Publications by authors named "Nilson Nicolau Junior"

The Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus with emerging potential, though with a limited understanding of its epidemiology and evolution due to the lack of studies and surveillance. Here, we investigated 71 MAYV genome sequences from the Americas available at GenBank and characterized the phylogenetic relationship among virus strains. A phylogenetic analysis showed that sequences were grouped according to the genotypes L, D, and N.

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The Pfaffia glomerata, a plant popularly called Brazilian ginseng, is widely used in Brazil for the treatment of various pathologies, including those associated with the Central Nervous System. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a phytosteroid present in this plant, can promote adaptogenic effects in the organism, providing greater body resistance to stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antiglycation effects of extracts and fractions of aerial parts and roots of P.

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The present work addressed the abilities of two L-amino acid oxidases isolated from Bothrops moojeni (BmooLAAO-I) and Bothrops jararacussu (BjussuLAAO-II) snake venoms to control the growth and prevent the biofilm formation of clinically relevant bacterial pathogens. Upon S. aureus (ATCC BAA44) and S.

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The present study aimed to determine the biological properties of an extract of aqueous extract (SaCE) alone as well as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) generated by green synthesis utilizing aqueous extract (SaCE). These synthesized SaCE AgNPs were characterized using UV-VIS spectrophotometry, scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), zeta potential (ZP), dynamic light scattering (DLS). Determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins content was conducted.

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The genus Mammarenavirus belonging to the family Arenaviridae encompasses pathogenic viral species capable of triggering severe diseases in humans, causing concern for the health system due to the high fatality rate associated with them. Currently, there is a dearth of specific therapies against pathogens of the genus. Natural products isolated from plants have impacted the development of drugs against several diseases.

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The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes Chikungunya fever, a disease characterized by symptoms such as arthralgia/polyarthralgia. Currently, there are no antivirals approved against CHIKV, emphasizing the need to develop novel therapies. The imidazonaphthyridine compound (RO8191), an interferon-α (IFN-α) agonist, was reported as a potent inhibitor of HCV.

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Zika virus is the etiologic agent of Zika fever, and has been previously associated with cases of microcephaly, drawing the attention of the health authorities worldwide. However, no vaccine or antiviral are currently available. Phospholipases A (PLA) isolated from snake venoms have demonstrated antiviral activity against several viruses.

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Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the causative agent of chikungunya fever, a disease that can result in disability. Until now, there is no antiviral treatment against CHIKV, demonstrating that there is a need for development of new drugs. Studies have shown that thiosemicarbazones and their metal complexes possess biological activities, and their synthesis is simple, clean, versatile, and results in high yields.

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This study aimed to verify the action of bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants on the leader genes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 pathway. The main human genes involved were identified in GeneCards and UNIPROT platforms, and an interaction network between leader genes was established in the STRING database. To design chemo-biology interactome networks and elucidate the interplay between genes related to the disease and bioactive plant compounds, the metasearch engine STITCH 3.

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Malaria is a neglected parasitic infection of global importance. It is mainly present in tropical countries and caused by a protozoa that belongs to the genus . The disease vectors are female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with the spp.

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Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 spread in Brazil, few studies have been published analysing the variability of viral genome. Herein, we described the dynamic of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Brazil from May to September 2020, to better understand viral changes that may affect the ongoing pandemic. Our data demonstrate that some of the mutations identified are currently observed in variants of interest and variants of concern, and emphasize the importance of studying previous periods in order to comprehend the emergence of new variants.

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Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the etiologic agent of Chikungunya fever, a globally spreading mosquito-borne disease. There is no approved antiviral or vaccine against CHIKV, highlighting an urgent need for novel therapies. In this context, snake venom proteins have demonstrated antiviral activity against several viruses, including arboviruses which are relevant to public health.

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SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of COVID-19, which represents a global health emergency that was rapidly declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Currently, there is a dearth of effective targeted therapies against viruses. Natural products isolated from traditional herbal plants have had a huge impact on drug development aimed at various diseases.

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Chikungunya fever is a disease caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) that is transmitted by the bite of the female of sp. mosquito. The symptoms include fever, muscle aches, skin rash, and severe joint pains.

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Vitamin D3 (VD3) deficiency increases DNA damage, while supplementation may exert a pro-oxidant activity, prevent viral infections and formation of tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of VD3 alone or in combination with doxorubicin (DXR) using the Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test and the Epithelial Tumor Test, both in Drosophila melanogaster. For better understanding of the molecular interactions of VD3 and receptors, in silico analysis were performed with molecular docking associated with molecular dynamics.

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Background: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the first line of host immune defense against pathogens. Among AMPs from the honeybee Apis mellifera, abaecin is a major broad-spectrum antibacterial proline-enriched cationic peptide.

Results: For heterologous expression of abaecin in Pichia pastoris, we designed an ORF with HisTag, and the codon usage was optimized.

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