyramine, but not be atropine. Mepyramine antagonized competitively the extract activity with a pA2 of 10.09 +/- 1.12, suggesting a direct activity on H1 histamine receptors. The extract was also assayed on guinea-pig right atria, however, only a mild increase in spontaneous contractions was observed compared to histamine, showing that the extract was a rather poor activator of cardiac H2 receptors. Histamine was not detected upon TLC analysis of the extract by comparison with an authentic standard.

Chemical and pharmacological characterization of halitoxin from Amphimedon viridis (Porifera) from the southeastern Brazilian coast.

The halitoxin complex from the marine sponge Amphimedon viridis, collected in the São Sebastião channel (southeastern Brazilian coast), was isolated by gel-filtration chromatography on Sephadex LH-20. Spectroscopic data (1H, 13C and 2D-NMR) of halitoxin from A. viridis indicated that it has the same two alkylpyridine monomers composition of the previously isolated halitoxin from Amphimedon compressa (as Haliclona rubens). Nevertheless, analysis by High Performance Gel Permeation Chromatography indicated that the halitoxin complex of A. viridis has a lower molecular weight (500, 2000 and 5000 Da; the major component corresponding to the fraction of 2000 Da MW) when compared to the previously isolated halitoxin complex from A. compressa. Some pharmacological properties of the halitoxin complex from A. viridis were evaluated in terms of lethality, antimitosis, hemolysis and neurotoxicity. The possible chemotaxonomic value of alkyl pyridine alkaloids is discussed.

Cytotoxic activity of a methanol extract of Phallusia nigra (Tunicata, Ascidiacea).

Tunicates have been reported to be a rich source of biologically active compounds. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of cytotoxic substances in Phallusia nigra, a common tunicate from Brazilian coastal waters. An extract of tunicate tissue was obtained by homogenizing the visceral organs from 50 specimens in methanol, followed by filtration and concentration in a rotary vacuum evaporator. Finally, the concentrate was partitioned with chloroform to remove lipids. The resulting extract possessed antimitotic and hemolytic activity. The former was demonstrated as a delay in the development of sea urchin eggs by partially inhibiting the process of cleavage (first cleavage, EC50 +/- SEM = 3.44 +/- 0.84 mg/ml). The < 500 molecular fraction of the extract obtained by ultrafiltration also inhibited cell proliferation (the number of viable cells was decreased by 68% with 500 micrograms/ml) and DNA synthesis of T47D cells derived from human breast carcinoma as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation (66% of the control value after 24-h incubation with 100 micrograms/ml). Dose-dependent hemolysis obtained with P. nigra extract on mouse erythrocytes had an EC50 +/- SEM = 1.12 +/- 0.02 mg/ml for a 0.5% erythrocyte suspension. Hemolysis could be reduced by pre-incubating the cells with choline-containing phospholipid. Sphingomyelin (40 micrograms/ml) increased the EC50 by two-fold to 2.86 +/- 0.04 mg/ml, but phosphatidylcholine (80 micrograms/ml) did not modify hemolysis.

Cytotoxic activity of a methanol extract of Phallusia nigra (Tunicata, Ascidiacea)

Tunicates have been reported to be a rich source of biologically active compounds. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of cytotoxic substances in Phallusia nigra, a common tunicate from Brazilian coastal waters. An extract of tunicate tissue was obtained by homogenizing the visceral organs from 50 specimens in methanol, followed by filtration and concentration in a rotary vacuum evaporator. Finally, the concentrate was partitioned with chloroform to remove lipids. The resulting extract possessed antimitotic and hemolytic activity. The former was demonstrated as a delay in the development of sea urchin eggs by partially inhibiting the process of cleavage (first cleavage, EC50 ñ SEM = 3.44 ñ 0.84 mg/ml). The <500 molecular fraction of the extract obtained by ultrafiltration also inhibited cell proliferation (the number of viable cells was decreased by 68 per cent with 500 mug/ml) and DNA synthesis of T47D cells derived from human breast carcinoma as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation (66 per cent of the control value after 24-h incubation with 100 mug/ml). Dose-dependent hemolysis obtained with P. nigra extract on mouse erythrocytes had an EC50 ñ SEM = 1.12 ñ 0.02 mglml for a 0.5 per cent erythrocyte suspension. Hemolysis could be reduced by pre-incubating the cells with choline-containing phospholipid. Sphingomyelin (40 mug/ml) increased the EC50 by twofold to 2.86 ñ 0.04 mg/ml, but phosphatidylcholine (80 mug/ml) did not modify hemolysis.

Antimitotic action of extracts of Petiveria alliacea on sea urchin egg development.

The hydroethanol extract of the roots of Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) has been investigated previously as an antitumor agent against mouse Ehrlich ascites. The extract and its methanol, butanol and ether fractions exhibited an antimitotic effect on sea urchin egg development. The aqueous fraction did not produce inhibition of cell cleavage. At the first cleavage the inhibition, at the lowest concentration (10 micrograms/ml), produced by the ether fraction was 42%, whereas the inhibition produced by the total extract and by the other fractions was only 5 to 10% showing that the ether fraction was the most active. Even at higher concentrations the butanol and methanol fractions inhibit the cleavage about 30%. At the first cleavage, the ED50 of the hydroethanol extract and of the ether fraction were 45.02 and 12.40 micrograms/ml, respectively. Furthermore, in the second cleavage, the hydroethanol extract was about twice as potent as the methanol or butanol fractions (ED50 of 22.40, 44.80 and 54.10 micrograms/ml, respectively).

Antimitotic action of extracts of Petiveria alliacea on sea urchin egg development

The hydroethanol extract of the roots of Petiveria alliacea L. (Phytolaccaceae) has been investigated previously as an antitumor agent against mouse Ehrlich ascites. The extract and its methanol, butanol and ether fractions exhibited an antimitotic effect on sea urchin egg development. The aqueous fraction did not produce inhibition of cell cleavage. At the first cleavage the inhibition, at the lowest concentration (10 micrograms/ml), produced by the ether fraction was 42 per cent , whereas the inhibition produced by the total extract and by the other fractions was only 5 to 10 per cent showing that the ether fraction was the most active. Even at higher concentrations the butanol and methanol fractions inhibit the cleavage about 30 per cent . At the first cleavage, the ED50 of the hydroethanol extract and of the ether fraction were 45.02 and 12.40 micrograms/ml, respectively. Furthermore, in the second cleavage, the hydroethanol extract was about twice as potent as the methanol or butanol fractions (ED50 of 22.40, 44.80 and 54.10 micrograms/ml, respectively)