[Application and comparison of three occupational health risk assessment methods in an automobile manufacturing industry]

Objective: Three occupational health risk assessment methods were used to assess the occupational health risk of noise exposed posts in an automobile manufacturing enterprise. According to the results, the selection of risk assessment methods and risk management of such occupational noise enterprises were provided. Methods: Form April to November 2021, The occupational health field survey was carried out in an automobile manufacturing industry in Tianjin. The occupational health MES risk assessment method, occupational health risk index risk assessment method and Australian occupational hazard risk assessment method were used to evaluate the occupational health risk of noise-exposed posts in this enterprise, and the evaluation results of different methods were analyzed and compared. Results: The average value of L(Aeq, 8 h) in the four workshops of automobile manufacturing industry was 82.95 dB (A) , and the noise detection exceeding rate was 22.41% (26/116) . The LAeq, 8h and exceeding rate noise of welding workshop were higher than those of other workshops (χ(2)=23.56, 32.94, P<0.01) . The three occupational health risk assessment methods have the same risk assessment results for the four major workshops. The assembly and painting workshops are level 4 risk (possible risk) , and the stamping and welding workshops are level 3 risk (significant risk) . Conclusion: Occupational noise has certain potential hazards to workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises. Therefore, in the future work, corresponding organizational management measures should be taken to improve the working environment and reduce the actual exposure level of workers in order to protect the health of occupational workers.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Carboamination of Olefins with α-Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylides

The first ruthenium-catalyzed carboamination of olefins with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides is reported. The utilization of an inexpensive ruthenium catalyst enables the concise synthesis of pharmaceutically important isoindolin-1-ones, which possess both a stereogenic center and β-carbonyl side chain. This method is mild, efficient, and scalable and allows for the coupling of a wide range of aryl-, heteroaryl-, alkenyl-, and alkyl-substituted sulfoxonium ylides. Moreover, the carbonyl side chain in the resulting product provides a good handle for downstream transformations. For mechanistic studies, a ruthacyle complex is obtained and proven to be the key intermediate in both catalytic and stoichiometric reactions.

Discovery of Enzyme Inhibitors from Mangrove Sediment Derived Fungus Trichoderma harzianum SCSIO 41051

One new fatty acid derivative, (2E,4E)-6,7-dihydroxy-2-methylocta-2,4-dienoic acid (1), and 16 known compounds (2-17) were isolated from the mangrove sediment derived fungus Trichoderma harzianum SCSIO 41051. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods, computational ECD, and Mo2(OAc)4-induced ECD experiment. All the compounds were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibition. Compounds 9 and 14 exhibited moderate AChE inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 2.49 and 2.92 μM, respectively, which compounds 8 and 9 displayed moderate inhibition on PL with IC50 value of 2.30 and 2.34 μM, respectively.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Difunctionalization of Alkenes Using Cyclic 1,3-Dicarbonyl-Derived Iodonium Ylides

Herein, we introduce an iodonium ylide strategy to achieve novel α-alkylation of cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyls through harnessing C(sp3)-Rh species generated from 5-exo-trig cyclization to provide rapid access to molecular hybridization of medically important isoindolin-1-ones and cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyls from readily available substrates. This approach features mild conditions, good yield, excellent functional group tolerance, and the simultaneous formation of two new chemical bonds and one stereogenic center. Moreover, the hydroxyl group of resulting product provides a good handle for downstream transformations. Importantly, we also demonstrate this strategy can be achieved in a one-pot manner. A C(sp3)-Rh complex was prepared and proved to be the key intermediate.

A Marine Natural Product, Harzianopyridone, as an Anti-ZIKV Agent by Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus that already poses a danger to worldwide human health. Patients infected with ZIKV generally have mild symptoms like a low-grade fever and joint pain. However, severe symptoms can also occur, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis. Pregnant women infected with ZIKV may also cause microcephaly in newborns. To date, we still lack conventional antiviral drugs to treat ZIKV infections. Marine natural products have novel structures and diverse biological activities. They have been discovered to have antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and other therapeutic effects. Therefore, marine products are important resources for compounds for innovative medicines. In this study, we identified a marine natural product, harzianopyridone (HAR), that could inhibit ZIKV replication with EC50 values from 0.46 to 2.63 µM while not showing obvious cytotoxicity in multiple cellular models (CC50 > 45 µM). Further, it also reduced the expression of viral proteins and protected cells from viral infection. More importantly, we found that HAR directly bound to the ZIKV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and suppressed its polymerase activity. Collectively, our findings provide HAR as an option for the development of anti-ZIKV drugs.

Identifying Marine-Derived Tanzawaic Acid Derivatives as Novel Inhibitors against Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoporosis via Downregulation of NF-κB and NFATc1 Activation

To discover novel osteoclast-targeting antiosteoporosis leads from natural products, we identified 40 tanzawaic acid derivatives, including 22 new ones (1-8, 14-19, 27-32, 37, and 38), from the South China Sea mangrove-derived fungus Penicillium steckii SCSIO 41025. Penicisteck acid F (2), one of the new derivatives showing the most potent NF-κB inhibitory activity, remarkably inhibited osteoclast generation in vitro. Mechanistically, 2 reduced RANKL-induced IκBα degradation, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, the activation and nuclear translocation of NFATc1, and the relevant mRNA expression. NF-κB p65 could be a potential molecular target for 2, which has been further determined by the cellular thermal shift assay, surface plasmon resonance, and the gene knock-down assay. Moreover, 2 could also alleviate osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice by reducing the quantities of osteoclasts. Our finding offered a novel potential inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis for further development of potent antiosteoporosis agents.

[The application of 3D bioprinting in ophthalmology]

On the basis of 3D printing technology, 3D bioprinting has emerged with great development potential and good prospects in the field of medicine and tissue engineering. With this technique, different types of cells and biomaterials can be precisely incorporated into 3D anatomical structures, achieving tissue substitutes with superior structures or functions. In recent years, great progress has been made in the application of 3D bioprinting in ophthalmology. This article reviews not only the differences between 3D printing and 3D bioprinting, but also the development, types, characteristics, application, and prospects of 3D bioprinting in the production of eye tissue engineering materials.

