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A smile that reveals >4 mm of gum tissue is called a gummy smile (GS), offering negative impacts on people's self-confidence and aesthetic appearance. The treatment for GS should be planned according to underlying causes such as altered passive eruption of teeth, dentoalveolar extrusion, vertical maxillary excess, and short or hyperactive lip muscles. In this case report, a patient with severe GS received orthodontic and gingivoplasty treatment, aided by digital tools such as 3D simulation, smile design, and 3D printed guides. The treatment yielded remarkable and satisfactory results, without the need for extensive surgery. Our findings suggest that gingivoplasty is a minimally invasive, time- and cost-effective alternative to more extensive procedures for correcting severe gum recession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acerola seeds are a by-product of the food industry, which is rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants. This study evaluated the effects of cellulase treatment conditions, including the initial moisture content, enzyme dose, and incubation time, on the insoluble, soluble, and total dietary fiber content of acerola seed powder (ASP). The blends of wheat flour with untreated and cellulase-treated ASP (0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%, w/w) were then used to produce cookies. The suitable conditions for the enzymatic treatment were the initial moisture content of 6 g/g dry weight (DW), an enzyme dose of 10 U/g DW and incubation time of 90 min. The cookies produced from flour blends with ASP had higher dietary fiber, ascorbic acid and total phenolic contents, and antioxidant capacity, compared to the control cookies without ASP. Phytate content in the cookies obtained with the lowest level of fortification (10%, w/w) was similar to that in the control cookies. The use of cellulase-treated ASP resulted in a lower ratio of insoluble to soluble dietary fiber in the cookies compared to when the untreated ASP was used. In addition, the cookies with cellulase-treated ASP had lower hardness and higher fracturability values than those fortified with the untreated ASP. The overall acceptability of the cookies produced with ASP was higher or comparable to the control cookies. For the first time, the low-cost ASP was used to improve the nutritional quality of cookies. The treated ASP is a novel promising dietary fiber- and antioxidant-rich ingredient for cookie preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO–SnO 2 branch–stem nanowires were fabricated on a Cu foil using a chemical vapor deposition system through a two-step process. Firstly, SnO 2 NWs were synthesized directly on a Cu foil substrate by evaporating SnO powder as a source material. Then, the as-synthesized SnO 2 NWs were used as templates for the growth of ZnO–SnO 2 branch–stem NWs. The effect of growth time on the growth of the SnO 2 NWs on the Cu foil was studied. The gas sensing properties of the SnO 2 NW and ZnO–SnO 2 branch–stem NW devices were studied using various toxic gases at different temperatures. Both devices exhibited high sensitivity, high selectivity, fast response and recovery times, and stability toward H 2 S gas. Compared to the pristine SnO 2 NW device, the ZnO–SnO 2 branch–stem NW device exhibited higher sensitivity and faster response rate toward H 2 S. Finally, the gas sensing mechanism was also discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anillin (Ani) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with a multi-domain structure that cross-links cytoskeletal proteins and plays an essential role in the formation of the contractile ring during cytokinesis. However, Ani is highly expressed in the human central nervous system (CNS), and it scaffolds myelin in the CNS of mice and modulates neuronal migration and growth in Caenorhabditis elegans. Although Ani is also highly expressed in the Drosophila CNS, its role remains unclear. In the present study, we showed that Ani is not only highly expressed in larval neuroblasts of the CNS, but also weakly expressed in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and axons. In addition, the ani knockdown in the nervous system led to pupal lethality, larval locomotor defects, and learning disability, along with abnormal morphology of the NMJ and distribution patterns of the mature neuropil in the CNS. These results show that Ani plays an important role also in the Drosophila nervous system. • The ani gene has important roles in the development and function of the Drosophila nervous system. • Knockdown of ani leads to locomotor and learning defects in the Drosophila larvae. • Ani is expressed in the NMJ and axon in addition to the proliferating cells in the nervous system. • The ani knockdown in the motor neurons results in locomotor defects in the Drosophila larvae. • Ani forms dots connecting with filament-like structures in the axon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life time and quality of thermal spray coatings are strongly influenced by the technological parameters of the coating process and characteristics of the coated surface. In this paper, 16Mn steel substrates of different surface roughness are coated by Cr3C2-NiCr using a plasma spray technique. The adhesion of the coating to the substrate has been studied in relation to the roughness of the substrate and the plasma current of the spraying process. The results showed that the adhesion of the Cr3C2-NiCr coating to 16Mn steel substrate is strongly influenced by the roughness and the current intensity. The range of substrate surface roughness and current intensity at which the Cr3C2-NiCr exhibited high adhesion to the steel substrate are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perinuclear stacks of the Golgi apparatus maintained by dynamic microtubules are essential for cell migration. Activation of Akt (protein kinase B, PKB) negatively regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-mediated