Agent Orange Reviewed: Potential Role in Peripheral Neuropathy and Neurodegeneration.

Agent Orange, a dioxin-containing toxin, was used as an herbicide during the Vietnam War. Exposures to Agent Orange were initially linked to birth defects among Vietnamese civilians residing near aerially sprayed regions. Years later, returning South Korean and U.

Achyranbidens A-C: three new compounds from Blume.

Phytochemical study on the roots of Blume led to the isolation of sixteen compounds including three new ones (). Their chemical structures were determined as oleanolic acid 28---D-glucopyranoside-3--[-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)--D-galactopyranoside) (), methyl (8,11)-5,6,7-trihydroxytetradeca-8,11-dienoate (), methyl (6,11)-5,8,9-trihydroxytetradeca-6,11-dienoate (), fulgidic acid (), (9,11)-13-oxooctadeca-9,11-dienoic acid (), (9,11,15)-13-hydroxyoctadeca-9,11,15-trienoic acid (), oleanolic acid 28---D-glucopyranoside-3---L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)--D-glucuronopyranoside (), oleanolic acid 28---D-glucopyranoside-3---Dglucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]--D-glucuronopyranoside (), oleanolic acid 3---Dglucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)]--D-glucuronopyranoside (), oleanolic acid 3---L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)--D-glucuronopyranoside (), blumenol C glucoside (), citroside A (), 6,9-roseoside (), ginsenoside Rg1 (), 20-hydroxyecdysone (), and benzyl -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]--D-glucopyranoside () by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds , and inhibited NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.

Characterization of thymol derivatives from Turcz. aerial parts.

From the aerial parts of , four thymol derivatives (-) were isolated and structurally elucidated by NMR and mass spectroscopic methods. Of which, a new dimeric thymol derivative () was characterized and its absolute configuration was established by electronic circular dichroism quantum method. In addition, the 1D and 2D NMR as well as HR-ESI mass spectral data of were provided for the first time.

Identifying molecular targets of Aspiletrein-derived steroidal saponins in lung cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking-based assessments.

Lung cancer is one of the leading cancers and causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Due to its high prevalence and mortality rate, its clinical management remains a significant challenge. Previously, the in vitro anticancer activity of Aspiletrein A, a steroid and a saponin from Aspidistra letreae, against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was reported.

Effect of a Combination of Lysolecithin, Synthetic Emulsifier and Monoglycerides on the Apparent Ileal Digestibility, Metabolizable Energy and Growth Performance of Growing Pigs.

Two studies were conducted to determine the impact of an absorption enhancer containing a combination of lysophospholipids, monoglycerides and synthetic emulsifiers (LEX) on apparent ileal digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), and growth performance of growing pigs. In the digestibility study, 12 male crossbred [Duroc x (Large White x Landrace)] pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 30 kg were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments: (1) a positive control (PC) receiving standard diets formulated to 3100 kcal ME/kg, and (2) a negative control formulated with −100 kcal ME/kg and −2.5% AA content vs.

Physician's Perspectives on Factors Influencing Antibiotic Resistance: A Qualitative Study in Vietnam.

(1) Background: The antibiotic resistance (ABR) rates are escalating to seriously high levels worldwide. This study was conducted to determine physicians' perspectives on factors influencing ABR in Vietnam. (2) Methods: Focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted through in-depth interviews on ABR perspectives with 5-6 physicians from different geographical locations and hospitals in Vietnam between March and June 2020.

Genetic diversity in the capsid protein gene of porcine circovirus type 3 in Vietnam from 2018 to 2019.

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) was first detected in 2016 and has been reported in many pig-producing countries around the world, including Vietnam. PCV3 has been found in complex cases with multiple clinical syndromes in swine. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity of PCV3 strains circulating in Vietnam.

Genetic variations of antioxidant genes and their association with male infertility in Vietnamese men.

Background: Antioxidant genes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), play critical roles in spermatogenesis and sperm functions. Polymorphisms of antioxidant genes have been shown to be strongly associated with sperm quality which affects male fertility.

Methods: To investigate the association of antioxidant gene polymorphisms to male infertility in Vietnamese men, in this case-control study, using Sanger sequencing, we genotyped four variants SOD1:7958G>A, SOD2:c.

