Many physiotherapy interventions for AECOPD aim to restore or mai

Many physiotherapy interventions for AECOPD aim to restore or maintain function, such that patients can achieve a safe discharge and return to

an active lifestyle in the community. However, measuring the success of physiotherapy interventions for AECOPD is challenging. Patients may be severely dyspnoeic and unable to tolerate assessments that are commonly used in an outpatient setting, I-BET-762 research buy such as the 6-minute walk test. Dedicated testing space may not be available in a hospital ward environment. Length of hospital stay is often only a few days and assessment tools must therefore be responsive to changes occurring over a short period. Recently several simple tests of functional capacity have been examined in COPD and may

prove useful in this setting. These include the 4-metre gait speed test,83 a number of variants on sit-to-stand tests,84 and 85 and the Timed-Up-and-Go test.86 These tests are reliable, valid and responsive in stable COPD; however, their utility in AECOPD has not yet been examined. Whilst these tests may prove to be useful as global measures of function during and after an AECOPD, they provide little information about the impact of exercise on physiological parameters and will not be useful for exercise prescription. Further research is needed to identify an optimal assessment tool for physiotherapy interventions in the setting of AECOPD. In the clinical setting, physiotherapists have a strong and growing body of evidence to guide their practice when Selleckchem Kinase Inhibitor Library treating people with AECOPD (Figure 1). The evidence for important benefits G protein-coupled receptor kinase of pulmonary rehabilitation after AECOPD is strong; referral to pulmonary rehabilitation at hospital discharge should be a priority for physiotherapy care. A clinical challenge that must be addressed is the articulation of inpatient physiotherapy management with outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Given the compelling benefits of rehabilitation after AECOPD for patients and the healthcare system, and the abysmal uptake of this treatment,63 more efforts must be made to provide flexible and

supportive pathways into pulmonary rehabilitation following hospital discharge. For patients whose attendance at an outpatient program is precluded by dyspnoea or frailty, this may require consideration of alternative rehabilitation models, such as well-resourced home-based programs.87 Finally, physiotherapists should take a more active role in prevention of future AECOPD. Using evidence-based treatments such as rehabilitation and self-management training, physiotherapists have the tools to make a long-term impact on the health, wellbeing and longevity of people with COPD. eAddenda: Figures 3, 5 and 7 can be found online at doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2014.08.018 Competing interests: Nil. Acknowledgements: Nil. Correspondence: Anne E Holland, La Trobe University, Alfred Health and Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Melbourne, Australia. Email: a.

It is now more than 10 years since the implementation of the Albe

It is now more than 10 years since the implementation of the Alberta publicly funded chickenpox vaccination program. We examine the epidemiology of shingles in Alberta over 1994–2010. These data span the pre-vaccine era (1994–1998), the period in PLX3397 in vivo which vaccine was licensed in Canada but not publicly funded in Alberta – i.e., ‘private availability’ (1999–2001), and the time since implementation

of the publicly funded varicella vaccination program (2002–2010 – ‘public availability’). Alberta has a universal publicly funded health care insurance system. Over 99% of Albertans are covered by this programme and the registration file for this programme includes demographic information about registrants as well as a unique personal identifier that can be used to link the registration file to other administrative health databases [9]. Medically

attended shingles cases were identified over the interval 1994–2010 for each calendar year using data from physician visits and hospital admissions. The databases employed included the Supplemental enhanced service event system (SESE – physician claims) [6], the Alberta communicable disease reporting system (CDRS), and the morbidity and ambulatory care learn more reporting (MACAR) databases held by the Alberta Ministry of Health. MACAR includes data from both hospital inpatients (hospital morbidity inpatient database) and from hospital emergency department visits and outpatient procedures. The first dated health service utilization for ICD-9-CM code of 053 or ICD-10-CA code of B02 was classified as incident. Diagnostic codes at least 180 days after the first were classified as recurrent episodes. For each year, we estimated the proportion of cases that had one or more of selected co-morbidities (thought most likely to be related to immunosuppression from condition or treatment for the condition) in the 12 months prior to the incident shingles diagnosis. Co-morbidities were identified using Aldehyde dehydrogenase linkage by personal health number to multiple chronic disease databases (Table 1). Denominators for rates were estimated using

mid-year population estimates from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Registry [11] which have been shown to be a reliable population data source [12]. Annual age- and sex-specific rates were estimated. We estimated the proportion of all cases that were hospitalized and that had co-morbidities by age-group for each year and sex. Shingles rates were modelled with a Poisson model. Denominators for the modelled rates used the mid-year population estimates linking individuals to co-morbidity status determined by any of the listed co-morbidities during that calendar year. We explored the pattern of rates for sex, age, co-morbidity and year effects and their interactions. Of a priori interest were the three time periods related to varicella vaccine accessibility in Alberta. In the pre-licensure period (1994–1998) vaccine was not available in Canada.

