"dsbandrepair" - An updated Geant4-DNA simulation tool for evaluating the radiation-induced DNA damage and its repair.

PURPOSE: Interdisciplinary scientific communities have shown large interest to achieve a mechanistic description of radiation-induced biological damage, aiming to predict biological results produced by different radiation quality exposures. Monte Carlo track-structure simulations are suitable and reliable for the study of early DNA damage induction used as input for assessing DNA damage. This study presents the most recent improvements of a Geant4-DNA simulation tool named "dsbandrepair". METHODS: "dsbandrepair" is a Monte Carlo simulation tool based on a previous code (FullSim) that estimates the induction of early DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs). It uses DNA geometries generated by the DNAFabric computational tool for simulating the induction of early single-strand breaks (SSBs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs). Moreover, the new tool includes some published radiobiological models for survival fraction and un-rejoined DSB. Its application for a human fibroblast cell and human umbilical vein endothelial cell containing both heterochromatin and euchromatin was conducted. In addition, this new version offers the possibility of using the new IRT-syn method for computing the chemical stage. RESULTS: The direct and indirect strand breaks, SSBs, DSBs, and damage complexity obtained in this work are equivalent to those obtained with the previously published simulation tool when using the same configuration in the physical and chemical stages. Simulation results on survival fraction and un-rejoined DSB are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. CONCLUSIONS: "dsbandrepair" is a tool for simulating DNA damage and repair, benchmarked against experimental data. It has been released as an advanced example in Geant4.11.2.

Endovascular balloon usage in endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus during a national shortage: case series and technical note.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a well-established surgical technique for treating hydrocephalus. Many providers have transitioned to utilizing the specialized Neuroballoon for the stoma dilation in ETV; however, these devices are intermittently unavailable during supply chain shortages. We present the experience of employing cardiac angioplasty and neurovascular balloons as substitutes for the Neuroballoon in 3 patients. The scepter balloon (Microvention), priced at $1800 compared to the standard $300 Neuroballoon (Integra), proved effective, but its pliability presented technical challenges. The substantial cost differential compared to a Neuroballoon ($300) raises economic considerations. The Cardiac TREK balloon (Abbott) was similarly effective, while also being easier to manage endoscopically and cheaper at $158. These experiences support the viability of non-neuroendoscopic specialized balloons as alternatives for ETV dilation of the floor of tuber cinereum.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition studies of alkaloid components from Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum: in vitro assessments by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

Alkaloids are among the most important and best-known secondary metabolites as sources of new drugs from medicinal plants and marine organisms. A phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum resulted in the isolation of seven alkaloids (1-7), including one new dimeric compound, bis-(-)-8-demethylmaritidine (1). Their structures were elucidated using NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The absolute configuration of new compound 1 was established by circular dichroism spectroscopy. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in vitro. Among them, compound 1 exhibited the most potent AChE inhibition. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for the most active compound to investigate their binding interactions and dynamics behavior of the AChE protein-ligand complex. Therefore, compound 1 may be a potential candidate for effectively treating Alzheimer's disease.

