bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Medicinal Plants in Traditional Medicine in Adwa District, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Temesgen , Nigussie Netsanet , Mullualem Destaw , Sinshaw Gebiru , Adimasu Yeshaneh
Published: February 2020

In Ethiopia, medicinal plants had been used since ancient time and became an important source of health care. Though majority of the people in the study area depend on ethnomedicine to manage different ailments, the indigenous knowledge largely is not documented. As a result, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted with the objective of assessing the role of medicinal plants in traditional medicine. Data was collected by using semi-structured interview and group discussion. Twenty informants were purposefully selected based on indigenous knowledge and gender. Ethnobotanical data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and expressed in tables and flow charts. A total of 25 medicinal plants (22 families) recorded to treat human and livestock ailments. Medicinal plant habit analysis indicates that shrubs occupy the highest proportion (36%), followed by trees and herbs (28% for each) and climbers (8%). The most commonly used plant parts in the study area were leaves and roots. Although medicinal plants play a great role in the society, their  sustainability is declining through time in the study area due to the increasing number of users, improper uses of the plants and poor conservation. Therefore, the conservation of these medicinal plants would be important.
L-PRF Membrane (Fibrin Rich in Platelets and Leukocytes) and Its Derivatives (A-PRF, i-PRF) are Helpful as a Basis of Stem Cells in Regenerative Injury Treatment: Trial Work on the Horse
Authors: Crisci Alessandro , Barillaro Maria Chiara , Lepore Giovanni , Cardillo Federica
Published: February 2020

Developing a multidisciplinary field of tissue engineering aims to recover, improve or supplant typically damaged or missing tissues for a collection of conditions brought about by trauma, malady and old age. To guarantee that tissue engineering techniques are generally relevant in the clinical setting, it is important to adjust them so that they are promptly accessible and moderately simple to use in the everyday clinical schedule. Consequently, the steps between preparation and application must be limited and improved to make them practical in application. The general objective of creating platelet concentrates of natural origin can be delivered near the patient to quicken the implantation procedure, being monetarily practical for the patient and the health framework. Fibrin rich in platelets and leukocytes (PRF) and its derivatives (L-PRF, A-PRF, i-PRF) has been utilized in a wide collection of medical fields for delicate tissue restoration. Practically all platelets (> 97%) are missing within test-tubes in groups tested after PRF membrane extraction. Growth Factors liberated by platelets contained in derivatives of L-PRF induce and control the proliferation and migration of other cell types, associated with tissue repair, similar to smooth cell muscles (SMCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Conclusively, the outcomes of this work feature the positive effects of PRF on wound healing after regenerative treatment for the administration of different delicate tissue defects found in wound care.
Prevalence and Pattern of Mental Illness among School Age Children Seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Six Year Study
Authors: Nkporbu A. K. , Alex-Hart B. A.
Published: February 2020

Background: A sound mental health in school age children is critical for good academic achievements and a better transition from childhood to adulthood. The increasing prevalence of mental illness in school age children, especially the adolescents, is of great public health concern globally.

Aim: The aim of this study therefore was to determine the prevalence and pattern of mental health disorders among school age children seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Methodology: Consent for the study was obtained from the research ethical committee of the hospital. Medical case notes of all patients aged 5 years to 18 years seen in the clinic by Consultant Child and adolescent Psychiatrists from 2015 to 2019 were retrieved and thoroughly reviewed. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20 statistical package and results presented using descriptive and analytical methods.

Results: Out of 7,856 patients seen in the Neuropsychiatry Clinic within the period under review, 408 (5.2%) were children aged between 5 to 18 years. Male was higher with 232 (56.9%). The most prevalent mental illnesses were anxiety disorders, 58 (14.2%), depressive illnesses 46 (11.3%), schizophrenic illness 44 (10.8%), mental and behavioural abnormality secondary to substance abuse (MABD) 43 (10.5%), bipolar affective disorders 37 (9.1%), while conversion disorders was the least with 3 (0.7%).

Conclusion: Mental disorders are common among school age children seen in UPTH and often impair the emotional wellbeing of this population. A detailed and well worked out plan of management is needed to provide optimal mental health services to children and adolescents. Well-coordinated mental health services should be inculcated into the School Health Programme in Nigeria.
Presepsin as a New Marker for Early Detection Neonatal Sepsis in Al-Quwayiyah General Hospital Riyadh, KSA
Authors: Khater Enas Sh. , Al-Hosiny Taha M.
Published: February 2020

Background: Early detection and start of antibiotic therapy neonatal sepsis (N.S) dramatically improves outcomes, so it is important to perform fast, reliable and specific early laboratory biomarkers.

