Characteristics of depressive disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and some related factors.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a type of chronic arthritis, is common in Vietnam. It has severe consequences for patients, both physically and psychologically, including depressive disorders. Therefore, early detection of depressive disorders is of high importance to help provide comprehensive treatment and improve RA patients' quality of life. This cross-sectional study explored the prevalence of depressive disorders and their salient characteristics and related factors in RA patients in Vietnam. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 156 patients diagnosed with RA using the ACR-1987 criteria. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to screen for depressive disorders. Patients' demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory investigation results, such as the visual analog score, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Disease Activity Score 28 for RA with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and quality-of-life score (based on the SF-36 test) were analyzed. Depressive disorders assessed on the first day of admission were reevaluated by a psychiatrist if the PHQ-9 score was ≥ 5. RESULTS: According to the PHQ-9 results, depression prevalence among RA patients was 76.3%. The majority of patients (49.4%) had moderate-to-severe depression and 91% experienced sleep disorder symptoms. Negative thoughts -- suicidal ideation or self-injury - were reported by 21.8% of patients. Depression severity had a moderately positive relationship with disease activity level and a moderately negative relationship with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Depression prevalence was high among RA patients. Depression severity increased with disease activity and decreased quality of life.

Effect of pH adjustment and ratio of oppositely charged polymers on the mechanistic performance and sustained release of volatile perfume in interpolyelectrolyte complex microcapsules.

In this study, volatile perfume was encapsulated in microcapsules (MCs) via interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) of oppositely charged polymers, with high encapsulation efficiency, to be delivered in a sustained manner. Positively charged chitosan (CTS) and negatively charged Eudragit® S100 (ES100) were used as eco-friendly biopolymers. Limonene (LMN) was selected as the model perfume. First, the solution of LMN in ethyl acetate and poloxamer 407 (POX407) in acidic solution was emulsified using ultrasonication. CTS and ES100 were added in that particular order to form o/w emulsion. LMN-loaded microcapsules (LMN-MCs) were prepared by adjusting the pH and freeze-drying for solidification. The electrostatic interactions of CTS and ES100 to form IPECs were highly dependent on pH, changing in the microscopic images of emulsion droplets and zeta potential. The NH3+ group of CTS and the COO- group of ES100 caused the electrostatic interactions at a specific pH. The formation mechanism of LMN-MCs was successfully validated using instrumental analysis, charge density, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) mapping. Encapsulation efficiency, loading content, and release rates of LMN-MCs varied according to the ratios of CTS and ES100, demonstrating optimal performance at a 1:1 ratio. The current LMN-MCs could provide a simple manufacturing process with high performance in terms of encapsulation efficiency (>94%), drug loading, yield and sustained release of volatile perfume for 120 h.

The roles of short and long chain fatty acids on physicochemical properties and improved cancer targeting of albumin-based fattigation-platform nanoparticles containing doxorubicin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different chain length fatty acids on physicochemical properties and cancer targeting of fattigation-platform nanoparticles (NPs). Two different types of fatty acids (short chain, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, C4; long chain, oleic acid, C18:1) were successfully conjugated to human serum albumin (HSA) via simple 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) coupling reaction. These conjugates readily formed HSA-C4 and HSA-C18:1 NPs which showed good stability in serum and desirable biocompatibility with normal cell line (HEK293T). Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was efficiently loaded into NPs by incubation process via electrostatic interaction. The structure, morphology, and texture of DOX-loaded NPs were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The initial burst release of DOX-loaded NPs was controlled by the presence and chain length of fatty acids. In vitro cytotoxicity studies with three cancer cell lines (A549, HT-29, and PANC-1) suggested that fattigation-platform NPs have distinctive cytotoxic effects compared to Doxil®. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry exhibited that the cellular uptake of DOX-loaded NPs was varied by the different chain lengths of fatty acids. It was evident that the chain length of fatty acids in the fattigation-platform NPs could play a vital role in varying physicochemical properties and cancer cell targeting of NPs.