tau phosphorylation, which enhances tau binding to microtubules and microtubule stability. In this study, experiments were performed on developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 2 (DRG2)-stably knockdown HeLa cells to determine whether knockdown of DRG2 in HeLa cells treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) affects microtubule dynamics, perinuclear Golgi stacking, and cell migration. Here, we show that DRG2 plays a key role in regulating microtubule stability, perinuclear Golgi stack formation, and cell migration. DRG2 knockdown prolonged the EGF receptor (EGFR) localization in endosome, enhanced Akt activity and inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β. Tau, a target of GSK3β, was hypo-phosphorylated in DRG2-knockdown cells and showed greater association with microtubules, resulting in microtubule stabilization. DRG2-knockdown cells showed defects in microtubule growth and microtubule organizing centers (MTOC), Golgi fragmentation, and loss of directional cell migration. These results reveal a previously unappreciated role for DRG2 in the regulation of perinuclear Golgi stacking and cell migration via its effects on GSK3β phosphorylation, and microtubule stability. • DRG2 knockdown prolongs the EGFR localization in endosome. • DRG2 knockdown induces GSK3β phosphorylation and hypo-phosphorylation of Tau. • Hypo-phosphorylation of Tau enhances microtubule stabilization. • DRG2 knockdown inhibits perinuclear Golgi stacking and cell migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: The primary cause of complex AOB malocclusion is typically a combination of dental, skeletal, functional, and habitual factors. Open bite correction is a challenging treatment due to its complexity and the requirement for long‐term stability, therefore, multidisciplinary treatment is often the best option for achieving stable esthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2003, the Vietnamese government has prioritised curriculum reform efforts and commitment to improving the quality of the national curriculum. The Vietnamese early childhood education renovation has encountered considerable changes and challenges, particularly in the area of pedagogical approaches. Many early childhood teachers continue to favour direct instruction over more appropriate teaching practices for early childhood. This paper reviews the implementation and renovation of the revised curriculum over the past 10 years in Vietnam, and examines the changing realities of early childhood teachers' work to explore ways to implement and sustain changes in pedagogy in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. The paper explores how changing societal expectations and the changing educational philosophies and resultant pedagogy have impacted on the beliefs and practices of early childhood teachers. The teaching profession, as a whole, is facing ongoing change and challenge; not only are ongoing educational reforms redefining teachers' work, but increasing teacher attrition and turnover also creates problems for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Lam Dong province. The paper concludes with suggestions for areas for future research in Vietnam in the field of ECEC. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Akinetic mutism is described in various clinical presentations but typically is defined as a state wherein the patient appears awake but does not move or speak. It can be divided into two different subtypes; the most common subtypes depend on the lesion location, mesencephalic-diencephalic region, also called apathetic akinetic mutism (somnolent mutism), and those involving the anterior cingulate gyrus and adjacent frontal lobes called hyperpathic akinetic mutism. The pathway of akinetic mutism is believed to originate from circuits that link the frontal and subcortical structures. This case reports a 48-year-old African American female with bilateral anterior cerebral artery stroke and akinetic mutism with coexisting thyroid storm. This patient with bilateral anterior cerebral artery infarcts presented with characteristics that are typical for akinetic mutism such as having intact eye movements but an inability to respond to auditory or visual commands. With the incidence of bilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) ischemic stroke being rare and the incidence of akinetic mutism secondary to ischemic stroke even rarer, we suspect that this patient potentially had a unilateral occlusion of anomalous anterior cerebral vasculature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A pep27 mutant may be able to elicit mucosal immunity against pneumococcal diseases, and could be employed as an inexpensive attenuated vaccine. However, this particular mutant contains an erythromycin-resistance marker. The purpose of the current study is to develop a markerless pep27 mutant and assess whether this inactivated mutant is able to induce mucosal immunity. Materials and Methods: Mice were vaccinated intranasally with the inactivated markerless pep27 mutant every 2 weeks for a total of three times, after which time serum samples were analyzed for antibody titers. The mice were then challenged with a lethal D39 strain and their survival time was measured. The cross-reactivity of the antisera against pep27 was also compared to other mutant serotypes. Results: Intranasal immunization of mice with the inactivated markerless pep27 mutant provides effective protection and rapidly cleared bacterial colonization in vivo. Moreover, antisera raised against the pep27 mutant may cross-react with several other serotype strains. Conclusion: Intranasal immunization with the inactivated pep27 mutant may be able to provide mucosal immunity, and could represent an efficient mucosal vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UCH-L1 (ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase L1) is well known as an enzyme that hydrolyzes polyubiquitin at its C-terminal to release ubiquitin