Aim: This study aimed to detect the prevelance, the risk factors, hematology profile, microbial profile of neonatal sepsis patients and also investigate the value of PCT and CRP, in comparison to presepsin in establishing the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Methods: A cross sectional study was performed from March to September 2019 in Al Quwayiyah General hospital involving 120 neonates who were classified into 3 groups. The patients groups were: Proved N.S, suspected N.S and control healthy neonates, classified depending on Tollner score. Haematology profile and blood culture for each neonate were done. CRP, PCT and presepsin values were analyzed, compared, and their effectiveness as diagnostic markers was determined. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of the markers were calculated. Results: The prevelance of neonatal sepsis was 20.8%. 75 neonates were males and 45 neonates were females. 74 neonates were preterm, while 46 were full term. Gestational age in weeks was 31.1±5.9w for neonates with proved sepsis, 32.4±6.7w for neonates with suspected sepsis and 36.4±4.4w for control group. The mean birth weight was 1740±105.3 g for neonates with proved sepsis, 32.4±6.7 g for neonates with suspected sepsis, 2.650±205.2 g for control group. 36 babies suffered from respiratory distress syndrome, 10 had jaundice, 8 had cough, 28 had fever and 8 complained of other symptoms. Blood cultures were positive for all patients of proved sepsis. The identified bacteria included Gram positive bacteria 22(55%) which were Coagulase negative staph. 13(32.5%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 4(10%) while Gram negative bacteria 15(37.5%) which were E. coli 5(12.5%) followed by Klebsiella peumoniae and also fungal infection (Candida species) detected in 3(7.5%) cases. There was significant difference between the mean and standared deviation of CRP, PCT and presepsin levels in proved and suspected N.S. groups when compared with healthy controls (P< 0.05). CRP sensitivity and specificity (72%, 61% respectively) which were less useful in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis compared to presepsin which has the highest sensitivity and specificity (95%, 81% respectively) followed by procalcitonin with sensitivity and specificity (90%, 69% respectively).

Conclusion: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis among all admitted neonates in Al-Quwayiyah general hospital was 20.8%. Our results also detected higher sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for presepsin more than and PCT CRP in the diagnosis of NS.
Review of Gynaecological Diagnoses and Surgeries Performed at a Tertiary Health Facility in Niger-Delta of Nigeria from 2012-2017: Implications for Healthcare Planning and Budgeting
Authors: Awoyesuku P. A. , MacPepple D. A. , Altraide B. O. , John D. H.
Published: February 2020

Background: Gynaecological disorders are a particularly common cause of morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age and a common cause of hospital presentation/admission and surgery.

Objective: This study sought to review gynaecological diagnoses and surgeries performed in a tertiary health facility from 2012 to 2017 and its implication for healthcare planning and budgeting.

Methodology: This was a retrospective review of all gynaecological diagnoses and surgeries seen in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) from 2012 to 2017. Data were retrieved using a proforma comprising of year, gynaecological diagnosis and gynaecological surgeries. Data obtained was entered into Microsoft Excel for descriptive analysis.

Results: The proportion of clinic attendees declined from an average of 23% in the first three years (2012-2014) to about 10% in the last three years (2015-2017). The most common gynaecological diagnosis were uterine fibroid (33.3%), infertility 28.1% (primary 5.7%, secondary 22.4%), PID (5.9%), ovarian tumour (4.2%), secondary amenorrhea (3.4%) and pelvic malignancies (3.4%). The commonest major surgeries were myomectomy 441(33.7%), salpingectomy 345(26.4%), hysterectomy 168(12.8%) and cervical cerclage 122(9.3%). The commonest minor surgeries were manual vacuum aspiration 314(41.0%), examination under anaesthesia and biopsy 110(14.3%) and adhesiolysis for synechiae 97(12.6%). The duo of uterine fibroid and infertility made up 50%-70% of all gynaecological diagnoses.

Conclusion: This study showed that there has been a steady decline in gynaecological consultations over the years. However, the duo of uterine fibroid and infertility made up half to three-quarter of all gynaecological diagnoses over the 6 years. Infertility and uterine fibroids have a long cause and effect association. Healthcare policies and budgeting should be increased towards tackling these conditions, especially the setting up of a fertility center to provide assisted reproductive technologies and laparoscopy to improve practice and patient outcome.
Radiprodil, a NR2B negative allosteric modulator, from bench to bedside in infantile spasm syndrome
Authors: Auvin Stéphane , Dozières‐Puyravel Blandine , Avbersek Andreja , Sciberras David , Collier Jo , Leclercq Karine , Mares Pavel , Kaminski Rafal M. , Muglia Pierandrea
Published: February 2020

Objective

Infantile spasm syndrome (ISS) is an epileptic encephalopathy without established treatment after the failure to standard of care based on steroids and vigabatrin. Converging lines of evidence indicating a role of NR2B subunits of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor on the onset of spams in ISS patients, prompted us to test radiprodil, a negative allosteric NR2B modulator in preclinical seizure models and in infants with ISS.

Methods

Radiprodil has been tested in three models, including pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures in rats across different postnatal (PN) ages. Three infants with ISS have been included in a phase 1b escalating repeated dose study.

Results

Radiprodil showed the largest protective seizure effects in juvenile rats (maximum at PN12, corresponding to late infancy in humans). Three infants resistant to a combination of vigabatrin and prednisolone received individually titrated doses of radiprodil for up to 34 days. Radiprodil was safe and well tolerated in all three infants, and showed the expected pharmacokinetic profile. One infant became spasm‐free and two showed clinical improvement without reaching spasm‐freedom. After radiprodil withdrawal, the one infant continued to be spasm‐free, while the two others experienced seizure worsening requiring the use of the ketogenic diet and other antiepileptic drugs.

