The efficacy and safety of trastuzumab and albumin-bound paclitaxel with or without pyrotinib as neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer: a prospective observational cohort study.

Background: In the past few years, the combination of trastuzumab and paclitaxel has become an important option for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can bring clinical benefit to HER2-positive breast cancer patients. However, the efficacy and safety of these two regimens have not been compared. This study explored the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib combined with trastuzumab and albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel). Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer treated at The Tumor Hospital of Mudanjiang City from November 2020 to June 2022 were included. The control group received pertuzumab in combination with nab-paclitaxel, whereas the pyrotinib group received pyrotinib in combination with pertuzumab and nab-paclitaxel as treatment, in a 3-week cycle for 4 cycles. The primary endpoints of this study were total pathological complete response (tpCR) rate, breast pathological complete response (bpCR) rate, and the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and the occurrence of adverse events (AEs). Results: A total of 72 patients were enrolled in the study and completed the study treatment. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between these two arms. In the control group, the tPCR rate was 23.68%, and the bpCR rate was 47.36%. In the pyrotinib group, the tPCR rate was 47.06%, and the bpCR rate was 64.71%. The tPCR rate in the pyrotinib group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=0.049). The ORR in the pyrotinib group (67.65%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (42.11%, P=0.04 ). The median PFS (mPFS) for the control group was 9.24 months, with a mean PFS of 10.01±0.44 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.14-10.88 months]. In the pyrotinib group, mPFS was 9.74 months, with a mean PFS of 11.25±0.29 months (95% CI: 10.67-11.82 months). The PFS in the pyrotinib group was significantly longer than that in the control group (P=0.045). Safety results showed that the overall incidence of AEs in the control group was 68.42%, with a 3-grade adverse reaction rate of 21.05%. In the pyrotinib group, the overall incidence of AEs was 79.41%, with a 3-grade adverse reaction rate of 29.41%. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Pyrotinib group in neoadjuvant treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer has obvious short-term efficacy advantages over control group. This treatment regimen can prolong PFS for 1 year, and the safety during medication is controllable. This study still has some limitations, with the relatively small sample size and relatively short follow-up period, and a further large-scale, multicenter, randomized controlled trial is necessary to verify the clinical value of this dual-target treatment regimen.

Lower Reoperation Rate and Superior Patient-reported Outcome Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair with Concomitant Acromioplasty: An Updated Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: This study aims to systematically assess the postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs with or without concomitant acromioplasty through a rigorous systematic review of randomized controlled trial s (RCTs). METHODS: This systematic review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, aimed to identify RCTs comparing clinical outcomes of patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty versus those without at a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2). Meta-analysis was conducted for outcomes with at least three studies reporting, with pooled effect estimates calculated using either fixed-effect or random-effects models based on heterogeneity levels. Results were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For outcomes with fewer than three studies reporting, a Fisher exact test was conducted, with continuity correction applied if necessary. Primary outcomes include rates of retear and reoperation, while secondary outcomes included improvement in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, range of motion (ROM), and complication rate. RESULTS: Five high-quality RCTs, with low bias risk, involving 409 patients, revealed demographics of 58.4% males, mean age 58.4 years, and acromion types: 12.2% type I, 70.7% type II, and 17.1% type III. Mean follow-up was 52.2 months. Retear (12.5% versus 16.1%, P = 0.536) and complication rates (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 0.31-30.73; P=0.33) were comparable between the two groups. However, reoperation rate (5.3% versus 15.9%, P < 0.001) and improvement in ASES score (WMD, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.00-6.99; P=0.009) favored the acromioplasty group. Both groups showed significant improvements in ROM, but insufficient data prevented a comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty demonstrated similar rates of retear and complications, but a significantly lower reoperation rate and superior improvement in ASES score. The available data were insufficient to draw a definitive conclusion regarding ROM. This conclusion is fragile due to a limited sample size.

