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Chemical investigation of a marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. OPR23-FS01 resulted in the isolation of a new unsaturated fatty acid featuring a terminal olefin, 10-methoxy-2-methylene-10-oxodecanoic acid (1), two new natural compounds, 2-carboxy-2′-methyl-azobenzene (2) and 1,3,9-trimethyluric acid (3), and 11 previously described metabolites, pantheric acid C (4), pantheric acid D (5), 2-furoic acid (6), 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarboxylic acid (7), sporogen-AO 1 (8), gliocladic acid (9), hydroheptelidic acid (10), ditryptophenaline (11), emodin (12), uridine (13), and thymidine (14). Their structures were identified by comprehensive analyses of the spectroscopic methods, including NMR and HRESI mass spectra. Compound 2 possesses a rare diazenyl group among the previously reported fungal metabolites. Compound 8 showed significant cytotoxicity against both HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, with IC 50 values of 4.66 ± 0.24 and 5.54 ± 0.28 μM, respectively. Compounds 1−5 and 8−11 displayed antimicrobial effect against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC299212, with MIC values ranging from 32 to 128 μM, whereas 1 , 4 , 5 , and 8−11 inhibited Candida albican s ATCC10231 growth, with MIC values in a range of 32–256 μM. [Display omitted] • 14 compounds from Aspergillus sp. OPR23-FS01 were isolated and identified. • Compound 8 was cytotoxic against HepG2 and MCF-7 cells (IC 50 = 4.66 and 5.54 μM). • Compounds 1−5 and 8−11 inhibited Enterococcus faecalis growth (MIC = 32−128 μM). • Compounds 1 , 4 , 5 and 8−11 suppressed Candida albicans growth (MIC = 32−256 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are concerned with finding the set I ⪰ (A , B) of real values μ such that the matrix pencil A + μ B is positive semidefinite. If A , B are not simultaneously diagonalizable via congruence (SDC), I ⪰ (A , B) either is empty or has only one value μ. When A , B are SDC, I ⪰ (A , B) , if not empty, can be a singleton or an interval. Especially, if I ⪰ (A , B) is an interval and at least one of the matrices is nonsingular then its interior is the positive definite interval I ≻ (A , B). If A , B are both singular, then even I ⪰ (A , B) is an interval, its interior may not be I ≻ (A , B) , but A , B are then decomposed as block diagonals of submatrices A 1 , B 1 with B 1 nonsingular such that I ⪰ (A , B) = I ⪰ (A 1 , B 1). Applying I ⪰ (A , B) , the hard-case of the generalized trust-region subproblem (GTRS) can be dealt with by only solving a system of linear equations or reduced to the easy-case of a GTRS of smaller size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-technical vocabulary, a type of vocabulary with both a technical and non-technical meaning (e.g., colon : part of the large intestine; punctuation mark), is an area of controversy owing to disagreement over its definition and characteristics. While it is widely held that learning technical vocabulary is critical for learners of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), several studies have also focused on semi-technical vocabulary because these words often have multiple meanings, depending on the context, and may therefore be harder to learn and understand than purely technical words. This study aims to revisit semi-technical vocabulary in medicine to address these controversial issues by re-evaluating a 595 semi-technical medical word list developed by Hsu (2013). A core meaning-based analysis identified 302 potentially confusing semi-technical medical words. These are mostly mid-frequency words; some are academic and low-frequency words. The findings also revealed pedagogic challenges associated with word form frequency-based lists deserving of further research. • The study analyzed core meanings in Hsu's (2013) Medical Word List (MWL). • Analysis revealed potentially problematic semi-technical medical words (STM). • These STM words are polysemous and have homographs, causing pedagogic challenges. • The findings revealed these STM words can be academic, mid-, or low-frequency. • 302 words (51%) with polysemes/homographs challenge the usefulness of the MWL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Isolation of 10 compounds from Aspergillus versicolor IMBC-NMTP02. • Structural identification of 3 new, 2 new natural, and 5 known compounds. • Cytotoxicity toward HepG2, KB, HL-60, MCF-7, SK-Mel-2, and LNCaP cancer cells. • Nitric oxide inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds. • Antimicrobial effects of the isolated compounds. In the present study, 10 secondary metabolites, including three new asperversilactones A–C (2 , 4 , and 5) and two new natural metabolites (4 Z ,6 S ,7 R)-6,7-dihydroxyocta-2,4-dien-4-lactone (1) and (4 E ,6 S ,7 R)-6,7-dihydroxyocta-2,4-dien-4-lactone (3) were isolated from a culture fermentation of the soybean-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor IMBC-NMTP02. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic methods, including NMR, mass, and ECD spectra. Compounds 5 , 6 , and 9 were shown to have cytotoxic effects toward the HepG2, KB, HL-60, MCF-7, SK-Mel-2, and LNCaP human cancer cell lines (IC 50 = 31.7–81.5 μM), whereas all of the compounds inhibited NO overproduction in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells (IC 50 = 19.0–41.9 μM). Furthermore, all of the compounds showed antimicrobial effects against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albican s, with MIC values in the range of 32–256 μM. Our investigation contributes to clarification of the chemical constituents of the soybean-derived A. versicolor and warrants further studies of some bioactive metabolites for therapeutic uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the valence framework, this study examined the effect of perceived benefit (utilitarian value and convenience) and perceived risk (privacy & security barrier and usage constraints) to purchase intention of consumers towards online travel agencies (OTAs). Furthermore, the impacts of personality traits (openness to change and compatibility) to perceived benefit, perceived risk, and purchase intention of consumers towards OTAs are also put under consideration. A research sample, including 494 observations from 18 years old and above who have used OTAs, was collected and used in empirical analyzing, the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is a suitable choice for assessing the validation of measurement model and construct model. The results of this study indicate that, being consistent to the valence framework, perceived benefit and perceived risk significantly affect purchase intention towards OTAs. Additionally, openness to change and compatibility has positive influence on perceived benefits and negative influence on perceived risk. Openness to chance is also proven to positively impact OTAs purchase intentions. Based on these findings and their implications, OTAs providers and tourism enterprises could plan suitable strategies for attracting customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 11 compounds were isolated from Dioscorea persimilis tubers. • 3 new and 8 known compounds were identified by spectroscopic analyses. • Evaluation of cytotoxicity toward HepG2, MCF7, SK-Mel-2 cancer cells. The tubers of Dioscorea persimilis have been widely consumed as a food and for the treatment of sonasthenia, intestinal disease, diarrhea, long-term dysentery, spermatorrhea, metritis, kidney failure, back pain, dizziness, and night sweats. The present study describes the isolation of 11 secondary metabolites, including three new phenanthrenes namely diospersimilosides A (1) and B (2) and diosbiphenanthrene (3), and eight known phenolic compounds: 2,4,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (4), aerosin (5), gastrodin (6), 2-phenylethyl-β- d -glucopyranoside (7), afzelechin (8), catechin (9), eucomic acid (10), and vanillic acid-4- O -β- d -glucopyranoside (11) from the tubers of D. persimilis. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on comprehensive analyses of the NMR and mass spectra. Evaluation of their cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines, including liver (HepG2), breast (MCF7), and melanoma (SK-Mel-2) revealed that the phenanthrene metabolites (3 - 5) possess cytotoxicity toward all the cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 8.2–68.4 μM. Our results revealed that the free of the hydroxy groups plays an important role in cytotoxicity of the phenanthrenes and suggests that pohydroxylated dihydrophenanthrene and biphenanthrene metabolites could be considered as promising cytotoxic agents against human cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 6 compounds were isolated from Polygala aureocauda by chromatographic methods. • 4 new and 5 known compounds were identified by analyses of NMR and MS spectra. • Cytotoxic effects of compounds towards A549 and MCF7 cancer cells. • Inhibitory effects of compounds on NO overproduction in RAW264.7 cells. Polygala aureocauda Dunn. (Polygalaceae) has been widely used in Vietnamese traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatitis, nephritis, sonasthenia, anaemia, back pain, and knee fatigue. Chemical investigation of a methanol extract of P. aureocauda roots resulted in the isolation of four new oleanane triterpenoid saponins (polyaureosides A–D) and two known ones (polygalasaponin XLVIII and arilloside A). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectra. Among the isolates, arilloside A showed a modest anti-inflammatory effect through inhibiting NO overproduction in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, with an IC 50 value of 47.4 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical study of the roots of Polygala japonica resulted in the isolation of a new triterpenoid saponin, polyjaposide A ( 1 ), a new phenylpropanoid glycoside, japonicaside A ( 6 ), and 10 known compounds: tenuifolin ( 2 ), polygalasaponin XXVIII ( 3 ), polygalasaponin XLVII ( 4 ), fallaxsaponin A ( 5 ), β- d -[(1- O -cinnamoyl)-(3- O -benzoyl)]-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-α- d -glucopyranosyl-(2 → 1)-6- O -acetyl-β- d -glucopyranoside ( 7 ), tenuifolisides A ( 8 ) and B ( 9 ), (β- d -[3- O -(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyl)]-fructofuranosyl-α- d -[6- O -(4-methoxybenzoyl)]-glucopyranoside ( 10 ), β- d -(3- O -sinapoyl)-fructofuranosyl-α- d -(6- O -sinapoyl)-glucopyranoside ( 11 ), and 6-acetyl-3,6′-diferuloylsucrose ( 12 ). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and MS spectra. Compounds 9 and 10 were shown to inhibit of nitrite and PGE 2 production in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, with IC 50 values ranging from 11.7 to 22.5 μM. These inhibitory effects were confirmed by decreases in iNOS and COX-2 expression levels in BV2 cells stimulated with LPS. Furthermore, compounds 9 and 10 significantly suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12 in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. This data suggests that 9 and 10 might be potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of neuro-inflammatory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of a marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. SF-6013 resulted in the discovery of a new tanzawaic acid derivative, 2 E ,4 Z -tanzawaic acid D ( 1 ), together with four known analogues, tanzawaic acids A ( 2 ) and D ( 3 ), a salt form of tanzawaic acid E ( 4 ), and tanzawaic acid B ( 5 ). Their structures were mainly determined by analysis of NMR and MS data, along with chemical methods. Preliminary screening for anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglial BV-2 cells showed that compounds 1 , 2 , and 5 inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) with IC 50 values of 37.8, 7.1, and 42.5 μM, respectively. Compound 2 also inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages with an IC 50 value of 27.0 μM. Moreover, these inhibitory effects correlated with the suppressive effect of compound 2 on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 and BV2 cells. In addition, compounds 2 and 5 significantly inhibited the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with the same IC 50 value (8.2 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give an abstract version of Totaro's definition of the Chow groups of the classifying space of a linear algebraic group G over a field k , so that it yields automatically a definition of F ( B G ) for functors F satisfying some simple axioms. If F is étale motivic cohomology, k is algebraically closed and G is finite, F ( B G ) essentially boils down to the integral cohomology of G . In general, we get coniveau spectral sequences converging to the étale motivic cohomology of BG , which unify and generalize invariants of G previously considered by Bogomolov and Serre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the screening search for NF-κB inhibitory and PPAR transactivational agents from medicinal plants, a methanol extract of the whole plant of Tacca plantaginea and its aqueous fraction showed the significant activities. Bioassay-guided fractionation combined with repeated chromatographic separation of the aqueous fraction of the methanol extract of T. plantaginea resulted in the isolation of two new diarylheptanoid glycosides, plantagineosides A (1) and B (2), an unusual new cyclic diarylheptanoid glycoside, plantagineoside C (3), and three known compounds (4–6). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compounds 3–6 significantly inhibited TNFα-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values ranging from 0.9 to 9.4μM. Compounds 1–6 significantly activated the transcriptional activity of PPARs in a dose-dependent manner, with EC50 values ranging from 0.30 to 10.4μM. In addition, the transactivational effects of compounds 1–6 were evaluated on three individual PPAR subtypes, including PPARα, γ, and β(δ). Compounds 1–6 significantly enhanced the transcriptional activity of PPARβ(δ), with EC50 values in a range of 11.0–30.1μM. These data provide the rationale for using T. plantaginea and its components for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Phytochemical study on the roots of Asarum sieboldii resulted in the isolation of one new compound, (1R,2S,5R,6R)-5′-O-methylpluviatilol (1) and 12 known compounds (2–13). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, and MS spectra. