An outbreak associated with Escherichia albertii in a junior high school, China.

Escherichia albertii is an emerging foodborne enteropathogen associated with infectious diarrhoea in humans. In February 2023, an outbreak of acute gastroenteric cases was reported in a junior high school located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. Twenty-two investigated patients presented diarrhoea (22/22, 100%), abdominal pain (21/22, 95.5%), nausea (6/22, 27.3%), and vomiting (3/22, 13.6%). E. albertii strains were successfully isolated from anal swabs collected from six patients. Each isolate was classified as sequence type ST2686, harboured eae-ß gene, and carried both cdtB-I and cdtB-II subtypes, being serotyped as EAOg32:EAHg4 serotype. A comprehensive whole-genome phylogenetic analysis revealed that the six isolates formed a distinct cluster, separate from other strains. These isolates exhibited minimal genetic variation, differing from one another by 0 to 1 single nucleotide polymorphism, suggesting a common origin from a single clone. To the best of our knowledge, this represented the first reported outbreak of gastroenteritis attributed to E. albertii outside of Japan on a global scale.

Bioactive polyketides and tryptophol alkaloids from the endophytic fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea LE-07 of Chinese tulip tree.

Two new tetraketide-derived phenol rhamnosides [botryrhamnosides A (1) and B (2)] and a new rhamnosylated tryptophol alkaloid (botryrhamnoside C, 3), along with seven related known compounds (4-10) were isolated from the solid culture of Botryosphaeria dothidea LE-07, an endophytic fungus residing in the leaves of the rare medicinal plant Chinese tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense). Their structures with the absolute configurations were determined by a combination of spectroscopy methods, comparing specific rotations, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are rare tetraketide-derived resorcinols incorporating a l-rhamnose moiety, while 3 represents the first example of rhamnose-bound tryptophol derivatives produced by microorganisms. These metabolites were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial and anti-neuroinflammation activities. The rhamnosylated derivatives 1-5 displayed potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, with MIC values in the range of 8-16 µg/mL. Compound 2 attenuated neuroinflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglial cells, by decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)] and down-regulating the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In addition, compound 8 exhibited remarkable inhibitory effect against the ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), an emerging drug target for hyperlipidemia and related glycolipid metabolic disorders, with an IC50 value of 5.32 µM.

Major specialized natural products from the endangered plant Heptacodium miconioides, potential medicinal uses and insights into its longstanding unresolved systematic classification.

A comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the flower buds and leaves/twigs of Heptacodium miconioides, a cultivated ornamental plant native to China and categorized as 'vulnerable', has led to the isolation of 45 structurally diverse compounds, which comprise 18 phenylpropanoids (1-4, 7-20), 11 pentacyclic triterpenoids (5, 6, 21-29), eight secoiridoid glycosides (30-37), three quinic acid derivatives (38-40), and a few miscellaneous components (41-45). Among them, (+)-α-intermedianol (1), (+)-holophyllol A (2), and (-)-pseudolarkaemin A (3) represent previously unreported enantiomeric lignans, while (+)-7'(R)-hydroxymatairesinol (4) is an undescribed naturally occurring lignan. Heptacoacids A (5) and B (6) are undescribed 24-nor-urs-28-oic acid derivatives. Their chemical structures were determined by 2D-NMR, supplemented by evidence from specific rotations and circular dichroism spectra. Given the uncertainty surrounding the systematic position of Heptacodium, integrative taxonomy (ITA), a method utilized to define contentious species, is applied. Chemotaxonomy, a vital aspect of ITA, becomes significant. By employing hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and syntenic pattern analysis methods, a taxonomic examination based on the major specialized natural products from the flower buds of H. miconioides and two other Caprifoliaceae plants (i.e., Lonicera japonica and Abelia × grandiflora) could offer enhanced understanding of the systematic placement of Heptacodium. Additionally, compounds 39 and 40 displayed remarkable inhibitory activities against ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), with IC50 values of 0.11 and 1.10 µM, respectively. In summary, the discovery of medical properties and refining systematic classification can establish a sturdy groundwork for conservation efforts aimed at mitigating species diversity loss while addressing human diseases.

Undescribed polyketides from endophytes associated with the critically endangered conifer Abies beshanzuensis.

