bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Capacity and Hepatoprotective Role of Chitosan-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles in Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Bai Kaikai , Hong Bihong , He Jianlin , Huang Wenwen
Published: March 2020

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted wide attention for their use in nutritional supplements and nanomedicine applications. However, their potential to protect against autoimmune hepatitis has not been fully investigated, and the role of their antioxidant capacity in hepatoprotection is uncertain. In this study, chitosan-stabilized SeNPs (CS-SeNPs) were prepared by means of rapid ultra-filtration, and then their antioxidant ability and free-radical scavenging capacity were evaluated. The hepatoprotective potential of a spray-dried CS-SeNPs powder against autoimmune liver disease was also studied in the concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver injury mouse model. CS-SeNPs with size of around 60 nm exhibited acceptable oxygen radical absorbance capacity and were able to scavenge DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals. The CS-SeNPs powder alleviated Con A-caused hepatocyte necrosis and reduced the elevated levels of serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase in Con A-treated mice. These results suggest that the CS-SeNPs powder protected the mice from Con-A-induced oxidative stress in the liver by retarding lipid oxidation and by boosting the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, partly because of its ability to improve Se retention. In conclusion, SeNPs present potent hepatoprotective potential against Con A-induced liver damage by enhancing the redox state in the liver; therefore, they deserve further development.
Distinguishing Low and High Water Consumers—A Paradigm of Disease Risk
Authors: Armstrong Lawrence , Muñoz Colleen , Armstrong Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

A long-standing body of clinical observations associates low 24-h total water intake (TWI = water + beverages + food moisture) with acute renal disorders such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections. These findings prompted observational studies and experimental interventions comparing habitual low volume (LOW) and high volume (HIGH) drinkers. Investigators have learned that the TWI of LOW and HIGH differ by 1–2 L·d−1, their hematological values (e.g., plasma osmolality, plasma sodium) are similar and lie within the laboratory reference ranges of healthy adults and both groups appear to successfully maintain water-electrolyte homeostasis. However, LOW differs from HIGH in urinary biomarkers (e.g., reduced urine volume and increased osmolality or specific gravity), as well as higher plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and cortisol. Further, evidence suggests that both a low daily TWI and/or elevated plasma AVP influence the development and progression of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Based on these studies, we propose a theory of increased disease risk in LOW that involves chronic release of fluid-electrolyte (i.e., AVP) and stress (i.e., cortisol) hormones. This narrative review describes small but important differences between LOW and HIGH, advises future investigations and provides practical dietary recommendations for LOW that are intended to decrease their risk of chronic diseases.
Determinants of Adherence in Time-Restricted Feeding in Older Adults: Lessons from a Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Stephanie A. , Sypniewski Caroline , Bensadon Benjamin A. , McLaren Christian , Donahoo William T. , Sibille Kimberly T. , Anton Stephen
Published: March 2020

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a type of intermittent fasting in which no calories are commonly consumed for approximately 12–18 hours on a daily basis. The health benefits of this eating pattern have been shown in overweight adults, with improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors as well as the preservation of lean mass during weight loss. Although TRF has been well studied in younger and middle-aged adults, few studies have evaluated the effects of TRF in older adults. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate older-adult perspectives regarding the real-world advantages, disadvantages, and challenges to adopting a TRF eating pattern among participants aged 65 and over. A four-week single-arm pre- and post-test design was used for this clinical pilot trial TRF intervention study. Participants were instructed to fast for approximately 16 h per day with the daily target range between 14 and 18 h. Participants were provided with the TRF protocol at a baseline visit, along with a pictorial guide that depicted food items and beverages that were allowed and not allowed during fasting windows to reinforce that calorie-containing items were to be avoided. The trial interventionist called each participant weekly to promote adherence, review the protocol, monitor for adverse events, and provide support and guidance for any challenges faced during the intervention. Participants were instructed to complete daily eating time logs by recording the times at which they first consumed calories and when they stopped consuming calories. At the end of the intervention, participants completed an exit interview and a study-specific Diet Satisfaction Survey (Table 1) to assess their satisfaction, feasibility, and overall experience with the study intervention. Of the 10 participants who commenced the study (mean age = 77.1 y; 6 women, 4 men), nine completed the entire protocol. Seven of the ten participants reported easy adjustment to a 16-hour fast and rated the difference from normal eating patterns as minimal. Eight participants reported no decrease in energy during fasting periods, with greater self-reported activity levels in yardwork and light exercise. Adverse events were rare, and included transient headaches, which dissipated with increased water intake, and dizziness in one participant, which subsided with a small snack. The findings of the current trial suggest that TRF is an eating approach that is well tolerated by most older adults. Six participants, however, did not fully understand the requirements of the fasting regimen, despite being provided with specific instructions and a pictorial guide at a baseline visit. This suggests that more instruction and/or participant contact is needed in the early stages of a TRF intervention to promote adherence.
Relationships between Obesity, Nutrient Supply and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Koreans
Authors: Lee Jae Yeun , Kim Joon Mo , Lee Kyoung Yong , Kim Bokyung , Lee Mi Yeon , Park Ki Ho
Published: March 2020

