Heptaellipside A, a rare new 2,28-bidesmosidic lupane-type saponin from the leaves of Heptapleurum ellipticum.

For the first time, phytochemical constituents of the leaves of Heptapleurum ellipticum were investigated. One rare new 2,28-bidesmosidic lupane-type saponin, named heptaellipside A (1), along with four other lupane-type analogs (2-5) were purified by combining differently chromatographic methods. All of the separated compounds (1-5) were communicated for the first time from H. ellipticum. The structures of them were definitely illustrated following extensive and comprehensive UV/VIS, FTIR, HRMS/ESI, and NMR techniques. Further, all isolated compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition. As the results, compound 3 respectively exhibited stronger in both inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase (IC50 values of 15.53 and 26.93 µM), than the acarbose standard (IC50 values of 214.50 and 143.48 µM).

Synergistic effects of combined probiotics Bacillus pumilis D5 and Leuconostoc mesenteroide B4 on immune enhancement and disease resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei.

This study investigated the effects of two distinct probiotics, Leuconostoc mesenteroides B4 (B4) and Bacillus pumilus D5 (D5), along with their combination, on the diet of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during an eight-week feeding trial. The diets tested included B4 + dextran at 107 CFU/g feed (the B4 group), D5 alone at 107 CFU/g feed (the D5 group), and a combination of B4 + dextran and D5 at 5 × 106 CFU/g feed each (the B4+dextran + D5 group). Relative to the control group, those administered probiotics exhibited moderate enhancements in growth. By the eighth week, the weight gain for the B4, D5, and B4+D5 groups was 696.50 ± 78.15%, 718.53 ± 130.73%, and 693.05 ± 93.79%, respectively, outperforming the control group's 691.66 ± 31.10% gain. The feed conversion ratio was most efficient in the B4 group (2.16 ± 0.06), closely followed by B4+D5 (2.21 ± 0.03) and D5 (2.22 ± 0.06), with the control group having the highest ratio (2.27 ± 0.03). While phenoloxidase activity was somewhat elevated in the B4 and D5 groups, no significant differences were noted in respiratory burst activity or total hemocyte count across all groups. Challenge tests at weeks 4 and 8 showed that the B4 + D5 combination offered superior protection against AHPND-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The 4-week cumulative survival rate was highest in shrimp treated with B4 + dextran + D5 (56.25%), followed by B4 + dextran (31.25%), control (18.75%), and lowest in D5 (12.5%). By week 8, the B4 + dextran + D5 (43.75%) and B4 + dextran (37.5%) groups significantly outperformed the control group (6.25%, p < 0.05), with no significant difference observed between the D5 group (37.5%) and the control group at day 56. Analysis of the shrimp's foregut microbiota revealed an increase in unique OTUs in the B4 and B4 + D5 groups. Compared to the control, Proteobacteria abundance was reduced in all probiotic groups. Potential pathogens like Vibrio, Bacteroides, Neisseria, Botrytis, Clostridioides, and Deltaentomopoxvirus were detected in the control but were reduced or absent in probiotic groups. Beneficial microbes such as Methanobrevibacter and Dictyostelium in the B4+D5 group, and Sugiyamaella in the B4 group, showed significant increases. Probiotics also led to higher transcript levels of nitric oxide synthase in the hemocytes, and lysozyme and transglutaminase in the midgut, along with lysozyme and α2-macroglobulin in the foregut. Notably, the combined B4 + D5 probiotics synergistically enhanced the expression of superoxide dismutase and prophenoloxidase in the foregut, indicating an improved immune response. In summary, this study demonstrates that the probiotics evaluated, especially when used in combination, significantly boost the expression of specific immune-related genes, enhance the bacterial diversity and richness of the intestine, and thus prevent the colonization and proliferation of Vibrio spp. in L. vannamei.

Comtrifosides A and B, two new triterpenoid saponins from the leaves of Combretum trifoliatum.