It should also be clear that a device does not necessarily need t

It should also be clear that a device does not necessarily need to be a physical object but may be more abstract items such as software. Box 1 provides some further guidelines selleck compound on what constitutes a medical device for the purposes of TGA registration.

Any device or software to be used on humans; AND Once it is determined that a device or software falls under the definition of a medical device, an application for the device to be included on the ARTG must be made by the sponsor of the device. The sponsor is either an individual or a company responsible for the importation of the device or its development in Australia, or the supply of medical devices in Australia, or the export of medical devices from Australia. The sponsor must be a resident of Australia or be an incorporated body in Australia and conducting business in Australia with the representative of the company residing in Australia. More information on the XL184 process of registering a device can be found at the TGA website. Each device listed on the ARTG must be classified according

to the level of risk associated with the device or application. Class 1 medical devices are low risk devices and include both sterile and measuring categories. Class 2 covers devices that present medium-low to medium-high risk, with Class 3 representing high risk devices such as the software in a cardiac pacemaker. Finally, active implantable medical devices carry the highest risk. Under the TGA definition of a medical device, it is clear that at least some of the medical smartphone applications and games that can

be used for health-related purposes or to diagnose or monitor the progress of a disease should be included on the ARTG prior to being supplied in Australia. Failure to do so could result in considerable penalties for not complying with the Therapeutics Goods Act 1989, the penalties of which include imprisonment and fines into the Fossariinae hundreds of thousands of dollars. A practising physiotherapist has certain responsibilities regarding this act with respect to developing, recommending or promoting smartphone applications or console games for therapeutic use. To illustrate this, a number of scenarios and the related responsibilities of the physiotherapist are presented in Tables 1 and 2. The use of contemporary technologies for therapeutic purposes presents as a new and exciting venture for physiotherapists and their clients. The convenience and motivational aspects of these applications make them an attractive option for attaining optimal rehabilitation outcomes. However, such technologies must be used appropriately and they must be regulated in an appropriate way to ensure their use is safe, effective, and of high quality. “
“Osteoarthritis of the hip or knee is the most common form of arthritis and causes musculoskeletal pain and physical dysfunction.

Two patients in the 60-U/kg treatment group

Two patients in the 60-U/kg treatment group MLN0128 cost experienced 8 events that were considered to be treatment-related by the investigator; the first patient reported 3 occurrences of itchy throat and 1 occurrence of chest discomfort, and the second patient reported 1 occurrence of gastroenteritis and 3 occurrences of vomiting. Both patients were pre-medicated with H1 blockers and are continuing in the extension study. No patient withdrew from this trial due to an AE. No clinically significant laboratory test abnormalities (hematology,

serum and urinary chemistry) were noted. There were no clinically significant mean changes from baseline observed at the end of the study in any of the laboratory safety parameters. The majority of the vital sign measurements were within normal limits, none of the changes or the measurements outside of the normal limits were clinically significant. Abnormal echocardiography results at month 12 were reported for 2 patients: One patient receiving the 60-U/kg dose had mild tricuspid regurgitation and 1 patient in the 30-U/kg group diagnosed with Type 3c GD (subtype known to have a cardiac involvement) [1], [17] and [18] had a baseline echocardiography that revealed abnormal atrioventricular and mitral valves with

