Novel Tetrapeptides, Tengupeptins A and B, Produced by Lecanicillium aphanocladii FKI-9593 Fungal Strain.

The discovery of novel natural products through the exploration of distinct microorganisms is crucial for advancing drug discovery research. In this study, we focus on a unique environmental resource, microbial masses known as "Tengu-no-Mugimeshi." From the culture broth of Lecanicillium aphanocladii FKI-9593, isolated from Tengu-no-Mugimeshi collected at Mount Kurohime, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, we report the isolation of two novel tetrapeptides, tengupeptins A (1) and B (2), as well as the known compound oosporein.

[Factors associated with restarting or continuing community activities for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic].

Objective　This study examined the factors associated with the status of group activities provided to older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic by community groups aiming to improve the health and social interactions of older adults. Methods　A mail survey was conducted with 372 leaders of neighborhood associations and Senior Citizen Clubs in November 2020 in Ward A, Tokyo. The questionnaire asked leaders about the status of group activities provided by neighborhood associations and the aforementioned clubs for older adults.

Transcostal Microendoscopic Discectomy for Central Thoracic Disc Herniation Causing Myelopathy: A Technical Note.

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgical treatment of myelopathy caused by central thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is challenging to carry out because reaching the herniation site is difficult and the thoracic spinal cord is fragile. In this study, using the posterior-lateral approach for central TDH with myelopathy, we present a novel procedure of transcostal microendoscopic discectomy (TCMED).

Technical Note: The patient was operated in a prone position under general anesthesia.

Ocular Syphilis With Unilateral Optic Papillitis and Outer Retinopathy Complicated by Diabetic Retinopathy.

Syphilis has been increasing in adult infections in recent years, and ocular syphilis includes not only uveitis but also a variety of optic nerve and retinal lesions. We report a case of syphilis that caused unilateral optic papillitis and outer retinopathy complicated by diabetic retinopathy and improved with antibiotic treatment. The patient was a 61-year-old woman.

Effect of trunk posture on external and internal oblique muscles' activities during forced expiration.

Introduction: The activities of external oblique (EO) and internal oblique (IO) muscles during forced expiration in a trunk-neutral posture are insufficient for muscle strengthening. Furthermore, these activities during forced expiration may be affected by trunk postures, which can change respiratory muscle activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of trunk posture on the EO and IO muscles' activities during forced expiration.