Chromone derivatives from the filamentous fungus Lachnum sp. BCC 2424

Five new chromones, named lachnones A-E (1-5), were isolated from the filamentous fungus Lachnum sp. BCC 2424 along with known (2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadiene-1,6-diol. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Lachnones B (2) and D (4) mildly inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, both with MIC values of 200 microg/mL.     

Corporate political activity of major food companies in Thailand: an assessment and policy recommendations

Background

The food industry can influence individual and population level food consumption behaviours, shape public preferences and interfere with government policy on obesity prevention and NCDs. This paper identifies the Corporate Political Activity (CPA) of major food companies in Thailand which relate to obesity and NCDs.

Methods

Using the INFORMAS framework to classify CPA, we reviewed publicly available information by 12 food companies between August 2011 and July 2016 in order to identify, analyse and classify the CPA contents. Semi-structured interviews with 17 key stakeholders who are experts in this field supplemented evidence from the document review. Data analysis applied a thematic approach.

Results

Food industry in Thailand applied a variety of CPA strategies and practices. The two most common strategies were constituency building and information and messaging.

Conclusion

The diverse range of CPA strategies which influence government policy and public opinion can undermine efforts to prevent obesity and diet-related NCDs. We recommend systematic monitoring of their CPA, strengthening mechanisms to hold the food industry accountable for their role in protecting and promoting the nutrition and health of the population, introducing mandatory registration of lobbyists, mandatory disclosure of political donations, and stronger oversight of conflicts of interest among the government actors.

     

Identification of novel epoxide inhibitors of hepatitis C virus replication using a high-throughput screen

Using our high-throughput hepatitis C replicon assay to screen a library of over 8,000 novel diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) compounds, we identified several novel compounds that regulate hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication, including two libraries of epoxides that inhibit HCV replication (best 50% effective concentration, < 0.5 microM). We then synthesized an analog of these compounds with optimized activity.