To investigate the association between nutrient intake and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in Koreans, a population-based, cross-sectional survey, the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, was analyzed. Glaucoma diagnosis was based on criteria established by the International Society of Geographic and Epidemiologic Ophthalmology. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between dietary intake and the prevalence of POAG in all enrolled subjects. In the low Body mass index(BMI) group (BMI <18.5), females with POAG had significantly lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, B-carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C than their non-glaucoma counterparts, based on a multivariate logistic regression analysis (all p < 0.05). In females with a medium BMI (18.5 ≤ BMI < 23), POAG showed a significant association with lower food intake, energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, thiamin and niacin. (all p < 0.05). Lower protein thiamine intake in medium BMI males was related to POAG. Low dietary intake of several nutrients showed an association with glaucoma in low BMI female subjects. An insufficient intake of certain nutrients may be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma in Koreans. Further large-scale cohort studies are needed to determine how specific nutrients alter the risk of glaucoma.
4-Amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione as a Promising Scaffold for the Inhibition of Serine and Metallo-β-Lactamases
Authors: Linciano Pasquale , Gianquinto Eleonora , Montanari Martina , Maso Lorenzo , Bellio Pierangelo , Cebrián-Sastre Esmeralda , Celenza Giuseppe , Blázquez Jesús , Cendron Laura , Spyrakis Francesca , Tondi Donatella
Published: March 2020

The emergence of bacteria that co-express serine- and metallo- carbapenemases is a threat to the efficacy of the available β-lactam antibiotic armamentarium. The 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione scaffold has been selected as the starting chemical moiety in the design of a small library of β-Lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) with extended activity profiles. The synthesised compounds have been validated in vitro against class A serine β−Lactamase (SBLs) KPC-2 and class B1 metallo β−Lactamases (MBLs) VIM-1 and IMP-1. Of the synthesised derivatives, four compounds showed cross-class micromolar inhibition potency and therefore underwent in silico analyses to elucidate their binding mode within the catalytic pockets of serine- and metallo-BLs. Moreover, several members of the synthesised library have been evaluated, in combination with meropenem (MEM), against clinical strains that overexpress BLs for their ability to synergise carbapenems.
Impact of Particle and Equipment Properties on Residence Time Distribution of Pharmaceutical Excipients in Rotary Tablet Presses
Authors: Puckhaber Daniel , Eichler Sebastian , Kwade Arno , Finke Jan Henrik
Published: March 2020

Paddle feeders are devices commonly used in rotary tablet presses to facilitate constant and efficient die filling. Adversely, the shear stress applied by the rotating paddles is known to affect the bulk properties of the processed powder dependent on the residence time. This study focuses on the residence time distribution (RTD) of two commonly applied excipients (microcrystalline cellulose, MCC; dicalcium phosphate, DCP), which exhibit different flow properties inside rotary tablet presses. To realistically depict the powder flow inside rotary tablet presses, custom-made tracer powder was developed. The applied method was proven to be appropriate as the tracer and bulk powder showed comparable properties. The RTDs of both materials were examined in two differently scaled rotary tablet presses and the influence of process parameters was determined. To analyze RTDs independent of the mass flow, the normalized variance was used to quantify intermixing. Substantial differences between both materials and tablet presses were found. Broader RTDs were measured for the poorer flowing MCC as well as for the production scale press. The obtained results can be used to improve the general understanding of powder flow inside rotary tablet presses and amplify scale-up and continuous production process development.
Pectin-Tannic Acid Nano-Complexes Promote the Delivery and Bioactivity of Drugs in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Chauhan Sumeet S. , Shetty Advait B. , Hatami Elham , Chowdhury Pallabita , Yallapu Murali M.
Published: March 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is a lethal disease. Conventional chemotherapies for PanCa offer severe systemic toxicities. Thus, the development of a successful nanomedicine-based therapeutic regimen with augmented therapeutic efficacy is highly sought. Naturally occurring pectin and modified pectin-based drug delivery systems exhibit remarkable self-targeting ability via galactose residues to various cancer cells. Herein, we developed and used an innovative approach of highly stable nanocomplexes based on modified pectin and tannic acid (MPT-NCs). The nanocomplex formation was enabled by strong intermolecular interactions between pectin and tannic acid under very mild conditions. These nanocomplexes were characterized by particle size and morphology (DLS, TEM, and SEM), FT-IR spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Additionally, MPT-NCs were capable of encapsulating anticancer drugs (5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, and irinotecan) through tannic acid binding. The in vitro bioactivity of these drug MPT-NCs were evaluated in pancreatic cancer adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines (HPAF-II and PANC-1). A dose-dependent internalization of nanocomplexes was evident from microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. Both proliferation and colony formation assays indicated the anticancer potential of pectin drug nanocomplexes against PDAC cells compared to that of free drug treatments. Together, the pectin-based nanocomplexes could be a reliable and efficient drug delivery strategy for cancer therapy.
Alendronic Acid as Ionic Liquid: New Perspective on Osteosarcoma
Authors: Teixeira Sónia , Santos Miguel M. , Fernandes Maria H. , Costa-Rodrigues João , Branco Luís C.
Published: March 2020

