Description of nine new species of Heliura Butler from South America (Lepidoptera,Erebidae, Arctiinae,Arctiini, Ctenuchina)

Nine new species of the genus Heliura are described from Brazil (H. brasiliana sp. nov., H. olivocolora sp. nov., H. pulcherrima sp. nov., and H. laerteae sp. nov.), Ecuador (H. ecuadoris sp. nov.), Peru (H. flavipennis sp. nov. and H. peruana sp. nov.), and Venezuela (Heliura albiventris sp. nov. and H. juliani sp. nov.). They are illustrated in habitus and genitalia, and their phylogenetic affinities are discussed based on morphological evidence.     

Community Structure,Geochemical Characteristics and Mineralogy of a Hypersaline Microbial Mat,Cabo Rojo,PR

Seasonal variations in precipitation changed the community composition and microbial activity in a hypersaline, tropical microbial mat, in Cabo Rojo, PR. Using a combination of dissection, light, and transmission electron microscopy, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), in situ microelectrode studies, and ³⁵ S isotope incubations, we documented the major differences between wet and dry seasons. During the wet season (precipitation 177 mm), cyanobacterial (green layer) and anoxyphototrophic (pink layer) communities, as well as the black FeS layer were well-developed, and T-RFLP patterns indicated a diverse community. The rate of oxygenic photosynthesis was 49 μ M min ^{? 1} . Aerobic respiration was 29 μ M min ^{? 1} , and sulfate reduction was 264 nmol cm ^{? 3} h ^{? 1} . During the dry season (precipitation 51 mm), cyanobacteria and anoxyphototrophs were less diverse and abundant, and T-RFLP patterns were less complex. The O ₂ production rate was reduced to 9 μ M min ^{? 1} , as was O ₂ consumption (7 μ M min ^{? 1} ) and sulfate reduction (26 nmol cm ^{? 3} h ^{? 1} ). Aragonite, calcite, halite, and quartz were the predominant minerals. Seasonal differences were found in the green and pink layers for both halite and quartz. Gypsum was not observed, likely due to a sample handling artifact. The fluctuations in community composition and metabolic activity, principally reflected in fluctuations in binding and trapping potential of the uppermost mat community, might be responsible for the observed differences in mineralogy.     

New species of Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Elateridae,Agrypninae, Hemirhipini)

Four new species of Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829 are described: A. cinnamomeus n. sp., A. latlpennls n. sp., A. serlceus n. sp. and A. thoracopunctatus n. sp. Three species removed from Chalcolepldlus Eschscholtz, 1829, are transferred to this genus: A. allcll (Pjatakowa, 1941) n. comb., A. haroldl (Candèze, 1878) n.comb. and A. unlcus (Fleutiaux, 1910) n. comb. The characters of external morphology of these seven species and male and female genitalia, when available, are described and illustrated. An identification key for all species of the genus is included: A. allcll (Pjatakowa, 1941) n. comb., A. calcarlpllosus Casari, 1996, A. cinnamomeus n. sp., A. haroldl (Candèze, 1878) n. comb., A. latlpennls n. sp., A. lusclosus (Hope, 1832), A. melanops Leconte, 1863, A. myops (Fabricius, 1801), A. nobllls Sallé, 1855, A. oculatus (Linnaeus, 1758), A. patrlclus (Candèze, 1857), A. plebejus Candèze, 1874, A. serlceus n. sp., A. thoracopunctatus n. sp., A. tricolor (Olivier, 1790), A. unlcus (Fleutiaux, 1910) n. comb., A. veracruzanus Casari, 1996 and A. zunianus Casey, 1893.     

