In vitro inhibitory effect of berberine against rotavirus combined with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity activities.

Although berberine (BBR) is well known as a traditional medicine used in treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, its potent against viral gastroenteritis has not been specifically reported. This study aims to investigate the antiviral activity of BBR against rotavirus and evaluate its cytotoxicity and pharmacological efficacies, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Using ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, the saturation concentration of BBR was determined as 2261 µg/mL, indicating that BBR is a poor water-soluble compound. The inhibition rate of NO production of BBR solution at a concentration of 238 µg/mL was similar to that of Cardamonin 0.3 µM with a cell viability of 92,46±0.35%, revealing the anti-inflammatory activity of BBR. The cytotoxicity of BBR solution depended on its concentration, whereby the 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of BBR after 96 h exposure was 664 µg/mL. Investigation of cytopathic effects (CPE) of MA104 cells treated with BBR and BBR-incubated rotavirus indicates that BBR could effectively inhibit the replication of rotavirus. CPEs were not observed in the cells inoculated with rotavirus (100TCID50) which was pre-incubated with BBR for 96 hours at BBR concentration of 283 µg/mL. Therefore, the study provides reliable results to demonstrate the ability of BBR to inhibit the replication of rotavirus.

Insights into Full-congener Profiles of Chlorinated Benzenes in Fly and Bottom Ash: Case Study in Vietnamese Industrial and Municipal Waste Incinerators.

Chlorinated benzenes (CBzs) are a group of organic pollutants, which have been industrially or unintentionally produced through various chemical and thermal processes. Studies on full congener profiles of CBzs in waste and environmental samples are relatively limited and not updated. In the present study, concentrations of 12 CBzs were determined in fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) samples collected from one municipal waste incinerator (MWI) and one industrial waste incinerator (IWI) in northern Vietnam. Levels of Σ12CBzs were higher in bottom ash (median 25.3; range 1.59-45.7 ng/g) than in fly ash (median 7.30; range 1.04-30.0 ng/g). The CBz profiles were dominated by di- and tri-chlorinated congeners with the major congeners as 1,2,4-TCB, 1,2,3-TCB, 1,2-DCB, and 1,3-DCB. However, CBz profiles varied greatly between sample types and incinerators, implying differences in input materials, formation pathways, and pollutant behaviors. Incomplete combustion is possibly responsible for high levels of CBzs in industrial bottom ash. The emission factors of Σ12CBzs ranged from 21 to 600 µg/ton for fly ash and from 190 to 4570 µg/ton for bottom ash, resulting in annual emissions of about 6 and 3 g/year for the IWI and MWI, respectively. Our results suggest additional investigations on industrial emission and environmental occurrence of all 12 CBzs rather than solely focusing on regulated congeners like hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorobenzene.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Air and Dust Samples from Vietnamese End-of-life Vehicle Processing Workshops: Contamination Status, Sources, and Exposure Risks.

Concentrations of 18 unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 11 methylated derivatives (Me-PAHs) were measured in polyurethane foam-based passive air (PUF-PAS) and settled dust samples collected from end-of-life vehicle (ELV) processing workshops in northern Vietnam. Concentrations of total 29 PAHs ranged from 42 to 95 (median 57) ng/m3 and from 860 to 18,000 (median 5700) ng/g in air and dust samples, respectively. PAH levels in ELV air and dust samples were 1.5 ± 0.4 and 9.4 ± 7.9 times higher than levels found in a control house, suggesting ELV processing as potential PAH emission sources. Concentrations and proportions of Me-PAHs in total PAHs of the ELV air (26% ± 7%) and dust (41% ± 14%) were higher than those found in control house (18% in both air and dust). The occurrence of PAHs and Me-PAHs in the ELV workshops are attributed to not only pyrogenic but also petrogenic sources (i.e., improper treatment and management of fuels, lubricants, and vehicle oils).

