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The mineralogy and crystal chemistry of a new talc ore deposit situated at Thu Ngac commune, Thanh Son district, Phu Tho province, Vietnam, was investigated using X-ray fluorescence, electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si and 1H) and colorimetry. Both chemical and crystal-chemical analyses showed that the talcs from the Phu Tho province are very pure because they contain few accessory minerals (chlorite, amphibole and goethite) and few substitutions of Si by Fe and Al in their crystal structure. The talc ore may well meet the standards required for a wide range of industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes albopictus is secondary to Aedes aegypti as a vector of dengue viruses (DENVs) in settings of endemicity, but it plays an important role in areas of dengue emergence. This study compared the susceptibility of these 2 species to DENV infection by performing 232 direct blood-feeding experiments on 118 viremic patients with dengue in Vietnam. Field-derived A. albopictus acquired DENV infections as readily as A. aegypti after blood feeding. Once infected, A. albopictus permitted higher concentrations of DENV RNA to accumulate in abdominal tissues, compared with A. aegypti. However, the odds of A. albopictus having infectious saliva were lower than the odds observed for A. aegypti (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, .52-.93). These results quantitate the susceptibility of A. albopictus to DENV infection and will assist parameterization of models for predicting disease risk in settings where A. albopictus is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined the isomeric ratios of isomeric pairs Ir and Pt produced in Pt( γ, p)Ir and Pt( γ, n)Pt photonuclear reactions in the giant dipole resonance (GDR) region by the activation method. The results were analyzed, discussed and compared with the similar data from literature to examine the role of excitation energy and difference in the isomeric and ground state spins. The isomeric ratios of Ir and Pt from the present work, namely from 19 to 23 MeV for Ir and from 18 to 24 MeV for Pt are the first time measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determine the isomeric ratios of Xe in the photo-fission of Th and U induced by end-point bremsstrahlung energy of 13.5 MeV. The isomeric ratios were determined from the characteristic gamma ray activities of the isomeric and ground states of Xe. The induced gamma ray spectra of Xe were measured by a spectroscopic system, which consists of a HPGe detector connected to a PC based multichannel analyzer. In order to improve the accuracy of the experimental results, the method of inert gaseous flow was used to carry the fission product from the reaction camera to the collector. The isomeric ratios of Xe from the present work are the first time measurements. The present results were analyzed, discussed and compared with the similar data from literature to examine the role of excitation energy, energy separated in fission process and effect of reaction channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influenza A virus is an RNA virus that is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide with up to five million cases of severe illness and 500,000 deaths annually according to the World Health Organization estimates. The factors associated with severe diseases are not well defined, but more severe disease is more often seen among persons aged >65 years, infants, pregnant women, and individuals of any age with underlying health conditions. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using gene expression microarrays, the transcriptomic profiles of influenza-infected patients with severe (N = 11), moderate (N = 40) and mild (N = 83) symptoms were compared with the febrile patients of unknown etiology (N = 73). We found that influenza-infected patients, regardless of their clinical outcomes, had a stronger induction of antiviral and cytokine responses and a stronger attenuation of NK and T cell responses in comparison with those with unknown etiology. More importantly, we found that both interferon and ubiquitination signaling were strongly attenuated in patients with the most severe outcomes in comparison with those with moderate and mild outcomes, suggesting the protective roles of these pathways in disease pathogenesis. Conclusion/Significances: The attenuation of interferon and ubiquitination pathways may associate with the clinical outcomes of influenza patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important for fuel cell to become flexible in order to accommodate the situations of application areas for reducing costs and expanding coverage. Scale ups in series and parallel to 1-kW class proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack are characterized experimentally with oxidant as air and oxygen. Through a serial scaled-up 4-cell stack with an active area of 25 cm2 and a parallel scaled-up