Brazilian Journal of Science

Interaction of some chalcone derivatives with calcium channels using a theoretical model

Lauro Figueroa-Valverde — 2024-10-10

For several years, different drugs have been used to treat heart failure, such as digoxin, captopril, spironolactone, milrinone, levosimedam, dobutamine, and others. However, some of these drugs can produce secondary effects such as arrhythmia, cough, hyperkalemia, and others. Analyzing these data, this study aimed to evaluate the interaction of some chalcone derivatives (1-17) with calcium channels using theoretical models. It is important to mention that 7pjx protein, nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil were used as theoretical tools in the DockingServer program. The results showed differences in the interaction of chalcone derivatives compared with nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil drugs. Other data indicate that the inhibition constant (Ki) for chalcone analog 1 was lower compared with nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. Besides, other results suggest that Ki for compound 11 was lower compared with nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. All these data suggest that chalcone derivatives 1 and 11 could act as calcium channel inhibitors; this phenomenon could be translated into changes in blood pressure through a decrease in calcium intracellular levels. These data suggest that chalcone derivatives 1 and 11 could be good therapeutic alternatives to treat heart failure.

The importance of financial controls for maximizing results for small rural entrepreneurs

Warlei Alves Vieira Filho — 2024-10-23

Brazil's agricultural sector is crucial for the economy and global food security, encompassing about 41% of the country's total land area and housing over 5 million agricultural establishments. According to the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), agribusiness contributed 23.8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, highlighting its diverse production of agricultural commodities. While technological advancements have boosted productivity, a significant gap exists between large and small producers. Large producers often benefit from technological progress, whereas small producers—a significant portion of family farming—face substantial challenges. Family farming accounts for 67% of agricultural activity and 80% of global food production, yet it struggles with financial management, lack of knowledge, and limited access to credit and technology. Efficient rural management is essential for optimizing resources, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity on small farms. Implementing financial management practices, such as budgeting, cost analysis, and cash flow control, can help small producers make better use of their resources and lower expenses. Public policies like the National Program for the Strengthening of Family Farming (PRONAF) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) aim to support these producers by providing financing and securing markets for their products. Family farming holds significant potential for sustainable practices. With the right support, it can continue to play a vital role in the Brazilian economy and global food security, fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the agricultural sector.

First report of the saprotrophic mushroom Amanita thiersii Pers. (Amanitaceae, Basidiomycota) in the state of Goiás, Central-West Brazil

Leonardo Fleuri Alves — 2024-10-31

Amanita is a group of mushrooms of medical and culinary interest. Amanita thiersii is a species that has been little reported regarding its areas of occurrence. It is known that records of A. thiersii have been reported in Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. Our study reports the first record of A. thiersii in Brazilian territory. The specimen was collected in an area of the Cerrado domain, specifically in a Cerradão with mixed sandy-saprolitic soil. The identification of the mushroom A. thiersii was performed using an identification key for the genus Amanita. This is the first report of Amanita thiersii in Brazilian territory, collected in the Central-West region, state of Goiás.

Phytochemical screening, phenolic and flavonoid contents, psilocybin, antioxidant, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activities of the aqueous extract from the fungi Cyathus striatus, Laternea dringii, and Marasmius haematocephalus

Douglas Ferreira da Silva — 2024-11-01

Various families of mushrooms contain important phytochemicals with significant potential. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical prospecting, presence of psilocybin, antioxidant activities, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in aqueous extracts of Cyathus striatus, Laternea dringii, and Marasmius haematocephalus. Aqueous extracts were produced from mushrooms, and phytochemical groups were determined. The total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH reduction capacity, and FRAP were quantitatively determined. The acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay was performed, and the results were expressed as AChE inhibition percentages. Phytochemical groups such as flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, organic acids, and aliphatic compounds were positively detected. For phenolics, the extracts showed values of 208.44, 134.11, and 100.09 mg GAE g TPC^-1; for flavonoids, values of 45.12, 56.06, and 39.71 mg QE g TFC^-1. The FRAP reduction capacity showed values of 7.56, 14.43, and 4.15 µM TE g^-1, while for DPPH, the values were 100.07, 88.12, and 133.65 µg mL^-1. Low, medium, and strong AChE inhibition activity was observed with values of 43.11%, 68.53%, and 77.14%, respectively, for C. striatus, L. dringii, and M. haematocephalus. The aqueous extracts of Cyathus striatus, Laternea dringii, and Marasmius haematocephalus exhibited various phytomolecules groups with potential biological activities observed in this study.