Long-term outcomes of surgical reconstruction for post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis: a 7-year follow-up in a tuberculosis-endemic region.

Background: Surgical reconstruction is often necessary for severe tracheobronchial stenosis resulting from tuberculosis (TB). However, the long-term efficacy of this approach remains unclear. This study investigated the safety and long-term outcomes of surgery for severe post-TB tracheobronchial stenosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 48 patients with severe post-TB tracheobronchial stenosis who underwent surgical reconstruction between 2015 and 2018 in a TB-endemic region. Pre- and postoperative evaluations included Karnofsky performance status, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, spirometry, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, and bronchoscopy. The primary outcome was intervention-requiring restenosis over the long term. Results: The mean patient age was 30.6±9.9 years, with 91.7% females. Airway fibrosis was the predominant lesion (93.8%), affecting the bronchi (93.8%) and trachea (6.2%). All the patients underwent resection and anastomosis, and 56.2% required lobectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 13 patients (27.1%), with prolonged air leaks being the most prevalent (12.5%). All complications resolved with conservative management. Significant improvements in performance status, dyspnea, and lung function were observed postoperatively and sustained for over 5 years. Within a median follow-up of 69 months, five cases of intervention-requiring restenosis occurred within the first year. The freedom from restenosis rate was 90% from 1 year onwards. Conclusions: Surgical reconstruction is safe and effective in treating severe post-TB tracheobronchial stenosis. Larger studies are required to validate these findings.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis supplementation on reproductive parameters during late gestation in multiparous sows.

Background and Aim: Probiotics are used at different stages of gestation to promote reproductive performance in sows. This study investigated the effect of Bacillus subtilis QST 713 supplementation during late gestation in multiparous sows on different reproductive parameters. Materials and Methods: On day 85 of gestation, 115 multiparous healthy Landrace Yorkshire sows were randomly assigned to two groups with equal parity numbers. The control group (58 sows) was fed with basal diets, and the probiotic group (57 sows) was fed with basal diets +1010 colony-forming unit (CFU) B. subtilis QST 713 from day 85 to parturition. Back fat thickness on days 85 and 110, number of total born, number of born alive, stillbirth and mummy rates, individual birth weight, litter birth weight, within-litter variation of piglet birth weight, and postpartum vaginal discharge duration were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: The number of total born, number born alive, back fat thickness of sows before farrowing, litter weight, within-litter variation of piglet birth weight, and postpartum vaginal discharge duration were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with B. subtilis QST 713 decreased the stillbirth rate (3.96 vs. 6.39%, p = 0.046) and born dead rate (5.12 vs. 8.57%, p = 0.035) and increased the birth weight of piglets (1552.78 vs. 1506.15 g, p = 0.049). Conclusion: Daily supplementation with 1010 CFU of B. subtilis QST 713 during late gestation in multiparous sows could increase reproductive performance by increasing birth weight and decreasing stillbirth rate.

Concomitant tricuspid valve regurgitation repair in patients with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a single-centre experience in Vietnam.

Background: This study aims to present the early and mid-term outcomes of combining minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) with tricuspid valve repair (TVR) at the authors' centre. Methods: From January 2017 to March 2022, our centre treated a total of 67 patients with both MIMVS and TVR. Among these patients, 41 were women (61.2%), and 26 were men (38.8%). The average Euro SCORE II was 2.67±1.54%, and the patients had an average follow-up period of 25.45±16.2 months. Results: Pre-discharge echocardiography revealed no or mild TR in 82.8% of cases. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 4.5%, with 3 deaths. Five-year survival was 94.5%±3.2%. In patients with mild or moderate preoperative tricuspid regurgitation (TR), the 5-year survival rate was 95.7%±4.3%, while for those with severe TR, it was 93.7%±4.5% (P=0.947). Conclusions: The authors' 5-year experience demonstrates that the combination of MIMVS and TVR can be routinely performed with favourable perioperative and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing non-high-risk surgery. Additionally, there is no significant difference in five-year survival between the severe TR and mild to moderate TR groups preoperatively.

