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Particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) were first systematically studied in downtown (XT), suburban (GL) and rural (DA) sites in winter and summer in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 2019 to 2022. The mean concentrations of PAHs and NPAHs ranged from 0.76 ng m−3 to 50.2 ng m−3 and 6.07 pg m−3 to 1.95 ng m−3, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs and NPAHs in winter were higher than in summer, except for NPAHs in XT. We found the benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)/benzo[ghi]perylene (BgPe) ratio could effectively identify biomass burning in this study, in which a higher [BaP]/[BgPe] value indicates a greater effect of biomass burning on PAHs and NPAHs. The results indicated that atmospheric PAHs and NPAHs were mainly affected by motor vehicles (especially the unique motorcycles in Southeast Asia) in the summer in Hanoi. In winter, all sites were affected by the burning of rice straw to varying degrees, especially DA. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) in Hanoi was first determined through ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption. The results showed that residents in Hanoi faced high health risks, while females experienced higher health risks than males. The ingestion and dermal pathways indicated higher exposure risks than the usually considered inhalation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following effective treatment with systemic antifungal therapy, eyelid lesions from blastomycosis infection may be replaced by disfiguring fibrosis and scarring, which may be surgically challenging to correct. A 68-year-old man with biopsy-proven eyelid blastomycosis was treated with 6 months of oral voriconazole, but resolution of the lesion was complicated by cicatricial changes causing complete lower eyelid defect, epicanthal web, cicatricial mechanical ptosis, and skin plaques. Although repair adhered to the fundamentals of eyelid reconstruction, cicatricial changes associated with blastomycosis infection necessitated a modified approach and attachment sites. A tarsoconjunctival flap (Hughes flap) with modified flap connections utilizing cicatrix and remaining viable tissue was employed to reconstruct the lower eyelid defect and combined with tissue advancement using a Mustardé four-flap epicanthoplasty and post-auricular full-thickness skin graft. Satisfactory cosmetic outcome was achieved at last follow-up of 3.5 months postoperatively. This case demonstrates a feasible technique for reconstruction of significant eyelid defects following robust cicatricial changes such as those after blastomycosis. This report also presents the first description of reconstruction of lower eyelid defect and of posterior lamellar loss after blastomycosis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lid-sharing approaches are often advocated for repair of large full thickness lower eyelid defects, however result in temporary visual obstruction and the need for a second-stage procedure. The authors describe and report outcomes using a one-stage technique utilizing a free tarsoconjunctival graft (TCG) and musculocutaneous transposition flap (MCT) to repair defects up to 90% of the lower eyelid. A retrospective chart review on patients that had undergone full thickness lower eyelid reconstruction using a TCG and MCT between the dates of 1/1/2015 to 3/1/2020 was performed. Demographic and clinical information including indication for repair, size of defect, post-operative complications, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Six cases of lower eyelid reconstruction using this technique were identified. Fifty percent were male, average age was 61.3 years (range 36–91, SD = 18.9), and follow up was 36.7 weeks (range 3–129, SD = 48.1). All defects were due to malignancy (4/6 for basal cell carcinoma, 1/6 each for sebaceous cell carcinoma and merkel cell carcinoma). Average horizontal defect size was 80% of lower eyelid width (range 57%-90%, SD = 12.3), while average vertical defect size was 8 mm (range 5–10 mm, SD = 1.7). There were no instances of post-operative infection, lid malposition, or dehiscence. A pyogenic granuloma was noted in one case and was managed with excision. A single-stage procedure using a TCG and MCT can be used to repair laterally based full-thickness lower eyelid defects up to 90% with satisfactory outcomes and few complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionTo assess the trigeminal blink reflex in chronic orbital pain and its modification by orbital anesthetic injections using a novel blink reflexometer.The EyeStat (Generation 3, Blinktbi, Inc. Charleston, SC) is a device that triggers and analyzes the carbon dioxide puff-evoked trigeminal blink response. In this prospective study, CO2 puffs were delivered to each eye of 6 patients with unilateral, chronic orbital pain at baseline and 30 minutes after unilateral orbital anesthetic injections consisting of lidocaine and bupivacaine. Ten healthy subjects underwent the testing once without injections. Main outcome measures were comparison of the average of the right and left eyelid responses to stimuli given to the right or left eye (to assess afferent response in the right vs left eye) and comparison of the right eyelid to left eyelid responses to both the right and left stimuli (to assess efferent response in the right vs left eye).In 10 healthy patients, direct blink response of the stimulated eyelid exceeded the consensual response of the opposite eyelid (latency p = .001, excursion p = .04, time to close p = .03). Among the 6 pain patients, eyelid kinematics for afferent trigeminal input were similar between the affected eye and the fellow eye. However, after injection, the afferent latency of the affected eye was significantly prolonged relative to the unaffected eye (p = .006). Efferent blink responses were similar between the two eyelids at all time points.Peribulbar anesthetic injections modulate mechanical afferent input to the trigeminal blink reflex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare chronic autoinflammatory syndrome affecting mainly children and young adults. The natural history of the disease is marked by recurrent pain as the mainstay of inflammatory outbreaks. Typical radiographic findings are osteosclerosis and hyperostosis of the medial clavicle, sternum and first rib. Compression of the brachial plexus is exceedingly rare and one of the few surgical indications. Literature on