Synthesis,anti-inflammatory,analgesic and antioxidant activities of some tetrasubstituted thiophenes

Sets of tetrasubstituted thiophene esters 4a-4g, 5a-5f and 6a-6e were synthesized by reaction of 1-(α-Carbomethoxy-β-aminothiocrotonoyl)-aryl/aroyl amines (3) with 3-(bromoacetyl)coumarin, 1,4-dibromodiacetyl and chloroacetone respectively. The compound 3 were synthesized by nucleophilic addition of aryl/aroylisothiocyanate and enamine (2). The synthesized targeted compounds (4a-4g, 5a-5f and 6a-6e) were evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenin-induced rat hind paw oedema model at three graded doses employed at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight using mefanamic acid, ibuprofen and in vivo analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing response model at 10 mg/kg dose using ibuprofen as standard drug. The compounds 4a-4f, 5c, 5f, 6c and 6e were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant nitric oxide radical scavenging assay at the concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 μg/mL using ascorbic acid as standard drug. Among all the targeted compounds 4c showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity of 71% protection at 10 mg/kg and 77% protection at 20 mg/kg to inflamed paw and analgesic activity of 56% inhibition and also maximum in vitro nitric oxide radical scavenging activity having IC₅₀ value 31.59 μg/mL.     

DNA sequence-specific ligands: XIV. Synthesis of fluorescent biologically active dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DB(3, 4, 5, 7, 11)

Five fluorescent symmetrical dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DB(n) containing four 2,6-substituted benzimidazole cores and differing in the length of the oligomethylene linker between two bisbenzimidazole rings (n = 3, 4, 5, 7, 11) have been synthesized. The ability of the dimeric bisbenzimidazoles to form complexes with the double-stranded DNA has been shown by spectral methods. Upon binding to the double-stranded DNA, DB(n) are localized in the narrow groove. The data on the inhibition of the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a by DB(n) indicate that dimeric bisbenzimidazoles DB(3) and DB(11) site-specifically bind to the oligonucleotide duplex.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,and in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of novel 1,3-thiazine-2-amines comprising morpholine nucleus

A collection of 4-(4-morpholinophenyl)-6-aryl-6H-1,3-thiazin-2-amines (20–28) were synthesized and their in vitro antimicrobial activity was investigated. Compound 21 against P. aeruginosa, 23 against B. subtilis, 24 against V. cholerae and P. aeruginosa, 26 against S. aureus and B. subtilis, 27 against B. subtilis and E. coli, and 28 against all tested bacterial strains exerted excellent antibacterial activity. Compound 20 against A. flavus and Rhizopus, 21, 26 against Rhizopus, 22, 27 against Mucor, 23 against A. flavus, 24 against both A. flavus and Mucor, 25 against all tested strains, and 28 against Rhizopus and M. gypseum exerted excellent antifungal activity.     

New lanostane-type triterpenoids, inonotsutriols D, and E, from Inonotus obliquus

Two new lanostane-type triterpenoids, inonotsutriols D (1) and E (2), were isolated from the sclerotia of Inonotus obliquus (Pers.: Fr.) Pil. (Japanese name: kabanoanatake; Russian name: chaga). Their structures were determined to be lanost-8-ene-3β,22R,24R-triol (1) and lanost-8-ene-3β,22R,24S-triol (2) on the basis of spectral data, including 2D NMR analysis. In addition, major compounds, inotodiol (3), trametenolic acid (4), 3β-hydroxylanosta-8,24-dien-21-al (5), 21-hydroxylanosterol (6), inonotsuoxide A (7) and inonotsuoxide B (8) were identified, and all compounds, except 2, were evaluated for their cancer cell growth inhibitory activity against P388, HL-60, L1210 and KB cell lines.     

Isolation of Antibabesial Compounds from Brucea javanica,Curcuma xanthorrhiza,and Excoecaria cochinchinensis

One new curcuminoid, 3′-demethoxycyclocurcumin (1), was isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza as an antibabesial compound, together with p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2) and cleomiscosin A (3) from Brucea javanica and (+)-epiloliolide (4) from Excoecaria cochinchinensis. The antibabesial activities were examined in vitro, and compounds 1–4, and diminazene aceturate were studied with IC₅₀ values of 16.6, 7.6, 15.6, 10.0, and 0.6 μg/ml, respectively.     