Marine-Fungi-Derived Gliotoxin Promotes Autophagy to Suppress Mycobacteria tuberculosis Infection in Macrophage

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection causes tuberculosis (TB) and has been a long-standing public-health threat. It is urgent that we discover novel antitubercular agents to manage the increased incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of MTB and tackle the adverse effects of the first- and second-line antitubercular drugs. We previously found that gliotoxin (1), 12, 13-dihydroxy-fumitremorgin C (2), and helvolic acid (3) from the cultures of a deep-sea-derived fungus, Aspergillus sp. SCSIO Ind09F01, showed direct anti-TB effects. As macrophages represent the first line of the host defense system against a mycobacteria infection, here we showed that the gliotoxin exerted potent anti-tuberculosis effects in human THP-1-derived macrophages and mouse-macrophage-leukemia cell line RAW 264.7, using CFU assay and laser confocal scanning microscope analysis. Mechanistically, gliotoxin apparently increased the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and Atg5 expression, but did not influence macrophage polarization, IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-10 production upon MTB infection, or ROS generation. Further study revealed that 3-MA could suppress gliotoxin-promoted autophagy and restore gliotoxin-inhibited MTB infection, indicating that gliotoxin-inhibited MTB infection can be treated through autophagy in macrophages. Therefore, we propose that marine fungi-derived gliotoxin holds the promise for the development of novel drugs for TB therapy.

[Impact of different diagnostic criteria for assessing mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis: an analysis based on a prospective, multicenter, real-world study]

Objective: To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ (2) test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results: After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea (Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

Bioactive Polyketides and Benzene Derivatives from Two Mangrove Sediment-Derived Fungi in the Beibu Gulf

To discover bioactive natural products from mangrove sediment-derived microbes, a chemical investigation of the two Beibu Gulf-derived fungi strains, Talaromyces sp. SCSIO 41050 and Penicillium sp. SCSIO 41411, led to the isolation of 23 natural products. Five of them were identified as new ones, including two polyketide derivatives with unusual acid anhydride moieties named cordyanhydride A ethyl ester (1) and maleicanhydridane (4), and three hydroxyphenylacetic acid derivatives named stachylines H-J (10-12). Their structures were determined by detailed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopic (MS) analyses, while the absolute configurations were established by theoretical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. A variety of bioactive screens revealed three polyketide derivatives (1-3) with obvious antifungal activities, and 4 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against cell lines A549 and WPMY-1. Compounds 1 and 6 at 10 μM exhibited obvious inhibition against phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) with inhibitory ratios of 49.7% and 39.6%, respectively, while 5, 10, and 11 showed the potential of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by an enzyme activity test, as well as in silico docking analysis.

Advances in Natural Products from the Marine-Sponge-Associated Microorganisms with Antimicrobial Activity in the Last Decade

Microorganisms are the dominating source of food and nutrition for sponges and play an important role in sponge structure, chemical defense, excretion and evolution. In recent years, plentiful secondary metabolites with novel structures and specific activities have been identified from sponge-associated microorganisms. Additionally, as the phenomenon of the drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria is becoming more and more common, it is urgent to discover new antimicrobial agents. In this paper, we reviewed 270 secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogenic strains reported in the literature from 2012 to 2022. Among them, 68.5% were derived from fungi, 23.3% originated from actinomycetes, 3.7% were obtained from other bacteria and 4.4% were discovered using the co-culture method. The structures of these compounds include terpenoids (13%), polyketides (51.9%), alkaloids (17.4%), peptides (11.5%), glucosides (3.3%), etc. Significantly, there are 124 new compounds and 146 known compounds, 55 of which have antifungal activity in addition to antipathogenic bacteria. This review will provide a theoretical basis for the further development of antimicrobial drugs.

The association between thyroid homeostasis parameters and obesity in subjects with euthyroidism

The relationship between thyroid homeostasis parameters and obesity remains poorly understood in subjects with euthyroidism. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between the thyroid homeostasis and obesity in a population with euthyroidism. A total of 201 adult participants with euthyroidism (age range: 27-85 years) were enrolled. Clinical measurements, including obesity indices and biochemical analyses, were conducted. Thyroid homeostasis parameters were calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the associations between thyroid function, thyroid homeostasis parameters, and obesity measurements. There was a positive correlation between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), Jostel's thyrotropin index (TSHI), standard TSH index (sTSHI), thyrotroph thyroid hormone sensitivity index (TTSI), sum activity of peripheral deiodinase (SPINA-GD), and body mass index (BMI) in participants with euthyroidism and a negative correlation between thyroid's secretory capacity (SPINA-GT) and BMI (all P<0.05). Only the fT3, TSHI, and sTSHI had a positive correlation with waist circumference (all P<0.05). We concluded that BMI was positively associated with pituitary thyrotropic function parameters and SPINA-GD, and negatively correlated with SPINA-GT in adults with euthyroidism.

The association between thyroid homeostasis parameters and obesity in subjects with euthyroidism

The relationship between thyroid homeostasis parameters and obesity remains poorly understood in subjects with euthyroidism. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between the thyroid homeostasis and obesity in a population with euthyroidism. A total of 201 adult participants with euthyroidism (age range: 27-85 years) were enrolled. Clinical measurements, including obesity indices and biochemical analyses, were conducted. Thyroid homeostasis parameters were calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the associations between thyroid function, thyroid homeostasis parameters, and obesity measurements. There was a positive correlation between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), Jostel's thyrotropin index (TSHI), standard TSH index (sTSHI), thyrotroph thyroid hormone sensitivity index (TTSI), sum activity of peripheral deiodinase (SPINA-GD), and body mass index (BMI) in participants with euthyroidism and a negative correlation between thyroid's secretory capacity (SPINA-GT) and BMI (all P<0.05). Only the fT3, TSHI, and sTSHI had a positive correlation with waist circumference (all P<0.05). We concluded that BMI was positively associated with pituitary thyrotropic function parameters and SPINA-GD, and negatively correlated with SPINA-GT in adults with euthyroidism.