Genetic characterization of Vietnamese Yellow cattle using mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomal haplotypes and genes associated with economical traits.

Vietnamese Yellow cattle are native cattle well adapted to local tropical environment. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic characteristics of the Yellow cattle using molecular markers. We investigated the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA and SRY gene on Y chromosome, and genotyped SREBP-1, SCD1, EDG1, NCAPG, DGAT1, MC1R, and HSP70 genes in the Yellow cattle population. The sequence analysis of the mitochondrial DNA showed that most of the cattle possesses zebu (Bos indicus) type I1 haplotype, suggesting relatively low genetic diversity in maternal lineage. The sequence analysis of the SRY gene indicates that while most of the males possess zebu type haplotype, taurine (Bos taurus) type haplotype was also observed, suggesting gene-flow from taurine cattle. The results of the genotyping of the functional genes showed that the NCAPG, SCD, MC1R, and HsSP70 genes are polymorphic in the population, whereas the SREBP-1, EDG1, and DGAT1 genes are monomorphic. Particularly, the presence of the desirable and undesirable alleles of the NCAPG and HSP70 genes, respectively, will be important for the selection of animals by potential performances in meat productivity and fertility. The present findings will be informative for future conservation and breeding of the Vietnamese Yellow cattle.

Analysis of the Expression of Repetitive DNA Elements in Osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare malignant bone tumor. It affects mostly young persons and has poor outcome with the present treatment. No improvement was observed since the introduction of chemotherapy. The better understanding of osteosarcoma development could indicate better management strategy. Repetitive DNA elements were found to play a role in cancer mechanism especially in epithelial tumors but not yet analyzed in osteosarcoma. We conducted the study to analyse the expression profile of repetitive elements (RE) in osteosarcoma. Methods: Fresh bone paired (tumor and normal bone) samples were obtained from excised parts of tumors of 18 patients with osteosarcoma. We performed sequencing of RNA extracted from 36 samples (18 tumor tissues and 18 normal bone for controls), mapped raw reads to the human genome and identified the REs. EdgeR package was used to analyse the difference in expression of REs between osteosarcoma and normal bone. Results: 82 REs were found differentially expressed (FDR < 0.05) between osteosarcoma and normal bone. Out of all significantly changed REs, 35 were upregulated and 47 were downregulated. HERVs (THE1C-int, LTR5, MER57F and MER87B) and satellite elements (HSATII, ALR-alpha) were the most significantly differential expressed elements between osteosarcoma and normal tissues. These results suggest significant impact of REs in the osteosarcoma. The role of REs should be further studied to understand the mechanism they have in the genesis of osteosarcoma.

Potent Inhibitor of Drug-Resistant HIV-1 Strains Identified from the Medicinal Plant Justicia gendarussa.

Justicia gendarussa, a medicinal plant collected in Vietnam, was identified as a potent anti-HIV-1 active lead from the evaluation of over 4500 plant extracts. Bioassay-guided separation of the extracts of the stems and roots of this plant led to the isolation of an anti-HIV arylnaphthalene lignan (ANL) glycoside, patentiflorin A (1). Evaluation of the compound against both the M- and T-tropic HIV-1 isolates showed it to possess a significantly higher inhibition effect than the clinically used anti-HIV drug AZT. Patentiflorin A and two congeners were synthesized, de novo, as an efficient strategy for resupply as well as for further structural modification of the anti-HIV ANL glycosides in the search for drug leads. Subsequently, it was determined that the presence of a quinovopyranosyloxy group in the structure is likely essential to retain the high degree of anti-HIV activity of this type of compounds. Patentiflorin A was further investigated against the HIV-1 gene expression of the R/U5 and U5/gag transcripts, and the data showed that the compound acts as a potential inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcription. Importantly, the compound displayed potent inhibitory activity against drug-resistant HIV-1 isolates of both the nucleotide analogue (AZT) and non-nucleotide analogue (nevaripine). Thus, the ANL glycosides have the potential to be developed as novel anti-HIV drugs.

