γ-Oryzanol from Rice Bran Antagonizes Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity in an In Vitro Model of Differentiated HT-22 Cells.

The excessive activation of glutamate in the brain is a factor in the development of vascular dementia. γ-Oryzanol is a natural compound that has been shown to enhance brain function, but more research is needed to determine its potential as a treatment for vascular dementia. This study investigated if γ-oryzanol can delay or improve glutamate neurotoxicity in an in vitro model of differentiated HT-22 cells and explored its neuroprotective mechanisms. The differentiated HT-22 cells were treated with 0.1 mmol/L glutamate for 24 h then given γ-oryzanol at appropriate concentrations or memantine (10 µmol/L) for another 24 h. Glutamate produced reactive oxygen species and depleted glutathione in the cells, which reduced their viability. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also observed, including the inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I activity, the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the reduction of intracellular ATP levels in the HT-22 cells. Calcium influx triggered by glutamate subsequently activated type II calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) in the HT-22 cells. The activation of CaMKII-ASK1-JNK MAP kinase cascade, decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and increased Apaf-1-dependent caspase-9 activation were also observed due to glutamate induction, which were associated with increased DNA fragmentation. These events were attenuated when the cells were treated with γ-oryzanol (0.4 mmol/L) or the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine. The results suggest that γ-oryzanol has potent neuroprotective properties against glutamate excitotoxicity in differentiated HT-22 cells. Therefore, γ-oryzanol could be a promising candidate for the development of therapies for glutamate excitotoxicity-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including vascular dementia.

Magnetic, Electrical, and Physical Properties Evolution in Fe3O4 Nanofiller Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite Produced by Powder Metallurgy Method.

An investigation into the addition of different weight percentages of Fe3O4 nanoparticles to find the optimum wt.% and its effect on the microstructure, thermal, magnetic, and electrical properties of aluminum matrix composite was conducted using the powder metallurgy method. The purpose of this research was to develop magnetic properties in aluminum. Based on the obtained results, the value of density, hardness, and saturation magnetization (Ms) from 2.33 g/cm3, 43 HV and 2.49 emu/g for Al-10 Fe3O4 reached a maximum value of 3.29 g/cm3, 47 HV and 13.06 emu/g for the Al-35 Fe3O4 which showed an improvement of 41.2%, 9.3%, and 424.5%, respectively. The maximum and minimum coercivity (Hc) was 231.87 G for Al-10 Fe3O4 and 142.34 G for Al-35 Fe3O4. Moreover, the thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity at a high weight percentage (35wt.%) were 159 w/mK, 9.9 × 10-4 Ω·m, and the highest compressive strength was 133 Mpa.

MiR-6924-5p-rich exosomes derived from genetically modified Scleraxis-overexpressing PDGFRα(+) BMMSCs as novel nanotherapeutics for treating osteolysis during tendon-bone healing and improving healing strength.

Osteolysis at the tendon-bone interface can impair pullout strength during tendon-bone healing and lead to surgery failure, but the effects of clinical treatments are not satisfactory. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes have been used as potent and feasible natural nanocarriers for drug delivery and have been proven to enhance tendon-bone healing strength, indicating that MSC-derived exosomes could be a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, we explored Scleraxis (Scx) dynamically expressed in PDGFRα(+) bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) during natural tendon-bone healing. Then, we investigated the role of PDGFRα(+) BMMSCs in tendon-bone healing after Scx overexpression as well as the underlying mechanisms. Our data demonstrated that Scx-overexpressing PDGFRα(+) BMMSCs (BMMSCScx) could efficiently inhibit peritunnel osteolysis and enhance tendon-bone healing strength by preventing osteoclastogenesis in an exosomes-dependent manner. Exosomal RNA-seq revealed that the abundance of a novel miRNA, miR-6924-5p, was highest among miRNAs. miR-6924-5p could directly inhibit osteoclast formation by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of OCSTAMP and CXCL12. Inhibition of miR-6924-5p expression reversed the prevention of osteoclastogenic differentiation by BMMSCScx derived exosomes (BMMSCScx-exos). Local injection of BMMSCScx-exos or miR-6924-5p dramatically reduced osteoclast formation and improved tendon-bone healing strength. Furthermore, delivery of miR-6924-5p efficiently inhibited the osteoclastogenesis of human monocytes. In brief, our study demonstrates that BMMSCScx-exos or miR-6924-5p could serve as a potential therapy for the treatment of osteolysis during tendon-bone healing and improve the outcome.