Domino Sonogashira coupling/metal carbene-involved annulation enabled by Pd/Cu relay catalysis: rapid assembly of indazole-containing biheteroaryls

An efficient and novel method has been developed for the synthesis of indazole-containing biheteroaryls via a domino Sonogashira coupling/azaenyne cycloisomerization/Barton–Kellogg reaction.

[Current clinical application of lacrimal gland injection of botulinum toxin type A in inhibiting lacrimal secretion]

Lacrimal gland injection of botulinum toxin type A inhibits the secretion of tears. As a new method to treat or alleviate the symptom of tears or epiphora, it has the characteristics of simple operation, definite curative effect, repeatable treatment and no irreversible complications. It provides an optional treatment scheme for many patients with refractory tears or epiphora. This article reviews the pharmacological characteristics of botulinum toxin type A, the mechanism of inhibiting tear secretion, the method and dose of lacrimal gland injection, indications and contraindications, clinical efficacy evaluation, complications, existing problems to be solved and prospects for reference.

Lipid metabolism regulatory activity and adverse effects of fungi-derived butyrolactone I

Butyrolactone I (BTL-I), a butenolide compound isolated from land or marine-derived fungi, has been reported to show diverse activities. To further study the pharmaceutical potential of BTL-I, transcriptome and bioinformatics analysis of BTL-I treated HepG2 cells were taken. BTL-I was revealed with lipid metabolism regulatory activity and confirmed by increasing the mRNA expression of related genes, such as LXRα and its target gene UGT1A1. However, the obvious chemical carcinogenesis of BTL-I was also disclosed. BTL-I could significantly increase the mRNA and protein levels of oncogenes such as CYP1A1. Molecular docking of BTL-I and its analogs were performed to understand the active or toxic effects. Although BTL-I showed attractive activities, enough attention must be paid to its adverse effects in its further development.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Annulation of Alkenyl- or Arylimidazoles and (Hetero)cyclic 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds: A Rapid Access to Imidazo-Fused Polycyclic Compounds

A novel strategy for the synthesis of imidazo-fused polycyclic compounds under mild, base-free, and silver-free conditions by a rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H annulation of alkenyl or arylimidazoles and (hetero)cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is reported here. Such a step-economic protocol features the selective cleavage of two different C-H bonds in one step, featuring easy operation, readily available starting materials, gram-scale synthesis, broad functional group tolerance, and no requirement to presynthesize carbene precursors. Notably, the synthetic potential is showcased by the structural modification of drug and the highly step-economic synthesis of Janus kinase inhibitor in only three steps with a satisfactory 26% total yield (previous method: in nine steps with 0.6% yield).

Two new α-Methoxy-γ-Pyrones From the Mangrove Sediment-Derived Streptomyces psammoticus SCSIO NS126

Two new α-methoxy- γ-pyrone analogs, 2-methoxy-3-methyl-5,6-diethyl- γ-pyrone (2) and 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-6-propyl- γ-pyrone (3), together with 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-6-ethyl- γ-pyrone (1), firstly isolated from natural sources, were obtained from the EtOAc-solube extract of the mangrove sediment-derived actinomycete strain Streptomyces psammoticus SCSIO NS126, under the optimized fermentation conditions. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. Those α-methoxy-γ-pyrones were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity; however, none of them exhibited obvious activity. Moreover, their biosynthetic relationship with piericidins was also discussed.

Cytotoxic Minor Piericidin Derivatives from the Actinomycete Strain Streptomyces psammoticus SCSIO NS126

The mangrove-sediment-derived actinomycete strain Streptomyces&nbsp;psammoticus SCSIO NS126 was found to have productive piericidin metabolites featuring anti-renal cell carcinoma activities. In this study, in order to explore more diverse piericidin derivatives, and therefore to discover superior anti-tumor lead compounds, the NS126 strain was further fermented at a 300-L scale under optimized fermentation conditions. As a result, eight new minor piericidin derivatives (piericidins L-R (1-7) and 11-demethyl-glucopiericidin A (8)) were obtained, along with glucopiericidin B (9). The new structures including absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic methods coupled with experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism. We also proposed plausible biosynthetic pathways for these unusual post-modified piericidins. Compounds 1 and 6 showed selective cytotoxic activities against OS-RC-2 cells, and 2-5 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells, with IC₅₀ values lower than 0.1 μM. The new piericidin glycoside 8 was cytotoxic against ACHN, HL-60 and K562, with IC₅₀ values of 2.3, 1.3 and 5.5 μM, respectively. The ability to arrest the cell cycle and cell apoptosis effects induced by 1 and 6 in OS-RC-2 cells, 2 in HL-60 cells, and 8 in ACHN cells were then further investigated. This study enriched the structural diversity of piericidin derivatives and confirmed that piericidins deserve further investigations as promising anti-tumor agents.

Arthriniumsteroids A-D, four new steroids from the soft coral-derived fungus Simplicillium lanosoniveum SCSIO41212

Four new steroids derivatives, namely arthriniumsteroids A - D (1-4), together with two known compounds, were isolated from the soft coral-derived fungus Simplicillium lanosoniveum SCSIO41212. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with those reported in the literature. The absolute configuration of 2 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In bioassay, all compounds showed weak inhibitory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of new tetrahydrocurcumin derivatives via click reaction

Three new derivatives of tetrahydrocurcumin 6, 7 and 9 have been prepared as potent antitumor agents using copper(II)-catalyzed 'click chemistry'. Their structures were identified using ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and HRMS techniques. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay has been carried out to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human hepatoma carcinoma (HepG2) and human colon carcinoma (HCT-116). Compound 6 has showed significant inhibitory activity against HCT-116 cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 17.86 μM compared to tetrahydrocurcumin (50.96 μM) and positive control etoposide (19.48 μM) while showed no inhibitory activity against NCM460 cell line. Compounds 7 showed moderate inhibitory activity compared to tetrahydrocurcumin and etoposide while compound 9 showed no obvious inhibitory activity. The results suggested further structure modifications of tetrahydrocurcumin to improve its anticancer activity.

