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In an open pilot trial, six patients with various hereditary forms of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) were assigned to topiramate (50 mg/day) for 24 weeks. Four patients completed the protocol without adverse events. Of these four patients, topiramate was effective for three patients. Some patients with SCA could respond to treatment with topiramate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plectranthus barbatus Andrews is one of the traditional herbs growing in the Okinawa region, Japan. This plant has high nutritional value and is well known worldwide. Two new abietane-type diterpenoids, 3-hydroxy-12-deacetylbarbatusin (1) and 2,3-dihydroxy-12-deacetylbarbatusin (2), along with three known abietane-type diterpenoids (3–5), were isolated from leaves of P. barbatus. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopic methods and comparison with the literature data. These compounds were subjected to DPPH radical scavenging assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red algae genus Laurencia (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) is known as a prolific producer of halogenated secondary metabolites with a high level of species diversity and geographical distribution. In North Borneo Island, Malaysia, there are four main Laurencia species: Laurencia snackeyi, Laurencia majuscula, Laurencia similis and L. nangii. Although the chemistry of Laurencia is well studied, the diversity of compounds in L. nangii has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we studied the chemical constituents of seven populations of L. nangii from Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (two populations), Dinawan Island (one population), Tun Mustapha Marine Park (two populations) and Tun Sakaran Marine Park (two populations). Halogenated compounds were isolated and the structures determined via spectroscopic methods. A total of 20 metabolites belonging to the classes of sesquiterpenes, acetylenes, bromoallenes, diterpenes and triterpenes were identified. Populations from Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Dinawan Island contained non-chamigrane-type sesquiterpenes, acetylenes and diterpenes. Populations from Tun Mustapha Marine Park contained chamigrane-type sesquiterpenes, acetylenes and diterpenes. However, the chemical compositions of populations from Tun Sakaran Marine Park were found to differ significantly, containing chamigrane-type and non-chamigrane-type sesquiterpenes, bromoallenes and triterpenes. This investigation has revealed the presence of interesting chemotaxonomical markers in populations of L. nangii and the existence of chemical races in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A spray-assisted, 2-step interfacial polymerization (IP) of trimesoyl chloride (TMC)/m-phenylenediamine (MPD) was proposed for the preparation of polyamide (PA) membranes. In the first step, TMC/hexane solutions were sprayed onto MPD-impregnated polysulfone (PSf) supports for 10–60s, followed by a second step where the first-step membranes made contact with the TMC/hexane solutions. It is noteworthy that water permeability was increased with spray time in the first step of the 2-step IP, showing approximately doubled values at the spray time of 20–30s, compared with 1-step PA/PSf composite membranes, while NaCl rejections were practically unchanged. With longer spray time (30–60s), water permeability decreased while NaCl rejection remained at the same level. A characterization of 1- and 2-step PA membranes, including FE-SEM and ATR-FTIR, revealed the formation of multilayered ridge-and-valley structures of polyamide from the spray-assisted IP steps, and it is suggested that the increased water permeability have been caused by the increased interfacial surface area of the 2-step PA membranes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study introduces a promising strategy, called co-solvent assisted interfacial polymerization (CAIP), for the synthesis of thin polyamide membranes by interfacial polymerization of 1,3-phenylenediamine (MPD) with 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (TMC) on polysulfone ultrafiltration supports. A synergistic co-solvent added in the hexane phase was used to control the polymerization reaction zone and modify the membrane network structure. The resultant membrane exhibited selective molecular sieving of small molecules from larger ones. The addition of larger amounts of acetone as a co-solvent to the hexane solution increased both pore size and water flux, which was determined by analysis of the membrane permeation properties. In the permselectivity test of a 500ppm glucose aqueous solution, the best-performing membrane was prepared by 2wt% acetone addition. It showed a rejection of more than 99.4% and a high water transport at a rate of more than 1×10−11 m3/(m2 Pas), which was more than 4-fold higher than the membrane prepared without acetone. The effects of reaction conditions, including co-solvent content and interfacial polymerization time, were studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A promising strategy is reported for the synthesis of inorganic-polyamide nanocomposite membranes on an ultrafiltration polysulfone support via metal-alkoxide-assisted interfacial polymerization. Three types of nanocomposite membranes were prepared using three different metal alkoxides. The metal alkoxides used here were titanium tetraisopropoxide, bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane and phenyltriethoxysilane. The as-prepared nanocomposite membranes exhibited performance superior to that of the pure polyamide membrane. Water flux and salt rejection were observed for each of the nanocomposite membranes. Addition of greater amounts of metal alkoxide to the hexane solution increased both pore size and water flux, which were determined by analysis of the membrane permeation data using aqueous solutions of sodium chloride and organic solutes at a pressure of 1.5MPa and a temperature of 25°C. The best nanocomposite membrane that was prepared with phenyltriethoxysilane showed water flux that was increased approximately 2-fold compared with the pure polyamide membrane with negligible rejection loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We isolated eight chlorosulfolipids (1—8) from the chrysophyta Ochnomonas danica (lAM CS-2), including five new chlorosulfolipids (2—5, 8). The planar structures of all the compounds were elucidated by ID and 2D NMR and ESI-MS/MS analyses. We determined the relative configuration of seven chlorosulfolipids (1—7), including the most commonly known chlorosulfolipid, 2,2,11,13,15,1 6-hexachlorodocosane- 1,1 4-disulfate (1), by i-based configuration analysis (JBCA). The absolute configuration of each compound was determined using a modified Mosher's method after chemical degradation. 2,2,11,13,15,1 6-Hexachloro-14-docosanol-1-sulfate (2) was the most toxic to brine shrimp (Anemia salina) larvae (LC50 0.27 μg/mL). Compounds 1 and 4—8 were less toxic (LC50 2.2—6.9 μg/mL). Compound 3 was not toxic at 30 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To remove nucleic acids from cellular products as drugs, cross-linked N,N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide (DMP) particles with cationic functional groups were prepared. The particle’s hydrophobicity and its anion-exchange capacity were easily adjusted by changing the cross-linking agent and the DMP ratio in the cross-linking, respectively. When divinylbenzene (DVB) was used as a cross-linking agent and the DMP ratio (in the cross-linking) was adjusted to 90 mol%, the particles (DMP–DVB, 90:10) showed the highest adsorbing activity of DNA (salmon spermary). Its adsorption capacity was 54 mg/ml adsorbent. On the other hand, the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the DMP–DVB extremely increased with increase in the adsorbent’s pore size (molecular mass exclusions; Mlim) from 2×103 to 1×104, but decreased with increase in the buffer’s ionic strength (μ) to 0.2 or stronger. As a result, when the DMP–DVB (80:20) with Mlim 2×103 was used as adsorbent by a column method at pH, 7.2 and μ=0.17, it only selectively removed DNA from a BSA solution, including 1000 μg/ml of BSA and 10 μg/ml of DNA. The adsorbent decreased the concentration of DNA in the BSA solution to <10 ng/ml, and the recovery rate of BSA was more 98%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a multimodal diagnostic approach for limbic encephalitis associated with antivoltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies. It describes the case of a 61-year-old man who was diagnosed with limbic encephalitis after experiencing episodes of memory impairment and subacute onset amnesia. Electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring indicated frequent subclinical seizures arising from the left temporal area of the patient.