Abnormal accumulation of human transmembrane (TMEM)-176A and 176B proteins is associated with cancer pathology.

Transmembrane (TMEM)-176A and 176B proteins belong to the MS4A family of proteins whose function in the immune system remains unclear. TMEM176A transcripts were previously shown to be elevated in liver cancer or kidney tissue with proteinuria, while marked changes in TMEM176B transcripts have been found in tolerated tissue allografts and neoplastic fibroblasts. To study the functional relationship between human TMEM176A and 176B and their putative link to cancer, we used polymerase chain reaction and biochemical assays. Here, we show that TMEM176A and 176B are widely expressed in all human tissues examined. Co-immunoprecipitation of heterologously expressed TMEM176A and 176B revealed direct physical interaction. To determine the relevance of such interaction to cancer pathology, we analyzed biopsied tissue samples from a variety of normal and cancer tissues. Our data reveal that human TMEM176A and 176B protein levels are significantly elevated in lymphoma, but not in normal tissues. The protein levels of TMEM176A are also significantly increased in lung carcinoma. Finally, analysis of the protein expression ratio of TMEM176A over 176B showed significant differences between normal and cancer tissues of the breast, lymph, skin, and liver, which indicates that both TMEM proteins could be potential useful markers for certain human cancers.

Mechanochemically synthesized CsH2PO4-H3PW12O40 composites as proton-conducting electrolytes for fuel cell systems in a dry atmosphere.

Cesium dihydrogen phosphate (CsH2PO4, CDP) and dodecaphosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40·nH2O, WPA·nH2O) were mechanochemically milled to synthesize CDP-WPA composites. The ionic conductivities of these composites were measured by an ac impedance method under anhydrous conditions. Despite the synthesis temperatures being much lower than the dehydration and phase-transition temperatures of CDP under anhydrous conditions, the ionic conductivities of the studied composites increased significantly. The highest ionic conductivity of 6.58×10-4 Scm-1 was achieved for the 95CDP·5WPA composite electrolyte at 170 °C under anhydrous conditions. The ionic conduction was probably induced in the percolated interfacial phase between CDP and WPA. The phenomenon of high ionic conduction differs for the CDP-WPA composite and pure CDP or pure WPA under anhydrous conditions. The newly developed hydrogen interaction between CDP and WPA supports anhydrous proton conduction in the composites.

[Early detection of smoking related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Vietnam]. / Détection précoce de la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive post-tabagique au Viet Nam.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are rare in the developing countries, particularly in Viet Nam where the consumption of tobacco continues to increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of early screening of smokers for bronchial obstruction using the Piko-6 apparatus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Smokers over 40 years of age who had smoked for more than 10 years were included. The subjects were classified into 3 groups according to the degree of bronchial obstruction measured by the Piko-6. (group 1: FEV1/FEV6>0.8; group 2: 0.7-0.8; group 3:<0.7). The smokers in group 3 and a sample of the smokers in groups 1 and 2 were recalled for full spirometric assessment. RESULTS: 2397 smokers were included, comprising 2130 active smokers and 267 ex-smokers. The mean age was 52 +/- 13 years. The mean smoking history was 24 +/- 13 pack years. 267 smokers from the 3 groups responded to the recall for full investigation. The prevalence of COPD detected by the Piko-6 in the study population was 13.5%. For the threshold FEV1/FEV6<0.7 and with the detected prevalence, the Piko-6 had a sensitivity of 97.8%, a specificity of 93.8%, a positive predictive value of 71% and a negative predictive value of 99.6% (confidence interval 95%). CONCLUSIONS: The Piko-6 is a useful tool for the early screening for COPD in smokers in a developing country where the prevalence of this disease appears to be under estimated.