Lipopeptide Epimers and a Phthalide Glycerol Ether with AChE Inhibitory Activities from the Marine-Derived Fungus Cochliobolus Lunatus SCSIO41401

A pair of novel lipopeptide epimers, sinulariapeptides A (1) and B (2), and a new phthalide glycerol ether (3) were isolated from the marine algal-associated fungus Cochliobolus lunatus SCSIO41401, together with three known chromanone derivates (4–6). The structures of the new compounds, including the absolute configurations, were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods, experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and Mo₂ (OAc)₄-induced ECD methods. The new compounds 1–3 showed moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with IC₅₀ values of 1.3–2.5 μM, and an in silico molecular docking study was also performed.

[Effects of double-catheter epidural analgesia by lidocaine injection respectively on the delivery outcomes and maternal-infant complications for persistent posterior or lateral occipital position of protracted active phase]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dual-tube epidural segmental injection of lidocaine analgesia on the delivery outcome and maternal and infant complications of persistent posterior occipital position postpartum or lateral occipital position postpartum patients with protracted active phase. Methods: The full and single-term primiparas (n=216, 37 to 42 weeks gestation, 22 to 35 years) diagnosed as persistent posterior or lateral occipital position during the active period were selected from the Department of Obstetrics of Qingdao Municipal Hospital from January 2015 to October 2019. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups: double-tube epidural block group (n=108) and single-tube epidural block group (n=108), 1% lidocaine was used for epidural analgesia respectively under ultrasound guidance. Senior midwife or obstetricians implement new partogram, and guide women to perform position management, and push or rotate the fetal head in a timely manner. Observation indicators: general condition, the use of non-pharmacological analgesic measures, analgesia related conditions and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, delivery-related indicator, cesarean section indication, anesthesia-related indicator, maternal and child complications. Results: (1) General condition: the age, weight, height, gestational age, the ratio of persistent lateral or posterior occipital position, cephalic score, and neonatal birth weight between the two groups of women were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). (2) The use of non-pharmacological analgesic measures: the women's Lamaze breathing method, Doula delivery companionship, percutaneous electrical stimulation, and other measures between two groups were compared, and there were not significant differences (all P>0.05). (3) Analgesia related conditions and VAS scores of women undergoing vaginal delivery: compared with the single-tube epidural block group (n=40), the second-partum time of the women in the double-tube epidural block group (n=59) was significantly shortened [(124±44) vs (86±33) minutes, P<0.01]; after 30 minutes of analgesia (4.4±0.5 vs 0.9±0.5, P<0.01), during forced labor in the second stage of labor (5.7±0.6 vs 1.3±0.4, P<0.01), the VAS scores of pain were also significantly reduced (P<0.01). (4) Labor-related indicators: compared with the single-tube epidural block group, the natural delivery rate (21.3% vs 49.1%) and the delivery experience satisfaction rate (51.9% vs 98.1%) of women in the double-tube epidural block group were significantly increased (all P<0.01), cesarean section rate (63.0% vs 45.4%), instrument assisted rate (15.7% vs 5.6%) decreased significantly (all P<0.05). (5) Cesarean section indications: compared with the single-tube epidural block group, the cesarean section rate caused by prolonged labor or protracted active phase of women in the double-tube epidural block group was significantly reduced (38.0% vs 22.2%； P<0.05), and the fetal distress, intrauterine infection, and social factors caused by cesarean section between the two groups were compared, while the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05).(6) Anesthesia related indexes: the block planes of the maternal upper tube administration in the double-tube epidural block group were mostly T7, T8, T9-L2 and L3,While,the block planes in the single-tube epidural block group were mostly T10, T11-S1, S2, S3, and the modified Bromage score were all 0. (7) Maternal and child complications: compared with the single-tube epidural block group, the postpartum hemorrhage rate (18.5% vs 7.4%), the perineal lateral cut rate (20.4% vs 5.6%), the neonatal asphyxia rate (12.0% vs 3.7%), ICU rate of transferred neonates (13.9% vs 4.6%) in the double-tube epidural block group were significantly reduced (all P<0.05). Soft birth canal injury rate, puerperal disease rate and neonatal birth rate between two groups were compared, and there were not statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Dual-tube epidural segmental injection of lidocaine analgesia could increase the natural delivery rate of women with posterior occipital or lateral occipital position with active stagnation, reduce the rate of cesarean section and the rate of transvaginal instruments, and reduce the complications of mother and child.

[A multicenter randomized prospective study of concurrent chemoradiation with 60 Gy versus 50 Gy for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To determine whether 60 Gy is superior to standard 50 Gy for definitive concurrent chemoradiation(CCRT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using modern radiation technology in a phase Ⅲ prospective randomized trial. Methods: From April 2013 to May 2017, 331 patients from 22 hospitals who were pathologically confirmed with stage ⅢA-ⅣA ESCC were randomized to 60 Gy or 50 Gy with random number table. Total of 305 patients were analyzed, including 152 in 60 Gy group and 153 in 50 Gy group. The median age was 63 years, 242(79.3%) males and 63(20.7%) females. The median length of primary tumor was 5.6 cm. The clinical characteristics between two groups were comparable. All patients were delivered 2 Gy per fraction, 5 fractions per week. Concurrent weekly chemotherapy with docetaxel (25 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2)) and 2 cycles consolidation chemotherapy with docetaxel (70 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2), d1-3) were administrated. The primary endpoint was local/regional progression-free survival (LRPFS). The data were compared with Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: At a median follow-up of 27.3 months, the disease progression rate was 37.5% (57/152), 43.8% (67/153) in the high and standard-dose group, respectively (χ(2)=1.251, P=0.263). The 1, 2, 3-year LRPFS rate was 75.4%, 56.8%, 52.1% and 74.2%, 58.4%, 50.1%, respectively (HR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.69-1.31, P=0.761). The 1, 2, 3-year overall survival rate was 84.1%, 64.8%, 54.1% and 85.4%, 62.9%, 54.0%, respectively (HR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.71-1.38, P=0.927). The 1, 2, 3-year progression-free survival rate was 70.8%, 54.2%, 48.5% and 65.5%, 51.9%, 45.1%, respectively (HR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.68-1.26, P=0.621). The incidence rates in toxicities between the two groups were similar except for higher rate of severe pneumonitis in high dose group (χ(2)=11.596, P=0.021). Conclusions: The efficacy in disease control is similar between 60 Gy and 50 Gy using modern radiation technology concurrent with chemotherapy for ESCC. The 50 Gy should be recommended as the regular radiation dose with CCRT for ESCC.