single cell with an active area of 100 cm2, respectively, the 1-kW class 20-cell stack with an active area of 150 cm2 per cell is scaled up from the basic unit cell with maintaining their performances. The polarization and power curves of the 1-kW class PEM fuel cell stack with the reactants H2/air and H2/O2 are evaluated. Sufficient power of the PEM fuel cell can operate at flexible nominal current of 40–80 A and nominal voltage of 12–15 V for providing durability and balance between cells. The 1-kW class PEM fuel cell stack is characterized through the comparison of cell voltage differences utilizing H2/air and H2 /O2. Both cell voltages with H2/air and H2/O2 follow well the one-twentieth of the responding stack voltages with the small difference. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Endocrine cell proliferation fluctuates dramatically in response to signals that communicate hormone demand. The genetic alterations that override these controls in endocrine tumors often are not associated with oncogenes common to other tumor types, suggesting that unique pathways govern endocrine proliferation. Within the pancreas, for example, activating mutations of the prototypical oncogene KRAS drive proliferation in all pancreatic ductal adenocarcimomas but are never found in pancreatic endocrine tumors. Therefore, we asked how cellular context impacts K-RAS signaling. We found that K-RAS paradoxically suppressed, rather than promoted, growth in pancreatic endocrine cells. Inhibition of proliferation by K-RAS depended on antiproliferative RAS effector RASSF1A and blockade of the RAS-activated proproliferative RAF/MAPK pathway by tumor suppressor menin. Consistent with this model, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) agonist, which stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation, did not affect endocrine cell proliferation by itself, but synergistically enhanced proliferation when combined with a menin inhibitor. In contrast, inhibition of MAPK signaling created a synthetic lethal interaction in the setting of menin loss. These insights suggest potential strategies both for regenerating pancreatic β cells for people with diabetes and for targeting menin-sensitive endocrine tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) infections are important diseases in both children and adults worldwide. The spectrum of infections is broad, encompassing bacterial/aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. Viruses are regarded as the most common causes of encephalitis and aseptic meningitis. Better understanding of the viral causes of the diseases is of public health importance, in order to better inform immunization policy, and may influence clinical management. Methodology/Principal Findings: Study was conducted at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, a primary, secondary, and tertiary referral hospital for all southern provinces of Vietnam. Between December 1996 and May 2008, patients with CNS infections of presumed viral origin were enrolled. Laboratory diagnostics consisted of molecular and serological tests targeted at 14 meningitis/encephalitis-associated viruses. Of 291 enrolled patients, fatal outcome and neurological sequelae were recorded in 10% (28/291) and 27% (78/291), respectively. Mortality was especially high (9/19, 47%) amongst those with confirmed herpes simplex encephalitis which is attributed to the limited availability of intravenous acyclovir/valacyclovir. Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus, herpes simplex virus, and enteroviruses were the most common viruses detected, responsible for 36 (12%), 19 (6.5%), 19 (6.5%) and 8 (2.7%) respectively, followed by rubella virus (6, 2%), varicella zoster virus (5, 1.7%), mumps virus (2, 0.7%), cytomegalovirus (1, 0.3%), and rabies virus (1, 0.3%). Conclusions/Significance: Viral infections of the CNS in adults in Vietnam are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive laboratory testing, 68% of the patients remain undiagnosed. Together with our previous reports, the data confirm that Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus, herpes simplex virus, and enteroviruses are the leading identified causes of CNS viral infections in Vietnam, suggest that the majority of morbidity/mortality amongst patients with a confirmed/probable diagnosis is preventable by adequate vaccination/treatment, and are therefore of public health significance. Author Summary: Central nervous system (CNS) infections are important diseases worldwide. The spectrum of infections is broad, encompassing bacterial/aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. Viruses are regarded as the most common causes of encephalitis and aseptic meningitis. Better understanding of the causes of the diseases is of public health importance, in order to better inform immunization policy, and influence clinical management. We describe the clinical features and infectious causes of 291 adults with clinically suspected CNS infections of presumed viral origin. We show that CNS viral infections in Vietnam are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Mortality was especially high (47%) amongst those with herpes simplex encephalitis which is attributed to the limited availability specific antiviral drugs in our setting. Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue viruses, herpes simplex virus and enteroviruses were the most common viruses detected, followed by rubella virus, varicella zoster virus, mumps virus, cytomegalovirus, and rabies virus. Our study represents the broadest yet investigation of the possible viral causes of the CNS infections in adults in Vietnam, with a diagnostic yield of 32%. The results show that the majority of morbidity/mortality amongst patients with a confirmed/probable diagnosis could be prevented by adequate vaccination or treatment, and are therefore of public health significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) infections are important diseases in both children and adults worldwide. The spectrum of infections is broad, encompassing bacterial/aseptic meningitis and encephalitis. Viruses are regarded as the most common causes of encephalitis and aseptic meningitis. Better understanding of the viral causes of the diseases is of public health importance, in order to better inform immunization policy, and may influence clinical management. Methodology/Principal Findings: Study was conducted at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, a primary, secondary, and tertiary referral hospital for all southern provinces of Vietnam. Between December 1996 and May 2008, patients with CNS infections of presumed viral origin were enrolled. Laboratory diagnostics consisted of molecular and serological tests targeted at 14 meningitis/encephalitis-associated viruses. Of 291 enrolled patients, fatal outcome and neurological sequelae were recorded in 10% (28/291) and 27% (78/291), respectively. Mortality was especially high (9/19, 47%) amongst those with confirmed herpes simplex encephalitis which is attributed to the limited availability of intravenous acyclovir/valacyclovir. Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus, herpes simplex virus, and enteroviruses were the most common viruses detected, responsible for 36 (12%), 19 (6.5%), 19 (6.5%) and 8 (2.7%) respectively, followed by rubella virus (6, 2%), varicella zoster virus (5, 1.7%), mumps virus (2, 0.7%), cytomegalovirus (1, 0.3%), and rabies virus (1, 0.3%). Conclusions/Significance: Viral infections of the CNS in adults in Vietnam are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive laboratory testing, 68% of the patients remain undiagnosed. Together with our previous reports, the data confirm that Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue virus, herpes simplex virus, and enteroviruses are the leading identified causes of CNS viral infections in Vietnam, suggest that the majority of morbidity/mortality amongst patients with a confirmed/probable diagnosis is preventable by adequate vaccination/treatment, and are therefore of public health significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic contributing directly to several cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Wearable devices are becoming better at quantifying biomarkers relevant for the management of health and fitness. Unfortunately, both anecdotal evidence and recent studies indicate that some wearables have higher levels of error when utilized by populations with darker skin tones and high body mass index (BMI). There is an urgent need for a better evaluation of the limits of wearable health technologies when used by obese individuals. Aims: (1) To review the current know-how on changes due to obesity in the skin epidermis, dermis, and subcutis that could affect the skin optical properties; (2) for the green wavelength range, to evaluate the difference in absorption and scattering coefficients from the abdominal skin between individuals with and without elevated BMI. The changes include alterations in layer thickness and cell size, as well as significant differences in chromophores and scatterer content, e.g., water, hemoglobin, collagen, and lipids. Approach: We have summarized literature pertaining to changes in skin and its components in obesity and report the results of our search using articles published between years 1971 and 2020. A linear model was used to demonstrate the absorption and reduced scattering coefficient of the abdominal skin of individuals with and without elevated BMI in the green wavelength range (530 to 550 nm) that is typically found in most wearables. Results: The general trends indicate a decrease in absorption for both dermis and subcutis and an increase in reduced scattering for both epidermis and dermis. At 544-nm wavelength, a typical wavelength used for photoplethysmography (PPG), the absorption coefficient's relative percentage difference between high and low BMI skin, was 49% in the subcutis, 19% in the dermis, and