Herein the quantitative synthesis of eight new mono- and dianionic Organic Salts and Ionic Liquids (OSILs) from alendronic acid (ALN) is reported by following two distinct sustainable and straightforward methodologies, according to the type of cation. The prepared ALN-OSILs were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and their solubility in water and biological fluids was determined. An evaluation of the toxicity towards human healthy cells and also human breast, lung and bone (osteosarcoma) cell lines was performed. Globally, it was observed that the monoanionic OSILs showed lower toxicity than the corresponding dianionic structures to all cell types. The highest cytotoxic effect was observed in OSILs containing a [C2OHMIM] cation, in particular [C2OHMIM][ALN]. The latter showed an improvement in IC50 values of ca. three orders of magnitude for the lung and bone cancer cell lines as well as fibroblasts in comparison with ALN. The development of OSILs with high cytotoxicity effect towards the tested cancer cell types, and containing an anti-resorbing molecule such as ALN may represent a promising strategy for the development of new pharmacological tools to be used in those pathological conditions.
An Assessment of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Architectures as Antigen Carriers
Authors: Huang Xinyue , Townley Helen E
Published: March 2020

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) have the potential to be used as antigen carriers due to their high surface areas and highly ordered pore network. We investigated the adsorption and desorption of diphtheria toxoid as a proof-of-concept. Two series of nanoparticles were prepared—(i) small pores (SP) (<10 nm) and (ii) large pores (LP) (>10 nm). SBA-15 was included as a comparison since this is commercially available and has been used in a large number of studies. External diameters of the particles ranged from 138 to 1509 nm, surface area from 632 to 1110 m2/g and pore size from 2.59 to 16.48 nm. Antigen loading was assessed at a number of different ratios of silica-to-antigen and at 4 °C, 20 °C and 37 °C. Our data showed that protein adsorption by the SP series was in general consistently lower than that shown by the large pore series. Unloading was then examined at 4 °C, 20 °C and 37 °C and a pH 1.2, 4.5, 6.8 and 7.4. There was a trend amongst the LP particles towards the smallest pores showing the lowest release of antigen. The stability of the MSNP: antigen complex was tested at two different storage temperatures, and storage in solution or after lyophilization. After 6 months there was negligible release from any of the particles under any of the storage conditions. The particles were also shown not to cause hemolysis.
Plant Cells under Attack: Unconventional Endomembrane Trafficking during Plant Defense
Authors: Ruano Guillermo , Scheuring David
Published: March 2020

Since plants lack specialized immune cells, each cell has to defend itself independently against a plethora of different pathogens. Therefore, successful plant defense strongly relies on precise and efficient regulation of intracellular processes in every single cell. Smooth trafficking within the plant endomembrane is a prerequisite for a diverse set of immune responses. Pathogen recognition, signaling into the nucleus, cell wall enforcement, secretion of antimicrobial proteins and compounds, as well as generation of reactive oxygen species, all heavily depend on vesicle transport. In contrast, pathogens have developed a variety of different means to manipulate vesicle trafficking to prevent detection or to inhibit specific plant responses. Intriguingly, the plant endomembrane system exhibits remarkable plasticity upon pathogen attack. Unconventional trafficking pathways such as the formation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) bodies or fusion of the vacuole with the plasma membrane are initiated and enforced as the counteraction. Here, we review the recent findings on unconventional and defense-induced trafficking pathways as the plant´s measures in response to pathogen attack. In addition, we describe the endomembrane system manipulations by different pathogens, with a focus on tethering and fusion events during vesicle trafficking.
Parameter Optimization and Potential Bioactivity Evaluation of a Betulin Extract from White Birch Bark
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Xiao Han , Pang Jiwei
Published: March 2020

Owing to its pharmacological potential, betulin has attracted substantial attention in the past two decades. The present work attempts to extract betulin from Betula platyphylla Suk. bark by the ultrasonic-assisted ethanol method and to evaluate its potential bioactivities. The critical process variables affecting the yield were optimized by a four-factor, three-level, central composite response surface methodology (RSM). A betulin yield of 92.67% was achieved under the optimum conditions: 65% ethanol concentration, 1:25 ratio of white birch bark to solvent, an extraction temperature of 30 °C, and an extraction time of 30 min. The ratio of solid to solvent is the most significant parameter in terms of yield. The optimal conditions were validated through experiments, and the observed value (92.67 ± 2.3%) was interrelated with the predicted value (92.86 ± 1.5%). The betulin extract was analyzed quantitatively by HPLC and quantitatively by LC/MS, before its potential biological activities were evaluated. Bioactivity surveys confirmed that the betulin extract showed not only no embryo deformity through zebrafish administration experiments, but also no cytotoxicity through MTT assays. Furthermore, the betulin extract had strong antioxidant activities in vitro by scavenging ferric reducing power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl(DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and chelating metal ions. This study demonstrates that ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extraction may be a green, efficient method for the extraction of betulin from white birch bark, and that betulin extracts are potentially useful in cosmetics, food supplements, or pharmaceutical applications.
The Influence of Processing and Particle Size on Binderless Particleboards Made from Arundo donax L. Rhizome
Authors: Ferrandez-Villena Manuel , Ferrandez-Garcia Clara Eugenia , Garcia-Ortuño Teresa , Ferrandez-Garcia Antonio , Ferrandez-Garcia Maria Teresa
Published: March 2020

The giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is considered one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species. The main method by which this species propagates is by growth of scattered fragments of rhizome, spreading without control with very strong, deep roots. Agricultural waste consists of lignocellulosic materials that can substitute natural wood and offer a suitable alternative with which to manufacture boards for furniture, packaging and building purposes. The objectives of this work were to obtain binderless particleboards using giant reed rhizome as the raw material, to evaluate their mechanical and physical properties according to the applicable European standards and to assess the self-binding mechanism of the particles in the board. Six types of boards (12 classes) were manufactured with giant reed rhizome biomass. They were manufactured with a temperature of 110 °C, a pressure of 2.5 MPa and pressing times of 7 and 15 min, applying one or two pressing cycles. The results achieved for modulus of rupture (14.2 N/mm2), modulus of elasticity (2052.45 N/mm2) and internal bonding strength (1.12 N/mm2) show that the mechanical properties were improved by using a smaller rhizome particle size and two pressing cycles.
The Inhibition Property and Mechanism of a Novel Low Molecular Weight Zwitterionic Copolymer for Improving Wellbore Stability
Authors: Du Weichao , Slaný Michal , Wang Xiangyun , Chen Gang , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2020

In this work, a novel low molecular weight zwitterionic copolymer for improving wellbore stability, which is expected to be an alternative to the current shale inhibitors, was obtained by copolymerization of tris hydroxyethyl allyl ammonium bromide (THAAB), 2-acrylamido-2- methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylamide (AM), initiated by a redox initiation system in an aqueous solution. The copolymer, denoted as SX-1, was characterized by FT-IR, TGA-DSC, and GPC. Results demonstrated that the molecular weight of SX-1 was approximately 13,683 g/mol and it displayed temperature resistance up to 225 °C. Regarding the inhibition performance, evaluation experiments showed the hot rolling recovery of a Longmaxi shale sample in 2.0 wt % SX-1 solutions was up to 90.31% after hot rolling for 16 h at 120 °C. The Linear swelling height of Na-MMT artificial core in 2.0 wt % SX-1 solution was just 4.74 mm after 16 h. Methods including particle size analysis, FTIR, XRD, and SEM were utilized to study the inhibition mechanism of SX-1; results demonstrated that SX-1 had entered into the inner layer of sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) and adsorbed on the inner surface, and the micro-structure of Na-MMT was successfully changed by SX-1. The particle size of Na-MMT in distilled water was 8.05 μm, and it was observed that its size had increased to 603 μm after the addition of 2.0 wt % of SX-1. Its superior properties make this novel low molecular weight copolymer promising for ensuring wellbore stability, particularly for high temperature wells.
Ferrocene-Based Conjugated Microporous Polymers Derived from Yamamoto Coupling for Gas Storage and Dye Removal
Authors: Tan Zhiqiang , Su Huimin , Guo Yiwen , Liu Huan , Liao Bo , Amin Abid Muhammad , Liu Qingquan
Published: March 2020

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have conjugated skeleton and permanent porosity, and exhibit huge potential in developing novel functional materials for resolving the challenging energy and environment issues. Metal-containing CMPs often exhibited unique properties. In the present manuscript, ferrocene-based conjugated microporous polymers (FcCMPs) were designed and synthesized with 1,1′-dibromoferrocene and 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4- bromophenyl) porphyrin (FcCMP-1) or Tetra (p-bromophenyl) methane (FcCMP-2) as building units via Yamamoto coupling. FcCMPs were amorphous, and exhibited excellent thermal and physicochemical stability. The BET surface area of FcCMP-1 and FcCMP-2 was 638 m2/g and 422 m2/g, respectively. In comparison with FcCMP-2, FcCMP-1 displayed better gas storage capacity due to higher porosity. FcCMPs were also used as an adsorbent for removal of methyl violet from aqueous solution, and exhibited excellent adsorption properties due to the interaction between electron-rich conjugated structure of the polymers and methyl violet with cationic groups. Moreover, FcCMPs could be extracted and regenerated by an eluent and then re-used for high efficient removal of methyl violet.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Scalable D-A-D π-Extended Oligomers as p-Type Organic Materials for Bulk-Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Osw Peshawa , Nitti Andrea , Abdullah Media N. , Etkind Samuel I. , Mwaura Jeremiah , Galbiati Alessandro , Pasini Dario
Published: March 2020