The article presents a case study of 64-year-old Japanese man who was admitted to Kyushu University Hospital in Fukuoka, Japan suffering with acute onset of consciousness disturbance and weakness in right upper extremity. It states that the symptoms was well controlled by low-dose of oral prednisolone. Photograph depicting axial fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, diffusion-weighted images (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map of the brain is also presented.

Hornstedtia havilandii (K. Schum.) belongs to the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family and is one of the nine reported species of Hornstedtia in Borneo. It is widely used as an important resource in traditional healing and cultural practices by the tribal communities. Rhizome of H. havilandii was extracted in ethanol and its biologically active antifungal metabolite was isolated via bioassay-guided separation technique. Isolated compound was subjected to spectroscopy measurements and the structure was elucidated as (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial (1). Although 1 was identified as a previously published compound, we were able to differentiate and assign the chemical shift values for two overlapping carbons; C-4 and C-18 via Gaussian processing of the 13C-NMR data, and consequent 2D NMR assignments. The antifungal activities were seen against crustacean pathogenic fungal strains Lagenidium thermophilum , Haliphthoros sabahensis , and Haliphthoros milfordensis as MIC value of <82.78 μM (25 μg/mL) while Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum required <165.56 μM (50 μg/mL). In addition, this is the first record of H. havilandii that produces labdane type diterpene. Data revealed here could be used as an important chemotaxonomic marker for this genus. [Display omitted] • Hornstedtia havilandii is an important ingredient in traditional medicine in Borneo. • (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial is a chemotaxonomic marker for H. havilandii. • Gaussian calculation distinguished overlapping signals of C-4 and C-18 of 13C NMR. • Antifungal potency of diterpene was observed against pathogenic fungal strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids ( HDLS) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by cerebral white matter degeneration with axonal spheroids. The disease is caused by mutations in the protein tyrosine kinase domain of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor ( CSF1R), encoded by the CSF1R gene on chromosome 5q34. Because of a preferential involvement of the frontal white matter, HDLS usually presents as presenile dementia. Here, we report an atypical case of HDLS mimicking primary progressive multiple sclerosis ( PPMS). A 22-year-old woman had difficulty moving her left leg and hand in April 2011 and January 2012, respectively. These symptoms worsened, resulting in spastic quadriplegia and dysarthria. At first admission to Kyushu University hospital, Fukuoka, Japan, in January 2013, she had forced laughter, dysarthria, and rigidospasticity and hyperreflexia in all four limbs, and bilateral extensor plantar response, whereas her Mini-Mental State Examination score was 26 out of 30. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests were all normal, except for an elevated myelin basic protein level (294 pg/mL). Brain T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral high-signal intensity lesions in the parietal and posterior frontal deep white matter. Remarkably, numerous magnetic resonance imaging lesions showed restricted diffusion. Biopsied specimens from the right cerebral deep white matter showed decreased myelin, severe loss of axons with axonal spheroid,s and infiltration of CD68+ macrophages and CD45+ lymphocytes. She had a heterozygous mutation, c.2,442+1G>A in CSF1R. The present case emphasizes that diagnosis of HDLS should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of PPMS. The presence of periventricular lesions with restricted diffusivity might favor a diagnosis of HDLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The feasibility of peri-orbital electrodes, which are not invasive and do not induce pain, as a supplemental electrode for detection ofictal discharges in medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) was examined. Methods: Patients with MTLE, who underwent video-EEG monitoring with simultaneous peri-orbital and sphenoidal electrodes and obtained good outcome following standard anterior temporal lobectomy, were subjects in this study. Initial ictal discharge amplitudes were compared between sphenoidal (Sp1/ 2), standard anterior temporal in 10-20 system (F7/ 8), peri-orbital (superior orbital lateral: SOL, inferior orbital medial: IOM), frontopolar (Fp1/ 2), frontal (F3/4) and ear (A1/ 2) electrodes. Results: A total of 34 consecutive seizures from 20 patients were analyzed, with a maximum amplitude observed at Sp1/2 (57.57±5.59), followed by F7/8 (54.89±5.59), SOL (50.97±5.59), IOM (46.95±5.59), A1/2 (45.07±5.69), Fp1/2 (44.78±5.62), and F3/4 (37.75±5.66) (mean±standard error, μV). There was no statistical difference between Sp1/2, F7/8, SOL, and IOM values. When the sphenoidal electrode was omitted, 13 seizures (13/34, 38.2%) resulted in the highest amplitude at peri-orbital electrodes and 10 seizures (10/ 34, 29.4%) at F7/8. Conclusions: Peri-orbital electrodes could detect ictal discharges in MTLE as well as sphenoidal and standard anterior temporal electrodes in 10-20 system and are useful for supplemental recording for detecting ictal epileptiform discharges in MTLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterized two developmental mutants of Coprinopsis cinerea, Apa56 and Sac29, newly isolated from a homokaryotic fruiting strain, 326 ( Amut Bmut pab1- 1), after restriction enzyme-mediated integration (REMI) mutagenesis. Both Apa56 and Sac29 exhibited slower mycelial growth than the parental wild-type strain and failed to initiate fruiting when grown on standard malt extract–yeast extract–glucose medium under 12 h light/12 h dark cycle. Both mutants exhibited unusual differentiation in aerial hyphae: differentiated hyphae lacked clamp connections and exhibited irregular shapes. The differentiated hyphae were similar to the component cells of hyphal knots, but did not form hyphal knots: they spread as dense mycelial mats. When the carbon source (glucose) in the medium was substituted with sucrose or galactose, both strains formed as many hyphal knots as the parental wild type. The hyphal knots formed, however, did not develop into fruiting-body initials, but developed into sclerotia. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that the gene, designated Cc.rmt1, is disrupted by REMI mutagenesis and is responsible for the phenotypes in both mutants. Cc.rmt1 is predicted to encode a putative protein arginine methyltransferase, some homologs of which have been shown to be involved in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously isolated a target gene for the Lentinula edodes CDC5 (Le.CDC5) containing a c-Myb-type DNA-binding domain. The gene, termed ctg1, contains a 7-bp Le.CDC5-binding sequence (5′-GCAATCT3′) in its transcribed region downstream of the start codon and 6-bp CIPB-binding sequences in the 5′-upstream and transcribed regions. The expression of ctg1 appeared to be cooperatively regulated by Le.CDC5 and CIPB. Here, we found that the gene expression regulation system of ctg1-CDC5-CIPB is conserved in the basidiomycetous mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea. Similar to L. edodes, the Le.CDC5 homologue (named Cc.Cdc5) bound to a 7-bp sequence, 5′-GCAAGCT-3′, in the transcribed region of the ctg1 homologue ( Cc.ctg1) and the CIPB homologue (Cc.CipB) to 6-bp sequences in its 5′-upstream and transcribed regions. To study the biological function of the Cc.ctg1 gene (and also the ctg1 gene) in C. cinerea, we bred the C. cinerea homokaryotic fruiting strains, consistently producing a large amount of the Cc.ctg1 (or ctg1) transcript. Analysis of the phenotype of these strains suggested that the Cc.ctg1 gene (or the ctg1 gene) is mainly involved in the regulation of stipe elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiepileptic medications (ASMs) are withdrawn at the epilepsy monitoring unit to facilitate seizure recordings. The effect of rapid tapering of ASMs on the length of hospital stay has not been well documented. We compared the mean length of hospital stay between patients who underwent acute ASM withdrawal and slow dose tapering during long-term video electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. We retrospectively investigated 57 consecutive patients admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit regarding the mean length of hospital stay in the acute ASM withdrawal group (n = 30) and slow-taper group (n = 27). In the acute-withdrawal group, all ASMs were discontinued once the patients were admitted. In the slow-taper group, the doses of ASMs were gradually reduced by 15–30% daily. We also evaluated the safety of the acute-withdrawal and slow-taper protocols. The mean lengths of hospital stay were 3.8 ± 1.92 and 5.2 ± 0.69 days in the acute-withdrawal and slow-taper groups, respectively (p < 0.005). No severe adverse events, including status epilepticus, were observed. Acute ASM withdrawal has the advantage of significantly reducing the length of hospital stay over slow tapering, without any severe adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Olfactory dysfunction is associated with bilateral seizure foci in TLE. • Olfactory dysfunction is associated with older age of onset of TLE. • Post-lobectomy patients with HS show no significant decline in olfaction. • Olfactory ability for familiar odors and stimulating odors is preserved. To determine the characteristics of olfactory dysfunction in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Odor identification was assessed using the odor stick identification test for Japanese (OSIT-J, full score 12 points) in 65 patients with TLE and in 74 controls. The mean OSIT-J score was significantly lower in patients with TLE (mean ± SD = 8.1 ± 2.8; median = 9) than in the control subjects (mean ± SD = 10.6 ± 1.1; median = 11) (P < 0.005). Olfactory dysfunction (hyposmia/anosmia) was associated with bilateral seizure foci and older age of onset in TLE. Patients who underwent temporal lobectomy for hippocampal sclerosis did not show significant decline after long-term recovery. The Indian ink part of OSIT-J was useful for the detection of olfactory deficits in patients with TLE (sensitivity = 47%, specificity = 93%). Patients with TLE tended to have preserved olfactory ability for stimulating odors and for familiar odors of daily life. We observed characteristic odor identification deficits for individual odors used in OSIT-J. Our study findings provide deeper insight into the underlying mechanism of olfactory function in patients with TLE and may be beneficial in the clinical management of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the use of gene repression by dsRNA-mediated gene silencing as an alternative method for reverse-genetics studies. The basidiomycete Coprinus cinereus has many advantages as a model organism for studying sexual development and meiosis, but it has been difficult to investigate using reverse-genetics methods. The results are not only the first demonstration of dsRNA-mediated gene silencing in a member of the homobasidiomycete fungi but also the first successful use of a reverse-genetics approach in C. cinereus research.