Interpretation

Radiprodil showed prominent anti‐seizure effect in juvenile animals, consistent with the prevalent expression of NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor at this age in both rodents and humans. The clinical testing, although preliminary, showed that radiprodil is associated with a good safety and pharmacokinetic profile, and with the potential to control epileptic spasms.
Modular Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Terpenes and their Analogues
Authors: Johnson Luke A. , Dunbabin Alice , Benton Jennifer C. R. , Mart Robert J. , Allemann Rudolf K.
Published: February 2020

Non‐natural terpenoids offer potential as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. However, their chemical syntheses are often long, complex, and not easily amenable to large‐scale production. Herein, we report a modular chemoenzymatic approach to synthesize terpene analogues from diphosphorylated precursors produced in quantitative yields. Through the addition of prenyl transferases, farnesyl diphosphates, (2E,6E)‐FDP and (2Z,6Z)‐FDP, were isolated in greater than 80 % yields. The synthesis of 14,15‐dimethyl‐FDP, 12‐methyl‐FDP, 12‐hydroxy‐FDP, homo‐FDP, and 15‐methyl‐FDP was also achieved. These modified diphosphates were used with terpene synthases to produce the unnatural sesquiterpenoid semiochemicals (S)‐14,15‐dimethylgermacrene D and (S)‐12‐methylgermacrene D as well as dihydroartemisinic aldehyde. This approach is applicable to the synthesis of many non‐natural terpenoids, offering a scalable route free from repeated chain extensions and capricious chemical phosphorylation reactions.
Deep‐Eutectic‐Solvent‐Based Self‐Healing Polymer Electrolyte for Safe and Long‐Life Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Jaumaux Pauline , Liu Qi , Zhou Dong , Xu Xiaofu , Wang Tianyi , Wang Yizhou , Kang Feiyu , Li Baohua , Wang Guoxiu
Published: February 2020

The deployment of high‐energy‐density lithium‐metal batteries has been greatly impeded by Li dendrite growth and safety concerns originating from flammable liquid electrolytes. Herein, we report a stable quasi‐solid‐state Li metal battery with a deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐based self‐healing polymer (DSP) electrolyte. This electrolyte was fabricated in a facile manner by in situ copolymerization of 2‐(3‐(6‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐yl)ureido)ethyl methacrylate (UPyMA) and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETEA) monomers in a DES‐based electrolyte containing fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as an additive. The well‐designed DSP electrolyte simultaneously possesses non‐flammability, high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, and dendrite‐free Li plating. When applied in Li metal batteries with a LiMn2O4 cathode, the DSP electrolyte effectively suppressed manganese dissolution from the cathode and enabled high‐capacity and a long lifespan at room and elevated temperatures.
Bottom‐Up Synthesized MoS2 Interfacing Polymer Carbon Nanodots with Electrocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Kagkoura Antonia , Canton‐Vitoria Ruben , Vallan Lorenzo , Hernandez‐Ferrer Javier , Benito Ana M. , Maser Wolfgang K. , Arenal Raul , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: February 2020

The preparation of an MoS2–polymer carbon nanodot (MoS2‐PCND) hybrid material was accomplished by employing an easy and fast bottom‐up synthetic approach. Specifically, MoS2‐PCND was realized by the thermal decomposition of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate and the in situ complexation of Mo with carboxylic acid units present on the surface of PCNDs. The newly prepared hybrid material was comprehensively characterized by spectroscopy, thermal means, and electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of MoS2‐PCND was examined in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and compared with that of the corresponding hybrid material prepared by a top‐down approach, namely MoS2‐PCND(exf‐fun), in which MoS2 was firstly exfoliated and then covalently functionalized with PCNDs. The MoS2‐PCND hybrid material showed superior electrocatalytic activity toward the HER with low Tafel slope, excellent electrocatalytic stability, and an onset potential of −0.16 V versus RHE. The superior catalytic performance of MoS2‐PCND was rationalized by considering the catalytically active sites of MoS2, the effective charge/energy‐transfer phenomena from PCNDs to MoS2, and the synergetic effect between MoS2 and PCNDs in the hybrid material.
Tunicate bulb size variation in monocots explained by temperature and phenology
Authors: Howard Cody Coyotee , Cellinese Nico
Published: February 2020

Plant bulbs are modified shoot systems comprised of short internodes with apical bud(s) surrounded by layers of leaf bases. Bulb diameters can vary greatly, with overall bulb size playing a role in flower formation and resource allocation. Despite the importance of bulb size to the overall fitness of an individual, evolutionary and ecological aspects of this trait have been almost completely neglected. Examining over 2,500 herbarium vouchers for 115 selected species, we analyzed monocot tunicate bulb size within a phylogenetic context in order to investigate its evolutionary significance. We recorded two bulb diameter optima and observed that as bulb size increases taxa inhabit warmer areas with less temperature seasonality. Furthermore, we found that hysteranthous taxa, a habit where leaves emerge separately from flowers, exhibit overall larger bulbs potentially due to reliance upon belowground stored resources to flower rather than on current environmental inputs. This work highlights the importance of including the belowground portion of plants into ecological and evolutionary studies in order to gain a more complete understanding of the evolution of plant forms and functions.
Palatal augmentation prostheses in individuals treated for head and neck cancer: Effects on speech and oral transport
Authors: Löfhede Helena , Wertsén Madeleine , Havstam Christina
Published: February 2020

Background

Negative side effects affecting articulation and oral transport are common after treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). The aim of this study was to assess the effects on speech and patient‐reported experience of palatal augmentation prostheses (PAP) in this patient group.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients who had received a PAP were included. We performed a blinded randomized listener assessment of recordings of the patients' speech with and without the PAP. Patient‐reported experiences were collected from medical records.

Results

The listener assessment showed that production of velar sounds improved significantly for 12 of 19 patients; 12 of 19 patients also reported easier or better speech with the PAP. All six patients treated for tongue cancer reported speech improvement. Seven of 20 patients reported better transport of food or saliva.

