Cooperative Rh/Achiral Phosphoric Acid-Enabled [3+3] Cycloannulation of Carbonyl Ylides with Quinone Monoimines: Synthesis of Benzofused Dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane Scaffolds.

A cooperative Rh/achiral phosphoric acid-enabled [3+3] cycloaddition of in situ-generated carbonyl ylides with quinone monoimines has been developed. With the ability to build up the molecular complexity rapidly and efficiently, this method furnishes highly functionalized oxa-bridged benzofused dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane scaffolds bearing two quaternary centers in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. Moreover, the utility of the current method was demonstrated by gram-scale synthesis and elaboration of the products into various functionalized oxa-bridged heterocycles.

Identification and validation of m6A-associated ferroptosis genes in renal clear cell carcinoma.

Urinary cancer is synonymous with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Unfortunately, existing treatments for this illness are ineffective and unpromising. Finding novel ccRCC biomarkers is crucial to creating successful treatments. The Cancer Genome Atlas provided clear cell renal cell carcinoma transcriptome data. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on ccRCC and control samples' differentially expressed N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation and ferroptosis-related genes (DEMFRGs). Machine learning was used to find and model ccRCC patients' predicted genes. A nomogram was created for clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients. Prognostic genes were enriched. We examined patients' immune profiles by risk score. Our prognostic genes predicted ccRCC treatment drugs. We found 37 DEMFRGs by comparing 1913 differentially expressed ccRCC genes to 202 m6A RNA methylation FRGs. Functional enrichment analysis showed that hypoxia-induced cell death and metabolism pathways were the most differentially expressed methylation functional regulating genes. Five prognostic genes were found by machine learning: TRIB3, CHAC1, NNMT, EGFR, and SLC1A4. An advanced renal cell carcinoma nomogram with age and risk score accurately predicted the outcome. These five prognostic genes were linked to various cancers. Immunological cell number and checkpoint expression differed between high- and low-risk groups. The risk model successfully predicted immunotherapy outcome, showing high-risk individuals had poor results. NIACIN, TAE-684, ROCILETINIB, and others treat ccRCC. We found ccRCC prognostic genes that work. This discovery may lead to new ccRCC treatments.

Efficient assembly and anti-tumor evaluation of novel polycyclic [1,2-a]-fused indoles.

Structurally diverse cyclopenta[4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles heterocycles were smoothly constructed in good to excellent yields (up to 99 %) with excellent diastereoselectivities (>19:1 dr) through a novel and facile strategy based on BF3-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation/Aldol/Dehydrative cyclization cascade reaction. The anti-proliferative activity of these newly synthesized polycyclic indoles was screened, and all the functionalized reductive derivatives exhibited favorable anti-tumor activity. Notably, compound 4ae displayed the remarkable inhibitory activity against MCF-7 and HeLa cells with IC50 values of 4.62 µM and 7.71 µM, respectively. Mechanistically, the representative compound 4ae could effectively induce apoptosis of MCF-7 cells in crediting to up-regulate the relative expression of apoptotic protein BAX/Bcl-2, subsequently activate Pro-caspase 9 and cleave PARP, simultaneously block the cell cycle through down- and up-regulate the expression of cyclin B1 and p53, respectively. Moreover, compound 4ae also exhibited promising antineoplastic efficacy in subcutaneous MCF-7 xenograft mice which manifest significant shrunken tumors conspicuous nuclear apoptotic signal and minimal systemic toxicity. This strategy not only established a novel and efficient method for the assembly of structurally complex indole heterocycles, but also provided a series of compounds possessing attractive anti-cancer activity, which holds immense potential for future biomedical applications.

Sesquiterpenoids from Carpesium abrotanoides and their anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo.

Twenty-nine sesquiterpenoids, including pseudoguaiane-type (1-11), eudesmane-type (12-23), and carabrane-type (24-29), have been identified from the plant Carpesium abrotanoides. Of them, compounds 1-4, 12-15, and 24-27, namely carpabrotins A-L, are twelve previously undescribed ones. Compound 3 possessed a pseudoguaiane backbone with a rearrangement modification at C-11, C-12 and C-13, while compound 4 suffered a carbon bond break between the C-4 and C-5 to form a rare 4,5-seco-pseudoguaiane lactone. Compounds 1-3, 5, 13-16 and 25-27 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 values less than 40 µM, while compounds 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, 16, and 25-27 showed significant inhibitory activity comparable to that of dexamethasone. The anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) effects of compounds 5 and 16 were tested according to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in KM mice, and the results revealed that the major products 5 and 16 improved the histological features of AD-like skin lesions and mast cell infiltration in mice. This study suggested that sesquiterpenoids in C. abrotanoides should play a key role in its anti-inflammatory use.