The synthesis and characterization of four novel donor-acceptor-donor π-extended oligomers, incorporating naphtha(1–b)thiophene-4-carboxylate or benzo(b)thieno(3,2-g) benzothiophene-4-carboxylate 2-octyldodecyl esters as end-capping moieties, and two different conjugated core fragments, is reported. The end-capping moieties are obtained via a cascade sequence of sustainable organic reactions, and then coupled to benzo(c)(1,2,5)thiadiazole and its difluoro derivative as the electron-poor π-conjugated cores. The optoelectronic properties of the oligomers are reported. The novel compounds revealed good film forming properties, and when tested in bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic cell devices in combination with PC61BM, revealed good fill factors, but low efficiencies, due to their poor absorption profiles.
The Chilean Military after Antuco: Shortcomings of a Post-Secular Discourse
Authors: Bellolio Cristobal
Published: March 2020

In their two hundred years of existence, the Chilean armed forces have had a close relationship with the Catholic faith, especially with a local version of the Virgin Mary (Virgen del Carmen), who is held as the patroness of the military. After its greatest tragedy in peacetime, when 44 soldiers—half of them Christian evangelicals—died buried in the snows of the Antuco volcano, the army and other branches of the military felt compelled to add Protestant chaplaincies to their repertoire of religious assistance, hitherto reserved for Catholics. This has been understood as a move towards a more egalitarian and inclusive understanding of religious freedom, but also as opposing exclusivist versions of liberal neutrality, in which the state fulfils its duty by taking religion out of the public sphere altogether. According to the times’ intellectual climate, the Chilean authorities have been framing these developments—not only in the military, but elsewhere—as the embodiment of a post-secular strategy, in which religion (all religion) should be welcomed back into public life and state institutions. This article presents five concerns with this chosen strategy: (a) whether inclusive secularism is a practical impossibility, since there is no way to accommodate all religious and non-religious expressions; (b) whether a post-secular narrative is adequate for states that that have not gone through the previous (secular) phase; (c) whether post-secular institutional arrangements—which entail welcoming religion in the public sphere—are adequate in countries without religious pluralism; (d) whether post-secular institutional arrangements—which entail welcoming religion in the public sphere—are not actually disparaging for non-religious people; (e) whether sponsored religious expressions and practices within public institutions put undue pressure on dissenters. This way, I offer the case of the Chilean armed forces as a proxy to illuminate the normative problems that an incipient process of growing religious pluralism and a move towards religious egalitarianism, framed as a post-secular discourse, faces in hegemonically Catholic countries.
High Sensitive Biosensors Based on the Coupling Between Surface Plasmon Polaritons on Titanium Nitride and a Planar Waveguide Mode
Authors: Asencios Junior , Moro Ramiro , Luyo Clemente , Talledo Arturo
Published: March 2020

High sensitivity biosensors based on the coupling of surface plasmon polaritons on titanium nitride (TiN) and a planar waveguide mode were built; they were proved by sensing three different media: air, water and dried egg white; sensors described here could be useful for sensing materials with a refractive index between 1.0 and 1.6; in particular, materials of biological interest with a refractive index in the range 1.3–1.6, like those containing biotin and/or streptavidin. They were built by depositing Nb2O5/SiO2/TiN multilayer structures on the flat surface of D-shaped sapphire prisms by using the dc magnetron sputtering technique. Attenuated total reflection (ATR) experiments in the Kretschmann configuration were accomplished for the air/TiN/Prism and S/Nb2O5/SiO2/TiN/Prism structures, S being the sample or sensing medium. ATR spectra for plasmons at the TiN/air interface showed a broad absorption band for angles of incidence between 36 and 85°, with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of approximately 40°. For the S/Nb2O5/SiO2/TiN/Prism structures, ATR spectra showed a sharp reflectivity peak, within the broad plasmonic absorption band, which was associated with Fano resonances. The angular position and FWHM of the Fano resonances strongly depend on the refractive index of the sensing medium. ATR spectra were fitted by using the transfer-matrix method. Additionally, we found that angular sensitivity and figure of merit increase with increasing the refractive index of the sensing medium.
A Low Temperature Drifting Acoustic Wave Pressure Sensor with an Integrated Vacuum Cavity for Absolute Pressure Sensing
Authors: Wang Tao , Tang Zhengjie , Lin Huamao , Zhan Kun , Wan Jiang , Wu Shihao , Gu Yuandong , Luo Wenbo , Zhang Wanli
Published: March 2020

In this paper we demonstrate a novel acoustic wave pressure sensor, based on an aluminum nitride (AlN) piezoelectric thin film. It contains an integrated vacuum cavity, which is micro-fabricated using a cavity silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. This sensor can directly measure the absolute pressure without the help of an external package, and the vacuum cavity gives the sensor a very accurate reference pressure. Meanwhile, the presented pressure sensor is superior to previously reported acoustic wave pressure sensors in terms of the temperature drift. With the carefully designed dual temperature compensation structure, a very low temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) is achieved. Experimental results show the sensor can measure the absolute pressure in the range of 0 to 0.4 MPa, while the temperature range is from 20 °C to 220 °C with a TCF of −14.4 ppm/°C. Such a TCF is only about half of that of previously reported works.
Prediction Analysis of the Coordinated Development of the Sports and Pension Industries: Taking 11 Provinces and Cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China as an Example
Authors: Zhuo Lin , Guan Xiangfeng , Ye Songzhong
Published: March 2020

