Two new chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Tripterygium wilfordii.

Tripterygium wilfordii has been historically employed as a conventional botanical insecticide and a plant of medicinal significance. A new dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene (1) and a new acyclic compound (2), along with seven known compounds (3-9), have been isolated from the aerial parts of Tripterygium wilfordii. The identification of the structures of novel compounds were accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, encompassing HRESIMS, NMR, UV, IR, and a comparative analysis with spectroscopic data from compounds previously characterised. In in-vitro bioassay, compound 8 exhibited significant inhibitory activity for NO release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 15.7 µM.

Three new species of the planthopper genus Oecleopsis Emeljanov, 1971 from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae).

Three new species of the genus Oecleopsis Emeljanov, 1971 from China, O.acerbus Lv & Chen, sp. nov. and O.panxianensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Guizhou Province, and O.digitatus Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Sichuan Province, are described and illustrated. With these additions, the number of species in the genus is increased to 18. An updated identification key and checklist of all known species of Oecleopsis are provided as well as a map of their geographic distributions.

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds from the fruit shell of Camellia oleifera.

A new phenolic compound oleiphenol (1), and a new dihydrochalcone oleifechalcone (2) along with seven known compounds (3-9) were isolated from the fruit shell of Camellia oleifera Abel. The planar structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, UV, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS) and comparison with literature data. The absolute configurations of the new structures were determined by ECD calculations and chemical methods. In addition, compounds 1-9 underwent a series of pharmacological activity tests, including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-RSV and antioxidant activities.

Lysidrhodosides A-I, acylphloroglucinol glucosides with anti-inflammatory activities from the leaves of Lysidice rhodostegia.

Lysidrhodosides A-I (1-9), nine acylphloroglucinol glucoside derivatives along with three known analogues (10-12) were isolated from the leaves of Lysidice rhodostegia. Their structures and absolute configuration were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis (NMR, UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS), single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and acid hydrolysis with HPLC analysis. Notably, compounds 7-9 represent the first examples of 3-methylbutyryl phloroglucinol glucoside dimers isolated from this plant. Additionally, compounds 1-12 were assessed for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) in the LPS-induced BV-2 cells. The results showed that compounds 6 and 12 significantly inhibited the production of the inflammatory mediator NO, with an inhibitory rate of 95.96 and 91.13% at a concentration of 50 µM, respectively.

Undescribed matrine-type alkaloids from Sophora alopecuroides with anti-inflammatory activity.

A phytochemical investigation on the alkaloid fractions of Sophora alopecuroides L. led to the production of 11 undescribed matrine-type alkaloids, sophaloseedlines I-S (1-11), 12 known analogs (12-23), and an unexpected artificial matrine-derived Al(III) complex (24). The corresponding structures were elucidated by the interpretation of spectroscopic analyses, quantum chemical calculation, and six instances (1-4, 18, and 24), verified by X-ray crystallography. The biological activities screening demonstrated that none of the isolates exhibited cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines (HepG2, A549, THP-1, and MCF-7) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at 50 µM, while moderate anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 value from 15.6 to 47.8 µM was observed. The key structure-activity relationships of those matrine-type alkaloids for anti-inflammatory effects have been summarized. In addition, the most potent 7-epi-sophoramine (19) and aluminum sophaloseedline T (24) could effectively inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß), as well as the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins.

Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Delphinium ajacis and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity.

Three novel diterpenoid alkaloids, comprising two C19 -diterpenoid alkaloids (1 and 2) and one C20 -diterpenoid alkaloid (3), were isolated from Delphinium ajacis, alongside the six known compounds (4-9). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (MS, UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical properties. Simultaneously, the anti-inflammatory properties of all compounds (1-9) was conducted, focusing on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced BV-2 cells. The results indicated compounds 1-3, 7, and 8 have potential anti-inflammatory activity.

