Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanan Du, Anyarat Thanapipatsiri, Kenichi Yokoyama
Summary: Nucleoside natural products have diverse biological activities and can be used for various applications, including medicine and agriculture. Previous studies have revealed the biosynthetic mechanisms of these nucleosides, involving early steps classified into two types and downstream tailoring enzymes for structural diversity. By investigating two enzymes representing these types of modifications, it is possible to discover putative nucleoside biosynthetic gene clusters and predict core nucleoside structures, suggesting the potential for future discovery of novel nucleoside natural products.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Arthur Prudencio de Araujo Pereira, Lucas William Mendes, Francisca Andrea Silva Oliveira, Jadson Emanuel Lopes Antunes, Vania Maria Maciel Melo, Ademir Sergio Ferreira Araujo
Summary: Considering the increasing global land degradation and desertification, understanding the modulation of soil microbial communities by these drivers is crucial in mitigating these processes. This study assessed the effects of land degradation, restoration, and native forest on soil microbial communities in a semi-arid region in Northeastern Brazil. The results showed that land degradation led to changes in microbial community composition and decreased microbial diversity. However, the restored area exhibited more resilience, suggesting that microbial communities can recover their functions through sustainable practices. Furthermore, degraded lands resulted in a loss of functions related to carbon dynamics in the system. This study provides important evidence that land restoration practices can recover soil functions and is relevant for further research on sustainable practices in global degradation hotspots.
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Sun Fu-Juan, Li Min, Gu Liang, Wang Ming-Ling, Yang Ming-Hua
Summary: Candida is a difficult-to-eradicate life-threatening pathogen causing major morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. The rapid spread of drug-resistant fungi has highlighted the urgent need for new anti-Candida agents. Researchers have made important progress in discovering novel antifungal agents from nature to combat this medical challenge.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF NATURAL MEDICINES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Angela Rivera, Won Young Lim, Eunchong Park, Patrick A. Dome, Michael J. Hoy, Ivan Spasojevic, Sheng Sun, Anna Floyd Averette, Sergio Pina-Oviedo, Praveen R. Juvvadi, William J. Steinbach, Maria Ciofani, Jiyong Hong, Joseph Heitman
Summary: Fungal infections, especially those caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, pose a serious global health concern. The protein phosphatase calcineurin plays a role in fungal stress response and pathogenesis. However, its inhibition by the natural product FK506 results in immunosuppression. Through the study of FK506 derivatives, JH-FK-08 has been identified as a potential antifungal candidate that exhibits reduced immunosuppressive activity and improved survival in infected animals. This discovery further supports the use of calcineurin inhibition as a therapeutic approach for fungal infections.
Review
Microbiology
Arumugam Ganeshkumar, Juliana Caparroz Goncale, Rajendran Rajaram, Juliana Campos Junqueira
Summary: This review discusses the significance of marine natural products in controlling the proliferation and metabolism of Candida species, including drug-resistant strains. It highlights the research value of sponges that produce compounds with inhibitory activity against Candida strains. Additionally, the review reveals the mechanisms and synergistic activity of marine products with conventional antifungals. Overall, the majority of compounds derived from the marine environment are capable of controlling specific functions of Candida microorganisms, providing insights into the design of new anti-candidal therapies.
Article
Microbiology
Mario Rodriguez-Canales, Yoli Mariana Medina-Romero, Marco Aurelio Rodriguez-Monroy, Uriel Nava-Solis, Sandra Isabel Bolanos-Cruz, Maria Jimena Mendoza-Romero, Jorge E. Campos, Ana Bertha Hernandez-Hernandez, Yolanda I. Chirino, Tonatiuh Cruz-Sanchez, Carlos Gerardo Garcia-Tovar, Maria Margarita Canales-Martinez
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-Candida albicans effect of Mexican propolis from Chihuahua and determined its chemical composition through chemical analysis.