The Influence of Post Weld Heat Treatment Precipitation on Duplex Stainless Steels Weld Overlay towards Pitting Corrosion.

Duplex stainless steels (DSSs) are complex materials and they have been widely used in the marine environment and gas industries, primarily offering a better resistance of pitting corrosion and good mechanical properties. In the present work, the effects of heat treatment on duplex stainless steel (DSS) weld overlay samples that were heat treated at three different temperatures, namely 350 °C, 650 °C, and 1050 °C, and followed by air cooling and water quenching were studied. Stress relief temperature at 650 °C had induced sigma phase precipitation in between delta ferrite and austenite (δ/γ) grain boundaries, resulting in the loss of corrosion resistance in the weld metal. Interestingly, post weld heat treatment (PWHT) test samples that were reheated to solution annealing temperature had shown no weight loss. The ferrite count determination in the region of weld metal overlay increased at hydrogen relief and decreased at stress relief temperatures due to slow cooling, which is more favorable to austenite formation. The amount of ferrite in the weld metals was significantly reduced with the increment of solution anneal temperature to 1050 °C because of sufficient time for the formation of austenite and giving optimum equilibrium fraction in the welds.

Gigantol has Protective Effects against High Glucose-Evoked Nephrotoxicity in Mouse Glomerulus Mesangial Cells by Suppressing ROS/MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

Gigantol is a bibenzyl compound derived from several medicinal orchids. This biologically active compound has shown promising therapeutic potential against diabetic cataracts, but whether this compound exerts beneficial effects on the other diabetic microvascular complications remains unclear. This study was carried out to examine effects of gigantol on high glucose-induced renal cell injury in cultured mouse kidney mesangial cells (MES-13). MES-13 cells were pretreated with gigantol (1, 5, 10 or 20 µmol/L) for 1 h followed by further exposure to high (33.3 mmol/L) glucose for 48 h. Gigantol concentration dependently enhanced cell viability followed by high glucose treatment in MES-13 cells. High glucose induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, malondialdehyde production and glutathione deficiency were recoved in MES-13 cells pretreated with gigantol. High glucose triggered cell apoptosis via the the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, depletion of adenosine triphosphate, upregulation of caspases 9 and 3, enhancement of cytochrome c release, and subsequent interruption of the Bax/Bcl-2 balance. These detrimental effects were ameliorated by gigantol. High glucose also induced activation of JNK, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in MES-13 cells, which were blocked by gigantol. The results suggest that treatment MES-13 cells with gigantol halts high glucose-induced renal dysfunction through the suppression of the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. Our data are of value to the understanding the mechanism for gigantol, and would benefit the study of drug development or food supplement for diabetes and nephropathy.

Hesperidin Prevents High Glucose-Induced Damage of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

The present study aimed to determine whether hesperidin, a plant-based active flavanone found in citrus fruits, can prevent high glucose-induced retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell impairment. Cultured human RPE cells (ARPE-19) were exposed to a normal glucose concentration (5.5 mM) for 4 d and then soaked in either normal (5.5 mM) or high (33.3 mM) concentrations of D-glucose with or without different concentrations of hesperidin (10, 20, or 40 µM) for another 48 h. The survival rates of the cells were measured using a 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction assay. With the help of a fluorescent probe, the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated. Colorimetric assay kits were used to assess the antioxidant enzyme activities, and western blotting was used to measure the expression of apoptosis-related protein. Hesperidin was effective in inhibiting high glucose-induced ROS production, preventing loss of cell viability, and promoting the endogenous antioxidant defense components, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, high glucose triggered cell apoptosis via the upregulation of caspase-9/3, enhancement of cytochrome c release into the cytosol, and subsequent interruption of the Bax/Bcl-2 balance. These detrimental effects were ameliorated by hesperidin in a concentration-dependent manner. We conclude that through the scavenging of ROS and modulation of the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway, hesperidin may protect RPE cells from high glucose-induced injury and thus may be a candidate in preventing the visual impairment caused by diabetic retinopathy.

