Synthesis and Studies of the Inhibitory Effect of Hydroxylated Phenylpropanoids and Biphenols Derivatives on Tyrosinase and Laccase Enzymes.

The impaired activity of tyrosinase and laccase can provoke serious concerns in the life cycles of mammals, insects and microorganisms. Investigation of inhibitors of these two enzymes may lead to the discovery of whitening agents, medicinal products, anti-browning substances and compounds for controlling harmful insects and bacteria. A small collection of novel reversible tyrosinase and laccase inhibitors with a phenylpropanoid and hydroxylated biphenyl core was prepared using naturally occurring compounds and their activity was measured by spectrophotometric and electrochemical assays. Biosensors based on tyrosinase and laccase enzymes were constructed and used to detect the type of protein-ligand interaction and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Most of the inhibitors showed an IC50 in a range of 20-423 nM for tyrosinase and 23-2619 nM for laccase. Due to the safety concerns of conventional tyrosinase and laccase inhibitors, the viability of the new compounds was assayed on PC12 cells, four of which showed a viability of roughly 80% at 40 µM. In silico studies on the crystal structure of laccase enzyme identified a hydroxylated biphenyl bearing a prenylated chain as the lead structure, which activated strong and effective interactions at the active site of the enzyme. These data were confirmed by in vivo experiments performed on the insect model Tenebrio molitur.

Libelloidini, new name for an old tribe (Neuroptera Ascalaphidae).

Almost a half century ago, Tjeder (1972) stated that the genus Ascalaphus had been interpreted in a sense other than that defined by its type species (see Pantaleoni and Loru 2018). So, the generic name Ascalaphus Fabricius, 1775, became the senior synonym of Helicomitus McLachlan, 1871, and the genus Libelloides, Schäffer, 1763, was reserved for the Palearctic diurnal coloured owlflies, which until then were considered to belong to the genus Ascalaphus. Even though Tjeder's proposition produced a dramatic change in a long-term "prevailing usage", it was immediately and universally accepted as necessary. However, surprisingly, this change was never followed by the consequent necessary nomenclatural changes at the family-group name level.

The spurious dragonfly: the intricate nomenclatural problems regarding the names Libelloides and libelluloides (Neuroptera Ascalaphidae et Myrmeleontidae).

Around 1970 Tjeder suggested two changes to the nomenclature of the Ascalaphidae regarding the names Libelloides and libelluloides. To avoid future confusion, we augment Tjeder's work by analyzing the nomenclatural status of all taxa related to these names-specifically Libelloides Schäffer, 1763 and Libelloides coccajus ([Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775), Ascalaphidae, and Palpares libelluloides (Linnaeus, 1764), Myrmeleontidae. After a short historical preamble, we treat the three taxa in chronological order of description. Additional information is reported in four Addenda, followed by a list of synonymies. Our conclusions are as follows: 1. Schäffer's Das Zwiefalter- oder Afterjüngferchen (1763) is consistent with the Principle of Binomial Nomenclature, thus the names Libelloides and Libellula spuria, therein created, are available [ICZN Code Article 11.4.1.]. 2. Libellula spuria Schäffer, 1763, is a senior synonym of Papilio coccajus [Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775; however, the older name Libellula spuria Schäffer, 1763, is a nomen oblitum with respect to the younger name Papilio coccajus [Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775, which therefore must be considered a nomen protectum [ICNZ Code Article 23.9.2: both Articles 23.9.2.1 and 23.9.2.2 apply]. 3. The name Hemerobius libelloides Linnaeus, 1764, is the correct original spelling [ICNZ Code Article 32.5.1 does not apply], but the subsequent spelling Myrmeleon libelluloides Linnaeus, 1767, even if an unjustified emendation [ICZN Code Article 33.2.1 and 33.2.3], is in prevailing usage and consequently: i) it is deemed to be a justified emendation, and ii) it is attributed to its original author and date [ICZN Code Article 33.2.3.1]. 4. Myrmeleon libelluloides Fuesslin, 1775, being a mere misidentification of the name Myrmeleon libelluloides (Linnaeus, 1764), is unavailable name [ICZN Code Article 49]. 5. Schäffer (1763) is not the author of the name Ascalaphus libelluloides: the authorship must be attributed to van der Weele with the date of description 5th January 1909. 6. Libellula turcica Petiver Empson, 1767, in Ábrahám (2012), is an unavailable name. 7. The original spelling Myrmeleon kolywanense Laxmann, 1770, is the correct original spelling [ICNZ Code Article 32.5.1 does not apply], but the subsequent spelling Ascalaphus kolyvanensis Rambur, 1842, even if an unjustified emendation [ICZN Code Article 33.2.1 and 33.2.3], is in prevailing usage and consequently: i) it is deemed to be a justified emendation, and ii) it is attributed to its original author and date [ICZN Code Article 33.2.3.1]. 8. Fuesslin's Verzeichniss der ihm bekannten schweizerischen Insekten (1775) was published between 24th February (date in the second part of the Preface [Vorrede]) and 12th May 1775 (Wyttenbach, 1775), so the date of publication is 12th May 1775 [ICZN Code Article 21.3].

Myrmeleon almohadarum sp. nov., from Spain and North Africa, with description of the larva (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae).

A new antlion (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae Myrmeleontini), Myrmeleon almohadarum  sp. nov., is described from southern Spain and Tunisia. The new taxon is closely related  to the mostly sympatric M. inconspicuus Rambur and M. mariaemathildae Pantaleoni, Cesaroni & Nicoli Aldini but differing in body pattern, wing venation and larval chaetotaxy. The validity of the new species is also supported by a phylogenetic analysis based on COI sequences. The larva of this new species is described and compared with congeners. M. almohadarum appears to be associated with sandy environments.