Antiviral activity of SAFER®, a commercial acidifying desiccant powder, against African swine fever virus.

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the deadliest swine diseases, causing significant economic losses, threatening food security, and limiting pig production in affected countries. In the absence of an effective ASF vaccine, prevention and control of ASF depend mainly on effective biosecurity measures. In this study, the efficacy of SAFER®, a powdered disinfectant containing clay, an acid complex, and the active ingredient thyme essential oil, was tested against the ASF virus. The results showed that ASFV isolate (VNUA/HY/ASF1/Vietnam/2019) was inactivated by 3.5 and 5 Log10HAD50/ml after 20 and 120 min of treatment with SAFER®, respectively. When body fluids contaminated with ASFV, such as blood, saliva, urine, and feces, were treated with SAFER® for 20 min, the ASFV titer was reduced by 1.6, 2.2, 2.0, and 2.2 Log10HAD50/ml, respectively.

Size-dependent As(V) adsorption of reduced graphene oxide/magnetite nanocomposites.

Arsenic (As(V)) contamination in aqueous resources poses a significant environmental, and public health risk due to its high toxicity. To address this challenge, we synthesized and characterized novel reduced graphene oxide/magnetite (rGO/Fe3O4) nanocomposites, which are efficient adsorbents for removing As(V). Using a co-precipitation method, we obtained three distinct sizes of rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites by controlling the salt concentration (Fe2+: Fe3+) ratios. Analysis of the adsorption ability of the samples shows that the adsorption efficiency can reach up to 98.10% within 90 min, and the adsorption capacity value reaches 20.55 mg/g. Furthermore, these test data are ably consistent with both the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model, based on which the adsorption mechanism has been proposed. These results show that the rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites that we synthesized are a potential adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from water.

Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Combined with Human Acellular Dermis Matrix for the Nasal Reconstruction in Patients with Postoperative Deformities.

INTRODUCTION: Augmentation rhinoplasty is one of five aesthetic surgeries in the world. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has been reported as a rational choice to augment the nasal dorsum and tip. However, its application for nasal tip augmentation has some debates. This study presented a technique using ePTFE grafts combined with human acellular dermis matrix (HADM) to reconstruct a deformed nose caused by previous rhinoplasties. METHODS: 50 female patients who came to the hospital from 08/2022 to 09/2022 for surgical revision of their nasal deformity. ePTFE was applied to reconstruct the nasal dorsum, tip, and columella strut. HADM grafts were utilized to reinforce the reconstructed framework. Patients were evaluated for at least 12 months for both aesthetic and functional results. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the nasal dorsal length increased from 38.9 ± 1.32 to 43.4 ± 1.22 mm; while, the projection of the nasal tip also raised from 19.8 ± 1.16 to 23.9 ± 1.05 mm. 38 patients (76%) reported that their breathing and smelling were improved compared to preoperatively. No cases had implant reactions, extrusion, or warping columella strut. Most of the patients (84%) were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. Three patients (6%) had redness at the nasal tip. The nasal tip of ten patients (20%) was hardened for 3 months postoperatively. There were 6% of patients who developed an infection and 2% of patients had asymmetric soft tissues of the tip 3 postoperative months. CONCLUSION: This technique brought satisfactory aesthetic and functional results to patients, with no extrusion or rejection observed 12 months postoperatively. Infection was a prominent complication that should be considered and strictly monitored. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Epigenetic contribution to the relationship between obesity and cancer.

Obesity and cancer are two major health issues all around the world due to their elevated prevalence. Several experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated the relationship between obesity and cancer, in which obesity is considered a risk factor for cancer development. The ultimate goal of knowing the epigenetic contribution to the relationship between obesity and cancer is to find the method of intervention or treatment of obesity and cancer. Therefore, providing the most general perspective on epigenetic contribution to the relationship between obesity and cancer is necessary. Obesity is closely related to some common cancers that are currently encountered, including breast, esophagus, liver, kidney, uterus, colorectal, pancreatic, and gallbladder. Obesity has a significant impact that increases the risk of cancer deaths and thereby indirectly affects the choice of treatment. It is estimated that about 4-8% of cancer cases are caused by obesity. In particular, the basic mechanism to understand the relationship between cancer is very complicated and has not been fully understood. This work is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge of the role of epigenetic regulation in the relationship between obesity, and potential applications.

Two-channel optical bistability and multistability in a degenerate four-level atomic medium under a static magnetic field.

