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Gnetum formosum Markgr., a member of the Gnetaceae family, is distributed in Vietnam. This plant remains a botanical enigma with an unexplored diversity of chemical constituents and pharmacological effects. In this study, two new steroidal saponins, namely gnetumosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of G. formosum. Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques, including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and NMR, along with chemical hydrolysis and comparison with the reported literature. The potential anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated compounds were evaluated by measuring lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in murine macrophage cells. Notably, compound 1 exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 = 14.10 ± 0.75 µM), comparable to dexamethasone. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying the observed anti-inflammatory effects were investigated through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins. This study is the first to investigate the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of G. formosum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This first study investigated the presence of dioxins and furans in river sediments around a craft village in Vietnam, focusing on Secondary Steel Recycling. Sediment samples were collected from various locations along the riverbed near the Da Hoi Secondary Steel Recycling village in Bac Ninh province. The analysis was conducted using a HRGC/HRMS-DFS device, detecting a total of 17 dioxin/furan isomers in all samples, with an average total concentration of 288.86 ng/kg d.w. The concentrations of dioxin/furan congeners showed minimal variation among sediment samples, ranging from 253.9 to 344.2 ng/kg d.w. The predominant compounds in the dioxin group were OCDD, while in the furan group, they were 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF and OCDF. The chlorine content in the molecule appeared to be closely related to the concentration of dioxins and their percentage distribution. However, the levels of furan isomers did not vary significantly. The distribution of these compounds was not dependent on the flow direction, as they were mainly found in solid waste and are not water-soluble. Although the hepta and octa congeners had high concentrations, when converted to TEQ values, the tetra and penta groups (for dioxins) and the penta and hexa groups (for furans) contributed more to toxicity. Furthermore, the source of dioxins in sediments at Da Hoi does not only originate from steel recycling production activities but also from other combustion sites. The average total toxicity was 10.92 ng TEQ/kg d.w, ranging from 4.99 to 17.88 ng TEQ/kg d.w, which did not exceed the threshold specified in QCVN 43:2017/BTNMT, the National Technical Regulation on Sediment Quality. Nonetheless, these levels are still concerning. The presence of these toxic substances not only impacts aquatic organisms in the sampled water environment but also poses potential health risks to residents living nearby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) has been established as a promising clinical intervention within a late time window of 6–24 h after symptom onset. Patients with slow progression, however, may still benefit from endovascular treatment beyond the 24-h time window (very late window). Aim: The aim of this study is to report insight into the potential clinical benefits of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke beyond 24 h from symptom onset. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients undergoing endovascular treatment for acute anterior circulation LVO ischemic stroke beyond 24 h. Participants were recruited between July 2019 and November 2020. Patients were selected based on the DAWN/DEFUSE 3 criteria (Perfusion-RAPID, iSchemaView) and patients receiving treatment beyond 24 h were compared to a group of patients receiving endovascular treatment between 6 and 24 h after symptom onset. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2). The secondary outcomes were shift modified Rankin Scale (mRS) analysis and successful reperfusion was defined by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b-3 on the final procedure. Safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and death at the 90-day follow-up. Propensity score (PS)-matched analyses were employed to rectify the imbalanced baseline characteristics between the two groups. Results: A total of 166 patients were recruited with a median age of 63.0 (56.0–69.0) and 28.9% of all patients were females. Patients in the beyond 24-h group had a longer onset-to-groin time (median = 27.2 vs 14.3 h, p < 0.001) than those in the 6- to 24-h group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (median = 12.0 vs 15.0, p = 0.37), perfusion imaging characteristics (core: median = 11.0 vs 9.0 mL, p = 0.86; mismatch volume: median = 106.0 vs 96.0, p = 0.44; mismatch ratio = 6.46 vs 7.24, p = 0.91), and perfusion-to-groin time (median = 72.5 vs 76.0 min, p = 0.77). No significant differences were noted among patients between the two groups in the primary endpoint functional independence analysis (50.0% vs 46.6%, p = 0.77) and in the safety endpoint analysis: mortality (15.0% vs 11.0%, p = 0.71) or symptomatic hemorrhage (0% vs 3.42%, p > 0.999). In PS-matched analyses, there were no significant differences among patients between the two groups in functional independence (50.0% vs 54.8%, p = 0.74), mortality (16.7% vs 9.68%, p = 0.50), or symptomatic hemorrhage (0% vs 6.45%, p = 0.53). Conclusion: Endovascular treatment can be performed safely and effectively in LVO patients beyond 24 h from symptom onset when selected by target mismatch profile. The clinical outcome of these patients was comparable to those treated in the 6- to 24-h window. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New derivatives of crown compounds were successfully prepared via multicomponent reactions of a thia‐podand, an β‐keto ester and ammonium acetate based on modifications of the Petrenko‐Kritschenko reaction. The structure of the synthesized compounds was identified by physical‐chemical methods of analysis including IR, NMR, HRMS, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In addition, an in vitro assay against the α‐glucosidase of synthetic compounds was first evaluated and showed positive results. The most active compound exhibited an IC50 value of 5.69±0.27 μM, which is 37 fold more potent than the standard drug of acarbose (IC50 208.42±4.68 μM). Furthermore, prediction of ADMET parameters revealed that almost all synthesized trithiacrown ether derivatives expressed drug‐like characteristics. Our results provide useful evidence that crown ether compounds are not only good chelators with metal ions but also scaffolds for developing lead candidates in the treatment of diabetic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated optimal locations for in situ remediation of per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater with colloidal activated carbon (CAC). New Freundlich isotherms for PFAS adsorption to CAC were estimated to illustrate the effect of competitive adsorption with dissolved organic carbon and other PFAS in a groundwater sample. A hypothetical model scenario was constructed based on source area characteristics similar to a site impacted by aqueous film forming foam in South Dakota. Modeling indicates that, even with high PFAS concentrations, CAC would still be capable of maintaining concentrations below proposed maximum contaminant levels in the adsorption zone for at least 30–40 years. Two‐dimensional areal modeling indicates that the future breakthrough of PFAS is likely to occur in the localized core of the plume, and that the corresponding future reinjection of CAC will only need to be conducted over a smaller portion of the original injection footprint. The benefits of implementing a phased remedial approach at PFAS sites are discussed. Source area and mid‐plume CAC treatments are shown to be ineffective at attenuating PFAS concentrations at the downgradient property boundary within a reasonable timeframe when PFAS travel time is relatively slow. Among the CAC alternatives evaluated here, a downgradient CAC permeable reactive barrier has the best performance with respect to protecting downgradient receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The OPTIM1SE study observed long‐term real‐world outcomes of cetuximab‐based infusional 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) regimens for first‐line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) across Asia‐Pacific and Middle East regions, aiming to characterize their use, effectiveness, and safety in routine practice. Methods: OPTIM1SE was a prospective, open‐label, observational study. Patients with untreated KRAS wild‐type mCRC and distant metastases were treated per locally approved labels and monitored for 3 years via electronic medical records. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included safety, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: From November 19, 2013, to June 30, 2016, 520 patients were enrolled in 51 sites. Patients were mostly male (61.2%), with a mean age of 58.5 (±12.0) years; 420 patients received leucovorin, 5‐FU, and irinotecan–based regimens and 94 received leucovorin, 5‐FU, and oxaliplatin. The most common primary tumor site was the rectum (38.8%), with liver metastases (65.0%). ORR was 45.4% (95% CI, 41.1%–49.7%), including 26 patients (5.0%) with a complete response. Median PFS was 9.9 months (95% CI, 8.2–11.0); median OS (mOS) was 30.8 months (95% CI, 27.9–33.6). Higher mOS was associated with tumors of left compared with right‐sided origin (hazard ratio, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.49–0.99]); higher ORR was also associated with liver metastases compared with all other metastases (55.4% vs. 40.2%). Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of cetuximab. Conclusion: Cetuximab‐based 5‐FU regimens were effective first‐line treatments for mCRC in routine practice, particularly in patients with left‐sided disease and liver metastases only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Compositions and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Artabotrys chitkokoi" explores the chemical compositions and antimicrobial properties of essential oils derived from the Artabotrys chitkokoi plant. The study focuses on the essential oils collected from Vietnam and identifies the major compounds present. The antimicrobial activity of the oils is also assessed. This document provides valuable information for researchers studying the chemical composition and potential pharmacological applications of essential oils from the Artabotrys chitkokoi plant. [Extracted from the article]