total clavicle reconstruction is scarce. While claviclectomy alone has been associated with fair functional and cosmetic outcomes, several reconstruction techniques with autograft, allograft or even cement ("Oklahoma prosthesis") have been reported with the aim of achieving better pain control, cosmetic outcome and protecting the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels. We herewith report a unique case of complicated CNO of the clavicle treated with total clavicle reconstruction using a free peroneal graft.Case Presentation: A 21-year-old female patient presented with CNO of her left clavicle, associated with recurrent, progressive and debilitating pain as well as limited range of motion. In recent years, she started complaining of paresthesia, weakness and pain radiating to her left arm during arm abduction. The clavicle diameter reached 6 cm on computed tomography, with direct compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels. Following surgical biopsy for diagnosis confirmation, she further developed a chronic cutaneous fistula. Therefore, a two-stage total clavicle reconstruction using a vascularized peroneal graft stabilized by ligamentous reconstruction was performed. At two-year follow-up, complete pain relief and improvement of her left shoulder Constant-Murley score were observed, along with satisfactory cosmetic outcome.Conclusions: This case illustrates a rarely described complication of CNO with direct compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels, and chronic cutaneous fistula. To our knowledge, there is no consensus regarding the optimal management of this rare condition in this context. Advantages and complications of clavicle reconstruction should be carefully discussed with patients due to limited evidence of superior clinical outcome and potential local and donor-site complications. While in our case the outcomes met the patient's satisfaction, it remains an isolated case and further reports are awaited to help surgeons and patients in their decision process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated operative course and post-operative findings of patients undergoing primary enucleation for uveal melanoma versus those requiring secondary enucleation after brachytherapy. A retrospective chart review was performed with IRB approval on patients receiving treatment for uveal melanoma. Patients with enucleation as initial treatment and patients enucleated after plaque brachytherapy were analyzed for demographic data, operative course, and post-enucleation outcome. Further cause analysis for secondary enucleations was investigated. No significant difference was seen in age, laterality, or gender between the primarily enucleated (n= 54) and secondarily enucleated (n= 34) groups. Greater difficulty with surgery was noted in 28/32 (87.5%) of secondary enucleations compared to 1/54 (1.8%) of primary enucleations (p< 0.0001). Operative time was >2 hours in 3/51 (6%) of primary enucleations (vs. 8 of 32, 25%,p= 0.02). Average implant size was similar in the 2 groups (20.6 mm), however 2/34 (6%) of secondary enucleations required dermis fat grafting. Post-enucleation anophthalmic ptosis occurred after 8/49 (16%) of primary cases (vs. 13/30, 43%,p= 0.02) and prosthetic enophthalmos after none (0%) of primary cases (vs. 5/30, 17%,p= 0.006). Class 2 gene expression profile was found in 6/8 (60%) of eyes enucleated for treatment failure. Secondary enucleation performed after plaque brachytherapy was technically more difficult, and had more anophthalmic socket and eyelid complications compared to primary enucleation for uveal melanoma. Primary enucleation may avoid additional surgery and morbidity in a subset of patients with contraindications to plaque brachytherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better characterize the frequency and patterns of hearing dysfunction in patients who have received teprotumumab to treat thyroid eye disease. Noncomparative case series. Patients who underwent audiology testing before and after completion of teprotumumab infusions. A review of patients who underwent audiology testing before and after completion of teprotumumab infusions was carried out. Additional audiogram testing during treatment was included when available. Hearing function was analyzed using audiogram data measuring threshold hearing levels at specific frequencies. Basic demographic data as well as information regarding otologic symptoms also were obtained and analyzed. Hearing loss demonstrated by a significant change in decibel hearing thresholds or that meets criteria for ototoxicity. Twenty-two patients (44 ears) were included in the study, with baseline and most recent audiology testing after treatment ranging from 84 days before to 496 days after treatment. Fifteen patients (30 ears) also underwent testing during treatment starting after the second infusion up until the day of, but before, the eighth infusion. Hearing loss after treatment met criteria for ototoxicity in 17 of the 44 ears (38.6%), with 11 of the 22 patients (50.0%) meeting criteria in at least 1 ear. The pure-tone average decibel hearing levels (HLs) across all 44 ears demonstrated hearing loss after treatment (P = 0.0029), specifically at high (P = 0.0008) and middle frequencies (P = 0.0042), but not at low frequencies (P = 0.8344). Patients who were older also were more likely to experience hearing loss after treatment (P = 0.0048). Audiometric data demonstrate that teprotumumab influences hearing function, most significantly at higher frequencies and in older patients. Audiometric testing is critical for counseling patients regarding teprotumumab treatment. A protocol for monitoring hearing during treatment is needed to detect and manage hearing changes associated with teprotumumab use. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) in total suspended particulates (TSP) and soil were measured at a traffic site in Hanoi, a typical motorcycle city of Vietnam. TSP was collected using high-volume air sampler on Pallflex 2500QAT-UP membrane filters. PAHs and NPAHs were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence and chemiluminescence detectors, respectively. The average concentrations of total 10 PAHs and 10 NPAHs in soil varied from 3.4–43.7 ng g−1and from 112–780 pg g−1dry weight, respectively, which were much lower than those in TSP. The results showed that large part of the higher molecular weight PAHs in soil, especially benzo[ghi]perylene and benzo[b]fluoranthene came from the atmosphere. However, NPAHs profile showed a different pattern. 