In this paper, we study the formation of optical bistability (OB) and optical multistability (OM) in a degenerate four-level atomic system by an external magnetic field that is excited by a probe laser field, a coupling laser field and a signal laser field. The coupling field can cause electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) for the probe field in the atomic medium, while the signal field and/or external magnetic field can switch between single-EIT and two-EIT regimes. Based on these properties, OB and OM effects can be formed at two different frequency regions of the probe field (two channels). By adjusting the magnetic field or the intensity and the frequency of laser fields, the threshold intensity and the width of OB or OM can also be changed simply. The model can be useful for experimental observations and applications in modern photonic devices.

Evaluation of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine Efficacy and Molecular Markers in Uncomplicated Falciparum Patients: A Study across Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong, Vietnam.

Background and Objectives: Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge. The efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) has declined in many parts of the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Vietnam, due to the spread of resistant malaria strains. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of the Dihydroartemisinin (DHA)-Piperaquine (PPQ) regimen in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria and to conduct molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance in Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong provinces. Materials and Methods: The study included 63 uncomplicated malaria falciparum patients from therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) treated following the WHO treatment guidelines (2009). Molecular marker analysis was performed on all 63 patients. Methods encompassed Sanger sequencing for pfK13 mutations and quantitative real-time PCR for the pfpm2 gene. Results: This study found a marked decrease in the efficacy of the DHA-PPQ regimen, with an increased rate of treatment failures at two study sites. Genetic analysis revealed a significant presence of pfK13 mutations and pfpm2 amplifications, indicating emerging resistance to artemisinin and its partner drug. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the standard DHA-PPQ regimen has sharply declined, with rising treatment failure rates. This decline necessitates a review and possible revision of national malaria treatment guidelines. Importantly, molecular monitoring and clinical efficacy assessments together provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing detection drug resistance in malaria.

Characterization of an African Swine Fever Virus Field Isolate from Vietnam with Deletions in the Left Variable Multigene Family Region.

In this paper, we report the characterization of a genetically modified live-attenuated African swine fever virus (ASFV) field strain isolated from Vietnam. The isolate, ASFV-GUS-Vietnam, belongs to p72 genotype II, has six multi-gene family (MGF) genes deleted, and an Escherichia coli GusA gene (GUS) inserted. When six 6-8-week-old pigs were inoculated with ASFV-GUS-Vietnam oro-nasally (2 × 105 TCID50/pig), they developed viremia, mild fever, lethargy, and inappetence, and shed the virus in their oral and nasal secretions and feces. One of the pigs developed severe clinical signs and was euthanized 12 days post-infection, while the remaining five pigs recovered. When ASFV-GUS-Vietnam was inoculated intramuscularly (2 × 103 TCID50/pig) into four 6-8 weeks old pigs, they also developed viremia, mild fever, lethargy, inappetence, and shed the virus in their oral and nasal secretions and feces. Two contact pigs housed together with the four intramuscularly inoculated pigs, started to develop fever, viremia, loss of appetite, and lethargy 12 days post-contact, confirming horizontal transmission of ASFV-GUS-Vietnam. One of the contact pigs died of ASF on day 23 post-contact, while the other one recovered. The pigs that survived the exposure to ASFV-GUS-Vietnam via the mucosal or parenteral route were fully protected against the highly virulent ASFV Georgia 2007/1 challenge. This study showed that ASFV-GUS-Vietnam field isolate is able to induce complete protection in the majority of the pigs against highly virulent homologous ASFV challenge, but has the potential for horizontal transmission, and can be fatal in some animals. This study highlights the need for proper monitoring and surveillance when ASFV live-attenuated virus-based vaccines are used in the field for ASF control in endemic countries.

Detection of Recombinant African Swine Fever Virus Strains of p72 Genotypes I and II in Domestic Pigs, Vietnam, 2023.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II is endemic to Vietnam. We detected recombinant ASFV genotypes I and II (rASFV I/II) strains in domestic pigs from 6 northern provinces in Vietnam. The introduction of rASFV I/II strains could complicate ongoing ASFV control measures in the region.

Genomic and vaccine preclinical studies reveal a novel mouse-adapted Helicobacter pylori model for the hpEastAsia genotype in Southeast Asia.