Quality of life among chronic myeloid leukemia patients in the second-line treatment with nilotinib and influential factors.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients prescribed with nilotinib as a second-line therapy and explores the influential factors. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. A total of 121 adult CML patients resistant to imatinib and used nilotinib for at least 3 months were enrolled. The influential features were assessed by multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Patients had the mean age of 47.49 (SD = 13.67) years, dominated by middle-aged and male groups. The mean scores of functions ranged from 75 to 83, and those of symptoms were from 5 to 28, with the highest of fatigue (28.28), insomnia (22.87), and pain (21.07). The mean global health status/QoL score was 67.70 (SD = 16.80) with considerable financial difficulties (52.34 (SD = 32.15)). Male patients reported higher functional scores and fewer symptoms compared with female patients. All aspects of QoL became worse with increasing age. Besides age and gender, level of education, duration of nilotinib usage, and comorbidities were also significantly influential factors in many QoL domains. A predicted model for expected mean scores of QoL domains was built based on these factors. CONCLUSIONS: The CML patients treated with nilotinib had the above-moderate QoL scores, a light decrease of functional scores, great financial difficulties, and still experienced symptoms. Strategies and more therapeutic considerations to enhance QoL for CML patients targeted toward women, the old, low educational level, and long duration of nilotinib usage, and many comorbidities are needed in the setting.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor dusts from industrial factories, offices, and houses in northern Vietnam: Contamination characteristics and human exposure.

Information about the occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in indoor dusts from various industrial sectors in Southeast Asia is still scarce. In this study, concentrations and congener-specific profiles of PBDEs were determined in indoor dusts from industrial factories, offices, and houses in northern Vietnam. Levels of Σ8PBDEs were higher in the office dusts (median 270; range 230-300 ng/g) and factory dusts (170; 89-510 ng/g) than in the house dusts (61; 25-140 ng/g). BDE-209 was the most dominant congener, accounting for 27-98% (average 62%) of Σ8PBDEs, suggesting the abundance of products treated with deca-BDE mixtures. Residential, commercial, and industrial activities in the studied locations of this survey were not significant sources of PBDEs as compared to those of informal waste processing activities in Vietnam. Relatively low PBDE concentrations detected in our dust samples partially reflect effectiveness of the global PBDE phase-out. Human exposure and health risk associated with dust-bound PBDEs were estimated, indicating acceptable levels of risk (i.e., neurobehavioral effects). The contributions of workplace dusts in total daily intake doses of PBDEs via dust ingestion were more important for local workers in informal recycling areas than factory workers and general population, raising the need of appropriate labor protection measures.

Enhanced immune responses and effectiveness of refined outer membrane protein vaccines against Vibrio harveyi in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides).

Vibriosis is a severe infection occurring in many commercially important marine fish species. In this study, vaccines containing Vibrio harveyi recombinant outer membrane protein K (rOmpK), outer membrane protein U (rOmpU) and rOmpK-OmpU fusion protein in addition to the metabolizable MontanideTM ISA 763 A VG adjuvant were developed and evaluated in the orange-spotted grouper. The results indicate that recombinant V. harveyi protein-based vaccines resulted in a remarkably higher expression of IL-1ß and IL-8 at 24 hr, and greater antibody production, as early as 2 weeks postimmunization. Notably, enhanced immune responses and significant protective efficacy against V. harveyi infections were observed in the fusion protein vaccine-injected fishes with relative per cent survival value of 81.8%. Additionally, the rOmpK-OmpU antisera presented a high bactericidal effect on not only V. harveyi, but also Vibrio parahaermolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. Our results demonstrated that the fusion protein rOmpK-OmpU was an effective vaccine candidate that exhibited potentially great versatility for controlling vibrio infections.

Identification and expression analysis of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-8, in cobia (Rachycentron canadum L.) in response to Streptococcus dysgalactiae infection.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) play pivotal roles in mediating inflammatory responses to invading pathogens. In this study, we identified and analyzed expressions of cobia TNF-α and IL-8 during Streptococcus dysgalactiae infection. The cloned cDNA transcript of cobia TNF-α comprised of 1281 base pairs (bp), with a 774 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 257 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of cobia TNF-α showed a close relationship (84% similarity) with TNF-α of yellowtail amberjack. The cloned IL-8 cDNA sequence was 828 bp long, including a 300-bp ORF encoding 99 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of cobia IL-8 shared 90% identity with IL-8 of striped trumpeter. Cobia challenged with a virulent S. dysgalactiae strain displayed an early significant up-regulation of TNF-α and IL-8 in head kidney, liver, and spleen. Notably, IL-8 expression level increased dramatically in the liver at the severe stage of infection (72 h). In conclusion, a better understanding of TNF-α and IL-8 allows more detailed investigation of immune responses in cobia and furthers study on controlling the infectious disease caused by S. dysgalactiae.

