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BackgroundNon-sputum-based triage tests for tuberculosis are a priority for ending tuberculosis. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the late-prototype Xpert MTB Host Response (Xpert HR) blood-based assay.MethodsWe conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study among outpatients with presumed tuberculosis in outpatient clinics in Viet Nam, India, the Philippines, Uganda, and South Africa. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older and reported cough lasting at least 2 weeks. We excluded those receiving tuberculosis treatment in the preceding 12 months and those who were unwilling to consent. Xpert HR was performed on capillary or venous blood. Reference standard testing included sputum Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and mycobacterial culture. We performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to identify the optimal cutoff value for the Xpert HR to achieve the target sensitivity of 90% or more while maximising specificity, then calculated diagnostic accuracy using this cutoff value. This study was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04923958.FindingsBetween July 13, 2021, and Aug 15, 2022, 2046 adults with at least 2 weeks of cough were identified, of whom 1499 adults (686 [45·8%] females and 813 [54·2%] males) had valid Xpert HR and reference standard results. 329 (21·9%) had microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis. Xpert HR had an area under the ROC curve of 0·89 (95% CI 0·86-0·91). The optimal cutoff value was less than or equal to -1·25, giving a sensitivity of 90·3% (95% CI 86·5-93·3; 297 of 329) and a specificity of 62·6% (95% CI 59·7-65·3; 732 of 1170). Sensitivity was similar across countries, by sex, and by subgroups, although specificity was lower in people living with HIV (45·1%, 95% CI 37·8-52·6) than in those not living with HIV (65·9%, 62·8-68·8; difference of 20·8%, 95% CI 13·0-28·6; p<0·0001). Xpert HR had high negative predictive value (95·8%, 95% CI 94·1-97·1), but positive predictive value was only 40·1%

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide, partly due to a lack of effective strategies to screen and triage individuals with potential TB. Whole blood RNA signatures have been tested as biomarkers for TB, but have failed to meet the World Health Organizations (WHO) optimal target product profiles (TPP). Here, we use RNA sequencing and machine-learning to investigate the utility of plasma cell-free RNA (cfRNA) as a host-response biomarker for TB in cohorts from Uganda, Vietnam and Philippines. We report a 6-gene cfRNA signature, which differentiates TB-positive and TB-negative individuals with AUC = 0.95, 0.92, and 0.95 in test, training and validation, respectively. This signature meets WHO TPPs (sensitivity: 97.1% [95% CI: 80.9-100%], specificity: 85.2% [95% CI: 72.4-100%]) regardless of geographic location, sample collection method and HIV status. Overall, our results identify plasma cfRNA as a promising host response biomarker to diagnose TB.

Rationale: We developed a standardized method, possible poor treatment response (PPTR), to help ascertain efficacy endpoints in Study S31/A5349 (NCT02410772), an open-label trial comparing two 4-month rifapentine-based regimens with a standard 6-month regimen for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Objectives: We describe the use of the PPTR process and evaluate whether the goals of minimizing bias in efficacy endpoint assessment and attainment of relevant data to determine outcomes for all participants were achieved. Methods: A PPTR event was defined as the occurrence of one or more prespecified triggers. Each PPTR required initiation of a standardized evaluation process that included obtaining multiple sputum samples for microbiology. Measurements and Main Results: Among 2,343 participants with culture-confirmed drug-susceptible TB, 454 individuals (19.4%) had a total of 534 individual PPTR events, of which 76.6% were microbiological (positive smear or culture at or after 17 wk). At least one PPTR event was experienced by 92.4% (133 of 144) of participants with TB-related unfavorable outcome and between 13.8% and 14.7% of participants with favorable and not-assessable outcomes. A total of 75% of participants with TB-related unfavorable outcomes had microbiological confirmation of failure to achieve a disease-free cure. Conclusions: Standardized methodologies, such as our PPTR approach, could facilitate unbiased efficacy outcome determinations, improve discrimination between outcomes that are related and unrelated to regimen efficacy, and enhance the ability to conduct pooled analyses of contemporary trials.