Conclusion

A PAP can help patients treated for HNC to more precisely articulated velar consonants and can benefit oral transport.
Development and clinical application of a rapid IgM‐IgG combined antibody test for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection diagnosis
Authors: Li Zhengtu , Yi Yongxiang , Luo Xiaomei , Xiong Nian , Liu Yang , Li Shaoqiang , Sun Ruilin , Wang Yanqun , Hu Bicheng , Chen Wei , Zhang Yongchen , Wang Jing , Huang Baofu , Lin Ye , Yang Jiasheng , Cai Wensheng , Wang Xuefeng , Cheng Jing , Chen Zhiqiang , Sun Kangjun , Pan Weimin , Zhan Zhifei , Chen Liyan , Ye Feng
Published: February 2020

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) quickly spread all over China and to more than 20 other countries. Although the virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus [SARS‐Cov‐2]) nucleic acid real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test has become the standard method for diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, these real‐time PCR test kits have many limitations. In addition, high false‐negative rates were reported. There is an urgent need for an accurate and rapid test method to quickly identify a large number of infected patients and asymptomatic carriers to prevent virus transmission and assure timely treatment of patients. We have developed a rapid and simple point‐of‐care lateral flow immunoassay that can detect immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies simultaneously against SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in human blood within 15 minutes which can detect patients at different infection stages. With this test kit, we carried out clinical studies to validate its clinical efficacy uses. The clinical detection sensitivity and specificity of this test were measured using blood samples collected from 397 PCR confirmed COVID‐19 patients and 128 negative patients at eight different clinical sites. The overall testing sensitivity was 88.66% and specificity was 90.63%. In addition, we evaluated clinical diagnosis results obtained from different types of venous and fingerstick blood samples. The results indicated great detection consistency among samples from fingerstick blood, serum and plasma of venous blood. The IgM‐IgG combined assay has better utility and sensitivity compared with a single IgM or IgG test. It can be used for the rapid screening of SARS‐CoV‐2 carriers, symptomatic or asymptomatic, in hospitals, clinics, and test laboratories.
The neuroinvasive potential of SARS‐CoV2 may play a role in the respiratory failure of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Li Yan‐Chao , Bai Wan‐Zhu , Hashikawa Tsutomu
Published: February 2020

Following the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), another highly pathogenic coronavirus named SARS‐CoV‐2 (previously known as 2019‐nCoV) emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spreads around the world. This virus shares highly homological sequence with SARS‐CoV, and causes acute, highly lethal pneumonia coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with clinical symptoms similar to those reported for SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV. The most characteristic symptom of patients with COVID‐19 is respiratory distress, and most of the patients admitted to the intensive care could not breathe spontaneously. Additionally, some patients with COVID‐19 also showed neurologic signs, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. Increasing evidence shows that coronaviruses are not always confined to the respiratory tract and that they may also invade the central nervous system inducing neurological diseases. The infection of SARS‐CoV has been reported in the brains from both patients and experimental animals, where the brainstem was heavily infected. Furthermore, some coronaviruses have been demonstrated able to spread via a synapse‐connected route to the medullary cardiorespiratory center from the mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors in the lung and lower respiratory airways. Considering the high similarity between SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV2, it remains to make clear whether the potential invasion of SARS‐CoV2 is partially responsible for the acute respiratory failure of patients with COVID‐19. Awareness of this may have a guiding significance for the prevention and treatment of the SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced respiratory failure.
Network Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in a National Sample of U.S. Adults: Implications for the Phenotype and the ICD‐11 Model of PTSD
Authors: Cero Ian , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: February 2020

The phenotype for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Diseases (DSM‐5) includes 20 symptoms in four clusters. In contrast, the PTSD model in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) includes six symptoms in three clusters. Whether those six symptoms are, in fact, the most central symptoms of the PTSD phenotype remains an open question. In a previous network analysis of DSM‐5 PTSD symptoms, Mitchell and colleagues (2017) reported limited overlap between central PTSD symptoms and those in the ICD‐11 model in a national sample of U.S. veterans. The present study sought to replicate and extend upon these findings in a large national sample of U.S. adults (N = 2,953). Centrality statistics from both a replication sample (i.e., participants with DSM‐5 PTSD, n = 173) and an extension sample (i.e., participants who had been exposed to potentially traumatic events, n = 2,468) were moderately strongly convergent with the findings reported by Mitchell et al., rs = .54–.73. Additionally, only three of the six most central symptoms in both the replication and extension samples overlapped with the ICD‐11 model, indicating that the ICD‐11 model (a) failed to include network‐central symptoms of the PTSD phenotype and (b) included extra symptoms that were not network‐central. Several symptoms from the DSM‐5 Criterion D cluster (negative alterations in cognition and mood) that were excluded in ICD‐11 were found to be among the most central PTSD symptoms.
Invertebrate coprolites and cololites revised
Authors: Knaust Dirk
Published: February 2020

