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This study investigates the impact of the anatomical separation point of the dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve (DUCN) on nerve conduction studies (NCS). Involving 25 subjects with DUCN NCS findings, it utilizes ultrasound to mark the DUCN's divergence from the ulnar nerve. NCS was performed at four points relative to the separation point. The findings indicate the maximal amplitudes occurred 2 cm distal to the separation point. The study suggests it is ideal when the stimulation is performed between the seperation point and 2 cm distal to it.

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As part of our ongoing research on new anti-diabetic compounds from ethnopharmacologically consumed plants, two previously undescribed lupane-type triterpenoids (1 and 2) with dicarboxylic groups, an undescribed nor-taraxastane-type triterpenoid (3), and 14 known compounds (4-17) were isolated from the leaves of Cleistocalyx operculatus. Extensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, HRESIMS, 1D, and 2D NMR) was used for structure elucidation, while the known compounds were compared to reference data reported in the scientific literature. All the isolates (1-17) were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) enzyme. Compounds 6, 9, and 17 showed strong PTP1B inhibitory activities. The mechanism of PTP1B inhibition was studied through enzyme kinetic experiments. A non-competitive mechanism of inhibition was determined using Lineweaver-Burk plots for compounds 6, 9, and 17. Additionally, Dixon plots were employed to determine the inhibition constant. Further insights were gained through a structure-activity relationship study and molecular docking analysis of isolated compounds with the PTP1B crystal structure. Moreover, all isolates (1-17) were tested for their stimulatory effects on the uptake of 2-deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl) amino]-D-glucose (2-NBDG) in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. Compounds 6, 13, and 17 exhibited strong glucose absorption stimulation activity in a dose-dependent manner.

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Mycobacteroides abscessus (Mabc) is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium that poses a considerable challenge as a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing chronic human infection. Effective therapeutics that enhance protective immune responses to Mabc are urgently needed. This study introduces trans-3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene (V46), a novel resveratrol analogue with autophagy-activating properties and antimicrobial activity against Mabc infection, including multidrug-resistant strains. Among the resveratrol analogues tested, V46 significantly inhibited the growth of both rough and smooth Mabc strains, including multidrug-resistant strains, in macrophages and in the lungs of mice infected with Mabc. Additionally, V46 substantially reduced Mabc-induced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in both macrophages and during in vivo infection. Mechanistic analysis showed that V46 suppressed the activation of the protein kinase B/Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway and enhanced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling in Mabc-infected cells. Notably, V46 activated autophagy and the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB, which is crucial for antimicrobial host defenses against Mabc. Furthermore, V46 upregulated genes associated with autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis in Mabc-infected bone marrow-derived macrophages. The combination of V46 and rifabutin exerted a synergistic antimicrobial effect. These findings identify V46 as a candidate host-directed therapeutic for Mabc infection that activates autophagy and lysosomal function via transcription factor EB.

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High-temperature baking is a typical method to remove organic matter from diatoms, but it's not suitable for bio-silica because of the high crystallinity. This study provides a method using the VAUS™ to remove organic matter from diatoms more quickly and biocompatibly. Organic matter was removed by using VAUS™, while NaOCl was utilized to remove the organic matter from the silicate frustule. The optimal frequency for organic matter removal was investigated to domestically produced M. nummuloides. The removal efficiency of TOC/TN was calculated and analyzed. The C and Si elements were analyzed in EDS, while visual confirmation of organic matter removal was analyzed by using XRD. TOC RE% at a frequency of 35kHz exhibited the highest value, indicating a statistically significant difference. XRD analysis demonstrated that the organic matter was almost removed using NaOCl compared to the high-temperature baked M. nummuloides. In the EDS analysis, there were significant differences in the C and Si elements with respect to frequency. This is very similar to the values from the positive control group, high-temperature baked M. nummuloides. This new procedure of applying periodic negative pressure to NaOCl pre-treatment is considered to be an effective method of chemically removing organic matter from diatoms.