In order to promote the coordinated development of the sports and pension industries, it is of great significance to apply the theory of industrial integration to the study of the interaction mechanism of the sports and pension industries, but there is a lack of research in this area at present. This paper firstly constructs the evaluation system of the coupling and coordination development of the sports and pension industries. Secondly, based on the panel data of 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in 2013–2017, this paper analyzes the coupling and coordination relationship between the sports and pension industries by using the entropy method and the coupling coordination model. Finally, the coupling coordination relationship between the two industries in the region in the next five years is predicted using the grey model (1.1), i.e. GM (1.1) model. The results show the following: (1) The development level of the two major industries in 11 provinces and cities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt is generally on the rise, and they have a high correlation. (2) The sports industry is more volatile than the pension industry, and the sports industry has become an effective path dependence to narrow the regional development differences. The sports industry has a weak driving role in the pension industry, while the pension industry has a greater role in promoting the sports industry. (3) There is a large spatial difference in the coupling coordination degree of the sports and pension industries in 11 provinces and cities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, which will remain in the next five years, though the evolution and upgrading speed of the coupling coordination level will be significantly accelerated.
An EDAS Method for Multiple Attribute Group Decision-Making under Intuitionistic Fuzzy Environment and Its Application for Evaluating Green Building Energy-Saving Design Projects
Authors: Liang Yuan
Published: March 2020

Multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) methods have a significant influence on decision-making in a variety of strategic fields, including science, business and real-life studies. The problem of evaluation in green building energy-saving design projects could be regarded as a type of MAGDM problem. The evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method is one of the MAGDM methods, which simplifies the traditional decision-making process. Symmetry among some attributes that are known and unknown as well as between pure attribute sets and fuzzy attribute membership sets can be an effective way to solve MAGDM problems. In this paper, the classical EDAS method is extended to intuitionistic fuzzy environments to solve some MAGDM issues. First, some concepts of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) are briefly reviewed. Then, by integrating the EDAS method with IFSs, we establish an IF-EDAS method to solve the MAGDM issues and present all calculating procedures in detail. Finally, we provide an empirical application for evaluating green building energy-saving design projects to demonstrate this novel method. Some comparative analyses are also made to show the merits of the method.
Protein Arginine N-methyltransferases 5 and 7 Promote HIV-1 Production
Authors: Murakami Hironobu , Suzuki Takehiro , Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Taura Manabu , Kudo Eriko , Okada Seiji , Takei Masami , Kuroda Kazumichi , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Hagiwara Kyoji , Dohmae Naoshi , Aida Yoko
Published: March 2020

Current therapies for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) do not completely eliminate viral reservoirs in cells, such as macrophages. The HIV-1 accessory protein viral protein R (Vpr) promotes virus production in macrophages, and the maintenance of Vpr is essential for HIV-1 replication in these reservoir cells. We identified two novel Vpr-binding proteins, i.e., protein arginine N-methyltransferases (PRMTs) 5 and 7, using human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Both proteins found to be important for prevention of Vpr degradation by the proteasome; in the context of PRMT5 and PRMT7 knockdowns, degradation of Vpr could be prevented using a proteasome inhibitor. In MDMs infected with a wild-type strain, knockdown of PRMT5/PRMT7 and low expression of PRMT5 resulted in inefficient virus production like Vpr-deficient strain infections. Thus, our findings suggest that PRMT5 and PRMT7 support HIV-1 replication via maintenance of Vpr protein stability.
Russian-Chinese Cooperation Prospects in the Electric Power Industry
Authors: Zhdanova Olga Aleksandrovna , Bondarenko Tatiana Grigorievna , Pashkovskaya Margarita Vasilievna , Plyasova Svetlana Vladimirovna
Published: March 2020

Russia and China have long been trading partners and cooperated in most industries, including the electric power sector. Even with close and long-standing ties, the further scope of Russian-Chinese relations in the electric power sector should be defined taking into account China's currently implemented Belt and Road Initiative requiring enormous resources, particularly in commodities. An analysis of Russia's electric power market shows an imbalance between the levels of demand and supply skewing to the supply side. Russian excess supply of electricity could be feasibly channelled to China under long-term contracts. For now, such supplies have not been operated at the levels planned several years ago, which indicates low utilisation of the existing potential of cooperation between the countries in the sector. Besides, considerable potential exists for partnership between Russia and China in upgrading electric power facilities and supplying electricity equipment and its subsequent maintenance.
ASSESSMENT RESULTS OF SINGLE-PORT LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY AT HUE CENTRAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Pham Nhu Hiep , Ho Huu Thien , Pham Anh Vu , Tran Van Nghia
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is becoming popular for the treatment of acute appendicitis. Since it was the first described, LA has been modified various times. We present the results of a new technique of LA conducted through a single port. Materials and methods: From March 2011 to November 2011, we have performed 28 operations Single Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy at the Surgical Department of Hue Central Hospital. Results: There were 28 patients, 57.1% were female, 42.9% were male, rate female/male was 1.3. The mean age is 36.4. The second port insertion was required in 2 patients (7.2%). Mean operation time was 44.6 minutes and postoperative hospital stay 3-5 days took 71.4%. Postoperative compications occurred in 1 case (3.6%) was of omphalitis. During 2-4 weeks follow up no problem related to the appendectomy have been reported. Conclusions: Single - port intracorporeal appendectomy procedure is a safe, minimal invasive procedure with excellent cosmetic results.
STUDY THE CHANGES IN MORPHOLOGY AND LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN OVERWEIGHT-OBESE CHILDREN 5-15 YEARS OLD WHO VISITED CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN CAN THO
Authors: Bui Hung Viet , Nguyen Thi Cu
Published: March 2020

