Correction: Shape-controlled synthesis of micro-/nanosized Cu particles with spherical and polyhedral shapes using the polyol process.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D4RA03643C.].

Variations of Eating Behaviors Among Vietnamese Preschool Children and Their Association With Children's Anthropometric Z-Scores: Results From Analyses of the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire in 10 000 Children.

Eating behaviors, which are shaped during childhood, are one of the important factors influencing children's growth. This study aimed to investigate the variations in eating behaviors among Vietnamese preschool children aged 3 to 6 years using the Children Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) and their association with anthropometric Z-scores. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 172 children from 36 to 72 months old, recruited from three different socioeconomic regions of Hanoi. Differentiation of eating behaviors between two sexes was observed across all age groups, but most obvious at 36 to 48 months of age. The subscales of emotional overeating (EOE), enjoyment of food (EF), and desire to drink (DD) were higher in 60- to 72-month age groups and vice versa for slowness in eating (SE) and emotional undereating (EUE) subscales. Analyses using the general linear model showed that CEBQ subscales were associated with anthropometric Z-scores in both girls and boys.

Hepatoprotective Lignan Glycosides from the Leaves and Stems of Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. Moore.

This study investigates Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. Moore leaves and stems, commonly known as Symplocos, a plant indigenous to Asia renowned for its traditional use in holistic medicine. A comprehensive phytochemical analysis of S. cochinchinensis led to the isolation of two new lignans, namely symplolignans A and B (1 and 2) along with eleven known lignan glucosides: nortrachelogenin 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (3), nortracheloside (4), matairesinol 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), lariciresinol 4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6), balanophonin 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (7), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (8), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol γ'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (9), 3-(ß-D-glucopyranosyloxymethyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-(3-hydroxypropyl)-7-methoxy-(2R,3S)-dihydrobenzofura (10), and pinoresinol 4'-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (11). Their chemical structures were elucidated using 1D- and 2D-NMR, mass spectrometry, and their spectroscopic data were compared with those reported in literatures. Furthermore, all compounds were evaluated for their hepatoprotective effects using the Resazurin reduction assay in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Compounds 1, 5, 7, and 8 exhibited notable hepatoprotective efficacy, with cell viability ranging from 105.0±2.6 to 109.2±3.3 at a concentration of 10 µM. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of these compounds and enhanced to the understanding of lignans and neolignans in liver cell proliferation.

Associations of different inflammatory factors with atherosclerosis among patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Background: This study aimed to measure the associations between different inflammatory factors, namely interleukin (IL)-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 125 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 50 healthy controls were recruited. Clinical characteristics and atherosclerosis were assessed. IL-17A, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels were measured. Results: Psoriasis vulgaris patients with atherosclerosis had higher levels of hs-CRP (median = 1.22; interquartile range-IQR = 0.34-12.11) and IL-17A (median = 1.30; IQR = 0.43-4.28), but a lower level of TNF-α (median = 0.54; IQR = 0.13-3.41) compared to those without atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Only LogIL-17A was positively related to atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients (Odds Ratio-OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.06-4.38, p < 0.05). After excluding systemically treated patients, LogIL-17A and Log TNF-α were associated with the likelihood of atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests a link between elevated levels of IL-17A and TNF-α and subclinical atherosclerosis. Further investigation on a larger scale is required to establish the causality of this relationship.

Shape-controlled synthesis of micro-/nanosized Cu particles with spherical and polyhedral shapes using the polyol process.

This study reports the synthesis of Cu micro-/nanosized particles through the polyol process. Cu particles were synthesized by reducing copper(ii) chloride in ethylene glycol (EG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and potassium bromide (KBr) at low temperatures with or without the use of sodium borohydride (NaBH4).

Toxic metals in rice among Asian countries: A review of occurrence and potential human health risks.

Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) pose significant health risks, particularly in Asia, where rice is a staple for nearly three billion people. Despite their known dangers and environmental prevalence, studies addressing their concentrations in rice across different regions and the associated health implications remain insufficient. This review systematically examines the occurrence and impact of these toxic elements, filling a critical gap in the literature. Data from seven countries indicate mean concentrations in the order of Pb > As>Cd, with values of 0.255 ± 0.013, 0.236 ± 0.317, and 0.136 ± 0.150 mg/kg, respectively. Uncertainty analysis shows extensive variability, especially for Cd, with a 95% confidence interval range from 0.220 to 0.992 mg/kg. The typical daily intake of heavy metals through rice consumption, in the order of As>Cd > Pb, frequently exceeds safe limits. Generally, data obtained from various studies showed that children were more prone to heavy metal contamination through rice consumption than adults. This review is fundamental for ongoing monitoring, future research, and management strategies to reduce heavy metal contamination in rice.