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BACKGROUND: Cervicogenic headache is characterized by chronic posterior neck pain radiating to one side of the head, resulting from cervical spine bone or soft tissue diseases. Cervical ganglioneuroma (GN), a rare benign neuroblastic tumor, especially in the cervical spine, may cause cervicogenic headache-like symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of GN which was surgically removed successfully to relieve the symptom. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old male presented with right posterior neck pain with referred pain to the ipsilateral occipital area in May 2020. Despite administration of medications, physical therapy, and spine interventions, the symptoms intermittently recurred over one year. In July 2021, the patient complained of painful limitation of neck motion, especially on right-sided bending; no motor or sensory deficits, except for subjective numbness of the finger tips, were detected. Plain radiography of the cervical spine showed moderate degenerative changes in the mid-cervical spine. Cervical MRI revealed a cystic mass (1.5 cm × 0.5 cm × 1 cm-in size) around the right C2 dorsal root ganglion adjacent to the C1-C2 facet joint. His symptoms significantly improved after complete tumor excision. CONCLUSION: GN of the upper cervical spine should be considered when persistent cervicogenic headache is refractory to conservative management. In such a case, advanced imaging studies such as MRI should be performed for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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PURPOSE: Patients' perception of fall risk is a promising new indicator for fall prevention. Therefore, a fall risk perception questionnaire that can be used rapidly and repeatedly in acute care settings is required. This study aimed to develop a short version of the fall risk perception questionnaire (Short-FRPQ) for inpatients. METHODS: For the psychometric measurements, 246 inpatients were recruited from an acute care hospital. The construct (using confirmatory factor analysis and discriminant validity of each item), convergent, and known-group validities were tested to determine the validity of the Short-FRPQ. McDonald's omega coefficient was used to examine the internal consistency of reliability. RESULTS: In the confirmatory factor analysis, the fit indices of the Short-FRPQ, comprising 14 items and three factors, appeared to be satisfactory. The Short-FRPQ had a significantly positive correlation with the original scale, the Korean Falls Efficacy Scale-International, and the Morse Fall Scale. The risk of falls group, assessed using the Morse Fall Scale, had a higher score on the Short-FRPQ. McDonald's omega coefficient was .90. CONCLUSION: The Short-FRPQ presents good reliability and validity. As patient participation is essential in fall interventions, evaluating the fall risk perception of inpatients quickly and repeatedly using scales of acceptable validity and reliability is necessary.

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Myositis ossificans is uncommon in patients with nontraumatic brain injuries. This report presents a challenging case in which myositis ossificans was diagnosed and treated by medical management in a patient who was unable to complain of any symptoms due to akinetic mutism that occurred after nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient had intermittent high-grade fever, and laboratory tests showed elevated C-reactive protein and D-dimer levels without clinical signs of infection two months after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Lower-extremity venography using computed tomography was performed to rule out deep venous thrombosis. There was no thrombus, but right vastus medialis muscle showed inflammatory change with faint multilayered curvilinear hyperdense rims. The administration of indomethacin helped prevent abnormal bone formation. For the early detection of myositis ossificans, careful observation of clinical presentation and a high index of clinical suspicion is necessary in brain-injured patients. Further, elevated serum inflammatory markers accompanied by elevated alkaline phosphatase can be a critical clue. Early computed tomography helps identify early 'string sign' prior to characteristic ossification. Our report highlights that the myositis ossificans is remediable by early detection and appropriate nonsurgical management.

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PURPOSE: This study compares the fracture strengths of long-span fixed provisional restorations fabricated via digital additive and subtractive methods to those fabricated via conventional heat-processing techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A six-unit anterior partial restoration was designed as an anatomical and morphologic structure using a dental CAD/CAM system. The provisional restorations (N = 40) of four different fabrication methods (n = 10 per group) were used for the failure loading test: stereolithography apparatus (SLA), liquid crystal display (LCD), milling (MIL), and heat-processed temporary (HPT). The specimens were subjected to a maximum load-to-fracture test using a universal testing machine, and the representative fracture patterns were observed. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Bonferroni post hoc tests (P < .05). RESULTS: The four groups showed significant differences in fracture strength according to the materials and manufacturing methods used (P < .001, except between SLA and HPT groups). The fracture strengths of MIL and LCD digitally fabricated groups were significantly higher than that of the HPT group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The subtractive method is ideal for fabricating long-span fixed provisional restorations for long-term use. Additionally, LCD additive manufacturing technology could soon be a good alternative for restorations.