Prevalence of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and Aim: Among Streptococcus suis serotypes, S. suis serotype 2 is the most significant serotype that causes serious diseases in pigs and humans worldwide. The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs, determine its trend, and explore the factors associated with this serotype. Materials and Methods: We retrieved relevant published studies from PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The retrieved citations were screened for possible inclusion. Relevant data were then extracted from the included studies. The random-effects model was used for all meta-analyses. A subgroup meta-analysis was used to assess the heterogeneity of the prevalence for four characteristics (continents, sampling organs, reporting unit, and pig's health status). A cumulative meta-analysis was performed to determine the cumulative prevalence over time. Meta-regression analysis was used to determine the trend of pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 over time. Results: Of 600 articles retrieved, 36 studies comprising a total sample size of 6939 isolates or samples from 16 countries of four continents were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs was 13.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.7%-17.1%), with high heterogeneity among the included studies (Cochran's Q, 431.6; p < 0.001; I2 = 91.9%; Table-1). No statistical significance was observed among subgroups of the four characteristics examined. However, the pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 was as high as 16.0% (95% CI, 12.5%-20.3%; n = 16) in diseased pigs compared with 9.9% (95% CI, 5.6%-17.0%; n = 15) in healthy pigs. The pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs did not significantly decrease over time [regression coefficient = -0.020 (95% CI, 0.046-0.006, p = 0.139)]. The pooled prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs fluctuated slightly between 13.2% and 17.8% from 2007 to 2023, although the pooled prevalence gradually decreased from 30.6% in 1987 to over 20% in 2003. Conclusion: The global prevalence of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs was estimated to be 13.6% (approximately 10% in healthy pigs and around 16% in diseased pigs). S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs did not change significantly over time. These results indicate that S. suis serotype 2 remains a problem for the pig industry and poses a threat to human health.

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Sindora siamensis var. maritima and their antimicrobial and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

Two new glycosides, sindosides A-B (1-2), along with 11 previously identified metabolites (3-13), were isolated from an ethanolic extract of the leaves of Sindora siamensis var. maritima. The structures of the purified phytochemicals were elucidated by interpreting their spectroscopic data (IR, NMR, and HRMS). The absolute configuration of compound 1 was established by experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The antimicrobial results revealed that compound 8 selectively inhibited C. albicans fungal with a MIC value of 64 µg/mL, whereas 11 presented a weak inhibition toward E. faecalis, S. aureus, and B. cereus bacterial strains with the same MIC value of 128 µg/mL. Interestingly, compounds 1, 2, 8, 9, and 11 showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 14.42 ± 0.21 to 30.62 ± 0.18 µM, which were more active than the positive control (acarbose, with an IC50 value of 46.78 ± 1.37 µM). Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that compounds 1, 2, and 11 behaved as uncompetitive inhibitors with Ki values of 8.60 ± 1.04, 5.16 ± 0.73, and 7.17 ± 0.98 µM, respectively.

Successful surgical management of large pulmonary artery thrombosis in a patient with primary severe mitral regurgitation and complex congenital heart disease: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary artery thrombosis presents a rare and formidable challenge, especially in individuals with untreated complex congenital heart diseases and concurrent valvular abnormalities. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This case details a distinctive instance of pulmonary artery thrombosis in a patient with untreated congenital atrial septal defect, severe pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary aneurysm, valvular heart disease, and triple-positive antiphospholipid antibodies. Collaborative decision-making by a heart team guided the diagnostic and therapeutic processes, resulting in surgical interventions encompassing pulmonary thrombectomy, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation repair, and atrial septal defect closure. DISCUSSION: The case underscores the nuanced management of pulmonary artery thrombosis within the realm of congenital heart disease, highlighting the imperative role of a multidisciplinary approach in achieving accurate diagnoses and timely interventions. The multifaceted treatment strategy implemented further accentuates the need for continual monitoring and personalized interventions in intricate clinical scenarios. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this case emphasizes the complexity of addressing pulmonary artery thrombosis in the context of congenital heart disease. The collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary team proved pivotal in navigating diagnostic uncertainties and formulating a tailored treatment plan. Ongoing monitoring and personalized strategies remain crucial for optimizing outcomes in such intricate cases.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Evidence-Based Practice.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remains a pivotal cornerstone, offering established symptomatic alleviation and prognostic advantages for patients grappling with complex multivessel and left main coronary artery diseases. Despite the lucid guidance laid out by contemporary guidelines regarding the choice between CABG and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a notable hesitation persists among certain patients, characterized by psychological reservations, knowledge gaps, or individual beliefs that sway their inclination toward surgical intervention. This comprehensive review critically synthesizes the prevailing guidelines, modern practices, and outcomes pertaining to CABG surgery, delving into an array of techniques and advancements poised to enhance both short-term and enduring surgical outcomes. The exploration encompasses advances in on-pump and off-pump procedures, conduit selection strategies encompassing the bilateral utilization of internal mammary artery and radial artery conduits, meticulous graft evaluation methodologies, and the panorama of minimally invasive approaches, including those assisted by robotic technology. Furthermore, the review navigates the terrain of hybrid coronary revascularization, shedding light on the pivotal roles of shared decision-making and the heart team in shaping treatment pathways. As a comprehensive compendium, this review not only navigates the intricate landscape of CABG surgery but also aligns it with contemporary practices, envisioning its trajectory within the evolving currents of healthcare dynamics.