Rare earth oxides such as La2O3 and Gd2O3 are abundant in waste optical glass. The separation of rare earth oxides is beneficial to the recycling of rare earth resources. In this study, the rare earth oxide Gd2O3 particles were separated from La2O3 particles using high gradient magnetic separation, and the influence of different fluid media (i.e., water, anhydrous ethanol, and their mixture) on the separation results was investigated. By using the measured zeta potential of oxide particles in water/ethanol of different pH and water with different dispersants (Na2SiO3 9H2O, citric acid, Na2CO3, and sodium hexametaphosphate), the DLVO (Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek) potential calculations and their analysis applied to high gradient magnetic separation results were also performed. The results showed that using anhydrous ethanol or adding a dispersant in water as a fluid medium can promote the separation of magnetic Gd2O3 particles under a high-gradient magnetic field. Among the different conditions, anhydrous ethanol can improve the grade of Gd2O3 to 95% from 70% with water. Furthermore, ethanol can be reused after filtration, making it an environmentally friendly fluid medium. Among the four dispersants, sodium hexametaphosphate, Na2SiO3, and Na2CO3 can also increase the separation rate of La2O3 and Gd2O3 to about 95%. The effect of citric acid on the separation performance is slightly worse, and the recovery rate of Gd2O3 is 80%. This study provides a new reference for selecting a fluid medium for magnetic separation., Validerad;2023;Nivå 2;2023-03-13 (joosat);Funder: Guangxi Bagui ScholarsLicens fulltext: CC BY License

Rare earth oxides such as La2O3 and Gd2O3 are abundant in waste optical glass. The separation of rare earth oxides is beneficial to the recycling of rare earth resources. In this study, the rare earth oxide Gd2O3 particles were separated from La2O3 particles using high gradient magnetic separation, and the influence of different fluid media (i.e., water, anhydrous ethanol, and their mixture) on the separation results was investigated. By using the measured zeta potential of oxide particles in water/ethanol of different pH and water with different dispersants (Na2SiO3 9H2O, citric acid, Na2CO3, and sodium hexametaphosphate), the DLVO (Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek) potential calculations and their analysis applied to high gradient magnetic separation results were also performed. The results showed that using anhydrous ethanol or adding a dispersant in water as a fluid medium can promote the separation of magnetic Gd2O3 particles under a high-gradient magnetic field. Among the different conditions, anhydrous ethanol can improve the grade of Gd2O3 to 95% from 70% with water. Furthermore, ethanol can be reused after filtration, making it an environmentally friendly fluid medium. Among the four dispersants, sodium hexametaphosphate, Na2SiO3, and Na2CO3 can also increase the separation rate of La2O3 and Gd2O3 to about 95%. The effect of citric acid on the separation performance is slightly worse, and the recovery rate of Gd2O3 is 80%. This study provides a new reference for selecting a fluid medium for magnetic separation., Validerad;2023;Nivå 2;2023-03-13 (joosat);Funder: Guangxi Bagui ScholarsLicens fulltext: CC BY License

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the mediating role of leader-member exchange (LMX) and work engagement in the relationship between ethical leadership and creative performance. Theoretical framework: The study is based on the theoretical foundation that ethical leadership positively influences creative performance. It further posits that this relationship is mediated by both leader-member exchange (LMX) and work engagement. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data for this study was collected from a Vietnamese service firm, with a sample comprising 78 leaders and 354 employees. The collected data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the proposed relationships. Findings: The findings of the study indicate a significant and positive correlation between ethical leadership and creative performance. Additionally, the study reveals that ethical leadership exerts an influence on both leader-member exchange (LMX) and work engagement, which subsequently enhance employees' demonstration of creativity in their work. Research, practical & social implications: This research sheds light on the mediating mechanisms through which ethical leadership impacts creative performance. The findings highlight the importance of fostering positive leader-member relationships and promoting work engagement in order to enhance employees' creative behaviors. Practically, the study suggests that organizations should prioritize the development of ethical leadership qualities to foster a creative work environment. Moreover, the research contributes to the broader social implications by emphasizing the significance of ethical leadership in promoting creativity and innovation within organizations. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the existing literature by examining the mediating role of leader-member exchange and work engagement in the relationship between ethical leadership and creative performance. The study provides valuable insi