an insufficiency gradient of 30 mm Hg. At study end, the echocardiography results showed pulmonary hypertension with an abnormal tricuspid insufficiency gradient of 74 mm Hg, which was considered a clinically significant deterioration Dasatinib chemical structure but was deemed not related to study treatment. Two patients were found to be IgG positive for anti-taliglucerase-alfa antibodies in at least 1 post-treatment visit; however, this finding did not affect the continued improvement of GD parameters throughout the course of the study. An additional patient was found to be IgG positive at the pretreatment sample and became negative as the trial progressed; this patient also improved clinically as noted above for the other 2 patients. All positive titers were low (< 550). Assay results for neutralizing antibodies (in vitro enzymatic inhibition assay and cell-based neutralizing

assay) were negative for all 3 patients. No apparent association was noted between anti-taliglucerase antibody and safety or efficacy. This study is distinguished among studies of ERT selleck inhibitor for GD in that it is focused exclusively on treatment-naïve pediatric patients. This pediatric study followed the design of the pivotal study in adults regarding dosage, wherein patients were randomized to receive taliglucerase alfa either 30 or 60 U/kg, every other week. However, in this study, the duration was 12 months instead of 9 months and the primary end point was improvement in hemoglobin rather than reduction in spleen volume. At the end of this study, clinically significant improvements were observed in hemoglobin concentration, platelet counts, spleen volume, and liver volume, as well as in GD biomarkers.

7 Mks/input CD34+ cells using a 17 ± 2 5 FI-CD34+ and benefits fr

7 Mks/input CD34+ cells using a 17 ± 2.5 FI-CD34+ and benefits from using UCB progenitors which are largely available and Everolimus mouse usually discarded after delivery involving a non-invasive

collection procedure. This work quantitatively demonstrates that the FI-CD34+, rather than expansion duration, can be used as a key parameter to maximize Mk cell generation from CD34+-enriched cells. When adapted to fully defined, GMP-compliant culture reagents and conditions, this protocol has the potential to impact cellular therapies within the hemato-oncological field. The authors declare no commercial or financial conflict of interest. This work was financially supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal through Project PTDC/EQU-EQU/114231/2009, MIT-Portugal Program, PhD scholarship SFRH/BD/61450/2009 (J. Hatami) and the research contract IF/00442/2012 (F. Ferreira). The authors thank Isabel Nogueira

(MicroLab IST), Dr. Patrícia Carvalho (NanoLab IST) and Dr. António Pedro Matos (Hospital Curry Cabral, Lisbon, Portugal) for the contribution with electron microscopy analysis. The authors also thank Dr. Ana Paula Sousa (Instituto Português do Sangue, Lisbon, Portugal) for donation of PB-derived platelets. “
“Due to gradual depletion of world’s petroleum reserves and impact of environmental pollution of increasing exhaust emission, there is an urgent need to develop alternative energy resources such as biodiesel fuel. Vegetable selleckchem oil is a promising alternative because it has several advantages, viz it is renewable, environment friendly and produced easily in rural area, where Metalloexopeptidase there is acute need for modern forms of energy. Therefore in recent years several researches have been

studied to use vegetable oil as fuel in engine as biodiesel [27] and [28]. Various vegetable oils, palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, jatropa oil, pongamia oil have been used to produce biodiesel fuel and lubricants [29] and [30]. Biodiesel is usually produced by transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats with methanol or ethanol [31]. Biodiesel producers are looking for alternative feed stock which are non-agricultural, high oil content seed and non-food crops. Simarouba species has the ability to substitute the requirement of low cost feed stock with the potential for high oil seed production and added benefit of an ability to grow on marginal land. This property supports the suitability of Simarouba species for the sustainable biodiesel industry [12]. Simarouba yields +3 t biofuel/ha/year at 5 m × 5 m plant spacing with proper nutrition and irrigation. Simarouba belongs to Simaroubaceae family, is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas in Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Central America. It was brought to India from Latin America in 1960s.

A chromogenic method using 3,3′-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochlori

A chromogenic method using 3,3′-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (Sigma–Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) as a substrate was also employed.