Symplosaponins A-D: New acylated oleanane-type triterpene saponins from Symplocos cochinchinensis and their hepatoprotective effect.

Four new acylated oleanane-type triterpene saponins, symplosaponins A-D (1-4) were successfully isolated from the leaves of Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. Moore, alongside with five known compounds (5-9), 2-methoxy-4-prop-1-enylphenyl-1-O-ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), and 1-[O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-2,6-dimethoxy-4-propenyl-phenol (6), 6-O-p-coumaroylsucrose (7), arillatose B (8), and (-)-secoisolariciresinol-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (9). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic methods, comparison with existing data, and chemical methods. Furthermore, all compounds were assessed for their impact on hepatocellular viability using the Resazurin reduction assay. These investigations aimed to explore the potential hepatoprotective properties of isolated compounds. As a result, 1-[O-ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 6)-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl]-2,6-dimethoxy-4-propenyl-phenol (6) and (-)-secoisolariciresinol-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (9) demonstrated statistically significant hepatoprotective activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Bithiophene and coumestan derivatives from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. and their hepatoprotective activity.

One new bithiophene derivative, 5-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-5'-(methoxymethyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (1), along with twelve known compounds, senecioester (2), tiglinsaureester (3), 5-acetoxymethyl-2'-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-2,5'-bithiophene (4), 5-(4-isovaleroyloxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (5), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5':2',5'')-terthienyl tiglate (6), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5':2',5'')-terthienyl agelate (7), 5- hydroxymethyl-2,5':2',5''-terthiophene dimethylacrylate (8), 5-methoxymethyl-2,2':5',2''-terthiophene (9), α-terthiophene (10), 1,3,8,9-tetrahydroxycoumestan 3-sulfate (11), demethylwedelolactone (12), and wedelolactone (13) were isolated from the methanol extract of aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. All isolated compounds were evaluated for the protective ability on the HepG2 cells. At the concentration of 100 µM, compounds 11-13 showed the highest hepatoprotective effects, with HepG2 cell viability ranging from 38.68% to 48.54%. Bithiophenes showed higher hepatoprotective cell viability than terthiophenes.

Oleanane-Type Triterpene Glycosides from Camellia phanii and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity.

Three new oleanane-type triterpene saponins, named camphanosides A-C (1-3), along with five known compounds, chikusetsusaponin IVa (4), spinasaponin A 28-O-glucoside (5), (-)-epicatechin (6), (-)-epicatechin 3-O-gallate (7), and (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (8) were isolated from the leaves Camellia phanii Hakoda & Ninh. Their structures were established by 1D and 2D-NMR and mass spectral analysis and chemical methods. Moreover, compounds 1-5 were also evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 1-3 exhibited moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 230.7±18.0, 251.4±22.7, and 421.4±25.6 µM, respectively.

Chemical constituents from the heterotrophic marine microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. SC145 and their antimicrobial activities.

One new indol, N-methoxymethyltryptophol (1), one new phenolic, (2 R)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate (2) and fifteen known compounds (3-17) were isolated from the methanol extract of the fermentation of marine microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. SC145. Their structures were elucidated by 1D-, 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, HR-ESI-MS, quantum chemical calculation methods and by comparing their NMR data with those reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against microorganisms. Compounds 2, 3 and 11 significantly exhibited antimicrobial activities on all tested Gram-(+), Gram-(-) bacteria and the yeast C. albicans with MIC values ranging from 32 to 256 µg/mL.

Isolation of Fucoxanthin from Sargassum oligocystum Montagne, 1845 Seaweed in Vietnam and Its Neuroprotective Activity.

Fucoxanthin extracted and purified from Vietnamese Sargassum oligocystum Montagne, 1845 exhibits various biological activities. In this study, the ability of fucoxanthin to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the antioxidant activities, and the expression of antioxidant enzymes were investigated. Fucoxanthin isolated from Vietnamese S. oligocystum showed no cytotoxic effects; moreover, it exhibited AChE inhibitory activity (with an IC50 value of 130.12 ± 6.65 µg mL-1) and antioxidant activity (with an IC50 value of 3.42 ± 0.15 mg mL-1). At concentrations of 50 and 100 µg mL-1, fucoxanthin provided protection against amyloid ß-protein fragment 25-35-induced neurotoxicity in a C6 neuronal cell line, and the survival of C6 cells was higher than 81.01% and 80.98%, respectively, compared to the control group (59%). Moreover, antioxidant enzyme activity and quantitative PCR analysis suggested that the neuroprotective effect of fucoxanthin resulted from regulation of the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GPx) and ER pathways (caspase-3 and Bax), as well as the promotion of expression of genes involved in PI3K/Akt signaling (GSK-3ß), autophagy (p62 and ATG5), and the biosynthesis of ACh (VAChT and ChAT). Therefore, fucoxanthin extracted from the seaweed S. oligocystum in Vietnam is a potential feedstock source for the production of health foods that exert neuroprotective effects.