Prognostic factors for recurrent instability in recreational athletes following arthroscopic Bankart repair: a retrospective study with an average 4.1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Extensive research has been conducted to investigate the short-term and long-term outcomes of arthroscopic Bankart repair, yielding varying results across different populations. However, there remains a dearth of studies specifically focused on evaluating outcomes in recreational athletes. METHODS: A retrospective case series study was conducted on recreational athletes who underwent isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2013 and 2021. The primary outcome assessed was recurrent instability, defined as dislocation or subluxation. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, rates of returning to the same sports (RTS) and RTS at preinjury level, and patient-reported outcomes. Evaluation of the Rowe score, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and VAS pain score were performed. Prognostic factors for recurrent instability, including demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the labrum were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 191 patients met the selection criteria, with 150 (78.5%) available for the final follow-up. Recurrent instability occurred in 10.7% of patients, with a mean follow-up duration of 4.1 years. Younger age at surgery and more critical glenoid bone loss were significantly associated with recurrent instability (p = .038 and p = .011, respectively). The satisfaction rate regarding surgery was 90.0%. Rates of return to the same sports (RTS) and RTS at preinjury level were 82.0% and 49.3%, respectively. Clinical outcomes measured at the final follow-up were as follows: Rowe score - 92.8; Constant score - 98.0; ASES score - 98.3; VAS pain score - 0.2. Patients with recurrent instability had significantly inferior outcomes in terms of satisfaction rate, RTS at preinjury level rate, Rowe score, and Constant score (p = .000, p = .039, p = .000, and p = .015, respectively). A total of thirty-seven patients underwent MRI examination six months after surgery in our institution. The T2-weighted anterior labrum morphology was found to be poorer in patients with recurrent instability. No significant difference was observed between patients with or without recurrent instability in terms of anterior Slope, anterior labral glenoid height index (LGHI), inferior Slope, inferior LGHI, and T2-weighted inferior labrum morphology. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic Bankart repair can yield satisfactory medium-term outcomes for recreational athletes. Younger age at surgery, more critical glenoid bone loss, and poorer T2-weighted anterior labrum morphology assessed six months postoperatively were significantly associated with recurrent instability.

Low-temperature oxidative removal of benzene from the air using titanium carbide (MXene)-Supported platinum catalysts.

MXenes are an emerging class of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic materials with great potential for versatile applications such as adsorption and catalysis. Here, we describe the synthesis of a platinized titanium carbide MXene (Pt@Ti3C2) catalyst with varying amounts of platinum (0.1%-2 wt.%) for the low-temperature oxidation of benzene, an aromatic volatile organic compound often found in industrial flue gas. A 1% formulation of Pt@Ti3C2-R allowed near-complete (97%) oxidation of benzene to CO2 at 225 °C with a steady-state reaction rate (r) of 0.119 mol g-1·h-1. This low-temperature catalytic oxidation reaction was promoted by an increase in the lattice oxygen (O*)/Pt2+ species (active sites) of 1%Pt@Ti3C2-R from 45.3/34.6% to 71.0/61.1% through pre-thermal reduction under H2 flow, as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy analyses. The cataltyic activity of 1% Pt@Ti3C2-R against benzene was assessed under the control of the key process variables (e.g., catalyst mass, flow rate, benzene concentration, relative humidity, and time-on-stream) to help optimize the oxidation reaction process. The results provide new insights into the use of platinum-based 2D MXene catalysts for low-temperature oxidative removal of benzene from the air.