Effectiveness of formalin-killed vaccines containing CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 1668 adjuvants against Vibrio harveyi in orange-spotted grouper.

Vibrio harveyi is a major bacterial pathogen that causes serious vibriosis in cultured groupers, leading to massive deaths. In this study, we evaluated the immune responses and protective efficacy of vaccines containing V. harveyi formalin-killed cells (FKC) formulated with CpG ODN 1668-enriched plasmids (p30CpG and p60CpG) in the orange-spotted grouper. Results indicated that antibody titres were remarkably increased in vaccinated fish 2 weeks post-immunisation. Expression level of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD 8, and toll-like receptor 9 was significantly upregulated in the spleen of fish immunised with CpG ODN 1668-adjuvanted vaccines, as recorded at 6 weeks after immunisation. Additionally, the FKC + p60CpG-vaccinated fish displayed greater mRNA levels of MHC I and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Of note, the relative percent survival after V. harveyi challenge was significantly higher in FKC + p60CpG-vaccinated fish (96.2%) than in FKC + p30CpG-vaccinated (79.8%) and FKC-vaccinated fish (59.9%). These results demonstrate that the FKC + CpG ODN 1668 vaccines are promising candidates that could enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses, conferred remarkable protection, and CpG ODN 1668 is a potential adjuvant for vaccines against V. harveyi.

The role of chitosan in enhancing the solubility and antibacterial activity of emodin against drug-resistant bacteria.

Similar to most anthraquinone compounds, the pharmacological properties of emodin are limited because of its low water solubility. In this study, the formulation of chitosan and emodin (EMD/CS) was prepared by a bottom-up method with precipitation and sonication steps in order to enhance the solubility of emodin. Thanks to the interactions of oxygen-and nitrogen-containing groups in chitosan with emodin molecules, the solubility of emodin in the formulation was remarkably increased to 0.5 mg/mL. The EMD/CS particles were well dispersed and distributed in a range of sub-micrometer with an average particle size of 342 nm. The EMD/CS formulation exhibited synergic antibacterial activity of emodin and chitosan, against drug-resistant bacterial strains, namely Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7). When the compositions of emodin and chitosan increased, the antibacterial effectiveness of the EMD/CS formulation increased. The EMD/CS formulation with compositions of 0.5 mg/mL of emodin and 9.0 mg/mL of chitosan could significantly inhibit the proliferation of E. coli O157:H7. Meanwhile, the EMD/CS formulation with a lower concentration of emodin (0.4 mg/mL) and chitosan (7.2 mg/mL) could cause an extermination effect on MRSA. The enhanced solubility of EMD/CS formulation suggests that this formulation can be a potential candidate for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.

Berberine-loaded polylactic acid nanofiber scaffold as a drug delivery system: The relationship between chemical characteristics, drug-release behavior, and antibacterial efficiency.

Hydrophobic berberine powder (BBR) and hydrophilic BBR nanoparticles (BBR NPs) were loaded into an electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber scaffold for modulating the release behavior of BBR in an aqueous medium. The BBR release from the BBR/PLA and BBR NPs/PLA nanofiber scaffolds was investigated in relation to their chemical characteristics, BBR dispersion into nanofibers, and wettability. The BBR release profiles strongly influenced the antibacterial efficiency of the scaffolds over time. When the BBR was loaded, the BBR/PLA nanofiber scaffold exhibited an extremely hydrophobic feature, causing a triphasic release profile in which only 9.8 wt % of the loaded BBR was released in the first 24 h. This resulted in a negligible inhibitory effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Meanwhile, the BBR NPs/PLA nanofiber scaffold had more wettability and higher concentration of BBR NPs dispersed on the surface of PLA nanofibers. This led to a sustained release of 75 wt % of the loaded BBR during the first 24 h, and consequently boosted the antibacterial effectiveness. Moreover, the cytotoxicity test revealed that the BBR NPs/PLA nanofiber scaffold did not induce any changes in morphology and proliferation of MA-104 cell monolayers. It suggests that the BBR/PLA and BBR NPs/PLA nanofiber scaffolds can be used in different biomedical applications, such as wound dressing, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering, according to the requirement of BBR concentration for the desired therapeutic effects.

Drug release system based on a composite polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane with dual functionality of shape memory effect and antibacterial ability.

