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Cross-link containing products from ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are generated by radical SAM enzymes (rSAM). Here, we bioinformatically expanded rSAM enzymes based on the known families StrB, NxxcB, WgkB, RrrB, TqqB and GggB. Through in vivo functional studies in E. coli , the newly identified enzyme WprB from Xenorhabdus sp. psl was found to catalyze formation of a cross-link between Trp-C5 and Arg-Cγ at three WPR motifs on the precursor peptide WprA. This represents the first report of this type of cross-link by rSAM enzymes.

Specialized or secondary metabolites are small molecules of biological origin, often showing potent biological activities with applications in agriculture, engineering and medicine. Usually, the biosynthesis of these natural products is governed by sets of co-regulated and physically clustered genes known as biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). To share information about BGCs in a standardized and machine-readable way, the Minimum Information about a Biosynthetic Gene cluster (MIBiG) data standard and repository was initiated in 2015. Since its conception, MIBiG has been regularly updated to expand data coverage and remain up to date with innovations in natural product research. Here, we describe MIBiG version 4.0, an extensive update to the data repository and the underlying data standard. In a massive community annotation effort, 267 contributors performed 8304 edits, creating 557 new entries and modifying 590 existing entries, resulting in a new total of 3059 curated entries in MIBiG. Particular attention was paid to ensuring high data quality, with automated data validation using a newly developed custom submission portal prototype, paired with a novel peer-reviewing model. MIBiG 4.0 also takes steps towards a rolling release model and a broader involvement of the scientific community. MIBiG 4.0 is accessible online at https://mibig.secondarymetabolites.org/., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.)

Soft corals produce a diverse range of natural products with pharmaceutical potential, such as antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. The Alcyoniidae family, particularly the genera Sarcophyton and Sinularia , is rich in bioactive terpenoids. However, despite extensive research, their anti-biofouling properties against the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis remain underexplored. This study investigates these compounds as potential eco-friendly antifouling agents. A new cembrane-type diterpenoid, 11,12-epoxycembrene A ( 1 ), and 15 known compounds were isolated from three soft corals distributed in Okinawa, Japan. The chemical structures of these secondary metabolites were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis. Moreover, an anti-biofouling assay of potential anti-biofouling agents against M. galloprovincialis was performed and their toxicities were assessed by means of the brine shrimp mortality test. In conclusion, this study identifies new and known bioactive compounds from soft corals, introduces an improved anti-biofouling assay, and highlights the potential of dimethylamine-containing diterpenes as environmentally friendly antifouling agents.

Kitasatospora continue to be a rich source of chemically diverse and bioactive peptide natural products. This review highlights two strategies in peptide natural products research of Kitasatospora: (1) a natural products-first approach guided by a major compound, biological activity, or genomic analysis, and (2) an enzyme-first approach guided by bioinformatic tools to construct a sequence similarity network for the discovery of biosynthetic enzymes. The structures of peptides, biosynthetic origins of unique building blocks, recent reports of post-translational modifying enzymes for constructing these peptides, and knowledge gaps in biosynthesis will also be presented. Actinobacteria belonging to the genus Kitasatospora are a source of biosynthetic enzymes to expand the biocatalytic toolbox for synthetic biology., (© 2024 Wiley‐VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Fertilization, the basis for sexual reproduction, culminates in the binding and fusion of sperm and egg. Although several proteins are known to be crucial for this process in vertebrates, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using an AlphaFold-Multimer screen, we identified the protein Tmem81 as part of a conserved trimeric sperm complex with the essential fertilization factors Izumo1 and Spaca6. We demonstrate that Tmem81 is essential for male fertility in zebrafish and mice. In line with trimer formation, we show that Izumo1, Spaca6, and Tmem81 interact in zebrafish sperm and that the human orthologs interact in vitro. Notably, complex formation creates the binding site for the egg fertilization factor Bouncer in zebrafish. Together, our work presents a comprehensive model for fertilization across vertebrates, where a conserved sperm complex binds to divergent egg proteins-Bouncer in fish and JUNO in mammals-to mediate sperm-egg interaction., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chemical investigation of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-4285 led to the isolation of six new natural products, microginins 705 ( 1 ), 719 ( 2 ), 733A ( 3 ), 733B ( 4 ), and 733C ( 5 ), and anabaenopeptin 885 ( 7 ), and three known compounds, anabaenopeptins 871 ( 6 ), B ( 8 ), and F ( 9 ). Planar structures and absolute configurations for 1 - 7 were determined by 2D NMR, HRMS, and Marfey's analyses. Microginin 733C ( 5 ), and anabaenopeptins 871 ( 6 ) and 885 ( 7 ) contained a unique residue of 2-amino-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid (Ahppa): doubly homologated tyrosine (di-hTyr). The biosynthetic origin of this nonproteinogenic amino acid di-hTyr was investigated, and it was found that MaHphABCDE are involved in the production of di-hTyr. In addition, biochemical characterization of aminotransferase MaHphE showed that it is a promiscuous enzyme. This result expanded the biocatalytic toolbox for amino acid homologation.