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was established using CD spectrum. Compounds 4, 5, and 12/13 significantly inhibited TNFα-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values ranging from 6.4 to 9.4μM. Furthermore, the transcriptional inhibitory function of these compounds was confirmed based on decreases in COX-2 and iNOS gene expression in HepG2 cells. Compounds 1–3, 6, 7, 10, and 11 significantly activated the transcriptional activity of PPARs in a dose-dependent manner, with EC50 values ranging from 1.7 to 20.9μM. Compounds 7, 10, and 11 exhibited significant dose-dependent PPARα transactivational activity, with EC50 values of 19.5, 15.7, and 4.0μM, respectively. Compounds 1, 6, 7, 10, and 11 activated PPARγ transcriptional activity, with EC50 values ranging from 3.6 to 22.6μM, whereas compounds 10 and 11 significantly increased PPARβ(δ) transactivational activity, with EC50 values of 22.6 and 4.9μM, respectively. These results provide a scientific support for the use of the roots of A. sieboldii and warrant further studies to develop new agents for the prevention and treatment of the inflammatory and metabolic diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three new compounds, 3β,6β,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (1), kalopanaxsaponin L (2), and kalopanaxsaponin M (13), as well as eleven known compounds (3–12 and 14), were isolated from the stem bark of Kalopanax pictus. Their structures were determined on the basis of extentive spectroscopic analyses and acid hydrolysis. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in three human carcinoma cell lines, including HL-60, HCT-116, and MCF-7. Compounds 1, 5–8, 10, and 11 exhibited significantly cytotoxic activity toward HL-60 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 0.1 to 6.9μM. Compounds 4–7 and 14 showed significant cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 0.4 to 9.2μM. Remarkably, the cytotoxic activities of compounds 5–7 against HCT-116 cells were greater than that of the anticancer chemotherapy drug, mitoxantrone (IC50 =3.7μM). Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 14 were cytotoxic toward MCF-7 cells with IC50 values in a range of 7.4–14.5μM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Kalopanax pictus (Araliaceae) is a deciduous tree that grows in East Asian countries. Its stem bark and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatic arthritis, neurotic pain, and diabetes mellitus. A phytochemical study on a methanol extract of the stem bark of K. pictus resulted in the isolation of three new compounds, 6β,16α-dihydroxy-hederagenin 3-O-β-d-glucuronopyranoside (1), 3-O-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-6β,16α-dihydroxy-oleanolic acid (2), and 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl(1→3)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (3), along with eight known compounds (4–11). Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods (IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESITOFMS). Compounds 1–6 and 8–10 upregulated PPARs transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner in HepG2 cells, with EC50 values in the range 0.20–15.5μM. Moreover, the specific PPAR transactivational effects of compounds 1–6 and 8–10 on separate PPAR subtypes, PPARα, -γ, and -β(δ) were further investigated. Compounds 4, 5, 8, and 10 showed significant PPARα transactivational activity, with EC50 values of 7.8, 8.0, 10.3, and 17.3μM, respectively. Compounds 2, 4, 6, and 8–10 exhibited PPARγ dose-dependent transactivational activity, with EC50 values of 14.7, 15.5, 14.8, 10.9, 17.1, and 16.3μM, whereas compounds 8 and 10 significantly upregulated PPARβ(δ) transcriptional activity, with EC50 values of 15.7 and 17.7μM, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chemical investigation of the leaves and stems of Dioscorea bulbifera resulted in isolation of 10 compounds, including three new norclerodane diterpenoids, diosbulbiferins A (1) and B (2) and diosbulbiferinoside A (3), and one new natural congener, diosbulbiferin C (4), along with one new tetrahydrophenanthrene, diosbulbinone (8). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic methods, including NMR and mass spectra. The absolute configurations of compounds 1–3 and 8 were deduced by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopic analyses. In addition, cytotoxic effects against MCF-7, HepG2, and SK-Mel-2 cancer cells and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated compounds in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells were also reported. [Display omitted] • Isolation of 10 compounds from Dioscorea bulbifera leaves and stems. • Structural identification of 4 new, 1 new natural, and 5 known compounds. • Cytotoxicity toward MCF-7, HepG2, SK-Mel-2 cancer cells. • Nitric oxide inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A biohybrid material based on poly(lactic acid)(PLA) incorporated with low contents of polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized graphene oxide (GO) was prepared via melting process and their structure, morphology, mechanical performance, and thermal properties were studied in detail. SEM and TEM characterizations confirmed that the functionalization of GO with PEG (PEGmGO) promoted its exfoliation into thin exfoliated nanosheets, thereby improving the interactions between PEGmGO filler and PLA matrix at interface. FT-IR spectra showed the presence of strong polar and hydrogen bonding interactions between components in the biohybrid. Mechanical and thermal tests indicated that there was the significant improvement of the stiffness, strength, and thermal stability of such biohybrid material with the addition of 0.3 phr PEGmGO, as compared to pure PLA, PEG-plasticized PLA, PEG-plasticized PLA/GO, and other surveyed PEG-plasticized PLA/PEGmGO biohybrids. This behavior was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of the PEGmGO nanofillers within PLA matrix along with their strong interfacial interaction. The as-obtained biohybrids show highly potential to be useful in the bioengineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four new cembranoid diterpenes lobocrasols A−D (1–4), were isolated from the methanol extract of the soft coral Lobophytum crassum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those of similar compounds previously reported in literature. The anti-inflammatory effects of isolated compounds were evaluated using NF-κB luciferase and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited TNFα-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 6.30±0.42 and 6.63±0.11μM, respectively. Furthermore, the transcriptional inhibition of these compounds was confirmed by a decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression levels in HepG2 cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a case of blood exchange transfusion to treat acute liver failure following hepatitis B infection at the Infectious Disease Department of Children's Hospital No.2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A 3.5-month old baby boy was admitted to the hospital with a presentation of progressively worsening jaundice for the past one month. The patient was diagnosed with hepatitis B infection with a positive HBV DNA quantitative assay. Plasma exchange was indicated in view of progressive liver failure and gradually increasing hepatic coma. However, it was impossible to perform plasmapheresis in this case because the patient was small (in terms of age and weight) and there was no suitable plasma exchange filter. Accordingly, the patient was treated with 3 times of blood exchange transfusion in combination with an antiviral drug, lamivudine. After each blood exchange transfusion, the biochemical values (bilirubin, liver enzymes, and coagulation profile) gradually improved and he was discharged after 1 month of treatment. Blood exchange transfusion is an effective procedure for managing acute liver failure, where plasma exchange is not possible while waiting for the recovery of liver functions or liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are of interest for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune diseases, osteoarthritis and neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Increasing numbers of clinical trials emphasize the need for standardized manufacturing of these cells. However, many challenges related to diverse isolation and expansion protocols and differences in cell tissue sources exist. As a result, the cell products used in numerous trials vary greatly in characteristics and potency. The authors have established a standardized culture platform using xeno- and serum-free commercial media for expansion of MSCs derived from umbilical cord (UC), bone marrow and adipose-derived (AD) and examined their functional characteristics. MSCs from the tested sources stably expanded in vitro and retained their biomarker expression and normal karyotype at early and later passages and after cryopreservation. MSCs were capable of colony formation and successfully differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages. Pilot expansion of UC-MSCs and AD-MSCs to clinical scale revealed that the cells met the required quality standard for therapeutic applications. The authors' data suggest that xeno- and serum-free culture conditions are suitable for large-scale expansion and enable comparative study of MSCs of different origins. This is of importance for therapeutic purposes, especially because of the numerous variations in pre-clinical and clinical protocols for MSC-based products. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermally reversible and high performance polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based network was easily achieved from a novel single molecular silicone-based Diels–Alder crosslinker, which was obtained via the combination of the thiol-acrylate Michael addition and Diels-Alder click chemistries in a straightforward one-pot fashion. The high flexibility of the silicone-derived crosslinker allows for good healing of complete cuts without the need of a pre-healing step to dissociate the dynamic DA bonds. The cut healing process was possible via a single heating step at 70 °C, reaching a relatively good healing efficiency, evaluated by a tensile strength recovery of above 80%. [Display omitted] • A Diels-Alder-functionalized PDMS crosslinker was synthesized via combined thiol-acrylate and Diels-Alder click reactions. • Diels-Alder-functionalized PDMS reacted with polyisocyanate in the presence of polycaprolactone-diol for curing. • The obtained network exhibited shape memory-aided scratch and cut healability. • Healing of complete cuts at 70 °C for 24 h showed tensile strength recovery of above 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kanjang (Korean soy sauce) is a byproduct of the production of the Korean fermented soybean. In the present study, seven indole alkaloid derivatives were isolated from methanol extract of kanjang. Their structures were identified as 1-propyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid ( 1 ), 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid ( 2 ), 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic acid ( 3 ), 3-indoleacetic acid ( 4 ), N b -acetyltryptamine ( 5 ), 1-methyl-3,4-dihydro-β-carboline ( 6 ), and flazine ( 7 ) by NMR and MS analyses. Preliminary screening for anti-neuroinflammatory effects of isolated indole alkaloids in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 cells revealed that these compounds inhibited the production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E 2 . For the subsequent investigation of anti-neuroinflammatory action of these metabolites, compounds 4 and 7 were selected, and the results revealed that these inhibitory effects correlated with the suppressive effect of 4 and 7 on inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In regards to the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect, 4 and 7 significantly inhibited the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new iridoid, named methylscutelloside (1) together with 19 known compounds belonging to the iridoids (2–4), monoterpenoids (5), flavonoids (6–8), triterpenoids (9–14), and phenylethanoids (15–20) were isolated from the flowers of Buddleja officinalis. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties, and by spectroscopic methods including 1D, 2D NMR, and MS. All isolated compounds were tested in vitro for their effects on the proliferation of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Among them, iridoids were the main active components and showed significant inhibitory effects on PDGF-BB-induced proliferation in rat aortic VSMCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new unusual sterol, named lobophytosterol (1), and five known metabolites (2–6) were isolated from the methanol extract of the soft coral Lobophytum laevigatum. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with those reported in the literature. The absolute stereochemistry of 1 was determined using a modified Mosher’s method. Compounds 1–3 showed cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 cells with IC50 values of 3.2, 6.9 and 18.1μM, respectively. Compound 1 additionally displayed cytotoxic effects on A549 and HL-60 cells with IC50 values of 4.5 and 5.6μM, respectively. Treatment of these cells with compound 1 resulted in an induction of apoptosis evident by chromatin condensation in treated cells. Besides, compounds 2, 4, and 6 significantly upregulated PPARs transcriptional activity dose-dependently in Hep-G2 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that compound 1 might inhibit the growth of the cancer cells by the induction of apoptosis, and compounds 2, 4, and 6 might act as specific agonists for PPARα, PPARδ, and PPARγ and may therefore regulate cellular glucose, lipid, and cholesterol metabolism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four new cembranoids, namely laevigatol A–D (1–4), and six known metabolites (5–10), were isolated from the Vietnamese soft coral Lobophytum laevigatum. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute stereochemistry of 1 was determined using the modified Mosher’s method. Compounds 5, and 7–10 exhibited cytotoxic activity against selected human cancer cell lines. Compounds 1, 2, 8, and 9 showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the TNFα-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity in Hep-G2 cells. Moreover, compounds 1, 2, 8, and 9 significantly inhibited the induction of COX-2 and iNOS mRNA dose-dependently, indicating that these compounds attenuated the synthesis of these transcripts at the transcriptional level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]