The phytochemical composition of the Combretum trifoliatum leaves was studied for the first time. Two new triterpenoid saponins, named comtrifoside A (1) and comtrifoside B (2), together with two other saponins (3-4) were purified by variously chromatographic techniques. For the first time, compound 3 was informed from the Combretum genus, as well as all of the isolated compounds (1-4) were reported from C. trifoliatum. The chemical structures of them were clearly characterised using extensive UV-VIS, IR, HRMS-ESI, and NMR experimental data. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of 1 & 2 were examined against NO overproduction in LPS activation of RAW264.7.

Manually compressed soil blocks stabilised by fly ash based geopolymer: a promising approach for sustainable buildings.

The construction industry is one of the sectors which have significant impacts on the environment. The research on sustainable materials is a demand of society. This paper presents an investigation on the use of fly ash (FA) geopolymer binder for the production of unburnt bricks. First, an optimisation process for the ratio of alkaline activator solution (AAS) and FA was performed. The blocks were obtained by compressing the materials in a mould by hand, similar to the traditional technique of the adobes. Different ratios of AAS in the blocks were investigated: 6%, 8%, 12% and 20% by mass, respectively. Two curing temperatures were tested: ambient temperature and at 60 °C. Then, different properties of the blocks were determined: flexural tensile strength, compressive strengths (in the quasi-dry state and in the saturated state), water absorption. The techniques of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were also used for the analyses of the results obtained. The results showed that the blocks with 20% AAS had highest compressive strengths with an average of 24 MPa at 28 days, while the recommended AAS amount for both technical and economical points of view was 8%, with a mean compressive strength of 13 MPa at 28 days. The ratio between the saturated compressive strength on the quasi-dry compressive strength was higher than 0.5, which satisfied the current exigencies from the standards. These exploratory results are important for practice applications of this type of blocks.

Investigation of the functional role of UNC93B1 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): mRNA expression, subcellular localization, and physical interaction with fish-specific TLRs.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the major food fish worldwide. The farming business, on the other hand, has faced considerable obstacles, such as disease infestations. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important function in the activation of the innate immune system in response to infections. Unc-93 homolog B1 (UNC93B1) is a key regulator of nucleic acid (NA)-sensing TLRs. Here the UNC93B1 gene, which was cloned from Nile tilapia tissue for this investigation, had the same genetic structure as a homologous gene in humans and mice. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Nile tilapia UNC93B1 clustered with UNC93B1 from other species and separately from the UNC93A clade. The gene structure of the Nile tilapia UNC93B1 was found to be identical to that of human UNC93B1. Our gene expression studies revealed that Nile tilapia UNC93B1 was highly expressed in the spleen, followed by other immune-related tissues such as the head kidney, gills, and intestine. Moreover, Nile tilapia UNC93B1 mRNA transcripts were up-regulated in vivo in the head kidney and spleen tissues from poly I:C and Streptococcus agalactiae injected Nile tilapia, as well as in vitro in LPS stimulated Tilapia head kidney (THK) cells. The Nile tilapia UNC93B1-GFP protein signal was detected in the cytosol of THK cells and was co-localized with endoplasmic reticulum and lysosome but not with mitochondria. Moreover, the results of a co-immunoprecipitation and immunostaining analysis showed that Nile tilapia UNC93B1 can be pulled down with fish-specific TLRs such as TLR18 and TLR25 from Nile tilapia, and was found to be co-localized with these fish-specific TLRs in the THK cells. Overall, our findings highlight the potential role of UNC93B1 as an accessory protein in fish-specific TLR signaling.

Lasibidoupins A and B, two new compounds from the stems of Lasianthus bidoupensis V.S. Dang & Naiki.