SIRT6 Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Injury by Inhibiting MyD88-ERK Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of synovial joints, abnormal immune responses and chronic inflammatory manifestations, which seriously affects patients' well-being. We explored this study to ascertain the effect and mechanism of silent information regulator 6 (SIRT6) on RA. METHODS: Genes of RA patients and normal volunteers were analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Kyoto-Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Disconet databases. Serum samples of RA patients and normal subjects were collected before detection of myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway proteins expression with Western blot. In vitro RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) cell model (RA-FLS) was established by treating RSC-364 with recombinant rat IL-1ß (10 ng/mL) after which SIRT6 and MyD88 adenoviruses treatment was carried out. The enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA), real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were respectively used to measure inflammatory factors, related messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expressions. Also, we constructed RA rat model with bovine type II collagen (BIIC) and complete Freund's adjuvant, before treatment with SIRT6 and MyD88 adenoviruses. RESULTS: Low expression of SIRT6 gene were detected in RA patients. Also, levels of MyD88, ERK and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (p-ERK) protein expressions in RA patients were increased, whilst that of SIRT6 protein decreased. Compared to FLS cells in Control group, inflammatory factors levels of rats in Model batch increased significantly. SIRT6 adenovirus treatment potentially and significantly inhibited inflammation including suppression of increased inflammatory factors induced by MyD88. In comparison with FLS cells in Control group, Model batch cells' MyD88, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-21, IL-22, IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expressions increased but SIRT6 gene treatment could reduce mRNA expression of the aforesaid factors, even after MyD88 adenovirus treatment. Besides, overpressed SIRT6 negatively regulated levels of MyD88, ERK and p-ERK proteins expressions. SIRT6 demonstrated anti-RA effect by regulating MyD88-ERK pathway and inhibiting inflammatory response in RA rats. CONCLUSIONS: SIRT6 could potentially inhibit the inflammatory response of RA via a regulatory mechanism mainly relating to MyD88-ERK signal pathway. Thus, SIRT6 and its agonists may serve as new targets for developing drugs that can potentially treat RA.

Construction of chrysophanol loaded nanoparticles with N-octyl-O-sulfate chitosan for enhanced nephroprotective effect.

Natural occurring anthraquinone like chrysophanol has been studied because of its anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties. Nonetheless, its poor water solubility and unstable nature are big concerns in achieving efficient delivery and associated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects. Herein, this study sought to solve the above-mentioned problem through development of chrysophanol-loaded nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability of chrysophanol and to evaluate its anti-renal fibrosis effect in rats. After synthesis of a safe N-octyl-O-sulfate chitosan, we used it to prepare chrysophanol-loaded nanoparticles through dialysis technique before we performed and physical characterization. Also, we tested the stability of the nanoparticles for 21 days at 4 °C and room temperature (25 °C) and evaluated their pharmacokinetics and anti-renal fibrosis effect in rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In terms of results, the nano-preparation demonstrated an acceptable narrow size distribution, wherein the encapsulation rate, size, polydispersed index (PDI) and electrokinetic potential at room temperature were respectively 83.41±0.89 %, 364.88±13.62 nm, 0.192±0.015 and 23.78±1.39 mV. During 21 days of storage, we observed that size of particles and electrokinetic potential altered slightly but the difference was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Also, in vitro release studies showed that the formulation reached 84.74 % at 24 h. Chrysophanol nanoparticles showed a 2.57-fold increase in bioavailability compared to unformulated chrysophanol. More importantly, chrysophanol nanoparticles demonstrated certain renal internalization properties and anti-renal fibrosis effects, which could ultimately result in reduced blood-urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney-injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels in model rats. In conclusion, the prepared chrysophanol-loaded nanoparticles potentially increased bioavailability and enhanced nephroprotective effects of chrysophanol.

7-Methoxy-13-dehydroxypaxilline: New indole diterpenoid from an endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. Nb 19.

ABSTACTA chemical investigation of the endophyte Penicillium sp. Nb 19, isolated from leaves of the traditionally medical plant Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek., yielded one new indole diterpenoid, 7-methoxy-13-dehydroxypaxilline (1) together with seven known metabolites (2-8). The obtained structure of compound 1 was elucidated by its spectroscopic data. In addition, the absolute configuration of compound 6 was confirmed by ECD for the first time. Compounds 1-6 were evaluated for antitumor activity against MCF-7, HepG2, and HCCC-9810 cell lines.

Fabrication of Robust Superhydrophobic Polyester Fabrics with Photothermal Conversion and Oil-Water Separation Performance through Deposition of Natural Polyphenols.

