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Objective: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Vietnam has doubled from 3% to 6% over the last decades, with potential consequences for persons with diabetes and their caregivers. This study aimed to assess caregiver burdens and factors associated with caregiver burden. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019, using data from 1,241 informal caregivers (ICGs). Caregiver burden was scored from 0–32 using 8 questions from the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Quantile regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with caregiver burden. Results: The median score of the ZBI was 7.0 (Q1-Q3: 2.0–10.0), indicating that the burden among caregiver of persons with T2DM is not high. Quantile regression showed that the higher the monthly income, the lower the burden among caregivers (50% quantile and 75% quantile of burden: -0.004). Lower educational level (25%Q: 4.0, 50%Q; 3.0, 75%Q: 2.16), being a farmer (25%Q: 2.0) and providing care to other people besides the person with T2DM (25%Q: 2.0, 50%Q; 2.54, 75%Q: 1.66) were associated with higher burden on caregivers. Conclusion: The study found that caregivers facing additional life stressors, such as low income or other caregiving responsibilities, reported higher levels of burden. These findings could inform the development of interventions targeted at supporting informal caregivers in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sandwiching MoSSe-Gr nanolayers via in-situ graphitization of organic solvent. • MoSSe-Gr nanolayers exhibit a highly promising cathode in LiSSe battery. • MoSSe-Gr (+ve) / LiPF6/ Li (−ve) based device exhibits a high-rate capability. • MoSSe-Gr cathode in LiSSe battery exhibits high capacities and extended cycle life. Rechargeable lithium batteries have demonstrated highly promising storage of energy systems because of their advantageous characteristics such as high energy density, extended cycle life, increased output power, and improved safety. To meet the ever-increasing high energy demands for powering hybrid and electric vehicles, it is necessary to develop electrode materials that possess high capacity and excellent rate capability. Hence, this work focuses on a MoSSe-Graphene based sandwiched nanolayer hybrid electrode material (MoSSe-Gr) for efficient Lithium-sulfur-selenium batteries applications. The MoSSe-Gr was synthesized through the solvothermal route, and subsequent calcination of the material at 800 °C under an inert atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-aray diffratometry (XRD), high-resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman shifts examinations reveal that graphitization of organic solvent from the precursor solution entrapped in the MoSSe interlayer spacing took place during calcination process, forming MoSSe-Graphene hybrid sandwich nanolayers. When employed as a cathodic material in a LiSSe battery, the hybrid sandwiched layers exhibited high-speed charging capability and extended cycle life. Specifically, the MoSSe-Gr material demonstrated a high-rate capability, delivering high capacities of 806.58/100, 668.42/500, 585.83/1000, 409.25/5000, and 284.16/10000 mAh/g/mA/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A semi-nested, heptaplex RT-PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection has been developed. • The complex melting spectrum was interpreted by an artificial intelligence algorithm. • The developed assay enables 96-sample pooled testing for increase of testing capacity. • About 8,000 pre-amplified samples could be screened in one realtime PCR run. Asymptomatic transmission was found to be the Achilles' heel of the symptom-based screening strategy, necessitating the implementation of mass testing to efficiently contain the transmission of COVID-19 pandemic. However, the global shortage of molecular reagents and the low throughput of available realtime PCR facilities were major limiting factors. A novel semi-nested and heptaplex (7-plex) RT-PCR assay with melting analysis for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been established for either individual testing or 96-sample pooled testing. The complex melting spectrum collected from the heptaplex RT-PCR amplicons was interpreted with the support of an artificial intelligence algorithm for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The analytical and clinical performance of the semi-nested RT-PCR assay was evaluated using RNAs synthesized in-vitro and those isolated from nasopharyngeal samples. The LOD of the assay for individual testing was estimated to be 7.2 copies/reaction. Clinical performance evaluation indicated a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 97.83–100) and a specificity of 99.87% (95% CI: 99.55–99.98). More importantly, the assay supports a breakthrough sample pooling method, which makes possible parallel screening of up to 96 samples in one real-time PCR well without loss of sensitivity. As a result, up to 8,820 individual pre-amplified samples could be screened for SARS-CoV-2 within each 96-well plate of realtime PCR using the pooled testing procedure. The novel semi-nested RT-PCR assay provides a solution for highly multiplex (7-plex) detection of SARS-CoV-2 and enables 96-sample pooled detection for increase of testing capacity.