Purpose: The current study aims to investigate the mediating role of organizational learning (OL) on the relationship between transformational leadership (TFL) and employee creativity (EC) in Vietnamese SMEs. Theoretical framework: The world underwent enormous and ongoing changes in SMEs after the Covid-19 pandemic. Leaders and employees must be more effective and adaptive to enhance systems and processes and meet client requests. Recently, SMEs in Vietnam have struggled to improve CEOs and staff with the professional credentials necessary to compete in the market and integrate. Design/methodology/approach: The framework and hypotheses were examined using SEM on SPSS and AMOS software to analyse the data after receiving 397 valid responses from SMEs in Vietnam. Findings: Findings confirmed that TFL positively affects EC and OL. The role of individual motivation on individual consideration outweighs those of the other characteristics of TFL. OL played a partly mediator role in the relationship between TFL and EC. Research, Practical & Social implications: This study provides an inventory of knowledge about the reality of OL and its mediating role on the relationship between TLF and EC, which contributes to enriching the library in overall and Vietnamese in specific in this subject. Originality/value: This paper is one of the first papers in the Vietnamese SMEs context to address the mediating effect of OL between TLF and EC.

In this episode we travel to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and dive into its diverse sounds, noises, and artistic practices. We visit three female sound artists who talk about listening despite noise pollution, changing soundscapes through the past decades, how they collaborate with their peers, and how they cope with ongoing gender inequalities. Producer’s Note What does it mean to be a part of a community? A citizen of a city? Can the streets mimic our veins? Can the coursing thoroughfares inflate as our lungs might, heaving in the rarefied schemata the alleys and overpasses trace? And what of the city’s pulse, the urban throb, the endless effusive clash of chaotic purity – can the indefatigable wash of noise alter our perception, or indeed, shape our ability to perceive? And what of the layers beyond that – the food, the songs, the sayings, the spices, the incense burning in the pagodas, the fish rotting on the shores of the lake, the uncles laughing and smiling, the meanings buried in simple actions. Can we define an essence that allows us to explain what our city means to us? Can we distill it? Should we? Hanoi has been shaped by waves of culture, the ripples are still ebbing back and forth as the water is yet to clear. Beneath the surface strong undercurrents play and dance, drawing the daring deeper into its surfeit of heart. In this podcast episode, you will hear from three cultural creators who call this grumbling behemoth their home. What drives them? What moves them? What power do they draw from this shining capital, perched amidst lakes and mountainous regions, filled with hope and eager to alter expectations?, https://www.librarystack.org/hanoi-undercurrents/?ref=unknown

"Cam" rice bran was considered a waste product from rice, which is rich in natural compounds and protein owing to its outstanding nutritional value. This study aimed to establish an optimization model for extracting protein from rice bran, with two responses: extraction yield (%) and protein content (%). The variable parameters included were pH (8.5-9.5), stirring time (3.5-4.5 h), and enzyme incubation temperature (85-95°C). The coefficient of determination for both models were above 0.95, indicating a high correlation between the actual and estimated values. The maximum extraction yield and protein content were achieved when the conditions were set at pH of 9.02, stirring time of 4.02 h, and extraction temperature of 90.6°C. Under these optimum conditions, the predicted protein extracted from rice bran was 43.03% (moisture <13.0%), with an extraction yield of 15.9%. The findings of this study suggested that this protocol can enhance the utilization of rice bran and might be employed on a large scale in the food industry to exploit the nutritional source.

Rationale: The Southeast Asian tuberculosis burden is high, and it remains unclear if urban indoor air pollution in this setting is exacerbating the epidemic. Objectives: To determine the associations of latent tuberculosis with common urban indoor air pollution sources (secondhand smoke, indoor motorcycle emissions, and cooking) in Southeast Asia. Methods: We enrolled child household contacts of patients with microbiologically confirmed active tuberculosis in Vietnam, from July 2017 to December 2019. We tested children for latent tuberculosis and evaluated air pollution exposures with questionnaires and personal aerosol sampling. We tested hypotheses using generalized estimating equations. Measurements and Main Results: We enrolled 72 patients with tuberculosis (27% with cavitary disease) and 109 of their child household contacts. Latent tuberculosis was diagnosed in 58 (53%) household contacts at baseline visit. Children experienced a 2.56-fold increased odds of latent tuberculosis for each additional household member who smoked (95% confidence interval, 1.27-5.16). Odds were highest among children exposed to indoor smokers and children <5 years old exposed to household smokers. Each residential floor above street-level pollution decreased the odds of latent tuberculosis by 36% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.96). Motorcycles parked inside children's homes and cooking with liquid petroleum gas compared with electricity increased the odds of latent tuberculosis, whereas kitchen ventilation decreased the effect, but these findings were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Common urban indoor air pollution sources were associated with increased odds of latent tuberculosis infection in child household contacts of patients with active tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) does not respect borders, and migration confounds global TB control and elimination. Systematic screening of immigrants from TB high burden settings and—to a lesser degree TB infection (TBI)—is recommended in most countries with a low incidence of TB. The aim of the study was to evaluate the views of a diverse group of international health professionals on TB management among migrants. Participants expressed their level of agreement using a six-point Likert scale with different statements in an online survey available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. The survey consisted of eight sections, covering TB and TBI screening and treatment in migrants. A total of 1055 respondents from 80 countries and territories participated between November 2019 and April 2020. The largest professional groups were pulmonologists (16.8%), other clinicians (30.4%), and nurses (11.8%). Participants generally supported infection control and TB surveillance established practices (administrative interventions, personal protection, etc.), while they disagreed on how to diagnose and manage both TB and TBI, particularly on which TBI regimens to use and when patients should be hospitalised. The results of this first knowledge, attitude and practice study on TB screening and treatment in migrants will inform public health policy and educational resources.

