Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has the broadest host range, infecting more than 1300 species in more than 500 genera from over 100 botanical families. In ornamental plants, CMV can cause mosaic and distortion of leaves, stunting, color break, and malformation of flowers. CMV coat protein (CP) sequences obtained from seven ornamental plants and other homologous sequences available in GenBank were compared, and phylogenetic relationships were established. Total RNA from virus-infected ornamental species were extracted, submitted to RT-PCR with specific primers, and amplicons obtained were sequenced. A nucleotide substitution model and phylogenetic analyses were carried out using the PAUP program. The seven sequences of CMV CP obtained showed similar identity percentages and close relationships with subgroup I isolates from other countries and hosts. CMV isolates from different regions of São Paulo state, Brazil (Salvia splendens, Catharanthus roseus, Nematanthus nervosus (=Hypocyrta nervosa), Impatiens walleriana, Eucharis grandiflora and Commelina sp.) formed a monophyletic group, indicating a possible common origin. It was found that when lily sequences of CMV only from different geographic regions were compared, Brazilian isolates shared the same common ancestor with those from Poland and Taiwan. Furthermore, this monophyletic group presented a quite basal position.

The prevalence of head lice in poor rural communities and urban slums is estimated to be between 28% and 43% in Brazil, respectively. Children are among the most affected, often in clusters within schools. We launched a program intending to tackle the social stigma associated with head lice using scientific information and a local traditional remedy as a way to lower the prevalence of head lice in a low-resource community. Methods: A program involving the entire school community and the teachers addressed how to treat head lice and avoid new infestations. An affordable solution widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine was provided for the ones infested. Evaluation of the outcome was based on direct observation and was designed as a satisfaction survey. The study complied with the criteria for Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Results: Two hundred and eighty participants, including parents and siblings of the school children, took part in the program. Among them, 24% (N = 67) had head lice, with girls representing 85% of cases; 74.7% of participants infested with head lice were between 4 and 10 years old; 55.2% (N = 37) of participants infested showed no signs of nits or adult lice after the program. Conclusions: This experience suggests that the use of playful activities associated with a well-known and accessible local product to treat head lice in low-income families gathered a high degree of community adherence and may be an important tool in overcoming health inequalities.