Acylated flavonoid glycosides from Barringtonia pendula and their inhibition on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells.

Six new acylated flavonoid glycosides namely barringosides J - O (1-6) along with tephrokaempferoside and barringoside D were isolated from the branches and leaves of Barringtonia pendula. The structural elucidation was confirmed by extensive analysis of their spectroscopic data including HRQTOFMS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Moderate inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells were observed for barringosides M (4) and N (5) with IC50 values of 48.40 ± 3.01 and 56.61 ± 3.87 µM, whereas weak inhibition was found for compounds 1-3, 6, and 7 with IC50 values ranging from 64.91 ± 3.68 to 79.80 ± 3.90 µM.

Diterpenoid and phenolic constituents from corn silk (Zea mays) with PTP1B inhibitory activity.

Chemical investigation of corn silk resulted in the isolation of nine secondary metabolites, including a new ent-kaurane diterpenoid, zeamaysditerpene A (1) and eight known compounds, stigmaydene A (2), stigmaydene J (3), stigmaydene L (4), stigmane D (5), demethyltorosaflavone D (6), chrysoeriol 6-C-ß-boivinopyranosyl-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (7), deoxypodophyllotoxin (8), and α-peltatin glucoside (9). Their structures were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIQTOF mass spectra. The absolute configuration of 1 was deduced by applying electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation method. Among the isolates, only 6 displayed significant inhibition against PTP1B activity in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 10.7 ± 0.1 µM. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation was carried out to explore the action perspective of 6 inside the enzyme PTP1B. This finding suggests that 6 might be a potential lead for the development of a new anti-diabetic agent.

Asterosaponins from the starfish Protoreaster nodosus.

Five asterosaponins (1-5), including one new compound named protonodososide (1), were isolated from the methanol extract of the starfish Protoreaster nodosus, after subjecting to various chromatographic separations. The structural elucidation was confirmed by careful analysis of the 1D, 2D NMR, and HR ESI QTOF mass spectra. The cytotoxicity of isolated compounds was evaluated on five human cancer cell lines including HepG2, KB, MCF7, LNCaP, and SK-Mel2.

Isoryanodane diterpene derivatives from Barringtonia macrocarpa.

From the MeOH residue of Barringtonia macrocarpa branches and leaves, one new isoryanodane diterpene, barringisol (1), and two new isoryanodane diterpene glucosides, barringisosides A and B (2 and 3), were obtained using various chromatographic isolations. The structural characterization was confirmed by spectroscopic methods including 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-QTOF-MS. This is the first isolation of isoryanodane diterpene derivatives from Barringtonia species. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity of 1-3 on three human cancer cell lines (HepG2, LNCaP and MCF7) was also accessed using SRB assays.

Three new chromanes and one new flavone C-glycoside from Mallotus apelta.