Positron emission tomography in Québec / Positron emission tomography in Quebec

STRUCTURE DU SYSTÈME DE SOINS: -Six des huit centres hospitaliers québécois qui ont un service de chirurgie cardiaque bénéficient d'un programme d'implantation aortique valvulaire par cathéter (TAVI); -Comme ailleurs, le nombre d'interventions TAVI réalisées au Québec a augmenté de façon exponentielle depuis 2008; -Dans les six programmes en vigueur au Québec, il y avait une variation majeure du volume annuel d'interventions. CARACTÉRISTIQUES DES PATIENTS: -La majorité des patients sélectionnés aux fins d'une intervention TAVI, au Québec, sont âgés (> 80 ans) et ont des comorbidités importantes, donc un risque chirurgical élevé, comme dans les premières études randomisées; -En comparant les deux années d'observation, 2013-2014 et 2014-2015, la documentation du score STS dans le dossier médical du patient s'est améliorée, passant de 50 % à 62 %; -Toutefois, de façon générale, les facteurs de risque des patients sélectionnés aux fins d'une intervention TAVI sont peu documentés dans le dossier médical, plus spécialement les facteurs cliniques suivants : la fragilité, le risque opératoire, la fonction cognitive et la capacité fonctionnelle du patient. PROCESSUS DE SOINS: -À l'échelle provinciale, l'approche par voie transfémorale était la plus fréquente (environ trois quarts des patients). Dans cinq des six programmes, d'autres voies d'accès (transapicale, transaortique, axillaire) ont aussi été utilisées; -Pendant la période d'observation, plus de la moitié des patients ont reçu une valve d'Edwards SAPIEN® et un tiers, une CoreValve®. De nouveaux types de valves continuent d'être adoptés. RÉSULTATS CLINIQUES: En comparant l'année la plus récente (2014-2015) avec l'année précédente (2013-2014): -la mortalité à 30 jours a diminué de 6,1 à 4,1 %; -- le taux d'AVC intrahospitalier au centre d'intervention TAVI a augmenté de 2,4 % à 4,4 %; -l'incidence de tout saignement ainsi que les saignements majeurs ont diminué de 21,4 % à 14,7 % et de 12,9 % à 8,5 %, respectivement; -la nécessité d'une transfusion sanguine pendant le séjour hospitalier avant ou après une intervention TAVI a diminué de 29,9 % à 24,7 %, ce qui représente encore un quart des patients. Ces comparaisons n'étaient pas statistiquement significatives, mais la puissance statistique était faible en raison du nombre restreint de patients. Pendant les deux années: -environ 15 % des patients ont eu besoin d'un stimulateur cardiaque permanent. Toutefois, le taux d'implantation d'un stimulateur cardiaque variait par type de valve. -environ 3 % des patients ont eu un remplacement valvulaire aortique chirurgical urgent en raison des complications pendant l'intervention TAVI. De façon générale, les résultats cliniques québécois intrahospitaliers sont comparables à ceux rapportés ailleurs dans le monde. Toutefois, il y a un manque relatif d'information concernant le taux de décès, de réadmission hospitalière et d'autres événements indésirables à long terme, au Québec. CONCLUSIONS: À la lumière des résultats de la présente évaluation sur le terrain: -les comorbidités importantes étaient fréquentes chez les patients qui ont subi une intervention TAVI, au Québec, comme c'était le cas ailleurs; -il y a un manque de documentation dans le dossier médical du patient concernant les processus et les critères cliniques utilisés pour la sélection des patients; -la mesure des indicateurs de qualité, suivie d'une rétroaction en temps opportun par un organisme indépendant en étroite collaboration avec les équipes cliniques et le Réseau québécois de cardiologie tertiaire (RQCT), a été associée à une amélioration de la qualité des soins et des résultats cliniques; -il est important d'avoir accès aux données médico-administratives afin de mesurer les résultats cliniques à long terme; -compte tenu de l'évolution rapide de la technologie et de ses indications, il est essentiel de poursuivre une évaluation systématique de l'utilisation et des résultats cliniques relatifs aux interventions TAVI, au Québec.(AU)