The intensities of the protein bands were analyzed and compared using the Scion Image software, version Alpha 4.03.2 (Scion Corporation, Selleck 3-Methyladenine Frederick, MD, USA), and the results were expressed as a percentage of the total content. In this assay, 40 brains were utilized to obtain the protein fraction that was separated using a Sephacryl S-400 gel filtration column (15 mL volume; Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden). The column was equilibrated with homogenization buffer and loaded with 3 mg of total protein in a volume of 400 μL. Elution fractions (150 μL) were analyzed by SDS–PAGE and Western blot. Myosin-Va solubility was assessed from protein extracts (Section 2.4), obtained homogenizing honey bee brains with or without 5 mM ATP, and centrifuging homogenates at 40,000g for 40 min at 4 °C. The supernatant fractions were analyzed by protein quantification,

SDS–PAGE and Western blot. The myosin-Va-enriched fraction was prepared using the initial fractionation steps of an established protocol for myosin-Va purification (Nascimento et al., 1996). Honey bee brains were homogenized in homogenization buffer at 4 °C, and centrifuged at 40,000g at 4 °C for 40 min. The salt concentration of this supernatant (S1) was increased to 0.6 M NaCl, and the solution was then incubated on ice for 1 h. The pellet (P2) and supernatant (S2) were separated by centrifugation of the salt-treated

Crizotinib cost S1 at 40,000g at 4 °C for 40 min. The fractions obtained were analyzed by total protein content, SDS–PAGE and Western blot. Brains were fixed in Carnoy solution (ethyl alcohol:chloroform:glacial acetic find more acid, 60:30:10 by volume) with 1.2% (w/vol) sodium sulfate for 90 min, dehydrated and paraffin-embedded. Eight-micrometer sections were incubated in cresyl violet solution (0.5% (w/vol) cresyl violet, 1 M sodium acetate, and 1 M acetic acid, pH 3.9) for 30 min or incubated in a solution containing 120 mM citrate buffer, 36% (w/vol) arabic gum, 100 mM hydroquinone and 0.08% (w/vol) silver nitrate for 30 min at 35 °C (Babb et al., 1991). The sections were then dehydrated and mounted with Permount (Fisher Scientific, Fair Lawn, NJ, USA). Brains were dissected, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, and paraffin-embedded (McLean and Nakane, 1974). Five-micrometer sections were cut and mounted on gelatin-chromium potassium sulfate (chromealum)-coated microscope slides. After antigen retrieval using 10 mM citrate buffer (pH 6.0), antibody detection in the tissue sections was performed according to Calabria et al. (2010) and Martins et al. (1999). Then, the sections were incubated with H2O2 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4, for 15 min, followed by a 4 h incubation in 0.02 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, containing 450 mM NaCl, 0.

, 2009,

, 2009, Venetoclax ic50 Fernandes et al., 2010 and Magro et al., 2003)) are conserved indicating that PEG4K may structurally simulate a fatty acid molecule bound to toxin’s hydrophobic channels since its backbone is structurally similar to the protein substrate ( Watanabe et al., 2005). For this reason, we can state that the MjTX-II structure may represent the protein in its active state (attached to the membrane) ( dos Santos et al., 2009). Several myotoxic Lys49-PLA2s in the apo and complexed forms have been solved (Arni et al., 1999, dos Santos et al., 2011a, dos Santos et al., 2009, Fernandes et al., 2010, Lee et al., 2001,

Magro et al., 2003, Marchi-Salvador et al., 2009, Murakami et al., 2005, Murakami et al., 2007 and Watanabe et al., PF-562271 manufacturer 2005). Table 2 shows a structural comparison between the monomers of MjTX-II and the same analysis for several other apo and complexed Lys49-PLA2s. As previously observed (dos Santos et al., 2009), all complexed structures present lower r.m.s.d. values compared to their respective apo structures. In other words, there is a clear structural pattern for Lys49-PLA2s whose apo and complexed states can also be distinguished by the “two angle” model previously suggested (dos Santos et al., 2009). Applying this model to MjTX-II structure, the aperture and torsional angles between

its monomers are 55° and 25°, respectively. These values are in agreement to those calculated for MjTX-II/stearic acid structure (52° and 20°) and are also similar to values found for other complexed Lys49-PLA2s (Table 3) (dos Santos et al., 2009). In 2001, Lee and colleagues solved the PrTX-II/fatty acid structure and suggested an important role played by Lys122. According to the authors, Lys122 interacts with the main chain carbonyl of Cys29 causing hyperpolarization