Background and objectives In Australia, mortality rates for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rising. Targeted surveillance is recommended to increase early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to synthesise evidence regarding HCC surveillance in primary care and identify barriers and facilitators to surveillance. Methods A systematic review was performed, with searches conducted in five biomedical databases, the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination website and the grey literature. Study quality was assessed using the National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence (NICE) quality appraisal checklists. Results In all, 32 studies, focusing on viral hepatitis and cirrhosis patients, were included in the review. HCC surveillance rates were lower for patients managed by primary care providers (PCPs) than for those managed by gastroenterologists/hepatologists. HCC surveillance rates increased when additional support was provided to PCPs (eg reminder systems, nurse follow-up). Key barriers were a lack of awareness of HCC risks and surveillance recommendations, as well as competing priorities PCPs must address when working with patients with multimorbidity. Discussion HCC surveillance programs in primary care should be accompanied by additional support for PCPs and strategies to increase awareness of clinical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three undescribed triterpene glycosides syzybullosides A-C (1–3) along with fourteen known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium bullockii (Hance) Merr.& L.M. Perry, including six triterpene glycosides (1–6), four phenolics (7–9, 17), four megastigmanes (10–13), and three flavonoids (14–16). The structures of 1–17 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including IR, HR-ESI–MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Compounds 1–10 and 12–17 inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 1.30 to 13.70 µM, lower than that of the positive control compound, L-NMMA (IC50 = 33.8 µM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted delivery of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to an area of a blood vessel with fluidic flow is hampered by the lack of a suitable real‐time imaging modality for MNPs, the control system complexity, and low targeting performance. Herein, an offline programming guidance (OLPG) scheme for aggregated MNPs is proposed based on a real‐time aggregation volume estimator. The proposed aggregation volume estimator based on a magnetic drug‐targeting simulator reflects volume changes of aggregated MNPs; hence, it can model a magnetic force acting on aggregated MNPs in real time while enhancing targeting performance. The proposed guidance system is evaluated using a simulation testbed and in vitro model of the rat brain, which yields comparable results at different fluid viscosities, flow velocities, target areas, and flow types. The OLPG with the aggregation volume estimator improves targeting performance by 116%–409% compared with the default mode, and by 111%–180% compared to the performance without the aggregation volume estimator. Furthermore, a guidance margin predicts enhanced targeting performance (root‐mean‐square error < 5%) irrespective of the flow environment. The proposed guidance strategy has the potential to overcome the problems caused by the lack of an imaging modality, control‐system complexity, and low targeting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the whole plants of Vernonia gratiosa Hance. led in the isolation and identification of two new stigmastane-type steroidal glucosides (1–2), namely vernogratiosides A (1), and B (2). Their chemical structures were fully elucidated based on 1 D/2D NMR spectroscopic, HR-ESI-MS data analyses, and by producing derivatives by chemical reactions. The binding potential of the isolated compounds to replicase protein − main protease of SARS-CoV-2 were examined using the molecular docking simulations. Our results show that the isolated steroidal glucosides (1–2) bind to the substrate‐binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with binding affinities of −7.2 and −7.6 kcal/mol, respectively, as well as binding abilities equivalent to N3 inhibitor that has already been reported (–7.5 kcal/mol). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, one of the biggest concerns for healthcare all over the world is the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Among them, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is considered as "red alert" human pathogen and ranked as a number one critical pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the list of the global priority antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For the treatment of disorders caused by bacterial infections, effective antibiotic-free materials must be synthesized. For the first time, a large-scale, environmentally benign approach of producing silver nanoparticles was investigated in this study employing carbon quantum dots as a reducing and stabilizing agent.Through hydrothermal carbonization, it was created from the excellent, benign, and biocompatible substance chitosan. The CQDs and CQDs/AgNPs nanocomposites were characterized by UV–Vis, TEM, XRD, PL, and FT-IR. The synthesized CQDs and nanocomposite had spherical or nearly spherical particle sizes of around 4.6 and 25 nm, respectively. With a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 g/mL and maximum inhibition zones of 15 mm on CRAB, the synthesized CQDs/AgNPs nanocomposite demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against tested antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, the created nanocomposite may be kept in storage for up to two years without clumping together and is appropriate for commercial production when exposed to gamma radiation at a dose of 50 kGy. Such researches are crucial in the demonstration of therapeutic importance of new materials in healthcare application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple equilibrium passive sampler, consisting of water in an inert container capped with a rate-limiting barrier, for the monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediment pore water and surface water was developed and tested through a series of laboratory and field experiments. The objectives of the laboratory experiments were to determine (1) the membrane type that could serve as the sampler's rate-limiting barrier, (2) the mass transfer coefficient of environmentally relevant PFAS through the selected membrane, and (3) the performance reference compounds (PRCs) that could be used to infer the kinetics of PFAS diffusing into the sampler. Of the membranes tested, the polycarbonate (PC) membrane was deemed the most suitable rate-limiting barrier, given that it did not appreciably adsorb the studied PFAS (which have ≤8 carbons), and that the migration of these compounds through this membrane could be described by Fick's law of diffusion. When employed as the PRC, the isotopically labelled PFAS M2PFOA and M4PFOS were able to predict the mass transfer coefficients of the studied PFAS analytes. In contrast, the mass transfer coefficients were underpredicted by Br− and M3PFPeA. For validation, the PC-based passive samplers consisting of these four PRCs, as well as two other PRCs (i.e., M8PFOA and C8H17SO3−), were deployed in the sediment and water at a PFAS-impacted field site. The concentration–time profiles of the PRCs indicated that the samplers deployed in the sediment required at least 6 to 7 weeks to reach 90% equilibrium. If the deployment times are shorter (e.g., 2 to 4 weeks), PFAS concentrations at equilibrium could be estimated based on the concentrations of the PRCs remaining in the sampler at retrieval. All PFAS concentrations determined via this approach were within a factor of two compared to those measured in the mechanically extracted sediment pore water and surface water samples obtained adjacent to the sampler deployment locations. Neither biofouling of the rate-limiting barrier nor any physical change to it was observed on the sampler after retrieval. The passive sampler developed in this study could be a promising tool for the monitoring of PFAS in pore water and surface water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest increasing cause of cancer death in Australia. A recent Australian consensus guidelines recommended HCC surveillance for cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients at gender and age specific cut-offs. A cost-effectiveness model was then developed to assess surveillance strategies in Australia. Methods: A microsimulation model was used to evaluate three strategies: biannual ultrasound, biannual ultrasound with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and no formal surveillance for patients having one of the conditions: non-cirrhotic CHB, compensated cirrhosis or decompensated cirrhosis. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses as well as scenario and threshold analyses were conducted to account for uncertainties: including exclusive surveillance of CHB, compensated cirrhosis or decompensated cirrhosis populations; impact of obesity on ultrasound sensitivity; real-world adherence rate; and different cohort's ranges of ages. Results: Sixty HCC surveillance scenarios were considered for the baseline population. The ultrasound + AFP strategy was the most cost-effective with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) compared to no surveillance falling below the willingness-to-pay threshold of A$50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) at all age ranges. Ultrasound alone was also cost-effective, but the strategy was dominated by ultrasound + AFP. Surveillance was cost-effective in the compensated and decompensated cirrhosis populations alone (ICERs < $30,000), but not cost-effective in the CHB population (ICERs > $100,000). Obesity could decrease the diagnostic performance of ultrasound, which in turn, reduce the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound ± AFP, but the strategies remained cost-effective. Conclusions: HCC surveillance based on Australian recommendations using biannual ultrasound ± AFP was cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reviews the progress of disaster mitigation measures against tropical cyclones (TCs) in three Asian countries with different historical, social, and economic backgrounds: Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Japan. In Bangladesh, an average of 6,600 people was killed by a single TC in the 1960s, but this number had decreased to 30 in the 2010s; this reduction was due to a clear improvement in soft measures, such as weather forecasting, warning systems, and mass evacuation coordinated by volunteers. In Vietnam, several strong TCs have recently made landfall, leading to improvements in national disaster management. Although Vietnam's current disaster management budget is smaller than those of the two other countries, large-scale evacuation by local authorities is believed to have minimized casualties. In Japan, shortly after Typhoon Vera in 1959, a comprehensive law on disaster prevention was enacted, and coastal dikes were constructed nationwide, resulting in a considerable reduction in fatalities due to TCs. However, the disaster prevention facilities built in this period are now deteriorating, while Japan's budget for disaster management is projected to be decreasing. The three countries have advanced their disaster preparedness in response to past TCs and storm surges, but new challenges have also arisen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The B-type rafkinase (BRAF) V600E gene mutation plays an important role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of thyroid carcinoma. This study was conducted to investigate the rate of the BRAF V600E mutation, the relationships between the BRAF V600E gene mutation and some immunohistochemical markers, and recurrence rate in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. METHOD: The study was conducted by a descriptive and longitudinal follow-up method on 102 thyroid carcinoma patients at 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. All patients were identified with the BRAF V600E gene mutation by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The rate of BRAF V600E gene mutation in patients with thyroid cancer was 60.8%. Patients with BRAF V600E gene mutation had a significantly higher rate of positive cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and Ki67 markers than those without the mutation (COX-2: odds ratio [OR] = 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-6.74, P = .011; Ki67: OR = 3.41; 95% CI = 1.31-8.88, P = .01). A statistically significant relationship was identified between the rate of BRAF V600E mutation and the rate of positive Hector Battifora mesothelial 1 (HBME-1) (B = -1.040; P = .037) and COX-2 (B = -1.123; P = .023) markers. The recurrence rate in patients with BRAF V600E gene mutation was significantly higher than that in those without the mutation (P = .007). The mean of the recurrence time of patients with BRAF V600E mutation was significantly lower than that in those without the mutation (P = .011). Conclusions: A high prevalence of BRAF V600E gene mutation was found in thyroid carcinoma patients. The rates of positive HBME-1, COX-2, and Ki67 markers were significantly correlated to BRAF V600E gene mutation. Patients with BRAF V600E gene mutation showed a significantly higher relapse rate and earlier relapse time than those without the mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of state per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) guidelines indicates that four long‐chain PFAS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS] and perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA] followed by perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS] and perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA]) are the most frequently regulated PFAS compounds. Analysis of 17 field‐scale studies of colloidal activated carbon (CAC) injection at PFAS sites indicates that in situ CAC injection has been generally successful for both short‐ and long‐chain PFAS in the short‐term (0.3–6 years), even in the presence of low levels of organic co‐contaminants. Freundlich isotherms were determined under competitive sorption conditions using a groundwater sample from an aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF)‐impacted site. The median concentrations for these PFAS of interest at 96 AFFF‐impacted sites were used to estimate influent concentrations for a CAC longevity model sensitivity analysis. CAC longevity estimates were shown to be insensitive to a wide range of potential cleanup criteria based on modeled conditions. PFOS had the greatest longevity even though PFOS is present at higher concentrations than the other species because the CAC sorption affinity for PFOS is considerably higher than PFOA and PFHxS. Longevity estimates were directly proportional to the CAC fraction in soil and the Freundlich Kf, and were inversely proportional to the influent concentration and average groundwater velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new steroidal saponin, torvoside R (1), was isolated along with torvoside Q (2) and macaoside (3) from dichloromethane soluble-portion of the aerial parts of Solanum torvum. Their chemical structures were elucidated using HRESIMS, 1 D- and 2 D-NMR as well as comparison with those reported