Synthesis,Docking Studies and Pharmacological Evaluation of Serotoninergic Ligands Containing a 5-Norbornene-2-Carboxamide Nucleus

A new series of 5-norbornene-2-carboxamide derivatives was prepared and their affinities to the 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, and 5-HT_2C receptors were evaluated and compared to a previously synthesized series of derivatives characterized by exo-N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximidenucleus, in order to identify selective ligands for the above-mentioned subtype receptors. Arylpiperazines represents one of the most important classes of 5-HT_1AR ligands, and recent research concerning new derivatives has been focused on the modification of one or more portions of such pharmacophore. The combination of structural elements (heterocyclic nucleus, propyl chain and 4-substituted piperazine), known to be critical to the affinity to 5-HT_1A receptors, and the proper selection of substituents led to compounds with high specificity and affinity towards serotoninergic receptors. The most active compounds were selected for further in vivo assays to determine their functional activity. Finally, to rationalize the obtained results, molecular docking studies were performed. The results of the pharmacological studies showed that Norbo-4 and Norbo-18 were the most active and promising derivatives for the serotonin receptor considered in this study.     

Influence of ion mobility on the redox and catalytic properties of Cu ions in zeolites

This contribution aims at analysing the current understanding about the influence of Al distribution, zeolite topology, ligands/reagents and oxidation state on ions mobility in Cu-zeolites, and its relevance toward reactivity of the metal sites. The concept of Cu mobilization has been originally observed in the presence of ammonia, favouring the activation of oxygen by formation of NH₃ oxo-bridged complexes in zeolites and opening a new perspective about the chemistry in single-site zeolite-based catalysts, in particular in the context of the NH₃-mediated Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO_x (NH₃-SCR) processes. A different mobility of bare Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ ions has been documented too, showing for Cu⁺ a better mobilization than for Cu²⁺ also in absence of ligands. These concepts can have important consequences for the formation of Cu-oxo species, active and selective in other relevant reactions, such as the direct conversion of methane to methanol. Here, assessing the structure, the formation pathways and reactivity of Cu-oxo mono- or multimeric moieties still represents a challenging playground for chemical scientists. Translating the knowledge about Cu ions mobility and redox properties acquired in the context of NH₃-SCR reaction into the field of direct conversion of methane to methanol can have important implications for a better understanding of transition metal ions redox properties in zeolites and for an improved design of catalysts and catalytic processes.

The mobility of Cu ions in zeolites is influenced by oxidation state, ligands, zeolite topology and chemical composition. The known and possible implications for catalytic activity of Cu-zeolites are discussed.     

Study of non-covalent interactions of luotonin A derivatives and the DNA minor groove as a first step in the study of their analytical potential as DNA probes

The interaction between DNA and several newly synthesized derivatives of the natural anticancer compound luotonin A has been studied. The results from our work reveal an effective and selective alkaloid/double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA) interaction. In the presence of increasing amounts of ds-DNA, a noticeable fluorescence quenching of the luotonin A derivatives under study was observed. However, this effect did not take place when single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) was employed. The association constant alkaloids/ds-DNA was calculated by quantitation of such a quenching effect. The influence of other quenchers, namely Co²⁺ and Br⁻ on the native fluorescence of luotonin A and derivatives was also studied, and a remarkable quenching effect was observed for both ions. We have also investigated how by binding DNA the alkaloids could get protected from the external Co²⁺ and Br⁻ quenchers. The Stern–Volmer constants (K _SV) for Co²⁺ and Br⁻ quenching effect on the studied alkaloids were considerably reduced (10–50%) after incubation of the compounds in the presence of DNA with regard to the K _SV values in absence of DNA. An increase in the fluorescence anisotropy values of luotonins was also produced only in the presence of ds-DNA but not in the case of ss-DNA. To better characterize the nature of that interaction, viscosimetry assays and ethidium bromide displacement studies were conducted. With regard to DNA reference solutions, the viscosity of solutions containing DNA and luotonin A derivatives was reduced or not significantly increased. It was also observed that the studied compounds were unable to displace the intercalating agent ethidium bromide. All of these results, together with the obtained association constants values (K _ass = 2.2 × 10² – 1.3 × 10³), support that neither covalent nor intercalating interactions luotonin A derivatives/ds-DNA are produced, leading to the conclusion that these alkaloids bind ds-DNA through the minor groove. The specific changes in the fluorescence behavior of luotonin A and derivatives distinguishing between ss-DNA and ds-DNA binding, lead us to propose these compounds as attractive turn-off probes to detect DNA hybridization.     