[A preliminary study on the safety of berberine solution in rabbit eyes with topical application]

Objective: To study the safety of topical berberine solution in rabbit eyes and its effect on corneal epithelial repair in rabbit eyes. Methods: Experimental Study. Ninety-two Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into two groups by random number table method: the general group (32 rabbits, 64 eyes) and the corneal injury group (60 rabbits, 60 eyes).The general groups were further divided into 4 groups by random number table method, and each group has 8 rabbits (16 eyes). According to the administration of deionized water or 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/ml berberine solution, they were divided into the general control group and the general A, B, and C group. Dosing with both eyes, each eye was given a single dose, and then it was given multiple times for 4 weeks after observation for 72h. After the corneal epithelium injury model made in the right eye of rabbits in the corneal injury groups, they were divided into a corneal injury control group and a corneal injury group A, B, and C according to the administration of deionized water or 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/ml berberine solution. there were 5 rabbits (15 eyes) in each group, and the solutions were given continuously for 1 week. The rabbits in the general group were observed their behavioral changes, ocular surface and iris were scored by Draize eye irritation test scoring system. IOP was measured at different time points. Electroretinogram (ERG) was used to detect b-wave amplitude. In the corneal injury group, corneal epithelial defect repairment was observed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days after the corneal defect. Corneal histopathology observation after discontinuation of all rabbits. The pH value of rabbit tears was described by the paired t test, and the score of Draize eye irritation test were described by the rank-sum test. The analysis of variance and SNK-q were used for IOP, electroretinogram b-wave amplitude, corneal epithelial injury area and repair time. Results: No abnormal behavior was observed in the general group rabbits after single and multiple administration. There was no significant difference in the Draize eye irritation score among the general control group and the general group A, B, C at 1, 2, and 4 weeks of multiple administrations. Among them, the Draize eye irritation score of the general group C was 7 (0, 12), 6 (0, 10), 6 (0, 16) points (χ(2)=1.640, 0.265, 1.963, 1.381; P>0.05).There were no significant difference in IOP at different times among the general control group and the general group A, B, C at different times (F=0.065, 0.292, 0.015, 0.041; P>0.05). Before multiple administrations and after administration at 2, 4 weeks, the b-wave amplitudes of the general control group were (127.75±17.12), (129.18±15.83), (128.81±13.58) μV, and the general group A were (130.68).±18.75), (131.38±16.96), (130.62±12.18) μV,and the general group B were (128.00±16.74), (128.44±16.64), (129.06±16.16) μV, and the general group C were (131.81±19.37), (132.13±18.36), (129.94±12.60) μV. There was no statistically significant difference in b-wave amplitude in the groups at different times before and after administration (F=0.037, 0.011, 0.017, 0.702; P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the results of corneal histopathology among the general control group and the general group A, B, C. The area of corneal epithelial defect in each corneal injury group was statistically significant at different time (F=5.316, 25.864, 127.613; P<0.05). The corneal injury control group compared with the corneal injury group A, B, C, the corneal epithelial defect area in the corneal injury group C was significantly larger than the other three groups, with statistical differences (q=5.153, 10.313, 6.976; P<0.05). The repair time of corneal epithelial in control group and the group A,B,C of corneal injury were (83.0±1.85), (82.9±2.07), (83.7±2.09) and (101.6±2.20) h. The corneal epithelium defect repair time in group C was longer and the difference was statistically significant (F=301.437, P=0.000). Comparing the corneal injury control group and corneal injury group A and B, there was no statistical difference in the repair time of corneal epithelial defect (F=0.813, P=0.450). After repair, there was no significant difference in the pathological results of the corneal tissue between the corneal injury groups. Conclusions: Berberine solution in rabbit eyes with topical application was safety, and has no obvious toxic effect on the ocular surface and ERG of normal rabbits. 1.5 mg/ml berberine solution delayed the repair of experimental corneal epithelial defect, but had no effect on the integrity of corneal tissue after repair. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 131-137).

Asprosin and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a novel potential therapeutic implication

Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders that is characterized by hyperglycemia which increases the risks of cardiovascular, microvascular, and macrovascular complications. Innovative therapeutic trials regarding diabetes control and management are continually being undertaken. The present review was aimed to explore the potential effects and mechanisms that lead to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its relation with asprosin. Asprosin is a newly discovered hormone that is encoded by protein fibrillin 1 (FBN1 gene), secreted by white adipose during fasting conditions at 5-10 nM levels, which acts on the liver through cell membrane receptors and activates the G protein cAMP- PKA pathway. Asprosin secretion is increased during fasting as the compensatory mechanism in hypoglycemia. Asprosin concentration is higher in patients with T2DM and impaired glucose regulation compared to healthy subjects. Genetic deficiency of asprosin may cause problems of poor appetite and extreme leanness in humans. Attenuating asprosin activity or depleting asprosin may serve as a novel therapeutic innovation for the treatment of T2DM and obesity. Hence, asprosin may serve as a beacon for the target of a future therapy in diabetes management.

