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1.
Isotopes Environ Health Stud ; : 1-25, 2024 Jul 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38973646

ABSTRACT

Radioactivity in coastal sediments in northern Vietnam was examined using data from five sediment cores to assess radioactivity concentrations and radiation risk indices. Radiation risk indices included radium equivalent activity (Raeq), the absorbed dose rate (ADR), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), the activity utilization index (AUI), the external hazard index (Hex), the representative level gamma index (Iγr), and the annual gonadal effective dose rate (AGDE). The radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 232Th, 226Ra, 238U, and 137Cs were 567, 56.1, 35.1, 37.9, and 1.18 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentrations of 40K, 232Th, 226Ra, and 238U were above the global average at five sites, except for 137Cs, which was low. The Raeq, Hex, and AUI indices were below the recommended values, while the AEDE, ADR, AGDE, and Iγr indices were above the recommended values. Moreover, 40K, 232Th, 226Ra, and 238U had significant impacts on the radiation hazard indices Raeq, ADR, AEDE, Iγr, AUI, Hex, and AGDE. There are three coastal sediment groups on the northern coast of Vietnam: Group 1 has a higher radioactivity and radiation risk index than Group 2 but a lower value than Group 3. Group 3 had the highest radioactivity and radiation risk index. The values of 40K, 232Th, 226Ra, and 238U and the ADR, AUI, Iγr, and AGDE indices in the sediment threaten the living environment.

2.
Meat Sci ; 215: 109530, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38761533

ABSTRACT

Meat consumption is declining in developed countries but increasing in emerging countries. This study, for the first time, compares the socio-behavioural factors influencing individuals' meat consumption level and meat reduction intention between Vietnam, an emerging economy and Switzerland, a developed country. Online consumer surveys were conducted in late 2022, yielding 552 usable replies from Switzerland and 592 from Vietnam for this study. Drawing upon an extended Protection Motivation Theory and using structural equation modelling, we found similarities as well as differences in the determinants of meat consumption behaviour. Perceived health risks of meat overconsumption, self-efficacy of meat reduction, attitude toward ethical and environmental issues, and pressure from family members' reluctance to change diet drove the intention to reduce meat in both countries. Meat attachment emerges as the most important determinant of meat consumption level in not only Switzerland but also Vietnam and thus presents the largest barrier to meat reduction. The association between response cost of eating less meat and intention to reduce meat was negative in Switzerland but positive in Vietnam. Self-efficacy of meat consumption reduction influenced meat consumption level solely in Switzerland. Ethical and environmental attitudes significantly facilitated meat reduction intention of Swiss respondents only, reflecting cultural differences. Policy implications were discussed.


Subject(s)
Consumer Behavior , Intention , Meat , Humans , Vietnam , Switzerland , Male , Adult , Female , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult , Diet , Adolescent , Aged , Socioeconomic Factors , Feeding Behavior , Animals
3.
Front Psychol ; 15: 1286579, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38716274

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to disclose and compare meat consumer segments in Switzerland and Vietnam, which differ in terms of their socioeconomic and cultural settings (the former is a developed country, and the latter is an emerging one) to develop a set of segment-specific recommendations that might be applied to consumption in comparable contexts, that is, in other developed countries and other emerging economies. Methods: Data were collected through two online surveys: one for Swiss residents from randomly selected households and one for Vietnamese urban residents recruited via snowball sampling. The final sample size was N = 643 for Switzerland and N = 616 for Vietnam. Hierarchical cluster analyses followed by K-means cluster analyses revealed five distinct clusters in both countries. Results: Three clusters were common to both countries: meat lovers (21% in Switzerland and 19% in Vietnam), proactive consumers (22% in Switzerland and 14% in Vietnam) and suggestible consumers (19% in Switzerland and 25% in Vietnam). Two were specific to each country, namely traditional (19%) and basic (21%) consumers in Switzerland and confident (16%) and anxious (26%) consumers in Vietnam. Conclusion: Relying on voluntary actions, nudging techniques, private initiatives and consumers' sense of responsibility will certainly be useful but will nevertheless be insufficient to achieve a planetary health diet within the given timeframe (the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development). Governments will have no choice but to activate all levers within their sphere of influence - including regulatory measures - and oblige private sector actors to commit to the measures imposed on them. A binding international agenda with common objectives and measures is a judicious approach. Unlike most previous studies, which focused on meat consumption intensity and frequency or diet type to segment consumers, our approach, based on psychographic profiles, allows the identification of segments that share common drivers and barriers and thus the development of better-targeted measures to reduce meat consumption.