The homobasidiomycete Coprinus cinereus exhibits remarkable photomorphogenesis during fruiting-body development. Under proper light conditions, fruiting-body primordia proceed to the maturation phase in which basidia in the pileus undergo meiosis, producing sexual spores, followed by stipe elongation and pileus expansion for efficient dispersal of the spores. In the continuous darkness, however, the primordia do not proceed to the maturation phase but are etiolated: the pileus and stipe tissues at the upper part of the primordium remain rudimentary and the basal part of the primordium elongates, producing "dark stipe." In this study we genetically analyzed five strains that produce dark stipes even if light conditions promoting the maturation are given and then characterized one of them, Uar801 (dst1-1). The dst1 gene was cloned as a DNA fragment that rescues the dst1-1 mutation. Dst1 is predicted to be a protein of 1175 amino acids that contains two PAS domains, a coiled-coil structure, and a putative, glutamine-rich, transcriptional activation domain (AD). One of the PAS domains exhibits significant similarity to the LOV domains of known blue-light receptors, suggesting that Dst1 is a blue-light receptor of C. cinereus. The dst1-1 mutation is predicted to truncate the putative AD in the C-terminal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of three Laurencia spp., Laurencia sp., L. okamurae and L. saitoi , which were collected from the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, has been examined. Laurencia sp. collected from the coast of Matoba Park, Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture, contained a brominated chamigrane-type sesquiterpene (1), named matobol, as the main metabolite. The structure of matobol was determined as (+)-(2 R ,3 R ,6 R ,10 S)-2,10-dibromochamigr-7(14)-en-3-ol (1). This is the first time that the optically active 1 has been isolated from Laurencia. On the other hand, L. okamurae from the coast of Ikunoshima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture, produced laurinterol (2) that is a known cyclolaurane-type sesquiterpene characteristic to this species in Japan. L. saitoi from the coast of Matoba Park contained a known bromoallenic C 15 -acetogenin, neolaurallene (3). [Display omitted] • The constitution of Laurencia spp. collected from the Seto Inland Sea of Japan was investigated. • This is the first report of the isolation of (+)-2,10-dibromochamigr-7(14)-en-3-ol (matobol) from Laurencia sp. • Chemical and morphological characteristic of Laurencia sp. are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which described the evaluation of a mutation in the pcc1 gene, which leads to the operation of A-regulated sexual morphogenesis in the Coprinus cinereus. Findings of a microscopic examination; Discussion on the absence of the A protein hetero-dimer; Methodology used to conduct the study; Results of the study.