negligible in the epidermis, whereas the reduced scattering coefficient relative difference was 21%, 29%, and 165% respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there could be significant errors in the output of optical devices used for monitoring health and fitness if changes due to obesity are not accounted for in their design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured for the first time the isomeric ratios in Ag(γ, n)Ag reaction by using the activation method and γ-ray spectroscopic method for the whole giant dipole resonance region. The high-purity natural Ag foils in disc shape were irradiated with bremsstrahlungs generated from an electron accelerator Microtron. The induced gamma spectra in the irradiated foils were measured by the high resolution γ-ray spectroscopic system which consists of a high-purity germanium detector and a multichannel analyzer. In order to improve the accuracy of the experimental results, necessary corrections were made in the γ-ray activity measurements and data analysis. The results were analyzed, discussed and compared with those of other authors. For the above mentioned reaction, the isomeric ratios in the energy range from 14 to 24 MeV bremsstrahlungs in this work (except the values at 14, 18 and 20) are new measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] NoV was identified in the stools of diarrheal patients and controls in HCMC. [•] The locations of the NoV infections were GPS mapped. [•] A novel NoV GII.4-2010 (New Orleans) variant was detected. [•] The NoV GII.4-2010 demonstrated a significant spatiotemporal signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease of humans. The host and virus variables associated with dengue virus (DENV) transmission from symptomatic dengue cases (n = 208) to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes during 407 independent exposure events was defined. The 50% mosquito infectious dose for each of DENV-1-4 ranged from 6.29 to 7.52 log10 RNA copies/mL of plasma. Increasing day of illness, declining viremia, and rising antibody titers were independently associated with reduced risk of DENV transmission. High early DENV plasma viremia levels in patients were a marker of the duration of human infectiousness, and blood meals containing high concentrations of DENV were positively associated with the prevalence of infectious mosquitoes 14 d after blood feeding. Ambulatory dengue cases had lower viremia levels compared with hospitalized dengue cases but nonetheless at levels predicted to be infectious to mosquitoes. These data define serotype-specific viremia levels that vaccines or drugs must inhibit to prevent DENV transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study focused on the characterization of organic and biological foulants on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane and fouled RO membrane characterization with seawater pretreated by submerged membrane hybrid systems (SMHSs). New low pressure membrane based pretreatments namely submerged membrane coagulation hybrid system (SMCHS) and submerged membrane coagulation-adsorption hybrid system (SMCAHS) were investigated. Organic foulants on RO membrane were characterized in terms of molecular weight distribution (MWD), fluorescence and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) analyses. The organic foulants were mainly composed of high molecular weight matters representing biopolymers in the foulants. The fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (F-EEM) analysis showed that protein-like materials were dominant with samples pretreated by SMHSs. Humic-like materials which have lower aromaticity were also present in the foulant. Biological foulants were investigated in terms of total direct cell (TDC) count, cell viability and biomass activity (adenosine tri-phosphate; ATP). Biological fouling was found to be reduced by organic removal with SMHSs. The fouled membranes were characterized using environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, zeta-potential measurement, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, two different submerged membrane hybrid systems (SMHSs) namely (i) submerged membrane coagulation hybrid system (SMCHS) and (ii) submerged membrane coagulation-adsorption hybrid system (SMCAHS) were investigated as pretreatment options for seawater reverse osmosis. Organic matters in seawater before and after pretreatment were characterized in terms of XAD fractionation, molecular weight distribution (MWD) and fluorescence. A detailed study on the seawater organic matter (SWOM) structure was made through 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-ion trap-time of fright (LC/MS-IT-TOF). The seawater investigated in this study is mainly composed of hydrophilic matter (57±3.2%). SMHSs removed a significant amount of organic matter. The EEM fluorescence showed a removal of humic-like materials by SMHSs. In addition, humic-like materials relative to protein-like compounds were reduced