Elastodynamic response of an orthotropic layered elastic half-space to time-harmonic loading.

The elastodynamics of an orthotropic half-space coated by a thin orthotropic layer is theoretically investigated in this article. We newly propose explicit expressions of free Rayleigh waves in a layered half-space that are dependent on only one unknown constant representing amplitude. The main contribution is on deriving, in a simple manner, the theoretical predictions of far-field Rayleigh wave motion arising from time-harmonic loads using elastodynamic reciprocity theorems.

Ni-Doped SnO as an Electron Transport Layer by a Low-Temperature Process in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on a planar structure have recently become more attractive due to their simple manufacturing process and relatively low cost, while most perovskite solar cells employ highly porous TiO as an electron transport layer in mesoporous devices offering higher energy conversion efficiency (PCE). In planar structural devices, non-radiative recombination effects of the absorber layer and the electron transport layer cause potential loss and lower PCE. We created an efficient electron transport layer by combining low-temperature Ni-doped SnO with SDBS as a surfactant (denoted as Ni:SnO).

Design, Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evalufation of Substituted Benzimidazole Conjugated 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles.

Two series of 2-substituted benzimidazole conjugated 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against the three human cancer cell lines (cervical cancer (HeLa), breast cancer (MCF-7) and lung cancer (A549)). As the results 14 compounds demonstrated consistent to stronger cytotoxicities compared to the control 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) towards the tested cell lines including 4c (HeLa); 4b, 4e, 4h, 7i-j, 7m-n, 7s (MCF-7); 7b (MCF-7, A549); 7h (HeLa, MCF-7); and 4d, 4i, 7c (HeLa, MCF-7, A549), with the IC ranging from 2.7 to 38 µM.

Reduced Defects and Enhanced Performance of (FAPbI)(MAPbBr)-Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Trimesic Acid Additives.

A high-quality organolead trihalide perovskite film with large-sized crystalline grains and smooth surfaces is required to obtain efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, high-quality (FAPbI)(MAPbBr) perovskite films were fabricated using trimesic acid (TMA) additives in a halide perovskite precursor solution to obtain efficient PSCs. The X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy of the films revealed that the TMA had a significant effect on the roughness of the films by acting as a surface link, thus reducing the surface defects and recombination at the grain boundaries.

Facile Synthesis of Spherical TiO Hollow Nanospheres with a Diameter of 150 nm for High-Performance Mesoporous Perovskite Solar Cells.

The electron transport layer (ETL) of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells plays an important role in their power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this study, TiO hollow nanospheres with a diameter of 150 nm were prepared by a facile synthesis method. The synthesized TiO hollow nanospheres had a highly porous structure with a surface area of 85.

Photofunctionalizing effects of hydroxyapatite combined with TiO on bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial defects.

The hydrophilicity of bone graft material generally used as a carrier can play an important role in regulating bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) expression at the bone graft site. The hydrophilicity, altering physicochemical properties, and enhancing biological capabilities, can be increased via surface modification through ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization and the effect on de novo osteogenesis could be further improved. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of UV-irradiated TiO -coated hydroxyapatite (HA) in combination with rhBMP-2 on bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial defects.

Effects of Enhanced Hydrophilic Titanium Dioxide-Coated Hydroxyapatite on Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Calvarial Defects.

The regeneration of bone defects caused by periodontal disease or trauma is an important goal. Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) is an osteoconductive graft material. However, the hydrophobic properties of HA can be a disadvantage in the initial healing process.

Surgery as an Adjunctive Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: An Individual Patient Data Metaanalysis.

Background: Medical treatment for multidrug-resistant (MDR)-tuberculosis is complex, toxic, and associated with poor outcomes. Surgical lung resection may be used as an adjunct to medical therapy, with the intent of reducing bacterial burden and improving cure rates. We conducted an individual patient data metaanalysis to evaluate the effectiveness of surgery as adjunctive therapy for MDR-tuberculosis.

Increased transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype strains associated with resistance to streptomycin: a population-based study.

Background: Studies have shown that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype is an emerging pathogen that is frequently associated with drug resistance. This suggests that drug resistant Beijing strains have a relatively high transmission fitness compared to other drug-resistant strains.

Methods And Findings: We studied the relative transmission fitness of the Beijing genotype in relation to anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in a population-based study of smear-positive tuberculosis patients prospectively recruited and studied over a 4-year period in rural Vietnam.

Symptom screen for identification of highly infectious tuberculosis in people living with HIV in Southeast Asia.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV and frequently transmitted among this susceptible group. Transmission can be reduced by infection control practices. Simple evidence-based methods to identify patients who should be isolated are not well described in the literature.

Timing of initiation of antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)--associated tuberculous meningitis.

Background: The optimal time to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated tuberculous meningitis is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of immediate versus deferred ART in patients with HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis to determine whether immediate ART reduced the risk of death. Antiretroviral drugs (zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz) were started either at study entry or 2 months after randomization.

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype does not affect tuberculosis treatment failure in Vietnam.

Background: Studies have suggested that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype causes more severe clinical disease and higher treatment failure rates with standard regimens, possibly in association with an increased risk of acquiring drug resistance. We studied the effect of genotype on treatment failure in a rural area in Vietnam where multidrug resistance is strongly associated with the Beijing genotype.