Members of the marine soft coral genus Xenia are rich in a diversity of diterpenes. A total of 199 terpenes consisting of 14 sesquiterpenes, 180 diterpenes, and 5 steroids have been reported to date. Xenicane diterpenes were reported to be the most common chemical skeleton biosynthesized by members of this genus. Most of the literature reported the chemical diversity of Xenia collected from the coral reefs in the South China Sea and the coastal waters of Taiwan. Although there was a brief review on the terpenoids of Xenia in 2015, the present review is a comprehensive overview of the structural diversity of secondary metabolites isolated from soft coral genus Xenia and their potent biological activity as reported between 1977 to 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds of the red algal genus Laurencia are widely distributed worldwide in tropical, subtropical to temperate zones, and grow in Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Laurencia is one of the most studied seaweeds by organic chemists because it produces a variety of compounds with unique structures. In Japan, various halogenated compounds have been found in Laurencia, while some species do not produce any halogenated compounds. Laurencia is one of the most difficult seaweeds to classify morphologically; however, the major halogenated secondary metabolites produced tend to be species-specific, and these compounds can be used as chemical markers for chemical systematics (chemotaxonomy). Similarly, it has been confirmed that domestic Laurencia species produce species-specific halogenated compounds of certain types. Laurencia is one of the "weedy seaweeds" that have not been effectively utilized at present, but it produces a wide variety of metabolites, so there is a good possibility that compounds with specific activity may be found. Thus, it can be seen that the secondary metabolites in Laurencia have many interesting aspects. In this review, we reported significant morphological features to distinguish species in this genus, and the morphological features, habitat, distribution, and chemical composition that help discriminate Japanese Laurencia species., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

The red algal genus Portieria is a prolific producer of halogenated monoterpenoids. In this study, we isolated and characterised monoterpenoids from the Okinawan red algae Portieria hornemannii. A new polyhalogenated cyclic monoterpenoid, 2(R)-chloro-1,6(S)-dibromo-3(8)(Z)-ochtoden-4(R)-ol (1), along with three known monoterpenoids, (2R,3(8)E,4S,6R)-6-bromo-2-chloro-1,4-oxido-3(8)-ochtodene (2), 1-bromo-2-chloroochtoda-3(8),5-dien-4-one (3), and 2-chloro-1-hydroxyochtoda-3(8),5-dien-4-one (4) were isolated from the methanol extract of three populations of P. hornemannii. These compounds were characterised using a combination of spectroscopic methods and chemical synthesis, and the absolute stereochemistry of compounds 1 and 2 was determined. In addition, all isolated compounds were screened for their anti-biofouling activity against the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, and 1 exhibited strong activity. Therefore, halogenated monoterpenoids have the potential to be used as natural anti-biofouling drugs., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

A new irieane-type diterpene, 12-hydroxypinnaterpene C (1), and 21 known compounds, angasiol acetate (2), angasiol (3), 11-deacetylpinnaterpene C (4), palisadin A (5), 12-acetoxypalisadin B (6), 12-hydroxypalisadin B (7), aplysistatin (8), luzodiol (9), 5-acetoxy-2-bromo-3-chloro-chamigra-7(14),9-dien-8-one (10), neoirietriol (11), neoirietetraol (12), (3Z)-laurenyne (13), cupalaurenol (14), cupalaurenol acetate (15), (3Z)-venustinene (16), 10-hydroxykahukuene B (17), aplysiol B (18), (3Z)-13-epipinnatifidenyne (19), 3Z,6R,7R,12S,13S-obtusenyne (20), (3Z,9Z)-7-chloro-6-hydroxy-12-oxo-pentadeca-3,9-dien-1-yne (21), and cholest-7-en-3,5,7-triol (22) were isolated from the digestive diverticula of Aplysia argus from the Ikei Island in Okinawa, Japan. The structures of these compounds were determined using spectroscopic methods such as NMR and HR-ESI-MS. These compounds were tested for their antibacterial activity against the phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Compounds 11 and 21 exhibited antibacterial activity at 30 μg/disc. In this study, we also discuss the types of red algae that A. argus feeds on in the shallow waters of Okinawa Prefecture., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The marine red algal genus Laurencia has abundant halogenated secondary metabolites, which exhibit novel structural types and possess various unique biological potentials, including antifouling activity. In this study, we report the isolation, structure elucidation, and antifouling activities of two novel brominated diterpenoids, aplysin-20 aldehyde (1), 13-dehydroxyisoaplysin-20 (2), and its congeners. We screened marine red alga Laurencia venusta Yamada for their antifouling activity against the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Ethyl acetate extracts of L. venusta from Hiroshima and Chiba, Japan, were isolated and purified, and the compound structures were identified using 1D and 2D NMR, HR-APCI-MS, IR, and chemical synthesis. Seven secondary metabolites were identified, and their antifouling activities were evaluated. Compounds 1, 2, and aplysin-20 (3) exhibited strong activities against M. galloprovincialis. Therefore, these compounds can be explored as natural antifouling drugs., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Two new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, fusumaols A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the stem-leafy liverwort, Bazzania japonica collected in Mori-Machi, Shizuoka, Japan. Their structures were established using extensive spectroscopic (IR, MS, and 2D NMR) data, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by the modified Mosher's method. This is the first time eremophilanes have been discovered in the liverwort genus Bazzania. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their repellent activity against the adult population of the rice weevil Sitophilus zeamais using the modified filter paper impregnation method. Both sesquiterpenoids showed moderate repellent activities., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Objective: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on epilepsy care across Japan was investigated by conducting a multicenter retrospective cohort study., Methods: This study included monthly data on the frequency of (1) visits by outpatients with epilepsy, (2) outpatient electroencephalography (EEG) studies, (3) telemedicine for epilepsy, (4) admissions for epilepsy, (5) EEG monitoring, and (6) epilepsy surgery in epilepsy centers and clinics across Japan between January 2019 and December 2020. We defined the primary outcome as epilepsy-center-specific monthly data divided by the 12-month average in 2019 for each facility. We determined whether the COVID-19 pandemic-related factors (such as year [2019 or 2020], COVID-19 cases in each prefecture in the previous month, and the state of emergency) were independently associated with these outcomes., Results: In 2020, the frequency of outpatient EEG studies (-10.7%, p<0.001) and cases with telemedicine (+2,608%, p=0.031) were affected. The number of COVID-19 cases was an independent associated factor for epilepsy admission (-3.75*10 -3 % per case, p<0.001) and EEG monitoring (-3.81*10 -3 % per case, p = 0.004). Further, the state of emergency was an independent factor associated with outpatient with epilepsy (-11.9%, p<0.001), outpatient EEG (-32.3%, p<0.001), telemedicine for epilepsy (+12,915%, p<0.001), epilepsy admissions (-35.3%; p<0.001), EEG monitoring (-24.7%: p<0.001), and epilepsy surgery (-50.3%, p<0.001)., Significance: We demonstrated the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on epilepsy care. These results support those of previous studies and clarify the effect size of each pandemic-related factor on epilepsy care., (This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.)

