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Immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T therapy has recently emerged as an innovator for cancer treatment. Gamma-irradiated K562 cells is a common and effective method to stimulated CAR-T cells prior to treatment. However, high cost and limited equipment of gamma-irradiation is drawback of this method. This requires the establishment of CAR-T-expanding alternatives, such as X-ray-irradiated K562 cells.X-ray irradiation was used to deactivate K562 cells. The post-irradiative cell survival was investigated by counting of the number of cells, staining with Trypan Blue and PI. FACS analysis was applied to detect the expression of cell surface markers. The production of CD19-CAR-T cells were executed from fresh blood donor by CD19-CAR-plasmid transfection, followed by the stimulation with X-ray-irradiated K562 feeder cells. The function of produced CAR-T cells was checked by their ability to kill Daudi cells.X-ray-irradiation inhibited the propagation and viability of K562 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, CAR-T-stimulating effectors were remained on the surface of X-ray-irradiated K562 cells. CD-19-CAR-T cells were produced successfully, suggested by number of CAR-positive cells in transfected and stimulated population, compared to un-transfected group. Lastly, our data showed that engineered CAR-T cells effectively killed Daudi cells.Our data demonstrated the efficacy of X-ray on deactivation K562 feeder cells which subsequently stimulated and expanded functional CAR-T cells. Thus, X-ray can be used as an alternative to inactivate K562 cells prior to using as a feeder of CAR-T cells.

The article characterizes a linguistic and cultural image of Vietnam in Russian publicist picture of the world, especially fields “War” and “Peace” which are the most important for the image. The structure of the fields is described on the material of M.M. Ilyinsky “Indo-China: Ash of the Four Wars”, where the image of Vietnam is central.