Four undescribed polyketides, beshanzones A (1) and B (2) as well as beshanhexanols A (3) and B (4), along with three known ones (5-7) were isolated from the rice fermentation of two endophytic fungi associated with the critically endangered Chinese endemic conifer Abies beshanzuensis. γ-Butyrolactone derivatives 1, 2, and 5 were isolated from Phomopsis sp. BSZ-AZ-2, an interesting strain that drawn our attention this time. The cyclohexanol derivatives 3, 4, 6, and 7 were obtained during a follow-up investigation on Penicillium commune BSZ-P-4-1. The chemical structures including absolute configurations of compounds 1-4 were determined by spectroscopic methods, Mo2(OAc)4 induced electronic circular dichroism (IECD), GIAO NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analyses. In particular, compound 2 contains a novel 5/5 bicyclic ring system, which might be biogenetically derived from the known compound 5 through hydrolysis followed by an Aldol reaction. All isolates were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against a small panel of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Compounds 6 and 7 showed moderate inhibitory activities against Candida albicans, with MIC values of 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively.

Phytochemical and biological studies on rare and endangered plants endemic to China. Part XXXVI. Tsugaforrestiacids A-O: Structurally diverse C-18 carboxylated diterpenoids from the twigs and needles of the 'vulnerable' conifer Tsuga forrestii and their inhibitory effects on ATP-citrate lyase.

An extensive phytochemical investigation on the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the 90% MeOH extract from the twigs and needles of the 'vulnerable' Chinese endemic conifer Tsuga forrestii (Forrest's hemlock) led to the isolation and characterization of 50 structurally diverse diterpenoids, including 15 unreported C-18 carboxylated ones (tsugaforrestiacids A-O, 1-15, resp.). Among them, compounds 1-7 are abieten-18-oic acids, compound 8 is an abieten-18-succinate, and compounds 10-12 are podocarpen-18-oic acids, whereas compounds 13-15 are pimarane-type, isopimarane-type, and totarane-type diterpenoid acids, respectively. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by a combination of spectroscopic methods, GIAO NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analyses, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against the ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), a key enzyme in cellular metabolism. Tsugaforrestiacids E (5) and H (8) were found to have significant inhibitory effects against ACL, with IC50 values of 5.3 and 6.2 µM, respectively. The interactions of the bioactive molecules with the ACL enzyme were examined by molecular docking studies. The isolated diterpenoids also provide chemotaxonomic evidence to support the delimitation of Tsuga from its closest sister group (Nothotsuga). The above findings highlight the importance of protecting plant species with unique and diverse secondary metabolites, which may be potential sources of new therapeutic agents for the treating ACL-associated diseases.

Pentacyclic triterpenoids as potential ACL inhibitors from the rare medicinal plant Semiliquidambar cathayensis.

An extensive phytochemical investigation on the rare medicinal plant Semiliquidambar cathayensis (family: Hamamelidaceae) led to the isolation of four new (1-4, named semiliquidacids A-D, respectively) and 25 related known pentacyclic triterpenoids. The new structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 represents the first naturally occurring ursane-type triterpenoid featuring an uncommon C-25 formyl group. Compound 4 and oleanolic acid (13) exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects against the ATP-citrate lyase (ACL, an emerging drug target for hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders) with IC50 values of 6.5 and 11.9 µM, respectively. The molecular interaction and binding mode between the bioactive triterpenoids and ACL were elaborated by conducting a molecular docking study. Meanwhile, the chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated triterpenoids has been briefly discussed.

Tooth replacement in the early-diverging neornithischian Jeholosaurus shangyuanensis and implications for dental evolution and herbivorous adaptation in Ornithischia.

BACKGROUND: Tooth replacement patterns of early-diverging ornithischians, which are important for understanding the evolution of the highly specialized dental systems in hadrosaurid and ceratopsid dinosaurs, are poorly known. The early-diverging neornithischian Jeholosaurus, a small, bipedal herbivorous dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, is an important taxon for understanding ornithischian dental evolution, but its dental morphology was only briefly described previously and its tooth replacement is poorly known. RESULTS: CT scanning of six specimens representing different ontogenetic stages of Jeholosaurus reveals significant new information regarding the dental system of Jeholosaurus, including one or two replacement teeth in nearly all alveoli, relatively complete tooth resorption, and an increase in the numbers of alveoli and replacement teeth during ontogeny. Reconstructions of Zahnreihen indicate that the replacement pattern of the maxillary dentition is similar to that of the dentary dentition but with a cyclical difference. The maxillary tooth replacement rate in Jeholosaurus is probably 46 days, which is faster than that of most other early-diverging ornithischians. During the ontogeny of Jeholosaurus, the premaxillary tooth replacement rate slows from 25 days to 33 days with similar daily dentine formation. CONCLUSIONS: The tooth replacement rate exhibits a decreasing trend with ontogeny, as in Alligator. In a phylogenetic context, fast tooth replacement and multi-generation replacement teeth have evolved at least twice independently in Ornithopoda, and our analyses suggest that the early-diverging members of the major ornithischian clades exhibit different tooth replacement patterns as an adaption to herbivory.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in nerve repair.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has the capability of assisting in the recovery of damaged tissues by releasing a variety of biologically active factors to initiate a hemostatic cascade reaction and promote the synthesis of new connective tissue and revascularization. It is now widely used for tissue engineering repair. In addition, PRP has demonstrated nerve repair and pain relief, and has been studied and applied to the facial nerve, median nerve, sciatic nerve, and central nerve. These suggest that PRP injection therapy has a positive effect on nerve repair. This indicates that PRP has high clinical value and potential application in nerve repair. It is worthwhile for scientists and medical workers to further explore and study PRP to expand its application in nerve repair, and to provide a more reliable scientific basis for the opening of a new approach to nerve repair.