Two highly conjugated ergosterols from the fungus Psathyrella rogueiana and their anti-inflammatory activity.

Two previously undescribed ergosterols containing a highly conjugated ring system, psathrosterols A and B (1 and 2), have been isolated from the fungus Psathyrella rogueiana. Their structures with absolute configurations were established by extensive spectroscopic methods, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activity against NO production with IC50 values of 22.3 and 16.4 µM, respectively.

Penisimplicins A and B: Novel Polyketide-Peptide Hybrid Alkaloids from the Fungus Penicillium simplicissimum JXCC5.

In this study, two previously undescribed nitrogen-containing compounds, penisimplicins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Penicillium simplicissimum JXCC5. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of 2 was determined by Marfey's method, ECD calculation, and DP4+ analysis. Both structures of 1 and 2 feature an unprecedented manner of amino acid-derivatives attaching to a polyketide moiety by C-C bond. The postulated biosynthetic pathways for 1 and 2 were discussed. Additionally, compound 1 exhibited significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 6.35 µM.

Boerelasins A-D, Four Unprecedented Cytochalasins from the Endophytic Fungus Boeremia Exigua.

Four undescribed cytochalasins (1-4) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Boeremia exigua. Structurally, boerelasin A (1) represents the first example of a cytochalasin with a rare 5/5 bicyclic carbon core. Boerelasin B (2) possesses an unprecedented 5/6/5/6/8 pentacyclic ring system. Boerelasin C (3), a derivative from the common biosynthetic intermediate to 1, is a macrocyclic ring-opening cytochalasin, and boerelasin D (4) contains an uncommon six-carbon alkyl acid side chain. The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods, electronic circular dichroism, spin-spin coupling constants, and calculated nuclear magnetic resonance with DP4+ analysis. These compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the tumor cells.

Triquinane Sesquiterpene Glycosides from the Basidiomycete Antrodiella zonata.

In our ongoing study of fungal bioactive natural products, 12 previously undescribed triquinane sesquiterpene glycosides, namely, antrodizonatins A-L (1-12), and four known compounds (13-16) have been obtained from the fermentation of the basidiomycete Antrodiella zonata. The structures were established unambiguously via extensive spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations of electronic circular dichroism spectra. This is the first report of triquinane sesquiterpene glycosides. Compounds 1, 5, and 12 displayed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC50 values of 35, 34, and 69 µM, respectively.

Prevalence and distribution of acute gastrointestinal illness in the community of China: a population-based face-to-face survey, 2014-2015.

BACKGROUND: The true incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness in China is underrecognized by surveillance systems. The aims of this study were to estimate the incidence and prevalence of self-reported AGI in the community of China, and to investigate sociodemographic and epidemiological determinants of AGI. METHODS: We conducted a 12-months cross-sectional population-based survey in eight provinces of China during 2014-2015. The survey determined the prevalence and incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in the total permanent resident population in China according to the census of the population in 2010. The random multilevel population sample was stratified by geographic, population, and socioeconomic status. We used a recommended case definition of AGI, with diarrhea (three loose or watery stools) and/or any vomiting in a four-week recall. A face-to-face survey was conducted by selecting the member in the household with the most recent birthday. RESULTS: Among 56,704 sampled individuals, 948 (1,134 person-time) fulfilled the case definition; 98.5% reported diarrhea. This corresponds to 2.3% (95% CI:1.9%-2.8%) of an overall standardized four-week prevalence and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.23-0.34) episodes per person-year of annual adjusted incidence rate. There was no significant difference between males and females. The incidence rates were higher among urban residents, and in the spring and summer. In the whole study period, 50% of the cases sought medical care, of which 3.9% were hospitalized and 14.3% provided a biological sample for laboratory identification of the causative agent. Children aged 0-4 and young adults aged 15-24, people living in rural areas and people who traveled frequently had higher prevalence of AGI. CONCLUSION: Results showed that AGI represents a substantial burden in China, and will contribute to the estimation of the global burden of AGI. Complemented with data on the etiologies of AGI, these estimates will form the basis to estimate the burden of foodborne diseases in China.

Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Characterization of Clinical Listeria monocytogenes Isolates in China, 2013-2019.