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Myristicin: A Literature Review

Natural products have been used by humanity for many centuries to treat various illnesses and with the advancement of technology, it became possible to isolate the substances responsible for the beneficial effects of these products, as well as to understand their mechanisms. In this context, myristicin, a substance of natural origin, has shown several promising activities in a large number of in vitro and in vivo studies carried out. This molecule is found in plants such as nutmeg, parsley, carrots, peppers, and several species endemic to the Asian continent. The purpose of this review article is to discuss data published in the last 10 years at Pubmed, Lilacs and Scielo databases, reporting beneficial effects, toxicity and promising data of myristicin for its future use in medicine. From 94 articles found in the literature, 68 were included. Exclusion criteria took into account articles whose tested extracts did not have myristicin as one of the major compounds.     

Lignin biodegradation by the ascomyceteChrysonilia sitophila

The lignin biodegradation process has an important role in the carbon cycle of the biosphere. The study of this natural process has developed mainly with the use of basidiomycetes in laboratory investigations. This has been a logical approach since most of the microorganisms involved in lignocellulosic degradation belong to this class of fungi. However, other microorganisms such as ascomycetes and also some bacteria, are involved in the lignin decaying process. This work focuses on lignin biodegradation by a microorganism belonging to the ascomycete class,Chrysonilia sitophila. Lignin peroxidase production and characterization, mechanisms of lignin degradation (lignin model compounds and lignin in wood matrix) and biosynthesis of veratryl alcohol are outstanding. Applications of C.sitophila for effluent treatment, wood biodegradation and single-cell protein production are also discussed.     

Design and synthesis of potential β-sheet nucleators via Suzuki coupling reaction

Three series of compounds characterized by biphenylic structure were synthesized in order to develop new scaffolds able to induce β-sheet folding in the peptides. Microwave flash heating was used in order to shorten reaction times and to enhance the obtained yields. Simulated annealing molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that some of the compounds were capable of adopting a 15-membered intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded conformation, which supports an antiparallel β-sheet structure.     

Deduzione variazionale delle equazioni gravitazionali spinoriali

Sunto Si deducono da un principio variazionale le equazioni gravitazionali per gli spazi vuoti, in forma spinoriale, valendosi dell’azione gravitazionale einsteiniana e assumendo come variabili base le componenti dello spin-tensore fondamentale. Per particolari variazioni, si ottengono le identità contratte del Bianchi, in forma spinoriale.

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Summary In this paper, gravitational field equations for empty-space, in spinor form, are derived from a variational principle by making use of the einsteinian gravitational Action and by assuming as basic variables describing the field the components of the fundamental spin-tensor. With an appropriate variation, the contracted Bianchi identities, in spinor form, are deduced.

     

Synthesis and structural,magnetic and electrochemical characterization of PtCo nanoparticles prepared by water-in-oil microemulsion

PtCo nanoparticles with homogeneous size (around 3–4 nm) have been synthesized in a water-in-oil microemulsion of water/polyethylenglycol–dodecylether (BRIJ^®30)/n-heptane. X-ray diffraction study revealed the formation of a cubic phase with a gradual decrease of the cell parameter with increasing cobalt incorporation in the crystalline lattice of platinum. In relation to their magnetic properties, the PtCo nanoparticles present a superparamagnetic behaviour even after annealing, although higher permeability was induced by the thermal treatment. Finally, the electrocatalytic activity of the particles towards oxalic acid oxidation in H₂SO₄ was evaluated. The Pt74Co26 nanoparticles showed the highest reactivity for this reaction.