Article
Microbiology
Stephan Brinkmann, Michael Kurz, Maria A. Patras, Christoph Hartwig, Michael Marner, Benedikt Leis, Andre Billion, Yolanda Kleiner, Armin Bauer, Luigi Toti, Christoph Poeverlein, Peter E. Hammann, Andreas Vilcinskas, Jens Glaeser, Marius Spohn, Till F. Schaeberle
Summary: The availability of publicly accessible bacterial genomes has facilitated the use of bioinformatics tools for genome mining, allowing for the exploration of natural product biosynthesis capabilities. In this study, the genetic potential of the Bacteroidetes phylum was comprehensively analyzed, revealing the Chitinophaga genus as the most talented in terms of biosynthetic gene cluster abundance and diversity. Metabolomics and bioactivity-driven NP discovery on 25 Chitinophaga strains confirmed the predicted biosynthetic potential and uncovered a vast unexplored chemical space. This study isolated new antibiotics called chitinopeptins with activity against Candida, highlighting the importance of mining underinvestigated microbial taxa for future screening and isolation campaigns.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tingting Chen, Xia Wu, Yunyun Dai, Xianhui Yin, Zhibo Zhao, Zhuzhu Zhang, Wenzhi Li, Linan He, Youhua Long
Summary: This study investigated the association between Fusarium fujikuroi and kiwifruit leaf spot disease, confirming the fungus as the cause of the disease. The experiments revealed that honokiol, cinnamaldehyde, and osthol had good antifungal effects against F. fujikuroi.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arthur Prudencio de Araujo Pereira, Lara Andrade Lucena Lima, Walderly Melgaco Bezerra, Mirella Leite Pereira, Leonardo Ribeiro Oliveira Normando, Lucas William Mendes, Jose Gerardo Beserra de Oliveira, Ademir Sergio Ferreira Araujo, Vania Maria Maciel Melo
Summary: A study in the Caatinga biome of Brazil found that grazing exclusion may increase soil carbon and nitrogen content, as well as bacterial diversity, while overgrazing resulted in a decrease in organic carbon and bacterial diversity. Exclusion strategy had more pronounced effects at specific sites, while overgrazing may limit the potential of bacterial diversity in sustaining ecosystem functions.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Wendeo Kennedy Costa, Valquiria Bruna Guimaraes, Beatriz Meyruze Barros da Fonseca, Magda Rhayanny Assuncao Ferreira, Luiz Alberto Lira Soares, Thiago Henrique Napoleao, Patricia Maria Guedes Paiva, Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia, Fabio Andre Brayner dos Santos, Alisson Macario de Oliveira, Marcia Vanusa da Silva
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential therapeutic applications of a gel formulation containing essential oil from P. glaziovianum in wound healing, highlighting its efficacy against infections and its ability to enhance wound healing.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raghav Vij, Bernhard Hube, Sascha Brunke
Summary: Fungal infections are a serious issue and bacteria continue to be an important source of antifungals. Research on ecological bacterial-fungal interactions is needed to develop new strategies for treating fungal infections.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Emre Kara, Gokhan Metan, Aygin Bayraktar-Ekincioglu, Dolunay Gulmez, Sevtap Arikan-Akdagli, Figen Demirkazik, Murat Akova, Serhat Unal, Omrum Uzun
Summary: This study evaluated the role of Antifungal stewardship (AFS) in providing appropriate antifungal therapy through three periods, observing an increase in overall appropriateness without significant impact on 30-day mortality. The integration of an AFS program and team-based evaluation by a clinical pharmacist may enhance the quality of antifungal therapy.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carlos R. Pinheiro Junior, Conan A. Salvador, Tiago R. Tavares, Marcel C. Abreu, Hugo S. Fagundes, Wilk S. Almeida, Eduardo C. Silva Neto, Lucia H. C. Anjos, Marcos G. Pereira
Summary: Soils with lithic contact at a depth of 50 cm occupy a significant portion of the Brazilian semi-arid region and are susceptible to erosion. This study aimed to characterize these soils and identify areas at high risk of erosion. Results showed that the sandy soils with poor soil structure and low organic carbon content were more vulnerable to erosion, especially in the states of Ceara and Sergipe. Regions with high contents of silt and fine sand, high silt/clay ratio, predominance of Leptosols and strong rainfall erosivity were observed in Piaui and northwestern Ceara. The states of Pernambuco and Paraiba showed a very high degree of water erosion. Bahia had a lower degree of erosion but was highly susceptible due to shallow soils, rugged relief and high rainfall erosivity. Alagoas had lower vulnerability due to its smoother relief, greater effective soil depth, thicker A horizon of soil and lower rainfall erosivity. In general, the characteristics that intensify the susceptibility to erosion in the Caatinga biome include poor soil structure, low organic carbon content, high silt and fine sand content, high silt/clay ratio and rugged relief in some regions.