Relationships of BRAF V600E Gene Mutation With Some Immunohistochemical Markers and Recurrence Rate in Patients With Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: The B-type rafkinase (BRAF) V600E gene mutation plays an important role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of thyroid carcinoma. This study was conducted to investigate the rate of the BRAF V600E mutation, the relationships between the BRAF V600E gene mutation and some immunohistochemical markers, and recurrence rate in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Method: The study was conducted by a descriptive and longitudinal follow-up method on 102 thyroid carcinoma patients at 103 Military Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. All patients were identified with the BRAF V600E gene mutation by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The rate of BRAF V600E gene mutation in patients with thyroid cancer was 60.8%. Patients with BRAF V600E gene mutation had a significantly higher rate of positive cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and Ki67 markers than those without the mutation (COX-2: odds ratio [OR] = 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-6.74, P = .011; Ki67: OR = 3.41; 95% CI = 1.31-8.88, P = .01). A statistically significant relationship was identified between the rate of BRAF V600E mutation and the rate of positive Hector Battifora mesothelial 1 (HBME-1) (B = -1.040; P = .037) and COX-2 (B = -1.123; P = .023) markers. The recurrence rate in patients with BRAF V600E gene mutation was significantly higher than that in those without the mutation (P = .007). The mean of the recurrence time of patients with BRAF V600E mutation was significantly lower than that in those without the mutation (P = .011). Conclusions: A high prevalence of BRAF V600E gene mutation was found in thyroid carcinoma patients. The rates of positive HBME-1, COX-2, and Ki67 markers were significantly correlated to BRAF V600E gene mutation. Patients with BRAF V600E gene mutation showed a significantly higher relapse rate and earlier relapse time than those without the mutation.

Assessment of aflatoxin B1 contamination in rice and maize

Introduction: Aflatoxins B1 are among the most common poisonous mycotoxins produced by certain fungi that harm animals and crops. Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to humans. The Maximum Residue Limits of aflatoxin B1 in processed cereals and ingredients are 2 parts per billion (ppb) and 5 ppb, respectively. Objectives: To evaluate the status of aflatoxin B1 contamination in rice, corn and staple food produced in Ha Giang province compared with the maximum permitted levels. Methods: A total of 210 rice and maize samples were analyzed to quantify the level of aflatoxin B1. Analysis of mycotoxins was conducted by High Performance Liquid Chromatography using a fluorescence detector. Results: It was found that rice, rice products, maize, and maize products had a mean aflatoxin B1 content of 1.79 ppb, 2.55 ppb, 2.19 ppb, and 6.35 ppb, respectively. The results also showed that 71.9% of samples were contaminated with mycotoxins, and 14.28% of samples exceeded the maximum allowable limit. Conclusion: The concentration of aflatoxin B1 in 14.28% of the samples are over permissible limits by nationwide regulations.

Introducción: La aflatoxina B1 se encuentra entre las micotoxinas más comunes y venenosas producidas por ciertos hongos que dañan a los animales y los cultivos. Las micotoxinas pueden causar una variedad de efectos adversos para la salud y representar una grave amenaza para la salud de los seres humanos. Los límites máximos de residuos de aflatoxina B1en cereales e ingredientes procesados son de 2 ppb y 5 ppb, respectivamente. Objetivos: Evaluar el estado de contaminación por aflatoxina B1 en arroz, maíz y alimentos básicos producidos en la provincia de Ha Giang, en comparación con los niveles máximos permitidos. Métodos: Se analizaron un total de 210 muestras de arroz y maíz para cuantificar el nivel de aflatoxina B1. El análisis de micotoxinas se realizó mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución, utilizando un detector de fluorescencia. Resultados: Se encontró que el arroz, los productos de arroz, el maíz y los productos de maíz tenían un contenido medio de aflatoxin B1, de 1,79 ppb, 2,55 ppb, 2,19 ppb y 6,35 ppb, respectivamente. Los resultados también mostraron que el 71,9 % de las muestras estaban contaminadas con micotoxinas y el 14,28 % de las muestras excedieron el límite máximo permitido. Conclusión: La concentración de aflatoxina B1 en el 14,28 % de las muestras está por encima de los límites permisibles por la norma nacional.

Undescribed Phenolic Glycosides from Syzygium attopeuense and Their Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production.