Fossilized faeces (bromalites) are common in the geological record and have been recognized for centuries, first for their peculiarity and later for sedimentological and palaeontological analysis. Coprolites (the ejected faecal material) and cololites (faecal material preserved in the gut) may be morphologically and compositionally similar and are dealt with in parataxonomic classification as trace fossils. While much effort has been put into the study of coprolites produced by vertebrates, invertebrate coprolites remain poorly understood and information about them is scattered. The last systematic overview of all invertebrate coprolite ichnotaxa known was compiled inTreatise on Invertebrate Paleontologyin 1975, but since then the number of ichnogenera has more than doubled and many taxonomic changes have been made. This revision provides an updated classification of invertebrate coprolites and cololites according to the taxonomic ranks of ichnofamilies (4), ichnogenera (36) and ichnospecies (141). The following new ichnotaxa and combinations are established: Bactrylliidae ifam. nov.;Tubulaspiraigen. nov.;Cilindrotomaculum houi(Chen & Erdtmann) comb. nov.;Coprulus paramolus(Bischoff) comb. nov.;Coptocampylodon gramanni(Gaillard) comb. nov.;Coptocampylodon hemistriatus(Gaillard) comb. nov.;Coptocampylodon porcaeformis(Bischoff) comb. nov.;Coptocampylodon partitus(Bischoff) comb. nov.;Isvilina cryptillus(Bischoff) comb. nov.; andTubulaspira iecta(Schallreuter) comb. nov.
Preparation and characterization of zerovalent iron nanoparticles
Authors: Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Nhung Nguyen Hong , Thanh Le , Khanh Pham Duy , Lam Tran Dai , Son Hoang Anh
Published: February 2020

Zerovalentiron nanoparticles (nZVI) were prepared by the reactive method of iron Fe2O3 with the reducing agent of hydrogen generated from electrolysis of water. Investigation on the formation conditions of the Fe0 nanocrystals showed that by carrying out the reaction with the reduction time of 90 minutes at 400°C, a hydrogen flow rate of 350 ml/min, Fe0 nanoparticles were obtained with diameter concentrated on 36.19 nm. Characteristic properties of the material (morphology, structure, particle size distribution) were investigated by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering methods.
Chemical constituents of Balanophora laxiflora Hemsley collected in Tuyen Quang Part III ‐ Phenolic compounds
Authors: Dai Tran Duc , Thuy Trinh Thi , Tuan Nguyen Ngoc , An Nguyen Quang , Nga Truong Thi Thanh , Cuong Hoang Duy , Tien Nguyen Quyet
Published: February 2020

Phytochemical investigation of the dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Balanophora laxiflora led to the isolation and structural elucidation of five compounds: pinoresinol (1), lariciresinol (2), isolariciresinol (3), methyl 4‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylconiferyl ether (4) and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5). Their chemical structures were confirmed by spectroscopic methods including IR, MS, 1D‐, 2D NMR and compared with reported data.
Electrochemical behavior of HAp/CNTs/316LSS coatings into simulated body fluid solution
Authors: Thom Nguyen Thi , Nam Pham Thi , Phuong Nguyen Thu , Huy Nguyen Trung , Hong Cao Thi , Van Tran Thi Thanh , Hai Nguyen Song , Dung Pham Tien , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai
Published: February 2020

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was known as a bone implant material due to its bio‐compatibility, bioactive, chemical stability and its compositional similarity to natural bone. In order to improve mechanical properties of pure HAp coatings, CNTs added into electrolyte to form HAp/CNTs coatings. The HAp/CNTs coatings were synthesized successfully on the surface of 316 L stainless steel (316LSS) by electrodeposition technique. In this work, electrochemical behavior of 316LSS and HAp/CNTs/316LSS in simulated body fluids (SBF) solution was investigated. SEM images present the formation of new apatite crystal on the materials after 21 days of immersion in SBF solution. The formation of coated apatite improved corrosion protection ability for 316LSS by the decrease of the corrosion current density and increase of impedance modulus during immersion process in SBF solution.
Diffusion of fluorescent molecules and quantum dot nanoparticles in viscous solvents investigated by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Bao Nguyen Thi Thanh , Van Trung Dinh , Binh Nguyen Thanh , Bich Vu Thi , Thuy Ung Thi Dieu , Phuong Dang Tuyet
Published: February 2020

The fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful measurement technique allowing the study of dynamic properties of fluorescent molecules and nanoparticles in solution environment with high sensitivity down to single molecule/particle level. In this paper we investigate the diffusion of Rhodamine B molecules and fluorescent quantum dots in solvents with different viscosities using a FCS instrument. The measured correlation functions show that the diffusion times of all molecules and quantum dots increase with the solvent viscosity. From the experimental data we derive the diffusion coefficients and hydrodynamic radii of the dye molecules and nanoparticles in different solvents using the Stokes – Einstein relation. Our results show that the diffusion times depend linearly on the solvent viscosity while the hydrodynamic radii remain approximately constant. The results will be useful for further study of the dynamics of molecules and nanoparticles in various biological environments.
Removal of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions from aqueous solutions using Fe3O4/Bentonite nanocomposite
Authors: Van Lam Pham , Duong Nguyen Binh , Trang Quan Thi Thu , Tuan Vu Anh
Published: February 2020

The paper presents results of studies on using Fe3O4/bentonite nanocomposite (FB) to clean water contaminated by Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions. With the advantages of cheap and abundant bentonite as well as convenient magnetic separation, the using of FB is expected to reduce water treatment expenses. The batch experimental results indicated that the pH of the solution, the initial metal ion concentration and the contact time play important roles in the adsorption process of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions onto the FB. The results from adsorption isotherm study are found to fit well with Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. In the adsorption condition: adsorbent dose of 1 mg.L‐1, initial concentration of 100 mg.L‐1, contact time of 60 min at 120 rpm and at 25°C, the adsorption capacity for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions is 84.9 mg.g−1 and 58.6 mg.g−1, respectively. These values of FB material are higher than one of most of the other materials. It is promising that this FB nanocomposite would become an efficient and economic material for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions removal in the practical environmental remediation.
Structure and property of complexes of group 13 diyl containing subvalent silylone using energy decomposition analysis with natural orbitals for chemical valence
Authors: Loan Huynh Thi Phuong , Son Phung Tan , Van Duc Hoang , Quang Duong Tuan , Van Tat Pham , Hiep Dang Tan , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai
Published: February 2020

