Hydroxytakakiamide and Other Constituents from a Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus MMERU23, and Antinociceptive Activity of Ergosterol Acetate, Acetylaszonalenin and Helvolic Acid.

An unreported prenylated indole derivative hydroxytakakiamide () was isolated, together with the previously described ergosterol (), ergosterol acetate (), and (3)-3-(1-indol-3-ylmethyl)-3, 4-dihydro-1-1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione (), from the column fractions of the crude ethyl acetate extract of the culture of a marine sponge-associated fungus, MMERU 23. The structure of was elucidated by the interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data and high-resolution mass spectrum. The absolute configuration of the stereogenic carbon in was proposed to be the same as those of the co-occurring congeners on the basis of their biogenetic consideration and was supported by the comparison of its sign of optical rotation with those of its steroisomers.

The multiple roles of trichomes in two Croton species.

Trichomes are common in plants from dry environments, and despite their recognized role in protection and defense, little is known about their role as absorptive structures and in other aspects of leaf ecophysiology. We combine anatomical and ecophysiological data to evaluate how trichomes affect leaf gas exchange and water balance during drought. We studied two congeneric species with pubescent leaves which co-occur in Brazilian Caatinga: Croton blanchetianus (dense trichomes) and Croton adenocalyx (sparse trichomes).

Evaluation of patients treated by telemedicine in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in São Paulo, Brazil: A non-randomized clinical trial preliminary study.

We performed a pilot open-label, non-randomized controlled clinical trial in a clinic in São Paulo, Brazil in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. "This medical pilot project was carried out during the pandemic of a new and unknown agent. It was necessary to find a new and safe therapeutic approach for pathogens with high potential for severity and contamination.

Thermal shift assays of marine-derived fungal metabolites from MMERU 23 against pteridine reductase 1 and molecular dynamics studies.

Marine-derived fungi are a promising source of bioactive molecules, especially species from extreme habitats. Although several secondary metabolites such as meroterpenoids and alkaloids have been isolated from cultures of obtained from terrestrial habitats, there is no report on compounds isolated from marine-derived strains. Many metabolites isolated from marine-derived fungi exhibited a myriad of biological activities.

Methoxylated flavonols from Seub ethyl acetate active myeloperoxidase extract: in vitro and in silico assays.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a methoxylated fraction from Seub on myeloperoxidase (MPO)-chlorinating activity and subsequent assays for binding profile prediction. Therefore, the ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts from Seub was fractionated on open-column chromatography containing SiO and eluted with solvent in crescent polarity to yield a fraction with a mixture of flavonols quercetin 3--methyl ether () and 6-C-methyl quercetin 3--methyl ether (). Their chemical structures were proposed by HPLC coupled to photodiode array (HPLC-DAD) and mass spectrometer using electrospray ionization multistage analysis (HPLC-MS/MS).

Functional annotation and comparative modeling of ligninolytic enzymes from (SW.) Kreisel for biotechnological applications.

Functional annotation of genome was performed to search Class II peroxidase proteins in this white-rot fungus, which can be valuable for several biotechnological processes. After sequence identification and manual curation, five proteins were selected to build 3 D models by comparative modeling. Analysis of sequential and structural sequences from selected targets revealed the presence of two putative Lignin Peroxidase and three putative Manganese Peroxidase on this fungal genome.

Drought response strategies of deciduous and evergreen woody species in a seasonally dry neotropical forest.

Deciduous and evergreen trees are usually considered the main coexisting functional groups in seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF). We compared leaf and stem traits of 22 woody species in the Brazilian Caatinga to investigate whether deciduous (DC) and evergreen (EV) species have divergent water-use strategies. Our hypothesis was that DC trees compensate for their short leaf longevity by being less conservative in water use and showing higher variation in the seasonal water potential after leaf shedding.

Identification of potential superoxide dismutase allosteric modulators by structure-based computational approaches: homology modelling, molecular dynamics and pharmacophore-based virtual screening.

The visceral form of Leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, caused by is the main etiological agent of this form in Brazil responsible for 30,000 annual deaths. Despite its epidemiological impact, treatment of the disease is limited by resistance, species-dependent efficacy and serious adverse effects. The application of computational tools to prioritize potential bioactive molecules based on 3D structural of biological target is a viable alternative.

Assembly rules in a resource gradient: Competition and abiotic filtering determine the structuring of plant communities in stressful environments.

The relative importance of different community assembly mechanisms varies depending on the environment. According to the stress-dominance hypothesis (SDH), assembly mechanisms range from strong abiotic filtering to competition as the environment becomes more favourable. Most evidence for the SDH comes from studies in gradients of conditions (i.

Evidence of cryptic lineages within a small South American crocodilian: the Schneider's dwarf caiman (Alligatoridae: Caimaninae).

Schneider's dwarf caiman is one of the smallest living crocodilians. Due to its broad distribution, cryptic behavior, and small home range, the species is well suited for the study of phylogeographic patterns on a continental scale. Additionally, this species is under threat due to habitat loss, trade and harvest, but is considered at low conservation risk by the IUCN.

Identification of new promising Plasmodium falciparum superoxide dismutase allosteric inhibitors through hierarchical pharmacophore-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics.

Malaria is the world's most widespread protozoan infection, being responsible for more than 445,000 annual deaths. Among the malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent and lethal. In this context, the search for new antimalarial drugs is urgently needed.

Psychocultural Mechanisms of the Propensity toward Criminal Homicide: A Multidimensional View of the Culture of Honor.

Theory of the Culture of Honor is one of the few models in criminology specifically geared toward homicide. It proposes that, in certain societies, men must never show weakness and are required to react violently to any perceived threats to their reputation, thereby increasing their probability of committing a homicide. This has been suggested as the main explanation for the high rates of this type of crime in Brazil, particularly in the Northeast.

What Is Your Faction? Multidimensional Evidence for the Divergent Series As the Basis for a New Model of Personality and Work Life.

The successful "Divergent" sci-fi trilogy by writer Veronica Roth portrays a dystopian and post-apocalyptic society where the population is divided into five groups called "Factions," each with a specific social role and associated to a specific set of psychological traits. Though fictional, such typology is compelling and may provide a significant contribution to personality studies. To investigate the accuracy of the classification of psychological and sociocultural traits into five Factions as described in Divergent and their potential practical usefulness for understanding work life choices and experiences in organizations.