Development of a machine learning-based model for predicting risk of early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the primary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, studies indicate that nearly 70% of patients experience HCC recurrence within five years following hepatectomy. The earlier the recurrence, the worse the prognosis. Current studies on postoperative recurrence primarily rely on postoperative pathology and patient clinical data, which are lagging. Hence, developing a new pre-operative prediction model for postoperative recurrence is crucial for guiding individualized treatment of HCC patients and enhancing their prognosis. AIM: To identify key variables in pre-operative clinical and imaging data using machine learning algorithms to construct multiple risk prediction models for early postoperative recurrence of HCC. METHODS: The demographic and clinical data of 371 HCC patients were collected for this retrospective study. These data were randomly divided into training and test sets at a ratio of 8:2. The training set was analyzed, and key feature variables with predictive value for early HCC recurrence were selected to construct six different machine learning prediction models. Each model was evaluated, and the best-performing model was selected for interpreting the importance of each variable. Finally, an online calculator based on the model was generated for daily clinical practice. RESULTS: Following machine learning analysis, eight key feature variables (age, intratumoral arteries, alpha-fetoprotein, pre-operative blood glucose, number of tumors, glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio, liver cirrhosis, and pre-operative platelets) were selected to construct six different prediction models. The XGBoost model outperformed other models, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the training, validation, and test datasets being 0.993 (95% confidence interval: 0.982-1.000), 0.734 (0.601-0.867), and 0.706 (0.585-0.827), respectively. Calibration curve and decision curve analysis indicated that the XGBoost model also had good predictive performance and clinical application value. CONCLUSION: The XGBoost model exhibits superior performance and is a reliable tool for predicting early postoperative HCC recurrence. This model may guide surgical strategies and postoperative individualized medicine.

Lindenane sesquiterpenoid dimers from Chloranthus holostegius with anti-neuroinflammatory activities in BV-2 microglia.

Fifteen undescribed lindenane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers, designated chloranholides F-T (1-15), together with twenty-five known analogs (16-40), were isolated from the whole plants of Chloranthus holostegius. The isolate structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and chemical methods, and their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystallography and electronic circular dichroism spectra. In anti-neuroinflammatory assays, all isolates were evaluated by examination of their inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells, and the results showed that 21-24, 26, 30, 32 and 36 significantly inhibited the production of the inflammatory mediator NO, with IC50 values ranging from 3.18 to 11.46 µM, which was better than that of quercetin. Structure-activity relationship analysis revealed that two essential functional groups played an indispensable role in the anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, 22 and 24 inhibited the LPS-induced upregulation of iNOS and COX-2 enzymes in BV-2 microglia at the protein level.

Sesquiterpenoids from the whole plants of Elephantopus mollis with cytotoxicity activities.

Five new sesquiterpenoids (1-5), elephantmollides A-E, along with four known compounds (6-9), were isolated from the whole plants of E. mollis. Their planar structures were elucidated using the spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, IR, UV, and NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY). The relative configurations of them were partially deduced by the NOESY experiment, and the absolute configurations were assigned by comparing the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) results with the experimental data. In addition, cytotoxic activities of 1-9 against HepG2 cells ware tested, and compounds 1-9 exhibited cytotoxic activities with IC50 values ranging from 6.7 to 25.8 µM.

Lycopodium Alkaloids from Huperzia serrata and Their Anti-acetylcholinesterase Activities.

One new fawcettimine-type alkaloid (1), one new miscellaneous-type alkaloid (2), four new lycodine-type alkaloids (3-6), and eight known ones (7-14) were isolated from the whole plants of Huperzia serrata. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on spectroscopic data, X-ray diffraction, ECD calculation and Mosher's method. Compound 1 was a rare C18 N2 -type Lycopodium alkaloid, possessing serratinine skeleton with an amide side chain in C-5. The absolute configuration of the 18-OH of compounds 4-6 were first determined by Mosher's method. Moreover, compounds 1-14 were assayed anti-acetylcholinesterase effect in vitro, and compound 7 showed significant anti-acetylcholinesterase activity with an IC50 value of 16.18±1.64 µM.

Undescribed phloroglucinol derivatives with antiviral activities from Dryopteris atrata (Wall. Ex Kunze) Ching.