[Retrospective investigation of spontaneous bloody tears: a report of 27 cases]

Objective: To summarize clinical experience on the clinical feature, etiology and treatment of patients with spontaneous bloody tears as the initial symptom. Methods: Retrospective series of case studies. The clinical data and follow-up data of 27 cases of bloody tears as the first symptom in Lacrimal Center of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2015 to December 2018 were reviewed. The clinical feature, specific cause, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these cases were evaluated. Results: A total of 27 cases were collected in this study. The patients were 10 males (37.0%) and 17 females (63.0%), including 21 adults (≥ 18 years old, 77.8%) and 6 minors (<18 years old, 22.2%). There were 22 monocular cases (81.5%) and 5 binocular cases (18.5%). Five cases (18.5%) were bleeding from the eye and other parts of the body, and 22 cases (81.5%) were bleeding only from the eye. There were 19 cases (70.4%) with hematic epiphora and secretions from the punctum, 3 cases (11.1%) with blood-stained tears, and 7 cases (25.9%) with blood-like tears. With regard to etiology, 6 cases (22.2%) were combined with systemic lesions, one of which was granulomatosis with polyangiitis and five of which (<18 years old) were idiopathic bloody tears. Twenty-one cases (77.8%) were local lesions, including 18 cases only involving the lacrimal system, 2 cases only involving the ocular surface, and 1 case involving both the lacrimal system and the ocular surface. Among the 21 cases with local lesions, 5 cases were induced by foreign body, 6 cases were induced by simple inflammation, and 10 cases were induced by tumor including 1 case with conjunctival benign tumor and 9 cases with tumor of the lacrimal system (5 with malignant tumor and 4 with benign tumor). Patients with idiopathic bloody tears received psychological and medical treatment, and interictal discharge was lengthened. One case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis was treated by trans-nasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. With the recurrence of granulomatosis and polyangiitis, bloody tears recurred after surgery. One patient with conjunctival hemangioma was untreated. Lesions in the lacrimal duct system were removed and dacryocystorhinostomy was performed. In this study, 2 patients (1 with small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and 1 with adenoid cystic adenocarcinoma) died and the other had a good prognosis. Conclusions: Among the cases of bloody tears, adults and local lesions are more common. Most of the lesions are located in the lacrimal system and are tumors. The main treatment is to remove the lesions, and if necessary, to expand the resection and reconstruct the lacrimal duct. Idiopathic bloody tears occur in minors, who are gave psychotherapy and necessary medical treatment. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 53-58).

Glycosylated Natural Products From Marine Microbes

A growing body of evidence indicates that glycosylated natural products have become vital platforms for the development of many existing first-line drugs. This review covers 205 new glycosides over the last 22 years (1997-2018), from marine microbes, including bacteria, cyanobacteria, and fungi. Herein, we discuss the structures and biological activities of these compounds, as well as the details of their source organisms.

Recent advances in the chemistry and biology of azaphilones

Recent advances in the chemistry and biology of structurally diverse azaphilones from 2012 to 2019.

[A preliminary study on optical coherence tomography of the lacrimal punctum in normal adults]

Objective: To study the imaging characteristics and accumulate data of optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the lacrimal punctum in normal adults. Methods: From September to November 2018, 59 healthy adults (90 eyes) with normal lacrimal punctum structure were enrolled in this cross-sectional study conducted at the Lacrimal Center of Ophthalmology, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, including 21 males (34 eyes) and 38 females (56 eyes), aged 18-65 years. All the subjects were examined by slit lamp microscopy to measure the maximum transverse diameter. OCT was performed to observe the inferior lacrimal punctum, including the external punctal diameter, the punctal diameter at 100 μm and 200 μm depth. The difference in the diameter of different parts of the punctum was analyzed. Independent sample t test and single factor analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results: In normal adults, the maximum transverse diameter under a slit lamp was (545.6±149.3) μm, the external punctal diameter on OCT images was (548.4±130.5) μm, and the punctal width at 100 μm and 200 μm depth on OCT images was (262.8±120.8) μm and (179.2±110.0) μm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the maximum transverse diameter of the punctum under a slit lamp microscope and the OCT outer diameter of the punctum (t=0.133, P=0.894). There were significant differences between the diameter of the lacrimal punctum in the different scanning sites of the OCT (F=213.237, P<0.01). There was significant difference between the punctal width at 100 μm and the external punctal diameter on OCT images (t=15.229, P<0.01). There was significant difference between the punctal width at 200 μm and the external punctal diameter on OCT images (t=20.517, P<0.01). There was significant difference between the punctal width at 100 μm and 200 μm depth on OCT images (t=4.855, P<0.01). Conclusion: The width of different parts of the lacrimal punctum in healthy adults is different on OCT images, and the punctal width at 200 μm depth is the narrowest. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 695-699).

Mesoporous TiO2/carbon catalytic ozonation for degradation of p-chloronitrobenzene

In this study, a mesoporous TiO₂/carbon catalyst (TiO₂/C) was prepared by a facile impregnation-carbonization approach to catalyze ozonation of p-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB). The catalyst was well characterized and the catalytic efficiency under various conditions was systematically evaluated. TiO₂/C has a disordered mesostructure with a high specific surface area. 92.8% of p-CNB (2 μmol/L) can be degraded within 20 min in the TiO₂/C/O₃ system in the presence of 1 mg/L O₃, 100 mg/L catalyst, at pH = 5. Based on the evaluation of the effect of basic parameters, it could be deduced that the removal of p-CNB relied on the synthetic effect of catalysis by TiO₂/C and the autocatalytic induction of p-CNB. The removal efficiency of p-CNB, the structure change and the leaching of Ti ions were also evaluated in five cycles, indicating TiO₂/C is stable and recyclable for catalytic ozonation in water treatment.