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the cellular stress by n-alkanols with different alkyl chain lengths in Escherichia coli, we investigated how n-alkanols damage cell envelope permeability and whether they enhance the promoter activity of the envelope stress response regulator, σE, by using variants of green fluorescent protein (GFP). By using E. coli cells having GFPuv expressing and localizing in the cytoplasm, the inner membrane, and the periplasm, after exposure to n-alkanols, the fluorescent intensity of GFPuv released from cells was examined. Our data showed that at the similar levels of cell death of about 90-97%, ethanol, a short-chain alkanol, at a concentration of 20% damaged the outer membrane more greatly than the inner membrane, whereas a longerchain alkanol of pentanol at a concentration of 1.125% damaged both of the outer and inner membranes. Then we investigated the envelope stress response to n-alkanols by σE factor by ratiometric analysis of rpoE promoter activity for the downstream GFPuv expression referenced to that of housekeeping sigma 70 (s70) recognizing lacUV5 promoter for red fluorescent protein (RFP) expression. The results indicated that the relative activity of rpoE promoter by pentanol was much greater than that of ethanol. The degree of its sensitization by rpoE deficiency was much more remarkable for cells treated with pentanol than for those with ethanol. The results suggest that the response of the σE plays a significant role in the membrane integrity and survival of E. coli cells treated with n-alkanols depending on the alkyl chain length of the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Sir, Pandemic public health measures (PPHM) play an important role in controlling the spread of Covid-19. PPHMs adherence was assessed using Likert-scales whilst questions regarding Covid-19 symptoms were open-ended. Additionally, life in SA was relatively unaffected by Covid-19 prior to December 2021, with a total of 931 cases compared to other states with higher case numbers.[3] Findings from this exploratory study suggests limited adherence to PPHM in this cohort. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: People with diabetes are at high risk of polypharmacy owing to complex treatment of diabetes and comorbidities. Polypharmacy is associated with increased risk of adverse reactions and decreased compliance. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess polypharmacy in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated diabetes-related factors in rural areas in Vietnam. Method: People with T2D (n = 806) who had received treatment for diabetes at a district hospital were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey. Polypharmacy was defined as ≥5 types of medicine and assessed as a) prescription medicine and non-prescription/over the counter (OTC) medicine and b) prescription medicine and non-prescription/OTC, herbal and traditional medicine, and dietary supplement. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between polypharmacy and diabetes specific factors: duration, comorbidities and diabetes-related distress. Results: Of the people with T2D, 7.8% had a medicine use corresponding to polypharmacy (prescription medicine and non-prescription/OTC), and 40.8% when herbal and traditional medicine, and dietary supplement were included. Mean number of medicine intake (all types of medicines and supplements) were 3.8±1.5. The odd ratios (ORs) of polypharmacy (medicine and supplements) increased with diabetes duration (<1–5 years OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.09–2.53 and >5 years OR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.14–2.64 as compared to ≤1-year duration of diabetes), number of comorbidities (1–2 comorbidities: OR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.18–3.42; ≥3 comorbidities: OR = 2.63;95%CI: 1.50–4.61 as compared to no comorbidities), and suffering from diabetes-related distress (OR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.11–2.01) as compared to those without distress. Conclusions: In rural northern Vietnam, persons with longer duration of T2D, higher number of comorbidities and diabetes-related stress have higher odds of having a medicine use corresponding to polypharmacy. A high proportion of people with T2D supplement their prescription, non-prescription/OTC medicine with herbal and traditional medicine and dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coptocheilus maunautim, new species, is described from Vietnam's Thua Thien-Hue Province. The closest relative of the new species is probably Coptocheilus maydelineae (Páll-Gergely, P.K. Nguyen & Y. Chen, 2019), which also has a "double suture", but differs in its much stronger shell sculpture. Coptocheilus Gould, 1862, is reinstated for this genus group. The widely used Schistoloma Kobelt, 1902, is an unnecessary replacement name and cannot be conserved. An updated checklist of the members of this genus is appended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work demonstrates the formation of self-aligned nanoporous architecture of