Diarylbutane-type Lignans from Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) show the Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells through Activation of AMP-activated Protein Kinase

In our program to search for new AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators from plants that exert potential anticancer property, we found that an EtOAc extract of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) activated AMPK enzyme in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Two major diarylbutane-type lignans, macelignan and meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDGA), were isolated as active principles from this extract. Treatment of breast cancer cells with two compounds induced cellular apoptosis, evidenced by cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Ser 15 phosphorylation of p53. Moreover, macelignan and MDGA significantly inhibited the colony formation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells on soft agar. Intraperitoneal injection of macelignan and MDGA (20 mg/kg) suppressed the tumor growth of 4T1 mammary cancer cells. These results indicate that the chemopreventive effects of two major diarylbutane-type lignans from Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) may be associated with induction of apoptosis presumably through AMPK activation.

Amylase Producing Bacillus megaterium T04 Isolated in Rach Lang Stream of Vietnam.

In the study, Bacillus megaterium T04 isolated from Rach Lang stream in Vietnam was identified. The stream samples were diluted in 0.9 % NaCl broth and then spread onto the ISP4 supplemented with rice and wheat starch. The colonies showed the strongest hydrolyzing activity were picked up and identified by biochemical test and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The starch hydrolyzing ability of this strain was detected by starch agar plate method. For maximum α-Amylase production, including 174.7 IU/ml and 0.2 IU/ml in medium containing wheat and rice, respectively was obtained after 72 h of incubation. The enzyme still showed high activity in 60% ammonium sulfate that was necessary for study on the enzyme characteristics. As a result, Bacillus megaterium T04 could produce high yield of amylase in simple conditions.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activities of Bacillus megaterium with a third-generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone).

Bacillus megaterium T04 isolated from Rach Lang stream in Vietnam was tested for antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial activities of Bacillus megaterium T04 (57.3x108 cfu/mL) against Candida albicans, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus sciuri, Micrococcus luteus were detected by agar well diffusion method in different cultivation conditions at three temperatures (25, 37, and 45oC) in three incubation periods (24, 48, and 72 hours). The efficacy of antimicrobial activities of this strain were determined in comparison with ceftriaxone activity against Candida albicans, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus scuiri, Micrococcus luteus. The antimicrobial activity potency was equivalent to ceftriaxone in a range ( 3.3 0.6 μg/mL to 46.5 6.2 μg/mL) for Candida albicans (0.9 0.2 μg/mL to 35.5 7.7 μg/mL) for Salmonella typhi, , (0.4 0.1 μg/mL to 28.4 4.4 μg/mL) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, (119.8 21.2 μg/mL to 283.7 26.0 μg/mL) for Staphylococcus scuiri, (3.3 0.4 μg/mL to 64.4 7.4 μg/mL) for Micrococcus luteus.

rpoB Gene Mutations in Rifampicin - Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Strains in Vietnam

Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis resists rifampicin (RIF) because of mutations in the rpoB (the p subunit of RNA polymerase) gene, mostly in the 81 bp region. \r\n', u'Objectives: Identify the frequency and characteristics relative to drug - resistant rpoB gene mutation in RIF - resistant M. tuberculosis strains. \r\n', u'Subjects and method: 40 M. tuberculosis strains including 11 RIF - sensitive strains and 29 RIF - resistant strains. Some bio molecular techniques were used such as extracting mycobacterial DNA, PCR, cloning, sequencing and analyzing mutation related RIF - resistance on rpoB gene. \r\n', u'Results: No mutation was found on the 81 bp region of rpoB gene of the RIF - sensitive M. tuberculosis strains. The rate of mutation on rpoB gene of 29 RIF - resistant M. tuberculosis strains is 96.6%. We found 12 mutation codon positions on the 81 bp region of the rpoB gene, and the mutation codon positions with high frequency were 531 (51.7%) and 526 (31%). The mutation position found in only one strain is codon 519 (3.4%) but not found in other reports. There are 15 types of drug resistant mutations in which TCG531 TCG is the most common with 50%. Multi - drug resistance was seen in mutable and none mutable cases, with all codon positions and mutable forms. \r\n', u'Conclusion: No mutation was found on the 81 bp region of the rpoB gene of RtF - sensitive M. tuberculosis strains. The rate of mutation on the rpoB gene of RIF - resistant M. tuberculosis strains is 96.6%. The new mutation position found is codon 519. The mutation on the rpoB gene does not determine the multi - drug resistance of M. tuberculosis. \r\n', u'