Investigation and Characterization of Factors Affecting Rheological Properties of Poloxamer-Based Thermo-Sensitive Hydrogel.

Poloxamers are negatively temperature-sensitive hydrogels and their hydrophilic groups interact with water molecules at lower temperatures (liquid phase) while their hydrophobic groups interact more strongly with increases in temperature causing gelation. To investigate the factors affecting the rheological properties of poloxamers, various parameters including different poloxamer P407 concentrations, poloxamers P407/P188 blending ratios and additives were examined. The results presented a clear trend of decreasing gelling temperature/time when P407 was at higher concentrations.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IRF6 gene with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Kinh Vietnamese patients.

Background: The interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene, which causes Van der Woude syndrome, is associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IRF6 gene were identified as susceptibility indicators of this defect in several populations. To further evaluate its role in this birth defect, we conducted this study with the aim of identifying allele frequencies, genotype frequencies, and associations of 5 SNPs (rs2235373, rs2235371, rs2235375, rs2013162, and rs2236907) in the IRF6 gene with NSCL/P in Kinh Vietnamese patients.

The Sex-Specific Splicing of Doublesex in Brine Shrimp .

The understanding of sex determination and differentiation in animals has recently made remarkable strides through the use of advanced research tools. At the gene level, the Mab-3-related transcription factor () gene family, which encodes for the typical DNA-binding doublesex/Mab-3 (DM) domain in their protein, is known for its contribution to sex determination and differentiation in insects. In this study, DNA-binding DM domain screening has identified eight transcripts from transcriptomic that encode proteins containing one conserved DNA-binding DM domain.

In-Silico Analysis and Antidiabetic Effect of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Peptides from Lupin Protein Hydrolysate: Enzyme-Peptide Interaction Study Using Molecular Docking Approach.

The use of natural ingredients for managing diabetes is becoming more popular in recent times due to the several adverse effects associated with synthetic antidiabetic medications. In this study, we investigated the in vitro antidiabetic potential (through inhibition of α-glucosidase (AG) and α-amylase (AA)) of hydrolysates from lupin proteins pretreated with ultrasound and hydrolyzed using alcalase (ACT) and flavourzyme (FCT). We further fractionated ACT and FCT into three molecular weight fractions.

Host Genetic Risk Factors Associated with COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity in Vietnamese.

Since the emergence and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2, numerous scientific reports have searched for the association of host genetic variants with COVID-19, but the data are mostly acquired from Europe. In the current work, we explored the link between host genes (SARS-CoV-2 entry and immune system related to COVID-19 sensitivity/severity) and ABO blood types with COVID-19 from whole-exome data of 200 COVID-19 patients and 100 controls in Vietnam. The O blood type was found to be a protective factor that weakens the worst outcomes of infected individuals.

Influence of structure phase transition on the thermoelectric properties of CuSe Te liquid-like compounds.

Copper chalcogenide Cu(Se,Te) compounds are well known as typical p-type thermoelectric materials with a figure of merit () that can be optimized by the ratio of Se : Te. Here, by using the mechanical alloying and solid-state reaction methods, Te was substituted into Se sites within CuSe as the formula CuSe Te ( = 0.1, 0.

Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Volumes and Cerebrovascular Events: A 1-Year Follow-up.

Background And Objectives: Declines in stroke admission, IV thrombolysis (IVT), and mechanical thrombectomy volumes were reported during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a paucity of data on the longer-term effect of the pandemic on stroke volumes over the course of a year and through the second wave of the pandemic. We sought to measure the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volumes of stroke admissions, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), IVT, and mechanical thrombectomy over a 1-year period at the onset of the pandemic (March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021) compared with the immediately preceding year (March 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020).

Phyto-metabolomics of phlogacanthus thyrsiformis by using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and GC/QTOF-MS: Evaluation of antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential of extracts.

Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis (P. thyrsiformis) is a non-conventional edible plant that has been used as a vegetable and as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases. This non-conventional edible plant is widespread in India, Yunnan-Chinese provinces, and Vietnam.