gallium oxide by anodization of gallium metal film controlled at −15 °C in aqueous electrolyte consisting of phosphoric acid. SEM examination of the anodized film reveals that by adding ethylene glycol to the electrolyte and optimizing the ratio of phosphoric acid and water, chemical etching at the oxide/electrolyte interfaces can be controlled, leading to the formation of aligned nanotubular oxide structures with closed bottom. XPS analysis confirms the chemical composition of the oxide film as Ga2O3. Further, XRD and SAED examination reveals that the as-synthesized nanotubular structure is amorphous, and can be crystallized to β-Ga2O3 phase by annealing the film at 600 °C. The nanotubular structured film, when used as photoanode for photoelectrochemical splitting of water, achieved a higher photocurrent of about two folds than that of the nanoporous film, demonstrating the rewarding effect of the nanotubular structure. In addition, the work also demonstrates the formation of highly organized nonporous Ga2O3 structure on a nonconducting glass substrate coated with thin film of Ga-metal, highlighting that the current approach can be extended for the formation of self-organized nanoporous Ga2O3 thin film even on nonconducting flexible substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telosma cordata has long been consumed as foods and herbal medicine. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential biological activities of Telosma cordata flower (TCF) extracts and their molecular mechanisms in the treatment of neurological diseases, especially dementia. In general, the plant samples were successfully identified through DNA barcoding regions, utilizing matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL markers. The ethanol extract and its fraction exhibited significantly high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Moreover, hexane extract of T. cordata displayed the most potent neurotrophic activity in a preliminary cell-based screening based on C6 cells neurite outgrowth. Additionally, hexane extract of T. cordata demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. Finally, the hexane extract of T. cordata upregulated the expression of BDNF, NGF and acetyl H3 in C6 cells, affecting both mRNA and protein levels. These findings indicate that Telosma cordata could be a strong candidate for developing pharmacological drugs to treat dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are the method of choice for genetic analyses including diversity and quantitative trait loci (QTL) studies. Marker validation is essential for QTL studies, but the cost and workload are considerable when large numbers of markers need to be verified. Marker systems with low development costs would be most suitable for this task. Results: We have tested allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), tetra markers and a genotyping tool based on the single strand specific nuclease CEL-I to verify randomly selected SNP markers identified previously either with a SNP array or by genotyping by sequencing in rice and mungbean, respectively. The genotyping capacity of allele-specific PCR and tetra markers was affected by the sequence context surrounding the SNP; SNPs located in repeated sequences and in GC-rich stretches could not be correctly identified. In contrast, CEL-I digestion of mixed fragments produced from test and reference DNA reliably pinpointed the correct genotypes, yet scoring of the genotypes became complicated when multiple SNPs were present in the PCR fragments. A cost analysis showed that as long the sample number remains small, CEL-I genotyping is more cost-effective than tetra markers. Conclusions: CEL-I genotyping performed better in terms of genotyping accuracy and costs than tetra markers. The method is highly useful for validating SNPs in small to medium size germplasm panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomes are considered an ideal biomimetic environment and are potential functional carriers for important molecules such as steroids and sterols. With respect to the regulation of self-assembly via sterol insertion, several pathways such as the sterol biosynthesis pathway are affected by the physicochemical properties of the membranes. However, the behavior of steroid or sterol molecules (except cholesterol (Chl)) in the self-assembled membranes has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, to analyze the fundamental behavior of steroid molecules in fluid membranes, Chl, lanosterol, and ergosterol were used as representative sterols in order to clarify how they regulate the physicochemical properties of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) liposomes. Membrane properties such as surface membrane fluidity, hydrophobicity, surface membrane polarity, inner membrane polarity, and inner membrane fluidity were investigated using fluorescent probes, including 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino) naphthalene, 6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene, and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. The results indicated that each sterol derivative could regulate the membrane properties in different ways. Specifically, Chl successfully increased the