in the literature. All isolated compounds (1 − 3) exhibited cytotoxicity against SK-LU-1, HepG2, MCF-7, and T24 cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 14.18 to 89.31 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the public hospital costs associated with primary liver cancer (PLC) in the first and second years following the cancer diagnosis. Methods: This study linked administrative datasets of patients diagnosed with PLC in Victoria, Australia, from January 2008 to December 2015. The health system perspective was adopted to estimate the direct healthcare costs associated with PLC, based on inpatient and emergency costs. Costs were estimated for the first 12 months and 12–24 months after the PLC diagnosis and expressed in 2017 Australian dollars (A$). The cost estimated was then extrapolated nationally. The linear mixed model with a Box–Cox transformation of the costs was used to explore the relationship between costs and patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results: For the first 12 months, the total and annual per-patient cost was A$211.4 million and A$63 664, respectively. Costs for the subsequent year were A$49.7 million and A$46 751, respectively. Regarding the cost extrapolation to Australia, the total cost was A$137 million for the first 12 months after notification and A$42.6 million for the period from 12 to 24 months. Higher costs per episode of care were mostly associated with older age, hepatocellular carcinoma type of PLC, metropolitan hospitals, and Asian birth region. Conclusion: This study showed the public hospital admission and emergency costs associated with PLC and the substantial economic burden this cancer has placed on the Australian health system. What is known about the topic? There are limited data on the economic burden of primary liver cancer in Australia. What does this paper add? This study showed the cost in the second year after cancer diagnosis was substantially lower than that of the first year. Higher costs per episode of care were mostly associated with older age, metropolitan hospitals, and Asian birth region. What are the implications for practitioners? Results from this study can be used as a baseline for comparison with other initiatives to mitigate cancer risk factors or inputs for future economic evaluations of cancer surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For optimal treatment of a source zone using in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), the oxidant needs to be delivered as close to the nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) as possible to enhance the rate of dissolution. However, the interaction between the oxidant and NAPL may result in physical and chemical changes that affect both treatment effectiveness and post‐treatment dissolution behavior from remnant NAPL. Due to a host of favorable attributes, persulfate is frequently selected as the preferred oxidant but little is known about changes that can occur when persulfate interacts with a NAPL. In this study, two series of static batch experiments were conducted. In the first series, NAPL collected from a former manufactured gas plant (FMGP) site was exposed to a persulfate solution for ~60 days, while in the second series, individual and a mixture of pure organic liquids were exposed to a persulfate solution for ~50 days. It was observed that dark‐brown precipitates were formed in almost all the experimental systems. Notably, a layer of precipitates accumulated along the NAPL/water interface in the FMGP NAPL system and inhibited dissolution. In some of the pure organic liquid systems, the aqueous phase appeared yellow and precipitates were formed. Precipitate formation was attributed to the polymerization of aromatic compounds initiated by sulfate and hydroxyl radicals. Although precipitate formation is detrimental to mass transfer, surfactant‐like byproducts which may also be produced could lead to an emulsified aqueous phase, thereby enhancing dissolution and altering NAPL/water surface tension. Several of the organic byproducts that were detected in the aqueous phase were also detected in the NAPL, suggesting that these byproducts which were generated in aqueous phase migrated into the NAPL. Depending on the concentration of these byproducts in the NAPL, they could impact important physical properties (e.g., viscosity and density) and affect NAPL composition, which can affect intra‐NAPL diffusion and post‐treatment dissolution behavior. Although additional investigation is required, the results from this study indicate that the impacts of byproducts generated when using persulfate in ISCO applications need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, sesquiterpene ( I Z i ) I i -farnesene (9.0%) and monoterpene I i -pinene (8.4%) in the stem oil are higher than those in the leaf oil by 6.6 and 7.5%, respectively. Papuanone is a well-known -triketone, which established a great role in the essential oils of the I Myrtaceae i species, while grandiflorene was characteristic of the essential oils of the Lamiaceae or Hypericaceae plants [[14]-[16]]. Our current study first reports the chemical identification of the essential oils of the Vietnamese I Z. begoniifolia i leaf and stem, as well as their antimicrobial activity. [Extracted from the article]