3-nitroperylene and 6-nitrochrysene were the most abundant NPAHs in soil, followed by 1-nitropyrene and 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene. The fate of NPAHs in soil varied depending on soil properties and chemical structure of NPAHs. The finding that the [NPAH]/[PAH] concentration ratios in soil were different from those in TSP could be due to bio-degradation and/or secondary formation of NPAHs in soil, depending on NPAHs properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly 75 years ago, Alfred C. Redfield observed a similarity between the elemental composition of marine plankton in the surface ocean and dissolved nutrients in the ocean interior. This stoichiometry, referred to as the Redfield ratio, continues to be a central tenet in ocean biogeochemistry, and is used to infer a variety of ecosystem processes, such as phytoplankton productivity and rates of nitrogen fixation and loss. Model, field and laboratory studies have shown that different mechanisms can explain both constant and variable ratios of carbon to nitrogen and phosphorus among ocean plankton communities. The range of C/N/P ratios in the ocean, and their predictability, are the subject of much active research. Here we assess global patterns in the elemental composition of phytoplankton and particulate organic matter in the upper ocean, using published and unpublished observations of particulate phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon from a broad latitudinal range, supplemented with elemental data for surface plankton populations. We show that the elemental ratios of marine organic matter exhibit large spatial variations, with a global average that differs substantially from the canonical Redfield ratio. However, elemental ratios exhibit a clear latitudinal trend. Specifically, we observed a ratio of 195:28:1 in the warm nutrient-depleted low-latitude gyres, 137:18:1 in warm, nutrient-rich upwelling zones, and 78:13:1 in cold, nutrient-rich high-latitude regions. We suggest that the coupling between oceanic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles may vary systematically by ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myopia prevention and anti-myopia treatment is of great importance in South East Asia. To evaluate the prevalence and related factors of myopic retinopathy in Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 168 eyes of 88 patients with high myopia presenting to the Refraction Department of Vietnam National Eye Hospital. Inclusion criteria were high myopia (≤−6.00D with cycloplegic retinoscopy). Consecutive presenting patients recruited between January 2020 and August 2020 consented to participate. Participant age range was 12–47 years. Peripapillary atrophy was present in 70.2% of participants, most commonly atrophy of one-quarter of the disc (38.7%). Central retinal changes were present in 66.1% of participants, subclassified as tessellated fundus in 60.7%, diffuse chorioretinal atrophy in 4.2% and patchy chorioretinal atrophy in 1.2%. Peripheral retinal lesions were present in 43.5% of participants, consisting of white-without-pressure in 32.1%, lattice degeneration in 16.1%, snail track degeneration in 4.2% and microcystoid degeneration in 1.2%. Myopia ≤−8.00D and axial length ≥26.5 mm were associated with additional risk of posterior ocular complications. Furthermore, age ≥19 years increased risk of central myopic retinopathy and ≥10 years since initial myopia diagnosis increased the risk of peripapillary atrophy and central retinal changes. Other factors such as the age of onset of myopia and family myopia history did not appear to alter the risk of peripheral retina damage. Retinal disorders were common in Vietnamese people with high myopia. Within the current cohort with high myopia, myopia ≤−8.00D and axial length ≥26.5 mm were associated with a significant further elevation of risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The c-Mos serine/threonine protein kinase is an essential component of cytostatic factor (CSF), which is required for metaphase II arrest of eggs in vertebrates. Previously, we showed that c-Mos residue Ser-16 is phosphorylated in the ts110 Mo-MuSV-encoded Gag-Mos fusion protein. Here we provide evidence that Mos is phosphorylated at Ser-16 in transfected COS-1 cells. To investigate the role of this phosphorylation, Ser-16 was substituted with alanine or glutamic acid in full-length v-Mos (an Env-Mos fusion protein that contains 31 additional amino acids at the amino terminus of c-Mos), its mouse c-Mos equivalent version (v-Mos residues 32-374, hereafter referred to as Mos), and mouse c-Mos. Constructs expressing mutant versions of Mos were transfected into COS-1 and NIH3T3 cells in a transient and stable manner, respectively. Synthesis and proteolysis of Mos were evaluated by pulse-chase analysis of 35S-methionine-labeled proteins. Our findings indicate that the S16A mutant of Mos was highly unstable. It accumulated to approximately 10% of the level of wild-type Mos or its S16E mutant. In addition, the S16A mutation but not the S16E mutation inhibited Mos interaction with a cellular protein, p35, suggesting that phosphorylation at Ser-16 may promote Mos interaction with p35. As expected from its destabilizing effect, the S16A mutation caused a dramatic decrease in the cellular transforming activity of Mos (determined by soft-agar colony-formation assay with the stably transfected NIH3T3 cells), which is known to correlate with its CSF function. Efficient ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of c-Mos requires proline as the second residue from the amino-terminus. In contrast to Mos, neither the stability nor protein kinase activity of v-Mos (in which c-Mos residue Pro-2 becomes Pro-33) was affected by the S16A mutation. To provide further proof that, similar to c-Mos, the S16A mutant is recognized by the proteolysis system through Pro-2, we show that the... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which detected a complex between iron(II) soybean lipoxygenase 3 and 4-nitrocatechol, an inhibitor of the enzyme. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion.