packing of the DOPC/Chl membrane proportional to its concentration, and lanosterol and ergosterol showed lower efficiencies in ordering the membrane in hydrophobic regions. Given the different binding positions of the probes in the membranes, the differences in membrane properties reflected the relationship between sterol derivatives and their locations in the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because bla CTX-M is responsible for resistance of bacteria to the third generation cephalosporins, location of bla CTX-M could be a good indicator for classifying bacterial isolates harboring bla CTX-M in molecular epidemiology. However, determination of bla CTX-M location has been difficult when multiple copies of IS Ecp1 were found on bacterial genome. We aimed to establish a high-throughput analytical method for upstream genetic structures (UGS) of IS Ecp1 to facilitate determination of bla CTX-M location. Extracted DNA samples obtained from 168 Escherichia coli isolates possessing bla CTX-M were digested by restriction enzyme, HaeIII, and the digested DNA fragments were ligated with homemade barcode adaptors. Then, DNA fragments containing UGS of IS Ecp1 were amplified and subjected to the Nanopore sequencer. Nucleotide sequences and locations of 168 UGSs obtained from the examined E. coli isolates were determined. Among the 168 determined UGSs, 150 (89.3%) UGS were confirmed on plasmid and classified into eight types. Interestingly, coding sequence of IS Ecp1 transposase gene in seven of the eight types were disrupted by IS 26 insertion. The remaining 18 (10.7%) UGSs were observed in identical chromosomal region. The obtained nucleotide sequences the locations of UGSs were confirmed by conventional capillary sequencer and Southern blotting, respectively, and any discrepant result was not observed with these confirmation procedures. Our results indicated that the established method was efficient for simultaneously determining at least 100 different UGS, and suggested that the determined UGSs of IS Ecp1 - bla CTX-M transposition unit was useful for classification of bacterial isolates harboring bla CTX-M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research examines wage inequality between male and female workers in Thailand. Using Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition technique, wage inequality between male and female workers is partitioned into the unexplained part in their wage gap and the explained part due to differences in their endowments. We found that in general gender wage gap in Thailand has-narrowed down over the last decades from 14 percent in 1996 to 10 percent in 2006 and then 1 percent in 2013. However, the extent of gender discrimination favoring men represented by the unexplained part of the wage gap increased sharply in 2013 after a small decline in 2006. Women, on average, have made greater improvements in education and skills to build up their human capital thus raising their wages but those efforts were eliminated by discrimination. The disaggregation analysis across economic sectors reveals different degrees of discrimination in different industries. Wage inequality was rising even in the female-dominant sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal death is one of the highest causes of global mortality. Governments have long used regulation to improve maternal health but concurrent fiscal-decentralisation reforms can undermine clinical performance. This article focuses on public Vietnamese hospitals to explore how regulatory compliance is pursued in decentralised health facilities, since Vietnam has seen increasing autonomisation of public hospitals in the last decade while simultaneously experiencing marked reductions in the maternal mortality ratio. Our analysis suggests that autonomisation has allowed regional regulatory regimes to emerge and that regulatory compliance must compete with other priorities. Compliance can therefore be rethought as a negotiation having implications for how government and maternal health advocates persuade self-sufficient hospitals to take on wider health-system goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A possible role of a model biomembrane, liposome, in gene expression was investigated by using the cell-free translation system. A reporter protein, green fluorescence protein (GFP), was expressed in vitro with and without liposome prepared with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyl chorine (POPC) and cholesterol (Ch) (5.7 mM lipid concentration). In the presence of POPC/Ch liposome, the fluorescence intensity of produced GFP was found to be 1.67 times higher than that in the control after 18 h of expression. The results of the SDS-PAGE analysis also show the above promotion effect of the liposome on the net expression of the GFP gene (1.58 times more). The amounts of mRNA were found to be promoted to 1.29 times higher than those in the control. The differences among mRNA, net expression of the GFP gene, and GFP fluorescence indicate that the enhanced GFP expression in the presence of POPC/Ch liposome could primarily affect the transcription and translation of the GFP gene among the possible steps of gene expression. The variation of in vitro gene