Large-Scale Surveys of Blackleg of Oilseed Rape (Leptosphaeria biglobosa) Revealed New Insights into Epidemics of This Disease in China

Blackleg of oilseed rape caused by Leptosphaeria maculans/L. biglobosa is a worldwide important disease. L. maculans is more virulent than L. biglobosa, so it causes a great concern for oilseed rape production. In China, blackleg (L. biglobosa) of oilseed rape was reported in the 2000s, but epidemiological features of blackleg have not been well elucidated. Moreover, whether L. maculans exists in China is still an open question. Therefore, a 5-year survey was done in China to collect blackleg-occurrence data for characterizing the features of blackleg epidemics and to identify the blackleg pathogens for assessing the risk of L. maculans invasion. The results showed that all the 19 surveyed provinces had blackleg on oilseed rape, and the most frequently occurring provinces are Gansu, Qinghai, Shaanxi, and Hubei. Phoma stem canker was the most common symptom, which was associated with stem cracks on winter oilseed rape and with stem-weevil activities on spring oilseed rape. Temperature and rainfall were the main factors for blackleg epidemics on winter oilseed rape, whereas rainfall was the main factor for blackleg epidemics on spring oilseed rape. Brassica campestris and B. juncea oilseed rapes were more susceptible than B. napus to blackleg. Oilseed rapes cultivated under the continuous dry land-cropping pattern were more prone to blackleg than those cultivated under the paddy land/dry land-cropping pattern. All 6,015 fungal isolates from blackleg plant tissues belonged to L. biglobosa. These results are helpful for understanding the blackleg epidemics of oilseed rapes and for management of this disease in China.

Secondary Metabolites with Antifungal Activities from Mangrove Derived Fungus Monascus purpureus WMD2424

The mold Monascus, also called red yeast rice, anka, or koji, has been used as the natural food coloring agent and food additives for more than 1000 years in Asian countries. It has also been used in Chinese herbology and traditional Chinese medicine due to its easing digestion and antiseptic effects. However, under different culture conditions, the ingredients in Monascus-fermented products may be changed. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the ingredients, as well as the bioactivities of Monascus-derived natural products, is important. Here, through the thorough investigation into the chemical constituents of M. purpureus wmd2424, five previously undescribed compounds, monascuspurins A-E (1-5), were isolated from the EtOAc extract of mangrove-derived fungus Monascus purpureus wmd2424 cultured in RGY medium. All the constituents were confirmed via HRESIMS and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Their antifungal activity was also evaluated. Our results showed that four constituents (compounds 3-5) possessed mild antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium italicum, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is worth mentioning that the chemical composition of the type strain Monascus purpureus wmd2424 has never been studied.

Two new chromones and a new coumarin from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson

Two new chromones named cnidimol G (1) and cnidimol H (2), one new coumarin, 7-methoxy-8-(3-methoxy-3-methyl-2-oxobutyl)coumarin (3), and twenty known compounds were isolated from MeOH extract of the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson. The structures of compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1 D and 2 D NMR, HRESIMS, IR and UV. Anti-inflammatory activity of the selected isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1 and 8 exhibited inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production.

Undescribed Metabolites from an Actinobacteria Acrocarpospora punica and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity

In an effort to explore bioactive anti-inflammatory compounds from natural Actinobacteria resources from all over Taiwan and various ecological environments, an active strain of Acrocarpospora punica was collected at Taitung County in Taiwan, prepared from soil origin. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the BuOH extract of a culture broth of a new strain of the actinomycete Acrocarpospora punica led to the isolation of five previously undescribed compounds: acrocarpunicains A-F (1-6). The structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were subjected to in vitro testing to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Of these isolates, acrocarpunicains A (1), B (2), C (3) and F (6) showed NO inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 9.36 ± 0.25, 10.11 ± 0.47, 5.15 ± 0.18, and 27.17 ± 1.87 μM, stronger than the positive control, quercetin (IC₅₀ = 35.95 ± 2.34 μM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on azaphilone and phenanthrene-type metabolites from the genus Acrocarpospora.