Tuberculosis (TB) does not respect borders, and migration confounds global TB control and elimination. Systematic screening of immigrants from TB high burden settings and—to a lesser degree TB infection (TBI)—is recommended in most countries with a low incidence of TB. The aim of the study was to evaluate the views of a diverse group of international health professionals on TB management among migrants. Participants expressed their level of agreement using a six-point Likert scale with different statements in an online survey available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. The survey consisted of eight sections, covering TB and TBI screening and treatment in migrants. A total of 1055 respondents from 80 countries and territories participated between November 2019 and April 2020. The largest professional groups were pulmonologists (16.8%), other clinicians (30.4%), and nurses (11.8%). Participants generally supported infection control and TB surveillance established practices (administrative interventions, personal protection, etc.), while they disagreed on how to diagnose and manage both TB and TBI, particularly on which TBI regimens to use and when patients should be hospitalised. The results of this first knowledge, attitude and practice study on TB screening and treatment in migrants will inform public health policy and educational resources.

Tuberculosis (TB) does not respect borders, and migration confounds global TB control and elimination. Systematic screening of immigrants from TB high burden settings and—to a lesser degree TB infection (TBI)—is recommended in most countries with a low incidence of TB. The aim of the study was to evaluate the views of a diverse group of international health professionals on TB management among migrants. Participants expressed their level of agreement using a six-point Likert scale with different statements in an online survey available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. The survey consisted of eight sections, covering TB and TBI screening and treatment in migrants. A total of 1055 respondents from 80 countries and territories participated between November 2019 and April 2020. The largest professional groups were pulmonologists (16.8%), other clinicians (30.4%), and nurses (11.8%). Participants generally supported infection control and TB surveillance established practices (administrative interventions, personal protection, etc.), while they disagreed on how to diagnose and manage both TB and TBI, particularly on which TBI regimens to use and when patients should be hospitalised. The results of this first knowledge, attitude and practice study on TB screening and treatment in migrants will inform public health policy and educational resources.

Tuberculosis (TB) does not respect borders, and migration confounds global TB control and elimination. Systematic screening of immigrants from TB high burden settings and—to a lesser degree TB infection (TBI)—is recommended in most countries with a low incidence of TB. The aim of the study was to evaluate the views of a diverse group of international health professionals on TB management among migrants. Participants expressed their level of agreement using a six-point Likert scale with different statements in an online survey available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. The survey consisted of eight sections, covering TB and TBI screening and treatment in migrants. A total of 1055 respondents from 80 countries and territories participated between November 2019 and April 2020. The largest professional groups were pulmonologists (16.8%), other clinicians (30.4%), and nurses (11.8%). Participants generally supported infection control and TB surveillance established practices (administrative interventions, personal protection, etc.), while they disagreed on how to diagnose and manage both TB and TBI, particularly on which TBI regimens to use and when patients should be hospitalised. The results of this first knowledge, attitude and practice study on TB screening and treatment in migrants will inform public health policy and educational resources.

Purpose- This paper aims to investigate the effect of firm risk on the firm value to see how the firm value is changing when the risk level is changed. Our result indicates that a higher level of risk can reduce firm value. Design/Methodology- We apply a Bayesian causal technique for a sample data set of US public firms. The causal approach helps us to focus on the reliable and unbiased results instead of the association-based findings. Findings- The results show a negative effect of risk on the firms’ value for the sample data. However, we investigate the potential effect of the risk across the distribution of the firm value. We witness the more substantial effect of risk on firms with a higher value. Practical Implications- Helps firms to evaluate their risk and its effect, so they can adjust their decisions and take actions to reduce the undesired effects of firm risk.