JOURNAL OF ARID LAND
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiu-Yue Nie, Yu Hu, Xian-Feng Hou, Gong-Li Tang
Summary: DNA-alkylating natural products, with their unique scaffold and highly active functional groups, show significant antitumor activities by binding to DNA. The biosynthesis and self-resistance mechanisms of these compounds have been extensively studied to aid drug development and design.
Review
Oncology
Myat Nyein Khine, Kaori Sakurai
Summary: The Golgi apparatus is a vital cellular component involved in maintaining cell homeostasis, biosynthesis of glycans, lipids, and modified proteins, as well as sorting and transport of proteins. It also serves as a signaling hub for cellular response pathways. Disturbances in Golgi signaling are implicated in tumor growth and survival regulation. Identification of Golgi-targeting natural products with anticancer properties has allowed for the characterization of Golgi-mediated signaling events leading to cancer cell death, and suggests potential for developing novel chemotherapeutic agents by selectively exploiting these pathways.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda, Elton Marlon de Araujo Lima, Welson Vicente da Silva, Rafael Trindade Maia, Rafael de Lima Medeiros, Arabinda Ghosh, Vera Lucia de Menezes Lima, Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz de Figueiredo
Summary: This study aimed to identify 1,2,3-triazole-phthalimide derivatives as potential drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 through in silico screening, docking, and molecular dynamics. Among 101 derivatives investigated, compounds with poor pharmacokinetic properties or toxicity were filtered out, and seven selected compounds showed promising interactions with multiple target proteins of SARS-CoV-2, indicating their potential as antiviral agents for COVID-19 treatment or prevention.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Gustavo Henrique Rodrigues Vale de Macedo, Gabrielle Damasceno Evangelista Costa, Elane Rodrigues Oliveira, Glauciane Viera Damasceno, Juliana Silva Pereira Mendonca, Lucas dos Santos Silva, Vitor Lopes Chagas, Jose Manuel Noguera Bazan, Amanda Silva dos Santos Alianca, Rita de Cassia Mendonca de Miranda, Adrielle Zagmignan, Andrea de Souza Monteiro, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva
Summary: The skin serves as a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms, with cutaneous lesions allowing microbial contamination to cause chronic wounds. The ESKAPE bacteria, known for multidrug resistance, are prevalent in cutaneous infections, posing a significant challenge in hospital settings. Understanding the virulence and resistance mechanisms of these pathogens is crucial for improving detection and treatment strategies.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yasmim Costa Mendes, Gabrielle Pereira Mesquita, Gabrielle Damasceno Evangelista Costa, Ana Carolina Barbosa da Silva, Ester Gouveia, Maria Raimunda Chagas Silva, Valerio Monteiro-Neto, Rita de Cassia Mendonca de Miranda, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Adrielle Zagmignan
Summary: Fruit juices, particularly bacuri juice, have shown to be good options for the development of probiotic products. The growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus in bacuri juice were evaluated in this study, with L. rhamnosus showing higher growth. Adjusting bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration can optimize growth and lactic acid production. Furthermore, fermented juices exhibited anti-infective effects on E. coli-infected larvae, with L. rhamnosus-fermented juice being particularly effective.