A novel fluorescence probe for simultaneous detection of mitochondrial viscosity in hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury models.

Acute liver failure caused by hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) poses a severe threat to life, emphasizing the urgent need for precise and timely early diagnosis. Viscosity, a key parameter reflecting active analyte levels at the cellular level, remains underexplored in relation to HIRI. To address this gap, we have developed a groundbreaking near-infrared molecule rotator, PN, exhibiting exceptional characteristics. PN demonstrates remarkable sensitivity, with a 32-fold change in response to viscosity, ranging from PBS to glycerol solution. PN's distinctive features include maximum emission wavelength 790 nm, as well as an impressive Stokes shift 190 nm. Moreover, PN exhibits the ability to sensitively and selectively differentiate nystatin-induced viscosity changes within living cells, and can be used for the detection of viscosity changes in the HIRI mouse model. This capability enhances our understanding of cellular responses, opening avenues for potential applications within disease models. The versatility of PN extends to its potential role in guiding timely monitoring and imaging of viscosity, offering valuable insights into disease progression.

Analysis and Compensation of Phase Current Measuring Error Caused by Sensing Resistor in PMSM Application.

Field Oriented Control (FOC) effectively realizes independent control of flux linkage and torque, and is widely used in application of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). However, it is necessary to detect the phase current information of the motor to realize the current closed-loop control. The phase current detection method based on a sampling resistor will cause a measurement error due to the influence of parasitic parameters of the sampling resistor, which will lead to the decrease in PMSM control performance. This paper reveals the formation mechanism of the current sampling error caused by parasitic inductance and capacitance of the sampling resistor, and further confirms that the above error will lead to the fluctuation of the electromagnetic torque output by simulation. Moreover, we propose an approach for online observation and compensation of the current sampling error based on PI-type observer to suppresses the torque pulsation of PMSM. The phase current sampling error is estimated by the proportional and integral (PI) observer, and the deviation value of current sampling is obtained by low-pass filter (LPF). The above deviation value is further injected into the phase current close-loop for error compensation. The PI observer continues to work to keep the current sampling error close to zero. The simulation platform of Matlab/Simulink (Version: R2021b) is established to verify the effectiveness of online error observation and compensation. Further experiments also prove that the proposed method can effectively improve the torque fluctuation of the PMSM and enhance its control accuracy performance of rotation speed.

Visible-light-driven water-soluble zinc oxide quantum dots for efficient control of citrus canker.

BACKGROUND: Citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is a devastating bacterial disease that reduces citrus yield and quality, posing a serious threat to the citrus industry. Several conventional chemicals have been used to control citrus canker. However, this approach often leads to the excessive use of chemical agents, can exacerbate environmental pollution and promotes the development of resistant Xcc. Therefore, there is significant interest in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly technologies to control citrus canker. RESULTS: In this study, water-soluble ZnO quantum dots (ZnO QDs) were synthesised as an efficient nanopesticide against Xcc. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of ZnO QDs irradiated with visible light [half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 33.18 µg mL-1] was ~3.5 times higher than that of the dark-treated group (EC50 = 114.80 µg mL-1). ZnO QDs induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (•OH, •O- 2 and 1O2) under light irradiation, resulting in DNA damage, cytoplasmic destruction, and decreased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Transcription analysis showed downregulation of Xcc genes related to 'biofilms, virulence, adhesion' and 'DNA transfer' exposure to ZnO QDs. More importantly, ZnO QDs also promoted the growth of citrus. CONCLUSION: This research provides new insights into the photocatalytic antibacterial mechanisms of ZnO QDs and supports the development of more efficient and safer ZnO QDs-based nanopesticides to control citrus canker. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Staphylococcus aureus biofilm: Formulation, regulatory, and emerging natural products-derived therapeutics.