4.
Am J Epidemiol ; 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38775277

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Limited estimates exist on risk factors for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in Asian, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) women. METHODS: Participants included 1734 Asian (785 cases, 949 controls), 266 NHPI (99 cases, 167 controls), 1149 Hispanic (505 cases, 644 controls), and 24,189 White (9,981 cases, 14,208 controls) women from 11 studies in the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk associations by race and ethnicity. RESULTS: Heterogeneity in EOC risk associations by race and ethnicity (p ≤ 0.02) was observed for oral contraceptive (OC) use, parity, tubal ligation and smoking. We observed inverse associations with EOC risk for OC use and parity across all groups; associations were strongest in NHPI and Asian women. The inverse association for tubal ligation with risk was most pronounced for NHPI participants (OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.48), versus Asian and White participants, respectively (OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.51-0.90; OR=0.78, 95% CI 0.73-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in EOC risk factor associations were observed across racial and ethnic groups, which could in part be due to varying prevalence of EOC histotypes. Inclusion of greater diversity in future studies is essential to inform prevention strategies.

5.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 31(15): 22362-22379, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38409380

ABSTRACT

Urban rivers are significantly impacted by anthropogenic pressure. This study presents the updated assessment of the concentrations of 11 metals and other variables (pH, total organic carbon (TOC) and nutrients (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total silica)) in the sediments of four urban rivers in inner Hanoi city, Vietnam, during the period 2020-2022. The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, As, and Cr were higher than the permissible values of the Vietnam National technical regulation on the surface sediment quality. Moreover, Zn and Cr were at the severe effect level of the US EPA guidelines for sediment quality. The calculation of pollution indices (Igeo and EF) demonstrated that Mn, Ni, and Fe were from natural sources whereas other metals were from both anthropogenic and natural sources. The ecological risk index revealed that metals in Hanoi riverine sediments were classified at considerable ecological risk. High values of metals, TOC, and nutrients in the sediments of these urban rivers mostly originate from the accumulation of untreated urban wastewater that is enhanced by low river discharge. Our results may provide scientific base for better management decisions to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development of Hanoi city.


Subject(s)
Metals, Heavy , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Vietnam , Rivers , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Geologic Sediments , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Asia , Risk Assessment , China
6.
JMIR Hum Factors ; 11: e44619, 2024 01 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38180799

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Wearable devices have been used extensively both inside and outside of the hospital setting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in some contexts, there was an increased need to remotely monitor pulse and saturated oxygen for patients due to the lack of staff and bedside monitors. OBJECTIVE: A prototype of a remote monitoring system using wearable pulse oximeter devices was implemented at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August to December 2021. The aim of this work was to support the ongoing implementation of the remote monitoring system. METHODS: We used an action learning approach with rapid pragmatic methods, including informal discussions and observations as well as a feedback survey form designed based on the technology acceptance model to assess the use and acceptability of the system. Based on these results, we facilitated a meeting using user-centered design principles to explore user needs and ideas about its development in more detail. RESULTS: In total, 21 users filled in the feedback form. The mean technology acceptance model scores ranged from 3.5 (for perceived ease of use) to 4.4 (for attitude) with behavioral intention (3.8) and perceived usefulness (4.2) scoring in between. Those working as nurses scored higher on perceived usefulness, attitude, and behavioral intention than did physicians. Based on informal discussions, we realized there was a mismatch between how we (ie, the research team) and the ward teams perceived the use and wider purpose of the technology. CONCLUSIONS: Designing and implementing the devices to be more nurse-centric from their introduction could have helped to increase their efficiency and use during the complex pandemic period.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Vietnam , Pandemics , Patients , Hospitals
7.
Med Mycol ; 61(10)2023 Oct 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37771088