Article
Microbiology
Fabiana Nitz, Bruna Oliveira de Melo, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Andrea de Souza Monteiro, Sirlei Garcia Marques, Valerio Monteiro-Neto, Rosimary de Jesus Gomes Turri, Antonio Dantas Silva Junior, Patricia Cristina Ribeiro Conceicao, Hilario Jose Cardoso Magalhaes, Adrielle Zagmignan, Thiago Azevedo Feitosa Ferro, Maria Rosa Quaresma Bomfim
Summary: This study characterized the molecular profile of virulence and resistance genes in 99 isolates of P. aeruginosa, revealing high levels of drug resistance with 27.3% isolates exhibiting extensively drug-resistant profiles. Furthermore, the study detected the presence of the polymyxin E (mcr-1) gene in one strain and the bla(OXA-23) and bla(OXA-51) genes in three isolates, with one isolate carrying both genes. This is the first report of these genes in P. aeruginosa according to the literature.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deyzi Caroline da Silva Barbosa, Vanderlan Nogueira Holanda, Arabinda Ghosh, Rafael Trindade Maia, Welson Vicente da Silva, Vera Lucia de Menezes Lima, Marcia Vanusa da Silva, Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia, Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz de Figueiredo
Summary: The essential oil from Myrciaria floribunda fruits peel showed moderate cytotoxicity for Vero cells and macrophages, with potential as a Leishmania inhibitor. The major compound delta-Cadinene may be an effective inhibitor of TreR and C14DM enzymes, with favorable affinity energy values.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aline Michelle Silva Mendonca, Cristina de Andrade Monteiro, Roberval Nascimento Moraes-Neto, Andrea Souza Monteiro, Renata Mondego-Oliveira, Camila Evangelista Carnib Nascimento, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Lidio Goncalves Lima-Neto, Rafael Cardoso Carvalho, Eduardo Martins de Sousa
Summary: The study found that pomegranate extracts have antifungal and antibiofilm effects, with promising potential for reducing Candida phospholipase production.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jose R. de Oliveira-Santos, Regina C. Bressan Queiroz de Figueiredo, Geraldo J. Barbosa de Moura
Summary: This study analysed the defence mechanisms of Leptodactylus vastus, a species of anuran, and found multiple strategies including body puffing, push movement, distress call, hiding, cloacal discharge, and spine aggression. The distress call of this species was found to have no acoustic variation. Understanding the defensive mechanisms of animals is important for identifying antipredatory strategies and conservation efforts for neotropical species.
ETHOLOGY ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabio Henrique Ramos Braga, Mikaelly Luzia Silva Dutra, Neuriane Silva Lima, Gleice Melo da Silva, Rita de Cassia Mendonca de Miranda, Wellyson da Cunha Araujo Firmo, Anna Regina Lanner de Moura, Andrea de Souza Monteiro, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Darlan Ferreira da Silva, Maria Raimunda Chagas Silva
Summary: Water quality of Munim and Iguar6 rivers was assessed using the water quality index combined with microbiological analyses. Multivariate statistical analysis showed correlations between certain parameters and the rainy or dry seasons. E. coli and turbidity were higher in the rainy season, while phosphorus, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen were higher in the dry season.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Livia Muritiba Pereira de Lima Coimbra, Adrielle Zagmignan, Paulo Victor Vieira Gomes, Janaira Farias Araujo, Gabrielle Damasceno Costa dos Santos, Rita de Cassia Mendonca de Miranda, Silvana Magalhaes Salgado, Samara Alvachian Cardoso Andrade, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva
Summary: Osmotic dehydration was used to process sapodilla fruit in order to extend its shelf life and obtain a stable product. Temperature and concentration of osmotic solution had significant effects on dehydration efficiency, sensory attributes, microbiological quality, and structural changes of the fruit.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Jessica Araujo, Joveliane Monteiro, Douglas Silva, Amanda Alencar, Kariny Silva, Lara Coelho, Wallace Pacheco, Darlan Silva, Maria Silva, Luis Silva, Andrea Monteiro
Summary: Surface-active compounds (SACs), produced by bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, have unique properties to interact with surfaces and hydrophobic or hydrophilic interfaces. Due to their advantages such as biodegradability, low toxicity, antimicrobial properties, SACs have become attractive targets for research in medicine and biotechnology.