Three new chromanes, malloapeltas J-L (1-3), and one new flavone C-glycoside, malloflavoside (4), together with four known compounds, apigenin 6-C-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-8-C-α-L-arabinopyranoside (5), apigenin 6-C-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-8-C-α-L-arabinopyranoside (6), apigenin 7-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (7), and acantrifoside E (8) were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of Mallotus apelta. Their chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic methods, including 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS methods. All the isolated compounds were evaluated their cytotoxic activity against human prostate cancer (PC-3) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, but none of them showed cytotoxicities on both human cancer cell lines.

Effects of farrowing induction using cloprostenol on sow farrowing characteristics.

Background and Aim: Previous findings regarding the effects of farrowing induction on the farrowing characteristics of sows are controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of farrowing induction on the following characteristics: (1) Proportion of sows that farrowed during working hours, (2) stillbirth rate, (3) number of stillbirths per farrow, (4) dystocia rate per farrow, (5) dystocia rate (the proportion of farrowings that had at least one dystocia event), (6) number of dystocia events per farrow, (6) farrowing duration, (7) birth interval, and (8) birth weight. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight Landrace x Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated into two groups; the control group and the treatment group. In the control group (n = 18), sows farrowed spontaneously. In the treatment group (n = 20), farrowing was induced approximately 2 days earlier than the herd's average length of gestation (7:00 am on day 114) by injecting cloprostenol into the perivulval region. All sows were supervised throughout their farrowing. We recorded the interval between induction and farrowing; total number of births; number of live, stillborn, and mummified piglet births; number of dystocia events; birth interval; farrowing duration; and birth weight. A generalized linear mixed model, a linear mixed-effects model, the Chi-squared test, and Student's t-test were used to compare outcomes between the two groups. Results: Farrowing induction did not influence the percentage of sows that farrowed during working hours (7 am-5 pm), stillbirth rate, birth weight, and number of dystocia events per farrow. Farrowing induction led to an increase in birth interval, dystocia rate, dystocia per farrow (p < 0.05) and in addition to the percentage of sows that farrowed on the day following induction (60% vs. 27.8%; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Farrowing induction using a single dose of cloprostenol 2 days before the expected farrowing date can be performed with care to concentrate farrowing into a short interval. This can enhance the optimization of cross-fostering and the practice of an all-in-all-out strategy in the swine breeding industry.

Bacillus subtilis QST 713 Supplementation during Late Gestation in Gilts Reduces Stillbirth and Increases Piglet Birth Weight.

Recent studies have shown that probiotic supplementation during late gestation exerts some beneficial effects on reproductive performance of the sows. This study aimed to investigate effects of Bacillus subtilis QST 713 supplementation in gilts on different reproductive criteria. A total of 94 Camborough-48 gilts at day 85 of gestation were randomly allocated into 2 groups: (1) control diet; (2) control diet + 4 × 108 CFU Bacillus subtilis QST 713 per day. Gilts were supplemented until farrowing. At farrowing, litter size, number of piglets born alive, stillbirths, mummies, birth weight, farrowing duration, and birth interval were recorded. Within litter variation of piglet birth weight, depicted as SDBW and CVBW, was also calculated. Results showed that Bacillus subtilis QST 713 supplementation decreased stillbirth rate (1.26 vs. 4.37%, p=0.035) and increased birth weight of the piglets (1303.94 vs. 1234.09 g, p=0.007). Also, the litter size (11.85 vs. 10.67, p=0.03), number of piglets born alive (11.71 vs. 10.23, p=0.008), and litter weight (15473.06 vs. 13174.86 g, p=0.002) in the treatment group were higher than those in the control. Farrowing duration (174.39 vs. 160.81 minutes, p=0.162), birth interval (16.32 vs. 16.59 minutes, p=0.674), SDBW (85.07 vs. 94.65 g, p=0.343), and CVBW (6.42 vs. 7.85, p=0.12) were independent of the Bacillus subtilis QST 713 supplementation. Results of the present study indicate that supplementation of Bacillus subtilis QST 713 during late gestation in gilts reduces stillbirth and increases birth weight thereby improving their reproductive performance.

Sulfated Naphthopyrones and Anthraquinones from the Vietnamese Crinoid Comanthus delicata.