Staphylococcus aureus can readily form biofilm which enhances the drug-resistance, resulting in life-threatening infections involving different organs. Biofilm formation occurs due to a series of developmental events including bacterial adhesion, aggregation, biofilm maturation, and dispersion, which are controlled by multiple regulatory systems. Rapidly increasing research and development outcomes on natural products targeting S. aureus biofilm formation and/or regulation led to an emergent application of active phytochemicals and combinations. This review aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of biofilm formation and regulation mechanisms for S. aureus, outlining the most important antibiofilm strategies and potential targets of natural products, and summarizing the latest progress in combating S. aureus biofilm with plant-derived natural products. These findings provided further evidence for novel antibiofilm drugs research and clinical therapies.

Carbopol 940-based hydrogels loading synergistic combination of quercetin and luteolin from the herb Euphorbia humifusa to promote Staphylococcus aureus infected wound healing.

With the increasing prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus infections, rapid emergence of drug resistance and the slow healing of infected wounds, developing an efficient antibiotic-free multifunctional wound dressing for inhibiting S. aureus and simultaneously facilitating wound healing have become a huge challenge. Due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, some carbopol hydrogels based on plant extracts or purified compounds have already been applied in wound healing treatment. In China, Euphorbia humifusa Willd. (EuH) has been traditionally used as a medicine and food homologous medicine for the treatment of furuncles and carbuncles mainly caused by S. aureus infection. In an earlier study, EuH-originated flavonoids quercetin (QU) and luteolin (LU) could serve as a potential source for anti-S. aureus drug discovery when used in synergy. However, the in vivo effects of QU and LU on S. aureus-infected wound healing are still unknown. In this study, we found a series of Carbopol 940-based hydrogels loading QU and LU in combination could disinfect S. aureus and also could promote wound healing. In the full-thickness skin defect mouse model infected with S. aureus, the wound contraction ratio, bacterial burden, skin hyperplasia and inflammation score, as well as collagen deposition and blood vessels were then investigated. The results indicate that the optimized QL2 [QU (32 µg mL-1)-LU (8 µg mL-1)] hydrogel with biocompatibility significantly promoted S. aureus-infected wound healing through anti-infection, anti-inflammation, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis, revealing it as a promising alternative for infected wound repair.

Platanosides from Platanus × acerifolia: New molecules, SAR, and target validation of a strong lead for drug-resistant bacterial infections and the associated sepsis.

Three undescribed (1-3) and nine known (4-12) platanosides were isolated and characterized from a bioactive extract of the May leaves of Platanus × acerifolia that initially showed inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Targeted compound mining was guided by an LC-MS/MS-based molecular ion networking (MoIN) strategy combined with conventional isolation procedures from a unique geographic location. The novel structures were mainly determined by 2D NMR and computational (NMR/ECD calculations) methods. Compound 1 is a rare acylated kaempferol rhamnoside possessing a truxinate unit. 6 (Z,E-platanoside) and 7 (E,E-platanoside) were confirmed to have remarkable inhibitory effects against both methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MIC: ≤ 16 µg/mL) and glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium (MIC: ≤ 1 µg/mL). These platanosides were subjected to docking analyses against FabI (enoyl-ACP reductase) and PBP1/2 (penicillin binding protein), both of which are pivotal enzymes governing bacterial growth but not found in the human host. The results showed that 6 and 7 displayed superior binding affinities towards FabI and PBP2. Moreover, surface plasmon resonance studies on the interaction of 1/7 and FabI revealed that 7 has a higher affinity (KD = 1.72 µM), which further supports the above in vitro data and is thus expected to be a novel anti-antibacterial drug lead.

Terricoxanthones A-E, unprecedented dihydropyran-containing dimeric xanthones from the endophytic fungus Neurospora terricola HDF-Br-2 associated with the vulnerable conifer Pseudotsuga gaussenii.

An investigation on the secondary metabolites from a rice culture broth of the endophytic fungus Neurospora terricola HDF-Br-2 derived from the vulnerable conifer Pseudotsuga gaussenii led to the isolation and characterization of 34 structurally diverse polyketides (1-34). Seven of them are previously undescribed, including five unprecedented dihydropyran-containing (terricoxanthones A-E, 1-5, resp.) and one rare tetrahydrofuran-containing (terricoxanthone F, 6) dimeric xanthones. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Terricoxanthones each were obtained as a racemic mixture. Their plausible biosynthetic relationships were briefly proposed. Compounds 6, aspergillusone A (8), and alatinone (27) displayed considerable inhibition against Candida albicans with MIC values of 8-16 µg/mL. 4-Hydroxyvertixanthone (12) and 27 exhibited significant inhibitory activities against Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 4-8 µg/mL. Furthermore, compounds 8 and 27 could disrupt biofilm of S. aureus and C. albicans at 128 µg/mL. The findings not only extend the skeletons of xanthone dimers and contribute to the diversity of metabolites of endophytes associated with the endangered Chinese conifer P. gaussenii, but could further reveal the important role of protecting plant species diversity in support of chemical diversity and potential sources of new therapeutics.