Background: Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY) is a newly identified low-grade brain tumor with frequent epileptic presentation. Despite the facilitated use of invasive electroencephalography owing to the growing availability of stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG), intracranial features of tumor-related seizures are still scarcely described. This report provides the first description of SEEG-recorded seizures in PLNTY to provide an insight into its surgical strategy., Observations: Spontaneous clinical seizures were recorded with SEEG in a young adult patient with drug-resistant epilepsy associated with a PLNTY in the left lateral temporal cortex. The seizure onset was characterized by low-voltage fast activity (LVFA) and showed eccentric localization with respect to the tumor: LVFA was localized in the anterior portion of the tumor and spread toward the adjacent polar cortex. The language risks associated with the resection of the posterior temporal cortex could thus be minimized., Lessons: PLNTY can show a focal and eccentric seizure-onset zone around the tumor. The present findings serve to improve the functional and seizure outcomes using the staged invasive approach in PLNTY.

We examined the chemical constitution of the red alga Laurencia saitoi Perestenko, collected from Katsuura, Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This specimen produced a new polyhalogenated acetogenin, named katsuurallene (1), which structure was determined by the spectral methods, along with known diterpene, deoxyparguerol (2) and triterpene, thyrsiferol (3). In this paper we describe the structural elucidation of katsuurallene together with some biological activities., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Frontal disconnection surgery is a useful surgical option for patients with frontal epilepsy whose seizure onset zones are exceedingly large and thus are not amenable to conventional resective surgery. While it has the advantage of avoiding sequelae stemming from a large resection cavity, the impact of radical anatomofunctional disconnection of such a vast frontal region is not fully understood., Observations: The authors have identified secondary degeneration in the striatum ipsilateral to the frontal disconnection surgery in two adult patients who had otherwise favorable postoperative outcomes following the surgery. On serial postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, the striatum showed transient restricted diffusion in the caudate head and rostral putamen around several weeks postoperatively and subsequent atrophy in the caudate head. The affected striatal regions (i.e., the anterior portion of the striatum) were congruent with the known fronto-striatal connectivity corresponding to the disconnected frontal regions anterior to the primary and supplementary motor areas. Both patients achieved 1-year seizure freedom without apparent disability related to the surgery., Lessons: The benign postoperative course despite the marked degenerative changes in the ipsilateral striatum supports the feasibility of the frontal disconnection surgery in otherwise inoperable patients with broad frontal epileptogenicity.