The structures and chemical bond in complexes containing subvalent silylone of group 13 diyl W(CO)5‐Si(XCp*)2 (W5‐SiX) with X = B – Tl using energy decomposition analysis (EDA) method combined with natural orbitals for chemical valence (NOCV) theory have been examined with gradient‐corrected DFT at the level BP86/TZ2P+. The calculated equilibrium structures of complexes exhibited that the Si(XCp*)2 ligands are bonded in a tilted orientation to the metal fragment W(CO)5. The EDA‐NOCV results indicated that the Si(XCp*)2 ligands in the complexes are mainly strong σ‐ and weak π‐donors. The trend of the W‐Si bond strength resulted from the increase in the ligand‐metal donation (CO)5W ← Si(XCp*)2. The silylone complexes in this study are suitable targets for synthesis.
Study on mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) based biocomposite reinforced with lotus fiber
Authors: Van Khoi Nguyen , Tung Nguyen Thanh , Trang Pham Thu , Huong Nguyen Thu , Duc Nguyen Trung , Tuyen Nguyen Thi
Published: February 2020

In this study, biocomposite based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and lotus fiber (LF) was prepared. PLA was plasticized with 4 wt% of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The contents of LFs in the composites were 10, 15 and 20 %. Mechanical and thermal properties and morphology of the PLA/LF composites were investigated. The results showed that LFs significantly improved both tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites, but slightly decreased the thermal stability as compare to neat PLA. SEM analysis results showed that the LF has a rough surface and were well‐dispersed in the PLA matrix at the content of 10 and 15 wt%.
Temperature dependence of simplexes and shell core in liquid aluminosilicate
Authors: Van Dung Mai , Tuan Nguyen Manh , Van Hong Tran , Kien Pham Huu , Vinh Le The
Published: February 2020

The structural evolution of liquid aluminosilicate under influence of temperature has been investigated details via the distribution of V‐simplex, O‐simplex, T‐simplex, SC‐particle, and SC‐cluster. The result shows that the free space regions are formed by V‐simplex with the radius increases as temperature increases. In addition, a large number of O‐simplex, T‐simplex, SC‐particle, and SC‐cluster was found in the model. The average radius of O‐simplex, T‐simplex, and the core of SC‐particle significantly increases with temperature. The result also indicates that the number SC‐cluster depends on the number SC‐particle and temperature. There is a small change in the number of SC‐cluster consists more one SC‐particle as temperature increases. Our result has been also compared with previous studies.
Chemical composition and the inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase activity of Centella asiatica from Quang Tho village, Quang Dien district, Thua Thien – Hue province
Authors: Ninh Pham Thi , Nhu Vo Thi Quynh , Thao Tran Thi Phuong , Ha Le Thi Thu , Van Loc Tran , Van Chien Tran , Van Sung Tran
Published: February 2020

Centella asiatica is a very popular plant in Vietnam and in other South and Southeast Asia. It grows wildly or planted in all parts of Vietnam. People use this plant for treatment of many diseases or as a vegetable. This plant is a main product of economic importance in Quang Tho village, Quang Dien district, Thua Thien – Hue province, where it is planted according to VIETGAP standard. The MeOH extract from the aerial parts of Centella asiatica collected from Quang Tho village has shown a good inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in an experiment on mice brain. Chromatographic separation of this extract yielded kaempferol, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and a large amount (2.28 % of dry material) of asiaticoside A and asiaticoside B as a mixture with a ratio of 35:65, determined by 1H NMR spectrum.
Preparation of radiolysis‐degraded oligochitosan, oligochitosan‐Zn2+ complex and their induced effect against Anthracnose on soybean plants
Authors: Van Phu Dang , Du Bui Duy , Tuan Le Nghiem Anh , Hung Le Thanh , Hien Nguyen Quoc
Published: February 2020

Anthracnose is the severely devastating disease in soybean cultivation. Employing chemical fungicides have been limited in modern agriculture. Currently, the oligochitosan (OC) and OC‐Zn2+ complex have been evaluated as efficient fungicides. However, finding a proper method to produce them is still being actively encouraged. This work presents a preparation of 4 % OC solution (Mw ~ 5000 g/mol, the chemical structure unchanged in comparison with the chitosan) by gamma‐ray irradiation combined with a small amount of H2O2. The OC‐Zn2+ complex were prepared from OC and Zn2+ ion with a molar ratio of 1/0.5 by stirring at ambient condition. The importance characterization of OC‐Zn2+ complex were determined by the GPC, UV‐Vis, XRD, FT‐IR techniques and that was evaluated the effectiveness of anthracnose resistance Soybean plants grown in a greenhouse. After the third spraying, a spore suspension of C. truncatum was introduced. The obtained results indicated that the OC‐Zn2+ complex exhibited a significantly stronger disease resistance than that of OC. The disease incidence was of 52.2 % and 33.3 % (compared to 92 % of the control); disease severity was of 35.7 % and 13.8 % (79.9 % in the control) for OC and OC‐Zn2+, respectively. Thus, the OC‐Zn2+ complex has the potential for large‐scale production and agricultural application.
The application of ion‐pair high performance countercurrent chromatography monitored by off‐line LC‐ESI‐MS/MS injections to study betalain metabolite from Vietnamese red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
Authors: Thu Tran Thi Minh , Jerz Gerold , Winterhalter Peter
Published: February 2020

