A Glimpse at Siderophores Production by UTEX 1444.

In this study, a strain of UTEX 1444 was cultivated in six different concentrations of iron (III). Cultures were extracted with organic solvents and analyzed using our dereplication strategy, based on the combined use of high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking. The analysis showed the presence of the siderophores' family, named synechobactins, only in the zero iron (III) treatment culture.

Bioactive Polyphenols and Neuromodulation: Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration.

The interest in dietary polyphenols in recent years has greatly increased due to their antioxidant bioactivity with preventive properties against chronic diseases. Polyphenols, by modulating different cellular functions, play an important role in neuroprotection and are able to neutralize the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Interestingly, all these mechanisms are involved in neurodegeneration.

Prevents Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis Blocking p53 Activation in Neuroblastoma Cells.

Oxidative stress has been associated to neuronal cell loss in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons are post-mitotic cells that are very sensitive to oxidative stress-especially considering their limited capacity to be replaced. Therefore, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibiting apoptosis, will potentially prevent neurodegeneration.

Curcumin, Gut Microbiota, and Neuroprotection.

Curcumin, a nontoxic, naturally occurring polyphenol, has been recently proposed for the management of neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. However, a discrepancy exists between the well-documented pharmacological activities that curcumin seems to possess in vivo and its poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic profiles that should limit any therapeutic effect. Thus, it is possible that curcumin could exert direct regulative effects primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, where high concentrations of curcumin are present after oral administration.

Curcumin C3 complex®/Bioperine® has antineoplastic activity in mesothelioma: an in vitro and in vivo analysis.

Background: A major limitation in the treatment for malignant mesothelioma is related to serious side effects caused by chemotherapeutics and to the development of cancer-resistance. Advances in cancer therapies have been reached thanks to the introduction of alternative approaches, such as the use of phytochemicals. Curcumin-C3complex®/Bioperine® is a commercially standardized extract containing a ratio-defined mixture of three curcuminoids and piperine that greatly increase its bioavailability.

Tests of shielding effectiveness of Kevlar and Nextel onboard the International Space Station and the Foton-M3 capsule.

Radiation assessment and protection in space is the first step in planning future missions to the Moon and Mars, where mission and number of space travelers will increase and the protection of the geomagnetic shielding against the cosmic radiation will be absent. In this framework, the shielding effectiveness of two flexible materials, Kevlar and Nextel, were tested, which are largely used in the construction of spacecrafts. Accelerator-based tests clearly demonstrated that Kevlar is an excellent shield for heavy ions, close to polyethylene, whereas Nextel shows poor shielding characteristics.

Rapid access to 1,6-anhydro-beta-L-hexopyranose derivatives via domino reaction: synthesis of L-allose and L-glucose.

An expeditious and efficient synthesis of 1,6-anhydro-beta-L-hexopyranosyl derivatives 3 as valuable building blocks for the preparation of L-sugars is herein reported. This route relies upon the use of a domino reaction involving five synthetic steps from the 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin 4. As 1,6-anhydro derivatives 3 are obtained, dithioethylene bridge removal and double-bond dihydroxylation give access to protected L-allose and L-glucose in stereoselective fashion and high yields.