The study on vertical transmision of Nam Dinh Virus and Coltivirus group B from Culex quinque fasciatus in Can Tho Province

Background:\r\n', u'There are two virus known as Nam Dinh Virus, and Colti group B be found in Viet Nam. These viruses have appeared in the South, the Middle and the Highland. They haven\u2019t been reported in the Southern provinces and Can Thoas well. \r\n', u'Objectives: \r\n', u'To identify the circulation of Nam Dinh virus strain, and coltivirus group B strain in Can Tho, Southern Viet Nam, and their existence in nature.\r\n', u'Subjects and method: \r\n', u'Thirty-four mosquito samples (7, 453 individual mosquitoes) from Culex quinque faciatus and Culex pseudovishnui were collected in Can Tho provice, southern Vietnam 2005.\r\n', u'Isolatingviruses on Aedes albopictuc clone C6/36, Vero cells, and using PT- PCR and ELISA Sandwich for identification. \r\n', u'Results:\r\n', u'2 Nam Dinh virus strains, 2 coltivirus group B strains and 1 flavivirus strain (insect flavivirus) were isolated from Culex quinque faciatus, and no virus was isolated from Culex pseudovishnui.\r\n', u'Conclusion: \r\n', u'The identification of the transmission of Nam dinh Virus, and coltivirus group B in Can Tho province by isolating virus from Culex quinque faciatus has shown the evidence for natural vertical transmission of these viruses.\r\n', u'

Dyslipidemia on patients with cerebrovascular stroke

61 patients (age 20-59 years) treating in the Department for Internal Medicine were investigated using descriptive method. These patients have not any endocrine disease. There are significant difference in serum lipid and lipoprotein levels between patients with cerebrovascular stroke and general population. Common types of dyslipidemia are that can cause risk for developing arteriosclerosis, in which type IV is 59.02%.

Some opinions of the septicemia due to Staphylococcus aureus

Almost 39 cases of sepsis due to Staphylococcus aureus is man, in the age of 30 to 60, with a past history of drug abuse. The incidence of community infections (94% vs 6%). MSSA is prominence in the comparation with MSSA (91% vs 9%). Many criteria for determining the poor prognosis are: normal body temperature, underlying diseases, normal white blood cell count, complications and shock. The mortality in general is 56% and in shock group is 91%. Effective antibiotic groups to MSSA include: oxacillin, cephalosporine III, quinolon, carbapenem, vancomycin and aminoglycoside. Effective antibiotic groups to MRSA just include vancomycin and rifamycin. Until now, VRSA is not detected.

Some clinical features on the epidemiology, clinical and microorganism of the gram-negative septicemia

146 cases of severe sepsis due to gram negative microbials in adult with average age of 54.14. The incidence of community infections(95.2% vs 4.8%). The mortality in general group is 46.6% and in shock group is 72.1%. Many criteria for determining the poor prognosis are: (1) Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas spp, (2) underlying diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Cushing syndrom, (3) Complications (septic shock, acute renal failure and DIC). Effective antibiotic groups to almost Gr(-) organismes include: Cephalosporin III, Oflocet, Amikacin and Netilmicin. The combination of an Aminoglycoside and a Cephalosporin III (or Oflocet or Imipenem) for empirical treatment is usually appropriate.

Application of endoscopic ultrasonography in diagnosis of pancreatic tumors

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), one of the imaging diagnosis technique used in many countries in the world, has been first applied in Vietnam recently. This method has high value in diagnosis of the upper gastrointestinal tract, particularly of pancreatic diseases. We used EUS with sector scan transducer in 30 patients. Who were suspected to have pancreatic tumors. Result of surgery and histopathological examination of 22 patients (who accepted to have operation) are considered as the gold standard for determining the accuracy of EUS. 30 patients was 15 to 90 years old, mean age: 57.2 Male: 21/30 -70%, female: 9/30 = 30%. The results following: the accuracy of EUS is 19/22 cases (about 85%), the majority of pancreatic tumors was located in the head 14/19 (about 74%), smallest tumor is 1.4-1.5cm, invasion in to duodenum, portal vein, and lymph nodes in some cases.