Objective: In Vietnam, obesity is increasing particularly in many large cities. Adult cardiovascular diseases are often derived from cardiovascular disorders during the children period. The implementation of early measures to prevent atherosclerosis, such as weight control, better lipid control will reduce the cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension (HTA), coronary heart diseases and some other diseases. Materials and Methods: Overweight - obese children from 5 to 15 years old who visited the Children's Hospital in Can Tho from May 2009 to May 2010. Total number of patients were chosen as 50 children. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional. Children in the study underwent Doppler ultrasound exam to evaluate cardiac morphology and cardiac function. Results: There were increases in left ventricular systolic diameter, left ventricular diastolic diameter, LV mass in overweight-obese children in the study compared with controls at all ages (p <0.05 ). Left ventricular ejection fraction in overweight-obese children in the study was lower than the control group at all ages (p> 0.05). The average rate of left ventricular shortening of overweight-obese children in the study was 34.8 ± 4.5(%). There was no difference in the rate of shortening of the left ventricle in overweight-obese children in the study compared with controls (p>0.05). There was no relationship between variation in morphology and left ventricular function with the degree of overweight-obesity in this study. Conclusion: The study showed that disturbances in morphology and left ventricular function in overweight-obese children but did not find a strong association with the disorder degree of overweight-obesity.
RESEARCH ON VALUE OF INTRAOPERATIVE FROZEN SECTION EXAMINATION OF THE COMMON TUMORS AT HUE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Dang Cong Thuan , Le Thi Thu Thao
Published: March 2020

Background: To evaluate the accuracy and the pitfalls of frozen section examination in diagnosis the common tumors at Hue University Hospital. Materials and method: A retrospective analysis data of 99 consecutive patients from 2007 to 2009 were evaluated and analyzed the major pitfalls. In our 99 patients, 100% cases we compared histological diagnosis on frozen sections with those on paraffin sections. Results: The majority of frozen section examinations were the thyroid lesions 37.4%, breast lesions 25.2%, lymph nodes 16.1%, ovary 9.1% and less common in other diseases (12.1%). The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the intraoperative frozen section examination were 93.9%, 89.1% and 98.1% respectively. The main factors causing incorrect diagnosis in frozen section are: Misinterpretation, poor quality of frozen sections, improper sampling in sectioning and difficult to result interpretation. Conclusion: The frozen section analysis of suspect lesions displays good sensitivity and specificity characteristics.
CORE BIOPSIES FOR FOCAL HEPATIC LESIONS WITH ULTRASOUND GUIDE
Authors: Nguyen Da Thao , Hoang Minh Loi , Nguyen Dinh Can , Nguyen Phuoc Bao Quan
Published: March 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the complications and quality of the specimens of percutaneous US-guided biopsies in patients with focal liver lesions who were scheduled for treatment. Methods: All percutaneous US-guided biopsies for focal liver lesions performed in 37 patients. Results: Among the 54 lesions for which the 18-gauge cutting needle was used, core biopsy was performed once in 23 lesions (62.2%), twice in 11 lesions (29.7%), and three times in 3 lesions (8.1%). The length of tissue cores was above 1cm in 44 lesions (81.5%). Three of the 54 specimens (5.6%) fragmented when placed in formalin. The common complications were 2.7%. No major complications were observed. The core biopsy specimen was sufﬁcient for diagnosis in 36 patients (97.3%) and was insufﬁcient in one. Histologic examination revealed various types of H.C.C (62.2%), peripherial cholangiocarcinoma (2.7%), secondary malignant tumors (8.1%), benign tumors (24.3%). There was high concordance between the histologic and cytologic results (Kappa=0.579, p<0.05); and very high concordance between the core biopsy and post surgery histologic results (Kappa=0.942, p<0.05). Key words: core biopsy, focal hepatic lesions, HCC, cholangiocarcinoma
EFFICACY OF CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY IN HEART FAILURE AT HUE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Hoang Anh Tien , Ho Anh Tuan , Huynh Van Minh , Nguyen Van Dien
Published: March 2020