Late identification and its influencing factors of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Shangcheng District from 2013 to 2022 / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the late identification and its influencing factors of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City, so as to provide insights into the development of strategies for early detection and identification of HIV/AIDS cases.@*Methods@#Basic information, identification routes and CD4+T lymphocyte counts among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Shangcheng District from 2013 to 2022 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The proportion of late identification of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases was analyzed, and factors affecting late identification was analyzed by a multivariable logistic regression model.@*Results@#Totally 1 052 HIV/AIDS cases were newly reported in Shangcheng District from 2013 to 2022, including 1 011 males (96.10%), and had a mean age of (32.90±12.39) years. There were 333 cases with late identification, accounting for 31.65%. The proportions of late identification have no significant changing trend from 2013 to 2022 (P>0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that HIV/AIDS cases aged 25 years and older (25 to 49 years, OR=1.894, 95%CI: 1.350-2.658; 50 years and older, OR=3.010, 95%CI: 1.838-4.928) had a higher risk of late identification, while HIV/AIDS cases with college degree and above (OR=0.655, 95%CI: 0.459-0.936) and identified by voluntary counseling and testing (OR=0.542, 95%CI: 0.380-0.772) had a lower risk of late identification.@*Conclusions@#The proportion of late identification of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Shangcheng District from 2013 to 2022 was 31.65%. Age, educational level and identification route were important factors affecting late identification of HIV/AIDS cases in Shangcheng District.

Characteristics of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 15 years and older in Shangcheng District from 2006 to 2022 / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the characteristics of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 15 years and older in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City from 2006 to 2022, so as to provide the basis for improving AIDS prevention and control strategies.@*Methods@#Data of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 15 years and older in Shangcheng District from 2006 to 2022 were collected through HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Control System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Population distribution and transmission routes were analyzed, and changing trends in case number were analyzed using average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC).@*Results@#A total of 4 409 HIV/AIDS cases aged 15 years and older were newly reported in Shangcheng District from 2006 to 2022, including 3 932 males (89.18%). There were 3 447 cases (78.18%) under 50 years old and 962 cases (21.82%) being 50 years and older. Sexual contact was a predominant transmission route, with 4 326 cases accounting for 98.12%, including 2 626 cases (59.56%) with homosexual contact and 1 700 cases (38.56%) with heterosexual contact. The number of HIV/AIDS cases showed an overall upward trend from 2006 to 2022 (AAPC=13.038%, P<0.05), with an upward trend from 2006 to 2015 (APC=42.578%, P<0.05) and a downward trend from 2015 to 2022 (APC=-19.713%, P<0.05). The increase in the number of cases aged 50 years and older group was faster than that of cases aged under 50 years (AAPC=22.641% vs. 11.162%, both P<0.05). The increase in the number of cases with homosexual contact transmission was faster than that of cases with heterosexual contact transmission (AAPC=20.417% vs. 7.455%, both P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#The number of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 15 years and older in Shangcheng District performed an overall upward trend from 2006 to 2022. The cases aged 50 years and older and transmitted through homosexual contact increased rapidly, which should be taken seriously.

Liriogerphines E-U, further unique sesquiterpene-alkaloid hybrids from the rare Chinese tulip tree.

Seventeen undescribed sesquiterpene-alkaloid hybrids (liriogerphines E-U, 1-17) were isolated and identified during a further phytochemical investigation on the branches and leaves of Chinese tulip tree (Liriodendron chinense), a rare medicinal and ornamental plant endemic to China. These unique heterodimers are conjugates of germacranolide-type sesquiterpenoids with structurally diverse alkaloids [i.e., aporphine- (1-15), proaporphine- (16), and benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline-type (17)] via the formation of a C-N bond. The previously undescribed structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analyses and electronic circular dichroism calculations. Such a class of sesquiterpene-alkaloid hybrids presumably biosynthesized via an aza-Michael addition is quite rare from terrestrial plants. In particular, the sesquiterpene-benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline hybrid skeleton has never been reported until the present study. All the isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against a small panel of leukemia cell lines (Raji, Jeko-1, Daudi, Jurkat, MV-4-11 and HL-60), and some of them exhibited considerable activities.