monomers. Although the overexpression of UCH-L1 inhibits proteasome activity in cultured cells, its biological significance in living organisms has not been clarified in detail. Here, we utilized Drosophila as a model system to examine the effects of the overexpression of dUCH, a Drosophila homologue of UCH-L1, on development. Overexpression in the eye imaginal discs induced a rough eye phenotype in the adult, at least partly resulting from the induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis followed by compensatory proliferation. Genetic crosses with enhancer trap lines marking the photoreceptor cells also revealed that the overexpression of dUCH specifically impaired R7 photoreceptor cell differentiation with a reduction in activated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase signals. Furthermore, the dUCH-induced rough eye phenotype was rescued by co-expression of the sevenless gene or the Draf gene, a downstream component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. These results indicate that the overexpression of dUCH impairs R7 photoreceptor cell differentiation by down-regulating the MAPK pathway. Interestingly, this process appears to be independent of its pro-apoptotic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gp78 (also known as AMFR and RNF45) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets proteins for proteasomal degradation through endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD). In this study, we showed that gp78-mediated ubiquitylation is initiated in the peripheral ER. Substrate monoubiquitylation and gp78 CUE domain integrity restricted substrate to the peripheral ER, where CUE domain interactions and polyubiquitylation reduced gp78 mobility. Derlin-1 and derlin-2, which are involved in the retrotranslocation of ERAD substrates, localized to a central, juxtanuclear ER domain, where polyubiquitylated proteins accumulated upon proteasome inhibition. Transfer of polyubiquitylated substrate to the central ER was dependent on ubiquitin chain elongation and recruitment of the AAA ATPase p97 (also known as VCP). HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells expressed elevated levels of endogenous gp78, which was associated with segregation of ubiquitylated substrate to the peripheral ER and its polyubiquitin-dependent redistribution to the central ER upon proteasome inhibition. Therefore, the peripheral ER is the site of gp78 ubiquitin ligase activity. Delivery of ubiquitylated substrate to the central ER was regulated by ubiquitin chain elongation and opposing actions of gp78 CUE domain interactions and p97 recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a consistent framework for continuous stereo self-calibration. Based on a practical analysis of the sensitivity of stereo reconstruction to camera calibration uncertainties, we identify important parameters for self-calibration. We evaluate different geometric constraints for estimation and tracking of these parameters: bundle adjustment with reduced structure representation relating corresponding points in image sequences, the epipolar constraint between stereo image pairs, and trilinear constraints between image triplets. Continuous, recursive calibration refinement is obtained with a robust, adapted iterated extended Kalman filter. To achieve high accuracy, physically relevant geometric optimization criteria are formulated in a Gauss-Helmert type model. The self-calibration framework is tested on an active stereo system. Experiments with synthetic data as well as on natural indoor and outdoor imagery indicate that the different constraints are complementing each other and thus a method combining two of the above constraints is proposed: While reduced order bundle adjustment gives by far the most accurate results (and might suffice on its own in some environments), the epipolar constraint yields instantaneous calibration that is not affected by independently moving objects in the scene. Hence, it expedites and stabilizes the calibration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Drosophila DNA replication-related element-binding factor (dDREF) is required for the expression of many proliferation-related genes carrying the DRE sequence, 5′-TATCGATA. Finding a canonical E-box, 5′-CACGTG, in the dDREF gene promoter prompted us to explore the possibility that the dDREF gene is a target of Drosophila Myc (dMyc). Luciferase transient expression assays combined with RNA interference in Drosophila S2 cells revealed that knockdown of dmyc reduced dDREF gene promoter activity by 35% to 82%, an effect at least partly mediated by the E-box in the promoter. dm 4 /Y hemizygous mutant larvae demonstrated no maternal dMyc and severe impairment of dDREF mRNA transcription. dMyc loss of function in dm 2 /dm 2 homozygous mutant follicle cell clones also resulted in loss of anti-dDREF immunostaining in nuclei. In contrast, co-expression of dMyc–dMax up-regulated dDREF promoter activity in S2 cells. Furthermore, dMyc over-expressing clones exhibited a high level of dDREF gene expression in wing and eye discs. These results taken together indicate that dMyc is indeed required for dDREF gene expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SKPa is component of a Drosophila SCF complex that functions in combination with the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcD1. skpA null mutation results in centrosome overduplication, unusual chromatin condensation, defective endoreduplication and cell-cycle progression. While the molecular mechanisms that regulate expression of the skpA gene are poorly understood, the DNA replication-related element (DRE) and the DRE-binding factor (DREF) play important roles in regulating proliferation-related genes in Drosophila and DRE (5′-TATCGATA) and DRE-like (5′-CATCGATT) sequences were here found to be involved in skpA promoter activity. Thus both luciferase transient expression assays in cultured Drosophila S2 cells using skpA promoter-luciferase fusion plasmids and anti-lacZ immunostaining of various tissues from transgenic third instar larvae carrying the skpA promoter-lacZ fusion genes provided supportive evidence. Furthermore, anti-SKPa immunostaining of eye imaginal discs from flies overexpressing DREF showed ectopic expression of protein in the region posterior to the morphogenetic furrow where DREF is overexpressed. Knockdown of DREF in some tissues where SKPa distribution is well known almost completely abrogated the skpA gene expression. These findings, taken together, indicate that the Drosophila skpA gene is a novel target of the transcription factor DREF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Elephantopus mollis Kunth H.B et Kunth is an herbal plant employed customarily for the treatment of numerous maladies, notably cancers. Here in this research, we studied the effects of E. mollis (EM) petroleum ether extract (EM-PE) on the highly aggressive breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The result from phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of tannins and saponins in EM-PE, of which, saponins made up more than 50% of the extract's mass. Cytotoxicity results, which were obtained from MTT assay and microscopic observation, suggested the potential of EM-PE to inhibit the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells with low IC50 value (approximately 30 μg/mL) and remarkably high selectivity index (> 4.78). Further evaluation indicated that EM-PE inhibited MDA-MB-231 cells growth in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, we found that EM-PE induced senescence in MDA-MB-231 cells via the activation of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and the transcriptional upregulation of p21 (3.7 times) and p27 (1.4 times). In consistent with this effect, pre-treated cancer cells showed no proliferative recovery after EM-PE removal. In addition, EM-PE could dramatically hinder breast cancer cells invasion (as much as 15.07-fold), which was shown in Transwell invasion assay, together with the decreased transcription of the important metastatic-involved SNAIL1 gene. Overall, our study, for the first time, exhibits the anti-proliferation and anti-invasion effects of EM extract on highly metastasis breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Hence, these findings contributed to the knowledge of anti-cancer potential of this herbal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abnormal expression in the T-type calcium channels is involved in various cancer types, thus inhibiting T-type calcium channels is one of approaches in cancer treatment. The fact that KTt-45 acted as a T-type calcium channel inhibitor as well as a pain-relief agent prompts us to address if KTt-45 plays any role against cancer cells. The results showed that KTt-45 caused cytotoxic effects towards HeLa cervical, Raji lymphoma, MCF-7 breast cancer, and A549 lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values less than 100 μM, in which highly selective toxicity was against HeLa cells (IC50 = 37.4 μM, SI > 3.2). Strikingly, the KTt-45 induced an accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles after 48 h treatment and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis activation as evidenced by morphological features, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and significant activation of caspase-9 as well as caspase-3. In conclusion, KTt-45 could inhibit cell growth and trigger mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells. The results, taken together, strongly demonstrated that KTt-45 is a potential agent for further study on anticancer drug development which not only targets cancer cells but also helps to relieve neuropathic pain in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The protective effect of HLA-B*57:01/58:01 on HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection was examined. • The protective impact is impaired against CRF01_AE infection. • TW10-specific CD8+ T cells select for T242N even in CRF01_AE with viral fitness cost. • Less non-TW10 epitope presentation may contribute to the impaired protective impact. Human Leukocyte Antigen HLA-B*57:01 and B*58:01 are considered anti-HIV-1 protective alleles. HLA-B*57:01/58:01-restricted HIV-1 Gag TW10 (TSTLQEQIGW, Gag residues 240-249) epitope-specific CD8+ T cell responses that frequently select for a Gag escape mutation, T242N, with viral fitness cost are crucial for HIV-1 control. Although this finding has been observed in cohorts where HIV-1 subtype B or C predominates, the protective impact of HLA-B*57:01/58:01 has not been reported in Southeast Asian countries where HIV-1 CRF01_AE is the major circulating strain. Here, the effect of HLA-B*57:01/58:01 on CRF01_AE infection was investigated. The correlation of HLA-B*57:01/58:01 with viral load and CD4 counts were analyzed in the CRF01_AE-infected Vietnamese cohort (N = 280). The impact of the T242N mutation on CRF01_AE replication capacity was assessed. HLA-B*57:01/58:01 -positive individuals mostly had HIV-1 with T242N (62/63) but showed neither a significant reduction in viral load nor increased CD4 counts relative to B*57:01/58:01 -negative participants. In vitro and in vivo analyses revealed a significant reduction in viral fitness of CRF01_AE with T242N. In silico analysis indicated reduced presentation of epitopes in the context of CRF01_AE compared to subtype B or C in 10/16 HLA-B*57:01/58:01-restricted HIV-1 epitopes. The protective impact of HLA-B*57:01/58:01 on CRF01_AE infection is impaired despite strong suppressive pressure by TW10-specific CD8+ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caseinolytic protease L (ClpL) is a member of the heat shock protein ( Hsp) 100 family, which is found mostly in Gram-positive bacteria. Here, ClpL, a major HSP in Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), was biochemically characterized in vitro. Recombinant ClpL shows nucleotide hydrolase, refolding, holdase and disaggregation activity using either Mg2+ or Mn2+ and does not require the DnaK system for chaperone activity. ClpL exhibits two features distinct from other HSP100 family proteins: (a) Mn2+ enhances hydrolase activity, as well as chaperone activity; and (b) NTPase activity. ClpL forms a hexamer in the presence of ADP, ATP and ATP-γ-S. Mutational analysis using double-mutant proteins mutated at the two Walker A motifs (K127A/T128A and K458A/T459A) revealed that both nucleotide-binding domains are involved in chaperone activity, ATP hydrolase activity and hexamerization. Overall, pneumococcal ClpL is a unique Mn2+-dependent Hsp100 family member that has chaperone activity without other co-chaperones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), which is a member of the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase (UCH) family, is highly expressed in neurons. In vitro, UCH- L1 exhibits both ubiquitin hydrolase and ligase activity. Many studies have suggested that UCH-L1 is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and some different human cancer diseases, but its role in a living system is still unclear. Recently, Drosophila melanogaster has been shown to be a compatible model for studying human diseases. To investigate the role of UCH-L1 in a living system, the UCH-L1 homologous protein in Drosophila melanogaster (dUCH) is used for analyzing the role of the protein's function in transgenic Drosophila. Here, we used DNA molecular techniques to clone, express, and purify dUCH protein from Escherichia coli. The purified dUCH protein was injected into a rabbit to produce an anti-dUCH antibody, which was shown to have high specificity and sensitivity to the dUCH protein. The affinity of the antibody is 1:320,000 at 7.81 ng/μL antigen concentration. The 1:40,000 dilution-produced antibodies can detect antigen at a low concentration of 0.98 ng/μL. Success in producing this antibody provides good material for further experiments in the study of the role of UCH-L1 by a Drosophila model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VP28 is an envelope protein of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), which has been shown in previous studies to induce a high immune response in shrimp. VP28 has been produced in some host systems such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pichia pastoris as free protein. Here we showed a new strategy of anchoring VP28 on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast surface and using the yeast cell extract combined with probiotic as an oral vaccine for shrimp farming. We have successfully constructed a recombinant yeast cell capable of expressing VP28 on the cell surface. The feeding diet combined with VP28 anchored yeast cell extract provided significant assurance to Litopenaeus vannamei, challenged by WSSV, resulting in a relative percent survival (RPS) of 87.10 ± 2.15%. Interestingly, the utilization of VP28 anchored yeast cell extract could enhance the efficiency of probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bacillus on shrimp farming. The results in both laboratory scales and field trials using extract of VP28 displaying Saccharomyces showed a growth-promoting effect in shrimp, assessed through average shrimp weight. Taken together, our results in this study demonstrated a new successful strategy of using yeast cell surface as a tool to produce VP28-based oral vaccine for shrimp aquaculture. Key points: • A new strategy of using VP28 antigen as anchored protein on S. cerevisiae yeast cell surface (S. cerevisiae::VP28) • The utilization of VP28 antigen and yeast as S. cerevisiae::VP28 extract enhanced potential protection of Litopenaeus vannamei against White Spot Syndrome Virus (RPS 87.10%) • The use of S. cerevisiae::VP28 extract increased efficiency of probiotic on shrimp growth-promoting effect either lab-scale or field trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable livelihood development is an ongoing challenge worldwide, and has regained importance due to threats of water shortages and climate change. To cope with changing climatic, demographic and market conditions in Vietnam's Mekong Delta (VMD) an agricultural transformation process has been suggested in the recent Mekong Delta Plan. This agricultural transformation process requires the implementation of alternative livelihood models. The majority of current agricultural livelihood models in the VMD have been introduced by the government in a top-down manner. In this study, we applied a bottom-up approach to understand the motivations and abilities of local farmers to adopt alternative livelihood models. It is based on the MOTA methodological framework, which is further tested with the use of multivariate analyses. The study was conducted in Ben Tre coastal province. Results showed that farmers' motivations and abilities to apply alternative models vary substantially among different groups, driven by their perceptions on triggers and opportunities. Acknowledging this diversity is essential to the development of agricultural transformation plans. Furthermore, based on the analysis, a projection of the precise support that communities need to supplement their knowledge, skills and financial capacities, as well as interventions to reduce the risks of new livelihood models, is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With continuous growth and stringent demand for weight reduction in automotive structures, the automotive industry has shown an increasing interest in dissimilar aluminium-steel welding. Dissimilar lap joint between AA6351 alloys of 2 mm thickness and DP800 advanced high-strength dual-phase steel of 1 mm thickness has been attempted and joined successfully by friction stir welding with different combinations of parameters. The experimental results of this research work clearly indicate that joining of advanced high-strength steel and aluminium in lap-joint configuration is quite feasible with friction stir welding. Microstructural characterization has been performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An