Preparation of Optically Pure cis-2,4-Dimethyl-l-cyclohexanones,the Key Intermediates in Cycloheximide Synthesis,Using Microbial Resolution

Asymmetric hydrolysis of acetate (10) of (±)-t-2,t-4-dimethyl-r-l-cyclohexanol with Bacillus subtilis var. niger gave (?)-(lS,2S,4S)-2,4-dimethyl-l-cyclohexanol (6a) and (+)-(1R,2R,4R)-acetate (10b) with high optical purities. Optically pure (?) and (+)-alcohols (6a and 6b) were prepared via corresponding 3,5-dinitrobenzoates. Oxidation of alcohols (6a and 6b) with chromic acid gave optically pure (?)-(2S,4S) and (+)-(2R,4R)-2,4-dimethyl-l-cyclohexanones (2a and 2b), respectively.     

Insect Antifeedants,Pterocarpans and Pterocarpol,in Heartwood of Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kruz.

The insect antifeedant activities of pterocarpans and a sesquiterpene alcohol from the dichloromethane extract of Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kruz. (Leguminosae) were evaluated against the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura F. (Noctuidae), and the subterranean termite, Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe)(Rhinotermitidae). Three pterocarpans, (?)-homopterocarpin (1), (?)-pterocarpin (2), and (?)-hydroxyhomopterocarpin (3) and the sesquiterpene alcohol, (+)-pterocarpol (5), were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the heartwood of P. macrocarpus under guidance by a biological assay. Among these natural products, the most active insect antifeedant against both S. litura and R. speratus was 1. On the other hand, sesquiterpene alcohol 5 showed less insect antifeedant activity than the other pterocarpans against both insect species. While its methylated derivative, (?)-methoxyhomopterocarpin (4), showed high biological activity, 3 showed less insect antifeedant activity in this study. Interestingly, racemic 1 did not show insect antifeedant activity against S. litura. However, all of the test pterocarpans and isoflavones showed antifeedant activity against the test termites. Additionally, since these compounds were major constituents of P. macrocarpus, these antifeedant phenolics may act as chemical defense factors in this tree. In Thailand, lumber made from this tree is used to make furniture and in building construction due to its resistance to termite attack.     

A New Lignan Amide,Grossamide, from Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossurri)

Two new phenolic amides, grossamide (7) and N-cis-feruloyl tyramine (2), have been isolated from the roots of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) together with p-aminobenzaldehyde (1), N-trans-feruloyl tyramine (3), N-trans-p-coumaroyl tyramine (4), N-trans-feruloyl octopamine (5), and N-trans-p-coumaroyl octopamine (6).     

Phylogeny and systematics of the Acrapex apicestriata (Bethune-Baker, 1911) species complex (Lepidoptera,Noctuidae, Noctuinae,Apameini, Sesamiina) with the description of eight new species from the Afrotropics

Twelve morphologically similar species of Acrapex Hampson 1894, (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Apameini, Sesamiina), from Western, Central and Eastern Africa are reviewed. Eight of these species are new to science and are described: Acrapex akunamatata n. sp. and A. incrassata n. sp. from Kenya; A. gracilis n. sp., A. iringa n. sp., A. lukumbura n. sp. and A. rungwe n. sp. from Tanzania; A. soyema n. sp. from Ethiopia; and A. zoutoi n. sp. from Benin. All 12 species belong to a species complex that we hereby define as the Acrapex apicestriata group. Host-plants for three of the new species are recorded: Setaria incrassata (Hochst.) Hack. for Acrapex incrassata; Cymbopogon pospishilii (K. Schum.) C.E. Hubb. for A. rungwe; and Andropogon perligulatus Stapf. for A. zoutoi. We also conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses (using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) on a six gene multimarker molecular dataset (four mitochondrial and two nuclear gene fragments; 4581 nucleotides in length) consisting of 15 Acrapex species (including seven species from the apicestriata group) and four outgroups species from the subtribe Sesamiina (from genera Busseola Thurau 1904, Sciomesa Tams & Bowden 1953, Pirateolea Moyal, Le Ru, Conlong, Cugala, Defabachew, Matama-Kauma, Pallangyo & Van den Berg 2010 and Sesamia Boisduval & Guenée 1852). Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses yield a similar and well-supported topology, which supports the monophyly of the apicestriata group.     