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INTRODUCTION: Inpatients need to recognize their fall risk accurately and objectively. Nurses need to assess how patients perceive their fall risk and identify the factors that influence patients' fall risk perception. PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the congruency between nurses' fall risk assessment and patients' perception of fall risk and identify factors related to the non-congruency of fall risk. DESIGNS: A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used. The study enrolled 386 patients who were admitted to an acute care hospital. Six nurses assessed the participants' fall risk. Congruency was classified using the Morse Fall Scale for nurses and the Fall Risk Perception Questionnaire for patients. FINDINGS: The nurses' fall risk assessments and patients' fall risk perceptions were congruent in 57% of the participants. Underestimation of the patient's risk of falling was associated with gender (women), long hospitalization period, department (orthopedics), low fall efficacy, and history of falls before hospitalization. Overestimation of fall risk was associated with age group, gender (men), department, and a high health literacy score. In the multiple logistic regression, the factors related to the underestimation of fall risk were hospitalization period and department, and the factors related to the overestimation of fall risk were health literacy and department. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses should consider the patient's perception of fall risk and incorporate it into fall prevention interventions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses need to evaluate whether patients perceive the risk of falling consistently. For patients who underestimate or overestimate their fall risk, it may be helpful to consider clinical and fall-related characteristics together when evaluating their perception of fall risk.

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For patients who have difficulty in mechanical cleaning of dental appliances, a denture cleaner that can remove biofilm with dense extracellular polymeric substances is needed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of diatom complex with active micro-locomotion for removing biofilms from 3D printed dentures. The diatom complex, which is made by doping MnO2 nanosheets on diatom biosilica, is mixed with H2O2 to generate fine air bubbles continuously. Denture base resin specimens were 3D printed in a roof shape, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (107 CFU/mL) was cultured on those for biofilm formation. Cleaning solutions of phosphate-buffered saline (negative control, NC), 3% H2O2 with peracetic acid (positive control, PC), denture cleanser tablet (DCT), 3% H2O2 with 2 mg/mL diatom complex M (Melosira, DM), 3% H2O2 with 2 mg/mL diatom complex A (Aulacoseira, DA), and DCT with 2 mg/mL DM were prepared and applied. To assess the efficacy of biofilm removal quantitatively, absorbance after cleaning was measured. To evaluate the stability of long-term use, surface roughness, ΔE, surface micro-hardness, and flexural strength of the 3D printed dentures were measured before and after cleaning. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows with one-way ANOVA, followed by Scheffe's test as a post hoc (p < 0.05). The group treated with 3% H2O2 with DA demonstrated the lowest absorbance value, followed by the groups treated with 3% H2O2 with DM, PC, DCT, DCT + DM, and finally NC. As a result of Scheffe's test to evaluate the significance of difference between the mean values of each group, statistically significant differences were shown in all groups based on the NC group. The DA and DM groups showed the largest mean difference though there was no significant difference between the two groups. Regarding the evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of the denture base resin, no statistically significant differences were observed before and after cleaning. In the cytotoxicity test, the relative cell count was over 70%, reflecting an absence of cytotoxicity. The diatom complex utilizing active micro-locomotion has effective biofilm removal ability and has a minimal effect in physical and mechanical properties of the substrate with no cytotoxicity.

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Objective: : This study investigated the association between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and quantified electroencephalogram (QEEG) in patients with depression. We aimed to identify clinical features of NSSI and differences in QEEG findings. Methods: : This retrospective study used the medical records of 52 inpatients with major depressive episodes, aged from 15 to 30. The patients were categorized according to their history of NSSI. Their main diagnosis and sex were also considered. To evaluate clinical symptoms, self-reported scales were used. The absolute power and the Z-scores of various waves were included. Results: : NSSI was associated with suicidal ideations (p = 0.001) and trauma history (p = 0.014). In the binary logistic regression analysis, the Z-score of absolute alpha power was higher on the FP2 node (p = 0.029), lower on the F4 node (p = 0.029) in the NSSI group. The absolute high beta power in the NSSI group was higher on the FP2 and the F3 node, but lower on the F7 and F8 node. Patients with NSSI showed higher Z-score of the absolute delta power at the FP2 node (p = 0.044). The absolute gamma power was higher on the FP2 (p = 0.012) and the F3 node (0.043), lower on the FP1 (p = 0.019) and the F7 node (0.018) in the NSSI group. The absolute high gamma power at the FP2 (p = 0.017) and F8 nodes (p = 0.045) were higher in the NSSI group. Conclusion: : Patients with NSSI may have clinical features distinct from those of patients without NSSI. QEEG results have shown some differences, although it is less applicable due to some limitations.