of the Cys29/Gly30 peptide bond and, consequently, MTMR9 increases the affinity of the toxin for fatty acids (Lee et al., 2001). This hypothesis suggested that Lys49-PLA2s are enzymes that are able to hydrolyze phospholipids but fail to release the products of its action. The fatty acid would stay retained in the hydrophobic channel of the toxin consequently inhibiting it, therefore explaining why Lys49-PLA2s toxins do not display significant catalytic activity. In contrast with this hypothesis, Fernandes and colleagues (Fernandes et al., 2010) performed a very comprehensive study using 16 different dimeric Lys49-PLA2s and showed that Lys 122 is a very flexible residue that may adopt random configurations even though it usually interacts with different negative charged sites. Despite the highlighted absence of pattern for Lys122 interaction, PrTX-II complexed to fatty acid and MjTX-II complexed to stearic acid structures are two observed exceptions (Lee et al., 2001 and Watanabe et al., 2005).

76 ± 11 33%, p = 0 012 in ELD; 7 44 ± 9 43%, p < 0 001 in ALF), t

76 ± 11.33%, p = 0.012 in ELD; 7.44 ± 9.43%, p < 0.001 in ALF), the increase was significantly less in the ELD group than in the ALF group (p = 0.049) ( Fig. 2). Collectively, these results suggest that ELD maintained the biomechanical properties of the femoral neck more effectively. The percentage changes in BMD, bone geometry, and biomechanical properties in the femoral shaft were compared between the ELD

group and the ALF group (Fig. 3). Cortical vBMD in the shaft decreased significantly in PF-562271 mouse both the ELD group (− 10.13 ± 4.54%, p < 0.001) and the ALF group (− 11.85 ± 4.58%, p < 0.001) ( Fig. 3); however, the percentage decrease was significantly smaller in the ELD group than in the ALF group (p = 0.026). Although the total area increased significantly from baseline in both the ELD and ALF groups, the bone area of the femoral shaft increased significantly only in the ELD group (1.75 ± 3.24%, p < 0.001). Outer perimeter increased significantly from baseline in both treatment groups (0.92 ± 1.67%, p < 0.001 in ELD; 0.94 ± 2.22%, p < 0.001 in ALF), with no difference between the two groups. Inner perimeter increased significantly in both groups (0.76 ± 2.75%, p = 0.023 in ELD;

1.85 ± 3.52%, p < 0.001 in ALF); however, Dabrafenib the percentage increase was significantly greater in the ALF group than in the ELD group (p = 0.042). CSMI in the femoral shaft increased significantly from baseline in both the ELD and ALF groups. Thus, although there was no difference between groups with respect to this biomechanical parameter, the increase in Regorafenib order inner perimeter, presumably due to accelerated resorption, was more effectively prevented by ELD.

A recent randomized, double-blind study to compare the effects of ELD with ALF demonstrated the superiority of ELD over the active comparator, especially with respect to non-vertebral fractures [20]. In order to gain insight into the biomechanical basis underlying this clinically verified anti-fracture action of ELD, we took a subgroup of the randomized study and used clinical MDCT scanning to compare the effects of ELD and ALF on the 3D structure of the proximal femur, focusing particularly on the cortical component and biomechanical properties. Our study not only revealed the distinct action of ELD on the cortical compartment but also provided evidence for the improvement of biomechanical properties. In the femoral neck, whereas cross-sectional cortical thickness decreased in the ALF group, it was maintained in the ELD group. Taken together with the results that the cortical perimeter increased in both the ALF and ELD groups, it is suggested that ELD was more effective than ALF in countering endocortical bone resorption, thereby maintaining cortical thickness. This is also consistent with the trend for increased CSA by ELD. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the distinct actions of ELD and ALF on the cortical geometry and density of the femoral neck and shaft.

Background cytokine production in the negative control of the ICS

Background cytokine production in the negative control of the ICS assay was subtracted from each stimulated http://www.selleckchem.com/products/epacadostat-incb024360.html condition. We defined the production of any cytokine (IFNγ and/or TNFα and/or IL2) as a positive CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell response, with 0.02% as the detection limit corresponding to at least 20 analyzed events. All donors were responsive to SEB positive control in the ICS assay. Functional characterization of the cytokine-producing