In this study, a multifunctional composite membrane based on polycaprolactone nanofibers having controlled drug release, shape memory effect, and antibacterial ability was successfully prepared by the electrospinning technique. The addition of graphene oxide (GO), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and berberine (BBR) strongly affected the morphology, crystalline degree, melting temperature, and shape memory performance of the composite membrane, thanks to the physical crosslinking network formed by the hydrogen bonding or van der Waals interactions between the components. As a result, the recovery ratio of the composite membrane reached a higher value (76.3% ± 0.7%) than that of the PCL fiber membrane (22.8% ± 0.7%). The additional components significantly improved the wettability of the composite membrane, leading to a high amount of BBR released (42.7 wt%) during 40 hours, as well as effective antibacterial ability. Besides, the BBR release can be feasibly controlled by modulating the deformation ratio of the composite membrane, whereby the higher deformation ratio resulted in a higher BBR release. Therefore, it is suggested that the prepared composite nanofiber membrane is a potential smart material used in biomedical applications, such as wound dressing and drug release systems.

Emission and distribution profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in solid residues of municipal and industrial waste incinerators, Northern Vietnam.

The concentrations and profiles of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate matter (PM10), fly ash (FA), and bottom ash (BA) were examined in three incineration residues. Samples were collected from different municipal and industrial solid waste incinerators in Northern Vietnam. The average concentrations of total PAHs in PM10, fly ash, and bottom ash were 9.55 × 103 ng/Nm3, 215 × 103 ng/g, and 2.38 ng/g, respectively. Low-molecular-weight PAHs (2 to 3 rings) were predominant in most samples. The emission factor of total PAHs decreased in the order of FA > BA > PM10. A higher concentration of total PAHs was found in industrial facilities than that in municipal ones. The high carcinogenic proportion of PAHs together with significantly high annual emissions reflect the high pollution risk to the ecosystem by PAHs in the case of reuse of incineration ashes (e.g., brick production). Regarding the carcinogenic risk of PAH-bounded ashes or particles, calculations from this study imply the significant threat for workers who have been manipulated in the incineration facilities, directly exposed to fly and bottom ashes. Meanwhile, the risk from PAH-bound particulate was not considered a significant threat for both normal adults and children. Further study on PAHs contained in incinerator waste dumps should be conducted in Vietnam to assess the potential contamination risk of these incineration by-products.

Telemedicine in home-based care for COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has made devastating impacts on public health and global economy. While most people experience mild symptoms, it is highly transmissible and deadly in at-risk populations. Telemedicine has the potential to prevent hospitalization and provide remote care. METHODS: This retrospective study included 336 people with COVID-19, among which 141 (42%) and 195 (58%) were in Delta and Omicron dominant groups, respectively. Patients were confirmed to have COVID-19 by PCR or rapid test and were cared for via telemedicine. Severe cases were hospitalized for more intensive treatment.  RESULTS: The majority of individuals recovered at home (97.02%), while 2.98% required hospitalization. All hospital admissions were in Delta dominant group. No deaths were reported. Delta dominant group was more likely to develop loss of taste and smell, decreased appetite and need longer treatment time than those in Omicron dominant group. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine is a safe measure to provide at-home care for people with COVID-19 infections caused by both Delta and Omicron variants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board Committee of University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (IRB No: 22115-DHYD).

Effect of electrospun non-woven mats of dibutyryl chitin/poly(lactic acid) blends on wound healing in hairless mice.

The aim of this study was to examine the proliferative ability of dibutyryl chitin (DBC) on scratch wounds in HaCaT keratinocytes and to evaluate the effect of nanoporous non-woven mat (DBCNFM) on skin wound healing in hairless mice using the advantages of DBCNFM, such as high porosity and high surface area to volume. The cell spreading activity of DBC was verified through a cell spreading assay in scratched human HaCaT keratinocytes. Scratch wound experiments showed that DBC notably accelerates the spreading rate of HaCaT keratinocytes in a dose dependent manner. The molecular aspects of the healing process were also investigated by hematoxylin & eosin staining of the healed skin, displaying the degrees of reepithelialization and immunostaining on extracellular matrix synthesis and remodeling of the skin. Topical application of DBCNFM significantly reduced skin wound rank scores and increased the skin remodeling of the wounded hairless mice in a dose dependent way. Furthermore, DBCNFM notably increased the expression of the type 1 collagen and filaggrin. These results demonstrate that DBC efficiently accelerates the proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes and DBCNFM notably increases extracellular matrix synthesis on remodeling of the skin, and these materials are a good candidate for further evaluation as an effective wound healing agent.