Application of Multiple Genetic Markers in Determination of Full and Half Sibling Relationship： A Case Report

Abstract

Objective To investigate the application of the comprehensive use of multiple genetic markers in full and half sibling relationship testing through the identification of a case of suspected sibling relationship. Methods Genomic DNA were extracted from bloodstain samples from 4 subjects （ZHANG-1, ZHANG-2, male; ZHANG-3, ZHANG-4, female）. Autosomal STR loci, X-STR, Y-STR loci and polymorphisms of mtDNA HV-Ⅰ and Ⅱwere genotyped by EX20 STR kit, X19 kit, Data Y24 STR kit, and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Results According to autosomal STR based IBS scoring results, full sibling relationships were indicated among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4, but those were not indicated between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4. According to autosomal STR based FSI and HSI, with ITO method and discriminant function method, full sibling relationships among ZHANG-2, ZHANG-3 and ZHANG-4 were indicated, and half sibling relationships between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4 were also indicated. X-STR and mtDNA sequencing results showed that all the 4 samples came from a same maternal line, and Y-STR results showed that ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 did not come from a same paternal line, which supported the half sibling relationship between ZHANG-1 and ZHANG-2 or ZHANG-3 or ZHANG-4, verified by parental genotype reconstruction based on autosomal STR genotyping. Conclusion For the identification of sibling relationships, it is effective to have reliable results with the mutual verification and support of multiple genetic markers （autosomal STR, sex chromosomal STR and mtDNA sequence） and calculations （IBS, ITO, discriminant function method and family reconstruction）.

Abstract P1-02-10: Early stage breast cancer screening using an emerging novel liquid biopsy screening technology

Background: An emerging novel liquid biopsy technology called Cancer Differentiation Analysis (CDA) has been evaluated as a viable early stage breast cancer screening tool. CDA technology is a blood-sample based, multi-level, multi-parameter diagnostic method which detects signals from both protein, cellular, and to some extent, molecular levels, in which multiple aspects of information can be collected to improve diagnostic accuracy, even for early stage of cancer. Improving capability to screen breast cancer is an important on-going research effort, as breast cancer represents a leading cancer with high incidence rate.

Methods: In this single-blind study, 22 breast cancer patients and 25 healthy individuals were recruited at Changhai Hospital of Shanghai. Histopathological examination results of breast cancer patients were collected, 22 cases were diagnosed as infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast, of which 10 patients were stage I breast cancer. 25 individuals were confirmed healthy after physical examinations. Peripheral blood was drawn in EDTA tubes For CDA tests. CDA data of 22 breast cancer patients and 25 healthy individuals were conducted using SPSS, and the results were shown in the table below.

Results: The average CDA of breast cancer, stageIbreast cancer, and controls were 43.20, 44.17 and 36.17 (rel. units) respectively as shown in Table 1. Both breast cancer and stage I breast cancer could be significantly distinguished from the control (p = 0.000, p = 0.001, respectively). For stage I breast cancer vs. control group, Area under ROC curve was 0.876, sensitivity and specificity were both 80.0% (Table 2). In contrast to traditional breast cancer screening methodologies which have relatively low sensitivity and high false positives for stage I detection, often with radiation side effects and high costs, advantages of CDA technology include ability to detect early stage cancer with relatively high sensitivity and specificity, and it is also highly cost effective without side effects.

Conclusions: Initial results showed that CDA technology could effectively distinguish stageIbreast cancer from healthy individuals, CDA could be a potential candidate for breast cancer screening.

Table 1Summary of CDA test resultsGroupSample SizeAge RangeAge MeanAge MedianCDA Mean (rel. units)CDA Median (rel. units)CDA STDEVControl2523 - 67413735.6336.176.98Breast Cancer2239 - 78545343.2042.304.18Stage I Breast Cancer1043 - 78595944.1743.254.29Stage II Breast Cancer839 - 55474941.2840.303.06Stage III Breast Cancer255555542.2042.202.12Stage IV Breast Cancer251 - 64585847.0047.007.78

Table 2AUC, Sensitivity and Specificity of Control vs. Stage I breast cancerStage I Breast Cancer vs. ControlArea Under the CurveSensitivitySpecificity 0.87680.0%80.0%

Citation Format: Liu C, Dou J, Sheng Y, Wu J, Hu W, Li Y, Lin Y, Tao H, Tang X, Du X, Yu C. Early stage breast cancer screening using an emerging novel liquid biopsy screening technology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-02-10.

Abstract P1-02-09: CDA screening technology for multi-ethnic group, early stage breast cancer screening

Background: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American women. Current breast cancer screening technologies have issues with poor sensitivity for early stage breast cancer, high false positives, radiation side effects, etc. Cancer Differentiation Analysis (CDA) technology is a blood-sample based, multi-level, multi-parameter diagnostic method which detects signals from both proteins, cells, and to some extent, molecular level, in which multiple aspects of information are collected to improve diagnostic accuracy. CDA technology has been investigated as a viable clinical utility in breast cancer screening, particularly for early stage breast screening with clear advantages (both whole blood and serum can be used, ability to detect early, easy, simple, no side effects, and high degree of sensitivity and specificity).

Methods: In this study, the human subjects involved are Caucasians, with serum samples of 44 pathologically confirmed breast cancer patients and 34 healthy individuals from 3 blood bank centers in the USA, of which 40 cases were stageIbreast cancer, 2 cases were stageII, and the other 2 cases were stage III breast cancer. CDA data of 44 breast cancer patients and 34 healthy individuals were collected in US lab and analyzed using SPSS, and the results were shown in the table below. Results from the above study was compared with a clinical study on Asian group with data collected in lab in China using CDA technology.

Results: The average CDA value of all breast cancer and stageIbreast cancer samples, and controls were 45.99, 45.76 and 42.36 (rel. units) respectively (see Table 1). Both breast cancer and stageIbreast cancer could be significantly distinguished from the control group (p &lt; 0.001) (Table 2). For stageIbreast cancer vs. control group, Area under ROC curve was 0.727, sensitivity and specificity were 62.5% and 82.4% respectively, which is higher than a typical mammogram. To compare with different ethnic groups, data collected on an Asian group is also shown in Table 2, which showed that overall, AUC, sensitivity and specificity are comparable (some difference may be attributed to sample type difference (whole blood vs. serum)) for early stage breast cancer patients for those two ethnic groups, demonstrating that CDA technology can be extended to multiple ethnic groups.

Conclusions: CDA screening can be extended to different ethnic group including Caucasian and Asian with good sensitivity and specificity for stageIbreast cancer.