The red alga Laurencia nipponica comprises various chemical races distributed relative to the ocean current in Japanese coastal areas. We investigated the chemical compositions and chemical races of L. nipponica distributed from the Kunashiri and Etorofu Islands, the confluence of the Soya warm current and Oya-shio cold current. Two new halogenated secondary metabolites, deacetylneonipponallene (1) and neopacifenol (2), along with four known compounds, deoxyprepacifenol (3), pacifenol (4), halo-chamigrene diether (5), and isolaurallene (6) were isolated from L. nipponica collected at Chikappunai, Kunashiri Island, while Zaimokuiwa (Kunashiri Island) and Sana (Etorofu Island) populations contained 3, 7-hydroxylaurene (7), 2,10-dibromo-3-chloro-9-hydroxy-α-chamigrene (8), and (3Z)-laurefucin (9). The structures of 1 and 2 were established using spectroscopic methods. The chemical races of L. nipponica distributed in this area were divided into 6- and 9-producing races. Interestingly, both races contained 4 as an additional race-index, as well as its derivatives, 2 and 5. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a race comprising a mixture of two race-index compounds, suggesting that the convergence of two currents causes the production of new and diverse chemical races in this species., (© 2021 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is a movement disorder characterized by episodic involuntary movement attacks triggered by sudden movements, acceleration, or intention to move. We ascertained two Japanese familial cases with PKD. The proband is a 22-year-old woman who had noted sudden brief (<30 s) of involuntary movements provoked by kinesigenic trigger such as starting to run, getting on a train, picking up a telephone receiver and so on at the age of 14. Interictal brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showed hyperperfusion in the left thalamus. A 46-year-old woman, the mother of the proband was also suffering from brief attacks triggered by starting to run in her high school days. On neurological examination, both showed no abnormality. Whole exome sequencing combined with rigorous filtering revealed two heterozygous nonsynonymous variants (NM&#95;001447: c.8976G > C [p.Gln2992His] in FAT2 and NM&#95;015678: c.8596C > T [p.Arg2866Trp] in NBEA). Real time quantitative PCR analysis of Nbea mRNA levels in the developing rat brain revealed peak at postnatal day 28 and decline at postnatal day 56. This result might match the most common clinical course of PKD from the point of view of the most common age at remission. NBEA has been reported to be responsible for neurodevelopmental disease accompanied by epilepsy. We concluded the variant in NBEA most likely to be responsible for our familial cases of PKD., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Japan Society of Human Genetics.)

Two new C 15 -acetogenins, 4- epi -isolaurallene ( 1 ) and 4- epi -itomanallene A ( 2 ) were isolated from a population of marine red alga Laurencia nangii Masuda from Carrington Reef. The structures of these compounds were determined intensively by NMR and HRESIMS data. Their configurations were elucidated by detailed comparison of chemical shifts, germinal protons splitting and NOE correlations with known and synthesized analogues. In addition, antibacterial activities of these compounds were evaluated. These compounds would serve as diastereomeric models for future reference. Since the isolaurallene, neolaurallene, 9-acetoxy-1,10,12-tribromo-4,7:6,13-bisepoxypentadeca-1,2-diene, itomanallene A and laurendecumallene A were isolated, compounds 1 and 2 were the sixth example of C 15 -acetogenin with dioxabicyclo[7.3.0]dodecene skeleton.

New bioactive 13-epi-neoverrucosane diterpenoid, 5β-acetoxy-13-epi-neoverrucosanic acid (1) along with three known secondary metabolites, 13-epi-neoverrucosan-5β-ol (2), chelodane (3) and (E)-β-farnesene (4) were isolated from the MeOH extract of east Malaysia's liverwort Pleurozia subinflata. The chemical structure of new compound was elucidated by the analyses of its spectroscopic data (FTIR, NMR and HR-ESI-MS). These epi-neoverrucosane-type compounds seem to be notable chemosystematic markers for P. subinflata in Borneo. Compound 3 was widespread in marine sponges however this is the first record for 3 to be found in liverwort. These metabolites were tested for their antifungal potentials against selected fungi from the marine environment. Compound 1 exhibited effective antifungal activity against Lagenidium thermophilum.

Three new cembrane diterpenes, nephthecrassocolides A-B ( 1 - 2 ) and 6-acetoxy nephthenol acetate ( 3 ) along with three known compounds, 6-acetoxy-7,8-epoxy nephthenol acetate ( 4 ), epoxy nephthenol acetate ( 5 ) and nephthenol ( 6 ) were isolated from one population of Nephthea sp. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analysis and the antifungal activities of compounds 1 - 6 were evaluated.

There are no specific radiologic features in MOG-Ab (autoantibodies directed against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein)-associated diseases. We present two MOG-Ab-positive patients with symmetrical lesions in the bilateral cingulate cortex of the frontal and parietal lobes. Those lesions showed hyperperfusion in acute phase and hypoperfusion in chronic phase on brain SPECT. In both patients, steroid therapy was effective in acute phase and for prevention of recurrence. High signal in the bilateral cingulate cortex on MR T2-weighted and FLAIR images might to be one of the unique findings considered MOG-Ab associated diseases., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Two new halogenated nonterpenoids C 15 -acetogenins, nangallenes A-B (1-2), together with two known halogenated compounds itomanallene A (3) and 2,10-dibromo-3-chloro-α-chamigrene (4), were isolated and identified from the organic extract of the marine red alga Laurencia nangii Masuda collected from the coastal waters in Semporna, Borneo. Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic analysis including IR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESI-MS), and 1D and 2D NMR techniques. All these metabolites were submitted for the antifungal assay against four species of selected marine fungi. Compounds 1-4 showed potent activity against Haliphthoros sabahensis and Lagenidium thermophilum.

