A new suiform (Artiodactyla,Mammalia) from the Early Miocene of East Africa

Fossils of an unnamed large suiform have been recovered from two Early Miocene localities in East Africa. The material is distinct from other species of the suborder, including the anthracothere Brachyodus aequatorialis, which is of similar size. The upper molars of the new form are bunodont, quadricuspidate (with a tiny paraconule), and have no buccal styles (parastyle, mesostyle, metastyle) and the enamel is thin and lightly wrinkled to smooth, which contrasts strongly with upper molars of Brachyodus which are pentacuspidate, selenodont, have pervasively wrinkled enamel and well-developed parastyle, mesostyle and metastyle. A new genus and species is erected for this suiform, which is most likely an anthracothere.     

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Ilex urceolatus

Eighteen compounds, including four hemiterpene glycosides (1–4), three triterpenoid saponins (5–7), four triterpenes (8–11), five sterols (12-16) and two monoterpene glucosides (17 and 18), were isolated from the leaves of Ilex urceolatus C. B. Shang, K. S. Tang et D. Q. Du, which was identified as a new species belonging to the genus Ilex. Among them, compounds 14–18 were firstly isolated from the genus Ilex, others were obtained from I. urceolatus for the first time. This work represented the initially phytochemical study on this plant. The isolated compounds have significant chemotaxonomic characteristics with the other species from this genus.     

Chemical constituents from the Jasminum lanceolarium Roxb.

Twelve compounds (1–12) are isolated from Jasminum lanceolarium Roxb. Among them, compounds 5, 7, 8, 11 and 12 are reported here for the first time from J. lanceolarium, and compounds 6, 9, 10 are firstly isolated from Jasminum genus. The existence of iridoids and lignanoids might be regarded as valuable chemotaxonomic markers for further classification and subdivision of the genus of Jasminum.     

Pregnane steroids from the South China Sea gorgonian coral Subergorgia suberosa

Chemical investigation on gorgonian coral Subergorgia suberosa collected from the South China Sea led to the isolation and identification of eight 17-acetyl pregnane steroids (1–8), of which 1, 6 and 7 were obtained for the first time from this species, as well as from the genus Subergorgia. Compounds 1 and 7 are new natural products. Compared with other species in the genus Subergorgia, pregnane steroids with 17-acetyl group (1–8) were only achieved from S. suberosa, suggesting that the 17-acetyl pregnane steroids might be characteristic constituents of S. suberosa, and may be useful as chemotaxonomic markers for the species S. suberosa.     

Neolignans from the seeds of Prunus tomentosa (Rosaceae) and their chemotaxonomic interest

The role of neolignans in the chemotaxonomy of the genus Prunus has long been neglected. In this study, two new dihydrobenzofuran neolignans tomentosanans A (12) and B (14), together with 15 known neolignans, were isolated from the seeds of Prunus tomentosa. This is the first report on the occurrence of compounds 1–12, 14, 15 and 17 in the genus Prunus. The biosynthetic pathways of these neolignans are also summarized. Together, these neolignans represent a phytochemical fingerprint for P. tomentosa, which may be used for identification of Prunus species.     

Abietane diterpenoids and other constituents from Clerodendrum trichotomum

The genus Clerodendrum Linn., originally belonging to Verbenaceae, was assigned to Lamiaceae by APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group) Ⅱ. Seven abietane diterpenoids (1–7) along with three anthraquinones (8–10) and one neolignan (11) were isolated and identified from the stems of Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunb.. Among them, compounds 4, 6 and 8–11 were reported from the genus Clerodendrum Linn. for the first time. Compounds 1, 3 and 7 were obtained from this species for the first time. Isolation of abietane diterpenoids from C. trichotomum could further comfirm that the genus Clerodendrum belongs to Lamiaceae rather than Verbenaceae.     

Chemical constituents from the aerial part of Peganum multisectum

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial part of Peganum multisectum led to the isolation of thirteen compounds, including seven alkaloids (1–5, 7 and 12), two sterols (6 and 10), one phenylpropanoid (8), one lignanoid (11), one megastigman (9), and one phenol (13). Their structures were identified by spectroscopic methods like UV, IR, MS and NMR, and in comparison with the published data in the references. Among them, compounds 10, 12 and 13 were firstly obtained from genus Peganum. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was also discussed, which revealed the relationships between P. multisectum and some other species of genus Peganum.     