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) represent as a class of materials with an open framework structure and have been intensively explored as the potential active materials for alkaline‐ion batteries. Here, we present the synthesis of Prussian blue nanoplates designed for use as high performance cathode materials in potassium‐ion batteries. Prussian blue nanoplates were synthesized through a facile solution precipitation route using a highly concentrated potassium citrate solution. The potassium‐rich environment during the synthesis facilitated horizontal growth of the crystals, yielding potassium‐rich Prussian blue nanoplates. The resultant Prussian blue nanoplates exhibited a significantly larger particle size of 600 nm and a reduced specific surface area of 6.8 m2 g−1, compared to conventionally synthesized Prussian blue hexahedrons. Half‐cell tests demonstrated that the Prussian blue nanoplates exhibited a high gravimetric capacity of 152.5 mAh g−1 with a nominal voltage 3.952 V at a C‐rate of 0.1 C, yielding an energy density of 602.7 Wh kg−1. Cycling tests demonstrated high cycling stability of the material, maintaining a capacity of 122.7 mAh g−1 and a nominal voltage of 3.923 V after 200 cycles at 0.2 C. In a full‐cell configuration with graphite anodes, a gravimetric capacity changed from 134.1 mAh g−1 to 108.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, demonstrating a good cycling stability. This work provides a new insight into the electrochemical properties of Prussian blue nanoplates and highlights their potential as high‐performance cathode materials for potassium‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracecal hernia is rarely associated with ischemia and has seldom been reported in the few published studies in the review literature. We present a case of incarcerated paracecal hernia with intestinal obstruction that was effectively treated with laparoscopic intervention. A 64-year-old woman who had not previously undergone any intestinal surgery arrived complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting at our hospital. Abdominal computed tomography suggested intestinal obstruction. A laparoscopic emergency procedure demonstrated an incarcerated small bowel loop in the paracecal region. The confined small bowel was removed from the paracecal area. On the fourth postoperative day, the patient was discharged. This case is unusual because the patient presented with small bowel strangulation, leading to intestinal obstruction. Laparoscopic surgery is beneficial for diagnosing internal hernias and curing small-bowel obstructions caused by paracecal hernias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clarifying the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in diabetic patients, and the relationship between vitamin D concentration and insulin resistance, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1C in patients in Hue City, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 110 diabetic patients examined at Hue Central Hospital and Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. These patients were collected venous blood sampling, and the 25(OH)D test, fasting plasma glucose test, fasting insulin test, HOMA-IR and QUICKI calculation. Results: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency prevalence were 51.8%. The average concentration of 25(OH)D (ng/mL) was 30.67 ± 8.55; this concentration in fasting glucose level ≤ 8 mmol/l group and > 8 mmol/l group was 32.08 ± 9.26 and 28.55± 6.91 (p = 0.033); it was 32.95 ± 8.58 and 28.97 ± 8.17 in HOMA-IR ≤ 3.5 and HOMA-IR > 3.5 group, (p = 0.015); in QUICKI ≤ 0.32 group, it was 29.16 ± 8.12; in QUICKI > 0.32 group, it was 32.85 ± 8.76 (p = 0.025). Patients with an ideal exercise level have higher average levels of 25(OH)D (32.11± 8.62 vs 26.83± 7.16, p=0.003). The average levels of 25(OH)D in male patients are higher than in female patients (33.47± 0.08 vs 29.01± 8.43, p=0.008). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency prevalence in patients with HOMA-IR ≤ 3.5 and QUICKI > 0.32 were 36.2% and 37.8%, whereas in those with HOMA-IR > 3.5 and QUICKI ≤ 0.32 they were 63.5% and 61.5% (p = 0.007 and 0.02, respectively). 25(OH)D is negative correlation with fasting glucose level and HOMA-IR, with r = − 0.229 and − 0.192, respectively (p = 0.016 and 0.045); 25(OH)D was positively correlated with QUICKI, with r = 0.235, p = 0.008. Conclusion: Patients who have better glucose-related parameters, such as fasting blood sugar, HOMA-IR and QUICKI, have a better vitamin D status. Some blood sugar-related factors, such as exercise level and sex, are related to vitamin D status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reachability problem for timed automata asks if a given automaton has a run leading to an accepting state, and the liveness problem asks if the automaton has an infinite run that visits accepting states infinitely often. Both of these problems are known to be Pspace-complete. We show that if P Pspace, the liveness problem is more difficult than the reachability problem; in other words, we exhibit a family of automata for which solving the reachability problem with the standard algorithm is in P but solving the liveness problem is Pspace-hard. This leads us to revisit the algorithmics for the liveness problem. We propose a notion of a witness for the fact that a timed automaton violates a liveness property. We give an algorithm for computing such a witness and compare it to existing solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a high yield exfoliation of few-layer-graphene (FLG) with up to 17% yield from expanded graphite, under 5 h sonication time in water, using graphene oxide (GO) as a surfactant. The aqueous dispersion of GO attached FLG (FLG-GO), with less than 5 layers, is used as a template for further decoration of nanodiamonds (NDs). The hybrid materials were self-organized into 3D-laminated nanostructures, where spherical NDs with a diameter of 4-8 nm are homogeneously distributed on the surface of the FLG-GO complex (referred to as FLG-GO@NDs). It was found that GO plays a dual role, it (1) mediated exfoliation of expanded graphite in aqueous solution resulting in a FLG-GO colloid system, and (2) incorporated ND particles for the formation of composites. A high catalytic performance in the dehydrogenation of ethyl- benzene on FLG-GO@ND metal-free catalyst is achieved; 35.1% of ethylbenzene conversion and 98.6% styrene selectivity after a 50 h reaction test are observed which correspond to an activity of 896 mmolST gcatalyst 1 h_1, which is 1.7 and 5 times higher than those of the unsupported NDs and traditional catalysts, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential of the FLG-GO@ND composite as a promising catalyst for steam-free industrial dehydrogenation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new route for preparing electro-conductive composites based on reduced graphene oxide (RG-O) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The composites were prepared by in situ polymerization of EDOT in aqueous mixture containing RG-O platelets modified with poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS). In the synthetic process, PSS molecules stabilize RG-O in the aqueous phase and function as a polymerization template to hybridize PEDOT chains along RG-O platelets. Compared with the RG-O platelets, the resulting composites show an enhanced electrical conductivity of 9.2 S cm−1 with good thermal stability. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which evaluates the status and features of the genus Amphiesmoides. The study describes the morphological features of the genus through the counting of its teeth by dissecting the right maxilla of one specimen and removal of the exterior gun surfaces of the jaw of other specimens. The study also evaluates the body, tail lengths, ventral scales, and the numbers of the dorsal scale rows of the species. Results show that the body of the species is relatively slender and laterally compressed wherein its upper tail and body of the species are light grayish brown on their sides with uneven brown marbling. Findings show that they can be found in areas forests that have bamboos and small wooden trees particularly in countries such as Vietnam and China.