Recent studies found that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are produced through bacterial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, have oncoprotective effects against cervical cancer. The most common SCFAs that are well known include acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, among which propionic acid (PA) has been reported to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells. However, the mechanism in which SCFAs suppress HeLa cell viability remain poorly understood. Our study aims to provide a more detailed look into the mechanism of PA in HeLa cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that PA induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the dysfunction of the mitochondrial membrane. Moreover, PA inhibits NF-κB and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and induces LC3B protein levels, resulting in autophagy. PA also increased the sub-G1 cell population that is characteristic of cell death. Therefore, the results of this study propose that PA inhibits HeLa cell viability through a mechanism mediated by the induction of autophagy. The study also suggests a new approach for cervical cancer therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A potential natural melanogenesis inhibitor was discovered in the form of a sesquiterpene isolated from the flowers of Inula britannica, specifically 6-O-isobutyrylbritannilactone (IBL). We evaluated the antimelanogenesis effects of IBL on B16F10 melanocytes and zebrafish embryos. As a result, we found that 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-induced melanin production was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in B16F10 cells by IBL. We also analyzed B16F10 cells that were and were not treated with IBMX, investigating the melanin concentration, tyrosinase activity, mRNA levels. We also studied the protein expressions of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP1, and TRP2). Furthermore, we found that melanin synthesis and tyrosinase expression were also inhibited by IBL through the modulation of the following signaling pathways: ERK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and CREB. In addition, we studied antimelanogenic activity using zebrafish embryos and found that the embryos had significantly reduced pigmentation in the IBL-treated specimens compared to the untreated controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To quantify the impact of prematurity on chromatic discrimination throughout childhood, from 2 to 15 years of age. Methods: We recruited two cohorts of children, as part of the TrackAI Project, an international project with seven different study sites: a control group of full‐term children with normal visual development and a group of children born prematurely. All children underwent a complete ophthalmological exam and an assessment of colour discrimination along the three colour axes: deutan, protan and trytan using a DIVE device with eye tracking technology. Results: We enrolled a total of 1872 children (928 females and 944 males) with a mean age of 6.64 years. Out of them, 374 were children born prematurely and 1498 were full‐term controls. Using data from all the children born at term, reference normative curves were plotted for colour discrimination in every colour axis. Pre‐term children presented worse colour discrimination than full‐term in the three colour axes (p < 0.001). Even after removing from the comparison, all pre‐term children with any visual disorder colour discrimination outcomes remained significantly worse than those from full‐term children. Conclusion: While colour perception develops throughout the first years of life, children born pre‐term face an increased risk for colour vision deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess whether transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B injections (TRAMB) reduce exenteration rate without increasing mortality in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). In this retrospective case–control study, 46 patients (51 eyes) with biopsy-proven ROCM were evaluated at 9 tertiary care institutions from 1998 to 2021. Patients were stratified by radiographic evidence of local orbital versus extensive involvement at presentation. Extensive involvement was defined by MRI or CT evidence of abnormal or loss of contrast enhancement of the orbital apex with or without cavernous sinus, bilateral orbital, or intracranial extension. Cases (+TRAMB) received TRAMB as adjunctive therapy while controls (−TRAMB) did not. Patient survival, globe survival, and vision/motility loss were compared between +TRAMB and -TRAMB groups. A generalized linear mixed effects model including demographic and clinical covariates was used to evaluate the impact of TRAMB on orbital exenteration and disease-specific mortality. Among eyes with local orbital involvement, exenteration was significantly lower in the +TRAMB group (1/8) versus -TRAMB (8/14) (p = 0.04). No significant difference in mortality was observed between the ±TRAMB groups. Among eyes with extensive involvement, there was no significant difference in exenteration or mortality rates between the ±TRAMB groups. Across all eyes, the number of TRAMB injections correlated with a statistically significant decreased rate of exenteration (p = 0.048); there was no correlation with mortality. Patients with ROCM with local orbital involvement treated with adjunctive TRAMB demonstrated a lower exenteration rate and no increased risk of mortality. For extensive involvement, adjunctive TRAMB does not improve or worsen these outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing high-performance TiO2-based photocatalysts with a reduced bandgap is obligatory for utilizing abundant sunlight. In this study, a novel hybrid was fabricated by interfacial polymerization of polyaniline (PANi) and polypyrrole (PPy) on electrospun vanadium oxide (VOx)-embedded TiO2 nanofibers. The resulting TiO2–VOx/PANi–PPy hybrid was systematically characterized and used as the peroxymonosulfate activator for photocatalytic removal of Rhodamine B (RhB). The TiO2–VOx/PANi–PPy hybrid shows a reduced bandgap (2.14 eV) and improved photocatalytic performance as compared to TiO2–VOx/PANi (2.64), TiO2–VOx/PPy (2.58), and TiO2–VOx (2.96 eV). The influence of reaction parameters on photocatalytic performance was investigated, the reactive oxygen species were identified, and the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed which reveals the role of singlet oxygen and sulfate and hydroxyl radicals in RhB removal. Our study suggests a useful strategy for more efficient utilization of visible light in photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Health care organizations track patient experience data, identify areas of improvement, monitor provider performance, and assist providers in improving their interactions with