Introduction. Helicobacter pylori infection is a major global health concern, linked to the development of various gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. To study the pathogenesis of H. pylori and develop effective intervention strategies, appropriate animal pathogen models that closely mimic human infection are essential.Gap statement. This study focuses on the understudied hpEastAsia genotype in Southeast Asia, a region marked by a high H. pylori infection rate. No mouse-adapted model strains has been reported previously. Moreover, it recognizes the urgent requirement for vaccines in developing countries, where overuse of antimicrobials is fuelling the emergence of resistance.Aim. This study aims to establish a novel mouse-adapted H. pylori model specific to the hpEastAsia genotype prevalent in Southeast Asia, focusing on comparative genomic and histopathological analysis of pathogens coupled with vaccine preclinical studies.Methodology. We collected and sequenced the whole genome of clinical strains of H. pylori from infected patients in Vietnam and performed comparative genomic analyses of H. pylori strains in Southeast Asia. In parallel, we conducted preclinical studies to assess the pathogenicity of the mouse-adapted H. pylori strain and the protective effect of a new spore-vectored vaccine candidate on male Mlac:ICR mice and the host immune response in a female C57BL/6 mouse model.Results. Genome sequencing and comparison revealed unique and common genetic signatures, antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors in strains HP22 and HP34; and supported clarithromycin-resistant HP34 as a representation of the hpEastAsia genotype in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. HP34-infected mice exhibited gastric inflammation, epithelial erosion and dysplastic changes that closely resembled the pathology observed in human H. pylori infection. Furthermore, comprehensive immunological characterization demonstrated a robust host immune response, including both mucosal and systemic immune responses. Oral vaccination with candidate vaccine formulations elicited a significant reduction in bacterial colonization in the model.Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate the successful development of a novel mouse-adapted H. pylori model for the hpEastAsia genotype in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Our research highlights the distinctive genotype and pathogenicity of clinical H. pylori strains in the region, laying the foundation for targeted interventions to address this global health burden.

Determination of drug-related problems among type 2 diabetes outpatients in a hospital in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common in clinical practice and occur at all stages of the medication process. The major factor contributing to DRPs is prescription, although patients' poor adherence to treatment is also a significant factor. This study evaluated type 2 diabetes outpatients in a hospital in Vietnam for drug-related problems (DRPs) and related variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 495 outpatients who met the criteria and 157 people agreed to participate in the interview. Medication order review and medication adherence review were used to identify DRPs. The types of DRP were based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) categories version 9.0. The identification and assessment DRPs were carried out by clinical pharmacists and get agreed upon by physicians who had not directly prescribed patients who participated in the study. RESULTS: A total of 762 DRPs were identified via prescribing review process, the average number of DRP on each prescription was 1.54±1.07, while 412 DRPs were determined through patient interviewing. The most frequent DRPs were "ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction) occurring" (68.8%). The main causes were "patient is unable to understand instructions properly" or "patient is not properly instructed", "patient stores insulin inappropriately", "patient decides to use unnecessary drugs" and "patient intentionally uses/takes less drug than prescribed or does not take the drug at all for whatever reason" which accounted for 65.0%, 41.4%, 38.2%, and 28.7%, respectively. From the prescribing review, the most observed DRPs were "Inappropriate drug according to guidelines/formulary" and "No or incomplete drug treatment in spite of existing indication", accounting for 45.0% and 42.9%, respectively. There was a significant association between age (OR 3.38, 95% CI: 1.01-11.30), duration of diabetes (OR 3.61, 95%CI: 1.11-11.74), presence of comorbidity (OR 5.31, 95%CI: 1.97-14.30), polypharmacy (OR: 2.95, 95%CI: 1.01-8.72) and DRPs. In patients, poor knowledge of antidiabetic agents was the main reason to lack adherence and occurring ADR (OR 2.73, 95%CI: 1.32-5.66, p = 0.007 and OR 2.49, 95%CI: 1.54-4.03, p = 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: DRPs occurred in the prescribing stage and relating to patient's behavior of drug administration was high. Clear identification of DRPs and the associated factors are essential for building the intervention process to improve effectiveness and safety in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Domestic Solid Waste Incinerators in Nam Dinh Province, Northern Area of Vietnam: A Comprehensive Assessment of Emission, Source Markers and Human Health Risk.

A comprehensive research of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emission from domestic waste incinerators in northern areas of Vietnam, were investigated. Sixty-four samples from two domestic waste incinerators were collected and analyzed for PAHs. The PAHs concentrations in the samples were determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In April, June, September, and November 2021, Σ16PAHs mean concentrations in chimney air samples were 970.9 ± 57.4, 1061.9 ± 49.8, 1070.7 ± 41.3 and 1136.1 ± 136.5 µg m-3, respectively. The mean emission factors of Σ16PAHs were 7.5 mg/kg. The mean percentages of low molecular weight PAHs were predominant in the analyzed air samples. The toxic equivalent quotient of samples ranged from 30.7 to 41.7 mg/kg, whereas the incremental lifetime cancer risk exceeded 10- 3. This results implied a high level of concern with potentially negative health consequences. The four diagnostic ratios of PAHs were found and can be used for identification of sources markers from domestic waste incinerators.