ABSTRACT

Host non-T cell markers to aid in the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) have not been identified. In this case-control study, we characterized antibody and B cell profiles in HIV-negative and HIV-positive Vietnamese individuals of the Kinh ethnicity recently diagnosed with CM and controls. The study included 60 HIV-negative with no known immunocompromising condition and 60 HIV-positive individuals, with 30 CM cases and 30 controls in each group. Participants were matched by age, sex, HIV serostatus, and CD4 count in the HIV-positive group. Plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, including IgG1, IgG2, IgM, and IgA, Cryptococcus spp. glucuronoxylomannan (GXM)- and laminarin (branched ${\rm{\beta }}$-[1-3]-glucan)-binding IgG, IgM, IgA levels, and peripheral blood B cell subsets were measured. Logistic regression, principal component, and mediation analyses were conducted to assess associations between antibody, B cell levels, and CM. The results showed that GXM-IgG levels were higher and IgG1 and IgG2 were lower in CM cases than controls, regardless of HIV status. In HIV-negative individuals, IgG2 mediated an inverse association between CD19+CD27+CD43+CD5- (B-1b-like) cells and CM. In HIV-positive individuals, lower levels of IgA, laminarin-IgA, and CD19+CD27+IgM+IgD- (IgM+ memory B) cells were each associated with CM. The shared and distinct antibody and B cell profiles identified in HIV-negative and HIV-positive CM cases may inform the identification of non-T-cell markers of CM risk or unsuspected disease, particularly in HIV-negative individuals.


Unlike cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in HIV-positive individuals, there are no known biomarkers of risk in HIV-negative individuals and the diagnosis is often not suspected and delayed. This study identified non-T cells, including antibody and B cell CM-associated profiles that may guide cryptococcal antigen testing in HIV-negative individuals.


Subject(s)
Cryptococcus neoformans , HIV Infections , Meningitis, Cryptococcal , Meningoencephalitis , Humans , Case-Control Studies , HIV Infections/complications , HIV Infections/veterinary , Immunoglobulin M , Immunoglobulin G , Meningoencephalitis/veterinary , Immunoglobulin A , Meningitis, Cryptococcal/veterinary
8.
Sci Rep ; 13(1): 10541, 2023 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37386036

ABSTRACT

The sliding mode control is well-known as a useful control technique that can be applied in several real-world applications. However, a straightforward and efficient process of selecting the sliding mode control gains remains a challenging but interesting topic. This paper investigates a novel gain tuning method for the sliding mode control of second-order mechanical systems. Firstly, we obtain relations between the gains and the natural and damping ratio of the closed-loop system. Secondly, the time constant of the system's actuators and the system response performance criteria, including settling time and delay time, are taken into consideration to determine appropriate ranges of the gains. These gain ranges allow control designers to select the controller gains in a time-saving manner and ensure that the desired system performance is met and the actuators work properly. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the gain tuning process of a sliding mode altitude controller for an actual quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicle. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of this method.


Subject(s)
Altitude , Records , Computer Simulation , Unmanned Aerial Devices
9.
J Mol Graph Model ; 124: 108553, 2023 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37343445

ABSTRACT

Via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations we find the existence of the new allotrope of two-dimensional (2D) germanene, i.e. 2D tetra-germanene (tetra-Ge) which contains entirely tetragons. We compress 2D hexa-germanene (hexa-Ge) step by step over a broad density range at constant temperature and hexa-tetra Ge phase transition occurs. We find that the compression of hexa-Ge at 2000 K (not far above the melting point of hexa-Ge) leads to the formation of tetra-Ge with the highest quality. Atomic structure of the obtained tetra-Ge at 300 K is analyzed in details. Although fraction of tetragons in the tetra-Ge is very high (larger than 0.99), some defects are found in addition to the skew tetragons. Due to containing almost entirely tetragons, tetra-Ge may exhibit new behaviors unlike those of the hexa-Ge. Subsequent studies in this direction for 2D tetra-Ge. In addition, first-principles calculations under density functional theory confirm the existence of stable tetra-Ge.