The pre‐purified betalain extract from Vietnamese red dragon fruits (Hylocereus polyrhizus) was fractionated by a high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) device using the ion‐pair forming biphasic solvent of tert‐butylmethylether/n‐butanol/acetonitrile/1% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (2:2:1:5, v/v/v/v). The J‐type HPCCC centrifuge with a 240g centrifugal force field was able to fractionate seven pigments from a 350 mg enriched crude pigment fruit extract, resulting in purified fractions for qualitative identification by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. This approach fractionated the main betacyanin epimers namely 15R/15S‐betanin (m/z 551), 15R/15S‐phyllocactin (m/z 637), and apiosyl‐15R/15S‐betanin (m/z 683) from the solely existing betaxanthin indicaxanthin. In addition, few minor betacyanins such as 2’‐apiosyl‐15R/15S‐phyllocactin (m/z 769) were concentrated in a few fractions. That method also allowed the better detection of cacti fruit pigment 15R/15S‐hylocerenin (m/z 695), and 15R/15S‐betanidin 5‐O‐β‐sophoroside (m/z 713). However, the separation of these highly polar compounds was incomplete due to insufficient force of the ion‐pairing effect of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
Monitoring the movement of inorganic MK701 fertilizer in soil by a home‐made multi‐channel electrical conductivity instrument
Authors: Hoang Vu Phuc , Hung Le Quoc , Phong Pham Hong
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we presented the successfulness in manufacture of a home‐made multi‐channel electrical conductivity (EC) equipment. Further, the instrument has been used to monitor the variation of soil EC by time in a soil column with the presence of the inorganic fertilizer MK701 (MK701) to find a relationship between EC and the amount of MK701 on the topsoil. A linear dependence at depths of 10 and 50 cm corresponding to the upper and lower root zones, respectively, was found for a duration of 21 days with the relative coefficients (R2) were greater than 0.902. This indicated that the use of home‐made EC instrument could be helpful in assessing the excessive manure in agricultural soil.
Efficient Synthesis of RuO2 Nanoparticle with excellent activity for one‐pot Synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted quinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones
Authors: Raghu M. S. , Prasad K. N. N. , Jayanna B. K. , Kumar C. B. Pradeep , Kumar K. Yogesh , Prashanth M. K.
Published: February 2020

An efficient one‐pot synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted quinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones has been developed via ruthenium oxide (RuO2) nanoparticle catalyzed cyclocondensation method. Various 2,3‐disubstituted quinazolin‐4(1H)‐ones have been synthesized from N‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐(methylamino)benzamide with aromatic substituted aldehydes with excellent yields. Ruthenium oxide nanoparticle has been generated in situ from the reaction of ruthenium chloride. The synthesized nanoparticle is well characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and powder X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) methods. The present protocol offers the advantages of mild reaction conditions, base free, short reaction time, excellent yields, reusable and easy workup.
Simultaneous determination of lead and cadmium in water samples using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry at platinum nanoflowers modified glassy electrode
Authors: Lieu Nguyen Thi , Van Hoang Cao , Le Pham Thi Tuyet , Giang Le Truong
Published: February 2020

Platinum nanoflowers modified glassy carbon electrode (PtNFs/GCE) was developed for simultaneous determination of lead and cadmium at trace level in 0.1 M acetate buffer (pH 4.5) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Influence factors as preconcentration time and potential, pulse amplitude and step potential, electrode cleaning procedure and interferences on the stripping peak current of lead and cadmium were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the method showed high reproducibility of the stripping peak current with RSD < 5 % (n = 5) for the two heavy metal ions. The linear ranges are from 1 to 100 μg.L‐1 for a preconcentration time of 120 s. The limit of detection using the optimized analytical procedure was observed as 0.408 μg.L‐1 and 0.453 μg.L‐1 for lead and cadmium ions, respectively. Application of the product to the in some river water, lake water, and wastewater samples in Binh Dinh, Viet Nam gave good results agreement with data obtained by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) method.
Mesh Repair in Crohn's Disease: A Case‐Matched Multicenter Study in 234 Patients
Authors: Beyer‐Berjot Laura , Moszkowicz David , Bridoux Valérie , Schneider Lucil , Theuil Luca , François Yves , Abdalla Solafah , Cotte Eddy , Maggiori Léon , Brouquet Antoine , Souche François‐Régis , Zerbib Philippe , Tuech Jean‐Jacques , Panis Yves , Berdah Stéphane ,   The GETAID Chirurgie Group
Published: February 2020

Background

There are no specific guidelines for ventral hernia management in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. We aimed to assess the risk of septic morbidity after mesh repair in CD.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicentre study comparing CD and non‐CD patients undergoing mesh repair for ventral hernia (primary or incisional hernia). Controls were matched 1:1 for the presence of a stoma, history of surgical sepsis, hernia size and Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) score. All demographic, pre‐, intra‐ and postoperative data were retrieved, including long‐term data.