Three new sulfated naphthopyrone derivatives namely delicapyrons F-H (1-3) and two new sulfated anthraquinone derivatives namely delicaquinons A (4) and B (5), together with 6-methoxycomaparvin-5-methylether-8-O-sodium sulfate (6), 6-methoxycomaparvin-8-O-sodium sulfate (7), comaparvin-8-O-sodium sulfate (8), and 3-propyl-1,6,8-trihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone-6-O-sodium sulfate (9) were isolated from the Vietnamese crinoid Comanthus delicata. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of the one dimensional (1D) and 2D-NMR, high resolution electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (HR-ESI-QTOF) mass spectra as well as calculation of optical rotation. In addition, significant cytotoxicity was observed for 6 against LNCaP (prostate cancer) cell line with IC50 value of 20.29 ± 2.43 µM, whereas moderate or weak cytotoxic effects were observed for 1-3 and 5-8 on SK-Mel-2 (melanoma) cell line and 7 and 8 against LNCaP cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 49.96 ± 1.74 to 76.92 ± 5.85 µM.

Protective efficacy of new-generation anticoccidial vaccine candidates against Eimeria infection in chickens: A meta-analysis of challenge trials.

Limitations of live oocyst anticoccidial vaccines in poultry have led to a search for the new generation of anticoccidial vaccines. Several sources may influence the protective efficacy of the new generation of anticoccidial vaccine candidates. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the sources influencing the protective efficacy (in terms of the lesion score and the oocyst output) of the new-generation anticoccidial vaccine candidates from the challenge trials in chickens, using meta-analysis techniques. The overall effect size was also estimated to get the overview of the protective efficacy. The study outcomes were the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the lesion score and the difference in mean (DM) of the oocyst output. Descriptive statistics of the oocyst decrease ratio (%) and anticoccidial index (ACI) were also presented. Relevant citations were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Of 1524 retrieved citations, 63 were included for meta-analysis (60 for the lesion score and 44 for the oocyst output). Overall, the new generation of anticoccidial vaccine candidates partially protected chickens from coccidiosis because they significantly reduced the lesion score (SMD = -3.69, [95% CI: -4.08 to -3.29], P < 0.001) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 96.85%) and the oocyst output (DM = -1.48, [95% CI: -1.75 to -1.21], P < 0.001) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.69%). The median oocyst decrease ratio was 66.15% (a range from 4.27% to 95.93%, n = 125 subgroups). The median ACI was 164.71 (a range from 50.05 to 196.40, n = 115 subgroups). Vaccine platform and route of administration were identified as sources of heterogeneity for the lesion score and the oocyst output. However, severe publication bias threatened validity of the lesion score outcome. After accounting for other sources of variation, the anticoccidial vaccine candidates were shown to be less effective in reducing the oocyst output when the challenge dose, the length between the day of last immunization and the day of the challenge, or the length between the day of the challenge and the day of sampling, increased. In conclusion, although the new generation of anticoccidial vaccine candidates clearly showed a partial protection of chickens from coccidiosis in experimental trials, the protective efficacy was influenced by several sources, such as the vaccine platform and route of administration. Sources of high heterogeneity such as protein antigens are worth exploring when additionally relevant data are available. Therefore, additional experimental trials in chickens are required to better understand the protective efficacy of the new-generation anticoccidial vaccine candidates.

High stillbirth rate in a swine farm in Vietnam and associated risk factors.

Objective: The information about risk factors for a high stillbirth rate in piglets is inadequate. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine important risk factors for an extremely high stillbirth rate in a commercial pig farm in Vietnam. Materials and Methods: This study included 628 piglets and 45 Landrace × Yorkshire sows. Data including parity number, gestation length (GL), litter size (LS), piglet's gender, stillbirth, birth order, birth interval (BI), cumulative farrowing duration (CFD), birth weight (BW), crown-rump length (CRL), body mass index, and ponderal index (PI) were collected. To deal with hierarchical data where several piglets might be born from a sow, Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) were used to examine the association between stillbirth and investigated risk factors. Results: The stillbirth rate was 14.3%, and the incidence of stillbirth at the litter level was 68.9%. The final multivariate GLMM selected eight factors, including CFD, BI, CRL, BW, PI, GL, LS, and parity, as significant risk factors for stillbirth in the piglet. CFD >90 min, BI > 30 min, CRL <25 cm, BW <1.0 kg, PI <50, GL <114 days, LS >13, and parity 5-8 were associated with increased stillbirth. The final model explained 50.1% of the variation of stillbirth, in which fixed factors explained 43.6% of the variation. Conclusion: The present study indicated that the stillbirth rate in the investigated pig farm was very high, and several factors simultaneously contributed to the situation. Selection for optimal size and shape of piglets, careful supervision of parturition, and replacement of old sows should be some of the practical approaches to reduce the stillbirth rate.