Invasive listeriosis is a rare but serious foodborne disease that causes maternal-neonatal, central nervous system, and bloodstream infections. The aim of this study was to assess the whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based genetic diversity of clinical Listeria monocytogenes isolates over a 7-year period and prove the effect of WGS application in food vehicle investigation. A total of 360 isolates were recovered during 2013 and 2019 through the national listeriosis special surveillance program. Two hundred twenty-six isolates (62.8%) were associated with pregnancy. All isolates belonged to lineage I (214 isolates) or lineage II (146 isolates), with 4 serogroups (46.9% IIb, 39.7% IIa, 12.5% IVb, and 0.8% IIc). All isolates were in 25 clonal complexes (CCs) and 3 singletons, with CC87, CC8, and CC5 being the most common causes of human listeriosis. All clinical isolates were positive for Listeria pathogenicity island 1 (LIPI-1), LIPI-3 was present in 21.4% of isolates and LIPI-4 was detected in 29.2% of isolates. LIPI-4-positive isolates, including CC87, sequence type (ST)619, ST382, CC4, and CC2, have been shown to confer hypervirulence. Fifteen isolates harbored at least one antimicrobial encoding gene, including tet (M), mef (A), msr (D), and dfr (G). The sublineage designations were consistent with CC designations, and 215 distinct cgMLST types (CTs) were classified, the most abundant being CT58 and CT750. In summary, there is a high level of genetic diversity among the clinical isolates. WGS has strengthened listeriosis surveillance and will be implemented for other foodborne bacteria in the National Molecular Tracing Network for Foodborne Disease.

A new dimeric (-)-5-methylmellein from cultures of the basidiomycete Inonotus sinensis.

(-)-5-Methylmellein (1) and its new dimer (2) were isolated from cultures of the basidiomycete Inonotus sinensis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, HR-EI-MS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR. The structure of Compound 2 was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compound 2 was tested for the cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines.

A new chamigrane sesquiterpene from the basidiomycete Antrodiella albocinnamomea.

One new chamigrane sesquiterpene, antroalbol A (1), was isolated from the cultures of the higher fungus Antrodiella albocinnamomea. Its structure was established by means of spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by single crystal x-ray diffraction analysis. The compound was evaluated for its cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines, but no significant cytotoxicity was found.

Two New Compounds from the Fungus Xylaria nigripes.

In the process of discovering more neural-system-related bioactive compounds from Xylaria nigripes, xylariamino acid A (1), a new amino acid derivative, and a new isovaleric acid phenethyl ester (2) were isolated and identified. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by analyses of IR, HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopic data, and gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculation, as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects against damage to PC12 cells by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Compounds 1 and 2 can increase the viability of OGD-induced PC12 cells at all tested concentrations. Moreover, compound 2 (1 µmol L-1) can significantly reduce the percentage of apoptotic cells.

New Phenolic Dimers from Plant Paeonia suffruticosa and Their Cytotoxicity and NO Production Inhibition.

The Paeonia suffruticosa, known as 'Feng Dan', has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. In our chemical investigation on the root bark of the plant, five new phenolic dimers, namely, paeobenzofuranones A-E (1-5), were characterized. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, UV, and IR, as well as ECD calculations. Compounds 2, 4, and 5 showed cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 6.7 to 25.1 µM. Compounds 1 and 2 showed certain inhibitory activity on NO production. To the best of our knowledge, the benzofuranone dimers and their cytotoxicity of P. suffruticosa are reported for the first time in this paper.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis Combined with Chemometrics Revealed the Effects of Different Cooking Methods on Lentinus edodes.

Cooking methods affect the compositions of Lentinus edodes metabolites. Nevertheless, little information is available on the specific impact of different cooking methods on Lentinus edodes via metabolomic analysis. This study determined the influence of boiling, steaming, air-frying, and roasting on the metabolomic profiles of Lentinus edodes based on UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS in combination with chemometrics. A total of 990 metabolites were detected and classified into 11 super-classes. Subsequently, the metabolites of the four cooking methods were distinguished using multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that boiling caused a massive loss of metabolites while roasting and air-frying led to an evident upregulation. The upregulation of metabolites in the steaming groups was not as significant as in roasting and air-frying. This study provided reference data for a comprehensive understanding of the metabolites associated with domestic cooking methods and valuable guidance for the development of Lentinus edodes and its products in the future.

Meroterpenoids with Immunosuppressive Activity from Edible Fungus Craterellus odoratus.