Protective Effects of Hesperidin (Citrus Flavonone) on High Glucose Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in a Cellular Model for Diabetic Retinopathy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of hesperidin, a plant based active flavanone found in citrus fruits, under the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by high levels of glucose in retinal ganglial cells (RGCs). RGC-5 cells were pretreated with hesperidin (12.5, 25, or 50 µmol/L) for 6 h followed by exposure to high (33.3 mmol/L) d-glucose for 48 h. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was adopted to evaluate cell viability. Mitochondrial function was estimated by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). A fluorescent probe was employed to evaluate the intercellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Colorimetric assay kits were used to evaluate lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and protein carbonyls formation. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were measured with Western blotting. Hesperidin inhibited high glucose-mediated cell loss and restored mitochondrial function including a reversion of ΔΨm loss and cytochrome c release. Treated with hesperidin, high glucose-induced increase in ROS, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels were blocked in RGC-5 cells. Hesperidin was found to elevate the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and to recover glutathione levels. Hesperidin inhibited high glucose-induced cell apoptosis by attenuating the downregulation of caspase-9, caspase-3, and Bax/Bcl-2. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 MAPK triggered by high glucose were attenuated in RGC-5 cells after their incubation with hesperdin. We concluded that hesperidin may protect RGC-5 cells from high glucose-induced injury since it owns the properties of antioxidant action and blocks mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

The Benefits of the Citrus Flavonoid Diosmin on Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells under High-Glucose Conditions.

We investigate diosmin for its effect on the ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells exposed to high glucose, a model of diabetic retinopathy (DR). After incubation for 4 days with a normal (5 mmol/L) concentration of D-glucose, ARPE-19 cells were exposed separately to normal or high concentrations of D-glucose (30 mmol/L) with or without diosmin at different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 µg/mL) for another 48 h. Next, we assessed cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant enzyme activities. In order to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms, we meanwhile analyzed the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, total and phosphorylated JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Diosmin dose dependently enhanced cell viability following high glucose treatment in ARPE-19 cells. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the levels of reduced glutathione were decreased, while it was observed that levels of ROS in high glucose cultured ARPE-19 cells increased. High glucose also disturbed Bax and Bcl-2 expression, interrupted Bcl-2/Bax balance, and triggered subsequent cytochrome c release into the cytosol and activation of caspase-3. These detrimental effects were ameliorated dose dependently by diosmin. Furthermore, diosmin could abrogate high glucose-induced apoptosis as well as JNK and P38 MAPK phosphorylation in ARPE-19 cells. Our results suggest that treatment ARPE-19 cells with diosmin halts hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative damage and thus this compound may be a candidate for preventing the visual impairment caused by DR.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predicts short term mortality in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure treated with an artificial liver support system.

AIM: Hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure has high short-term mortality. Artificial liver support systems (ALSS) may improve outcome and avoid liver transplantation, but predicting short-term prognosis in such patients is difficult. This study aimed to determine whether the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammation marker, predicted mortality in patients treated with ALSS. METHODS: A total of 560 patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure were enrolled, 338 were treated with ALSS and the others treated with standard of care(SOC). Clinical variables and the NLR were evaluated for prognostic value. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 28.4% in ALSS and 55.4% in SOC patients. The NLR was lower in survivors than in ALSS or SOC patients who died. Univariate and multivariate analysis found that NLR and the chronic liver failure sequential organ failure assessment scores(CLIF-SOFA) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Among patients with NLRs ≤ 3, 3-6, and >6, 30-day mortality was 7.7%,23.1%, and 69.2% in ALSS and 25.5%, 50.0%, and 75.0% in SOC patients. Among patients with NLRs ≤ 3 or 3-6, mortality was lower in ALSS than in SOC patients (P < 0.01). Mortality rates of ALSS and SOC patients with NLRs > 6 did not different (P >0.05). The area under curve of NLR and CLIF-SOFA was 0.82 and 0.88 in ALSS group, 0.78 and 0.86 in SOC group. The results suggest that liver function in most patients with NLRs ≤ 3 recovered with ALSS treatment, and patients with NLRs > 6 needed emergency liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: NLR was an independent predictor of mortality in ALSS patients and may assist physicians in determining treatment options.

Antioxidant-Rich Extract from Plantaginis Semen Ameliorates Diabetic Retinal Injury in a Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model.