significantly but the aromaticity of humic-like materials increased. After pretreatment by SMHSs, humics and biopolymers of over 900Da. were found to be reduced and their structure associated with element composition was also changed. The transformation of the SWOM structure after SMHSs pretreatment may have been due to hydrolyzation or oxidization of the organic compounds such as humics and biopolymers resulting in poly-conjugation to aromatic compounds. SMHSs were effective in improving the RO performance leading to higher RO permeate flux and lower permeate flux decline. The pretreatment reduced the amount of foulants on the RO membrane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rotavirus (RoV) and Norovirus (NoV) are the main causes of viral gastroenteritis. Currently, there is no validated multiplex real-time PCR that can detect and quantify RoV and NoV simultaneously. The aim of the study was to develop, validate, and internally control a multiplex one-step RT real-time PCR to detect and quantify RoV and NoV in stool samples. PCR sensitivity was assessed by comparing amplification against the current gold standard, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), on stool samples from 94 individuals with diarrhea and 94 individuals without diarrhea. PCR detected 10% more RoV positive samples than EIA in stools samples from patients with diarrhea. PCR detected 23% more NoV genogroup II positive samples from individuals with diarrhea and 9% more from individuals without diarrhea than EIA, respectively. Genotyping of the PCR positive/EIA negative samples suggested the higher rate of PCR positivity, in comparison to EIA, was due to increased sensitivity, rather than nonspecific hybridization. Quantitation demonstrated that the viral loads of RoV and NoV in the stools of diarrheal patients were an order of magnitude greater than in individuals without diarrhea. This internally controlled real-time PCR method is robust, exhibits a high degree of reproducibility, and may have a greater utility and sensitivity than commercial EIA kits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors for postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary retention (UR) in patients with colorectal cancer. Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2006-2009, a retrospective analysis of surgical patients with colorectal cancer was conducted. Patients were stratified into groups, with or without UTI/UR. The LASSO algorithm for logistic regression identified independent risk factors. A total of 93,931 surgical patients with colorectal cancer were identified. The incidences of UTI and UR were 5.91 and 2.52 per cent, respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.68 per cent. The UTI group demonstrated significantly higher in-hospital mortality rates compared with those without. Both UTI and UR groups were associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased hospital charge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age older than 60 years, females, anemia, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, diabetes with chronic complications, fluid and electrolyte, paralysis, pulmonary circulation disorders, renal failure, and weight loss were independent risk factors of UTI. Age older than 60 years, male gender, rectal and rectosigmoid cancers, and postoperative anastomotic leakage and ileus were independent risk factors for UR. Postoperative UTI increases in-house mortality. Postoperative UTI/UR in patients with colorectal cancer increases length of stay and hospital charges. Knowledge of these specific risk factors for UTI and UR is needed to counsel patients and prevent these complications in this high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined the isomeric ratios in Se(γ, n)Se and Se(γ, n)Se photonuclear reactions of natural Selenium induced by bremsstrahlungs with end-point energies in the giant dipole resonance region. The investigated samples were irradiated at electron accelerator Microtron MT-25 of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reaction, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia. The gamma spectra of the samples irradiated were measured with spectroscopic system consisting of 8,192 channel analyzer and high-energy resolution (180 keV at gamma ray 1,332 keV of Co) HP(Ge) semiconductor detector Canberra. The GENIE2000 (Canberra) computer program was used for data processing. The results were discussed and compared with those of other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) remain common and life-threatening, especially in developing countries. Knowledge of the aetiological agents responsible for these infections is essential to guide empiric therapy and develop a rational public health policy. To date most data has come from patients admitted to tertiary referral hospitals in Asia and there is limited aetiological data at the provincial hospital level where most patients are seen. Methods: We conducted a prospective Provincial Hospital-based descriptive surveillance study in adults and children at thirteen hospitals in central and southern Viet Nam between August 2007- April 2010. The pathogens of CNS infection were confirmed in CSF and blood samples by using classical microbiology, molecular diagnostics and serology. Results: We recruited 1241 patients with clinically suspected infection of the CNS. An aetiological agent was identified in 640/1241 (52%) of the patients. The most common pathogens were Streptococcus suis serotype 2 in patients older than 14 years of age (147/617, 24%) and Japanese encephalitis virus in patients less than 14 years old (142/624, 23%). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed in 34/617 (6%) adult patients and 11/624 (2%) paediatric patients. The acute case fatality rate (CFR) during hospital admission was 73/617 (12%) in adults and to 42/624 (7%) in children. Conclusions: Zoonotic bacterial and viral pathogens are the most common causes of CNS infection in adults and children in Viet Nam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined the isomeric ratios in Ba(γ, n)Ba, Ba(γ, n)Ba and Ba(γ, n)Ba photonuclear reactions of natural barium induced by bremsstrahlungs with end-point energies in the giant dipole resonance region. The investigated samples were irradiated at electron accelerator Microtron MT-25 of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reaction, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia. The gamma spectra of the samples irradiated were measured with spectroscopic system consisting of 8192 channel analyzer and high-energy resolution (180 keV at gamma ray 1332 keV of Co) HP(Ge) semiconductor detector Canberra. The GENIE2000 (Canberra) computer program was used for data processing. The results were discussed and compared with those of other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study estimates the dietary exposure to cadmium (Cd), and associated potential health risks, for individuals living and working in a metal recycling community (n=132) in Vietnam in comparison to an agricultural (reference) community (n=130). Individual-level exposure to Cd was estimated through analysis of staple foodstuffs combined with information from a food frequency questionnaire. Individual-level exposure estimates were compared with published ‘safe’ doses to derive a Hazard Quotient (HQ) for each member of the study population. Looking at the populations as a whole, there were no significant differences in the diets of the two villages. However, significantly more rice was consumed by working age adults (18–60years) in the recycling village compared to the reference village (p<0.001). Rice was the main staple food with individuals consuming 461±162g/d, followed by water spinach (103±51kg/d). Concentrations of Cd in the studied foodstuffs were elevated in the metal recycling village. Values of HQ exceeded unity for 87% of adult participants of the metal recycling community (39% had a HQ>3), while 20% of adult participants from the reference village had an HQ>1. We found an elevated health risk from dietary exposure to Cd in the metal recycling village compared to the reference community. WHO standard of 0.4mg Cd/kg rice may not be protective where people consume large amounts of rice/have relatively low body weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have determined the isomeric ratios in Ho( γ, n)Ho and Lu( γ, n)Lu photonuclear reactions of natural holmium and lutetium induced by bremsstrahlungs with end-point energies in the giant dipole resonance (GDR) region. The investigated samples were irradiated at electron accelerator Microtron MT-25 of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reaction, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia. The gamma spectra of the samples irradiated were measured with spectroscopic system consisting of 8192 channel analyzer and high-energy resolution (180 keV at gamma ray 1332 keV of Co) HP(Ge) semiconductor detector Canberra. The GENIE2000 (Canberra) computer program was used for data processing. The results were discussed and compared with those of other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have determined the isomeric ratios in Te(γ, n)Te, Te(γ, n)Te, Te(γ, n)Te and Te(γ, n)Te photonuclear reactions of natural tellurium induced by bremsstrahlungs with end-point energies in the giant dipole resonance (GDR) region. The investigated samples were irradiated at electron accelerator Microtron MT-25 of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reaction, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia. The gamma spectra of the samples irradiated were measured with spectroscopic system consisting of 8192 channel analyzer and high-energy resolution (180 keV at gamma ray 1,332 keV of Co) HP(Ge) semiconductor detector Canberra. The GENIE2000 (Canberra) computer program was used for data processing. The results were discussed and compared with those of other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is