Radical SAM cyclophane synthases catalyze C-C, C-N, and C-O crosslinking reactions in the biosynthesis of bioactive peptide natural products. Here, we studied an uncharacterized rSAM enzyme, HtkB from Pandoraea sp., and found this enzyme to catalyze the formation of a HisC2-to-LysCβ crosslink. We used a combination of ColabFold and mutagenesis studies to show that residues D214 in HtkB and H204 in HaaB (another cyclophane synthase) are important for substrate specificity. Mutation of these residues changes the specificity and lowers substrate recognition on the wild-type motifs. This result opens opportunities to alter the specificity and promiscuity for rSAM peptide modifying enzymes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Covering: 2016 to 2023Ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) continue to be a rich source of chemically diverse and bioactive peptide natural products. In recent years, cyclophane-containing RiPP natural products and their biosynthetic pathways have been more frequently encountered. This highlight will focus on bacterial monoaryl cyclophane-containing RiPPs. This class of RiPPs is produced by radical SAM/SPASM enzymes that form a crosslink between the aromatic ring and sidechain of two amino acid residues of the precursor peptide. Selected natural products from these pathways exhibit specific antibacterial activity against gram-negative pathogens. The approaches used to discover these pathways and products will be described and categorized as natural product-first or enzyme-first. The breadth of ring systems formed by the enzymes, enzyme mechanism, and recent reports of synthetic methods for constructing these ring systems will also be presented. Bacterial cyclophane-containing RiPPs and their biosynthetic enzymes represent an untapped source of scaffolds for drug discovery and tools for synthetic biology.

A chemical investigation of the hydrophilic fraction of a cultured Nodularia sp. (NIES-3585) afforded six new cyclic lipopeptides, noducyclamides A1-A4 ( 1 - 4 ) containing 10 amino acid residues and dodecapeptides noducyclamides B1 and B2 ( 5 and 6 ). The planar structures of these lipopeptides were elucidated based on the combination of HRMS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data analyses. These peptides are structurally analogous to laxaphycins and contain the nonproteinogenic amino acids 3-hydroxyvaline and 3-hydroxyleucine and a β-amino decanoic acid residue. The absolute configurations of the noducyclamides ( 1 - 6 ) were determined by acid hydrolysis, followed by advanced Marfey's analysis. Noducyclamide B1 ( 5 ) showed cytotoxic activities against MCF7 breast cancer cell lines with an IC 50 value of 3.0 μg/mL (2.2 μM).

Triceptides are cyclophane-containing ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides. The characteristic cross-links are formed between an aromatic ring to Cβ on three-residue Ω1X2X3 motifs (Ω1 = aromatic). Here, we explored the promiscuity of the XYE family triceptide maturase, XncB from Xenorhabdus nematophila DSM 3370. Single amino acid variants were coexpressed with XncB in vivo in Escherichia coli, and we show that a variety of amino acids can be incorporated into the Phe-Gly-Asn cyclophane. Aromatic amino acids at the X3 position were accepted by the enzyme but yielded hydroxylated, rather than the typical cyclophane, products. These studies show that oxygen can be inserted but diverges in the final product formed relative to daropeptide maturases. Finally, truncations of the leader peptide showed that it is necessary for complete modification by XncB.