We thank Ugur Basmaci, Sunsil Pandit and Sharon Vorse-Yu for their support.

Table 1Summary of CDA Test ResultsGroupSample SizeAge RangeAge MeanAge MedianCDA Mean (rel. units)CDA Median (rel. units)CDA STDEVControl3436 -79575742.3642.652.75Breast Cancer4436 – 77606145.9946.504.22Stage I Breast Cancer4036 – 77606145.7645.554.26Stage II Breast Cancer251 – 64585847.0547.054.88Stage III Breast Cancer262 – 75696949.5049.502.55

Table 2AUC, Sensitivity and Specificity of Control vs. Stage I Breast CancerStage I Breast Cancer vs. ControlArea Under the CurveSensitivitySpecificityCaucasian (Stage I)0.72762.5%82.4%Asian# (Stage I)0.87680.0%80.0%# Whole blood samples. 10 stage I breast cancer samples and 25 control samples

Citation Format: Tao H, Lin Y, Liu C, Dou J, Sheng Y, Wu J, Hu W, Li Y, Tang X, Yu C, Du X. CDA screening technology for multi-ethnic group, early stage breast cancer screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-02-09.

Structurally diverse diketopiperazine alkaloids from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor SCSIO 41016

Four novel 1-oxa-8,10-diazaspiro[5.5]undecane containing diketopiperazine alkaloids from Aspergillus versicolor SCSIO 41016.

A New Pentacyclic Ergosteroid from Fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO41211 Derived of Mangrove Sediment Sample

Chemical investigation of the fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO41211 derived of mangrove sediment sample afforded a ergostane-type pentacyclic steroid, (22 S, 23 R)-12α,14α,23α-trihydroxy-16,22-epoxy-ergosta-4,8-dien-3,11-dione (1), together with seven known compounds, flavacol (2), aspergilliamide (3), ochratoxin A methyl ester (4), ochratoxin A ethyl ester (5), dihydroaspyrone (6), aspilactonol E (7) and aspilactonol F (8). The structures were determined on the basis of NMR and MS analysis. The isolated compounds were tested for their antiviral activity against H3N2 and EV71 viruses, cytotoxic, and antituberculosis effects. Among them, compounds 2 and 5 showed significant cytotoxicity against ten human cancer cell lines. None of the compounds displayed a significant antiviral activity against H3N2 and EV71 viruses nor antimycobacterial activities.

The Fungal Metabolites with Potential Antiplasmodial Activity

Malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites is amongst many prevalent public health concerns in several tropical regions of the world. Nowadays, the parasite resistance patterns to most currently used drugs in therapy and insecticides have created an urgent need for new chemical entities exhibiting new modes of action and management strategies. Fungus has been proven to be an excellent source of biologically active compounds, which have been screened for antiplasmodial activity as potential sources of new antimalarial drugs. This review summarizes the current 255 natural products from fungus, which may possess antimalarial activity and can be classified as sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, alkaloids, peptides depsipeptides, xanthones, anthraquinones, anthrones, bioxanthracenes, bixanthones, preussomerins, depsidones, phenols, trichothecenes, azaphliones, macrolides, and steroids. However, the treatments available for malaria are limited. Thus, the identification of novel antimicrobial agents should be continued, and all possible strategies should be explored. Carrying forward the antimalarial screening in exited terrestrial and marine natural products library, and finding the new natural products in new resources, particularly those living in marine environments, are still important approaches to find new antimalarial agents. Unusual marine environments are associated with chemical diversity, leading to a resource of novel active substances for the development of bioactive products. Finding new antimalarial natural products in marine fungus, particularly those living in deep-sea and special marine environments, is an important approach to identify novel active agents.

Correlation between SPARC, TGFβ1, Endoglin and angiogenesis mechanism in lung cancer

To study the relationship between Secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), Transforming growth factorβ1 (TGFβ1), Endoglin and angiogenesis in lung cancer, 40 cases of lung cancer specimens and 40 adjacent normal lung tissues specimens were collected and 10 cases from each were selected for preparation of tissue chip. CD34 (endothelial cell marker), Endoglin human α-Smooth muscle actin, and (α-SMA) markers were performed by immunohistochemical staining, and the immuno-phenotype and the relationship between different morphologies of the microvascular wall components were evaluated. The expression of SPARC mRNA and protein, TGFβ1 mRNA and protein and Endoglin in the remaining 30 cases of lung cancer were detected by immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization. The result shows that the positive rates of SPARC, TGFβ1 and Endoglin in lung cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent normal lung tissues (P less than 0.05). The expression of SPARC and TGFβ1 was negatively correlated with lung cancer. When the positive expression of SPARC increased, the micro-vessel density (MVD) marked by Endoglin decreased gradually; while the positive expression of TGFβ1 increased, MVD increased gradually, and SPARC, TGFβ1 and MVD were correlated (P less than0.05). High SPARC mRNA expression in lung cancer tissues could inhibit the progression of lung cancer, while high TGFβ1 mRNA expression can promote the progression of lung cancer and participate in the metastasis of lung cancer. To sum up, the angiogenesis of lung cancer may be related to the interaction of SPARC, TGFβ1 and Endoglin.

Xanthones and Quinolones Derivatives Produced by the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO Ind16F01

Chemical investigation of the fungus Penicillium sp. SCSIO Ind16F01 derived from deep-sea sediment sample afforded a new xanthone, 3,8-dihydroxy-2-methyl-9-oxoxanthene-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1) and a new chromone, coniochaetone J (2), together with three known xanthones, 8-hydroxy-6-methyl-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester (3), 7,8-dihydroxy-6-methyl-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester (4), 1,6,8-trihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)anthraquinone (5), three known chromones, coniochaetone B (6), citrinolactones B (7), epiremisporine B (8), and four reported rare class of N-methyl quinolone lactams: quinolactacins B (9), C1 (10), and C2 (11), and quinolonimide (12). The structures of new compounds were determined by analysis of the NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Those isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiviral (EV71 and H3N2) and cytotoxic activities.