Four undescribed phenolic glycosides including three stilbene derivatives (1 and 3) and sodium salt of 3 (2), and a chalcone glycoside (4), together with thirteen known compounds (5-17) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium attopeuense (Gagnep.) Merr. & L.M.Perry. Their chemical structures were elucidated to be (Z)-gaylussacin (1), 6''-O-galloylgaylussacin sodium salt (2), 6''-O-galloylgaylussacin (3), 4'-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-glucopyranosyl]oxy-2'-hydroxy-6'-methoxydihydrochalcone (4), gaylussacin (5), pinosilvin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6), myricetin-3-O-(2''-O-galloyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (7), myricetin-3-O-(3''-O-galloyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8), myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (9), quercitrin (10), myricetin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (11), myricetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (12), quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (13), myricetin-3-O-2''-O-galloyl)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (14), (+)-gallocatechin (15), (-)-epigallocatechin (16), and 3,3',4'-trimethoxyellagic acid 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (17) by the analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra in comparison with the previously reported data. Compounds 1-3, 5, and 6 significant inhibition of NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 18.37±1.38 to 35.12±2.53 µM, compared to a positive control (dexamethasone) with an IC50 value of 15.37±1.42 µM.

Chemical composition and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of essential oil from the leaves of Mitrephora poilanei Weeras. & R.M.K. Saunders.

The present study provides the first information on the chemical composition and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the essential oil (EO) from the leaves of Mitrephora poilanei Weeras. & R.M.K.Saunders from Vietnam. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the main components of the M. poilanei EO were ß-caryophyllene (13.2%), α-humulene (10.5%), germacrene D (8.1%), ß-elemene (5.2%) and bicyclogermacrene (5.1%). The anti-acetylcholinesterase assay showed that the EO displayed moderate activity with IC50 value of 31.16 ± 3.06 µg/mL. These findings proposed that the plant can be exploited for its anti-acetylcholinestrate potential.

New Isopropyl Chromone and Flavanone Glucoside Compounds from the Leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry and Their Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production.

A new isopropyl chromone (1) and a new flavanone glucoside (2) together with eleven known compounds (3-13) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry. Their structures were elucidated as 5,7-dihydroxy-2-isopropyl-6,8-dimethyl-4H-chromen-4-one (1), 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone 7-O-ß-D-(6''-O-galloylglucopyranoside) (2), strobopinin (3), demethoxymatteucinol (4), pinocembrin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (5), (2S)-hydroxynaringenin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6), afzelin (7), quercetin (8), kaplanin (9), endoperoxide G3 (10), grasshopper (11), vomifoliol (12), litseagermacrane (13) by the analysis of HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and CD spectral data. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10 inhibited NO production on LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 12.28±1.15, 8.52±1.62, 7.68±0.87, 9.67±0.57, and 6.69±0.34 µM, respectively, while the IC50 values of the other compounds ranging from 33.38±0.78 to 86.51±2.98 µM, compared to that of the positive control, NG -monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA) with an IC50 value of 32.50±1.00 µM.

Ethanol extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis protect against lipopolysaccharideinduced acute liver injury in mice

Objective: To investigated the protective potential of ethanol extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. Methods: Dried roots of S. baicalensis were extracted with ethanol and concentrated to yield a dry residue. Mice were administered 200 mg/kg of the ethanol extracts orally once daily for one week. Animals were subsequently administered a single dose of LPS (5 mg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneal injection). Both protein and mRNA levels of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 in liver tissues were evaluated by ELISA assay and quantitative PCR. Cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-kB protein levels in liver tissues were analyzed by western blotting. Results: Liver injury induced by LPS significantly increased necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-κB in liver tissues. Treatment with ethanol extracts of S. baicalensis prevented all of these observed changes associated with LPS-induced injury in liver mice. Conclusions: Our study showed that S. baicalensis is potentially protective against LPSinduced liver injury in mice.

Structural requirement(s) of N-phenylthioureas and benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazones as inhibitors of melanogenesis in melanoma B 16 cells.

In order to define the structural requirements of phenylthiourea (PTU), a series of thiourea and thiosemicarbazone analogs were prepared and evaluated as inhibitors of melanogenesis in melanoma B16 cells. The most potent analog was 2-(4-tert-butylbenzylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (1u) with an IC(50) value of 2.7 microM in inhibition of melanogenesis. The structure for potent inhibitory activity of these derivatives are required with the direct connection of pi-planar structure to thiourea without steric hinderance in PTU derivatives and the hydrophobic substituent at para position in case of semicarbazones.