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The plant Allium hookeri, a member of the Allium genus, has a rich history of culinary and medicinal use. Recent studies have unveiled its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While research on A. hookeri has demonstrated its neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects remain unidentified in prior research. This study utilized an untargeted metabolomic approach, employing HRESI-qTOF MS/MS-based molecular networking, to comprehensively profile the chemical composition of metabolites in A. hookeri and identify new compounds within the plant. As a result, ten compounds, comprising one novel flavonoid (2) and nine known compounds (1 and 3-10), were isolated and identified through NMR analysis. The inhibitory effects of all isolated compounds on the senescent cell-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is pivotal in neuroprotective actions, were evaluated. Biological activity testing revealed N-trans-feruloyltyramine (7) to be the most potent compound, effectively inhibiting SASP markers and contributing to the senomorphic activities of A. hookeri. These findings underscore the potential of phenolamides from A. hookeri as a promising source of bioactive compounds for mitigating senescence-associated diseases.

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Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae), commonly known as avocado, is a well-known food because of its nutrition and health benefits. The seeds of avocado are major byproducts, and thus their phytochemicals and bioactivities have been of interest for study. The chemical components of avocado seeds were investigated by using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS-based molecular networking, resulting in the isolation of seven new oxindole alkaloids (1-7) and two new benzoxazinone alkaloids (8 and 9). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were identified by the analysis of NMR data in combination with computational approaches, including NMR and ECD calculations. Bioactivities of the isolated compounds toward silent information regulation 2 homologue-1 (SIRT1) in HEK293 cells were assessed. The results showed that compound 1 had the most potent effect on SIRT1 activation with an elevated NAD+/NADH ratio with potential for further investigation as an anti-aging agent.

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Autophagy is a crucial process for maintaining cellular homeostasis by degrading and recycling unnecessary or damaged cellular components. In the process of exploring autophagy regulators in plants, unique nine oligomeric flavonoids linked by the bonding of C-3 and C-4, consisting of three pairs of biflavonoids, linderanidins A-C [(+)-1/(-)-1, (+)-2/(-)-2, and (+)-3/(-)-3], and three trimeric A-type proanthocyanidins, linderanidins D-F (4-6), were isolated from the roots of Lindera erythrocarpa. The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were determined using various techniques, such as 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and electronic circular dichroism. All isolates were evaluated for their ability to regulate autophagy, and compounds (±)-1-(±)-3, (-)-1-(-)-3, (+)-1-(+)-3 and 4 were found to inhibit autophagy by blocking the fusion process between autophagosome and lysosome in HEK293 cells. This study suggests that unique oligomeric flavonoids possessing a C-3-C-4 linkage derived from the roots of L. erythrocarpa are potent autophagy inhibitors.

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Itaconate is a crucial anti-infective and anti-inflammatory immunometabolite that accumulates upon disruption of the Krebs cycle in effector macrophages undergoing inflammatory stress. Esterified derivatives of itaconate (4-octyl itaconate and dimethyl itaconate) and its isomers (mesaconate and citraconate) are promising candidate drugs for inflammation and infection. Several itaconate family members participate in host defense, immune and metabolic modulation, and amelioration of infection, although opposite effects have also been reported. However, the precise mechanisms by which itaconate and its family members exert its effects are not fully understood. In addition, contradictory results in different experimental settings and a lack of clinical data make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the therapeutic potential of itaconate. Here we review how the immune response gene 1-itaconate pathway is activated during infection and its role in host defense and pathogenesis in a context-dependent manner. Certain pathogens can use itaconate to establish infections. Finally, we briefly discuss the major mechanisms by which itaconate family members exert antimicrobial effects. To thoroughly comprehend how itaconate exerts its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, additional research on the actual mechanism of action is necessary. This review examines the current state of itaconate research in infection and identifies the key challenges and opportunities for future research in this field.

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While screening senotherapeutics from natural products, seven undescribed chemicals, two syringylglycerol derivatives, two cyclopeptides, one tigliane analogue, and two chromone derivatives, as well as six known compounds were isolated from the stems of Limacia scandens. The structures of compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and CD data. All compounds were tested in replicative senescent human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to determine their potential as senotherapeutic agents to specifically target senescent cells. One tigliane and two chromones derivatives showed senolytic activity, indicating that senescent cells were selectively removed. Especially, 2-{2-[(3'-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl)phenyl]ethyl}chromone is expected to be a potential senotherapeutics by inducing HDF death, inhibiting the activity of senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) and expressing senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors.

