Serial (1-3)-beta-D-Glucan (BDG) monitoring shows high variability among premature neonates.

Unlabelled: This study aimed to characterize the baseline values and dynamics of serum (1,3)-Beta-D-Glucan (BDG) in neonates at high risk of neonatal invasive candidiasis (NIC); as well as to determine the effect of various clinical variables on these levels. Single center prospective cohort study was performed including 20 high-risk neonates (gestational age < 29 weeks and/or birth weight ≤ 1000 gr). Samples for BDG (Fungitell® assay) were obtained twice weekly during 6 weeks.

New bioactive diterpene polyesters from Euphorbia decipiens.

A reinvestigation with a modified extraction procedure of Euphorbia decipiens resulted in the isolation and structure elucidation of three new myrsinane-type diterpene esters (1-3). The structures of compounds 1-3 were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. Compound 1 showed inhibitory activity against prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), whereas compound 2 exhibited DNA-damaging activity in a mutant yeast bioassay.