Phytochemical investigation of a methanolic extract of Sedum sarmentosum collected from Vietnam resulted in the isolation of a new megastigmane glucoside, named sedumoside K (1), together with 17 previously reported compounds (2–18). Structural elucidation of the new compound was achieved by HRFABMS, NMR spectroscopic analysis, acid hydrolysis and quantum ECD calculations. The absolute configuration of compounds 2–6 has been revised. The major isolates were tested for cytotoxic activity against HeLa human cervical cancer cells, and all showed moderate activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to identify the volatile compounds from rhizomes and leaves of Newmania sontraensis. The constituents of essential oil from the rhizomes and leaves of N. sontraensis were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Thirty-one compounds were identified in the rhizomes compared to the leaves which showed thirty-two volatile compounds corresponding to 83.28 % and 76.41 % of the oil content, respectively. The chemical composition of the rhizome oil was characterized by hydrocarbon monoterpenes accounting for 36.26 %. The major compounds found in the rhizome oil included β-pinene (22.41%), 1,8-cineole (8.32 %), bicyclogermacrene (6.94 %), α-terpinyl acetate (5.74 %), α-pinene (5.71 %), and camphene (5.58 %). Meanwhile, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the main compounds found in the leaf oil accounting for 54.18 %. Bicyclogermacrene (14.60 %), δ-elemene (9.89 %), β-elemene (7.26 %), and α-terpinyl acetate (4.27 %) were determined to be the main components found in leaf oil. This was the first report on the chemical constituents of essential oils from rhizomes and leaves of N. sontraensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ursane-type triterpene, 3β,23,24-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (1), together with eight known compounds (2–9) were isolated from the aerial parts of Ophiorrhiza baviensis. Among them, compounds 2–5 were found for the first time from the genus Ophiorrhiza, while compounds 6–9 were reported from O. baviensis for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of HR-ESI-MS and NMR (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HSQC, and HMBC) spectra, as well as comparison with those reported in the literature. Moreover, all isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against MCF-7, Hela, KB, A549, and SK-LU-1 cancer cell lines and their effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. This is the first report of chemical constituents and biological activities of O. baviensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives: Changes in, and predictors of, quality of life (QoL) among unstable angina patients are informative for both clinical and public health practice. However, there is little research on this topic, especially in health care settings with limited resources. This study aims to detect changes in QoL and its associated factors among patients with unstable angina after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: A longitudinal design was conducted with two repeated rounds of measurements, 1 and 3 months after intervention, using the generic SF‐36 questionnaire, in 120 patients from Vietnam National Heart Institute. A linear mixed‐effects model was used to assess changes in patient QoL over time while adjusting for other covariates. Results: Only two out of eight QoL subscales (social functioning and emotional well‐being) declined after 1 month, but these tended to rise again after 3 months, while scores of all other QoL subscales increased. Adjusting for covariates, QoL increased slightly after 1 month of intervention (β = 0.65, 95%CI = −0.86 to 2.16) but improved by almost six QoL points after 3 months (β = 5.99, 95%CI = 4.48 to 7.50). Four confounders significantly associated with a decline in QoL were older age, being retired, living in rural areas, and having abnormal troponin level. Conclusion: QoL of the patients with unstable angina improves significantly 3 months after intervention, rather than after 1 month. More attention should be given to patients, who are old, retired, live in rural areas and have abnormal troponin level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine/river engineers often encounter a problem that it is hard to specify an upstream boundary of a delta in the numerical modeling because of lack of good quality discharge data. This paper proposes a practical procedure to simulate tidal propagation and damping over a river stretch using a commonly used shallow-water equation model without imposing an upstream discharge boundary. The interaction between tides and river flows could be easily evaluated by applying seasonally-varying Manning's n friction values. The Hau River, one of the main streams of the Mekong River, is studied by analyzing water levels measured at three different locations in the estuary. The nearly straight-line geometry of the Hau River allows us to neglect flood plain sinuosity, making it possible to extract tidal damping induced purely by fluvial influence. A series of analyses, including spectrum analysis and hydrodynamic simulation, suggests that tidal damping in the estuary of the Mekong Delta can be readily reproduced using the numerical