Imputation of missing monthly rainfall data using machine learning and spatial interpolation approaches in Thale Sap Songkhla River Basin, Thailand.

Missing rainfall data has been a prevalent issue and primarily interested in hydrology and meteorology. This research aimed to examine the capability of machine learning (ML) and spatial interpolation (SI) methods to estimate missing monthly rainfall data. Six ML algorithms (i.

Mapping development and health effects of cooking with solid fuels in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000-18: a geospatial modelling study.

Background: More than 3 billion people do not have access to clean energy and primarily use solid fuels to cook. Use of solid fuels generates household air pollution, which was associated with more than 2 million deaths in 2019. Although local patterns in cooking vary systematically, subnational trends in use of solid fuels have yet to be comprehensively analysed.

The effect of polymorphisms in FSHR gene on late follicular phase progesterone and estradiol serum levels in predicted normoresponders.

Study Question: Does the presence of FSHR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect late follicular phase progesterone and estradiol serum levels in predicted normoresponders treated with rFSH?

Summary Answer: The presence of FSHR SNPs (rs6165, rs6166, rs1394205) had no clinically significant impact on late follicular phase serum progesterone and estradiol levels in predicted normoresponders undergoing a GnRH antagonist protocol with a fixed daily dose of 150 IU rFSH.

What Is Known Already: Previous studies have shown that late follicular phase serum progesterone and estradiol levels are significantly correlated with the magnitude of ovarian response. Several authors have proposed that individual variability in the response to ovarian stimulation (OS) could be explained by variants in FSHR.

High speed ultraviolet digital image correlation (UV-DIC) for dynamic strains at extreme temperatures.

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a camera-based method of measuring full-field displacements and strains from the surface of a deforming object. It can be applied at any length scale (determined by the lenses) and any time scale (determined by the camera), and because it is non-contacting, it can also be used at temperatures much higher than can be withstood by bonded strain gauges. At extreme temperatures, materials emit light in the form of blackbody radiation, which can saturate the camera sensor.

Molecular analysis reveals a distinct subgenogroup of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in northern Vietnam in 2018-2019.

The spike protein (S) of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), in particular, the C-terminal domain of the S1 subunit (S1-CTD), which contains the conserved CO-26K-equivalent (COE) region (aa 499-638), which is recognized by neutralizing antibodies, exhibits a high degree of genetic and antigenic diversity. We analyzed 61 PEDV S1-CTD sequences (630 nt), including 26 from samples collected from seven provinces in northern Vietnam from 2018 to 2019 and 35 other sequences, representing the G1a and 1b, G2a and 2b, and recombinant (G1c) genotypes and vaccines. The majority (73.

Dapagliflozin for heart failure according to body mass index: the DELIVER trial.

Aims: Obesity is common and associated with unique phenotypic features in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Therefore, understanding the efficacy and safety of new therapies in HFpEF patients with obesity is important. The effects of dapagliflozin were examined according to body mass index (BMI) among patients in the Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the LIVEs of Patients With PReserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure trial.

Dapagliflozin in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death among patients with chronic heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less. Whether SGLT2 inhibitors are effective in patients with a higher left ventricular ejection fraction remains less certain.

Methods: We randomly assigned 6263 patients with heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of more than 40% to receive dapagliflozin (at a dose of 10 mg once daily) or matching placebo, in addition to usual therapy.

Polysiloxane Coatings Biodeterioration in Nature and Laboratory.

Objects and structures made of organic glass require protection from damage caused by external factors. Light, humidity, temperature, dust pollution and, undoubtedly, microorganisms lead to the deterioration of optical and mechanical properties. Polysiloxane-based protective coatings, consisting of silicon-oxygen backbones linked together with organic side groups attached to the silicon atoms, are widely used.

Aspiletrein A Induces Apoptosis Cell Death via Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and AMPK Activation in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of death in cancer patients, and deregulation of apoptosis is a serious concern in clinical practice, even though therapeutic intervention has been greatly improved. Plants are a versatile source of biologically active compounds for anticancer drug discovery, and aspiletrein A (AA) is a steroidal saponin isolated from that has a potent cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigated and determined the underlying molecular mechanism by which AA induces apoptosis.