Host-pathogen relationship in retreated tuberculosis with major rifampicin resistance-conferring mutations.

Introduction: It is assumed that host defense systems eliminating the pathogen and regulating tissue damage make a strong impact on the outcome of tuberculosis (TB) disease and that these processes are affected by rifampicin (RIF) resistance-conferring mutations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). However, the host responses to the pathogen harboring different mutations have not been studied comprehensively in clinical settings. We analyzed clinico-epidemiological factors and blood transcriptomic signatures associated with major rpoB mutations conferring RIF resistance in a cohort study. Methods: Demographic data were collected from 295 active pulmonary TB patients with treatment history in Hanoi, Vietnam. When recruited, drug resistance-conferring mutations and lineage-specific variations were identified using whole-genome sequencing of clinical Mtb isolates. Before starting retreatment, total RNA was extracted from the whole blood of HIV-negative patients infected with Mtb that carried either the rpoB H445Y or rpoB S450L mutation, and the total RNA was subjected to RNA sequencing after age-gender matching. The individual RNA expression levels in the blood sample set were also measured using real-time RT-PCR. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess possible associations. Results: In our cohort, rpoB S450L and rpoB H445Y were major RIF resistance-conferring mutations [32/87 (36.8%) and 15/87 (17.2%), respectively]. H445Y was enriched in the ancient Beijing genotype and was associated with nonsynonymous mutations of Rv1830 that has been reported to regulate antibiotic resilience. H445Y was also more frequently observed in genetically clustered strains and in samples from patients who had received more than one TB treatment episode. According to the RNA sequencing, gene sets involved in the interferon-γ and-α pathways were downregulated in H445Y compared with S450L. The qRT-PCR analysis also confirmed the low expression levels of interferon-inducible genes, including BATF2 and SERPING1, in the H445Y group, particularly in patients with extensive lesions on chest X-ray. Discussion: Our study results showed that rpoB mutations as well as Mtb sublineage with additional genetic variants may have significant effects on host response. These findings strengthen the rationale for investigation of host-pathogen interactions to develop countermeasures against epidemics of drug-resistant TB.

Synchronous occurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT-type lymphoma: A case report and literature review.

The coexistence of multiple primary malignant tumors in an organ is rare. This includes the extremely rarely reported combination of gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric MALT-type lymphoma as synchronous tumors. We describe a case of a 72-year-old man diagnosed with this combination. He had no remarkable medical history and came to our hospital because of discomfort in the gastric area. Although the biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma only, the microscopic findings after partial gastrectomy incidentally showed additional lymphoma that was subsequently confirmed by immunohistochemistry as MALT-type lymphoma. This case study and literature analysis aims to raise awareness of the possibility of synchronous malignant neoplasm in the stomach to enhance preoperative diagnosis.

Prostatic stromal sarcoma: A case report and literature review.

Stromal sarcoma of the prostate is extremely rare. In this article, we report the case of a 43-year-old male admitted to the local hospital due to dysuria. Although the pathological findings from transurethral prostatic resection showed low-grade stromal sarcoma, the surgical specimen after radical prostatectomy revealed high-grade sarcoma with hypercellularity, marked atypical spindle cells, and high mitotic activity. This case study and literature analysis aim to emphasize its rarity and raise awareness about clinical and pathological diagnosis.

A New Ceanothane-Type Triterpenoid Saponin Isolated from Gouania leptostachya DC. var. tonkinensis Pit. and Its Underlying Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

Metabolites from medicinal plants continue to hold significant value in the exploration and advancement of novel pharmaceuticals. In the search for plants containing compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, we observed that the ethanol (EtOH) extract obtained from the aerial components of Gouania leptostachya DC. var. tonkinensis Pit. exhibited substantial suppression of nitric oxide (NO) in vitro. In a phytochemical study on an EtOH extract of G. leptostachya, 11 compounds were purified, including one unreported compound namely gouanioside A (1). Their chemical structures were unambiguously determined through the use of various spectroscopic techniques, such as 1 and 2D NMR, IR, and HR-ESI-MS, and by producing derivatives via chemical reactions. The EtOH extract, fractions, and a new compound exerted inflammatory effects by altering NO synthesis in murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The underlying inflammatory mechanism of the new compound 1 was also explored through various in vitro experiments. The results of this study indicate the potential usefulness of new compound 1 from G. leptostachya as a treatment for inflammatory diseases.