Nine undescribed phloroglucinol derivatives (dryatraols A-I) with five different backbones and three known dimeric acylphloroglucinols were isolated from the rhizome of Dryopteris atrata (Wall. Ex Kunze) Ching (Dryopteridaceae). Dryatraol A contains an unprecedented carbon skeleton-a butyrylphloroglucinol and a rulepidanol-type sesquiterpene are linked via a furan ring to form a 6/5/6/6 ring system. Dryatraols B and C are the first examples of monomeric phloroglucinols coupled with the aristolane-type sesquiterpene through the C-C bond. Dryatraol D features a rare spiro [benzofuran-2',5″-furan] backbone. Dryatraols E-I are five undescribed adducts with a butyrylphloroglucinol or filicinic acid incorporated into the germacrene-type sesquiterpene via a pyran ring. These undescribed structures were determined by comprehensively analysing the spectroscopic data, X-ray diffraction results, and electronic circular dichroism calculations. The result of in vitro antiviral activity evaluation indicated that dryatraol C displayed the strongest antiviral effect against both respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A virus (H1N1), with IC50 values of 11.9 µM and 5.5 µM, respectively. Dryatraols F-H exhibited considerable inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), with IC50 values ranging from 2.6 to 6.3 µM. Analysis of the inhibitory mechanism using a time-of-addition assay revealed that dryatraol G may inhibit the replication of HSV-1 by interfering with the late stage of the viral life cycle.

Three new compounds isolated from the whole plants of Salsola collina pall.

One new alkaloid, 6, 7-dimethoxyisoquinoline-N-oxide (1), one new benzofuran derivative, 3,7-dimethyl-6-acetyl-8-benzofuranol (2) and one new lignan, salsolains A (3), along with seven known compounds (4-10), were isolated from the whole plant of Salsola collina Pall. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data (IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, 1 D and 2 D NMR), and their absolute configurations were determined by the X-ray crystallography and ECD calculation. The activities of compounds 1-10 against inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α levels on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were assessed, especially, compound 5 (50 µM) exhibited the most significant anti-inflammatory activity with the secretion levels of IL-6 and TNF-α at 3.87% and 4.03%, respectively.

Undescribed abietane-type diterpenoids and oleanane-type triterpenoids from the stem and branch of Tripterygium wilfordii.

Six undescribed abietane-type diterpenoids (tripterydinoids A-F) and five undescribed oleanane-type triterpenoids (tripterytrinoids A-E) were obtained and determined from the stem and branch of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (Celastraceae). Tripterydinoids A-C possessed the abietane-type diterpenoid skeleton with rare 8, 9-epoxy ring. The structures of undescribed compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic studies [HRESIMS, 1D/2D-NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation]. The absolute configurations of tripterydinoids A, B, E and tripterytrinoid A were defined by X-ray crystallographic analyses. Bioactivity screening indicated that tripterydinoids A-C exhibited potent inhibitory effects against NO release in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of 6.93, 4.46 and 2.98 µM, respectively. Meanwhile, tripterydinoids A-D and tripterytrinoids B, C showed moderate and selective cytotoxicities against five human tumor cell lines (A375, Huh7, MCF-7, HCT-116 and NCI-H460).

Two new clerodane diterpenoids and a new pyran-2-one derivative with anti-neuroinflammatory activities from Croton crassifolius.

Two new clerodane diterpenoids (1 and 2), a new pyran-2-one derivative (3), along with five known compounds (4‒8), were isolated from Croton crassifolius. Notably, crassifolin X (1) is a novel clerodane diterpenoid, characterized with a peculiar δ-lactone core being formed between C-1 and C-4. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, HRESIMS and NMR), and circular dichroism experiments. In addition, all compounds were evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory activities based on the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 levels on LPS-induced BV2 cells, and compounds 1‒3 and 5 showed potential anti-neuroinflammatory activity.

Diverse dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene derivatives from the stem and branch of Tripterygium wilfordii.

Ten new dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene polyol esters, tripterdines A-J (1-10) were isolated from the stem and branch of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR, and CD exciton chirality method. The structures of compounds 1, 3, and 6 were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analyses. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were assessed for all the compounds (1-10). Compounds 3, 5 and 10 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities with the secretion level of TNF-α ranging from 43.86% to 51.27%, and the IL-6 ranging from 32.44% to 50.64%. In addition, compounds 1, 3, 7 and 9 showed weak cytotoxicities against three human tumor cell lines (Huh7, MCF-7 and HCT-116).