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy is one of new methods used to treating patients with heart failure who have ventricular dyssynchrony. Objectives: 1. To study clinical, laboratory characteristis of heart failure patients with ventricular dyssynchrony. 2. To study the efficacy of cardiac resynchronization therapy in treating such group of patients. Materials and method: From February 2009 to February 2011, we implanted biventricular pacemakers at Hue University Hospital for 15 patients who had NYHA class III and IV heart failure and had been treated with optimal medical therapy, LVEF ≤35%, QRS duration ≥ 120ms. Result: 14/15 cases succeeded, cardiac function improved after 1 year follow – up of biventricular pacemaker implantation, with significantly increased EF, decreased LVIDd, PAPs. At the cut off of EF <30%, the rate of patients with EF <30% declined chronologically (1 year of follow – up). Functional symptoms improved overtly according to NYHA class. The choice of A-V delay and V-V delay is very important. Optimal A-V delay and V-V delay after programming were (152±8.33)ms and (26.33±6.31)ms, retrospectively. Conclusion: Cardiac resynchronization therapy is effective in improving heart failure patients with ventricular dyssynchronization.
APPLYING WHO ANTHRO SOFTWARE FOR ASSESSING NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF INFANTS IN SOME PRECINTS IN HUE CITY
Authors: Nguyen Van Dat , Hoang Thi Cam Nhung , Le Thi Nhung , Hoang Duc Thuan Anh , Vo Thi Ngoc Dieu , Dinh Thanh Hue , Hoang Thi Bach Yen
Published: March 2020

Background: Assessing nutritional status is a common activity of pediatricians and nutritionists. In Vietnam, the National Center for Health Statistics reference had been used from beginning of 1980s. In 2006 World Health Organization recommended to use WHO standards for assessing nutritional status of children. Objectives: 1. Using WHO Anthro software for assessing nutritional status of infants in some precints in Hue City. 2. Finding out the relationship between weight for age, length for age and weight for length. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2009 to April 2010. 387 infants who were living in Hue City were involved in the study. The weight, length, age of the infants was measured and others information were collected by interviewing their mothers. WHO anthro software was used to calculate weight for age, length for age and weight for length for assessing their nutritional status. Results: 1. WHO Anthro software helped to assess nutritional status of infants rapidly and conveniently with high accuracy prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were 2.84%, 5.68% and 3.61% respectively. 2. There were correlations between weight for age and length for age (r =-0.659, p<0.001); between weight for age and weight for length (r=0.612, p<0.001); between length for age and weight for length (r=0.142, p<0.05). Conclusions: 1. WHO Anthro software is very useful for assessing nutritional status of children. It is very simple, convenience and exact to use this software. It also helps to prevent a common error caused by collectors when counting age of the children. 2. WHO Anthro software displays exact Z-score value in number and in graph. Suggestion: WHO Anthro software is a useful tool for assessing nutritional status of children that should be used widely, especially for demographic and family planning health workers. Key words: WHO Anthro, nutritional status, infants, Hue City.
STUDY ON IDENTIFYING THE C677T POLYMORPHISM OF MTHFR GENE BY PCR-RFLP TECHNIQUE IN PATIENTS WITH ABNORMAL SEMEN ANALYSIS
Authors: Ha Thi Minh Thi , Nguyen Thi Nguyet Minh
Published: March 2020

Background: The C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene is a risk factor of many diseases, including male infertility. This study is aimed at: 1. Improving a PCR-RFLP process with the own designed primers to identify the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene. 2. Evaluating the prevalence of the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene in the volunteer group and the male with abnormal semen analysis. Materials and Method: DNA samples was extracted from peripheral blood of 60 volunteers and 30 patients with abnormal semen analysis. Designing primers by using FastPCR software, then improving PCR-RFLP technique. Confirming the results of polymorphism by DNA sequencing technique. Evaluating the prevalence of the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene. Results: We designed successfully primers to amplify fragment of MTHFR gene including C677T polymorphism and an obligatory restriction site of HinfI (as internal control). The MTHFR genotype frequencies in the volunteer group were: 71.67% (677CC); 25% (677CT); and 3.33% (677TT). Genotype frequencies in patients with abnormal semen analysis were 66.67% ; 30% and 3.33% ; in group of azoospermia were 53.34% ; 40% and 6.66% ; in group of oligospermia were 80%; 20% and 0%. Conclusion: We standardized successfully PCR-RFLP technique to identifying C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene.We evaluated the prevalence of the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR gene in the volunteer group and the male with abnormal semen analysis.
UPDATE ON ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF PEPTIC ULCER BLEEDING
Authors: Dang Ngoc Quy Hue , Tran Van Huy
Published: March 2020

Peptic ulcer bleeding is a common medical emergency and still a potentially fatal condition. It is the best managed using a multidisciplinary approach by a team with medical, endoscopic and surgical expertise. Appropriate resuscitation followed by early endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment are of major importance in these patients. Endoscopy is recommended within 24 h of presentation. Endoscopic therapy is indicated for patients with high-risk stigmata, in particular those with active bleeding and visible vessels. A combination of proton pump inhibitors and endoscopic therapy (using a combination of injection and mechanical hemostasis) offers the best chance of hemostasis for those with active bleeding ulcers. The application of an ulcer-covering hemospray is a new promising tool. High dose proton pump inhibitors should be administered intravenously for 72 h in high-risk patients. Helicobacter pylori should be tested for in all patients with peptic ulcer bleeding and eradicated if positive