SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVATED CARBON SUPPORTED MnO2 FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CAPACITOR

MnO2 was synthesized by adding activated carbon into KMnO4 solution and stirred in a magnetic or ultrasonic stirrer. The obtained MnAC samples were characterized by means of XRD, TGA, TPR-H2, SEM and BET. All samples are amorphous and have porous structure. MnAC-M prepared by magnetic stirring have higher manganese content, earlier reduction temperature, smoother surface area while MnAC-U prepared by ultrasonic stirring have larger specific surface area and pore volume

Prioritization of Factors Impacting Lecturer Research Productivity Using an Improved Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach

Improving the scientific research productivity of lecturers is an important strategy contributing to improving the reputation of universities, attracting external funding sources, and improving the credibility of both domestic and international students. This study was carried out with the aim of determining the priority of the university’s governance factors that affect lecturers’ scientific research productivity. Six university governance factors were considered, including (i) research objectives and strategies, (ii) decentralization, (iii) leadership, (iv) support for research activities, (v) policy towards lecturers, and (vi) resources for research activities. In this study, an improved analytic hierarchy process method using generalized triangular fuzzy numbers and a centroid index was proposed. The research data were collected via in-depth interviews with experts and administrators at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU). The results indicate that “resources for research activities” constitute the most important factor affecting the research productivity of lecturers at VNU, followed by research objectives and strategies and leadership

Preparation and Assessment of Some Characteristics of Nanoparticles Based on Sodium Alginate, Chitosan, and Camellia chrysantha Polyphenols

This paper presents the characteristics, morphology, and properties of alginate/chitosan/polyphenol nanoparticles, in which polyphenols were extracted from Camellia chrysantha leaves collected in Tam Dao district, Vinh Phuc province (Vietnam). The alginate/chitosan/polyphenol nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method at different polyphenol content. The characteristics and morphology of these nanoparticles were investigated using infrared spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Release kinetic of polyphenols from the alginate/chitosan/polyphenol nanoparticles was conducted in simulated human body fluids. The release kinetics of polyphenols from the above nanoparticles were also evaluated and discussed. The experimental results showed that the release process of polyphenols from the nanoparticles was dependent on three factors: time, pH of solution, and amount of polyphenols

CD40LG mutations in Vietnamese patients with X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome; catastrophic anti-phospholipid syndrome as a new complication

Background: X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (XHIGM) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by CD40 ligand defects. Methods: We identified three patients with XHIGM in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Whole-exome sequencing, immunological analyses and western blot were performed to investigate phenotypic and genotypic features. Results: Despite showing symptoms typical of XHIGM, including recurrent sinopulmonary infections, oral ulcers and otitis media, the diagnosis was significantly delayed. One patient developed anti-phospholipid syndrome, which has been documented for the first time in XHIGM syndrome. Two patients had elevated IgM levels and all of them had low IgG levels. Exome sequencing revealed mutations in the CD40LG gene: one novel splicing mutation c.156+2T&gt;A and two previously characterised mutations (non-frameshift deletion c.436_438delTAC, stop-gain c.654C&gt;A). Due to these mutations, the CD40 ligand was not expressed in any of the three patients, as demonstrated by western blot analysis. Conclusion: This is the first report of XHIGM syndrome in Vietnam indicates that an effective diagnostic strategy, such as sequencing analysis, contributes to reliable diagnosis and subsequent therapy.</p

CD40LG

Background: X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (XHIGM) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by CD40 ligand defects. Methods: We identified three patients with XHIGM in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Whole-exome sequencing, immunological analyses and western blot were performed to investigate phenotypic and genotypic features. Results: Despite showing symptoms typical of XHIGM, including recurrent sinopulmonary infections, oral ulcers and otitis media, the diagnosis was significantly delayed. One patient developed anti-phospholipid syndrome, which has been documented for the first time in XHIGM syndrome. Two patients had elevated IgM levels and all of them had low IgG levels. Exome sequencing revealed mutations in the CD40LG gene: one novel splicing mutation c.156+2T&gt;A and two previously characterised mutations (non-frameshift deletion c.436_438delTAC, stop-gain c.654C&gt;A). Due to these mutations, the CD40 ligand was not expressed in any of the three patients, as demonstrated by western blot analysis. Conclusion: This is the first report of XHIGM syndrome in Vietnam indicates that an effective diagnostic strategy, such as sequencing analysis, contributes to reliable diagnosis and subsequent therapy.</p

Viral load suppression and acquired HIV drug resistance in adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Viet Nam: results from a nationally representative survey

Objective: The purpose of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of viral load (VL) suppression and emergence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) among individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 36 months or longer in Viet Nam using a nationally representative sampling method. Methods: The survey was conducted between May and August 2014 using a two-stage cluster design. Sixteen ART clinics were selected using probability proportional to proxy size sampling, and patients receiving ART for at least 36 months were consecutively enrolled. Epidemiological information and blood specimens were collected for HIV-1 VL and HIVDR testing; HIVDR was defined by the Stanford University HIVDR algorithm. Results: Overall, 365 eligible individuals were recruited with a mean age of 38.2 years; 68.4% were men. The mean time on ART was 75.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.0–81.9 months), and 93.7% of the patients were receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimens. Of the 365 individuals, 345 (94.7%, 95% CI: 64.1–99.4%) had VL below 1000 copies/mL and 19 (4.6%, 95% CI: 2.8-–7.5) had HIVDR mutations. Discussion: Our nationally representative survey found a high level of VL suppression and a low prevalence of HIVDR among individuals who received ART for at least 36 months in Viet Nam. Continued surveillance for HIVDR is important for evaluating and improving HIV programs