From the Lasianthus bidoupensis stems, two new compounds, including one new 9,10-anthraquinone, lasibidoupin A (1), and one new 6,7-benzocoumarin, lasibidoupin B (2), together with one known compound, 11-O-methyldamnacanthol (3) were isolated using chromatographic method. Their structures were determined by extensive HRMS, and NMR assignments. Compound 3 was reported for the first time from this species. New compounds (1 & 2) were tested for the cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, and NCI-H460) by SRB assay. As results, 1 & 2 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against all cancer cell lines (IC50 ranged from 0.058 ± 0.003 to 0.177 ± 0.014 µM).

Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 is a negative regulator in the anti-bacterial immune responses in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most important food fish in the world. However, the farming industry has encountered significant challenges, such as pathogen infections. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an essential role in the initiation of the innate immune system against pathogens. Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) is one of the most evolutionarily conserved TLR adaptors, and its orthologs are present in various species from worms to humans. SARM1 plays an important role in negatively regulating TIR domain-containing adaptor proteins inducing IFNß (TRIF)-dependent TLR signaling in mammals, but its immune function remains poorly understood in fish. In this study, O. niloticus SARM1 (OnSARM1) was cloned and its evolutionary status was verified using bioinformatic analyses. mRNA expression of OnSARM1 was found at a higher level in the trunk kidney and muscle in healthy fish. The examination of its subcellular location showed that the OnSARM1 was detected only in the cytoplasm of THK cells, and colocalized with OnMyD88, OnTRIF and OnTRIF in small speckle-like condensed granules. The transcript levels of OnMyD88, OnTIRAP, OnTRIF, and downstream effectors, including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, IL-12b and type I interferon (IFN)d2.13, were regulated conversely to the expression of OnSARM1 in the head kidney from Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae infected fish. Moreover, the treatment of THK cells with lysates from A. hydrophila and S. agalactiae enhanced the activity of the NF-κB promoter, but the effects were inhibited in the OnSARM1 overexpressed THK cells. Overexpression of OnSARM1 alone did not activate the NF-κB-luciferase reporter, but it suppressed OnMyD88- and OnTIRAP-mediated NF-κB promoter activity. Additionally, OnSARM1 inhibited the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines and hepcidin in A. hydrophila lysate stimulated THK cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that OnSARM1 serves as a negative regulator by inhibiting NF-κB activity, thereby influencing the transcript level of proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides in the antibacterial responses.

TLR23, a fish-specific TLR, recruits MyD88 and TRIF to activate expression of a range of effectors in melanomacrophages in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is an important food fish species that is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. However, microbial diseases have created various difficulties for this industry. The fundamental prerequisite for tackling disease outbreak prevention and disease resistance is to know how hosts' immune responses against invading microbes are initiated. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are vital pattern recognition receptors and play pivotal roles in the cellular innate immunity defense that is able to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In this study, Oreochromis niloticus TLR23 (OnTLR23) was cloned and bioinformatic analyses revealed that OnTLR23 is not an ortholog of mammalian TLR13 as previously suggested. The basal transcript level of OnTLR23 was found to be higher in the immune-related organs and was upregulated in the spleen and/or head kidney following Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae or poly I:C injections, and increased in the melanomacrophage-like tilapia head kidney (THK) cell line after LPS and zymosan stimulation. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that OnTLR23 locates mainly in the intracellular region in fish cells and the constitutively active form of OnTLR23 promotes the expression of molecules related to antigen presentation, proinflammatory cytokines, antimicrobial peptides and type I interferon in THK cells. A co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed that OnTLR23 can interact with both OnMyD88 and OnTRIF, but not with OnTIRAP. A luciferase assay showed that the NF-κB activity was not elevated in the OnTLR23 overexpressed THK cells after treatment with ligand for TLR13 as well as other known purified bacterial-derived ligands of TLRs. Taken together, OnTLR23 is likely to recruit OnMyD88 and OnTRIF as adaptors to induce the expression of various effectors in melanomacrophages, but its corresponding ligand is an issue awaiting further investigation.

Three new diphenyl ethers from the lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum (Nyl.) Hale (Parmeliaceae).