Characterization of Dosage Levels for In Ovo Administration of Innate Immune Stimulants for Prevention of Yolk Sac Infection in Chicks.

Innate immune stimulants, especially toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and agonists, are the main players in the initiation of innate immunity and have been widely studied as alternatives to antibiotics to control infection. In the present study, we characterized the dosage levels of various innate immune stimulants, including unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanosine dinucleotide -containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), cyclic polyphosphazene 75B (CPZ75B), avian beta-defensin 2 (ABD2), and combinations of these reagents given in ovo. Data derived from a series of animal experiments demonstrated that the in ovo administration of 10-50 µg CpG ODN/embryo (on embryonic day 18) is an effective formulation for control of yolk sac infection (YSI) due to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) in young chicks. Amongst the different combinations of innate immune stimulants, the in ovo administration of CpG ODN 10 µg in combination with 15 µg of poly I:C was the most effective combination, offering 100% protection from YSI. It is expected that the introduction of these reagents to management practices at the hatchery level may serve as a potential replacement for antibiotics for the reduction of early chick mortality (ECM) due to YSI/colibacillosis.

Antibacterial activity of a berberine nanoformulation.

This study describes the preparation of berberine (BBR) in nanoformulation to enhance its solubility and increase its antibacterial effectiveness against hospital-acquired infections. BBR nanoparticles (BBR NPs) were formed by antisolvent precipitation (ASP) using glycerol as a safe organic solvent. UV-vis absorption spectra demonstrated that the solubility of BBR NPs was greatly enhanced compared to that of pure BBR. Glycerol played a role as a stabilizer for BBR NPs through the formation of hydrogen bonds between glycerol and BBR NPs. The prepared BBR NPs have a narrow size distribution with an average diameter of 156 nm at a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, measured by dynamic light scattering. After nanoformulation, the concentration of BBR NPs could reach up to 5.0 mg/mL, which is much higher than the saturation concentration without treatment. Results show a strongly enhanced antibacterial activity of BBR NPs compared with that of pure BBR at the same concentration. The minimum bactericidal concentration of BBR NPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 was found to be 2.0 and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy showed that BBR NPs surrounded the bacterial cells and severely damaged the cell walls. Therefore, BBR NPs prepared by ASP appear to be a potential candidate for the treatment of bacterial pathogens.

Enhancement of protective efficacy of innate immunostimulant based formulations against yolk sac infection in young chicks.

This study was conducted to characterize and compare the protective effects of various innate immune stimulants against yolk sac infection (YSI) caused by an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in young chicks. The immune stimulants were administered alone or in various combinations of unmethylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG), polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), and avian antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Routes included in ovo or in ovo followed by a subcutaneous (S/C) injection. CpG alone and in combination with Poly I:C, truncated avian cathelicidin (CATH)-1(6-26), avian beta defensin (AvBD)1, and CATH-1(6-26) + AvBD1, were administered in ovo to 18-day-old embryonated eggs for gene expression and challenge studies. Next, CpG alone and the potentially effective formulation of CpG + Poly I:C, were administrated via the in ovo route using 40 embryonated eggs. At 1 day post-hatch, half of each group also received their respective treatments via the S/C route. Four hours later, all chicks were challenged using E. coli strain EC317 and mortalities were recorded for 14 d. The first challenge study revealed that amongst the single use and combinations of CpG with different innate immune stimulants, a higher protection and a lower clinical score were offered by the combination of CpG + Poly I:C. The second challenge study showed that this combination (CpG + Poly I:C) provides an even higher level of protection when a second dose is administered via the S/C route at 1 day post-hatch. The current research highlights the efficacy of a combination of CpG + Poly I:C administered either in ovo or in ovo along with a S/C injection and its potential use as an alternative to antibiotics against yolk sac infection in young chicks.