a fact that in Viet Nam, Muscovy ducks are raised in large populations (approximately 8 million), usually kept in small flocks together with mallards and chickens. As a result, it is a great concern for epidemiologists to elucidate possible differences in relation to these species being exposed to infection with H5N1. To do this, an experimental study on infections with different genotypes of H5N1 in mallards and Muscovy ducks have been conducted, where it was found that the mortality of the inoculated Muscovy ducks was at least 80%, regardless of the virus strain employed. In contrast, the mortality of the mallards ranged from nil to 100%, which suggests that Muscovy ducks are more susceptible to HPAIV H5N1 infection in terms of disease development and mortality. It was also found that higher virus titers developed in vital organs of Muscovy ducks compared to mallards, particularly in the brain. Due to their high susceptibility, it is unlikely that Muscovy ducks act as a silent reservoir. The virus strains used in this study, to a certain degree, differed in their virulence properties to the bird species in question. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The molecular basis of the transferrin (TF)–transferrin receptor (TFR) interaction is not known. The C-lobe of TF is required to facilitate binding to the TFR and both the N- and C-lobes are necessary for maximal binding. Several mAb have been raised against human transferrin (hTF). One of these, designated F11, is specific to the C-lobe of hTF and does not recognize mouse or pig TF. Furthermore, mAb F11 inhibits the binding of TF to TFR on HeLa cells. To map the epitope for mAb F11, constructs spanning various regions of hTF were expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins in Escherichia coli. The recombinant fusion proteins were analysed in an iterative fashion by immunoblotting using mAb F11 as the probe. This process resulted in the localization of the F11 epitope to the C1 domain (residues 365–401) of hTF. Subsequent computer modelling suggested that the epitope is probably restricted to a surface patch of hTF consisting of residues 365–385. Mutagenesis of the F11 epitope of hTF to the sequence of either mouse or pig TF confirmed the identity of the epitope as immunoreactivity was diminished or lost. In agreement with other studies, these epitope mapping studies support a role for residues in the C1 domain of hTF in receptor binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the inclusion of mifepristone + misoprostol for early pregnancy termination into the Vietnam National Reproductive Health Guidelines in 2002, a team from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and Ipas assessed how best to move from clinical research to widespread public sector availability. After field visits to hospitals and discussions with stakeholders, the team endorsed the phased introduction of medical abortion alongside vacuum aspiration services to expand choice. They stressed the importance of patient-oriented information on what to expect as the abortion process takes place and the need for follow-up, also crucial in training of providers. Routine use of ultrasound to detect ectopic pregnancies or determine that abortion was complete was considered unnecessary. The mandated four-hour observation period following misoprostol administration could be reduced. The National Guidelines, appropriately conservative at the start of the programme, should be amenable to modification as experience grows. Introduction is not possible without a steady supply of drugs at affordable prices. Ways to reduce the high price of mifepristone and deal with provider expectations of extra allowances, as with surgical abortion, are needed. Making medical abortion a viable option for most Vietnamese women will require provision at commune-level clinics through mid-level providers, and with home use an option. Other challenges include use of misoprostol alone and regulating provision in the private sector. Après l'inclusion du mifepristone + misoprostol pour l'interruption précoce de grossesse dans les Directives nationales de santé génésique au Viet Nam en 2002, une équipe du Ministère de la santé, de l'OMS et de l'Ipas a étudié comment passer de la recherche cliniqueàune large disponibilité dans le secteur public. Après des visites aux hÁpitaux et des discussions avec les intéressés, l'équipe a approuvé l'introduction progressive de l'avortement médicamenteux parallèlementàl'avortement par aspiration. L'information est importante pour que les patientes sachentàquoi s'attendre pendant l'avortement et soient conscientes de la nécessité d'un suivi, mais aussi pour la formation des prestataires. L'utilisation systématique de l'échographie pour détecter les grossesses extra-utérines ou s'assurer que l'avortement est complet a été jugée superflue. La période obligatoire d'observation de quatre heures après l'administration de misoprostol pourrait Átre réduite. Les Directives nationales,àjuste