Superhydrophobic polyester (PET) fabrics were created by increasing fabric surface roughness and decreasing surface energy through interactions between natural polyphenols, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane. The superhydrophobic fabric can be obtained with different natural polyphenols, including tannic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, guaiacol, and caffeic acid. Durability tests were carried out on the superhydrophobic PET fabric, investigating resistance to washing, rubbing, UV aging, acids, alkalis, and organic reagents. The results demonstrate the stability and versatility of modified PET in complex environments. The modified superhydrophobic PET fabric exhibited exceptional oil-water separation and self-cleaning properties, exhibiting a water contact angle of 161.3° and a sliding angle of 4°. In addition, the modified fabric demonstrated a remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency, with the surface temperature increasing from 29.1 to 72 °C in 300 s, and it maintained a degree of photothermal conversion capability even upon completion of four cycles. This study offers novel perspectives on extending the utilization of natural polyphenols for constructing durable, robust, and multifunctional superhydrophobic fabrics.

Proliferation Inhibitory Activity of Quinones from Blaps rynchopetera Defense Secretion on Colorectal Tumor Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the proliferation inhibitory effect of quinones from Blaps rynchopetera defense secretion on colorectal tumor cell lines. METHODS: Human colorectal cancer cell HT-29, human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell Caco-2 and normal human colon epithelial cell CCD841 were chosen for the evaluation of inhibitory activity of the main quinones of B. rynchopetera defense secretion, including methyl p-benzoquinone (MBQ), ethyl p-benzoquinone (EBQ), and methyl hydroquinone (MHQ), through methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The tumor-related factors, cell cycles, related gene expressions and protein levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assy, flow cytometry, RT-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: MBQ, EBQ, and MHQ could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Caco-2, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 7.04 ± 0.88, 10.92 ± 0.32, 9.35 ± 0.83, HT-29, with IC50 values of 14.90 ± 2.71, 20.50 ± 6.37, 13.90 ± 1.30, and CCD841, with IC50 values of 11.40 ± 0.68, 7.02 ± 0.44 and 7.83 ± 0.05 µg/mL, respectively. Tested quinones can reduce the expression of tumor-related factors tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6 in HT-29 cells, selectively promote apoptosis, and regulate the cell cycle which can reduce the proportion of cells in the G1 phase and increase the proportion of the S phase. Meanwhile, tested quinones could up-regulate mRNA and protein expression of GSK-3ß and APC, while down-regulate that of ß-catenin, Frizzled1, c-Myc, and CyclinD1 in the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway of HT-29 cells. CONCLUSION: Quinones from B. rynchopetera defense secretion could inhibit the proliferation of colorectal tumor cells and reduce the expression of related factors, which would be functioned by regulating cell cycle, selectively promoting apoptosis, and affecting Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related mRNA and protein expressions.

Application of symptom-based mind mapping combined with PBL teaching method in emergency trauma standardized resident training in MDT model.

Explore the feasibility and effectiveness of accepting mind mapping combined with problem-based learning (PBL) teaching method in the standardized training of emergency surgery residents in the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) model of emergency trauma. Eighty-nine doctors under training who rotated in the Department of Emergency Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and randomly divided into a group receiving mind mapping combined with PBL teaching and a group receiving traditional lecture-based learning teaching. Mini-clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX), direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), teaching adherence, and satisfaction assessments were completed at the time of discharge from the department. There were no significant differences between the observation and control group trainees in terms of gender, age, education, and entry grades. Both groups of doctors were better able to participate in their respective teaching modes and made significant progress. The participants in the observation group had significantly higher Mini-CEX, DOPS, and teaching satisfaction scores than the control group (P < .05). Under the MDT model of emergency trauma, the combination of mind mapping and PBL teaching can improve the comprehensive clinical ability of the trainees more than participating in the traditional lecture-based learning teaching, which is worth promoting and implementing in the clinical standardized training.

Cytotoxicity and molecular-docking approach of a new rosane-type diterpenoid from the roots of Euphorbia nematocypha.

A new rosane-type diterpenoid (1) along with nine known diterpenoids (2-10), were isolated from the dried roots of Euphorbia nematocypha. The absolute configuration was elucidated from spectroscopic (nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and electronic circular dichroism) and optical-rotation analyses. Cytotoxicity and the ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals were determined. Compound 1 showed remarkable cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines (HeLa, CT26, and HCC 1806) in vitro. The interaction between compound 1 and proteins of ribosomal S6 kinase was revealed using molecular docking and provided valuable insights into the cytotoxic mechanism of action of compound 1. The latter could be developed as a pharmaceutical agent in the future.