Undescribed alkyne-geranylcyclohexenetriols from the endophyte Diaporthe caulivora 09F0132 and their anti-melanogenic activity

To explore valuable endophytic fungus from Formosan Lauraceous plants as natural medicinal products, the fungus, Diaporthe caulivora isolated from leaves of Neolitsea daibuensis, was investigated. Through a thorough investigation of the ethanolic extract of the solid fermentation of D. caulivora 09F0132, six undescribed alkyne-geranylcyclohexenetriols, caulivotrioloxins A-F, one undescribed trichopyrone, diapopyrone, two undescribed sesquiterpenes, caulibysins A-B, one compound firstly isolated from the natural source, 3-O-desmethyl phomentrioloxin, and eight known compounds have been successfully identified. The absolute configuration of caulibysin A was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and those of (3R,8S)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-(1-hydroxyethyl)phthalide and (3S,8S)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-(1-hydroxyethyl)phthalide were determined by circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Among the isolated compounds, caulivotrioloxin A concentration-dependently decreased the cellular melanin contents and tyrosinase activities in mouse melanoma B16-F10 cells, suggesting the anti-melanogenic potentials. The anti-melanogenic effects of caulivotrioloxin A involved the decrease in the protein expressions of melanogenic enzymes, including tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2. Taken together, these results suggested that the isolates from D. caulivora could be served as natural melanogenesis inhibitors for cosmeceutical applications.

Secondary Metabolites with Antimycobacterial Activities from One Actinobacteria: Herbidospora yilanensis

The cultivation of one actinobacteria strain, Herbidospora yilanensis, was isolated from sediment samples collected from Yilan County City in Taiwan, resulting in the isolation of five previously undescribed compounds: herbidosporayilanensins A-E (1-5), and four compounds isolated from nature for the first time: herbidosporayilanensins F-I (6-9). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments with those of known analogues, and on the basis of HR-EI-MS mass spectrometry, their antimycobacterial activities were also evaluated.

Different types of components obtained from Monascus purpureus with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potentials

The mold Monascus has been used as a natural food coloring agent and food additive for more than 1000 years in Asian countries. In Chinese herbology, it was also used for easing digestion and antiseptic effects. Through a thorough investigation of a citrinin-free strain: M. purpureus BCRC 38110, four azaphilones, three benzenoids, one benzofuranone, one 5',6'-dihydrospiro[isochromane-1,2'-pyran]-4'(3'H)-one derivative, two steroids, and six tetralones have been successfully identified. Among them, monapyridine A (1), monatetralones A-E (2-6), and monabenzofuranone (7) were first reported. Their structures were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, and HRESIMS analyses. With a series of bioactivity screening, monascuspirolide B (14) and ergosterol peroxide (16) exhibited concentration-dependent attenuation of the paclitaxel-induced neurite damage of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. The interleukin (IL)-1β-induced release of inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in human chondrosarcoma cells was inhibited by monapurpureusone (8) and monascuspirolide B (14). Altogether, M. purpureus BCRC 38110 possessed potentials as natural therapeutics against inflammatory osteoarthritis and paclitaxel-induced neurotoxicity.

Investigations into Chemical Components from Monascus purpureus with Photoprotective and Anti-Melanogenic Activities

Monascus species are asexually or sexually reproduced homothallic fungi that can produce a red colorant, specifically the so-called red yeast rice or Anka, which is used as a food ingredient in Asia. Traditional experiences of using Monascus for treating indigestion, enhancing blood circulation, and health remedies motivate us to investigate and repurpose Monascus-fermented products. Here, two new 5H-cyclopenta[c]pyridine type azaphilones, 5S,6S-monaspurpyridine A (1) and 5R,6R-monaspurpyridine A (2), two new xanthonoids, monasxanthones A and B (3 and 4), one new naphthalenone, monasnaphthalenone (5), and one new azaphilone, monapurpurin (6), along with two known compounds were isolated from the 70% EtOH extract of a citrinin-free domesticated strain M. purpureus BCRC 38110. The phytochemical properties of the xanthonoid and naphthalenone components were first identified from Monascus sp. differently from the representative ingredients of polyketide-derived azaphilones. UVB-induced cell viability loss and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in human keratinocytes were attenuated by monascuspirolide B (7) and ergosterol peroxide (8), indicating their photoprotective potentials. Ergosterol peroxide (8) decreased the melanin contents and tyrosinase activities of mouse melanocytes, depending on the concentration, suggesting their anti-melanogenic effects. In conclusion, six new and two known compounds were isolated from M. purpureus BCRC 38110, and two of them exhibited dermal protective activities. The results revealed the novel potential of M. purpureus for developing natural cosmeceutics against skin photoaging.