Stable biogenic silver nanoparticles from Syzygium nervosum bud extract for enhanced catalytic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

In the present study, the biosynthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (BioAgNPs) was accomplished successfully for the first time by using an aqueous extract derived from the buds of Syzygium nervosum (SN) as both a reducing and a stabilizing agent. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) investigations revealed that the biosynthesized BioAgNPs were predominantly spherical with an average size of 10-30 nm. It was found that the outstanding stability of the BioAgNPs colloidal solution was assigned to the additive effect of the surrounding protective organic layer and the highly negatively charged surface of the nanoparticles. Consequently, good antibacterial activity was demonstrated by the colloidal BioAgNPs solution against four distinct bacterial strains, including Gram-positive S. aureus and B. subtilis as well as Gram-negative E. coli and S. typhi. Interestingly, the biosynthesized BioAgNPs displayed greater antibacterial activity even when tested at low doses against Gram-negative S. typhi. In addition, the biogenic AgNPs demonstrated a significant level of catalytic activity in the process of converting 2-NP, 3-NP, and 4-NP into aminophenols within 15 min, with reaction rate constants of 9.0 × 10-4, 10 × 10-4, and 9.0 × 10-4 s-1, respectively. BioAgNPs formulations were assessed against anthracnose disease in tea plants and were found to be as effective as the positive control at a dose of 20-fold dilution, but less effective at a dose of 30-fold dilution. Both doses of BioAgNPs formulations significantly suppressed Colletotrichum camelliae (anthracnose disease) without affecting the growth of the tea plants.

Silver nanoparticles loaded on lactose/alginate: in situ synthesis, catalytic degradation, and pH-dependent antibacterial activity.

We present the in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through ionotropic gelation utilizing the biodegradable saccharides lactose (Lac) and alginate (Alg). The lactose reduced silver ions to form AgNPs. The crystallite structure of the nanocomposite AgNPs@Lac/Alg, with a mean size of 4-6 nm, was confirmed by analytical techniques. The nanocomposite exhibited high catalytic performance in degrading the pollutants methyl orange and rhodamine B. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite is pH-dependent, related to the alterations in surface properties of the nanocomposite at different pH values. At pH 6, the nanocomposite demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that this nanocomposite has the potential to be tailored for specific applications in environmental and medicinal treatments, making it a highly promising material.

Prophylactic immunization to Helicobacter pylori infection using spore vectored vaccines.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection remains a major public health threat leading to gastrointestinal illness and increased risk of gastric cancer. Mostly affecting populations in developing countries no vaccines are yet available and the disease is controlled by antimicrobials which, in turn, are driving the emergence of AMR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have engineered spores of Bacillus subtilis to display putative H. pylori protective antigens, urease subunit A (UreA) and subunit B (UreB) on the spore surface. Following oral dosing of mice with these spores, we evaluated immunity and colonization in animals challenged with H. pylori. RESULTS: Oral immunization with spores expressing either UreA or UreB showed antigen-specific mucosal responses (fecal sIgA) including seroconversion and hyperimmunity. Following challenge, colonization by H. pylori was significantly reduced by up to 1-log. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the utility of bacterial spores for mucosal vaccination to H. pylori infection. The heat stability and robustness of Bacillus spores coupled with their existing use as probiotics make them an attractive solution for either protection against H. pylori infection or potentially for therapy and control of active infection.

Microplastics and trace metals in river sediment: Prevalence and correlation with multiple factors.

Microplastics (MPs), which are ubiquitous, are no longer novel emerging pollutants, yet our knowledge of them is insufficient. This study investigates the prevalence of MPs and trace metals in sediment belonging to Ma River, Vietnam, and their interaction with various parameters, including nutrients such as total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP), grain sizes, and MPs in surface water. The study revealed that the abundance of MPs in sediment (MPs/S) is relatively high (i.e., 1328.3 ± 1925.5 items.kg-1 dry weight), while the concentration of MPs in surface water (MPs/W) was relatively low (i.e., 57.3 ± 55.8 items.m-3) compared to other areas. Notably, the study found that arsenic and cadmium concentrations exceeded baseline levels, indicating their anthropogenic origin. To interpret the relationship between MPs/S, metals, and the aforementioned parameters, principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analyses were employed. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between metals and nutrients, as well as small grain sizes such as clay and silt. It was observed that the majority of metals displayed co-occurrence with one another but showed weak associations with the levels of MPs present in both water and sediment. Additionally, a weak correlation was observed between MPs/W and MPs/S. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the distribution and behavior of MPs and trace metals in aquatic systems are influenced by multiple factors, including nutrient levels, grain size, and other chemical and physical characteristics of the environment. While certain metals may have natural sources, others may result from human activities such as mining, industrial discharge, and wastewater treatment plants. As a result, understanding the sources and aspects of metal contamination are critical for determining their relationship with MPs and developing effective strategies for mitigating their impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Level of BTEX in the Areas of Domestic Waste Incinerators in Northern Vietnam: A Comprehensive Assessment of Contamination, Composition and Human Health Risk.