intermetallic compounds layer was found in the interface of steel and aluminium with thickness of less than 7μm and it was identified as Al2Fe and Al3Fe by XRD method. Thermal cycle has been measured and correlated with the microstructure. Shear tensile test has been performed for determining the maximum failure load for different combinations of parameters. Finally, mechanical properties and microstructural observation are correlated with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder and characterized by progressive locomotive defects and loss of dopaminergic neurons (DA neuron). Currently, there is no potent therapy to cure PD, and the medications merely support to control the symptoms. It is difficult to develop an effective treatment, since the PD onset mechanism of PD is still unclear. Oxidative stress is considered as a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases, and there is increasing evidence for the association between PD and oxidative stress. Therefore, antioxidant treatment may be a promising therapy for PD. Drosophila with knockdown of dUCH, a homolog of UCH-L1 which is a PD-related gene, exhibited PD-like phenotypes including progressive locomotive impairments and DA neuron degeneration. Moreover, knockdown of dUCH led to elevated level of ROS. Thus, dUCH knockdown flies can be used as a model for screening of potential antioxidants for treating PD. Previous studies demonstrated that curcumin at 1 mM and vitamin C at 0.5 mM could improve PD-like phenotypes induced by this knockdown. With the purpose of further investigating the efficiency of vitamin C in PD treatment, we used dUCH knockdown Drosophila model to examine the dose- and time-dependent effects of vitamin C on PD-like phenotypes. The results showed that although vitamin C exerted neuroprotective effects, high doses of vitamin C and long-term treatment with this antioxidant also resulted in side effects on physiology. It is suggested that dose-dependent effects of vitamin C should be considered when used for treating PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD) is a common primary cause of defects in mitochondrial function and also can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit beta (PDHB) is a subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase E1, which is a well-known component of PDC. In Drosophila melanogaster , the CG11876 (dPDHB) gene is a homolog of human PDHB . In this study, we established a Drosophila model with neuron-specific knockdown of dPDHB to investigate its role in neuropathy pathogenesis. Knockdown of dPDHB in pan-neurons induced locomotor defects in both larval and adult stages, which were consistent with abnormal morphology of the motor neuron terminals at neuromuscular junctions and mitochondrial fragmentation in brains. Moreover, neuron-specific knockdown of dPDHB also shortened the lifespan of adult flies. In addition, flies with knockdown of dPDHB manifested a rough eye phenotype and aberrant photoreceptor axon targeting. These results with the Drosophila model suggest the involvement of PDHB in peripheral neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective ammonia sensor was developed using a CsPbBr 3 thin film prepared directly by dual-source thermal evaporation. The CsPbBr 3 -based sensor exhibited good selectivity toward ammonia gas at room temperature, showing a high responsivity (958% at 10 ppm) and low detection limit (250 ppb). The sensor also demonstrated good reversibility, repeatability and fast rise/recovery times (12/16 s). Additionally, the effect of humidity on ammonia responsivity was investigated for the application of CsPbBr 3 films in practical room-temperature ammonia gas sensors. The ammonia-sensing mechanism of the CsPbBr 3 film was proposed and discussed. • A room-temperature chemiresistive NH 3 gas sensor was fabricated based on an evaporated CsPbBr 3 film. • The NH 3 sensor showed good selectivity, reversibility and repeatability with a high responsivity of 958% at 10 ppm NH 3. • The NH 3 sensor showed fast rise/recovery times of 12/16 s and a significantly low detection limit of 250 ppb. • The proposed gas-sensing mechanism is similar as p-type semiconducting metal oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), the major pathogen for pneumonia, commonly colonizes the lung, but the mechanism underlying the coordination of virulence factors during invasion via the host protein remains poorly understood. Bacterial lysis releases the components of the cell wall, and triggers innate immunity and the subsequent secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Previously, the virulence of the pep27 mutant was shown to be attenuated as a feasible candidate for vaccine development. However, the role of pep27 gene, belonging to the vancomycin-resistance locus (vncRS operon), in virulence, is largely unknown. This study demonstrates that transferrin in the host serum reduces the survival of the host during S. pneumoniae infections in mice. The exposure of the pneumococcal D39 strain to lactoferrin induced the vncRS operon, lysis, and subsequent in vivo cytokine production, resulting in lung inflammation. However, these responses were significantly attenuated in pneumococci harboring a mutation in pep27. Mechanistically, the VncS ligand, identified as lactoferrin, induced the vncRS operon and increased the in vivo mortality rates. Thus, serum-induced activation of vncRS plays an essential role in inducing pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) is a highly expressed protein in β cells and has been implicated in β cells' viability and function, however, the role of UCH-L1 in β cells remains unclear. Herein, we examined the functions of UCH-L1 in β cells by utilizing the Drosophila melanogast er model. Our results showed that specific knockdown of dUCH (D.melanogast er homolog of UCH-L1) in Drosophila Insulin-producing cells (D.melanogast er homolog of β cells) induced mitochondria fusion, IPCs death/degeneration, interfered