Three new diphenyl ethers, named praesorethers E, F and G (1, 2 and 3), were isolated from the lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of extensively spectroscopic analysis including HR-ESI-MS and NMR as well as comparison with previously published data. These compounds were evaluated for the cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (HeLa, NCI-H460 and MCF-7) using SRB assay. As results, 1 and 2 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against three tested cancer cell lines with the inhibitive percentage of 64-79.9% at the concentration of 100 µg/mL while 3 was inactive.

Usneaceratins A and B, two new secondary metabolites from the lichen Usnea ceratina.

Two new compounds, comprising one dibenzofuran, named usneaceratin A (1), and one phenolic acid, named usneaceratin B (2), together with one known dibenzofuran, isousnic acid (3), and two known phenolics, orsellinic acid (4) and methyl orsellinate (5) were clarified from the lichen Usnea ceratina using variously chromatographic methods. Their structures were testified by comprehensive HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectroscopic analysis, and comparison with published data. Their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of all compounds was measured. Usneaceratin B (2) possessed better inhibition against α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 value of 41.8 µM) than the standard drug acarbose (IC50 value of 214.50 µM).

Macrotricolorin A, a new diarylpropanoid from the Vietnamese plant Macrosolen tricolor (Lecomte) Danser.

From the Vietnamese plant Macrosolen tricolor (Lecomte) Danser, one new diarylpropanoid, named macrotricolorin A (1) together with three diarylheptanoids including bisdemethoxycurcumin (2), demethoxycurcumin (3) and curcumin (4), were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by intensive analyses of their IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS and NMR (1 D & 2 D) spectra. It is the first time that diarylalkanoids have been reported from the genus Macrosolen. Compound 1 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 with an IC50 value of 27.54 ± 1.75 µM.

Paresordin A, a new diphenyl cyclic peroxide from the lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum.

From the lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum, one new diphenyl peroxide, named praesordin A (1), together with four depsidones, including virensic acid (2), protocetraric acid (3), 8'-O-methylprotocetraric acid (4), and furfuric acid (5) were purified. Their structures were chacracterized using extensive HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic methods. The isolated compounds (2-5) possessed stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 43.7-110.1 µM) than the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 214.5 µM).

Cycloartane-type triterpenoids from the whole plants of Macrosolen bidoupensis.

One new cycloartane-type triterpenoid, named macrobidoupoic acid A (as an C-24 epimeric mixture, 4a, 4 b), together with three known ones (1-3), were clarified by different chromatography from the M. bidoupensis whole plants. Triterpenoids (1, 3 & 4) were detected for the first time from the Macrosolen genus. Chemical structures of them were illuminated using HR-ESI-MS, and NMR (1 D & 2 D) assessments. The cytotoxic properties of triterpenoids (3 & 4) were examined against two human cancer cell lines (A549, and RD) by MTT assay. As results shown, triterpenoids (3 & 4) possessed moderate cytotoxic activity against A549 and RD cancer cells (IC50 ranged from 5.44 to 39.52 µM).

Ricicomin A, a new alkaloid from the leaves of Ricinus communis Linn.

From the leaves of Ricinus communis Linn., one new alkaloid, named ricicomin A (1) together with three known ones, ricinine (2), N-demethylricinine (3) and 4-[2-formyl-5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]butanoic acid (4) were justified by repeated chromatographic methods. Their structures were determined by comprehensive IR, HR-ESI-MS and NMR analyses. Compound 4 was identified for the first time from the genus Ricinus. DFT-NMR chemical shift calculations and subsequent DP4+ probability methods were applied to confirm the chemical structure of 1. Compounds 1-3 did not display cytotoxic effect against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2 and HeLa) using SRB assay.

Cytotoxic activity and phytochemical composition of Stereospermum binhchauensis V.S. Dang leaves.