Triceptides are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides characterized by three-residue cyclophanes. The cyclophanes are installed by radical SAM/SPASM maturases referred to as 3-residue cyclophane forming enzymes (3-CyFEs) which catalyze C( sp 2 )-Cβ( sp 3 ) bond formation on three residue motifs at the C-terminus of precursor peptides. Here, we bioinformatically map uncharacterized rSAM/SPASM enzymes, referred to as Actinobacterial multiple cyclophane maturases. The enzyme FwwB from Actinospira robinae was selected for in vivo functional studies in Escherichia coli , and was found to catalyze formation of multiple Phe- and Trp-derived 3-residue cyclophanes. FwwB was shown to accept a series of engineered substrates but showed specificity for the native 3-residue motif.

Chemical investigation of the cyanobacterium Dolichospermum sp. NIES-1697 afforded nostosin G ( 1 ), a linear tripeptide, spiroidesin B ( 2 ), and two known compounds, anabaenopeptins I ( 3 ) and J ( 4 ). Planar structures and absolute configurations for 1 and 2 were determined by 2D NMR, HRMS, Marfey's methodology, chiral-phase HPLC, and enzymatic degradation. Nostosin G ( 1 ) is a unique example of a linear peptide containing three subunits, 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (Hpla), homotyrosine (Hty), and argininal, with potent trypsin inhibitory properties. The biosynthetic gene clusters for nostosin G ( 1 ) and spiroidesin B ( 2 ) were investigated based on the genome sequence of Dolichospermum sp. NIES-1697.

Species from the Metarhizium genus are the causal agents of the green muscardine disease of insects. These fungi have been successfully employed for the biological control of pests over decades. Besides the biocontrol applications, recent efforts for genome sequencing of species in this genus have revealed a great diversity of biosynthetic gene clusters potentially associated with secondary metabolite synthesis. Amongst such molecules are the pseurotins, compounds with several activities, as chitin synthase inhibitors, and immunoglobulin E suppressors. Here, we report, for the first time, the isolation of pseurotin A from the culture broth of M. anisopliae, as well as the characterization of the effects of this compound over the model-arthropod Galleria mellonella. Pseurotin A displayed dose-dependent reversible paralysis effects when injected into the larvae hemocoel. However, the posterior challenge of the treated insects with M. anisopliae conidia did not lead to increased mortality, suggesting that pseurotin A treatment did not increase larvae susceptibility to the green muscardine disease. Although apparent insecticidal effects were not observed for pseurotin A, the paralysis effect observed can be important in M. anisopliae infection development., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In 2017, the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare established a regional electronic referral system in Central Taiwan to streamline transfers of critically ill patients from the intensive care unit (ICU) of a regional hospital to a medical hospital center. Moreover, in 2018, a one-hour rule for the boarding of referral of critically ill patients from emergency department (ED) to ICU was implemented. This pre- and post-implementation study enrolled consecutive critically ill referral patients from a single academic medical center hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. After implementation of the one-hour rule, two interventions, namely, active bed management before patient arrival and no requirement for laboratory test results to be completed before ICU admissions, were used to improve patient flow in the ED. After implementation of one-hour rule, the proportion of patients transferred to the ICU within 1 hour increased from 3.1% to 65.9% (p < 0.001). Median ED length of stay (LOS) reduced from 129.5 minutes to 52.0 minutes (p < 0.001). The overall mortality rate decreased from 34.4% to 26.8%, without a significant difference. In conclusion, the implementation of the one-hour rule for the boarding of referral of critically ill patients in the ED is safe and possible. Achieving the target significantly reduced ED LOS by 77.5 minutes without an increase in patient mortality rate., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 by Taiwan Society of Emergency Medicine & Ainosco Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Guanidine prenylation is an outstanding modification in alkaloid and peptide biosynthesis, but its enzymatic basis has remained elusive. We report the isolation of argicyclamides, a new class of cyanobactins with unique mono- and bis-prenylations on guanidine moieties, from Microcystis aeruginosa NIES-88. The genetic basis of argicyclamide biosynthesis was established by the heterologous expression and in vitro characterization of biosynthetic enzymes including AgcF, a new guanidine prenyltransferase. This study provides important insight into the biosynthesis of prenylated guanidines and offers a new toolkit for peptide modification.