patients. Some practices use one-on-one provider counseling ("shadow coaching") to identify and modify provider behaviors. A recent evaluation of a large shadow coaching program found statistically significant improvements in coached providers' patient experience scores immediately after being coached. This study aimed to examine the content of the recommendations given to those providers aimed at improving provider-patient interactions, characterize these recommendations, and examine their actionability. Methods: Providers at a large, urban federally qualified health center were selected for coaching based on Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS) patient experience scores (92 of 320 providers), shadowed by a trained peer coach for a half to full day and received recommendations on how to improve interactions with their patients. We coded 1082 recommendations found in the 92 coaching reports. Results: Reports contained an average of 12 recommendations. About half encouraged consistency of existing behaviors and half encouraged new behaviors. Most recommendations related to behaviors of the provider rather than support staff and targeted actions within the examination room rather than other spaces (eg, waiting room). The most common recommendations mapped to behavioral aspects of provider communication. Most recommendations targeted verbal rather than nonverbal communication behaviors. Most recommendations were actionable (ie, specific, descriptive), with recommendations that encouraged new behaviors being more actionable than those that encouraged existing actions. Conclusions: Patient experience surveys are effective at identifying where improvement is needed but are not always informative enough to instruct providers on how to modify and improve their interactions with patients. Analyzing the feedback given to coached providers as part of an effective shadow-coaching program provides details about implementation on shadow-coaching feedback. Recommendations to providers aimed at improving their interactions with patients need to not only suggest the exact behaviors defined within patient experience survey items but also include recommended behaviors indirectly associated with those measured behaviors. Attention needs to be paid to supplementing patient experience data with explicit, tangible, and descriptive (ie, actionable) recommendations associated with the targeted, measured behaviors. Research is needed to understand how recommendations are put into practice by providers and what motivates and supports them to sustain changed behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

c-Mos is a germ cell-specific MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) that plays an essential role during meiotic divisions of oocytes. c-Mos is a key component of an activity, cytostatic factor, required for metaphase II arrest of unfertilized eggs in vertebrates. To understand the regulation of c-Mos, we are investigating c-Mos-interacting proteins. We provide evidence that mouse c-Mos binds to Hsp70, a molecular chaperone. Hsp70 was found to associate with Mos ectopically expressed in COS-1 cells. Mos-Hsp70 complexes could be immunoprecipitated with both Mos and Hsp70 antibodies. Despite a low-abundance of Mos, the Hsp70 antibody immunoprecipitated Mos as the major protein. Of importance, the Mos protein present in anti-Hsp70 immunoprecipitates functioned as an active MAPKKK indicating that it is not grossly misfolded. It is known that c-Mos protein kinase activity in cell extracts of transfected COS-1 or NIH3T3 cells is labile. We found that the inclusion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cell extracts protected against the loss of Mos kinase activity. In the absence of ATP from cell extracts, protein kinase activity of Mos was lost within 6 h on ice even though the Mos protein was not degraded and remained bound to Hsp70. Based on our identification of c-Mos-Hsp70 interaction, one of the roles of ATP may be to assist the regulation of c-Mos via ATP involvement in the protein-folding function of Hsp70 and possibly other molecular chaperones. We also detected by co-immunoprecipitation a physical association between endogenous c-Mos and Hsp70 in Xenopus eggs. To provide further evidence for the functional significance of Hsp70 interaction to Mos function, we show that the residue serine 3 in Mos, which is important for the regulation of protein kinase activity of Mos is also important for Hsp70 association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Critical dosages thresholds for AcoD of two types of DWTS and PS were identified. • Limited methanogenesis inhibition was observed at lower ratios of DWTS. • Positive downstream impacts (P & H 2 S removals) were achieved with DWTS. • Fe & Al-DWTS additions enriched vivianite and aluminium phosphate, respectively. • Dominant methanogenic pathways were restructured differently by two DWTS. Anaerobic co-digestion of primary sludge with two types of drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS), namely iron- or aluminum-rich DWTS (Fe- or Al-DWTS) were systematically evaluated by biochemical methane potential tests, kinetic modelling, downstream process parameters and microbial community analysis. Specific methane yields decreased approximately 19% to 123 mL·g−1 VS, while the hydrolysis constant k h decreased from 0.21 d−1 to 0.18 d−1 for Fe-DWTS at 10% to 40% dosages. On the contrary, specific methane yields decreased 45–55% for Al-DWTS, and k h decreased to 0.14 d−1 at 40% dosage. Significant removals (>95%) of phosphate and hydrogen sulfide were observed for Fe- and Al-DWTS additions at 40% dosage. Microbial community analysis revealed that Al-DWTS increased the abundance of most hydrogenotrophic methanogens, while Fe-DWTS increased the abundance of acetoclastic methanogens. Kinetic modelling further revealed that Fe- and Al-DWTS additions affected the hydrolysis and methanogenesis process kinetics and the methane yield differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CV-A6 and CV-A16 were two major non-EV-A71 enteroviruses causing HFMD in Vietnam, 2008–2017. • Vietnamese CV-A6 and CV-A16 belonged to the largest sub-genogroups, D3 and B1, respectively. • Vietnamese strains have been evolving in a manner similar to the strains circulating worldwide. • Amino acid residues of the functional loops on VPs of Vietnamese strains were highly conserved. • The functional loop patterns of VP1 were similar to the dominant patterns found worldwide. Development of multivalent hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) vaccines against enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and several non-EV-A71 enteroviruses is needed for this life-threatening disease with a huge economic burden in Asia-Pacific countries. Comprehensive studies on the molecular epidemiology and genetic and antigenic characterization of major causative enteroviruses will provide information for rational vaccine design. Compared with molecular studies on EV-A71, that for non-EV-A71 enteroviruses remain few and limited in Vietnam. Therefore, we conducted a 10-year study on the circulation and genetic characterization of coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) and CV-A6 isolated from patients with HFMD in Northern Vietnam between 2008 and 2017. Enteroviruses were detected in 2228 of 3212 enrolled patients. Of the 42 serotypes assigned, 28.4% and 22.4% accounted for CV-A6 and CV-A16, being the second and the third dominant serotypes after EV-A71 (31.7%), respectively. The circulation of CV-A16 and CV-A6 showed a wide geographic distribution and distinct periodicity. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the majority of Vietnamese CV-A6 and CV-A16 strains were located within the largest sub-genotypes or sub-genogroups. These comprised strains isolated from patients with HFMD worldwide during the past decade and the Vietnamese strains have been evolving in a manner similar to the strains circulating worldwide. Amino acid sequences of the putative functional loops on VP1 and other VPs among Vietnamese CV-A6 and CV-A16 isolates were highly conserved. Moreover, the functional loop patterns of VP1 were similar to the dominant patterns found worldwide, except for the T164K substitution on the EF loop in Vietnamese CV-A16. The findings suggest that the development of a universal HFMD vaccine, at least in Vietnam, must target CV-A6 and CV-A16 as two of the three major HFMD-causing serotypes. Vietnamese isolates or their genome sequences can be considered for rational vaccine design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Untreated substance use disorders remain a pervasive public health problem in the United States, especially among medically-underserved and low-income populations, with opioid and alcohol use disorders (OAUD) being of particular concern. Primary care is an underutilized resource for delivering treatment for OAUD, but little is known about the organizational capacity of community-based primary care clinics to integrate treatment for OAUD. The objective of this study was to use an organizational capacity framework to examine perceived barriers to implementing the continuum of care for OAUD in a community-based primary care organization over three time points: pre-implementation (preparation), early implementation (practice), and full implementation. Clinic administrators and medical and mental health providers from two clinics participated in interviews and focus groups. Barriers were organized by type and size, and are presented over the three time points. Although some barriers persisted, most barriers decreased over time, and respondents reported feeling more efficacious in their ability to successfully deliver OAUD treatment. Findings contribute to the needed literature on building capacity to implement OAUD treatment in primary care and suggest that while barriers may be sizable and inevitable, successful implementation is still possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fifteen compounds, including three undescribed, were isolated from Populus tomentiglandulosa. • Three compounds with HCH moiety showed significant neuroprotective effects in HT22 cells. • Tremulacin could be a potential candidate for neurodegenerative drug development. The present work isolated a total of three novel phenolic glycosides (1 − 3), and 12 known compounds (4 − 15) from methanol extract of the roots of Populus tomentiglandulosa. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses (1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry). The compounds (5, 7 , and 11) having the 1‑hydroxy-6-oxo-2-cyclohexenecarboxylate (HCH) moiety showed strong neuroprotective effects in glutamate-induced HT22 hippocampal cells. However, among these compounds, tremulacin (compound 5 ; TRC) was evaluated for its ability to prevent glutamate-induced apoptosis. TRC reduced the glutamate-induced apoptosis by downregulating of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, Bax, and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways while upregulating Bcl-2 and Bid. Also, TRC triggered the expression of hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, TRC treatment attenuated intracellular ROS generation and MMP loss. Molecular docking results also demonstrated that TRC interacted with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Overall, this study revealed that TRC might be a promising treatment option for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study first investigates the preparation and characterization of titanium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide (TiO 2 /rGO) and then proposes the fabrication of photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) from synthesized materials. Herein, the TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of hydrothermal approach and co-precipitation method from the precursors of titanium (IV) isopropoxide and graphene oxide. The fabrication of photoanode from the as-prepared TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposite paste was carried out using screen-printing technique. The performance of fabricated DSSCs was evaluated by current density-voltage curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The characterizations of TiO 2 nanoparticles, TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposites, and their precursors were confirmed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Experimental data showed that the optimal rGO weight percentage of 0.6% in the TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposite material fabricated DSSC successfully with the highest values of short-circuit current density (17.65 mA/cm2) and energy conversion efficiency (7.46%), approximately increasing 24% and 25%, respectively, in comparison with the pristine TiO 2 material. Characterization results indicated that the incorporated hydrothermal co-precipitation method was efficient in producing well-defined spherical TiO 2 nanoparticles decorated on the rGO sheets with an average diameter of 20–25 