Correction: Highly efficient degradation of reactive black KN-B dye by ultraviolet light responsive ZIF-8 photocatalysts with different morphologies.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D2RA08312D.].

Highly efficient degradation of reactive black KN-B dye by ultraviolet light responsive ZIF-8 photocatalysts with different morphologies.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-8, a type of metal-organic framework, has diverse applications in multiple catalytic fields due to its outstanding properties. Herein, ZIF-8 photocatalysts with three different morphologies (dodecahedral, pitaya-like, and leaf-like) are successfully synthesized under ambient conditions from zinc salts by altering the volume ratio of methanol and water used as a solvent. The as-synthesized ZIFs have high crystallinity with distinct BET surface areas. The experiments indicate that the ZIFs have high photocatalytic efficiency, in which the leaf-like structure (ZIF-8-F3) is the most efficient in the degradation of reactive black KN-B dye (RB5) under 365 nm UV irradiation. This is due to the efficient inhibition of electron-hole recombination or the higher migration of charge carriers in ZIF-8-F3, thus producing more reactive oxygen species, resulting in greater photocatalytic efficiency. At pH = 11, more than 95% of RB5 is degraded within 2 hours when using 1.0 g L-1 of ZIF-8-F3. Besides, the photocatalytic and kinetic performances of ZIF-8-F3 are also investigated by optimizing the pH, initial RB5 concentration, and dosage of the used catalyst. These ZIF-8-F3 plates have been shown to be a promising material with high photostability and effective reusability, beneficial to various potential applications in environmental remediation issues.

The role of acupuncture in pain and swelling control for postoperative tibial fracture treatment.

BACKGROUND: Currently, intramedullary nailing for tibial fractures has very good postoperative treatment results. Combining the advantages of traditional medicine and modern medicine is a comprehensive treatment method that brings the best benefits to the patient. METHODS: The study method was a controlled clinical trial. The study included 60 patients with a definitive diagnosis of tibial fracture who underwent intramedullary nailing surgery. These patients were divided into 2 groups: with and without electroacupuncture treatment. RESULTS: Electro-acupuncture had a significant analgesic effect in 24-48 h after surgery: After 24 h or electro-acupuncture, the pain difference in the study group and the control groups was 3.03 ± 1.25 and 2.46 ± 1.33, respectively (p < 0.05). The VAS score difference between day 1 and day 2 in the study group and the control group was 0.61 ± 0.71 and 0.59 ± 0.67, respectively (p < 0.05). At 48 h postoperatively, the circumference of the calf on the fractured side in the study group and the control group was 36.1 ± 2.1 and 37.3 ± 2.2 cm, respectively (p < 0.05). At 72 h postoperatively, the circumference of the calf in the study group and the control group was 35.9 ± 2.6 and 37.6 ± 2.8 cm, respectively (p < 0.05). The effect of electro-acupuncture on bone healing did not differ between the study group and the control group (p > 0.05). During 7 days of using the treatment regimen, there were 3.3 % of patients with dizziness, 3.3 % of patients with vomiting/nausea, 3.3 % of patients with bleeding at the injection site. There was no difference in blood pressure, pulse rate, hematological indexes and biochemical indexes of patients before and after using the treatment regimen. CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture has a significant analgesic effect 24 h-48 h after surgery. The effect of electroacupuncture on bone healing was not different between the two groups. Electroacupuncture is a safe, effective method with few side effects.

GABA-enriched rice bran inhibits inflammation in LPS-stimulated macrophages via suppression of TLR4-MAPK/NF-κB signaling cascades.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-enriched products (GEP) exhibited a wide range of pharmaceutical properties. In this study, anti-inflammatory activity of GEP from Lactobacillus fermentum-fermented water solution of rice bran was evaluated on lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage model. GABA content in L. fermentum-fermented rice bran solution was determined up to 1.27 g/L. GEP was shown to inhibit the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes. Moreover, pretreatment of GEP attenuated the generation level of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Especially, the activation of signaling pathways due to nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was interrupted in GEP-exposed cells. Notably, molecular docking result showed a potential binding of GABA to Toll-like receptor 4 with a binding energy of -3.88 kcal/mol, suggesting the role of GABA in suppression of Toll-like receptor 4-MAPK/NF-κB signaling cascades. As the result, GEP from L. fermentum-fermented rice bran solution could be suggested as a promising food for suppression of inflammatory responses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: GABA-enriched products have been evidenced to possess various pharmaceutical properties and health beneficial effects. In this study, GABA-enriched product from L. fermentum-fermented rice bran solution exhibited the inhibition on inflammatory response in macrophages. Hence, it could be used as a potential ingredient for the mitigation of inflammatory responses.