Chemical constituents from the fruits of Amomum kravanh

Chemical investigation of the traditional Chinese medicine Amomum kravanh led to the isolation of a new secolignan (1), two flavonoids (2 and 3), four monoterpenoids (4–7) and six steroids (8–13). Compounds 1, 5–8 and 12–13 were isolated from the family Zingiberaceae for the first time. Compound 1 is the first lignan reported in the genus Amomum and compound 8 is firstly described as a natural product, which could be of chemotaxonomic importance for the genus Amomum and family Zingiberaceae.     

Chemical constituents from the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. (Rutaceae) and their chemotaxonomic significance

This work described the isolation and characterization of seven compounds from Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., including one new ester, (2R)-4-(2,2-dimethyl-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl)-2-hydroxypent-3-anoic acid ethyl ester (1); and six known glycosides (2–7). The structure of compound 1 was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectral analyses, including IR, HR-ESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR (NOESY, HMBC and HSQC). All these compounds were described here for the first time from the genus Dictamnus. Moreover, the results provide further information about the diversity of compounds in the genus Dictamnus.     

Chemical constituents from the roots of Asarum sieboldii Miq. var. Seoulense Nakai

Fourteen compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol reflux extract of Asarum sieboldii Miq. var. Seoulense Nakai, including five phenanthrene derivatives (1–5), three isobutyl amides (6–8), three phenylpropanoids (9–11) and three lignins (12–14). The structures of these compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and by comparison with the reported spectroscopic data. Among them, compounds 6 and 11 were firstly reported from the family Aristolochiaceae, and compounds 3 and 4 were reported for the first time from the genus Asarum. Additionally, compounds 1, 2 and 8 were isolated from A. sieboldii Miq. var. Seoulense Nakai for the first time. These compounds have shown chemical relationships between A. sieboldii Miq. var. Seoulense Nakai and other species of Asarum as well as those found in the genus Aristolochia in the family Aristolochiaceae.     

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC

Twelve compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble portion of the 70% hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC. All of the compounds were determined on the basis of UV, IR, NMR and MS and comparison with literature. Among them, compounds 4, 7, 10 and 12 were first acquired from Rutaceae, compound 2 was isolated from the genus of Zanthoxylum for the first time and compounds 1, 3, 6, 9, 11 were isolated from Z. nitidum for the first time. Our present study exhibited the taxonomic relationships between Z. nitidum and other species in the same genus; those between Rutaceae and other families. Furthermore, we have summarized the chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds in Rutaceae and Zanthoxylum.     

Chemical constituents from the tubers of Pinellia ternata (Araceae) and their chemotaxonomic interest

This work describes the isolation and characterization of twenty compounds from the tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit, including 17 lignanoids (1–17) and three alkaloids (18–20). All structures were established based on analysis of their spectroscopic data. It is the first report of compounds 3–11 and 13–18 from the genus Pinellia, and the first report of compounds 3–4, 6–9, 11 and 13–18 from the family Araceae. In addition, the biosynthetic pathways of the 17 lignanoids are summarized. A liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOFMS/MS) method in both positive and negative ion mode was also used to confirm the identity of these seventeen lignanoids from the tubers of P. ternata. The results from the present work provide further information about the diversity of compounds in the genus Pinellia.     

Steroids and anthraquinones from the deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus nidulans MCCC 3A00050

Aspergillus nidulans MCCC 3A00050 was isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample of the western Pacific Ocean. A systematic investigation on its chemical constituents led to the isolation of 19 compounds, including 13 steroids (1–13), four anthraquinones (14–17), one phenolics (18), and one chromanone (19). For the first time, three diosgenins (1–3) were isolated from fungi, three ergosterols (4–6) from the genus of Aspergillus, while other 11 miscellaneous compounds (7–11 and 14–19) from the species of Aspergillus nidulans. The isolation of diosgenins (1–3) and ergosterols (4–6) might be used as chemotaxonomic markers for the genus of Aspergillus and the species of Aspergillus nidulans, respectively.     

Investigation of chemical compounds from Chlamydomonas sp. KSF108 (Chlamydomonadaceae)

Nine compounds (1–9) including one norisoprenoid (1), one polyol-glycoside (2), three sterols (3–5), three phenols (6, 8, and 9), and one fatty acid (7) were isolated from Chlamydomonas sp. KSF108. Their chemical structures were established using NMR spectroscopic techniques and compared with published data. None of the compounds have been previously reported from the genus Chlamydomonas and they may therefore serve as chemotaxonomic markers for Chlamydomonas sp. KSF108 within the genus.     

Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids from Palicourea crocea

A new monoterpenoid indole alkaloid N-oxide, 3,4-dihydro-1-(1-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydro-4-methoxycarbonylcyclopenta[c]pyran-7-yl)-β-carboline-N²-oxide (3) and two known monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, croceaine A (1) and psychollatine (2), were isolated from Palicourea crocea (Rubiaceae) from Trinidad. The structures of 1–3 were determined on the basis of spectral and other physical data. Compounds 1 and 2 were previously isolated from plants of different genera viz. Palicourea crocea and Psychotria umbellata, respectively, both collected in Brazil. The results support the proposal that the genus Palicourea and the subgenus Heteropsychotria should be combined into a single genus.     

A taxonomic revision of the genus Mesa Saussure, 1892 from China,with a key to the Oriental species (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae: Myzininae)

In this study, a total of eight fossorial aculeate wasps of the tiphiid genus Mesa Saussure, 1892 from China are revised, including two new species, viz., Mesa hongchibaensis sp. nov., and Mesa glaber sp. nov.. The following species Mesa dimidiata (Guérin-Méneville, 1837) and Mesa nursei (Turner, 1909) are newly recorded from China. The male specimen of Mesa formosensis Tsuneki (1986) is firstly found. In addition, an updated key to the Oriental species of the genus is provided.     

New species of the pleasing lacewing genus Dilar Rambur, 1838 (Neuroptera,Dilaridae) from the Hengduan Mountains,southwestern China

The genus Dilar Rambur, 1838 (Neuroptera, Dilaridae) is the most species-rich genus of the family Dilaridae and is diverse in China, previously with 32 described species. Here we report two new species of Dilar from the southern part of the Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, southwestern China, namely Dilar muliensis sp. nov. and Dilar punctulosus sp. nov. A revised key to species of Dilar from China is provided.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:27EC214B-6587-4E38-BDAC-295F7389ABF3.     

A new acorane sesquiterpenes of Lysionotus pauciflorus maxim. Form Guizhou province,China

A new acorane sesquiterpene (1), together with fourteen known compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Lysionotus pauciflorus Maxim. The chemical structures of the compounds were identified by physio-chemical properties and 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, ESI-MS, IR and ECD spectra. Among them, six compounds (1, 4, 6, 7, 13, 15) were first found in the genus Lysionotus. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds in the genus Lysionotus and family Gesneriaceae were discussed.     

A Review of the Fauna of the Planthopper Family Lophopidae (Homoptera,Fulgoroidea) from Vietnam with Descriptions of New Genera and Species and with Taxonomic Notes

Six new species are described from Vietnam, Apia simplexsp. n., Bisma angulatasp. n., Pitambara trypetoidessp. n., Sarmatoca cathemerinagen. et sp. n., Maracota soulieraegen. et sp. n., and Serida castaneasp. n., and Zeleja thoracalissp. n. from Malaysia. Two new genera, Maracotagen. n. (type species M. soulierae sp. n.) and Sarmatocagen. n. (type species S. cathemerina sp. n.), and a new subgenus Zelomachasubgen. n. (type species Zeleja thoracalis sp. n.) in the genus Zeleja are erected. The genus Binaluana Soulier-Perkins et Stroiński is downgraded to a subgenus of Zeleja Melichar. The genus Silvispina Wang et Soulier-Perkins with an uncertain systematic position is attributed to the subfamily Lophopinae and the tribe Lophopini. The placement of the genus Elasmoscelis Spinola (and, correspondingly, the tribe Elasmoscelini) in the subfamily Menoscinae, the genus Epiptyxis Gerstaecker in the tribe Menoscini, and the genus Jivatma Melichar in the tribe Lophopini is substantiated. New records of 11 species are given from Vietnam, some being first records for this country.     

Lignans from the fruit of Schisandra sphenanthera,and their inhibition of HSV-2 and adenovirus

The systematic isolation of the EtOAc extract from Schisandra sphenanthera fruit was performed during a search for HSV-2 and adenovirus inhibitors. Sixteen lignans were obtained, with compound 1 representing a new and rare type of lignan in the genus Schisandra. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopy and comparison with literature data. Among all the lignans tested for their antiviral activities, compound 14 was the most active against HSV-2 with a selectivity index value up to 29.83. Moreover, the new compound 1, and the known ones (4, 6, 7, 10 and 14) also exhibited moderate inhibition of HSV-2 and adenovirus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that these lignans from Schisandra genus were shown to have modest activity against HSV-2 and adenovirus. Meanwhile, structure–activity relationships of some lignans for the inhibitory activity against HSV-2 and adenovirus were discussed in this study.