The real situation on food safety conditions of beer-production enterprises in Hanoi

Background: Worldwide, the beer industry has developed from 2% to 8% per year during 1990 and 2000 and the number of production surpassed 140 billion liters per year in 2001. Beer is not widely recommended for the population but the fact is consumption is on the increase. Objective: To evaluate the real situation of food safety conditions and hygiene safety requirements for beer at beer production enterprises in Hanoi and study various related factors to propose appropriate solutions to improving the food safety hygiene. Subject and methods: A cross-sectional, analysis investigation was conducted in 70 private beer-production enterprises in Hanoi in 2007. Results and Conclusion: The general rate with good food hygiene safety condition was 68.6%. Among them, the good environmental hygiene condition was 82.9%; good drainage condition was 75.7%; the work area hygiene condition meeting requirements was about 74.3% (with wall and floor hygiene regulation at 57.1%); food hygiene condition meet requirement about 95.7%; good work instrument hygiene condition was 72.9% and the lowest rate of work instrument hygiene regulation was 68.8%; good personal hygiene was 80%. The bad personal hygiene and environmental hygiene condition increased the risk of food hygiene quality that did not meet the requirement by ten-folds and thirteen-folds, respectively. The bad personal hygiene condition increased the risk of tool hygiene that did not meet the requirement by 5.5 folds.

The real situation and solution to improve the practical knowledge on food hygiene safety of workers at beer-producing enterprises in Ha Noi

Background: Beer is produced to meet people\u2019s demands. Sanitation, old technology, poor knowledge on hygiene and safety of workers is still limited. Objectives: This study aims to learn the real situation and solution to improve the practical knowledge on food hygiene and the safety of workers at beer-producing enterprises in Ha Noi. Subjects and method: The descriptive, cross-sectional study on wokers at beer-producing enterprises in Ha Noi.The data were collected from designed questionaires and analysed by Epi.infor 6.04 software. Results: The general knowledge rate on hygiene food safety of workers is 42.5%; In there, the knowledge rate on environmental hygiene of workers is 45.6%; the knowledge rate on work instrument hygiene of workers is 46.4%; the knowledge rate on personal hygiene of workers is 37.7%; the knowledge rate on food hygiene of workers is 50.9%; the knowledge rate on food poisoning of workers is 76.3%; Conclusion: There is a relationship between the practical knowledge on hygiene food safety, age and work duration.

Knowledge and practice on HBV prevention among pregnant women in Hanoi (2005-2006) and some related factors of HBsAg positive rate

Background: hepatitis due to virus B is now one of the leading concerns in the community health care throughout the world. Vietnam was a country located in high risk areas for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with rate of HBV infection in the community ranged from 11.3 to 25.5%, the rate of HBsAg positive in pregnant women from 12-16%. Objectives: to evaluate knowledge and practice on HBV prevention among pregnant women in Hanoi in 2005-2006 period; to study on some related factors of HBsAg positive rate. Subjectives and Method: a cross sectional study (with analysis on knowledge and practice about HBV prevention) was carried out on 1.300 pregnant women above 28 gestational weeks at Hanoi Obstetrics/Gynecology Hospital in 2005. Results: the rates of women with knowledge about HBV prevention were 38.5% at good level, 24.4% at acceptable level, and 37.7% at unacceptable level. The rates of practice on HBV prevention were 58.5% at satisfied level and 41.5% at notsatified level. Knowledge was likely related to practice, age, educational level, and HBV positive rate. Practice on HBV prevention was also related to HBV infection. Conclusions: the rates of women with knowledge about HBV prevention at good level were relatively high. The rates of practice on HBV prevention at satisfied level were relatively low. Related factors of HBsAg positive rate: knowledge and practice about HBV prevention.