Complexes of copper(II) halides (chlorides and bromides) with some 4-azafluorene derivatives have been synthesized and studied by X-ray crystallography and IR and UV spectroscopy. In neutral media, Cu(L)2X2 (X = Cl, Br) complexes are formed in which the ligands are coordinated to the metal atoms though the lone pair of the endocyclic nitrogen atom and through the oxygen atoms of substituents. In acid media at pH 2, (HL2)2CuX4 complexes are formed in which the 4-azafluorene molecules protonated at the endocyclic nitrogen atom act as an outer-sphere cation. The molecule and crystal structure of 4-aza-9-oxofluorenium tetrabromocuprate hydrate (HL4)2CuBr4·H2O has been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W-beam guardrails are the most widely used road safety barriers worldwide. They are used for protecting vehicle occupants on dangerous areas of roadways. All road safety barriers used on European highways are designed according to the European standard EN 1317. Conventionally, such road safety barriers have the following dimensions: a 750-mm height from the top of the W-beam to the ground and a 1.33-, 2-, or 4-m post spacing. This study applied the finite element code LS-DYNA for evaluating the safety performance of an AG04-2.0 A-type barrier, which was designed using three post spacings and various rail heights, when impacted by a 900-kg small passenger car. Eight crash test simulations were conducted for evaluating the crashworthiness of the AG04-2.0 barrier according to the European Standard EN 1317. A baseline model was developed and validated against the existing crash test models. The results showed that the various post spacings (1.33, 2, and 4 m) and rail heights (600, 650, 700, 750 and 800 mm) enabled the AG04-2.0 barrier to withstand the impact of the 900-kg car, satisfying the EN 1317 criteria (i.e. TB11 test). The 2000-mm post spacing and 700-mm rail height were considered the optimal dimensions for AG04-2.0 road safety barriers.

Background Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) has recently emerged as a promising alternative for the management of acute appendicitis. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of the SILA with those of three laparoscopic appendectomies (TLA) procedures using the existing equipment, the 10-mm laparoscope, and the surgical-glove port method. Methodology Between February 2021 and February 2022, this single-center retrospective study examined 68 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy by a single surgeon. The study excluded patients with severe appendicitis, grade IV-V, following the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma classification. Clinical outcomes were analyzed, including operation time, hospital stay, postoperative pain, and postoperative morbidity. Results There were no statistically significant differences between SILA and TLA patients, respectively, in operation time (37.5 minutes vs. 35 minutes, p = 0.261) and the median duration of hospitalization (three days vs. three days, p = 0.929). There was no difference in the mean visual analog scale score between the two groups on the first day (p = 0.852), second day (p = 0.540), and the day of discharge from the hospital (p = 0.686), as well as return to diet (two days vs. two days, p = 0.053). Two (10%) cases of short-term complications in the SILA group and one (2.1%) case in the TLA group were noted. Conclusions SILA performed through a handmade surgical-glove port is a safe and viable therapy option for mild-to-moderate appendicitis. When the hospital lacks a specialized laparoscopic single-incision surgical system, this technique should be used on patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Que Son et al.)

BACKGROUND Omental infarction (OI) is an infrequent cause of acute abdominal pain, and there is no consensus on whether conservative or surgical treatment should be performed. The clinical manifestations are nonspecific, so many patients are referred for surgery because of acute abdominal signs that may indicate other diseases such as cholecystitis, appendicitis, or peptic ulcer perforation. In most cases, infarction of the greater omentum is diagnosed only during emergency surgery for other diseases of the abdomen. Currently, multisequence computed tomography is performed for acute abdomen, and this disease is increasingly diagnosed preoperatively. CASE REPORT We report on 2 patients who were referred to our Emergency Department for acute abdominal pain. Both were female and middle-aged. The first patient presented with vomiting and right upper-quadrant pain with thickened and right subcostal omental infiltration on computed tomography (CT). The second patient presented with right subcostal pain and fever. CT showed signs of infiltration, thickening of the omentum, and a right upper subcostal mass measuring 22×60 mm. We performed emergency laparoscopic surgery to explore the abdominal cavity. Both patients were discharged after 3 days. CONCLUSIONS Omentum infarction is a rare disease that causes a diagnostic dilemma, as there is a wide spectrum of causes of acute abdomen. Many patients are diagnosed only during surgery. Laparoscopic surgery should be performed as soon as possible.

We report a flexible and highly efficient wideband slot antenna based on a highly conductive composite of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-doped rGO) for wearable applications. The high conductivity of this hybrid material with low sheet resistance of 0.56 Ω/square, substantial thickness of 55 μ m, and excellent mechanical resilience (<5.5% resistance change after 1000 bending cycles) confirmed this composite to be a suitable antenna conductor. The antenna achieved an estimated conduction efficiency close to 80% over a bandwidth from 3 to 8 GHz. Moreover, the successful operation of a realized antenna prototype has been demonstrated in free space and as part of a wearable camera system. The read range of the system was measured to be 271.2 m, which is 23 m longer than that of the original monopole antennas provided by the supplier. The synergistic effects between the dual conjugated structures of N-doped rGO and PEDOT in a single composite with fine distribution and interfacial interactions are critical to the demonstrated material performance. The N-doped rGO sheet reinforces the mechanical stability whereas the PEDOT functions as additive and/or binder, leading to an improved electrical and mechanical performance compared to that of the graphene and PEDOT alone. This high-performing nanocomposite material meets requirements for antenna design and opens the door for diverse future non-metallic flexible electronic device developments., (© 2021 IOP Publishing Ltd.)