Purpose- This paper aims to investigate the effect of firm risk on the firm value to see how the firm value is changing when the risk level is changed. Our result indicates that a higher level of risk can reduce firm value. Design/Methodology- We apply a Bayesian causal technique for a sample data set of US public firms. The causal approach helps us to focus on the reliable and unbiased results instead of the association-based findings. Findings- The results show a negative effect of risk on the firms’ value for the sample data. However, we investigate the potential effect of the risk across the distribution of the firm value. We witness the more substantial effect of risk on firms with a higher value. Practical Implications- Helps firms to evaluate their risk and its effect, so they can adjust their decisions and take actions to reduce the undesired effects of firm risk.

Many construction activities such as pile driving, drilling, roadbed compaction, drilling and blasting tunnels can cause ground vibration, which affects buildings and people nearby. If the wave intensity is high while the distance to neighboring buildings is close, the presence of damage in buildings is inevitable. Determination of the vibration radius which can cause damage in surrounding structures regarding each source of vibration is a necessary requirement for planning, construction technology selection and design method. It can minimize risks to surrounding buildings. The content of this article presents the measurement method to accurately estimate the vibration level of the construction activities of Hanoi pilot urban railway line 3 passing the busy Kim Ma street, Hanoi. High sensitivity vibration accelerometers are gathered in lines from the vibration source. It is shown that predicting the radius of the impact of construction site vibrations to neighboring buildings is possible. If the level of vibration is high then measures can be taken to prevent damage caused by the construction of the Hanoi pilot urban railway line. From obtained results, some solutions are proposed to minimize and avoid possible negative impacts.

Purpose- This paper aims to investigate the effect of firm risk on the firm value to see how the firm value is changing when the risk level is changed. Our result indicates that a higher level of risk can reduce firm value. Design/Methodology- We apply a Bayesian causal technique for a sample data set of US public firms. The causal approach helps us to focus on the reliable and unbiased results instead of the association-based findings. Findings- The results show a negative effect of risk on the firms’ value for the sample data. However, we investigate the potential effect of the risk across the distribution of the firm value. We witness the more substantial effect of risk on firms with a higher value. Practical Implications- Helps firms to evaluate their risk and its effect, so they can adjust their decisions and take actions to reduce the undesired effects of firm risk.

IntroductionPhase 2 clinical trials of tuberculosis treatment have shown that once-daily regimens in which rifampin is replaced by high dose rifapentine have potent antimicrobial activity that may be sufficient to shorten overall treatment duration. Herein we describe the design of an ongoing phase 3 clinical trial testing the hypothesis that once-daily regimens containing high dose rifapentine in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs administered for four months can achieve cure rates not worse than the conventional six-month treatment regimen.Methods/designS31/A5349 is a multicenter randomized controlled phase 3 non-inferiority trial that compares two four-month regimens with the standard six-month regimen for treating drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients. Both of the four-month regimens contain high-dose rifapentine instead of rifampin, with ethambutol replaced by moxifloxacin in one regimen. All drugs are administered seven days per week, and under direct observation at least five days per week. The primary outcome is tuberculosis disease-free survival at twelve months after study treatment assignment. A total of 2500 participants will be randomized; this gives 90% power to show non-inferiority with a 6.6% margin of non-inferiority.DiscussionThis phase 3 trial formally tests the hypothesis that augmentation of rifamycin exposures can shorten tuberculosis treatment to four months. Trial design and standardized implementation optimize the likelihood of obtaining valid results. Results of this trial may have important implications for clinical management of tuberculosis at both individual and programmatic levels.Trial registrationNCT02410772. Registered 8 April 2015,https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02410772?term=02410772&rank=1.

Purpose- This paper aims to investigate the effect of firm risk on the firm value to see how the firm value is changing when the risk level is changed. Our result indicates that a higher level of risk can reduce firm value. Design/Methodology- We apply a Bayesian causal technique for a sample data set of US public firms. The causal approach helps us to focus on the reliable and unbiased results instead of the association-based findings. Findings- The results show a negative effect of risk on the firms’ value for the sample data. However, we investigate the potential effect of the risk across the distribution of the firm value. We witness the more substantial effect of risk on firms with a higher value. Practical Implications- Helps firms to evaluate their risk and its effect, so they can adjust their decisions and take actions to reduce the undesired effects of firm risk.