Design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel chroman-4-one, chroman, and 2H-chromene derivatives as human rhinovirus capsid-binding inhibitors

As part of an effort to generate broad-spectrum inhibitors of rhinovirus replication, novel series of (E)-3-[(E)-3-phenylallylidene]chroman-4-ones 1a–e, (E)-3-(3-phenylprop-2-yn-1-ylidene)chroman-4-ones 2a and 2b, (Z)-3-[(E)-3-phenylallylidene]chromans 3a–e, and (E)-3-(3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl)-2H-chromenes 4a–d were designed and synthesized. All the compounds were tested in vitro for their efficacy against infection by human rhinovirus (HRV) 1B and 14, two representative serotypes for rhinovirus group B and A, respectively. Most of the analogues were found to be potent and selective inhibitors of both HRVs, although HRV 1B was generally more susceptible than HRV 14. Mechanism of action studies of (E)-6-chloro-3-(3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl)-2H-chromene 4b, the most potent compound on HRV 1B infection, suggested that 4b behaves as a capsid-binder probably acting at the uncoating level.     

Boronated phosphonium salts containing arylboronic acid, closo-carborane, or nido-carborane: synthesis, X-ray diffraction, in vitro cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake

The preparation of boronated triaryl and tetraaryl phosphonium salts of the type [PPh₃CH₂R]Br [R is 4-boronophenyl (1), 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-yl)phenyl (2), 3-boronophenyl (3), 3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-yl)phenyl (4), 2-boronophenyl (5), 2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-yl)phenyl (6), and closo-1,2-carboran-1-yl (7)] is described. These compounds were prepared by the reaction of triphenylphosphine with benzylic bromides or 1-bromomethyl-closo-1,2-carborane in acetonitrile solution at 85 °C. The zwitterionic nido-7,8-carborane derivative PPh₃CH₂C₂B₉H₁₁ (8) was prepared by treatment of 7 with cesium fluoride in refluxing ethanol. All compounds were fully characterized by multinuclear (¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, and ³¹P) 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray structures were determined for compounds 1, 3, 7, and 8. The cytotoxicities and boron uptake of selected derivatives were investigated in vitro using human glioblastoma (T98G) and canine kidney tubule (MDCK II) cells. The zwitterionic species 8 was found to be the least cytotoxic agent while also delivering the greatest amount of boron to the T98G cells, peaking at 9.15 ± 2.65 μg B/mg protein.     

Synthesis,characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of some new hydrazinecarbothioamide, 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives

In this work, we reported the synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities of three new compound series obtained from 6-(phenyl/4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-3-acetic acid hydrazide: 2-{[6-(phenyl/4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl]acetyl}-N-alkyl/arylhydrazinecarbothioamides (2a–d), 4-alkyl/aryl-2,4-dihydro-5-{[6-(phenyl/4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl]methyl}-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones (3a–n), and 2-alkyl/arylamino-5-{[6-(phenyl/4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-3-yl]methyl}-1,3,4-thiadiazoles (4a–g). The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR (APT), mass and elemental analysis. Their antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, C. krusei ATCC 6258, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei NCPF 375, Microsporum gypseum NCPF 580, and T. tonsurans NCPF 245. 3c, 3f, 3m, 3n, and 4e showed the highest antibacterial activity. Particularly 3c, 3f, 3g, 3k, 3n, 4a, 4e, and 4g showed the highest antifungal activity against tested fungi.     