Inhibition of CSPG receptor PTPσ promotes migration of newly born neuroblasts, axonal sprouting, and recovery from stroke.

In addition to neuroprotective strategies, neuroregenerative processes could provide targets for stroke recovery. However, the upregulation of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) impedes innate regenerative efforts. Here, we examine the regulatory role of PTPσ (a major proteoglycan receptor) in dampening post-stroke recovery. Use of a receptor modulatory peptide (ISP) or Ptprs gene deletion leads to increased neurite outgrowth and enhanced NSCs migration upon inhibitory CSPG substrates. Post-stroke ISP treatment results in increased axonal sprouting as well as neuroblast migration deeply into the lesion scar with a transcriptional signature reflective of repair. Lastly, peptide treatment post-stroke (initiated acutely or more chronically at 7 days) results in improved behavioral recovery in both motor and cognitive functions. Therefore, we propose that CSPGs induced by stroke play a predominant role in the regulation of neural repair and that blocking CSPG signaling pathways will lead to enhanced neurorepair and functional recovery in stroke.

Enhancing production of hydrocarbon-rich bio-oil from biomass via catalytic fast pyrolysis coupled with advanced oxidation process pretreatment.

This study aims to propose a method for upgrading biomass pyrolysis products based on the combination of sodium persulfate pretreatment and fast catalytic pyrolysis. Combined with the analysis of components and thermogravimetric analysis, the result showed that after pretreatment the biomass structure was gradually depolymerized, the contents of lignin, the reaction of activation energy and the crystallinity of cellulose decreased. Due to the destructive effect of persulfate radicals, in fast pyrolysis, the relative contents of acids and oxygen-containing substances decreased, and the relative content of phenols can significantly increase to 19.20%. The yield of aromatic hydrocarbons and total hydrocarbons had a high value under the catalytic pyrolysis in the best performance which amount of yield reached 28.66% and 33.72%, respectively. Sodium persulfate pretreatment was beneficial in the production of hydrocarbon-rich bio-oils and high-value chemicals since the radicals can effectively depolymerize lignin which promoted the process of pyrolysis.

Effect of dimethyl alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation on the in vitro developmental competences of ovine oocytes.

The supplementation of dimethyl alpha-ketoglutarate (DMKG) during the in vitro maturation (IVM) process has been shown to improve the in vitro developmental competences of porcine oocytes. Here, the effects of DMKG supplementation in IVM medium on the development competencies of ovine oocytes were investigated by analyzing the nuclear maturation rate to metaphase II (MII) stage, ATP synthesis, cortical granules (CGs) dynamic, F-actin polymerization, mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, intracellular glutathione (GSH) production, DNA damage, cellular apoptosis, fertilization capacity and blastocyst development potential of ovine oocytes. In addition, the oxidative stress damage model induced by H2O2 treatment was applied to confirm the antioxidative effect of DMKG supplementation on the development of ovine oocytes. The results showed that compared with MII oocytes without DMKG supplementation (Control group), 3 mM DMKG supplementation during IVM significantly (P < 0.05) increased nuclear maturation rate, ATP synthesis, CGs dynamic, F-actin polymerization, mitochondrial activity, GSH production and embryonic developmental competence and decreased ROS production, mitochondrial damage, DNA damage and cellular apoptosis level of ovine MII oocytes. Moreover, the reductions in the developmental competences of ovine MII oocytes caused by H2O2 induced oxidative stress damages were effectively ameliorated by the co-supplementation in IVM of 3 mM DMKG (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate the promising effect of DMKG supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence of ovine oocytes via the reduction of oxidative stress damages and indicates further research into the clinical applications of DMKG and the development of ovine breeding technologies is warranted.

A new cytotoxic indole alkaloid from the fungus Penicillium polonicum TY12.

A new dimeric monoterpene indole alkaloid polonidine A (1), along with five known compounds, cyclopenol (2), verrucosidin (3), fructigenine A (4), 3-O-methylviridicatin (5) and aurantiomides C (6), were isolated from Penicillium polonicum TY12. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities and moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with MIC of 4.0 µg/mL.