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Several studies have documented the effects of anesthesia on pigeons. However, previous studies using pigeons have not examined a combination of injection and inhalation anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of alfaxalone in conjunction with mask induction on the quality of isoflurane anesthesia in healthy domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica). In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study consisting of two phases, six healthy adult pigeons were anesthetized twice with a washout period of 7 days. In each phase, the pigeons were randomly assigned IM administration of either alfaxalone (4 mg/kg) or an equal volume of normal saline. After 20 min, anesthesia was induced with isoflurane through a face mask. Once voluntary movement of the limbs and eyelids ceased, the face mask was removed, and the trachea was intubated. The quality of anesthesia was assessed by scoring sedation prior to anesthetic induction, induction, and recovery. Heart rate, respiratory rate, cloacal temperature, and noninvasive systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were recorded before the IM injection (baseline) and during the procedure. The minimum anesthetic concentration of isoflurane was determined using the "bracketing" method. Moderate sedation (sedation scores of 2 and 3) was observed only with alfaxalone administration. In the alfaxalone group, the induction score was significantly higher (better induction quality) than in the control group (P=0.041). The combination of alfaxalone and mask induction was effective for inhalation anesthesia in pigeons.

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BACKGROUND: Fresh vegetables harbor an assemblage of different microorganisms on their surfaces. The phyllosphere microbiota is important for maintaining plant health and managing crop quality before and after harvest. However, the diversity and ecology of fungal communities are largely unexplored in fresh vegetables. This study investigated the phyllosphere mycobiota of field-grown broccoli florets (n = 66) collected from 22 farms across four regions in Korea, using culturing, amplicon sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region, and microbial network analysis. RESULTS: Microbial network analysis identified core genera (Purpureocillium, Filobasidium, Cystofilobasidium, Papiliotrema, Aureobasidium, and unclassified genera of Capnodiales) specific to the broccoli phyllosphere. The composition and network complexity of core and unique populations varied among farming regions, and was associated with local agro-meteorological conditions. The complexity of microbial associations was higher in mature communities than in immature communities, but complexity was lost upon development of plant pathogenic disease. Broccoli mycobiota were classified according to the dominance of Purpurecillium. While Purpurecillium-type microbiota were prevalent in normal samples, Filobasidium-type microbiota were frequently observed in immature, damaged, or postharvest samples. CONCLUSIONS: Together, fungal communities were important components of phyllosphere microbiota on fresh vegetables, and have substantial potential for exploitation to enhance and stabilize plant health and growth.

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BACKGROUND: Itaconate, a crucial immunometabolite, plays a critical role in linking immune and metabolic functions to influence host defense and inflammation. Due to its polar structure, the esterified cell-permeable derivatives of itaconate are being developed to provide therapeutic opportunities in infectious and inflammatory diseases. Yet, it remains largely uncharacterized whether itaconate derivatives have potentials in promoting host-directed therapeutics (HDT) against mycobacterial infections. Here, we report dimethyl itaconate (DMI) as the promising candidate for HDT against both Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and nontuberculous mycobacteria by orchestrating multiple innate immune programs. RESULTS: DMI per se has low bactericidal activity against Mtb, M. bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), and M. avium (Mav). However, DMI robustly activated intracellular elimination of multiple mycobacterial strains (Mtb, BCG, Mav, and even to multidrug-resistant Mtb) in macrophages and in vivo. DMI significantly suppressed the production of interleukin-6 and -10, whereas it enhanced autophagy and phagosomal maturation, during Mtb infection. DMI-mediated autophagy partly contributed to antimicrobial host defenses in macrophages. Moreover, DMI significantly downregulated the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling during infection with Mtb, BCG, and Mav. CONCLUSION: Together, DMI has potent anti-mycobacterial activities in macrophages and in vivo through promoting multifaceted ways for innate host defenses. DMI may bring light to new candidate for HDT against Mtb and nontuberculous mycobacteria, both of which infections are often intractable with antibiotic resistance.

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Natural guanidines, molecules that contain the guanidine moiety, are structurally unique and often exhibit potent biological activities. A phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Alchornea rugosa (Lour.) Müll.Arg. by MS/MS-based molecular networking revealed eight undescribed guanidine-flavanol conjugates named rugonines A-H. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were comprehensively elucidated by NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS, and circular dichroism (CD) analysis. All isolated compounds were tested for autophagosome formation in HEK293 cells stably expressing GFP-LC3. The results revealed that compounds rugonines D-G showed potential autophagy inhibitory activity.

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