Metarhizium anisopliae is an important entomopathogenic species and model for arthropod-fungus interaction studies. This fungus harbors a diverse arsenal of unexplored secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, which are suggested to perform diverse roles during host interaction and soil subsistence as a saprophytic species. Here we explored an unusual carnitine acyltransferase domain-containing highly reducing polyketide synthase found in the genome of M. anisopliae. Employing heterologous expression in Aspergillus nidulans, two new polyketides were obtained, named BAA and BAB, as well as one known polyketide [(2Z,4E,6E)-octa-2,4,6-trienedioic acid]. Intra-hemocoel injection of the most abundant compound (BAA) in the model-arthropod Galleria mellonella larvae did not induce mortality or noticeable alterations, suggesting that this compound may not harbor insecticidal activity. Also, the potential role of such molecules in polymicrobial interactions was evaluated. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration assays using distinct fungal species revealed that BAA and BAB did not alter Cryptococcus neoformans growth, while BAA exhibited weak antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Unexpectedly, these compounds increased Candida albicans growth compared to control conditions. Furthermore, BAA can mitigate the fungicidal effects of fluconazole over C. albicans. Although the exact role of these compounds on the M. anisopliae life cycle is elusive, the described results add up to the complexity of secondary metabolites produced by Metarhizium spp. Moreover, up to our knowledge, these are the first polyketides isolated from filamentous fungi that can boost the growth of another fungal species., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

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.

1-Benzazepine is a pharmaceutically important scaffold but is rare among natural products. Nanangelenin A ( 1 ), containing an unprecedented 3,4-dihydro-1-benzazepine-2,5-dione- N -prenyl- N -acetoxy-anthranilamide scaffold, was isolated from a novel species of Australian fungus, Aspergillus nanangensis . Genomic and retrobiosynthetic analyses identified a putative nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene cluster ( nan ). The detailed biosynthetic pathway to 1 was established by heterologous pathway reconstitution in A. nidulans , which led to biosynthesis of intermediates nanagelenin B-F ( 2 - 5 and 7 ). We demonstrated that the NRPS NanA incorporates anthranilic acid (Ant) and l-kynurenine (l-Kyn), which is supplied by a dedicated indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase NanC encoded in the gene cluster. Using heterologous in vivo assays and mutagenesis, we demonstrated that the C-terminal condensation (C T ) and thiolation (T 3 ) domains of NanA are responsible for the regioselective cyclization of the tethered Ant-l-Kyn dipeptide to form the unusual benzazepine scaffold in 1 . We also showed that NanA-C T catalyzes the regioselective cyclization of a surrogate synthetic substrate, Ant-l-Kyn- N -acetylcysteamine, to give the benzazepine scaffold, while spontaneous cyclization of the dipeptide yielded the alternative kinetically favored benzodiazepine scaffold. The discovery of 1 and the characterization of NanA have expanded the chemical and functional diversities of fungal NRPSs.

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.

Chemical investigation of the barley and wheat fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana BRIP10943 yielded four new sativene-type sesquiterpenoid natural products, bipolenins K-N ( 1 - 4 ), together with seven related known analogues ( 5 - 11 ), and a sesterterpenoid ( 12 ). Their structures were determined by detailed analysis of spectroscopic data, supported by TDDFT calculations and comparison with previously reported analogues. These compounds were evaluated for their phytotoxic activity against wheat seedlings and wheat seed germination. The putative biosynthetic relationships between the isolated sesquiterpenoids were also explored.

The medicinal plant, Syzygium leucoxylon or commonly known as Obah found in North Borneo was considered as traditional medicine by local committee. Two new phenolics, leucoxenols A (1) and B (2) were isolated and identified as major secondary metabolites from the leaves of S. leucoxylon. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data such as NMR and HRESIMS. Furthermore, these compounds were active against selected strains of fungi.

One new compound, 12-epi-9-deacetoxyxenicin (1) along with a hydroperoxide product, 12-epi-9-deacetoxy-8-hydroperoxyxenicin (2) and two known sesquiterpenoids (3-4) were isolated from a population of Bornean soft coral Xenia sp. The structures of these secondary metabolites were elucidated based on their spectroscopic data. Compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxic activity against ATL cell line, S1T. In addition, compound 3 exhibited hyphal inhibition of Lagenidium thermophilum.

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.