A new tremulane sesquiterpene from Irpex lacteus by solid-state fermentation.

A new tremulane sesquiterpene, lactedine (1), along with seven known tremulane sesquiterpenes (2-8) and one known triterpene (9) were isolated from the fungus Irpex lacteus. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data and DP4+ probability analyses.

Bioactive cytochalasans from the fungus Arthrinium arundinis DJ-13.

The investigation of the metabolites from Arthrinium arundinis DJ-13 grown in solid medium revealed six undescribed cytochalasans, arundisins A-F and twelve known compounds. Their structures were initially investigated in detail by spectroscopic analyses and were further confirmed by X-crystallography and ECD experiments. In the in vitro bioassays, arundisins A and B showed cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with IC50 values of 18.82 ± 0.36 and 15.20 ± 0.42 µM, respectively. Arundisin F exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with MIC of 8.00 µg/mL (kanamycin, 2.00 µg/mL), and arundisin D displayed gently antibacterial activity against Candida albicans with MIC of 32.00 µg/mL (Nystatin, 1.00 µg/mL).

Bioactive sesterterpenoids from the fungus Penicillium roqueforti YJ-14.

Seven previously undescribed sesterterpenes were characterized from Penicillium roqueforti YJ-14 by solid fermentation. Their structures were initially investigated in detail by spectroscopic analyses and HR-ESI-MS and were further confirmed by X-crystallography. In in vitro bioassays, compounds 1, 5 and 7 showed cytotoxic activity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with IC50 values of 7.98 ±â€¯0.93, 6.42 ±â€¯0.41 and 7.32 ±â€¯0.18 µM, respectively. Compounds 5 and 7 displayed significant cytotoxicity against the A549 lung cancer cell line (IC50 values of 4.83 ±â€¯0.22 µM and 4.58 ±â€¯0.85 µM, respectively). In addition, compound 5 showed an obvious inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 9.53 ±â€¯0.16 µM.

Four new phenanthrene derivatives from Bulbophyllum retusiusculum.

Three new dihydrophenanthrenes, retusiusine D (1), retusiusine E (2), retusiusine F (3), and a new phenanthrene retusiusine G (4), together with two known dihydrophenanthrenes 4,7-dihydroxy-2,3-methylenedioxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (5) and epemeranthol-A (6) were isolated from the tubers of Bulbophyllum retusiusculum. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against SMMC-7721 and weak cytotoxic activities against HL-60. Compound 4 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against SMMC-7721 and MCF-7.

Chrysophanol inhibits the osteoglycin/mTOR and activats NF2 signaling pathways to reduce viability and proliferation of malignant meningioma cells.

Chrysophanol shows promising antitumor activity, but how it may work against malignant meningioma is poorly understood. In addition, osteoglycin (OGN) may help mediate the antitumor effects of chrysophanol; thus, this study investigated the potential antitumor mechanism of chrysophanol in malignant meningioma cultures. Meningioma cell line HBL-52 were incubated with varying doses of chrysophanol (0-90 µM) for different time points, and osteoglycin (OGN) was overexpressed or inhibited in some cell cultures to assess its roles. Cell viability was quantified using the CCK8 assay and colony formation assays, while effects on cell cycle distribution and apoptotic rates were examined by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect histone DNA levels. Caspase-3 and -9 activities were detected by related commercial kits. Protein expression was assessed using Western blotting. Chrysophanol significantly reduced HBL-52 cell viability, based on reduced colony formation, and proliferation, based on low levels of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining revealed a 30% increase in apoptotic cells at 90 µM chrysophanol (33.7% vs 3.3% in control cultures). Chrysophanol treatment greatly decreased the Bcl-2/Bax expression ratio and increased the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and -9, and the activities of caspase-3 and -9. Chrysophanol blocked cells in G1 phase and inhibited the OGN/mTOR signaling cascade, but activated neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) cascade. OGN overexpression activated mTOR, down-regulated NF2, and partially reversed growth inhibition by chrysophanol. Chrysophanol may be useful as a treatment against malignant meningioma by inhibiting OGN/mTOR signaling and activating NF2 signaling.