with DILP2 secretion, and triggered the rise of glycogen storage and body weight. Strikingly, the impairment in IPCs cellular activities can be rescued by vitamin C- a strong antioxidant compound, which suggested the relationship between knockdown dUCH and oxidative stress in IPCs; and the potential of this model in screening compounds for β cells function moderation. Since carbohydrate metabolism is an important function of beta cells, we continued to examine the ability to regulate carbohydrate metabolism of knockdown dUCH flies. Our results showed that knockdown dUCH caused the decline of IPCs number under a high-sucrose diet, which finally led to metabolic and physiological disturbances, including total lipid rise, glycogen storage reduction, circulating carbohydrate increase, and weight loss. These symptoms could be early indications of metabolic disorders, particularly β cell dysfunction-related diseases. Taken together, our results indicate that dUCH is essential in the viability and functions of IPCs through the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in the Drosophila model. Knockdown of dUCH in Drosophila insulin-producing cells (IPCs) decreased the number of IPCs and interfered in DILP2 secretion into the hemolymph. The knockdown of dUCH in IPCs induced oxidative stress and abnormal mitochondrial morphology thereby consequently resulted in the death/degeneration of IPCs. The result revealed for the first time a curial roles of dUCH in mitochondrial morphology and activities in IPCs Knockdown of dUCH in IPCs induced irregular carbonhydrate metabolism in Drosophila model Combination of dUCH knockdown and high sugar diet exacerbated IPCs degeneration or carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis There is synergistic effect of the dUCH knockdown and high sucrose concentration on mitochondria of IPCs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft tofu from soy milk appeared for long time ago. However, soft tofu from peanut milk has not been produced much. There has been little research, especially on factors effecting on the hardness of soft tofu. In this research, investigation on main factors (The heated time, CaSO4 content and the pressing force) affecting the structure of tofu products was conducted at the laboratory scale. The hardness of soft peanut tofu was evaluated using the Screening model. This research also shows the dependence of the heated time, CaSO4 content and the pressing force on the hardness of soft tofu. Those factors were not absolutely interacted together. There is the covariant between the heated time, CaSO4 content and the pressing force with the hardness of soft tofu and all of these factors strongly affected the hardness. The optimal hardness was 0.35 N with the heated time was 4.5 min, CaSO4 content was 2.75 % and the pressing force was 40 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in worldwide. After introduction of current pneumococcal vaccines, a marked decrease in the incidence of pneumococcal disease was observed. Unfortunately, serotype shifts in carriage and disease, including capsular switch and presence of antimicrobial resistance, have been found. Here we report live attenuated vaccine strain which is avirulent and can protect from systemic and mucosal pneumococcal diseases. Pep27, an autolysis-inducing factor of S. pneumoniae is known to mediate LytA-dependent and -independent lysis and it was thus expected to effect virulence. The loss of Pep27 had a much larger than expected decrease in virulence and has made the Pep27 mutant strain sufficiently avirulent to be used as a live vaccine. The pep27 mutation unexpectedly had lower level of capsular polysaccharide than the wild type (type 2, D39) strain. Moreover, the pep27 mutant showed rapid clearance by 24h post intranasal infection, and was not detected in lung and blood suggesting that mutant could not invade into the tissue. Even when 2×108 CFU were injected intravenously the mutant was not detected in the blood or brain after 4h. Whereas 4h after injection of 6×106 CFU of the wild type parent D39 strain, bacteremia was readily detected. Two dose intranasal immunizations with the live pep27 mutant in the absence of adjuvant elicited IgG antibody and serotype-independent protection against lethal intranasal challenge. Thus Pep27 was essential for virulence, and intranasal immunization with the pep27 mutant could provide protective immunity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Elephantopus mollis Kunth (EM), which belongs to Asteraceae family, has been used as a folk medicine with diverse therapeutic properties. Previous studies reported that crude extracts of this plant could inhibit several cancer cell lines, including breast carcinoma MCF-7, liver carcinoma HepG2, colorectal carcinoma DLD-1, lung carcinoma NCI–H23, etc. In this study, the anticancer activity and associated molecular mechanism of EM which is distributed in Vietnam were investigated. The cytotoxicity of various EM extracts was evaluated on different cell lines by MTT assay. In addition, the effects of EM extracts on cell growth, cell morphology, nuclear morphology, caspase-3 activation, and mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes were also examined. Our results demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract (EM-EA) caused proliferative inhibition and apoptotic induction towards A549 lung cancer cells (IC 50 = 18.66 μg/ml, SI = 5.8) and HL60 leukemia cells (IC 50 = 7.45 μg/ml, SI = 14.5) while petroleum ether extract (EM-PE) showed high toxicity to HL60 cell line (IC 50 = 11.14 μg/ml, SI = 6.7). Notably, Raji lymphoma cells were also affected by these extracts (IC 50 < 20 μg/ml, SI > 4), which has not been reported yet. Furthermore, mechanisms of EM extracts were elucidated. The significant downregulation of PCNA mRNA level induced by EM-EA/PE extracts contributed to the cell-growth restraint. EM-EA extract might activate apoptosis in A549 cells through both extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways by causing a 1.55-fold increase in BID , 3.65-fold increase in BAK and 3.11-fold decrease in BCL-2 expression level. Meanwhile, with EM-EA-extract treatment, HL60 cells might encounter P53-dependent apoptotic deaths. The combination of antiproliferation and apoptosis activation contributed to the high efficacy of EM extracts. These findings not only proved the anticancer potential of EM but also provided further insights into the mechanisms of EM extracts. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the mutual effect of integrating alginate (Alg) into N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) – aldehyde hyaluronic acid (AHA) network regarding degradation behavior and biocompatibility of the hybrid hydrogel. The introduction of Alg not only generated the synergistic effect between electrostatic interaction and Schiff-base crosslinking, which was proved to significantly enhance the system stability and prolong degradation time, but also circumvented the limitation of bio-inert property of Alg-based composites. This approach is versatile and does not required extra effort to modify chemical compositions of the hydrogel components. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis was used to study the crosslinking mechanism of obtained fast gelling hybrid. The variation of volume ratios between three constituent components was found to modulate the gel-forming ability, biodegradation and biocompatibility of acquired hydrogel networks. Among investigated formulations, 6:4(1:1) NOCC-Alg-AHA sample possessed desired interconnected porous structure as shown by SEM technique, appropriate water uptake capacity, extended degradation time and excellent cell attachment and proliferation through in vitro studies, which is a promising injectable scaffold and/or encapsulating substrate for tissue engineering applications. Image 1 • Prolong degradation rate of NOCC - AHA hydrogel without chemical modification by adding Alg. • Investigate the effect of hybrid crosslink at different volume ratio of NOCC, AHA and Alg. • Resolve the bio-inert of Alg to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation by endogenous interactions within the system. • Be used as an in-situ base to load inorganic phases, cells or drugs for further application in tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) rely on interfacial charge-transfer and ion transport. They generally suffer from a decline in their operational performance, which is caused by irreversible redox reactions, ion accumulation, or overpotential at the solution/electrode interface. Herein, we implement high-performance ECDs with excellent optical modulation (45.9%), fast switching speed (3 s), high coloring efficiency (98.1 cm2/C), and excellent long-term performance (>1000 cycles) under the bias of 0.7 V through in-depth optimization of device components and modulation of its driving characteristics. Three requirements for device structure and operation were considered to implement high-performance ECDs; i) uniformity and robustness of the electrochromic (EC) film in the working electrode (WE), ii) high surface area and fast redox properties of the complementary electrode, iii) total offsetting of the charge applied in the device during the coloring/bleaching process. Various electrodeposition methods such as galvanostatic, potentiostatic, pulsed potential, and triple pulse potential application were exploited to fabricate the active layers, and the active layers produced under optimized conditions through individual studies on the most stable film stability, electrochemical behavior, EC and ion storage characteristics were assembled in the devices. Under all optimized conditions, we constructed high-performance ECDs composed of electrodeposited Prussian blue (PB) as an EC layer and tungsten trioxide (WO 3) as a complementary layer, respectively. In particular, the offset of the charge applied to the device between the coloring and bleaching processes drastically improved the long-term stability of EC performance under low operating bias. The results provide a useful basis for enhancing the performance of ECDs and can be widely applied to various ECDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3F3A monoclonal antibody to autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) labels mitochondria-associated smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tubules. siRNA down-regulation of AMFR expression reduces mitochondria-associated 3F3A labelling. The 3F3A-labelled ER domain does not overlap with reticulon-labelled ER tubules, the nuclear membrane or perinuclear ER markers and only partially overlaps with the translocon component Sec61 α. Upon overexpression of FLAG-tagged AMFR, 3F3A labelling is mitochondria associated, excluded from the perinuclear ER and co-distributes with reticulon. 3F3A labelling therefore defines a distinct mitochondria-associated ER domain. Elevation of free cytosolic Ca2+ levels with ionomycin promotes dissociation of 3F3A-labelled tubules from mitochondria and, judged by electron microscopy, disrupts close contacts (<50 nm) between smooth ER tubules and mitochondria. The ER tubule-mitochondria association is similarly disrupted upon thapsigargin-induced release of ER Ca2+ stores or purinergic receptor stimulation by ATP. The inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] receptor (IP3R) colocalises to 3F3A-labelled mitochondria-associated ER tubules, and conditions that induce ER tubule-mitochondria dissociation disrupt continuity between 3F3A- and IP3R-labelled ER domains. RAS-transformed NIH-3T3 cells have increased basal cytosolic Ca2+ levels and show dissociation of the 3F3A-labelled, but not IP3R-labelled, ER from mitochondria. Our data indicate that regulation of the ER-mitochondria association by free cytosolic Ca2+ is a characteristic of smooth ER domains and that multiple mechanisms regulate the interaction between these organelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]