Three new halogenated tricyclic sesquiterpenes, omphalaurediol (1), rhodolaurenones B (2) and C (3) were isolated together with nine known haloganated sesquiterpenes such as rhodolaurenone A (4), rhodolaureol (5), isorhodolaureol (6), (-)-laurencenone D (7), elatol (8), (+)-deschloroelatol (9), cartilagineol (10), (+)-laurencenone B (11) and 2-chloro-3-hydroxy-α-chamigren-9-one (12) from a population of Bornean red algae Laurencia majuscula. The structures of three new metabolites were determined based on their spectroscopic data (IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and MS). These compounds showed antibacterial activity against three human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholera).

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.

A new xenicane diterpenoid, 15-deoxy-isoxeniolide-A (1) along with four known compounds 9-deoxy-isoxeniolide-A (2), isoxeniolide-A (3), xeniolide-A (4) and coraxeniolide-B (5) were isolated from the Bornean soft coral Xenia sp. The structures of these metabolites were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis, NMR and HRESIMS. Compound 5 showed cytotoxic activity against ATL cell line, S1T.

Four new bicyclogermacrenes, capgermacrenes D (1) E (2) F (3) and G (4) were isolated from a population of Bornean soft coral Capnella imbricata. The structures of these metabolites were elucidated based on their nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry spectral data. These compounds showed bacteriastatic and bacteriacidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Objective: To identify the incidence and prehospital predictors of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) as the initial arrhythmia in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in central Taiwan., Patients and Methods: The Taichung Sudden Unexpected Death Registry program encompasses the Taichung metropolitan area in central Taiwan, with a population of 2.7 million and 17 destination hospitals for patients with OHCA. We performed a detailed analysis of demographic characteristics, circumstances of cardiac arrest, and emergency medical service records using the Utstein Style., Results: From May 1, 2013, through April 30, 2014, resuscitation was attempted in 2013 individuals with OHCA, of which 384 were excluded due to trauma and noncardiac etiologies. Of the 1629 patients with presumed cardiogenic OHCA, 7.9% (n=129) had initial shockable rhythm; this proportion increased to 18.8% (61 of 325) in the witnessed arrest subgroup. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.45; 95% CI, 1.46-4.12; P<.001), age younger than 65 years (OR, 2.39, 95% CI, 1.58-3.62; P<.001), public location of arrest (OR, 4.61; 95% CI, 2.86-7.44; P<.001), and witnessed status (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.62-6.05; P<.001) were independent predictors of VT/VF rhythm., Conclusion: The proportion of patients with OHCA presenting with VT/VF was generally low in this East Asian population. Of the prehospital factors associated with VT/VF, public location of OHCA was the strongest predictor of VT/VF in this population, which may affect planning and deployment of emergency medical services in central Taiwan., (Copyright © 2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A new bicyclogermacrene, capgermacrene C (1), along with a known compound, 1,4-peroxy-5-muurolene (2), were isolated from a population of Bornean soft coral Capnella sp. The structures of these metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including NMR, and HRESIMS. Both compounds were subjected to antibacterial activity tests against antibiotic resistant clinical bacteria, but produced only negligible inhibition.

One new cembrane diterpene, 16-hydroxycembra-1,3,7,11-tetraene (1), along with three known compounds, 15-hydroxycembra-1,3,7,11-tetraene (2), sarcophine (3) and sarcophytoxide (4) were isolated from Sarcophyton sp. collected from Karah Island, Terengganu, West Malaysia. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data. Activities of these compounds against antibacterial resistant clinical bacteria are reported. Only 1 exhibited inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus.

Two new lobane diterpenoids, prenyl-α-elemenone (1) and ent-prenyl-β-elemene (2), along with ,a known compound, α-murrolene (3) were isolated from a population of Bomean soft coral Sinularia sp. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic, including 2D NMR, and HR-MS data. These compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities against antibiotic resistant clinical strains.

Two new bicyclogermacrenes, capgermacrenes A (1) and B (2), were isolated with two known compounds, palustrol (3) and litseagermacrane (4), from a population of Bornean soft coral Capnella sp. The structures of these metabolites were elucidated based on spectroscopic data. Compound 1 was found to inhibit the accumulation of the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory IL-1b and NO production by down-regulating the expression of iNOS protein in RAW 264.7 macrophages.