Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. Leaf ethanolic extract exerts selective anticancer activity through ROS-induced apoptotic cell death in human cancer cell lines.

Background: The leaves of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. (K.

Cytotoxic Activity, Topoisomerase I Inhibition and In Silico Studies of New Sesquiterpene-aryl Ester Derivatives of (-) Drimenol.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate two sets of sesquiterpene-aryl derivatives linked by an ester bond, their cytotoxic activities, and their capacity to activate caspases 3/7 and inhibit human topoisomerase I (TOP1). A total of 13 compounds were synthesized from the natural sesquiterpene (-)-drimenol and their cytotoxic activity was evaluated in vitro against three cancer cell lines: PC-3 (prostate cancer), HT-29 (colon cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and an immortalized non-tumoral cell line (MCF-10). From the results, it was observed that was the most promising compound due to its cytotoxic effect on three cancer cell lines and its selectivity, was 100-fold more selective than 5-FU in MCF-7 and 20-fold in PC-3.

Distribution and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of the grape weevil Naupactus xanthographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The grape weevil, Naupactus xanthographus Germar (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a polyphagous insect native to southern South America that causes considerable damage in grape and other fruit species. In this study, the morphology and ultrastructure of the antennae and the antennal sensilla of N. xanthographus were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Biological Activity of the Larval Secretion of Chilecomadia valdiviana.

The carpenter worm, Chilecomadia valdiviana (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), is a polyphagous insect native to Chile that is associated with trees and bushes, including economically important species such as eucalyptus, avocado, and apples. We used a Y-olfactometer to analyze the olfactory responses of larvae to conspecific larvae, hexane extracts of larvae, and synthetic samples of the major components present in the extract (i.e.