Possible Arbovirus Found in Virome of Melophagus ovinus

Members of the Lipopteninae subfamily are blood-sucking ectoparasites of mammals. The sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) is a widely distributed ectoparasite of sheep. It can be found in most sheep-rearing areas and can cause skin irritation, restlessness, anemia, weight loss and skin injuries. Various bacteria and some viruses have been detected in M. ovinus; however, the virome of this ked has never been studied using modern approaches. Here, we study the virome of M. ovinus collected in the Republic of Tuva, Russia. In our research, we were able to assemble full genomes for five novel viruses, related to the Rhabdoviridae (Sigmavirus), Iflaviridae, Reoviridae and Solemoviridae families. Four viruses were found in all five of the studied pools, while one virus was found in two pools. Phylogenetically, all of the novel viruses clustered together with various recently described arthropod viruses. All the discovered viruses were tested on their ability to replicate in the mammalian porcine embryo kidney (PEK) cell line. Aksy-Durug Melophagus sigmavirus RNA was detected in the PEK cell line cultural supernate after the first, second and third passages. Such data imply that this virus might be able to replicate in mammalian cells, and thus, can be considered as a possible arbovirus.

Oleogel Formulations for the Topical Delivery of Betulin and Lupeol in Skin Injuries—Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation

The skin integrity is essential due to its pivotal role as a biological barrier against external noxious factors. Pentacyclic triterpenes stand as valuable plant-derived natural compounds in the treatment of skin injuries due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and healing properties. Consequently, the primary aim of the current investigation was the development as well as the physicochemical and pharmaco-toxicological characterization of betulin- and lupeol-based oleogels (Bet OG and Lup OG) for topical application in skin injuries. The results revealed suitable pH as well as organoleptic, rheological, and textural properties. The penetration and permeation of Bet and Lup oleogels through porcine ear skin as well as the retention of both oleogels in the skin were demonstrated through ex vivo studies. In vitro, Bet OG and Lup OG showed good biocompatibility on HaCaT human immortalized cells. Moreover, Bet OG exerted a potent wound-healing property by stimulating the migration of the HaCaT cells. The in ovo results demonstrated the non-irritative potential of the developed formulations. Additionally, the undertaken in vivo investigation indicated a positive effect of oleogels treatment on skin parameters by increasing skin hydration and decreasing erythema. In conclusion, oleogel formulations are ideal for the local delivery of betulin and lupeol in skin disorders.