Chemical Constituents from a Mangrove-Derived Actinobacteria Isoptericola chiayiensis BCRC 16888 and Evaluation of Their Anti-NO Activity

Cultivation of the actinobacteria strain Isoptericola chiayiensis, a mangrove-derived actinobacteria that was isolated from a mangrove soil collected in Chiayi County, resulted in the isolation of one new 2-furanone derivative, isopterfuranone (1), one new sesquiterpenoid, isopterchiayione (2), one new benzenoid derivative, isopterinoid (3), five new flavonoids, chiayiflavans A-E (4-8), and 4 metabolites isolated for the first time from nature source, methyl 3-(4-methyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-3-yl)propanoate (9), 3-ethyl-4-methylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione (10), chiayiensol (11) and chiayiensic acid (12). Their structures were determined through in-depth spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses. Most of the isolates showed potent inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 9.36 to 40.02 μM. Of these isolates, 4 and 5 showed NO inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 17.14 and 9.36 μM, stronger than the positive control quercetin (IC₅₀ =36.95 μM). This is the first report on flavan metabolites from the genus Isoptericola.

Screening of Azaphilone Derivatives From Monascus pilosus-Fermented Rice (Red Yeast Rice) and Their Evaluation as Nonsteroidal Androgen Receptor Antagonists

Monascus pilosus BCRC 38093 is a mutant strain of M. pilosus BCRC 38072. The 95% ethanol extract of red yeast rice fermented by M. pilosus BCRC 38093 showed 4 major signals on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) examination. The extraction of metabolites and chromatography of the ethyl acetate crude extract on silica gel yielded 2 azaphilone derivatives, monascin (1) and monascinol (2), and 2 monacolin-type derivatives, acid-form monacolin K (3) and lactone-form monacolin K (4). Their structural characterization was elucidated by spectroscopic techniques ultraviolet-visible (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and two dimensional-nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) and mass spectrometry. These compounds were assayed for their anti-androgen activity; monascinol (2) exhibited strong activity.

Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Secondary Metabolites From an Endophytic Fungus Annulohypoxylon ilanense

Fractionation of the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the liquid fermentation of an endophytic fungus Annulohypoxylon ilanense associated with the wood of medicinal plant Cinnamomum species resulted in the isolation of 1 new α-pyrone, ilanpyrone (1), along with 3 previously identified compounds, 2 to 4. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses, especially 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as well as high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against MCF-7, NCI-H460, and SF-268 cell lines using the MTT assay. Among them, compounds 1 and 4 were found to have moderate-to-weak cytotoxic effects against these 3 cell lines in vitro.

Bioactive Dimeric Abietanoid Peroxides from the Bark of Cryptomeria japonica

Three new dimeric abietane-type diterpenoids, abieta-6,8,11,13-tetraen-12-yl 12-hydroxyabieta-8,11,13-trien-7α-yl peroxide (1), abieta-6,8,11,13-tetraen-12-yl 12-hydroxyabieta-8,11,13-trien-7β-yl peroxide (2), and 12-hydroxyabieta-8,11,13-trien-7β-yl 7-oxoabieta-5,8,11,13-tetraen-12-yl peroxide (3), together with four known abietane-type diterpenoids (4–7) were isolated from the methanol extract of the bark of Cryptomeria japonica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and comparison of NMR data with those of known analogues. At a concentration of 50 μM, compounds 1, 2, and 3 showed 26.2%, 23.6%, and 35.7% inhibition towards xanthine oxidase enzyme, respectively. In addition, compound 3 also showed 24.9% inhibition toward angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Two new diprenylated flavanones from Derris laxiflora Benth

Phytochemical reinvestigation on the whole plants of Derris laxiflora Benth. afforded two new diprenylated flavanones, derriflavanones B and C (1-2), together with thirty-two known compounds, including sixteen flavonoids (3-18), eleven aromatic compounds (19-29), and five chlorophylls (30-34). All known compounds were first isolated from this plant. The structures of these compounds were determined by analysis of the NMR spectroscopy, mass data, IR spectra, UV spectra, optical rotation and by comparison with literature data.

Chemical Constituents from the Fungus Antrodia cinnamomea

A new benzenoid, 4-methoxy-7-methylbenzo[ d][1,3]dioxol-5-ol (1) and three known secondary metabolites 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl[1,4]benzoquinone (2), 2-methoxy-6-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (3) and 5-methyl-benzo[1,3]dioxole-4,7-diol (4) were isolated from the mycelia of A. cinnamomea BCRC 36799 by solid state fermentation with adlay. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopic data and comparison with reported values. All isolated compounds 1–4 were tested for their cytotoxicity against the six cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Among them, compound 3 displayed significant cytotoxic effects toward all six tested cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 2.8–8.7 μM in vitro.