model with Manning's n values of 0.025–0.032 [s m−1/3] for the flood season and 0.018–0.025 for the dry season. The present study demonstrates that changes in Manning's n value according to river flow conditions result in more reliable estimations than simply using a constant value throughout the year. The proposed procedure will be of great benefit not only for tidal modeling but also river and urban flood simulations, saline intrusion modeling and sea-level rise projections in the estuary of the Mekong River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil from the leaves of Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guillaum was obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by Gas Chromatography-coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for the first time. A total of forty-three components were identified accounting for 89.5 % of the oil. This oil was dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (39.6 %) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (41.7 %). The major constituents of the P. trimera essential oil were determined as β-caryophyllene (10.5 %), β-caryophyllene oxide (9.9 %), 7-epi-α-eudesmol (7.6 %), and γ-muurolene (6.8 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remediation of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances by injection of colloidal activated carbon (CAC) at a contaminated site in Central Canada was evaluated using various visualization and modeling methods. Radial diagrams were used to illustrate spatial and temporal trends in perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations, as well as various redox indicators. To assess the CAC adsorption capacity for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), laboratory Freundlich isotherms were derived for PFOS mixed with CAC in two solutions: (1) PFOS in a pH 7.5 synthetic water that was buffered by 1 millimolar NaHCO3 (Kf = 142,800 mg1‐a La/kg and a = 0.59); and (2) a groundwater sample (pH = 7.4) containing PFOS among other PFAS from a former fire‐training area in the United States (Kf = 4,900 mg1‐a La/kg and a = 0.24). A mass balance approach was derived to facilitate the numerical modeling of mass redistribution after CAC injection, when mass transitions from a two‐phase system (aqueous and sorbed to organic matter) to a three‐phase system that also includes mass sorbed to CAC. An equilibrium mixing model of mass accumulation over time was developed using a finite‐difference solution and was verified by intermodel comparison for prediction of CAC longevity in the center of a source area. A three‐dimensional reactive transport model (ISR‐MT3DMS) was used to indicate that the CAC remedy implemented at the site is likely to be effective for PFOS remediation for decades. Model results are used to recommend remedial design and monitoring alternatives that account for the uncertainty in long‐term performance predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the isomeric ratio of 152m1Eu(8−)-152m2Eu(0−) produced from the 153Eu(γ, n)152Eu reaction have been measured in the whole giant dipole resonance region by the activation method. In order to improve the accuracy of the experimental results, the necessary corrections were made in the gamma activity measurements and data analysis. The results were discussed and compared with the similar data from literature to examine the excitation energy, the spin difference and the nuclear reaction channel effects and can be used for the interpretation on the structure of the nucleus and the mechanisms of nuclear reactions. The data for bremsstrahlung end-point energies of 19-23 MeV are first-time measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove plant endophytic bacteria are prolific sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. In the present study, twenty-three endophytic bacteria were isolated from the fresh roots of the mangrove plant Rhizophora apiculata. The identification of isolates by 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolated endophytic bacteria belonged to nine genera, including Streptomyces, Bacillus, Pseudovibrio, Microbacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbulbifer, Micrococcus, Rossellomorea, and Paracoccus. The ethyl acetate extracts of the endophytic bacteria's pharmacological properties were evaluated in vitro, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory, xanthine oxidase inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses of three high bioactive strains Bacillus sp. RAR_GA_16, Rossellomorea vietnamensis RAR_WA_32, and Bacillus sp. RAR_M1_44 identified major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their ethyl acetate extracts. Genome analyses identified biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) of secondary metabolites of the bacterial endophytes. The obtained results reveal that the endophytic bacteria from R. apiculata may be a potential source of pharmacological secondary metabolites, and further investigations of the high bioactive strains—such as fermentation and isolation of pure bioactive compounds, and heterologous expression of novel BGCs in appropriate expression hosts—may allow exploring and exploiting the promising bioactive compounds for future drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]