nm. Therefore, the TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposites with the eco-friendly and efficient synthesis method are highly promising for manufacturing and commercializing DSSCs widely. [Display omitted] • The TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposite material was efficiently synthesized via the incorporated hydrothermal co-precipitation method. • The TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposite material was used for fabricating photoanode in DSSC using the screen-printing technique. • The rGO weight percentage of 0.6% in the TiO 2 /rGO optimized the DSSC performance with the highest values of J SC , τ n , and η. • The characterization results indicated that TiO 2 nanoparticles with the diameter range of 20–25 nm were attached to the rGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations and profiles of unsubstituted and methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs and Me-PAHs) were analyzed in airborne particulate matter (PM) samples collected from high-traffic roads in Hanoi urban area. Levels of PAHs and Me-PAHs ranged from 210 to 660 (average 420) ng/m3 in total PM, and these pollutants were mainly associated with fine particles (PM 2.5) rather than coarser ones (PM > 10 and PM 10). Proportions of high-molecular-weight compounds (i.e., 5- and 6-ring) increased with decreasing particle size. Benzo[b+k]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and benzo[ghi]perylene were the most predominant compounds in the PM 2.5 samples. In all the samples, Me-PAHs were less abundant than unsubstituted PAHs. The PAH-CALUX assays were applied to evaluate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand activities in crude extracts and different fractions from the PM samples. Benzo[a]pyrene equivalents (BaP-EQs) derived by the PAH-CALUX assays for low polar fractions (mainly PAHs and Me-PAHs) ranged from 300 to 840 ng/m3, which were more consistent with theoretical values derived by using PAH-CALUX relative potencies (270–710 ng/m3) rather than conventional toxic equivalency factor-based values (22–69 ng/m3). Concentrations of PAHs and Me-PAHs highly correlated with bioassay-derived BaP-EQs. AhR-mediated activities of more polar compounds and interaction effects between PAH-related compounds were observed. By using PAH-CALUX BaP-EQs, the ILCR values ranged from 1.0 × 10−4 to 2.8 × 10−4 for adults and from 6.4 × 10−5 to 1.8 × 10−4 for children. Underestimation of cancer risk can be eliminated by using effect-directed method (e.g., PAH-CALUX) rather than chemical-specific approach. [Display omitted] • PAHs, Me-PAHs, and AhR ligand activities were measured in airborne PM samples. • Pollutant concentrations and induced toxicities were mainly associated with PM 2.5. • 5- and 6-ring compounds (e.g., Bb + kF, IP, BP) dominated PAH patterns in PM 2.5. • Significant gaps between conventional and bioassay-derived BaP-EQs were found. • Application of effect-directed method can reduce risk underestimation of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical evaluation of the genetic testing strategy is essential for ensuring the correct determination of mutation carriers. The current study retrospectively analyzed genetic and clinicopathological data from 62 Vietnamese patients with retinoblastoma (RB) referred to the Vinmec Hi-Tech Center for RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1) genetic testing between 2017 and 2019. The present study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) method to identify novel RB1 mutations, and to consider using age at diagnosis as a risk factor. Genomic DNA was analyzed with custom panel based targeted NGS. NGS was performed on the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) sequencing platform, and pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, quantitative PCR (qPCR) or Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification assay (MLPA). Constitutional RB1 variants were identified in 100% (25/25) of the bilateral cases, while several common previously reported RB1 mutations were also recorded. In addition, in Vietnamese patients with RB, nine novel RB1 mutations were identified. Children aged between 0-36 months were more likely to be RB1 carriers compared with those aged >36 months. The current findings indicated that the NGS method implemented in the Vinmec Hi-Tech Center was highly accurate, and age at diagnosis may be used to assess the risk of hereditary RB. Furthermore, the newly identified RB1 mutations may provide additional data to improve the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying RB1 inactivation and the development of rapid assays for detecting RB1 mutations. Overall, the present study suggested that NGS may be applied for detecting germline RB1 mutations in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, frequently experiences heavy air pollution episodes in the winter, causing health concerns for the 7.5 million people living there. Spatial-temporal variations in PM 2.5 levels can provide useful information about the sources and transportation of PM 2.5. However, the published spatial-temporal data in the area are limited. In this research, PM 2.5 concentrations at two sites in Hanoi and a site in Thai Nguyen (60 km north of Hanoi) were observed from October 2017 to April 2018, using newly available low-cost sensors. Hourly concentrations of PM 2.5 at the three sites were similar on average (57.5, 54.9, and 53.6 μg m−3) and clearly co-varied, suggesting remarkable large-scale effects. The contribution of long-range transport and meteorological factors on PM 2.5 levels were investigated with a machine learning technique based on a random forest (RF) algorithm and concentration weight trajectory (CWT). The results showed that the contribution of long-range transport from the north and northeast to local PM 2.5 levels was significant. Moreover, weather normalized PM 2.5 concentrations and partial plots of meteorological factors on the levels of PM 2.5 showed that meteorological conditions play a significant role in the formation of winter haze events. Image 1 • Observation of PM 2.5 levels at three sites using sensors. • Moderate to good correlation factors among PM 2.5 at sites showed regional effects. • Partial effects of meteorological and temporal factors on PM 2.5 were determined by a machine learning approach. • Contribution of meteorological factors on haze revealed by weather normalized PM 2.5 • PM 2.5 long-range transport investigated by CWT and partial trajectory correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about clinician perspectives regarding the factors that support or hinder the long-term delivery (i.e., sustainment) of evidence-based treatments in community-based treatment settings.Methods: Clinical staff from 82 community-based treatment organizations that received federal grant funding to support the delivery of the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA), an evidence-based treatment for adolescent substance use, were asked to participate in interviews focused on understanding their perspectives about the sustainment of A-CRA. Qualitative themes were identified using inductive and deductive approaches. Then the themes were dichotomized (present/absent) so that quantitative comparisons could be made between staff from organizations that sustained and did not sustain delivery of A-CRA. Administrative data about each organization in relation to federal funding support and their primary focus was also examined to explore whether these characteristics were associated with A-CRA sustainment.Results: Staff (n = 134) representing 78 organizations participated in the interviews. Staff from organizations that had received multiple federal grants to support the delivery of A-CRA and whose primary focus was substance use rather than other conditions (mental health or primary care) were more likely to report sustaining A-CRA. Staff from sustaining organizations were more likely to report positive grant experiences and success with maintaining both organizational and external support in comparison to staff from non-sustaining organizations. Staff from non-sustaining organizations were more likely to report barriers to sustaining A-CRA, including more challenges with intervention delivery, and lack of internal support and external funding.Conclusions: Our findings lend empirical support for implementation theories in that multiple factors appear to be associated with long-term delivery of an evidence-based treatment. Although A-CRA was generally perceived positively by staff from both organizations that sustained A-CRA and organizations that did not sustain A-CRA, inner setting factors (e.g., structural policies, leadership support and staff retention) along with outer setting factors (e.g., external funding support) were reported as key to A-CRA sustainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper processing activities of e-waste are potential sources of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, however, information about the environmental occurrence and adverse impacts of these toxic substances is still limited for informal e-waste recycling areas in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. In this study, unsubstituted and methylated PAHs were determined in surface soil and river sediment samples collected from a rural village with informal e-waste recycling activities in northern Vietnam. Total levels of PAHs and MePAHs decreased in the order: workshop soil (median 2900; range 870–42,000 ng g−1) > open burning soil (2400; 840–4200 ng g−1) > paddy field soil (1200; range 530–6700 ng g−1) > river sediment samples (750; 370–2500 ng g−1). About 60% of the soil samples examined in this study were heavily contaminated with PAHs. Fingerprint profiles of PAHs and MePAHs in the soil and sediment samples indicated that these pollutants were mainly released from pyrogenic sources rather than petrogenic sources. The emissions of PAHs and MePAHs in this area were probably attributed to uncontrolled burning of e-waste and agricultural by-products, domestic coal and biomass combustion, and traffic activities. Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of PAHs in the e-waste workshop soils were significantly higher than those of the field soils; however, the incremental lifetime cancer risk of PAH-contaminated soils in this study ranged from 5.5 × 10−9 to 4.6 × 10−6, implying acceptable levels of human health risk. Meanwhile, concentrations of some compounds such as phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, benz[ a ]anthracene, and benzo[ a ]pyrene in several soil samples exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations, indicating the risk of ecotoxicological effects. Unlabelled Image • PAHs and MePAHs were found in e-waste soil and sediment at elevated concentrations. • PAH/MePAH levels decreased: workshop ≈ open burning > field soil > sediment. • Mixed pyrogenic sources were revealed, e.g., e-waste, biomass, and coal combustion. • Cancer risk of PAH-contaminated soil was generally acceptable. • Some PAHs may exhibit ecotoxicological risk for soil and freshwater life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Efforts to integrate substance use disorder treatment into primary care settings are growing. Little is known about how well primary care settings can sustain treatment delivery to address substance use following the end of implementation support.Methods: Data from two clinics operated by one multi-site federally qualified health center (FQHC) in the US, including administrative data, staff surveys, interviews, and focus groups, were used to gather information about changes in organizational capacity related to alcohol and opioid use disorder (AOUD) treatment delivery during and after a multi-year implementation intervention was executed. Treatment practices from the intervention period were compared to practices after the intervention period to examine whether the practices were sustained. Data from staff surveys and interviews were used to examine the factors related to sustainment.Results: The two clinics sustained multiple components of AOUD care 1 year following the end of implementation support, including care coordination, psychotherapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Some of the practices were modified over time, for example, screening became less frequent by design, while use of care coordination and psychotherapy for AOUDs expanded. Participants identified staff training and funding for medications as key challenges to sustaining treatment.Conclusions: Following a multi-year implementation intervention, a large FQHC continued to deliver AOUD treatment. Access to external funding and staff support appeared to be critical elements for sustaining care over time.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01810159. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Changing Landscape of Radiology: Ultrasound Training for Nonradiologists" by Chang SD and Munk PL, published in February 2014 issue of the journal.