Subject(s)
Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Phase Transition , Temperature
10.
Front Cardiovasc Med ; 10: 1116799, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37273876

ABSTRACT

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) have raised concerns over serious unexpected cardiovascular adverse events. The widespread pleiotropy in genome-wide association studies offers an opportunity to identify cardiovascular risks from in-development drugs to help inform appropriate trial design and pharmacovigilance strategies. This study uses the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to study the causal effects of 9 cardiovascular risk factors on ischemic stroke risk both independently and by mediation, followed by an interrogation of the implicated expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) to determine if the enriched pathways can explain the adverse stroke events observed with ICI or JAKi treatment. Genetic predisposition to higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and smoking index were associated with higher ischemic stroke risk. The associations of genetically predicted BMI, WHR, and TG on the outcome were attenuated after adjusting for genetically predicted T2DM [BMI: 53.15% mediated, 95% CI 17.21%-89.10%; WHR: 42.92% (4.17%-81.67%); TG: 72.05% (10.63%-133.46%)]. JAKis, programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed death ligand 1 inhibitors were implicated in the pathways enriched by the genes related to the instruments for each of SBP, DBP, WHR, T2DM, and LDL. Overall, MR mediation analyses support the role of T2DM in mediating the effects of BMI, WHR, and TG on ischemic stroke risk and follow-up pathway enrichment analysis highlights the utility of this approach in the early identification of potential harm from drugs.

11.
Mar Pollut Bull ; 192: 115078, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37210986

ABSTRACT

Contamination of aquaculture products by pathogenic organisms is a major concern in areas where this activity is of high economic importance. The abundances of total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli (EC) and faecal streptococci (FS) (in CFU.100 mL-1) in seawater in the Red River coastal aquaculture zone were determined. The results showed TC numbers (200 to 9100; average 1822), EC (<100 to 3400; average 469) and FS (<100 to 2100; average 384), of which TC exceeded the allowable threshold of the Vietnam regulation for coastal aquaculture water. TC and EC numbers in 4 wastewater types (domestic, livestock farming sewage, agricultural runoff, and mixed sewage canals) were investigated and revealed the importance of point sources of faecal contamination in seawater. These results underline the need to reduce the release of untreated wastewater and to put into place seawater microbial quality monitoring in areas where the development of sustainable aquaculture is an objective.


Subject(s)
Sewage , Wastewater , Vietnam , Escherichia coli , Aquaculture , Feces , Gram-Negative Bacteria , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Water Microbiology
12.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 29(5): 1002-1006, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37015283

ABSTRACT

We analyzed 1,303 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences from Vietnam, and found the Alpha and Delta variants were responsible for a large nationwide outbreak of COVID-19 in 2021. The Delta variant was confined to the AY.57 lineage and caused >1.7 million infections and >32,000 deaths. Viral transmission was strongly affected by nonpharmaceutical interventions.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Vietnam/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks
13.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(4)2023 Feb 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36839056

ABSTRACT

Metal sulfides (MS) and mixed metal sulfides (MTMS) have been considered potential candidates over their metal oxide/mixed metal oxide counterparts in recent years. Herein, one MTMS, i.e., NiCo2S4, was combined with 2D MS MoS2 through a single-step solvothermal process with different morphologies (sheet-like and rod-like) for supercapacitor applications. The resulting electrode exhibited excellent coulombic efficiency, high specific capacitance, superior energy density, and, most importantly, ultra-high cycling stability. In particular, the electrode delivered a capacitance of 2594 F g-1 at 0.8 A g-1 after 45,000 charge/discharge cycles with a remarkable stability of 192%. Moreover, the corresponding hybrid supercapacitor device displayed an impressive coulombic efficiency of 123% after 20,000 cycles and 118% after 45,000 cycles. In addition, the device also exhibited a decent energy density of 31.9 Wh kg-1 and good cycling stability of 102% over 15,000 cycles.

14.
Genes Brain Behav ; 22(1): e12836, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36636829

ABSTRACT

The blood brain barrier (BBB) has the essential function to protect the brain from potentially hazardous molecules while also enabling controlled selective uptake. How these processes and signaling inside BBB cells control neuronal function is an intense area of interest. Signaling in the adult Drosophila BBB is required for normal male courtship behavior and relies on male-specific molecules in the BBB. Here we show that the dopamine receptor D2R is expressed in the BBB and is required in mature males for normal mating behavior. Conditional adult male knockdown of D2R in BBB cells causes courtship defects. The courtship defects observed in genetic D2R mutants can be rescued by expression of normal D2R specifically in the BBB of adult males. Drosophila BBB cells are glial cells. Our findings thus identify a specific glial function for the DR2 receptor and dopamine signaling in the regulation of a complex behavior.


