With the anti-microbial and anti-tumor composite screening model, bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of two structurally related bioactive compounds, curvularin and alphabeta-dehydrocurvularin, from ethyl acetate extract of Eupenicillium sp. associated with marine sponge Axinella sp. Further study on the structure-activity relationship demonstrated that both compounds exhibited differences in bioactive profiles which are highly associated with their minor structural differences. Both curvularin and alphabeta-dehydrocurvularin have similar level of anti-fungal and anti-tumorous activity, while alphabeta-dehydrocurvularin is active against Staphylococcus aureus with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 375 microg/ml but curvularin does not. No detectable activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exists for both compounds. It is suggested that the partial planar backbone structure, due to the conjugation of pi electrons in the presence of a 3,4-double bond and the carbonyl group at position C-2 in alphabeta-dehydrocurvularin, acts as a key factor for the inhibition of S. aureus, a Gram-positive low G + C bacteria that are often the hospital-acquired and/or community-acquired pathogen.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a refractory disease that is difficult to predictably treat. This study evaluated the prognosis of using standard alloplastic TMJ prostheses for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis in Chinese patients with severe mandibular deficiency. Patients treated from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed. The computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) technique was used to guide bony mass removal and locate the TMJ prosthesis (Biomet, USA). Eleven patients were included in this study. All prostheses were successfully installed and stabilized intraoperatively. In 4 patients with severe mandibular deficiency, their mandibular ramus was elongated by the TMJ prosthesis and 2 patients were combined with Le Fort I osteotomy guided by digital templates. Their mean chin advancement was 10.19 mm. Their SNB and ramus heights were also significantly improved after operation (P < 0.05). There was no prosthesis loosening, breakage, or infection leading to removal after a mean follow-up period of 22 months (range, 12-31mos.). Mouth opening was significantly improved from 5.5 mm preoperatively to 31.5 mm postoperatively. TMJ reconstruction with standard alloplastic prosthesis is a reliable treatment for ankylosis, especially in recurrent cases. By CAD/CAM technique, it can correct jaw deformities simultaneously and produce stable results.