expression with various liposomes also shows that the biomembrane could act as a modulator to split the genotype and phenotype in a biological cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) belongs to the mitochondrial carder family and has been thought to be involved in suppressing mitochondrial ROS production through uncoupling mitochondrial respiration from ATP synthesis. However, we show here that loss of function of UCP2 does not result in a significant increase in ROS production or an increased propensity for cells to undergo senescence in culture. Instead, Ucp2-/- cells display enhanced proliferation associated with a metabolic switch from fatty acid oxidation to glucose metabolism. This metabolic switch requires the unrestricted availability of glucose, and Ucp2-/-cells more readily activate autophagy than wild-type cells when deprived of glucose. Altogether, these results suggest that UCP2 promotes mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation while limiting mitochondrial catabolism of pyruvate. The persistence of fatty acid catabolism in Ucp2+/+ cells during a proliferative response correlates with reduced cell proliferation and enhances resistance to glucose starvation-induced autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian cells are believed to have a cell-intrinsic ability to increase glucose metabolism in response to hypoxia. Here we show that the ability of hematopoietic cells to up-regulate anaerobic glycolysis in response to hypoxia is dependent on receptor-mediated signal transduction. In the absence of growth factor signaling, hematopoietic cells fail to express hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (Hif-1α) mRNA. Growth factor-deprived hematopoietic cells do not engage in glucose-dependent anabolic synthesis and neither express Hif-1α mRNA nor require HIF-1α protein to regulate cell survival in response to hypoxia. However, HIF-1α is adaptive for the survival of growth factor-stimulated cells, as suppression of HIF-1α results in death when growing cells are exposed to hypoxia. Growth factor-dependent HIF-17alpha; expression reprograms the intracellular fate of glucose, resulting in decreased glucose-dependent anabolic synthesis and increased lactate production, an effect that is enhanced when HIF-1α protein is stabilized by hypoxia. Together, these data suggest that HIF-1α contributes to the regulation of growth factor-stimulated glucose metabolism even in the absence of hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices due to their ultrahigh theoretical gravimetric energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, the application of Li–S batteries remains challenging; mainly due to a lack of understanding of the complex chemical reactions and associated equilibria that occur in a working Li–S system. A new approach preparing graphene-based active cathode materials of Li-S battery with spatially confined lithium sulfides is reported. The starting graphene-embedded 2D-MoS 2 was synthesized by a solvothermal method in organic solvents followed by the calcination of trapped organic solvent molecules at 800 °C to give graphene single sheets inside the 2D-MoS 2 layers with 7 Å distance (MoS 2 -Gr-32.51). Then, it was electrochemically reduced/lithiated at potential 0.01 V vs Li+/Li generating metallic molybdenum and lithium sulfides. As a result, the structure of MoS 2 multi-layers collapsed. The graphene multi-layer (ML-Graphene) was left behind and shut the lithium sulfides between the layers. The sizes of Li 2 S n (n = 4–6) are bigger than the inter-layer distance of ML-Graphene, and the escape of sulfur/sulfides from the cathode into the electrolyte is physically blocked alleviating shuttle effects. The specific capacity of ML-Graphene/lithium sulfides cathode was high of 1209 mAh/g MoS2-Gr at 0.1 C (1 C = 670 mA/g). The ML-Graphene exhibited the remarkable lithium intercalation capability, and the theoretical calculation has been carried out to give 2231.4 mAh/g. Such high capacity was hybridized with the theoretical capacity of sulfur (1675 mAh/g), and the ML-Graphene composite with dichalcogenides (2D-MoS 2) became a promising platform for the cathode of Li-S batteries. • Transition metal chalcogenides (MoS2) were synthesized by applying a closed reflux system. • ML-Gr was formed from Carbon (C) precursor and its calculated theoretical capacity value 2231.4 mAh/g. • Liquid-solid interfaces facilitate rapid ion transport and low interfacial impedance. • Polysulfide shuttle effects were prevented using a ML-Gr structure in Li-S battery. • In-situ generated new class of Li2S cathode for Li-S battery application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Potential edible, active packaging films were successfully fabricated based on chitosan and Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. leaves extract. • Hydrogen interaction between chitosan matrix and SCELE flavonoids decrease moisture content, swelling degree and water vapor permeation. • Thermal stability and mechanical behavior of the chitosan matrix was not affected considerably by the presence of 2 % SCELE. • A small amount of SCELE was found to remarkably improve antimicrobial activities of chitosan film