Subject(s)
Drosophila Proteins , Drosophila , Animals , Male , Drosophila/physiology , Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism , Dopamine/metabolism , Drosophila Proteins/genetics , Drosophila Proteins/metabolism , Courtship , Drosophila melanogaster/genetics , Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology
15.
J Natl Cancer Inst ; 115(5): 539-551, 2023 05 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36688720

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The role of ovulation in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is supported by the consistent protective effects of parity and oral contraceptive use. Whether these factors protect through anovulation alone remains unclear. We explored the association between lifetime ovulatory years (LOY) and EOC. METHODS: LOY was calculated using 12 algorithms. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated the association between LOY or LOY components and EOC among 26 204 control participants and 21 267 case patients from 25 studies. To assess whether LOY components act through ovulation suppression alone, we compared beta coefficients obtained from regression models with expected estimates assuming 1 year of ovulation suppression has the same effect regardless of source. RESULTS: LOY was associated with increased EOC risk (OR per year increase = 1.014, 95% CI = 1.009 to 1.020 to OR per year increase = 1.044, 95% CI = 1.041 to 1.048). Individual LOY components, except age at menarche, also associated with EOC. The estimated model coefficient for oral contraceptive use and pregnancies were 4.45 times and 12- to 15-fold greater than expected, respectively. LOY was associated with high-grade serous, low-grade serous, endometrioid, and clear cell histotypes (ORs per year increase = 1.054, 1.040, 1.065, and 1.098, respectively) but not mucinous tumors. Estimated coefficients of LOY components were close to expected estimates for high-grade serous but larger than expected for low-grade serous, endometrioid, and clear cell histotypes. CONCLUSIONS: LOY is positively associated with nonmucinous EOC. Differences between estimated and expected model coefficients for LOY components suggest factors beyond ovulation underlie the associations between LOY components and EOC in general and for non-HGSOC.


Subject(s)
Ovarian Neoplasms , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/epidemiology , Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology , Ovarian Neoplasms/etiology , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Risk Factors , Parity , Contraceptives, Oral/adverse effects , Case-Control Studies
17.
Br J Cancer ; 128(1): 137-147, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36323878

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recently, we showed a >60% difference in 5-year survival for patients with tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) when stratified by a 101-gene mRNA expression prognostic signature. Given the varied patient outcomes, this study aimed to translate prognostic mRNA markers into protein expression assays by immunohistochemistry and validate their survival association in HGSC. METHODS: Two prognostic genes, FOXJ1 and GMNN, were selected based on high-quality antibodies, correlation with protein expression and variation in immunohistochemical scores in a preliminary cohort (n = 134 and n = 80, respectively). Six thousand four hundred and thirty-four (FOXJ1) and 5470 (GMNN) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ovarian neoplasms (4634 and 4185 HGSC, respectively) represented on tissue microarrays from the Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis consortium underwent immunohistochemical staining and scoring, then univariate and multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS: Consistent with mRNA, FOXJ1 protein expression exhibited a linear, increasing association with improved overall survival in HGSC patients. Women with >50% expression had the most favourable outcomes (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.91, p < 0.0001). GMNN protein expression was not significantly associated with overall HSGC patient survival. However, HGSCs with >35% GMNN expression showed a trend for better outcomes, though this was not significant. CONCLUSION: We provide foundational evidence for the prognostic value of FOXJ1 in HGSC, validating the prior mRNA-based prognostic association by immunohistochemistry.


Subject(s)
Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous , Ovarian Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Prognosis , Survival Analysis , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
18.
Kidney Int ; 103(1): 42-52, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36377113

ABSTRACT

Blood pressure is regulated by a complex neurohumoral system including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, natriuretic peptides, endothelial pathways, the sympathetic nervous system, and the immune system. This review charts the evolution of our understanding of the genomic basis of hypertension at increasing resolution over the last 5 decades from monogenic causes to polygenic associations, spanning ∼30 monogenic rare variants and >1500 single nucleotide variants. Unexpected early wins from blood pressure genomics include deepening of our understanding of the complex causation of hypertension; refinement of causal estimates bidirectionally between blood pressure, risk factors, and outcomes through Mendelian randomization; risk stratification using polygenic risk scores; and opportunities for precision medicine and drug repurposing.