Descriptions,transferences and synonymies in American Monochamini (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae, Lamiinae), with revised keys to species of Hammatoderus and Taeniotes

Hammatoderus wappesi n. sp. and H. garciaorum n. sp. are described from Mexico, Veracruz and Oaxaca and Veracruz, respectively. Hammoderus brasiliensis Breuning, 1943 and Plagiohammus camillus Dillon & Dillon, 1949 are proposed as synonyms of Hammatoderus confusor (Dillon & Dillon, 1941); Plagiohammus rotundipennis Breuning, 1950 is proposed as a synonym of Hammatoderus pollinosus (Bates, 1880). A replacement name, Deliathis neonivea nom. nov., for Deliathis nivea (Breuning, 1943) n. comb., a secondary homonym of D. nivea Bates, 1869, is proposed. Three other new combinations are proposed: Deliathis imperatrix (Thomson, 1868) n. comb.; Monochamus sargi (Bates, 1885) n. comb.; and Monochamus blairi (Breuning, 1936) n. comb. Monochamus sargi and Hammatoderus pollinosus are redescribed. Hammatoderus sticticus (Bates, 1874) is newly recorded from Bolivia, with H. confusor newly recorded from Argentina and Colombia and its known distribution in Brazil expanded to include the state of Sao Paulo. Distribution of Deliathis imperatrix in Mexico is expanded to include the state of Morelos. A key to species of Hammatoderus and a key to species of Taeniotes “amazonum” group are also provided.     

Phytoextraction of Ni,Pb and,Cd by duckweeds

Abstract

Heavy metals phytoextraction potential of swollen duckweed (Lemna gibba Linn.) and lesser duckweed (Lemna aequinoctialis Welw.) was determined under greenhouse conditions by exposing to untreated industrial/municipal effluent for a period of 21?days. The nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in water samples were measured weekly and in plant biomass at the termination of experiments. Significant differences (p?<?0.05) between initial and final physicochemical parameters and in heavy metal concentrations of plant and water samples were observed. Periodically measured metal concentrations in mediums revealed that removal percentage was dependent on initial Ni (2.15?mg L^?1), Pb (1.51?mg L^?1), and Cd (0.74?mg L^?1) concentrations. The final metal removal percentages were in the sequence of Ni (97%) > Pb (94%) > Cd (90%) when treated with Lemna gibba L. as compared to control (9–12% reduction). High biomass production of Lemna gibba L. resulted in a large metal reduction in the growth medium and the total plant metal contents were in the sequence of Ni (427?µg) > Pb (293?µg) > Cd (105?µg). The lesser duckweed did not survive under experimental conditions. Based on these results, we concluded that Lemna gibba L. is a good candidate for phytoremediation of wastewater.     

Design,synthesis of novel pyranotriazolopyrimidines and evaluation of their anti-soybean lipoxygenase,anti-xanthine oxidase,and cytotoxic activities

The synthesis of 14-(aryl)-14H-naphto[2,1-b]pyrano[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine-2-yl) acetamidoximes 2a–e has been accomplished by reaction of 2-acetonitrile derivatives 1a–e with hydroxylamine. Cyclocondensation reaction of precursors 2a–e with some elctrophilic species such as ethylorthoformate, acetic anhydride, and methyl-acetoacetate provided the new oxadiazole derivatives 3a–e, 4a–e, and 5a–e, respectively. On the other hand, the reaction of precursors 2a–e with 2-chloropropanoyl chloride afforded the new acetimidamides 6a–e which evolve under reflux of toluene to the new oxadiazoles 7a–e. The synthetic compounds were screened for their anti-xanthine oxidase, anti-soybean lipoxygenase, and cytotoxic activities. Moderate to weak xanthine oxidase and soybean lipoxygenase inhibitions were obtained but significant cytotoxic activities were noted. The most cytotoxic activities were recorded mainly (i) 5a was the most active (IC_50?=_?4.0?μM) and selective against MCF-7 and (ii) 2a was cytotoxic against the four cell lines with selectivity for MCF-7 and OVCAR-3 (IC_50?=_?17 and 12?μM, respectively) while 2e is highly selective against OVCAR-3 (IC_50?=_?10?μM).