Plantaginis semen, the dried ripe seed of Plantago asiatica L. or Plantago depressa Willd. (Plantaginaceae), has been traditionally used to treat blurred vision in Asia. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of plantaginis semen ethanol extract (PSEE) on the amelioration of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. PSEE has abundant polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity. PSEE (100, 200 or 300 mg/kg) was oral administrated to the diabetic rats once daily consecutively for 8 weeks. Oral administration of PSEE resulted in significant reduction of hyperglycemia, the diameter of the retinal vessels, and retinal vascular permeability and leukostasis in diabetic rats. In addition, PSEE administration increased the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) level in diabetic retinae. PSEE treatment inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the phosphorylation of Akt without altering the Akt protein expression in diabetic retinae. PSEE not only down-regulated the gene expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), but also reduced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in diabetic retinae. Moreover, PSEE reduced the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and corrected imbalance between histone deacetylases (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferases (HAT) activities in diabetic retinae. In conclusion, phenolic antioxidants extract from plantaginis semen has potential benefits in the prevention and/or progression of DR.

Excessive screen viewing time by adolescents and body fatness in a developing country: Vietnam.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Screen time among youth has been increasingly recognized as a public health problem because of its link with obesity. This has been demonstrated in many studies conducted in developed countries but few studies have addressed the problem in developing countries, despite an increase literature about the emergence of obesity and a greater access to screen devices in a country like Vietnam. Our study aimed at assessing screen time and its relationship with BMI in adolescents of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study of 2024 junior high school students aged 11-14 of HCMC, students were measured for BMI and questioned on time spent watching television/Video/DVD or using computer for fun. High users were defined as time >=2 h/d. International Obesity Task Force BMI cutoffs were used to define overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Adolescents spent 2.2 h/d in screen time, with higher values for boys than girls (p<0.001). 53.8% of the respondents were high users. Time spent using computers for fun increased with age, and with the household wealthy index. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.1%. Using multiple logistic regression, overweight and obesity was higher in boys (adjusted OR=2.66, 95% CI: [2.06; 3.44], p<0.001) and in children aged 11-12 who had a screen time >=2 h/d (adjusted OR=1.48, 95% CI: [1.09; 1.99], p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In HCMC, a majority of adolescents spent >=2 h/d on screen time. High screen time is associated with an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in young adolescents. Public health intervention programs are needed to reduce screen time among youth.

The ethanol extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes mitigates vascular lesions in the diabetic retina.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetic eye disease which is well-known as the result of microvascular retinal changes. Although the ethanol extract from Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith rhizome (EEZZR) has been indicated to ameliorate hyperglycemia in diabetes, its protective effect on DR remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of EEZZR on DR in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were treated orally with EEZZR (200, 300 mg/kg per day) or calcium dobesilate (CD; 500 mg/kg per day) for 12 weeks. EEZZR displayed similar characteristics to CD in reducing blood-retinal barrier permeability in diabetic rats. Retinal histopathological observation showed that retinal vessels were decreased in EEZZR-treated diabetic rats. EEZZR decreased the increased retinal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and upregulate the expressions of renal pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in diabetic rats. Retinal mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic proteins-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were all decreased in EEZZR-treated diabetic rats. Moreover, EEZZR could attenuate phosphorylation of nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 as well as inhibit the nuclear translocation of pNF-κB p65 induced by diabetes. In conclusion, restoring the balance between stimulators and inhibitors of angiogenesis may be associated with the protective effect of EEZZR on DR. In addition, EEZZR can ameliorate retinal inflammation via transrepression of NF-κB and inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Immune effects of a precocious line of Eimeria necatrix with different doses and at different immunization times.

This study was designed to assess the immune protective effects of the vaccine strain of a precocious line of Eimeria necatrix with different doses and at different immunization times. The immunizations had a negative effect on weight gains of chickens to a certain degree but could be compensated during the "compensatory growth period" after immunity was established in the chickens. The number of oocysts excreted was positively correlated with the immunization dose. All the immunized chickens, whether they were immunized once or twice or immunized with different doses of sporulated oocysts, were able to resist attack from 1x105 virulent sporulated oocysts of E. necatrix. The lesion scoring showed that no significant difference existed in the chicken groups immunized with different doses (300 and 600) of sporulated oocysts. However, a difference existed in the immune homogeneity established in the different immunized groups, and two artificial immunizations were superior to one artificial immunization, indicating that two could extend the duration of oocyst excretion and allow more chances for the immunized chickens to become repeatedly infected.

Consumption of Polyphenol-Rich Zingiber Zerumbet Rhizome Extracts Protects against the Breakdown of the Blood-Retinal Barrier and Retinal Inflammation Induced by Diabetes.