Background and Objectives: Meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy is an effective tool for distinguishing Parkinson's disease (PD) from other diseases accompanied by parkinsonism. Unlike other Parkinsonian diseases, in PD, MIBG accumulation in the heart tends to decrease. However, previous studies have reported that a decrease in MIBG accumulation also occurs in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Thus, we analyzed the relationship between the degree of MIBG accumulation decrease, clinical symptoms, and brainstem atrophy in PSP., Methods: We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent MIBG myocardial scintigraphy and compared MIBG indices (heart to mediastinum [H/M] ratio, washout rate) between subjects with PSP and other diseases including PD. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between clinical characteristics, MIBG accumulation, and brainstem atrophy in patients with PSP., Results: Patients with PSP had a significantly lower early H/M ratio compared with multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) patients, and a control group. In PSP patients there was a correlation between the decrease in delay H/M ratio, atrophy of the pons, and clinical severity as evaluated by Hoehn and Yahr score., Conclusion: Unlike in PD, PSP patients exhibited a mild decrease in MIBG accumulation in MIBG myocardial scintigraphy, which may be related to brainstem atrophy., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Soft corals are known to be prolific producers of a wide spectrum of biologically active cembranoids. One new cembranoid, sinularolide F ( 2 ), along with three known compounds, cembranolide ( 1 ), ( E , E , E )-6,10,14-trimethyl-3-methylene- cis -3α,4,5,8,9,12,13,15α-octahydrocyclo tetradeca[β]furan-2( 3H )-one ( 3 ), and denticulatolide ( 4 ), were isolated from the Bornean soft coral Sinularia sp. Compounds 2 and 4 showed potential anti-inflammatory activities against lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 with IC 50 values less than 6.25 µg/mL and anticancer activity against HL60 cell lines. The compounds' mechanisms of action were investigated via the Western blot evaluation of their protein markers. These activities could be attributed to the presence of tertiary methyl at C-8 and the compounds' 3D configurations., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funding sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

The antifungal activity of two Bornean medicinal wild gingers Plagiostachys megacarpa and Zingiber phillippsiae were examined against Lagenidium thermophilum. The most active extract was P. megacarpa at concentration of 320 µg/mL inhibiting both hyphal growth and zoospore production of L. thermophilum in 24 h. Toxicity tests were conducted using mud crab (Scylla tranquebarica) larva. Bath treatment of P. megacarpa at concentrations of 320 and 640 µg/mL for 24 h were highly effective against hyphae and zoospores of the strain and it is non-toxic to mud crab larva. Therefore, crude extracts P. megacarpa may be used as alternative treatment for marine Oomycete infection of mud crab.

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using lipopolysaccharide extract as antigen was evaluated for detection of antibodies to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovar 15. The serovar 15 ELISA had a higher sensitivity and specificity than latex agglutination test for 63 and 80 sera from pigs experimentally infected and not infected with A. pleuropneumoniae, respectively. When the serovar 15 ELISA was applied to 454 field sera, high rates of seropositivity were found in pigs from farms infected with A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 15, but not in those from farms free of A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 15. The results suggest that the serovar 15 ELISA may be useful for the serological surveillance of infection with A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 15.

Six new compounds, omaezol, intricatriol, hachijojimallenes A and B, debromoaplysinal, and 11,12-dihydro-3-hydroxyretinol have been isolated from four collections of Laurencia sp. These structures were determined by MS and NMR analyses. Their antifouling activities were evaluated together with eight previously known compounds isolated from the same samples. In particular, omaezol and hachijojimallene A showed potent activities (EC 50 = 0.15-0.23 µg/mL) against larvae of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The founding sponsors had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is an important cause of intractable epilepsy. Previous rat studies have utilized freeze lesioning of neonatal animals to model FCD; however, such models are unable to demonstrate spontaneous seizures without seizure-provoking events. Therefore, we created an animal model with multiple FCD, produced during embryonic development, and observed whether spontaneous seizures occurred. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between FCD and epileptogenesis using immunohistochemistry. At 18 days postconception, a frozen metal probe was placed bilaterally on the scalps of Sprague-Dawley rat embryos through the uterus wall to produce multiple FCD. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and video recording were performed from postnatal day (P) 35 to P77. Brain tissues were examined immunohistochemically at P28 and P78 using semiquantitative densitometry. Eleven of 16 rats (68.8%) showed spontaneous seizures arising in the hippocampus from P47. Movement cessation followed by sniffing and mastication, culminating in wet-dog shaking, was seen during the hippocampal EEG discharges. FCD was observed in the bilateral frontoparietal lobes. The expression levels of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits 1, 2A, 2B, the glutamate/aspartate transporter and the glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) at FCD sites were increased at P28 and P78. There were no major histological abnormalities in the hippocampi compared with those in the cortex. However, the expression levels of NMDAR 2A and 2B were increased at P28. Levels of NMDAR1, 2A and 2B, the glutamate/aspartate transporter and GLT1 were also increased at P78. We created an animal model showing spontaneous seizures without a provoking event except for the existence of cortical dysplasia, and without a genetic or general systematic cause like MAM injection or irradiation. The seizures resembled human temporal lobe epilepsy both clinically and on EEG. Alterations in the levels of glutamatergic and GABAergic receptors were investigated during growth. This model should enable better clarification of the mechanisms underlying the development of human epilepsy., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)