The trend of the treatment of solid domestic waste by the domestic waste incinerator system is an option to improve waste management and to reduce the negative impacts on the environment and human health. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (o-, m- and p-) (BTEX) are toxic chemical environmental contaminants that are released from different sources such as the domestic waste incinerator system. To determine the concentration of BTEX in the ambient air from these incinerator areas, the research team conducted four sampling campaigns in April, June, September, and November 2021, with a total of 80 samples collected. Concentrations of benzene, toluene, (m,p)-xylenes, o- xylenes and ethylbenzene ranged from 4.53 to 36.75 µg/m3, from 16.29 µg/m3 to 125.36 µg/m3, from 2.82 µg/m3 to 31.45 µg/m3, from 1.42 µg/m3 to 25.61 µg/m3, from 1.32 µg/m3 to 10.79 µg/m3, respectively. As a result of the risk assessment, it was determined that the incinerator's exhaust gas caused secondary environmental damage, impacting the health of not only workers but also people living in nearby communities. On that basis, the article recommends applying a number of management measures to minimize the negative impacts of the operation of the solid waste incinerator on the environment and the health of the workers operating the incinerator.

Green extraction and biological activity of phenolic extracts from cashew nut testa using a combination of enzyme and ultrasound-assisted treatments.

BACKGROUND: A combination of enzymes and ultrasound treatment was employed to extract bioactive compounds from cashew nut testa, a by-product of the food industry. The total catechin, flavonoid, and phenolic content of extracts was investigated together with their biological activity. RESULTS: Enzyme and ultrasound-assisted extraction (E-UAE) was performed by incubation with Viscozyme L (20 mL kg-1 of testa powder, v/w) for 60 min before sonication for 40 min. Ultrasound and enzyme-assisted extraction (U-EAE) was carried out using sonication for 40 min before incubation with Viscozyme L (20 mL kg-1 of testa powder) for 60 min. Under appropriate conditions, the total phenolic, flavonoid, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate content of the extracts from cashew nut testa obtained from a combination method (U-EAE or E-UAE) was significantly higher than that obtained using a single method (EAE or UAE). Extracts of cashew nut testa obtained from E-UAE displayed significantly higher antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activity than those from the U-EAE. The E-UAE extract at a concentration of 100 µg mL-1 had a greater impact on the cell viability of MCF-7 after treatment (22% cell viability) than did the doxorubicin (DOX) at 4 µg mL-1 (39% cell viability), and the E-UAE extract at 100 µg mL-1 was considered to be safe for healthy cells because the viability of the bovine aerotic endothelial cells treated with this extract was 91%, which was similar to the DOX treatment. CONCLUSION: The extract of cashew nut testa obtained from E-UAE is valuable and promising for the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutic drugs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

A molybdenum disulfide/nickel ferrite-modified voltammetric sensing platform for ultra-sensitive determination of clenbuterol under the presence of an external magnetic field.

The electrochemical behavior and sensing performance of an electrode modified with NiFe2O4 (NFO), MoS2, and MoS2-NFO were thoroughly investigated using CV, EIS, DPV, and CA measurements, respectively. MoS2-NFO/SPE provided a higher sensing performance towards the detection of clenbuterol (CLB) than other proposed electrodes. After optimization of pH and accumulation time, the current response recorded at MoS2-NFO/SPE linearly increased with an increase of CLB concentration in the range from 1 to 50 µM, corresponding to a LOD of 0.471 µM. In the presence of an external magnetic field, there were positive impacts not only on mass transfer, ionic/charge diffusion, and absorption capacity but also on the electrocatalytic ability for redox reactions of CLB. As a result, the linear range was widened to 0.5-50 µM and the LOD value was about 0.161 µM. Furthermore, stability, repeatability, and selectivity were assessed, emphasizing their high practical applicability.