Subject(s)
Hypertension , Humans , Blood Pressure/genetics , Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics , Risk Factors , Genomics
19.
Gynecol Oncol ; 168: 23-31, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36368129

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare histotype of ovarian cancer, with low response rates to standard chemotherapy, and very poor survival for patients diagnosed at advanced stage. There is a limited understanding of the MOC immune landscape, and consequently whether immune checkpoint inhibitors could be considered for a subset of patients. METHODS: We performed multicolor immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) on tissue microarrays in a cohort of 126 MOC patients. Cell densities were calculated in the epithelial and stromal components for tumor-associated macrophages (CD68+/PD-L1+, CD68+/PD-L1-), T cells (CD3+/CD8-, CD3+/CD8+), putative T-regulatory cells (Tregs, FOXP3+), B cells (CD20+/CD79A+), plasma cells (CD20-/CD79a+), and PD-L1+ and PD-1+ cells, and compared these values with clinical factors. Univariate and multivariable Cox Proportional Hazards assessed overall survival. Unsupervised k-means clustering identified patient subsets with common patterns of immune cell infiltration. RESULTS: Mean densities of PD1+ cells, PD-L1- macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and FOXP3+ Tregs were higher in the stroma compared to the epithelium. Tumors from advanced (Stage III/IV) MOC had greater epithelial infiltration of PD-L1- macrophages, and fewer PD-L1+ macrophages compared with Stage I/II cancers (p = 0.004 and p = 0.014 respectively). Patients with high epithelial density of FOXP3+ cells, CD8+/FOXP3+ cells, or PD-L1- macrophages, had poorer survival, and high epithelial CD79a + plasma cells conferred better survival, all upon univariate analysis only. Clustering showed that most MOC (86%) had an immune depleted (cold) phenotype, with only a small proportion (11/76,14%) considered immune inflamed (hot) based on T cell and PD-L1 infiltrates. CONCLUSION: In summary, MOCs are mostly immunogenically 'cold', suggesting they may have limited response to current immunotherapies.


Subject(s)
B7-H1 Antigen , Ovarian Neoplasms , Humans , Female , B7-H1 Antigen/genetics , Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/pathology , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Forkhead Transcription Factors/therapeutic use , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating , Tumor Microenvironment
20.
Environ Monit Assess ; 195(1): 164, 2022 Nov 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36445492

ABSTRACT

Coastal sediments in the Mong Cai area were collected and analyzed for grain size, heavy metals, total organic carbon, and isotopes (210Pb, 226Ra, δ15N, δ13C) to assess sediment quality. The most common sediments were fine sand in surface sediment, very fine sand in core C1, and very coarse and coarse silt in core C2. The total organic carbon was highest in C2 next to the surface and lowest in C1, with content levels of 1.81%, 0.40%, and 0.31%, respectively. The chronology in C1 was 1877-2019 (142 years, 0-5 0 cm), with an average sedimentation rate of 0.71 cm/year. In C2, the chronology was 1944-2019 (75 years, 0-14 cm), with an average sedimentation rate of 0.27 cm/year. These δ13C and δ15N in the sediment reflect the source of the organic matter mix from the marine and terrigenous sediments. All studied heavy metals were lower than the ISQGs, with the exception of As in C1 and C2, which were higher. C1 showed a decline in As over time, while C2 As levels increased between 1996 and 2019. In terms of heavy metal pollution indexes, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed that C1 and C2 were unpolluted to moderately polluted with As, with Li and Pb in C2; the enrichment factor (EF) was moderately enriched with As; the contamination factor (CF) was moderately contaminated (Pb, Cd, Fe, Mo, and Li) in C2 and C1 (Cd, As, Li) and considerably contaminated (As) in C2. The risk factor (ER) of As showed a moderate potential ecological risk in C2. The degree of contamination (CD) ranged from moderate to considerable (C1, C2), and the ecological risk (RI) was low. Although CD ranged from moderate (C1) to considerable (C2), most contamination was concentrated at the bottom of the cores. RI was low. The Mong Cai sediment quality does not currently affect the coastal area's ecosystem and fauna.


Subject(s)
Metals, Heavy , Sand , Ecosystem , Lead , Vietnam , Environmental Monitoring , Carbon
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