Role of Perforating Artery Pedicled Neurotrophic Flap in the Treatment of Compound Tissue Defect of Tibia Using the Ilizarov Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with the combined use of pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis in the management of complex lower extremity injuries with composite bone and soft tissue defects and assess the functional and cosmetic results of this method. METHODS: A pedicled flap with a marked perforator artery was applied for soft tissue coverage after radical debridement and temporary external fixation. In the second stage, the Ilizarov external fixator was used in place of the temporary external fixator for reconstruction of the segmental bone defect by distraction osteogenesis. Twenty-five patients (16 men and nine women; mean age, 39.2 years) were treated by using this combined technique between 2008 and 2016. All cases were graded initially as Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIB open fractures. The soft tissue defect after radical debridement ranged from 9 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 11 cm, and the average size of segmental defect was 5.2 (Range, 2.5-8.5) cm. Seventeen of these patients had a history of local infection. The bone structure and function were evaluated by two independent evaluators using Paley's criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were followed up for an average of 28.96 (Range, 15-48) months. The distally based sural neurovascular flap was applied in 13 patients, and the greater saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flap in 12 patients. The flap area ranged from 10 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 12 cm. Sufficient coverage of soft tissue defect was achieved in all cases. All flaps survived completely without complications. The bone defects were corrected by a mean lengthening of 6.94 (Range, 4.5-9.5) cm. The residual discrepancy was <1 cm in all cases, which was not clinically significant. The function was evaluated as excellent in 12 patients and good in 13 patients. Bone results were graded as excellent in 18 patients and good in seven patients. Complications during treatment included pain, pin tract infections, ankle midfoot joint stiffness, and docking site nonunion. No recurrence of infection was observed in infected patients. All cases achieved successful limb salvage and satisfactory function recovery without recurrence of infection. CONCLUSIONS: The combined technique of a perforator artery pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis is an effective alternative approach in the salvage treatment of massively traumatized and chronically infected lower extremities.

Three new sesquiterpene lactones from the whole plants of Elephantopus scaber.

Three new sesquiterpene lactones, named scabertopinolides H - J (1 - 3), along with four known ones, desacylisodeoxyelephantopin 2-methylbutyrate (4), iso-17,19-dihydrodeoxyelephantopin (5), scabertopinolide D (6) and (2R,6R,7R,8S)-8-tigloyloxy-1(10),4(5),11(13)-germacratrien-2,15,6,12-diolide (7) were isolated from the whole plants of Elephantopus scaber. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data (including IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR) and single-crystal X-ray. These isolated compounds showed effective anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 6.27 ± 0.18 to 18.31 ± 1.38 µM.

Water-soluble matrine-type alkaloids with potential anti-neuroinflammatory activities from the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides.

A phytochemical investigation on the alkaloids from water-soluble part of Sophora alopecuroides led to obtain forty matrine-type alkaloids (1-40) including eighteen new ones (1-18), which covers almost all positions of the oxygen substitution in matrine-type structure. Notably, eight compounds (1-8) belong to rare bis-amide matrine-type alkaloid. The new structures were determined based on extensive spectroscopic data, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and six instances, verified by X-ray crystallography. Most of isolates showed anti-neuroinflammatory activities based on the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in BV2 microglia cells. Especially, compound 39 can suppress those two mediator secretions in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 21.6 ± 0.5 and 16.7 ± 0.8 µM, respectively. Further mechanistic study revealed that 39 suppressed the phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 subunit to regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Stilbene dimer xylosides and flavanols from the roots of Lysidice rhodostegia and their antioxidant activities.

Eight new stilbene dimer xylosides (1-8) and one new flavanol (9), along with seven known ones (10-16) were isolated from the roots of Lysidice rhodostegia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data (IR, UV, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR), ECD calculations and acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1-16 were evaluated for their antioxidant activities using DPPH radical-scavenging assay. Especially, compounds 9 and 10 exhibited stronger antioxidant effects than the positive control (vitamin E), with IC50 values of 9.57 ± 1.30 and 13.60 ± 1.47 µM, respectively.

Five matrine-type alkaloids from Sophora tonkinensis.

Five matrine-type alkaloids (1‒5) including two new compounds (1 and 3) and a new natural product (2) were isolated from the roots of Sophora tonkinesis. Their structures were identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, HRESIMS and NMR). The absolute configurations of 2 and 3 were determined by X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1‒5 were evaluated their activity against inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, and compound 1 showed the most significant activity, potent than that of matrine, the representative ingredient from Sophora plants.