Relations between results of chromosomal analysis and fetal abnormalities determined by ultrasound

Background: Abnormal chromosome may be abnormal in number or structure of chromosomes related to normal chromosomes or sex chromosomes. One sign of abnormal chromosomes that we can observe during pregnancy is the abnormal ultrasound images. Objectives: To discover the relations between the chromosomal abnormalities and some fetal abnormalities determined by ultrasound. Subjects and method: A prospective descriptive study combined with a retrospective study on 250 pregnant women with fetal abnormalities from Aug 2006 to Aug 2008. Results: Among 250 pregnant women with fetal abnormalities determined by ultrasound taken amniocentesis, rate of late amniocentesis (over 20 weeks) was the highest (50.8%), while rate of ideal amniocentesis (16-20 weeks) only accounted for 29.6%. Abnormal chromosomal rate of multiple abnormalities of fetus statistically significant were higher than that of mono abnormal of fetus (46.8% vs. 18.5%/ p<0.0l). Conclusion: Abnormal phenotype determined by ultrasound; rate of chromosomal disorder was 27.2%.

Relation between history of menstrual modulation aspiration and ectopic pregnancy

A study was done on 111 patients with ectopic pregnancy in the Institute of Mother and Infant Protection and Care and 111 pregnant women in the same locality. Results have shown that the history of menstrual modulation aspiration related closely with the ectopic pregnancy, especially the menstrual modulation aspiration only before the round of this pregnancy. The women with 2 or more than rounds of menstrual modulation increased the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Other factors comprised induced abortion, vulvitis and having many sexual partners

Menstrual regulating aspiration and risk of ectopic pregnancy

Menstrual regulating aspiration is a procedure to induce menstruation when the women have menstrual delay of suspected pregnancy. It is indicated when the menstruation has delayed less than 14 days. In the other hand, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy has increased by 2-3 times during past decade. In comparison of history of menstrual regulating aspiration and ectopic pregnancy between married childbearing women, ectopic pregnancy-operated women and the women with intrauterine pregnancy, including 10,177 deliveries, 5240 induced abortions, 6749 menstrual regulating aspirations and 359 ectopic pregnancies, it is found that there was strong relationship between menstrual regulating aspirations and ectopic pregnancy with odd ratio of 2-4 times. However, this finding should be confirmed. Other risk factors for ectopic pregnancy are history of induced abortion and IUD insertion. Menstrual aspiration should be indicated for pregnancy that was diagnosed by HCG test and ultrasound to reduce the number of menstrual regulating aspirations

Aspiration for menstrual modulation and risks of ectopic pregnancy

A comparison of aspiration for menstrual modulation and risks of ectopic pregnancy, number of operated ectopic pregnancy and pregnant women in 10-117 cases of delivery, 5240 cases of induced abortion and 6749 cases of aspiration for menstrual modulation and 359 cases of etopic pregnancy for the past decade has shown that the aspiration for menstrual modulation related closely with ectopic pregnancy. The other risks comprised history of induced abortion and contraceptive device implantation. It should implement the diagnosis of HCG and ultrasound before indication of Aspiration for menstrual modulation.

Preoperative single-dose of Zinacef in preventing infection from gynecological surgery

The efficacy of pre-operative single dose antimicrobial prophylaxis in preventing infection after gynecological surgery has been demonstrated. In this study 200 patients were randomly enrolled in two groups. Each of the 1st group (n=100) was received 2 g of ampicillin and 160 mg of gentamycin per day, during 7 days of postoperation. Each of the other (n=100) was received 1.5g of cefuroxime (Zinacef) single-dose 15-30 minutes before operation. The two treatments were compared. There was no difference between two groups about the number of white blood cell, the fever and the hospitalization stay. No infectious complication was noted. But in the group receiving Zinacef, the patient felt less painful and the hospitalization stay might be reduced