against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The purpose of this study is to prepare and characterize the potential edible packaging films based on chitosan and Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. leaf extract (SCELE) into matrix. The incorporation of SCELE into Chitosan matrix was conducted with various contents (1–3 % wt) and the chitosan-based film samples were investigated. The effects of SCELE on the physical properties and antimicrobial activity of samples were also characterized. The Vietnamese banana fruit was chosen for food preservation and the appearance of banana coated with and without chitosan-based composite films was evaluated. The results indicated that the presence of SCELE can improve the antimicrobial activities, water vapor barriers while a significant decrease in light transmittance was found. Furthermore, the tensile strength and thermal stability were not affected by the addition of 2 % wt SCELE. Bananas coated with composite film based on chitosan matrix and SCELE had longer life time than control sample and those coated with pure chitosan film, indicating that the combination of SCELE into chitosan matrix brings potential application for active edible food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive glass-ceramics (BGCs) with the composition of 60SiO2-30CaO-10P2O5 (wt. %) have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The BGC samples were prepared at two reaction temperatures of 150 and 220°C, named BGC-150 and BGC-220. The XRD and FTIR analyses highlighted that the degree of crystallinity of BGCs increased linearly with hydrothermal reaction temperature. FE-SEM and TEM results indicated that the surface of BGC samples is covered by the nanosized particles which grow into larger sizes as a function of reaction temperature. The bioactivity of BGCs was investigated by the immersion of powder samples in the SBF solution. The results confirmed the dissolution and the interaction of BGC samples in the SBF solution which led to the formation of a new apatite phase on their surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual levels of antibiotics in Vietnamese eggs were monitored from 2014 to 2015. A total of 111 egg packages, distributed by 11 different companies, were collected from supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City and the levels of 28 antibiotics were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) screening method. Sixteen samples tested positive for antibiotics; a total of eight compounds (enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, sulfamonomethoxine, tilmicosin and trimethoprim) were detected. Enrofloxacin was detected in eight samples, with two samples exhibiting concentrations exceeding 1,000 µg kg−1. Tilmicosin was detected in three samples at a range of 49–568 µg kg−1. We observed that two of the 11 companies frequently sold antibiotic-contaminated eggs (detection rates of 56 and 60%), suggesting that a number of companies do not regulate the use of antibiotics in egg-laying hens. Our findings indicate that livestock farmers require instruction regarding antibiotic use and that continual antibiotic monitoring is essential in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bruchid beetles are an important storage pest of grain legumes. Callosobruchus sp. infect mungbean (Vigna radiata) at low levels in the field, multiply during grain storage and can destroy seed stocks in a few months. Resistance against bruchid beetles has been found in wild mungbean V. radiata var. sublobata TC1966 and in cultivated mungbean line V2802. Results: Bruchid resistance data were obtained from recombinant inbred line populations TC1966 (V. radiata var. sublobata) x NM92 (F12) and V2802 (V. radiata) x NM94 (F7). More than 6,000 single nucleotide polymorphic markers were generated through genotyping by sequencing (GBS) for each of these populations and were used to map bruchid resistance genes. One highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with bruchid resistance was mapped to chromosome 5 on genetic maps of both populations, suggesting that TC1966 and V2802 contain the same resistance locus. Co-segregation of all markers associated with resistance indicated the presence of only one major resistance QTL on chromosome 5, while QTL analysis based on physical map positions of the markers suggested the presence of multiple QTLs on different chromosomes. The diagnostic capacity of the identified molecular markers located in the QTL to correctly predict resistance was up to 100 %. Conclusions: Molecular markers tightly linked to bruchid resistance loci of two different mungbean resistance sources were developed and validated. These markers are highly useful for developing resistant lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound has been an extraction technique received much attention in recent years. This technique is proven to be able to increase extraction efficiency, shorten extraction time and maintain the activity of antioxidants especially polyphenols. Liquid state of the antioxidant mixture after extraction reduces the application of extracts containing bioactive compounds. This is due to the rapid decline in activity over time and higher transport costs