We investigated the consequences of colistin use in backyard chicken farms in Vietnam by examining the prevalence of mcr-1 in fecal samples from chickens and humans. Detection of mcr-1-carrying bacteria in chicken samples was associated with colistin use and detection in human samples with exposure to mcr-1-positive chickens.

BACKGROUND: Enteroaggregative (EAEC) and Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a major cause of diarrhea worldwide. E. coli carrying both virulence factors characteristic for EAEC and STEC and producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase caused severe and protracted disease during an outbreak of E. coli O104:H4 in Europe in 2011. We assessed the opportunities for E. coli carrying the aggR and stx genes to emerge in 'backyard' farms in south-east Asia.RESULTS: Faecal samples collected from 204 chicken farms; 204 farmers and 306 age- and gender-matched individuals not exposed to poultry farming were plated on MacConkey agar plates with and without antimicrobials being supplemented. Sweep samples obtained from MacConkey agar plates without supplemented antimicrobials were screened by multiplex PCR for the detection of the stx1, stx2 and aggR genes. One chicken farm sample each (0.5 %) contained the stx1 and the aggR gene. Eleven (2.4 %) human faecal samples contained the stx1 gene, 2 samples (0.4 %) contained stx2 gene, and 31 (6.8 %) contained the aggR gene. From 46 PCR-positive samples, 205 E. coli isolates were tested for the presence of stx1, stx2, aggR, wzx O104 and fliC H4 genes. None of the isolates simultaneously contained the four genetic markers associated with E. coli O104:H4 epidemic strain (aggR, stx2, wzx O104 and fliC H4 ). Of 34 EAEC, 64.7 % were resistant to 3(rd)-generation cephalosporins.CONCLUSION: These results indicate that in southern Vietnam, the human population is a more likely reservoir of aggR and stx gene carrying E. coli than the chicken population. However, conditions for transmission of isolates and/or genes between human and animal reservoirs resulting in the emergence of highly virulent E. coli strains are still favorable, given the nature of'backyard' farms in Vietnam.

Background: Enteroaggregative (EAEC) and Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a major cause of diarrhea worldwide. E. coli carrying both virulence factors characteristic for EAEC and STEC and producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase caused severe and protracted disease during an outbreak of E. coli O104:H4 in Europe in 2011. We assessed the opportunities for E. coli carrying the aggR and stx genes to emerge in 'backyard' farms in south-east Asia. Results: Faecal samples collected from 204 chicken farms; 204 farmers and 306 age- and gender-matched individuals not exposed to poultry farming were plated on MacConkey agar plates with and without antimicrobials being supplemented. Sweep samples obtained from MacConkey agar plates without supplemented antimicrobials were screened by multiplex PCR for the detection of the stx1, stx2 and aggR genes. One chicken farm sample each (0.5 %) contained the stx1 and the aggR gene. Eleven (2.4 %) human faecal samples contained the stx1 gene, 2 samples (0.4 %) contained stx2 gene, and 31 (6.8 %) contained the aggR gene. From 46 PCR-positive samples, 205 E. coli isolates were tested for the presence of stx1, stx2, aggR, wzx O104 and fliC H4 genes. None of the isolates simultaneously contained the four genetic markers associated with E. coli O104:H4 epidemic strain (aggR, stx2, wzx O104 and fliC H4 ). Of 34 EAEC, 64.7 % were resistant to 3rd-generation cephalosporins. Conclusion: These results indicate that in southern Vietnam, the human population is a more likely reservoir of aggR and stx gene carrying E. coli than the chicken population. However, conditions for transmission of isolates and/or genes between human and animal reservoirs resulting in the emergence of highly virulent E. coli strains are still favorable, given the nature of'backyard' farms in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among commensal Escherichia coli isolates on household and small-scale chicken farms, common in southern Vietnam, and to investigate the association of antimicrobial resistance with farming practices and antimicrobial usage.METHODS: We collected data on farming and antimicrobial usage from 208 chicken farms. E. coli was isolated from boot swab samples using MacConkey agar (MA) and MA with ceftazidime, nalidixic acid or gentamicin. Isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 11 antimicrobials and for ESBL production. Risk factor analyses were carried out, using logistic regression, at both the bacterial population and farm levels.RESULTS: E. coli resistant to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and third-generation cephalosporins was detected on 201 (96.6%), 191 (91.8%) and 77 (37.0%) of the farms, respectively. Of the 895 E. coli isolates, resistance to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and third-generation cephalosporins was detected in 178 (19.9%), 291 (32.5%) and 29 (3.2%) of the isolates, respectively. Ciprofloxacin resistance was significantly associated with quinolone usage (OR = 2.26) and tetracycline usage (OR = 1.70). ESBL-producing E. coli were associated with farms containing fish ponds (OR = 4.82).CONCLUSIONS: Household and small farms showed frequent antimicrobial usage associated with a high prevalence of resistance to the most commonly used antimicrobials. Given the weak biocontainment, the high prevalence of resistant E. coli could represent a risk to the environment and to humans.