titre prudentes au début du programme, devraient s'ouvrir aux changementsàmesure que l'expérience s'accroît. L'introduction dépend d'un approvisionnement régulier de médicamentsàun prix abordable. Il faut parveniràréduire le prix élevé du mifepristone et satisfaire les prestataires qui s'attendentàdes subventions supplémentaires, comme avec l'avortement chirurgical. Pour que l'avortement médicamenteux devienne une option pour la plupart des Vietnamiennes, il devra Átre pratiqué dans les dispensaires communaux par du personnel de niveau intermédiaire, avec l'option de l'utilisationàdomicile. D'autres points concernent l'utilisation du misoprostol seul et la réglementation des prestations dans le secteur privé. Tras la inclusión de mifepristona + misoprostol para la interrupción del embarazo en etapas iniciales en las Directrices Nacionales de Salud Reproductiva de Vietnam en 2002, un equipo del Ministerio de Salud, la Organización Mundial de la Salud e Ipas evaluaron la mejor forma de hacer la transición de la investigación clánica a una amplia disponibilidad en el sector público. Después de visitar los hospitales y hablar con las partes interesadas, el equipo aprobó el lanzamiento por fases del aborto con medicamentos junto con los servicios de aspiración endouterina para ampliar las opciones. Recalcaron la importancia de proporcionar información orientada hacia las pacientes sobre qué esperar al efectuarse el proceso de aborto y la necesidad de dar seguimiento, fundamental en la capacitación de los proveedores. El uso rutinario de la ecografáa para detectar los embarazos ectópicos o para determinar la finalización del aborto se consideró innecesario. El peráodo obligatorio de cuatro horas de observación después de la administración del misoprostol puede reducirse. Las Directrices Nacionales, debidamente conservadoras al inicio del programa, deben prestarse a modificaciones según se adquiera más experiencia. El lanzamiento no es posible sin un suministro constante de medicamentos a precios asequibles. Se necesitan formas de disminuir el alto precio de la mifepristona y lidiar con las expectativas de los proveedores respecto a descuentos adicionales, asá como con el aborto quirúrgico. A fin de lograr que el aborto con medicamentos sea una opción factible para la mayoráa de las mujeres vietnamitas, los profesionales de la salud de nivel intermedio deben prestar estos servicios en las clánicas comunitarias, y debe permitirse el uso en el hogar. Otros retos son: el uso del misoprostol solo y la regulación de su suministro en el sector privado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the primary structure of the neuronal clathrin-associated protein auxilin and its expression in bacteria found in cow brain. Support of assembly in interaction with clathrin; Combination of open reading frames to predict molecular mass for auxilin; Similarity of the region of positions in the actin-binding protein tensin.

A letter to the editor about bat lyssaviruses in Northern Vietnam is presented.

This paper describes the route, from simulations toward experiments, for optimizing the magnetoelectric (ME) geometries for vortex magnetic field sensors. The research is performed on the base of the Metglas/Piezoelectric (PZT) laminates in both open and closed magnetic circuit (OMC and CMC) geometries with different widths (W), lengths (L), and diameters (D). Among these geometries, the CMC laminates demonstrate advantages not only in their magnetic flux distribution, but also in their sensitivity and in their independence of the position of the vortex center. In addition, the ME voltage signal is found to be enhanced by increasing the magnetostrictive volume fraction. Optimal issues are incorporated to realize a CMC-based ME double sandwich current sensor in the ring shape with D × W = 6 mm × 1.5 mm and four layers of Metglas. At the resonant frequency of 174.4 kHz, this sensor exhibits the record sensitivity of 5.426 V/A as compared to variety of devices such as the CMC ME sensor family, fluxgate, magnetoresistive, and Hall-effect-based devices. It opens a potential to commercialize a new generation of ME-based current and (or) vortex magnetic sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a method for evaluating the force-length relationship of adhering human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) on the substrate using a measurement system comprising of a micromachined movable plate and a piezoresistive force probe. The cells on the plate are stretched by pushing the movable plate with the piezoresistive cantilever, which is actuated by a piezo stage. The twitch forces and the applied stretch are measured quantitatively with the piezoresistive cantilever. The results demonstrated that the twitch forces of the hiPSC-CMs increased when a stretch was applied. This evaluation method improves the understanding of the intrinsic force-length relationship of hiPSC-CMs at the cellular scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]