Health Technology Assessment Development in Vietnam: A Qualitative Study of Current Progress, Barriers, Facilitators, and Future Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: To make more efficient use of limited resources, Vietnam incorporated health technology assessment (HTA) into the decision-making process for the health insurance benefit package in 2014. We evaluated progress in HTA institutionalization in Vietnam based on the theoretical framework developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, identified negative and conducive factors for HTA development, and finally suggested policy recommendations that fit the Vietnamese context. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted between December 2017 and March and April 2018 with a purposive sample of 24 stakeholders involved in decision-making for health insurance reimbursement. We employed thematic analysis to examine themes within the data. RESULTS: Despite a variety of activities (e.g., training and advising/mentoring) and a substantial level of output (e.g., policy statements, focal points assigned, and case studies/demonstration projects), Vietnam has not yet reached the policy decision stage based on HTA with scientific integrity and active stakeholder participation. Most respondents, except some clinicians, supported the use of HTA. The lack of capacity of human resources in the government sector and academia, the limited data infrastructure, the absence of guidelines, the government's interest in immediate budget-saving, and public resistance were identified as barriers to the advancement of HTA. CONCLUSIONS: A structured data repository, guidelines based on the Vietnamese context for both policy decision-making at the central level and daily clinical decision-making at the micro-level, and integration of a participatory process into HTA are suggested as priorities for HTA institutionalization in Vietnam.

Avian antimicrobial peptides: in vitro and in ovo characterization and protection from early chick mortality caused by yolk sac infection.

Increasing antibiotic resistance is a matter of grave concern for consumers, public health authorities, farmers, and researchers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as novel and effective non-antibiotic tools to combat infectious diseases in poultry. In this study, we evaluated six avian AMPs including 2 truncated cathelicidins, [CATH-1(6-26) and CATH-2(1-15)], and 4 avian ß-defensins (ABD1, 2, 6 and 9) for their bactericidal and immunomodulatory activities. Our findings have shown CATH-1(6-26) and ABD1 being the two most potent avian AMPs effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria investigated in these studies. Moreover, CATH-1(6-26) inhibited LPS-induced NO production and exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity to HD11 cells. While, ABD1 blocked LPS-induced IL-1ß gene induction and was non-toxic to HD11 cells. Importantly, in ovo administration of these AMPs demonstrated that ABD1 can offer significant protection from early chick mortality (44% less mortality in ABD1 treated group versus the control group) due to the experimental yolk sac infection caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Our data suggest that in ovo administration of ABD1 has immunomodulatory and anti-infection activity comparable with CpG ODN. Thus, ABD1 can be a significant addition to potential alternatives to antibiotics for the control of bacterial infections in young chicks.

Study loading capacties of air pollutant emissions for developing countries: a case of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is one of the cities in developing countries where many concentrations of air pollutants exceeded the Vietnam national technical regulation in ambient air quality including TSP, NOx, Ozone and CO. These high pollutant concentrations have destroyed the human health of people in HCMC. Many zones in HCMC can't receive more air pollutants. The objectives of this research are: (i) Air quality modeling over HCMC by using the TAPM-CTM system model by using a bottom up air emission inventory; and (ii) Study loading capactities of air pollutant emissions over Ho Chi Minh City. Simulations of air pollution were conducted in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the largest city of Vietnam by using the TAPM-CTM model. The model performance was evaluated using observed meteorological data at Tan Son Hoa station and air quality data at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Science. The model is then applied to simulate a retire 1-year period to determine the levels of air pollutants in HCMC in 2017, 2025 and 2030. The results show that the highest concentrations of CO, NO2, and O3 in 2017 exceeded the National technical regulation in ambient air quality (QCVN 05:2013) 1.5, 1.5, and 1.1 times, respectively. These values also will increase in 2025 and 2030 if the local government does not have any plan for the reduction of emissions, especially, SO2 in 2030 also will be 1.02 times higher than that in QCVN 05:2013. The emission zoning was initially studied by calculating and simulating the loading capacities of each pollutant based on the highest concentration and the National technical regulation in ambient air quality. The results show that the center of HCMC could not receive anymore the emission, even needs to reduce half of the emission. Under the easterly prevailing wind in the dry season, the high pollution was more likely to be experienced in the west of Ho Chi Minh. In contrast, the eastern regions were the upwind areas and the pollutants could transport to the downwind sectors. It was recommended that the best strategy for emission control in HCMC is avoiding industrial and urban development in the upwind areas to achieve better air quality for both areas. In the case of necessity to choose one area for development, the downwind sector is preferred. The results show that TAPM-CTM performed well as applied to simulate the air quality in HCMC and is a promising tool to study the emission zoning.