For the first time, the cytotoxic and phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Stereospermum binhchauensis V.S. Dang, a new species discovered in Viet Nam were finalized and led to purify nine compounds, including one furancoumarin (1), one chromone (3), two triterpenoids (2, 4), two flavonoids (5, 8), two flavanoids (6, 7) and one iridoid (9) using various chromatography methods. Their structures were verified by HR-ESI-MS, NMR experiments and compared with previous literatures. For the first time, compounds (5-8) were realized from the genus Stereospermum, while compounds (1, 2, 3, 4 & 9) were designated from the species S. binhchauensis. Furthermore, the furancoumarin, chromone and flavanoid classes were notified for the first time from the genus Stereospermum.

Stercufoetin A, new oleanane-type triterpenoid from the leaves of Sterculia foetida L.

From the leaves of Sterculia foetida L., one new oleanane-type triterpenoid, named stercufoetin A (1) together with four known ones, vergatic acid (2), ß-amyrin (3), oleanolic acid (4) and maslinic acid (5) were purified by diversely chromatographic methods. Their structures were proposed by HR-APCI-MS and NMR experiments. Compounds (2-5) were notified for the first time from this species. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxic effect against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2 and HeLa) using SRB assay.

Polysciosides J and K, two new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins from the leaves of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) harms. cultivating in An Giang Province, Viet Nam.

For the first time, the phytochemical constituents of the leaves of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms. cultivating in An Giang Province, Viet Nam were investigated and led to purify two new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, named polyscioside J (1) and polyscioside K (2) together with two known saponins, ladyginoside A (3) and chikusetsusaponin IVa (4) using variously chromatographic methods. Saponin (4) was reported for the first time from this species. Their structures were verified by IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, NMR 1D and 2D experiments and compared with previous literatures.

Markhasphingolipid A, new phytosphingolipid from the leaves of Markhamia stipulata var. canaense V.S. Dang.

From the leaves of Markhamia stipulata var. canaense V.S. Dang, one new phytosphingolipid, named markhasphingolipid A (6) together with five known compounds, 4',7-O-dimethylapigenin (1), narigenin (2), tectoquinone (3), mollic acid (4), 1-hexadecanoyl-sn-glycerol (5) were classified by various chromatographic methods. Their structures were designated by IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS/MS and NMR experiments. All compounds were recognized for the first time from this species. The cytotoxicity of all n-hexane fractions and isolated compounds (5 & 6) against three human cancer cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7) were evaluated by SRB assay. All n-hexane fractions expressed cytotoxic effect on three tested cancer cell lines (at the concentration of 100 µg/mL, percent of cytotoxicity ranged from 55.81% to 95.83%) as well as compound 5 (IC50 ranged from 48.51 to 63.30 µM) whereas fraction H.I and compound 6 did not show activity.[Formula: see text].

Nervisides I-J: Unconventional Side-Chain-Bearing Cycloartane Glycosides from Nervilia concolor.

Two new cycloartane glycosides, nervisides I-J, were isolated from Nervilia concolor whole plants. Their structures were unambiguously established by interpretation of their HRESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR data. These cycloartanes comprised a stereogenic center at C-24, the R configuration of which was assigned based on DFT-NMR calculations and the subsequent DP4 probability score. These compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against K562 and MCF-7 tumor cell lines, revealing mild cytotoxic activity.

Acridone alkaloids from the rhizomes of Luvunga scandens (Roxb.) Buch. Ham.

The ethyl acetate extract of the rhizomes of Luvunga scandens (Roxb.) Buch. - Ham. ex Wight & Arn (Rutaceae) delivered one new acridone alkaloid named Luvungaside A (1) together with three known acridone alkaloids, namely 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone (2), arborinine (3) and 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone (4). Compounds were reported for the first time from the species L. scandens applying various chromatography methods. Chemical structures were elucidated by IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, NMR 1D & 2D experiments and comparison with the literature. The cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective activity of compounds 1-4 in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was measured by MTT assay. At 10-100 µM, compounds expressed significant hepatoprotective effect with prevention percentage ranging from 81.1% to 194.3%, compared to the positive control quercetin displaying 49.0%.