The aim of this study was to determine the semen properties of Waigieu seaperch (Psammoperca waigiensis). The physical properties of the semen were: semen volume 1.28±0.05 ml/fish, sperm density 31.35±0.67x109 cells/ml, spermatocrit 87.70±0.80%, and sperm count 40.12±1.68x109 cells/fish. The biochemical properties of the seminal plasma were 154.45±0.48 mmol/l sodium, 16.89±0.31 mmol/l potassium, 113.58±0.38 mmol/l chloride, 12.75±0.38 mmol/l calcium, 6.58±0.22 mmol/l magnesium, 1.15±0.08 g/l total protein, 346.37±2.71 mOsm/kg osmolality and 7.85±0.07 pH. Regression analysis showed a significant positive linear relationship between fish length and fish weight, sperm count and semen volume, and sperm density and spermatocrit, supporting the use of spermatocrit as a rapid estimator of sperm density in this species. Sperm motility parameters tested showed sperm motility, sperm velocity and duration of sperm motility as 95.80±0.389%, 144.50±0.96 µm/s and 232.30±2.32 s, respectively. The results from this study provide information on Waigieu seaperch sperm physiology. The values and correlations between the semen properties and the composition of seminal plasma may provide useful information for the formulating a species-specific extender solution for the cryopreservation of Waigieu seaperch sperm.

The surface-enhanced Raman signals of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) attached to the surface of colloidal gold nanoparticles with size distribution of 2 to 5 nm were used as a labeling agent to detect basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. The enhanced Raman band at 1075 cm-1 corresponding to the C-S stretching vibration in 4-ATP was observed during attachment to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. The frequency and intensity of this band did not change when the colloids were conjugated with BerEP4 antibody, which specifically binds to BCC. We show the feasibility of imaging BCC by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, scanning the 1075 cm-1 band to detect the distribution of 4ATP-coated gold nanoparticles attached to skin tissue ex vivo.

The surface-enhanced Raman signals of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) attached to the surface of colloidal gold nanoparticles with size distribution of 2 to 5 nm were used as a labeling agent to detect basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. The enhanced Raman band at 1075 cm-1 corresponding to the C-S stretching vibration in 4-ATP was observed during attachment to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. The frequency and intensity of this band did not change when the colloids were conjugated with BerEP4 antibody, which specifically binds to BCC. We show the feasibility of imaging BCC by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, scanning the 1075 cm-1 band to detect the distribution of 4ATP-coated gold nanoparticles attached to skin tissue ex vivo.

The surface-enhanced Raman signals of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) attached to the surface of colloidal gold nanoparticles with size distribution of 2 to 5 nm were used as a labeling agent to detect basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. The enhanced Raman band at 1075 cm-1 corresponding to the C-S stretching vibration in 4-ATP was observed during attachment to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. The frequency and intensity of this band did not change when the colloids were conjugated with BerEP4 antibody, which specifically binds to BCC. We show the feasibility of imaging BCC by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, scanning the 1075 cm-1 band to detect the distribution of 4ATP-coated gold nanoparticles attached to skin tissue ex vivo.

The surface-enhanced Raman signals of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) attached to the surface of colloidal gold nanoparticles with size distribution of 2 to 5 nm were used as a labeling agent to detect basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. The enhanced Raman band at 1075 cm-1 corresponding to the C-S stretching vibration in 4-ATP was observed during attachment to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. The frequency and intensity of this band did not change when the colloids were conjugated with BerEP4 antibody, which specifically binds to BCC. We show the feasibility of imaging BCC by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, scanning the 1075 cm-1 band to detect the distribution of 4ATP-coated gold nanoparticles attached to skin tissue ex vivo.