Two unusual polyketide-sesquiterpene metabolites, craterodoratins T (1) and U (2), along with the known compound craterellin A (3), were isolated from the higher fungus Craterellus odoratus. The structures of isolated compounds were characterized based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrum (MS) spectroscopic analysis, while the absolute configuration of the compounds was determined by theoretical NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 1 possessed a rare structure with two aromatic groups. Compounds 1 and 3 showed immunosuppressive activity with IC50 values ranging from 5.516 to 19.953 µM.

Nine New Pregnane Glycosides from the Cultivated Medicinal Plant Marsdenia tenacissima.

The ethnobotanical plant Marsdenia tenacissima has been used for hundreds of years for Dai people in Yunnan Province, China. Previously, chemical investigations on this plant have revealed that pregnane glycosides were the main biological constituents. Nine new pregnane glycosides, marsdeosides A-I (1-9), were isolated from cultivated dried stems of the medicinal plant Marsdenia tenacissima in this study. The structures were analyzed by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and IR spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of the sugar moieties were identified by comparing the Rf values and specific optical rotations with those of the commercially available standard samples and the data reported in the literature. Marsdeosides A (1) featured an unusual 8,14-seco-pregnane skeleton. Compounds 1, 8, and 9 showed activity against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage RAW264.7, with IC50 values of 37.5, 38.8, and 42.8 µM (L-NMMA was used as a positive control, IC50 39.3 µM), respectively. This study puts the knowledge of the chemical profile of the botanical plant M. tenacissima one step forward and, thereby, promotes the sustainable utilization of the resources of traditional folk medicinal plants.

Discrimination of chrysanthemum varieties using lipidomics based on UHPLC-HR-AM/MS/MS.

BACKGROUND: Chrysanthemum is one of the most important and popular ornamentals over the world. Chrysanthemum drink is a type of traditional healthy drink like Chinese tea. Owing to the differences in the chemical compositions, different chrysanthemum varieties have different medicinal effects on human health. Thus, the identification of different chrysanthemum varieties is very important and necessary. This study aims to distinguish seven chrysanthemum varieties that are widely used in China. First, total lipids were obtained from chrysanthemums. After that, lipid profiles were characterized using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography hyphenated with a Q Exactive™ high resolution-accurate-mass mass spectrometer. RESULTS: A total of 163 lipid molecular species from 17 types of lipid classes in seven varieties of chrysanthemums were determined. Principal component analysis indicated that three lipid molecules, lysophosphatidylethanolamine(18:2) (LPE(18:2)), LPE(16:0), and phosphatidic acid(18:2/18:3) (variable importance in projection >3, P < 0.001), can be used as potential biomarkers to distinguish seven chrysanthemum varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the lipid molecular profiles of 'Gongju' were most similar to 'Jinzijianju', followed by 'Huaibaiju', 'Boju', 'Hangbaiju', 'Chuju', and 'Fubaiju'. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive analysis provided a new method to identify chrysanthemum varieties through the perspective of lipidomics combined with chemometrics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mechanistic investigations of hirsutene biosynthesis catalyzed by a chimeric sesquiterpene synthase from Steccherinum ochraceum.

The high efficiency and elegance of terpene synthases is fascinating in constructing the molecular skeleton of complicated terpenoids with multiple chiral centers. Although the rapid development of sequencing technology has led to the discovery of an increasing number of terpene synthases, the cyclization mechanisms of some terpene synthases remains elusive. Here, we report that a chimeric sesquiterpene synthase from Steccherinum ochraceum is responsible for the biosynthesis of (+)-hirsutene, a linear triquinane sesquiterpene. Structural validation, and isotope labeling experiments demonstrate that the biosynthesis of (+)-hirsutene employs an unusual cyclization mode, involving three different cyclization processes (C1-C11, C2-C9, C3-C6), one intramolecular 1,2-hydride shift (C9-C10) and three successive 1,2-alkyl shifts to construct the 5-5-5 fused ring skeleton of (+)-hirsutene.

Transition-Metal- and Light-Free Generation of an Iminyl Radical: Facile Approach to Oxindoles and Isoquinolinediones with a Quaternary Carbon Center via Cyanoalkylarylation.

We have developed an efficient and non-toxic method for the environmental-friendly generation of an iminyl radical from cyclobutanone oxime ester via direct thermolysis in the absence of light, transition metals, "tin", and other activators. This redox-neutral cyanoalkylarylation protocol enjoys a wide substrate scope and a good functional group tolerance, providing facile access to oxindoles and isoquinolinediones with a quaternary carbon center that are difficult to prepare by traditional methods.