subset proportion was only performed in subjects with a positive cytokine response to RD1 antigens. Phenotypical analysis of different antigen-memory response of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells was evaluated by flow cytometry according to the expression of the memory/effector surface markers HSP inhibitor CD45RA and CCR7. For a restricted number of samples (three HIV–LTBI and two HIV–TB) the phenotype was evaluated using the mAb CD45RA and CD2729; the results are not shown because it was not possible to combine them with CD45RA and CCR7 data. The memory status of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells was evaluated on differently gated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. In particular, the phenotypical analysis was performed within the gates defined as total CD4+ T-cell response and total CD8+ T-cell response, identifying CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells as producing any cytokines. The analysis of the total enrolled subjects was performed by TC without knowing the LTBI status of the patients (active TB status was known

based on the initial positive AFB smear staining). Independent blind analyses were then repeated by EP using the same gating strategy. Concordance of the analyses was 90% and agreement was achieved by discussion. As described above, FACS analysis was performed on all enrolled subjects, therefore, results from subjects without LTBI were available. In these subjects, the amount of the specific response to Mtb antigens and the percentage not of the cytokine-positive cells was evaluated and the results were comparable to those found in the unstimulated

samples (data not shown). Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 19 for Windows, Italy SRL, Bologna, Italy). For continuous measures, medians and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated and the Mann–Whitney U test was used. For non-continuous measures the Chi-square test was used. P values as ≤0.05 were considered significant. Eighty-six HIV-infected patients naïve to ART were studied between September 2012 and February 2014. Twelve of these patients were enrolled as HIV–TB. Among the 74 subjects without active TB, 15 resulted HIV–LTBI and were characterized by not reporting any clinical symptoms related to active TB, no radiological evidence of TB lung lesions and no Mtb isolation from sputa (Table 1). Eighty-five percent of the enrolled subjects were BCG-vaccinated, almost 41% from South America and 29.5% from Eastern Europe, and no significant difference of gender or age was observed.

1993) In a cation combination added in vitro to the incubation m

1993). In a cation combination added in vitro to the incubation medium, cadmium inhibits enzyme activity down to the value this would have if cadmium were added alone. In the presence of both cations (cadmium and manganese), manganese does not activate ME activity (Biegniewska et al. 1993). Inhibition of ME activity by cadmium, and in consequence the decreasing formation of NADPH, could interfere with the cellular mechanism against detoxification and oxidative stress. This study showed that the toxic effect on malic enzyme activity of cadmium, used in higher concentrations than are present in shrimp muscles, could be

counteracted by lower glutathione and albumin concentrations than are present in fish. Glutathione and albumin can protect marine animals against pollution by toxic cadmium. The results of

the present work suggest that endogenous cellular glutathione Cobimetinib in vivo reduces the Cd inhibition of NADP-dependent malic enzyme, thus protecting it; this enzyme could therefore increase NADPH formation. We are indebted to Professor Bogusław Szewczyk from the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk for his critical SB431542 reading and discussion of the manuscript. “
“Mangrove forests span the interface between marine and terrestrial environments, growing in the mouths of rivers, in tidal swamps, and along coastlines, where they are regularly inundated by saline or brackish water (Sterling et al. 2006). Mangrove forests play a vital role in coastline protection, mitigation of wave and storm impacts and mudflat stabilization, and protection of near-shore water quality. They also provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife. Many species new to science have recently been

documented in mangrove forest areas in Vietnam (Thompson & Thompson 2008). The trunks and overground roots of mangrove forests have a considerable influence on the hydrodynamics and sediment transport within forests (Quartel et al. 2007). In 2002, Vietnam had approximately 155 290 ha of mangrove forests. More than 200 000 ha of mangrove forests have been destroyed over the last two decades as a result of conversion Atazanavir to agriculture and aquaculture (e.g. shrimp farming) as well as development for recreation (VEPA 2005). Mangrove forests are thought to play an important role in flood defence by dissipating incoming wave energy and reducing erosion rates (Hong & Son 1993, Wu et al. 2001). However, the physical processes of wave attenuation in mangroves are not widely studied, especially in Vietnam, because of the difficulties in analysing flow fields in vegetation and the lack of comprehensive data (Kobayashi et al. 1993). Coastal mangrove forests can mitigate high waves, even tsunamis. By observing the casualties of the tsunami of 26 December 2004, Kathiresan & Rajendran (2005) highlighted the effectiveness of mangrove forest in reducing the impact of waves.