Determinants of Capital Structure in the Presence of Supply Chain Activities of Listed Construction Firms in Vietnam

The study aims to identify the capital structure determinants in the presence of the supply chain of the listed construction firms in Vietnam. The determinants of capital structure are factors affecting firm financial leverage, including firm profitability, size, growth rate, fixed assets, liquidity, interest coverage and state ownership along with the supply chain activities. The study is based on a data of 53 listed construction firms in the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange over the period 2014-2018. The results indicated that the supply chain activities along with other determinants except profits and liquidity have a positive association with the capital structure of the listed construction firm in Vietnam. These findings guided to the policymakers that they should enhance the intensions towards the determinant of the capital structure along with supply chain activities to improve the organizational performance.

Arsenate reductase gene from Pityrogramma calomelanos L. enhances tolerance to arsenic in tobacco

Arsenic (As) contamination in soil, water and air is an alarming issue worldwide and has serious effects on human health and environment. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, and water, and exposure to high levels of arsenic can lead to a range of health problems. The effects of arsenic contamination can also be felt in the environment, as it can harm plants and animals and disrupt ecological systems. The major purpose of this study was to produce transgenic plants with improved tolerance to and accumulation of arsenic via transformation of arsenate reductase gene (ArsC) into tobacco genome. Transgenic plants were screen by PCR and southern blot. Further, their tolerance and accumulation to arsenic were evaluated. In the result, we have cloned, characterized, and transformed the ArsC gene from Pityrogramma calomelanos L. (PcArsC). Its phylogenetic analysis revealed 99% homology to ArsC gene in GenBank (accession number X80057.1). Moreover, Southern blot analysis showed that ArsC gene was integrated into the tobacco genome as a single-copy. These single-copy transgenic lines showed much higher tolerance to and accumulation of As than wild type, with no other phenotypes observed. These results demonstrated that Pityrogramma calomelanos ArsC gene can improve arsenic tolerance and accumulation in transgenic tobacco lines. Thus, using Pityrogramma calomelanos L. ArsC gene for genetic engineering has potential implications in the decontamination of arsenic-containing soil

Carotenoid producing Bacillus aquimaris found in chicken gastrointestinal tracts

Pigmented spore-forming bacterial strains were isolated from the gastrointestinal tracts of chickens for screening for heat-stable carotenoid-producing strains that could be applied as feed supplements. Of the seven heat-stable pigmented isolates screened, only two, yellow Sporosarcina saromensis CH1 and red-orange Bacillus aquimaris CH9, produced pigments with typical carotenoid absorbance peaks (400–500 nm). The CH9 carotenoids exhibited higher scavenging activity (73.2%) of DPPH free radicals than the CH1 carotenoids (35.9%) and carotenoids of the reference B. indicus HU36 strain (78.4%), in comparison to 100% activity of acid ascorbic at 18.75 M as the standard. The CH9 strain produced high levels of carotenoids (439 g [g DW]-1) and formed nearly 100% spores, whereas the CH1 strain produced low levels of carotenoids (92 g [g DW]-1) and only achieved 30% sporulation. Chromatographic and spectral profiles of the carotenoids found in CH9 indicated the presence of as many as 11 different carotenoid types closely related to 1-HO-demethylspheroidene and keto/hydroxyl derivatives of carotene. We successfully produced concentrated orange CH9 spore powder at a high concentration of 6.1 × 1011 CFU g-1; these spores were much more heat-stable (66% survival at 80°C for 20 min) than the reference B. indicus HU36 spores (9% survival at 50°C for 20 min). In conclusion, B. aquimaris CH9 is a promising probiotic carotenoid-producing strain, with heat-stable spores that should withstand the heat-treatment processing required for feed and food supplement production

TRACKING CONTROL FOR ELECTRO-OPTICAL SYSTEM IN VIBRATION ENVIROMENT BASED ON SELF-TUNING FUZZY SLIDING MODE CONTROL

The paper presents a new method for tracking control of EOTS (Electro-Optical Tracking System) operating in mobile environment such as ship, air plane, tank and so on. This makes the base body of the EOTS has angular motion. The control alogorithm used in this paper is adaptive fuzzy sliding mode. The overall control is built and simulated in Matlab and compared with a sliding mode controller and a conventional PID controller. The simulation result illustrated the effectiveness of the proposed controlle

Characteristics of Antibiotic-resistant E. coli Isolated from Perfume River in Hue City, Vietnam

Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in aquatic environments is attracting increasing attention. However, the spread of ARB along Perfume River in Hue City is poorly understood. This study aimed to phenotypically and genotypically characterize β-lactam- and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from this river. Water samples were collected from the urban, rural, agricultural, and less-affected areas in March 2020. E. coli susceptibility to seven commonly employed antibiotics was analyzed using the disk diffusion method, and the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, TEM, SHV, and CTX-M, were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of E. coli revealed that the rate of amoxicillin resistance was the highest (60%). PCR assays and sequencing of 12 β-lactam-resistant E. coli isolates indicated the presence of blaTEM and blaCTX-M-15 in 58.3% and 16.7% of the isolates, respectively. Only one of four fluoroquinolon -resistant E. coli isolates harbored the qnrS, while qnrA or qnrB genes were not detected. These findings suggest that this water may be an essential source of transmissible ARGs in Hue City, which may have a detrimental impact on the people living in this area

Outcomes of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell administration in the treatment of neurologic sequelae in children with spina bifida

Background: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) infusion in the management of neurological sequelae in children with spina bifida (SB). Methods: BMMNCs were harvested from bilateral anterior iliac crests. Two intrathecal BMMNC administrations were performed with an interval of 6 months. The measurements of outcomes included clinical assessments, cystomanometry and rectomanometry.Results: Eleven children with SB underwent autologous BMMNC infusions from 2016 to 2020. There were no severe adverse events during the study period. The number of patients requiring assistance to expel stools decreased from 11 before cell infusion to 3 after the second cell infusion. The number of patients who had urine leakage decreased from 9 patients at baseline to 3 patients after the second BMMNC infusion. The mean bladder capacity increased from 127.7 ± 59.2 ml at baseline to 136.3 ± 54.8 ml at six months and to 158.3 ± 56.2 ml at 12 months after BMMNC infusions. Detrusor pressure (pdet) decreased from 32.4 ± 22.0 cm H2O at baseline to 21.9 ± 11.8 cm H2O after 12 months of follow-up. At baseline, six patients could walk independently. After the 2nd infusion, eight patients could walk independently. Conclusion: Intrathecal infusions of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells are safe and may improve bowel, bladder, and motor function in children with SB. Trial registration: NCT, NCT05472428. Registered July 25, 2022- Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05472428

Effects of raw material types on the chemical composition of Trung du tea variety (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis)

peer reviewedThe chemical composition of the four raw material types of Trung du tea variety has been identified (a bud with three leaves, B type, C type and old tea leaves). The results indicated that the moisture content, soluble substance, total catechin content, cafein and total polyphenol content significantly varied with the raw material type. The younger the material is, the higher the levels of these components are, and vice versa. In the sample materials, the total polyphenol content ranges from 13.23% dry matter (DM) to 21.73% DM, cafein content from 2.06% DM to 4.68%DM, and the total catechin content from 10.80% DM to 15.93% DM. With regard to catechins, the following relationship was observed: EGCG>EGC>ECG>EC>C. Contents of EGCG and ECG increase from the old leaves to the bud with three leaves. In contrast, EGC content reduces from the old leaves to the bud with three leaves

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion for liver cirrhosis after the Kasai operation in children with biliary atresia

Aim: To evaluate the safety and early outcomes of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) infusion for liver cirrhosis due to biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai operation. Methods: An open-label clinical trial was performed from January 2017 to December 2019. Nineteen children with liver cirrhosis due to BA after Kasai operation were included. Bone marrow was harvested through anterior iliac crest puncture under general anesthesia. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by Ficoll gradient centrifugation and then infused into the hepatic artery. The same procedure was repeated 6 months later. Serum bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and prothrombin time were monitored at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the first transplantation. Esophagoscopies and liver biopsies were performed in patients whose parents provided consent. Mixed-effect analysis was used to evaluate the changes in Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) scores. Results: The average MNC and CD34+ cell counts per kg body weight were 50.1 ± 58.5 × 106/kg and 3.5 ± 2.8 × 106 for the first transplantation and 57.1 ± 42.0 × 106/kg and 3.7 ± 2.7 × 106 for the second transplantation. No severe adverse events associated with the cell therapy were observed in the patients. One patient died 5 months after the first infusion at a provincial hospital due to the rupture of esophageal varices, while 18 patients survived. Liver function was maintained or improved after infusion, as assessed by biochemical tests. The severity of the disease reduced markedly, with a significant reduction in PELD scores. Conclusion: Autologous BMMNC administration for liver cirrhosis due to BA is safe and may maintain or improve liver function. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03468699. Name of the registry: Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03468699?cond=biliary+atresia&cntry=VN&draw=2&rank=2. Registered on March 16, 2018. The trial results will also be published according to the CONSORT statement at conferences and reported in peer-reviewed journals

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Severe Neurological Sequelae due to Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: First Case Report

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is caused by altered patient immune reactions. This study reports the first patient with severe neurologic sequelae after NMDA receptor encephalitis treated with allogeneic umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (UC-MSCs). A 5-year-old girl was diagnosed with NMDA receptor encephalitis and treated with immunosuppressive medicaments and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Despite intensive therapy, the patient’s condition worsened so that allogenic UC-MSC therapy was contemplated. The patient received three intrathecal infusions of xeno- and serum-free cultured UC-MSCs at a dose of 106 cells/kg. At baseline and after each UC-MSC administration, the patient was examined by the German Coma Recovery Scale (CRS), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Gross Motor Function Measure–88 (GMFM-88), the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the Denver II test. Before cell therapy, she was in a permanent vegetative state with diffuse cerebral atrophy. Her cognition and motor functions improved progressively after three UC-MSC infusions. At the last visit, she was capable of walking, writing, and counting numbers. Control of urinary and bowel functions was completely recovered. Cerebral atrophy was reduced on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Overall, the outcomes of this patient suggest a potential cell therapy for autoimmune encephalitis and its neurological consequences