New Benzenoid Derivatives and Other Constituents from Lawsonia inermis with Inhibitory Activity against NO Production

Three new benzenoid derivatives, lawsoinermone (1), inermidioic acid (2), and inermic acid (3) have been isolated from the aerial part of Lawsonia inermis, together with 11 known compounds (4-14). The structures of three new compounds were determined through spectroscopic and MS analyses. Compounds 1, 4-6, 13 and 14 were evaluated for inhibition of nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated product of nitrite in RAW 264.7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 6.12, 16.43, 18.98, 9.30, 9.30 and 14.90 μg/mL, respectively.

Evaluating the urate-lowering effects of different microbial fermented extracts in hyperuricemic models accompanied with a safety study

Uric acid (UA) is an end product of purine metabolism by the enzyme xanthine oxidase (XOD). Hyperuricemia is characterized by the accumulation of serum UA and is an important risk factor for gout and many chronic disorders. XOD inhibitors or uricase (catalyzes UA to the more soluble end product) can prevent these chronic diseases. However, currently available hypouricemic agents induce severe side effects. Therefore, we developed new microbial fermented extracts (MFEs) with substantial XOD inhibition activity from Lactobacillus (MFE-21) and Acetobacter (MFE-25), and MFE-120 with high uricase activity from Aspergillus. The urate-lowering effects and safety of these MFEs were evaluated. Our results showed that MFE-25 exerts superior urate-lowering effects in the therapeutic model. In the preventive model, both MFE-120 and MFE-25 significantly reduced UA. The results of the safety study showed that no organ toxicity and no treatment-related adverse effects were observed in mice treated with high doses of MFEs. Taken together, the results showed the effectiveness of MFEs in reducing hyperuricemia without systemic toxicity in mice at high doses, suggesting that they are safe for use in the treatment and prevention of hyperuricemia.

Botrytis pyriformis sp. nov., a novel and likely saprophytic species of Botrytis

A novel species of Botrytis from Sedum sarmentosum was described based on morphology and analyses of DNA sequences of nuc rDNA ITS regions and three nuclear genes (G3PDH, HSP60, RPB2). Meanwhile pathogenicity in 32 plant species, response to temperature for growth and conidial germination for the species were determined. The Botrytis species was named Botrytis pyriformis sp. nov. It was characterized by formation of grayish mycelia, brownish conidia and melanized sclerotia on PDA. The conidia are pear-shaped, melanized and covered with abundant villiform appendages on the conidial surface. Comparison of the ITS sequences confirmed its placement in the genus Botrytis Phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences of G3PDH, HSP60 and RPB2 genes indicated that B. pyriformis and other 30 Botrytis species form a monophyletic clade, which was further divided into three subclades. Subclade I comprised B. pyriformis alone, whereas subclades II and III comprised six and 24 Botrytis species, respectively. Botrytis pyriformis could not infect 32 plant species including S. sarmentosum, possibly due to deficiency in formation of infection cushions. This study presents a formal description and illustrations for B. pyriformis and provides experimental evidence, indicating that B. pyriformis might be a saprophytic species.

A retrospective clinical study of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks angiogenesis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A, was described to be effective in the treatment of recurrent or platinum-resistance ovarian cancer. The present retrospective study was performed to further evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of bevacizumab in the treatment of Chinese recurrent ovarian cancer patients who had been previously treated by platinum-based chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the hospital database and finally included 26 recurrent ovarian cancer patients who were treated with bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel or single agent. All included patients received >3 cycle of bevacizumab treatment. The tumor response, overall survival, and toxicities were documented.

RESULTS

Under the treatment of bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel, 2 complete response (7.7%), 8 partial response (30.8%), 7 stable disease (26.9%) and 9 progression disease (34.6%) was documented with the objective response rate of 38.5% and disease control rate of 65.4%. The median overall survival from the first application of bevacizumab was 15.3 months [Figure 1] for all of the 26 patients. The median overall survival time was 16.2 and 14.0 months for bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment schedule respectively. The overall survival was not different between bevacizumab + gemcitabine and bevacizumab + paclitaxel treatment regimen hazard ratio = 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.32-2, P = 0.64). The hypertension and proteinuria were the major bevacizumab related toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab combined with gemcibabine or paclitaxel was a promising treatment schedule for platinum-resistance recurrent ovarian cancer.