Methods: In a population-based prospective cohort study, patients with smear-positive tuberculosis were tested before and after treatment by spoligotyping and drug susceptibility analysis.

Tuberculosis acquired outside of households, rural Vietnam.

Using population-based data from rural Vietnam, we assessed tuberculosis (TB) transmission within and outside of households. Eighty-three percent of persons with recent household TB were infected by different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis than were their household members. This result argues against the effectiveness of active TB case finding among household members.

Decrease in risk of tuberculosis infection despite increase in tuberculosis among young adults in urban Vietnam.

Objective: To assess whether the increase in tuberculosis (TB) notification rates among young adults in Vietnam reflects increased transmission in the population at large.

Method: Trends of case notification rates of new smear-positive TB were calculated from routinely reported data of district TB units over the period 1996-2005. Results from repeated tuberculin surveys among children aged 6-9 years were obtained to calculate the trend in annual risk of TB infection (ARTI).

Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotype and case notification rates, rural Vietnam, 2003-2006.

Tuberculosis case notification rates (CNRs) for young adults in Vietnam are increasing. To determine whether this finding could reflect emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype, we studied all new sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients registered for treatment in 3 rural districts in Vietnam during 2003-2006. Beijing strain infections were more frequent in younger patients (15-24 years of age, 53%) than in older patients (31%; p<0.

The Beijing genotype is associated with young age and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in rural Vietnam.

Background: Associations between multidrug resistance and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype have been described mainly in populations with poor tuberculosis (TB) control such as prisons and inner cities, and may reflect shared risk factors rather than a biological association.

Objective: To study the association between genotype and drug resistance among TB patients in a population with adequate TB control.

Setting: Three rural districts in Vietnam.

Fluoroquinolone resistance detection in Mycobacterium tuberculosis with locked nucleic acid probe real-time PCR.

Setting: Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Objective: Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are increasingly used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and are the second-line drugs of choice for treatment of multidrug-resistant TB. We aimed to set up a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assay to detect the most common FQ-resistance-associated mutations in gyrase A (gyrA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The influence of host and bacterial genotype on the development of disseminated disease with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The factors that govern the development of tuberculosis disease are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that some strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) are more capable of causing disseminated disease than others and may be associated with polymorphisms in host genes responsible for the innate immune response to infection.

A common human TLR1 polymorphism regulates the innate immune response to lipopeptides.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are critical mediators of the immune response to pathogens and human polymorphisms in this gene family regulate inflammatory pathways and are associated with susceptibility to infection. Lipopeptides are present in a wide variety of microbes and stimulate immune responses through TLR1/2 or TLR2/6 heterodimers. It is not currently known whether polymorphisms in TLR1 regulate the innate immune response.

A polymorphism in human TLR2 is associated with increased susceptibility to tuberculous meningitis.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) results from the haematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the lung to the brain. Dissemination is believed to occur early during infection, before the development of adaptive immunity. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mediates recognition of M.

A polymorphism in Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein is associated with susceptibility to meningeal tuberculosis.

Background: Although meningitis is the most severe form of infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the immunopathogenesis of this disease is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that polymorphisms in Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein (TIRAP), an adaptor protein that mediates signals from Toll-like receptors activated by mycobacteria, are associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB).

Methods: We used a case-population study design in Vietnam with cord-blood control samples (n = 392) and case patients (n = 358) who had either pulmonary (n = 183) or meningeal (n = 175) TB.

Tuberculosis epidemiology in six provinces of Vietnam after the introduction of the DOTS strategy.

Setting: Six provinces in Vietnam where the DOTS strategy was introduced in 1989.

Objective: To assess the impact of improved tuberculosis (TB) control on TB epidemiology in Vietnam.

Methods: Data from the surveillance system in the period 1990-2003 were analysed to assess trends of notification rates and the mean ages of notified cases.

Drug resistance among smear-positive tuberculosis patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Objectives: To assess the pattern of drug resistance among smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients in an inner city area in Vietnam.

Methods: A random sample of patients diagnosed by the national TB programme (NTP) were offered HIV testing and submitted sputum for Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug sensitivity testing.

Results: Of 1433 isolates from new patients, 360 (25%) were resistant to isoniazid (INH), 57 (4.

Treatment outcomes by drug resistance and HIV status among tuberculosis patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Objective: To assess the combined effects of drug resistance, HIV infection and treatment regimen on treatment outcomes of smear-positive tuberculosis patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Methods: A representative sample of patients diagnosed in 1998-2000 in 12 urban districts was offered HIV testing and submitted sputum for Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture and drug susceptibility testing. New patients were treated with 2SHRZ/6HE in nine districts and with 2SHRZ/4RH in three districts.

Pretreatment intracerebral and peripheral blood immune responses in Vietnamese adults with tuberculous meningitis: diagnostic value and relationship to disease severity and outcome.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most devastating form of tuberculosis. Both intracerebral and peripheral blood immune responses may be relevant to pathogenesis, diagnosis, and outcome. In this study, the relationship between pretreatment host response, disease phenotype, and outcome in Vietnamese adults with TBM was examined.