for the liquid extracts with a large amount of water. Therefore, this study was focused on extraction process assisted by microwave to obtain the guava extracts and capsulated these extracts by the suitable carrier to remain the polyphenol activity. It could be seen that microwave was a potential method to extract the polyphenols in comparison with solid-liquid extraction. The cell structure of plant materials was significantly destroyed by microwave in order to release more polyphenols from inner parts of guava leaves. The total phenolic and flavonoid content were increased 12.7% and 36.5% when microwave applied in comparison with the solid-liquid extraction. The combined 20% maltodextrin and 10% arabic gum was the best way to maintain the polyphenol activity. The polyphenols were encapsulated by the combined maltose dextrin and arabic gum was 5.2% more than those of maltodextrin only. Color indices such as L*, a*, b* were significantly different between the powders capsulated by the maltose dextrin and the combined maltose dextrin and arabic gum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of high-methoxyl pectin from amberella peels was studied. The best result was obtained with pH of 4.6, solid-liquid ratio of 1:38, extraction time of 9 min and microwave power of 600W in which the pectin content was 20%. Some characters of pectins were estimated. Pectins obtained by the combined oxalic acid and microwave showed DE value and galacturonic acid 7.3% and 100.6%; respectively, higher than those treated with hydrochloride acid. DA values were the same between both pectin samples. The lightness of pectins extracted by the combined oxalic acid and microwave was more suitable for food application than that of pectins obtain to the hydrochloride treatment. There were significant different in color co-ordinates between the pectins from hydrochloride treatment and that from the combined oxalic and microwave treatment. The viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight of pectins of the combined oxalic acid and microwave were 120% and 161% higher than those of traditional method. Microwave irradiation could be damaged more cell walls of amberella peels to release a large amount of pectins and to reduce treatment time for minimizing the cost of extraction process. The combined oxalic acid and microwave is a good method to get more pectins from amberella peels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many synthetic pigments are now banned or limited in application to the foods because the evidence related to the ability to cause cancer and other adverse impacts on the health. Therefore, the study of natural colorants to replace the synthetic colors mentioned above is a challenge for many food scientists in Vietnam and around the world. Cam is abundant in rural area in the North of Vietnam. Currently, Cam leaves have been used as a popular pigment in Vietnam to replace synthetic colors in the traditional foods. Many studies have also shown that the dyes extracted from Cam leaves exhibited clear and beautiful appearance and durability during prolonged storage. Furthermore, the safety when using pigment of Cam leaves has been proven through the long history of the use and through the study of acute toxicity. Extracts of Cam leaves contain a large amount of pelargonidin, zizilan, carotenoids, ß-sitosterol. These compounds are asserted to cure the tuberculosis, eliminates phlegm, acute bronchitis, antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, windpipe infection, hepatitis and diabetes. In order to reduce the cost of using these extracts on food application, many extraction techniques have been introduced to maximum the amount of pigments obtained to Cam leaves. Among of them, ultrasound and microwave are potential ones because of their lower cost and shortly consumed time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradative pathway frequently activated in tumor cells treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Whether autophagy observed in treated cancer cells represents a mechanism that allows tumor cells to survive therapy or a mechanism for initiating a nonapoptotic form of programmed cell death remains controversial. To address this issue, the role of autophagy in a Myc-induced model of lymphoma generated from cells derived from p53ER(TAM)/p53ER(TAM) mice (with ER denoting estrogen receptor) was examined. Such tumors are resistant to apoptosis due to a lack of nuclear p53. Systemic administration of tamoxifen led to p53 activation and tumor regression followed by tumor recurrence. Activation of p53 was associated with the rapid appearance of apoptotic cells and the induction of autophagy in surviving cells. Inhibition of autophagy with either chloroquine or ATG5 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) enhanced the ability of either p53 activation or alkylating drug therapy to induce tumor cell death. These studies provide evidence that autophagy serves as a survival pathway in tumor cells treated with apoptosis activators and a rationale for the use of autophagy inhibitors such as chloroquine in combination with therapies designed to induce apoptosis in human cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]