Aromatic polyketides isolated from the marine-derived fungus Didymella aeria and their neuroprotective activity.

Two novel aromatic polyketides, penicanesins J and K (1, 2), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Didymella aeria, along with the known compound integrastatin B (3). The structures of the new compounds were determined by NMR spectroscopy and synthetic methods. The isolated compounds were tested for monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibition, anti-amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, and protective activity against HO-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

A sequential liquid dispensing method in a centrifugal microfluidic device operating at a constant rotational speed for the multiplexed genetic detection of foodborne pathogens.

This study proposes a sequential liquid dispensing method using a centrifugal microfluidic device operating at a constant rotational speed for the multiplexed genetic detection of nucleic acid targets across multiple samples in a single operation. A pair of passive valves integrated into each microchamber enabled the liquid to fill towards the center of rotation against the centrifugal force, facilitating the complete removal of air inside the microchamber. Liquid manipulation can be achievable without any surface coating of the device by exploiting the inherent hydrophobicity of the polymer.

Ciclesonide Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease in Vitro.

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel identified pneumonia resulting from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has significantly impacted and posed significant challenges to human society. The papain-like protease (PLpro) found in the nonstructural protein 3 of SARS-CoV-2 plays a vital role in viral replication. Moreover, PLpro disrupts the host immune response by cleaving ubiquitin and interferon-stimulated gene 15 from host proteins.

Inhibitory effects of senkyuchachosan on SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease activity in vitro.

Papain-like protease (PLpro) enzyme plays a vital role in viral replication as it breaks down polyproteins and disrupts the host's immune response. There are few reports on Kampo formulas that focus on PLpro activity. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of senkyuchachosan, a traditional Japanese medicine, on PLpro of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19.

A Tricyclic Aromatic Polyketide Isolated from the Marine-Derived Fungus Curvularia aeria.

A novel tricyclic polyketide, curvulanone (1), was isolated from the marine-derived fungus Curvularia aeria. The structure of 1 was determined by NMR and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. 1 had a cyclopentabenzopyranone with 3-acetic acid structure that is rarely found in natural compounds.