Review
Microbiology
Sujogya Kumar Panda, Silvia Buroni, Shasank Sekhar Swain, Andrea Bonacorsi, Erika Alves da Fonseca Amorim, Mukta Kulshrestha, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Vishvanath Tiwari
Summary: The lack of discovery of novel antibiotics has made it necessary to search for new antibiotics or study synergy with existing antibiotics to counter the challenge of biofilm-associated bacteria, especially ESKAPE pathogens. Nature-derived compounds/products are more efficient with less resistance and lower side effects. This descriptive review discusses the most promising therapeutics for the treatment of ESKAPE-related biofilms, including natural agents effective against ESKAPE pathogens and specific references to essential oils/components.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Marcela Almeida dos Santos de Sousa, Alexia Figueiredo Ferreira, Camila Caetano da Silva, Marcos Andrade Silva, Tamyris Alicely Xavier Nogueira Bazan, Cristina de Andrade Monteiro, Andrea de Souza Monteiro, Joicy Cortez de Sa Sousa, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Adrielle Zagmignan
Summary: This study aimed to develop a hydroxyethyl cellulose-based topical formulation containing probiotics and evaluate its antimicrobial action. The results showed that L. plantarum LP-G18-A11 had the strongest inhibitory effect against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Only the LP-G18-A11 gel (5% and 3%) incorporated into hydroxyethyl cellulose-based gels exhibited antimicrobial effects.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Amanda Caroline de Souza Sales, Larissa Araujo Lopes, Maria Caroliny dos Santos Vale, Mayara Ferreira Costa, Joao Victor de Souza Lima, Joao Gabriel Matos da Silva, Bruna Sthefanny da Cunha Ferreira, Victoria Alves do Nascimento, Saara Emanuele da Silva Flor, Elane Luiza Costa de Sousa, Bruna Katarine Bezerra Paz, Ricardo Amorim de Sousa Garcia, Eduardo Martins de Sousa, Alexsandro Ferreira dos Santos, Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Adrielle Zagmignan
Summary: This study examined the clinical characteristics and treatment adherence of individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sao Luis. It found that TB patients often experienced symptoms such as cough and fever, and had elevated levels of certain biomarkers. Adverse drug reactions were common, and treatment abandonment was observed in 19.2% of patients. Overall, the study highlights the importance of monitoring and improving treatment outcomes for TB patients during the pandemic.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Monaliza Teresa Campos Sodre, Fernanda Avelino Ferraz, Amanda Karoline Vieira Alencar, Karinny Farias Silva, Douglas Henrique dos Santos Silva, Lucas dos Santos Silva, Jessica Silva dos Santos Araujo Carneiro, Cristina Andrade Monteiro, Luis Claudio Nascimento Silva, Andrea de Souza Monteiro
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in developing alginate-based gel formulations to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. The highest activity was observed with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917. The formulated alginate gel with 10% L. plantarum ATCC 14917 showed inhibitory effects on S. aureus growth.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis Claudio Nascimento da Silva, Juliana Silva Pereira Mendonca, Weslley Felix de Oliveira, Karla Lilian Rodrigues Batista, Adrielle Zagmignan, Isabelle Freire Tabosa Viana, Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia
Summary: This study explores the potential contributions of nonmammalian lectins in addressing viral infections, particularly COVID-19, and discusses the recent advances in protein engineering to enhance their efficacy. Additionally, it examines the applications of lectins as adjuvants for antiviral vaccines and new strategies in biosensors and other tools.