Incidence of dystocia at piglet level in cloprostenol-induced farrowings and associated risk factors.

Few studies have investigated risk factors for dystocia in swine, although this birthing abnormality can compromise welfare of both sows and piglets by increasing stillbirth rate and decreasing sow productivity. This study aimed to determine risk factors associated with dystocia at piglet level in cloprostenol-induced farrowings. A dystocia event was recorded when a birth interval exceeded 45  min or when manual extraction was applied. Data were collected from 898 piglets born from 77 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows, which were induced for farrowing on day 114 of gestation. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to evaluate the association between dystocia and parity, gestation length, litter size, relative birth order (RBO (%)  =  100  ⋅  birth order/litter size), birth weight, crown rump length, body mass index, ponderal index, piglet's sex, use of oxytocin, and stillbirth. Sows nested in farrowing batches were fitted as random factors in GLMMs. Incidence of dystocia at piglet and farrowing levels was 11.0 % and 75.3 %, respectively. The final multivariate model explained 20.1 % variation of dystocia. RBO had a quadratic effect on dystocia in which incidence of dystocia decreased from RBO  ≤  40 % to RBO  =  60 %-70 %, and then increased to the end of parturition. Piglets with birth weight  >  1700  g and stillborn piglets had higher odds of dystocia in comparison with piglets with a birth weight of 900-1700  g (OR  =  2.63; 95 % CI  =  1.66-4.18) and live-born piglets (OR  =  2.62; 95 % CI  =  1.12-6.15), respectively. This study indicates that dystocia is very common in cloprostenol-induced farrowings and suggests that the last one-third of parturitions is the most important stage to be supervised, and selection for homogenous litters and moderate high birth weight may reduce the rate of dystocia.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effect of oxaline, isorhodoptilometrin, and 5-hydroxy-7-(2'-hydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-chromone obtained from the marine fungal strain Penicillium oxalicum CLC-MF05.

Penicillium is a rich source of bioactive compounds. Among all Penicillium species, Penicillium oxalicum has been reported to produce various types of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, phenolics, and tetrahydroxanthone dimeric compounds, exhibiting many pharmacological effects, such as antiviral, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. Three secondary metabolites were isolated from a fermented culture of the sponge-associated fungal strain P. oxalicum CLC-MF05: oxaline (1), isorhodoptilometrin (2), and 5-hydroxy-7-(2'-hydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-chromone (3). Their chemical structures were identified by 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectroscopic analyses and compared with previously reported data. All three compounds inhibited NO and PGE2 overproduction and iNOS and COX-2 overexpression in both LPS-stimulated BV2 and rat primary microglia. These metabolites also repressed mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12. Further, mechanistic studies revealed that the inhibitory actions of compounds 1-3 were regulated by the inactivation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, inactivation of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway contributed to the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of these compounds. These results suggest that compounds 1-3 represent potential anti-inflammatory candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases; however, further investigation is needed.

One new phenylpropanoid glycoside from Myxopyrum smilacifolium with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

One new phenylpropanoid glycoside, myxosmoside I (1) and six known compounds, arenarioside (2), verbacoside (3), 3-formylindole (4), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5), D-manitol (6), and glycerol monooleate (7) were isolated from the roots of Myxopyrum smilacifolium (Wall.) Blume. Their chemical structures were determined by 1D-, 2D-NMR, and mass spectra, chemical methods, and compared with those reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. Among them, phenylpropanoid glycosides 1-3 significantly inhibited α-glucosidase activity with IC50 values of 30.0 ± 0.9, 66.6 ± 2.3, and 36.9 ± 2.0 µM, respectively.