First Report of Botrytis pseudocinerea Causing Gray Mold on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Central China

A tomato field in Qianjiang County, Hubei Province, China, was surveyed for gray mold in April 2013. Diseased leaves with V-shaped lesions along the margin and masses of grayish hyphae and conidia on the surface were collected from different plants. Eight Botrytis isolates were obtained from eight symptomatic leaves by plating the conidia from each leaf onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). A representative isolate (No. 116) was compared to two reference isolates, B. cinerea B05.10 (from Z. H. Ma, Zhejiang University, China) and B. pseudocinerea 10091 (from A. S. Walker, INRA, France) for morpho-cultural and molecular features. On PDA at 20°C, isolate 116 grew 13.8 mm/day (n = 9), which was similar to those of isolates 10091 (13.7 mm/day), and B05.10 (14.6 mm/day). The isolates all formed black sclerotia of similar shape and size (2 to 13 × 1 to 7 mm). To induce conidia production, the isolates each were inoculated onto tomato fruit (cv. Hezuo 903, Jiangsu Seed Co., China) using colonized agar plugs (each 6 mm in diameter), with four plugs per fruit and four fruits tested per isolate. After incubation of the fruit for 10 days (20°C), abundant conidia were produced on the fruit surface. The conidial size of isolate 116 (6.8 to 14.3 × 6.1 to 10.2 μm) was similar to that of isolates 10091 (7.7 to 12.2 × 7.0 to 9.8 μm) and B05.10 (7.0 to 14 × 6.6 to 10.5 μm). The three isolates were indistinguishable morphologically. The sequences of each of four nuclear genes (Bc-hch, G3PDH, HSP60, and MS547) and the microsatellite Bc6 locus (1,4) were determined and analyzed for each isolate. DNA was extracted from mycelium of each isolate and used as a template to amplify each gene by PCR using specific primers (1,2,4). Bc-hch-RFLP genotyping of the 1,171-bp amplicon (2,4) showed that isolates 116 and 10091 had a 601-bp DNA product, whereas B05.10 had a 517-bp product. The G3PDH, HSP60, and MS547 sequences of isolate 116 (GenBank Accession Nos. KJ534270, KJ534271, and KJ534273, respectively) and those of B. aclada, B. calthae, B. cinerea, B. pseudocinerea, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (3) were used for phylogenetic analysis. Isolate 116 and eight B. pseudocinerea isolates formed a subclade with 100% bootstrap support. Furthermore, two DNA markers, 86 bp for isolates 116 and 10091 vs. 170 bp for B05.10 were identified at the Bc6 locus. These results suggest that isolate 116 belongs to B. pseudocinerea (1,4). Pathogenicity of each isolate was tested by inoculation of each of five newly expanded tomato leaves on a 50-day-old plant (cv. Hezuo 903, Jiangsu Seed Co) with a 20-μl droplet of a conidial suspension (1 × 10⁵ conidia/ml), using a pipette. Five noninoculated control leaves were treated similarly with water. The plants were all maintained at 20°C and 100% RH for 72 h, and lesion diameter was then measured. While control leaves remained asymptomatic, leaves inoculated with isolates 116, 10091, and B05.10 developed necrotic lesions averaging 19 to 20 mm in diameter. A fungus re-isolated from the lesions on isolate-116-inoculated leaves formed colonies with morphology identical to that of the original isolate 116. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. pseudocinerea on tomato in China. The remaining seven isolates were identified as B. cinerea based on Bc-hch-RFLP genotyping (data not shown), suggesting that B. pseudocinerea may infect tomato plants at a low frequency in this region of China. References: (1) E. Fournier et al. Mol. Ecol. Notes 2:253, 2002. (2) E. Fournier et al. Mycologia 95:251, 2003. (3) P. R. Johnston et al. Plant Pathol. 63:888, 2014. (4) A. S. Walker et al. Phytopathology 101:1433, 2011.

Analysis of Taiwan patents for the medicinal mushroom "Niu-Chang- Chih"

"Niu-Chang-Chih" (Antrodia cinnanomea) is a medicinal mushroom that has only been collected from the aromatic tree, Cinnamomum kanehirai, which is native to Taiwan. A total of 105 Taiwan patent applications and patents for "Niu-Chang-Chih" were collected and analyzed. Patent applications and granted patents claiming newly identified functional components from "Niu-Chang-Chih," biologically pure cultures of the mushroom strain, and cultivation of "Niu-Chang-Chih" were examined. Several applications and patents claim identified active compounds from "Niu-Chang- Chih," which provide better patent protection. These newly identified functional compounds include cyclohexanones, maleic and succinic acid derivatives, labdane diterpenoids, and benzenoids. Newly identified functional proteins include a glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase (GFD), a glycoprotein named ACA1, and a laccase. Newly identified functional polysaccharides include ACP1, ACP2, and ACP3. The number of patents for newly identified compounds and their uses are expected to continue growing.