Results

We included 234 patients, with 114 CD patients. Both groups had comparable VHWG scores (p = 0.12), hernia sizes (p = 0.11), ASA scores ≥ 3 (p = 0.70), body mass index values (p = 0.14), presence of stoma (CD 21.9% vs. controls 15%, p = 0.16), history of sepsis (14% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.23), rates of malnutrition (4.4% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.46), rates of incisional hernia (93% vs. 95%, p = 0.68) and concomitant procedures (18.4% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.12). CD patients carried a higher risk of postoperative septic morbidity (18.4% vs. 5%, p = 0.001), entero‐prosthetic fistula (7% vs. 0, p < 0.01) and mesh withdrawals (5.3% vs. 0, p = 0.011). Ventral hernia recurrence rates were similar (14% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.15). In the univariate analysis, the risk factors for septic morbidity were CD (p = 0.001), malnutrition (p = 0.004), use of biological mesh (p < 0.0001) and concomitant procedure (p = 0.004). The mesh position, the means used for mesh fixation as well as the presence of a stoma were not identified as risk factors.

Conclusions

CD seems to be a risk factor for septic morbidity after mesh repair.
Data Science für alle: Grundlagen der Datenprogrammierung
Authors: Abedjan Ziawasch , Anuth Hagen , Esmailoghli Mahdi , Mahdavi Mohammad , Neutatz Felix , Chen Binger
Published: February 2020

Die Nachfrage nach Data Scientists in den verschiedensten Bereichen der Industrie, Gesellschaft und Forschung stellt Universitäten vor die Frage, in welcher Form eine Data-Science-Ausbildung ermöglicht werden soll. Neben dem traditionellen Ansatz, Data Science als Studienfach anzubieten, gibt es auch Forderungen nach Einbettung von Data-Science-Veranstaltungen in informatik- und mathematikfremden Fächern, um die gesteigerte Nachfrage nach Datenkompetenzen in diesen Bereichen abzudecken. Dies wird auch durch die erst kürzlich von der GI geförderten Initiative für „Data Literacy“ unterstützt. Vor diesem Hintergrund haben wir an der TU Berlin einen Data-Science-Kurs auf Bachelorniveau nach dem Vorbild des Data8-Kurses an der Berkeley-Universität in Kalifornien konzipiert und erfolgreich durchgeführt. In dem Kurs „Data Science 1: Essentials of Data Programming“ werden Grundlagen der Programmierung, statistische Datenanalyse, maschinelles Lernen und ethische Fragen bei der Anwendung dieser Methoden vermittelt. Das Angebot stieß auf ein sehr starkes Interesse seitens der Studierenden verschiedenster Studiengänge der TU Berlin einschließlich Kunstgeschichte und Philosophie. Zur erfolgreichen Durchführung des Kurses gehörte nicht nur die entsprechend entworfene integrierte Synopsis, die orientiert an Fallbeispielen mathematische Konzepte und Programmiertechniken vermittelt, sondern auch regelmäßige Übungsstunden und Hausaufgaben sowie eine zentralverwaltete JupyterHub-Infrastruktur, die sowohl die Nicht-Informatikstudierenden vor jeglicher Installation von unbekannter Software behütete als auch die Automatisierung der Korrektur der Programmierhausaufgaben ermöglichte. In diesem Beitrag möchten wir über unsere Erkenntnisse berichten, wie es uns gelungen ist, Studierende mit sehr unterschiedlichen Informatikkenntnissen für Data Science zu begeistern. Dabei gehen wir auf die praktische Durchführung des Kurses und der abschließenden Leistungsüberprüfung ein. Zuletzt zeigen wir die Vorteile eines solchen Kurses auf. Dazu zählt die skalierbare Möglichkeit, weiten Teilen der Studierenden Datenkompetenzen zu vermitteln und den Quereinstieg in die Informatik zu verschaffen.
Identification of targeted therapy options for gastric adenocarcinoma by comprehensive analysis of genomic data
Authors: Hescheler Daniel A. , Plum Patrick S. , Zander Thomas , Quaas Alexander , Korenkov Michael , Gassa Asmae , Michel Maximilian , Bruns Christiane J. , Alakus Hakan
Published: February 2020

Background

So far only trastuzumab, pembrolizumab and ramucirumab have been approved by the FDA for targeted therapy in gastric cancer (GC). Here we report on potential targeted therapy options for gastric adenocarcinoma based on a novel analysis of “The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)” database.

Methods

One hundred two FDA-approved targeted cancer drugs were compiled and molecular targets defined. Drugs were considered as potentially effective if targeted genes showed (1) an increase in copy number, (2) gain of function with oncogene activation, (3) specific alterations responsive to approved drugs. Additionally, genetic changes that confer drug resistance and/or sensitivity were evaluated.

Results

Fifty percentage of patients with GC may be treatable with non-GC but FDA-approved targeted cancer therapies. The major drug identified in our in silico study for GC is copanlisib, a PI3K inhibitor. In the TCGA patient database, our genetically based drug response prediction identified more patients with alterations sensitive to copanlisib compared to the already-GC-approved drug trastuzumab (20%, 78 out of 393 patients, vs. trastuzumab: 13%, 52 of 393 patients), which is mainly due to the high incidence of PIK3CA gain of function mutations within mutation hot spots.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that various currently FDA-approved drugs might be candidates for targeted therapy of GC. For clinical trials, cancer patients should be selected based on the genomic profile of their tumor.