The present study investigates the amelioration of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by Zingiber zerumbet rhizome ethanol extracts (ZZRext) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats). ZZRext contains high phenolic and flavonoid contents. STZ-diabetic rats were treated orally with ZZRext (200, 300 mg/kg per day) for three months. Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and increased vascular permeability were found in diabetic rats, with downregulation of occludin, and claudin-5. ZZRext treatment effectively preserved the expression of occludin, and claudin-5, leading to less BRB breakdown and less vascular permeability. Retinal histopathological observation showed that the disarrangement and reduction in thickness of retinal layers were reversed in ZZRext-treated diabetic rats. Retinal gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were all decreased in ZZRext-treated diabetic rats. Moreover, ZZRext treatment not only inhibited the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, but also downregulated the protein expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in diabetic retina. In conclusion, the results suggest that the retinal protective effects of ZZRext occur through improved retinal structural change and inhibiting retinal inflammation. The antiretinopathy property of ZZRext might be related to the downregulation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB signal transduction induced by diabetes.

[In situ visual imaging of oral squamous cell carcinoma in mice by using near-infrared quantum dots conjugated with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide fluorescent probes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in situ visualization using near-infrared quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with arginine- glycine-aspartic acid (ROD) peptide fluorescent probes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (08CC). METHODS: QDs with emission wavelength of 800 nm (QD800) were conjugated with RGD peptides to produce QD800-RGD fluorescent probes. Human OSCC cell line BcaCD885 was inoculated in nude mice cheeks to establish OSCC mouse models. Frozen BcaCD885 tumor slices were immunofluorescence double stained by using QD800-RGD and CD105 monoclonal antibody and were observed using a laser scanning confocal microscope. QD800-RGD was injected into the OSCC models through the tail veins, and the in situ visualization was analyzed at different time points. The mice were sacrificed 12 h after injection to isolate tumors for the ex vivo analysis of probe localization in the tumors. RESULTS: QD800-RGD specifically targeted the integrin avß3 expressed in the endothelial cells of tumor angiogenic vessels in vitro and in vivo, producing clear tumor fluorescence images after intravenous injection. The most complete tumor images with maximal signal-to-noise ratios were observed 0.5 h to 6 h after injection of the probe and significantly reduced 9 h after the injection. However, the tumor image was still clearly visible at 12 h. CONCLUSION: Using intravenously injected QD800-RGD generates high quality OSCC images when integrin avß3, which is expressed in the endothelial cells of tumor angiogenic vessels, is used as the target. The technique offers great potential in the diagnosis and individual treatment of OSCC.

Effects of Selenium-Enriched Protein from Ganoderma lucidum on the Levels of IL-1 ß and TNF- α , Oxidative Stress, and NF- κ B Activation in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthmatic Mice.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect and toxicity of organic selenium (Pro-Se) with inorganic selenium (IOSe) in preventing asthma in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice. After the mice were treated orally with Pro-Se and IOSe, respectively, the plasma Se levels, Se accumulation in liver and kidney, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α ), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 ß ), oxidative stress, and NF- κ B activation in lung were examined. The results showed that the serumal Se levels in the mice fed the Pro-Se were significant (P < 0.01) elevations. It results in restoration of the level of endogenous antioxidant enzyme, lower levels of TNF- α and IL-1 ß , and activated NF- κ B in the asthmatic mice. Our experiments have demonstrated profound differences between the activities of organic selenium and inorganic selenium in experimental conditions. These data provide an important proof of the concept that organic selenium might be a new potential therapy for the management of childhood asthma in humans.

Effects of different blasting materials on charge generation and decay on titanium surface after sandblasting.

It has been reported that sandblasting titanium with alumina (Al2O3) powder could generate a negative electric charge on titanium surface. This has been proven to promote osteoblast activities and possibly osseointegration. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of different blasting materials, in terms of the grit sizes and electro-negativity, on the generation of a negative charge on the titanium surface. The aim was also to make use of these results to deduct the underlying mechanism of charge generation by sandblasting. Together 60 c.p. 2 titanium plates were machine-cut and polished for sandblasting, and divided into 6 groups with 10 plates in each. Every plate in the study groups was sandblasted with one of the following 6 powder materials: 110µm Al2O3 grits, 50µm Al2O3 grits, 150-300µm glass beads, 45-75µm glass beads, 250µm Al powder and 44µm Al powder. The static voltage on the surface of every titanium plate was measured immediately after sandblasting. The static voltages of the titanium plates were recorded and processed using statistical analysis. The results suggested that only sandblasting with 45-75µm glass beads generated a positive charge on titanium, while using all other blasting materials lead to a negative charge. Furthermore, blasting grits of the same powder material but of different sizes might lead to different amount and polarity of the charges. This triboelectric effect is likely to be the main mechanism for charge generation through sandblasting.

Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies with vitamin D-loaded nanoemulsions in asthma model.

Vitamin D (VD) was studied for its anti-inflammatory activities with prepared VD-loaded nanoemulsions (VDNM) in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice in this paper. In this study, we prepared VDNM for the delivery of VD from the established composition of solid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (sSEDDS) by spray-drying technique and evaluated its bioavailability (BA) and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental allergic asthma. After the mice were treated orally with VD or VDNM, the plasma 25(OH) D levels, polymorphonuclear cells, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), total antioxidant activity, and C3 and C4 complement protein levels were studied, respectively. Treatment with VDNM reduced MPO activity, oxidative stress, C3 protein level, O2(-) level as well as the production of IL-1ß and TNF-α. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that a significant increase in the maximum concentration (Cmax) and AUC0→24 h were observed in VDNM group when compared with VD group (P < 0.01). The result revealed that VDNM led to an improvement in oral BA of VD in a murine ovalbumin-induced asthma model. These data provided an important proof that VDNM might be a new potential therapy for the management of asthma in humans.

High prevalence of overweight among adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Two previous surveys conducted in Ho Chi Minh City revealed an increasing prevalence of overweight and obese adolescents, from 5.9% in 2002 to 11.7% in 2004. From 2004 to 2010, the government set up and implemented health promotion programs to promote physical activity and good nutritional habits in order to prevent overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in urban areas of Ho Chi Minh City in 2010. METHODS: A representative sample of 1,989 students aged 11-14 years was selected using a multistage cluster sampling method. 23 schools were randomly selected from the full list of all public junior high schools. In each selected school, 2 classes were chosen at random and all students from the class were examined. Age- and sex-adjusted overweight and obesity were defined using International Obesity Taskforce cut-offs. RESULTS: The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 17.8% and 3.2%, respectively. Prevalences of overweight and obesity were significantly higher in boys (22%, 5.4% ) than in girls (13.3%, 1.3%, p<0.001) and higher in children from districts with a high economic level (20.5% , 3.8% ) than in those from districts with a low economic level (12.1%, 3.8%, p<0.001). Additionally, children living in wealthier families were more overweight and obese than those living in less wealthy families. When using WHO cutoffs, the overall prevalences of overweight and obesity reached 19.6% and 7.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study's findings suggest that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary school students remains high, especially among boys living in wealthier families. Public health programs should therefore be developed or improved in order to promote good eating habits and physical activity among youth in HCMC.

Longitudinal sedentary behavior changes in adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior is associated with increased risk of chronic disease and sedentary behavior is increasing among adolescents. Data on changes in sedentary behavior in developing countries are limited. PURPOSE: To describe 5-year longitudinal changes in nonschool sedentary hours among urban adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City, and to identify correlates with this change. METHODS: This is a 5-year longitudinal cohort with systematic random sampling of 759 students from 18 junior high schools. All measures were taken annually between 2004 and 2009. Sedentary behavior was assessed by self-report and accelerometry. Generalized linear latent and mixed models were used to analyze the data in 2011. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2009, self-reported time spent in nonschool sedentary behavior increased from 498 to 603 minutes/day. In the 5th survey year, boys and girls (aged 16 years) were, respectively, 3.6 times (95% CI=2.3, 6.0) and 3.1 times (95% CI= 1.8, 5.0) more likely to spend ≥2 hours/day on screen time compared with baseline (aged 12 years). Accelerometer data adjusted for wearing time revealed that boys and girls aged 16 years had, respectively, 78 minutes/day (95% CI=48, 104) and 69 minutes/day (95% CI=34, 95) more nonschool sedentary time than those at the first accelerometer assessment (at age 13 years). Girls in the highest socioeconomic quartile spent an additional 90 minutes/day in sedentary behavior compared with girls in the lowest quartile (95% CI=52, 128). CONCLUSIONS: Nonschool sedentary behavior increased among Vietnamese adolescents with age. The largest increase was in recreational screen time (28%), which would be the most obvious target for preventive health strategies.